Campbell Soup Diary

Garden of Delights

2012-02-01T09:15:00.002+01:00

Despite the fact that fact that the first tulips have arrived in the flower shops, it is hard to think that spring or summer could be on the way with the kind of cold that we are having. But it is the hope that winter will not last forever that gives spring part of its magic.

The new fabric collection "Garden of Delights" by Jules Davis for Blend fabrics is just the kind of collection that can instantly carry one to a warm summer day in the garden. With garden friends like squirrels, hummingbirds, and dragonflies, Jules fabrics hold a certain element of whimsy, but with elegant lines.

I'm really excited to whip up a few things with this garden friends filled collection. I have a few projects in mind...

... like this practical garden apron.

...or maybe adding a pretty little touch of color to my boring rubber garden boots.

So, are you ready for spring too?

Burlap Love

2012-01-25T08:55:00.002+01:00

You know that when things get quiet around here it is because I am doing things. Of course the hope is that the quiet precedes the giant flood of here's this thing I made, or just a little something I whipped up there, or oh, ah, look what one can do with.... But the not so romantic side of the real world is that sometimes things like inventory and major web system overhauls hold precedence over creating. Hmpfh! So since I have more unfinished projects on my desk than one could imagine, how about if I share what I would like to be doing if I weren't doing boring computer work.

I've always had a certain fascination with burlap. Somehow even though it can be a little rough and scratchy to the touch, it has always held a certain charm to me with a rustic simplicity that I find really appealing. Come on now... this stuff isn't just for feed sacks anymore.

1. What a great idea to print on burlap... oh, wow! What can one do with that?!? 2. This "Love" banner would be just perfect gift with Valentine's day just around the corner. 3. Sweet handmade gift tags just to say thank you are a great edition to any gift. 4. Burlap bird ornaments can be used in so many places.

1. Let's not forget about the home with this awesome DIY headboard. 2. Burlap corkboard is simple and classic. 3. For that special party or wedding event, burlap can also add a romantic touch. 4. A simple band, simple flowers, and a simple candle is a super table decoration, perfect for all year round.

Blend Fabrics

2012-01-18T08:12:00.001+01:00

When I heard that Anna Griffin was launching a new company at the last Quilt Market, I just had to sit up. Anna Griffin has been known in the fabric industry for quite some time, but even longer in the wedding industry. This lady has her hands in quite a few pots, and it makes sense that she would also have her hand in a company that embraces well known artists and designers from around the world. Her co-founder, Joe Spiegelberg, brings just as much experience to the company having also founded Maude Asbury, a luxury gift company that carries everything from photo albums, picture frames, and magnet boards.

So I guess it would go without saying that I am really excited to add three new collections from this newly launched company called Blend... yes, that's right three! When I say excited, I really mean it.

Photo Source

The first collection is from Sarah Watts, illustrator/pattern designer, who describes her work as "quirky-southern-gothic-victorian". As interesting of a description as it might sound, Sarah's fabric collection "Feather n Stitch" will not disappoint.

Keep your eyes open for other new collections from Blend, found here.

In the Bag

2012-01-12T07:47:00.001+01:00

You may remember the sweet little mini bag/pencil cases I made using fabrics from Aneela Hoey's "Little Apples" collection. I ended up stuffing them with colored pencils, beads, "Hello Kitty" lip gloss, and other small trinkets for my other two nieces for Christmas. All girls just seem to love bags to keep their treasured keepsakes in.

As a coordinating present, I decided to put a little twist on the "shopper totes" that I had been turning out just a few weeks before. Simple sewing, simple lines, silver grommets accents, with sweet fabric made these matching drawstring book bags ultra cute.

Just in case you're looking... here's a really easy how-to video on how to make a drawstring backpack. Happy sewing!

All Grown Up

2012-01-10T08:12:00.001+01:00

Now that Christmas is over I can actually show a couple of presents that went out to some loved ones this year... I just couldn't spoil any surprises ahead of time with showing things off here.

When my oldest niece saw the collection from Lizzy House, she immediately fell in love with the cute foxes and adorable hedgehogs. For my younger niece I knew that pink would be the color of choice, but I wanted to do something a little more grown-up for my oldest niece... those pre-teen years can very much be a revolt of all things pink, purple, and ultra feminine.

I thought that a bold contrast of rich purple and vibrant orange was grown up enough without over doing it. I really want to delve into this collection a little deeper, but I've got several things in the works that might keep those project ideas on the backburner for now.

So, how many of your Christmas presents were handmade? Did you make them or did someone make something handmade for you?

Das "Ja" Wort

2012-01-04T09:09:00.004+01:00

It was a clear, crisp, and bright day in January... which is extremely unusual for weather in Northern Germany that time of year. But it was the perfect day to say "I do".

It seems a little hard for me to believe that it was just five years ago, and then on the other hand, it hardly feels like five years at all. Not that it has been difficult for me to stay with the man that I said "yes" to those few short years ago.... somehow he makes that easy for me. Perhaps it feels like an accomplishment, a milestone for having stood beside the one I promised the rest of my life to. As with every couple we have had our fair share of ups and downs, highs and lows, and many in between points... but I cannot think of another person in the world that I would want to share my "forever" with.

Transition

2012-01-03T08:30:00.001+01:00

It would seem as if I have been having a hard time transitioning into the New Year. It is as if I almost skipped the Christmas season and all of its creative possibilities and now am searching for a springboard into 2012. Things had been moving especially slow since being repeatedly under the weather put me so behind on all my holiday preparations, and now I have been trying to recover from the whirlwind of ending the year.

My family and friends have been the center point of the last weeks, which leaves me somewhat at a loss for words. Not that the moments have not been wonderful enough to share, but perhaps I wanted to savor them, save them for myself, and enjoy them without the pressure of writing about how wonderful those small, but meaningful moments have been.

I've been way to busy to think about lists, goals, or contemplative and reflective moments about the previous year... but there is, thank goodness, no time limit on when these things must be done. So for now, just a simple hello coming your way.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-12-25T22:40:00.002+01:00

friends
hugs and merry wishes
yumminess shared
naps
spicy apple cake savored in the dim candlelight
candles glowing, crackling, and dancing
the story where it all began
songs of rejoicing
smiles and laughter from loved ones millions of miles away brought to us through the wonders of modern technology
the joyful anticipation of discovering new things packed in bright paper
dinner by candlelight with my two favorite "boys"
nice wine in a nice glass
melodic tunes bringing back those special childhood memories
snuggly pajamas
snuggle time with the little guy
snuggle time with the big guy
surprises
deep sleep

taking it slow
five star breakfast
lazy day
family

ahhhh... Christmas!

Something Missing

2011-12-20T07:52:00.002+01:00

So have you noticed that something has been missing here these days? Perhaps a little red and green?

I've been following what's going on in "Blogville" these days, pretty Advent calendars, sparkling Christmas decorations, tasty baked treats, and fun and creative projects for the "most wonderful time of the year"... and then I stop and think about my last five posts. Tja, and thinking about it, one would probably never even notice a color or season change.

Putting aside the fact that I have been a rollercoaster ride of being "under the weather" for the last months, there is a part of me inwardly that has said enough is enough. The past several years for me have been a gradual, but significant scaling down. Mind you, I come from the land of explode your credit card until the mountain of debt surpasses the mountain of toys that are given to happy little boys and girls. A place where, despite the fact that working moms are stretched on every side, there is still the pressure to provide the magic... the whole atmosphere, the candles, the presents, the cookies, the perfectly decorated home, the things life-time memories are made of. Each year I evaluate what I am doing that pertains to Christmas and if it actually makes sense. Don't get me wrong... I love to decorate, I love to make things pretty, I love to add that extra added touch, I love it when I find that present that makes that someone special squeal with delight... who doesn't? But I've been asking myself at what "cost" am I doing these things? Am I getting so caught up in the doing, the buying, the running, the wrapping, the decorating, the stress, the self-inflicted expectations that I have of myself that I totally miss it... miss Christmas? Am I overlooking the needy, the hungry, the hurting, just to run in the mad rat race?

But my motto for this season has been... keep it simple. The little guy actually gets only a few things for his second Christmas. Most of the gifts that I am giving are handmade. There will be food dropped off this week at the food bank. And a simple manger will be just about the only decoration that will be put out for the holidays... but isn't that the simple and humble display of love that should take the spotlight of Christmas?

Scrap Love Links

2011-12-13T07:28:00.000+01:00

So, I thought I would wrap up my fabric scrap theme with a few "put your scraps to good use" links. If you don't have the patience to sew a million little quilting squares together, perhaps you could find a little inspiration here:

1. Gathered Clutches, are the perfect gift giving idea 2. Whimsical Key Chains from Living with Punks would be great as a gift tag to add an extra something special to simple gift wrapping.

3. Turn those fabric scraps into a decorative accent to perk up any corner in your home with trendy garland. 4. "A little birdie told me"... as found from the inspirational magazine Molly Makes.

5. Paper bags using fabric scraps as a cute closure, just right to fill with special treats for any occasion, from Scissor Variations.

6. From needle cases to zippered bags, notebook covers to scissors cases, covered tape measure to handmade cards, a cup and a catch up will leave you with a whole lotta scrap inspiration.

7. Sweet and fun from the birds and the bees to quirky little critters than one finds just below the knees from Pop-i-cok.

Do you have any fun fabric scrap links that you care to share? Or just leave a link from a recent blog posts showing one of your own "scrap love" projects... I would love to see what is inspiring you these days.

Great Minds Think Alike

2011-12-09T08:21:00.002+01:00

... or at least that's what I've heard.

So, this week we had a knock on the door from Mr. Postman, and guess what he had for me? A sweet little package from Juliette with a few handmade Craft It Forward gifts inside. And let me just say that it is super fitting, since I've been rambling on about it for days, that one of her gifts was made using fabric scraps. Aren't these "thank you" cards great?

I love it when there is that extra added detail to things. I'm really loving the hot pink flower stamp that she used on the back of the cards. I'll share what else she sent me later... good things come to those who wait, right?

Gee, I wonder how she knew that I'm a huge fan of Heather Bailey fabrics?.... hmmmm.

Bookworm

2011-12-07T07:35:00.002+01:00

I'm still sorting through and having lots of fun with fabric scraps these days, not to mention that I had to try to find some creative outlet while my sewing machine was being repaired. My husband was actually laughing at poor, little ol' me, who was almost pacing the floor not quite knowing what to do without it. I'm super glad that the repairs did not take too long and I was able to put the finishing touches on these sweet little bookmarks.

Several years ago my parents got me a Cuttlebug embossing and die cutting machine for Christmas (link für Deutschland), and I have to say that I have really put it to good use since then. There are all kinds of cutting and embossing patterns from simple to very ornate.

Originally inspired from this post, I thought I would try my own version, and since the weather has been so cold and grey these days, I just had to pull out a few fabrics that remind me of warmer weather.

Perfect for suggling up next to a warm fire with a nice book, don't you think?

Craft It Forward Countdown

2011-12-01T08:03:00.002+01:00

Just in case you have forgotten about this, let me just send out a quick little reminder, and hope that you will pass it along too. It seems as though I often tend to be quite revealing about myself, including many of my bad habits and shortcomings... so what's one more thing to admit? Here it is... I'm a procrastinator. Yep, and I am very aware of this tendency about myself. Somehow, it's like I need the pressure of a deadline to get me going. At university, I always waited until the last minute to finish most of my assignments, and I have to say that some of my best writing was always done right before a due date.

