New Home

Just like these babushka dolls, we have a new home. It's taking me some time to get us unpacked and settled, but we're very happy with our new place. What a change to be in a house that's about 30 years old (and has been well taken care of) compared to living in Edith (around a 100 years old and neglected). We're loving all the modern conveniences that we now have (like lights in every room and reliable plumbing ;o).
My sewing space is a mess at the moment, but I do have some projects underway to share soon. Stay tuned! :o)

Hugs and Hellos...

from me while I'm in the midst of our impending move. The countdown is on and the search continues. I think we may have found the right house, we're now waiting to hear back from the landlords.
It's been some time since I've shared anything sewing related with you, so here's a peek at a gift I recently finished. The tag reads, "Hugs & Kisses" and is from the scrapbooking section at Michaels. Too sweet.

I can't show more until the recipient actually receives this gift. ;o)

Missing you all here in blogland! Thanks so much for your good wishes in our move. I'm really hoping it all comes together soon. Living out of boxes does get tiresome. The surest sign that we're moving is that I was packing up my fabrics today... sniff... sniff. I'm just so crazy that I actually have a couple of small projects I want to finish before we move and am even toying with finishing a quilt top (pretty idealist at this point! but I can dream, can't I? ;o)


Hoping you all have enjoyed a wonderful month. I look forward to catching up with you soon.

Sheree's giveaway...

Just had to share with you the link for a giveaway over at Sheree's Alchemy. A whole box of scrappy goodness is up for grabs. Unbelievable! I may be busy house hunting, packing and working - but you know I made time to enter. ;o)

In the know

Have you heard?...

We're looking for a new pad. We have to vacate Edith by the end of this month, so life continues to keep us hopping. ;o) Just thought I'd let you know, so you don't think I've disappeared if I'm not able to keep posting every week. I'm looking forward to a place where we can actually get unpacked and have a more settled household. I've lots to do between now and then, though. Top of the list is actually finding a place. Fingers crossed.

Scrapsody in Blue

I made this blue patchwork bag as part of my swap for Nicolette. Lucky for me she shares my love of blue fabrics and quilting - so this design idea seemed like a great way to combine both for a unique bag.
The patchwork was made using the technique I learned from A Passion for Patchwork from Lise Bergene (I made a table runner using this technique). The bag is one of my designs, shown here, here and here.

This time I quilted the outside of the bag, adding a contrast piping and on the inside I included an inset zippered pocket. I love how the quilting gives the bag is shape without being stiff.

I used vintage velvet ribbon (inherited from my great grandmother's sewing oddments), as loops to hold when opening or closing the zip top, to add to the tactile appeal of the bag.

It's "Scrapsody in Blue" and I'm so happy that Nicolette loves it.

Not green with envy, I'm green with joy!

I'm in the process of sewing myself something green. I've had a long hiatus from sewing for myself due to getting settled in at my job for the flower/garden shop and the side job I have contract sewing. Can I tell you how wonderful it was to get immersed in fabric and designing and then stitching something just for fun? Simply wonderful.

Here's the fabrics I've been playing around with, trying to work out the final layout.

I managed to get them together last evening, but I'm only giving you a peek or two because I'm not quite finished.

Any guesses as to what I might be making?

Books and Babushkas

I love books. I especially love filling my shelves with great, inspiring creative books like this latest stack borrowed from the library. Some are new to me, and some are titles that I keep checking out, over and over again. Are you looking for some creative inspiration? Have a look at the titles in this collection. You won't be disappointed.

I had to show you my multi-national collection of babushka dolls (it started with the ones Suzie sent me from Germany). Here they are with the newest members from the Netherlands (thanks Nicolette!). My little doll family look very happy together.

Creative, inspiring books and sweet babushka dolls make me happy. Hope you're having a happy and creative day!