Itching 2 B Stitching

My first mini quilt

2012-01-30T21:30:00.000-06:00

I have started my first mini quilt. I am still in the process of quilting and binding the quilt. This could be my favorite thing I have ever made to this point. Well, outside of aprons, bags, quilt blocks, etc. :)

You can buy the kit with different fabrics from what I used at a local store here in Dallas. If you would like one, check out Quilt Asylum's website.

Posts Galore

2012-01-30T12:01:00.002-06:00

I have a ton of posts of my latest projects with links on where to find them coming all this week. I have joined so many projects and quilt alongs that I haven't had time to show you everything. I will be working today on a ton of posts. See you soon....

Sew. Happy. Quilt. QAL

2012-01-10T21:00:00.001-06:00

This quilt along is a sampler and you will have the quilt top completed by mid-March.

I joined in the fun and my first block turned out great.

The Woven Block

It was easy and fun to make. The instructions are so very clear and make the block easy for beginners (which I still am with making blocks). Hope on over to SewHappyGeek and join the Flickr group if you would like to join in!

Burlap Wreath

2012-01-09T19:00:00.000-06:00

My sister-in-law posted a photo of a Burlap Wreath that she made from a tutorial on Pinterest. I LOVED the wreath when she posted the photo and secretly was hoping to sneak to her house to steal the wreath.

My SIL's wreath

Luckily for me, I don't have to steal her wreath, because she made me my own. It's a good thing - I don't think I could do well living a life of crime! I am still figuring out where to put it on display in my house. Once I do, I will proudly post a photo on here of the wreath hanging in my house!!!

Oh My Stars!!

2012-01-08T23:00:00.000-06:00

I joined the Oh My Stars! quilt along after seeing this quilt on pinterest:

The quilt along just started, so there is still time join!! I decided to use Peacock Lane by Michael Miller with a few other FQs from other lines to round out the full number of FQs I would need:

I have completed the first two Big stars for the quilt - a Basic Sawtooth Star and a Sawtooth with a Pinwheel center:

Forgive the dark photo for the first star - not sure why so dark!! I still have to make Medium and Small stars to match each Big one. I should have that completed in a couple weeks. My friend saw the first star and loved the fabric. She hinted about loving the stars so much - that I took the hint. I plan to make two of these quilts so I can have one and so can she!

Want to join in the fun? Find out more here!

Craft Room Update

2012-01-06T23:10:00.003-06:00

The room is about 3/4 of the way done. I have to get 2 barstools for the seating (the current chair is from my dining room and we need it!!). I want to hang a curtain over the window. You may notice I need to finish painting the edges of the desk white still. We finished the room on Monday evening at 9:30 and I had to go to work the next day. So, I put everything away so I could play this week. I may even play this weekend and paint next weekend. What's the hurry to paint, I have some serious playing to do!!

I was able to get almost all my fabric that was a 1/2 yd or more wrapped around Comic Book Backing Board. There are a ton of tutorials all over the internet. Search for fabric and comic book backing boards and a ton will pop up. It is a great way to organize and makes me feel like I own a tiny fabric shop. The only exception is that I am the only shopper at this store because I have sharing issues. In my defense, I am an only child - we don't share well!

The quilt wall is up and ready. The chair in the corner is for my husband when he hangs out with me when I am sewing. I have been living in this room since Tuesday night, so if he wants to see me he has to sit in the room! Speaking of my husband, I need to give credit where credit is due. He built this entire desk for me on a weekend when he could have done anything else. This desk is truly a labor of love and I am so thankful for a husband who can do anything. Below is the handsome guy who build this for me:

Funny story behind this photo - it looks like my husband is having a hard time dealing with me. He actually was rubbing his face, but my friend caught him at just the right moment to make it look like he couldn't handle another moment listening to me. He would never feel that way around me, of course, because I am always an absolute delight to be around - ALWAYS!

Here he is with my pups - Grissom. Two handsome guys!!

Us at a Texas Rangers Game. I think I will owe him tickets this Spring for a game as a thank you for this desk!

Back when we were young kids!

This guy will seriously do anything for me including model any of the aprons I have. I have some pretty good photos of him with other aprons and projects I have made. We will save that for another post ;)

And to be fair - here is the other member of our family unit - Batley. If you look closely, you may notice orange spots on his face, body and ears. He got into some beautiful lilies my husband bought me last year. His name should be Trouble since he is always looking for it.

Once I get the room 100% I will post one more picture. Now, off to enjoy that incredible room my husband gave me. Want details on the desk plans he used and how the room used to look? Check my post here.

Over Commitment Issues

2012-01-06T22:22:00.001-06:00

I may have committed to quite a bit of sew alongs and such, but it is worth trying. Many of the sew alongs are only one block a month. A girl can handle that, right? Two Block of the Months I have joined are free and look like I will learn of new techniques.

I just joined the Half Square Triangle Block of the Month found on In Color Order. Here are the fabrics I have selected to use:

I also joined Craftsy Block of the Month led by Amy from Stitchery Dickery Dock. You make 20 blocks through her Block of the Month. The best part.....it's free and you can download the PDF and watch the video of instruction as many times as you want and when you can. Once you join you have access to the class forever. Sweet deal, right? I am still trying to decide what fabric line to use. You need close to 36 fq's - so I think that is an excuse to buy a line of fabric I really want. At least, that is what I am telling myself now! I am thinking of using just solids on this quilt along, but I may get swayed toward a fabric line!!

Want to add to your skills? Consider joining one! Should make for a fun year.

Anna Maria Horner Figure 8 Scarf

2012-01-04T17:30:00.000-06:00

I have wanted this scarf for quite a bit of time and I tried to buy the scarf myself.

Photo from Anna Maria Horner Shop. Find your own scarf here

Every time I tried, the scarf was sold out. I asked for the scarf for Christmas from my mom with the idea that maybe someone else would get lucky. She attempted several times to order the kit, and ran into the "SOLD OUT" label as well. Imagine my surprise when I opened the kit for Christmas!! She was finally able to purchase the kit before the newly loaded kits sold out again. I will be sewing the scarf together this week so I can look good at work (wink)!

Foxy Mama

2012-01-03T19:30:00.000-06:00

Have you seen this ridiculously cute fox block pattern by Artisana?

I first saw the fox on Pinterest

and knew that I would be adding this cutie to my "to sew" list for 2012.

The above pattern can be made from Artisania's fox block and only costs $3.00. She even gives you a mirrored fox, so you can make one like the pinterest fox. Too cute. Not to be too literal, but it would seriously look cute with Outfoxed by Lizzy House, right?

The Civil War Diary Quilt

2012-01-02T22:00:00.000-06:00

I missed the Farmer's Wife Quilt Along, although, you can really do the quilt anytime. So, I bought the book to push my sewing skills this upcoming year. There is also a new quilt along, but one that you do at your own pace. This quilt along will use the Civil War Diary Quilt Book.

Photo from A La Mode

Photo from A La Mode- Heather's first two blocks

The quilt along is being guided along by Heather at A La Mode. Looks fun. The book does not include a CD with the patterns you can print off. You will have to trace the block from the book or use your math skills to make. May be a challenge, but we will see how I do!!

2012 Project List

2012-01-02T00:30:00.001-06:00

I started a project list on Pinterest to help me track all the items I want to make and that I have committed to (quilt alongs or swaps). I know the list will grow, but I really want to focus on less unfinished items and actually finishing projects. We will see how that one goes....ummm, not so well in the past. 2012 is a new year though and a new time to make commitments, right??? Find my board on Pinterest here.

You do need an invite to join Pinterest. I can help you out if you aren't on there and would like to be. WARNING: you may lose hours of your time pinning. Don't say I didn't warn you (wink). The bag in the photo is a pattern from Posie Gets Cozy - the Jane Market Bag.

Craft Room Makeover

2011-12-27T13:17:00.001-06:00

Seems like since I started sewing I have been working my way toward figuring out what I would want my craft room to look like and how I could best utilize the space. We rent our place, so that does limit what we can do with the space, but the more I research, the more I see I can get what I want. We have painted our entire duplex as the walls were three shades of different white when we moved in (with our landlord's permission of course!!). There will be immediate updates and then a few updates that could take a couple more weeks before the room is complete.