So I knew when I "signed my name on the dotted line" for Craft it Forward, that it would not happen until the very end of the year. But I have to say that I'm pretty proud that I have sent out all but one of my handmade items before Christmas. (come on, give me a break... I signed up for this on Facebook AND my blog... twice the work!) So, now there is only one month left until we bring in 2012... yeah, hard to believe, huh?

Have you sent out all your Craft it Forward gifts? Do you have a link to share about one of the items you sent or one of the items you received?... please share!

Just to Say "Thank You"

2011-11-29T07:50:00.001+01:00

So how is it with you... do you find that when you get on a "kick" that it's hard to get off? Sometimes for me when inspiration hits, it often comes from the same place and I have to work an idea completely through until I've gotten it out of my system. As you might have noticed from my last two posts, I've been working a lot with fabric scraps these days. Recently while wasting a little bit of time on Pinterest, I found a sweet little project combining paper and fabric that inspired me for my latest "I should be doing something else instead" project.

I don't know about you, but when I buy something online and it shows up in a pretty packaging, or with that special added touch, it makes me feel like I'm not just another random person whose only purpose is to make the company's bank account a little fatter... but that my business might actually be appreciated.

I've been adding little "thank you" cards to orders that I send out for quite a while now, but I've had a lot of fun working on this non-sewing way to say "danke"... just my little extra to make an order feel less like an order and more like a present.

What, did you really think that I could put the Anna Maria LouLouThi fabrics down for long? I have to say that this one is my favorite... somehow the fun color combination and the intrigue of seeing just a small little snippet of this fabric makes this one for me kinda special.

What do you do with your fabric scraps? Do you like to combine fabric with other mediums?

Scrap Sampler

2011-11-23T09:51:00.001+01:00

Some time ago I stumbled onto this on Pinterest and briefly shared it when I was on my "button kick". But I think it's such a fantastic project for some of those fabric scraps that you might have lying around that I wanted to share it again. Here are two downloadable "sewing notion displays" from Design Sponge, just right for showcasing your favorite fabric collections. I still have to say that Anna Maria Horner's Garden Party is still one of my all time favorites.

Also from the fabric and scrapbooking paper designers, Basic Grey, offer a bit more elaborate variations of these fabric sampler boards on canvas found here... oh, the possiblities!

Bits & Pieces

2011-11-22T07:11:00.001+01:00

I just love it when I get a chance to use up some of the fabrics scraps that end up on the cutting floor, don't you? Since I've not really gotten into making quilts (yet), I find it hard to throw those little pieces of treasured fabric away... but quite frankly, sometimes I'm totally overwhelmed with them not quite knowing what do with them either. I had a tip that was passed on from Susanne recently of what she does with some of her fabric scraps (seriously, I would love to give you her link, but her blog is still in the process)

I have always loved covered buttons, and really like some recent projects I've seen with them being made into jewelry, push pins, magnets, and even gift wrap accents. Aren't these Aneela Hoey fabric covered button giant paper clips super sweet?... perfect for a bookmark or even getting yourself organized, and who doesn't need a little more order in their lives... right?

So, what do you do with your fabric scraps... any fun fabric scrap links?

Where the Heart Leads

2011-11-17T08:35:00.001+01:00

Five years ago today, I got on a plane and left everyone and everything I've ever known... leaving behind my family, my friends, my house, my job, my way of life, my language, my culture, and yes, even simplicity. All for love. Of course it might make the story a little more readable, leaving one with that sense of an inner sigh, if I were to fluff it up by saying that "Prince Charming" and I lived happily ever after. But aren't such things exactly the kind of things that make up a fairytale?

Moving to another land, another culture might be much more complicated than meets the eye. On the surface, there are so many times that I think that there are really not that many differences between Americans and Germans. We all laugh, we love, we have families, and we share joy over the same kinds of things, and sorrow over just as many. The same sun rises and the same sun sets on both of our lands... just at different times. But what my soul has come to find joy in, and sometimes sadness in, is that while these surface things might make one feel connected, they can often be a painful reminder that this is not what I once knew as home. They often say that it takes more than a house to make it a "home", and that is true, but it takes so much more than that... more than just people that you love living in it.

In recent years when traveling "home" to the U.S., I have found myself quite disconnected. Things had carried on without me there to observe them and take part in them. I felt a little lost... there was familiarity without being familiar anymore. But that sense of being lost was not just on the part of returning to the place of my roots... it was also the absence of things that I have had to learn and embrace as my "new home". Some of these things came easily for me, while others I still struggle with.

But five years later finds me fairly fluent in my "new language", so much so that sometimes I have to ask my German husband the English word for "wxyz". Having a command of the language has given me a sense of freedom that I did not have at first, which makes simple things like shopping, going to the doctor, taking the train to a new city, or whatever you might find "common", not as scary as it once was. Sometimes it almost feels surreal that while I interact with others on a daily basis, whether I know them or not, that on the surface I might appear as just a normal girl making her way through life. But what they do not know is that I am actually looking out from behind my disguised cape of "anonymity", secretly relishing in the fact that they may never know that I as an "Ausländer" (alien/foreigner), view their world and see EVERYTHING they see with completely different eyes... and often they may not ever know it.

It’s kind of funny that just this past week, I was thinking about my old house... the one I bought on my own, fixed up on my own, and dearly loved. The interesting thing is that it was brick with some faux "Fachwerk" accents, with climbing ivy growing on it. You see, I've always loved this style. Something about it has always spoken to me, and when I reflect upon this and take into consideration that all these elements are quite typically found here, it makes me wonder if my soul knew ahead of time just where my heart would one day end up.

Christmas, Apples, & Introductions

2011-11-15T07:59:00.001+01:00

Have you already started working on any Christmas presents for this year? I'm proud to say that I've started, and have plans for lots more. Oh, I would so love to say that this Christmas will be a total handmade holiday for me... well, perhaps with the exception of my husband and a few other men in the family. (seriously... what can you make someone who is excited about tractors, wine, a good cigar, and grilling?)

Aside from the new Lizzy fabrics, the super sweet collection, "Little Apples" from Aneela Hoey, was the other fabric collection that I have been waiting on since last spring to get my hands on. If you think this collection is sweet, wait until you see the new fabrics that she introduced at Fall Market (to be delivered in spring)... blues, pinks, reds, greys... little red riding hood, foxes, flying mushrooms, all in the perfect shade of adorable.

With the fresh mix of reds and turquoises, I knew this would be the perfect fabric for my two nieces. I have another project now in the works, but I thought that I could use a few scraps to whip up this mini bag, found in Amy Butler's Style Stitches book. Really easy to sew, and don't all little girls love such bags to put their treasured what-nots in?

So, has your sewing machine started to hum before the holidays, or do you need a little last minute pressure to get things going?

Secret Garden

2011-11-10T08:42:00.000+01:00

You know what they say... "when it rains, it pours", and that is exactly how fabric deliveries have been around here these days. Actually, I had originally planned that the fabric collections that I had ordered from Spring Market would be delievered one month after the other, but somehow a couple were early, a couple were late, and now it seems as if everything has landed at the same time, which leaves me only one thing to do... another introduction. (but I'm sure you don't mind, do you?)

Sandi Henderson has been in the fabric design scene for quite some time now, creating lovely, sweet fabrics that are pefect not only for quilting, but epecially for children's clothing and other kids projects. Her latest fabric collection "Secret Garden" not only lends itself to children's projects, but reads a little softer and more sophisticated.

I remember reading "The Secret Garden" as a little girl, and this fabric collection evokes images of a lush, hidden garden burried somewhere deep in the woods or other undiscovered place, just waiting to be found... and that one vintage key, with so much character and intrigue, not knowing what it might unlock, who it belonged to, or how old it is. But thrilling to discover that it is just what one needs to unlock that intricately carved door, overgrown with roses, that leads into a wonderful world of pristine blooms and scents... what's in your secret garden?

Lizzy House is in the House!

2011-11-09T07:20:00.001+01:00

Out of all the fabric collections that were introduced this year at Spring Quilt Market, this is the one that I have been waiting for... the one that made me sit up and go, wow! I've followed Lizzy House's work for quite some time now, and am super excited to get a hold of a few of her new fabrics from her most recent collection, "Outfoxed".

Source

Outfoxed is a super fun, super colorful, "walk in the woods" on fabric. I love Lizzy's graphic and whimsical characters mixed with natural shapes. Pretty pinks, reds, and blues add a bit of fantasy to trendy foxes and hedgehogs.

... or soft yellows, limes, and deep olives give the collection a completely different look. I love the pop of turquoise-green in this first fabric.

... and probably my favorite colorway is with deep plums and vibrant oranges... just right for fall projects. I kind of have a feeling that this will not be the last time that you will be seeing this collection here.

What about you... do you have a favorite colorway?

Stories, Confessions & Being Practical

2011-11-01T07:34:00.002+01:00

So I guess the "how" and "why" behind what I've been working on these days perhaps might need a little explanation... including somewhat of a confession. Before you quickly scroll down to see what I've been sewing, let me first warn you that you are not about to view the most "wow" worthy thing I've ever sewn. In fact, I would say that anyone who sews, at one time or another has made something similar. Perhaps, I need to explain a little...

As I've shared before, simple things like grocery shopping in Germany is much different than in the U.S. I shamefully admit that prior to living here, my weekly shopping trips included way too many plastic bags that only later found their way into the trash can. But that's one of the things that I love about Germans, is that almost everyone recycles here. So, in case you're on the U.S. side of the pond, let me fill you in on a little something that one would find in EVERY German home, and not just one but several... simple canvas bags. You can pick them up just about everywhere, but somehow it seems that one never has to because there are always a million of them at home, and as you read in my last post, Germans love them because they are very practical. (If you are German and reading this I would really love to know just how many of these you have in your home) Instead of plastic bags used to lug groceries home, one uses baskets, boxes, and yup, you guessed it, canvas bags. It really is great to have at least one or two of these in your purse in case you stop by someplace unexpected. Say for instance you need to pick up something at the florist, and then remember, you need a couple stamps and other office supplies at the post office, then since you're just next door you need to pick up a few things at the pharmacy, while doing that you think that it might be nice to pick up a few pastries for coffee and cake time in the afternoon... where do you put it all? yup, again, in your handy, dandy canvas bag. (boy, you're good)

So since living in "Rome", it might be easy to see that I've started doing a few things the way the "Romans" do. But now for my confession. I too tote these little bags with me when I am out running my errands. And once again I shamefully admit that I've not been taking my pretty handmade purses for the daily "here and there" shopping. Not only that, I've opted to take the old, faded, worn out, don't know where in the world they came from, canvas bags because they are, um, well,... practical.

But I could bear it no longer, and decided that practical could be pretty too, and not only could be, but should be. In addition, I was able to put to use some really nice scraps in the process. I no longer have to hang my head in shame because of the old, dirty bags hanging on my shoulder, but I now I have my own stack of pretty canvas bags to replace them...

... proving that one really can have the best of both worlds... any "confessions" of your own?

Pretty vs. Practical

2011-10-25T08:34:00.000+02:00

When one has the opportunity to live in another culture, it is to be expected that it won't take long to notice all the subtle and the not so subtle differences. It certainly didn't take me five years to figure out that Germans, in general, are very practical. (if you are not included in this generally blanketed statement, please take no offense, as none was intended) This does not mean that Germans do not enjoy beautiful things, quite the contrary. Usually if something is only "pretty" without also being "practical", then it's a sure fire way for a German to overlook it. I do not find such a cultural characteristic to be a negative one, but just a different one.

