Plaids and Prints

Valentine Heart Pillow Pattern.

Just download the appropriate size for your screen.

Then right click on the image and set as your desktop background.

Valentine Heart Pillow Pattern

2010-01-19T12:17:00.002-06:00

Here is the PDF file for the

Let me know if you have any questions!

Craft of the Week: Valentine Heart PIllow

2010-01-18T16:53:00.005-06:00

Valentine Heart Pillows

Just like those cute little candies we all love for Valentine's Day.

They are a perfect little gift for your kids, or someone you love.

Write whatever message you want.

They would also make a fun decoration for your home during this 'loving' time of the year.

The free pattern for the Valentine Heart Pillow will be up tomorrow.

I love...

2010-01-15T10:58:00.003-06:00

These days, I can not get enough of the color purple.

Anyone with me?

I never thought I would.

But, I have a new found love the combination of various shades of purple.

Valentines Day Cards

2010-01-14T16:05:00.008-06:00

Instead of buying your child's Valentines Cards from the store this year,

print these out at home!

Here is a colored set that will be all ready to write on. So easy!

Click here to download.

Or, here is a black and white set that your child can color.

Click here to download.

Just print them out on cardstock, or back with construction paper.

You could even hole punch them to slip a lollipop through.

Children's Coloring Page

2010-01-13T19:11:00.002-06:00

Here is a simple coloring page for your child.

And the best part, it will look adorable on your fridge.

Download free template here.

Postcard for Market

2009-10-06T13:12:00.002-05:00

I think I am all ready to go...

See you there!

Family Tree Project

2009-10-05T12:16:00.003-05:00

I just made this template for my sister to use for a project she is doing.

Thought I would share it with you, as it would be a fun fall project for your kids!

Have them color in the tree and leaves, and fill in the names.

Enjoy...

(download printable version her e)

Quilt Market

2009-10-05T10:16:00.002-05:00

It's October...

For quilters that means Quilt Market!

I am excited to go and see.

I love to explore the aisles and see what everyone else has been working on.

I am excited to share.

My new fabric line, Flutter.

I have made a couple of quilts and other projects that will be there.

I will be there on Saturday, mainly in the Windham Fabrics booth.

Love to see any of you there!

Polka Dot Baby Blanket

2009-09-11T10:16:00.010-05:00

Polka Dot Baby Blanket

26" x 32"

Simple..Cuddly..Polka Dot..Warmth

This blanket will be your baby’s favorite. It is so easy to make.

Choose your favorite color and make one today! Or three! They are that easy!

They also make wonderful baby shower gifts.

Materials:

1 yard of a 54” colored fleece

1/4 yard of a 54” white fleece

CUT

From the colored fleece, cut:

2 - 26 1/2" x 35 1/2" rectangles

THE BLANKET

Trace 14 - 4" circles onto the wrong side of the white fleece. Cut the circles out exactly along the traced lines. Layout one of the colored fleece rectangles right side up. Place the white circles in the desired location on the colored fleece. Pin in place. Sew around the circles along the edge, on your sewing machine, using straight stitch and white thread.

FINISHING

Layer the two colored fleece rectangles, right sides together. Sew around the outside leaving a 4” opening, backstitching at the beginning and end.

Turn the blanket right side out. Hand stitch the opening closed.

Top stitch the blanket, 1” from the edge, using a straight stitch and thread that matches your fleece.

Project from Baby Love.

After a busy summer...

2009-09-07T13:12:00.002-05:00

Life can be busy when you have three little ones to take care of.

Summer especially.

Ours included a move across the country,

from Omaha to Boise.

It is never an easy thing to do.

But we are finally settled.

Starting school.

Finding all the things that will make Boise feel like home.

Life is beginning to feel normal again,

which means I can finally get back to what I love.

Being creative.

One of the things I love most about what I do is that it is flexible.

When I need to take a break from it,

I can.

Which is very important since I am a mommy.

They come first.

But I am so thankful that when things slow down,

I can express myself creatively.

New Fabric Collection...Flutter

2009-09-01T13:09:00.007-05:00

Introducing...

Flutter

My latest fabric collection with Windham Fabrics.

Check it out here.

Girly, but not over the top.

The large butterfly print is based off of a vintage feedsack.

I really like the look of mixing vintage and modern prints together.

I love butterflies, and have used them in many of my quilt designs.

