alittlesweetness

getting there

We've had a slightly busy last couple weeks and now we're finally on the downward slope.  We moved into our new house one week ago and also had lots of family in town for the 4th.  

On the 4th we went to the zoo together....22 grandkids/cousins worth.  That's not counting adults and grandparents and I don't feel like doing that math right now.  It was alot and we did get separated here and there, but we had a great day. 

That night we had everyone over for a BBQ and the boys played music on the front porch before we did fireworks.  They play really well, but decided we wouldn't disrupt the neighbors for too long.  Nobody complained so I think we were good. 

My oldest son, my nephew, one of my brothers and my dad all play guitars.  It's really fun to listen to them and I love that my sons think my dad is the coolest grandpa ever.

Did you know that teenagers still like to text and play on their ipods and phones, hide from the camera and give their mother attitude when everyone else is busy partying the night away? 

Well, let me just confirm that for ya.  They do.

Jeepers....Kids these days!!

So, I'm starting to feel a little organized in the new house and we're loving it so far.

Here's Ava playing in paper from unpacking the kitchen.

Here's the family room starting to take shape.  I know it's going to take a bit of trying things here and there to finally see what works.  That's ok though, I like experimenting. 

Finally, I got a quiet moment before my parents left town and got a picture of them with my kids.  One kid in particular always pushes the envelope when it's time to cooperate for photos, but this one was the best so I'll take it.   

P.S.

Thanks so much for all those who snatched up my fabrics I listed in my shop!  I'll be getting those off this week.  Thanks for waiting!!

Have a wonderful week!

Tasha

a moving sale

This week we'll be finishing up the packing for our move.  As I've gone through my Spoonflower fabrics, I realized I actually have more good pieces than I thought!

I've had a few inquires lately for smaller pieces of fabric, which I don't normally offer anymore, so I went ahead and cut up a bunch of fat quarters for the shop.

I also was able to put together one charm pack (28 5" squares) that has most of my Spoonflower designs.  There are a few missing.  There is 2 of each, except 3 of Little Red on white and aqua.  Then I've added in 4 of my favorite coordinates.  2 red polka dot and 2 aqua stripe.

Please note that Spoonflower fabrics are digitally printed and will fade with multiple washings.  I recommend only using these fabrics for lightly used/washed or decorative items only. 

I thought with these newly unburied fabrics and me moving, this would be a great time for a little sale in the shop!  To recieve 25% off your entire order, please enter coupon code MOVING25 during checkout.  The sale includes ready-to-ship fabrics and embroidery patterns.  (I don't currently have paper items in the shop).

I'll be sending off patterns within the normal time frame, however fabrics purchased will not be shipped until after the 4th of July.  If you are desperate for your fabric before that, please let me know and I'll do my best to accomodate. ;)

Meanwhile, I'll be packing!!!!!!

Have a wonderful week!

Tasha

little bits

 I know I've been a bore lately...sorry!  There hasn't been a lot of time for anything other than packing to move and finishing my next fabric line.  I've been able to sneak in some little bits here and there to stitch some hexies when I've been out and about....waiting for this or that.  Carrying a few supplies in my purse has been very handy. 

See how tiny they are?

And sew very cute!

I really love this soft buttery yellow.  I do have a plan with these...like my last ones.  I still have my other little flower to put to use....and I will!  Hopefully I'll get pictures when I finish up the projects for these. 

They're so quick and fun, I love making them!

I thought I'd show you this vintage quilt I found on our mini road trip home from Spokane a few weekends ago.  I love to stop at this place called Thorp where they have fruits, vegtables, other foods and treats and then there is a couple stories above of antiques.  It's really cool!   

When I spotted this cheater hexie quilt, I knew it was going home with me!  It's about a twin size so I can't wait to display it on Ava's new bed when we move.  

Ava spotted this vintage Raggedy Ann doll and wasn't letting it go!  She needs some TLC, but it'll have to wait for now.  Pretty cute huh?

One more tiny thing to share.  As I was innocently browsing this magazine while waiting in the grocery store line, (this super amazing quilt by Elizabeth Hartman of Oh, Fransson! on the front caught my eye!), I contemplated if I should buy it or not (i had a very full cart! = $$), as I flipped to the end of the magazine where the ad's are, I almost closed it.  And then....I saw my little fabrics in the corner of a page! 

