alittlesweetness

making it smaller

I've had this Wild Thing quilt in the works for too many ages now.  It's sad really, because I do love it and I've enjoyed making these blocks...it's just that I get distracted easily.  What can I say? 

I know you understand.  ;)

So what I finally decided to do, instead of feeling bad that I wasn't getting around to making the rest of the blocks....is to just make it a smaller quilt.  It'll still be cute hung over a chair and perfect for a lap.  Plus I'll be so happy it's done and being loved!

This morning when I had layed out all my blocks, i noticed the sun created a shadow of my sewing machine onto the quilt blocks.  Pretty awesome.

I've also been actually using my darling little woodland house pincushion for a pincushion instead of just a decoration sitting on my shelf.....so here it is all pinned up!

I got this in a Pincushion Swap on flickr...a loooong time ago!  I love it!

I'm hoping to be done with my Wild Thing Quilt next week sometime....

I guess you'll just have to wait and see.  ;)

Tasha

the farmer takes another wife.....

Yep, I'm jumpin on the bandwagon here!  The Farmer's Wife Quilt-A-long has already started on Flickr, but I'm joining in anyway.

After seeing some of my favorite girls join up and other inspiring quilters here and there around the quilty blog world, I finally checked in on the group and couldn't resist picking up the book just as fast as my little (big!) car could take me.

As of a couple days ago, the book was on sale at my local Joann's for about $16 after tax.  I called ahead and had them save a copy for me at the desk, so it was a quick stop for me.  Which is good not to meander too much at the craft store!

The book is really interesting because it shares the answers from 1920's farm wifes to the question "Do you want your daughter to marry a farmer?"  Each of the women have 2 blocks in the book. 

I recieved some oh, so lovely fabrics from a swap last week and the precious little stack is begging to be put to some sewing love!  Perfect for some farmer's wifing if you ask me.  ;)

(thank you miss sweet and lovely person!! ;))

Some of the funny ladies in the Farmer's Wife group had me giggling with their comments that perhaps they couldn't quite live up to being a Farmer's Wife....it is 111 blocks!.....so they may just end up being the Farmer's Girlfreind or some even a Mistress!  (You know they may only get to making about half the blocks!).  Honestly, being just a girlfriend sounded good to me!  I figured instead of doing the 2 blocks a week, I'll probably just do one.  

I think someone said something like "...all the fun, but no commitment".....some seriously funny company.

So, I've gathered me up a little inspiration.......

.........and I can't wait to get going!   

How about you, did you always want to be a Farmer's Wife?  Well, you're in luck....you can! 

Happy Weekend.  :)

Tasha 

pure bliss

About 4 months ago I made this little Bliss dress for Ava. She wore it to a family event and then to church the next day. After that it magically disappeared! Oh how I searched and searched for this sweet little dress!! I was completely baffled at where it could be hiding!

Then, last week I was looking for some of my other bliss fabric for another project I am working on…..a little piece that had magically disappeared as well. (gotta love it when that happens!) I had the thought to look inside one of my ziplocks full of quilt blocks from the 3 X 6 Mini Bee I had done last year. To my super ecstatic surprise….there was the Bliss dress folded in between the quilt blocks!!!! YIPPEE!! I was so excited and so confused because I do not remember ever putting it there. How crazy!!! But I don’t care, cuz the mystery is solved! Luckily the dress still fits. I had also made this little hair clip to match. It was supposed to be fluffy, but the weight of the fabric made it lay flat. Oh well, I think it still looks cute.

For the trim I sewed a very scrappy-pieced ruffle with what I had leftover. It doesn’t look great, but it was an experiment and I think it’s cute enough. Pure Bliss!!

I LOVE this fabric and this dress! I will be sad when Ava grows out of it. Guess I’ll have to make another!

The funny thing was, is that I found the Bliss dress while I was sewing together the tiny Bliss squares that Camille had sent me. I was a stopping point on my other project, (I’ll show you soon!) but 'needed' something else to sew! I decided it was the perfect time to try out some pre-cuts and the perfect little excuse to give Ava’s baby’s a new soft quilt. It was so fun and quick to sew up….I just adore it!

See how happy they are! Pure Bliss!  (update!  Doll info:  Large doll was purchased from Love, Charla Ann and the small doll was a gift from Ava's Aunt Kerri.  She used a Bit of Whimsy Dolls pattern.)

For the backing I used some super soft minky. Although I did a binding, I didn’t use any batting and I also kept the quilting to a minimum. My objective was that it would be cuddly-soft and good for wrapping around a baby.

