sew day

About a week ago the Sacramento Modern Quilt Guild had a sew day. And me being a member in good standing, I went. But what to sew... that is what to quilt?

sugar pop from moda

I had this stack of a charm pack that I did a bit of sewing and cutting on. Making up some sweet little squares. Ready for the day of sewing.

This is what I wanted my square to look like. And I had a bit of an idea of how I wanted to lay it out. Very simply of course. But I especially wanted another pair of eyes to look it over and offer any suggestions.

And this is what we came up with. The white bits of fabrics make up a perfect zig zag pattern. Doesn't it look cool! I was just going to have the blocks in all neat straight rows. I also had four half squares left over and didn't know where to put those either. Can you see them in the picture. They fit nicely into the sides of the quilt where I was going to add some solid fabrics.

This won't turn out big enough for my Cal King size bed. Unless I get fancy with more border details. But I doubt I'll do that. I like it simple and modern. Plus, it will look perfect on a little accessory that I just thrifted today for my bedroom! I am so excited to show it to you on Thursday. Can't wait :)

And thank you Traci and Jennifer for you help!

thrifty adventures

Oh my goodness! Thursday again! It is late afternoon and I spent the day thinking it was Wednesday until my kids got home from school and they were doing homework did I realize the day. Crazy mommy. I had a bit of family commotion yesterday as well. My hub has a kidney stone. So that has further upset my day.

And for now all is well! I snatched up this owl bank as soon as I laid my eyes on it. Isn't he gorgeous! And the paint by number goes with him just perfectly. Can you see some of my favorite colors? l o v e i t.

I keep the painting and bank together in my sewing room. Sitting just like this, the bank in front of the painting. I even love adding a bit of change every now and then. Maybe I can save enough for a fabulous trip! Maybe my sisters would come with me...

And here is the funny thing I like to do. Keep the price tag on! I like going back later to the things around my home to see the great deal I made. Just $2 for this little sweetie. The price makes it so much more special!

This is the back of the painting. I know it's a little hard to read, but it says To Grandma and Grandpa, Love Ryan. 1984. Sweet Ryan, giving his grandparents something a little handmade. I love your work Ryan!

So thank you everyone who shared their thrifty finds last week! Our best so far. Please visit Pill's Place to see Stacey's finds and add yours to our linky party here! Just remember to add our button to your blog post or sidebar to share in the fun.

sister love

mary, katie, and judith with our mom

I have two lovely sisters. One is an author. And the other is a quilt shop owner. They help me keep my life together and remind me of who I am. I brag about them a lot. And I believe we keep growing closer with each year.

I tell my kids about this love of siblings. Your brother or sister will always be with you. They will grow to be your best friends. They will know you better than anyone else does. They "get" you!

My kids never believe me when I tell them this. They look at me like "yeah, right".
I have just finished reading Shanghai Girls by Lisa See. And at the very end of the book she writes:

"For every awful thing that has been said and done, she is my sister. Parent's die, sisters grow up, but sisters are for life. She is the only person left in the world who shares my memories of our childhood, our struggles, and our moments of happiness and triumph. My sister is the one person who truly knows me as I know her."

That was one of the best parts of the book for me! She totally put sister love into just the right words for me. I wonder when my kids will understand that love.

sew darn cute

Remember me saying something about doing a book review of Sew Darn Cute? Sorry it took me so long. Here's what I made.

My version of the Necklace Tank. Such a cute idea. Since there is no pattern, just instructions, I made my own. Appropriately sized circles to fit on a bunch of baby onesies. I also omitted the buttons around the neckline since it's for baby.

I love using my fabric scraps. That's what drew me to this sewing idea. These little pieces were from the baby booties that I make. When do you think a piece of fabric is too small to keep? I can never seem to part with them.


I used my little shot glass from Belgium to draw half circles onto the fusible webbing. My glasses are often used as circle patterns. I sometimes have to get a few glasses out to get just the right size. Use what you've got, right!


And here is a cute pink version. Can you tell that is Amy Butler fabric? I love that they have such a sweet vintage touch, but I can use new fabrics and they have that same feel. They have been a hit in my shop. I have even made a few custom onesies with booties to match.

So, yes, I do love this book! I plan to also make a few more items from it. Like the super cute doll quilt at the end of the book. It's made using vintage sheets, and I happen to have a few of those.

thrifty adventures

I can't believe it is Thursday already! Didn't I just show you my latest thrift find? I know I did.

vintage pear shaped pin cushion with what looks like a new top

This week I went to a local thrift shop called The Salt Seller. They were having a 50% off of their entire shop. And they seem to be having a sale like this, sometimes 60% off, almost every time I go in there.

the Witch needle threader, made in West Germany

And they should! Their things are too expensive for a thrift shop. But their money does go to a local church that does a lot for our city. And yet I still walk through their doors and never leave empty handed.

the beautiful pink "stay fresh" sheet (paid too much even at 50% off)

Frugality did not work. I spent almost $40 in there this week. Which is a lot for me to spend in one thrift shop. I would usually spend $20 in a shop. Ok, $30 tops.

adorable vintage apron made from 30's prints

And I bet you couldn't do any better either! Look at all the great vintage one of a kind bits of things that I brought home. It has gotten me thinking about opening another etsy shop! Now if I could just think of a name.