Here is what I started with when I first started sewing in 2007:

Not what I really wanted, but the desk got me started. I put contact paper over the desk to help cover up a bad stain job and to add some punch.

I added accessories to make the place a little closer to what I wanted and added a desk:

The room has been a progress and finally after several months of working out how to use my space most effectively, the last phase will begin.

I have a wonderful husband who seems to be able to do anything. I found a desk through a website called ana-white. I have always wanted a craft desk from pottery barn or something similar from Crate and Barrel, but did not want to spend $1000 to get it. Plus, think of all the fabric buying that would take away from!!! So here is the desk that my husband is building for me this weekend:

Plan found here

Details found here

I am actually following the building design for the craft desk not painted shown above. I like the bigger top and having another set of cubes on the both sides. More storage!!!

I will have room now for my friends or mom to sew on one side while I sit on the other. One end will be used as a cutting zone and the other end as the pressing/ironing zone. I will be able to bring my fabric out of the closet and onto shelves nicely organized. My husband is going to attempt to place two drawers in the middle area I can pull out to store my rotary blades, scissors, etc!! I can't wait.

I also plan to paint the room the same color as the rest of the house, move my quilt wall and better organize my wall items. I will be able to keep my dress form in the corner instead of the closet. I have some accessories I am going to be sewing to add to my desk and room as the process continues. I have no doubt when this is finished, that it will be hard to go to work and not stay and play in my craft room. I will post pictures as the process starts, continues and when complete! I hope to have the room done and finished as I see it no longer than a month. Keep checking back!!

Itote Completed

2011-12-27T12:20:00.000-06:00

Have you been on Craftsy yet? I have and I am loving the workshops and classes that are being offered. I signed up for a workshop to make an "Itote" made by the crafty StitcheryDickoryDock. Here is what the project looks like:

What makes the workshop so nice is you can ask questions anytime. It was like taking a class locally, except I could stay in my pajamas and the cost of the class was WAY AFFORDABLE. I had some problems with my pockets (I was trying to hurry and finish so I could take my tote with me over Christmas - when will I learn not to hurry projects??). My pockets are slightly crooked, but really at the end of the day - I am the only one who notices the not perfectly lined pockets. Here is my Itote:

I used outfoxed and AMH as my main fabrics for the tote. I love how the purples turned out. You could do any type of quilting on the back of the tote. I decided to do a simpler form of the star bursts that are found on the AMH fabric on the flaps of my pockets. It may not be 100% perfect, but I love this tote. I put my Nook in the zipper section, my Iphone in one pocket and my camera fits perfectly in the other pocket. I can carry everything when travelling so much easier.

You have lifetime access to the class and can make the tote at your own pace. Check out Craftsy and see what you like!

Christmas Quilt Bust

2011-12-27T11:29:00.001-06:00

I had hoped to make a quilt for my mother-in -law and it was a bust. I still have a few blocks remaining from the attempt. I will probably make them into mini quilts. My free motion quilting is still lacking. I read some other blogs that said to keep practicing and relax. I am improving, but I think the bulk of a quilt is intimidating the first few times. I stepped away from the frustration and will keep practicing. I am start a new quilt for my MIL and will pay someone to FMQ the quilt. I figure the top is made by me and I will bind it, so the quilt is still mostly put together by me!

Here are the blocks leftover from the quilt that I started with:

I think they will make some cute mini quilts. Maybe I can at least give one of them to my MIL. The new quilt I think will be a bit more traditional and a different color scheme. I don't want to say to much so the quilt is a surprise to my MIL. I should have the new quilt posted in a couple weeks!

Tree Skirt Finished

2011-12-03T08:17:00.001-06:00

The tree skirt turned out exactly how I wanted. I am so pleased!! The little Sawtooth Stars I wanted around the skirt became a bit to tedious, so I decided to do just trees. I was not disappointed with the skirt like I feared I might be getting rid of the stars. I haven't incorporated pink into my tree yet, but the greens and reds match perfectly. I hope to add some pink to the tree this year to finally tie in what I have around the rest of the house. Here are the results:

Forgive the wrinkles... I hadn't pressed it yet. I was too excited to get pictures of the skirt taken. I used linen for the top and I used a heavy denim for the back. There is a thin layer of batting between both. I used jelly rolls for the border and cut them every 8 to 10 inches or so. I am still trying to understand how to do binding and didn't want to ruin my skirt. So I attached the jelly rolls to the linen and then sewed the end of the jelly rolls to the jean layer. I then did the magical sew all the way around and leave an opening trick. Then pulled through the whole skirt and pressed. Once I get this binding thing down, my crafts should really pick up!! I covered two big buttons and used some cute bias tape that I had to make the loops. I scored with the trees. I found a scrap of fabric with the trees all over it that I think I bought about 3 years ago. I just cut the trees out and then used a decorative stitch to attach the trees to the linen.

Overall, this is the second tree skirt I have made. The other skirt was for a friend. I eyeballed everything - no pattern, so I am pretty proud of myself.

Deck the Walls

2011-11-18T14:50:00.001-06:00

Buy one from Pine Needles in Salt Lake City

I am already aiming high to try to finish my table runner and tree skirt. If I get so lucky to be productive and on the ball, I would like to try my hand in piecing. I have avoided piecing for awhile now, but after the Sewing Summit, I feel like I have the confidence to try! We will see if it actually happens this year!!

Christmas Table Runner

2011-11-18T14:42:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I said how much I want to make my own tree skirt. I also have wanted to make this table runner for several years. I will be using different fabric than Figgy Pudding and will probably have to make my runner a bit smaller. I bought letter so I can trace out the words I want to use. Updates coming soon!! You can make your own too - find the tutorial here.

Christmas Tree Skirt

2011-11-18T13:59:00.001-06:00

I have been saying for years that I am going to make my own tree skirt. Well, last year's skirt did not hold up, so I either make one or buy one. I decided now is the time to try new things and to get the tree skirt I want.

I have bought linen and I am thinking about using a patchwork border. On the linen around the circle I think I want to do trees and Sawtooth Stars.

Know what a sawtooth star is:

This star is taken from a tutorial on purl soho

I haven't decided if I want to use blocked trees - like this:

I made this last year for a swap. I didn't design the pattern, but I have lost the tutorial to give proper credit!

Or just a solid fabric tree:

From lilysquilts

Whatever I decide to do, as long as I actually make one in time to go around the tree will be amazing!

I will post pics if it happens!!

Christmas Gifts

2011-11-18T10:59:00.001-06:00

I can't post some of the work I have done since they are Christmas Gifts but I can post the fabrics I used, right??? I won't list who they are for either, although it is really hard for me not to. I don't keep gifts a secret very easily and almost explode to give the gift to people before the holidays or birthdays.

Quilt One:

The photo is blurry but you can get the idea. I didn't want it be super small!!

Quilt Two:

I am using an orange fabric but I can't remember what line the fabric is from. The orange is actually a patterned fabric so it adds a little to the quilt and a punch with all the other solids. I will have to ask my friend who helped me select the fabrics.

The top fabric is from the Circa 60 line. LOVE that line and so does my husband. He has some other fabrics from the line waiting to be made into a quilt just for him and a messenger bag for his school books.

The funny thing is I ended up loving the quilt I am working on with the Circa 60 print, that I am making my husband and me one too!! The only problem is which one of us will get to lay under it!!

I am working on one more quilt but I can't post even the fabric. If I did the person I am making it for would instantly know it was for them. After Christmas, I promise!!

Post Sewing Summit Swap

2011-11-18T10:43:00.001-06:00

After the Sewing Summit, there seemed to be an unending pool of energy and inspiration. Liz from Goddess in Progress decided we should take advantage of that and do a swap. I signed up nervous to make for someone from the Sewing Summit, which had an unending supply of creative women. In a funny twist, I received Valerie from Between Quilts and she received me. My camera took such dark photos so I am going to use her photos so you can see the pretty, vibrant fabrics. You can see her post here too!

