Now I Can Show You This…….

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.  Mine was especially nice this year.  I got to spend precious time with my parents and grandparents.  The older we all get, the more I realize, that time with family is better than any present anyone could give me!  Although Santa must read my blog because he brought me the Lil’ Twister Ruler I wanted too :>)

I normally make gifts for my friends and family at Christmas, but this year my time was at a premium and I was only able to complete a couple of gifts.  Now that Christmas is over I can share them with you.  They are both Kitchen Quilts.  They are super quick and easy to make and require no real pattern(all a big plus for me).  BTW, this was not my idea, this was shown to me several months ago by my friend, Mitzy, and I have kept it in my back pocket to make as a surprise for my Mom for Christmas.

Here’s how I did it (sorry no step by step pictures like normal because this is so easy you don’t need pictures):

I took a bath towel and cut it in half (you could even use a kitchen towel or a hand towel if you wanted).  Then I began playing with fabric and deciding how I wanted the front to look.  As I have told you, I am not a “real quilter” but I did want it to resemble a quilt since, after all,  it is called a Kitchen Quilt :>)  So I found a piece of focus fabric that I knew my Mother would love and cut a piece about 12″ x 22″ for the left hand side.  Then I added  two companion fabrics and made a checkerboard for the right side, cutting the strips to 2 1/2″ each.  I added the machine applique flowers (because a little embroidery never hurt any project, right?) to match the fabric on the left side to tie it all together.

Once I had the quilt top pieced,  I placed it and the towel, right sides together and stitched with a 1/2″ seam allowance around all the edges, leaving about a 6″ hole for turning.  I then machine quilted the two pieces together using invisible thread (my favorite).  I closed the opening, once the quilting was complete, by top stitching around the quilt.  See Easy Peasy!  The total finished size was approximately 19″ x 21″.  

 HINT:  Pre-wash both your towel (pre-cut) and fabrics.

In this next Kitchen Quilt, I didn’t add any embroidery (shocker I know).  I chose to use a Loralie panel (have too many of those I need to use up) and piece some companion strips together instead.  It is a little smaller, approximately 18″ x 19″ but just as cute.  This would be a great project for a house warming gift or as a present to yourself to spruce up your kitchen counter when doing dishes.  It will also help you use up some of that fabric stash:>)

Thanks Mitzy for the Kitchen Quilt idea.  It was a big hit with my Mom.  If you make a Kitchen Quilt of your own, please email me a picture so I can share it with everyone for inspiration at SewMichelle@outlook.com.  

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~~Twister Ruler ~~

I wouldn’t call myself a quilter but this Twister Ruler definitely has intrigued me.   From the way I understand it, you sew either 5″ or 10″ blocks together (depending on the size of the twister ruler you use) and then you lay the twister ruler on the blocks and cut around it and then sew them back together to produce a “twister” quilt.  Pretty cool huh?  I am such a sucker for gadgets!  I found these adorable quilts on Pinterest and it says they are made using the ruler.  I think I might like to give this a whirl.  Maybe it will turn me into a quilter?  So if Santa is listening, I would REALLY like one of these in my stocking please :>)  In fact, I made it easy for you, I found a place that has a combo Twister & Lil Twister Ruler set so you don’t have to ponder over which size to get me…….just get both.   

Swaps Are FUN!

I recently participated in a zipper pouch swap put together by Heather Valentine from The Sewing Loft.  The only thing my swap partner really knew was that I liked bright colors.   I first opened my package to find she took the time to wrap the pouch in pretty tissue paper (bright yellow of course) and tied a cute bow around it.  Being the girly girl I am – of course that  instantly made me smile.  After all, presentation is everything isn’t it?  Then I unwrapped it and saw this adorable bag – its like she had known me for years!    She wrote in her note (that was on the cutest handmade card) that she picked the brightest fabric in her stash –  its perfect!  Definitely my kind of colors.  She even filled the pouch with extra goodies such as a business card holder, scissor case with the cutest pair of little scissors and a matching key chain.   She really outdid herself – thank you Mary Ann!  You are a FABULOUS swap partner!!  

Fancy Fabric Folders FREEBIE!!!!

Its CRUNCH TIME!  If you need a quick gift, click HERE to check out my Fancy Fabric Folders.  

Secrets of Embroidery has the file available as an instant download on their site.  All you have to do is click on the picture at the bottom of  their page and it will automatically download to your computer.  You can personalize the folders with the applique machine embroidery designs that are included with the free pattern.  Don’t have an embroidery machine?  No problem.  I have added a PDF and a JPEG file with each letter so you can personalize them too using a regular sewing machine and a zig zag stitch on the edges.  The folders are even cute without embroidery.   The free pattern includes instructions for covering a matching spiral notebook too.  

 I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  Enjoy!!!  

Painted Poinsettias by Sew Inspired by Bonnie

For all of you that are scrambling to get those last minute gifts done (I can TOTALLY relate)and need quick but beautiful designs, you should check out Sew Inspired by Bonnie.  She has a new set out call Painted Poinsettias and it is gorgeous!  Here are some pics of her new set on a tree skirt she created.  While it might be too late to make a tree skirt like this, unless you don’t sleep and only sew from now until Christmas, you could embroider the designs on towels or pillowcases for a quick gift.   And for the icing on the cake……she is having a Buy One Get One Free Sale starting today.  

Sew Many Projects Caddy with Bonus Applique Embroidery

To Purchase my newest pattern, SEW MANY PROJECTS CADDY, click HERE to go to my Etsy Store.

