Charise Creates

Curves

2012-02-08T22:13:00.000-08:00

My latest project is a pillow for my partner in the Pillow Talk Swap 7. I've been admiring the pillows coming from this group for quite some time and was able to get in on the fun this round.

My pillow is a pattern called Wheel of Fortune which was published in the Kansas City Star in the 1930's. I love that the newspaper had a free weekly quilt pattern!

My partner likes blues, greys, greens and burgundy reds so I put this together. I used some of my favorite Japanese fabrics and text prints for this one. I'm not usually drawn to this color combo but I was surprised to realize it matches the colors in my living/dining room.

I'm not sure yet how I will quilt it but since taking these photos, I have added the border in a dark charcoal which sets off the block nicely.

Apple and Pear and Paper Piecing Tutes

2012-02-04T09:57:00.001-08:00

So I'm off to a pretty good start this month! I just finished potholders for the potholder swap. The apple is a free tute on my blog. I'll also put the pear pattern and tute on my blog soon. This one has "Y" seams but they are pretty easy once you get the hang of it.

My interest in quilting has been a life long one but I just actually started about a year ago. I found my passion in paper piecing! It was challenging at the start and still is, but with practice and reading some tutorials, you can master it, too.

Kerry at VeryKerryBerry has a list of tutorials. Her tutes are wonderful and I highly recommend reading them before starting you project. You can find them here.

Kerry is teaching paper piecing methods at the Fat Quarterly Retreat in London in June. I wish I could be there!!

Have a wonderful Weekend!

Sew Out Loud Quilt Along

2012-02-02T20:09:00.000-08:00

Do you love text fabrics? How about sewing themed quilt blocks?

I invite you to join the Sew Out Loud Quilt Along. I'm fortunate to be one of the designers along with 10 incredibly talented sewists!

You can join here on Kirie's blog - Shape Moth. And if you do there is a kick off give away.

The two prizes are Electric Quilt Company software and a FQ bundle for Stoffsalon. You have until February 11th to join the QAL and win these fabulous prizes.

I hope you will join in on the fun!

Finished Pillow and a Sneak Peek

2012-01-30T12:02:00.000-08:00

I've joined a potholder swap for the month of February. We chose our theme and then we were assigned secret partners. I love the surprise. Here is a little peek of what I'm working on for my partner.

I will have a tute and pattern on my blog soon so you can make a pear to go with your apple!
I can't wait to get my new potholders. The ones I use right now are so gross. Really, they are awful. I'll post a pic when I get my new ones!!

I also made the Cozy Cottage in to a pillow!

You can find the pattern for the paper pieced cottage in the newest issue of Fat Quarterly, Here.

Happy Monday!

Cozy Cottage

2012-01-27T09:16:00.000-08:00

I'm incredibly excited to have my first pattern published! You can find my "Cozy Cottage" in the new "Paper" issue 8 of Fat Quarterly right here. It will be available on January 31st!

The issue is full of wonderful projects.

I'm absolutely obsessed with houses and love making them in fabric. I made two because I wanted to illustrate how you can change the fabric and the theme of your cottage. This would be a great gingerbread house, cooking cottage or Santa's workshop for kids.

This project allows for lots of fussy cutting and filling the windows with fun images!

If you make a cottage please include your photos in my new Flickr Group - Charise Creates Projects and in the Fat Quarterly Flickr Group.

Tea Time Pattern

2012-01-25T14:27:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited to have this block available as a pattern on my Etsy Site!

I made this teapot last summer for a bee block. I changed it a bit - added a teacup and changed the shape of the teapot a bit. The original is below. I'm thinking this will become either a mug rug or pillow. The fabrics are some of my favorites. Suzuko Koseki buttons, Kumiko Fujita text print (thanks Ayumi) and DS Quilts line.

I have lots of sewing to do. Potholders for a swap and a "Pippi Longstocking" block for Muriel in the Cocorico bee! I'm also working on another free paper piecing block and more patterns for my shop!

Happy Creating to You!!!!!

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Christmas In January

2012-01-09T16:29:00.000-08:00

Strange you may think -making Chrismas items in January......... but Melinda in my Cocorico Bee asked for Christmas quilt blocks!

It was actually perfect timing as the holidays just ended and my mind was filled with ideas. I decided to make stockings for her family.

I don't know about you, but I am tired after the holiday scramble! It makes me think that maybe I should start my hand made Chrismas gifts now rather than waiting for December : )

Happy Creating to you!

< * < 2011 > * >

2012-01-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

I was pleasantly surprised to see the results of my 2011 mosaic of finished projects. Most were bee block but I did make a few pouches and bags and I finished one pillow. My biggest goal for 2012 is to finish a quilt.

I'm really looking forward to the New Year.

I was invited to join a new bee which put me over the moon as I admire all the wonderful ladies in the bee and their incredible work! Many of the members I know from the Cocorico bee and am excited to make some new friends.

I'll have a block published at the beginning of the year.....so exciting!!!!

Wishing you a fruitful and joyful 2012!

Playing with Value

2011-12-29T13:43:00.000-08:00

I found a wonderful quilting pattern on Ebay from Alice Brooks. I made this block for my last round of the 4 x 5 bee and have been wanting to try this block with different values.
Here is Dictionary.com's definition of Value:

	in painting, drawing, etc
	a.a gradation of tone from light to dark or of colour luminosity
	b.the relation of one of these elements to another or to the whole picture

This is the block idea I've had in my head for awhile. I was inspired by this quilt from Kumiko Fujita's book "From the Quilter's Studio" - the dark ground, white text and pops of color.

The Bee blocks I did, had less change in value. They more or less had similar values- light to medium - like this one here with the lighter cross almost matching the white ground:

A little trick I learned to help "see" value is to squint your eyes and look at the subject. In other words make the shapes blurry so you can just see the differnce in value or darkness and lightness.

Hope you are enjoying this Holiday Week!

Happy Sewing! x

Hoping you had A Happy Holiday!

2011-12-26T14:03:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful holiday here at the Randell House : )

My mom loved her wallet! She is one to save things instead of use them, so I promptly had her help me move the contents from her old wallet to her new one. I hope she wears it out so I have an excuse to maker her another one. She told me her mom would tie a scarf under her chin, just like the kerchief girl, when she was a little girl. She is a wonderful cook, so I added as many cooking themed fabrics as possible.

I added a zipper pocket and found a cute little notebook at my favorite bookstore in Seattle.

I made dad an art bag to hold his watercolor supplies. It has a pocket for the watercolor wheel and a water bottle and pockets for his brushes and perfectly fits a 6" x 9" sketchbook or watercolor paper.

The boys got matching p.j's again this year. Unfortunately, I don't have a good pic! I miscut one of the p.j. bottoms so I didn't have enough fabric to make the matching top! I'm going back this evening to get more fabric and finish the project. Luckily, I found the tops in the pic at a store close by and added some applique patches to match the pants.

I hope you had a lovely Holiday!

Christmas Gifts

2011-12-18T13:58:00.000-08:00

I just spoke with my mom and the phone and she said "You will not Buy a gift for me or your dad."

But I'm thinking MAKING isn't buying, He, he! I actually made this cute little organizer for myself and thought, what a perfect gift for mom! You can find the tute here. It is from Leila and I love all her beautiful creations!!

I added the button and loop and a little ric rac.

I added the zipper pocket so I can put my change in there.

I'll make my moms with kitchen themed fabric instead of sewing theme fabric. She is a wonderful cook and is creative in the kitchen!

My plan for dad is a bag we designed together to carry his watercolors when he is out and about making art. We designed it in the Spring and I think it is high time I finally make it!!

It will have a special little pocket for the watercolor wheel and is just the perfect size for a 6" x 9" notebook. I think the Echino fabric is perfect! It is "manly" and my dad loves to ride his bike.

Happy Creating and Happy Holidays to you!

Fresh Sewing Day *** November 2011

2011-12-17T22:14:00.000-08:00

I'm so late on this one. Lynne over at Lily's Quilts invites other bloggers to share what they have been up to the past month. I've been so crazy busy I am just now sharing my November accomplishments!

All images can be found on my Flickr Here.

I finished my Cocorico Bee block for Krista, made some dumpling pouches (you can find the tute Here), worked on a secret project, and created a tute and pattern for my little apples.

