Creativity Amongst Chaos

Doing some housework...

2012-01-18T10:07:00.002-07:00

.....not THAT kind. The kind that I do when my husband goes on a field job. The real housework gets neglected, while we switch things up a bit.

With a new year here, it is time for some changes around here. The kids and I have changed some room arrangements. My oldest daughter has finally gotten her own room. We ripped out the carpet, painted, and moved her in this last weekend.

Now the real work begins. We have curtains, pillows, and accessories to make and add; not to mention painting all of her furniture white! We made the headboard and covered it to go with the new color scheme. Still alot of work ahead of us, but I think she is happy.

In other news, your calendar patterns have been shipped, and should be on their way to your door in the next day or two. Tutorials listed on the patterns will be up by next weekend. Thank you all so much for your patience with me in getting this pattern to you!

The rest of this month will be spent fabric shopping if you follow the timeline on your calendar.

I've been busy.....

2012-01-13T00:08:00.003-07:00

.....running in circles.

I feel like this poor kid lately, running and making a good effort, but going nowhere in my little world.

I have good news,

and bad news....

Good news...my printer's wife had a new baby!

Bad news, my baby has been shelved!

Ladies, you have been so paitent with me, you are such amazing customers! Sew Tweet will be finished up tomorrow I am told, and your calendar pattern will be sent out on Monday. I am so sorry about the delay, but sometimes life just gets in the way.

I have been so anxious about making you wait so long for this, that I have actually made some great progress. I have a few projects that I have finished up, no new patterns, but some great things off the "to do" list. I am moving my crafty room again, making room for more space upstairs. I hope to have a few pictures to show you next week of what I have been working on... but for now, I will try to keep what is left of my nails, and get your patterns off to you asap!

A death in the family...

2012-01-05T11:00:00.002-07:00

I just have to share this story with you, it is hilarious!

First I should start off by saying, that despite his pain, there is nothing but humor in this story and I still can't keep a straight face, which makes him even more upset.

For Christmas, my ten year old son asked Santa for an ipod. I really despise ipods, they create statues out of my children, and a ten year old with a $300 toy... really? Not happening here. I have made all my kids that have one buy their own "first" ipod...teaches them the value of it. My oldest has had hers for about two years, this year she dropped it on the bathroom floor and broke the screen, so for Christmas she wanted a new one as well. I did buy her a new one for Christmas, which meant the hand-me-down ipod was up for grabs, and my son who was so disappointed about not getting one became the obvious choice.

Since Christmas day, this kid has not put this thing down. He has been checked out... in statue land for weeks. I thought that he would get enough, you know you only eat a whole bag of cookies once cuz it makes you sick parental approach - but it didn't work. When asked what he got for Christmas, all the other gifts were tossed out of his mind and he replied "an ipod!" while the other person gets a puzzled look on their face and looks at us with disgust when they see the broken little ipod this kid is holding up.

Yesterday, it happened... all of a sudden I hear loud and uncontrollable sobbing coming from my son, while he was in the bathroom. Naturally that is quite a cause for concern, and I came running in fear to find out how I could help. When the door was finally opened, it was my little ten year old, eyes full of tears, sobbing with a wet, dripping, and contaminated ipod in his hand. Yep, you guessed it, it fell in the toilet.

All I could do was burst out in laughter... I couldn't help myself. Right behind me was his sisters, who had heard the sobbing and ran upstairs to find out what it was all about. They compassionatly snatched up the ipod, despite where it had been, and quickly threw it into a bowl of rice. I guess this problem was a topic of discussion among their group of friends a while back, and this was the best course of action for such a tragedy.

This morning I woke to this memorial for ipod Wyatt. I have been laughing all morning. No one yet knows the fate of Wyatt... hopefully he will make it, but if not, this sad little boy has a lot of work ahead of him.

So, if you want to help out a ten year old earn three hundred dollars.... and you have been wanting a pattern, or a reason to buy one....now is the time!

Introducing Sew Tweet Block of the Month!

2012-01-02T17:36:00.005-07:00

Merry Christmas..........................

