Hello friends! I know I have been so out of the loop for awhile but I really appreciate visitors, new and old, and I'd love to be able to say THANK YOU! by offering a little sale in my etsy shop!
Simply enter COUPON CODE: CYBER20 for 20% off your entire purchase! The sale will continue thru Friday, Dec. 6th.
THANK YOU! :)
Have a wonderful week!
Tasha
Hello wonderful fabricy friends!! Thanks so much for playing along in my giveaway! It's truly so fun for me and I appreciate every single comment! I've read most of them and I swear I'll finish them up. Such a treat for me!
I used random.org to find my winner, but it did need a little tweaking. I'm kind of a stickler on the rules of the game, so I'm very sorry, but rule breakers don't get to win. As much as I appreciate your desire to win, there are others that do abide by the rules, so most importantly I need to be fair to them!
And sooooo, the winner is.....
Oh how I would love to win this!!!!!
Just a couple hours ago, I sat together with my sweet quilter friend
Cathy. She wants to make a quilt for the arrival of my surprise baby
girl in May. She had asked me if there is any fabric I would like to
choose and my instant answer was: The Simple Life by you!!!! I have been
eying it since it launched, not knowing that we would expect another
baby girl! and I have been following your insta since I discovered you
beautiful line. Cathy is an awesomely ( you might know her book: pretty
in patchwork, doll quilts) talented quilter and I am sure she would
create something magical Thanks for the chance to win!
Please contact me ASAP because you don't have a link or contact info! If anyone knows Verena, let her know!! Thanks! If I can't get a response pretty soon, I'll choose another winner.
As for SHOP NEWS:
I've added just a couple little things and wanted to share!
My little Reading girl from The Simple Life is now available in an 8X10 print for framing.
I've also added the embroidery pattern for Feeding the Chicks, which you can find here! I haven't stitched her up, but I had a few requests so there she is! :)
Here she is below...
I'll continue adding things to the shop that match The Simple Life. If you're waiting or wanting a particular thing (pattern or artwork!) from that fabric line, let me know and I'll hurry it up on that! ;)
Meanwhile, I'm happy to offer 20% off your entire order in my Etsy shop for at least a couple days into next week (Jan 22nd sounds good!) just to say thanks for playing along and making me smile. Simply enter coupon code HAPPY20 during checkout and it will automatically deduct 20% from your total order.
One tiny last thing...thanks for helping me with the name of that block! I think I had the most people say it was Shoo Fly! I'll get a little tutorial done soon! ;)
Have a wonderful weekend!!
Tasha
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
At the end of last week, my first strike-off's ever from Riley Blake landed on my doorstep! It was really exciting to get a little peek of what my fabrics will look like in person.
I only had a couple days to go over everything, write my comments, ask questions, (sneak in a mini photo shoot), and then promptly return them!
The fabrics aren't printed on the 'nice stuff', so quality isn't at it's prime, but with strike-off's you are supposed to be able to make sure color and printing is correct. I have some color adjustments, but that's it, so I'm happy with that.
My Laundry Day girl was the beginning point and inspiration for the rest of my drawings. As a lot of you know, I drew her over 2 years ago for an embroidery pattern, and shortly after as an illustration, both in my Etsy Shop. So it's really fun to see her in new colors and on fabric! She'll probably be available in the new colors as an illustration too....for matching, of course. ;)
I enjoyed thinking of all the different "Simple Life" tasks and tid-bits to incorporate into the fabrics.
Little chickies and hens, patchwork quilties, hay, apple trees, cute little people working and relaxing.....enjoying the world around them.
Buntings, flowers, gingham and polka dots for a fresh, vintage-modern feel.
I'm so thankful for this learning process...for all the patience, feedback, thoughts, ideas and support from the wonderful Riley Blake Designs. (thank you!)
EEEK! I can't wait! :)
Have a happy day!!
Tasha
(These square images are a part of the panel...there are nine images all together)
Hello! I'm so excited to tell you a little more about my first fabric line, The Simple Life. Here it goes!
The Simple Life seed was planted with the concept of Redwork in mind. Since I love embroidery and I love red, it was meant to be and my mind began racing with ideas! I used to clip things I loved from my Country Living Magazines before the world went crazy with the internet and had pinterest!.. I still have my folder full of clippings and Redwork quilts are among them, as well as red and white decor. I've always loved that classic, crispy look of red and white. In fact, one of the first pieced quilts I made is an all red and white pinweel pattern backed in red gingham. mmmm!
In my line, I have created a panel that would resemble a finished Redwork style quilt top.