For example: On some visit to the States a while back, I had to explain to my husband why most American's have a "two-shower-curtain-in-one" system. In case you're not familiar, often this is with one fabric outside curtain (aka "pretty"), and one plastic inside curtain (aka "practical")... the best of both worlds, if you will. It actually developed into quite a lengthy conversation of explaining why two are better than one. My husband just could not understand the concept that while the fabric shower curtain in itself holds no practical uses, the plain plastic single curtain just is not desired because it is not attractive.

I find that for many Americans, decisions to purchase things can often be based on, "I bought it because it was pretty... no other reason." But I guess as they say, "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" thinking has influenced a few of my sewing projects these days. Just a little preview for now... more to come later (with additional stories... see, I told you I just couldn't stay away from these fabrics.)

So... it leaves me with just one question for you... when it comes to "pretty vs. practical" which one do you go for?

Falling Leaves

2011-10-20T08:56:00.006+02:00

What's on your "round-to-it" list?... I found this pattern a while back on Martha Stewart and have been wanting to make these great oak leaf bowls for fall decorations. Even though felt is not my usual medium of choice, I've got a couple of wool fabrics that would be beautiful for these. You can download the pattern here and there's even a really great video to go with it. I've not managed to get any fall decorations out... and you?

Also on my list are to get a few more "Craft it Forward" gifts out... I guess there's not too much time left in 2011. (there's nothing like a little pressure, right?)

Keiki Fabrics

2011-10-13T09:05:00.001+02:00

So now that the fabrics from Spring Quilt Market are piling in, I am starting to notice a theme with a few of my colors... I'm just loving these bright limes and greens mixed with reds, don't you? Well, I guess since they are complementary colors, it makes sense why they go so well together. I've very much been looking forward to Keiki's "Oops a Daisy" collection, which is her follow-up to "Wee Woodland".

So, it just a few more days, fabric designers will be packing up and heading out to Houston again for the Fall Quilt Market... oh, I can hardly wait! I've seen a few previews from various designers and it looks like this year will be a good one. So, do you follow any blogs or look for updates for fabric collections that are introduced at Quilt Market?

Off the Checklist

2011-10-11T08:38:00.001+02:00

So, I have a very specific goal in mind with my sewing projects these days (which I hope to share some time soon), and I'm still working with Anna Maria Horner's new fabric collection, LouLouThi. I've been using little snippts and scraps, and it's nice to say that otherwise tiny pieces that would have fallen to the floor and eventually found their way in the trash can are finding a place under the sewing needle... it makes me feel like I'm really "owning" the collection.

In addition to mixing fabrics from Anna's previous collection, Innocent Crush, I have started adding linen to the mix. This fabric was kind of an accident... you know how it is, you go shopping for one thing and bring something else home instead. Do you do that too?

Well, I've fallen in love with the muted, blue-gray linen that almost give the appearance of denim, but with a more refined look. I've always loved linen, especially in the summer, and it's been fun to incorporate in a new element.

So, how is it with you... do you find yourself shifting the colors of your projects as the seasons change or do you work with whatever fabrics move you at the time, regardless if they are a "summer fabric" in the middle of winter?

Alexander Henry Fabrics

2011-10-05T09:38:00.001+02:00

So now that it is almost time for this year's Fall Quilt Market, I am just now starting to get in some of the collections that were introduced earlier at the Spring Market. Wow, it's hard to think that the last time I saw these samples were that long ago. Alexander Henry, known in the fabric industry for super quality and fantastic designs, added a few new fabrics to their highly popular "In the Kitchen" collection. Doesn't this first fabric look like it could be some kind of learn your ABC's from a vintage cookbook?

Also introduced last spring was this sweet "have fun in your garden" line, "Natura". Oh, I have a sweet little project in mind if I can manage to keep myself focused. I've never had a vegetable garden, but have always thought that it would be fun. (Of course now is not the time to start since my 18 month old finds it entertaining to pinch the flower heads off anything growing in the garden)

I just love these adorable fabrics from "Nicole's Prints"... "Park & Ride" and "Dots & Daisies"... all the things that one might encounter while taking a leisurely afternoon bike ride in the park? Aren't they sweet?

Also from the "Nicole's Prints" collection is "Wonderland"... oh, one's imagine could go wild with fairytale stories to go along with this print. Another fabric I've been itching to get my hands on. I love the animals mixed in with sweet, whimsical motifs.
One thing that I especially love about Alexander Henry fabrics is that they seem like they have their very own story to tell.

Looking for more Alexander Henry Prints? Check out here.

Fall

2011-09-29T07:34:00.001+02:00

So, speaking of "children at play", the little guy, my hubby, and I visited my parents-in-law this past week for fall vacation. I am not usually one to talk about the weather, but with weather this beautiful, how could one not talk about it? It's been a while since I've had a fall this nice. The perfect kind in my opinion... cool, clear, sunny, and fresh. With such days like this, one just has to stay outside the whole day. Aahhhh!

What do you find yourself doing on beautiful fall days?

Children at Play

2011-09-27T08:34:00.002+02:00

I could imagine that many of you are familiar with the adorably sweet children's prints from Sarah Jane, children's book illustrator and mother of three small ones. If not, just sit back and let a big "awwww" escape from your lips.

Having been familiar with Sarah's work for some time now, you can't imagine how excited I was when I heard that she was coming out with her own fabric line, Children at Play, for Michael Miller that she introduced at Spring Quilt Market. (found here)

Not only does Sarah write a fantastic blog filled with sweet childhood memories in the making, but she has come out with a few equally as sweet embroidery patterns.

I've also noticed since having a little guy in my life now, how many "things for girls" dominate the market... but luckily the boys aren't completely left out of Sarah's picture. Even though there is no pink in them, I think these prints are equally as adorable.

I have my eye on a couple of fabrics for projects for my little man. I love how Sarah captures the adventurous side of boys in her fabric. (found here)

... and of course she offers a few embroidery patterns for boys too!

Since having introduced her fabric line, she has since added some coordinating prints to her shop. Be sure to check them out soon, because she is now offering a sale in her shop.

Pretty Patchwork

2011-09-20T08:04:00.000+02:00

So, how ironic is it that I am an online fabric retailer, who sells patchwork and quilting fabrics, but yet I don't quilt? I ask myself that a lot. I guess I belong to that "new generation" of sewers/quilters, who love to sew, but don't like the traditional fabrics that their grandma used to use. I love the evolution that quilting fabrics have seen over the past several years, even if I don't quilt... and especially the fact that quilting fabric is not just for quilting anymore. But it seems as though recently, what I've been working on has been looking a lot like quilting. If my aunt read that I think she would literally jump for joy right in her seat (she's the one who makes absolutely gorgeous and fantastic quilts that I already told you about)

I've been having fun with adding a little bit of linen to what I'm working on, and even though this muted blue/gray fabric is not my usual style, I gotta say that it too is working for me. Some I decided to leave plain, and others I added a few embellishments to.

But what I've been having the most fun with is this zig-zag patchwork... I was inspired by Anna Maria Horner's quilt that she had done a while back. O.K., O.k., I know... this really does look like quilting, but this "start a project and then put it down if it lasts too long" girl gets just enough satisfaction from doing something that is close to quilting without having to do the real thing.

Maybe this is just my way to actually working my way up to a quilt... who knows.

Getting Somewhere

2011-09-14T07:31:00.002+02:00

Do you have some days where you feel like you do nothing but spin your wheels?... and then the next day it's like you got more than double the amount of stuff accomplished than the day that you ran around in circles? So, from this notorious circle-spinner, I have to say that it is nice to actually get somewhere.

Last week I was a little hesitant to give you any kind of preview because I wasn't sure if I would get a chance to work on them anytime soon... but here's a little taste of the new cosmetic bags that I've been working on.

I think this one is my favorite... I first fell in love with the "Summer Totem" fabric, and mixing it with the quirky "Buoyancy" fabric was quite fun.

... but I was asked the question after my last post if I had picked a favorite between red and blue yet... I'm probably drawn more to deep reds than blues, and I just fell in love with this deep teal accent ribbon... I think it gives it just the right "pop".

Hmmm... but with this deep, rich red velvet trim, kinda makes a girl teeter on the fence, huh?

... but I think I had the most fun with the mix/match patchwork bags. I can't say that I'm planning on taking up quilting any time soon, but when you can't pick a favorite, what better way to work than to take 'em all, right? Do you like to do patchwork and quilting, or are you a small projects kinda gal? (or guy)

Sewing and Other Excuses

2011-09-08T07:09:00.001+02:00

Things have been a little quiet here on the sewing front for two reasons: First, this is now my husband's busiest season and once again full time little guy duty has me doing... well, other things than sewing. Who would have known that boys would like heavy equipment machines rather than sewing machines. Well, I guess I've pulled out a few projects here and there, worked on them for a few minutes when time allowed, but I wasn't able to show you anything because said husband also took the camera with him... hmmmpf!

... and secondly, I guess I've been a little caught behind the scenes doing all the fun computer work that needs to be caught up on from when we were gone so much this summer. But I could hold out no longer with getting my fingers on the fabrics from Anna Maria's LouLouThi collection... (swoon!)

... just trying to figure out if today I am a blue girl or a red girl. What about you? Well, most of the time I'm neither, but I gotta say that this collection is really working for me. Maybe it's the deep rich colors that reflect the upcoming season.

Oh, Fall... I love your colors, but not the cold that is coming after you.

What's that... you don't like to sew?!?

2011-09-06T07:55:00.002+02:00

So have you noticed I've kinda been on a theme here with buttons lately? But hey, I've seen some blogs where just about every other post is about their cat. (no offense cat lovers) Since I have no cats or dogs or any other pets... would you allow me just one more post about buttons? I guess I kind of got on a roll and just couldn't stop.

So I realize that not everyone sews and that perhaps such a little thing like sewing on a button is more like work than fun, so I thought I would share a few non-sewing related ideas that one can still do with buttons. Looking for a couple home decorating ideas or even a fun twist on decorating wedding tables?

Why not simple white buttons for a soft but elegant statement?...buttons, buttons, and more beautiful buttons!

Or do you find yourself really in your element in the kitchen? Edible buttons... who would have thought that they could be such a tasty notion... cakes, cupcakes, cookies and lollipops?

Maybe your love for paper surpasses your love for fabric... or at least this week anyway? Who doesn't love a sweet homemade card that says to that someone that you are special... all jarred up, how to grow buttons, snail buttons, and button tags.

Or do you fall more into the "computer geek" category... well, never fear, here's a downloadable wallpaper, and the great thing is that it is filled with buttons that you will never have to sew... how great is that?!?

So, whatever your "thing" might be, there might be a little more room for some serious button love.

Passing It On

2011-09-01T08:44:00.001+02:00

Every year when I travel home to visit my family in the States, I have one standing appointment. My dad's sister, who is an incredible quilter and seamstress, and I always make a trip to the local fabric shop that is filled from top to bottom with beautiful quilting fabrics. We leisurely work our way through the entire shop oohhing, aahhhing, and touching just about every single bolt of fabric in the store. You see, we have a special bond that only other creative people can understand... that connection for a love of crafting. On a recent visit, she gave me some vintage buttons that had been given to her... pehaps from her aunt or other relative, who obviously shared the same passion. I'm not sure if I had even told her before about my passion for buttons.

For some reason, I seem to be fascinated especially by vintage buttons... almost feeling the history behind these tiny little accents. I absolutely fell in love with the sweet little cards that once displayed these small notions, and while there are several missing, I feel that it only adds to their charm.

Perhaps I too will never use them, or years down the road that perfect project will surface that is calling for just a touch of sweetness, or maybe I will one day pass them onto a creative niece that shares the same passion... but for now, I will just simply enjoy them.