There is just something about their simple beauty.

(My daughter Belle with a butterfly)

I made the quilt for the free project featured on the Windham site last night.

It was fun to work with the fabrics, although I had very small quantities.

Can't wait till I get some yardage!

Fat Quarter Shop has preorder available for bundles...

SHOP NOW

Traffic Jam in Stores

2009-06-01T20:59:00.003-05:00

You should now be able to find

Traffic Jam

at a quilt store near you!

If you can't find it there,

check out Fat Quarter Shop.

They have even put together these adorable bundles...

New Fabric Collection...Yay!

2009-03-16T12:41:00.004-05:00

I am excited to announce my new collection...

An adorable boy line of fabrics.

Cars, trucks, and planes, mixed with stripes and dots.

All in a classic boy color scheme...

Check out the whole collection, here!

Tweet Tweet

2009-03-12T10:24:00.001-05:00

I have joined the Twitter nation.

Follow me at:

http://twitter.com/plaidsandprints

Quilts and More

2009-03-02T09:16:00.006-06:00

Pick up the Spring Issue of Quilts and More magazine and find a project made be ME! I love Quilts and More, it is always full of a range of projects that are easy enough for a beginner quilter. And there are other fun sewing projects as well.

Here is the picture of my quilt, Optical Illusion:

I made the quilt using my fabric collection, Charm Bracelet. Don't be fooled. It may look like intricate piecing, but it's actually fast-and-easy applique on a classic Snowball block.

My New Love

2009-01-29T09:28:00.005-06:00

I love presser feet.

For those of you who are non-quilters, those are the attachments on a sewing machine that holds the fabric in place while stitching.

I used the ruffler presser foot for all of the quilts in my book, Frills.

Somehow my ruffler was damaged, and I went to get a new one...

The lady at the Bernina store asked me if I had ever tried the Gathering foot.

I had not, and so she gave me a demonstration.

I am in love!

I made this pillow with my new gathering foot.

I love the texture that it gives to the fabric. And it was so easy!

Give of Yourself

2009-01-13T14:43:00.003-06:00

Kidz Quilts pledges to provide quilts to children around the world who are in need due to circumstances beyond their control. They believe every child should have his or her own quilt. Due to poverty and natural disasters, children world-wide are left to face the elements on a daily basis. They have made it their goat to help them stay warm and show them they care by wrapping them in quilts.

Make a quilt to donate today, and...

make this year the year you make a difference!

Baby Love Community

2009-01-12T12:20:00.003-06:00

Making a baby quilt?

Need some help?

Want to show it off?

Head over to this Connecting Threads community to share ideas and have some fun!

Out with the Old, In with the New

2009-01-06T20:33:00.003-06:00

My Blog and my Website are now ONE

Past, present, and future. Browse the archives, shop the books, have something quilted.

Be the first to know when my new fabric collections, books, and magazine articles are coming up.

I am excited to have one place to put all of my creative energy.

Leave feedback.

Ask questions.

Email me.

I love teaching people.

If you have a question about quilting, I am here for you!

Plaids and Prints Quilting Books

2009-01-05T19:49:00.000-06:00

Baby Love

by Allison Jane Smith

$21.95

16 Quilt and Sewing Projects

There is nothing more special than welcoming a new baby into the world. What better way for a new mother to prepare for the arrival of her baby, than making a beautiful quilt. Baby quilts are an amazing way of creating an heirloom that your child will treasure forever. The projects included in this book range from simple baby gear projects to beautiful quilts. Make something special for your little one today!

Simplicity

by Allison Jane Smith

and Hollie Ann Milne

$21.95

12 Quilt Projects

The twelve quilt patterns included in this book are super easy, while still being beautiful. Simplicity is perfect for quilters who are just beginning, as well as experienced quilters looking for a fresh, old-fashioned style.

Frills

by Allison Jane Smith

$18.00

8 Quilt Projects

Add an extra layer of love to your quilts by adding ruffles and gathers to your blocks! Eight fun new patterns that are different than any other quilt you have made before. Learn a new technique and have fun!

Sweet Nostalgia

by Hollie Ann Milne

$18.00

8 Quilt Projects

Eight delightful quilts that will instill memories of days gone by, when life seemed simpler. Most of these quilts can be made with fat quarters. So it is time to unfold those bundles of fat quarters you have been collecting and make a new memory for future generations.