I did a double take, but sure enough, they were mine! 

Thank you Fabric Shack in Waynesville, Ohio for making my day!  (eeek!)  No I didn't tell the grocery clerk, but I secretly wanted to!  Yes, I know, it's a tiny little ad, but it made me smile. 

So, taking this new found information into consideration, I did purchase the magazine. 

:)

Have a wonderful week!

Tasha

granny business

Since getting braces a couple weeks ago, I've been in an uncomfortable state.  It's getting better the last few days, but it's strange and awkward.  Still very glad to have them though.  I'm very tired of yogurt, smoothies and soup and I want real food.  Sigh...not quite there yet.  Thank goodness Junior Mints melt in your mouth.

Fortunatly, sewing doesn't need chewing.  So I've done some of that in the form of Grannies. 

Finally, some more are done and I'm over the half way point. YAY!

Here's my mess.....

It's not too bad and I can't let it be either.  We are moving in a month, so my sewing will be needing to be at a minimum.  We're not moving far, just across town a bit, but it's still a lot to do.  Plus, I'm working to complete my second fabric line....hopefully before the kids are out of school in a couple weeks and the craze of moving sets in.  Eek, that's a lot, but I know it can be done!

Even if my diet is mostly smoothies..... And yogurt. And soup. And junior mints.  Oh, ice cream works too.   

Better clean up those scraps!!

Tasha

wild thing and sweet thing

Wild Thing is officially finished!! yippppppeeeeeee! 

A couple weekends ago, Kerri and I were able to have a little sewing time when our hubbies went camping with all our boys.....we have 8 of those between the two families!  We took the 3 girls with us to dinner and shopping and then watched girly movies while we sewed.  It was really nice to have the quiet time and get our quilts done!

Wild Thing is a really fun pattern by my darling friend Camille of Thimble Blossoms.  I love how my quilt turned out!

Lately, I've gotten a few cute pictures of my little sweet thing, Ava, and experimented around a little with different looks in photoshop. 

These 2 are Pioneer Woman's B&W....

This one below is Pioneer Woman's Heartland (i think??)

These 2 colorful ones I used the Pioneer Woman's Boost.

This is my favorite new little outfit I got from Target for Ava.....LOVE!!!!

Pretty sweet if you ask me!  ;)

Have a great week!!

Tasha

my mini market ~ spring 2012

As you know, I didn't attend Spring Market since The Simple Life wasn't ready for printing in time.  At the last minute I was given a small amount of strike-off's to be able to come up with a few little projects for a "mini display".  I was thrilled that there would be something at market to represent my line, even though I didn't have every print and I only had a little to work with.

Here's what I came up with:

The Simple Life Pillow:

Riley Blake has the cutest trims to add to your projects. 

 

The Happy Tree Pillow:

Loving this sweet ruffly crochet lace....

 

The Farmer's Wife Mini Quilt:

 

And a little drawstring bag with a tiny felt doll:

I made up the drawstring bag and the felt doll tutorial is from Charla Anne.

 

I've also spied a couple of photos of my little wall hanging around on the internet....

(Photo from Fat Quarter Shop)

I am happy RB was able to create that cute little bunting and an adorable quilt from my red panel. 

(Photo from Precut Paradise)

If you see any other pictures around, please let me know, I'd love to see! 

So I'm pretty happy with the way it ended up turning out given that I didn't expect to have anything there at all.  Thank you so very much to the girls at Riley Blake for making such a darling display!  I love it!

Tasha

the happy and the sad....

Yes, there is happy and sad news!  I hate sad, but sometimes sad just happens, right? I'm just glad that my sad news isn't something much sadder.  See, already something to be happy about.

The sad thing is that I won't be going to market!  Waaaa!  (yes, that was a baby cry...)  :(  I was really looking forward to my first show and being able to meet (in person!) some amazingly talented friends.  However, with some troubles in the strike-off phase, it just wasn't possible.  I know....WAAA!  Can you pout with me?  Please!?!

Okay, so the happy?  (And yes, I soooo needed some happy) 

I was lucky enough to get some small pieces of good strike-off's back to create a few projects for a small display at market.  I'm thrilled that although I had already decided not to attend, since I didn't think I was really going to have a display, I'll actually end up with a little wall of stuff at the Riley Blake booth!  Yay!

