Bella Skill Builder ~ Pineapple

Today I am happy to share the third block in the Bella Solid Skill Builder Sew Along sponsored by Fat Quarter Shop - Pineapple.

I haven't made a pineapple block before but always admired the ones I've seen.  They look quite complicated. 

Well..... there is a pineapple block ruler that makes the process super easy.  

You can find the ruler [HERE]

 It was really fast to sew but I would suggest reading the directions a few times before cutting.

It is such a fun block and look forward to making more!  The pineapple sure is playing nicely with my other blocks : )

Head on over to the Fat Quarter Shop blog to find the links to the other bloggers making this block as well as a video tutorial!

Paula from The Sassy Quilter 

Leanne from She Can Quilt

Cindy from Live a Colorful Life

Erin from Sew at Home Mummy

Erin from Why Not Sew

Connie from Freemotion by the River

Lisa from In the Boon Docks

Marni from Haberdashery Fun

Natalia from Piece and Quilt

Julie from 627 Handworks

Megan from Canoe Ridge Creations

Amy from Amy's Creative Side

Kim from Persimon Dreams

Patty from Elm Street Quilts

Denise from Pieced Brain Quilts

Kaye from Miss Print

Melissa from Happy Quilting Melissa

Charise from Charise Creates

Melanie from Mostly Crafty

Dana from Old Red Barn Co.

Kristen from Three in the Nest

Vickie from Spun Sugar Quilts

Be sure to share your blocks with the hashtag #BellaSkillBuilder.

I love to see your versions of the block!

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise

Bella Skill Builder ~ Orange Peel

Hi!  Can you believe it is already March?  The year is flying by and I am ready for Spring : )

Today I am sharing the latest block in the Bella Skill Builder hosted by Fat Quarter Shop ~ Orange Peel. 

Fat Quarter Shop has a nifty Orange Peel template which you can find [HERE]  

I chose to do a turned edge appliqué.  No raw edges for me.

  

I started making my petals by using hand appliqué but then saw these gorgeous petals made by Amy Sinabaldi.

She cuts the petals 3/8" larger than the templates and then carefully irons the seam allowance around the template. You can see her petals and the explanation [HERE]

I am continuing with my pink lemonade palette which has been so fun and refreshing to work with!

So far, my blocks are playing nicely together : )

Be sure to share your block with the hashtag #BellaSkillBuilder !

Happy Sewing

xo

Charise

Pussy Cat Pattern ~ Available on Craftsy

It has been some time since I released a new pattern.

Life was busy in 2016 with a house remodel (almost done!!!), and a secret project (can't wait to share this November).

I decided to spend my time designing a pattern and donate the proceeds to an organization that does amazing work - Planned Parenthood.

The pattern is available on Craftsy

I don't use this platform to share my political views and like to think of this as a "happy place" to share my pretty projects and inspire your amazing creativity.

But, In my feelings of despair with the state of leadership in the United States, I decided to use this platform and my love to design as a way to "pay it forward" by donating the proceeds from this pattern to organizations I support.  

I understand that not everyone is in a position to share their political views for fear of losing customers and support.  

Fortunately,  I am in a position to share my political views and use my voice for what I see as good.

So....for the month of February I will be donating all the proceed from the sale of this pattern to Planned Parenthood.

Thanks for your support!

xo

Charise

  

   

***The Splendid Sampler Anniversary Celebration - and lots of Give Aways***

Hello and Happy Valentine's Day.

Today I am hosting a give away in celebration of the 1 year anniversary of the Splendid Sampler.

Pat and Jane are hosting a giveaway and you can find it [HERE]

They will have

* a US winner

* an Australian winner

* a Rest of the world winner

Just go to the link above where they will ask for a photo of ALL your blocks and what the project has meant to you. 

I am hosting a give-away, too!  

Leave a comment on this post and share what you feel is the most Splendid part of this Sew Along.

The winner will get a $25.00 credit towards any patterns in my Etsy shop!

Comments are open until Feb 21st at 11:59 PST

and I will announce the winner on February 22nd.

Here are my blocks.  I didn't make 100, but I am well on my way.  

And remember, it isn't a race!  

