School of Crafts

Summer Camp 2012

2012-01-14T21:22:00.000-05:00

Summer Camp information is updated and ready for sign ups! If you click on the the "Summer Camp 2012" tab at the top of this page you will find all the information you need. Below is the a quick summary of what you will find there...

Where: Lubber Run Park

When: July 9-13
July 16-20
July 23-27

Time: 9am-12pm and/or 1-4pm

Camp Classes being offered:

Intro to Sewing
Modern Quilting
Using Sewing Patterns
Open Studio

Hope to see you at one or more of these fun classes!
Take care mucho!
-Natalie

School of Crafts goes scouting!

2011-11-04T12:55:00.002-04:00

I was asked at the beginning of the school year to come up with a fun sewing activity for a local Girl Scout Troop. I jumped at the chance! I always wanted to be a brownie or girl scout, but for some reason my parents never signed me up. Must be that by the time the third one (me) rolled around they were just getting a little tired, haha.

Since they only had an hour long meeting the month of September I thought fun felt pillows would be a great hand project that could be conquered by all. I created small kits with different colored felt, needles, and colored DMC thread.

The girls were able to choose any design they wanted to give their pillow. My example was made with the girl scouts symbol.

Many of them were able to finish embellishing their pillow tops, but only a few started their whip stitching all around to actually put their pillow together. It was all ok because they were able to take home their kits. Many of them later on told me they were able to finish them up later that evening.

It was so much fun to see the girls at work!!

Thank you Girl Scouts for letting me be a part of a fun Girl Scouting adventure :)

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

Fast & Fun Newborn Hat Pattern

2011-10-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

To go along with the knitting theme on this blog lately I thought I would share a very simple Newborn Hat Pattern I made up.

I used some left over Outer Spud & Chloe yarn I had, but you can use any bulky weight yarn and still come out with one cute little hat.

Needles: size 13 dpn

CO 30 stitches (10 on each of 3 dpns) and work in the round for the entire project.

Row 1-5: *K1-P1*

Stockinette stitch (K every row when working in the round) until hat measures 4 inches

Next row: *K4, K2tog*

Next row: K

Next row:*K3, K2tog*

Next row: K

Next row: *K2, K2tog*

Next row: *K1, K2tog*

Cut leaving about a 6 inch tail

Using a tapestry needle thread through remaining stitches on needles. Pull tight to close the hole and weave in all ends from the inside of the hat (wrong side).

Ta da!! You have a cute and soft little hat for your little one. You can whip so many of these up in no time. So why not make one to match each outfit? :)

Hope you like this Fast & Fun project.

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

Knitting some more...

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I have been having a great time knitting for my little guy who can be making his appearance any day now (Yikes!). Here are a few sweaters I have created for him to keep him cozy during the winter months.

This one is a Spud & Chloe pattern, Buga Baby Bunting. It was just so cute I couldn't resist. Plus I have been a fan of Spud & Chloe for a while now. I loved their yarns and now I totally dig their patterns too, because this one clearly written and easy to follow.

The pattern for this one I found on Ravelry. I love the little old man feel to this one. It reminds me of something my dad would wear.

And some cute little mocasins to keep his little feet nice and warm when we are out and about. The pattern fro these were purchased on ebay but you can find the link on Ravelry here.

I have a few more knitted goodies, but just haven't been able to get a picture of them. I will try to post them on to my flickr page as soon as possible.

If you have any other suggestions of patterns I should try out for my little man please let me know. I have really enjoyed these quick projects.

Now only to see them on him. That is going to be exciting!

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

Knitting up a storm....

2011-10-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

So on top of all the fun Camp fun I had this summer I have been knitting like it is going out of style! This baby news really makes crafting SO much more fun! Making little things is exciting and instantly gratifying. For some reason I am more into knitting for this baby than sewing, but I think it works out since he is coming in the middle of very cold weather.

It all started with making some fun little hats....

(Pattern for this one coming soon )

Why hats? I am sure you asking yourself. Well......

I am fortunate to have an awesome family friend, Maria, who is an AMAZING photographer. I am always talking to her about creative endeavors. The moment I found out I was expecting I "booked" her to take his newborn pictures. I hope to use these hats during the photo shoot. I just love how babies look with knitted pieces and naked bodies! Check out Maria's pictures at her website Papillon Photography. I am sure you will LOVE what you see!

I am getting so excited to see what this little guy looks like in these little creations.

More knitted items to come soon... after all I told you I have been knitting up a storm right?

Stay tuned :)

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

Sewing Camp 2011

2011-10-18T11:48:00.001-04:00

School of Crafts Summer Sewing Camp was a great success! I was a little nervous venturing on my own, but I knew that I would be starting a family soon and wanted to make sure I would be able to stay home with my kids. So... School of Crafts Sewing Camp came to be!

For the first go around I am super happy with how well things went. I had so much fun with all my students. They were all so fun and I loved seeing their personalities come out in their projects. Here is a nice photo recap of the AMAZING creations everyone made.

There are so many more, but I figured I would just highlight a few :) If you would like to see all the pictures taken please visit our Flickr page. You truly will be amazed with the modifications and projects some of the students came up with all on their own and only after 1 week!

If you are interested in taking some classes with School of Crafts I will be posting Summer 2012 dates in February. So be on the look out :)

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

Whoa...

2011-09-28T10:43:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that it has been so long! Summer has come and gone, back-to-school time past... where have I been? I have been quite the slacker on my poor blog, but I have had some great things to catch you guys up on.

*Summer Sewing Camp was a great success and my students have blown me away with their talent!

*I have also been busy knitting and sewing away things for my little guy (YUP... that's right another mini crafter is coming to you sometime in November). Crafting for babies is just way too FUN!

*I was even able to fit in a short but relaxing Key West getaway with my husband for one last hurrah before the baby comes.

I know I am such a tease but I just had to post a little something to get the ball rolling here on my poor abandoned blog.

So hold tight and check back, I promise not to leave you hanging like I did this summer.

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

I'm hosting a party!

2011-04-06T13:59:00.000-04:00

I am really excited that I was chosen to host Singer's House Party! I will be showing guest how to use the Singer Confidence machine (which I used when I "met" Martha Stewart last year!). All guests get to make a project, eat some yummy finger foods, and chat. It is going to be so fun!!

If you want to get an invite just comment and I will try my best to get you in!

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

DC Modern highlights hand sewing

2011-03-21T12:32:00.000-04:00

This past weekend DC modern had another meeting at a local coffee shop. We had a great turn out of great women with amazing hand sewn projects! Look at what some people have been working on...

Thanks ladies for great inspiration, conversation and friendship!

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

For Japan with LOVE!

2011-03-17T13:50:00.000-04:00

I love that the crafting community always gets together to help in times of crisis. Tomorrow I am going to be participating in a day of blogging silence in honor of all of those affected in Japan. I had the great opportunity to visit Japan in January and LOVE the people and country! My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims trying to get their life back together!

Baby Shower season

2011-03-16T12:30:00.000-04:00

So with Spring flowers come a whole lot of babies :) Every weekend this month I have a baby shower to attend. Isn't that crazy! This past weekend was one that I threw for a friend of mine having a little girl. It was a small group of us, but we had a good time chatting and enjoying all her fun cute small gifts.

Here are a few things that I crafted up for the event...

I sewed up the table runner with stripped yellow fabric to match the invites (for got to get a pic of them) and created the tissue balls using the handy flower method I learned, oh I think in first grade, haha.

I made yummy red velvet cupcakes with yellow died cream cheese icing. The fun cupcake toppers were created from Dimple Prints, which also designed the invites.

I had to include this last picture because it cracks me up every time I see it. We played one small game. There were 8 celebrity parents with their faces covered up and everyone had to guess who they were. My friend Rachel was really into winning and making sure no one got a peak at her answers, haha.

Anyone else out there feeling the Spring Baby Fever?

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

more progress

2011-03-08T10:26:00.000-05:00

I really have been on a mission lately with my tall stack of ufo's. I have one that is completely finished and 3 that are very close :)

This is a baby blanket that is ready to be used as soon as my second nephew comes into this world. I love the simplicity (it is a modified project out of Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts)

This is an "I Spy" quilt that was started forever ago. I had it all planned out. Sashing cute and ready to get sewed and then I lost steam. Which is kinda weird considering putting it together for me is the fun part. Finally the strips were sewn and then sewn all together to create this quilt top! Now I have to find some fun fabric for the backing.... any ideas?

This was another project that I had all ready and prepped but never actually sewn together. I wanted a fun fabric animal book to use my cute 45'' Wide Brown Bear Brown Bear Painted Animals Multi Fabric By The Yard fabric. I LOVE the way this has turned out. If you are wondering, the words are in Spanish :)

I hope to have finished pictures of this one tomorrow. It was just a little too late to keep my eyes open to finish the last page panel.

Gosh it feels so good to get these projects finished up! I am loving the way they are turning out and it is nice to know that they aren't cluttering up my sewing space any more.

Have you been working on some ufo's lately?

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

A productive evening...

2011-03-02T11:48:00.000-05:00

Not sure if I had mentioned to you all, but right before leaving for my impromptu trip I had cleaned out my sewing studio. It was such a chaotic mess that I just couldn't stand it. It was a whole weekend endeavor. By Saturday night it looked like I had made it worse rather than better. Then Sunday rolled around and everything was put back in a new place.

The most shocking part of the whole "spring cleaning" was the number of u.f.o's I found. 14 in total! Can you believe it? Some of which I totally had forgotten about.
(Pictured below is only a small basket with 4 of the ufo's).

So I quickly had a new goal to accomplish. I HAD to finish some of the u.f.o's before starting anything!

Last night was my first chance to really get something done.

I started with the blocks I had received from my bee group Sew Fun! I arranged them on my fun new design wall and started sewing. I have the front design all figured out, but need to stop by IKEA for a little more of the gray sheet fabric to finish it off. I have 5 blocks left over that I already have an idea for to use on the back.

I also took out my pillow roll and finally made myself the pillow that I have wanted for a while. I am in love! It was perfect last night while I was watching TV in bed. Plus it only took me about 25 minutes to make.

I have taken this cute baby quilt out too. The top was already pieced together. It just needed a little trimming, which I quickly did. I am off to buy a little bit fabric for the back so that I can do some simple straight line quilting later this week.

I also have plans for some fun color blocks that can't be shown at the moment. They were demos for a project I have submitting for publication! I plan on turning them into a pillow. It will add some fun color to my sewing room.

I love fun and productive evenings!

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

Mid- Atlantic Quilt Festival - aka. Road Trip!

2011-02-27T18:08:00.000-05:00

Yesterday some friends and I road tripped it to the Mid- Atlantic Quilt Festival in Hampton Virginia. We saw some amazing quilts on display...

We ate yummy food- Krispy Kreme, Cracker Barrel & Pierce's BBQ. And of course bought some fun fabric to add to the stash...

I also totally splurged to buy my very first design wall! It is collapsible and totally easy to assemble. If you don't have one yet I recommend this one.

Did anyone else have a chance to go?

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

DC Modern is a little more official :)

2011-02-25T09:13:00.000-05:00

As many of you know that I started the DC Modern Quilt Guild a little over a year now. I really have loved that I started this adventure because I have met so many wonderful people that constantly keep me motivated in creating more and more each day. We are so lucky to have such a diverse group of quilters with many other talents besides just quilting. Insung Kim was so nice to volunteer to create a logo for us...

