Timber!

Don't you just love it when it's time for another One Thimble release? I sure do! The only thing more fun than reading through the great articles is sewing up one of the fabulous patterns!
This time around, I got to try out the "Timber!" quilt pattern by Rachel Rossi Designs as part of the OT blog tour for Pattern Revolution.

Have you never read a One Thimble e-zine? If not, you are missing out! Look at all the great contributors featured in this issue.

Look at this beautiful cover!!

I have a niece who's expecting a baby girl in May and I decided this quilt would be a perfect gift!
She's actually naming the baby "Willow" and I think these are birch trees, but I don't think she'll mind, lol!
This was my first time sewing up a project from Rachel Rossi and, WOW!, it's a very in-depth pattern!  The instructions are very clear and precise, leaving you very little room for error.
I appreciate that the applique pieces print in reverse so you don't need to worry about flipping anything around when you trace it out.

One thing I didn't do according to the pattern is cut my strips long enough. The pattern comes in two sizes-crib and twin. I had planned on making the crib size...but, then I came home from the fabric store, lol.  I picked up this black and gold fabric with zero projects in mind, but realized it's perfect for this quilt-makes it look like a starry night to me. ;)
Anyhow, the fabric is only 42" wide and I didn't buy enough to cut lengthwise, so I ended up with a quilt that's only about 40" long after quilting. (Honestly, this may never see the inside of a crib, so I'm good with the size.)
I amped up the comfort on this quilt with the pink swirl minky fabric.  It matches great with the bear on the front and I used one of the bear fabrics for the binding to pull it all together.

I am very pleased with how the quilt came out and I bet my niece will be, too!

Don't forget to check out all the other stops on the tour!!

2/9/2017

Pattern Revolution

Call Ajaire

The Berry Bunch

2/10/2017

SewSophieLynn

Candice Ayala

Lilyshine Creates

2/11/2017

Sprouting Jube Jube

Once Upon a Sewing Machine

Beri Bee Designs

2/12/2017

That's-Sew-Kari

Gaafmachine

SnickerDoodle Stew

2/13/2017

Stitches by Laura

Made by Sara

Max California

2/14/2017

Little Cumquat

Tales of a Tester

House of Estrela

2/15/2017

Not Sew Selfish

Adventures with Bubba and Bug

Lulu and Celeste

Happy sewing! :)

One Thimble, Issue 13

I’m a day late, but it’s my turn on the One Thimble blog tour!

There were some really, really great patterns to choose from this time around and I chose a not so new-to-me designer, Felt With Love. (I previously shared the 3-D puzzle animals.)

There are actually two patterns here today, Kawaii Felt Purse and Kawaii Felt Charms. In case you don’t know (I didn’t), kawaii means “cute.”  And these patterns certainly are cute!  So are all of the other sneaks I’ve seen from this issue of One Thimble! :)
It has finally started to feel like fall here, so I am digging all of the cool summery designs found in OT 13.

I deviated a bit with each pattern, but think I stayed true to the designer with each one.

When I read the description for the Kawaii Felt Charms pattern, I thought I read that instructions for paper clips were included.  Not so. I think I read bookmark and hair clip and interpreted "paper clip." LOL! Options actually include making a charm, bookmark, pencil topper, hair clip, headband, and brooch. Nonetheless, I had my heart set on making some attached to paper clips and I love the way they turned out!  That watermelon has been peeking out of my notebook all week.  I can’t help but smile when I catch a glimpse of it.

As for the Kawaii Felt Purse pattern, the bags remind me of those emoji pillows you see in stores. I couldn’t resist making a few modifications and turning them into pillows for my nieces!  The popsicle is made from felt, the sun uses minky and felt, and the watermelon uses quilters’ cotton.

Both of these patterns were very well written and I am already planning matching purses for the pillows.  My nieces will love them!

