Pink Fig Patterns

In September I was contact by Chelsea at Pink Fig Patterns and I am so glad she did! She has the most adorable patterns for girls clothing and I couldn't resist! I made Miss Vivian an outfit using the Darling Jeans no. 12 pattern & the Mia Top with the Flights of Fancy collection for Michael Miller. Amazing I found time to complete the whole outfit but it really went together great and I can actually brag that I finished it ONE afternoon. (This is virtually unheard of in my life, just ask my dearest husband) I will sheepishly admit I am jealous of women who can sew until the wee hours of the morning - I am hopelessly chained to this desktop. I am hoping to share more project inspiration and photography of mine over 2010. (I will keep posting this as a gentle reminder to myself :)

Rotary Cutting 101

Once mastered this technique is invaluable to quilting and sewing. Recommended Tools: Self Healing Mat Olfa 45” Rotary Cutter 6”x24” Non-Slip Ruler (This is a very versatile size that will allow you to create many different size squares and strips. An absolute must! I highly recommend Creative Grids – they are honesty the best and the most slip resistant, and they come in 6.5”x24” which will comes in very handy when quilting) ½ yard quilt cotton fabric *As always we recommend washing your fabric prior to use to allot for shrinkage. (Not as critical for bags/accessories etc) Also be sure to press your fabric. Begin... by folding the fabric selvage to selvage. Lay it on your mat, with fold closest to your body. (Don't perfectly match up the selvages, but allow the fabric to fold in half where it naturally wants to fall - this is likely a little crooked) Hand Placement: Use a firm pressure and spread your hand out wide, with your fingertips holding the ruler in place. Place your hand in the middle of the ruler at about the 12” mark so your pressure is evenly spread over the ruler. Note: Another way I do it is to use my forearm to hold the ruler down, but sometimes this makes all of the lines harder to see, and isn’t always easier on your back J Something to try later on perhaps! Now... Place the rotary blade flush against the bottom right-hand edge of the ruler and with steady pressure, run the blade from bottom to top. Be sure to keep the blade flush against the ruler at all times. Be sure no fingers are hanging over the edge of the ruler!! Very important!! Many proficient quilters have been injured this way so please always check your hand placement!! Voile! Zippity Boom Bang! You have made your first rotary cut :) See Cutting Strips for instructions on squaring up.

remind me, it is 2010

Speaking to the banker last week I requested to have some items in for the 2008 tax return...

Hmmmm Could it be that I missed 2009??? It seems like the year has swept past at a pace more rapid than usual, possibly and almost certainly due to the whirlwind of raising two little peanuts and running multiple businesses. I don't believe I have made mention of my dearest husband who is also finishing school which adds to the hours becoming minutes. So to my dearest readers, in 2010 I resolve to keep in touch and write more often. Please hold me to it!