The creative and generous Lyanna of Purple Panda Quilts has created a special, modern baby quilt in support of our November Project and is sharing the tutorial on her blog!
Thank you so much Lyanna! It's beautiful!
Friday, November 8, 2013
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Hopeful Threads - What, Why & How???
To try and sum up what Hopeful Threads is can be kind of difficult for me. While at Quilt Market, I was asked many times to do so, and the truth is, I never perfected my "elevator speech". This frustrated me a little at first, but the more I have pondered it, the more appropriate it seems.
I went to Market to help my friends and have the chance to meet in person and say thanks to so many that have supported the sewing outreach of Hopeful Threads. I was not there to intentionally promote Hopeful Threads, though was grateful for each opportunity to share. But the fact that I was unable to compartmentalize this community and the work we do each month...while awkward in the moment, actually makes me smile now. :)
There have been several posts I've written around here highlighting the "WHY", but I think this one does a great job of expressing my heart and desire for the impact of Hopeful Threads.
In addition....
Hopeful Threads is a community effort. While my family & I personally pour a lot into the outreach each month, we could not do all that we are able to do and give all that we've been able to give without the support & participation of so many of YOU!
Hopeful Threads is a choice. I do not sew out of obligation, it is my pleasure, and I hope the same for each person that participates in our Monthly Projects. It is a dream come true, a prayer answered.
Hopeful Threads is growing. We are rounding out our third year of sewing to give and each month I am blown away by the continued generosity and enthusiasm surrounding our projects.
I am reminded and inspired when I receive comments from participants about the positive impact that sewing along has had on them.......when a tutorial I have shared helps someone create a comforting or practical gift for a friend or loved one......when I receive pictures or messages sharing about our sewn items in action as they were made for. It matters. Every Stitch Matters.
Hopeful Threads....STILL a place to share your creativity in a way that helps another.
You can read more about how it all began on my "About Me" page and if you are interested or ever need a reminder yourself about the "WHY" of Hopeful Threads, you can always get a perfect glimpse on the "Recipients" page too. :)
Monday, November 4, 2013
Supernova Quilt Pattern GIVEAWAY! with 3 WINNERS!!!
So excited to share this special treat with you!!!
My friend Sarah from Fabric Seeds has just recently released her very first quilt pattern called Supernova. It is absolutely gorgeous and can be made in 5 different sizes!!!
This is one of those quilts that you just want to stare at. The design offers so much movement and a different perspective just by the angle from which you look at it.
In support of our November Project, Sarah is offering 3 of you the chance to win this beautiful pattern! Simply follow the Rafflecopter prompts below to enter. Giveaway generously open to all eligible! This is a paper pattern and will be mailed directly to the winners once address is verified. Winners announced/emailed 11/11/13 and expected to respond within 48 hours to claim the prize or alternates may be chosen.
Don't want to wait to see if you win? You can purchase the Supernova pattern for 20% OFF now through 11/16/13 using discount code "supernova". Find the pattern in the Fabric Seeds shop HERE!
Good luck to all!
Friday, November 1, 2013
November 2013 Monthly Project Announcement!
Like many of our Monthly Projects, this one has been in the works for a long while now. Melissa and I started talking about it months ago, and it's been especially interesting to watch it all unfold in ways we could never have expected or planned for.
For November's Project, we will be making quilts, blankets and lovies for the babies of the NICU at my local Children's Hospital.
This has been a long time dream of my friend Melissa from Sew BitterSweet Designs ever since her sweet daughter Anne received the comforting gift of a quilt during a hospital stay. Melissa shared that Anne was very sick, and they had to leave for the hospital without time to prepare and pack, and having a quilt waiting for them was such a blessing and comfort.
Being a quilter herself, she wanted to find a way to give back in this special way.
I have a local friend that is a NICU nurse, so together, we have designed the November Project to be one that will allow us to use our love of sewing and quilting to provide these comforting gifts.
For the November Project I will be collecting and delivering the following....
Newborn/Preemie Quilts
Sewn, Knit or Crochet Receiving Blankets
Security & Sensory Lovies like Tag Blankies
***SIZE UPDATE***
There are 2 sizes that would be great. 26x30 and 1yd square. Those would fit their 2 most common beds.Thanks!!
