Notes from the Patch

I scream, you scream...

Barbara brought in this adorable little dress this morning.

The minute my sales rep showed me this pink and white striped fabric with its darling old fashioned ice cream trucks I knew it had to be a little dress.

Fortunately, Barbara shared my vision.

We all are rediscovering our love of garment sewing around here. There is just something so rewarding about getting compliments on an outfit you've created. Having someone ask where did you get that ? and then proudly confessing, I made it. It doesn't get better than that.

Can't you just imagine taking some little cutie out for ice cream in this? Talk about a show stopper.

You can get the pattern here, the fabric here and the whole kit and caboodle here.

Prepare for compliments.

Encourage one another,

 

 

 

 

 

Big fish, little fish...cute dress!

Warmer weather is just around the corner and we have a darling project for you!

We've teamed Michael Miller's Fishies print with a cool and carefree Quick Sew pattern to make the perfect summertime dress for your special little Miss.

We've kitted this sweet dress complete with all those buttons and ric rac (fits sizes 1T through 4T). Unfortunately quantities are very limited so if you'd like a kit, please don't wait.

Thank you Beverly for another adorable model. It's always exciting for me to pick the fabrics and trims then send them home with you to work your magic. I'm never disappointed and always grateful to be able to tap into your willing creative skills.

Encourage one another,

Don't forget our anniversary sale starts Friday morning at 10:00 am sharp. Internet orders and in store sales will be discounted 27% Friday and Saturday only. Just say "happy anniversary" in the comment box on your internet order and we'll take 27% off your entire order at the register.

Talking fabric

When we first unpacked this flannel collection, Andi took one look at it and said she wanted to make a rag quilt.

Sometimes fabric speaks to us and tells us exactly what it wants to be.

Barbara selected the fabric for this adorable little apron then switched it up at the last minute when THE perfect black and white stripe arrived - it just screamed Bee Apron.

Fabrics talk - all you have to do is listen.

Encourage one another,

 

 

 

Since I forgot my computer cord, today's post is brought to you by my iPad. Dang. Hate when that happens. So if this whole things looks a bit wonky, forgive me. The last time I tried this things went terribly wrong. If you missed it consider yourselves lucky.

Since I've been working the last couple of weeks without a day off I gave myself the day off. I'm such a thoughtful boss! Actually I'm just looking out for the happiness and well being of those around around me... if you know what I mean.

Our pirate flag is flying horizontal today - a good day for cooking and sewing - so that is exactly what I'll be doing! Navy bean soup and more valentines. Seriously. I'm obsessed. With the valentines, not the soup although it is one of our favorites.

Anyway, Bill's off to see if he can find me a computer cord. If he's successful I'll post some photos of today's goings on.

Happy Friday everyone!

Suzanne

Valentine's Day

What are you making for your valentine this year? Pillowcases, PJ's, zippered pouches, sachets, pincushions? Inquiring minds want to know!

I love surprising people with a little something I've made at Valentine's Day. It's so unexpected. A perfect way to say I'm thinking about you without knocking yourself out (I'm all about that).

Anyway, we have a great selection of red and white and Valentine's Day themed fabrics - some of the best we've had in years!

Hopefully I'll be sewing up some valentines this weekend. I'm excited. I see a creative mess in my future! WhooHoo. It's been way too long!

Encourage one another,

 

 

Visions of Sugar Plums

 

The minute Ann Kelle's new collection, Dessert Party arrived I knew we needed a party dress.

So I called my friend Beverly to make our model.

When we couldn't find the right buttons for the back she suggested covered buttons.

Beverly is so smart. They're perfect!

On a recent trip to Home Goods I found this Sweet Shop screen.

I had to buy it.

HAD too!

It was fate!

And for me, any party display says, break out the party lanterns.

I'm all over it.

Party on!

Thank you Anne Kelle for your inspiration...

...you make life all the more sweet!

Encourage one another,

Don't forget to go here and tell me why you want to win a huge bundle of Pam Kitty Morning fabric valued at nearly $100! I have a delightful surprise for you - Miss Kitty herself will be picking the winner. Get your creative writing caps on peeps - this is going to be fun! 

 

 

Here I go again

When I shared the arrival of Russian millenary lace with you a week or so ago I wondered how many of you also had been looking for it. Seems lots of you must have since so many of you came in and called for some.

Today I bring you FOE.

(Fold Over Elastic).

In twenty five colors!

Lots of you have been asking me for FOE and I'm excited to offer such a nice, reasonably priced, selection.

Our little local bakery/gift shop sells nine inches of the stuff for $1.50. It's simply a piece of colored elastic tied in a knot for holding ponytails. A longer piece can be used as a colorful headband. Fold over elastic is the perfect hair accessory for babies through adults since it can be adorned or left plain, not to mention its original purpose of binding edges of necklines in lingerie,  tee shirts, and baby clothes. FOE can be used instead of ribbing to give your clothes that ready-to-wear look.

Fe, Fi, FOE fum

Better come and get ya some!

I'll go now...

Encourage one another,

 

A Reunion worth waiting for

I ordered this quilt pattern yesterday.

Along with all the precuts and yardage to make it. (Enough for you and me - I'm thoughtful that way).

It's Reunion by Sweetwater for Moda.

Doesn't it look like a fun, quick and easy quilt to make?

What's going to be hard is waiting until January for it all to arrive!

I have a date tonight with my favorite beau. Happy Friday everyone!

Encourage one another,

This wonderful crazy life Circa 2011

This post is about as disorganized and random as my life right now...

Do you remember this from my Market photos back in May?

It's Circa 1934 by Cosmo Cricket. Lots of you wanted me to let you know when it arrived.

Consider yourselves notified.

I love the vintage numbers, ornate medallions and typewriter keys and the slightly time worn colors.

As I type this I'm thinking Sweetwater's, Down Home Tote

would be fun in Circa 1934.

There is so much going on here that I've hardly had a moment to blog lately. We've been super busy unpacking and selling gorgeous fabric and lots of sewing machines. I'm busy but I'm definitely not complaining!  No siree. = )

I've been wanting a new camera forever and finally just bit the bullet and ordered one. When it arrived everything was different from what I was just beginning to get comfortable with in my old camera. What was I thinking? Now I'm going to have to start all over again. Sheez... Sometimes I do wonder about myself!

Sunday morning Bill and I fly off to Vegas for a textile show. We have attended and supported this show for many years and we are looking forward to seeing some old friends and new trends. You can be sure I'll be sharing my finds with you here.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go pack my suitcase.

Encourage one another,

 

 

 

Baby Love

Sunday a bunch of our sweet customers gathered to shower Amanda with some baby love

We ate

and ate

and ate some more.

Thanks to Kara and Annette there were lots of yummy goodies.

Attendees needed their strength because I made them work. It was Project Runway - baby style. The ladies worked in teams decorating onsies and bibs in just one hour.

They had full run of the store and could use anything they could find to decorate those outfits.

Kind of like kids running amok in a candy store, but in this case a fabric store. Those ladies Sliced

and glitzed

and ruffled

and googa-ed like no body's business.

If a little doodad was good

 then a whole lot of doodads were better.

OH BABY!

I'm not sure Baby O will be able to sit down or move in some of those outfits, but it sure was fun creating them for her.

I'm so lame. I didn't get one photo of Amanda. Apparently I need a lot more photography help than just with my lenses.

Sheez...

Encourage one another,