Quilters Giddy: Designer Releases Scrap Happy Star Quilt Pattern, Earns Top Seller Spot

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Scrap Happy Star Quilt Delights with Bright, Happy Colors

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The Scrap Happy Star Quilt was conceived and created in love.  And has paved the way to add for Quilt Maker Isabella Denham to add celebrated “Pattern Designer” her list of creative accomplishments. What started out as a project to bring delight to her nearly blind 91 year-old mother-in-law Eileen, turned into even more than a beautiful quilt.

Scrap Happy Star Quilt

Made for Eileen, Isabella’s Scrap Happy Star Quilt was a labor of love.

Online quilters who have anxiously been awaiting release of Isabella’s pattern are giddy. So much so, the pattern recently placed at the top of Craftsy’s best sellers list.

Isabella explains, The Scrap Happy Star Quilt evolved as a way to use scraps.

“Eileen loved the bright colors, so I made it for her,” she explained. Eileen, who also suffers from dementia, clearly adores the bright, beautiful quilt.

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Isabella began her quilter’s journey while living in Spain in 2007.

“I guess the Mediterranean sun made me fall in love with the bright, happy colors.”  – Isabelle Denham

The Scrap Happy Star Quilt is Isabella’s second Craftsy pattern offering. Her Rainbow Flutterbye Scrap Quilt is one I’m eyeing for a long-term project using scraps to make a Quilter’s Journey Quilt (QJQ? Another story to be told).

Rainbow Flutterbye Scrap Quilt.

Rainbow Flutterbye Scrap Quilt. An Isabelle Denham creation.

Expect to see many translations of Isabella’s Scrap Happy Star Quilt and her Rainbow Flutterbye Scrap Quilt patterns on quilter community social media in the coming months.  And perhaps, if we’re fortunate, we’ll see more patterns out of Isabella Denham.

Keep up with Isabella, of Halifax, West Yorkshire on her Face Book at Izy_Sewbuzy Creations (“Everything Quilting, patchwork, sewing, English Paper Piecing, Tilda dolls).

Noteworthy Halifax Gem: The Piece Hall, located in Isabella’s town, was constructed in 1779 “to support the trading of cloth.” Slated to reopen late summer 2016  after extensive renovation and restoration, The Piece Hall will welcome visitors to   shops, restaurants, an ice arena, an extensive library and host concerts and events. It will also be home to the Heritage Interpretation Centre. Curious? Prospective visitor? Check out the director’s blog.

The Piece Hall. Halifax, UK

Near Isabella’s Stomping Grounds: The Piece Hall, Halifax UK to reopen late summer 2016.

SGlogo50pxGod created, sew should we.  [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.]  Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]

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Wabbit Love: Glad to Be Gluten Free Pumpkin Carrot Bread

Wabbit Love: Glad to Be Gluten Free Pumpkin Carrot Bread is totally share-at-the-office, potluck and small group gathering worthy. Moist, pumpkin-y and easy to make.

Comes together easy with Namaste Spice Cake Mix, carrots, eggs and pumpkin. Satisfies late-into-the-night pumpkin bread cravings. A tad sweet for some palates.

Best served toasted with a schmear of cream cheese or, my personal fave, coconut oil.

