alittlesweetness

fresh start...

I'm sure you're all ready to wipe my christmas post off the face of the earth by now, because even I am!  Obviously, I've thouroughly absorbed every ounce of holiday/family/vacation/vegging- out/pajama-wearing/sewing-whenever-i-feel-like-it time that I can possibly imagine, so here I am...attemping...to get back into the swing of things. ;)

Yesterday I finally worked myself up to put the Christmas things away, but I'm not ready to let winter go.  We don't get alot of snow here in the seattle area, mainly rain, but I wanted to pretend that we do.  :)

I simply put together my white trees that were scattered here and there around the house at Christmas time and then added some glass and white items from around the house to get the wintery look I wanted.  It's not perfect, but I like it. 

Of course I needed to add some snowflakes to my photos, because well....that's about all there is in these parts. 

I've kept the decorating around the house simplistic.  Especially this time of year when I want to feel decluttered after the holidays.  It helps me clear my head for a fresh start in the new year.

Over the holiday time, I focused on sewing projects that I really wanted to do.  Sometimes I have sewn things becuase I feel pressure to get them done.  Lately, I've only worked on what I felt like working on and it's been great.  I have a few WIP's sitting and waiting for their turn to be finished until I really feel like doing it.  (Sorry poor waiting WIP's!)

For example....I started in on the Scrappy Trip Along and I'm loving it!!  I wasn't sure about it at first, but I saw a couple things that inspired me and I've been non-stop on it ever since. 

I have 13 blocks done and can't wait to get to my 14th!

The blocks really do go together much quicker than you would think by looking at it. 

Here's a couple close ups....

It's so fun, I could see myself doing another sometime.  Not sure yet how big I'm going on this...just letting myself take one block at a time and making sure I'm enjoying it. 

I hope you all enjoyed a fabulous holiday season....

Happy New Year!!

P.S. I post alot on instagram too, actually much more than I blog....so if you're interested, I'm tashanoel1 there. 

merry christmas!

I did it!  I really did it! Yep, I started a christmas quilt this month and I actually finished it just in the nick of time.  Camille's Vintage Holiday pattern didn't disappoint and I'm in love with the finished product. (Thanks C, for the inspiration)! :)

It was really fun deciding how to do each oranament block...

The pattern calls for one patchwork ornament, but I did two because they were so cute!

(here's one of them...)

The other little alteration I made was doing the pinwheel.  A lot of the blocks centers are made up of half square triangles, so it really just depended on how you arranged them.  I did two pinwheels.

For the backing I found a super snuggly flannel at Joann's and it was absolutely perfect for this quilt!  I love the softness and extra cozyness it brings. 

This quilt is a big size.... 54"X68"....which is one of the largest that I've made.  It took a little longer for what I was used to, but I'm so happy with the result it was totally worth it!

Now we can enjoy it for the rest of the holiday season...I'm sure I'll have it out as looooong as possible!

Thank you SO much to everyone who has supported me this year through my Etsy shop, the beginnings of my fabric designing adventure, your friendship, encouragement, saying hello on my blog....everything!  It really means alot to me and I'm so very thankful! 

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!  :)

Love,

Tasha Noel

p.s.  all orders have been shipped!  ;)  thanks for your patience!

Holiday Tag-A-Long

It took me about 2 seconds flat to decide to make some cute tags with Amy and Kristyne.  In other words.....they had me at "Tag-A-Long". 

After my market sewing frenzy, it's a nice change of pace for me.  Something small, simple, and carefree.  Just because!

The only thing that held me back ever so slightly was the fact I couldn't find my eyelets and tools from our move, so I had to wait to get to Joann's. 

But these little cuties were worth the extra trip!

Time well spent in my book!

It was just the perfect thing for me....

Thanks for the great idea and inspiration to two of the cutest, sweetest girls ever!  And trust me on that one, they are.  ;)

Now go....go make some tags!

Tasha

news from the shop! {cyber monday}

I hope you have all enjoyed the beginning of the holiday season so far!  We loved our Thanksgiving break so much!  We celebrated with dinner at our home with lots of family and saw Wreck It Ralph beforehand (which was great btw!).  A little shopping, a couple of activities and lots (and lots!) of relaxing made it simply fabulous!  Life is not perfect, but there are always blessings to count and for that I am so very thankful.

I've got my Christmas decorating underway.....more to get done this week.  I'm feeling simple this year, so we'll see, but this is it so far....

As for the shop news, I'm really excited to be getting my paper items back in the shop!  I was having some printer problems, but also decided for a while that I didn't mind the break, so I didn't scurry to get it back and running.  But I'm ready now and so it's back!  yay!

Here's a tiny sampling from the shop of illustrations and embroidery patterns....

For CYBER MONDAY, please enjoy 20% off your entire order by entering coupon code CYBER20 during checkout.  Yay for coupon codes!  This coupon code is only good for today, but no worries, I'm promising at least a couple more sales by Christmas.  :)

Happy Monday!

yes, i'm still here....

