Something Old & Something New

America Recycles Day is November 15 - that's today!  

In the "olden" days, it was second nature to "use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without!" Today, there are lots of great ideas for quilts (& other projects) made from old t-shirts, grandpa's neckties, vintage linens, feed sacks, chenille bedspreads - just about anything you can think of.  Recycled batting is available, as well.  

Instead of recycling old quilting magazines & books, I like to take them to my local library so someone else can enjoy them. There's a rack near the door with all sorts of donated reading items. The other day I picked up some great Harley magazines for my dh!  

But, my favorite indulgence is to browse for chachkies (or, tchotchkies) at a thrift store, find something that was "waiting just for me," & see what it inspires me to make.  Do you ever do that?

Love Notes Pattern-Doodle Time Designs

This little Turkey Candle Holder was just 50 cents & will make a nice table setting for Thanksgiving - which is 9 days from now.  Yikes - you better get stitching!  Here's a little help: the "Thanksgiving Message Boxes" are available FREE on Craftsy!  Enjoy.  With gratitude, faith.

Happy Veterans Day!

To all Vets - we are GRATEFUL & THANKFUL for your service !!

Spoonflower - 2-for-1 Fat Quarter Sale - RIGHT NOW!

Have you heard of Spoonflower?  You can purchase fabric/wallpaper/wrapping paper from indie designers around the world or design your own - and, sell it!  How cool is that?  And, through November 9, they are having a 2-for-1 sale on fat quarters.  They don't do this very often, so get on it!!

Don't know what to make?  Look further down on their Home Page to the section: "Featured Designs on our Blog".  That's really helpful - just click on any of the projects that catch your eye. 

There are many Fabric Types to choose from (knits, woven & performance) & Fabric Amounts are available as a test swatch, fat quarter or yardage. If you click on each option, the image changes so you see exactly how much of the print you will get. Pay attention to the measurements (inches) - size matters when you're shopping online!

Here's one of my projects using Spoonflower fat quarters:
Angel Ornaments:  Fat Quarter of : The Tiniest Little Angel by Robin_Rice

The Tiniest Little Angel fabric on Spoonflower, Robin_Rice, designer

These Tiniest Little Angel motifs are about 4" x 4" (minus seam allowances).  Robin even re-sized her original design & added this listing just for me - how special is that?!  Her original design - Littlest Angel motif measured 10" x 10" & was too large for ornaments, but maybe just right if you're making a pillow.

If you select the Fat Quarter option, you can see that there are 25 Tiniest Little Angels.  All I had to do was add some antique gold fabric, a tea-stained label, ribbon to hang, a little bit of bling & some fluffy stuffing.  Voila!  

Since I have quite a few Tiny Angels left over, maybe I'll make some into Mug Mats - will it work?  The center of my "Last Minute Mug Mat" Pattern is 3" x 3" finished, so I made a Template Frame.  This is a very easy way to quickly assess your stash.

Simply cut a 3 1/2" square from copy paper or something firmer.  Draw the 1/4" seam allowance all around & cut out the inside.  You've just made a Template Frame. Now, have fun moving it around your novelty prints - did I mention there are some lovely choices on Spoonflower & they're having a 2-for-1 sale??  good. I've got a couple of Mug Rugs to make! 

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween - hope you had your fill!

EQ Mini: Easier Quilt Design Software

I just found out that there's an easier-to-learn version of EQ7 - called EQ Mini!  

http://electricquilt.com/online-shop/eq-mini/

I use EQ7 when designing & although it's a lot of fun, it's also hard work.  EQ Mini has fewer options & features which can be a good thing!  

I learned about it from watching one of Laura Coia's excellent YouTube videos (Sew Very Easy channel).  She shares lots of good projects & has such an easy manner that all things seem possible - I love that kind of teacher!  Anyway, be sure to watch the video to the very end - Laura's giving away a free copy of EQ Mini just by leaving a comment on her site - how cool is that?!  P.S.  There's a deadline, so listen & comment quickly!

Watch Here:  Make Your Own Quiilt Patterns Using EQMini

Autumn Beauties

There was no convincing Angel to pose with my "Cottonwood Leaves" samples, so we did it the easy way ... that's what photo collages are for! 

Angel + Cottonwood Leaves Samples
Doodle Time Designs-Cottonwood Leaves Pattern-Craftsy
Doodle Time Designs-Cottonwood Leaves Pattern-Etsy

  

Happy Leaves

Do you remember Bob Ross?  He painted "Happy Trees" & showed everyone how they could do it, too.  His trees were evergreen, but if they had leaves they would look like this:

I think Bob would be proud - even though I paint with fabric :)   love, faith.

First Day of Autumn!

It's been chilly lately ... trucks drive by loaded with firewood ... leaves are changing color & falling to the ground ... patterns are emerging! 

"Cottonwood Leaves" Pattern, Doodle Time Designs

Paper-Pieced on the Inside - Curves on the Outside

Four Sizes; Dimensional or Ribbon Stem

FINALLY available at your favorite Local Quilt Shop - ask for it!  

Also online at Craftsy & Etsy!  

Thank you!  faith.

Log Cabin Star Table Runner

Doodle Time Designs - Log Cabin Star Pattern
(10" Blocks)

Sometimes you gotta just sew something SIMPLE!  faith.

Happy Father's Day!

All my love ... forever & ever!  faith.

On Memorial Day, We Remember ...

"And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave,

for glory lights the soldier's tomb, and beauty weeps the brave."

--Joseph Rodman Drake

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!  When I was old enough, mom & dad gave me the Kokeshi Doll they had bought in Japan when I was born.  As you can imagine, I treasure it.  She's only 3 1/2" tall, but these Japanese "bobble heads" come in all sizes. Mine is "vintage", but here's a modern-day craftsman at work:  Kokeshi Doll in the Making  Thanks Mom ... love, faith.

Egg-cellent Mug Rug Pattern
Doodle Time Designs