I just have to say that it was really fun to read all of your comments about who you would make this quilt for and what color schemes you would do it in.  

You guys have some great ideas!  Many of you mentioned one fabric line, in particular, that you would love to use for "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe".  So, I contacted that company to let them know just how much you love their fabric and now you can all look forward to another fun giveaway next month with another much coveted Layer Cake!  That's right, I hooked you up!  I'm not going to mention any names yet, but let's just say that you will love it!  It's PURE loveliness.  So, stay tuned for that

.   

Anyways, it's time to announce our winners.

Our first place winner is #106:

 Ferne, who said...

"I am proud to be a follower of your blog. Great ideas here!"

Ferne, you just won yourself a brand new Bliss Layer Cake and your very own copy of "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe!

The next three winners, will also receive a copy of "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe", as well as a little Gem Pack [consisting of 12 fat eighths of fabric]. 

All fabric prizes were donated by the lovely Lanie Jane. 

The winner of the "red, black and white" themed gem pack is #26...

Leila, who said... "I posted your give away on the side bar on my blog under 'give aways'"

 The winner of the "polka dot" themed gem pack is #188...

Deb, who said... "I can totally see this as a boys quilt. But I also really like the large squares to show off a bit of quilting."

And last, but not least...

The final winner (of the little girl themed gem pack) is #179.

 Aaron and Dawn Graf, who said... "I think i would try it in Blues and Yellows, I'm into those colors right now. Cute quilt!"

Please send me your mailing addresses, ladies, and I will get these prizes right off to you!

If you're sad you didn't win, head on over to my shop.  Things are on sale for a short time:)

Thanks again and have a wonderful day!   

Latest project

There are always lots of new projects going on around here.

 

This one is for my neighbor who just found out she has breast cancer.

It's from all of the women on our cul-de-sac.  I finished putting it together late last night.  I got a dark brown dot minky to back it with [for extra warmth while she goes to her chemo treatments!]  We're praying for you Chris!

P.S. If you haven't entered my latest giveaway, there are 2 days left.  Don't miss your chance to win my new pattern, a Bliss Layer Cake and one of 3 Gem Packs. 

Click HERE to enter.

A NEW PATTERN [Let's Celebrate!]

I feel like I haven't had any finished projects to show lately because I've been trying to keep a few things under wraps...until now!  I've been working on 3 new patterns and the first one is ready to start giving away [but of course if you want to buy one then you can just click here.]

I'd like to introduce you to...

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe

[a Layer Cake pattern]

This pattern is perfect for beginners.  It would be so cute on a child's bed or even hung in a playroom. 

I'm dying to make it up in every color scheme...boy colors, brights, and vintage too.  Can't you just see it?

 

But, I really love this pattern because it can be made with or without the numbers, making it very versatile. 

It's scrappy, fast and fun and I hope you like it!

It might even be cute made-up in this Bliss Layer Cake...

which I want to give away [to one of you!]

My new friend, JoAnne, over at the online fabric store, Lanie Jane has donated this [much coveted] BLISS Layer Cake for one of you, my awesome friends!

She also donated some of these cute little "gem packs".

These gems measure 11" x 18" and are so dang cute.

There are 3 different themed gem packs. 

Red, Black and White:

Polka Dots:

and little girl:

Each pack has 12 gems in it, making 1 1/2 yards worth of fabric in each one!

Since there are 3 gem packs I think I need to pick 3 more winners! 

Here's the run down on this fabulous giveaway:

1st prize: Bliss Layer Cake

2nd, 3rd & 4th prizes: Gem Packs

And, of course, every winner will receive their own copy of

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe 

There are a couple of ways to enter. 

Leave a separate comment for each entry.

1.) Just leave me a comment telling me how you would make up

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe if you could

[like whom it would be for, where it would be displayed, what colors, etc.]

2.) Be a follower of this blog.  Just leave a commnet saying "follower!"

3.) Go give JoAnne at Lanie Jane some love for donating these wonderful fabric prizes.  Place an order or become a follower.  Come back and tell me what you did.

4.) Spead the word - blog about this giveaway on your blog or website and leave me a link to that post.

I'll pick the winner Monday morning!

Good luck!

{Chocolate Mint Brownies}

Before I give you the recipe for these scrumptious, mouth-watering delights, let me first tell you that the original recipe comes from Callie over at the wonderful blog, called Make It Do.  Check out Callie's "Famous Mint Brownies" tutorial for pictures and tips on how to get each layer silky smooth.  I've made just a couple of minor tweaks to Callie's recipe though so I'll put the recipe here (how I make it). 

Note: My version includes a cream cheese mint frosting and a small clarification on the ganache.  If you're not a cream cheese frosting-kind-of-girl (or boy) then you'll want to follow Callie's recipe for sure.

