Notes from the Patch

Smile

Yesterday I heard through the grapevine that some of you think I don't blog often enough.

My first reaction was to be defensive. I quickly snapped that I had a sewing room to organize, laps to swim, Housewives to watch. 

When I stopped defending myself and really thought about it, I was flattered. This customer cared enough about my store to offer some good suggestions on how I could improve. She thought I was missing the boat by not sharing more of our great store models on my blog.

I must admit, she was right. 

My whole purpose here has always been to inspire and encourage you. I know not everything appeals to everyone. Not everyone makes quilts, has a baby to sew for or wants to put in a zipper. I just hope that my pictures and words might somehow inspire someone try something new. If you purchase something from Strawberry Patches along the way that would be great, but mainly I just want you to find that happy place that comes only from being creative.

So over the next few weeks I plan to practice my photography while taking pictures of some of the new models and displays in the store. Hopefully you'll see something that inspires you.

Today I bring you Magoo

and Dawn.

And for good measure, I'm throwing in this adorable stack of trim just because it makes me (and Magoo) smile.

Thank you for your support and great comments and ideas. I love you more than Bravo TV!

Encourage one another,

 

What's in your bag?

This is one of the new patterns we found at Quilt Market last month. The vinyl window keeps you from having to guess what's in the bag and

we think it's pretty darn perfect for summer days at the pool, beach parties, storing snacks for the kids, sewing supplies or babies necessities. Of course we carry the clear vinyl and zippers in dozens of great colors. Two fat quarters makes two bags.

I hate to mention this but the year is half over. Christmas will be here before we know it. Why not whip up a few of these adorable bags this summer and tuck them away for holiday gift giving? Add a gift card and you're good to go. Trust me, you'll thank me in December!

Just here to help.

Encourage one another,

Tutorial Tuesday #46 - Shag Rag Rug

You may remember this rug from one of my Quilt Market posts

where I asked you readers what that was on the back. Several of you knew instantly that it was plastic fencing (you are so smart and helpful - thank you!).

I trotted over to our neighboring OSH and picked me up a package* and started cutting fabric strips.

Lots and lots of strips.

Using a rotary cutter with a pinking blade (very important) I cut fifty bazillion 2" x 8" strips in coordinating prints.

With craft scissors I cut the fencing to the desired size and trimmed the edges

Then proceeded to tie the fabric strips to the fencing with a single knot (not to be confused with a double knot).

I tied one strip on each of the four sides of the one inch openings, gradually changing colors as I went so the various colors flowed and didn't look patchy. I tied two or three strips around the edges and in the corners for extra fullness.

The pinking blade eliminates any fraying.

My little rug finished about 18" x 24" so I can get several small rugs from one package of fencing.

What's that? You're wondering about washing? Not so sure about that since the fencing is pretty stiff. I think I'd make one to place at the side of a bed or in front of a babies  changing table - in a low traffic area - not in front of the kitchen sink or for the front door.

You may want to back your rug with a no slip backing if you're putting it on a hardwood or tile floor.

These would be a great way to use up some of that sale fabric that you might have or just make them scrappy to use up bits and pieces of left over fabrics. Why not precut a bunch of fabric and get the kids involved this summer - that'll teach em to say they're bored!

Encourage one another,

*The precut fencing comes in packages: 18" x 15', 24" x 25', and 36" x 25'. You'll want to purchase the fencing with the 1" square holes.

Summer plans

For me one of the best things about getting away for a few weeks of vacation is getting a new prospective on my everyday life. Things that I was willing to overlook before suddenly seem unacceptable now that I'm back. Projects that I'd put on the back burner are now at the top of my "to do" list.

Here's that list:

I'm this close to being obsessed with #1. My sewing/crafting areas are complicated. I have lots of room in my Bakersfield home for sewing but no time to sew when I'm home. I have lots of time to sew (most weekends) in my Ventura home but have no room so my stuff is strewn over 135 miles of central California! I don't know about you all, but if my creative space isn't clean and organized I can't seem to function. I'm determined to do something about it - again.

