WWW

   Well I'll tell you what I won't be working on today...anything but the honey Q.  Those quilts are starting to pile up and I need to get crackin.   I'm going to get two meandering quilts done today so I can go back to figuring out the designs on the custom quilts.  Sally's little cheddar and red was a custom but because it was small it went quickly.

Getting Kelly's very large and impeccably made, civil war quilt going with an edge to edge stipple should consume most of my day.

This is how I keep my biceps in shape!

Whatever you are workin on this Wednesday I hope it brings you joy and satisfaction.  Have a peace filled rest of your week.  Laural

Sharing

   Sometimes I walk into work and am so surprised at the talent of my fellow workers, sample makers or customers.  Kerry Smith is our resident doll maker, sorry I can't link her to a web site (cause she doesn't have one), but you can certainly find her in several So Cal quilt/craft shops.

When the girls unpacked from the SD quilt show, this lovely goody was left on the counter.  It is made by one of my favorite blog writers Ruby Jean.  I'm convinced that when she looks at a line of fabric sees aprons and dresses where the rest of us see quilts.

GIVE AWAY is only 5 days away!!  Leave your comment, become a follower or "Like" my facebook page for a chance to win the completed needle case to the left.  Tick Tock Tick Tock.

Here's What's Hangin

   Sorry for the delay in posting this morning, I actually slept in!!  That is such a rarity that I think I will just embrace it and stay in my jammies all day.  So here's what hanging on the 13" quilt rack.

As seasons change so change the quilts.  The runner on the bench was from a wonderful block exchange that Roxanne and I did through Fat Quarters quilt shop.  $5.00 per exchange, no rules no size limit just make as many of your blocks as they had students.  What fun.

This little guy is my interpretation of  a Cheri Payne design called "Candy Corn".  I had to change it to  fit my little quilt frame.  

These two have the same cheesy grins and they make me smile.  Have a stress-less weekend,  Laural

WWW

   There is a crispness in the air that hints of fall.  It's the kind of weather that makes me want to sew on a binding just so I can partially snuggle under a quilt.  Today I'll be working on this little baby quilt.

Sherry (the quilt maker) is basking in the glow of being a first time grandma.

This is one lucky little grandson, as he will be swaddled in some mighty fine quilts.  You go grandma.
I'm also making more samples for two more trunk shows.

#348 Quilter's Are 5x7 framed

 I don't want my original samples being away from home too long, so its a good time to make a second or third set.

New Pattern

  I took the new pattern #362 At Home into the shop today and for the first time in Simply Put history, on a Monday no less,  it sold out!

   I'm so grateful to the customers who saw something in this pattern that touched them, and to Joann for always encouraging me to "bring it in" whenever I have a new design.  Thank you,  Laural

Girls Gather

   One of my favorite sewing groups met and Beverly shared several projects.  The first is inspired by the sample she had seen oh so many years ago hanging at Calico Cottage (now closed).  It is Aprons by Lori Holt from  Bee in my Bonnet .  But of course it is done in the style of Beverly.

The other project she had, in progress, was by Cheri Payne .

If you can't tell from the photos there is some talent in this group.  I never leave without gaining a bit of inspiration and a bit of weight from the abundant amount of food we bring.  Thanks friends, always a joy.  Laural

Tutorial-Needlecase

  This blog is dedicated to Barbara who so kindly asked me for some photos and "dummy" directions on how to make one of my needlecases.  Barbara, I don't think your a dummy you are visual, as am I.  So here is a step by step with photos.

Each kit comes with three fabrics and a wool felt.  You need to decide the outside and lining of your needle case (two smaller fabrics).  The longer fabric is the pockets.

Cut pocket fabric according to pattern directions.  Press each in half.  Place smaller pocket on right side of lining fabric as above.  Stitch down pocet middle.   Place other pocket at opposite end.

Trace your freezer paper template according to pattern.  Sandwich the needlecase right sides together and iron the shiny side of template onto wrong side of needlecase.  Remember to leave an opening (as designated on pattern) for turning.  Also shorten your stitch length, makes turning corners easier.

Trim and turn inside out (I use hemostats) through opening.

So this is how your needle case should look.  Transfer the wool felt template and cut around.

Move your needle over so you can sew a smaller 1/4" seam.  Also return your stitch length to normal. 