Wabbit Love: Glad to Be Gluten Free Pumpkin Carrot Bread
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Share-at-the-office, potluck and small group gathering worthy. Moist and easy. Satisfies cravings for a good gluten free pumpkin bread. Serving Suggestion: Toasted with a schmear of coconut oil or neufchâtel (reduced fat) cream cheese.
Servings Prep Time
2.25 Loaves 12 minutes
Cook Time
55 + minutes
Servings Prep Time
2.25 Loaves 12 minutes
Cook Time
55 + minutes
Wabbit Love: Glad to Be Gluten Free Pumpkin Carrot Bread
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Votes: 0
Rating: 0
You:
Rate this recipe!
Print Recipe
Share-at-the-office, potluck and small group gathering worthy. Moist and easy. Satisfies cravings for a good gluten free pumpkin bread. Serving Suggestion: Toasted with a schmear of coconut oil or neufchâtel (reduced fat) cream cheese.
Servings Prep Time
2.25 Loaves 12 minutes
Cook Time
55 + minutes
Servings Prep Time
2.25 Loaves 12 minutes
Cook Time
55 + minutes
Ingredients
Units:
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 loaf pans (and a tiny if you want to make a cute sample loaf).
  2. Peel and prepare carrots. Using food processor pulse in tiny bits.
  3. Mix together first four ingredients. Then fold in pulsed carrot and if adding optional ingredients, fold those in also.
  4. Pour into prepared loaf pans. Bake for 50-55 minutes. If top becomes too brown while cooking tent with foil. (Tip: It's important to give this recipe the full cooking time for optimal yummy texture.)
  5. Cool 5 minutes, then remove from pan. And cool on rack.

WABBIT [LOVE] Pumpkin Carrot Bread Recipe Reveal

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Outrageous Pumpkin Bread is gluten free. And it is wonderful. And, it’s available in our church coffee shop Wild Blue. Someimes I indulge prior to Sunday worship services. Yet I’d like to be able to serve it and have it more frequently, but at $17/loaf ($3-something a slice), that’s not happening.

Glad To Be Gluten Free Pumpkin Carrot Spice Bread

WABBIT LOVE: Glad to be gluten-free Pumpkin Carrot Spice Bread featuring Namaste Spice Cake Mix and Carrots.

I asked the nice people at Outrageous for their Pumpkin Bread Recipe.  Vowed not to share their proprietary treasure. Even pledged to continue to indulge on Sundays, if they’d just share it with me. They sent a polite decline. Who could blame them?

So, the quest continues. With me sampling several gluten free pumpkin bread recipes. Some palates may find it a bit sweet, but it’s definitely share-at-the-office, potluck perfect, small group gatherings worthy. It is moist and pumpkin-y and meets pumpkin-bread lovers’ cravings.

Best Serving Practice: Toasted with a schmear of coconut oil.
Pumkin Carrot Bread using Namaste Spice Cake

Main Ingredients for Glad to Be Gluten Free Pumpkin Carrot Spice Bread.

And with carrot added, I’ve convinced myself it’s a healthy treat. Don’t spoil my fantasy with a sugar lecture, ok?

WABBIT LOVE! Glad to be Gluten Free Pumpkin Carrot Spice Bread click here.

If you’ve allergies, Namaste products are free of the top 8 allergens, are gluten, nut and dairy-free. The products are also vegan (if you use egg-replacer instead of eggs. I use eggs). No, I’m not hawking Namaste products, not on commission. Just sharing info.

Recipe Share … it’s what we all love to do. 

Do you have a from-scratch gluten-free pumpkin bread recipe that brings you joy and raves?  Please share! Another personal favorite recipe to gift the world?  Use this simple form or email it to me along with a photo to janelle@sewgod.com

Namaste Spice Cake Mix can be purchased at Amazon and Costco and other various chains nationwide (Again, no commission from Amazon or Costco, just letting you know).

SGlogo50pxGod created, sew should we.  [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.]  Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]

 

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Got Milk?! How about Walmart Fat Quarters?

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It seemed like an ordinary spouse-to-spouse request: “Please pick-up milk @ Walmart on your way home from work.”

Fortunately Quilt Maker Linda Dalton Rigney accurately interpreted her husband’s request:

“Stop by Walmart. Enjoy some self time and be sure stock up on a beautiful variety of fat quarters to feed your creative soul.”

Sometimes really extraordinary things come from every day things. Sharing our daily walks, no matter how off-the-cuff, whimsical or mundane, creates chain reactions. Special occurrences and life changers … though we may never know it.

Walmart Fabrics

Linda’s chain reaction Face Book status post: “Yes Honey, I’ll stop at Walmart and get milk. You’re welcome. 😀 Loving the Waverly and Emma & Mila FQ’s fabric.”

