The Modern Hexagon Handbag - a New Pattern!

I am so happy to announce a new handbag pattern that I designed ~ The Modern Hexagon Handbag!
You can find the pattern as a PDF download [HERE]

The design is a hexagon created with Six triangles, stitched in such a way that you will get a perfect

point in the middle!  I love the wooden handles and the fussy cut motifs.
The purse is a beginner pattern for sewists with some sewing experience.

The pattern comes in two sizes - the Small Handbag is a perfect smaller handbag  -  which fits all your essentials including an iPad mini.

The Large Handbag is a shopper size - perfect for sewing and knitting projects or shopping.
I actually like a big purse for my everyday purse : )

The Apple Fabric is from Cotton + Steel.  You can find it at PinkCastleFabrics.com [HERE]

The text print is a Kei Japanese fabric from Sew Me A Song on Etsy [HERE]

I purchased the text print in every color way.  It is such a versatile print!

This version uses a print from Melody Miller by Kokka called "Ruby Star Vinyl" which you can find at Sew Me a Song [HERE]

The handbag has a side gusset for extra roominess and a nice shape
as well as an inside pocket.

This version uses the same text print in a gorgeous mustard yellow with a Pear Print from

Cosmo Textiles in the pattern, “Scandinavian Woods”.

Have a lovely day!

xo

Charise

My Small World Quilt Along

When  I saw a picture on Instagram of a new Quilt Along I knew I wanted to join!

Kerry and a group of bloggers are hosting the Small World Quilt Along.
Link HERE for all the info on the Quilt Along.

The pattern is by Jen Kingswell and can be found in a special Spring issue of Quiltmania.
I found my copy at my local Barnes and Noble bookstore.

I have admired Jen Kingswell's work and have wanted to make one of her patterns for some time.

I love the Small World Quilt because of its use of different bits of fabric and the theme of the quilt - an interesting and vibrant city made up of quilt blocks : )

The sky in my quilt is blue and I achieved that by using a combination of light value cream and blue fabrics.

Fashion is a passion of mine so I decided to make my Small World a very chic city complete with stylish women in the windows of the skyscrapers.

If you need a few more low volume prints to make your Small World Quilt, here are a few ideas.

Becca at Sew Me a Song has a lovely F8 bundle of low volume fabrics in her shop.

 This bundle is also a beauty!

Becca carries the fashion print from Japanese designer Suzuko Koseki, that I used for the skyscraper windows

I am looking forward to finding just the perfect pieces of fabric in my stash to make this quilt!

Happy Sewing
xo
Charise

*Patchwork Patterns 318 Blog Hop and Give Away*

I'm so happy you stopped by my blog for the Patchwork Patterns 318 Blog Hop!  Patchwork Patterns 318 is a Japanese sewing book by Kumiko Fujita.  It has recently been published by World Book Media for the first time in English!

The book is written for hand sewing but can be easily adapted to sewing on your machine using foundation paper piecing or freezer paper piecing.

I decided to make a few projects from the "Girls Night Out" section of the book.  The patterns are adorable and the perfect designs for embellishing some very practical items.
I couldn't resist making a make-up bag - perfect for the lipstick and nail polish block!

The fabrics used for the lipstick and nail polish are Cotton + Steel Mustang Collection.  The large floral is a cotton canvas designed is Ruby Star Polka dot in Pink by Melody Miller.  The background dot is Essential dots in Pink from Moda.

 The lipstick and nail polish block were enlarged to 4".  The patterns in the book are approximately
2 3/8" and are not reversed for paper piecing, so I scanned the image and used Adobe Illustrator to enlarge and reverse the image.  I added a seam to make the piecing a bit easier and numbered each section.   If you don't have Illustrator you can use Photoshop Elements as well.  Kerry has a great tutorial for sizing the blocks which you can find here.

The next project is a shoe/project bag. (Shhh.... don't tell anyone but I had an almost identical pair of pink kitten heels I wore in the early 80's : )

The shoe is made with Cotton + Steel Mustang, the bottom and top border are
 Ruby Star Polka dot in Pink by Melody Miller.  The background fabric is Essex Yarn Dyed Linen from Robert Kaufmann.