Just a Notion

2011-08-30T07:06:00.001+02:00

What sewing notions do you like to collect?... come on now, I know I'm not the only one, right? For some it's old thread & bobbins, for others vintage sewing patterns, while some swoon over antique sewing accessories, or maybe you're like my husband and only new technology interests you... but if you've gotten caught up in the world of creating then you must collect something. I must confess that I fell victim to another of my notion weaknesses... and I just couldn't resist adding these pretty buttons to the shop. It's even harder to resist using them all up!

I'm always on the lookout for how one can use these wonderful accents and project completers. Here's a few sweet button inspired projects that I found on Pinterest. 1. Turn those favorite one-of-a-kinds into wall art. 2. Never loose track of time with this colorful button clock. 3. Martha shows how to make cute as a button party favors 4. Turn plain buttons into a stylish and chic accessory.

So, how do you store your buttons? I can remember when I was a little girl digging through a small little cardboard box that my mom used to keep her buttons in. I was always fascinated with the unusual and vintage buttons that she had. Perhaps that's where my love for the notion came from. Aren't these great storage solutions? 1.Mason jar storage 2. Recycled bubblegum machine... just 10 cents! 3. Stylish glass containers to make buttons look as tasty as candy 4. Don't waste that under the shelving space.

auf dem Land II

2011-08-25T07:32:00.001+02:00

When we're "auf dem Land" (in the country) my husband is mesmerized by the tractors, the fields, the harvest... but I can find a good number of other things that capture my attention.

auf dem Land

2011-08-23T08:02:00.001+02:00

I guess from time to time I enjoy writing about something other than fabrics and sewing (yeah, I know, a little hard to believe, huh?) But since I've been much more occupied with other outside projects instead of my usual inside passion, this might seem just about as far away from fabrics as one can get. As I've shared before, my husband comes from a farming family, and he himself has had a passion for tractors, soil, and flat fields as far as the eye can see since he was about my son's age. One could defintately say in his case that you can take the boy out of the farm, but you can't take the "farmer" out of the boy.

Even though I have been around large machinery all my life (my grandfather and father both worked in the heavy equipment industry) I have never experienced farming to this degree. Really "auf dem Land" (in the country) is so different than anything that I have ever been a part of.

... the men up early, out with the machinery, and in the fields before breakfast, actually getting to experience the full result of hard labor returned. The women in the house, the kitchen, the garden, preparing meals, coffee and cake, moving from one task to the next to support those that are working hard. Often having a feel to it like it was in the old days, but just with a little bit of modern technology.

While talking to my mother-in-law, we mused at what things must have been like on the large farm hundreds of years ago. I cannot imagine working from daylight to dark with no washing machine, no diswasher, primtive baking appliances, and making it all happen.

... well, I caught the tail "end of making it happen", and I must say at the end of the day it is quite a fulfilling thing to have been just a small part of the process that puts bread on our daily table.

Do you have any stories or memories of times spent "auf dem Land"?( in the country)

Drumroll, please...

2011-08-17T08:52:00.000+02:00

So, how long have you been sitting there this morning, like a perched, hungry lion waiting to hear who won? Hopefully you've been sitting perched on a sun chair somewhere warm... wheh, temperature shock for me coming back to Germany from the 95 (35) degree weather we were having in the States!

... what's that you say... stop rambling on and tell us for Pete's sake who won!?! O.K, O.K, ... a big Granddaddy of a congratulations goes out to Gill!

I really loved hearing about everyone's work in progress... so now that jet lag is somewhat manageable, I hope to get started on a few projects of my own.

Giveaway Reminder! (and more!)

2011-08-15T07:57:00.001+02:00

If you happened to miss the big "Granddaddy of a Giveaway"... you still have a few days left to leave a comment to win Amy Butler's "Style Stitches" book, one meter of fabric from Anna Maria Horner's LouLouThi fabric, and Jessica Jones ribbons! Winner annoucned August 17th!

Speaking of giveaways, did you happen to see the fabulous book that Juliette is giving away on her blog? She's giving away a copy of "The Handmade Home" by interiors stylist and designer Sania Pell, and get this... the book is in English AND German! ("LieblingsDeko: Schöner woh nen mit kreativen Ideen")

Don't miss your chance for two great August giveaways!

Water, Cousins & Kisses

2011-08-11T15:47:00.003+02:00

I find that summers can either be extremely busy and full of action, or really slow and relaxing... for me this summer has been both. For the little guy it has been a summer full of impressions and getting really attached to his family on the other side of the pond, especially the family members that are a little closer to his size.

Still running in summer mode and not looking forward to jet lag... see you all soon!

"Granddaddy" of a Giveaway!

2011-07-28T07:02:00.001+02:00

So instead of me showing you new fabrics or projects this week, how would you personally like to get your hands on a little "crafty" goodness? Not only that, but this one is a "Granddaddy" of a giveaway with three different prizes. That's right, count 'em one, two, three!

So, what's up for grabs?... let's start out with the real "biggie" Amy Butler's "Style Stitches" book. The "Cosmo Bag", which I showed you in an earlier post is included in the book, plus eleven other beautiful bag patterns with 26 different ways to make 'em.

Anstatt in dieser Woche neue Stoffe oder Handarbeitsprojekte zu zeigen, wäre doch ein kleines "Giveaway" Gewinnspiel zur Abwechslung nicht schlecht - oder? Vor allem gibt es dieses Mal nicht nur einen Preis, sondern ein ganzes Preispaket mit drei verschiedenen Zutaten!

Und hier sind die Preise - der Gewinner gewinnt sie alle: 1. Das wundervolle Amy Butler Buch "Style Stitches" mit 12 tollen Schnittmustern und 26 verschiedenen Varianten.

Here's a few other samples from the book... can't you just feel your fingers itching ready to sew?!?

Source

Since I haven't been able to work with the new Anna fabrics, why not let someone else have a go at it? ... one meter of fabric from the "LouLouThi" collection by Anna Maria Horner. (you split it up how you like... either one meter of one fabric, two half meters of two fabrics, or four "fat quarters"!)

2. 1 m Stoff aus der neuen "LouLouThi" Kollektion von Anna Maria Horner. Der Stoff kann auch aufgeteilt werden, in 2 x 0,5 m oder 4 Fat Quarter Stücke.

... and last, but not least, four meters of Jessica Jones jacquard ribbons! These juicy colors are just right for finishing up some of your summer projects.

3. 4 m Jaquard Zierband von Jessica Jones aus meinem Online-Shop. Das "i-Tüpfelchen" für jedes Nähprojekt!

O.K... so it doesn't end there. Spread the word, and this time I am offering for as many times as someone mentions that they heard about this giveaway from you, I'll throw your name in the hat that many times... a really good way to increase your chances, I'd say. So what do you have to do? Just tell me about your summer sewing projects... do you have any? does your sewing machine collect dust in the summer because you are always on the go? do you have more time, and create more than ever? What's on your "to do" list of projects?

The lucky winner will be announced August 17th when I get back from the States... what's that you didn't even know that I was gone?!? Come on now, surely you noticed a few less posts these days didn't you?

ERHÖHE DEINE CHANCE! Erzähle Deinen FreundInnen von meiner Aktion und lass sie bei ihrem Kommentar Deinen Namen erwähnen. Für jede Namensnennung kommt Dein Name zusätzlich in die Lostrommel! Schreibt mir einfach über Eure "Sommer-Näh-Projekte"! Hast Du überhaupt welche oder setzt Deine Nähmaschine über Sommer Staub an? Oder nähst Du extra viel, da Du endlich einmal Zeit hast (bei dem Wetter...)? Was steht auf Deiner "Projekt Liste"?

Also dann viel Glück! Die GewinnerIn wird am 17. August bekannt gegeben, wenn ich wieder aus den Staaten zurück bin. Was, Du wusstest noch nicht mal, das ich verreist bin? Sicherlich hast Du doch schon ein paar Blogeinträge von mir vermisst - oder?

lou LOU thi

2011-07-20T07:53:00.001+02:00

Every year in spring and fall, I sit like a perched lion, scouring the internet for the latest news from the Spring & Fall International Quilt Markets... waiting to see who introduced what and which fabrics we will see hitting the market in the coming months. Let me just say that I have been quite excited about the latest collection from Anna Maria Horner, "LouLouThi", which means "flower" in Greek.

Photo Source

"LouLouThi" definitely has a different feel to it than Anna's previous collection, "Innocent Crush". There are repeats of some of the same vibrant, bold, deep, rich colors, which allow many of the fabrics to blend and coordinate quite nicely.

Dots are such a great pattern to combine with other fabrics, adding lots of interest and pulling out accent colors. At first I wasn't sure why the following fabrics were named "Hugs & Kisses" until I took a closer look... little XOXO's add a sweet subtleness that is not at first glance quite so obvious. Precious.

So for now, I will leave it at that this is now my new favorite collection... at least until the next fabric collection comes along... oh my, it's not easy being so fair-weathered.

Thoughts on Collecting Dust

2011-07-13T09:30:00.002+02:00

So, it is quite easy for one to be over-ambitious and put a million things on the "to-do" list, which Linkmost likely will never happen. (are you guilty of it too?) I guess that's what happened when I made it a goal to make a diaper bag before the little guy got here... do you remember?

Project after project distracted me from completing it, but I always had it in my head to finish it. At the time we simply opted for practicality rather than handmade. But isn't that the nice thing about pulling out old projects, dusting them off, and finishing them?!? A little late, but better than never, I decided to pull out the fabric that I had set aside then for the diaper bag and make the "Cosmo Bag" (on the cover) that is found in Amy Butler's latest book "Style Stitches"... kind of killing two birds with one stone - a diaper bag, well actually it has graduated to toy bag status, and a sample pattern for our show.

It might have taken me a little time, but it certainly is a satisfying feeling that not all projects that I start end up in the "unfinished" pile.

What do you have, other than furniture, that is collecting dust too? (come on now, I know I'm not the only one, right?)

Der Arbeitsdirektor

2011-07-07T19:40:00.012+02:00

My father-in-law has nicknamed our little guy "Der Arbeitsdirektor" (the work director) Hmmm.... it seems as if it is quite the fitting name.

It's so good to have summer back. You know, the kind of weather where kids run around all day long in just a body and sun hat, and make it look so super darn cute while doing it. Please, summer, won't you stick around for a while?

"It's a Hoot"

2011-07-05T05:37:00.000+02:00

So I thought I would do a couple of "looking back" posts from things that I made for the show that I never got a chance to show you. Did you notice, nestled in between the bolts of fabric my little "Hu Hu" friend?

I wanted to have a few samples in the booth showing what can be done with different fabrics... such a super sweet collection from MoMo. I love to show non-traditional uses for fabric. Susanne whipped up a couple pillows from the collection (I would love to link back to her, but she hasn't started her blog yet... ; ) wink, wink, hint, hint - be sure to tell her that she should!) and I framed a few of the prints to tie it all together.

I had originally wanted to sew this owl softie, but did not like the way it looked when it was all sewn together. So I simply used it as a template, added a soft fleece for a more dimensional look, painted a couple felt flowers, added eyes, and machine embroidered text... spray glued it down and put it in a frame... super cute for a kids room, don't you think?

Did you know that even animals make different sounds in English and in German?... an English "speaking" owl would say "ho ho"... a dog "ruff, ruff", a rooster "cock-a-doodle-do", a frog "ribbit"... I know all these insignificant things because of the English/German books I read to my little guy.... just a little bit of useless info worked in there for your day.