Bloom

by Allison Jane Smith

$18.00

8 Quilt Projects

Bloom is defined as coming to life.

I have created eight simple quilts that combine a fresh style and old-fashioned flair. This book is full of fun patterns for all different levels of quilters.

Stop by for a chance to win a free copy!

A Fresh Start

2009-01-01T10:12:00.002-06:00

I love the start of each new year.

A moment for reflection.

A hope of a better year to come...

Growth, change, love, and laughter.

Goals and priorities.

Enjoying the simple things in life.

The dream of what we can become.

Happy New Year!

Fun Gifts for Kids for Christmas

2008-12-07T20:29:00.012-06:00

I love classic toys. Anything wooden, preferable non-noisy, and something they will truly play with. Here are some of the toys that are on our lists here this year:

Picture Block Puzzle

I can remember loving these when I was a child. I am excited to see my children playing with it. I found this one at Pottery Barn Kids.

Sprig Vehicles

I am in love with this! It is adorable, and made out of recycled plastic and wood. Perfect combination! Find them at Chasing Fireflies.

Felt Playhouse

I bought this for my daughter and am going to fill it full of sewing supplies! Cute and functional...Find it at Wisteria.

Pull Along Dog

What a fun toy for a little one. I love the blues...so sweet. Find it at Babystyle.

Monster Under the Bed Bomb

How funny is this guy? It is a stuffed animal(?) that you place under your child's bed to keep a look out for monsters.

Gifts for your Mom

2008-12-03T19:51:00.013-06:00

Hooded Robe

This robe is as cozy as it gets. Anyone would love one!

Find it at Kashwere.

Cashmere Blend Gloves

Soft, cozy, and classic. Find them at Banana Republic.

Real Simple Magazine Subscription

I love this magazine, and love to give it as a gift.

It is actually full of good ideas to make your life a little simpler.

Homespun Throw

This beautiful throw from Anthropologie would make a fun addition to any family room.

Vintage File Folder

This pretty file folder is the perfect match of beauty and function. Find it at Wisteria.

Christmas Gifts for the Hostess

2008-12-02T20:37:00.006-06:00

I love Christmas shopping...

in fact I usually end up buying way too many gifts for my kids.

I love buying and making things that I know will be the perfect gift.

So I thought I would share some of my finds...

Here are some fun ideas for hostess gifts:

A Greener Christmas

This book is packed with fun projects and ideas for decorating and gift-giving, all in an eco-friendly way. Find it on Amazon.

Sweater Slippers

These slippers are the perfect treat to slip on during the cold, winter months.

Check out the different colors at the GAP.

Peppermint Bark

Yum! Williams-Sonoma always has tasty treats for the holidays, and this is an annual favorite.

Eat it on its own, or melt it into your hot chocolate.

Snowflake Napkin Rings

Any entertaining hostess would love a set of these napkin rings from Crate and Barrel.

ABC Ornaments

These adorable ornaments are a fun way to add a personal touch.

They are from Anthropologie, and for $6 a piece, wrap up three for the perfect gift.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T19:53:00.002-05:00

Happy Halloween!

Sewing Class

2008-10-25T21:47:00.005-05:00

My daughter Belle turned six in September.

For her birthday we bought her a sewing machine.

She was excited, I was too!

On Friday we had our first official sewing class.

We made a "B" pillow.

She picked out the fabrics and trim.

I cut.

We sewed together.

She stuffed.

I think we both had fun!

I am excited to have a little sewing buddy.

Baby Love Giveaway!

2008-10-22T20:24:00.004-05:00

We are having a Baby Love giveaway

over on the Jolly Jabber blog,

from the girls at Fat Quarter Shop!

Frills

2008-10-15T07:31:00.005-05:00

This is my book called Frills.

It teaches you how to add ruffles and gathers to your quilt,

which I think gives an extra layer of love to any project.

It is really not as difficult as you think.

Some of the projects included in the book were completed in a couple of days.

It is available online here.

Stores:

This book is a great way to teach your customers something new.

Bernina stores have done very well with this book,

when they pair it with the purchase of the ruffler and hemmer presser feet.

This book is still available from the following distributors:

Checker (PPB 905)

United Notions (PP 905)

Petersen-Arne (PNP 905)

Brewer (PNP 905)

Quilt Stores

2008-10-14T22:51:00.003-05:00

Every quilt store has its own personality.

