Panda Swap

Is this Panda-licious?

It's a Reunion

and not my husband's 30th class reunion either! This weekend is the International Quilt Festival. Well, this has lead to a different kind of reunion - if you can call it that even. You see here in blog land or apron swapping land, there is a bunch of camaraderie and friendships made. This lead to a few of us planning a "get together" for the festival. I can not wait to finally meet these ladies I've chatted with, sewn with, swapped with, and all around gotten to where there are my dear friends.

I can't remember how life was without them here in the online world - helping me, coaching me, making tutorials for me. They've really encouraged me to sew better and work outside the lines.

So if you don't hear from me this weekend, it's because we're having too much fun having snacks, sewing, seeing the festival and spending time together.

Dresden Update...

I've gotten this far. Next I want to add a 1 inch green border then an additional red sashing. I've almost talked myself into backing it with fleece... we'll see.

Sweat Shop Sunday's

Our little dachshunds demand to have their breakfast around 6am no matter what day of the week it is. This morning it was my morning to get up and feed them and let them out. So I was up and about and having coffee when I decided I could try making a doll quilt for my husband's niece. He's heading back to Texas soon for his class reunion and I thought this would be a nice little surprise for her.

This is what I came up with using scraps I had in my scrape bin.


Since my husband has plans to see his favorite cousin Ann, I wanted to send her a little something too and made her an apron.



I got a little carried away on the trimmings...blingy buttons and even a tassle oh my!




For the pattern I used the bib from Sweetwater and the skirt from Karen's Totally Cute Apron Tutorial. I think it came out pretty good.

Friday Night Sew In

I had a great time last night finishing up my apron for the Hot Mama Apron Swap. I was able to complete the apron and make a little zipper bag to go with it using Karen's great tutorial.


I can't show you the back bag because it would give away who my partner is! Or the bottom of the apron for that matter :O.

On the apron, I added this little flower detail hoping to give the bib some "punch"


I had a great time sewing, but now if only the sewing room cleaning fairy had visited while I slept, I'd really have it "made".

Hot Mama Cool Drink Apron Swap!

I so totally changed my mind on what I am making for my partner. However, I'm kinda digging this new theme of Cherry Limeade!


and anther sneak peak...

Hot Mama Apron Swap

is going on and I've stalled.

Here's the fabric I got last weekend.



Like it don't love it. Not sure how it'll work.

Then here's all the other fabric I got last weekend. Not sure what to use it for.


On a side note, we went to a traditional Quinceanera this weekend and here is a picture of the father/daughter dance taken with the hipstimatic app on my phone.



Go take a look at the great give away at Prairie Flower Farm! Great canning ideas and information too!

Beach Bag !

I have been slipping off to the beach a lot this year. You see it is right over there from where I am...like literally less than 2 miles from where I am sitting at this very moment. This has been great, get a little sun, get a little relaxation, get my zen on.

However, I have come to discover how hard it is to find the right beach bag. Truly hard - even here at the beach. You find one that looks good, but then it traps sand in it, find one that is mesh but then all your goods are on display for all those thieving fingers. Straps too narrow, straps not strong enough, you name it.

I am formulating an idea for a pattern. The bottom and bottom only will be mesh/netting. The bottom will be squared off to stand up right - maybe even with some of that plastic canvas used for needle point to give it stand up base yet letting sand pass through. The bag is large enough for a beach towel to be rolled up on one side, 2 inside zipper pockets sewn in and then a matching zippered pouch and a water bottle. Straps long enough to allow over the shoulder carrying, not to girlie, not to masculine in style. Just good old functionality.

Let me see what I can come up with...

It's Martini Time!

In the words of one of my favorite bands of all time - "The Reverend Horton Heat".

Yes, that's right, it's hot outside, it's just sweltering. So doesn't that just make you wanna throw some ice into a glass and sip on some cool refreshing something?

I know what you're thinking - she's gone and lost her marbles (again). No, No I've only signed up for another apron swap!

That's right, Hot Mama Apron Swap is at it again.

So to get some ideas, I've found this nice little link to one of my all time favorite TV Show - Mad Men Cocktail Guide.

Dust off that cocktail shaker and be prepared to pour!