Stacey and I would love to see what great bits of stuff you found thrifting this week. What couldn't you live without? Join our link party and add our button to your blog posting or sidebar.

SMQG

I went to my Quilt Guild meeting on Saturday. I was so looking forward to seeing the blocks that everyone made for the quilt we are making for the Sutter Breast Cancer Auction. They did not disappoint!Seeing these all together make me just want to make more! Two of my blocks I already showed you. But I did make two more the night before our meeting. The top 2 on the left. They are really just a mirror image of each other. And quickly done!

We are also making these Wonky Star blocks to make a quilt for veteran's coming home through the Mather Veteran's Hospital in Rancho Cordova, CA.

These are my first two. And I loved sewing them. Once I got into the pattern, I found it easy and fun to make. I really never thought I would be a quilter. So I am really proud of myself when I accomplish making a block! And I have been loving collecting little bits of red/white/blue fabric to make those stars.

What are you making?

thrifty adventures

Love thrifting like I do? How about getting something wonderful at the thrift for 50 cents!

I found this little wall hanging at Goodwill again! See the monogram, is it for Lu or LW? Don't you just love her kerchief and the bits of ric rac!

Love the hot pink and red toghether too! Someone made this little piece probably for their little girl's bedroom. Isn't it a great way to store all those little bits of hair accessories.

And look at the fab fabric on the back! Love it. And it is just the right price for a little crafty inspiration.


What did you find this week? Join our link party and grab our button for your blog post or side bar. And remember to stop by Pill's Place to see Stacey's fab find!

sacramento modern quilt guild

Did you know that I belong to a Quilt Guild. I know shocking. But the thing is, this is the Sacramento Modern Quilt Guild. We are really cool! And modern.

We meet once a month. And I love being with others who are as crazy about fabric as I am! We each have different techniques, talents, and tastes. So we do see a variety of styles. I am always learning something new from these girls!

I made this!

We are beginning to have a monthly challenge. And our January challenge was to use the same piece of fabric to create a 10 1/2" square block. Any kind of design that you want. When they are all brought together, they will be made into a quilt to be donated for the Sutter Breast Cancer auction.

and this one too!

And look what I made. My first block was the more difficult of the two. Good thing I got it out of the way first. I hope to get a few more done before our next meeting on February 12.

Want to come with me?

Link party:

sewing school rules!

It has been a week since our last class of sewing school, held here in my home. I miss those 5 little faces!


Our last class was a fun one. Filled with drawing on fabric, cutting out the fabric, and learning the whip stitch. And always practicing knot tying.

Each of the girls drew a different animal: a dog, cat, rabbit, bear, and another dog! Making their very own stuffie!

I didn't get a final picture of them all together like I usually do with their finished project. But when I did tell them it was their final class (for now), they were sad! They thought they were to have 8 classes! My goodness, I love you, but I need just a tiny little break.

I am starting up more sewing classes in March. Look at The Tin Thimble for their schedule of more beginning sewing for girls ages 6 - 10 years old, and a Mother/Daughter series of sewing classes.

Eat, Sleep, Sew!

thrifty adventures

I can't believe it is Thursday already! Let me tell you what happened... Last Friday I had to take my girl to a Dr. appointment. And her regular Dr. was at another office, so off we went. And would you believe it, there was a Goodwill down the street!

Goodwill is so nicely organized so I really do like going in. There are two where I live. So it is really easy for me to stop on by and do a little thrifting. Plus my girl loves it too. On this trip she picked out a Strawberry Shortcake puzzle (which did have all the pieces) and some Snoopy fleece fabric, that we washed and she loves to sleep with!

My favorite area is to look through the fabrics and household linens. And that is where I found this pretty girls apron. Vintage of course! I am always surprised to find something so great. It is like finding a jewel. This little jewel of an apron still needs to be washed and pressed. But I believe that it will soon be showing up in my shop.

Now it's your turn to join in on the fun of our linky party! Just add a picture of your thrifty treasure that you have blogged about. And remember to visit my link partner, Stacey, to see what thrifty goodness she has.

Then please remember to add our Thrifty Adventures button to your blog post or side bar.

teeth, friends, and shopping

Hi! I have been running about today. Feeling a bit frazzled. I was at my daughter's school this morning helping with a craft project. Which always gets a bit loud and crazy. Then later I am taking my three beauties to get their teeth cleaned. Which my boys badly need. Why are they the worst at taking care of their teeth? I hope they out grow this. Please tell me they out grow this!

Well, enough about me. I have made a new friend at Apron Thrift Girl. And she is hosting a giveaway today. And it is a giveaway that I am sponsoring! A sweet vintage apron with pale yellow and peachy pink flowers. Just adorable. Go and visit her and leave a comment on her wonderfully addictive blog to win.

And be sure to look at my etsy shop today. I am updating it with a bunch of onesies. All which were inspired by the book review that I need to share with you. I will tell you about that next. But let me just say, so far, so good!

Now go do your homework and brush your teeth.