Must go sew : )

Hope you are enjoying this holiday season!

Apple Tutorial and Pattern Here!!

2011-12-09T18:22:00.001-08:00

I finally finished the pattern for these little apples. Link to the Pattern Here!

If you have any questions/ comments, please leave a comment on this post and I will answer here so everyone can see the response. Tks!!

Paper pieced apple tutorial:

1) First, I like to print out a copy of the pattern for reference.

Photo copy the Fabric Cutting Template onto freezer paper, dull side.

Carefully cut out your pattern pieces on the black lines.

I like to sort the pieces in groups by fabric.

2) Iron the pieces to your fabric, right side.

Leave at least a 1/4" s.a. around each piece.

3) Print out your Foundation Paper Piecing Templates onto copy paper

or Vellum. I have also used heavy wt. tracing paper.

Pls note *** these templates are the mirror image of the actual block.

Position piece #1 over the template. If you are using copy paper, you will have to

hold the fabric up to a light or window to see through the paper to postion the piece correctly.

Pin your fabric in place

4) Place piece #2 onto piece one matcing your seam line.

Lift piece #2 to and use your freezer paper edge to help match up the seams and pin into place.

5) Flip your template over and stitch on the seam line between piece #1 & #2.

I use a small stitch and back tack at the end of each seam line.

6) This is how your pieces will look after sewing.

7) Fold your template back and trim your seam allowance to 3/16".

8) Continue around piece #1 until you have your apple sewn together.

9) ****Note that A7 and A8 are stitched together before stitching to A3****

10) When you are finished sewing, you will have two apple halves. Match and pin at seams. Stitch down the center for your completed apple.

I added a border and some seeds with a lazy daisy stitch!

Pls comment with any questions and I'll be sure to answer you : )

Marken House for Leila

2011-12-09T10:49:00.001-08:00

I just finished my Patchwork Patterns 318 Bee block for Leila. She requested house blocks and is from the Netherlands so I did a little research on Dutch architecture. I came across some incredible houses in the Netherlands that live on the island of Marken.

My little house is very loosely based on actual Marken houses. They don't have button towers and tend to have white trim. But they do have red roofs and are dark in color!

Of course, in Leila's house there is lots of sewing going on!

She makes the most amazing quilty items : )

Image of Marken found here.

Apple and Pear

2011-11-29T10:09:00.001-08:00

I've been working on writing a paper piecing pattern for the apple and pear. I hope to have them up on my blog for free as well as a tutorial. I'll keep you posted!

I'm doing this as a practice run for a more complicated pattern I'm working on.

In other holiday related family news - we got our xmas tree on Sunday. We started a new family tradition a few years back and drive to the mountains to cut down our tree.

Every year I underestimate the size of the tree we cut down. This year I thought we found the perfect size tree but once we got it home we cut off another 3 feet!

It was pretty warm on Sunday so we trudged through the rain and over a small river to hunt down our tree. I always hope for the idyllic Christmas memory but by the time we got back to the car my four year old was wimpering from being so cold. You can bet, when they are older, they will recall this as an awful miserable tradition : )

Friday Favorites

2011-11-11T16:52:00.001-08:00

Some lovelies from Flickr that are inspiring to me.

Details here

I made another dumpling

This one is going to live with a lovely Flickr friend.

I'm just now starting the skirt for Anna's sew along. Anna's turned out soooo cute!

The sew along ended today, but I hope to get my skirt done this weekend.

I hope to start working on a special paper piecing project this weekend (I'm so excited and can't wait to share the details) as well as attend a quilt show Here, and this exhibit at the Nordic Heritage Museum.

Happy Creating to you!

Ski Chalet

2011-11-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

The latest theme for the Cocorico Bee is "Let,s Hit the Slopes" requested by Krista.

I'm embarrassed to say I live in the Pacific NW in Seattle but I don't ski!! Yep, I can see the Olympics and Cascades from my neighborhood and the mountains are only a few hours away. I skied a few times as a little girl but never really liked it. I think it was the cold and my fear of falling and hurting myself. So.... when Krista requested her ski theme blocks, I had a super duper hard time coming up with something. My bee mates are so talented and set the bar really high. Meg made the most amazing ski boot, Amy made a skier - yes an actual person skiing! And Melinda made the cutest ski sweater you've ever seen!!

I visited the Swiss Alps years ago and thought a Swiss Ski Chalet would be fun to make.

This is what I came up with..................

I hope she likes it - it was fun to make.

Happy Sewing to you!

Little Dumplings and a busy October

2011-11-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

I've been obsessed about making bags and pouches these days. My latest is from Keyka Lou. I love this pattern. It is super easy and they are so cute - as in tiny. This "Dumpling" measures 5.5" x 3.5". I made it for a special Flickr friend. I hope she likes it.

I'm also participating in Lynne's small blog meet.

I made a mosaic of my sewing projects for the month. I have done absolutely nada with my Farmer's Wife blocks. I miss the farmer - think it is time for a little visit : )

I think, all in all, it was a pretty productive month. See....lots of bags and pouches with a few bee blocks thrown in.

Have a wonderful day and happy sewing!

Thinking about the Holidays

2011-10-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

So I'm almost done getting ready for Halloween. I made a vampiress dress for myself and I just need to add the zipper. I'll post a pic when it is finished.

I hate to even contemplate this, but......the Chrismas Holidays are just around the corner. My son is in 2nd grade and has a male teacher so I probably won't make him a gift, but my four year old has three female teachers and I thought a lavendar sachet and a gift card would make a lovely gift.

I love this project because it is super easy and a great way to use up your scraps. And who doesn't love a sachet that reminds them of summer : )

Tutorial here : )

Another Suzuko Koseki Purse

2011-10-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

I've taken a little break from my Bee Blocks to do a little sewing for myself. I made the small log cabin bag from Suzuko Koseki's Patchwork Style and was very happy with the results.

I just finished another Suzuko Koseki Bag from the same book - The Fan Bag. I've never made a quilted purse before and I really like the results. The quilting and batting gives it nice body and it is big enough to carry most of my stuff. I'm definitely a Big Purse gal.

I'm not sure what is next though I do love this bag by Leila from Suzuko Koseki's latest book - Natural Patchwork.

Happy creating to you!

A Little Bag

2011-10-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

I have acquired quite the nice collection of Japanese craft books but have never tried a project until now. I've been doing alot of very fiddly, precise work with the paper piecing blocks I've been working on and felt the need to do some "free form" sewing. I picked out the mini log cabin bag from Suzuko Koseki's Patchwork Style.

I used lots of scraps and just had lots of fun improvising as I went.

The bag is quite small - about 8 1/2" long, so I may use it for a pencil pouch.

***Happy Sewing to You***

More crossed off the "to do" list!

2011-10-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

I've been in "getting ahead on my to do list" mode. Although Christmas is almost three months away it will creep up and I want to have plenty of time for my personal holiday sewing.

I finished Annabel's Orchard block for the Cocorico Bee. I designed it quite some time ago but had almost all day Sunday to work on it and was able to finish it today!

I'm really pleased with the way it turned out. I love this bee - it really stretches by design abilities.

This little swatch was my inspiration......

I finished my 4 x 5 bee blocks

The pattern is vintage Alice Brooks found on Ebay.

My collection of bee blocks that I have received totals somewhere around 16. I'm really looking forward to creating a quilt with them!

*** happy sewing to you ***

Farmer's Wife Quilt Along - No Safer Road to Travel

2011-09-26T23:38:00.000-07:00

I've been lagging behind in the Farmer's Wife Quilt along but I'm still really enjoying making the blocks when I can. These two blocks were inspired by a letter titled " No Safer Road to Travel."

My favorite excerpt from the letter:

" To wake up in the early morning to the bird calls, the animal greetings, is better that the best symphony concert ever played. To see the sun climb out of bed and reach out rosy fingers to pick up the dew drops from field and meadow, and to watch the joyous greeting of all nature, in the summer time, is worth more than silver and gold can buy."

Mrs. E. M. L.

Furnas County, Neb.

Patchwork 318 Bee - The second time is a charm

2011-09-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

I've been having sew much fun using my "Patchwork Patterns 318" book from Kumiko Fujita.

Amisha chose a sewing theme and this is the block I chose.

This was actually my second try and I like how it turned out! I was inspired by Faith's spools here.

