Pillowcase Envy

Ok, I admit it. I got busted big time. Hannah dropped by the house unexpectedly and saw the latest monthly pillowcase I made Kiki. (I've been doing one a month for her freshman year at college.) So, Hannah asked about it and even asked specifically, "How many have you made her, Mom?" Dang! Direct questions deserve direct answers. "Eight," I told her. I could see her calculating the number I had made her, which didn't take long. Two.

Ya know, I didn't imagine the sibling rivalry thing to last past when they both lived at home, but how wrong was I? I want some pretty pillowcases too, she told me. For a minute there I could see her sweet, pony-tail framed little face at 5! But she was totally right. "Come by the shop and pick out fabric," I told her. She did and am I ever glad I had her pick it out! She chose fabrics that really surprised me! Especially the spring green toile. (Who decided how to pronounce that word, by the way? How weird is that!) She said it reminded her of the wallpaper at my Mom and Dad's lakehouse years ago. (When Kiki saw it later, she said the exact same thing without talking to Hannah!) So I got to work sewing pillowcases. And as if the 6 Hannah picked out weren't enough...

This week Kiki is at the beach on a retreat with BCM from North GA - and last week I got the bright idea to make coordinating pillowcases for all the girls in her villa - all six of them. Then I got the bright idea to embroider the year and other details about the retreat on the cuff - in glow in the dark thread no less! It took a while but it was well worth it; Kiki LOVED it and when I gave them to her she promptly "charged" the thread by the lamp and we ran into the bathroom and closed the door so we could see it glow. (It works!) So I have been sewing pillowcases like crazy! I still have three more to do for Hannah and then they are even...except for the fact that I just finished the beach one for Kiki. *Sigh* Back to the shop for more fabric!

Here is a shot of Hannah with some of the pillowcases I made last week, along with a close-up of the embroidered words on the retreat pillowcases.

Happy Sewing!

Beth

Baskets

I am finally getting around to posting some pictures of a couple of my baskets. Not all of them made it in front of the camera yet but this will give you a feel for them. The multi-colored one is made out of scraps from the quilt I made for the great room. I designed it to fit our TV remotes and it will look nice and coordinate with the quilt. Once I get it back from the shop, that is!

The second it for Hannah. It is for her ponytail bands, etc. She chose the style and the colors and was quite tickled. She got to visit with it but won't get to take it home until after my second basket class. She is suing for custody. I painted a wooden bead white and "fussy cut" fabric to decorate the lid handle. It turned out really nicely!

Happy Sewing!

A Brand New Blogger

So I have to admit that it was a boost to my ego to have one follower of my blog before I created it - who, by the way, is NOT my mother! (Thanks Lynn!) But that does put some pressure on me to actually say something worth hearing.

I am HAPPY that after months of working it on it, my website is at least up and running, if not fully complete. It will be interesting to see the response to a site that is a little two-faced (quilting and painting). I am hopeful it will bring in some business so I can continue doing what I love: creating art with paint and fabric and working at Tiny Stitches quilt shop in Marietta, GA. http://www.tinystitches.com/

Current Project: Using Susan Breier's book It's A Wrap II in preparation for a class coming up at Tiny Stitches on April 19th & May 3rd. For more info: http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/stores_app/calendar-event-view.asp?Shopper_id=6419471123336419&Store_id=667&page_Id=50&EventID=19243&year=2010&month=4
I am working to finish a child's purse and plan two other baskets before class starts - both for my daughter Hannah. The first is for her kitchen to hold fruit. (HINT: I got a plastic liner made to catch water under plants in the size I wanted for the basket. It will be the template I use as I make it and it will make cleaning a breeze! And since my daughter is like me I FULLY expect her to leave fruit to rot in the basket periodically! ) I will post pictures as I complete things.

Future Project: I am working to complete the pattern for the "Memories of Tuscany" apron, and following wise counsel, I'm working on a corresponding wall hanging too. I will be teaching the project on June 19th and July 5th: http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/stores_app/calendar-view.asp?Shopper_id=6419471123336419&Store_id=667&page_id=50&month=6&year=2010&calendarid=227

Turning on my sewing machine now!
Beth