Sew a decorative edge all the way around your needle case.  This does two things.  Gives your case a finished look and seals the turning space in your case.  I make sure my bobbin thread matches the fabric it will show up on as does the spool thread (note these are often two different colors).

Top stitching view from inside case.

Place wool felt down center of inside case and stitch in place, lock in stitches at beginning and end.  Again your thread will show so make sure it matches.

You're Done!  Your kit includes a small piece of fabric for an option of adding an applique' heart or star to the front cover of your case.  

September Give Away.  If you hung in there for that tutorial then I thought I would post the next monthly giveaway.  This ice cream themed needle case is up for grabs.  You will be entered in this months giveaway by becoming a follower of this blog, liking my simply put plus facebook page or posting a comment about this blog post.  Good luck.  Laural

WWW

  ...and it shall be called #362 "At Home". 

 I finished my newest pattern, sorry you can't see all of it just yet as I'm still writing up the directions and adding a little bonus piece to go along with the quilt.  So that's whatima workin on this Wednesday.

The quilting is done.  I'm hand sewing down the binding, taking the photo and printing up the instructions. 

Superior Threads Holy Super Bobs, great for binding and applique'

This is the largest pattern I've designed but still keeping in the simple sewing and stitching tradition that I, and hopefully my customers,  enjoy.  

A Day in the Life...

  Yes, I have samples to make, quilts to quilt and an order to ship.  Balancing my duties as mom and sole bread winner are a constant source of stress.  I'll admit I'm flying by the seat of my pants on most days, so when I sense big boy is in need of some guy time I take him out to the track of his choice, we unload dad's dirt bike and off he goes.

 I shed more than a few tears watching him ride.

When it gets too hot I take out a little hand sewing and pass the hours away.

Kim Diehl's Simple Comforts book"Checkerberry Bliss"

But I have to remember...not to sew the quilt to my dang shorts!

All in all a great way to spend the day.

Trunk Show

Good Morning,  Simply Put is having its first Trunk Show this weekend.  Sweet Home Quilt Company in Conyers Georgia will have 11 of my samples and patterns for a two week period.

Simply Put display at the Coop.

 Lets hope they do really well as this is the first national viewing of my designs.  Woo Hoo! Locally,  Quilter's Coop will have a large booth and a Saturday demo at the San Diego Quilt Show.

Booth at the Hemet Show.

If you are going to the show make sure you stop by and tell them hello.  I wish you a peace filled weekend, especially this weekend.  Laural

WWW

   The sketch for this pattern has been dusted off and I'm working out the details.  I have actually made this in a few different forms, pillows and a quilt for my sister in law. Now it's time to pull fabrics.

Make a sample.

Write up the directions.

And soon a pattern will be born.  My goal is to have it ready for October.  I have chosen pink as my homage to breast cancer awareness and grey which is the brain cancer ribbon color.   This pattern is a celebration of all that women do to make their houses a home.

Labor Day

  The word labor conjures up so many images and memories.  This weekend/Monday is meant to honor those who fought for labor rights.  My husband was a Teamster.  It was a job that paid a living wage, one that allowed me to be a stay at home mom and explore my passion for quilting.  Ron was so passionate about his work that I can't help feeling melancholy and thankful for all that he did for this family.

Teamster truck arriving at Ron's memorial.

Ron (left) with co-workers at Vons.

As a woman, as a mother the word labor has a whole other meaning...

Big boy 10 pounds 6 ounces, at home, no drugs!!

It is one of the most empowering, fulfilling things we do.  But it's called labor for a reason.

This is the face of labor...
but favorite daughter was so worth it.

On this weekend, while you are BBQing with the family or swimming at the beach take a good long look at the laborer in your family and tell them Thank you, Thank you so much.   Have a peace filled weekend.   Laural

Road Trip

  I like making my posts in the morning, the coffee is hot and my brain is tuned up from a good 4 hours of sleep.  But some mornings I just have to jump in the truck and head out for a road trip.  This one was long overdue.  I have been low on bobbins and needles for the honey q and took a trip to Quilter's Cocoon  in Riverside.
On the return trip I couldn't pass by Stars and Scraps with out a look.

I'm never disappointed by the beautiful vignettes of fabrics and antiques that are always so welcoming.

Couldn't pass up a few tempting fabrics.  

Thanks Mary for going with me and keeping me thoroughly entertained along the way.
Now that I'm home and the bobbins are loaded I can quilt the goat, yeah you read that right.

Marta's goat quilt.