alittlesweetness

easter dress

I know I've been a major slacker lately!  Sorry!  I have to admit, I've been enjoying the low key, taking-the-day-however-I-feel-like-it method.  Feels great sometimes, doesn't it?  Oh yaaa. 

So, back to reality, I have a few things that need to get done, and back to the computer I am!!  Not without showing you the little Easter Dress I made for Ava first though.  ;) 

My main inspiration and desire was to use some Riley Blake Chevron....aqua, of course!  I got mine from Randi at Fresh Squeezed Fabrics.  Then, because I knew I wanted to be able to use several fabrics, I thought Sandi Henderson's Knot Dress would be perfect.  Especially since I already owned it.  Even perfect-er! (p.s.....I don't see that pattern for sale anywhere...???)

For the other fabrics, I used what I had on hand.  Hard to do since I don't normally buy large cuts of fabric.  So, a little give and take is necessary.  For instance, at first I wanted the top to be the pink flowers and the bottom to be the yellow flowers, but because of the amounts available in my stash, I needed to switch those two up...but I love it!  I knew if I got a pink top to go underneath it would give me that pink near her face that I wanted. 

I love the chevron straps!

I used a vintage sheet for the apron, trimmed out with Lecien Flower Sugar and Riley Blake crocheted lace (ask Kerri if she has more white). 

And, not to bombard you or anything, but here's a few pic's of Ava wearing her dress.  The sun was very bright, so sorry they aren't the best technique wise, but I'm happy to have these anyway. 

I love this one of her because she was absolutely focused for a minute on just this one dandelion that caught her attention.  So sweet!!

A good reminder to stop for a few minutes, be still and just take in the precious moments that we have with our loved ones, our life, and the world around us. 

Hugs. ;)

Tasha

be mine

When I started this pillow, again, I had a vision!  (I have lots of those!)  Sometimes my visions work out, and sometimes...not so much.  This time though, I think it worked out the way I wanted it to.  It was a little time consuming with the stitching and the patchwork ruffle (oh boy!), but I kept telling myself it would be worth it. 

I don't very often make totally over-the-top girly items, but I thought with this being for Valentine's Day, I was justified. 

The hearts are quilted to give them a little dimension, then I stitched the 'string' in between.

I hand wrote the "be mine" on paper, then traced it onto the fabric with a water soluable pen.

I dangerously eye-balled the stitching onto the pink striped fabric....

Then made my patchwork ruffle with 32 5" squares...

See! 

A ruffle takes time, especially a patchwork one, but I couldn't get that idea out of my head!  I very hesitantly got started because I knew I wouldn't be happy if I had settled for using just one fabric.  And I do like the effect.... 

Plus, who doesn't like a reason to use as many cute fabrics as possible in one project?!?!?!

I know I do!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Tasha

P.S. I'm hoping to let out a little secret next week....I'd love it if you stop by!  ;)

little patchwork heart

So, I had the vision of a perfect little valentine patchwork heart pillow dancing in my head....

I loved making the patchwork....a classic that just always looks right.

What's better than pretty valentine colors....bursting with delicate, sweet florals?

Then I quilted the heart to make it sort of puffy-like.

And the stitching.....I always love me a good stitch.  It just made the heart pop...don't you think?

And then something terrible happened....

After I attached the heart to the white fabric, I cut it too small.  There went the pillow idea.  But I thought it still might work for a little mini.

So...I carried on binding my perfect little patchwork heart.

And then I hung it....

And then I took pictures....

And then I noticed it....

My little perfect patchwork heart had turned into my little wonky patchwork heart!

EEEEK!

How could this have happend?

The thought occured to me that I could take off the binding, try squaring it up, and then re-binding it, but I'm not sure it's in me.  I know someone who would!....if only she lived closer and I could bribe her into fixing my mini.  Wouldn't that be lovely?  :)

My daughter loves it, so I think I'll leave it at that and cross my fingers on my next WIP.

Meanwhile, I'll leave you with a better impression of my 'perfect little valentine patchwork heart'.

Wonky, what? 

Tasha

valentine WIP

Being on slow motion this week and SO inspired by SO many cute Valentine's projects on Pinterest, I decided to delve into some creativity too!

I have a couple other things in the next few days that will occupy my time, which means I might not get back to these WIP's as quickly as I'd like.  Soooo....I thought I'd just show you what I have going so far....

Little hearts....

quilted ones....

and I think they're very cute....

Sweet?

I've also cut up a bunch of little fabric squares for another little idea floating around in my head.

I hope it'll turn out the way I envision it....

Meanwhile...

I've been trying to eat some healthy things this week.  Yesterday I tried a bagel and cream cheese with spinach leaves and cucumber slices, plus some OJ and a vitamin.

It's now a new favorite of mine!  I figure the healthy things counterbalance my chocolate habit. 