Just wait until you see what everyone else has made. You will be hoping for warmer weather soon! ;)

8/12

Call Ajaire

Bunch O Berries

Sew Happily Ever After

8/13

Once Upon a Sewing Machine

Tales of a Tester

All Things Katy

8/14

House Of Estrela

Sun Flower Seams

Stitches by Laura

8/15

That's Sew Kari

Coral and Co.

Threading Rainbows

8/16

Lulu and Celeste

Max California

Pearberry Lane

8/17

Sprouting JJ

Create Three Point Five

Made By Melli

8/18

Snickerdoodle Stew

Beri Bee Designs

Candice Ayala

Sew Sophie Lynn

8/19

Pattern Revolution

Adventures with Bubba and Bug

Made by Sara

ONE THIMBLE, ISSUE #11

(I was provided a copy of One Thimble to review, but all opinions are my own.)

This time around, the theme for One Thimble is "Urban Vibes" or, as I keep saying to myself--"It's a Jungle Out There!"
Issue 11 is packed with of inspiration for girls AND boys of all ages.

 I started with the Felt 3-D Animal Puzzle by Felt With Love Designs (http://www.feltwithlovedesigns.com/).  As you can see these are loads of fun! You can make each animal a different color or use the same color throughout to make matching up the legs a little more difficult.  Of course it really won't matter because chances are the kiddos will mix it all up themselves! Obviously that's just part of the fun!!

See? Elephant legs on an Alligator...what were they thinking, lol?!?

These little guys were easy, but time consuming to make.  (I'm already plotting some for Christmas gifts!)

 Next up:  Adventurer Pants by Rabbit Rabbit Creations! (https://www.facebook.com/RabbitRabbitCreations/?fref=nf)


 I started with a sheet that has just been sitting in a closet for many, many years...like 12 or so years, lol!   Quite some time spent fussy cutting and voila! Super cute Adventurer Pants that this little guy adores!
I love the detail you get with the contrast fabric.  You can't see a lot of contrast with my side panels, but I love how the pocket trim pops!

Were they a quick sew? Yes, I would say so.  The only thing that held me back the slightest bit (aside from fussy cutting, of course) was that I only print in black and white and the cutting lines are very close together in places. Definitely not a deal breaker and I'm pretty sure that he would like another pair. :)

As for the e-zine itself--My first thought was, "Yikes!  That's a lot of pages!!"  393 to be exact, but the first 100 or so are articles and pattern previews.
Oh, the articles will blow you away!
Not only are there inspiring pictures for making all kinds of goodies, there are tips for sewing with laminates, using rivets, even converting single-pull zippers to double-pulls!

I was taken back to a time when my boys were little and loved having me sew for them. Ari from Max California shares tips for sewing for boys, including finding your/his style.  If you aren't used to sewing for boys, hopefully you will be ready to start after reading this issue!
Not only is there a quilt pattern included in this issue, you will also find a tutorial for making a cute bunting with quilt blocks and tips for including rag quilting in your sewing.

I think my favorite article this time around is about using a Brother Scan n Cut.  I actually got one for Christmas, but haven't even turned it on! :/   After reading all about it, I know that I am ready to get started...just as soon as I clean up my crafting space, lol!

Did I mention the freezer stencils?  Guys...there are freezer stencils! (and of course a very comprehensive how-to)  AND, a file with the specific format the Scan n Cut uses so I don't have to figure out how to convert them, YAY!!  If you haven't joined in on this latest, greatest craze, here's your chance!

I know there's tons more to tell, but really, I think you should go grab a copy and read it all yourself. Don't believe me?  Check out what these fabulous bloggers have created along the way as part of the Pattern Revolution (https://www.facebook.com/PatternRevolution/?ref=br_rs) blog tour. Well, okay, some of them haven't been published yet, but I've seen some sneak peeks...EEK, the cuteness!