CHOCOLATE MINT BROWNIES

(Recipe for 1 1/2 times is in parenthesis)

Whisk together:

1 c. melted butter (1 1/2 c.)

1/2 c. cocoa powder (3/4 c.)

And then add:

2 c. sugar (3 c.)

4 eggs, beaten (6)

1 tsp. vanilla (1 1/2 tsp.)

1/2 tsp. salt (3/4 tsp.)

Mix well and then add:

1 1/2 c. sifted flour (2 1/4 c.)

Stir in by hand.  Do not over mix.

Pour into 9 x 13 pan sprayed with cooking spray.  If making 1 1/2 recipe pour into Baker's Half Sheet (large cookie sheet.)  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 - 28 minutes.  Cool for a few minutes and then place in freezer for 20 minutes.

While brownies are in the freezer make first layer of topping.

Cream Cheese Mint Frosting:

1/2 c. butter, softened 

4 oz. cream cheese, softened 

2 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract

Green or pink food coloring (optional)

This frosting recipe will work for either the 9 x 13 or the baker's half sheet of brownies. 

Mix thoroughly.  Evenly frost brownies and put back in freezer for 20 minutes.  Make chocolate ganache top layer.

Chocolate Ganache Topping:

1/2 c. unsalted butter (3/4 c.)

1 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 1/4 c.)

Melt and wisk together.  (I melt them together in a Pyrex measuring bowl in the microwave for one minute.  Be careful not to overheat.  It won't look melted but once whisked it is.)  Drizzle warm chocolate over brownies and spread smooth with a spatula.  Put back in freezer for another 20 minutes.

Enjoy!

(Rae Ann,  I stole this picture from you.  You took better pictures of my brownies than I did! :)

Seriously. It. Was. Awesome.

I wish I could do that every day.  Yesterday was so great.

Lori Holt is seriously the master. 

There was a few moments yesterday, at the class, where I honestly felt a little overwhelmed, but once I got going it was the kind of thing that made me want to jump up and down.  Really.  Like I was trying not to.  I was so excited about my new applique skills that I stayed up till 1 this morning just plugging away at my "Count Your Blessings" block.

(This is what I got done last night.)

Anyways, I couldn't find anyone to go with me to the class, so I went solo. 

Everyone was so nice.  I did get to meet some new people in the quilting world and I had a blast with my new friend, Rae Ann (from Stash Manicure).

And Kayleen was there!  She's the "Long arm Master"!

And Lori.  I wish I could have got some pictures of my one-on-one time with Lori, because believe me - I jumped at the chance to get some pointers from her.  She was so great to sit right beside me, watching my method and showing me an easier, better way.  "It's like sweeping under the couch" she would say!

If you don't know Lori, you should know that everything she owns, is darling and everything she touches, turns to gold.  Look ~ isn't this the cutest little sewing box you have ever seen?!?

And her pincushions ~ so cute!  And the basket, and the tag (which are holding her NEW Paper Dolls pattern, which she just released!!) ~ so cute!  And her vintage sheet/tablecloth ~ so cute!

Before we left, we were able to watch a quick, quick, trunk show of Lori's.  Notice all of the details...

I love the nails in the "How to Build a Scarecrow" quilt above.  Everything looks so real.  I can tell you that if I tried to design those overalls or that plaid shirt, it would be scary!!

Isn't the border on this "Thanksgiving Dinner" quilt so pretty?!?  She's got every detail you could think of (when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner) on this quilt.

Here's her "Cottage Garden" quilt.  I LOVE the little geraniums in the middle.  They're just darling.  And again, if I tried to design some fabric geraniums...well, you just wouldn't know they were geraniums.

And, I think this just might be my favorite.  Love the pincushion.  Love the SINGER sewing machine with chain piecing on it.  Love the tape measure, the rotary cutter, even the plugs look so real.  The fat quarter bundle, the embroidery hoop and the "pieced border."  Just perfect, Lori.  Absolutely perfect! :)

So, as you can see, yesterday was simply a blast.  Thanks Lori for being willing to teach one more time for us...I knew I couldn't pass up an applique lesson from you and I'm so glad I didn't!

It's Lori Holt Day!

Fabric, scissors, thread?  Check.

Buttons, tape, needles?  Check.

DMC floss, Appli-glue, mechanical pencil?  Check.

Light box, freezer paper, ruler?  Check.

Lunch, camera, chocolate mint brownies? Check.

I think I've got everything!?!

I'm so excited for 5 hours of learning from THE Lori Holt!  
I'll be back soon to tell you all about it!

Oh {P.S.} Rae Ann asked me to do a little post over at Stash Manicure today so why don't ya head on over and check it out. 

Keywords = Sewing in the Northwest.