Doesn't it look awesome! And to make matters even better I printed them up into business cards so that we can have membership cards. When I returned from my impromptu trip I found them waiting for me on the dinning room table. It brought a smile to my face. For those of you in DC Modern reading this you have these to look forward to at our next meeting!

This weekend is the Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival in Hampton, VA. Luckily that is only about 3 hrs away so a group of friends of mine from DC Modern are carpooling for a little road trip. Since I have been all about our fun new logo I have decided to make a bag to show it off. So far this is what it is looking like...

Those of you from DC Modern that are going as well, please look out. I would love to see you all there. So fun!

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

Impromptu trip...

2011-02-24T11:28:00.001-05:00

So I have been MIA for the past few days because I had to take an impromptu trip to Ecuador. My mom got some bad news, that my grandmother passed away. I feel as though life is just way too much sometimes. The one good thing that comes out of something like this is that everyone is able to get together. We all got together in Guayaquil, Ecuador where my mom is from. It was so nice that quite a few of us were able to make the long trip there. I can't even remember the last time so many of us got together.

I was also very happy when my aunt, who was the one to take care of my grandparents ever since I can remember, let me take with me one of her shirts that I remember fondly as a kid.

It was my mothers and then was passed on to my grandmother. I am looking forward to creating a fun quilt out of it so that I can wrap it around me and remember all the great memories I had with my grandma. I love the numerous memories a simple quilt can hold.

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

Eye Candy...

2011-02-15T14:25:00.000-05:00

My Japanese fabric shopping spree in pictures....

oil cloth

misc. yummy-ness!

Oh, echino how I do love thee! the bottom one is a nylon (umbrella-like) fabric... awesome!

The most amazing fabric store in Tokyo. A must see and buy, buy, buy for anyone visiting. I had quite a few of these bags :)

more echino... are you really that surprised :)

A little Heather Ross for Kokka

some really soft terry cloth and a little more Heather Ross...

a few solids.... at such a great price I couldn't resist!

just cute finds!

and here they all are lined up all nice in their basket ready to be made into something!

Look out for a few of these for sale because I think I went a little nuts and wont be able to have enough time to create with all these wonderful finds. So I figure I should share the wealth, right? Feel free to write me if there is something you absolutely love because you can have first dibs :)

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T14:20:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone is feeling the love today!

This is a Valentine I received from one of my students. Sorry for the awful picture :( it was taken with my phone camera, which isn't the best. She melted crayons into a heart shaped mold and stuck a little note that reads "You melt my heart!". SO cute and totally brilliant for an art teacher!

Sending all my wonderful blog friends lots of love today!

take care mucho,

-Natalie

Infant Mittens

2011-02-07T15:21:00.000-05:00

I haven't gotten my act together to share with you my loads of fabric that I bought while on my wonderful Japan trip, but I do have a fun small project I have been working on getting posted that is finally done :)

My friends little Sophia came into this world just a little earlier than expected. She was a tiny cute little thing born in the middle of winter. I knew she needed mittens that would fit her just right to keep those cute little fingers warm. I grabbed my double pointed knitting needles and went to town.

I kinda made it up as I went along but I wrote down what I did so that I could make two matching mittens. If you are interested in making a pair for a little one in your life I wrote down the "pattern" below.

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

Newborn Hand Warmers

Materials:

Left over sock weight yarn

Size 5 double pointed needles

CO 32 sts distribute them among 3 dpn’s

k2, p2 ribbing all around
con’t in ribbing pattern until piece measures ¾ inches from CO edge
Next row: *k2, yo, k2tog* repeat all around
k all around until piece measures 2 inches form CO edge
Next row: *K4, k2tog* reapeat all around
Next row: k
Next row: *k3, k2tog* repeat all around
Next row: k
Next row: * k2, k2tog* repeat all around
Next row: k
Next row: * k1, k2tog* repeat all around
Next row: k
Next row: k2tog all around
Cut leaving at least a 6in. tail.
Using a tapestry needle pull tail through the remaining loops. Pull tight and make a knot.
Weave in ends

Add a 4 inch long piece of thin elastic. Weave through the holes made above the ribbing. Hand sew elastic ends together.

Repeat the whole process to create the second one and then your DONE!

Konichiwa!

2011-02-01T19:03:00.000-05:00

I'm back from Japan!

And it was AMAZING.

You probably didn't even know that I left because things got a little crazy the days before leaving. I had a fun Sayonara post started to fill you all in on the great adventures, but it never got published :(

Anyway I went and I am now back loving the Japanese people even more than I did before.

It was my first trip and hopefully not my last. My husband, who is half Japanese, was the best tour guide, and even better translator, that anyone could have.

We ended up visiting Tokyo, Kyoto and the magnificent Mt. Fuji. It was quite a lot to do in just 8 days, our trip was cut a day short because our flight their was interesting to say the least. A long story short our flight that was supposed to take off on Saturday afternoon was pushed way off to 8 am Sunday only to do an emergency stop in Anchorage, Alaska because there was a medical issue on board. After all that we did manage to finally get to our final destination.

I of course had to take advantage with the little time (only 2 days instead of our 3 in Tokyo) and may have gone a little nuts at Nappori (their fabric district). That is a whole other wonderful post filled with lovely eye candy (for those fabric loving friends).

Here are a few highlights of the trip in picture form, enjoy...

Oh Japan I hope we meet again soon!

take care mucho,

-Natalie

DC Modern Turns 1!

2011-01-17T20:40:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it but DC Modern Quilt Guild is having it's first anniversary. I started this group knowing very little about quilt guilds. I am still not sure if we are exactly following "guild" guidelines, but I have had a great time meeting awesome people. I have learned quite a lot this first year, though still have much more to learn.

In celebration of our 1 year anniversary we had a mini retreat! We had a full 6 hours of sewing and sharing. I have also made a few new goals for 2011, to have a written agenda for each meeting, and create fabric challenges every month for members to participate in.

Some highlights in pictures...

Here's to another great year with some great new friends!!
Thanks to everyone who came out, I had a such a great day!

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Tutorial: Knick Knack tray

2011-01-12T20:50:00.002-05:00

Materials:

2 layer cake (10 in.) fabric squares
10 in. square batting
8- 5in. long ribbon
coordinating thread

First layer your fabric squares and batting as illustrated in the picture.

At each corner lift the top fabric corner and measure 2 inches from the edge. Pin in place 1 piece of ribbon.

Do the same thing on both edges of the corners. It should look something like the picture above. Repeat on every corner.

Then lay your top layer back on top. Take one pin out while holding the ribbon in place. Pin again with all layers. Repeat for all 8 ribbons.

Sew all around the perimeter 1/4 inch from edge. Remember to leave an opening for flipping.

Clip corners at a diagonal.

Trim the batting as close to the seam without cutting the seam.

Flip inside out and make sure you poke all the corners out.

Pin the opening closed.

Top stitch 1/8th inch from the edge.

With a ruler mark a line 2 inches from the edge along all 4 sides.

Sew along the markings. It should look something like this.

Now tie the corners to give your tray some life.

Don't the corners look so cute!

Oh and your tray is reversible so you can switch it up!

Have fun making these by the dozens :)

If you want to share pics with us please post here.

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

Smocking Anyone?

2011-01-10T15:09:00.001-05:00

I have been taking a stab at Canadian Smocking.

Ever heard of it?

I discovered it a few months ago while searching in blogland. This blog actually has the best tutorial. It looks really complicated but it is actually super easy and I love the results. I am planning on getting big squares of fabric to make pillow cases for our couch. I will let you know how they come along.

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Tutorial: Flat Iron Case

2011-01-07T12:07:00.000-05:00

Ever wanted to have a save place to store your flat iron when you aren't using it or on a trip?

Here is a super easy way to create one!

If you are in a rush, like you are leaving on your trip tomorrow (yeah that was me). No fear! You can whip this up with some fat quarters in an hour tops :)

Materials:

1 fat quarter cut into the following dimensions

- 2 rectangles 7in. x 14in.

- 2 rectangles 7in. x 17.5in. then round the top of one end

about 1 yd 2.5 inch strip coordinating fabric (this will be the binding edge)

Insul-Bright batting (this looks like regular batting but has metallic crinkles that make it heat safe) cut to the same size as your rectangles (1 for each size)

First iron your strip of binding in half.

Layer your smaller rectangles as shown. Cut a strip of binding to the length of the top of the rectangle.

Sew the binding using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Now flip it around and make the binding come around the edge to the other side. Pin and sew it down (this is going to be the "front" side).

Layer the rounded rectangles in the same way as the smaller rectangles (right side down, insul-bright, right side up). Pin the layers so that they don't shift. Lay your two "sandwiched" fabrics so they look like the picture.

Take the remaining binding and sew all around the case just as you did the small strip earlier. If you don't wish for your stitches to be seen you can always hand sew your binding down like you would for a regular quilt.

Ta Da! Your all done!

I personally like the flap that I can slip inside the bag so I didn't put a closure.

If you prefer you can always add a snap easily with a fun tool that looks like this 8 Snap Fasteners Pliers Leatherworking Craft Fabric

I have a 1in. flat iron and wanted enough room for the cord to fit in as well. If you have a 2in. iron or don't mind the cord hanging out you can always adjust the size of the case by either narrowing or widening the rectangles.

Remember, I would love to see what you guys make with the tutorials on this blog so post pics for all to see here.

Take care mucho,

Natalie

Tutorial: Monogrammed Journals

2011-01-03T19:18:00.002-05:00

I was looking through one of my favorite books

Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts

and decided to modify these cute journals for some stocking stuffers for my sisters.

I came up with a fun monogrammed journal using fusible web. I hope you enjoy....

Materials:

-Scrap piece of fabric large enough for your monogram

-small piece of fusible web (slightly smaller than fabric scrap)

-scissors

-paper cover journal (I recommend moleskin brand)

-sewing machine

Start off by ironing the fusible web to the fabric following the manufactures instructions.

Trim the fabric to the size of the fusible web.

Cut out the monogram letter. I did this freehand but you can always draw it out before cutting. Just remember that you have to draw the letter backwards so that it is correct on the right side.

Peel off the fusible web paper.

Iron your letter where you would like on your journal.

Using a zig zag stitch on your machine, sew along the entire perimeter of the letter.

trim any loose threads and your done!

The first one was so quick that I made 3 in 30 minutes.

I started thinking of other modifications I could make and if you look really hard you can see that I freehand "quilted" my full name under my monogram. I thought it looked fun but wish I had done it with black thread instead of white.

What modifications do you think you would make when you try making one of your own journals?

I would love to see your creations using my tutorials. Post pictures here.

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

Bake Off Queen

2011-01-01T17:55:00.013-05:00

For the longest time my oldest sister has called me the "Bake Off Queen". I have always loved baking. I am not much of a cook... actually I have heard the words "please don't make pasta again!" on more than one occasion from my husband. So I stick to, what apparently I am pretty good at and that is coincidentally what I LOVE to eat, desserts!

This past month I have felt like the Bake Off Queen. I have been baking up a storm for the holidays. I made two huge batches of sugar cookies for my annual cookie decorating party (which I still have some left over despite my best efforts to get rid of them, haha).