My problem is that I've lacked vision before. I have absolutely no problem helping others with projects whether it be sewing or decorating, but I often feel overwhelmed with my own decorating/organizing dilemmas. This time however I do have a plan and I'll share some of what I've done to get organized once I get a little further along. I'm excited and motivated so wish me luck!

#2. I love taking pretty pictures for my blog and I have a good camera so the only thing holding me back is a little more knowledge and practice. Photography classes are definitely on my short list for the summer.

#3. Exercise. I used to be so disciplined. Not so much any more. Now that the weather has turned hot I've been swimming. Everyday after work. I love it! Don't hate me for this, but I actually hope for days over 100 degrees so our pool water stays nice and warm. I guess you could say I don't want to be uncomfortable while exercising. I do know that I sleep better when I swim.

So what's on your list for summer? Do share. They say sharing your plans is the first step to making them a reality.

Encourage one another,

 

Father's Day

The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.
John Wooden

Every morning while we were in Paris we'd enjoy a relaxed breakfast in bed - a pot of coffee from room service and these little pots of yogurt from Paul's. We found them quite by accident but then quickly decided we needed to eat enough yogurt for a set of six. Did Parisian's really just throw these cute little black glazed terra cotta pots away? We loved them so much that we carefully wrapped each one and hand carried them home. We even found tiny tasting spoons that fit them perfectly.

This morning on our first Sunday morning back home, Bill surprised me with coffee and yogurt in bed. It brought tears to my eyes. Not only for the memories of a perfect vacation, but for the sweet thoughtful man I married.

Here's to all the strong and gentle, loving and supportive dad's we've loved and lost and to Bill, the best dad, papa and husband any family could want.

Happy Father's Day!

Encourage one another,

Suzanne

How did you know?

Just as I was missing the sidewalk cafes of Paris and Paul's where we bought fresh croissants daily for breakfast in bed. Just as I was yearning for one more glimpse of the cherry blossoms near Notre Dame and longed to linger over a cup of tea in that quaint little tea shop just around the corner from our hotel... 

LakeHouse sent us this.

How did you know that today it would satisfy a pregnant mommy's cravings for the perfect French nursery or thrill a traveling quilters quest for romantic, feminine prints?

 

How did you know that it would soothe this shop owner's longing for just one more night in the city of light and love?

Merci beaucoup, Lakehouse.

Merci beaucoup!

Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?

We slept in our own bed last night after nearly three weeks away.

It is good to be home.

We both woke up several times though out the night trying to figure out where we were. So many beds in so many amazing places over the past twenty days.

Every time I would close my eyes I'd see falling blocks of ice, stone and timbers. Yup, downloaded Angry Birds for the long plane ride home and played it long enough to clear all levels.

Deleting it now.

It's time to get back to reality.

Easy come, easy go.

Encourage one another,

xo Suzanne

Brugge, Belguim

Tourists come to Brugge to:
1. Drink beer
2. Buy lace
3. Eat French (strike that) Belguim fries
4. Buy the worlds finest chocolate
5. View amazing architecture
6. All of the above

The answer is 6. Here they have whole stores devoted to selling chocolates, lace and beer!

Brugge reminds us of Carmel, CA. - cute, quaint and very touristy.

There are some beautiful lace shops here with incredible examples of Brugge and Belguim bobbin work lace (that is still being made by hand)












lots of food and chocolate shops












and some amazing architecture!


















This afternoon we take the short train ride to Brussels where we board a plane for home tomorrow. This has been a wonderful trip and it's been such fun sharing it with you. I'll see you all when we get back home.

Encourage one another,
xo Suzanne

This morning we board the train for the short ride to the medieval walled city of Brugge, Belguim. I'm hoping we can still lift our suitcases after all that shopping in Paris! Sadly, our trip is coming to an end, but I refused to think about that today. Truly an amazing vacation!

Once the rain stopped I high tailed it to Isle de Lois to video the church organ for you all but they were having a funeral and the music was way too somber so I'll spare you. Then walked to Blvd Saint Germain for shopping. I came upon a large dark Mercedes van with two security guards and a woman waiting for someone of obvious importance to come out from a children's boutique. After loitering for nearly a half an hour and nearly getting arrested for stalking I moved on. If I read that Angelina and Brad were in town I will shoot myself! Sorry to have failed you! I really did try!