Imagine how info from Linda’s recent status post — and the subsequent mini-tidal wave “chat” response (18 shares! 110+ comments! viewed by 1,000+) on Quilt Along with Pat Sloan  — will inspire the creation of special quilts, table runners, clothing, bags, you-name-it. Think: Home crafted gifts for family, friends, charities; Homemade cottage businesses buoyed; Those holding back for cost reasons entering the world of creating.

{Our stories as makers are valuable.}

Walmart Fabric Find

Walmart Valentine Bundle Find: Emma & Mila and Waverly fabrics. Red Alert: Prewash and use color catchers.

“Emma & Mila and Waverly are quality fabrics for about $4 yd [at Walmart]. Fat Quarters (FQ’s) are less than a dollar. They [Walmart] have yardage to coordinate with FQ’s. I am a huge fan of local quilt shops and buy about 3 times a month from them but the price on these [Walmart] lines allows me to do lots more gifted quilts,” said Linda.

{Freebie Pattern! Perfect Valentines … Anytime LOVE #211 Mini Wall Hanging}

She maintains the Walmart fabrics she’s sewn with to-date launder well, however advised to test fabrics for bleeding by placing a small piece in a white bowl with hot water.

“I put FQ’s in a lingerie bag if they need washed first but I don’t routinely prewash,” said Linda.

Emma & Mila at Walmart

Linda’s Pinwheel Quilt Creation: Emma & Mila Polka Dots fabrics purchased from Walmart.

Vancouver, WA Quilter Paula Lewis Bray praised Emma & Mila Fabrics.

“I like the fact that it has a good weave, not so thin that you can see through it. It drapes well and washes well. I mainly use it for children’s clothing. The colors are vibrant and patterns are very whimsical,” she said.  “There are usually 3-5 coordinating fabrics. I haven’t noticed any fading from washing, and as long as I remember fabric softener and/or dryer sheets there’s not much pressing.”

Walmart Fabrics

Go Ask Alice: Walmart fabric obsession purred by expectant grand daughter

Alice's Baby Quilt. Waverly and other fabrics from Walmart.

Alice’s Baby Quilt. Waverly and other fabrics from Walmart.

Alice Olivares, who usually purchases her fabrics from local quilt shops, was introduced to Walmart finds by her expectant grand daughter. “[She] came home with bundles of the Waverly, different colors for me to make a baby quilt. I loved the material, the feel. I made two baby quilts!” 

Alice found the fabric to be of good quality and can’t seem to get enough of the Walmart finds.

“I like the backing [used on the baby quilts] so much I want to make curtains for my sewing room with it,” she said of the $3.97/yd fabric.

Emma & Mila @ Walmart.

Carla’s Table Runner-To-Be: Emma & Mila fabric from Walmart.

Drawn to the black and gold, Quilt Maker Carla Summers envisions a table runner from the exotic Emma & Mila fabrics she picked up at last week at Walmart.

“My furniture is very old antique black Asian style.”

Debbie Lancaster Design featuring fabrics from Walmart.

Debbie Lancaster design creation featuring fabrics from Walmart.

Specialty bags and more (table runners, placemats, children’s travel bags) Quilting Pro Debbie Lancaster, whose creations retail from a shop in her hometown of Seaside, Oregon, enjoys using fabrics from a variety of sources, including Walmart. “I love all the red and white [from Walmart’s Waverly line] fabric,” she said, also noting kids’ favorites like Minions, Star Wars and Spider Man.

Sneak Peak: Linda’s Amazing First Year Quilting Trunk Show.

 {Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.}

Day in the Life of a Dedicated Quilter: As her husband faced serious health issues, including kidney cancer and a full knee replacement last year Linda found herself homebound. Inspired by two weddings, she started quilting to “stay sane.” Outside Linda’s 40 hours work week, she finds time for family and quilting. And, she lives in close proximity to five Walmarts and passes two more on her daily commute.

Coming Soon! Linda’s Amazing First Year of Quilting Trunk Show.