You should really check out the Flickr Group here. Kerry and Leila created some adorable blocks and I can't wait to see the remaining three blocks!

Happy Creating to you!

My New Toy

2011-09-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

My dear hubby got me a Holga camera last year for my birthday. Yes.... last year and I finally took it out of the box, read the instruction manual I found online, loaded film and snapped some pics at our little vaca in Okanogan County in Northeastern Wa State.

I am over the moon with this camera. It is a plastic toy camera and its intrigue lies in the fact that it leaks light. It creates some amazing effects.

You can really see the light leaks on this photo.

I think the light effects on this one are just amazing.

Now I'm dreaming of a trip to Paris or the English countryside to take more pics with my Dear Holga!

Happy Creating to you : )

No, really... ten years already ? !

2011-09-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be my 10 year wedding anniversary. I'm not sure where the time went. It has been a very eventful decade. Jay and I met in the University District in Seattle. He was still in college (actually just finishing his last year) and I was full throttle 10 years into my career as an apparel designer. Ours is not a conventional union - I am almost 12 years his senior but Jay is definitely my equal, actually he most likely surpasses me in in soul years. We have been through so much - things that cause some couples to divorce. In the past 10 years we each lost a sibling, remodeled a 100 year old house, and had two incredible kids. I can honestly say I've never been happier and know that the leap I made was the right one.

Happy Anniversary, Jay.

Love you....

Cafe Au Lait

2011-09-07T16:58:00.000-07:00

Finshed....my first block for the Cocorico Bee. Lauree chose Kitchen Couture and I decided to do a Cafe Au Lait theme. I love my french press but it isn't very stylish. I found some great images for antique coffe pots and decided to change my french press to an old fashioned French coffee pot. This image is the test block. It was actually the combo I was going to make for Lauree but later found out she loves orange so I made this block for her

The "lait" and "Cafe" labels were printed on fabric from my printer. This is such a great way to take cool images and use them in your sewing projects.

Ok...I've have a list to make and some new blocks to make for a few more bees.

Happy creating to you!

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Tama

2011-08-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

I've been entrusted with the care of this little doll named Tama. She is so sweet and has been well loved. I swear I felt a connection with her the moment we met. Her Mommy asked me to give her a little TLC. She is missing an eye and her nose and her clothes are a wee bit damaged. I feel like the doll doctor on "Toy Story II" and am honored I've been asked to fix her up. In the meantime she will be getting the royal treatment until she is reunited with her family.

Teeny, Tiny Inspiration

2011-08-26T12:58:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited about the new block I'm working on for the Cocorico Bee!

Annabel's theme is orchard so I'm going to use this tiny fabric swatch as inspiration. It came with a group of vintage fabrics I purchased on Ebay and it is by far my favorite piece. It only measures 4" x 3 1/2" with each little square at about 1 1/2". I'm not sharing which little square I'll be using, but I thought it would be fun to share my inspiration.

I'm off for a little swim with the family on a beautiful 80 degree day!

Happy Creating !

Yummy Ice Cream....mmmmmmmm

2011-08-24T10:56:00.000-07:00

We have had a wonderful August filled with outdoor swim lessons and a few fun get - aways. But I've found time to sew! I was so honored to be invited to join an incredibly talented group of ladies in the new Flicrk Group - Patchwork Pattern 318.

Each month we pick a theme from the book by Kumiko Fujita and make a block for that theme.

The first month Ayumi picked sweets' shop. You must check out her site here. She is an incredibly talented sewist and sells super cute fabric on her etsy shop.

I chose this truck and paper pieced the itty, bitty ice cream cone.

I used a new paper piecing technique from Kerry and you can find it here.

She is another incredibly talented gal in the group and you should really take a look around her blog - very inspiring!

Happy creating to you!

Living in God's Open Air

2011-08-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

" If this question put by THE FARMER'S WIFE had been asked me fifty or even twenty years ago, I am sure I should have said No. But no position in life has changed so much this last fifty years, as the standing of the farmer's wife.

I could give you a hundred reasons for saying yes. I would have her marry a farmer because there she has the chance of living in God's open air, of living a pure life, away from the meanness of a rural town, and the petty thing they make so much of and away from the temptations of a big town."

Mrs. J. E. F.

Valley County, Mont.

So I've decided to approach the Farmer's Wife Quilt Along in a different fashion. I was doing the blocks in numerical order but was not reading the letters which is really an integral part of the book and the quilting blocks and is honestly the best part of making this quilt. The author, Laurie Aaron Hird, designed blocks to correspond with a particular letter. So, going forward, I will do the blocks and share an excerpt from the letter that corresponds with the block!!

Week #9 *** Farmer's Wife Quilt Along

2011-07-31T12:53:00.000-07:00

I'm caught up with week #9 in the Farmer's Wife quilt along. Still loving making these blocks!

Ok, I'm off to do some sewing. Rainy summer day in Seattle!

Happy Creating!

Paper piecing and a Bee Block

2011-07-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

The weather has finally turned around here in

Seattle so I've been a bit remiss in my blog posts. I started designing the block I'll make for the Cocorico Bee. Theme is "Kitchen Couture".

Lauree wanted kitchen themed items you would find on shelves. I love my french press (we use it every morning) so I thought I would do a French theme.

Go Here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/cocorico/ and see the incredible blocks that are starting to trickle in.

These are the pics I'm using for inspiration.

I finished one of the blocks for the 4 x 5 bee I belong to. I found the pattern on Ebay - it is an Alice Brook's vintage mail order pattern. I think it would work nicely as a whole quilt.

Enjoy your summer and Happy Sewing

Fun with Paper Piecing

2011-07-12T09:02:00.001-07:00

My latest sewing obsession has been Paper piecing! I got the bug awhile ago when I found images from an incredible group of ladies who formed the Ringo Pie Bee. I've watched the group and the incredible things they create. You can find it here>

About a week ago I was invited to join a Bee of incredibly talented gals. We are following Ringo Pie and will make blocks for the Member of the month based on their theme. I was so honored and excited to be included with this talented group of sewists.

Our "homework" for July and August is to practice our quilting techniques. Lauree who co founded the bee had a link to this fabulous book.

Here is my first block from the book.

And my second.

This is my design based on elements from the book. I'm on a roll.....

Happy Creating!

Farmer's Wife Progress and some Bee Blocks

2011-07-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

I'm making some nice progress on my Farmer's Wife Quilt. Love the scrappy blocks and I'm learning with each new block I make!

I made two of these blocks! I really wanted to see this block in red and aqua.

I am planning to do a lighter version of this block.

These are the blocks I've received so far in the 3 x 6 bee. I love the way they look together. The block in the upper left hand corner is the sample block I made for the bee. I simplified it to have only the teapot.

Heading outside to enjoy the day. It is suppose to be 80 degrees today!!!

Happy creating!

WIP Wednesday

2011-06-22T09:42:00.001-07:00

More progress on my Farmer's Wife Quilt !

And a pile of scrappy goodness!

WIP Wednesday

2011-06-15T11:21:00.001-07:00

The Farmer's Wife Quilt along has been a lot of fun. Here are the blocks together so far.

My Hex quilt is coming along nicely. It is nice to have a hand sewing project.

I finished my bee blocks for the 3 x 6 Bee. Lots of work but well worth it!

An interesting observation

2011-06-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday night I started a new class in enameling at Danaca Design with the talented Aran Galligan. I'm really excited as I have not done any enameling on metal in at least 5 years! I went searching for my old enameling technique samples and was quite surprised to see my color choices. They are very similar to the colors I'm using in the Farmer's Wife Quilt Along blocks. Interesting that we are often drawn to the same things over and over.

Happy Creating to You!

Farmer's Wife Quilt Along and We almost had a farm

2011-06-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled that I am caught up with the Farmer's Wife Quilt Along. I have my 4 blocks done ( we are doing 2 per week) and I only have 107 to go!! This is so much fun. Picking fabrics for each block is a treat!

So in signing up for this quilt along, I have been reminded of some farm related happenings in our past. Yes.... we almost had a farm. About two years ago, my husband Jay and I were looking for a vacation property on Vashon Island. We love the island because it is so close to Seattle (a 30 min ferry ride ) and is incredibly rural. Well we found this lovely house.

