I'm Gonna Be A Bag Lady

30 days hath September, and that's how long I have to complete one (or maybe 2) handbags for the 2011 Purse Week contest hosted by A Lemon Squeezy Home's blog: http://alemonsqueezyhome.blogspot.com/2011/08/purse-week.html   So, for September, I will refer to myself as  "the bag lady."

 

If you click on the link above (or on the linky button on the lower right hand section of my blog), you will find the rules and some incredible photographs of the 2010 winning entries.  Sewn purses or clutches (not wallets or backpacks) made after June 1, 2011, are eligible.  It's permissible to use a pattern or tutorial as long as you give credit to the designer. 

 

I know what I'm making, but it's a secret until I've posted my entry photos (in LATE September).  I have plans for two bags, but I may be lucky to finish one.    Two hints:  linen and embroidery.

 

I have another small linen project in the works – more on that later this week (hopefully).   I found an Etsy seller, Unique Shiny, who offers fat eighths and fat quarter assortments of high quality linen fabrics.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/UniqueShiny.  I received a fat eighths bundle this week, and it is lovely, lovely fabric. 

 

TTFN

LeAnn aka pasqueflower

http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pasque-Flower-Creations/240542392623600

Pink Trees!

It's shameless commerce Tuesday.  Today I'm featuring two baby girl items:  a baby blanket with Hoo's In The Forest fabric by Doohikey Designs for Riley Blake Designs, and a smaller baby quilt featuring Hoo's In The Forest charm squares, also by Doohikey Designs for Riley Blake Designs.

I used to watch the late Bob Ross's painting show on public TV, and he always talked about "happy little trees."  Well, I think these pink trees with multicolored leaves are definitely happy little trees. 

When my oldest son was a toddler, we drove by some blooming apple trees one day, and he said, "Look, Mom!  Pink trees!!!"  This fabric also reminded me of that.  Now he's all grown up with a preschooler and a second grader of his own.  On their visit to the Black Hills this summer, the 3-year-old looked at Mt. Rushmore and said, "Look, Dad!  GUYS!!!"  So in our family, Mt. Rushmore will forever be known as "The Guys." 

The baby girl patchwork quilt is 27.5" x 27.5" – definitely on the small size, but perfect for a preemie, a younger baby, or as a take-along blankie.   It has cotton batting and French fold (double thick) plaid binding.  The backing is pink and white checked lightweight flannel.  I tied it at each block intersection with six strands of pink embroidery floss. 

The 32" x 32" blanket has a solid piece of high quality cotton fabric on the top, and a soft, cuddly pink fleece backing.  The layers are stitched together with two rows of topstitching.  There's no batting or binding, so it's not a quilt.  The fleece provides warmth without being too heavy. If you'd like to make your own fabric and fleece blanket, here's a terrific tutorial by Jera, author of the Quilting in the Rain blog: http://quiltingintherain.blogspot.com/2011/07/easy-baby-blankets.html.

These small blankies are a handy size.   Receiving blankets can be too small or too thin.  Crib quilts can be too big to be easily portable.  This size is just right to cover a car seat/carrier, to keep in a stroller, or to pack along in the diaper bag as a soft cushion on the go.  (Those plastic drop-down changing tables are great—but not soft, and probably not always clean!)  A blanket this size also creates a soft space on a hardwood tile floor where baby can safely roll over and sit.  AND, it would be a much appreciated baby shower gift – pretty and practical.

You can find them in my Etsy shop—just check the scrolling shop widget in the left-hand column of this blog, or visit the Baby Quilts section of my shop at:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower.  I'll be adding more baby blankets before the holidays, some with Minky (soft plush) backs.

 

TTFN

LeAnn aka pasqueflower

http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pasque-Flower-Creations/240542392623600

Hand Embroidery Revival

Who knew!?!  Hand embroidery is making a comeback! 

I learned embroidery at a very, very young age.  I started with simple cross-stitch (not the counted kind), and progressed through dish towels and pillowcases with simple crocheted lace edging.  I had a cute little sewing box  (shown above) and a small metal embroidery hoop with a thin cork inner lining to grip the fabric.  My mom thought it would keep me from biting my fingernails – Wrong!  But it was something I loved to do.