SGlogo50pxGod created, sew should we.  [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.]  Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]

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Beach-y Breezy or Warm & Cozy? Learn to Quilt Together!

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Kona Cotton Cozy Throw Quilt. Click on image for quilt details.

I’m excited. Giddy. Obnoxious with anticipation. January is officially reboot month.

And I want you to join me in a bit of decadence.

Cliche as it sounds, January represents possibilities and fresh starts. An opportunity to commit to nurturing our creative sides.

Just looking at The Cozy Throw Quilt is a mental vacation from Colorado’s frigid January temps. To me the quilt’s simplicity, and especially the featured color palate, lean toward a much-appreciated beach-y vibe. But if you were going to make this quilt switching to a black background and warm colors, the look and feel might change dramatically.

Psssst ... It's OKAY to have WIPs and UFOs, pass it on!

Psssst … It’s OKAY to have WIPs and UFOs, pass it on!

In the online quilting world during the past few weeks, I’ve seen umpteen thousand Facebook friend and blog posts featuring stunning former UFO’s (Unfinished Objects) that have been completed with gusto. Some of the same proud quilt creators have now moved on to posting current works-in-progress (WIPS).

QuiltSpeak Defined: As I understand it, the difference between the UFOs and WIPs seems to be “shelf life” — that is UFOs may have been put away for some reason and a long time, while WIPs might just be lingering on the dining room table or on a design wall for a few weeks.

Either way, I’m ok admitting I’ve 2 WIPs and 1 UFO.

And …  I’m about to jump into another WIP.

And, I’m inviting you to join me in learning to create this wonderful Kona Cotton Cozy Quilt Throw.

If you’re among those I’ve heard from who’ve shied away from quilting because getting started seems complicated, or too pricey, or too time consuming or group classes intimidate you or you can’t find time to work a shop class into your schedule — this may be your opportunity to step into the light.

Nurse your creative urges.

Learn to Quilt: Cozy Throw Quilt

Learn to Quilt: Cozy Throw Quilt. Click on image above for course details.

About a week ago, a good friend and I were therapeutically browsing through Craftsy’s quilt kits. Since a few I’d been wanting to try had been discounted, I added a few to my cart. Then I didn’t order them because I didn’t want to act impulsively.

When I was offered a free online class from Craftsy for recently becoming an affiliate, I jumped at the opportunity to take Amy Gibson’s Learn to Quilt: Cozy Throw Quilt course.

How cool is it this beginner level class is for one of the very projects I had sitting in my cart — begging to become my new WIP?

I’ll be reviewing the class and the project as I go. And hope you’ll join in the fun and share any insights and photos of your WIPs as well.

This way we get to make a quilt together, learn together and enjoy building our Sew God community.

I’ve taken a few Craftsy courses this past year and have benefitted tremendously from such. It’s the next best thing to having an onsite magic personal Quilt Mentor.

You can take and retake the class — pause, review and accelerate —  according to your schedule, any time, day or night.

Gibson’s Learn to Quilt: Cozy Throw Quilt course should appeal to beginners and intermediates, teaching how to make a quilt start to finish — 100% — utilizing basic tools. Imagine the possibilities … choosing whether to personally quilt tops at home or invest using a long-arm service.  These fundamental techniques will translate into greater a greater spectrum of creativity and many gifting projects (pillows, potholders, bags…).

For the course you can use your own fabrics, or save time and money by using Craftsy’s discounted Cozy Throw Quilt kit (the one I put in my cart last week). The kit is discount priced and filled with high quality, beautiful Kona Cottons.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts about the class and seeing your WIPs.

Thank you for visiting Craftsy for your creative needs.  SewGod.com receives a commission when you purchase Craftsy courses and products using links from our blog. We look forward to your input and continued growth of our online makers community. 

