What's Been Keeping Me Busy...

Hi Angel!

I can't believe how this year is flying so far. I owe you an update on the crafty front! I have been so busy with my little business, which is great. I feel like things have finally kicked into a smooth, steady gear. I have had a constant stream of projects to work on, mostly custom orders. (See below for a few examples!) But eek, it's hard to stay afloat on all fronts and I feel like my blog posting has fallen by the wayside, along with my socializing. I'll try to catch you up here!

First, I wanted to show you the little Valentines I made with the kids for Valentine's Day last week. I had noticed this adorable lollipop-holding photo idea on Design Mom a while back and pinned it. The weather was horribly rainy and gloomy in the days leading up to V-day, so I had to take indoor photos of the kids, which of course were slightly blurry. They turned out pretty cute though, and were a big success with their friends!



Ben has a little friend named Angel in his class!



In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I also made some heart-y table runners for my shop. I love how these turned out, fun!






A few weeks ago, I scored a whole bunch of new fabrics from both Drygoods Design Online and Hawthorne Threads. Here are some photos to make you drool. There is some Stamped, some Bella, some Notting Hill, and more loveliness. Pretty much all of this is going into projects for my shop, though I'm thinking of saving some of that Notting Hill sateen to make a pillow for our living room.






Here are some of the custom orders I completed recently: a book cover for our friend Carrie's bible study tome, some quilted table runners, and a custom set of coasters.








Also, I am in charge of the auction art project for Ben's kindergarten class. Their curriculum is project-based, and their winter project has been "Fabrics through the world". How fortunate! As you can imagine, I've been invited to do show and tell a couple of times.

For the auction project, we've been working on a large piece of fiber art, involving fabric. I had visions of branching out from my usual burlap art and doing something edgy and cool. But all the feedback I received from the adults involved has been to stick to the type of stuff I've made from my shop, so the project will involve a tree and some birdies. Here's a glimpse at my prep work. I'll share more soon!!




I think that about rounds up all that's been keeping me busy lately. How about you? What is occupying your hands lately? What fabrics are you drooling over? What projects are getting you excited? I'd love to know!

Hello!

Hello!

One thousand apologies for my absence, but let's get on with it shall we? 2013 has been very creative for me so far, and I'd love to share a few of my latest projects.



This little fox is the result of a lot of sketching and thinking, more on him later! I'll have a separate post, soon.



This piece I made for the upcoming art auction at Ian's school. It was inspired by their class's country for this year, Haiti. (The school's theme is "We are the World" this year.) I did quite a bit of research on fiber arts in Haiti, and found a group called Haiti Peace Quilts. A common theme in many of the quilts was a Tree of Life symbol, and that was the inspiration for the students' pieces as well. (More on that later!)



I'm not quite done with this one, Ian asked to keep it at our house.





And, last but not least, I made a ton of these little fabric and felt catchalls for Christmas gifts. A piece of 100% wool felt, a nice print fabric in the same size, some embroidery floss and some buckwheat hulls! They turned out pretty cute, if I do say so myself. The embroidery in the center creates a small indentation for keys, jewelery, etc. I hope to have some of these in my Etsy shop soon!

All the felt is from Janet at Felt on the Fly! She's one of Stumbles and Stitches' sponsors, but I am also a loyal customer. Her felt is wonderful, her customer service is outstanding. Thanks again for picking out such beautiful colors for me, Janet!

How Is It FEBRUARY?!

Hello!

It's been a while since I've signed on, apologies. We're emerging from, oh, 6 or 7 weeks of sickness around here. It's been one thing after another, and at least one person in our family was sick at all times during the month of January. AAH! I know in the large scheme of things, I should be grateful that we're overall healthy and it was nothing serious. But it sucked, and I am knocking on wood that we are done!

Since I've been home a lot with the kiddos, I've been trying to get organized, make lots of stuff for my shop, etc. I sorted through all my fabrics recently and gave a lot away, and then I re-organized what was left in my fabric cupboard. Take a look. Pretty!




While going through my overflowing basket of works-in-progress, I found the following Christmas tree blocks I had made in November or early December.




Remember this table runner I was planning on making?




Clearly, I never did finish this table runner in time for the holidays. Bummer! Maybe it will be done by next year's Christmas. I like how the blocks turned out, each quite different, but they work well together.








I have a lot of stuff to share and write about, some tutorials to put together, and tons of things in the works. So I'm hoping (planning!) to post a bit more frequently in the coming weeks and months. Assuming everyone stays healthy...