Here's a closer look at the one of the squares:
'Fishing'
Redwork is embroidery done using red thread....'simple' as that! This art form is believed to have originated in Europe in the 19th century when a special dye process made it possible for the red cotton thread to be colorfast. This was an exciting discovery for women because now they would be able to embroider pretty designs onto linens that needed to endure daily washings. In addition, the cotton thread was affordable to the common person, unlike the silk threads that only the wealthy could afford. Suddenly, a popular trend was born and soon it made it's way to America! In dry good stores, 6" muslin squares that had been stamped with a design to embroider, were sold for a penny each. These were known as 'penny squares' and became popular for young girls to improve their embroidery skills. Completed penny squares were used to incorporate into pillows, quilts and various linens.
The design area on my panel squares are approximatley 6", just like a penny square. (The full square including polka dots or stripes is 8")
After Redwork had made it's mark, embroidery done in all blue, or all green or all purple or all any color, also became popular and it would take on the name of Redwork and be called, for example, Green Redwork or Blue Redwork OR just simply greenwork, bluework, purplework, etc...
When designing my panel, I knew mine would be Redwork, Aquawork and Pinkwork panels.
Here's a little peek of the pink and aqua...
Pinkwork Panel square
Aquawork Panel square
The panels are one full yard and will make a perfectly-sized baby quilt. You'll simply just quilt it up the way you like!
Although a 'cheater quilt' was the original thought for the panel, there are many different ways to use the panel and it's seperate peices. One thought for the panel is the option to embroider over the lines if you'd like to give it dimension and a handmade look. But at the same time, if you don't embroider over the lines, you still get that 'look' of Redwork. Aside from that, the options for the panel will be plentiful! When I actually get to sew with the panel, I'll be showing you some of my ideas. I am hopeful that I'll get to see some creativity from you too!
(please forgive some of the blurry photos....i promise your fabric will be crispy clear!)
I'm so fascinated by the whole Redwork movement, this wonderful tradition and art form of embroidery, so I hope that you liked the little history lesson. There is so much more information online if you like reading that type of stuff. (Just search 'Redwork'). I also hope it helps you understand a little more about my line and the thought process behind it.
Although I love everything red and white, I wanted COLOR in my line! It's pretty obvious around these parts that I love all things red, aqua and pink, so naturally this loveable color scheme was A MUST for me! My goal for the line was to be able to give new life, a new twist, to an oldtime favorite (Redwork) and mix it with fresh, modern colors and whimsical, vintage-style designs.
I wanted to experiment with my fabric, and since I don't have the real stuff yet, I put together a few little collages on the computer.
The fun of this line for me is having the option of doing all red and white projects, which would be in true tradition of 'Redwork', but then also to have the option of the colorful prints to mix in and change things up a bit. Either way, I'm excited about the possibilites!
And although I'm mostly girly in my designs, I did try to incorporate something for the little boys.
See?
Some of my scaling is off here and there, so I apologize, but I was having fun and I thought these little collages would give you an idea of how the fabrics will look together.
As you can see, the little people in my designs are doing tasks from a simpler time period. Hanging the laundry, Feeding the chicks, Picking apples, Hauling the hay..... you get the idea. I'm not saying that those tasks are easy or simple....goodness, I can't imagine doing laundry without a washer machine or working a farm and hauling hay or feeding the animals that are needed for your own survival....anything but simple. However, they do remind us of a life that seems simplified. Not all the hussle and bussle that so many of us (me!) are accustomed to. At times it sounds peaceful to get away from it all and live a less complicated life and smell the air while hanging laundry to dry or better yet....hand stitch a quilt in a wooden rocker on the front porch of a big country house.....oh ya, i don't have that design, but it sort of was sounding nice. I'm sure it wasn't as simplistic as it may seem to us who don't live it. But we can dream right?
So anyway, I hope you get the idea of where my thoughts were wandering off to when I was designing this line. Yep, simplicity folks....The Simple Life.
And there you have it. Well...in the summer you will.
And really truly lastly, but definitley not leastly, Thank You Thank You ALL so much for the wonderful comments you have left me on my blog and even on Pinterest last week....it certainly made me feel so blessed and happy! If you actually read this whole thing, (bless you!) please take 25% off your order in my Etsy shop by entering the code LIFE25 at checkout. That will go thru the Sunday, Feb. 26th.
Lots of hugs,
Tasha
p.s.
I'm not a historian or an expert on the Redwork era. Just did some reading about it and tried to explain it to the best of my ability and knowledge.
