Amber's Design Studio

Amber chose a sewing theme for her bee block in Ringo Pie.  I had just finished my "Design Studio" pattern for the Sew Out Loud quilt along and thought this would be the perfect theme.

The itty bitty iron came first and I was inpired by an incredible exhibit at the San Francisco Airport!

The exhibit is incredible.  There were sewing baskets and kits, sewing machines and irons on display.

Here are just a few of the incredible items on display.

This week I happened upon a super dangerous place in my neighborhood - dangerous for the wallet that is : )  It is a vintage warehouse that sells mostly estate sale finds.  I got the cute little chair pincushion, eyelet trim and vintage needle cases!

Have a lovely day!

xo Charise

Hello Spring Tulip & Tote Bag

I'm so excited to be part of the Paper Pieced Pattern a Day Garden Party Blog Hop!!!!

It doesn't quite feel like Spring in Seattle until the tulip bulbs I planted in the fall bloom in April.

My block is a tulip in a pot which for me epitomizes the beginning of Spring.

If you haven't seen the other Garden Party themed blocks you should really check it out HERE.

They are fabulous!

Jennifer of Sewhooked is hosting and has some fabulous give-aways, too. 

[Fabrics:  Background Text: Lakehouse Annie's farm stand,  Green leaves a stem: Denyse Schmidt Flea Market Fancy,  Blue Stripe: DS Quilts for fabric traditions,  Blue floral: DS Quilts for fabric traditions, Blue Text : Kumiko Fujita]

The block is 4 1/2" wide and the instructions include measurements for making a 10" block.  You could also use two blocks to create a 10" or 12" block.  The pattern can be found HERE.

With Spring in the air, one cannot have too many cute shopping totes!!

I decided to use this block to adorn a fun shopping tote.  Warning - It is a big one : )

A whopping 15 3/4" x 18 3/4"!!

If you want a smaller bag, just trim off the bottom and you can keep all the other measurements the same.  Make sure your quilt block fits the smaller size of the tote and you can see it below the flap.

I added pom pom trim and a border around the block to coordinate.

I love the ruffle top elastic pocket.  It is super duper, easy peasy and has a nice clean finish.

I also added one to the inside lining.

You can find the tote bag tutorial HERE.

If you decide to make my "Hello Spring" block or tote bag, I would love to see your version on my Charise Creates Flickr group HERE.

And don't forget to check out the Garden Party Flickr group HERE!

xo Charise

Busy Thursday!

I've been so remiss at blogging this month!!  I have been working on some projects, though!

I finished Megan's block for Cocorico Bee.  Her theme was county fair and I had a heck of a time coming up with an idea.  My original thought was a ferris wheel but the "Quilt Show" felt like the right direction to go.

I used stamps to make the Quilts banner.  The mini quilts on top are Farmer's wife blocks shrunk down to 4".  The quilt on the table is a cheater print from Lakehouse.

I've missed making Farmer's Wife blocks!  Hopefully I'll find time soon to make some more!

Here is a photo of my Patchwork 318 Bee Blocks together.  I just love them.  I'm thinking they each need a separate project to set them apart! Leila made the one on the top left, Kerry the top right, and Ayumi made the bottom block! 
Baskets was the theme and they are all just divine!

Enjoy your day! 

Table Top Swap

This afternoon while the kiddos are at school,  I decided to work on napkins for my partner in the Table Top Swap.  The incredibly talented Amy organized this lovely swap and after doing the Potholder Pass I had to do this one too. 

One down and three more to go!!  

Enjoy your Day!!