Here is what I made her from Joel Dewberry Heirloom Fabrics with Orange Kona Solid.

I included a small pouch from RK Cupcake material and 2 fat quarters of Hullabaloo. I love that line!! I also love the Joel Dewberry. How could you not? I also included a produce bag from Daisy Jane's pattern. Valerie had already placed the bag with her shopping bags.

Here is what I received:

Jealous? I bet you are!! I remember when this was posted in the Flickr group. I wanted it to be mine but I didn't even think about hoping it would be. When I opened the box I was thrilled. I had said in my likes before the swap that I LOVED bright colors and she listened. I haven't done much with this mini quilt but stare and pet it. I am selecting a place to hang the mini quilt in my craft room, so I can always look at it for inspiration and creativity.

Thank you so much Valerie!! I can't even find words to describe how much I love it. Plus, you have encouraged me to not be afraid to try some circles soon!!

Sew Serendipity

2011-11-18T10:32:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow is the big day!! I will get to meet Kay Whitt from Sew Serendipity. She is doing a book signing at my friend Kelly's Fabric Shop, Stitch-N-Lounge. I am taking her latest book, Sew Serendipity Bags. If you haven't had a chance to see the book yet, it has some pretty adorable bags in it. I can't wait to meet her.

Stay tuned this week with some updates from my latest projects..... and there are quite a few. Also, I will be posting the swap item I received from my awesome partner Valerie, from Between Quilts. You will be jealous!!

Sewing Summit Post-Swap

2011-11-03T19:41:00.002-05:00

I finally mailed out my Post Summit Swap package. I have had it done since Monday but we have had some drama with my car.....to the tune of $2800. This car better run another 5 to 6 years!!! You had to either make a zippered pouch or a doll sized quilt. I made a zippered pouch. Here are some photos, they are a bit dark:

I included some extras. Another small zippered pouch, 2 hullabaloo fat quarters and a produce bag made from the Daisy Jane pattern.

Hope she likes it!!

Swoon......no seriously, I am swooning!!!

2011-10-25T19:00:00.001-05:00

Buy the pattern here - from Thimble Blossoms

I finally bought the PDF for this quilt. This may be more than I can handle, but I think I want to try it. I have been stalking and obsessing this pattern but thinking I couldn't do it. So, I finally talked myself into buying it and then thought I would read the pattern to see how hard it might be. It doesn't sound too tough at all. Now comes the hardest part...... what fabric line do I want to use???
We'll see later if I still think I might have chewed off more than I could handle!!

Love In A Mist Block

2011-10-24T11:18:00.000-05:00

I was playing on Pinterest and found a block on there that I fell in love with. You can go to to see what flickr user Oneygirl did with this block. From her Flickr I was able to find the tutorial for the block - named Love In A Mist Block.

Block made by and tutorial found at modifytradition.blogspot.com

This block was really easy to make, but looks labor intensive. I love stuff like that.

My block made from the Love In A Mist Tutorial

I made one error when sewing up the block. I forgot to line up the points in the middle sections. I also added a print fabric in the middle instead of the plain similar to Oneygirl's block. I made myself one first as a test and to become familiar. I am now going to use the orange, yellow and teal Heirloom line from Joel Dewberry to work on my secret swap partner's zipper pouch. This is for a very special girl for the Post Sewing Summit Swap. I am very excited to make this girl something sweet and fun!

While making this block, I realized I also just made a star block like I wanted to try. Who knew it was an easy block too???

I was thinking this weekend that I need to start making a block a week to push myself and to become more familiar with quilting blocks, as I am still new to this quiliting thing. I think not so bad for one of my first complex quilt blocks - right? I used Kate Spain's line Terrain. My friend Kelly, who owns a fabric store here in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Stitch-n-Lounge, helped talk me into the fabric. I have seen Terrain in projects and LOVE it, but I would look at the bolt and not be so sure. So, I bought a layer cake and now I am obsessed with these bright and happy fabrics. Might be some more Terrain projects being cranked out soon.

Craft Fair Wrap Up

2011-10-23T10:56:00.000-05:00

I was lucky enough to be selected for this year's Etsy Fort Worth Indie Craft Bazaar. It was a ton of hard work. I went to the Sewing Summit and then came home and kept sewing up until the show practically. I have to say I didn't sell as much as I would have liked, but the exposure alone was worth it. I was a little to nervous about putting myself and my sewing out there!!! My husband thank goodness took some pics of my booth.

I didn't get crazy decorating like some of the other people there, but I also reminded myself that most of the people I spoke with did this almost every weekend. I don't see how I could swing that and full time job. I was invited by a few other street faires and craft functions due to them liking my work. I might attempt a few more shows in the Spring, but want to take the Holidays to sew and have fun. I will be placing some items into my Etsy shop over the next few days from the Bazaar and I also am doing some pattern cleaning too.

Updates coming all next week

2011-10-21T21:22:00.001-05:00

I finished my show with Etsy Fort Worth and it was tough!!! All that sewing and waiting for people to buy it can be stressful!! I have some new projects and fabrics I am working with and some in the mail to start some more!! I should finally be back to regular posting again. International Quilt Festival coming up in just a couple weeks. There should be some fun posts with hopefully some of my favorite designers in a couple weeks. See you all next week!!

Exciting News

2011-09-20T19:57:00.000-05:00

Where have I been? I don't think there was one weekend in August that I was home.....well, wait, I was home for ONLY one weekend. Then I went to Hawaii with my mom on a fast little trip. When I got home from one of my weekends of fun in August - I found out I was accepted to the Cowtown Indie Bazaar in October.

I am very excited and honored to be added into the show. The crazy thing is now I am cutting and sewing like crazy (ignoring my blog!!!). I applied and didn't really start sewing anything because I thought there was NO WAY I would make it, but I did!! Crazy. So, it may be silent around here for just a few more weeks, but I will try to post some of my finished products for the craft show as I complete them - if I can get through them all!

Some small sewing projects

2011-08-07T11:07:00.001-05:00

It is hard to see at this point, but I have started making the perfectly pleated clutch from Amy Butler's last book, Style Stitches. The finished product is really a beautiful clutch. You have to pleat two panels of 64 inches. I am using Joel Dewberry's Modern Meadow fabrics. I will update with photos when finished.

My mom decided she would like a perfectly pleated clutch. I am making her clutch out of Joel Dewberry's Aviary 2 fabric line.

I made a ironing mat out of Riley Blake's newest Pirate Fabric line. I still need to put binding around the edge but the mat works great. Especially if you are making blocks for a quilt. You can find the tutorial on Moda Bakeshop's site.

Last item is my Sherbet Pips Neck Pillow for my trip to Hawaii later this month. Ignore the bump in the back. I still need to sew the pillow shut!!

Too Legit, Too Legit to Quit.....

2011-08-07T10:12:00.002-05:00

I have made my first official quilt top..... well, I made a few mistakes, but most people couldn't tell where. I figure since it is my first quilt top - I am allowed a few mistakes. I messed up the block arrangement, but my friends reassured me they can't see how. I was using Aneela Hooey's Comic Strip Quilt, but forgot to watch my layout of blocks. As a good quilting friend of mine said, "There are not mistakes, just a refiguring of the pattern". I think I will go with that (wink).

I have started my second quilt top. This one is following the tutorial located on Sew Mama Sew and is called Pinwheels in the Park. Lovely Little Handmades is doing a quilt along. There is no tutorial to follow on the blog, but more of an encouragement through her blog as you make the quilt. It has been really enjoyable so far. Go take a look and see if you would like to make one.

I also spent time yesterday cutting out 328 triangles to make two zig zag quilts for friend who had her twins several months ago. Maybe I will finally finish them before they turn 30!!

More updates

2011-07-21T21:33:00.001-05:00

That seems to be all I do lately!! Here is an apron I finished for a swap due this weekend. I love it. I think I may need to go buy the fabric and make myself one!

Hexalong!!