My nurse friend, not knowing our plans, just posted on Monday how great a need they currently have for these items. I am looking forward to delivering a BUNDLE of our fabric love that will provide the babies this special handmade comfort and hopefully encourage their caregivers at the same time!
Being that December is always a R&R month around here, this will be the final "official" project for Hopeful Threads' 2013 year. We've tried to include a way for anyone that would like to participate to be able to. Will you join Melissa & I for this project? We gladly welcome any and all participation!
I've updated our Project Badge and have created a November Project flickr album specifically to share our donation pictures.
Melissa and I have also been gathering ideas for tiny baby quilts, and you can find our "Baby & Preemie Quilts" Pinterest board here. There are also a variety of ideas for lovies in my "Soft Toys" board here.
Stay tuned for lots more inspiration and surprises to post throughout the month!
Are you ready for some Baby Love sewing??? Hope so!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
October 2013 - Project FINALE!
Today is the FINAL DAY of our October 2013 "Hat's Off!" Project!
I want to offer a special thanks to all of you that have sewn and kept this rolling while I was out of town. YOU ARE SUCH A BLESSING! I know each and every one of these hats will be welcomed and enjoyed!
Be sure and check out the great collection of hats that have already been made for donation to this month's project and add pics of your own to our October Project flickr album HERE.
While my current intentions are still to have the November Project ready to post in the morning....bear with me if it's delayed at all. In addition to getting back in our groove around here from mama being out of town and lots of sick littles, the kids are all excited about tonight's dressing up fun and tomorrow is my Hubs birthday, so lots of things going on right now. :)
More soon...
Monday, October 28, 2013
Sassy CIRCA Scrappy Sack!
Have you seen this fun Fishsticks Designs pattern?
This was my first time sewing the Scrappy Sack and my first time cutting into my beloved Circa fabric from Sis Boom, and I'm so glad to have paired these two! There are also some Sis Boom prints included from other collections, one of the things I absolutely LOVE about Jennifer Paganelli's fabrics is how beautifully they cross-coordinate!
This special bag is for my oldest daughter and not only does she love it, it is perfectly her style! From the messenger style strap to the gorgeous girly fabrics, this one is just right for her!
In addition to the multiple pockets on the outside of the bag, there is also a divided inner pocket perfect to hold pens, a mirror, lip gloss or other small, hard to find items. No having to dig around!
I did all of the stitching in a bold pink thread and was so pleased with the added touch it created.
Today is the last day of Market and we'll be homeward bound tomorrow. Can hardly wait to see my crew!!!! :) Hope you are all having a great start to your week!
Just a few days left to wrap up our October Project and we'll be kicking of a new project and our LAST specific sewing project of the year on Friday!!! You don't want to miss it....it's a very special one!
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Pattern Review - Pajama Party PJs from Fishsticks Designs
This is the first time I've made the Pajama Party PJs, but I can guarantee it won't be the last!
As a matter of fact, seeing as how there are 2 of this pattern that covers sizes from 12 months -14 years I'm thinking this might just be the perfect pattern for some gorgeous Christmas jammies for my crew this year!
All of the little details make this an unmistakably attractive sewing project. I loved the crisp, tailored finish! The cuffs on the arms and legs along with the pocket option allow for the perfect use of complimentary accent fabrics.
I chose to use plastic KAM snaps for the closure on this pair, but the instructions provided will walk you through using metal snaps or sewing buttons and button holes.
As with all Fishsticks Designs patterns, the instructions are very thorough, providing step-by-step photos for the entire process. A beginner seamstress willing to take his/her time and ready and follow would have no trouble at all sewing this sweet set! And I'm sure would be proud of and inspired by their finish.
SUMMARY
Sewing Experience Level: Beginner
Size Range: 12M - 14Y
Special Techniques: Sewing Elastic Casing for waistband, adding snaps or buttons, adding sleeves.
Pattern Format: PDF or Paper
Materials Used: The playful cotton fabrics I've used are from the Little Surfer Boy collection by Jamie Wood for Clothworks.
Personal Notes: Stunning finish with this pattern! Excellent, easy-to-follow instructions. Possibly to become my favorite PJ pattern!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