I enlarged the pattern to 8" - large enough to adorn a roomy bag - perfect for a shoe bag or project bag.  I am currently using this one for a knitting project.  It is a roomy 13" x 16"  - so it will fit a pair of long knitting needles or your favorite pink high heels : )

Now for the fun part!!!  I will be giving away one copy of Patchwork Patterns 318 compliments of World Book Media and a FQ set of Mustang from Cotton + Steel from Fat Quarter Shop!  Don't forget to take a peek at the New Cotton + Steel line at Fat Quarter Shop.

Please leave a comment below sharing whether or not you have tried foundation paper piecing.  If you have tried,  what did you make?
Give away is open to USA and International commenters.  Comments will be open until Friday 9:00 p.m Pacific Standard Time.


And.... be sure to check out the other projects on the blog hop - they are wonderful!

Good Luck!

xo
Charise

318 Patchwork Patterns Blog Hop 

October 2oth Kerry Green from http://verykerryberry.blogspot.com 

*Project: House Mini Wall Hanging & Freezer Paper Piecing Tutorial with Y seams

      October 22^nd  Penny Layman from http://sewtakeahike.typepad.com

*   Project: Gardening apron with blocks from Vegetables collection

      October 24^th Angela Pingel from http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com

*   Project: Wall hanging or bunting from Halloween collection

     October 27th Amy Sinibaldi from http://nanacompany.typepad.com

*   Project: Tote bag with appliqué blocks

      October 29^th Amber Carrillo from http://oneshabbychick.typepad.com

*   Project: Blocks from Christmas collection

      October 31st Latifah Saafir from www.thequiltengineer.com

*   Project: Baby blanket from At the Circus collection

      November 3rd Charise Randell from http://charisecreates.blogspot.com

*   Project: Make up kit and shoe bag from Girls’ Night Out collection

      November 7th Amy Friend from http://duringquiettime.com

*   Project: Table runner with blocks from Fruits collection

      November 5th Leila from http://wheretheorchidsgrow.blogspot.com

*   Project: Tea Cozy from Tea Time Collection

      November 12th Caroline from www.sewcanshe.com

*   Project: Tote or pouch with appliqué block

      November 10th Faith Jones from www.freshlemonquilts.com

*   Project: Mini quilt from Vehicle Collection

      November 14th Rashida Coleman-Hale fromhttp://iheartlinen.typepad.com

Sponsor News - National Sewing Month!

Becca at Sew Me a Song is having a sale this weekend

In Celebration of National Sewing Month! 

Take $10.00 off your purchase of $50 or more.  Enter coupon code :  SEWSEPT  at checkout. Offer good through September 8th.

I'm rather smitten with this I dream of Paris bundle : )

The Fat Quarter Shop is celebrating National Sewing Month with a free pattern.  The Color my Heart Quilt pattern is available HERE.  It uses a handful of charm squares and makes a 27" finished block.  I would be an adorable mini quilt or make a bunch for a larger quilt!

(Don't forget to use #colormyheart on social media when you create this quilt!)

They are also hosting a blog hop!  They have asked bloggers (me included!) to share a projects they have not made before ~ all month long!  Here is the list of bloggers!

Shruti of 13 Woodhouse Road 

Sherri of A Quilting Life

Amy of Amy's Creative Side

Alyce of Blossom Heart Blog

Charise of Charise Creates

Lucy of Charm About You

Erin of Dog Under My Desk

Amy of During Quiet Time

Rachel of Family Ever After

Anne Marie of Generation X Quilters

Marni of Haberdashery Fun

Melissa of Happy Quilting

Katy of I'm A Ginger Monkey

Elizabeth of In the Boon Docks

Jana of Jana Machado

Lynne of Lily's Quilts

Maureen of Made by Marzipan

Barb and Mary of Me and My Sister Designs

Melanie of I Heart Stitching

Kaye of Miss Print

Dana of Old Red Barn Co.