2011-07-17T10:53:00.000-05:00

I am joining a Hex A Long. What is great about this group is you get to make the size of hexalong and size of project you want/feel comfortable to try. So go and check it out. I finally will get to make a hexagon!!

Busy making for others

2011-06-15T19:48:00.000-05:00

I have been busy making items for other people - for $$$. I love making money of my crafts and having the ability to buy what I enjoy with that money. I could blow it in a few moments if I allowed myself to stay on Etsy long!! Here are some capes I made recently for a friend at work to take to some friends' kids:

They were such a hit that some adults have ordered some now. We all need to have a little fun, right? Think I need one to wear at work. I have made some cute things for friends but have forgotten to take pictures.

I finally finished my picnic blanket. I am making another one to write up a pattern to it. My first ever!!! Keeping my fingers crossed that I can make a pattern easy to understand! I am working on getting it copyrighted. I might eventually be able to convince myself to make one or two for my Etsy shop.....maybe!!

Portland Saturday Market Buys

2011-05-28T16:59:00.000-05:00

I forgot to mention in the previous post about my finds at the Portland Saturday Market. Here are just three of my finds. I bought a few more items, but these are some of my favorites.

Love this wallet!! All made out of duct tape. Crazy cute, right?

I bought this hat and wore it every day in Portland. Not really the time of year to wear here in Texas!!!

I bought this clutch at the market too. I may just have to return her Etsy shop for more items!!

The inside of my clutch.

Wish there was a market here like this every Saturday in Texas. Guess I will just have to keep shopping on Etsy!!

Back from Vacation

2011-05-28T16:52:00.001-05:00

Before we left for vacation, I didn't get a chance to download all that I had been working on. Now that we are back, I can show you some of the items I worked on before we left.

This pattern is available through my friend Michelle over at I like orange, too!. Check out her cute patterns!

Here is the inside of the bag. I love this Joel Dewberry Aviary 2 line. I can't get enough.

A pouch from the Amy Karol book Bend the Rules sewing. I can't make enough of these little guys!

I made a pouch for my friend at work who likes owls. I unfortunately used white interfacing and it showed through in a few spots. I am getting some black interfacing and making another one. Oh shoot - that means I will have to hold on to this cute thing myself!!

I had my first big order from my Etsy shop before vacation for a bride looking for bridesmaids gifts. I made 9 sets of bags for the bride and her bridesmaids. It was so much fun to make things for other people and to have my first big order!!

I also completed some bags that a few of my friends liked at work but I forgot totake photos before delivering them before we left town.

We spent one week in Portland, Oregon and fell in love. What a great city and really an overlooked paradise in my humble opinion. Here is a quick snipet of the vacation:

I have some orders from friends to begin to work on now that the vacation is over. I have to say the orders really do make my day though. What fun it is to see people carrying something that you made. Off to sew!!

Help My Non Profit!!!

2011-05-02T11:25:00.000-05:00

Just a quick break from crafting. I work for an organization called Cancer Care Services. We help people in the Fort Worth area with medications, equipment, COBRA payments, and emotional support who have been diagnosed with cancer. We are in a non profit event with Chase that the first 100 agencies that are voted for through Facebook gets $25,000. We could help so many clients with that much money. If you are not interested, do not feel like you must. If you want to help, you must have a facebook profile. Here is a link to the site within Facebook: Chase Community Giving.

Thanks for considering the help!! Now back to crafting updates - hopefully some more tonight!!

Summertime Preparations

2011-05-01T23:04:00.001-05:00

I am starting to make bags, clutches, lap quilts and neck pillows for this summer's vacations. Here are a few of the projects I completed this weekend:

My wash and wear bags for vacation for my...um.....delicates

A neck pillow for my husband. No neck pains for us!!

The back of the neck pillow is made with orange

My neck pillow completed in a patchwork design

Love the Central Park line. My favorite Sandi Henderson fabric EVER!!

An Artsy Clutch from Amy Karol's book Bend the Rules Sewing. I can't stop making these.

Heather Bailey's Smarty Girl Bag in Joel Dewberry's Aviary 2

My mom spotted this fabric line while we were shopping last weekend. I became obsessed with it and had to go back for it. I had the granite and yellow, and needed the aqua and purple too. Needed it!!!!

Still to do:

A lap quilt for the plane
Hubby's Bag
My tote bag for the plane

Already completed:

My travel wallet
My eye mask

I travel in style!!!

Hello...Is it me you're looking for?

2011-04-27T21:19:00.002-05:00

I have some great projects I have made and more to put up over the next few weeks. I am working on some bags for the upcoming summer and fun events that we have planned. Here are a few things I have done and I have some pillowcases to share soon!

The clutch was made from the book Bend the Rules by Amy Karol. It is the Artsy Clutch. It literally came together in about 30 minutes. I used rick rack instead of elastic for my clutch.

I am still trying my hand at quilting. This quilt was made for my Big Boss' 20 year old daughter who was just diagnosed with cancer for the second time. We all signed the back of a patch to show our support and love as she goes through treatment. I wanted to make a lap size quilt so it was easy to take to appointments and could give her a little coverage during chemo treatments. I found this quilt pattern on the Moda Bake Shop website. If you haven't looked at that site: go here and look! WARNING: you will lose track of time!!

More to come soon! I promise!!

When sewing gets dangerous....

2011-04-08T21:01:00.001-05:00

I have had a heck of week with sewing. I ordered an acrylic sew steady table as my birthday gift from my husband and it was cut incorrectly. I then stab myself with my seam ripper and then run over a portion of my thumb with my rotary blade. My husband suggested a break from the sewing room. I did take a few days off, but plan to head back in soon. I have some updates of some projects I have completed to share this weekend with you. I am hoping to finish the top this weekend to a picnic blanket I sketched out to meet my family's needs. I am considering selling it as a PDF or maybe even cranking a few out for sale in my Etsy shop. We will see....... it all depends on if I have any limbs left after sewing this weekend :)

In honor of my break from the sewing room and sewing tools, I am having a sale in my Etsy shop. There isn't a whole bunch in there, but everything, including custom orders are 25% off.

Use the code: Vacation

New Online Quilt Class

2011-03-15T20:37:00.003-05:00

Have you been thinking about quilting but aren't sure where to start? Are you like me and learning how to make a quilt top and to free motion quilt? There is an exciting new class starting on April 6th - Quilt Class 101. The class will be online and 12 weeks long. Go take a look and see if you would be interested! I have a button on the side of my blog that will take you directly to the blog.

New Items listed in my Etsy shop

2011-03-14T22:21:00.003-05:00

I have some wash and wear bags finally done!!! If you love to be organized when traveling, these are the bags for you. I am selling them for $25.00 a set. Stop by and take a look. They make great bridesmaids gifts or for your own vacation!

I finally have a couple of items listed in my Etsy shop. The other items I have listed is a custom made sewing machine cover in patchwork - pieced by me and eye masks. I am all about travel and have made a little line in my Etsy shop called Itching 2 B Traveling!! I still have some travel necklace bags to add in and picnic blankets designed by me. The picnic blanket is awesome, but is taking some time to put together. The listing may take another couple of weeks, but I am awfully proud of these blankets. I hope to have 2 listed in a couple of weeks!

Of course, you can always email me about making you something specific and I will be honest on if I can do it or not!

Stop in and look around. More items to come soon!!!

Single Girl Quilt Along Starts!!

2011-02-15T19:13:00.004-06:00

The quilt along has started!! The first step was listed on Katy's blog yesterday. The first step is all about cutting out your fabrics. It isn't too late to join in the fun. The great thing about a quilt along in that you can move at your own pace - faster or slower. Think about joining the fun!!

These are my fabrics. I am making a twin size for the living room. We have mostly reds and grays in the living room. However, we have a few orange items too. I wanted to use red, gray, yellow and orange to tie the room together better. Watch as it begins to come together in the next few weeks.

This will be the gray for front of the quilt. I haven't made up my mind about the back. I am almost tempted to go bold and go red. We will have to see!!

Ukulele Bag

2011-02-15T19:01:00.004-06:00

My husband is learning to play the ukulele. You may recall this awesome shirt I made my husband too.