My nephew's birthday is in December so I had to pull out the all my tricks to create his favorite character Elmo!

This one was a hard one to conquer. Despite my best efforts I am not a professional so I don't have all the best equipment and in this case the structural know how. By the time he had to blow out the candle there were so many kabob skewers helping to hold him together he almost didn't even look like Elmo anymore, haha. It was a lesson learned for next time. Everyone luckily still enjoyed eating the cake which is what counts.

Then my other sister, mom, cousins, and I decided we had to try making some of the cutest cupcakes form this book

that I had gotten my sister for Christmas.
We had a great time baking, decorating and, the best part, EATING!

We decided to make 3 different cupcakes from the book. The first were the balls of yarn

then the cute little ants, though we did change them to be red ants because we had Christmas m&m's at home :)

Lastly we made different mini pies. These were by far my favorite. I just love the way they turned out.

Not sure what a yellow or green pie in the real world would be, but we had the m&m's and wanted to use them up :)

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T17:40:00.002-05:00

Boy has this year really been a tough one for me. I feel like it has been quite an uphill battle ever since my dad passed away in February. I am so ready to say good bye to 2010 and HELLO 2011!

I am keeping my hopes and dreams for 2011 simple...
just make it better than last year :)

So to all of you wonderful friends out there, in the words of my 2 year old nephew "Happy To You!"
I hope 2011 brings you all lots of happiness and of course some sewing!

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

My Littlest Fan!

2010-12-28T17:36:00.004-05:00

I had to share a picture of my littlest fan

little Joanie is only 5 weeks old and enjoying her plush 20 min. blanket!
I mean doesn't this just make you want one in grown up size?

Don't forget you can make your own blanket using my tutorial for your littlest fan, too.

take care mucho!
-Natalie

Tutorial: Zen Eye Pillow

2010-12-26T20:43:00.003-05:00

This super easy eye pillow makes a great gift and literally can be done in 15 minutes.

Materials:

1 layer cake square (10" square piece of fabric)

2 cups (about) rice

thread in coordinating color

Lay out your layer cake and fold it in half- with right sides together....

Sew along the lines indicated. You need to leave the hole in the center in order to flip and fill.

Cut the corners at a diagonal

Flip it inside out through the hole.

Fill with rice. You want to make sure there is enough to fill the pillow when it is laying down flat but not too full that it is impossible to sew the hole closed in the next step.

Pin the hole closed (1 pin should be enough) place under your machine by scooting all the rice to the side.

Sew your hole closed 1/8 inch from the edge. Make sure you back-stitch at the beginning and end.

Ta Da!!! A great eye pillow to use the next time that pounding headache strikes.

**You can also place it in the freezer for a nice cold compression or in the microwave for a few seconds to mellow you out.**

If you create your own Zen Eye Pillow please share with everyone by posting pictures here.

Enjoy being Zen!

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T20:34:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas!!
I hope everyone has had a great day filled with family, friends & celebration.

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Cookie decorating!

2010-12-21T15:26:00.006-05:00

Every year I get my girl friends together and decorate cookies. I make dozens and dozens of sugar cookies and we all sit around and ice, sprinkle and talk. I usually have friends bring some decorating items so that I am not spending a fortune on stuff, but I had so much left over from other years that we had plenty to go around. We had a blast!

Even little hands got in the fun!
And cookies were definitely eaten to keep us fueled.

I usually have a little contest going for the best and worst cookie, though we had to nix it this year because many didn't make it to the judging table :)

My mom helped out by making the best apple cider imaginable!

I wasn't with my mom to see how she made it taste so good so I will be getting the recipe and posting it to see what you all think :)

Do you have any fun holiday traditions you share with friends or family?

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Giveaway season in Blogland

2010-12-14T12:03:00.004-05:00

I don't know about you, but there seems to be giveaways all over Blogland for the holidays. I have been trying to participate in as many as I can without getting fired from my job, haha.

The biggest one is sponsored by Sew, Mama, Sew! Every year they host a Giveaway Day where bloggers are asked to donate something. Click on the button below and see which giveaways you are interested in participating in... there are so many I know it is going to be hard to choose :)

Another one that I read up on is hosted by Burda Style. I love this blog! It is so informative and is linked up to the Burda Style website which has a rediculous amount of inspiration from creative individuals from around the world. Right now they are giving away a Singer sewing machine and dress form! It is a must if you love being crafty!

*photo from Burda Style's Blog*

Have you been suckered into the giveaway craze too?

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

100 Quilts for Christmas!

2010-12-13T22:43:00.009-05:00

Do you all remember this post, where I talked about some friends from our DC Modern group challenging the quilting community to make 100 quilts for charity. Well back then I had pledged 3 quilts and I actually met my goal despite all the holiday crazies!

Bloggers Swim, Bike, Quilt & Aunt Spicy set up great giveaways and today- of course the last possibly day- I am finally posting about my 3 little quilts.

Here they are in no particular order....

The first was made with some left over from this quilt. I had this one partically pieced so it was finished relatively quickly.

The second was left over t-shirts from my little Ciao Bella baby quilt.

Lastly, this quilt was started by someone very nice at the DC Modern charity event. A whole bunch of us had gotten together to start sewing some of these 100 quilts. This happened to be one that didn't get finished that night so I took it home finished piecing it together and made some finishing touches.

I was a little nervous having pledged 3 but I am so happy that these will be going to someone in need.

Have you made any charity quilts this holiday season?

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Confessions of a Fabroholic

2010-12-01T09:01:00.005-05:00

Was it just me or are the holiday deals getting better?!! I mean everywhere I turned I felt I saw 20% or 40% off. How can a fabroholic pass up these offers that is obviously needed to fill their obsession. Naturally I logged on just to see what they had in stock not really planning on purchasing much. Possibly just a yard here or there. Yeah, well that idea went out the door within 2 minutes of "browsing". My "window" shopping quickly turned into swiping my credit card over and over and over (virtually that is).

At Sew,Mama, Sew! I just had to get this little stack of fabric. I just didn't know when the next chance to get 20% off would present itself.

Ok so ... there was also another 20% off over at Del Ray Fabrics (I did not know this at the time of purchasing my other stack- I swear). I love their pre-cuts so I stocked up! My excuse... well people are having lots of babies, so I need pre-cuts to efficiently make them gifts. :)

And lastly the Fat Quarter Shop also had 20% off. There was absolutely no excuse with this one. By the time I logged on to see what the Fat Quarter Shop had to offer I was too far gone. I ordered 3 different times in one day. I know, I know, it sounds excessive but I kept thinking of more things I "needed". Unfortunately those haven't come in yet, though they are expected to arrive today or tomorrow. I might just have to post more eye candy when they are in.

Did anyone else get suckered in to all the holiday deals?

I am off to check my bank account and make sure I haven't totally depleted my account, haha.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Tutorial: 20 min. Play Blanket

2010-11-26T22:58:00.015-05:00

This little blanket is great to show case your favorite fabric and perfect for when you need quick baby gift.

Materials:

1 yd fun fabric

3/4 yard of super soft minky fabric (cut along the fold line- you will end up with 2 squares)

coordinating thread

pins

Layout your yard of fabric face down. Place the super soft minky fabric right side up on top. Trim around so that your fabric is roughly about 2 inches bigger than the minky fabric all around- see pic below.

At each corner follow the steps pictured below...

At this step make sure the fold of your printed fabric should lay next to the edge of the minky fabric.

Then fold it once more over the minky fabric to create a perfect mitered corner.

Pin all around to make sure nothing shifts during sewing and then sew 1/8 of an inch from the fold line all around.

Ta Da!

A cute blanket to put out when baby is ready to play.

These are so fast and easy I whipped up two in just 30 minutes!

If you make your own, I would love to see how they turned out. Post pictures here.

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

100 Quilts for Christmas!

2010-11-12T11:37:00.005-05:00

I love this!!! Two fellow DC Modern Quilt Guild members have come up with a great idea. They are asking for people to participate in creating baby/ toddler sized quilts for those that are in need. They are hoping that people throughout the country (or world!) sew and give to local charities. They want to have 100 made and donated in 1 month.

Want to learn more about it? Check out their websites by clicking on the button above!

It technically begins on Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 15 but you can always start a few days early.

I am pledging 3 quilts!

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Oh, Franson's Quilt Along

2010-11-10T14:04:00.008-05:00

I have been a long time admirer of Elizabeth from Oh, Fransson! I have her on my google reader and am always reading what she has to share. I kept seeing and reading her fun posts about her Tokyo Subway Quilt Along. I wasn't planning on joining in on the fun since I have so many things going on, but then I saw her post with all the blocks together and possible backing choices that I couldn't resist any longer.

I joined the group VERY late. I mean most participants had all 25 blocks done when I just started off. I figured it didn't matter since Elizabeth was going to take a break for Fall Market anyway. I have quickly started to catch up.

I have cut all the squares (which is lots and lots). There is a ton more white ones but it didn't make for such a fun pictures.

Here are blocks 1 & 2, though I have finished a total of 5.

Although it is a bit tedious I think it is turning out awesome! I still have 20 more to go. My goal is to have it done for Christmas for my husband (he's half Japanese, I think he would get a kick out of it).

Have you joined some fun quilt along or sewing group lately?

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

More Christmas Early....

2010-11-08T14:14:00.006-05:00

I finished my sisters tree skirt! Remember I posted about it a few weeks ago? Well I finally sandwiched the layers, quilted and sewed some binding. Every step of the way on this project just made me more excited. Everything just came together better than I had envisioned it.

My sister came home last weekend and took it home with her to use right away. I had to quickly snap a finished picture before it got put into her suitcase, so sorry for the not so great photos.

I got a little close up of the quilting and one of the applique ornaments. I also had to put one of my fun labels. I am trying to leave my mark on as many things I can remember to.

Since I have been in such a Christmas mood I whipped up a very cute Kate Spain 12 Days of Christmas throw quilt. I made it using charm squares and a jelly roll. This is the first project that I have used pre-cuts and I can't believe I haven't used them earlier! They are the best invention ever, totally saving me some major cutting time.

I was so excited at how quickly this was coming together that I ended up making this in 2 days start to finish. I think that may be a record for me.

Have you discovered the greatness of pre-cuts yet? Let me know what you do with them because I have a feeling I am going to be obsessed with them from now on :)

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Tutorial: Ceramic Cup Pincushion

2010-11-02T14:42:00.012-04:00

I bought this little cup/bowl a while back in hopes of turning into a cute little pincushion. As I have been working on other projects it has been staring at me waiting to be transformed. I though this would be a great and quick tutorial to share with you all. It actually takes the smallest bit of sewing , but is super helpful to have around whenever you are working on any of your sewing projects.

Here is everything you will need to create your one of a kind pincushion.

The reason I fill my bowl/ cup with rice is to help weigh it down (doesn't tip over as easily) and to take up some space at the bottom so I don't have to use as much fiber fill.

You want to flip your bowl/ cup over on top of your scrap piece of fabric and cut it about 1 inch wider than the perimeter of your bowl/ cup.

Thread your needle and do a running stitch (a simple up and down) around the entire perimeter of your fabric. Keep your needle connected and put to the side for a second.