I think it’s so sweet and I loved working with the pre-cuts. It made it so quick and enjoyable for me. I need to do pre-cuts again sometime!

Speaking of Bliss. I have been terribly lame in not mentioning that the oh-so-lovely Camille, was sweet enough to allow me to mimick (copy!) her beautiful pink tulip Bliss fabric in my new Fabric Sale illustration.  After I had done the 'bliss fabric', it really helped me feel more inspired about creating the rest of the fabrics in the illustration.  So, really, thank you Camille!

Here's the completed illustration.  I appreciated all the ideas for backgrounds, it really helped me with my decision.  Thank you all!

Meanwhile, I’ve been enjoying some very blissful brownies……

They are sooooo good, (thanks Duncan Hines and my son) that I had to put them in this darling little dish, adorn them with pom-poms and take a cute picture!

I will try really hard not to eat all the rest of them myself. It really could be done, but I really really shouldn’t.

Didn’t I tell you before that pom-poms were cute?

‘Bliss’fully cute!

 

Tasha

how could i not?

This morning I bought this off Etsy.......

HOW could I not? 

I think it was meant to be!

 

And remember this:

Yep, it's time again and I'm enjoying them at the moment!

HOW could I not?

The best part?  My kids don't know about my hidden bag.  heheehehe.

So, my friends....I ask you again......

HOW COULD I NOT!?

The answer is simple.....

NOT POSSIBLE!

Do you have something you can't NOT have?

Tasha

i'm finally 'pinning'!

(rosylittlethings.typepad.com)

I feel like January and February were almost a total bust for me.  This entire past week...Sunday to Sunday....my family had the flu and not a whole lot was accomplished.  Well, I guess alot accomplished if you consider the assisting and cleaning up process of oh, probably a good 40 episodes of everyone's most unfavorite sicky thing ever!  Really.  I'm sure I washed a good 10 loades of blankets, towels, washcloths and p.j.'s.  And there's nothing like the flu to spur on some major household disinfecting action.  At least that part was a good thing!

So anyway, I thought I had avoided the whole flu thing, but Saturday and Sunday I was not feeling well.  Luckily, I just ended up having a stomach ache, so I was able to rest it off.  (whew!)  Unfortunatley, between my bronchitis last month and everyone's flu bug this month, getting orders done and working on new designs for the shop has been a S-L-O-W process.  I've just been inching through things.  I'm very sorry for the waiting so many of you have done,  and so patiently I might add, but still...I feel bad.  So, Thank you!  In case you didn't notice, I have had my shop closed almost a week now so I could care for my family and catch up on orders.  I'll re-open tomorrow!  :) 

Meanwhile.....here and there, (and everywhere, I confess) I've been playing on Pinterest!  Have you heard about it? 

 

jamaicabyles.blogspot.com

It's fairly new and they have a waiting list.  You have to apply, then they eventually send you an email letting you in.  I think it's because the site can only handle so much traffic.  (?)  I waited a few weeks to get an email, then I kinda ho-hummed around about starting, but I finally did and I LOVE it!   {That's where the title came from in case you didn't get that....finally 'pinning', get it?}

(flickr.com)

Basically, it's a site that lets you catalog (keep track of) everything you love from the internet.  Whether it's from blogs, flickr, etsy, wherever...you can store it all on Pinterest.  Everything is in one place.  And it's all in organized categories so you can easily find something.  Addicting and fun!  It's where I've come across all these cute images.

(flickr.com)

Right now, we are finally in a position to start planning some home improvements and I need some new decorating ideas.  Pinterest is a really fun way to find and be able to save anything I find and don't want to forget about.  One area of business is our floors and kitchen...or is that two?  Either way, I've been saving lots of cute pictures for inspiration! 

Like this:

(pure-and-lovely.com)

and this:

(thedecorista.com)

But then I also think this is really cute and I love how colorful it is:

(room-galleries.myhomeideas.com)

Not very practical in my house though and a little too girly for so many boys residing here.  I think something like this is more realistic.  A perfect balance of the two looks, don't you think?

(I actually saved this photo from The Lettered Cottage, but can't find it now on their site)

Love at first sight.  Totally do-able.  Like I said, we're in the planning, thinking and saving phase.  Not really ready to run to the Home Depot today, but hoping it won't be too far off.  

Pinterest has definitly motivated me to start saving more of my money for home improvements instead of little things here and there.  It will be hard, but I think looking at my Pinterest will help keep me focused.  