I have been incredibly busy this year with a house remodel and secret project 😉 so I am very excited to have time to make the rest of the blocks in 2017.

Be sure to get your copy of the book.  You can find it [HERE]

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day.

It is an extra special day for me since I met my husband 18 years ago today!

Oh my gosh, we look so young : )

Good Luck & Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise

Splendid Notions Pouch featured in Homespun Magazine

Hello and Happy Monday.

I designed my Splendid Notions Pouch for the Splendid Sampler Sew Along

and you can find it featured in Homespun Magazines January issue.

The Splendid Sampler is a year long sew along with free blocks by 100 designers.

Homespun magazine asked if they could feature the project in their January 2017 issue.  

Of course I said yes!  

Homespun magazine has adorable projects to sew, quilt, embroider, knit, crochet, and appliqué.

The Splendid Sampler book will be released next month.  You can pre-order your copy [HERE].

The individual block patterns are free until the book is released and you can find them [HERE]

You can find my Splendid Notions Pouch [HERE]

We are currently experiencing a snow day here in Seattle!

We rarely get snow in the city so this has been a treat.  And of course my boys are thrilled to have a day off school!

Happy Sewing

xo

Charise

Sewing on Repeat - Petal Pouches

* * * * *

I spend lots of time on Instagram and there are lots of different ways to share what you are sewing.

Harts Fabrics is hosting a Self Care Sewing Month.  I think most of could use a little self care right about now.  There is a prompt for every day and yesterday was Groundhog's Day - What have you been sewing on repeat?

I have been sewing lots of Petal Pouches and started around the holidays in December.

A cute and easy pattern, I can't stop making them.

The patchwork version is my favorite and most of those fabrics are scraps from the scrap basket.

I used pink fabrics on one side, blue on the other and the alternating squares are Essex linen.

I made a few for gifts

and I have a few extras for future gifts.

What are you sewing on repeat these days?

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise

  

Bella Skill Builder - Kaleidoscope

Hello and thanks for stopping by.

I am excited to be sewing along with the Fat Quarter Shop for the Bella Skill Builder.

Fat Quarter Shop is hosting a sew along complete with free patterns and instructions to make a beautiful sampler quilt!

I love a good sampler quilt and am excited to be a part of this one.

The first month consists of two kaleidoscope blocks both measuring 12 1/2".

I chose a "Pink Lemonade" Palette consisting of summery yellows, coral pinks and red 

from Moda Bella Solids.

Fat Quarter shop is sharing the free blocks on their blog.

Patterns will be available from February 2017 to November 2017.

You can also buy a kit complete with fabrics and all the patterns in advance [HERE]

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise

Playing with Kaleidoscopes

Happy Friday.

Starting on the first of February, I will be joining a sew along.

I can't wait to share a new block with you each month until November.

It is a perfect skill builder and there will be a finished quilt at the end.

In preparation for the sew along, I have been playing with fabric combos for Kaleidoscope blocks.  I love making these!

I chose an aqua and blue palette with a little red thrown in, and some fun Cotton and Steel Prints that are perfect for fussy cutting.

Hope to see you on February 1st!

Happy Sewing

xo

Charise

Purr-fect Patchwork Purse

Well Hello there!!!

Embarrassingly it has been over a month since I was last here!  Life has been crazy and I have missed sharing my projects with you.  I have been sewing some new projects and will have lots to share in February!

I designed the Diamond Patchwork Purse for Stitch Magazine which is sadly no longer in print.

Creative Machine embroidery magazine is sharing a version of the purse with adorable Kitty Embroideries in the patchwork squares.

If you don't do embroidery, it would be an adorable project with Fussy Cut squares.

You can find a tutorial for fussy cutting on the blog [HERE]

You can find the pattern for free [HERE] until February 28th!

I love this version too.  It is made with "Pie Making Day" fabric from RJR fabrics. 

See you Soon!

Happy Sewing

xo

Charise

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Happy Holidays to You!!

My goodness!  It has been over a month since I posted here.  

It has been super crazy dealing with our house remodel.  

We moved last week and we still have the final move into our house. - hopefully by February. 