I think I win the lamest blogger award, but I assure you, I'm keeping busy. ;)

This week my fabrics are arriving at shops so this is very exciting to me!  Especially with it being my first line.  It's also very strange, but I feel very blessed to be a part of such an exciting industry.  And although it's strange, it also feels very 'normal' for me to be doing this.  I've been drawing my whole life and have always had a love of creating.  I've sewn for many years, even back into my childhood.

My fabrics are a natural reflection of who I am and what I love.  I've always enjoyed drawing 'little girls' as my mom would attest to as they were always on the walls she says.  :)  My parents both are not surprised at all that my drawings consist largely of more 'little girls'.  Me and my sisters very often drew together with my dad's special markers.  We drew houses and families and yes, lots of little girls.  In pretty dresses of course.  :)  I loved children at a young age and loved babysitting, then worked at Kinder Care after high school with the toddlers and also was a nanny before I had my own children.  I've always been young at heart, (definitly don't feel my age), played with dolls way too old I'm sure (shhhh...), and I just love all things super cute.

If you want to find out a little bit more about me, I did a little interview with the Jolly Jabber about my new line The Simple Life, that you can read here!  It was really fun, thanks Jolly Jabber!  :)

In other news, I finally got my first real quilting sewing machine!  It's a Pfaff Expression 150 and so far I'm loving it.  I'm really excited about this one since I know it will last for many many years and give me the results and ease of quilting that I've been wanting.

Here I am testing it out....

Yep, it works!    

Which is a good thing with fall market just around the corner and I've been starting on some projects.  (If you're going to fall market, let me know!) 

Here's all my trimmings... kinda pretty huh?

I rearranged my sewing area so that Ava can hang out with me more comfortably while I sew, so here's a little table with my stuff and her stuff.  :) 

And see how I'm molding and shaping her correctly?

Happy Wednesday!

Tasha

the real deal + a giveaway

It seems it's been ages for me to wait, but I've finally recieved my first real deal batch of The Simple Life!  I have 2 yards of each print and the panels to start sewing things for fall market.

And I can't waaaiit!!!! 

It's so very soft and lovely!  I couldn't be happier with the end result.  Everything looks perfect!

This line is going to be just darling for fall time, with it's vintage style and little country images.

Red colorway

Pink colorway

Aqua colorway

If you would like to have some of The Simple Life, leave me a comment telling me what you do to keep things simple in your life (when things get too crazy!) or if you have a tradition or words of wisdom passed down from someone that helps you get through the busy times...something that helps you relax and enjoy the simple things in life!  Please share, I want to know! 

When I get my bolts here this month, I'll send you either a fat quarter bundle or a couple yards of your choice. 

If you've ever purchased from my my little shop before, you are welcome to a 2nd entry!! 

Giveaway will go through Wednesday, September 5th...that's my kids first day of school. 

(quiet cheer!!...yaaaay!!)  ;)

I'll be so excited to start sewing!!!

I hope you will be too!

Tasha 

road tripping hexie stitching

Our family enjoyed an end of summer road trip to Montana, where my parents were raised and I was born.  I wanted to see my Grandparents, who I haven't seen for many years and are at the end of their life here on earth.  I was so happy to visit with them and also let my kids see them too.  My grandpa (their great grandpa) told the kids stories about his cowboy days, showed them his chaps and spurs and branding tools, and they loved it.  Definitly worth the trip.

All along the way, everywhere we went (that I could) I took my little suitcase of hexies. 

It really helped with the car time and it was the perfect thing to have when we were in the outdoors and the kids were playing.

For example...While they did this....

and this....

I was able to do this!

My parents came with us everywhere we went during the week, which was so great to have the extra company.  I loved having all the attention on me and my family!  :)  Plus, my mom ooh's and aahh's at all the little sewing projects I show her.  The best confidence booster!  :) Thanks Mom!

One thing my mom gave me while in Montana, was this gorgeous vintage quilt that my other grandma had.  She passed away about a year and a half ago.  My mom almost gave it away, but couldn't ever do it.  Then, finally she knew why...that it should go to me. Thanks again Mom. ;) 

I love it so much!  Isn't is so cute!?!?!  It's in really good condition and hand stitched with pink thread!  SEW CUTE!

Our family loved being in the outdoors and doing some fun things around town as well.  Montana is so pretty...we loved every minute!

We also loved our first taste of Cafe Rio and went back a 2nd and 3rd time!  All of my family has lived around a Cafe Rio except us, so we've only heard about it and my family has made it for us before but this was our first real restaraunt experience.  YUM-O!!  I want more. :)

So...Back to hexies. 