SGlogo50pxGod created, sew should we.  [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.]  Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]

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Award-winning Tennessee Quilter Passionate about Making & Giving

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MAKER-GIVER SERIES Part 2 of 2. Quilter Linda has made more than 40 quilts this year … most of which are in the grateful hands of others. Check out some of her 2015 Collection.  
Photo Creds: Linda Laird (Part 1 and Linda’s scenic photos here)

“You will find yourself giving most of your creations away too. It feels so good when you give one to someone and they use it.”
– Linda Laird

Giving to the Angels Quilt Project Quilt: Maker, Linda Laird

BIG HEARTED & Poodle Doodles: Free-Motion Machine Quilter Linda receives “centers” from other volunteers, then makes them into quilts for precious preemies through the Angels Quilt Project. Cross Stitch Center: Judi Peterson

God created, sew should we.

“I believe we all have a gift of creativity in one form or other and it would be wrong of us to keep these talents to ourselves,” says Millington, Tennessee quilt maker Linda Laird.

This year the proliferate quilter has lived out her personal passion by making more than 40 quilts, most of which she has gifted to others.

Linda has also created “about 20” American Girl Doll outfits. She is an avid photographer, published author (Oreo’s Journal) and border collie flyball competitor.

“I have made lots of little dog crate quilts and a few wall hangings but my lap size and baby quilts and crib sets have taken me to new heights of productivity this year.”
Linda created and donated this pillow and accompanying quilt for a no-kill shelter auction. The set fetched $1,200.

Fetch! Linda created and donated this pillow and accompanying quilt a charity auction. The set fetched $1,200 to benefit a no-kill shelter.

The talented machine quilter’s generous heart has touched Angel Quilt Project (AQP) preemies and their families, chemotherapy patients, k-9’s, personal friends and family.

“Some of the quilts I’ve made were for herding trials or flyball raffles … dog people love anything with dog-related fabrics or themes.”

“I made a lot of quilts as gifts for people battling cancer. They take the quilts with them for chemo treatments. The quilt I made for a flyball teammate’s mother was the most rewarding. She took it to every treatment. I found out after her treatments she is now cancer free,” Linda said.

Givng comfort to Chemotherapy Patients

Custom Comfort: Linda made this quilt for a chemotherapy patient.  “They like to take them along to treatments.”

To design her creations Linda takes inspirational cue from the eventual quilt owners’ interests or life work. Linda’s friends also inspire her creations.

Giving to Friends

“Flip Flops”

“I made several quilts as gift to friends this year,” she said referencing one she made for a high school chum who wears flip-flops year round.  “I found a cute appliqué and made the most colorful quilt for her. She was totally surprised.

Linda’s friend cried and said “I can’t believe you made such a special gift for me. I love it!” For Linda, that made the time and energy she put into the quilt “so worthwhile.”

Linda's Quilt-Along Sampler, made together with a friend block exchange.

Block Exchange: Linda’s Quilt-Along Sampler, made together with a friend block exchange.

“There is no better satisfaction than when a quilt is finished and I am pleased with the results of my efforts. When I give the quilt to who it’s made for and they’re happy with the results, my heart does a leap and my pride and confidence grows,” Linda said.

“It’s addictive, that feeling, very addictive and I can’t wait
to start another quilt.” Linda Laird.

"Peggy's Quilt"

“Peggy’s Quilt”. Linda also does consignment quilts, many for friends she’s known for decades. This Dresden Plate beauty has a companion quilt. because Linda’s friend asked her to make a “sister” quilt for gifting to her sister. The quilts have different sashing, borders and quilting design but but duplicated ‘petals’ of the same fabrics.

Linda’s Vitals
Married: High School Sweetheart, Kenny.
Linda’s & Kenny’s Fam: Two adult sons, three grandkids, pooches Bailey and Oreo.
Home: Countryside near Millington, TN
Years Quilting: About 14. Lifelong seamstress.
Equipment: A Singer and a Bernina Quilters Edition
Prewash or Not? Not usually.
Swears by: Fuzion erasable pens
Style: Traditional with an occasional venture out of the the comfort zone.
"English Garden" Best of Show: This Linda Laird consignment Creation was fashioned using ribbons earned earned in show dog competitions. It also netted Linda

“English Garden” Best of Show: This Linda Laird consignment creation was fashioned using ribbons earned from the consignee’s success in the show dog arena. This quilt netted Linda Best in Show accolades at the Ripley Quilt and Needlecraft Show.