Happy New Year!!!...............................

Hope all of you had a wonderful time visting with family and eating treats, I know I did. Such a wonderful time of year, it is hard to pull yourself away to finish up projects. Somehow I managed to do so....finally I have finished this one up.....

Introducing Sew Tweet... a little late, but it should be ready to be sent out by the end of this week.

Here it is in all it's glory! I have been working on this project for a while. I am so excited to get this off to all of you who got to order at the PRE-Release price.

If you would like to order your copy, you can visit my website HERE to place your order. This pattern will be offered at $25, and is packaged as a 2012 calendar. It is full of helpful tips, and guidelines so that you can finish it up by the end of next year.

I am so excited about all of the projects I have planned for this year, I hope that you too will be excited to see them. Sew many plans, sew little time!

Last Day!

2011-12-15T11:16:00.002-07:00

As I sit here busily quilting this little beauty
SEW Tweet!
I thought I would remind you that today is the last day to buy this pattern at it's pre-release price of $15 + shipping. After today the price goes up to $25 + shipping. Thanks to all of you who have taken advantage of this great special! There is just something magical that happens as you quilt around these cute little birds. Their little bodies start to swell with puffy warmth, breathing life into them. I can almost hear them tweeting as they are sewing on my quilt top. Oh how I love quilting! Hope you're having an equally magical day!
Visit my website HERE to order if you haven't already.

Sew..Sew..Sew Tweet!

2011-12-07T10:55:00.004-07:00

I have been busily sewing up this new block of the month for next year. I thought those of you who have ordered this pattern would like to see another peek at the blocks(quilt center). I am currently working on the two outer borders, went a little over-borders with the borders! It is SEW cute though! I can't wait to show you the whole quilt. I am finishing up the embroidery this week and hope to have it quilted this weekend. I really love this little quilt. It is just so fun to work on, the whimsical birds make my heart sing! Can't you just hear them tweeting through the screen?
.

If you haven't gotten a chance to order this pattern at it's Pre-Release price,

visit my website HERE to order!

Happy Stitching!

Sew Tweet!

2011-11-21T12:05:00.004-07:00

Here is a little sampling of my new 2012 block of the month

SEW TWEET!

This block of the month has a sewing theme, along with cute sewing sayings on the alternate blocks while whimsical blue birds adorn the majority of this fabulous quilt! I am almost ready to show you it completed!

I have been experimenting with price, since most BOM programs are quite spendy, I tried a new idea to offer this program to you at a reasonable price.

This program will be featured as a 2012 calendar with each block pictured monthly, as well as tips and hints on finishing up your block every month printed right on the calendar! You can plan to spend about 4 hours a week on this quilt and have a finished quilt by the end of next year.

I wanted to show you what I have been working on and to give you a month to order yours at the pre-release price of $15 + shipping. I will also have a limited number of fabric kits that will include the shaded bird fabric, and all of the small applique fabric. These are the same fabrics I have used on the pictured quilt blocks above.

You will have to purchase your own white, small black dot, and large black dot fabrics that make up the majority of the quilt background in addition to this kit to complete your quilt. This small fabric kit will be available to a limited number of you on a first buy first ship basis for an additional $15.

I will have this up on my website, and the pattern price will be raised to $25 when I release the pattern mid - December. I am planning to ship at this time too. If you would like to take advantage of the $10 savings by ordering now,

vist me at my website HERE and place your order today!

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T17:32:00.004-06:00

It's been a while since I posted last, sorry for the absence. I have been busy teaching classes and working on new projects, as well as trying to finish up a few promised things. You know the routine... it's just survival at this point in life with kids going in 500 different directions!

REdoing what I have already done has been keeping me occupied much more than I would like. I would rather work on my new projects, so hopefully I will get all these RE-do's off the list and be able to focus on more great designs for you soon.

It was a much needed break to make my little ones (not so little anymore) their Halloween costumes. I get so inspired by this time every year as I have faithfully watched Project Runway for two months. This year I was especially excited to challenge myself with costumes after the decisions were made. This is apparently very tough for the kids to decide, with only the limits of their imagination, it is really funny to see them struggle with themselves and their ideas.