Labor Day Festivities

Yesterday we had a lemonade stand at my house.  Well, actually, it was a dinner with a lemonade stand theme.  My mom loves to entertain and really wanted to try out this theme by Paper & Cake Printable Partywear.  We first saw it over at karaspartyideas.blogspot.com and if you have not poked around on either of these two blogs then you are in for a treat.  Stop by (and be prepared to be amazed ~ the creative minds featured on there are high class!)

Anyways, my mom got the printable party kit online and went to town! 

This was our dessert table, minus the lemonade ice-cream cones.  The lemonade ice-cream I like to make is so simple!!!  It's just one container of vanilla ice-cream (softened) and one container of thawed lemonade concentrate.  Refreeze in (two) graham cracker crusts or back in the ice-cream container for cones.  You can't see the delicious Carmel brownies that my brother & sister-in law brought or the darling containers that held the lemon zest popcorn very well, but trust me when I say that we had quite the assortment of goodies.

Dinner was great too, but somehow we got side-tracked and forgot to take pictures of the food (it's easy how that happens huh?)

On the menu was:

Spiced Chicken & Grape Skewers,

Fried Smashed Potatoes with Lemons,

Asparagus,

Watermelon,

(and unfortunately, we omitted our tweaked version of the  

Nordstrom Cafe Carmelized Walnut and Pear Salad

due to time, but everything was delicious!)

We had a great time playing Kooky Croquet and just being together as a family...

(Gigi and Grandpa)

(The three little munchkins...)

And "Jelli" (who helped me out by being the photographer last night

~ Thanks Jelli!)

Learning from the Master

Do you know Lori Holt, creator of Bee In My Bonnet quilt patterns?  If you love vintage, applique & embroidery then of course you do!?!  She's an amazing local quilt designer that designs those crazy appliqued quilts that you've probably seen around ~ like the Apron Club quilt, the Comforts of Home quilt and her Paper Doll quilt (just a few of my favorites).  Seriously, click on the links.  They're CRAZY good! 

Well, I'm really excited because I'm taking a class from her in a couple of weeks! 

We'll be making this little baby:

Really, how cute is that!?! 

I'm excited to meet Lori (one of my new bloggy friends) and glean from her expertise.  I hear her method of applique is "easy peasy!"  A chance in a lifetime...I couldn't pass it up!

Startin' them young.

A while ago I heard a great idea (Lori Holt, did I hear this from you?) I heard somebody say that every time she and her daughter went to a fabric store, she let her daughter pick out a fat quarter.  After they got enough, they made up a quilt, using all of the fabrics her daughter had picked out as a little girl.  I liked that idea, so I decided to start doing that with my little girl. 

Now.  I work at Just Sew.

(a fabulous little quilting shop that helps to feed my addiction.) 

Frequently, I stop in there on my days off to pick up this or that for my personal projects.  Frequently, I have my little sidekick with me. 

Once in a while, I have to tell her that since we go into Just Sew so much, we can only get fat quarters when we go to other fabric stores (because we've already racked up quite the slew of fat quarters for this little girl in just a few short months!)

Well, yesterday she was on the verge of a meltdown because I would not get her a fat quarter when we stopped into my work for about 5 seconds (I know. I'm so mean, right?)  Well, anyways, aside from her love of FQ's, she has also taken up a great fascination with how we fold our fat quarters.  Last night she was begging me over and over to show her how to do it.

She's getting pretty good, eh? :)

Well, this brings me to my next point.  For those of you out there that want to start quilting but think it's too expensive of a hobby; try this on for size - try buying your fabric a little here and and a little there.  At Just Sew fat quarters are $2.75.  If you gave yourself a budget of $11 every month to spend on fabric you could get 4 FQ's or 1 yard of regular priced fabric.  After 4 or 5 months, you would have enough fabric to make yourself the top of a twin size quilt!  It's all about collecting, my friends.  You should try it.  It's fun.

It's a big, BIG day today.

Yep, that's right.

Somebody started kindergarten.

And rode the bus for the first time EVER.

Luckily she has a sweet big brother to show her the way.

He's rockin' the 2nd grade this year.

They're both pretty cute, eh? 

(I'm not Canadian, but it's fun to say "eh".  You should try it.)

O.K.  So here's a little side note ~ I googled the word "eh" (just to make sure I was spelling it right) and the Canadian Slang Dictionary said this:

"Eh?" is a word you add to the end of a sentence, to ask for a response of agreement or disagreement, similar in meaning to "don't you think?" ex. "Looks like a storm comin' in, eh?" It is also sometimes used with "I know", and in that case it doesn't really mean anything. -"Wow, the Flames really kicked ass butt tonite!" -"I know, eh?" Good luck trying to use it properly if you're not Canadian. Trust me Americans, we can tell the difference! You're not foolin' anybody :)

Too funny.  I think I did a pretty good job though using the word "eh", eh?