2015 in Review

I don't even know where to begin in reviewing this past year. So much was crammed in, it's hard to process! Let's just say there were plenty of freak out moments and diet coke to get through this past year.


Personally, I was so happy to get married this year. I don't know what I would do without Michael. I definitely would have gone crazy by now! We had a wonderful day surrounded by family, and then escaped to Disney World. All a dream come true.

Photo by Dennis Crider for Imagen Photography.


Professionally, I checked a big thing off my list this year with my book, Patchwork Essentials: The Half-Square Triangle. I put so much work into this book, and it's both exciting and terrifying to think it's actually out in the world now! A big thank you to Lucky Spool for making this possible. I have some fun stuff planned for it in 2016, hopefully early in the year!


Let's be real though, the biggest news this past year was that George now has his own fabric. I released my fifth fabric collection with Art Gallery Fabrics, Curiosities, in June!


This year I discovered Tsum Tsums, and am now a happy member of the Tsum Tsum of the month club! Yes, it is a real thing!


Knitting continued to be the perfect hobby for me, and I finished 15 projects this year! I really tried to challenge myself to try new things. I knit my first sweater, knit colorwork, tried weaving and knit three pairs of mittens. Plus, tried felting for the first time! I have lots of projects to share still.


I finished three of the book quilts in January this year, but otherwise didn't have a ton of quilt finishes. Three I have yet to share, will be able to do that soon!


I did manage to make five pincushions this year. My love of pincushions continues to grow!

It's always fun looking back on the year, and this sure was a busy one! Will share some goals and resolutions for 2016 next week. In the meantime, Happy New Year! Thank you for your continued support. It was a quieter year that usual here on the blog, I'm hoping to hit the ground running next year and be better about making time to write!

Holiday Pattern Sale!

Happy Friday! It's time for my annual holiday sale! This year, take 25% off all PDF patterns in my online shop using code HOLIDAY25 at checkout. For EU customers, this code works in my Payhip shop too!

Coupon code is good on all PDF pattern purchases from Friday, December 11th - Sunday, December 13th, 2015. It cannot be applied to previous purchases.

Happy Holidays!

Glamp Stitchalot 2015

Happy Wednesday! I wanted to chat a bit today about my experience teaching at Glamp Stitchalot last month! I've taught at two Camp Stitchalot events, which are held at a bed and breakfast in Michigan a couple times a year. This was the first Glamp Stitchalot, which was held at a hotel in Ann Arbor, MI. There were five other teachers (Violet Craft, Sarah Fielke, Katy Jones, Alison Glass and Tula Pink) and we all worked together to design a mystery medallion quilt, which students worked on throughout the weekend!


Michael grew up in Saline, which is right outside of Ann Arbor, so I've been to visit the area quite a bit. One of my favorite things about going is Zingerman's bakery. They make the best sourdough! It's so good.


Always traveling with my own quilt! This is my much loved Patchwork Prism quilt made from vintage sheets. Still a favorite. And also two of my Stitches. I got to room with Deedrie, which was awesome!


I was able to visit Pink Castle Fabrics in their newer location, which was awesome! They ave SO much fabric, ahhck! With all the attendees visiting I stepped in to help cut fabric for a while, which was fun! I managed to get out of there with only a couple half yards, phew! Could have done some real damage in there.


A peek at the classroom! Loaded with Janome Skyline S7s!


Here is my version of the mystery medallion quilt. Each of us was responsible for designing a center block and a border, which could be interchanged according to preference! I used every border once. I chose half-square triangles (surprise, surprise!) for my center block and the very last border is mine. Unfortunately, the pattern was exclusive to the event, otherwise I'd direct you to it!


We were also asked to design a t-shirt for the event (if we wanted!). I wanted to keep things simple and also design something that would have all the details from the weekend! I am so pleased with how it turned out, and it's really comfy. I've been getting lots of wear out of it!


I had a great time at Glamp Stitchalot! It was really nice being able to stay inside all weekend, and the attendees were really lovely. The Pink Castle Team (Brenda, Jason, Hayley, Hayley, Josh and more!) did so much to make this a killer event, if you can make it in the future, do it! The June Glamp is sold out, but they do have a waiting list, here.

Brenda and I were pretty excited for the chocolate fountain, duh! A highlight for sure! :)

Happy Quilting!

Imprint Arithmetic Quilt

Happy Monday! Today I have a quilt finished to share, yay! I have been on a binding spree the last two weeks. I bound four quilts! This one, another I'll share next week, a gift quilt, and a quilt for my next quilt pattern. I figured while I was binding, I might as well bind them all! But back to this quilt. This is a just because quilt. No real reason or need, just a stack of pretty fabric to sew up.


I like the colors and minimal design in the prints in this collection. It's Imprint by Katarina Roccella. I had a really enjoyable time getting to know Katarina at quilt market this past Spring when she was exhibiting this collection. Knew I'd have to get my hands on it!


Almost as soon as the fabrics arrived, I cut them up! I liked the idea of using large pieces to play with the large scale designs. From far away many of the prints look almost solid, which I knew would be fun for my Arithmetic Quilt Pattern. I chose the largest square size, which I had only made once before. It goes together SO fast. I cut and pieced the top in the same day! Love when that happens.


It is a hard time of year to take good photographs of my work. The days are so short, the weather is dreary, and everything is brown and gray. We are able to steal a few minutes of light for a quick full shot though!


I sent this quilt to Melissa of Sew Shabby Quilting to have it quilted. I chose this cool modified orange peel design. I had this done on one of my Dreamin' Vintage Side Braid Quilt last year too and really liked it. I wanted something really curvy to contrast the simple geometric design of this quilt.


 I didn't have enough of either of my binding choices, so I went with both. Mostly Ash Pure Elements and a bit of Silver Drops Oval Elements. I used the two strips of ovals going around a corner, and I think the result is fun!


I didn't have much time or energy to do a lot of just because quilting last year. Between finishing up quilts and step outs for the book, sewing samples from Curiosities for quilt market, and getting ready for the wedding, I felt pretty burnt out. I'm hoping to tackle more personal projects next year, and take some time to work on more long term quilting projects!

Happy Quilting!

Curiosities Carry-All Pincushion

Happy Wednesday! I have a number of finished projects to share before the year ends, starting with this super cute pincushion! Pincushions are one of my favorite things to make, and this one was lots of fun. This is the Carry-All Pincushion from Anna's book, Handmade Style. I knew immediately that I'd want to make this pincushion, and it did not disappoint! I'm already scheming a second.


I chose prints from the warm colorway of Curiosities for my cushion. The only thing I did differently from the instructions was to use a bit of ruler twill tape instead of a sewn fabric strip for the scissor strap! This particular twill is from Little Red Cottage.


Look at all the cute pockets on this pincushion! It's unlike any pincushion I've made before! It's a great addition to my collection.


The other side has these two pleated pockets. Perfect for packs of extra needles, my little tin of pins, or even some washi tape!


Each end has a pocket too! Standard round tape measure fit great in them.



I really enjoyed making this pincushion. I haven't been sewing too many small projects lately, I forgot how satisfying they can be. I am looking forward to sewing through more of the projects in Handmade Style. I've stitched up the Zip-Top Tote and the Double Zip Wallet (which I haven't posted yet!). I think I'd like to make either the tunic or the makeup travel case next! Or maybe her new Maker's Tote Pattern? It's a toss up!

Happy Sewing!