How is everyone? What have you been working on lately? I'd love to catch up in the comments.

B is for Bookmarks

Hello Angel,

I hope you're feeling better! Things are so busy here, preparing for Christmas, shipping orders from my shop, etc, that I haven't had a chance to breathe deep and fully process the tragedy in Newtown, CT.

There are so many wonderful, eloquent, thoughtful essays and articles out there about it that I don't feel the need to add more to the mix. Let it be said though, that I have not cried so much and so uncontrollably in a long time, probably since I was severely depressed a decade ago. This horrible event seems to be affecting everyone more deeply than previous similar occurrences. Probably because of the shattered innocence. My personal processing mechanism is to focus on the productive and the positive (which is why you've seen "regular" posts around here) so I've been trucking along, trying to deal as best as I can.




My lovely friend Rachael told me about ABC's Of Love: 26 Ways To Pass It On, a blog project she is working on along with other crafty friends, to encourage all of us to find simple ways to share love within our families and communities. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to channel some of my sorrow for the victims and their loved ones into a productive and positive endeavor. I decided to contribute B for Bookmarks, and share a simple project I worked on with a class of kindergartners on Friday, weirdly enough, at the exact same time I found out about the Newtown massacre.

The curriculum in Ben's kindergarten class is project-based. Their current project is "Fabrics around the world". They've talked about different fabrics, their texture and purpose. Because of my "expertise", I was invited by the teacher to do a little presentation and a project. We focused on quilts, patchwork and the amazing possibilities of fabric scraps! I had prepped a little project the previous day, and we made fabric bookmarks with the kids. They could either keep their bookmark for themselves, or give it as a gift -- and they unanimously chose gift-giving. So sweet!

Here are the 2 bookmarks I made beforehand and brought as examples:

Oh Fabric...

Hi Angel!

I can't believe how quickly this whole week has flown by. I've been meaning to post all week but have been sidetracked with doctor appointments, visits to the mechanic, and kids who just won't sit still for longer than 30 seconds. Fortunately, we were able to squeeze in some fun time with Kate as well as Sarah and their adorable offspring, and my little brother just arrived for a week's visit. I'm so excited to see him!!

How are things in Nashville? I heard the temperatures are finally bearable. I hope Ian's first week of school went well! Can't wait to see the tutorial for your beautiful ornament! ;)

I do have some projects to share, but haven't gone through my pics yet. However, I realized recently that I have acquired a LOT of fabric in the last couple of months. So I thought I'd share a little bit of fabric yumminess for the weekend!


- First, for a custom order inspired by this table runner, I am working with a combination of natural linen with Large Poppies in Teal by Karen Tusinski for Gallery Fiori, and another one with Dogwood Stripe in Olive by Laura Gunn for Poppy. I love both of these painterly prints and think the result will be lovely with the natural linen thrown in!

Christmas in July: Fabric!!

Happy Monday!

We're entering our last week of Christmas in July and it's time to focus on FABRIC! Christmas and seasonal fabrics are starting to pop up all over the web and in our favorite shops. Here is a selection of a few super cute holiday collections, plus some useful links for your Christmas fabric shopping.


- Cherry Christmas by Aneela Hooey

I love the adorable illustrations (birdies! cloth line!) and the simple coordinates that could be used in a variety of projects. You can purchase this collection at Fat Quarter Shop and Alewives Fabrics.





Photos from comfortstitching by Aneela Hooey

- Joy by Kate Spain

Kate Spain never fails to please the eye with bold, colorful and modern designs. This little Christmas collection is as joyful as can be! You can purchase these prints at The Intrepid Thread and Fat Quarter Shop.





Photos from The Intrepid Thread

- Alpine Wonderland by Riley Blake

Alpine Wonderland reminds me of vintage story books and old-timey Christmas cards. The designs are so sweet and old-fashioned without feeling dated. I have found this collection for sale at Fat Quarter Shop and Hawthorne Threads.






Photos from Fat Quarter Shop

- Tinsel by Maude Asbury

Deer, mittens, Christmas trees and argyle... Cuteness! I love the greys and aquas. I found Tinsel at Hawhtorne Threads and Fat Quarter Shop.






Photos from Hawthorne Threads

- Brrr! by Laurie Wisbrun

I love how unique this collection is! From the furry polar bears to the Scandinavian-influenced flower designs and lacy snowflakes, these fabrics would make some really original holiday projects. Some prints from this collection are available from Hawthorne Threads.