Since he has returned to school, we can't send him to school without a cool bag to carry. I hope to have the bag completed in the next week or so. See the fabrics I will use below!! Pictures coming soon!!

Craft room Update

2011-02-15T18:53:00.005-06:00

I had some hearts left over from the garland for the living room. I attached the leftover hearts to ric rac and hung it on my shelf

I made these project cards to use for different crafts. I can use them to keep different cuts of fabric separate while quilting. I also can use a white erase marker to sketch out some projects I am working on. I just took some scrapbook paper and lamenated them. Ready to write on!

I got this awesome project idea from Secret Stitch Club for two project boards. I had some frames left over and made these to track projects for myself and projects for others. I think it is a great way to reuse items and to help organize all the WIP's that crafters have!!

Heart Garland Completed

2011-02-15T18:49:00.002-06:00

I finished the garland!! I think the garland really made our living room nice and simple for Valentine's decorations. I brought out my two red heart book ends that I usually have in my craft room to help spruce it up.

Heart Garland

2011-02-01T11:37:00.004-06:00

There are a ton of new posts listed under this one. As you can tell, I have been a little back logged. Enjoy!!!!

I have been in the decorating mood a little more than I used to be. I wanted something something simple for our fireplace area, but nothing real crazy. I decided to make heart garland. I am in the process of sewing it together, but here are the hearts all cut out:

I am attaching the hearts to bias tape that I need to use up.

I was concerned on how to get the hearts to stay firm. Then enter this tutorial from How About Orange (who has her own cute heart garland tutorial) - who introduced Stiffen Stuff to me. I sprayed the hearts and let them dry. I will have to see if that helps the hearts not curl or wear. Picture coming soon of the finished product!!

Sassy Apron

2011-02-01T11:24:00.004-06:00

As we all know, I suffer greatly from a condition known as "I can make that" syndrome. Why buy something I can easily make? The problem is.... I don't have enough time to make EVERYTHING!!

Then - every once in awhile - you get on Etsy (bad decision for the bank account) and you see someone else's handicraft and you are in awe. That is how I feel about Sassy Aprons. Her aprons are incredible. I pride myself on some of the aprons I have made. Sometimes you have to just say "I can't make that like she can, and I want one!!" For years I have stalked her aprons and just couldn't find the one I wanted.

And then...... this one appeared.

Check out the bow!!!

I had Christmas money left over and did a dance..... I immediately purchased the apron. I LOVE the Alexander Henry print "Bird Seed". So much so that my knitting bag is made from this and I ordered a crochet needle carrier from the ever talented Coyote Craft in Bird Seed. I haven't used the apron yet to cook. I think that is a problem with apron lovers - I love my aprons - what if I get sauce on them!! I know, I know - put it on and make something. I will soon. If I can just get Greta (my dressform) would stop wearing it!

2011-02-01T11:11:00.002-06:00

" Hi, my name is Tracey and I am intimidated by the Single Girl Pattern." "Hi Tracey." "I have a problem and I need help...." I have joined the Single Girl Support Group. I have wanted to make this pattern for A LONG TIME now, but I let the pattern intimidate me. So - my brillant friend, Katy from the UK and some of her pals are starting a quilt along on February 14th. If you want to quilt along too, go to the FLICKR group and request to join. Here is a picture of the quilt pattern:

The adorable black cat can be made as well. You can find his pattern in Denyse Schmidt's book - Quilts:

So get your sewing machine out, rotary cutter and fabric and join in the fun. There is a support group..... we can help each other.

Pin Up Pillow

2011-02-01T10:43:00.004-06:00

I have been working on a pillow for about...oh..... since I started this blog (4 years ago). I finally finished it. All I had to do was sew a small piece of the edge and put buttons on it. Yeah - it took 4 years to do that (hee hee). Well, I finished the pillow. The fabric was given to me from a wonderful lady and an amazing seamstress - Christy. Take a moment to see how quickly this amazing seamstress can knock out clothing. She is crazy talented!! This pillow sits in my craft room - on our guest bed. Not sure if most people like Pinup Girls - but I LOVE them. If you like the pillow, call us - you can stay at our house!!

Pillowcases

2011-02-01T10:35:00.003-06:00

I have become pillowcase crazy. I have pillowcases now for Halloween, Christmas and now Valentine's Day!! My lovely husband is never rolling eyes at the new cases and as you can see - willing to sleep on pink. Yeah - that is how he rolls - real men wear pink!! The border of the pillowcases might make people crazy - playing eyes on your eyeballs. I never claimed I was sane or didn't like to mix some crazy items sometimes. Who can hate going to bed on cupcakes? If only I could eat all of those cupcakes!

Wear and Wash Bag

2011-02-01T10:24:00.003-06:00

Only a girl who is organized and a bit obsessive about having enough undergarments for vacation and travel would be crazy about making these bags. This has been on my project list for a LONG time. This weekend, I decided I wanted to do a quick project rather than a long project. I needed some instant sewing success. I completed the WEAR bag with a few mistakes (as any seamstress can back me up, most people see an awesome project, a seamstress sees the errors!). I need to finish the wash bag. Now, I just need a vacation. Where should I go?

Snow Day!!

2011-02-01T10:16:00.002-06:00

I haven't had one of these since I was a kid!!! Of course, in Texas - the appropriate term would be Ice Day!! Going to stay warm and sew today. More project updates coming soon.

Sewing Machine Cover

2011-01-25T22:10:00.002-06:00

I have a hard cover that came with my sewing machine. I like to use that case when I take sewing classes. However, I don't like putting it on every time I finish sewing. I decided I was finally going to make a fabric one. Plus, it makes my machine pretty. As you can tell from my last several posts, I am on this patchwork kick that I just can't stop. I love the way patchwork makes a project look when completed. I am about to prepare to cut out 1700 small squares for another patchwork type quilt. It will be awhile before you see that outcome. I imagine 1700 squares will take me awhile. I have some pillowcases to share, but that will be later this week. I thought about doing a tutorial, but I thought the project seemed to simple to make a tutorial for. What do you think??

Sewing Summit is heating up!!

2011-01-19T17:29:00.003-06:00

The planning is coming together for this year's sewing summit. I am so excited. So many of the people I have always wanted to meet are showing up in the Flickr group. There are some of you I still am keeping my fingers crossed to see you show up on flickr group. We are all starting to talk and come up with ways to get to the summit. You cannot beat the price of the room that Erin and Amy arranged for us. You have up to October to save for your airline ticket and room. Registration for the event doesn't start until February 2011 so start saving your allowance right now.

The schedule of the event has been placed on the website. Take a look and see if you squeeze your piggy bank into getting there. I want to meet you!! Click on the button above to check out the website!

Fun swap!!

2011-01-12T20:41:00.002-06:00

Want a fun swap? How about cutting fabric, mailing and getting fabric back in the mail? There are only 20 openings in this swap. Hurry and sign up before they fill up!

Craft room revamp

2011-01-10T18:20:00.002-06:00

OLD

NEW

My craft room has changed much over the years. I have had my stuff all along one wall and then spread out along several walls. I decided I liked the streamlined look and moved some stuff around recently. I had a white shelf sitting in a closet for about 2 years and finally used it. I have some project cards I have been working on. I plan to write out my plans for projects on them and hang them from the hooks. I will post once I finish them, which should be next week or so. I plan to paint the wall eventually, but nothing exciting. We rent, so therefore, we have been allowed to paint a nice tan shade. I think it will look nice with the craft room. I am currently working on the bedding and headboard for the spare bed in this room. It should be pulled together in the next month or so. I will post again when done with the bedding.

Update: Projects Galore!!

2011-01-10T18:04:00.002-06:00

Some of the projects I worked on for the month of December. The table runner was for a swap I was in. You can find the tutorial here on Janssen Designs. The lunch bags are from Heather Bailey's new pattern, Jack and Jill Lunch Bags - you can find the pattern here. The other two patterns are crochet patterns I purchased on Ravelry. I had already made a cowl similar to the orange one just a month or so ago. I loved the gray one so much that I had to make an orange one. I made my mom a green one for Christmas.