At least I hope cuz there's a Milky Way dark sitting in my desk drawer....probably calling my name very soon.  ;)

Tasha

the swing of things

Is it just me, or is it difficult to get back into the swing of things after the holidays?  I think I've been particularly slow at it this year.  One clue is that I still have a few holiday decorations lingering around that absolutely must be put away immediatly.  Or else.

For Christmas I was able to turn my hexies into something for Ava.  I decided on a doll quilt in the end because I also got her a vintage doll crib and a couple of new baby dolls, so I thought it was more fitting than a pillow.

 

I'm not sure I'm totally crazy over it, but I do think it's plenty cute enough to be loved.  The part that bugs me is the aqua strips on top and bottom.  It's sort of too late now though. 

I didn't do batting inside, just some fluffy pink minky-type fabric on the back and I quilted it pretty lightly, so it's nice a cuddly.....perfect for wrapping around baby dolls.

See, someone is very happy about it, so I think it worked out.

Now, it's off to put away some decorations.  Like immediatly!

Tasha

giveaway winners!

Thanks to everyone who played along in my little giveaway!  It's such a treat for me to be able to share a little something here and there throughout the year.  I'm always so grateful for the support and encouragement I recieve and friends made along the way.  Plus, aren't giveaways just plain fun?  oh ya.  

I thought it would be a cuter post if I had Ava to help me announce the winners!  This is what she did when I gave her the embroidery hoop and asked her to show it to me.  Oh well, you get the idea.  (I hope.)

The 3 WINNERS of my Embroidery Pattern giveaway are:

#12...

Anita said ..

I love them all but I love the angel the best.
Happy holidays!

#29 ...

Melanie said ...

Laundry day - so cute :)

and...

#63...

Kristal said...

Everything is adorable, but since my daughter had a hedgehog for a pet, I'd get the patterns that have a hedgie on them!

Each of those numbers were chosen by me asking my 3 oldest boys to tell me their favorite number! 

I hope you have fun stitching up something sweet for your home or another's.  Either way, ENJOY!

(Anita, Melanie and Krystal...if you see this, please email me at pthorsley@comcast.net since none of you have links). 

I'm not sure I'll get back to the computer anytime soon, so I thought I'd leave you with this adorable little video message, so very appropriate for this time of year.  It's just 2 minutes and you won't be disappointed.  ;)

Click here to watch "The Coat"

As for my shop, it'll be open, but I won't be shipping anything until well into the first week of the new year.  I'll probably check on it here and there and send of patterns, but generally I'll be taking a break. 

Thanks again, for a wonderful year! 

Merry Christmas!

Tasha

last minute giveaway

Yes, I know it's so very last minute for a holiday giveaway, but sometimes (lots of times!) I can't get to things as fast as I want to.  If you don't mind though, then it'll work out perfectly.  :)

I know some of you like to have a little project to work on over the holiday break and embroidery is just the thing.....simple, relaxing, quick and oh so very cute! 

(yes, my Christmas Angel is still in her hoop!)

You can literally stitch something up in a day or choose to take a few weeks for a longer project.

For this giveaway, I'll be randomly drawing 3 names to choose up to $20 worth of EMBRIODERY PATTERNS from my shop. 

TO ENTER:

Just simply leave me a comment, telling me which pattern(s) you would love to stitch up!  If you're new here, you  may need to visit my shop first, then come back and let me know. 

Your welcome to a 2nd entry if you've ever purchased from me before.   

This quickie giveaway will be only be open until WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21st, sometime in the morning part of the day.  I'll choose my winners and send off your patterns on Wednesday as soon as I know what to send you!  If you don't have a blog link to your comment, please leave me an email address.

Happy Holidays and Happy Stitching!  ;)

Tasha

stitching, stitching...

Now that I've got my sweet Christmas Angel all stitched, I just need to figure out what to do with her!  I loved going all red....so simple, yet makes a statement, don't you think?

I love the crisp, classic look of red and white, so I've collected up a few items that will help make her into a timeless treasure. 

I'm pretty sure what I'm doing, hopefully I'll get it done before Christmas!!

The other thing I've been working on in time for Christmas is a hexie pillow for Ava.

I know you've seen these before, but this time they are all stitched together!  It's been one of those very slow moving projects for me, so I'm happy to see it (literally) coming together.  Yay!  My inspiration to do this was from this darling pillow, so I've just kept that image in my mind to be able to get this done for Ava.  Don't you just love finding inspiration to keep you going?!  I do! 

Today I'm off for another busy day, so I better get moving!  :)

Tasha

around here....

Goodness Me, it's been a little bit of everything around here lately!  We enjoyed Thanksgiving here with some family, then out of town for the weekend to visit more family (tons of festive crafting there!) and since being home we've been on to the Christmas decorating, hot chocolate drinking, getting orders done (me!), working on secret things (shhh...a little longer), organizing things, working little by little on the kitchen, and even though I woke up feeling yucky today, I'm finally getting to some holiday stitching...which I'm super loving!!!  It's about time, don'tcha think? 