I didn't have long to come up with some little projects and it was challenging as well since I didn't have every print in the line and some prints I only had mere scraps.  So I did my best to represent the line and worked with what I had. 

Do you know how hard it was to not have any red polka dots!!  They're a staple item in my stash.  Thankfully, the solid red was a great substitute and brings across that simplicity of this line and the theme of Redwork. 

I'm just giving you some sneek-peeks until after Market next week.  Then I'll show you everything I made and hopefully be able to get some pictures taken of the booth. 

I loved doing so much hand stitching for these projects.  I love embroidery and this line is perfect for lots of hand stitching. 

At the last minute, I remembered about Charla Anne's little felt dolls, so I quickly whipped one up before sending everything off in a big box to Kansas City, Mo.

I hope it all makes it safely and on time.  Crossing fingers, saying prayers.  Be safe cute little projects!  (eek!)  That makes me nervous.

So, although I'm so sad I'll miss seeing so many of you and miss seeing my little wall of happiness, I'm so glad at least a little bit of me will be there.  (In the form of fabric creations, but still...)  If you see my wall at the Riley Blake booth, please (PLEASE!) take a picture for me!!  I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Meanwhile, I'm going to still be pouting with a bag of some sort of chocolate.  Any sort is fine with me.  Especially in desperate times.  Not to mention, my husband and 4 boys will be camping over the weekend.  Hmmm?  Maybe a perfect time for shopping.  And nail painting. And chocolate.  Oooh, and uninteruppted sewing time!     

See you next week!  And if you're going to market, be safe and have fun!

Your sad and happy friend,

Tasha 

still here!

Yep, I am still here!  My life hasn't been too exciting lately, just taking care of the day-to-day things.  I've enjoyed doing things like making dinner and walking to the park with the little one's.  Sometimes I just feel like I need to be more available and a break is in order.

Like enjoying ice cream cones on a warm Spring evening....

and watching my son do his stuff and the skate park...

I also wanted to take the opportunity to make some baby blakets for babies in need, so I was able to round up a few friends from church to get that done and it was wonderful and fun!  (Thank you ladies!)

I took pictures in about 3 minutes and 27 seconds flat, so they aren't the best, but the blankets were super cute....

and super cuddly with fluffy, snuggly backings...

MMM!  They turned out adorable!

Since then, my 9 year old broke his arm while also doing his stuff at the skate park....he's also a rollerblader.  He always wears a helmet, but this time left the wrist/arm guards in the car.  (of course!)  We enjoyed getting Menchies frozen yogurt after a Dr. appointment...especially him...look at that bite!

yes, he ate it all!  (and needs a hair cut...)

I'm also thankful I was able to help my sister, who has needed round the clock help since she had back surgery a few weeks ago.  She has 4 young children, and she can't do any bending, twisting or lifting anything over 10 lbs for 4-6 weeks and she's moving slowly.  I stayed for a couple nights this week and will go another day next week.  Unfortunatly she lives a little over an hour away, and with the kids in school I can't be there everyday, but thankfully she's getting the help she needs. 

I loved holding this little fella, the one I made the quilt for.  I thought it would be a good time to get some photos.  :)  He's simply sweet and adorable!

For the most part, that's been what I've been up to!  I'll be getting back on track shortly though and hopefully have some new projects to show you.  If you're waiting for orders, I'm working on it.  ;)

Thanks for peeking in!

Tasha

*Edit* P.S.

I also went to this most adorable and amazing party with Ava!  Take a looky....it's so cute!  :)

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

little bitties....

So, it's Spring Break and I've got lots of to do's with kids home, a baby shower to help with and Easter quickly approaching!  One thing I'm working on is some little bitty hexie flowers....

EEEK!  I'm in love!

I had fun pulling pretty springy fabrics for these!

These are tiny 1/2" hexagons, which I got at Sew Deerly Loved.  I don't see them in her shop, so maybe ask if she still has some not listed. 

And what are they for? I'll leave that part a surprise....heehehee.

But I can't wait to get these little bitties all done!

I'll be taking the week off of any extra blogging and shop to do's....just going to focus on kids and projects, but just for kicks, (and although I won't be shipping anything off this week) if you'd like a little spring discount at the shop, please enter COUPON CODE: SPRING20 at checkout for 20% off your total purchase.  This is for paper products and embroidery patterns only. 

Happy Spring!!

Tasha