Later, after I became a quilter, I discovered redwork and bluework—a monochromatic blend of embroidery and quilting.   For a brief history of redwork, and some interesting samples, see: http://www.grandmasatticquilting.com/Redwork.htm.

Baltimore-style appliqué also included some embroidery stitches (including the dreaded French knots!) as embellishments.  I was fortunate to attend the first session of Baltimore on the Prairie, where I learned several new embroidery techniques from a gifted teacher, Nadine Thompson.  http://baltimoreontheprairie.tresajones.com/nadinethompson2.html

I am delighted that multi-colored embroidery is making a comeback in the handmade community, and I love all the fresh new designs – from dainty, to bold, to whimsical.  Embroidery threads have improved, too, in the past 50 years.  I especially like the Cosmo threads, which I purchase from one of my favorite quilt shops, Dakota Cabin Quilts in Hettinger, ND:  http://www.dakotacabinquilts.com/cgi-bin/Store/store.cgi

Anna Maria Horner, one of my all-time favorite fabric designers, has also developed a new line of needlework patterns and threads.  http://baltimoreontheprairie.tresajones.com/nadinethompson2.html

Kim & Kris of The DIY Dish did a fun interview with Anna Maria at Quilt Market: http://www.thediydish.com/2011/05/kim-kris-interview-anna-maria-horner-at-quilt-market-free-patter

I've also found two wonderful new books on contemporary embroidery.  One I own and love is Doodle Stitching:  The Motif Collection (400+ easy embroidery designs) by Aimee Ray.  It was published by Lark Crafts in 2010, and includes a CD with downloadable patterns, mostly small outline motifs with a touch of whimsy.

The second, which I discovered at the library on Sunday afternoon, and which I intend to buy soon is Embroidery Companion:  Classic Designs for Modern Living, by Alicia Paulson.  It was published by Potter Craft in 2010.  In addition to traditional embroidery and counted cross-stitch, this book offers a fantastic section on crewelwork, where embroidered shapes are not merely outlined, but filled in with stitches which add design elements and texture.  The "must-have" pages, for me, are beautiful cursive letters with small floral accents that would be perfect for hand-monogrammed linens or accessories.  

I plan to do embroidery embellishments on some linen clutches and zipper bags.  Another project to add to my To Do Before the Holidays list.  My lists are always longer than my days.

TTFN

LeAnn aka pasqueflower

http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower

And the winner is ..... !

Thanks to everyone who entered the cute handbag giveaway!  The bags were designed by Ellen Medlock (www.ellenmedlock.com) , and sewn by me.

The winner, in a random drawing is Traci (LuciRae)!  She chose the Owl bag.

Traci:  Please send me an email with your mailing address, and I'll ship it out Priority Mail.  Here's my email address:  leannlafave@yahoo.com.

Enjoy what's left of your weekend!

 

For anyone on the East Coast, hope you and yours are staying high and dry, and safe!   I'm sure my son in Arlington, VA has felt the impact.  My daughter in NYC will be next.  She'll be experiencing cabin fever with no public transit.  I created a Hurricane Irene-inspired Treasury, Stormy Weather:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTMwNDM0MzF8NjMxMjE1MTU3/stormy-weather?ref=pr_treasury

Grateful that it has now been downgraded to a tropical storm.

 

 

TTFN

LeAnn aka pasqueflower

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower

http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pasque-Flower-Creations/240542392623600

Blogger's Dinner Party Retro Apron

This is the first month I've participated in the Blogger's Dinner Party.    It is a monthly link-up to share handmade placemats, table runners, napkins, trivets, aprons, potholders, dishtowels, or any other handcrafted item related to making or serving a delicious dinner.   Some bloggers also share recipes.  it is usually hosted by Needle and Spatula, but the August dinner party was hosted by Lindsay Sews.  

My submission is the retro half apron shown above.  It was made using Michael Miller Fabrics LLC Home Ec fabric.  I just love the vintage vibe, and the attention to detail – like the checkered scarf on top of the round topped refrigerator.   That's exactly like the frig that was in our green and yellow kitchen when I was a little girl, except the scarf on top of our frig was red and white checked.   And note the cute aprons all those Susie Homemaker and Betty Crocker look-alikes are wearing.  Too cute! 