For now though, everyone is healthy, at school, baby napping, so time for me to bust a move around here. 

You?  Get pinning, silly!

See ya!

Tasha    

sweet surprises

Last week I recieved a couple very sweet surprises that just make me so happy! 

Camille surprised me with her oh-so-fabulously-adorable book, Simplify.  *Edit:  I see she's doing a giveaway on her blog for a book, fabric, patterns and sewing goodies!  Go enter!

I keep looking through the beautiful projects, being more inspired every time, as well finding new helpful tips and instructions for quilting.  I've never used pre-cuts before, so it's definitly given me a new curiosity about that!  

I love that Camille shares her thoughts and rituals for simplifying her own life.  Such a personal touch!  :)

Of course I think this is just the SWEETEST!!!  It could seriously be in Ava's room!  I really want to try the scalloped border with something. 

I'm totally into her thought about having lots of table toppers!  How fun to have plenty to change out!

She sent me some patterns and a sweet tiny bliss sample pack as well that I hope to use sometime this year!  Just having them to stare at though, gives me happy inspirational thoughts!  ;)  My daughter liked the tiny fabric stack too.....see how she decorated the label so nicely. 

My next surprise was from a long time friend.....I used to babysit her daughter about 13 years ago and we've managed to stay in touch over the years.  She's such a creative, fun and giving person.

How cute is this!?

The box and polka dot pillow go perfectly in Ava's room and the jumbo candy canes were a fun extra touch, which the kids are now currently enjoying.   

I love the pillow in Ava's crib with the pom pom pillow and her darling quilt from her Aunt Kerri.  With this new little burst of happiness in her room, I am super eager to start re-doing her room since she's about ready for a big bed.  Her bumper is losing it, as you can see. 

THANK YOU CAMILLE AND JODI!!

So, with that, I'm off to a bright, cheerful, thankful and inspired week.  Hopefully I'll be able to ignore the gray clouds outside my window. :)

Happy Monday!

Tasha

stockings + a new year's giveaway! (edit: giveaway closed!)

It took me a bit, but the stockings got finished!  Yay!  I managed to get them good enough for stuffing at about midnight on Christmas Eve......but the pom poms had to wait.  I'm so glad that they are done for next year though!  I LOVE how they turned out, so maybe next year I can do one for me and my hubby.  We'll see.  :)

The Zig-Zag is Isaac's:

Don't you love the pom poms!?  I got mine at Sew Deerly Loved.

The Patchwork for Austin:

For this one, I was inspired by Alison's at Cluck. Cluck. Sew.  And thanks to Kerri, I LOVE all the cutesy fabrics added to Isaac and Austin's, like the Munki-Munki gnomes, snowmen and skiers! 

The Pinwheels are for Ava:

MMM...red, aqua, pink and green....perfect!  Don't you just want to hug those little pom poms?

I followed this fabulous pattern by Camille of Simplify....LOVE her blog and her super cute fabric line BLISS.  Hey, she's a red and aqua fan too!  ;)

I sure had fun making these adorable stockings for my 3 littlest ones!

So, for all the fabric-y fun I had making these stockings and because it's a brand NEW YEAR....

I'm doing a FABULOUS GIVEAWAY for one lucky winner!!  Joining me in this oh, so fabulous giveaway are two very talented and equally as 'red and aqua obsessed-like-me' girls.....my sil, Kerri, from Lovely Little Handmades and Camille, from Simplify! 

Here are the goods:

From me:  One charm pack full of my original fabric designs, made special for this giveaway.  A charm pack isn't something I normally sell in my shop and will be perfect for quilting.  I'll put just about everything red, aqua and pink that I have in there.....you won't be disappointed!  I promise.  ;)

In case you aren't familiar with my fabrics, here's a little mosaic with almost everything I have.  Now you have an idea of what your charm pack will include. 

From Camille:  One fantastic pattern pack from her Thimble Blossoms shop!  You'll get one of each of what you see here.  What Awesomeness!!   

From Kerri:  Some major red and aqua cuteness, including one yard of huggable, fluffable pom poms!

Kerri is also getting some more adorable new crafting/sewing products in her shop, which will also be part of this giveaway.

Sweet little silk flowers!  Aren't they cute?

And darling buttons and crocheted flowers!  Oh, the possibilities!!

You'll get to choose a button pack and a flower pack to go with your yard of pom poms!  There are actually a few more color choices than what I posted, so I'll make sure the winner knows what they are.