Take a clump of fiber fill and round it out in your hands. Take two layers of batting and cover half of your fiberfill ball,

Place the ball inside the fabric and pull the thread.

Make a knot in your thread to keep the thread in place and test out your cushion by placing it on top of your bowl/ cup.

Warm up your glue gun and pump out a generous amount of glue onto half of the inside rim of your bowl/cup. Press your pincushion ball inside your bowl/ cup. Then squeeze back the other half of your cushion put another generous amount of glue onto the other half of the inside rim and press the cushion again.

Ta Da! Your done! Can you believe how easy that was? These make great gifts for your crafty friends too. My mom got this one I made last year...

I decorated the rim of the teacup with some bias tape and pom pom trim. If you wish to decorate your rim just remember to do that before gluing in the cushion part.

Hope you have fun making these to show off your pins and needles!

I would love to see your fun pincushions. Post pictures here for all to see.

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

Have you heard!

2010-10-26T12:05:00.006-04:00

So the gals over at Quilting Bee Blocks are at it. They have come up with a great concept of getting all of us sewers/bloggers together for a weekend summit. It isn't until October 2011, but it sounds like a ton of fun!

If you want to find out more about it click on their button above and it will take you straight to their page. If you have a few minutes help them out by filling out their survey.

Hope to see you there!

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

DC Modern Update

2010-10-25T11:35:00.009-04:00

DC Modern had a great month of get togethers in October. Nicole graciously offered up her house for our regular meeting. I would say 20ish of us were there ready to share, chat and swap. It was so nice to see everyone since I wasn't able to make it to the September meeting.

Here is Nicole sharing one of her quilts. Below are just a few of the pics I took of other members who shared their amazing work!

The week after Katie B. was able to set up a great fabric event for us all. Pam of Del Ray Fabrics opened up her home to a whole slew of us ready to purchase fabric. Pam has a fabulous online store and allowed us to buy from here since we were a local group. I know I swiped my credit card a few times because her selection was amazing! Not to mention it was so nice to see the fabric in person instead of only on a computer screen. Katie's friend even made a quilt cake that was as delicious as it was gorgeous! I totally forgot my camera so I wasn't able to get good shots of the cake or the awesome fabric but this is just part of what I got that night ( I am a little embarrassed by how much I got, haha).

If you are interested in joining in on the DC Modern fun please sign up at our website ...
http://dcmodern.ning.com/

Plans for November has been set. I have started to call it our "Month of Giving" because we have two sewing events were we will be donate all the quilts made.

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2010-10-25T11:27:00.007-04:00

I have been getting in the holiday spirit around here feeling like a busy little elf getting all my gifts ready in time. I am starting WAY early this year. I can hear some of you saying, "this is so not early", but I swear this is early for me. I am normally pulling all nighters for a few days before Christmas in order to finish things on time. I have a few Christmas things to share with you but only have pictures of one at the moment.

This tree skirt is for my sister. She saw the one I made a few years ago and wanted one for herself. Being an artist herself, she designed it. I helped her pick out the fabric and Voila! Of course we chose a fabric line no longer available after last Christmas, so I had to search high and low for it. In the end it was worth it because I am loving the way it has turned out ( btw it's Moda's Merry and Bright).

I have actually gotten a little further along than just piecing the top, but haven't had a chance to take good pictures of it yet. I will be sure to have a photo session soon to show it to you. This is definitely a favorite of mine. The only problem is now I want one and my other sister has put in a request as well :) Don't think those will be getting done in time for this Christmas.

Have you had a chance to get started on your "Christmas To Make" list? There are still a few things I need to make but, I learned from last year to dwindle the list down so that I am not sleep deprived by the time Christmas actually arrives.

take care mucho,
-Natalie

Baby season....

2010-09-29T13:37:00.013-04:00

I have reached the point in my life where babies are being born, it seems by the dozens right now. I have been busy trying to whip out as many cute little goodies for my friends. Here are a few things that I was able to get finished up...

I love the way this little quilt turned out. It's a whole fabric quilt. The numbered fabric is from Ikea and I quilted all around each number. It took longer than I had expected but there was no piecing so it was still fairly a quick quilt start to finish.

Here is a close up of all the quilting.

Here is a small zigzag quilt with some fun car fabric for my friends little boy. I used the same technique as my quilt along zig zag quilt, half sqaure triangles. They are quick and super easy. I quilted along either side of the zigzag seams. It make a cool pattern on the back but unfortunately don't have pictures of that to show :(

Ok well I must confess this next one I didn't do, but I learned how to make one. My aunt in Ecuador created these cute overalls along with all sorts of other cute knitted and crochet things. She makes up the patterns all on her own and I was lucky enough to get some private lessons during one day of my trip. I haven't had the chance to put my new found knowledge to work yet, but since winter is right around the corner and knitting is my winter "sport", this is going to be the first project I tackle.

Here is my last baby inspired project. It follows another one of my quilt along techniques and patterns, Charming Minky. I needed this one really quick so it was started and finished in two days. I think that is a record for me :)

I do love making baby projects in general. They are fun quick projects that always look absolutely adorable on the baby it was intended for. I have just ordered a cute hat pattern from Adrienne Kinsella and some baby shoe patterns from Sweet Pea Patterns. I'll be having more baby fun in the upcoming weeks.

Have you been baby crazed as well?
Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Bake off...

2010-09-28T15:11:00.011-04:00

So it has been crazy how cakes I have had to bake lately. It's almost been a cake a week.

First there was my mom's 60th birthday. We hasd an awesome surprise birthday party for her with the color themes of pink and brown. I decided to so something a little simple but fun...

Two weeks later was my friends baby shower. The theme in her nursery was jungle animals. I researched on Flickr (my favorite source of inspiration) and came across Bella Cakes to create this...

My favorite little animal was the little elephant...

Then not even a week later was my husbands birthday. I must have a theme for his birthday... just my thing for some reason, so since he was receiving all work clothes related gifts (per his request), he got a Hugo Boss shirt cake.

It's hard to see some of the details of this one since it is mostly white :( It was also made a little on the mini side. It was about 4" x 7" since there were only a few people who would be eating the cake (I hate having too much left over cake in the house since I am usually the one to finish it... ALL).

The cake baking and decorating hasn't even ended. I have two more cakes to do in the month of October. I will be showing you those after they have been made and probably eaten :)

Hope everyone has had a delicious day!

Take care mucho!
-Natalie

Um... yeah so where have I been?

2010-09-10T15:10:00.014-04:00

OK so I know you are probably thinking what in the heck has happened? I mean I have been on a long two month + hiatus.
Well it has been crazy busy around here. There was a nice trip to visit family in Ecuador, my mom's 60th birthday, the start of a new school year, I ran and finished my first (& probably my last) half marathon, and my husbands b-day. Needles to say it was hard to find time to blog about all the crafty happenings, but there has been some crafting around here. Starting tomorrow I will catch you up with all that has been made. For now, here is a photo review of the last two months that have flown by.

Hope this gets you interested in reading more about my adventures in the days to come.
Take care mucho,
-Natalie

A few little things....

2010-07-20T20:53:00.010-04:00

As I had mentioned on my last post, I have been busy finishing up some little projects for my little nephew (he tends to get a little spoiled).

This first one, pictured above, is a cute little hat that is super easy and quick to make. I used the pattern from Leila & Ben. I have actually made a few of these by now and it is my sister's favorite so he wears his often :)

I have gotten new labels and couldn't resist slapping one on there. Plus I love this picture since you can see all his cute curls!

I had created these cute little overalls by using one he already had to create my own pattern from it. I added two pockets for a little more pizazz. The little piping around the edges also helped them pop out of the cute seersucker fabric. He is also wearing a cute little backpack that I made for him.

Here is a better look at the backpack. Truth be told I made this one a while back but don't think I have ever posted about it. I just made it up as I went along. I am hoping to make this into a pattern soon so keep posted. It was surprisingly quick to make which is always a plus. The fabric used on the backpack is a Japanese linen cloth with little "hot dog" pups on it. My nephew LOVES dogs, he calls them Ti Ti, so I thought it was fitting for his first backpack.

The last thing I made for this cutie pie were these pants. I got the pattern from Heather Ross's Weekend Sewing book. They were super easy to make and the best part is that I got this fabric on super sale at my local fabric shop. These unfortunately fit him a tad big (can you tell?), but these are easily adjusted so after a little altering he will be able to wear these for a while. On a side note.... the backpack had to stay in the picture, taking it away from him was not an option (it must be hard to model at a year and half, haha).

I have had so much fun making these projects and since they are small they make me feel so productive as I practically crank out one a day.

How productive has your summer been so far?

take care mucho,
-Natalie

A few woes and some wedding bliss....

2010-07-11T18:46:00.010-04:00

First I have to say I apologize for my blog slump period....First it was my camera that was totally out of battery and the charger was no where in sight (I may have put it in such a great spot that even I can't remember where it is). Then our internet wasn't working. So after buying a new charger and hours on the phone with the internet people....
I'M BACK!

I have been pretty busy in my internet absence and now I can finally share with you all everything.

I am going to start with my 4th of July Weekend.....
My best friend, Heather, finally got married.
(You will probably remember me sharing about her Bachlorette party in June.)
The weather was perfect. She really had great luck! It was a great thing considering the entire evening was outside.

Not only did I have Maid of Honor duties that weekend, I was also the baker. All week I was baking, icing and decorating. This was only the third wedding cake I had ever attempted so it was still a little stressful. Luckily everything went incredibly well and this is what resulted...

Her grandmother made all the flower arrangements including the cute little cake topper that you see here.

There was a little left over batter so I thought of making these...

We enjoyed these little guys while at the hair salon getting beautified.

All in all it was a beautiful wedding and everyone had a great time!

It's a good thing we have a great sense of humor.

CONGRATULATIONS Heather & Aaron! I hope you guys have a great life together!

take care mucho,
-Natalie

DC Modern 1st Sewing Lounge

2010-06-22T13:23:00.007-04:00

This past weekend our little group DC Modern was able to have our first sewing lounge. We all had a great time at one of the local quilt shops, The Artful Quilter. They couldn't have been nicer! I love the ladies there. Not to mention their fabric options are bad news for my wallet. There is temptation everywhere. They love their modern fabrics!
Here are a few highlights from the sewing lounge...

a few of us sewing, chatting and laughing

Katit B. is pondering what to do for her fun quilt

Dana was working on her hexies. Can't wait to see this one all finished... though it might take her a while :)

Lexi showing off what she was able to finish

Heather B. showing off her cute quilt made from fabric finds in Hawaii

Lastly, here is the whole gang in front of the fun blots of fabric in the store.

Thanks gals for making the first sewing lounge such a success. I look forward to sewing with you all next month!

If you would like to join in on the fun DC Modern will be getting together again at The Artful Quilter on July 17.

take care mucho,
-Natalie

Quilt Along #2: Binding

2010-06-17T10:21:00.035-04:00

We are ready to make our binding. Binding is one of my favorite things to make because it is not only easy but the final step in making a quilt. There is such a feeling of accomplishment.

You need to get out the 2.5 inch strips that were left over from the fat quarter. You will also need to cut a 16in. x 2.5 in. strip out of the scraps from your backing fabric.

You will be connecting these strips together like I show you below...
put two stripes together like the picture shows, with right sides facing each other.