Madison decided to be a Soda Shop girl. I did all the embroidery on the back and front of her shirt, and she looked amazing if I do say so myself. We did up her hair in pin curls and side rolls with a big pin curl on top. She works at my dream soda shop called "Cherry on top Soda Shop" I couldn't help myself, and had to put my much loved cherries all over her costume.

Brin decided to be a witch. Can you believe that in all her years, she has never been a witch for Halloween? The timing was perfect, and this dress fit her like a glove. It was absolutely beautiful on her. She picked out the fabric herself. Her history teacher at school gave her a thumbs up on being correctly dressed. We spent a while curling her beautiful hair, doesn't she look amazing? It is really fun to create dresses for my almost grown up girls!

Brookie also decided to be a witch. We were going for an archer in the time of Robin Hood, but I lost my powers and created a disaster. Thank goodness she chose this as her back-up costume. I think it was meant to be cuz she is just the cutest in this costume! I loved how her short little hairstyle flipped up under her hat. Such a cutie, my little Brookie!

My oldest boy Easton opted out of the leotard loving comic book characters, and decided to be the alias of Green Lantern, Hal Jordan. He is a pilot. Much cooler, and less embarrassing than his brother who also decided to be Green Lantern! I tried to tell him I could make him a cool costume, not one of those chain store tragedies, but he took one look at the one at the store and said "NO WAY!" He is growing up so fast!

Weston got chosen to join the Green Lantern Corp. too, and he has no shame. His original choice was a tron character, but after I bought his brother the glowing ring.... it was over, he had to have one too or he would have died. I made him the most awesome green lantern suit! It was beautiful, and even included muscles! ...so much better than that yucky store version! This youngest boy loves comic book characters, so I know another suit is in my future, and I can't wait!

So, what do you think of all my work?

Can't wait to show you what else I have been up to! Be back soon.....
(don't worry, it will be sooner than last time!)

Introducing Together!

2011-09-15T09:15:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone! I just finished this cute pillow!

YAAAAAAH!

It is called "Together" and the pattern is available to purchase at my website HERE.

I actually finished something! I have been on walkabout for the last month or sew... Not quite sure what to do with all of this time now that my last little lunch buddie has went off to school. I have so many cute projects pulling at me for attention... but it seems I have lost something. Hopefully I can pull it together and get busy!

If you are in my area, stop by and visit me next week at the annual Utah Quilt Guild's Quilt Fest at the Marriott in Provo. I will have lots of pincushions and PINcesses for your holiday gift giving! Not to mention all of my patterns at some great prices! Stop by, say HI and mention you read my blog to recieve this pattern for half price!

Introducing Block 9!

2011-09-01T10:44:00.004-06:00

The final block in our Rosie Tweet quilt is here!

If you are on the mailing list, your pattern will be arriving shortly. I hope you have enjoyed creating your blocks. Next month will be the final pattern, and will include finishing instructions to turn your blocks into a cute little quilt.

If you would like to order this block pattern, you can visit my website

Chitter Chatter Designs

and purchase your own. The entire BOM quilt pattern is also available now!

Thanks to all of you for participating. This has been really fun. Can't wait for next year!

I am working on a really fun idea involving these little birds. If you just can't get enough... check back in a month or two to see a sneak peek at next years Block of the Month!

Until then... I will be working on a new pattern to release this month. I am also making another Cherry Tweet quilt in a different color way. I hope to show you some pictures soon.

Saying goodbye...

2011-08-23T22:59:00.003-06:00

Saying goodbye is never easy.

Today was especially hard.

Once in a while you meet a wonderful person, a person that makes your soul blossom. Someone who brightens your day. Someone who makes you giggle. Someone who strengthens your spirit without even knowing it. I feel so lucky to have spent a little time with such a sweet person. Goodbye Patsy... I will miss you so very much.

Classes

2011-08-10T22:15:00.003-06:00

Hello out there! A little note about some upcoming classes I will be teaching if you live in my area.