"Black Sheep". Linda's gift to Linda.

“Little Black Sheep”. 1st Place, Traditional Machine Quilting, Ripley’s Quilt and Needle Craft Show. Linda’s gift to Linda.

Baby Shower Gift. ABC's theme for Little Boy's Room.

Adorable! Baby Shower Quilt: Gifted for Little Boy’s Room.

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God created, sew should we.  [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.]  Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]

Christmas Idea: If you liked this story, you might also enjoy our review of The Quilt Maker’s Gift. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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‘Tis the Season to Showcase the Givers

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"Innocence."

Tennessee Dog Whisperer Quilter Lives Hands & Feet Life

Bailey

Linda’s Border Collie Bailey takes in her first snow.

MAKER-GIVER SERIES: Part 1 of 2 featuring Linda Laird’s creations and heart for giving. Linda, thanks for blessing us by allowing me showcase some of your work and words of inspiration. Photo Creds: Linda Laird. (Read Part 2 here … See Linda’s Fabulous Quilts)

In a beautiful country setting situated outside Millington, Tennessee lives a gifted, hard-working woman with a generous heart. A woman who quilts, gardens and puts her show dogs lovingly through the paces. She is an amazing photographer and a published author.  More than any thing, this woman unceasingly lives out what it means to be God’s hands & feet on earth.

Linda and her high school sweetheart and husband of 47 years Tennessee home.

Linda and (hubby of 47 years )Kenny’s Tennessee home where they raised two boys and presently share with Border Collies Oreo and Bailey.

When Christian vocalist Matthew West recorded “Do Something” he was urging us all to rise up; live up to the purpose for which we were created. West’s challenge to us is to use the God-given talents we have to live active, selfless lives giving comfort, changing hearts and righting ungodly circumstances.

Linda Laird is the “Do Something” role model.

'Tis the Season, to showcase the givers. Winter at Linda's place.

‘Tis the Season, to showcase the givers. Winter at Linda’s place.

I became acquainted with Linda some months back through the College Of Quilts Facebook community.

I’d asked about a pattern I saw posted and she responded to me privately. We carried on an online messaging conversation wherein she immediately offered to send me an extra Big Foot for free motion she had “collecting dust.”

It still makes me feel all warm inside thinking about a then complete stranger, offering up something to me, a very newbie quilt maker she’d met just moments prior from somewhere out in cyberspace.

No pretense. Just encouragement.

That is Linda’s way. She dives in. Once a hand-quilter, now a free motion guru, thanks to finagling her high school sweet heart hubby into purchasing her dream machine Bernina and her determination to learn and grow in her craft and be a giver.

Linda's Quilt-Along Sampler.

Linda’s Quilt-Along Sampler.

Bettering her stitches, taking more creative license with each quilt, Linda has 40+ creations under her production belt this year. Most of which are in the grateful hands of others.

Now that I know her better, I am not surprised our first encounter was her taking time, reaching out to give.

Join us next post. We’ll be featuring quilts from Linda’s 2015 collection.

“Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion for the world is to look out; yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good; and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now.” ~Saint Teresa of Avila

SGlogo50pxGod created, sew should we.  [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.]  Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]

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How to Create an Adorable Baby Shower Onesies Guest Book

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Giving thanks for family … and Onesies.

MacKenzie's Shower

PICTURED: Three Gens of Bronco Fans: Mom, Baby-In-Waiting-Station Tucker, Granny Sally.

Last weekend we had a good time hosting a Baby Shower Tailgater Potluck on behalf of my Denver Bronco Fan-ATIC niece MacKenzie. Her new little fan is due in January and we wanted to create something special to commemorate the celebration.

Onesie Guest Book Page: DucksYears ago my dear friend, Laura Fielding Aspegren, fashioned the most adorable children’s “line” to sell at our church craft fare. Laura affixed cute fabrics to ready-made cotton-knit dresses, tops and jeans and if memory serves, had a hard time keeping up with demand.