Photos from Scarlet Fig by Laurie Wisbrun

- Dear Mr. Claus by Cosmo Cricket for Moda Fabrics

Last but not least in this Christmas fabric round-up is the wonderfully retro collection Dear Mr. Claus. The prints looks like wrapping paper from our childhood. Remember those Christmas mornings oh so long ago? This collection is available at Fat Quarter Shop (stay tuned for a giveaway right here this week!!) and Fabricworm.




Photo from Fabricworm





Photos from Fat Quarter Shop

- Gilt Trip Metallic by Dear Stella

I know, I said I was done. But I can't stop before I share this great idea that Keli at Drygoods Design told me: Dear Stella's metallic fabrics would make perfect holiday linens! Wouldn't the navy and gold make a lovely New Year's Eve table runner or fancy cocktail napkins?




Photos from Drygoods Design Online

Some Christmas Fabric Links...

- We gave away one Ardeth's Christmas Bundle, but Alewives Fabrics has more for sale. Love the color combo and assortment of fabrics! Alewives Fabrics also has a nice selection of holiday fabrics here.

- Did you know our sponsor Fat Quarter Shop has an entire website dedicated to Christmas fabric?! We kid you not. Go check out the Christmas Cloth Store. (Seriously, look at all these fat quarter bundles, merry Christmas!)

- You can find seasonal and Christmas fabrics at Hawthorne Threads.

- The Intrepid Thread also has a lovely holiday category in their shop.

- Fabricworm has some GREAT holiday and seasonal fabrics in stock, including several of the above featured collections.

Do you have a favorite Christmas or winter collection not featured here? Did we forget a fabric shop with a fabulous seasonal inventory? Please share in the comments!

Christmas in July: Alewives Fabric Giveaway!

Hello everyone! Are you ready for our first giveaway for Christmas in July 2012?

Alewives Fabrics has done it again. Rhea and her team always come up with gorgeous giveaway bundles. This is the second year in a row that they've offered a custom holiday fat quarter bundle to our readers during Christmas in July!


 
Ardeth's Christmas Fat Quarter Bundle

This is from Rhea, I love the description she wrote:

Alewives Fabrics is pleased to be giving away to one lucky Stumbles & Stitches reader one of our brand new "Ardeth's Christmas" fat quarter bundles. Named after my step-grandmother who had THE most spectacular collection of vintage 50's and 60's Christmas ornaments I have ever seen, this bundle of 10 different fat quarters (all in quilting weight cotton) features sweet prints of deer, snowmen, holiday text and more. The colors are delightfully kitschy, yet modern at the same time! Happy tones of red, green, turquoise, ivory and just a touch of brown. Ardeth (also a fabulous quilter) would definitely have approved!

This lovely bundle has a retail value of $29.95. Thank you so much to Rhea and Alewives Fabrics for this awesome holiday giveaway!

(And if you can't wait for the giveaway draw to own one of these fat quarter bundles yourself, Rhea made up extra bundles just for you! They're listed in the Alewives shop right here. They're also expecting Aneela Hooey's adorable Christmas collection any day now!)

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How To Enter:

For a chance to win, simply leave a comment on this post! If you'd like, tell us what you would make with Ardeth's Christmas bundle.

Please make sure to include a link or email address in your comment so we can contact you if you win. This giveaway is open until Sunday, July 22 at midnight CST. U.S. residents only please, apologies to our international friends! This giveaway is now open to everyone! International entries welcome.

We will draw the winner randomly on Monday, July 23. We'll announce the winner here and contact them via email. One entry per person, please! (Void where prohibited.)

Good luck!

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated. Congratulations to our lucky winner cherylj (#43)! Check your email inbox...


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You can find Alewives Fabrics online here: shop / blog / Facebook / Twitter.

If you're new to Stumbles & Stitches, welcome! We hope you'll stick around, browse and subscribe. You can find all our social media links in the sidebar to the right!

We have much more in store for Christmas in July: free downloads, tutorials, inspiration and giveaways! We hope you'll come visit.

Inspired by Nature: Urban Wildflowers

Hi Angel!

Your beautiful backyard post inspired me to stash the camera in my big mama purse on the way to preschool pick-up this week. I had been obsessing over a patch of wildflowers at a particular neighborhood intersection through which we walk nearly daily, and finally captured it!