From: The Garden

2011-06-30T07:18:00.001+02:00

Despite the fact that I neglect her so... I cherish the fact that my dear, sweet, garden still sends me little "love letters" from time to time.

... are you looking for yours?

Windrädchen

2011-06-28T07:56:00.003+02:00

So, did you happen to notice the fun and playful pinwheels that were at the front of our booth with the fabric display?

For all you out there who love beautiful fabrics, but hate to sew... this one is for you. Such a simple, easy, no sew project that would be so adorable as table decorations, a cute little "extra" to add to a flower arrangement, or just a fun project with the kids.

Wanna do it yourself? Here's what you need:

A few of your favorite coordinating fabrics
Medium to heavy weight iron-in interfacing
Double sided iron-in interfacing (Wonder Under or Vliesofix)
Dowel rods or other stick
Flat head sewing pins
Hammer/small nails
Scissors or cutting mat and roll cutter

Cut two squares from two different coordinating fabrics. For the large pinwheel I used a 6 inch (ca. 15 cm) square and a 5 inch (ca. 12.5 cm) for the small one. Place squares on medium/heavy weight interfacing and iron. Cut excess interfacing. Sandwich the double sided interfacing between each of the interfaced squares. Iron & trim. (here's a picture of how the pinwheel should look showing cutting and pinning marks) Mark the center of the square, this is where your pin goes later. Cut from the corner of each of the four corners towards the center being careful to not cut all the way to the center mark. Pull one cut edge from each side towards the center, repeat with other three sides overlapping in the center. Run the pin through the pulled up edges through the center mark. Make a small pre-hole in the dowel rod using the hammer and nail. Place head pin in the pre-hole of the dowel rod and lightly hammer in place.

For finishing touches ideas:

Pick a favorite vase or container. For stability, fill with floral foam. Poke finished pinwheel rods through foam. Cover top with moss. Add decorative accents as desired.

Looking for these bright and colorful Erin McMorris fabrics?

The Long Awaited Booth

2011-06-23T08:02:00.002+02:00

Now that I've had a little time to reflect after the show, there are a few things about the booth that I realized after looking back:

1. Every time we do a show, (which is essentially now once a year due to the little one) once everything is put together and decorated, I marvel at how much stuff I have and once again realize that I could actually open a store tomorrow and not have to worry about having any empty spots.

2. When I take into consideration that we did this show last year with a brand new three month old baby, I have to ask myself if I even remember it or if I was totally out of my mind.

3. Having actually taken photos of the booth this year, I realized that I have done lots more than I have had the time to take photos of and show you... thus often I end up spewing a lot of hot air about the fact that I am busy, but am too busy to show you just how busy I am.

With all that being said, I will make you wait no longer for the photos from the show... wheh, it's nice to breathe again.

Park & Garden "In Color"

2011-06-20T08:14:00.002+02:00

After we got home from the show and I sorted through my pictures, I noticed a real trend when I looked at them as a grouping. I'm not really sure if it was the fact that I am naturally drawn to purples and pinks, or if it was simply that these were the trend colors that dominated the stands, and obviously my camera lens. Either way... purple really does it for me, and always has. So much so that my mother-in-law has thought for years that it is my favorite color instead of green.

Hmmm... kinda makes one reconsider the status of things.

Simplicity

2011-06-15T21:14:00.004+02:00

So we made it back from a really long weekend of work... playing with fabrics all day, soaking in the atmosphere of beautiful and inspiring surroundings, and speaking in a foreign language for five days... that's right, count 'em, FIVE continuous days of speaking nothing but German... wheh! So needless to say, I'm running slow and trying to play catch up right now.

How about if I make it simple today... a little less chat and a few photos to inspire. Even though I'm a color girl, I was so inspired by these earthy neutrals and whites.

... don't worry, the color's coming... it always comes.

Park & Garden 2011

2011-06-08T07:07:00.001+02:00

This is the last that you will hear from me for a little while... this weekend we are heading out for our big show, Park & Garden at Gut Stockseehof. I have several new things to take along, despite the fact that I have not had the time to show them all to you... but good things come to those who wait, right?

On another note... if you happen to be at the show this weekend, I would love to meet you! It makes things more personal for me when I have a chance to meet some of you who "tune in" week after week. Last year I had a reader, another "Ausländer" living in Germany, stop by right at the same time that the little guy needed a snack... it would have been so nice to have a chat.

But I won't leave you without a little taste of what's to come... just a few impressions from last year's Park & Garden that I found on their website.

Source

Hope to see you there!

Abgelenkt

2011-06-03T22:04:00.006+02:00

It never seems to fail... every time that I have an upcoming deadline, goal, or major project that I am working on, I find that I am so easily distracted. When I want to work on one thing, then ideas for totally unrelated things keep popping up in my head... and I just have to go with it. How about you? My distraction has not been completely pointless. I've seen tutorials all over the internet for sweet silk rosettes, and I just had to try it. (really so easy!) Just a little something for my hair for an upcoming wedding... and how fitting that it matches perfectly with my dress!

Es ist so leicht, mich ablenken zu lassen... immer wenn ich ein ganz bestimmtes Ziel vor Augen habe, fällt eine neue Idee ein, die überhaupt nichts mit meinem Ziel zu tun hat... und bei Euch? Das Ergebnis ist aber nicht zwecklos. Ich habe im Internet oft Anleitungen für selbstgemachte Seidenrosen gesehen, und wollte es auch mal probieren. Eine kleiner, Haarschmuck für eine Hochzeit... ganz genau passend zu meinem Kleid.

When the Cat's Away...

2011-05-31T06:52:00.001+02:00

... the mice will?....

a. sew like a mad woman
b. eat bon bons, lounge on the sofa, and watch soaps all day
c. play

If you chose answer a.... you are exactly right!?! Now, don't get me wrong, I can really get into answer c., but I just couldn't sit still with so much free time to sew, now could I?

... one thing marked off the list, and one more thing to add to the stack!

A Few Introductions

2011-05-26T07:21:00.001+02:00

So once again I have quite a few long overdue introductions for some really fantastic fabric collections. I've been a fan of Jane Sassaman for quite some time... not only are her fabric designs innovative and unique, but her quilting patterns shed a completely different light on quilting all together. What she can do with these fabrics is amazing!

I've wanted to add some fabrics with touches of black for quite some time now. Not being the biggest fan of black, but opting for color instead, I knew I had to jump when I saw the "Garden Divas" collection.

Alexander Henry is known in the industry for creating unusual, "cutting- edge,
conversational print designs." Their "June Bug" collection is playful and fun and as AH puts it, "The birds and the bees are in full effect here with dramatic black accents of leaves, butterflies and dots." Super sweet, yet elegant and classic.

Also from Alexander Henry, the "In the Kitchen" collection is described as "the era when the kitchen had curtains, mom wore homemade aprons, and everything was made from scratch and filled with love." Bright, cheerful, and interesting designs make this a super collection.

... and now for the newest collection from MoMo, "Just Wing It". Butterflies, trees, and flowers all in one. MoMo's distinct, personal, style is clearly reflected, identifying this collection as her own. Super summer time fabric, playful accents for the home, or sweet dresses for an equally sweet little girl.

To view these and other collections... click here.

Flowers, Houses, and Ribbons!

2011-05-23T20:57:00.002+02:00

One thing on my list to do before the show is to work on a display for my ribbons... or I guess I should say that it is on my husband's list. As I mentioned before, it's kind of hard to say if I'm a ribbon or a button girl, but let's just say with these new ribbons from Jessica Jones, now I've officially converted to being a ribbon girl... so super sweet.

You can find them here... what projects do you like to make with ribbons? I would love to see... leave me a link in the comments to show me what you've made.

Adding to the Pile

2011-05-20T08:07:00.005+02:00

Another short and sweet preview for the weekend... which there won't be too much sewing going on this weekend since I have two parties to go to. Oh, listen to me, I make it sound like it's a bad thing. I guess every once in a while it's nice to take a break from everything that is piling up around you, right?

So a little shot of some of the new accessories that I've been working on. (I have to say that Anna Maria Horner's Garden Party collection is still one of my all time favorites)

But at least I can say that I managed to work a little bit on a goal of mine, but the problem still remains... so many fabrics, so little time. What are you doing for the weekend... meeting with friends, sewing, working in the garden?

All Stacked Up

2011-05-17T07:33:00.001+02:00

So this is my first stack of many that you get to preview of before our big show... let's just say that I was very productive with my time off. I'm not usually so short and sweet, but the next stack is now in the works and waiting.

My newest creations are now lining the buffet cabinent in our hallway... not because I don't have anywhere to put them, but because it gives me a big sense of accomplishment to see everything lined up... do you do the same? Gotta say, it feels good to be getting somewhere!

For the Boys

2011-05-11T22:37:00.000+02:00

So my husband decided to take the little guy to Omama and Opapa's for a couple of days so I could work on getting things reading for our big show. He just could not understand why I was so emotional when it came time to leave... but thinking about it, there has not been one day that I have not seen our little man. Sure, I've had day trips and times that others have looked after him so I could run errands, work on projects, or whatever else needed to be done without a small person tugging at my leg, but this is the first time that I've spent the night away from him... or I guess in this case he has spent the night away from me. Small as it may seem, this is my very first step of many to come, in allowing him to become independent, to walk on his own, and find his own path...

Oh, listen to me, he's only one... I have a while before all that, right?!?

Patchwork Meets Poetry

2011-05-10T08:13:00.002+02:00

I am always fascinated how two people can take the same fabric and end up with two completely different results. Usually when I see a fabric for the first time, I know immediately what it is going to be. I can see it in my head… what ribbons I might use, or buttons, sometimes I have a piece of fabric that I purchased three years ago that I just know will make it really sing.

As I already shared with you, I am totally excited about the “Weekends” collection from Erin McMorris… so fresh and lovely, and I wanted to share with you what others are doing with this fabulous collection. Two years ago I introduced you to Anja’s wonderful “Poem Pillows”, and wanted to share with you a little bit of “fantastic-ness” that she whipped up… a beautiful and well planned mix of bright and vibrant colors, courageous pattern combinations, and thoughtful poems. Imagine snuggling up in your favorite chair with an exciting novel and that perfect little pillow in just the right spot… ummmm! On the back of the pillows is a band to keep newspaper, tissues, or that book that you just can’t put down.

Ich finde es immer faszinierend, wie zwei verschiede Menschen den selben Stoff nehmen können, und zu zwei total unterschiedlichen Ergebnissen kommen. Wenn ich einen Stoff das erste Mal sehe, weiß ich sofort, was es wird... ich kann es einfach im Kopf fertig sehen. Wie Ihr schon wisst, bin ich sehr begeistert von der Kollektion von Erin McMorris, und ich finde es interessant, mit Euch zu teilen, was andere mit dieser schönen Kollektion gemacht haben. Ich habe schon vor zwei Jahren Anja’s wundervolle „Gedicht-Kissen“ vorgestellt, und wollte noch mal zeigen, was sie aus derselben Kollektion gezaubert hat. Eine Mischung aus prächtigen Farben, mutigen Mustern, und gedruckten Gedichten.

Want to find out more? Just contact Anja at asteinhaus@edition7.de

Summer Collections

2011-05-03T07:05:00.000+02:00

It's been a goal of mine for quite some time to create things as a whole collection instead of individual random items here and there, which is quite difficult to do since I have a new favorite fabric just about everyday (are you that fair-weathered too?) Just because it is a goal doesn't mean I always stick to it... because like many creative people, I'm a little ADD, especially when it comes to staying with just ONE collection.