Draw a line on the diagonal.

Sew along the line you just drew.

I like to chain piece the binding together to make it go much faster. I fold the end of the strip that is on top over so the other end of it is facing right side up.

Then I take the next strip and put it face down and perpendicular to the bottom strip. And sew across diagonally. You will continue piecing the binding together until all 13 strips are sewn.

Now you have to iron all the seams open...

And iron the entire length of the binding strip in half.

After ironing it I like to roll it up until I am ready to sew it onto my quilt.

Sewing your binding onto your quilt:

First you want to trim your backing and batting down...

start sewing the binding around the edge of the top of your quilt. You want to leave at least 6 inches of unsewn binding at the beginning and start it in the middle of an edge.

when you approach a corner..

you need to stop 1/4 of an inch from the edge and leave your needle in the down position...

pivot your foot perpendicular to the stitch line and sew to the edge.

This is what the stitching should look like at the corners.

now you need to fold the binding up like shown in the picture above...

Then you are going to fold it down like it is pictured above....

then slip the quilt under your machine and continue sewing the binding on.

You will repeat these steps for each corner.

You will need to stop sewing about 7 (ish) inches from where you started. There will be two tails of binding hanging out.

Lay one edge of binding over the other and cut one of them about the halfway point of opening.

then place the edge that you just cut underneath and take out your ruler. You want to cut the binding edge that is now on top 2.5 inches overlapping the bottom binding edge.

now you will have to fold the quilt so that you are able to get the two edge of your binding perpendicular (like you did when you were piecing your binding strips together). Draw your diagonal sewing line with your ruler.

Then sew along the line and then straighten it out.
It should fit perfectly along the edge of your quilt. Sew the last bit of binding to your quilt.

Now your ready to do a little hand sewing to make the back of your quilt looking nice.

Thread a needle and knot one end. You will start by putting the needle in so that it ends right along the fold of the binding.

Fold the binding over and pull the thread through.

I like to use the ladder stitch, so that is what I am going to show you. You will put your needle into the quilt right underneath where the thread is sticking out. Then have it coming out about 1 cm away.

Then you are going to do the same thing but this time the needle will be pulled through the fold of the binding.
You will repeat those steps, one stitch on the quilt along the edge of the binding and then another step along the fold of the binding.

When you come to the end of your thread you want to end after a binding edge stitch. You want to put the knot towards the edge of the quilt so that it is hidden once the rest of the binding is sewn on.

Once you thread your needle again with more thread you want to start it the same way as before, by pulling your thread through the fold of the binding.

Continue all the way around your quilt. You will have a nice finished edge!

One thing I forgot to take pictures of is the corners. You just need to fiddle with it a little bit to make it look like a nice corner (it isn't very difficult I promise) and just make sure to do an extra stitch around there to make sure it stays put.

Now you are finished!!
Take some time to admire your work and remember to use it and give your new quilt lots of love!

Congratulations on completing yet another quilt. The next quilt along will introduce you to strip piecing and free motion quilting. I'll be posting about it after July 4th weekend :) so look out and remember to join in on the fun!

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Cheers for Heather!

2010-06-14T11:48:00.011-04:00

My best friend, Heather, is getting married in about 2 weeks! This past weekend we had a great time celebrating her last few single days by having a beer tasting bachlorette!

I had way too much fun sticking to our beer and chocolate theme...

For the invites I made the coasters at myownlabels.com and stuck them on to circular scalloped paper. I also bought 4inch round stickers at paper-source.com in an olive green and a mustard yellow. The green served as a backdrop to the printed coasters and the yellow got printed on with the party info.

I layed out the chocolates in the middle of the room so that as everyone had a taste they could choose the type of chocolate they wished to try with it.

There were 10 different chocolates in all (not all are pictures). Everything from milk chocolate to dark chocolate to espresso beans covered in chocolate, pomegranate covered chocolate, chocolate with raspberries, and even chili pepper chocolate. It was all very interesting.

The brides brother has a sand blaster and was nice enough to create initialed pint glasses. They were super cute! and was a hit with guests .

I created small "clip boards" using canvas boards and binder clips. Then I stuck some extra beer labels that I also created at mywonlabels.com to add a bit of pizazz.

On the boards I clipped "Rate that Beer" paper that I found at a paper store in NYC. I can't remember the name of the store, but as soon as I saw them I had to get them! Here is a close up of the paper... some of the things on there make me laugh.

And lastly beers were poured....

We had a total of 9 different beers we tasted from lites to darks to fruity ones. Some were quite interesting!
Here I am enjoying a taste :)

It was so much fun putting this all together. I highly recommend a fun event like this if you have something to celebrate... or just cuz.

take care mucho,
-Natalie

Quilt Along #2: Straight Line Quilting

2010-06-08T14:42:00.009-04:00

We are ready to quilt!!

For this quilt I thought it would be a good idea to do some straight line quilting. It fits the modern zigzag design and for a beginner quilter this is a great way to get started.

You will need to keep your 1/4 inch foot on your machine and feed dogs normal (this is different when you do free motion quilting)

You are going to start at one of the center zigzags (I "drew" over the picture where you will be starting to quilt)

Place your quilt under your machine at one end of the center zig zag. You want to roll up the right side of your quilt so it fits under the arm of your sewing machine.
You will follow the seam line with the edge of your presser foot.

As you approach a corner of the zigzag you will need to stop your needle in the down position. Then pick up your presser foot, pivot your quilt, lower your foot and continue sewing.

You will repeat the sewing, stopping and pivoting until you get to the end of the zigzag.

Then you cut your thread and go at it again on the other side of the seam of the zigzag.

Keep going along both sides of every seam and you will have a completely quilted quilt!

Wasn't too bad was it?

Now take a look on the back.

Does it look great?!

One more step... binding! Check back next week to complete your quilt... your going to be surprised at how quickly it will go :)

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Finally caught up!

2010-06-01T14:09:00.008-04:00

So I have bee a very bad quilting bee member for the last 3 months of our bee. I have been a part of a great group of quilters called Bee Inspired and it wrapped up way back in March and ....well... I am just getting around to finishing up the final quilt blocks.

It has been quite a whirl wind of a winter and spring. I finally got my act together and finished the last 3 quilting blocks that I needed to send out.

Here is Deb's block who wanted a block with squares and/or rectangle...

Lynn wanted 2 spider blocks which I loved how they turned out...

Lisa wanted a block inspired by a quilt made by a fellow Bee Inspired member and this is what I was able to come up with...

sorry wonderful Bee Inspired friends for the delay in my blocks. I had a wonderful year of creating fun blocks for you all. I hope that I can piece together my quilt top by the end of this year and post picture updates as I make some progress.

take care mucho,
-Natalie

Quilt Along 2: Creating a quilt Sandwich & Basting

2010-06-01T14:08:00.008-04:00

SANDWICHING:

The quilt sandwich is pretty easy to do, especially if you use spray basting adhesive (took me many years to discover this great product!).

First I like to lay things out without the spray basting so that I can make sure everything is a good size. You want your batting and backing to be 2ish inches bigger than the quilt top all the way around.

In the end you will have a quilt sandwich that is in the following order..
Layer your fabrics in the following order
-backing (right side down)
-batting
-quilt top (right side up)

In order to achieve this I like to lay our my batting on the floor and put my backing fabric right side up on top.

Then I fold the backing fabric half way down. I spray the basting adhesive onto the batting and then smooth out the backing fabric on top.
A quick trick I like to use to make sure the fabric gets stuck on flat is to use a yard stick to move the fabric over the sticky batting. If you do get it wrong, no fear!, you can always peal the fabric off and try again.

Then I fold the other half up. Spray and smooth the batting.

I repeat this process to spray baste the quilt top onto the other layers.

Now we are ready to quilt!

take care mucho,
-Natalie

Quilt Along 2: Creating the Backing

2010-05-26T16:47:00.011-04:00

So we have pieced together our entire quilt front. Now we have to think about the back. Since we have enough squares we are going to do one multi-fabric zig zag on the back.

Backing fabric:
You will be sewing each of your colored fabric to a 6inch square from your backing fabric (for my quilt this is a grayish IKEA sheet). I am going to cut 12- 6 inch squares from one edge of the fabric.

Just as before, I will be pairing and marking each pair of fabric

Then sewing 1/4 inch from the line on either side.

Cut the squares into triangles.
Iron the triangles open to form new squares.

Then I can start creating my long zig zag.

I then can decide where on the back I want my zig zag. Once I have determined that, I need to cut a straight line dividing the backing fabric to make room for the zig zag.

I then will sew my zig zag to fit in between the line I just cut.

The backing is all done!!!

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Never Ending Hexies

2010-05-25T09:16:00.004-04:00

So I finally decided what I am going to do for the backing... more hexies!
This time around it will only go on the perimeter so I only have to make 80 or so (much quicker than the top). I am also sticking to a blue/green color scheme which I am really digging at the moment.

I am very determined to finish this project so it has been traveling with me wherever I go. All the hexies are made now I just have to start piecing them together. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

take care mucho,
-Natalie

Bloggers Quilt Festival

2010-05-21T14:09:00.007-04:00

Amy is at it again at Amy's Creative Side by hosting the 3rd Bloggers Quilt Festival!

I wanted to share a fun lap size quilt that started off as just a fun quilt to make with a fat quarter pack and it has ended up being a quilt that will stay with me forever.

This quilt lived happily hanging on the back of my couch at home for quite a few months as one of my favorite quilts. My husband, dogs and I loved curling up with it, in front of the tv for hours. Then in February my dad had a really bad fall down the stairs and he was in the ICU for two days. I spent the night at the hospital with him and I had asked my husband to bring me among many things that night, one of my quilts. This was the quilt that he ended up bring me that night. In the middle of the night my dad's body temperature was fluctuating and at some point this quilt ended up on him to keep him warm. He wasn't conscious the entire time he was in the hospital but looking at my dad with this quilt laying on top of him made me feel happy. I knew he would have loved the fact that it brought some color in an otherwise very neutral room and of course he would like the fact that I made it. He always encouraged my crafty creativity.

This quilt stayed with him all the way until his last breath. This quilt has now become my little piece of my dad that I carry with me. It reminds me of him and all the great memories I have. I thought at first that I wouldn't want to use the quilt. I would just leave it folded nicely to be preserved, but in actuality it has been greatly loved since those days in the hospital. I still curl up with it watching tv {with my dad}.

take care mucho,
-Natalie

Placemats... the tutorial

2010-05-19T15:00:00.013-04:00

So I have been trying to do some organizing on my blog lately. Did you notice my NEW logo? I am absolutely in love! A big thanks to Heidi from HeidiLyn Originals.

I also just added some tabs as well, which I will slowly start adding information to.

You will notice that one of them is for tutorials and I have only really ever posted 1 of them. So in my attempt to get better at sharing with the word here is another tutorial for your creating pleasure.

So here is a great quick project to do for yourself or as a gift... Placemats!For each placemat you will need2 pieces of 14" x 18" (or whatever size placemat you wish to have) for the front and back of your placemat - this can be one whole piece of cloth or a something that has been pieced together.
1- 15" x 19" piece of batting

coordinating thread

1. Sandwich your fabric in the following order backing right side up, top right side down and batting {sorry I forgot to take a picture of this step}

2. Sew about half and inch from the edge all around the placemat leaving about a 6 inch opening for flipping inside out.

3. Clip all 4 corners to eliminate bulkiness once it is flipped inside out.

4. Trim only the batting seam allowance as close to the stitch line as possible. This is also to eliminate bulk.5. Finally you can flip it inside out through the opening you left.