I have plans to work on some quilts this year as well as just sewing again!! No more school to occupy my time!

I graduated!!

2011-01-10T17:48:00.003-06:00

I officially graduated in August, but I didn't get to walk until December. It is a little strange to have free time. I am currently studying for the Licensing exam and preparing to take that test in the next couple of weeks. After that, no more studying!! What to do with all that free time?

Tree Skirt for a friend

2010-12-08T20:21:00.004-06:00

I made a tree skirt for a friend who was redecorating her house for the holidays. She wanted green and red and candy canes. This is the skirt folded in half. Not so bad if I say so myself. The best part was seeing her smile when I delivered it to her. Hope you love it Stephanie!

Cowl for cold weather - if that exists in Texas!!

2010-11-22T23:17:00.003-06:00

I got this pattern and yarn as a gift last year from my mom. I tried over the last year to make it and EVERY time I would mess up. I decided tonight to try one last time..... AND I nailed it. I love it. It took me 45 minutes to make up. I started flying through this pattern which only has 5 rows, and now I wonder what confused me so much with making this. Who knows? But I am just glad I did it. Now, maybe I need to make one or two more to match some more of my sweaters and coats. Hmmmm. Let's think about it!!

An Apron for a Spider Worthy Friend

2010-11-22T18:59:00.004-06:00

A friend of mine was promoted at work and I was so excited for him. He LOVES spiderman, and I LOVE aprons, so I made him a spiderman apron. My husband was generous enough to model the apron and not pout that he didn't have such a cool apron. Pretty fun to make!

Some upcoming projects to show you:

Some tree skirts

Stockings

Progress on some quilt tops (my first quilts ever!!)

and some crocheted projects!!

Also - I will be working on our annual slideshow Christmas Card over Thanksgiving! Watch for the fun!

Awesome sewing event to learn and meet online friends

2010-10-26T20:02:00.004-05:00

I am so excited to have found this event. All my blogging email friends, start saving your pennies now! We can all finally meet and learn sewing techniques. I am planning on saving and attending. Let's meet up and have a good time. You have a whole year to save up!!! Anyone thinking about attending???

More Sewing Projects

2010-10-11T20:39:00.001-05:00

I reupholstered our dining room chairs, made halloween pillowcase, and made the scotty dog for our Alaska trip to use as a pillow on the plane!

Alaska Sewing Projects

2010-10-11T20:35:00.001-05:00

Sewing projects I made for our trip to Alaska. The eye mask was extremely helpful!! The lap blanket was for the plane.

More sewing projects for Bunco

2010-10-11T20:32:00.001-05:00

A closer look at the table runner I made, pillows I sewed for the couch, and reusable snack bags filled with candy to take home as a prize for each of my Bunco Friends!!

Bunco Night

2010-10-11T20:22:00.001-05:00

It was my turn to host Bunco Night. We had such a good time. I made the teeth card holders, the napkins, and the table runner. We had a blast. More photos to come in other posts!

Look What Came in the Mail

2010-10-01T21:29:00.003-05:00

It came yesterday in the mail and I picked it up today and framed it. I have completed my Masters in Social Work and I am so excited to have that piece of paper already!! I have TONS to post of sewing projects that I have completed, but I want to take this moment to just look at this photo. And enjoy. 3 years of hard work to get to a place I have waited years to reach. A job I love and the knowledge that each day I go to work I have the chance to change or assist someone's life. Wow. This is a powerful moment.

Massive Projects

2010-07-26T22:53:00.002-05:00

I have a ton to share with you!! I have to upload my photos, but coming in the next few days:

Scotty Dog Pillow
Eye Masks
Travel Wallets

And coming soon:

A new bag
My second quilt

Photos coming soon!

Zoo Date

2010-06-29T20:44:00.004-05:00

My husband is a mad working machine and we haven't had much time together. This past weekend he had both Saturday and Sunday off. I had heard about a fund raiser at the Dallas Zoo that helps academically successful underprivileged teens get into college. As we are huge supporters of Higher Education in this house, we thought what a great date night.... help someone else, spend time together and go to the zoo. We had a blast. We only took two photos as we were covered with sweat by the end of the evening. I made the husband take my photo with my sunglasses on because my makeup was running. Gotta love Texas summers!! (not so much). Notice my husband's grimace instead of a smile. He looks a little silly, but he is really so cute. Trust me!! Notice how tan he is and how pale I am. So unfair!!!

My %$&@ Nook Holder

2010-06-28T22:32:00.005-05:00

Yeah - this was a Tracey project. It was made with love, cuss words and seam ripping galore. I love projects that I sit down and just decide I can make. No thought to a pattern or measurements. Note to self: STOP DOING THIS!! I am pretty sure I ripped out sections of my hair all over my craft room and really yelled at myself for not thinking things through. The outcome however: I LOVE MY BAG. I didn't like any of the covers that Barnes and Noble are selling for the nook, so I made one for myself. I love the Nook. It goes to the gym with me and all over the house. I have to keep myself from sleeping with it at night. If you love to read and you love technology.... this is the thing for you!! I made the pouch from Riley Blake fabrics and I made it in a patchwork design. I have the best tutorial on how to get a patchwork design. If you are interested let me know. I will get the link to you. I use it all the time.

Do you still sew???

2010-06-21T19:02:00.002-05:00

I DO!!! It may not seem like it around here!! I am getting into a groove with my internship and writing my last paper of the Masters Program. I have started cranking up my sewing machine again. Coming by this weekend: an apron for a swap, two quilt blocks and hopefully the start of a Nook cover. Nook is the barnes and noble version of the Kindle. I am designing our own cover case for one. My husband won the Nook through a contest and I am thrilled. He hasn't had a chance to really touch it!!!

Photos coming soon!!

The Journey toward completion begins.....

2010-05-25T21:32:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow I start my internship for the completion of my Master's Degree. I am excited and really nervous. This means a little less time to sew now, but I am determined to get a little time in each weekend. I keep reminding myself that I am about to do start a career that fits me so well. I think it is the student that is still inside me saying "Hope you know what you are doing and are you sure you are ready for this?". I just need to silence the doubt and prepare to learn. What other time in my life am I allowed to make mistakes?? Being a student does have it's benefits. Wish me luck!!!

$1.00 Sale and more

2010-05-12T19:17:00.002-05:00

I am really needing to get this fabric out of my house!! I have marked down all my fat quarters for $1.00 and many of the other fabrics have been brought down as well. Take a peek at my Etsy shop and see if any of the fabrics strike your fancy!!

Caution: This blog is addicting

2010-05-12T16:30:00.003-05:00

Well, I don't mean mine, but maybe I should!! Anyway - here is a blog that I am LOVING. Warning: You may lose hours on this site, but it is HILARIOUS!! I may be behind a bit from what others have already seen, but if you haven't - you are missing out!

Take a peek:

My Parents Were Awesome

No emails yelling at me - I warned you!! I had to set a time limit each day to look at the site just so I can get other productive items done!!

Block

2010-05-12T14:46:00.000-05:00

I made this block recently for a block swap that I am in. The theme was Growth and I instantly thought of gardens and paths. This block by no means is my own creation, I just started making a zig zap block and turned one of the zig zags upside down. I am sure there are a million more like this out there. I did decide to make this block this way to show how I saw growth. The green reminded me of garden paths and the blue reminded me of little garden patches. I wanted to do a more abstract block than a literal. Not so bad for a novice quilter. When I say novice, I mean, I have yet to completely lay out blocks to make a quilt, but I am on my way with a couple of quilts right now. I will get there eventually!! Off to finish some gifts for my mom and to hopefully start on a shirt for my OYW challenge.

Bike Basket and Gift for Mom

2010-05-10T19:38:00.001-05:00

I have been getting some sewing done!! Now that my last final was taken tonight, I am free of night classes. Yea! Just an internship and one last paper to go this summer and then I am done. I have a red cruiser bike and it came with a brown basket. I wasn't so cool with the basket, and felt it needed something. I added these two fabrics which are favorites of mine!! Cute huh? You can see more of the basket at my flickr site!