It is the McNair house and was built in 1884.
This is the historical info from History.org:

"In 1884, Thomas and Etta McNair began living on and improving their land claim near Burton on Vashon Island. Every Monday, Thomas McNair commuted to Tacoma by rowboat. He would spend the week in the city while Etta worked on their farm. Like many other early settlers, the McNairs lived in a log house while starting out. In about 1890, Thomas built a substantial two-story wood-frame house that reflects the influence of the Queen Anne style in its asymmetrical elevations, ornate gable-end ornamentation and elegant porch. Thomas McNair also constructed a number of other Burton structures, including the Quartermaster School
The house needed alot of work and we were in the midst of finishing our 1908 house in Madrona. You can read about it here.
We thought long and hard but knew it would be an amazing house and sanctuary from the city. I had so many wonderful dreams of the boys spending summers in the beautiful grounds, climbing trees, building forts and doing what boys do.

So......we made an offer on the house and then......Jay lost his job.

We obviously didn't buy the house.

While writing this blog post I have a pit in my stomach. I really loved this house and more than that the possibilities. I knew we could bring it back to its original glory and create many more happy memories there.

This is original wallpaper in the linen closet.

All the windows have the original Victorian style moulding.

This is the view of Quartermaster Harbour.

The upstairs bedroom has a view of the harbour.

I know that home is where the heart is but I'm still heartbroken that this one got away.

The Farmer's Wife Quilt Along

2011-06-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

So I have decided to add another project to my long list (check out the right side of my blog : )

But I'm so glad I did. It is the Farmer's Wife quilt along. Angela over here started it based on the book "The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt" by Laurie Aaron Hird. The book includes 111 quilt blocks inspired by letters written to The Farmer's Wife magazine which was a popular magazine in the 1920's. The magazine asked their readers the following question: "If you had a daughter of marriageable age, would you, in the light of your own experience, want her to marry a farmer?"

Ninety four percent of the farm wives said they would want their daughter to marry a farmer!!

Here is an excerpt from one of my favorite letters:

....How beautiful our home was! It was only of logs, covered in summer with a wild clematis vine. I told our doctor that after five o'clock on winter nights we became New York milllionaires for we had our easy chairs, a big fireplace and good books. We could not have had more in a mansion.

Mrs. J.E.F.

Valley County, Mont.

I am not a farmer's wife - far from it, but I love the letters in this book because they emphasize how simplifying ones life makes for a rich life. I'd like to think I've tried to do the same. I don't have chickens or cows and my vegetable garden consists of two tomato plants, but my husband and I have tried to simplify the best we can. We live in a very small house, we don't have fancy cars or take elaborate vacations. We Do spend time with our kids every day and I try to cook a "real" meal a few times per week. I wouldn't trade it for anything!

This is my first block, attic windows. I'm going to incorporate as many farm themed fabrics as possible. This has been so much fun to do. I love the process of picking out the fabrics for each block and incorporating the title of the block into each design.

My color inspiration is aqua and red with grey, red and pink accents.
Inspired by a few bee blocks I have recently made.
You can find the Book here , the author Laurie Aaaron Hird's website here, and the Flickr group here.

I had to throw in a few photos of my garden : ) My roses just started blooming!
I really am a farm girl at heart....................

I love having flowers from my garden!

Happy creating to you!

New project, finished projects and Sunny days

2011-05-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

I started this a few days ago. My first Dresden plate block make with Katie Jump Rope Fabric.

It is pretty big - it will be a 24" pillow. I'm thinking dresden for my next round of quilting bee blocks I finished this teapot block

and this teapot block for the 3 x 6 quilting bee I belong to.

Despite the crummy weather, things are starting to bloom in the garden!

A Sunny weekend to you!

Has a month gone by already?

2011-05-20T14:01:00.001-07:00

It is hard to believe that it has been almost 1 month since my last post! I went on a wonderful yoga retreat here at Harmony Hill on Hood Canal. Four days of quiet, yoga, meditation and incredible vegetarian food. They have a wonderful cookbook which I highly recommend.

I've spent the entire last month working on these blocks for a Flickr bee I belong to. It took quite some time to design the block but are now coming along quite nicely. I'm really happy with the way they turned out. Five down and one to go!
I've been making some new pieces with the sterling silver branches I had cast years ago.
Trying to use what I have since the price of silver has tripled since I had these branches made!
And I've been weeding and cleaning up the yard. I can't wait until the dahlias, roses and lavender bloom! The weather has finally been nice and I'm headed outside to enjoy it before the Seattle rain returns : )

It took forever.....

2011-04-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this for a couple of weeks now. Not continuously but off and on : )

It was a pain in the - you know what - but I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. I may make six of them - teapot only - for the 3 x 6 bee I belong to.

The cup was inspired by Quilting Line and color

and the teapot was inspired by this teapot here.from Ayumi's blog.

It is lovely outside and I'm on my way out to do some gardening and prepare for my son Luc's 4th birthday. Have a lovely day!

Progress. . . . . . .

2011-03-30T16:02:00.001-07:00

Hand Stitching

2011-03-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

Originally this sweet little patch of hexies was made for the back of the double wedding ring pillow in the previous post. But I couldn't do it. I Couldn't put those sweet little hexies on the back of a pillow and just occasionally see them. So I decided I would make a pillow. Then I remembered seeing the quilt below in this wonderful book. Yes, you can see where this is going. As I'm writing this I was thinking I should actually count the number of hexagons in that quilt. Each consecutive ring include six more hexagons than the previous one. I'm crazy, I know, but it would be an amazing quilt. Nope, on second thought, not counting, just gonna go for it.

I love having these as a hand sewing project to keep my hands busy while watching TV in the evening. My original stack for this project. If this becomes a quilt it will definitely grow......... Wish me luck. I have a feeling this will take a very long time : )

My first quilted project

2011-03-27T12:08:00.001-07:00

Months ago I started the Pickle dish quilt along from Aneela's website here. I have lots of the arcs sewn but I was dying to see this made into something. Hence the pillow. It is my first quilting project and I absolutely loved doing the hand quilting.

I doubt I will do this for the actual quilt though it is lovely! Happy Sunday and Sewing!

A Saucer for the Tea Cups

2011-03-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I started playing around making some tea cup blocks. I like them so much I think they will become a quilt. I felt they needed a bit of relief, so I came up with this:

I'm really happy with the way it turned out. It is all machine pieced and was pretty easy to do.

I think it will make a pretty quilt!

I'm off to a quilt show in Monroe, WA. Can't wait as I've never been to one before.

Happy Sunday and Happy Sewing!

Traveler Quilt Block

2011-03-07T23:27:00.001-08:00

This week I joined a group to help make a quilt for an expectant Miss.

Parameters were using some Heather Ross fabric and I chose the color Red. I tried my hardest to make it gender neutral (we don't yet know the gender of the baby) and I think it turned out well. It is suppose to be an "improv block". Though I did plan a bit so it wasn't done entirely by the seat of my pants. I couldn't resist adding a wee bit of pink.

The boys got along rather well this afternoon and I was able to sneak in this bit of sewing!

A finished bag

2011-02-28T14:57:00.001-08:00

Yay! A finished project. I'm embarrased to say I started this one a few years ago!

I'm happy with the way it turned out and it is larger than it looks so it will hold all my stuff! The pattern is Amy Butler's Madison Bag. The instructions were great and it was really easy to put together

I Love the removeable flower detail. I used a mother of pearl button for the inside as well as a lovely little antique brass button.

Happy Creating!

Another Tea Cup Block and A Nice Little Surprise

2011-02-25T19:55:00.001-08:00

After yesterday I really wanted to make another tea cup block. I love this one. The secret is hand sewing the handle.

I redid the handle on the original and it came out really well!
I think I'm addicted to making these as I am working on a third. Looks like it will become a quilt someday!

I had a nice little surprise lastnight. I was going through my box of silver chains and I found the necklace below. It didn't look like this. It was a sad little mess in knots - I didn't even know it was a necklace! Happy to have it as I made it and forgot about it years ago.

And lastly, a lovely little stack of fabric. I bought the solids today and love how they look with some of my existing stash!

Happy creating!

Playing

2011-02-24T16:46:00.001-08:00

I had a bit of spare time this afternoon and decided to try out this quilt block. It is from the book Quilting Line and Color. It is my new favorite quilting book. The projects are very minimalistic and predominately white based. The quilts are beautiful - true works of art.