It's been a rather busy week and weekend for me, but beforehand I was able to do a little drawing and coloring here and there and this is what emerged, little by little. It's a simple scene, but to me it just looks so quiet and I like that. You know when the snow is falling and it's just quiet? The best.
Here, Little Bird
I'm so thankful I am able to draw and create, while staying home with my children. It helps out. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, and then Christmas quickly around the next one, I think it's a good time for a sale....to say Thank You! I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing if it wasn't for all the support and encouragment along the way. Family, friends and strangers have all been a part of where my little shop has taken me today. I love the online community and all the inspiration, friendship and support that comes with it. I've loved drawing and being artistically engaged in something my whole life! So, the fact that I get to stay home with my children and run my little art shop, is a blessing to us. So really, truly, Thank You!
Winter Pixie
For the sale, enter coupon code: THANKS20 at checkout (there's a little spot for it) and get an automatic 20% off your order. This is for embroidery patterns and paper products only.
The fabric is not currently listed in the shop. If you want fabric, let me know, I'll take custom orders this week. The sale will run all week....Nov. 14th - Nov. 20th. Then on Sunday November 20th, please stop by so I can share a little something with you! ;)
Again, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Have a happy week!
Tasha
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
I've definitly got Strawberry fever, so I've been busy with a few things to help! Firstly, I ordered some Annie's Farm Stand and have loved sewing with these fabrics. (Kerri is doing a giveaway on her blog for some of this delicious line, so you should hop on over!)
This apron is for Ava, and of course she won't wear it......yet! I very loosley referred to this tutorial, but also sorta made it up as I went. Maybe not the best method, but I figured it out.
We live in Washington state, so there was this little perfect part of the fabric for me to use in the waistband (see above). The crochet flowers are from Riley Blake and you can buy some in Kerri's shop.
I had the perfect vintage trim (from my mom), so I added some above the stripey ruffle. I love stripes!
I was particularly lazy for the apron ties and used grossgrain ribbon. Not the best photo, but you get the idea. ;)
I can't wait till Ava cooperates and wears this little bit of strawberry deliciousness!
Another way I got out my Strawberry fever, was to draw of course!
I came up with this illustration called 'Fresh Strawberries'. She is simple, fun and super sweet.
She's also available with a gray background.
A closer look:
She looks cute in a frame too!
Last, but not least....I had a great time sewing some Farmer's Wife blocks! Strawberry fabrics are mixed in here and there. ;)
ECONOMY {29}
POSTAGE STAMP {68}
AUTUMN TINTS {2}
My Growing Pile!
Now, I'm seriously thinking about Strawberry Shortcake......doesn't that sound good? Mmm.....maybe a good weekend treat.
Happy Creating!
Tasha
I'm happy to have completed my trio of little drawings called "The Quilt Shoppe Mini Series"!
This one was really fun adding in all the sewing details and getting to decide on more hair and outfit selections.
I also had fun switching around the scallop colors and the backgrounds....
Oh, the possibilities!
Here's a closer look:
What do you think? Do you like the cute colors or do you prefer something more nuetral?
Do you have a favorite? I surely do hope so!
For now, the pink and aqua versions are available in the shop!
Remember, my sale goes through Sunday, June 5th and it's for anything in my shop.....at checkout just enter coupon code FRIENDS30 for 30% off!
Now, don't you feel like sewing?
Tasha
I'm so happy it's spring, now we just need the weather to cooperate! The time change (which we completely missed on Sunday....oops!) already made my day better yesterday though with it staying lighter later. It makes the evening go by faster for me when I *think* it's still early....then suddenly I realize it's 6:30pm and I still haven't made dinner! (That part is normal though, so maybe that doesn't count.) But still, I sure love the extra daylight.
To celebrate, I think a sale is in order! I don't have access to my Photoshop right now, since my hubby is doing some computer updates/re-do's/change-over's(?) so I'll just have to dig up some things I've posted here in the past...sorry for the repeats!! I know, so lame. I even worked on some sewing the last couple days and I can't post any pictures. yet. That's lame too.
Anyway! About the sale......(sale ended!)
BUY 1 ILLUSTRATION, GET THE 2nd 50% OFF
OR
BUY 2 ILLUSTRATIONS, GET THE 3rd FREE!
All you need to do is this: (edited...etsy doesn't do their codes the way i thought!)
For the Buy One Get One 50% off: I'll refund your paypal the $10
For the Buy Two Get One FREE: Don't purchase the third, just tell me in the notes to seller which one you would like for the Spring Sale.
Thanks! :)
I'll keep the sale going all week, so please.....ENJOY! :)
HA PPY SPRING!
Tasha