You can also see a gift for my mom I am working on at my flickr site. I don't want to post it on here in case she decides to peek.

Still working on some new projects and one more project for my mom. I am hoping to post a few more projects this weekend.

Join me, won't you???

2010-05-03T11:29:00.004-05:00

Won't you join me?? Head over to Chickpea Sewing Studio to find out how to refresh yourself and your sewing. There are times when you have so much sewing or maybe you are sewing for SO many others, you start to get tired or burnt out. Not that we don't love sewing for others, it is what makes giving gifts fun. However, we can get tired or burnt out.

I have recently hit this wall. When I actually get started, I remember how much I love it. I just need the initial boost to get me going. This group might be of assistance if you feel the same way. Head over and see if you are interested in this challenge.

It is my first 12 step program. Well, and hopefully my only :)

Flirty Apron Swap

2010-05-02T23:36:00.000-05:00

I completed my apron this weekend and I am finally getting around to posting the photos. I have a quilt block to share with you tomorrow. My partner liked green, yellow, purple and blue, and I was able to find the fabrics at one of my local favorite fabric stores. Every shade but blue in it! Not bad if I say so myself. The theme was polka dots and I used the green fabric as the polka dot portion. The pattern in the Lily Apron and it was a breeze to make. This was my first one from the pattern. I would say even if you are a beginner, the directions are very clear and the diagrams are helpful. Off to bed! Be back soon to share my quilt block with you soon!

School's Out For Summer...Almost

2010-04-25T11:19:00.002-05:00

I am almost done with the classroom aspect of my Master's Program and I am pumped!! I decided to hold a 30% off sale in my Etsy shop to celebrate. Stop by my shop and help me get this fabric out of the house!! I have one big project left for school and then on to my final internship. I can taste freedom in the future.

My Sewing Circle

2010-04-13T11:47:00.002-05:00

My brillant friend over at imagingermonkey told me about My Sewing Circle. It is a really cool site that is just like Raverly for sewers. Go and join. It's free. You can find me under Punkrockertracey!

Projects Galore

2010-04-11T16:30:00.005-05:00

Blogger and I do not seem to be friends anymore. I cannot get the dang picture uploader to work and I am ready to rip my hair out!! I am going to post some photos to my flickr account until Blogger and I take some time apart to breathe.

I have been BUSY with a TON of projects, but it is nice to have my sewing mojo back. I have done a little cropping to a shirt I bought at goodwill. Check out my flickr to see how it turned out. Don't miss what happens when you leave sleeves cut off from a shirt on the table. (Hint: my husband is dangerous when unsupervised!!)

I have completed the cushions for our outdoor area. We have been cleaning up back there and I have almost completed the staining process for the table. I still need some more decorations but I hope within two weeks or so to have some more photos!!

Off to sew some more. Thanks to all my seam ripper friends for the encouragement. I don't feel so frustrated with my seam ripper as much anymore.

Now off to try something industrious for myself. I am going to cut out and make a mock up of one of the dress patterns from Built by Wendy. Keep your fingers crossed. Making my own clothes has been a difficult process for me. The first shirt I made when I started up sewing again had to be cut off by my husband. Nice. He did say it did nice things to my chest area - spoken like a true man :)

I will have more photos this week of a hat I am making, hopefully a picture of a completed bag for my mom, and some fun tutorials I have followed (two adorable necklaces for the summer), and hopefully some progress on some long term projects!!

Seam Rippers

2010-04-06T13:18:00.004-05:00

We have a joke in our house that the project I am currently working on is not a "Tracey item" unless the seam ripper has been used. It never fails, regardless of how prepared with a pattern I get - there will be use of the seam ripper. I made some curtains for our bedroom this weekend and had to use the seam ripper. I didn't realize how much of a joke it was until I did my normal "growl" (which usually includes my favorite cuss word - here is a hint - it starts with F) and my husband says while looking at the computer "Time for the seam ripper?".

Now - I did glare at the back of his head for a moment, but then the humor got to me. It irritates me that I have to use the seam ripper, like that suggests I can't sew or have no business sewing. When I made a comment to that state, my husband's response was "If all sewers didn't need a seam ripper, than why make it and why are so many bought?"

Leave it to the husband to make me feel better. How about you? Do you have to use your seam ripper a lot or am I just an impatient sewer??

Help Me Help Craft Hope

2010-04-01T19:21:00.002-05:00

I have signed up for Craft Hope's next project. This one is a winner in my opinion. We are helping those with need and it is an educational project. Read more about the project here. The basic overall of the project is making bean bags that Liberian children will use to learn. I have emailed for some specifics. There are some examples that schools usually buy from google. I signed up to do a set of numbers.

Here are some of the requirements I know:
* The background fabric must be the same color
* The numbers should be the same color (this enables the children to learn the numbers - not memorize the fabric of which one number 5 is)
* The bean bags are due by May 15th to the organization, so your bag would be due to me by May 5th. That gives me ten days to fill the bags and mail them!!

So here is what I am proposing:
I want to do a set, but that can be a big project. SO - I am asking for volunteers to sign up on my blog using a form and volunteer to make a bean bag. I will purchase the fabrics for the background and the numbers (no picking on my selection - hee hee). The only thing I ask of you as the volunteer is that you will pay postage for me to mail the fabrics to you and to return the fabric to me. I will also fill the bags. If you will leave me a small opening in the bag, I will fill it and sew the opening up.

I will send you a money request through paypal once you have signed up for $3.00. Then when you return the bag to me - just pay the postage when you mail it.

I will include details with the fabric such as size, date needed back to me, which fabric is background and which is for the number, how to make the bean bags (there is a great online tutorial to make bean bags) etc.

I need at least 9 people to sign up to take a bean bag. If we get more, maybe we could do two sets!! Thanks for considering helping me.

Want to help? SIGN UP HERE!

Projects

2010-03-31T15:57:00.002-05:00

I have been finishing some projects and starting some new ones lately. I finally wrapped up some headbands. I have some cute ones for the spring. My photos are over at Flickr. I couldn't get blogger to let me upload. (Some days, blogger, I want to smack you around!!)

I also finished a quilt block swap. I will try to get that up at little bit later for you to see too!

Off to get ready to go out for a Girls Night Out. Whoo hoo!

70 new postings

2010-03-28T15:28:00.001-05:00

Check out my etsy shop. I added 70 new fabrics and fabric combos from my stash. I have to downsize my craft area. My area is just too much and is cluttering my ability to really be creative and enjoy sewing. Shop away and help me clean my house!!! You can reach my Etsy shop by clicking on the tool bar on the right of my blog. Thanks!

New Outdoor Furniture and A Challenge

2010-03-28T10:41:00.005-05:00

I was able to find an wooden outdoor set for $20 on Craigslist. It was going to need some TLC, but I knew I could do it. I started on it yesterday. It is about 2/3 of the way stained. I still have to work on the cushions. We bought a umbrella from Garden Ridge for $10.00.

My goal is to dress up an area at the back of our driveway. We live in a very strange duplex. We have a huge yard in front, a tiny porch that basically allow two people to stand on it, so no room for furniture there. We have a tiny yard on the side, no room there. We also share the driveway with our neighbors and then it splits off into two parking areas. SO - the only space we really have without having to sit the furniture in the middle of the front yard and with lots of traffic and children is back in our parking lot area.

SO - with the husband starting school this summer and me completing school in August, we don't have a TON of money to make an amazing outdoor area. I feel a challenge coming on!!! I am going to make us an awesome place to hang out this spring and summer all for $125 or less. Let's see if I can do it!!

Here are some photos of the old table set, some of the new stained set, my cushion material and the picture of the old cushions. This challenge is going to be a blast!

The Old Table

One of the Old Chairs

Two-Thirds of the Way Complete

The Old Cushions - Nice condition, but not my style

The New Material for the Cushions

Here is the cost of our project so far:

Table Set: $20.00

Umbrella: $10.00

Material for Cushions: $12.00

Stain: $5.00

That leaves me $78.00 to finish the area. Piece of cake!!