I'm happy with the block though the handle is a bit wonky. OK for a first try!

Here are a few images from the book.
Happy creating!

Another Give - away!

2011-02-01T13:54:00.000-08:00

Check out Heather's blog for yet another give - away! This is the new line by Denyse Schmidt and I just love it. Check out True Up for more on this line!

A Giveaway!

2011-01-30T11:29:00.000-08:00

Heather over at House of A La Mode is having a fab fabric giveaway. Check it out here

Good Luck!!

A Good Thrifting Day ! ! !

2011-01-29T16:43:00.001-08:00

I had a fun day doing a bit of thrift shopping. Jay watched the boys and I was free to browse! I found two flat twin size sheets, two pairs of vintage pillowcases, 1/2 yard of lovely blue fabric and a few sewing notions.

The sheets and pillowcases remind me of the wonderful collection from Urban Chiks by Moda. Image is from True Up.

I've seen some incredible quilts made with vintage sheets and pillowcases on Flickr. Check out this beautiful one by Jeni. She also has a flickr shop and sells pieces of vintage sheets for an incredibly reasonable price.

The boys are busy playing with papa so I'm going to sneak in a little sewing time!

Happy weekend to you!

Portrait Series

2011-01-28T16:41:00.001-08:00

I've been working on a new group of jewelry pieces I'm calling the portrait series.

I like to cut or saw a design into the back of the bezel (cup that holds the stone) to add interest and make it special. And my necklace will sometimes flip around to show the back so I think it is really quite lovely to have a pretty image on the back. This is # 3 and my second favorite.

This is my fourth and favorite. I like the thicker lines used by cutting with a larger blade.

This is my second attempt.

This is my first attempt.

Here is the front with the lovely Crazy Lace Agate Stone.

I Love my Featherweight

2011-01-21T23:01:00.001-08:00

Ok. So I am the absolute lamest blogger on the face of the earth. Can I even call myself a blogger when I haven't posted anything since November?

Anyhow, we had a lovely holiday. Jay waded across a river to get our tree. It was beautiful and about 17 feet tall. (He left 4 feet by the riverbed and cut 4 feet off the top when we got it home!) The boys had a magical Christmas and were terribly sad to see it end. Luc kept saying "It is Christmas tomorrow" days after it was over!

I have been doing a bit of sewing the past few weeks. Mostly working on a few different quilts. Last year, I bought a Singer Featherweight for myself for my birthday. I bought this particular model because it was made the year I was born. I took a class on servicing the machine last summer but I never actually did any sewing on it.

Well...lastnight I decided to plug it in and I Love It. It is a wonderful little machine. It makes the most beautiful stitches and if so sturdy.

Here's to 2011, doing lots of sewing and actually finishing projects!

Jewelry Show

2010-11-07T17:27:00.001-08:00

So I've been working on a few pieces to put in the House Show at Danaca Design. Some are reworks of older pieces. A few are brand new pieces I'm pretty excited about!

The party is this Saturday in the U-District and includes work from those of us that work at Danaca Design. We created beads that were fashioned into a necklace that will be auctioned to raise funds for a student from Seattle Public Schools to pay for metalsmithing classes at Danaca.

Check out the link above for all the details!

A House Remodel - The Epic Before and After

2010-10-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

We purchased our 1908 Madrona Box Style House 5 years ago in December.

It has been quite an adventure. My husband Jay and I had been looking for a bigger home and desperately wanted to restore a classic house.

This pic is during the remodel. Jay removed all the double hung windows and restored them. The windows that are where the wood is attached are the original leaded glass windows.

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Front Door Before

We found the front door and all the matching hardware at a 1908 Four Square style house that was being demolished in the Eastlake area of Seattle.

Front Door After

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The Original Front Door

The beautiful door After
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The Front Entry
This is a view from the front door into the entry. We took 3 feet from the kitchen to add a powder room which is at the back of this picture.

Yep, that's me removing the tile from the oak hardwoods in the entry!

After Hallway into the Powder Room.

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Staircase

Staircase during the remodel after gutting the area.

Staircase After.

Another view before

And after.

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The Dining Room

Before

And After

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The Dining Room Fireplace

Before

And After

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Dining Room into the Kitchen

Before

And After

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Living Room

Before

And After

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More Living Room

Before

After

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My Favorite View from the Kitchen to the Dining Room

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Kitchen

Before

After

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More Kitchen

Before

After

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Even More Kitchen

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Landing. Lets head upstairs!

During

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Lets Walk down the hallway to the East Bedroom

Hallway Before and After
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East Bedroom

Wow that was some nasty carpet!

Before and After. Lots of room for the boys to play. We added sconces to the nook which holds a twin size bed.

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West Bedroom

This was by far the worst room of all. The window was broken and there was water damage on the ceilings.

Another View

A view of the landing from the South Facing Bedroom.

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Hallway to West Bedroom

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West Facing Bedroom

This is a during photo. Post gutting of the upstairs and post floor refinishing.

Nook in West Bedroom

True Before of the West Bedroom

After of the same corner

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Upstairs Bathroom

Unfortunately I don't have a true before of the bathroom. Lets just say it was beyond horrible. Have you ever stopped at a gas station restroom that hasn't been cleaned for years? It was that bad!!

New hex tile floor.

We salvaged the claw foot tub from a 1908 Four Square on Eastlake that was being torn down to build town houses. It was quite a score. We salvaged all the five panel fir doors, period door hardware, the beautiful front door and light fixtures!
The sink and vintage Mixer faucet came from a local salvage store.

Finally some sewing projects!

2010-10-19T17:27:00.001-07:00

I've finally been doing a bit of sewing. I started this quilt and really like how it is turning out. It is called a "pickle dish" and is alot like a double wedding ring design. I'm following this tutorial from Aneela who just designed the most adorable line of fabrics for Moda. Can't wait to get my hands on them!

A detail - loving how the Heather Ross Gnomes and Ice Cream Truck prints look in here!

And last, a few squares of a gnome and mushroom quilt. I have lots of work ahead but am loving every minute of it!!

Sneak Peek

2010-10-14T23:46:00.000-07:00

It is mighty hard to imagine that this room

used to look like This!!!
(and this pic is post floor refinishing!)

The house remodel is finally coming to an end. I'll post the entire before and after soon.

Summer in Seattle

2010-07-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

Summer finally arrived a few days ago. I'll have to say Seattle is an amazing place when the sun shines.

It was low tide at Alki Beach in West Seattle. The boys loved it. We found crabs, shrimp, and a starfish.

We are feverishly working on the house - Yep pretty much every surface was ruined when we bought it. Jay is scraping the glue off the cement on the front porch that was left after removing the wall to wall carpet!

I hope you are finding time to enjoy your summer!

Modigliani Inspired Self Portraits

2010-05-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

I've been absent from blogging and missing it so. I have a few crafty projects in the works and will blog about them soon.

We have been soooo busy lately. We are moving from our dream house in July (long story) and I have been busy sorting and purging. Amazing how much one accumulates in 4 years! I'm pretty pleased with the progress so far, albeit a rather daunting one.

**Thanks grandparents for all your help with kid sitting!!!**

***

I've been the Art Docent for my son's kindergarten class this year and have been absolutely loving it. It has been such a joy to spend time in Liam's classroom getting to know all the wonderful kids. They are all truly amazing and talented!

There are tons of resources for art projects on the web, but my two favorite sites for kid's art projects are HERE and HERE. They are on my blog list as well.

*****

Today was our last art project. The painting we studied was Modigliani's Gypsy Woman with Baby. I followed THIS for the art project. We did a self portrait elongating our features as Modigliani did in his portraits.

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Here are some examples of the student's work:

I couldn't show the artists due to privacy issues, but I promise, the resemblance is pretty uncanny!!

My son Liam with his portrait.

Yeah, that is my portrait. If you have a bit of time, check out the link for the instructions and try it for yourself.

Everyone is an artist. I promise you won't be disappointed!!

My baby is Three

2010-04-18T20:45:00.001-07:00

I can't believe my baby is Three. Luc, you are the most wonderful little boy. I am so incredibly blessed to by your mommy.

You are talented and passionate...

Sly......

A warrior.....