Bright, Primitive, Soft...

The possibilities are endless.

There is a such a wide variety of styles within the quilting industry.

Sometimes we come along a store that matches us perfectly.

Have you found yours?

What is your favorite quilt shop?

My To Do List

2008-10-14T22:29:00.004-05:00

Short Term To Dos:

Send out Information to Stores about Baby Love

I am not going to Quilt Market this time...going to try the more Direct Marketing approach.

Go to the Pumpkin Patch

We have an amazing pumpkin patch just a few miles from our home.

Design Quilt Patterns for my Next Book

8 down, 4 to go...Should be ready for Spring.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

I love these!

Work on Design Ideas for a New Fabric Line

I love playing with colors and designs...

Long Term To Dos:

Read Real Books

I have started reading Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen.

I would like to read all of the classics...

Budget Money Better

Don't we all these days?

Start Exercising Again

I got off track during the summer, and haven't found my way back yet.

Totally Organize

I go through spurts of organization...time to go through the cupboards and drawers again.

Branch Out my Business

Maybe something outside of the quilting industry...

What is on your to do list?

Love Food?

2008-10-13T22:11:00.004-05:00

Food is one of my favorite parts of life.

I love to eat.

I think about what I will eat for dinner,

while eating lunch.

Bread, cheese, chocolate....a few of my favorites.

My little sister, Joy, is a fabulous cook.

Baking is her specialty.

Needless to say, I love when she comes for a visit.

Check out her blog for amazing ideas!

I am Back

2008-10-11T21:00:00.004-05:00

After a little break,

I am back ready to blog...

My husband and I were able to go on

our first real vacation since we started our little family

six years ago.

It was amazing and relaxing.

(other than my bike crash, riding down a volcano)

I have a lot to catch up on....

So, I am back and feeling more creative than ever.

Little Man

2008-10-05T17:46:00.005-05:00

It can be difficult to find quilt patterns for baby boys. I really tried to keep that in mind when I was working on Baby Love. One of the quilts in the book is called Little Man. It is a quilt consisting of twelve different shirts that your little man may wear in his lifetime.

Here is just one of the blocks...

To see the rest, buy your copy of Baby Love...

Stores: Checker now has the book in stock!

Off to La La Land

2008-10-03T23:12:00.004-05:00

I am excited to say that I have a week of sun and relaxation ahead.

I am going to try to keep up on my posts while I am gone.

I have become quite fond of blogging everyday.

Although I usually have nothing profound to say,

it is something I look forward to.

Something to work towards....

Happy October

2008-10-02T22:11:00.003-05:00

Yet another crafty project for my daughter, Belle's school.

Tonight we had to decorate a scarecrow.

I love these projects...

Happy October!

I'm in Love With...

2008-10-01T22:02:00.005-05:00

Project Runway

Seriously, I think I need to become a designer.

Just kidding. I think...

But it does seem so fun!

My favorite is Leann.

She is imaginative, creative, and always adds a lot of hard work to every piece.

I can't wait till next week.

Who Likes a Giveaway?

2008-09-30T22:21:00.003-05:00

True Cuddles

A New Website

that Sells Amazing Baby Products

is Celebrating their Upcoming Launch

with a Giveaway!

Check it out!

Buy Baby Love Now

2008-09-29T21:39:00.004-05:00

Baby Love

is now available on

Colorful Kisses

Check it out!

5 Things I Love Right Now

2008-09-28T21:18:00.011-05:00

Morgan & Milo Shoes

I love them! So adorable.

Perfect for running around on the playground.

Orla Kiely

Anything that she creates.

Pricey, but amazing. A girl can dream...

Jack Johnson

I listen to his music all the time.

Soothing and fun all at once.

A Cookie Scoop

I love making cookies,

but I hate the messy hands from rolling the dough.

This solves that problem while making perfectly even cookies.

Copperwood Mirror from Anthropologie

Ornate, yet subtle.

Not too expensive...

Have a Large Wall?

2008-09-27T20:31:00.004-05:00

Fill it with the alphabet.

I have a very large wall in my children's playroom, and I couldn't figure out how to decorate it. Nothing seemed to work. Then my mom had an idea. Build a large alphabet out of a combination of all of the letters out there. We used some from Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, and Pottery Barn Kids.

Here's how it turned out...

Perfect!