I adapted a Utility Aprons pattern by Renee Plains of Liberty Star, 8510 E. Santa Catalina Dr., Scottsdale, AZ  85255.   But I simplified it, because I didn't want to cover that fun Home Ec fabric with extra pockets.  The front panel is divided into two roomy pockets, lined with vintage yellow and white checked gingham.  I added the vintage green rick-rack to ramp up the kitsch factor.  (My husband bought three shoe boxes full of vintage rick-rack and bias tape at an estate sale.)

The black polka dot fabric used for the front background, back, and ties reminded me of Lawrence Welk and the champagne music makers (a TV show I watched as a little girl).  Do any of you remember the Lennon Sisters?   If not, ask your mom or grandma.

I've added the Blogger's Dinner Party linky to my blog.  You'll find it near the bottom of the right-hand column.   Consider joining us in September!

TTFN

LeAnn aka pasqueflower

http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower

 

A Walk in the Park ---for ALS

Today I'm participating in a fundraiser walk for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).  Our church friend, Kathy, is courageously battling this devastating disease.    So I'm part of the "St. David's for Kathy" team.  It's a short walk – not like the 10K's or marathons my sons and brother run.  And the weather forecast looks good – low 80s and partly sunny.   So it really will be a walk in the park. 

One advantage to being smack dab in the middle of the country---we don't have hurricanes.  Blizzards, tornados and the occasional dust storm, but no hurricanes. My three adult kids who live in NH, Brooklyn, and D.C. will no doubt feel the impact of Hurricane Irene.  We watch The Weather Channel  and hope and pray.  The Washington Post  is also providing mobile updates about Hurricane Irene. Text "Weather" to 98999 to sign up.

Since I had Hurricane Irene on my mind, I created an Etsy Treasury called Stormy Weather:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTMwNDM0MzF8NjMxMjE1MTU3/stormy-weather?ref=pr_treasury

TTFN

LeAnn aka pasqueflower

http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com      

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pasque-Flower-Creations/240542392623600

It's Never Too Late

My cousin Deb recently had a milestone birthday.  Deb works at the Texas A&M Library where she carries on the family tradition of librarianship. (Our grandmother and great-grandmother were librarians, and we descend from a long line of bibliophiles.)  But Deb does not fit the Marian the Librarian stereotype.  She's a veteran, an artist, a Chicago Bears fan (Da Bears!), and she LOVES motorcycles!

Deb once had a motorcycle, but she had to sell it to pay major medical bills.  She started a Motorcycle Fund to replace her bike, and it looked like a new bike might be almost within reach, when another surgery zeroed out her Motorcycle Fund --- again!  I knew Deb was on the mend when I logged onto Facebook and saw her new avatar -- a VERY old woman riding a motorcycle with the caption, It's Never Too Late! 

I've had a motorcycle fat quarter in my fabric stash, and when I saw Deb's new avatar, I knew what I needed to do.  I used Keyka Lou's Curvy Clutch pattern, and created a clutch, fully lined with a pocket, where she can stash her cash as she begins to replenish her Motorcycle Fund.  I finished it late last night, and I will mail it off today.

I admire Deb's indomitable spirit, and her tenacity in staying true to her goal to have a motorcycle despite multiple obstacles.

When I am faced with challenges and setbacks, I will try to envision Deb's avatar.  I'll pick myself up, dust myself off, and remind myself, "It's never too late!"

And---it's not too late to enter my giveaway.  You have until midnight on August 27, 2011, to enter (5 ways) for your chance to win your choice of two handbags designed by Ellen Medlock and sewn by me:  http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com/2011/08/cute-handbag-giveaway.html

FYI:  Keyka Lou has lots of cute patterns, and her instructions are excellent.  You can find them at www.etsy.com/shop/keykalou or on the web at www.keykaloupatterns.com.  

TTFN

LeAnn aka pasqueflower

http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pasque-Flower-Creations/240542392623600