You are incredibly silly, crazy and fun....

You are my little angel. I love you.

Patina - to Leave or Remove?

2010-03-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

I have always loved old houses and antiques because they are imbued with character and history. I love the patina that is the result of age and use.

I bought this lovely Murano glass mirror in Italy. The shopkeeper gave me a $400 discount because of the water damage - which I see as a beautiful Patina.

A doorplate in our house with a lovely 100 year old patina.

A chair passed down to us. Love the patina on the inside spindle and arm rests.
* * * * * * * *

I really hadn't planned on writing a post about patina. One of the things I love about blogging is the unexpected topics or subjects one shares.

As you've probably gathered from past posts, my husband and I bought a 100 year old house. In renovation we have tried to figure out how much of the natural patina to keep in tact. We have removed alot but have also tried to add it back by putting in used fixtures and salvaged materials, but ever so often a project will bring up the question - should we leave the patina or cover it up?

Case in point - this beautiful light fixture salvaged from a four square that was being torn down in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle to make way for condos. My hubby took off the years of paint and revealed this lovely finish. We were planning on painting them matte black but I Said NO!

I love the patina. The character. They look like they belong in the house and have been there since 1908.
If you love patina, you'll love this post from An Apple a Day.

A finished room

2010-02-21T11:40:00.001-08:00

Jay has been working so hard these past few months. We almost have a finished bathroom.

We need some glass shelves for the built in cabinet.....

We have a bathroom door!!!

Jay put in the windows this morning.....

We used the same beautiful pressed glass that was used in the kitchen windows.

I love my bathroom!!

Happy Birthday Mom

2010-02-19T19:09:00.001-08:00

This photo was taken in 1970, I was about 6 and my mom not yet 30.

She is the most lovely, kind woman I know and I aspire to be as compassionate and beautiful as she is. She has loved and supported me through all my ups and down.

Happy Birthday mom, I love you so....

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

2010-02-13T11:22:00.001-08:00

How I love this photo. My parents were just 23 years old. The were married in a chapel on Hwy 99 only meeting 3 months before. They are still very much in love and despite the ups and downs of marriage are still married after 46 years.

I owe them so much. They have been wonderful parents showing unconditional love and support my entire life.

Happy Anniversary Ann and Miles.

Things to share

2010-01-19T21:08:00.000-08:00

I've so missed blogging the past few weeks. Things have been crazy round here but I've been working on a few things.....

I've been ironing the vintage fabric squares and cutting out hexes for my flower garden quilt.

This was the inspiration quilt. I love the solid mixed with the prints. I'm going to do the same.

This lovely quilt inspired me to pull out my quilt and start working again!

I made my way back to Dana's last week and finished this piece.

I wanted to make a companion piece and thought a beaded necklace with one of my flowers as the clasp would look lovely. I actually like it as a center piece at the front.

I'm almost finished with these p.j.'s. Need to hurry as it is starting to warm up here in Seattle!

Lastly, I had to share this pic of the matching p.j's I made for all of my boys to wear on Xmas eve. The biggest boy was definitely surprised!

La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum

2010-01-01T10:58:00.001-08:00

One of our holiday traditions is going to Deception Pass the day after Christmas. We usually go to La Conner for a bite to eat. It is a wonderful little town with antique stores and a great restaurant. We were driving around and I saw a sign for the La Conner quilt museum. Oh what a find. Their permanent collection features works from Josie Teeter Schlotterback (1882 - 1974). Josie was a professional seamstress who graduated from the June Tailor School in 1901! Her family left her collection of amazing quilts, quilt blocks and quilt pieces to the museum. The exhibit also included unfinished blocks, patterns and other memorabilia.
I've started making one of these. I'm sure it will be a life long project.
Josie hand stitched the entire quilt together and it is hand quilted. Amazing!

I love the use of tiny scraps on this quilt.

Things that are making me smile right now.....

2009-12-20T20:20:00.001-08:00

Using my son's monkey sharpener and fish pencil. Shhh, don't tell him Please....

Sweet satsumas and a hot cup of tea.

Reading the post it "love notes" from my son Liam:

" I love you mom"

"I love your her" (my favorite)

"Chres I love you From Liam"

And best of all - listening to my six year old play with his childhood friend in his room next door.

Lavender Sachet + A Tutorial

2009-12-09T14:07:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas my mom sends gifts to our relatives in Germany. We try to find local items from Seattle, at least the U.S. My mom asked me to make a sachet similar to one I gave her years ago. I was thrilled with the idea as I have lots of scraps to use. I'm really happy with the way they turned out. The gnome and ice cream truck fabric are Munki (so cute!) The Matryoshka doll fabric is from Heather Ross.

The lavender I use to fill them came from Purple Haze Lavender in Sequim, WA. It is heavenly.

To Make them you need:

1) 4 - 2 1/2" squares of fabric
2) Silk or Poly organza for back
3) New or vintage button for front
4) Stay button for Back
5) Ribbon (optional)
6) Lavender florets to fill sachet. I got mine here.

Cut 4 - 2 1/2" squares of fabric. I used two of each print.

Arrange the squares as you like.

Stitch the two left and then two right squares together with a 1/4" seam.

Stitch the center seam using a 1/4" s.a.

Flip the front over to the Right Side. Cut a piece of organza to fit the square and pin each corner.

Stitch around the perimeter using a 1/4"
seam allowance. Leave an opening approximately 1" centered at the bottom.

Clip the corners and press the s.a. open.

Turn to right side.

Make a funnel out of paper and fill your sachet.

I ordered 1/2 pound organic lavender which is enough to make many, many sachets!!

(My table never looks this clean. I should take photographs on it more often!)

Slip stitch the bottom opening and add a button and optional ribbon to front.

Don't forget the stay bttn on the back!

Toile and a finished project!

2009-12-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

I adore toile fabrics and decoration. I recently purchased this book, Toiles De Jouy, which has beautiful examples of the French fabric maker's toiles.

I started collecting this version of toiles - transferware plates - about eight years ago when my husband's grandmother gifted us reproduction red and white Spode dinner plates for our wedding.

I've been collecting ever since and have purchased them on Ebay (left), at auctions (center) and on my travels in the South of France (right).

More of my ever growing collection. I found the plates on the right at my local T.J. Maxx for $1 a piece!

I recently finished these pillow covers. (Yay, 1 more thing to cross off the list!) The white swirl printed fabric is actually napkins I bougth at Anthropologie some time ago. The toile was purchased at Jo-Annes.
I love the way they turned out!
I used three self fabric covered buttons for the back envelope closure in contrast red toile with red toile binding in the same pattern. I had never made covered bttns before. They were so easy and I'm really happy with the look.

Happy sewing and collecting!

Holiday Traditions Old and New

2009-11-30T20:59:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas. I haven't always felt this way but since having kids I seriously get into the holiday spirit. It is exciting making the boys dreams come true and to experience the wonder of Christmas through their eyes.

We have established a few family traditions in the past few years. The first is going to Snohomish the day after Thanksgiving and watching Santa enter the town in his horse drawn sleigh. Snohomish is a lovely little town and has lots of great antique shops. (I'll do a separate blog post on Snohomish in the near future!)

Another tradition is putting the Santa photos in frames and hanging them on the tree.

We always ride the carousel downtown and enjoy the "snow" at Pacific Place.

This year we started a new tradition - cutting our own tree. It wasn't purely motivated by the romance of trekking through the snow to find the perfect tree. We were tired of spending lots of $$ on the "perfect" tree. I happened to see coverage on the local new that with a $10 permit, you can go into national forest and cut your own. There are designated areas, but that being said, I was surprised at how many areas allow it.So this is the tree. At first we were a bit worried since it is much barer than the perfectly dense and shirred Xmas trees we usually get. It has grown on me and I'll have to say I rather love it. It is how nature intended. You can actually see the ornaments on the tree!

The romance of the boys having a wonderful time in the snow diminished rather fast. Luc was pretty miserable after dropping his gloves in the snow.

Liam was a good sport and wants to go back and make a snowman.

We were up on a ridge and the views were breathtaking.

We must have seen dozens of trees and after hiking about a mile......

We decided on this one. The day was not quite as I imagined but I'll cherish it always and look forward to doing it again next year.

Link for cutting your own here!

Jewelry Show this Saturday!

