A Trio of Minis

Finally after all these ages I actually have something to post. Well, that is a misrepresentation, because I've been making stuff, I just haven't actually gotten around to taking pictures and posting about them. Case in point- these minis have been done for at least a month and I only just took pictures of them.

Minis are fun- give you a chance to try out different techniques, work with scraps and they are done so quick! The first one is made from all the Harmonies fabric I had left over from the shower curtain I made a few years ago. It measures 22 inches square and is listed in the shop.

The second I made with the scraps from Kennedy's crib quilt that my mom made. They were all triangles and I enjoyed trying out a new technique- a chevron design from triangles. Although I have to admit that I don't love piecing triangles and probably wouldn't do it again. It measures 20 inches square and Kennedy has claimed it for her doll/stuffed animals.

Last but not least is this little selvage quilt. I really love creating blocks from selvages and these were so quick and easy. Each square of selvages was 4 1/2 inches. I also did something different with the quilting- straight horizontal and vertical lines grouped together. I love how it turned out. This one measures 22 x 26 inches and is listed in the shop.

I backed all of them with a sheet, it is Roxy brand and thick but still silky smooth. Oh, and one more new technique- I experimented with sewing the binding down by machine, at first it did not go very well, but by the third one I started to get the hang of it.
So, hooray for quick little finishes and trying new stuff!

Heart Garland

(inpiration; darn that string hanging in the foreground)

I made myself a Valentine's decoration (perhaps my first ever or at least since Elementary School). I found a copy of Pride and Prejudice that was in pretty poor shape, which was the only way I could justify cutting up a book (I'm still feeling a bit like I need to go wash my hands/mouth out/conscience clean) and cut out a load of hearts. Then I layered them in 3's and sewed them all together.

After they were all sewn together I creased the the hearts along the seam for a little dimension and that was it! Fun and simple. So while I was at it I listed one into the Etsy shop too. Maybe you'd like one too, after all it is 100 feet of Jane Austen love.

Dear Ms Austen- please don't be upset that I cut up your book, I promise it was for a real good cause. Don't think of it as destrying think of it as upcycling!

My First Custom Order

Before Christmas a gal contacted me about making a table runner for her. She had bought a set of my Suburbia hot pads and wanted a table runner to match. She told me that the set would be for her daughter's 2nd birthday (she is getting a play kitchen). Which I think is a darling idea- must remember for Kennedy.

Luckily she didn't need it before Christmas, which would have been impossible, but I started on it the week I got home from vacation, and here is the final project. The 45 degree corners were a new and troublesome endeavor for me. But in the end I like how it turned out, especially those Ruby scallops for the binding.

So thanks Emily K for my first custom order!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale

(My contribution to dinner today, links- recipe and bunting printable)

Here's hoping that you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving with lots of yummy food and family.

I'm stopping in to announce that I'm having a sale in my shop this weekend.
Starting tomorrow morning (Black Friday) and lasting through Monday Night (Cyber Monday), shipping will be free for everything.
And for any order over $20 I'll include a free selvage ornament.

Happy shopping!

For Your Christmas Shopping Pleasure

I've been working hard the last couple weeks to get everything loaded into the Etsy store for the holidays. And I'm happy to say that I'm finally done. At least for now. Depending on how the selling goes, I may or may not add more.

If you're in the market for ornaments, Dear Santa Mug Rugs, hot pads or just want to browse around stop by the shop. Thanks!

Seriously So Exciting!

Last night I was speeding through JoAnn's picking out a yard of fabric before we needed to be to a dinner engagement I noticed the magazine rack. Now I'm not generally the type who will stop and peruse the magazine rack (not my thing) but this little one caught my eye.

(This isn't actually my picture all though I swear that I did see it and did take my own picture, blogger just won't load it so I had to go to the company's site to get this one, but click on it and it will take you to their site)

And in that instant I was reminded of correspondence I received 5 months ago. To summarize, the corespondent had seen and liked my selvage ornaments, and thought they could jive with a publication her company would be releasing during the holiday season. Would I be willing to submit one of my ornaments along with instructions on how to make said ornaments, for possible publication? Uhhh... YES!

I knew that the Simply Handmade Holidays publication had been released, but I hadn't seen it and didn't know if my submission had been included. So as I waited in the horrendously long line at the cut counter (behind a customer who was having yardage cut of nearly everything in the store) I thumbed through the bright holiday pages. And then yes, there it was...

My creation (and name) in print! Along with blog and etsy shop mention!

I began looking for someone to tell. Unfortunately all my fellow cut counter line customers were zombied out and less than interested in my few moments of fame.

"Instead of discarding the selvages on your favorite fabrics, turn them into a lovely handmade ornament!"

I'll take pictures I decided, so I can tell everyone when I get out of Zombieland. Commence rummaging through purse. More rummaging. Panic setting in. No phone! Ahhh... not only was I cut off from all communication but how could I share with no pictures!

The following two pages include the instructions with corresponding pictures.

