Design Process

Today I thought I'd share a bit of my design process. 

I was really hoping to have this paper pieced pattern sewn up today.

 It is inspired by some pics I found of flowers in vintage bottles.

It has been finished for at least a month and now that I'm sewing it I've decided to made some changes. Ugh!

The middle flower was too small so I enlarged it.  I really like the flower and bottle on the left but don't like the one on the right - so I'll take the time to redo it!  I'm always amazed at how organic the process is.  It isn't fast or easy but I do find it rewarding ~ if I take a breath and don't rush it : ) 

   

I also finished this pattern months ago.  It was a contender for the Sew Out Loud Quilt along but I decided to create "Design Studio" instead.  I have a bit more hand stitching to do and then it will be a pillow for my sewing chair.  The pattern is available as an instand download in my Craftsy shop and also on Etsy.

I'm a naughty girl and went back to the vintage estate warehouse.  I found a complete Featherweight accessories box with the original unopened machine oil and screwdriver for $5!

Also, this group of vintage sundries for just another $5.

Have a wonderful day!

xo

Charise

Kerry's House and some more bits and pieces

Kerry asked for houses for the Ringo Pie Bee.  I love to make houses so this was lots of fun.

She wanted a more traditional school house style block.  I picked a house from Kumiko Fujita's Patchwork Lessons.  I love this house because it has lots of windows to fill and you all know how much I love fussy cutting!! Here is the Kumiko Fujita version.

I added the attic window, and the pathway to the house.

As far as "bits and pieces" go, I started this log cabin to be one side of a purse.  It is mid size - about 15" x 12" which will be the perfect size to fit all my goodies.  I'm on the fence as far as the color scheme but it is growing on me.

   I picked the first flowers from my garden today!! 

 There is nothing like the scent of  fresh cut flowers.

I've been doing a bit too much vintage shopping lately.  

The pitcher came from a wonderful little antique shop near Hood Canal in Wa State. 

The sweet painting was $10 at a vintage store in Olympia, WA.

I thought the tea towel on the left was just so sweet.

The book on the right "From Me to You ~ A Gift of Friendly Thoughts"  is just wonderful.  It was written in 1911 and is filled with lovely little gems about friendship.

I'll leave you with this:

"Happy is the house that shelters a friend. "

~Emerson

xo

Charise 

An Apple and A Dumpling

I just love Keyka Lou's little dumpling pattern.  It is such a great little project.  I made this one for a friend and it will be traveling to her tomorrow! 

The apple coaster is made from my apple tute here.

It will also be travelling to the same lovely tomorrow : )

 

 Leila made this leaf coaster for me that I just love!

It cushions my coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon and wine in the evening!

I highly recommend the pattern.  It is wonderful!

Happy Creating to you

xo

Charise

Bits and Pieces

Why on earth do April and May go so fast? For me it is taxes and a little boy birthday in April as well as my yearly weekend Yoga and Meditation retreat at Harmony Hill on the Hood Canal. 

 Now for May....I'm not so sure. 

I have been working and have finished a few projects but can only show peeks : (

These letters will be part of a very special quilt.

I cut into my very prized Heather Ross fabric for this one!

And for this one too!!

This is a project that I hope will be published this Fall. If not, It will end up as a pattern in my Etsy and Craftsy shops.

The weather has been beautiful here in Seattle. 

 I hope Spring has come to your neck of the woods too!

xo Charise

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!! 

Spring is in the air

In preparation for the Spring Garden Party - Block a Day Blog Hop, I've been working on some spring themed blocks.

My butterfly pattern  is available - in my Etsy shop!!

 It is a 6" block and the pattern also includes a template for an 8" block.
They would be adorable as potholders! 

Using both blocks, with one on the front and one on the back, I made this little zip bag.  I'm working on a tutorial for the bag and it will be available soon!

 

Four butterfly blocks would make a really lovely 12" quilt block.

Jennifer is hosting the Garden Party Blog Hop.  During the month of April a new pattern will be available for you each day of the month.  You can check out the details here.

Just like the butterfly block, My garden party block will be made into a little something to coordinate with the butterfly bag - complete with a tutorial!

Have a lovely weekend!

Basic Grey Winners!

Thanks everyone for playing:

The Winners are:

Nicke - Sweet Starlet

Sarah - Hello Zig Zag

Jeanne E - Churn Dash

Dolores - Promenade

Kylie - Sunday Brunch

Look for an email from me : ) I'll be asking for your address (and tele # if you are int'l) so Basic Grey can send the pattern to you!! 

Congratulations everyone!!!

Basic Grey Pattern Give Away

I'm so excited to host a give-away that is sponsored by Basic Grey.  They are giving away five beautiful new quilt patterns that coordinate with their Hello Luscious fabric collection from Moda.

Hello Zig Zag Quilt

Happy Churn Dash Quilt

Sunday Basket Brunch Quilt

Sweet Starlet Quilt

Promenade Quilt

Basic Grey is also offering a free pattern for the Star Fall pillow.

You can download it here!

Please leave a comment requesting your favorite pattern and your second pattern choice.  If you'd like a second chance to win, please become a follower and leave a comment saying you are.

I will pick winners on Sunday 9:00 p.m. PST.

Thanks for playing and Good Luck!!

Grocery Store

As soon as Ayumi picked her theme  Grocery Store for her month in the Ringo Pie Bee,  I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to make.

I love Bonne Maman Jam jars and have a problem putting them into the recycling bin - I have a stash in my basement.   My husband thinks I'm a bit crazy. 

I'm pretty sure Martha Stewart has a tutorial of how you can make an outdoor candelabra with jars : )  At least that is what I tell my husband!

 I can't help myself - I just love the gingham lids and the pretty labels.

 One of my first paper piecing blocks was this one here which looks just like a Bonne Maman jar : )

I think a "Pantry" block is in my future.  These items are inspiring me right now.

What inspires you these days?

Crown of Thorns Pattern

I love vintage patterns! As I delve deeper into the quilting world, many modern patterns are inspired by or derived from vintage ones.  I found this Alice Brooks Pattern "Crown of Thorns" and immediately fell in love with it!  I modified the pattern to remove a "V" intersection at the center  of the block.

I have a free link to the pattern here.

Here is another version I made.  I love how Springy this one looks.

If you are going to make the pattern, stitch your pieces together  on the left and right and then your middle strip separately like this:

I highly recommend paper piecing this pattern!

If you make this block, please join my Charise Creates Flickr Group and add your version of this block.  I'd love to see your version!!!!

I've also listed this pillow in my Etsy shop : )

Have a lovely weekend!