We found a two bedroom basement apartment that is cozy and comfortable, but I am seriously looking forward to being in our new house!

In the meantime I have found a bit of time for Christmas sewing.

If you are looking for some gift sewing ideas, check our my gifts to make page [HERE]

I made these open wide pouches designed by Noodlehead.  

If you are looking for an easy last minute gift to make, this is also a good one.

The pouch pictured in front has a leather bottom which matched nicely with the Cotton and Steel canvas print.

Find a tutorial for sewing leather or suede [HERE]

The large pouch is perfect for smaller knitting projects.

You can find the tutorial [HERE]

I saw some adorable Petal Pouches on IG made by the talented a__l

The pattern is also from Noodlehead and is a fun and easy make.

I couldn't resist making a patchwork version and raided by scrap basket. 

OK... back to Holiday sewing I go  :)

Happy Sewing

xo

Charise

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Heartland Blog Tour

Hi There!

Today is my stop on the Heartland Blog Tour.  

Heartland is the newest fabric collection from designer Pat Bravo for Art Gallery Fabric.

After browsing the collection I had to make something with the Owl print!  Hus Hoot Gul  is offered in canvas and knit fabric so a garment and purse were in order.

I have been wanting to make a granny style purse for ages and this print was perfect.

The fabric is the star of the show with this style of hand bag.

A trip to my local leather store, and I had the perfect leather for the handle.

If you haven't worked with leather before, check out my tutorial [HERE] for tips on how to sew leather on your home sewing machine.

Art Gallery knit fabric is lovely and incredibly soft. 

 I decided to make a tee that is perfect to wear now under a cardigan,

 and in the Spring and Summer by itself.  

The Mabel Flutter Sleeve Tee is a pattern I am currently working on.  

Expect to see it later this year just in time to make for Spring  : )

I hope you enjoyed seeing my makes.  Thanks to Pat Bravo and Amy Friend for inviting me to participate.  It was so much fun working with Pat's beautiful fabric!

I look forward to seeing what you make with Heartland too!  If you make something, please tag it with  #PatBravoDesigns, #HeartlandFabrics, and #ArtGalleryFabrics.

Be sure to also tag @PatBravo so she can see what you make!

***   And last, but not least, Be sure to stop by to see the other bloggers fantastic makes:   ***

November 7 Debbie
November 8 Jess and Charise (me : )  (twice as good today!)
November 9 Jade
November 10 Amanda
November 11 Kari
November 14 Stephanie
November 15 Christopher
November 16 Kerry
November 17 Nichole
November 18 Krista

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise

Sewing Planners ~ My New Love

I am the poster child for having oodles of projects that I want to make.  Whether it be clothing, bags or quilts,  my biggest problem is trying to organize all those ideas in one place so I can keep track of everything on my "to sew" list.

When I saw that Colette Patterns was offering a Sewing Planner for sale, I had to give it a try.

I already have a Fashionary, which I love. This one I purchased a few years ago at the Victoria and Albert Museum which makes it extra special!
 I use it for sketching on the go and I really like the crocus style, which are the outlines of the figures to create fashion sketches.

What the Fashionary doesn't have, is the space to record all the extras one needs to finish a project.

The Sewing Planner is really the next step in the creative process to take your ideas to fruition.

Check out this blog post on the Colette blog to see how a sewist used hers.

Well...now that I have a way to organize all my garment sewing "to dos", I started searching for a planner for all my quilting projects.
To my surprise, I received a package this week containing all the goodies you see in the picture!
 
Fat Quarter shop sent me the complete Scrappy Project Planner designed by the talented Lori Holt of a Bee in My Bonnet.
It was like Christmas came early.

It is the most adorable planner and the accessories are super cute. You can purchase gingham washi tape, fine tip markers, bookmarks, stickers and a "today is the day" planner pad to go with you Scrappy project planner.

Being a visual person, the graphics and design are important to me.
I really look forward to using it - it is so cute.
I have already started filling the pages with my many unfinished quilting projects.

I'm having fun filling it up with all my projects:

My Vintage Block Quilt

My Log Cabin Quilt

And my Scrappy Trip Quilt - and that is not all of my unfinished projects!

Happy Sewing!
xo
Charise