Wow! A Day Full of Excitement

2008-09-26T21:25:00.006-05:00

Ten Six-Year-Old Girls

One Birthday Girl

Pajamas

Pizza

Movies

Bracelets

Sounds like a Pajama Party!

A little crazy, but worth it to see my daughter have SO much fun!

Also, I received my Baby Love books back from the printer, and started my shipments.

So exciting!

And...I received my final proofs back from Windham Fabrics today for my next fabric line,

TRAFFIC JAM

It is a fun line, full of cars, trucks, and tractors in the classic boy colors.... It should be ready to preview at Market in Houston at the end of October.

Yay!

A busy day!

Look at This!

2008-09-25T20:52:00.006-05:00

My AMAZING sister-in-law

has an ADORABLE company,

Colorful Kisses

that makes PRETTY hair clippies

and CUTE appliqued onesies.

Check out the onesies she made using Charm Bracelet...

Check out the onesies and all of her other

PRECIOUS products here.

All of her products are handmade and one-of-a-kind.

Countdown to Baby Love

2008-09-24T18:29:00.003-05:00

My printer called me today to tell me that Baby Love is going to be finished on Friday.

I am so excited! I have been working on the book for two years. Kinda off and on. I had a baby fifteen months ago so I have been taking it easy. So it feels very good to finally have a finished product for all those months of thought and work.

Stores:

Moda / United Notions has already pre-purchased the book, and it is available on their site. (Item # PP 908)

I am sure the other distributors will be soon to follow as well.

You can also pre-order from me directly, and I will ship them to you as soon as I get them. Just email me or call me.

Also, Fat Quarter Shop has also pre-ordered, and so look for it on their site soon!

I Am...

2008-09-23T15:29:00.007-05:00

I am...me! A little silly...but striving to be a caring, genuine person.

I'd like to think...I will someday make a difference in the world.

I've become...a wife to my best friend and a mother to three amazing, beautiful kids.

I think...too much!

I know...there are still a lot of lessons life will teach me.

I want...to lose those last ten pounds.

I have...a very strong addiction to chocolate.

I like...creating. I feel lucky that I am able to share it with others.

I wish...I could perfectly balance my life.

I hate...mean people.

I miss...those people that I love that I see not nearly often enough. We've moved way too often!

I fear...that the days and years will go by too fast.

I feel...happy when I see my children having fun.

I wonder...what my children will become.

I regret...some things I have said before thinking.

I love...my family. I am learning that they are what life is all about.

I always...leave my laundry until the last moment.

I am not...a good liar. Sometimes a good thing, sometimes bad.

I believe...people treat you how you treat them.

I don't always...get everything done that I want to.

I win...because I am super-duper competitive.

I lose...and realize there are other people out there that are better than me.

I never...knew how amazing my mom was until I became one.

I listen...to my daughter learning to read.

I am scared of...horror movies. I hate them!

I read...magazines, quilting books, chick-lit, and fiction. I think I may start reading the Jane Austen novels again.

Fajita Marinade

2008-09-22T13:38:00.003-05:00

We love mexican food in our house. We have tried to make fajitas many different ways, and this marinade is by far the best!

Marinade:

1/4 cup olive oil

1 t grated lime rind

2 1/2 T fresh lime juice

2 T worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 t ground cumin

1 t salt

1/2 t dried oregano

1/2 t ground black pepper

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 can chicken broth

Place your chicken or beef and half the marinade in a plastic bag for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. Turn it over occasionally.

Place your onions and peppers in another plastic bag with the rest of the marinade.

I like to cook them in a non-stick skillet over the stove. I cook the meat, and when it is almost done I throw in the vegetables.

Wrap them up with cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.

Yummy!

Happy Fall

2008-09-21T19:55:00.007-05:00

With Fall just around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect time to offer a leafy desktop background. Enjoy!

Bloom

2008-09-20T11:02:00.007-05:00

Just thought I would share with you one of my books from a couple of years ago.

Bloom was my first book. It was a very exciting time for me. Entering into this amazing, wonderful industry. A lot has happened since, but I still love this book.

It has eight quilt projects included, as shown below.

One of the favorite projects from the book (also the cover quilt) was called Sugar and Spice. I made the quilt using the Little Sniffles hankies from Moda.

Keepsake Quilting sold hundreds of kits with the book and the hankies, so if you have a store, it might be a fun idea!

And for all you crafty quilters, I still have some of the hanky packs and the book available on my website store.