But now is the big push to get everything ready for our big show, and boy is my list full of things to do. This is the time of year that I'm a little absent in blogland... not because I'm not creating anything, oh no, trust me, the sewing machine is humming, but to keep you updated with a sea of photos is easier said then done. So... just to share one of the collections that I've been working with recently...

I love Erin McMorris fabrics... so fresh, fun, and just the right colors for spring and summer, don't you think?

Slow

2011-04-28T07:06:00.000+02:00

I really love slow, don't you? This weekend was an extended weekend spent with my husband's family for Easter. I so much enjoy the slowed pace of things in Germany when it is a holiday. People aren't thinking about much of anything, but simply enjoying the time off. Vacation time in Germany is drastically different than in the States, where vacations and holidays are few and far between. In Germany one is off for Easter Sunday, and then "Easter Monday", which I had never heard of before... not only that, but there's not just one Christmas day, but two! How great is that?!?

So what does a spring holiday look like here?... kids playing outside the whole entire day until they can run no longer, lounging lazily on a spread out picnic blanket, coffee and cake time in the garden in the shade of that perfect tree, time to read when one would normally be too busy to read, and quality chat time with family... and what better way to top it off than my favorite German meal of fresh Niedersächsischer Spargel. Yeah, I'd have to say that it was a great weekend... and you?

Ich liebe Ferienzeit in Deutschland... irgendwie lauft alles ein bisschen langsamer, und man hat das Gefühl, dass nichts anderes so wichtig ist, als eine schöne Zeit mit der Familie zu verbringen. In Amerika haben wir nur einen Ostertag anstatt zwei... genau so zu Weihnachten. Aber natürlich ist es besser mit mehreren Tagen für eine kleine Reise... Kinder spielen den ganzen Tag draußen miteinander, Kaffee und leckeren Kuchen, etwas lesen, wofür man normalerweise keine Zeit hat, ein bisschen mit der Familie quatschen... Tja, es war ein sehr schönes Osterwochenende... und bei Euch?

Tischdeko

2011-04-19T07:51:00.000+02:00

For my husband's "birthday table" I wanted to do something really special. For the table decorations I made a small, simple wreath from birch twigs, added a sprig of forget-me-not's and a delicate white flower, wrapped them in moss, added a petite speckled bird's egg, and perched it atop a cognac glass... and done. It doesn't get any easier than that! Each person had their own personal flower arrangement... sweet, don't you think? What do you do for spring or Easter decoration... fresh flowers? Lots colors or muted and soft?

So, für den Geburtstagstisch für meiner Mann, habe ich gedacht dass es unbedingt schön sein muss. Einen einfachen kleinen Kranz aus Birkenzweigen, Vergissmeinnicht, eine süße Wiesenblume, eingewickelt in Moos, zierliche gesprenkelte Vogeleier, auf einem Congnac-Glas und fertig... einfacher geht es nicht! Jeder hatte seine eigene Tischdeko... süß, nicht? Was macht Ihr für Frühling oder Osterdeko... frische Blumen? Viele Farben oder gedeckt und sanft?

Did you know that in Germany, even at age 80, the person is still called the "birthday child". Usually a "Geburtstagstisch" (birthday table) is set up and decorated where all the birthday presents are displayed. In my husband's family the birthday child is to stay in their room in the morning until everyone gathers outside their door to sing a birthday song. It is also a tradition that the birthday child has a small "kranz" (wreath) of evergreen, ivy, or other greenery around their place setting... birthdays are really special here and I love that about living in Germany. Do you have any special birthday traditions?

Köln Hobby & Handarbeit

2011-04-13T07:23:00.001+02:00

Speaking of fabrics... this past weekend I traveled to Köln (Cologne) and met Juliette for the annual Hobby & Handarbeit convention where companies within the trade gather to introduce new fabrics, patterns, ribbons, yarns, wools, buttons, zippers, sewing machines, and everything that a crafter could ever dream of. "Oh" and "Ah" are common phrases that one would use for such an event and I left totally inspired by what I saw.

... even though knitting, crocheting, and wool crafts are not usually my medium of choice, these projects inspired me to reconsider adding one more hobby to my list.

... it's hard to say if I'm more of a ribbon girl or a button girl... I think more of a ribbon girl. Who wouldn't be with these beautiful jacquard ribbons?

... no, no, wait, I'm definitely more of a button girl... or at least until I stumble on more fabulous ribbons that cause me to teeter on the verge of fair-weatheredness.

But for me the thing that excited me more than fantastic fabric, colorful wools, beautiful ribbons, or detailed buttons, was meeting someone in person that I really admire. Do you have anyone that you really look up to, hold in high regard, and really inspires you? You've heard me talk endlessly about the brilliantly designed fabrics from Amy Butler... I would probably even consider her the benchmark for quilting fabric designers, but after having met her in person, it became clear to me that there is a reason she is so successful... I guess I believe that a good part of who a person is often shows up in ones work.

It's been rumored by others that have met Amy, that she is authentic, real, and down-to-earth, but as I was chatting with her at the show I found that I could not agree more. What I expected to be quick in and out talk with maybe an autograph, actually turned out to be a lengthy and interesting conversation. I got the feeling that she was truly interested in meeting the people that are a part of the dream that she is living out. She had talked about balance... working really hard at what you do and enjoying it, but taking the time to enjoy "the fruits of your labor". So true... and as Amy said herself, "Beauty is in the way you live. Enjoy your surroundings. Let them inspire you. Follow your own path, and approach everything you do with love in your heart".

In addition, it was really great to hear first hand about a few projects that Amy has in the works... which only leaves me eagerly anticipating the next brilliant thing she puts her hand to. Want to hear more about the show? Check out Juliette's post..

Moda on the Move

2011-04-11T08:14:00.000+02:00

I wanted to introduce two new fabric collections from Moda. I have been waiting patiently to get my hands on both of these. The first collection is from Designer Kate Spain. Kate is relatively new to the fabric designer scene, but not in the graphic design world... and it seems as though Kate is a quite the busy lady. Not only does she design fabrics, but writes a really nice blog and her work can be found on everything from gift wrap to stationary, dishes to kitchen textiles... really fun!

Also designing for Moda fabrics is Sanae, with her fourth fabric collection that leaves lots of room for creativity. Originally from Japan, Sanae finds much of her inspiration from her native country.

So what is inspiring you these days? Pretty flowers, walks in the park, butterflies, and trees, various shades of spring colors?

Both Moda collections can be found here.

All Measured Up

2011-04-07T08:12:00.002+02:00

I remember in grade school first being introduced to the metric system. I thought to myself... why do we have to learn two different ways to measure things? So for tests and quizzes I could rattle off whatever the teacher wanted to know about liter, meter, gram, and so on and then how many milli-somethings, centi-somethings, and kilo-somethings were in each one.

... but as you very well know "use it, or loose it" applies to just about anything. (maybe except riding a bike... does anyone forget that?) So when I first moved to Germany, I had to dust off the corners of my memory where I had stored, what at the time seemed like "useless information". But even as much as I hate to admit it, the metric system really is the way to go. Everything is divisible by 10, no cheat charts needed to tell you how many cups are in a pint, how many ounces in a pound, no need to work with fractions, or rattle off silly measurements like 7/16th of an inch! (crazy as is may seem, I've even seen 32nds of an inch too!)

With all that said, that is why I love bake using German recipes... it's so easy! Zitoronkuchen (lemon cake), a recipe from my mother-in-law, has become one of my favorites... it's even become my "birthday cake"! I just have to pull out my kitchen scale and a bowl... 200 g of this, 200 g of that, 200 g of something else, mix and your done! No dry measuring cups, no wet measuring cups, no converting this or that... just the way baking should be.

But despite the fact that I have "converted" to the metric system in almost everything that I do now... I still use inches to sew! I guess some silly habits are sometimes too hard to break.

Pinned for Easter

2011-04-05T07:07:00.003+02:00

So, a special "thanks" goes out this week to Juliette, who introduced me to the time-consuming ecstacy and joy of Pinterest. As they define themselves on their own website, Pinterest "a place where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections created by people with great taste."... and oh, is there some serious eye candy to distract you from the things that you should be working on instead. Since I seem to be on the subject of Easter these days, I wanted to pass along a few D-I-Y Crafts I found that would brighten up any Easter table, mantle, or other empty corner in your house... wouldn't these be great for gifts too?

1. Simple & Pretty Spoon Egg Holder 2. Flower Arrangements in Eggshells 3. Bird's Nest Cookies 4. Bunny Topiary 5. Fanciful Favor Bags 6. Crepe Paper Carrots 7. Feather Your Nest papier-mâché 8. Osternest aus Spanschachteln

So many ideas... too little time. Happy creating!

Ostersäckchen

2011-03-29T09:45:00.005+02:00

So, I guess I had a few plain flower vases lying around and decided to spruce them up a bit for my Easter table. This is not necessarily a tutorial that is anything "new", but if you've never made a simple bag with a round bottom, this could be helpful.... again, I'll show you how to get started and you take the creativity from there.

Using a double-sided interfacing, cut out the shape that you would like to apply to your bag and iron it in place. For the outer fabric I used a simple heavier weight cotton muslin (ca. 10.5 x 15.5 inches, 26.5 x 39.5 cm). I used both the "Hippity-Hop" and the "Hippity-Hop Friends" patterns. With the "Hippity Hop" pattern, I simply reduced it down and added a few "extras"(like a miniature version of the "Easter Deco" pattern).

Select a lining fabric for your bag and cut two rectangles the same size for the lining fabrics. Fold the fabric in half and stitch along the short edge of the fabric to create a tube. Iron seam open.

Cut a circle (ca. 5 inches, 13 cm in diameter) and fold it in half. Mark the fold line on both ends. Fold circle again so the marks match each other and mark the new fold lines on the circle. (you should have four marks) For the bag (tube), fold in half using the seam as one folded edge and mark on the folded edge. Open the bag, match the marks, fold in half again and mark the folded line on the opposite sides.

Match the markings on the bag to the markings on your circle. Pin the four marked notches first and then pin the rest of the circle in place easing the fabric in as you go. Stitch around the circle.

Once you have stitched all the way around, cut several notches in the fabric towards the seam, being careful not to cut through the seam. This is very important when sewing curves to make sure that the fabric lies correctly without bunching up. Iron seams. Repeat steps for second bag and lining.

To create a band, cut a coordinating fabric in a long strip (ca. 2 x 16.5 inches, 5 x 42 cm) Fold each edge the same distance towards the center and iron. Fold the strip in half again and iron.

Place the finished lining inside the finished bag wrong sides together. Open the band you just made and sandwich bag in between the band to create a finished edge.

Pin in place and continue around the bag until you come to the end. Fold the fabric back so you have a finished edge and pin in place.

Stitch around the top of the band in a coordinating thread and you couldn't have an easier way to decorate a boring vase or make a bottle of wine a special "Easter" present.

Loveliest of Months

2011-03-23T07:44:00.002+01:00

It's no secret that we are now in the month that I would call my favorite time of the year... that season where one can see the beginnings of new life, the days don't seem as short and gray as they once were, and one's soul is filled with the anticipation of what is yet to come.

La Belle Jardiniere, Eugene Grasset

I love to capture the beauty in the things that have not yet fully "sprung"... nature's subtle wonders without the bright painted colors of summer. That first little pop of spring, in what I find to be the prettiest and freshest shade of green there is.

But other than the new life that came to us in the month of March, there is something else that makes this month special for me. No matter what time of year it is, everyone enjoys cards with good wishes and congratulations, carefully wrapped presents, telephone calls from friends and family chiming "Herzlichen Glückwunsch, Alles Gute zum...", and surprises... oder?