American Quilting in Orem, Utah has been kind enough to host me for another Rosie Tweet class. This will be a group of classes designed to teach you every thing you need to know to make the Rosie Tweet Quilt. We will focus on block construction, and use my method of applique along with some prepared applique methods. This class starts next week so give them a call if you are interested.

After much asking...I will be teaching at Thimbles and Threads in Draper in mid September. This class is a machine quilting class using a pattern from "Don't Look Now" designer Kellie Wulfsohn. I was so lucky to have been taught by this amazing woman this past May. I admire her work so very much and I was lucky enough to get an okay from her to teach. I am no Kellie... but I/we will muddle our way through using her pattern and instructions. I have been quilting my own quilts for a couple of years now, truth be known I was inspired by her, and I think I have improved with her instruction. Have faith, I will teach you everything I know (it won't take long.)

I will also be teaching a couple of classes at My Sister's Quilts in Riverton. There are a few Pretty Pinny Pincushion classes, and a four part class for Cherry Tweet. If you have been wanting to make some christmas gifts....or, would like to get started on your Cherry Tweet quilt, join us!!!

I am also working on a new class to be held at Quilts Etc. in Sandy. For now it may be another Rosie Tweet class. If you have any ideas about what you would like to learn from me, let me know! Maybe we can fit it in too.

Until next time...

Introducing Block 8!

2011-08-01T09:43:00.003-06:00

Block 8...the next block on our journey to completing the Rosie Tweet Quilt.

This block has a pieced center surrounded by a circle of rose buds.

For all of you who had signed up, your patterns went out today, so keep an eye out for them in the mail. If you would like to purchase this block, you can go HERE to get it.

I am heading off to girls camp this week. I will have a fun giveaway next week for those of you who are making this quilt. Get out your cameras, and get ready to send me a picture of your work. I can't wait to see your different color and fabric selections!

Happy Stitching!

Winner!!!

2011-07-27T13:41:00.003-06:00

Trish in CT.... your name was drawn as the winner of the contest today! Please email me with your info.

Congratulations!!!

I only wish I had more to give away! Thanks to everyone for the overwhelming response to my giveaway. I appreciate your comments and encouragement! I have a few more giveaways planned in the next few months as I release a couple of new patterns, so keep an eye out for them. They will also be finished projects!

On another note... I need some pictures of your Rosie Tweet Blocks!

All of you currently making Rosie Tweet...I have a giveaway coming up in the next week or so, with some great things to giveaway.. so get out those camera's and get ready to send me your wonderful work! I have to see what you are doing with this pattern!

Finally, I have a little problem out there.

If any of you have bought my patterns that are questionable in quality, or if you think that they have been copied illegally, would you please let me know? I know it is rough out there, and people are fighting to survive, however, copyright violations are still illegal. I am trying to support this little family of mine, and I would like to continue doing it with my little business. I know this comes with the territory of creating patterns, but it is hardly worth it when you have to contend with someone cheapening the look and quality of your product.

A Surprise at Market...with a GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-07-20T17:30:00.007-06:00

Giveaway has Ended. Thank you for entering! Winner announced above....

Has anyone noticed that new little button to the right???Announcing an amazing GIVEAWAY below....

I was pleasantly surprised to meet Annie of Annie's Quilting Stash at Spring Market.

For those of you unfamiliar with her...here is a little introduction.

Annie is the mastermind behind the first podcast for Quilters. She has interviewed some amazing people famous in the quilting industry, and since I met her, I have been listening to one of her podcast's every minute I get. What inspiration and admiration I have gained from Annie's wonderful interviews!

Fortunatley, she chose to include me....which I think is cause for a GIVEAWAY! Not only here, but on her blog as well. Now my interview is nowhere near the greatness of her previous guests, but I think it was quite magical to be included in her long list of interviews .

Take a trip on over to see Annie!

I am giving away this wonderful pillow pictured above, along with a collection of Rosie Tweet Patterns, or any patterns of your choice instead ($50 worth)to celebrate!

Annie is holding a little giveaway of her own which features two new patterns of your choice from my current list, and every new pattern I release for a year!