Last Day in Seattle

2010-03-18T14:34:00.003-05:00

What a trip!! I will be uploading all of our photos to flickr later this weekend, but here are a few highlights to Vancouver Canada. Canda is a gorgeous place. I had a funny experience with the border patrol to share later next week with you. You will notice from our first photo that the sunshine was SO bright in Canada. We are off to see the last to do on our list today and fly home tomorrow. I don't think I will be drinking tea or coffee for several weeks. I have to detox my blood!!!! See you later this weekend.

Coming to you from Starbucks....

2010-03-16T12:24:00.003-05:00

where there is one every quarter of mile!!! I don't think we have had this much coffee/tea products in our entire life. Here are some pictures of our trip so far. I will have more when we get home, but here are some highlights!!

I have to say that in some areas we have been in there seems to be an affection for spandex and outdoor wear. While the outdoor gear is cool, spandex biking wear and walking wear, not so much!! We are having a great time and so glad we came to research. Some areas I would have moved into are not on the list anymore once visiting.

Off to more fun. See you in a couple of days!!

So much for posting!!

2010-03-14T15:58:00.002-05:00

We are staying at a delightful little B&B but they are having internet issues. The issues may be resolved on Monday. If not, then I will update our trip when we return. Keeping my fingers crossed, otherwise see you next weekend!!! Having a blast and sunshine in Seattle. Nice!!

OMG - Have you seen what is out finally???

2010-03-10T12:09:00.004-06:00

I just found my birthday gift to myself. I have been WAITING and WAITING for this pattern to come out so I could make a million for myself to wear this spring and summer. I am pretty sure I will wear nothing other than several of these. I am talking about....... Anna Maria Horner's Evening Empire Dress!!!!

This pattern gives you the ability to make 4 dresses all just a bit different. What a bargain!! 4 dresses for $15.95. Finally a dress style that is fit for my body type. I am to wear A-lines and tons of empire waists to hide or call less attention the curvy part of my body!! I know some of you girls feel my pain with the curves!! I am off to buy myself one before they all disappear. That may seem a ridiculous statement, but I have waited a year for this pattern. I am not taking any chances!! Go get one too!!

2 days and 5 hours......

2010-03-10T11:35:00.003-06:00

until we leave for Seattle. I am so excited I can barely stand it. Of course, I still have a million things to do before we can leave. I plan to post a photo or two a night when we return to our room. Come back and see what fun we are having!!! I do plan to stop in a yarn store and some fabric stores to check out the goods. We are considering moving to Seattle and this is our research trip to see if it is a good fit and if my husband likes the schools there. I am finished with school in August and only pleased to hand the title of student off to someone else!!!

We fly out on my birthday. What a gift!! Stop in and see the fun and I will see you next week from Seattle!!

2010-03-03T21:14:00.002-06:00

I have loaded some yarn into my shop. The yarn is Rowan Handknit Yarns. I have a little more I will try to add in toward the end of the week, but this is all the Rowan Handknit I have!!

Now get to shopping in my Etsy Shop!!

Attention Knitters and Crocheters

2010-03-02T16:22:00.002-06:00

I hope to have some yarn in my Etsy shop by this weekend. Check in soon and see if there is any you can't live without. I have got to get this destashing moving!!!! Thanks.

My Latest Projects - The Photos

2010-03-01T17:08:00.002-06:00

I couldn't get blogger to work with me to update my photos, so you can see my latest projects on my Flickr page.

See the PHOTOS here.

Some of the items are sold in my Etsy shop. Take a peek!!

When I said I was busy, I wasn't kidding.....

2010-02-28T20:59:00.002-06:00

What have I been up to lately??? Let's see:

1. Finished my first quilt ever for a friend's baby shower today

2. Finished blankets and burp cloths for a friend to give at her friend's baby shower

3. Travel bag for our upcoming trip

4. Hip Bag to match the travel bag (hey, a girl has to look good and match!!!)

5. Started on my travel wallet - I am almost there with figuring it out!!!

6. Took a second knitting lesson on Saturday with the husband. It is fun doing something together that we both enjoy. I think I may be ahead of him in getting the stitches down, which is nice, because he was kicking my tail in the first class.

7. I have had a friend order a Knitting Bag that I made - yay!!!

What's left to do??

1. Make a hip bag for my mom and a friend

2. Make a travel bag for my mom

3. Make an sleep mask for my trip (have to cover up the eyes - too much light wakes me up!!)

4. Make two more sleep masks for friends

5. Make my friend's knitting bag

6. Crochet 3 hats for our trip

Not much to do, huh??? Someone better tell my sewing machine to start drinking some coffee. We are going to be cranking some items out!! I will post some photos in the next few days!!

Check out my Hip Bag

2010-02-21T18:30:00.001-06:00

I have a Hip Bag in my shop too! Check out my typepad blog for more!

The Knitty Gritty Bag is on the way!!!

2010-02-17T03:14:00.002-06:00

I have two bags listed in my Etsy shop. Find out more details about the bags at:

www.itching2Bstitching.typepad.com

These bags are on sale because they were my test bags. Real bags will be in the shop by this weekend. Coming soon - Hip Bags and Travel Wallets!!

New Blog Location

2010-02-12T23:04:00.001-06:00

I decided to take the plunge and started a blog over on typepad. I am in the process of cleaning it up and making it look like me. Stop by and visit me. You can follow me on there too. I will probably keep this blog open too, however, I will start updating more frequently on the typepad location. See you there!!

Two Bags Sneak Peek, Third One on the Way!!

2010-02-12T14:08:00.006-06:00

I have almost completed two knitting bags for my etsy shop and I have a third one cut out. I am so excited about these bags, and I hope others will be too. I have carried mine with me throughout my errand running this week and have received several compliments. I have two other projects I am working on and hope to have to other items in my shop by the beginning of next week. Here is a sneak peek of the two bags that are almost finished. I LOVE the cupcake one, but how many bags does a girl really need? (That is my husband asking that question, I would say as many as a girl needs!!!)

My camera or my lighting sucks. Or maybe both!!! The polka dot is a vibrant pink and the cupcakes are on a aqua/turquoise color.

I am still working on a pattern for the bag too, in case you are like me and like to make your own stuff from time to time. I had no idea how hard you had to think when you write a pattern!! You have to write every little thing. I am no Amy Butler, that is for sure :)

If you like either bag, check my Etsy shop - they will be in there Saturday Evening. You can send me an email if you like either and I can hold it for you that way too!

Thanks for the kind emails I received from some of you about the bag. You all are too kind!!

I did it! I made my own bag!!

2010-02-08T14:26:00.003-06:00

As I can so easily do, I spent hours searching Etsy for a knitting bag that met my needs. I could not find what I wanted. SO - I designed my own and it turned out awesome!!! I am working on writing the pattern out and making it available as a PDF download in my Etsy shop this week. I am making a few to put in my shop too. I am so proud that I didn't back down and worked through the hair ripping moments. You will have to let me know what you think of the bag. I am working on copyrighting my bag too. My friends who have sold other items from their shops have said that it is always a good idea to copyright.

I hate trying to keep up with my knitting needles and I have lost some before falling out of pockets in my bags. So- I decided to make a bag with a pocket on front that keeps your needles with your yarns and keeps them from falling out. Now, I don't have to keep up with a needle carrying case and I can carry my knitting and extra yarns wherever I go!!

I took the photos with my IPhone, so they aren't the greatest, but hopefully you can see my bag!!

I hope you will find my bag cute and functional! Watch my etsy shop later this week for your own pattern to download and make!!

Quilt Block Swap

2010-02-07T11:24:00.004-06:00

Want to do a really simple but fun swap? Head over to Little A's blog and join her swap. You can sign up until February 12th!! You are only committing to making one quilt block a month. There is freedom to make a modern or traditional block. She is thinking that you would declare a color, like pink, so there is some cohesiveness to your quilt. Go over and check it out. I haven't done a swap in forever and this feels like one that will be tons of fun!!!