I wasn't kidding when I mentioned that wildflowers adorn the roundabouts in my neighborhood. Most of the houses have been here for well over a century and, come Spring, there are flowers everywhere!

Many yards are carefully manicured, but a good portion also feature gardens (and chickens!) or wonderful assortments of wildflowers that have probably come and gone for years and happily spread out onto the sidewalk grass patches -- and the roundabouts! I love being bombarded by color when we walk through the neighborhood.

Learning Lessons

Hi Angel!

I wrote this post last night, thinking we were finally emerging from what we have lovingly dubbed "Barf Fest" around these parts. My poor babies have been sick with a vicious stomach bug for the last 4 days. I have gotten intimately acquainted with my washing machine, as you can imagine. Blech. So done with this yuckiness! The boys seem to feel better this morning (knock on wood) unfortunately, just in time for me to get sick! Noooooo! Cross your fingers that this is short-lived. How are the sanding and painting and packing going on your end? I bet you can't wait to move back into your beautiful "new" house!

The past few weeks have been a bit disheartening business-wise. Opening a shop on Etsy right before the holiday rush last fall, I got sucked into a whirlwind of hand-making, selling, connecting, creating. It was so exciting. And then, of course, things settled down for this new little business and the pace of projects and interest in my work has mellowed out. It is both a blessing and a curse. I miss the excitement but I also welcome the lowered levels of stress. However, I have also encountered some unhappy firsts recently -- challenges and lessons.

I mentioned the other day that my little sheep nursery artwork was never delivered by the post office. It remains a mystery (the USPS website tracked it as delivered but it never made it to its recipient) and it was heartbreaking. I finally finished the re-do, and it is quite close to the original though it was hard to muster the same enthusiasm in the creative process. The irony here of course is that I had not insured the first shipment. Why not? I don't know, But it was a lesson learned the hard way!


And then, there's this new custom order for a Kindle cover, for a lovely lady in Alaska! She selected the modern owl print and the green coordinate. I got it cut, assembled and sewn. It was coming together beautifully and then, as I was top-stitching around the cover -- the very last step! -- the thick layers got stuck in the feed dogs of my sewing machine. The thread got horribly tangled so I had to use the seam ripper then try stitching again a few times. Even though I was careful, this process scratched the fabric at both corners of the front cover! The horror! Obviously, this cover no longer meets my quality standards, so I now have to re-make it for my customer.






I am so annoyed with myself but I'm not sure what else I could have done. I changed the needle on the sewing machine after the layers got stuck, but it didn't change a thing. Perhaps I should have used an even higher number needle...? For the next cover, I am definitely removing the seam allowance from the interfacing to reduce the bulkiness of the layers.

Thank goodness, there have been successes too. Recently, I completed this piece of custom burlap artwork for loyal customer Alli. She requested a piece featuring 2 birds to commemorate her 5th wedding anniversary with her husband, plus a 3rd smaller bird to represent their daughter. I had been wanting to do a birds-on-a-wire design for a while and love how this one came out!! You can read more about it on my website.


And finally, here's a happy first: I'm SO excited about getting to work with gorgeous Marimekko fabric for a custom project. A girlfriend of mine from grad school is back living in New York after several years in Norway. She asked me to create a custom cloth pad for a special antique desk she inherited from her father's best friend, using a red Marimekko print. Here's the one we agreed on:



Isn't it gorgeous?!

Tell me, have you learned lessons the hard way while building a handmade business -- or any business for that matter? I'd love to hear. And how about that Marimekko fabric? Would you be as giddy as I am?

My First Upholstery Project!

Hi Angel! Do you remember that awesome screen printed flower fabric you sent me a while back? I decided some time last year that I should re-upholster our little ottoman with it, and I finally got a wild hair to do it this weekend!! This was my first upholstery project and I'm SO happy with how it turned out!




This ottoman is one of the first pieces of furniture I ever got after moving out of my parents' house. My mom was working in upholstery and antiques at the time and found the frame for it in a shed crammed with old broken furniture. She fixed it up and upholstered it with pretty purple fabric. After a few moves, and living with a cat and a toddler, the fabric was dirty and torn, so my mom made a brown velvet slipcover for it. That worked for a while until we got our blue-grey couch last year, and since then the ottoman has needed a makeover 'cause the brown and blue-grey just do not work together!


I thought I would show you a few photos of my process. It was really easy!! I started by removing the slipcover and taking measurements. For the top, I simply laid fabric right side down and drew the outline with a fabric marker.