2009-11-20T17:36:00.000-08:00

If anyone is looking for something fun to do tomorrow night, there is a fabulous jewelry show and party (oh yes.....there will be lots of wine and food) at Danaca Design in the U-District. Myself as well as nine other talented designers will be showcasing their work. We are raffling off an incredible necklace for only $5 a ticket. Each and every designer collaborated on the necklace by making a bead. Proceeds benefit the Jewelry Art Stimulus Fund which will provide scholarships for jewelry classes at the studio.

We are also featuring many of the artist's jewelry as well as some paintings and stones in a silent auction which will also benefit the scholarship fund. Check out the link for photos of the items!

Following are some of my favorite pieces!

Yes....I have been a busy bee!!!!

Holiday Inspiration

2009-11-16T09:26:00.001-08:00

It has been a crazy past few weeks in the Randell household. We have been continously sick with a cold or the flu which explains my lack of blog posts.

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I'm so excited for Christmas this year. Seems like the Fall is flying by and Christmas is just around the corner! I have been perusing the web and found these lovely projects and images I just had to share. . . . . . . .

I think these beaded snowflakes are absolustely lovely.

I'm excited to try making this wreath. Wouldn't it look lovely over a fireplace?

And last, these beautiful images from tinekhome.

There is definitely a silver & white theme happening here!

Have a lovely day!

Cute (free) Skirt Pattern

2009-10-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

I found this super cute skirt pattern here.

I love the ruffle detail, the flower applique and the wool jersey fabric it is made out of.

I think I will use this flower as inspiration for the flowers on this skirt.

The instructions can be found on Heather Bailey's website here.

Hope you are enjoying your week!

Some Cool Freebies

2009-10-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

These days I LOVE freebies. We are keeping costs down in our household as I'm sure many others families are in these trying economic times! So when I saw this link on one of my favorite blogs, I was quite excited. They have the cutest calling cards as well as free downloadable gift and thank you cards. I'm especially excited about the calling cards. I have business cards but they are out of date. It is pretty embarassing to be a freelance designer and jeweler and not have a card to give to new contacts!

My other recent favorite freebie is this pattern on the Burda website. It is from the new book Twinkle Sews. You may be familiar with Wenlan Chia's fabulous knitting books. You can print the pattern at home and even though it is 50 pages it is still cheaper that buying a pattern. I have this wonderful green double knit that will be perfect for this skirt. I plan on buying the book when $ aren't so tight. It really is wonderful and the designs are adorable!

Happy Creating!!

Too many projects, too little time.....

2009-10-15T10:52:00.000-07:00

I love to make things and dabble in all kinds of crafty mediums

but lately it has been all about sewing.

Maybe it is because I have a dedicated place to sew. Luc is sharing a room with Liam now so I have the third bedroom to use as my office and studio space. I've been back to the jewelry studio at Danaca Design but I'm not feeling the love for the jewelry thing. I'm sure it can be attributed to not having a jewelry studio at home. I did at the old house and it was so nice to start a project, leave it on my bench, and come back to it at my leisure. I do love the overall relaxed and creative energy as well as the adult interaction and friends that I've made at the studio. Maybe I'm creatively fickle. Maybe I've just been enjoying making things for myself and the boys?!

I did figure out what to do with this. This is the beginnings of a quilt made with small squares all out of vintage fabric from the 30's.
I've spent the last few nights taking it apart getting it ready to use for the project.

I saw this image and had an aha moment. The squares I have are small (approx 3" x 3")

and I knew this would be the perfect use for all those lovely squares. I found a great website here that explains the history as well as the technique.

The technique is English paper piecing and the pattern is called Grandmother's flower garden. It is done entirely by hand which speaks to my love of intricate details and handcrafted items.

I'm also working on some p.j's for the boys, new pillow covers for our bed as well as some clothes for myself. I can't complain, life is good and I'm looking forward to finishing some projects!!

I've got the bug.....

2009-10-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

The quilting bug that is. It is something I've always wanted to try and I love it! I finished my very first block lastnight! I've been collecting these Munki pj's that have the most adorable prints by Heather Ross.
I think they are great for quilting and I'm really looking forward to using them.
You can read more about the Munki obsession here.

I went looking for this lastnight. I found it at a yard sale years ago. It is the beginning of a quilt and looks like the squares are made from vintage fabric. For years I've been trying to figure out what to do with it. I think I'll be taking it apart and using the pieces for a future quilt!

Two of my favorite prints!

Happy Sewing!

Anthropologie Love

2009-10-05T23:14:00.000-07:00

Paint by number plates. How cool is that?

I just received the October issue of Anthropologie. I Love, Love, Love this store. If I had to choose only one place to shop it would be here. I've attached some of my faves. Happy shopping!

Heaven on Earth

2009-10-05T21:22:00.000-07:00

Eden Ranch
An old house Jay and I made an offer on. We can't wait to start the renovation.
Ha ha - just kidding. Though.....you know we are obsessed with old houses!

Yes, you all know what this is. Only a city girl would love a pic of a hay bale!

Cutie Primo.

Cutie Segundo with my mom.

It has been about a month ago that I, along with the boys and my parents made the pilgrimage to Chesaw. We went to visit my brother Paul and his family and meet my new nephew Cayden. We also went to spread my brother Miles' ashes. The last time I visited was about 10 years ago with Jay. I didn't remember how incredibly beautiful the area is. Chesaw is in North Eastern Washington about 30 minutes from the Canadian border. Rolling hills, farm land, big open spaces. It is truly heaven on earth. We stayed at the Eden Ranch an incredibly beautiful place with the sweetest little cabins. Many of the cabins and the main lodge (which is pictured) are sided with the boards from historic buildings that were beyond repair.

Robin, the owner, is a warm and wonderful host.

I was hoping to get back for another visit before the mountain passes close, but we will have to see! I have more pics of my brothers cabin, which he built himself, as well as pictures of my adorable little nephew. Heaven on Earth part deux coming soon! Ta ta for now!

You know Fall is just around the corner when......

2009-09-16T17:55:00.000-07:00

The leaves start changing color....

Unfinished knitting projects come out of hiding....

Hot tea (with cream and sugar) is your preferred beverage.

Enjoy your last few days of summer!!

Liam's First Day of School

2009-09-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

Walking into the classroom.Words of reassurance from mom.

Custom labels for his jackets. Oh he liked that!

My little boy is growing up! Seems like just yesterday we were going for stroller rides in the neighorhood. My emotions about Kindergarten are a bit silly since Liam went to a full day preschool last year but honestly, public school is soooo different.

I could tell he was nervous - I think due to the size of the school and number of students. Bryant has 500 compared to about 40 at his preschool.

He is doing really well and has made a few new friends. He brought home his first assignments yesterday and each and every day reports about the new things he has learned.

I'm so proud of my big boy!

Happy Anniversary

2009-09-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

Jay, Thanks for the last eight years.
Thanks for our lovely boys
for working so hard for us
Thanks for the lovely dinner tonight.

Lets have a make over dinner without the boys!

I Love You.

Budding Artist

2009-09-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

Love this. Very modern. I can't wait to hang it in my new office!!

Liam is bicycling to QFC and thinking about the chocolate chips he will buy. Those are the dots in the "thinking bubble" above his head.

It has been fun spending time with the boys this summer. Sometimes I feel more like a referee than a mom!! Liam starts Kindergarten in only a week. I try to spend one on one time with him when Luc naps as Luc is a very demanding two year old when awake. We often pull out the art supplies and draw. I'll have to say I was very impressed with the artwork he created yesterday. It is fun to see how their minds work through their art.

I think we may have an artist on our hands! Yay!

Little Pink Skirt

2009-08-23T19:06:00.000-07:00

Contrast Yellow Inside Hem

Don't you just love the yellow seahorses?!

My plan was to make a dress out of this fabric until I realized I only had 1 1/2 yards! It is Heather Ross from her Mendocino Collection.

The fabric was originally purchased for a purse lining. I decided it is much too cute to hide inside a purse, so I decided to make a skirt! The pattern is an old McCalls, simple A-line skirt.

I wore the skirt yesterday and absolutely love it.

Happy Creating!!

Little Red Bicycle

2009-08-16T16:40:00.001-07:00

Liam in his new t-shirt!