Hippity-Hop Projects

2011-03-18T08:34:00.003+01:00

So, do you have any weekend projects planned? As promised I thought I'd pass on a couple ideas using the "Hippity-Hop" Friends pattern. (p.s. I added a "grab-it" button to my sidebar in case you were looking)

Don't know what your sweet little one should wear for Easter? ... a simple T-shirt, your favortie fabric, "wunder-under" (Vliesofix), stitch-stitch, and add a bow and you're done! (P.S. just is case you went that way, this is NO hint of any little ones to come... I have FOUR nieces, you know)

Wouldn't this fabric also make a sweet matching skirt? From Tula Pink's Hushabye collection.

It seems as if I've been stuck on "Easter Deco" projects, but this time with a little different application. I really love to combine different mediums and why not combine sewing with jewelry making for a "Hippity-Hop" Friends window hanger... could there be anything better than to combine two things you love?!?

You'll need:

Flat Head Pliers
Jewelry stringing wire
Crimp Beads
Selection of matching beads
Fabric
Double-sided interfacing (Vliesofix)
Thread and embellishments (ribbons, etc.)

Cut the length of your stringing wire as desired. I would suggest to cut a little extra and trim later as needed... better to end up too long than too short. Make a loop at the top for the hanger. String a crimp bead and using your flat head pliers, crimp the bead flat so the loop is held in place.

String a bead on the jewelry wire and then followed by a crimp bead. Crimp the bead and your bead will stay in place.

Continue stringing desired beads in place and crimp after each one.

Using the same technique from the "Easter Deco" tutorial, cut out desired shape (here I used the easter egg and the small "Hippity Hop" friend). Sandwich the wire in between your shape and iron in place *NOTE: be very careful when you iron that you do not get too close to your wire. Many jewelry wires have a coating on them and could melt if exposed to high heat.

Add a crimp bead after your fabric shape, just like after the beads, and crimp in place.

Continue beading and fabric shapes until you have reached your desired length. Find a lonely window, door, wall or wherever that needs a little decoration and hang.

There you have it... So easy, so fun. Happy weekend creating!

We Have a Winner!

2011-03-15T08:05:00.002+01:00

So are you maybe just a little bit curious who gets a pretty package of MoMo fabrics this week? Then I'll not keep you in suspense any longer...

So, seid Ihr vielleicht ein kleines bisschen neugierig, wer diese Woche das hübsche Päckchen MoMo Stoffe bekommt? Dann werde ich Euch nicht länger auf die Folter spannen...

I really appreciate every comment that I get and I especially love to hear what you think. I have a one year old "little man" that sometimes keeps me from dropping by and telling you all so, but just so you know... I'm thinking it!

I habe mich wirklich sehr über jeden Kommentar gefreut und besonders über Eure Anregungen. Da ich einen einjährigen "kleinen Mann" habe komme ich nicht immer dazu, Euch dies direkt zu sagen - aber seid gewiss, dass ich es in Gedanken tue!

PS: Übrigens fand ich es besonders toll, so viele Kommentare auf Deutsch zu bekommen! Bitte macht weiter so!

Herzlichen Glückwunsh, Rike!

"Hippity-Hop" Friends

2011-03-14T08:09:00.002+01:00

So I thought that perhaps "Hippity-Hop" was just a little bit lonely sitting on the Easter table all by himself and might like a friend...

I used the same technique as with the "Easter Deco" eggs to make this adorable "Blumenstecker" (flower pick) I've worked up a few more projects with this little guy and added the pattern to my sidebar for you to use... I'm really on a roll and I'll be sharing a couple more Easter projects coming soon!

Just in case you happened to have missed it, you still have time to enter the "I'm 100!" Gewinnspiel/Giveaway... but you only have until tomorrow, March 15th!

One Year

2011-03-11T07:26:00.003+01:00

One year ago today...

we made one giant place in our hearts for the tiniest of ones... and we told him that he would have it forever.

One year ago today...

a sweet little boy decided that he wanted us... and we said yes.

... and like the flowers that begin to appear in this season, what started as a very small and very tiny thing, has quietly blossomed into a love each day, bigger than it was the day before.

... Happy Birthday, Sweet Pea!

Easter Deco Tutorial

2011-03-08T08:17:00.001+01:00

Ich freue mich sehr, dass so viele von Euch einen Kommentar auf Deutsch hinterlassen haben und hoffe, dass es weiter geht! Ist doch klar, dass ich es verstehen kann, oder? Mein Mann hat keine Lust, alle meine Posts zu korrigieren... Deshalb ist meine Anleitung wie immer auf English, aber Ihr kommt ja gut klar, denke ich. Viel Spaß beim Nähen!

I know I have seen this Easter egg folding technique somewhere, and I got the idea recently to make flowers "pics" out of them and I wanted to share in a tutorial how to do it. Of course, these would be sweet hanging on the Easter tree, adorable gift tags, or whatever else you can imagine... so, I'll show how to get started and then let you take it from there:

Cut one 3.5 inch (ca. 9cm) square of background fabric and reinforce it with a heavier weight interfacing (z.B. Vlieseline G 700 1x oder H 250 2x - dark pink fabric shown here). Cut two - 3.5 (ca. 9cm) inch squares of a coordinating fabric and fold them in half and iron flat, creating a rectangle. (does not need interfacing). Lay the two folded rectangles on top of the first fabric with the folded edges facing each other (mint fabric shown here)

Stitch the two ends of the square as close to the edge as possible as shown below:

Using your fingers, curl the edges of the top layer fabric back so it looks like a half crescent moon so you can see the underneath fabric. Iron in place.

Usining a coordinating thread, sew down the pulled back top fabric. Do this on both sides.

On paper, trace the shape of an egg just slightly smaller than your square. Center it on your sewn square and use it as a template and cut arround it.

Place the egg on a double sided interfacing (z.B. Vliesofix) and cut around it.

Choose a solid color, or other coodinating fabric for the back and reinforce it with a heavier weight interfacing as with the first fabric. Use your pattern template to cut it in the shape of an egg and lay it on the back side of the egg with the double sided interfacing in the middle. Place a craft stick, or a wooden grilling stick in between the layers and iron so the front and back adhere to each other with the stick sandwiched in between.

Stitch the egg as close to the edge as possible and trim excess threads.

Add trims, ribbons, or decorations as desired, and stick in a beautiful basket of spring flowers or arrangement and you have a sweet Easter "Mitbringsel"!

Gewinnspiel/Giveaway... I'm 100!

2011-03-05T12:52:00.002+01:00

Saturdays are not normally one of my posting days, but since 100 of you all are now tagging along with me, I thought it is a pretty big deal!

Samstage sind ja normalerweise nicht meine "Posting Tage", aber da ich seit heute 100 regelmässige Leser habe, dachte ich, dass dies einen extra Post wert ist! Für mich ist es jedenfalls eine große Sache!

At least it is for me anyway. So, how about a little way to say "thanks"? Leave a comment either about what kind of things you would like me to continue posting about, or what you would like to see more of that maybe I don't talk about. Of course you know how the giveaway works... I'll draw the name of a lucky winner for a fat quarter four-pack OR two half meters of fabric from the new MoMo fabrics... and just in time for your spring projects!

So, wie wäre es mit einem kleine Dankeschön? Schreibe einfach einen kurzen Kommentar über die Dinge, über die ich weiterhin schreiben soll, oder wovon Du gerne mehr hören würdest. Ihr wisst natürlich schon, wie meine Gewinnspiele funktionieren... Ich ziehe den Namen des glücklichen Gewinners eines Fat Quarter-4er Packs bzw. zweier halbmeter Stücke Stoff, dieses Mal von der neuen MoMo Kollektion - genau passend für Deine Frühjahrsprojekte!

Wanna increase your chances of winning? Spread that word that I'm now 100 and tell your readers to mention that they read it with you and I will throw your name in the basket as many times as you are mentioned! I'll annouce the winner March 15th!

Du möchtest Deine Gewinnchancen erhöhen? Erzähle einfach anderen von meinem hundertsten Leser und von dem Gewinnspiel und lasse sie bei mir erwähnen, dass sie die Info von Dir haben. Ich werde dann Deinen Namen so oft in die Lotterie geben, wie Du erwähnt wurdest! Die Gewinnerin wird am 15. März bekanntgegeben!

P.S. did you know that I can understand German really well.... hint, hint!

PS: Ist Dir bewusst, dass ich Deutsch richtig gut verstehe? (Zwinker, zwinker!)

Fabric Inspirations

2011-03-03T08:49:00.003+01:00

Since it looks like I'll be on the topic of Easter for a little while (wow, and even early too!), I realized that I had never really done a proper introduction to a collection that I added recently to the shop. Why bring it up now?... because it would be the perfect fabric for Easter projects. Don't the fresh, juicy colors make your heart beat a little faster just thinking of spring?

"It's a Hoot" from MoMo, combines bright colors with whimsical motifs that give her fourth fabric collection for Moda Fabrics a distinctive style. From birds to owls, trees to flowers, even sweet little "eggs", this collection would be adorable not only for Easter projects, but for children's projects... and even grown up ones too.

So, one last question... are you ready for spring?

Hippity-Hop Eierhütchen!

2011-03-01T07:07:00.003+01:00

I can remember my very first visit to Germany. I had come over during the Easter holiday, and I so totally fell in love with all the brightly colored decorations and flowers celebrating the season... and they were everywhere! My then future mother-in-law had the most beautiful Easter Sunday morning table adorned with quite the spread of colored eggs nestled in fresh grass, braided yeast bread, and pretty decorations that lifted the spirits with the confirmation of the soon arrival of spring.

I guess that first visit inspired me to start making a few of my own Easter "pretties"... and now I get to share with you my first downloadable pattern! (in English AND German!) You can even grab a button for your blog from my sidebar. May I introduce you to my friend "Hippity-Hop"? (just in case you're on the other side of the pond... this little guy is an eggcup warmer)

You might have even read in one of my earlier posts my experiences with eating eggs in Germany... and now this sweet little bunny can keep my eggs nice and cozy.

Have fun and "hoppy" creating... stay tuned, lots of Easter projects coming your way!

All Zipped Up

2011-02-24T07:32:00.000+01:00

My shipment of zippers finally came in... yeah, and boy has my sewing machine started to hum! I have so many projects in the works right now that I don't know where to begin. The purses are still on my desk, ready to be finished, but they've been put on the side-burner for now because of some other time-pressing projects. Everything is still in the works here on the backside, photos, editing... you, know all that fun stuff, but let me just say that I am super excited. Who wouldn't be with spring colors that are as juicy as ripe fruit.... Mmm.

But what I am working on I don't want to reveal just yet. Let's just say my lips are sealed... or should I say all zipped up!

... speaking of zippers, did you ever see my "how to" on zippers? It just might take the "scary" out of the "Z-word".

Clack!

2011-02-21T09:38:00.005+01:00

So either I had you stumped on the last "riddle me this" or perhaps my not-so-common item is more common than I thought. Several of you who guessed already knew because you have one yourself:

Eierschalensollbruchstellenverursacher

Huh?!? ... you might say if you don't understand German. (yup, that's all one word!... don't worry translation coming)

Since moving to Germany, there have been many traditions that I have come to learn, and one of them is breakfast. Since hardboiled eggs for breakfast are more common than scrambled or fried, not to mention the eggcups that one puts them in, I have had to learn the "art" of how one actually gets into the egg. If you grew up in Germany, you have probably been taught since a small child how one does this... but for the beginner who has never done it before, a big messy, lop-sided, eggshells everywhere breakfast is not the kind that I dream of, so... that's why I asked for an:

Eggshellbreakingandperforatingdevice for Christmas this last year. (aka Clack... the sound that it makes)

Just put the metal cup on top of the egg, lift the little ball to the top, let it drop and Clack! you have a nicely perforated cutting line to get into your egg. For the average German this might seem completely unnecessary, but for the average Ami, it's a must have.