.....THAT"S A WHOLE YEAR OF NEW CHITTER CHATTER Patterns!!!

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???

Follow her contest instructions to enter her contest,

..and don't forget to enter mine by commenting below!
I will draw a winner one week from today for the pillow and patterns.

What else have I been doing this summer you ask????

I have been working on a few things, but mostly just having fun with the kids and friends. Pictured above is a quilt my sweet neighbor Kathy made. It is such a cute quilt! It reminds me of an Italian tile table. She used some Amy Butler fabrics for the center along with a wood grained printed fabric. I helped her quilt it, and followed the wood design in the border quilting. It really turned out wonderful.

I also managed to finish this little kit up for my oldest daughter. It is a "quilt-as-you-go" minkie quilt. We bought the kit last fall at Quilt Fest, and she has been so patient with me. Even though it is almost 90 degrees outside, she is still wrapping up with it and stroking it's soft surface. This is one of the things I love most about quilting...watching your work get loved to death! That's where memories are born.

I have also been sharpening my "Don't Look Now!" skills by trying my hand at this little beauty of hers. This quilt was put together by a quilty friend, and I agreed to use my class skills to "practice" on her display. It is a work in progress.... but is turning out wonderful!

I got talked into this book at Jo-Anns by my 6 year old. He started crying because I wanted to leave it. I tried all of the "mom tricks" but gave up at the end when he kept following me around saying "Mom..... I know you are going to put it down. MOM... you can't! Don't leave it MOM...I need that cat!" I gave in and started making his cat... the little black one whom he christened "Pheniox" Now I find myself making crochet cats.... and who can stop at one??

This project snowballed into a massive ball of kid devoted projects! Grr is a cartoon character that I made for my youngest daughter, she wanted him instead of a cat. The little green cat is called "Jalepeno"...he is a little upset, because Grr the little guy at the top will not stay out of the picture. Mr. Stiffy is trying to console him... (he is crocheted a little tight, so he won't move as well as the others.) And, the little pink one has yet to be finished.

This book is full of quirky pictures. Kind of Comic like with the little cat in different positions and poses. Grr is trying to figure out what this behavior means in the book.
.

What kids make you do....hmmmmm,

and now I better be off,

The current conversation going on here is:

Easton: "I don't want to play with you Weston!"

Weston: " We are supposed to be best friend brothers Easton!"

Easton: "Wes, just leave me alone!" as he walks in his room.

Weston: "I want a brother divorce! Easton you are being kicked out of our room!"
as he pushes out a few of Easton's toys.
The girls start laughing uncontrollably......

Easton: "MOM.......Weston is a dummy!" as he walks out of the room.

A little adult intervention is needed right now!
The things they come up with!

Rosie Tweet Block 7!

2011-07-01T13:11:00.003-06:00

Introducing block 7 in our Rosie Tweet Block of the Month.

For those of you on the list, your pattern was sent out today, and should arrive soon. If you would like to see this pattern arrive in your mailbox, visit my website to order.

If any of you are interested in starting classes for this BOM and you live in my area, I will be starting a new class at American Quilting in Orem, UT this month. Hope to see you there.

Also, the pillow featured below is one of my designs, and I am currently working on a pattern for this one. The pattern will feature the image of the two birds along with some small similar projects featuring bird families. Can't wait to give you some more sneak peeks soon! Thank you for all of your emails and comments about this pillow. It sure encourages me to finish up the pattern!

Happy Retirement Jane!

2011-06-28T17:03:00.003-06:00

Last week I was busily working on this project for a special person, mentor, and friend.

Jane...I will miss working with you!

I miss you already.

Here is a picture of the back...with it's cute little pocket.

I have been working on several other projects too.

These lazy days of summer have gotten the best of me though,
cuz this is the only one I have taken pictures of.

I had a great time at My Sister's Quilts on Saturday. Thank you for coming out to say Hi! I felt very loved. It was a pleasure to spend time sewing with everyone. Also, a special thank you to Patsy, I DO adore you! (Just in case you were wondering.) You are a joy to sew with. Thank you!

Be back soon with more pictures....