6. Pin the opening closed, tucking in the seam allowances.

7. Put your placemat under your sewing machine and stitch all around the perimeter about 1/8" away from the edge. Be sure to take out the pins as you get to the opening. This step will close up your opening.

This is what one corner should look like.

8. Switch your presser foot to a darning foot to get reading for quilting.

9. Quilt how ever you desire. I have done simple stippling in this picture.

If you do 3 more of these you get a nice set of 4 perfect for everyday use or as a nice gift!

Quilt Along #2 Zig Zag - sewing

2010-05-18T10:16:00.010-04:00

So we are ready to sew our half square triangles!

Here is a short video of how to chain stitch on either side of the marked line for each pair of squares. Once you have chained pieced you can cut along the marked diagonal line and TADA! 2 squares become 4 triangles.

You can press your triangles open. I usually iron the seams to one side though if you prefer to press them open it doesn't make much of a difference.
I like to make piles with my fabrics so I know the order of my zig zags. It is much easier to chain piece so I make piles that look like the picture below.
It only shows one of the zigs (or is it a zag, haha) but you have a stack of 4 of them. I sew all the pairs together of one zig together to look like this...

Then I sew two sets together to look like this...

Then I complete the strip...

I repeat this for each strip...

Then you just sew all the strips together to have a completed top!

Hope you are able to sew your top together this week. I will be sharing how to do some easy straight line quilting on the next posting of our quilt along.

take care mucho,
-Natalie

Some progress...

2010-05-17T11:54:00.004-04:00

So I have posted before about getting the hexagon craze and after a few weeks hiatus I can finally say all the hexies are pieced together!
All 199 to be exact.
Doesn't it look cool?! I love the scrappy look to it. I have used only my left over scraps from projects and now I have to dig through my stash to see what will be used for the backing. I promised myself no buying fabric for this project. I might have to audition a few and see what comes out best.

Have you had the chance make some hexies?

take care mucho,
-Natalie

Birthdays sometime come early!

2010-05-16T22:19:00.005-04:00

My birthday is not too far away (only 7 day, but who is counting, haha).
I know that after a certain time I really shouldn't feel like a giddy 5 year old, year after year about the day I was born, but undoubtedly I do.
This year my husband has totally spoiled me by getting me my very first serger! He was even nice enough to give it to me almost two weeks in advance (because we really suck at keeping presents a secret from each other... It's just too exciting when you know the person is going to absolutely LOVE it!).

I came home one day last week and a big box address to me was waiting patiently to be opened. I quickly opened it up too see this...

I have already taken it for a mini test drive and can't wait to dive in to some projects. It has been hard to find time to sit and play, but I think my birthday present to myself will have to be uninterrupted time with present.

Does anyone else out there have a serger? I know there are so many things I can do with this machine, but I don't even know where to begin. Are there good websites or videos out there for serging? If you have any suggestions or advice I would love to hear from you :)

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Now we are rolling.... cutting and a little sew along

2010-05-12T19:19:00.005-04:00

So I am feeling much better. I had a chance this weekend to organize one wall after a quick trip to IKEA (my favorite store!).

Now my side of my sewing room is looking like this...

And I'm not even worrying about the fact that the other side still looks like this....

One more trip to IKEA should do it. Who knows when I'll be able to manage that one though.

Because of this new bit of organization, I have been able to get my act together for our sew along. Finally! Right? I am very sorry for all of you followers. I have been very busy I can assure you. I hope to bring you good stuff in the next two weeks.

I have cut all my fat quarters to look like this ...

I have to make a correction from my last posting. When I had posted my diagram of how to cut the fabric I forgot to take into account the selvage edge. So instead of having two strips to cut on one end for the binding you will only be able to get one. It should all work out in the end so no need to stress and buy more fabric :)

I also have gotten together some videos to show how to arrange, mark and sew your half triangle squares. You hopefully have your squares cut so, let's start with how to arrange your piles of squares.

After you have arranged and paired up your fabrics you can move on to marking your squares. We are using the half square method, so it is very important that you take your time to mark your squares.

If you can get this far in a week I will be impressed. It does seem like a lot of busy work I know, but it does go by quickly and it will be super easy when we start sewing.

Since I know I am a bit behind for all you quilt alongers, I am setting a goal to have the sewing post and videos up by the end of the week.

Let me know what you think of the videos. This is a first for me so would love to get feedback. I hope it is more useful than pictures, but if you don't like it I can always go back.

Happy cutting, arranging and marking.

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

A day late and a dollar short :(

2010-05-06T15:33:00.000-04:00

Week 2: Cutting Fabric - The Zig Zag

Well I have some fat quarters cut ( I did them before the move) and found my little pile buried in the heap. So far this is all I got to...

This is a great start but I have to end up with all of these cuts....

I hope you are able to get to your cutting tools and fabric in order to cut all your squares out. You will need a total of 9- 6inch squares from each fat quarter (or 18- 6inch squares from 6- half yards or 54- 6 inch squares from 2- 3 yard pieces). I know my "wonderful" diagram is a little hard to read. The left over bit at the end are just two strips of 2 inches. They will be used for the binding at the very end.

Again I am sorry for the vagueness on this post. I am hoping to get some essentials unburied to finish my cutting. Will post as soon as I get it all done.

take care mucho,
-Natalie

the move....

2010-05-04T08:37:00.001-04:00

Well I don't know about you all, but I sure hate moving!
My husband and I have decided to move in with my mom to keep her company and along the way it will hopefully help us save money to buy a house sometime in the future. It has been a very tough weekend... The big move date was Friday. I took the day off from work and all day was spent hauling boxes and packing last minute stuff up. Amazingly enough in only 7 hours we had one apartment empty and my moms house a disaster. Little by little we have been moving, shuffling and organizing. It is quite a LONG process.
One thing I was really excited for was that my mom had a sewing room. So it was going to be transformed into OUR sewing room! The only bad thing is that this is what it looks like currently....

I wanted to have the post for cutting our zig zag quilt fabric (quilt along #2) but it looks like this is going to take a little longer than I thought it would. Hopefully I can put up some diagrams and such to help in the mean time. Maybe next weekend will feel a little more settled.

For my quilt along peeps- please forgive me! I will post something helpful no later than tomorrow so that we aren't at a complete stand still, promise.

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

EQ7... have you heard?

2010-04-27T14:54:00.000-04:00

So I have been looking into getting some sort of quilt design software all over the internet. I always have so many different ideas flowing in my head but figured it would be much easier than taking out my colored pencils and paper.
As I have been researching it seems that EQ (Electric Quilt) has the best reviews. People say that it is so easy to use and has a billion and a half fabric swatches. I was looking at their blog the other day since now I am waiting for the day that I just take the plunge and purchase it, and thank goodness I haven't done it yet. They are coming out with a new and improved version, EQ7! It comes out in June and I think this is the perfect excuse to take the "plunge".

I will keep you posted.....

Has anyone out there ever used any of the EQ's or other quilting software? Anyone else as excited as I am? I would love to hear your thoughts.

take care mucho,
-Natalie

Quilt Along #2: Zig Zag

2010-04-25T21:31:00.001-04:00

Welcome all to the beginning of our second quilt along- the Zig Zag quilt.

As with all my quilt alongs for this series, they focus on a fat quarter pack of 12. If you read my blog regularly you know very well how much I love the packs from the Fat Quarter Shop. I don't get anything from them, I just really like their fabric and specifically their fat quarter packs! I have been a member of their fat quarter club for over a year and have an abundance of packs hanging out and wanted to challenge myself to create fun quilts and projects to use them up.

This week is devoted to gathering our materials.

The first one is obvious, 12 fat quarters. You don't have to use a pack like I will, you can use 12 fat quarters of your choice, or even 6 half yards (you will have two zig zags of each fabric), or even 1.5 yards of 2 fabrics (for alternating zig zags).

(I will be using my flora & fauna pack for this one)

Next you will need your cutting materials

Then somethings you may want to think about but don't need right away...
* 2 yards backing fabric (this is going to be pretty exact so if your fabric store cuts without a little wiggle room please ask for 2.25 yards)

* batting 75"x 51" (this is an approximate size since batting has to be a few inches bigger than the final quilt)

* coordinating thread for piecing and quilting

I am giving you info. for the quilt that I am going to make with you, though, this pattern is super easy to modify its size. We are going to be using half triangles to create the zig zags, so you can make less squares to make a smaller baby quilt, or add more squares to create a bed comforter. Possibilities are endless.

Next week we will be cutting our fat quarters (or half yards, or yardage), so have some fun this week picking out some fun fabric. This is always my favorite part!

Hope you are able to join us either on the sidelines or by playing along :)

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Quilt Along Series Continues...

2010-04-21T21:07:00.001-04:00

I was hoping to have the second quilt started this week, but life hits and plans go to the waist side.

We will have to start next week with our Zig Zag quilt!

I don't have good pictures taken yet, so I thought I would show you my sketch book page where I have been planning the quilt.

Here are some things to get you excited ...

1. We're making Zig Zags! A simple yet modern looking quilt

2. We are uping the antie- no more hand tieing, we will be quilting these layers together

3. You'll learn a new technique- half square triangles, this will open you to a whole new world!

4. Videos & pictures- I hope to have some cooperation from technology to bring you short video clips along with the usual pics to help you throughout making your quilt.

5. I will be showing how easy it would be to vary this quilt so the possibilities are endless!

I hope you are getting excited with me and join along next week were you get to shop around a little. We are gathering our materials and picking out our fabrics.

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

I hope you are able to join us for making some easy zig zags.

Hexagon Craze has hit me...

2010-04-20T19:25:00.000-04:00

So I have been seeing these mini hexies pop up all throughout blogland and ... well it finally hit me. It hit me hard!

My sister had to get some minor surgery about a month ago and I needed a portable project. I got some fabric scraps, scissors, paper hexies and thread. As I spent practically the entire day at the hospital I made quite a lot of hexies. I steadily continued working on more and more and more. In the middle of making all these cute hexies I came up with the idea of wanted to create, a table runner. I ended up making 200!
I arranged them and numbered them....

and now they are ready to be sewn together. Now this is probably going to take a while to finish up, but little by little this one will get done.

I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Martha Stewart's Stitch Fest

2010-04-10T21:21:00.001-04:00

As I mentioned before I went to Martha Stewart's book premier in NYC. I went a little snap happy. For a crafty person like me, this was Mecca :)

They highlighted many of the projects and techniques from the book. They even had huge, blown up versions, of the book pages posted on the walls.

Here are a few of my favorite ideas...

We also were able to make a little tomato pincushion. Here I am sewing on a very nice Singer sewing machine, which they had a raffle of, so cross your fingers!! to start off the pin cushion....

And of course the finished products...

Martha (we are such good friends now we are on first name bases, hehe) really knows how to run her business very successfully. No detail was spared. At the end we got all these wonderful things!

