Metro Cafe

I had a past customer ask for a custom order using Robert Kaufman's Metro Cafe in the Garden colorway. I purchase the teapots, teacups & cutlery fabrics from that line at http://www.hawthornethreads.com/fabric/designer/robert_kaufman_house_designer/metro_cafe
It was easy to find coordinates with so many wonderful colors. I used fabrics from Jennifer Paganelli, Sandi Henderson, Lizzy Dish & Michael Miller. So pretty in my MIL's garden. Next up, crib bedding! :)

Quilt vs Blanket

I often get questions about my listings of quilts & blankets~ what's the difference? I thought I'd take the time to explain it then refer people to this post!

BLANKETS (or patchwork & minky blankets) first picture. These are patchwork or single fabric on one side, minky on the other. The 2 sides are attached all the way around the outside 2 times for durability. There is nothing in between, there is no attachment in the middle. The top & bottom pieces move independently. I have had many orders for this type of blanket up to twin size. I think it is a 'look'. I started making these because with less labor involved, I can charge less. I think everyone should be able to have their own blanket or throw!

QUILTS These have patchwork or single fabric on one side, fabric on the other. There is cotton or cotton/polyester batting in between. The layers are quilted together throughout & a binding is applied around the edge. I machine sew both quilts & blankets. Quilts have more 'ingredients' & more work, so the price reflects that. Originally I didn't think I would make and sell quilts because they are so time consuming. I found that more and more people were asking for them. What I decided to do is just keep the pattern simple~ basic squares or what I like to call 'random patchwork' and outline quilt to keep the time down to keep the cost down.

I will say that both are beautiful and I LOVE make both of them. Its kind of like your kids~ they are different, but you love them equally. Hopefully that explains the difference! :)

Love My New Camera!

I am so happy with my new camera! I bought a Canon Powershot SX and love it! I just finished making 4 really large throws for a very sweet family and took millions of photos. I chose a close up of the one I posted in progress on an earlier post, but there are more posted on flickr. I have some great Halloween ones of my kids I will post in a couple of days. Enjoy!

Just Do SOMETHING!

I feel very 'on fire' about something today, so wanted to share. I just want to encourage everyone to start TODAY finding out how you can help someone, some organization- especially with the holidays starting. I know we are all so 'busy', but there has to be something you can do if you plan now. For me, the obvious choice would be to sew something since I do that 24/7- well, maybe 20/7! :) I found an organization here in Ventura County called 'My Stuff Bags' based in Westlake Village, CA. A customer of mine sent me a link to http://crafthope.com/ both of these organizations provide blankets for people in need. They can be a quilt, or for My Stuff Bags they give a tutorial on a fleece blanket. It would be a great project for the kids- no sew. If sewing or crafting isn't your 'thing'- find something that is. My goal was to use scraps from my blankets to sew up blankets for foster kids and I am the first to admit I am sorely lacking. I only have 3 in the pile, but hey, it's a start! Once I get to 5, I will send them off and I just pray they will be a small source of comfort to someone. There are so many people who will be without this season. However you are blessed, share it with someone. Some people give money, others talents, others have just their time to give, to serve. If we all do our part, we can help so many! I was so wonderfully reminded in church yesterday, "There are many different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men." 1Corinthians12:6

What To Do With 24 Fat Quarters?

I was given the challenge to create a patchwork diaper bag, blanket and burp cloths from 23 fat quarters a customer gave me. I was giddy for the opportunity. I added one fabric from my collection to make an even 24 using Amy Butler's Midwest Modern and Daisy Chain fabrics. I started off cutting 5 1/2" strips and sewed them in groups of 3. I then began placing them where needed. For the bag flap I actually used the scraps from cutting the ends off of the strip groups. I put light blue minky on the back of the patchwork blanket. I am so pleased with the way it all came out. The aquas and greens really glow! It will be so hard to mail this package out today! :)

Blankets Galore

I am really enjoying making patchwork and minky blankets. It is really so rewarding and each one is different. My husband and I trekked out to downtown LA to buy a ton of minky. It is really hard to see what color it is online. There are no good sources locally, so everything is online- which is fine with me! I have such creative customers- always willing to work things out, be kind to what stash I have. Each blanket is a labor of love- truly!! My son told me the other day that I was in love with fabric. Kids are so intuitive sometimes. I was commenting on his boy favorites and saying "How could you love playing airsoft?"- I don't get the whole gun thing. He said that was better than loving fabric- ha! Fabric won't hurt you! I hope to get lots of blanket orders so I can order more minky and fabric that I love!!