By the end of our trip, I actually got a lot of hexie stitching done....at least for me.  Kerri had made me a cute little stack of hexies on our beach retreat so that really helped me have a good collection to work with.  Thanks Kerri! ;)

And I still adore my little needlebook from Amy.  Thanks Amy!  I always get compliments on it.  :)  Go to Amy's needlebook tutorial if you want to make one.  The hexie flower above is made with 3/4" hexies.  

These are tiny 1/2" hexies.

Lastly, I'm so proud of myself for figuring out (sort of!) instagram.  Finally!  On the way home I did my first little photos and it's so fun!

See my traveling in the car photo?

Now how cute is that?  And it was certainly entertaining enough for a road trip.

Come back next week and I'll have some fun news to share!  ;)

Tasha

the beach..

I just got back from a fabulous and relaxing beach retreat with all the adult girlies (and one sweet little baby!) on my husband's side.  And it was SOOOOOOOO FUN!!!!!!!

It was so amazing to sit and relax and stitch while enjoying the beautiful ocean right in front of me!

My spot

Cute 3/4 inch hexies.....love this size!

Kerri and I in our stitching spots as the sun was going down....

We did a little photo shoot together and decided red, aqua and white should be the colors to wear.  Shocking, I know!  ;)

Here's all of us!

Here's me.  (I know, a little cheesy, but we were having so much fun!)

Me and Kerri

We also loved being silly and dancing on the beach!

Basically, we did whatever we wanted!  We shopped at cute little antique stores, watched chick-flicks, had a campfire, watched shooting stars at 1 am!, stitched and sewed, stayed up late, slept in, painted our nails, relaxed, played, took pictures and giggled and laughed all weekend....it was wonderful!  It's amazing what a little 'girl time' can do!  Such rejuvenation and memories created.  I loved it!!  (Can you tell?!?!?)

I'm ready for next year!

*sigh...*

Tasha  ;)

p.s.  i'll be out of town again all next week, so the shop will be closed!!

Grannies and Annie

Today I finished up my Granny squares and I'm super excited!  I'm so glad I didn't let this one go on and on and on.  Yes, it's been known to happen. 

All 20 Grannies done!

The Grannies were so fun to put together and with needing only 20 blocks, it went pretty quick.

Now, time to get cutting the sashing!

I can't believe summer is going so quickly.  I think because of our move and a couple work related things for my hubby and I, we got a late start.  One little thing that Ava and I did a couple weeks ago was going to the Children's Theatre nearby to see the musical Annie. 

Annie was (okay...and still is!) one of my all time favorite movies.  I have no problem enjoying it anytime any of the kids want to (or agree to) watch it while I sew or make cookies.  I love it.  When I was young, my siblings and I would have contests to see who could sing "Dumb Dog" the best.  My parents owned a Dairy Queen for a little while, and we would sing in the microphone after closing when it was time to help clean up.  We always did our helping.  (I think). But we sang too.  Not that ANY of had/have decent singing voices, but we managed pretty well when it came to singing Annie songs.  

We had a wonderful night.  It was the first real mommy-daughter date we've had, just her and I going to a specific event that only the two of us could truly enjoy...and she was completly captivated the whole time!....it was perfect. 

Grannies and Annie. 

The End. 

Now, time to clean up and eat real food. 

C-ya!

Tasha

enjoying...

Yesterday was a fun day for me.  Being a work-at-home-mom, I don't often enough venture out with just the kids and me.  Most the time our outings are on the weekend when my husband and I are both home.  Even then, like on a Saturday, sometimes I'll be finishing up orders or when Ava was littler and was napping and the boys would want to go to the skate park or something more geared to their liking, I would stay home while my husband took the boys to do something.  Now, here we are this summer and I'm so glad to be moved in to this house, (still lots of boxes and things to be organized, but we can function), 2nd fabric line complete (yay!) and the shop is on low key (no paper itmes right now)...so I get to enjoy!!  :)

Since we have a cousin staying with us for a couple days, just for fun, I decided to take the kids to Northwest Trek.  It's kind of like a zoo, but more like a nature and wildlife experience.  It's in the mountains, but just about 30 minutes from our house, so it was the perfect outing for me/us.

The cool thing about Northwest Trek is that you get to go on a tram ride for about 45 minutes and see the animals up close!  That bison was licking bugs off the tree.  ik!  But the kids thought it was funny. 

We saw elk, deer, bison, a couple fawns (so cute!) rams, a moose, caribou (baby's too!), racoons...lots of good ones and the kids loved it. 

After the tram, there are other animal exhibits to visit.  Not as many as a typical zoo, but it was really nice just to be outdoors enjoying nature and watching the kids excitement. 

We went into this little discovery center and the kids got pretty silly with the animal puppets. 

Afterwards, we got frozen yogurt at our favorite place, but I forgot the camera in the car.  shucks.  The kids loaded up their cups! 

Oh, and me too.  Heehehe. ;)

Have an ENJOY-able day!

Tasha