Work in Progress Wednesday and some random stuff

My little boys are camping with their grandparents for three days.

 Love 'em, but I'm so happy to have a break!!!  The house is so quiet : )

Today I decided to try a new block.  Well it isn't quite new.  I've been collecting vintage quilting patterns and this one is from Kansas City Star newspaper, "Rose Dream" from 1930. 

I've really been inspired by a new Flickr Group - Low Volume Quilt Along.  The idea of using a more subdued palette is very appealing to me right now.  I was looking through my patterns and thought this would be the perfect one.

I'm truly in love with this block!   I've pulled a stack to make more blocks - I'd like to make an entire quilt.

So.....here is a question for you.

Would you join a Vintage Block Quilt Along hosted by me?

I would pick vintage patterns from my collection and I would provide the pattern and a tutorial.  In the case of making this block, I'd share my tips and tricks I learned while doing curved piecing.

I'm thinking at least one block a month, maybe two.

What do you think??

As far as the random stuff, I had a chance to spend some time in the garden.  A few years back we planted a few strawberry plants.  Now we have a little patch : )  The boys love to pick them.

My latest project for Fat Quarterly is finished.  Yay!!  These are just the backs of the pillows I made for the next issue.  A little teaser : )

xo

Charise

May I make something for you?

Today I received the most lovely package from Mette.

 I love notebooks - you could almost say I collect them!
 I was so thrilled to receive this package from her!! 
I follow Mette's blog - erleperle.  It is so lovely. 
A few months back she had a blog post on Crafting it Forward and I jumped at the chance to sign up.  So now it is my turn to Craft if Forward! 

 If you would like a handmade gift from me,  add a comment below.  I will make and send you a gift handmade by me to the first five interested individuals. You will receive your gift in the next nine months.  You in return upon receiving your homemade gift, create a blog post showing what you received and then ask for comments in the post with interested and willing participants.  You then have nine months to make something for the five interested individuals. 

**I'd love to make something for you.  If you are interested, please leave a comment below**

xo

Charise 

Work(s) in Progress Wednesday

Right now I have five boys at my house ages 2-8!!!!  They are actually playing quite well together!
So I'm taking a few minutes to share what I was working on before they got here : )

I finished the top for my pillow in the Pillow Talk Swap.  Hoping my partner likes it.  She wanted a shape that wasn't a square and likes linen as a background.  She gave me lots of colour choices but I went with my favorite - aqua and red.

I thought my Starburst Spools Block would be the perfect design for this project!

I've also been working on a project for the next issue of Fat Quarterly.

A little Liberty of London and 3 Sister's Etchings.....

xo
Charise

 

Fun Find

I was shopping at Joanne's today and came across the book "Sweet and Simple Patchwork Gifts".  The cover was so cute I had to take a look inside!

I was so excited to notice the same project that is in the Japanese House book I purchased on Etsy some time ago - it is the book on the top in both pics.

It is a wonderful book and has tons on cute projects!

If you don't have a Joanne's near you, you can find it on Amazon!

xo

Charise

Starburst Spools Pillow and a little Sunday night sewing

I'm not the best at finishing projects (Understatement!!) so I am ecstatic that I actually had a finsih this weekend!  I have at least 4 quilts in process, a bee block sketched, a few new paper pieced patterns started and a pillow for a pillow swap started.  But...I did finish my Starburst Spools pillow - yay!  I was inspired by Amy to try an invisible zip closure on this one.  I love that you cannot see the closure at all!  I put a lovely DS quilts floral on the back.

  I'd love to make a quilt with this pattern - eee gads, not another start : )

It was fun to come up with the quilting design for this one.  There is hand quilting around the star and echo quilting around the star and spools though I know it is a bit hard to see in the pic.

Hope you are having a lovely Sunday evening.  I'm doing a bit of sewing and this is the state of my table!  The kitchen is clean, I have three loads of laundry to fold and a check book to balance but the boys are asleep and I can sew.  I think the laundry and check book can wait until tomorrow!!

xo

Charise

Flowers in Vintage Bottles

I'm finally finished with my pattern "Flowers in Vintage Bottles"!!!  It took awhile to finish - a bit of redoing the pattern and some of the fabrics.

I love putting blossoms in found and vintage containers and this block was inspired by just that!

The pattern is available for instand download in my Craftsy shop and also in my Etsy shop!

Have a lovely Sunday!

xo

Charise

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!!