Natalia of Piece N' Quilt

Denise of Pieced Brain

Stephanie of Quarter Incher

Jane of Quilt Jane

Heather and Megan of Quilt Story

Cheryl of Quilter Chic

Michele of Quilting Gallery

Allison of Quilting Mumma

Teresa of Quilting Stitching & Sew On

Leslie of Seasoned Homemaker

Kelli of Seriously.. I Think It Needs Stitches

Liz of Sew4Home

Erin of Sew At Home Mummy

Sara of Sew Sweetness

Leanne of She Can Quilt

Vickie of Spun Sugar Quilts

Amy of Stitchery Dickory Dock

Tonya of The Crafty Mummy

Julie of The Crafty Quilter

Paula of The Sassy Quilter

Erin of Why Not Sew?


Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise

Sponsor News!

Happy Friday Lovelies!

A few of my sponsors have a little news to share! : )

The Fat Quarter Shop is having a sale on all Riley Blake Fabrics Starting Tomorrow! 

Yes indeed.....20% OFF ALL RILEY BLAKE FABRICS with coupon code: RILEY

This offer starts FRIDAY, August 8 until THURSDAY, August 14^th at 11:59 PM CST (08/08/14 – 08/14/14)

                                                    I have my eye on this FQ bundle : )

Becca at Sew Me a Song has lots of new and adorable fabrics.

I love this FQ bundle of Toy Box IV!

And I'm smitten with this Suzuko Koseki bundle!

Have a lovely day : )

xo

Charise

Berry Basket & Sponsor News

Today I took some time out for fun sewing!  Melinda in the Cocorico Bee asked for Farmer's Market bee blocks.  I re-designed my Berries in a Bowl pattern and put the berries in a basket!  

It was a fun block to make and I used some of my favorite fabrics.

Fabrics used:

Left Berry - Atsuko Matsuyama, Center Berry - Atsuko Matsuyama, Right Berry - Daiwabo Fabric by Ayako Kugimaru, Background fabric - Flower Sugar by Lecien, Berry Basket text - Bake Sale by Lori Holt Riley Blake fabrics.

As luck would have it, Becca at Sew Me a Song carries the Daiwabo and some fruit themed Atsuko Matsuyama Print Fabric!
She is running a flat rate sale on shipping through June 15th.
$ 2.50 US
$ 9.00 Canada
$12.00 Everywhere else 

No minimum purchase required.
No coupon code needed. 

Have a lovely day!


xo 
Charise   

Sunday Stash

Kei Honeycomb Dots from Sew Me a Song

Happy Sunday everyone!  Thought I would share some of my favorite fabrics this week!

Kei Geo Dot from Sew Me a Song

Sew Me a Song has some beautiful dot from Kei by Yuwa Japan.  Love the Honeycomb Dots and the Geo Dots!

Becca is also carrying Jen Kingswell sewing patterns!  I Love The Gyspy Wife pattern.  Some day, when I have a bit less on my to do list, I'd love to try one of her patterns.

Apparel Fabrics From DryGoods Design.  Left: Ditsy Floral Cotton Floral, Right: Cotton Voile Salmon Pink

I am always in search of apparel fabrics. Luckily I live 15 minutes from DryGoods Design in the lovely Seattle neighborhood of Ballard.  I picked up these two lovely cotton voile fabrics and cannot wait to cut into them!  You don't have to live in Seattle to purchase these fabrics.  Kelli has an online shop with an amazing section of apparel fabrics and quilting cottons!  If you "need" any of the apparel fabrics, don't wait, they sell out fast!  Believe me - a few I wanted are already gone : (

Have a lovely day!

xo

Charise

Give Away!

Hello and Happy Friday!

I'm going to do a little give-away to celebrate my two newest patterns!

"In the Studio - My Featherweight"

and "In the Kitchen - Grandmother's Apron"

Becca from Sew Me a Song has donated this wonderful FQ stack from Pam Kitty Picnic.

I love this line and can't wait to sew "Grandmother's Apron" with it!

Just leave a comment below telling me what is first on your "to do" list for sewing.