5/12  Pattern Revolution, Lily Shine Boutique, Call Ajaire

5/13 Once Upon a Sewing Machine, Beri Bee Designs, House of Estrela

5/14 Coral & Co, Stubbornly Crafty

5/15 Stitches by Laura, Candice Ayala, Made by Sara

5/16 Sprouting Jube Jube, Lulu & Celeste, Create 3.5, Adventures with Bubba and Bug

5/17 Pear Berry Lane, Beatnik Kids, That's Sew Kari

5/18 Rebel & Malice, Threading Rainbows, Finn's Door, Bee Quilted & More, Snickerdoodle Stew

I can't decide what I want to make next...hoody appliques (maybe on a  pillow), the cute stuffies, something with freezer stencils or the Scan n Cut...

What do you think your first project will be?

Feel free to link back here if you blog about your next creation. 

Happy sewing!  :)

Perfect for Spring--the FHS Perfect Petal Purse Pattern by FABulous Home Sewn

Spring has finally sprung!!  Not really, but that's how it has felt around here for a few days. ;)
Earlier this week Fenna of FABulous Home Sewn patterns was looking for a few people to sew up the FHS Perfect Petal Purse.
I couldn't resist the chance to make a little something for SPRING!! Clicking here (http://swhettybettie.blogspot.com/2016/03/easter-sewing-perfect-petal-purse.html) takes you to Fenna's post of fabulousness!
The minute I saw the pattern, I knew the PERFECT young lady for this Perfect Petal Purse!  Miss "R" loves all things "animal" so even though I had just used this cute fabric for another project, I pulled it out and dug through my scrap bins for some bright and cheerful petals.

Was this an easy sew?  Yes!
Was this a quick sew?  Yes!
Is this fat quarter-friendly? Yes!  In fact, all you need is about nine inches for the bag and scraps for the petals.
Does she LOVE her new "nature bag?"  Yes, absolutely!  Look at that smiling face!  Of course, she could just be happy to be playing outside. ;) ;)

 Do I want one for myself?  Maybe, lol! 

 The strap length is perfect for my little friend, but I think I would like to try one with no strap to toss in my bag as I head out the door.  It's the perfect size for cash/driver's license and a few necessities.

Do you want one for yourself?  Sure you do!  Maybe you know a little girl that would love to have a cute flower bag to match her Easter dress...
Entering  EASTER2016 will get you 30% off in the Etsy shop, expiring March 12, 2016.  https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/FABulousHomeSewn
There is also a Rafflecopter giveaway (link below) for a copy of the FHS Perfect Petal Purse Pattern!     Good luck!  Who do you know that would love this bag?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pant~A~Loooons, a Review

Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in this post are my own. However, I was given a copy of the pattern in exchange for this review.

I recently found out that Chrissy from Muse of the Morning (https://www.facebook.com/MuseoftheMorning) was planning a blog tour.  Meaning that a group of bloggers would each blog about one of her patterns over a certain period of time. Needless to say, I was very excited when she agreed that I could be included in her blog tour. :)
This is my very first pattern review, so I'm going to keep it short and sweet. 

 

I got to make the Pant~A~LoOoOns Soft Toy and I love it!  Such a sweet and simple stuffed "animal" with loads of design possibilities. This was very easy to stitch up and Chrissy explains all of the steps quite nicely. There is even a tutorial for the embroidery stitches used to create the face.

 

I admit that my hand embroidery could use a lot more practice, but I love that there are no buttons!
Wouldn't this be a great baby present with a rattle tucked inside and baby's initial on one of the "feet?"

As you can see, I made a rather lopsided two-faced version.  That's right, I couldn't decide which one to make, so I pulled two fabrics and added a quirky ruffle for hair.  I know two little girls that will love their very own Pant~A~LoOoOn!


Would you like a chance to win your very own Pant~A~LoOoOns pattern or any of the wonderful patterns by Muse in the Morning?  Follow this link for a chance to win a pattern of your choice:  http://www.museofthemorning.com/museblog/2014/blog-tour-day-1-giveaway/

Don't want to wait and see if you win a free pattern?  There is also a coupon code- it's BLOGTOUR30 and gives the user 30% off all patterns sold through her website (not etsy or craftsy) through May 17.  http://museofthemorning.com/


Thanks again, Chrissy, for letting me be the "caboose" today!  :)