June 26, 2009

Fabric Galore....


So I went a little crazy on etsy the other day.  I was browsing the pictures on flickr and fell in love with some japanese prints Bee_Cah had posted.  I had never bought or used japanese fabric before so, of course, I had to ask where she bought it from and she forwarded me to an awesome store, Karaku.  Then that obviously led me to put my PayPal account to good use and got these...

So then I loved these so much and saw that the store had scrap piles so I just had to get these...

And a few more.... these...
Then when they were in my hands I thought of the perfect project to put them in.  A cathedral window quilt that I have been wanting to start for a while.  This is the progress I have made so far (the 1st picture is a little close up of this same strip).
I love the way it is turning out.  This is going to be a project that last a really long time.  I want the finished quilt to fit a twin size bed.  I'll keep you posted as more and more progress is being made on this one.  If you are interested in making your own cathedral window quilt I highly recommend using this tutorial.  It is really easy to make but just takes times.  It's a great project to do little by little every month.

Oh,  and if you like japanese prints I highly recommend Karaku.  They are great! They even sent me a little japanese gift with my fabric.

The little keychain with my name on it had it written in Japanese on the reverse side.  How cool it that!! Plus they sent me Hello Kitty travel size tissues. I totally LOVE Hello Kitty so that made my day even better! I really liked buying from Karaku.  They email you with updates the entire time since it is being shipped from Japan.  I knew exactly when to expect my package.  I am surely going to be buying more fabric from them in the future.  

Hope your sewing endeavors are taking you to explore new fabrics or start a project you have been meaning to do.  

Take care mucho,
-Natalie 

June 25, 2009

End of year.... but still busy as a bee

It has been a while since I have posted because the end of the school year was a bit of a whirl wind.  I plan on updating you guys on all my little crafty happenings little by little.  

Today I thought I would share some cute little shoes I made for my nephew for his baptism.  It happened to be the weekend before the last week of school which added to the stress.  I think they turned out really cute. My mom had made his outfit, so I used the same material for the shoes.  He was one cute little guy.


I also am the baker of the family so I was busy baking up a storm.  I made decorative cross and monogram sugar cookies for the "party favors" and his cake as well.  My camera's battery died before I was able to take a picture of both of those so I have to wait to get them from family.  I will post those pictures as soon as I get them.  

I hope your summer has gotten off to a great start.  I love having  time to sew again!
take care mucho,
-Natalie 

June 4, 2009

Oh all the sewing you can sew....

.... when you are feeling good.

So I have been back into the groove lately and it is so much FUN!


One of the firsts project I made were a few pincushions out of scraps from the flying geese block I made Nettie in my Bee Inspired group.  I just LOVE the way they turned out.  I am thinking of making a few of these to give to my Bee Inspired friends when my month comes up (not for a while).  I think it will be a nice thank you gift to the group.  

I also made a cute little hat for my nephew.  Haven't been able to see it on him yet but I am sure he will look adorable, I am somewhat biased you know.  
I got the pattern on etsy and it was super easy!  I might be making a few more of these guys for him.  
I also copied an idea from a friend Laura.  I volunteer for her at DC Threads once a month.  Two months ago she made the volunteers wonderful pattern weights.  Since I have gotten a little into sewing clothes (and not just quilts) they have come very much in handy.  I have been wanting to make my mom a set and I finally got around to doing so.  I think she is going to like the brown and blue ribbons.  
*They are really easy to make if you are interested in making some for yourself.  Just buy inexpensive 2 in. metal washers at your local hardware store and wrap them up with fun ribbon.  You put a dap of hot glue at the beginning and end of the ribbon and voila!! 


The last thing I have made in the past couple of days were some burp cloths.  I had some coordinating fabric scraps from placemats that I made a while ago and finally found a use for them.  I sewed a thick strip of different scraps together and sewed it to the center of some cloth diapers.  They were easy to make and I am sure my sister will find it very useful as my nephew is going  through his teething phase.  

I feel so productive!  I think I am going to really enjoy June :) 

hope you are feeling productive this week as well.
take care mucho,
-Natalie