The Rules:

*First entry has to be this:  Leave me a comment and tell me your favorite fabric of mine.  If you win, I'll know what to send more of.  ;)

*Extra entry:  Visit Kerri and Camille's blogs, tell them Happy New Year and let them know I sent you!  :)

*Extra entry:  If you've purchased or left a comment at any of our shops or blogs, let me know in your comment.  :)

There's a chance for a maximum of 3 entries per person.  Please only enter for a 2nd or 3rd time if you qualify.  Please leave a new comment for each entry.  For example:  If you qualify for all 3 entries, you should leave 3 comments. 

Get it? GOOD.  :)

Giveaway is on until Saturday night (January 8, 2011).....late.

Play on Players! 

~Happy New Year!~

Tasha

merry christmas!

Just thought I'd pop in and wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS!  I want to say thank you to all my readers and customers who keep me going and being just the sweetest people EVER!!

Also, wanted to show the CUTEST EVER ornaments I ordered from the oh, so amazingly talented Jessica of Petite House.  Seriously, they are as adorable in person as they are in this photo. 

I was basically able to 'custom design' each of these!  A couple details where I didn't know what to do, she added her creativity and I love them!  Definitly keepsakes for our family.  Thank you Jessica!  I'll be back for more next year.  ;)  Visit her shop for year round cuteness and bookmark her for your ornament happiness next Christmas! (photo is by Jessica)

Well, I better be off for some last minute Christmas to-do's and yep, still working on those stockings!  They're coming along though.  I'll have to show them after the holidays.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

Tasha

i can't stop.

I just *CAN'T* stop dreaming about visiting the new Farm Chicks store that will be opening soon in Spokane!  eeeeeek! 

I am seriously thinking if the inside is even an inkling as cute as the outside....which i know it will be.....i think i'll be going crazy in there!!  I have loved the Farm Chicks for a long time now, since I first saw them featured in Country Living Magazine....I don't remember when...a long time ago though.  I always wanted to go to one of the Farm Chicks Shows, but it's never happened.  I love Serena's very lovely blog.....it's colorful, sweet and she has the best stories!  I simply cannot wait for this store, people!

Lucky for me, my family lives in Spokane, so I WILL WILL WILL be going there!  The opening date has not yet been revealed, but I am soooo hoping it's going to be open when I visit in a few weeks.  Oh, please, oh, please, oh pleeeeeaaase!  If not, how about a special tour *just* for me, Serena?  ;) 

If you are ever there, go visit....I think it's going to be the cutest thing EVER.

As for now, for me.....I'm taking a break.  I've been going pretty much non-stop on shop stuff for a while now and believe me, my house is showing it.  Plus, my kids are too.  Like doing those "negative attention" things.  I was really trying to get a few more things done for the shop that I have in progress, but I think I need to just draw the line at some point.  I'm not disappearing or anything, just changing my focus for a bit.  I hope you don't mind waiting for more things to show up in the shop.  I feel so happy when I get all of your kind comments about my artwork and my shop....it is so very sweet and means a lot to me.  It's what keeps me going!  So thank you all for the support.  I hope I'm not letting anyone down by postponing more updates.  I was just embroidering something new yesterday, but it just needs to wait now.

Just for fun, here's a little picture I took of Ava over the 4th of July.  She was so serious here, watching her brothers play.  My mom bought me the crocheted hat at a little local craft fair in Swan Lake, Montana when I was pregnant, but didn't know what I was having.  I was debating between the boy hat and the girl hat, and my mom took the girl hat and bought it for me.  I was soooo nervous about having this strange little pink object in my hands.

Here are my boys playing.  It's the best I could get with all their non-stop running around.

 

And here's something I took of Austin a few months back......he still brings me dandelions regularly.  He's the sweetest little boy!  And so full of character....he makes us laugh every day.

   

Have a wonderful weekend!! 

Tasha

do you have one too?

this is mine....

 

 

i look forward to these on the grocery store shelves every year.  i eat way too many of them and i get sad when easter is over and there are no more for another year.

if you haven't tried these, you SHOULD...but only if you want an easter time addiction!!!!

i'd love to send out a few bags....be one of the first 5 to leave me a comment telling me if you want a bag of these!  also, tell me if you have an easter candy addiction or not and them email me with your address for a delicious delivery!  :)  if you're one of the first 5 commenters and you don't tell me you want a bag, i will assume that you don't and i won't send one....so be sure to tell me you want one if you want me to send one!!  got it?  good.  :)

tasha

(pthorsley@comcast.net)