I inwardly laughed when my husband's Omama admitted that she was a little embarrassed when she bought it because she felt like the other customers and sales clerk were thinking... "what, she doesn't know how to crack her egg open by herself?!?" Which just shows me... it's the common, everyday things that seem so natural that one never has to give it a second thought, that seem to stick out as so uncommon to that someone learning to call this new place and this new culture... home.

Want to read more about the differences between breakfast in Germany and America? Follow the link.

Another "Riddle Me This"...

2011-02-17T08:42:00.001+01:00

Sometimes I enjoy a little bit of random, how about you? It was fun for me with my last riddle that I posted and I thought it would be interesting to share one of the presents that I got this year for Christmas. It might look a little odd, but it's something that I actually asked for. If you happen to be on German soil, you might have seen it before.

How about if I throw a couple of hints your way:

1. It's something that I use almost every day
2. Even though I use it so often, it is not exactly common for the average, typical German household to have. (but it is made in Germany)
3. The German name actually has more letters in it than the alphabet (but that doesn't necessarily narrow it down a whole lot)

From the the statistics on my last "Riddle Me This", there where a lot more of you stopping by, than let me know that you did... that just means that I love your comments ; )

How Charming!

2011-02-14T11:18:00.004+01:00

So every riddle must have an answer, right?... and I have to say that I really had to do a little digging to find very much on this once loved fabric collection from ca. 2005/2006. Who would have ever thought that now it would almost be considered vintage? I had some really good guesses, and even though the design and the colors are quite similar to one of Heather Bailey's earlier collections, Freshcut, it does NOT have her name on it.

I guess I wanted to share about this fabric, because perhaps some of you that are new to the quilting/sewing scene may not be familiar with the earlier works of this famous fabric designer... Isn't it just "simply charming"?

Before there was Belle, before there was Lotus, Nigella, Midwest Modern, August Fields, Daisy Chain, Love, and Soul Blossoms, there was Charm... Amy Butler's fourth fabric collection for Free Spirit fabrics (she is now with Rowan/Westminster Fabrics). I found the collection in three colorways, and if you scour the internet long enough, there are still a few fabrics to be had, but are often rare.

Amy still offers stationary that includes a few patterns from the Charm collection and one of her free patterns used the collection for a very fun and vibrant quilt.

Source

So, just one last little "teaser"... my own Charm purse is in the works and almost done... I am now having to wait on the lining fabric shipment to come in, but doesn't patience make one all that more "charming"?

Riddle Me This...

2011-02-10T09:07:00.004+01:00

So, I thought I would throw a little challenge your way and test your fabric trivia knowledge...

While going through my stacks of fabrics, trying to decide which ones I wanted to use to make my new purse style, I stumbled onto a fabric that I have had for quite some time now. I had made a purse a long, long time ago with the fabrics and loved it so much that I simply held onto what was left.

... there are some fabrics that are almost too nice to let go of.... but I finally did. Which leads me to my riddle. Can you name the famous designer who designed this fabric?

Just a hint for you... she herself, has been on the scene for quite a while and has had several popular collection since then. Any guesses?

All Stacked Up

2011-02-07T17:04:00.004+01:00

While blog surfing this past week, I stumbled onto a quilting blog and was totally inspired when the author shared her own personal fabric stash... it was not because she had miles and miles of fabrics to drool over and envy, following the golden rule of quilters that "she who has the most fabrics when she dies,... wins!" My inspiration came when she confessed that she keeps her stash relatively small, being quite frugal with buying fabrics, and putting every little scrap to good use before she invests in more.... hmmm.

Sometimes I have the tendency to use a fabric for a project and love it so much that I want to hold onto it for future projects... or just in case I need it down the road. In some cases, this has paid off finding that perfect matching fabric years later that looks like it was made to go together. But I guess this attitude got me thinking... what am I waiting for?!? I loved these fabrics when I first bought them, why not use them?

So even though I never make New Year's resolutions, I do set little goals for myself throughout the year... and my new goal is to pull these out my fabric stacks again and turn them into what I envisioned from the very beginning.

What goals have made for yourself that you are either working on or have already accomplished this year?

Weekend Sewing

2011-02-04T21:51:00.003+01:00

I've been working on a new purse pattern these last days, and have been really pleased with the results. It seems that every fabric that I even glance at for just a moment is telling me to make a purse out of it. I'm just itching to get a big production line going. Without having a physical store to "test" the purses, it is basically blind production without the immediate feedback until we have our big show this summer.

Unfortunately since I am waiting for a big shipment of zippers, I have to put them on hold for now, but I've been having fun with scraps these days. I used up the last of my zippers to whip up a few "scrappy" wallets from leftover fabrics from my "loop-de-do" scarves.

It feels so good to be sewing again... fall was the busy season for my husband (which basically meant extra, extra baby duty for me), we were gone in November - what you didn't know we were in the U.S.?!?, and December we all took turns being sick. January, was just figuring up from down. But, I guess you could say that I'm back in the saddle again... can you hear the buzz?

Loop-De-Do

2011-01-31T22:40:00.003+01:00

So, I guess when I told you that you would see a project or two that I made using the new "Soul Blossoms" fabrics, you might have said to yourself... O.K., yeah right, but how long from now... right? Well.... ha! Here it is and just before the last day in January... wheh! That was close.

I've been having a really great time making these loop scarves (inspiration found here) with a few adjustments, especially on the width and length. So far they have simply been Christmas and birthday presents, but my fingers are itching to start a big production line of these...

Speaking of Amy, did you know that she's coming to Germany! That's right, here in good 'ol Deutschland! She will be at the Internationale Fachmesse für Handarbeit + Hobby in Köln... but she'll only be there Friday and Saturday if you plan to go... let's just say that it's already written in my calendar.

Same 'ol Love Song

2011-01-24T21:25:00.002+01:00

Each time I get a new fabric collection in, I spew out a flurry of love gushes, over the top adorations, and claims that THIS collection has now become my favorite collection of them all. Sometimes I feel like such a fair-weathered fan... so quickly bestowing my affections on the new "flavor of the month" and forsaking the one before that I had sworn all-time allegiance to. But this time instead of pouring out my claims of undying love (yes, we are still talking about fabric here), I thought I would just let the new fabrics from Amy Butler's "Soul Blossoms" line speak for themselves...

... and then you can sing your own mushy love songs.

Despite my efforts to restrain myself, I must admit that I am totally infatuated with the "Fuchsia Tree" fabrics... but with good reason. When I was in college, I had written a paper about Art Nouveau. Immediately I was in awe and completely captivated by the distinct design style. The nature inspired style, earthy lines, with flowing, climbing movements really spoke to me. These two fabrics in particular remind me of time period and make me think of one of my favorite artists from the period, Alphonse Mucha.

Source

So, it's not so difficult to see why Amy's fabrics have been the source of inspiration for several new things that I am working on... if you're lucky, they'll show up here very soon. Do you need a little more time to ohhh and ahhh?... check out the "Soul Blossoms" collection here.

Pay it Forward

2011-01-17T07:27:00.000+01:00

It appears as though it is a good thing thing that I am not one to make New Year's resolutions... I would have already done quite poorly at my first attempt to post more regularly. (it's already the middle of January and this is the first!) But I have so many things that daily keep me so unusually busy, which to tell you all about it would be breaking the second of what I would have resolved NOT to do for 2011. (if I were a resolution making kinda girl)

Quality time things would make the top of my list like writing more beautifully decorated "snail mail" letters (thanks Kathrin!), actually keeping up with my e-mails, visiting more often with friends, and the list goes on. How is it that we have such a tendency to get so busy that really important things often get left on the back burner. Time is always so precious, but gone so quickly.

But despite the fact that I never make resolutions (maybe it is the realist in me that doesn't want to over-promise and under-deliver), I did decide to take on one that I plan to keep. A friend sent me this and I decided it would be fun to do:

Pay it Forward 2011: I promise to send something handmade to the first 5 people who leave a comment here... They must in turn post this on their blog and send something they make to the first 5 people who comment on their status. The rules are that it must be handmade by you, and it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2011.

Wow, a whole year to Pay it Forward... I think that is doable, how about you?

Absolute Trust

2010-12-30T20:19:00.003+01:00

Our little man does not sit still often, or for very long for that matter... in fact, my father-in-law has nicknamed him "der Arbeitsdirektor" (the work director). He is always moving, always working, always exploring, and it is hard to get him to stop. I guess I never had a specific image in my head of what our first child would be like, and I guess it is best not to, to give children the freedom to become who they really are. But I never imagined that he would be such a busy, busy, ... busy little guy.

... but there are times when he does stop for just one brief moment to communicate to us, without even saying a word ...

Absolute Trust... a sweet affection and such a tender stillness that is understood just by one touch.

Christmas Blooms

2010-12-25T11:57:00.003+01:00

It's Christmas today and the past days have been very low key, loads of tasty food, visiting with friends, lingering at the dinner table while enjoying a glass of wine, listening to Christmas music over and over again, and soaking in the still and reflective season.

I have actually had these pictures for quite some time, but have been saving them for today. Look at this last photo... did you notice the small white heart? I love what Julie wrote about finding love messages that the universe sends us. The thought is quite fitting considering what today is.

Wherever you are and however you celebrate, I hope that you have have time to slow down to receive the "greatest love message" that was ever sent to us. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Surprises

2010-12-22T22:54:00.001+01:00

I had a visit this week, and after having said goodbye, as I turned to come back inside, I found the sweetest little Christmas surprise "stocking" that was left hanging on our door... handcrafted and filled with all kinds of self made sweets and goodies, just for us!

Aren't these gingerbread (Lebkuchen) ornaments great! (you can find the recipe for them here) ... it kinda reminds me of these. (In case you can't read German, but would like to try out this recipe, try this or here is another great online translator.) Easy to make and adds a special and traditional handmade touch to the Christmas tree. Can't wait to try them when the little one is old enough to help in the kitchen.

So it seems that Mr. Claus has so much on his list to do this year that he is making early visits. Thanks Santa for stopping by! (aka Susanne)

Christmas Lovebirds

2010-12-20T20:43:00.002+01:00

Last year's Christmas preparations were somewhat M-I-A (missing in action). On our regular rotation schedule, it was technically the year that we were to spend in the States with my family, but had decided against considering my huge pregnant belly. I was determined to make the best of it in spite of it and made it my goal to relax, decorate the house, sew a million projects as gifts, and really try to enjoy the season, knowing that such distractions would keep my spirits high.

... well, that was the plan anyway.

Since the previous year without my family produced a blubbering, crying bride, the only way my husband thought it could be remedied was just to surprise his wife with plane tickets home! What is it with men just not knowing what to do with crying women anyway? So this year, I have been trying to pick up where I left off and make a few things that I had on the back burner for the entire year. You might remember this post for these adorable stuffed bird pattern from Spool Sewing. Just add red and green, holly leaves, and "berries", and you end up with a sweet pair of Christmas lovebirds.

In case you were wondering, that is actually real snow you see in the background... just right for snuggling and romancing on a cold winter's night. Perhaps once the little one goes down for the night, my husband and I should try a little lovebird snuggling ourselves. Are you nestled in someplace warm tonight?