Luckily for me and my about to explode self Travis showed up right then. Unluckily for me he was rather miffed that I was taking so long (and not answering my phone) and that we were on track to be late to our fancy dinner appointment.
But once I explained what was up, he was nice enough to give me a high five and snap these pictures while I paid for the fabric and we skedaddled. No it isn't a book with me as author/co-author, and it isn't my own fabric/pattern line, and it isn't like suddenly I'll start selling lots of ornaments, or dozens of people will start reading this blog, or that I won the lottory (because as they keep telling me if you don't play you can't win). However, in my little corner of the universe it's seriously so exciting!

Back By Popular Demand

I've been spending a lot of time making hot pads. And I've finally finished and listed them to the shop. Hot pads are fun to make, because I get to make and create new and different things without having to invest a lot of time and energy in a big project. And I'm improving, like using this technique for the bindings.

I've even paired a couple hot pads with dish towels as requested. These dish towels were a blast to make. For my ruffle inspiration see this link.

The only sad part to my story is that the Holiday House/Handmade Boutique isn't happening this year. I'm pretty disappointed, especially after all the work I put into it. But I guess that's just how it goes. On the plus side, I'll be listing the whole lot in the shop, so hopefully all that work won't be for naught.

And hot pads aren't the only things I've been working on, however, everything else is of the Christmas gift persuasion and I love surprises to much to risk letting them get out before the big day. But I can tell you that there is a lot of yellow and grey on my cutting table and despite my previous vows I've joined this swap. On that suspenseful note I'll leave you for today.

The One that Was Supposed to be For Me

After my post on pouches I thought I would make one for myself. But I wanted a wristlet. So I calculated and measured and sewed and ironed and stitched. And ended up with the most darling pouch (at least I think so). Then I went to put all my stuff in it (including my ancient cell phone) and... too small! What a bummer. But instead of losing sleep over it, I just decided to list it to the shop, so someone else can love it. Now I need to go back and re-calculate.

A Plethora of Pouches

I've been making pouches lately (a long with everyone else it seems). This one was a Christmas gift for my sister and was my first run at the Gathered Clutch tutorial.

The tutorial is simple enough that I whipped this out in a few hours of sewing. I like that the gathering details make it look more complicated than it really is.

I also used the the Gathered Clutch tutorial for this Mother's Day gift for my mom, I just modified it a bit. I pieced the front band, added a back band (also pieced), created uniform pleats, and added gussets for shape. The additions made it interesting and not nearly as simple. But I still love how it turned out.

Finally I made a couple card wallets for the shop. I used Stitchin' Post's Little Wallet pattern. They also whip up quick and are so handy.

May Card Group

May was my month to host our card group. It was an enjoyable evening making cards and visiting.
To decide what card to make that night I went to what I know- fabric. I love bunting and had so much fun picking out fabrics (mostly polka-dots). My original plan was the birthday card on the right. But I keep getting hung up on nautical themes so I made the card on the left. And gave the ladies their choice which to make.
For refreshement I made Lemon Shortbread Cookie Cups with raspberries on top and cinnamon roasted almonds. I hate to say it but they were both delisious!
That night after everyone went home I had extra supplies and whipped up a couple cards for the Etsy shop.

Cinnamon Roasted Almonds

1 cup white sugar
1/2 t. kosher salt
2 t. cinnamon
1 egg white
1 t. vanilla
4 cups raw almonds

1. Preheat oven to 250 deg. F. Cover a 13x18 inch baking sheet with parchment paper (or
grease well).

2. In small bowl combine sugar, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl slighty beat the egg white. Add vanilla and beat until very frothy, but not stiff.
Add the almonds and stir until well coated. Add the cinnamon and sugar mixtrue and toss until evenly coated. Spread evenly on the prepared pan.

4. Bake for one hour, stirring half way through. Allow to cool then store in an airtight container.

A Little Lovin'

I've been featured again over at A Little Etsy Love, plus a giveaway! If you want to win the pictured selvage ornament click on over.

ps. I've listed a few more selvage ornaments into the shop.

Just Add Milk and Cookies

I know that this project is either very early or very late depending on how you see the world. But I just had to make one of Jodi's mug rugs for Santa. This project was really fun and came together quickly. Now I want to go and make a few more, but how many does one family need? I can't wait for Kennedy to be old enough to write Santa a letter to slip in that little pocket.I used some of my Riley Blake, Be Merry fabric that I've been hording since last year. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to put some Night Before Christmas on the back of Santa's little rug. Also, note to self- next Christmas buy a mug and saucer to match, instead of a pink plaid one you've had since grade school.

Unrelated FYI- I posted some quilted note cards into my Etsy shop, so if you are looking for a unique card to send to the quilter/fabric lover/anyone in your life check them out here.

The Bibs are Cute, but the Model is Cuter

Come check out the newest shop additions.

Now in an Etsy Store Near You

It is true, I opened an Etsy shop. And honestly it was harder and more stressful than I thought it would be. But I persevered and my handiwork can now be found at www.nancynoodleshop.etsy.com

These pictures represent the three different Christmas tree ornaments that are available, although there are different variations. So please stop by and take a look around.

For now there are Christmas ornaments, but who knows what tomorrow may bring.

Oh, and if you'd like to win a selvage Christmas tree ornament stop by this blog later today.