Bloom is available to order from me or these wonderful distributors:

Checker (Item #PPB-101)

United Notions (Item #PP 101)

Brewer

Petersen-Arne

Little Birdie Dish Towels

2008-09-19T12:25:00.005-05:00

Here is a fun, easy project!

Make your own dish towels.

I started with some beige woven fabric. Cut a rectangle, 18" x 22".

Next, cut a piece of coordinating trim at 18" long.

Sew it along one of the 18" edges.

I then hemmed the other three edges.

Then choose your favorite applique shape.

I used the birds from my Sweet Birdie quilt project.

Applique them on using fusible web.

Stitch around the edges using matching thread.

All Done!

It seriously took me an hour at the most to make both towels!

Anyone want a kit?

Email me if you are interested!

What is Plaids and Prints?

2008-09-18T11:53:00.002-05:00

I love this wordle...

It was a fun way to combine all of the thoughts in my head.

What would yours say?

Blog Challenge

2008-09-17T13:40:00.004-05:00

I am challenging myself to blog everyday for 30 days.

I have so many ideas, and would love to share them with you!

Anyone want to join me?

Leave your blog address in the comments,

and I will be sure to check it out!

Check back often! Hopefully it will be a busy month....

Three Cute Books

2008-09-08T18:31:00.011-05:00

I love children's books.

I love reading them, and looking at the illustrations.

I even like to decorate with them. A stack here and a pile there. They have amazing color, and they have a purpose!

To make my kids smarter :)

Here are three of my favorites:

If Kisses were Colors

by Janet Lawler

Illustrated by Alison Jay

The Younger Brother's Survival Guide

by Matt

Illustrated by Lisa Kopelke

The Ivy and Bean Series

(#5 Arrives October 8)

by Annie Barrows

Illustrated by Sophie Blackall

What are your favorites?

Baby Love

2008-08-31T19:50:00.007-05:00

I am proud to announce that I am DONE with my new book,

Baby Love.

I am very happy with how it turned out. I hope that you will too!

I just need to have it printed, and then I will be ready to ship.

Here is a preview of the cover...

Linen, Buttons & Grosgrain

2008-08-22T12:58:00.005-05:00

Isn't this quilt beautiful?

I love the simplicity of the cream linen, combined with the complexity of covering the entire quilt with beautiful antique buttons. It was then bound using coordinating grosgrain ribbon.

It was made by an amazing quilter, Lori Weigel.

It is truly a unique quilt, that I will always love.

Charm Bracelet Bundles

2008-08-19T10:31:00.004-05:00

Charm Bracelet Fat Quarter bundles now available!

Yay! I love the Fat Quarter Shop. They are this amazing fabric shop online. They offer all of the new fabrics fresh from our favorite designers. They even make their own fat quarter bundles for our convenience. They have always carried my books, and I am so happy that they are carrying my fabrics.

This is their second batch of bundles, so hurry before they go out of stock again!

My New Favorite Thing

2008-07-07T18:19:00.007-05:00

I love this baby food! My baby loves this baby food. With my Baby Love book coming out in a couple of months, I thought I would share some of my favorite baby products. Plum Organics is definitely one of them. I always hated feeding my babies the Gerber meat baby foods. Something about the texture was just too much for me. This was my answer! Tonight Felicity enjoyed the Turkey with Potatoes, Spinach and Rosemary. It smelled good enough for me to eat. The texture is a small, chunky consistency. They are frozen, and all you do is pop them in the microwave. They have twelve yummy flavors to choose from. You can find them at Target! And best of all, they are organic. Check out their website for more information...I couldn't finish this post without mentioning my wonderful high chair. I LOVE it! It is from boon, inc., which is an amazing company that specializes in modern baby products. This high chair is easy to clean, and looks great! They have a lot of other wonderful products as well. Check out their website for more information... (not my baby)

Did you Know?

2008-07-01T14:31:00.003-05:00

Did you know that Sophie Kinsella is really Madeleine Wickham?
I love reading the silly guilty pleasures that "Sophie Kinsella" has put out over the years. From the Shopoholic books, to Remember Me?, The Undomestic Goddess, and Can You Keep a Secret?. I have loved partaking in these funny, quick reads. She definitely has the chick-lit nailed down.

