Happy New Year!

Charise Creates 2017BestNine on Instagram

It is hard to believe that 2017 is almost over.

A good but also tough year that included moving back into our house after a 13 month remodel,  the release of my first book "Super Cute Paper Piecing" and the crazy politics and terrible natural disasters that occurred in the United States.  

Here is to a less turbulent 2018.  Cheers!

Last year I chose the word "Listen" as my mantra for the year. 

I'm not sure if I did very well but I am trying to be a better listener : )

I'm not sure what this year's word will be.....

I can think of a million things to work on - patience, peace - the list is long!

I thought it would be fun to share some of the projects I completed over the year.

The photo above is my Best Nine (most liked) photos on Instagram.

They are mostly images from my book : )

I also made a collage of all the projects in my book as well as some

new projects I made from my book.

The top row pictures are all new items I made in the past month.

From Left to Right:

1)   Umbrella pouch using the Vintage Apron Zip Pouch Pattern and the Umbrella paper piecing         pattern from Super Cute Paper Piecing.

2)   Daisy Pincushion using the Daisy Bowl pattern from Super Cute Paper Piecing.

      Tutorial for the pincushion can be found [HERE]

3)   Vintage Dresses Pattern from Super Cute Paper Piecing.

4)   Macaroon Pouch using the Strawberries pattern from Super Cute Paper Piecing.

I have spent most of my day cleaning my sewing room - it feels good - like a fresh start!

This little corner makes me very happy : )

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise

Spelling Bee Saturday

Today is Spelling Bee Saturday!

Lori Holt of Bee in My Bonnet wrote the cutest quilting book - "Spelling Bee".

It includes a complete alphabet, picture blocks, quilts and mini quilts.

For my stop, I am sharing the letter "i"

I decided I would make my son's name Liam to add to Lori's adorable Name Quilt.

He is 14 years old, so as you can see, the color palette is not my usual cheerful cherry red, sunny yellow and aqua, but a very masculine black and grey : )

My goal is to finish before Chrismas!!!!

Wish me luck!

Be sure to check out all the fun blocks.  

There is a complete list on the Fat Quarter Shop Blog.

Happy Sewing!

Charise

Umbrella Pouch ~ from "Super Cute Paper Piecing"

This fun umbrella pouch pattern is from my new book "Super Cute Paper Piecing!"  I used the Vintage apron pouch pattern and the paper pieced Umbrella from my "Rain, Rain, go away purse" as the focal block.

The blocks in "Super Cute Paper Piecing" are interchangeable and can be used on different projects.

I love how it turned out.

It will be a great Christmas gift filled with some goodies!

The background fabric is Robert Kaufmann Essex Linen in color Steel.

The yellow/pink floral print on the umbrella is also Robert Kaufmann -  "Pretty Posies" by Darlene Zimmerman.

The tiny pink grid print is "Retro 30's Child Smile" by Lecien, 

and the text print is "Flower Patch" by Lori Holt for Riley Blake Fabrics.
You can find most of these fabrics at Fat Quarter Shop.
Another great place to find older or out of print fabrics is on Etsy.

I found this cute zipper pull on Etsy.  Such a fun way to add a special touch to your pouch.

Happy Sewing! 

xo

Charise

Daisy Pincushion Tutorial

Hello and Happy Monday!

My book "Super Cute Paper Piecing" is now in stores and available online !

I also have a limited number of signed copies in my Etsy shop.

I created a tutorial/pattern from one of the patterns in my book.  This cute pincushion is made from the Daisy Bowl pattern in my book.

It would make a fun gift!

You can find the tutorial and pattern [HERE] 

The Daisy is paper pieced and I had fun fussy cutting the petals.

The background fabric is yarn dyed Essex Linen in color Flax.

My favorite places to find fun fabrics are Sew Me a Song on Etsy, Sunny Day Supply, Pink Castle Fabrics and Fat Quarter Shop.

And of course, I always try to support my local fabric stores : )

I filled the pincushion with a bit of fiber fill to give the corners a nice shape and then added ground walnut shells for weight and some lavender buds to add a light scent.

Have a lovely day!

Happy Sewing

xo

Charise