I am working on the pattern for my Anna Blouse.  

I've decided to offer a second version with cap sleeves, so I am working on the details: )

I've also been working on my Jam Jars and Fruit Pattern. I have lots of versions and a few items I'm making with the pattern.  I can't wait to share it with you!

I will pick a winner Wednesday April 3rd.  Comments are open until Tuesday April 2nd at midnight Pacific Standard Time.

Have a lovely evening!

xo

Charise

Sunday Stash

[From top left, clockwise: Yuwa perfume labels, Lakehouse Pam Kitty Picnic Floral, Lakehouse Pam Kitty Picnic Pink Cherries, Lakehouse Pam Kitty Picnic Check in Pink, Lakehouse Pam Kitty Picnic Yellow Cherries, Patchwork in Red from QH Textiles, Yuwa Clover Stripe D, Yuwa Clover Stripe F]

This week has been an incredible mail week.  I received this wonderful package from Sew Me a Song.  I cannot wait to cut into these beauties! They all play so well together! 

The fox and deer fabric are knit fabrics from Girl Charlee fabrics.  I recently saw the fox fabric on pinterest and immediately added it to my "fabric" board.  

I pre washed both fabrics this afternoon and they came out of the dryer so soft!

These prints will be dresses and hopefully patterns someday in the not so distant future (After I finish the Anna Blouse : )

I love to wear knits and dresses especially.  They are so comfortable to wear and easy to sew!

Have a lovely Sunday evening!

xo

Charise

More Sunday Stash - What is in my Cart at Sew Me a Song!

I was doing a little online shopping and thought I would share what is in My Cart this Sunday evening.

One of my favorite things to do when I need a little break is to peruse my favorite online shops!

Sew Me a Song has some adorable new fabrics! 

Love these Retro Kitchen Prints from NewCastle Fabrics!

 The perfume label print from Yuwa and the clover stripe from Yuwa which look so great together!

Have a lovely Sunday Eve.  

Looking forward to a little Downton this evening : )

xo

Charise

Sew Mama Sew Give-Away Day

Hello lovelies!  Tomorrow is the start of Sew Mama Sew Give Away Day!  

I'm posting just a little bit early : )  

I am giving away a fabric kit and pattern to make my Apple Orchard Hot Pad !!!

The give-away includes the fabric pictured above.  

The red print top left is one of my favorite out of print fabrics - "Sweet Broderie" by Rosalie Quinlan for Lecien~ 1/2 yard.  The top right fabric is one of my favorite New fabrics - "Recipes for Success" by Holly Holderman for Lakehouse Dry Goods ~ Close to 1/4 yard.  You can purchase this lovely fabric at Sew Me a Song .

The 2 1/2" squares are a range of some of my favorite white ground prints.

And last, is a piece of Suzuko Koseki Notions Fabric for the stem.

It also includes a PDF pattern for my new Apple Orchard Hot Pad pattern.  Just in time for holiday gift giving.

To Enter ~  Please leave a comment below!  Give-away is open to international participants.

Comments will close on December 13th at 5 p.m. PST.  I will announce the winner on December 15th.

Sew Mama Sew Give-away day starts tomorrow morning. 

Head on over for your chance to win some fabulous notions and hand made items from other designers and bloggers.

Good Luck!

xo

Charise 

Gift Sewing and a New Pattern - Orchard Hot Pad!

 I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving - my friends in the US!

Christmas gift sewing has started at the Randell house.  I created this Apple potholder pattern some time ago and I am sewing a few for gifts.  

The pattern is easy to make and is a great holiday gift for friends and family who love to cook with fun kitchen accessories!

It is available in my Etsy Shop.

The front left side of the apple is pieced and quilted.

The back has quilted pockets.

And I used some of my favorite text fabrics and a few vintage fabrics!

I'm excited to use the new Pam Kitty morning text print for my next hot pad which you can find at Sew Me a Song!  

I'm working on a companion apron and another fruit hot pad for the orchard.  We will see if I get them done in time for Christmas  : )   Thank goodness mom does not have a computer!

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise