Etsy

If you haven't done so, check out Etsy! I've been doing some of my Christmas shopping on Etsy!

And..after a long hiatus from sewing and quilting, I'm back at it and made 5 purses yesterday for gifts..and one to post on Etsy. http://prairiewomanarts.etsy.com

If you love hand-painted fabric, check out my sister's site: http://monkeyshinedesign.etsy.com

Back to the sewing room!

Anne

Time to De-Stash!

I've been absent from this blog for awhile, but have started a new blog using our iMac which you can see the beginnings of at http://web.me.com/dovels.

I'm really excited and had to post to this blog because I decided to totally de-stash my sewing room. I kept looking at all the cool things on Etsy and seeing artists de-stashing and realized..that's what I truly needed to do to start creating again. So, for the last 2 afternoons, I've been ruthlessly cleaning out my sewing room. I have piles and piles of fabric and itsy bitsy trimmings..schnibbles..odds and ends...even some quilt tops ... and I've called in my family to come take what they want. Everything I add to the pile makes me happier and makes me want to be in my sewing room more!
And I've only just begun! :) I would be up there now, but Dave got the movie "George and the Dragon" so I had to come enjoy movie night! It's a funny movie! Glad I sat down to relax a bit!
But, tomorrow afternoon... it's back to the sewing room!

Feeling overwhelmed and needing a boost to start creating??? I highly recommend de-stashing!

Anne

Painting

Well, the owner of Monkey Shine Design, came and painted fabric at in my basement..so she'd have some pieces to work with, then turned around and sold them on her etsy site!
I was busy cooking, but managed to paint a few pieces. They were not nearly as stunning as my sister's! But, it makes my fingers itch to do some more! In the past, it has taken me hours to get in the painting mode and then about the time I'm really going strong, I have to clean up and call it a day!

Monkey Shine Design

Monkey Shine Design happens to be my very own little sister's studio name! She posted 10 of her wonderful fused postcard designs on www.etsy.com and I just had to buy 2 of them this morning. What a fun site and how cool is it to be able to buy some of my sister's artwork!!

I've been making cinnamon rolls for the boys every morning. I'm working on getting up at 6 am to get my workout in so I'm done before the boys get up for school. It's been a real challenge, because I am such a night owl, but it's going much better. And I'm showered and refreshed by the time the boys wake up, instead of just trying to open my eyes!

It's also affording me a little more time and today I'm going to go play in my sewing room. I'm inspired by Mollie's postcard designs and have just a few postcards left to finish up the swap with Art2Mail fiberartists.

Today, at noon, I'll be taking some of my dolls and going with some members of our doll club 'Seams Magical Doll Club' out of Seward, NE to the senior center to give a program on dolls. I'll post pictures later!

Have a great day.

Basil found himself a cozy place to nap while I was cleaning!

Stocking stuffers ready to go!

Another Travel Tissue Holder Tutorial

I love making these little travel tissue holders. They make a nice, small gift to stuff in someone's stocking or send in a Christmas card. I looked at all the various tutorials on the web, and combined a couple of my favorites to make this quick and easy tissue holder. Step 1: Cut 1 rectangle 6"x8". Cut 2 rectangles 4.5" x 6".
Step 2: Fold as shown, wrong sides together, press. Big rectangle, bring small sides together. Small rectangles, fold on the long side.
Step 3: Layer smaller folded rectangles on top of the larger rectangle, with folded edges overlapping the center. (note: What's inside, will be show on the outside when turned.)
Step 4: Sew 1/4" seam allowance around perimeter, trim off corners.

Step 5: Turn and press. Slip packet of travel size tissues inside. Voila! Done!

Time to Quilt

My little sister pieced this wonderful little quilt from a kit, and I agreed to machine quilt it. Problem is, I can't decide how to do it! I have a King Tut thread chosen, that is more towards the earth tones..lots of mossy greens and browns. I'd like to get this done and into her hands, as I've had it longer than I care to admit! Any ideas?

Merry Christmas!

Blessings to all at this special time of year.
Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!