Little Buckaroos: Onesies Guest Book Page

Using Laura’s concept, various sized Onesies,  Wonder-Under, some scraps from my growing stash, fabric paints and markers we created a fun and custom “Onesies Guest Book” that will hopefully bring Kenzie fond memories when diapering young Tucker.

Onesies Guest Book

As guests arrived, each selected a customized Onesie from those adorned with Bandanas, footballs, Bronco logos, ducks, a dog and a cute little monster. Guests were encouraged to sign and/or put a personal personal message on the tush region using fabric paints and markers. (Hint: Fabric paints work best).

Greats: Onesies Guest Book

“The Greats” selecting Onesies to sign. Important: Nana (Molly) is inserting a piece of foam core inside to avoid the paints/marker bleeding through to the front.

Messages were amusing and will undoubtedly be great reminders of a fun celebration to welcome our newest family member.

Onesies Guest Book Page

Evident: Alyssa’s fun sense of humor.

 

Omaha! Omaha! Onesies!

OMAHA! OMAHA! It’s a Peyton Thing. Go Broncos!

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Expectant Fan Mom MUST HAVE: Bronco Crock Pot!

 

 

 

Onesies Guest Book Pages

“Pages” … Football, Cute Little Monster, Little Buckaroo!

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God created, sew should we.  [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.]  Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]

 

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The Rag Coat: A Must-Read Children’s Thanksgiving Story

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Classic Season of Thanks Must-Read: The Rag Coat

Classic Season of Thanks Must-Read: The Rag Coat

The Rag Coat by Lauren Mills received the Charlotte Award, 13 state awards, and the Smithsonian’s “Season’s Choice” award. This month, Mills celebrates the launch of her heartwarming debut novel Minna’s Patchwork Coat based on her original classic story, The Rag Coat.

As though it were yesterday I recall a day years ago when my then third and fifth grade kid-ohs piled into my car after an eventful school day.

“It was great Mom. She just took him out!” blurted my usually mild mannered oldest, Grant. Looking in the rearview mirror at a very smug, smirking younger sister Brooke, my curiosity was in high gear.

Like any couple that have been together their whole lives, my children took turns completing each other’s sentences, filling in the details of their unusual lunch period.

Granny Square Coat

Brooke’s Source of Joy & Jeers: My Hand-Me-Down Granny Square Coat made by my Mom

[Read more…]

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Beginner Seamstress Nails Princess Anna Costume

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Amanda Brown: Marketing Specialist by day, Kirklee’s Costume Maker by Night.

“It’s awesome … making Halloween costumes for my little one!”

Health Insurance Marketing Communications Specialist Amanda Brown has been sewing just shy of a year.

“My mother bought me my first sewing machine last Christmas and I’ve loved it since! I grew up watching her sew and it’s come (mostly) naturally to me,” explained the Indianapolis native.

Amanda’s sewing abilities have blossomed over the past 10 months. So she felt confident tackling an important request from stepdaughter Kirklee, stepping up to the challenge of fashioning a special Halloween costume to be worn in the kndergartner’s school costume parade and for neighborhood trick-or-treating.

“Last year, she was Elsa, so naturally, she had to go as Princess Anna this year,” said Amanda.

Perfect Finish! Princess Anna Costume for Kirklee

Perfect Finish! New Seamstress Amanda Brown’s Princess Anna Costume for Stepdaughter Kirklee.

“I’ve made her quite a few basic dresses, but taking on a costume was a whole new challenge for me. After all, I’d still consider myself relatively inexperienced making garments,” Amanda noted.

Kirklee’s costume took Amanda a few hours over about 3 nights. “All together, I probably spent 6-8 hours on the Princess Anna costume. Well worth it for the end result!” she said.

“She LOVES the costume and was very concerned it would not be done in time for her to show off on her school’s Costume Day!” Amanda said regarding Kirklee’s reaction her Halloween princess attire. [Read more…]

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