I mean, that was well worth the price of the ticket. I have been flipping through the book and have really been enjoying the projects in there. If you get a chance check it out. Also, I HIGHLY recommend attending any Martha event you possibly can. She is VERY generous.

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

PS- I just got an email from Rebecca informing me of a great giveaway Singer is having. Every day in April they are giving away Martha's new book and all you have to do is become a fan of Singer either on facebook or twitter! Just follow this link http://www.singerco.com/support/contest_rules.html for more info. Good Luck!

NYC recap

2010-04-09T08:48:00.000-04:00

So my week in NYC was great! The highlight being seeing Martha Stewart!

My mom and I had a few rainy days at the beginning of the week that didn't allow us to do too much except shop for shop! There were some great sales at some of our favorite shops, so we just had to take advantage.

Once the weather got better we ventured a little further away from my sisters apartment. I had to stop by in Soho so that I could shop at Purl. I have been following on their blog Purl Bee for a while now and was excited that I finally was able to see the shops. I was very good while I visit both the knitting and fabric shops (they are supposed to be moving to a much bigger location this weekend). I kept hearing my husbands voice in the back of my head "please, don't spend too much". I love the fact that he just leaves it at "too much" as if there is really a limit to that :)

We had time to do a little sight seeing. My family has been to NYC so many times ever since my sister moved there, but we have never been able to resist doing something touristy....
so what's more fun than the double decker bus?

Oh yeah, we hopped on for the night tour.

I know that from the picture about it looks like total day light, but this was at the beginning. By the end it started to get dark and COLD. Good thing we had our coats and scarves with us!

We also hopped aboard the Circle Line boat for a 2 hr. tour. This one wasn't nearly as much fun as the double decker bus, but still had great views of the city. Especially the Statue of Liberty.

OK, I am sure you are all waiting to hear how in the world I was able to see Martha?!

Her new book Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts just came out last week and she was having a book premiere, they called it Stitch Fest. It was incredibly well organized. There were drinks, food and great demos from the book. She even had a make & take, a pin cushion tomato. My sister was so proud of herself saying, and I quote, "I have never made anything before" with a huge smile on her face, staring at her tomato.

My mom and sister with their very own Martha pincushions!

As soon as we came in we also got a glimpse of Martha herself. She was walking around seeing everyone's pincushion. My mom walked close to her to get this shot....

My sister was too embarrassed to let her get closer, haha.

The best part of the night was the swag bag we got on our way out. It included her book, the latest copy of all her magazines, and sewing materials galore. It was overall a fantastic night (I have more to post about this so stay tuned).

Overall it was a great spring break!

Now it is back to work and life as usual...

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Giveaway Winner!

2010-04-05T13:21:00.000-04:00

Ok so only two of you posted pictures but I allowed all comments to enter... It wouldn't have been such a good competition otherwise, haha.
I had my first grade class help chose the winner out of a hat.....and drum roll please!

Deanna came out to be the winner!!
Yay Deanna!!!
So happy a fellow "Bee Inspired" member gets the fabric.
Since I already have your address I will pack it up and send it off to you with in the next two days :)

I hope more of you are able to join in on the fun with the next quilt, it will be a zig zag quilt. I will post a sneek peak soon.

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Ciao Bella!

2010-04-03T20:39:00.000-04:00

I have been meaning to create a t-shirt quilt for as long as I can remember and I have finally done it!!

I was looking through a course catalog of local adult courses you can sign up for, like I always do when the catalog arrives. I saw a t-shirt quilting class listed and next to it the name of my high school home ec teacher! I thought it would be hilarious to be her student yet again. I thought she would be floored at knowing that I was still sewing. Needless to say I signed up for the class right then and there. Mrs. Frazier, as I still call her because I just can't get used to calling her by her first name, was very happy to see me on the first class. I was telling her all my sewing endeavors and how she had been the one to inspire the love of quilts in me. I made my very first one in her class and I still have it and actually use it.

I knew right away what t-shirts I wanted to use. During my wedding/honeymoon in Italy I went a little nuts and bought 12 of the same Ciao Bella t-shirts that are very nostalgic, from the days when I studied in Florence. Off I went to work on the t-shirts with Ms. Frazier, and I have ended up with this great quilt!

The only thing I wish is, that I had been even crazier and bought more t-shirts to make it bigger. My husband would have killed me though so I guess a baby size will have to do. Perfect for the first kid (insert husband having a heart attack, haha) Don't worry it won't be for a while :)

The backing is fun sweatshirt material in navy blue. You can get a glimpse of it in this picture

I used the same "pillow" technique that I used on the first quilt along quilt so it made things a little bit easier. Did I mention that I was the only one to do it this way. I kept doing my own thing throughout the class. I guess there isn't much that has changed since my high school days, hehe.

Have you finally conquered a project you have been meaning to do for a while?

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

PS- You still have time to join the quilt along giveaway!

Giveway Day!

2010-03-29T23:04:00.001-04:00

As promised my quilt along give away. In honor of wrapping up our first quilt of the quilt along series I am giving away one fat quarter pack from one of my favorite shops, the Fat Quarter Shop.

It contains 12 coordinating fat quarters. Don't you just love it?

This package is the following fabrics from Free Spirit....

Ok, so you are probably asking, How can I win this awesome giveaway?

It is easy. Post a picture of any progress you have made on your quilt along quilt so far on our Flickr page and then leave me a comment. If you would like to include a small critique of how the first quilt along went feel free. I am a teacher after all. There is always room for improvement. There are 5 more quilt alongs in this series and I would like to make sure you all get the most out of them.

Ok so off you go... leave a comment and cross your fingers.
Winners will be announced Easter Sunday.

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Quilt Along 1: Finishing

2010-03-28T18:13:00.000-04:00

Ok so we are in for the home stretch!

For this quilt we will be using what I like to call the "pillow technique". We will be sewing all around the edge and turning it inside out. This is one of the easiest and fastest ways of finishing off a quilt. It eliminates having to do a binding and a whole lot of quilting. I use this technique when I use a thicker backing fabric, which in this case is the super soft minky fabric.

So you have your entire quilt front sewn together and now we need to create our quilt sandwich. You will need to lay out the batting, minky backing, and quilt top as follows....

In a large area, either table or floor, lay out your batting. It needs to be roughly 2-4 inches wider than your quilt top. Then lay your minky backing fabric right side up (also 2-4 inches wider than your quilt top). Lastly is your quilt top wrong side up.
1- batting
2- minky/ backing right side up
3- quilt top wrong side up

Pin the edges all the way around at the seams. This helps keep all the layers in place.

You will need to sew all the way around the perimeter of the quilt 1/4 of an inch from the edge of the quilt top. Leave about an 8 inch hole to turn it all inside out.

Now you will need to trim the seams down. Since you have to leave the batting and minky backing fabric bigger than the quilt top I trim both of them about an inch from the quilt top ledge.

Then trim just the batting as close to the seam as possible. This eliminates bulk.

The last trimming that needs to be done is on the corners. This eliminates bulky corners when you turn it inside out.

Now you can finally turn it inside out.

Make sure all corners are turned inside out well, then pin the hole closed.

Now you will need to sew all around the perimeter of the quilt 1/8 of an inch from the edge. This will close up the hole as well as give it a nice finished edge.

Only one more thing left to do... to hand tie the corners.

At all the intersections, where 4 squares meet, you will be tieing all three layers of your quilt.

First you will need to take your embroidery thread out and cut a piece of thread about 12 inches long. Thread that onto an embroidery thread and do not knot the end.

Put your needle in from the top of the quilt at one intersection.

then pull it leaving a tail on the top. Bring up the needle from the back up to the front of the quilt.

Then you will take both tails of the thread to create a knot.

Create a double knot.

Now you just trim each of the tails to the length you want.

Tada! Now you just have to repeat for each intersection and your done :)

Now admire your brand new quilt hanging on the back of your couch...

or folded up nicely.

Congratulations and Enjoy!

Don't forget to share pictures of your finished quilt on our Flickr group page.

Tomorrow I will post how you can win my fabric giveaway!

take care mucho!

-Natalie

Another Project Conquered

2010-03-25T12:24:00.000-04:00

So I have been meaning to post about my wonderful Everything Tote that I did out of the Heather Ross Book, Weekend Sewing. This was super easy and fast to make. I cut and sewed it all in an afternoon!!

To top it all off, I only used fabric from my stash, which means saving money. I highly recommend this book. I love the projects in it and all the patterns and instructions are easy to understand.

This bag really is an everything tote. It is amazing the stuff that will fit in it. It is perfect for when you are shopping at the farmers market, bringing home the latest fabric stash from the store, or even odds and ends for just about anything. I have been using mine for all sorts of things ever since it was completed.

Have you tried out a new pattern lately?

Take care mucho!
-Natalie

Quilt Along 1: Sewing

2010-03-21T21:54:00.001-04:00

So you have got all your fabrics cut up and now we are ready to sew!

First you want to separate your charms into piles in the order you would like them to be sewed in.

I use my ironing board so as I am sitting next to my sewing machine I can easily reach over and grab the charms that I need.

You will need to sew 9 charms together 12 times. In other words 12 rows of 9 charms. * please note that all seem allowances are 1/4 inch (typical of all quilt seems)*
To sew 9 charms together I first sew sets of 2 charms in a chain (not stopping in between sewing each set).

I know it is hard to see in the picture but each charm set is linked by thread.

Then I sew the sets together creating two sets of 4. Sew the two sets of 4 together. Lastly, I sew the last one on to create a long strip of 9.

When you have all 12 rows of 9 charms sewed together you will need to sew rows together.

Because it is hard to take a picture of all the rows laying flat in my little apt. I rolled out three rows to show you.

When I sew rows together I like to pin the intersections (where the seems are) to ensure good points.

First I pinch the seems so that seems are running opposite directions.

I pin the seems down and make sure that when I sew I pull the pins out before it goes under the needle.

To make things easier on you, sew 4 rows together at a time to create 3 sets of 4 rows.

In the picture you see two sets of two rows about to be pinned and sewed together to make one set of 4.

Then sew each set of 4 rows together to end up with a completed quilt top!

Wasn't that pretty easy?

Next week we will be making our quilt sandwich so make sure you have your batting and minky fabric ready to go.
You are going to be amazed at how fast and easy it is going to be to finish this quilt up. Just one more week to wrap up our first quilt along quilt. Wow... does time fly when you are having fun.

To make things even more interesting I am giving away one Fat Quarter Shop fabric pack next week! I LOVE these packs so much I figured I should share in my love. So stay tuned next week for your chance to win it!

Have fun sewing!

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Any advice for NYC?

2010-03-15T22:53:00.000-04:00

So I am heading out to NYC to visit my sister. The picture above is from my last trip up. I swear the Statue of Liberty is in the background, haha.

I know a few places that I need to hit up... you know #1 on my list is Purl Soho, but I was wondering if anyone knows of some hidden treasure spots that I can visit. I have the whole week of spring break to trot the streets of New York so I want to take advantage of my time there.
Thanks for your help!

-Take care mucho,

Natalie

Week 2: Cutting Fabric

2010-03-14T22:17:00.000-04:00

So you have hopefully picked out fun fabric for your "Charming" Minky quilt.

Our next step is to cut all of our wonderful fat quarters up.
So let's get out our cutting tools...