Now come to find out that there is another whole bunch of books out there by the same author! I spotted The Gatecrasher at Target today. Which is when this whole realization happened.
Has anyone read any of the Madeleine Wickham books?
I might have to give them a try.

Sweet Birdie Quilt Project

2008-06-26T07:11:00.007-05:00

This Sweet Birdie quilt pattern is available as a free download at Windham Fabrics website. It is an adorable little quilt, that would be a perfect addition to a little girl's nursery. And of course, it is made entirely with Charm Bracelet fabrics.

A Little Taste of What's to Come

2008-06-20T19:38:00.004-05:00

For the past few weeks I have been working like crazy on my upcoming book, Baby Love. I want this book to be a resource that new mothers can flip through and gain inspiration on ways to create beautiful things for there baby. I think that the time during your pregnancy is such an amazing opportunity to create something special. During that "nesting" phase, what could be better than spending a little time on something that you and your baby will cherish. Whether it is a blankie, a quilt, or this simple onesie above. Nothing can be more special than a handmade gift.
Which also means that this a perfect book for those crafty people that like to give handmade gifts to those they love.

I am hoping to have the book completed by the end of the summer. I am almost done all of the projects, and am right in the middle of putting the instructions together in a cute, easy-to-follow way!

Simplicity...sold out!

2008-05-29T14:09:00.002-05:00

Wow, I just shipped out my last order of Simplicity books.

I am excited that this book has sold so well!

I guess I need to get to work on this next book!

In My Head Right Now

2008-05-27T13:23:00.003-05:00

My trip to Portland was wonderful. I had the opportunity to sit down with the wonderful people of Windham Fabrics, and we came up with some amazing possibilities for upcoming fabric lines. I came home feeling very inspired. I am trying to get all of my ideas down on paper right now.

I have decided to focus my designs on babies. I seem to always gravitate towards this type of design, and when I am designing anything else, I am fighting against myself. I am going to try to maintain a "modern baby" feel to all of my fabrics and quilts.

I started to seriously quilt when I was pregnant with my daughter, Belle. I think that this is probably the time that most women would start. We have that natural urge to "nest", and quilting is a wonderful way to prepare for your baby.

I am completing the projects for my next book. It seems as though I have been working on this book for a long time. But, I am determined to have it finished by the end of summer.

Off to Quilt Market

2008-05-16T08:33:00.002-05:00

I am off to Portland, Oregon to go to Quilt Market.

They have this convention twice a year....

It is the time for people who make things to meet with the quilt stores that will sell them.

Hopefully a lot of stores will like my new fabric collection,

Charm Bracelet.

I am excited to go and see it all!

My Sewing Machine Cabinet

2008-05-14T14:03:00.006-05:00

I cannot imagine piecing a quilt without my sewing machine cabinet. Since it has a cut out for the sewing machine, it is the perfect height, and allows for a smooth large surface to work on.

BUT

They are always made out of fake wood laminate, and come in white or wood-like. Not so pretty.

I decided to cover mine in simple brown craft paper. I used mod podge to adhere it to the table. I then stenciled a design on the front and top of the table to give it a little detail. On the inside of the cabinet top I used blue tissue paper. Then I added some glass knobs.

Although it is not perfect, I like that it has a little bit of character now.

More Wall Art Ideas

2008-04-28T14:07:00.005-05:00

I bought this "S" at anthropologie. When I ordered it I thought it was going to be a little larger than it was. It was a little bit small for the space that I wanted to hang it, so I decided to add a frame around it to give it a little more presence.

I love the wall art that you can find at Land of Nod and Pottery Barn Kids. They are a fun way to brighten up a child's room walls. I found a frame at a flea market last summer, and it just happened to be the right size to hang around one of the "paintings" in my daughters room. It was a fun way to dress it up, and add a little more drama.

My Little Etsy Shop

2008-04-25T12:43:00.002-05:00

So I decided it was time to open up a little etsy shop. I have lots of kits for quilting and sewing projects, and so I thought that this would be a great way to offer them! Maybe I will even sell a quilt every now and again.

All of my projects are always very easy!

Check it out...plaidsandprints.etsy.com

Free Desktop Backgrounds

2008-04-15T19:52:00.000-05:00

My sister-in-law Sarah suggested to me to have designs available to download as desktop backgrounds. I have included three in this post and will continue adding more monthly!

Let me know what you think!

This is one of the fabrics from my new collection, Charm Bracelet.