 

As with most sewers, I am always working on multiple projects at the same time.  I get bored with one and then I begin a new one.  I try to be organized by putting everything I need for the first project in a box or bag to keep it all together but then when I want to go back to that project, I normally can’t find it without looking through all the boxes or bags I have loaded with other projects.  One day after getting frustrated searching for a particular project for what seemed like hours, I thought, if I could only see what’s in these things it would make my life easier and I wouldn’t waste so much precious time searching for what I’m looking for.  Then it hit me, PET SCREEN!  You can see through pet screen!   And so it began, the Sew Many Projects Caddy was born. 

My favorite part of the Sewing Caddy is that it has two outer zippered pockets to hold thread, scissors and sewing notions (or whatever else the project requires).  Then behind each zippered pocket is an additional pocket that is perfect to hold patterns and notes while storing the fabric or heavier materials in the main part of the bag.  Using the pet screen allows you to see exactly what project you have in the caddy and all its compartments,  while keeping  your things organized so when you’re ready to work on your project, everything you need is right there and you can identify it easily.  No more wasting time by searching through all the boxes for the project you were working on a month ago!

Don’t let the zippers scare you away from making this adorable caddy!  I understand that most of us are visual learners and I cater to that by including lots of pictures (over 25 in this pattern) to guide you step by step in making your own Sew Many Projects Caddy.  My method of installing zippers (with zipper tabs to make it look professional ) is super simple and is explained in detail with pictures to help you conquer this fear! 

In addition to the 12 page eBook, I have included my much loved Sewnopsis to save you time and money on printing.  What is a Sewnopsis?  It is a single page reference guide that has the supply list, cutting instructions and the most important steps to the pattern on ONE SHEET.  It’s handy to keep by your sewing machine to refer to when making your Caddy.   It is also a lifesaver to have with you when you go to the store to get your supplies so you don’t forget a thing and have to make the dreaded trip back to the store.

This pattern DOES INCLUDE BONUS embroidery designs.  The Sew Many Projects circle applique’ frame is included with each letter of the alphabet and then a blank applique’ frame in case you want to incorporate your own lettering.  The embroidery design fits the 4″x4″ hoop and is available in JEF, PES, HUS and EXP formats.  

 

An adorable Mini-Screen Tote Bag made by Kimberley Gavrus

Kimberley sent me pictures of her version of my

Mini-Screen Tote Bag Pattern.

It is just adorable Kimberley!

This is what she had to say:

“Hi Michelle, I recently purchased your pattern instructions for your cute little tote. I made this tote featuring Whimsical Roses Monograms by Santi from Hatched in Africa embroidery designs.  I want to compliment you on your instructions…they are really nice…love all the pics. Also, I really liked working with the type of screening you suggested. I have never heard of it before, and a few Walmart employees had not either….LOL My husband and I wondered around the store until he spotted it in the hardware isle. This is one tote, you are seeing both sides. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to use the K or the G (for my last name)….so I decided to use both.  Thanks for creating this little cutie. Kimberley Gavrus.”

Kimberley, THANK YOU for sharing your adorable creation!

You did a fantastic job!

If you have made a project using one of my patterns, I would LOVE to see it and share it on my blog.

Please send me a picture or two to my email SewMichelle@outlook.com.

If you would like to purchase your own Mini-Screen Tote Bag Pattern, please visit my Etsy Store by clicking here or you can purchase through Secrets of Embroidery by clicking here.

Thanks again Kimberley!

6″x10″ Design Added for My Sunday Best Scripture

After numerous requests, I have added a design for the scripture in a single hooping using the 6″x 10″ hoop.  It will be slightly smaller but not that noticeable.  It was also determined that the full scripture would fit in the 6″ x 12″ hoop and I have updated the files to reflect that.  Sorry for the confusion and for leaving you 6″ x 10″ owners out :>)  

If you would like to purchase My Sunday Best pattern, please click HERE to go directly to my Etsy store.

 

 

 

My Sunday Best

Here is my latest project and of course it is a tote bag :>)  This pattern is for sale on my Etsy store (click HERE to take you directly there).

  Normally I don’t sell any embroidery designs that I use on my samples, but I am trying something new this time.  This pattern includes the embroidery designs shown on the tote bag as a BONUS with the purchase of my pattern.  The designs will be sent with the pattern in JEF, PES, HUS and EXP formats.  Both designs (an applique cross for the lining) require at least a 5″x 7″ hoop to stitch them.  The cross can be completed in one hooping, using the 5″ x 7″  hoop, but the scripture will require two hoopings if using a 5″ x 7″  hoop.  The scripture does fit in a single hooping for a 7″ x 11″ or larger hoop.  

The tote bag is ZIPPER FREE so it is a very quick project (even for a beginner).  You could make plenty of these tote bags to give to the people on your Christmas list that you have no idea what to get for them.  Or you can even make these and sell them at craft shows (that season is coming up quickly you know).  The bag is so unique that it is sure to attract lots of attention to your booth.

The bag measures 12 1/2″tall x 14″ wide x 5″ deep, making it the perfect size to hold your necessities any day of the week.  

And the winner is……

 

Congratulations go out to Barbara Kish Murray from Roselle, IL!!  She won the Why Knot Tote Bag sample made out of Moda’s Little Black Dress fabric line.   I heard from Barbara this morning and she is so excited she’s “doing the happy dance”.   Too funny Barbara!

Thank you all so very much for the sweet comments you left.   Reading them makes me want to make a sample and send to EACH of YOU!  Stay tuned for more contests – this was too much fun.