I decided I wanted to stitch my little Christmas Angel in all red...I can't wait to see how she turns out.

I just love sitting down with my little pile of stuff and being able to stitch away.  Happiness.

If you want to give her a try too, you can find her in my shop as a pattern now, as well as the Winter Pixie.  I'm hoping I'll get a chance to stitch her too.  We'll see!

Speaking of Pixies......

Isn't he a cutie?!

I'm simply delighted to be arranging this little collection of adorable vintage pixie figurines that belonged to my Grandma, who passed away this year.  When my mom was going through her things, she knew right where they should go.  I adore them so much and they'll always remind me of my Grandma Carlsen. 

I finally figured out that this one's peculiar pose (below) is so he can hang on the side of a dish.  CUTE!

I think he's a sneaky one. 

And now for more of the 'around here' part of the post.....

I had to giggle one night when my boys lined up to dish up there Little Ceasars Pizza....there they were....in all their Red, Pink, and Aqua glory!

(Do not, i tell you, Do NOT notice the empty milk jug on the counter or other messy looking piles in the background)

You'd think I was their mother or something!  No, really, I think these colors must be programmed into their brains as well....it's genetic! 

They seriously choose their own clothes!

And this is seriously how they pose when I tell them I want a picture....

Like for reals. 

These boys, as crazy as they are and as crazy as they make me (...at times, they each have a sweet side too) they really simply melt my heart...like crazy! 

It's totally CrAzY around here....

So I better get back to that heavenly-ly, relaxing, peaceful stitching while I can....

(Here I come little Christmas Angel!)

(Cuz it's about to get crazy....okay, I'm done)

Happy December....  :)

Tasha 

a little FYI {a very boring title}

Did you all have a fun Halloween?!  I really enjoyed my day yesterday getting everything ready for the night of Trick-or-Treating.  I had the kids go super simple on costumes this year and mostly we rounded up things we already had.  They were great sports about it!

Here's Isaac and Austin....a hippie and a punk rock ninja zombie!

Ava wouldn't have anything to do with a costume, but her fluffy skirt and knitted hat worked!

Peace Princess???

We have an excrutiating amount of candy from one of my older boys....anyone have any good ideas for slimming down the piles?

With Halloween gone, (I can't believe it!!) I've been thinking about the shop for the Holiday Season.  That's where the FYI part of this post comes in! 

Firstly, I've been working on a few things that I think will be some cute and fun additions.  One new illustration that will be going to the shop shortly is....

Christmas Angel

I think I'll do some options for hair color, so keep that in mind if you like her.  :)

Also, I have added 'Window Shopping' as as a pattern now! 

I had a few requests, so went ahead and did it even though I haven't had a chance to stitch it up myself.  So, if you do end up purchasing it, let me know how it goes as a pattern....if there is anything that could be changed.  I'm going to be enlarging my pattern when I do make mine, since it has a lot of details to it.    

Here's another FYI:  Fabric!

Alot of you know I've been selling my own fabric designs, printed by Spoonflower, in my my esty shop for almost a couple years now.  I've had a wonderful response to my fabrics (at least to me!) and I'm so grateful!  It's been a lot of fun for me to see others create their own projects with my fabrics.  So thank you all!!  When I do alot of fabric though, it can make things a little crazy for me on the homefront, so at times I've taken it out of my shop or just done orders by request.

Here's the important part.....(for some of you)  ;)

For the Holiday Season I won't be keeping the fabrics in the shop.  If you are interested in fabrics for Christmas gifts or projects, I'm leaving them in for the rest of the week,  maybe some of next week....depending, (?) but then I'll be pulling them for the remainder of November and December.  That way I can focus on family needs for the Holidays.  Plus, keep in mind that the fabrics are Pre-Ordered, printed by Spoonflower, shipped to me, then I ship to the customer, so it definitly takes a few weeks (sometimes less, sometimes more).

If you don't know anything about my fabrics, my Little Red Riding Hood and Many Mushrooms fabrics have definitly been popular, as well as the Favorite Dresses.  All of which I've been selling for almost a couple years now. 

I've always loved this little dress I made for Ava....cute for gift giving!

And this sweet skirt....

The Many Mushrooms fabrics are perfect compliments to the Little Red Riding Hood fabric....

Please keep in mind that Spoonflower fabrics are digitally printed and do fade with multiple washings.  I recommend using them on lightly worn or lightly used items and decorative items.

Once again, thank you for all the fabric support, please let me know if you have any questions about it, I'm happy to help.  

Speaking of fabric.....I'm having a blast looking at all the Quilt Market photos from around blogland!  Yum-O!  Too many to name, but I'm definitly liking a bunch!

Now, what to do about all this sugar in my house!  EEEEEEEEEEEKKKK!  (I'm gonna make myself sick.)

Tasha