I love girly, feminine things. Having two boys has made me think outside the box - the box that I create in. I design women's clothes professionally and make women's jewelry. Making things for girls is truly my comfort zone.

I've been making pants for my youngest son, Luc, and thought it would be fun to make a shirt to go with some of the pants. I didn't want it to be too "cutesy", so I came up with this retro logo of a bicycle based on the Curious George books.

The best compliment came from my almost six year old son Liam. I had made a tee for his little brother and he said "mama I would like one too."

The process is really easy. I sketched the design, reversed the image in photo shop, and then Photo copied it onto iron-on transfer paper. The idea came from the book Lotta Prints, by Lotta Jansdotter. The fun thing about this is you can take any image and turn it into a t-shirt. I want to take some of Liam's artwork and use it for a tee!

I am working on the "girly" version of this tee. Little Pink Bicycle. There are a couple young ladies turning two years old very soon and I thought it would be a fun gift!

Turquoise Color Story

2009-08-12T10:57:00.001-07:00

Dresser

Lamp is a vintage find from a friend. Jewelry box from Anthropologie.

Necklace and Earrings are my own.

Our remodeled bathroom.

Vintage sink and fixtures. Mirror from Anthropologie. Hand towel from Target.

I am loving using the color turquoise as an accent in our house.

If you love turquoise, check out the blog - House of Turquoise.

Someday I'll have a turquoise dining room like Anais Nin in the movie Henry and June.

A Delicious Summer Dinner

2009-08-05T19:04:00.000-07:00

It has been incredibly warm in Seattle the past few weeks and I haven't been in the mood to cook. Yesterday was a comfortable 70 degrees, the perfect temperature to fire up the oven!

I was watching Rachael Ray (while sewing) and she had a great, super fast and easy recipe for a Caprese Lasagna.

My husband Jay hates tomatoes so I though I'd try a prosciutto and mushroom version.

Jay is the cook in the family, so when he walked in the house and said "that smells really good," I knew it was a winner!

Prosciutto and Mushroom Lasagna

Serves 2-4 depending on how hungry you are!

Ingredients:

*4 tablespoons butter (2 tbs for bechamel and 2 tbs to saute the mushrooms)

*2 cloves crushed garlic

*2 tablespoons flour

*1 cup milk

*1 cup chicken stock

*Approx 10 ozs crimini mushrooms, sliced

*1 box oven-ready lasagna

*1 package 4 oz prosciutto, cut into approx 2" pieces

*1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.

Saute mushrooms in 2 tablespoons butter on med high heat for about 5 minutes. Set aside.

Place a medium sized heavy bottom saucepan over medium heat and melt remaining 2 Tbs. butter. Add the garlic to the pan and cook until aromatic, about 1 minute.

Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic and cook, whisking mixture for 1 minute.

Whisk the milk and chicken stock into the butter/flour mixture and bring to a bubble. Continue cooking, whisking mixture, until thickened, 3-4 minutes.

Assemble the lasagna by ladling about 1/4 cup of the sauce into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and laying three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top the noodles with about a third of the mushrooms, a third of the prosciutto 1/4 cup of sauce and 1/3 of the parmesan.

Repeat until all ingredients are used up, topping the lasagna off with a final layer of sauce and shredded parmesan cheese.

Cover the pan with foil and bake the lasagna for 30 minutes. Remove the foil from the baking dish and bake another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.

More Summer Sewing

2009-07-30T18:06:00.000-07:00

We have been having a heat wave in Seattle and

I've been hiding in the house sewing the past few days!

I hate to complain as I would much rather have the sun and heat than rain!!

These pants are version #2 of the Huck Finn pants from Heather Ross' Weekend Sewing. I took the basic pant pattern and added a few pockets and the cuffs. I also added adjustable elastic - the kind with buttonholes can now be purchased af the fabric store. (I think it has been available for awhile.) I love this pattern and promise I'm only working on one more for the summer though I may make some in corduroy this Fall!

Back to my sewing machine and fan!

Summer Garden - Nasturtium Border

2009-07-23T17:49:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of our backyard.

The orange flowers are naturtiums. They are so easy to grow. I purchased a packet of Renee's Garden seeds from our local nursery. They take about 9 - 12 days to germinate and Voila - in about one month a lovely border appears.

Hope you are enjoying your summer!

Summer Sewing

2009-07-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

Luc in a variation of Huck Finn pants from Weekend Sewing

Luc in Kai's shirt from Weekend Sewing.

My next project. Fab vintage 1968 shift dress pattern.

Sewing is a passion of mine. I started at the age of six making clothes for my Barbie dolls which lead me to the career as an apparel designer. It was not a straight path and I've definitely taken some turns on the road to this career.

I've heard that you should look back to what you loved at around the age of six and that is a good indicator of what may be your passion later in life.

Sewing has been put on the back burner since having the boys - other than the occasional home decoration project. This spring I happened upon the book Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross. It is a fabulous book and renewed my desire to sew. I've been making versions of the Huck Finn Pant for my son Luc. I've also made Kai's shirt and a few of the dresses for myself.

My next project will be a sundress using a vintage pattern I've had for years. The fabric is from Heather Ross' Mendocino collection. I'd better hurry since the weather could change at any moment! The weather in Seattle has been unusually warm and dry and I am Loving it!!!!

Welcome!

2009-07-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

Finally a working kitchen!

Pressed glass windows

Kitchen Before
(Yikes!!!)

I thought I'd start my first post with the current most consuming aspect of our lives....Our house remodel. We bought our 1908 Madrona Box style house 3 1/2 years ago and it is (finally) looking great.

We have a working kitchen after all this time! I really love the pressed glass we used for the windows. We wanted privacy but also wanted to keep the look in the same period as our 1908 house. My husband Jay has been painstakingly restoring all the windows. They look so nice and they actually work. I love the clinking sound of the weights when opening the old windows!

The farm style sink is from Ikea and I absolutely love it. There is still lots of work to be done but we are definitely making progress!!

I'll post some more before and after pics soon......

Charise Creates

Curves

Apple and Pear and Paper Piecing Tutes

Sew Out Loud Quilt Along

Finished Pillow and a Sneak Peek

Cozy Cottage

*****Tea Time Pattern*****

Christmas In January

< * < 2011 > * >

Playing with Value

Hoping you had A Happy Holiday!

Christmas Gifts

Fresh Sewing Day *** November 2011

Apple Tutorial and Pattern Here!!

Marken House for Leila

Apple and Pear

Friday Favorites

Ski Chalet

Little Dumplings and a busy October

Thinking about the Holidays

Another Suzuko Koseki Purse

A Little Bag

More crossed off the "to do" list!

Farmer's Wife Quilt Along - No Safer Road to Travel

Patchwork 318 Bee - The second time is a charm

My New Toy

No, really... ten years already ? !

Cafe Au Lait

Tama

Teeny, Tiny Inspiration

Yummy Ice Cream....mmmmmmmm

Living in God's Open Air

Week #9 *** Farmer's Wife Quilt Along

Paper piecing and a Bee Block

Fun with Paper Piecing

Farmer's Wife Progress and some Bee Blocks

WIP Wednesday

WIP Wednesday

An interesting observation

Farmer's Wife Quilt Along and We *almost* had a farm

The Farmer's Wife Quilt Along

New project, finished projects and Sunny days

Has a month gone by already?

It took forever.....

Progress. . . . . . .

Hand Stitching

My first quilted project

A Saucer for the Tea Cups

Traveler Quilt Block

A finished bag

Another Tea Cup Block and A Nice Little Surprise

Playing

Another Give - away!

A Giveaway!

A Good Thrifting Day ! ! !

Portrait Series

I Love my Featherweight

Jewelry Show

A House Remodel - The Epic Before and After

Finally some sewing projects!

Sneak Peek

Summer in Seattle

Modigliani Inspired Self Portraits

My baby is Three

Patina - to Leave or Remove?

A finished room

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

Things to share

La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum

Things that are making me smile right now.....

Lavender Sachet + A Tutorial

Toile and a finished project!

Holiday Traditions Old and New

Jewelry Show this Saturday!

Holiday Inspiration

Cute (free) Skirt Pattern

Some Cool Freebies

Too many projects, too little time.....

I've got the bug.....

Tea Time Pattern

Farmer's Wife Quilt Along and We almost had a farm