And start cutting. Out of each fat quarter you will cut 9 - 6" squares (or what quilters call charms). So each fq will be cut up like this...

After doing this to all 12 fq's then you will have a great pile that looks like this...

And then you can stack them up like this and stare at them with a giddy smile...

Oh and I haven't written the dimensions of our final quilt (sorry). It's going to end up 44" x 49.5". A perfect lap quilt to hang on your couch and cuddle with when you are watching a good show on t.v.

I hope everyone is having fun so far. Remember, if you have questions or comments please feel free to write in the comment section or e-mail me.

Take care mucho,
Natalie

Amy Butler's Kimono Robe...

2010-03-12T13:15:00.001-05:00

I have had Amy Butler's "In Stitches" book on my bookshelf for months now. I have taken it down quite a few times flipping through all the pages making a mental list of all the projects I would like to conquer one day.
Finally, I actually made one of the projects that I have been eying.

My cousin was in town and was looking through my book and requested for me to make her the kimono robe. When we went to the fabric store we couldn't find exactly what she wanted so we ended up buying a quilting cotton fabric for the outside and a knit for the lining. Once I started working on it though, I quickly realized that I could make it reversible quite easily. So this is what a few hours later of work accomplished....

( I know the pictures are weird since it is a headless person, but she wouldn't let me include her face so it's the best I could do)

Isn't that SO fun! I fell in love with it. And now as soon as a finish a few WIPs I plan on making one for myself.

I was very surprised at how quickly this all came together. I had made some other patterns (sold individually) by Amy Butler and it was just eternal. So many steps to follow. I literally cut out all the pieces for the kimono robe in about an hour one night. Then, roughly three hours the next day it was all finished. I highly recommend making one for yourself!

Take care mucho,
Natalie

Quilt Along Series Is Here!!

2010-03-08T18:25:00.000-05:00

So here we go....

Week 1- "Charming" Minky Quilt
This week we will be gathering all of our materials.

Let's start with the fun stuff, FABRIC!
You will need 12 fat quarters (or if you are like me, you can buy a nice coordinated pack from the Fat Quarter Shop)

1.5 yards of soft minky fabric in a coordinating solid color for the back

Other materials...

That is all!
Have fun picking out your fabric....

Take care mucho!
-Natalie

So Sorry...

2010-03-07T20:52:00.000-05:00

Ok so I am a little delayed for my materials post for our first quilt along. I promise I haven't forgotten. This weekend was quite productive, conquering mounds of paperwork that goes along with the passing of a parent. Unfortunately it left little time to get my pictures and post done...SO a huge apology for the delay, but it shall be up tomorrow.

One Month Later...

2010-03-01T21:38:00.022-05:00

It's been a month since my dad has passed away, and well, weather I want it or not, life must go on.

My sewing machine has been dusted and I'm ready for the fabric therapy to begin.

There is something about creating something new that has always given me a high. On top of it all, crafting has always been a big part of my life thanks in great part to my dad fostering it and funding it when I was younger.

As I have been saying a lot lately... "My dad would have wanted me to." So I am trudging along doing what I know my dad would have wanted (I am sure he is looking down thinking, "finally!" haha).

I have decided to get my quilt along series on it's way! On Sunday I will be posting week 1 of the 1st quilt along. We will start with gathering all the materials. This is a great beginner quilt for those of you out there that are a little intimidated. Remember that each quilt in the series will progressively get a little more difficult so that you learn new techniques little by little. Everyone is welcome!!

If you are able to join (and even if you want to just follow along on the side lines) I have created a Flickr group to show off your creations. Please upload your pictures to share with everyone.

I hope you are able to join me for little therapy sessions throughout the quilt along.

Take care mucho!
-Natalie

my heavy heart

2010-02-04T05:13:00.001-05:00

I write this post from my father's hospital bedside. The past 24 hours has changed my life forever. My dad had a really bad fall and the outlook is not good at all. My heart will never be the same. I cannot even begin to tell you what an awesome man he was. I am just so happy that I got to be one of his daughters that was loved by him beyond words. It is because of this, the worst day of my life, that I must postpone my blog posts & quilt alongs until I can make sense of this world again.

Fat Quarter Quilt Along Series

2010-02-02T19:07:00.001-05:00

As promised February begins my bi-monthly quilt alongs.

I am challenging myself to create 6 quilt designs that can be made with a pack of 12 fat quarters (I get my packs from The Fat Quarter Shop) and some coordinating solid. This months is the easiest and quickest! (my favorite combo) It will be a lap sized quilt and hand tied. Here is the schedule I plan to adhere to for each of the "quilt alongs"

Week 1 = Gathering of Materials
Week 2 = Cutting of Materials
Week 3 = Assembly of Quilt tops
Week 4 = Quilting & Binding

As the months progress the skill level will increase as well. So on some months there might need to be a quilt top & backing to assemble. They will be presented in two weeks instead of one. Also for most quilts the quilting does take some time (with the exception of this first quilt). So, because of this quilting & binding might need to take up two weeks. Remember though, that I am going to introduce one quilt every two months. So the next one will be in April, which should give everyone a chance to finish up this first one :)

Here is a picture of what a finished quilt #1 will look like.... yeah, I know... not the greatest pic :( but I promise that you will LOVE it!

Tomorrow the list of materials will be posted.
Hope to see you around here for the quilt alongs!

Take care mucho,
Natalie

I live in a Museum...

2010-02-01T15:13:00.001-05:00

So January whizzed by me and February has poked through. The last two weeks have had very little sewing. We are trying to sell our condo and well that means that the place must look pristine... as in museum... like no one really lives there.

Ugghh... It is so NOT my style at all. I like living in a place that says, "Ooooh, it's so homey"! I like my knitting bag to sit next to the couch ready for me to pick up when I turn on the tv. Or my sewing machine out and ready, not hidden under it's cover. Although my creative side is taking a bit of a hit because of this I do love the way our place looks! If we weren't too stretched out for space in our cute condo (totally because of my craftiness, btw) I would totally stay. It looks the best I have ever seen it. I mean look at my studio space!!

Everyone who knows me and has seen this spot has had their jaw drop to the ground.

Ok well maybe they aren't THAT shocked, but pretty close. So hopefully all the effort in making our place shine out against the rest will pay off soon with someone giving us an offer.

In the mean time I try to do a little sewing here and there. Very careful not to get too many things out at once. My husband will kill me if I ruined the museum like quality of this room. We did spend a good chunk of time organizing it after all.

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

PS- Check back tomorrow. I am introducing my series of quilt alongs. I hope you are able to join in on some of the fun!

Birthday Beers!

2010-01-25T23:42:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Anne Marie!!!

My friend celebrated a birthday recently. In the fall she went on an incredible trip to Ireland so I wanted to make a cake reminiscent of that. So in an instant I knew I had to make beer mugs. I mean what is more Irish than beer, right?

Here she is ready to cheers with her friend.

I added a little Irish detail on the "foam"

Cheers to another year!

Take care mucho,

-Natalie

DC Modern is on Ning!

2010-01-18T17:01:00.004-05:00

So I have had a good amount of people interested in getting together to start up our own modern quilt guild here in DC. As I posted last time, I am taking a lot of my direction from the original Modern Quilt Guild out in LA. If you are still interested in joining in on the fun go to our Ning network page, dcmodern.ning.com and sign up for the group. This is where I will be posting the most up to date info. Can't wait to meet everyone!

1st Meeting this Saturday 1.23 at Ebenezer's Coffeehouse! YAY!

Hope to see you soon!

take care mucho,
-Natalie

FQ Packs & Sharing

2010-01-12T21:11:00.004-05:00

I know I talk about my love of my fat quarter packs all the time here, but I have decided to share in my fun!

My goal is to share a completed quilt made from one of these packs every other month. I will be posting it like a Quilt Along so if you are interested in following along please check back the first week of February. I will be using the pack pictured above.
I am going to start off with a bit of a simple pattern and progressively increase in skill and difficulty. I hope you enjoy it and learn something new.

I hope you join!
take care mucho,
-Natalie

Oh and if anyone knows how to create buttons for blogs I would really appreciate some help on that. Thanks :)

Wanna join DC Modern?

2010-01-09T22:11:00.003-05:00

Alissa, form Handmade by Alissa, has really got me inspired to get a quilt group going here in DC. She has started a Modern Quilt Guild out in LA and I wanted to see if I could possibly get one start here at home.

If you happen to live in the DC area and want meet local modern quilters please send me an e-mail at schoolofcrafts@gmail.com. I have heard from a few people so far and I am slowly getting the ball rolling.

I would love to meet live people and not just through the internet :)

Oh and so far the only interesting name I could come up with is DC Modern... any other suggestions?

Take care mucho,
-Natalie

Are you in the DC area?

2010-01-07T11:09:00.004-05:00

If you happen to be in the DC area and happen to have any young kids who are interested in learning how to knit I am teaching a fun little class in Alexandria, Knit Kids. It is through Alexandria's Park and Recreation programs. I know the likelihood of someone signing up becuase of this post is slim, though I thought I would give it a go.

EDIT: I forgot to put a link for registration... click here :)
*It was brought to my attention that the link wasn't working. I think I have found the glitch and fixed it.*

On a roll...

2010-01-06T12:56:00.006-05:00

So I have been super productive it seams... I think it helped that I had two weeks off from work. I whipped up this next project out of pure necessity. The best part is that it didn't even cost me a penny because I had everything laying around. I used up selvages from a quilt I have actually finished piecing (will show pics soon) to create a checkbook cover. I used timex (great stuff!) to stiffen it up a bit because I hate not having a hard surface to write on. It was super simple to make and totally recommend for people to do because I did it in 1.5 hours, start to finish!

this is what the outside looks like all opend up.

Hope you are starting yout 2010 on the right foot.
Take care mucho,
-Natalie

The 1st of 2010

2010-01-04T15:27:00.004-05:00

The first quilt of the year goes to my friend....

I know this isn't the best of pictures, but it is absolutely freezing here. Which means no taking pictures outside for the moment. This quilt turned out SO great. It is almost hard for me to give it away. It turned out way better than I ever envisioned it.

I had a 12 pack of coordinating fat quarters laying around so I put them too good use. It is all just 6 inch squares and soft minki fabric on the back !(that is the bonus on this one). Since I used the minki fabric I didn't want to to do regular quilting so I hand tied it at the intersecting points with coordinating dmc floss. I don't think I saved a whole lot of time doing it that way, but it was easy to do in front of the tv so the time flew by. I hope my friend gives it lots of TLC!

take care mucho,
Natalie

Bee Inspired Update...

2010-01-03T00:28:00.004-05:00

As many of you know I have participated in a fun quilting bee called Bee Inspired. Stacey was assigned to November. She has asked us to make a fun scrappy Christmas themed block that she designed herself. I hope she like it!

December was our "by" month since there was so many things going on with the holidays and January is my month!!! I am SO excited and have been thinking and slightly stressing over what to ask everyone to do. I have come up with a small idea I will post about real soon. I want to make an example block for everyone to understand what I am asking to do. But in the mean time you can take a look at all the packages waiting to be sent off. I will be stopping by the post office tomorrow.
I am really excited to see what everyone will create.

Hope everyone has had a wonderful start to 2010!

Take care mucho!
-Natalie