Trunk Show!

2011-06-24T12:22:00.002-06:00

Have you been to this new store???

It is sew BEAUTIFUL! Full of some great fabrics, and wonderful people.

Carolyn and Patsy have graciously decided to have a Saturday Trunk Show featuring all of my quilts. This is the first time they will all be displayed together. I am really excited to see them all reunited for this special occasion.

I will be there this Saturday from 11-2. Hope you can stop by for a visit.

Can't wait to see you!

Staying Busy!

2011-06-14T12:29:00.005-06:00

As most of you know, I have a quite an admiration for Kellie of Don't Look Now.

I was fortunate to be able to take a class given by her after spring market. Kellie is an amazing teacher!!! If you ever have an opportunity to take a class from this talented lady, don't pass it up. This pillow is one of her patterns titled "Memories." I picked up several of her patterns over the last year. I am so excited about her method! It is a breeze to put together and after much practice, and instruction by the master Kellie, my quilting isn't too bad. I will never be as good as Kellie, but that is okay, I am happy with this project. I may have to do up a few of my new ideas using this raw edge technique. It is sure to be much quicker!

The other reason for my lack of posting has been because of my little guy.

This is his first year of little league. Oh how I love baseball! I used to pitch for my team every summer. My little guy plays third base. Look how cute they are in their uniforms!

Adorable isn't it?

I had forgotten how much I love being at the baseball field. I love this game....what a great season we have had. I think the play-offs are next week, and I am sad to see it come to an end, but also excited to get started on some new projects. The ladies at market have spoiled me rotten with beautiful fabrics and threads. Can't wait to show you my loot! Be back soon!

For those of you going to our

Wasatch Front Shop Hop this week,

be sure to come say HI.

I will be at Thimbles and Threads from 11-2 demonstrating perfect circles and applique!

Also.... I will be at a new shop here in the valley on June 25 with a trunk show saturday at
My Sister's Quilts in Riverton, UT.

Stop by and say Hi from 11-2!

Introducing Block 6!

2011-06-03T17:33:00.002-06:00

The next block in my Rosie Tweet BOM.

For those of you on the "list", your pattern should be arriving shortly.

If you would like a copy to arrive in your mailbox,

visit me HERE to order!

Introducing.....market photos and NEW patterns!

2011-05-17T19:57:00.007-06:00

Here is a picture of my booth at market.

Cherry Tweet made it's way into the United Notions booth this year!

What a thrill that was. Thank you Debbie!

I introduced three NEW pillow patterns at market.
All of which you have probably seen here before
Take a BIKE!
Look for this little pattern to grow up into a big quilt debuting soon!

Sea Breeze also found it's way into the hearts of many at market.
Look for this cutie to be arriving at your local shop this week.

A sister of my "All dolled up" block also made it's way into a little pillow pattern.

Go, Go Girly

will also be arriving this week, hopefully not before her sister's FREE pattern does at
alldolledupinslc.blogspot.com

Ready...set..GO!

also made it's debut at market.

It received most of it's attention from the guys....no surprise there.....

But,

It was a surprise that this one also caught the attention of the guys....

Sunset Beach.
Virginia did such a beautiful job on these two quilts!

Her quilting gave them that extra special touch I was looking for.

You are amazing Virginia!!! Thank you!

Finally, Rosie Tweet made it's way into a complete pattern collection, and should be ready for purchase of the entire set on my website

HERE.

What a whirlwind this market was for me this year!

Full of so many challenges, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Most of the time our greatest challenges become the very reason for later successes!

It feels so good to have finished most of the projects I had planned to. I hope to have a little break this summer, but I am so eager to start a couple of new projects that it may not be the break I was planning for.

I wanted to send an extra special thank you to those sweet ladies who sent me best wishes.

I thought it was so thoughtful of you to send them to me. In my market madness, I did not thank you properly as I had hoped I would find time to do.

With market over, it is finally time to work on my much neglected house!

Today I washed all of the curtains, and finally got around to mopping my sad little floor. House chores were so relaxing compared to final week before market, just what I needed. Maybe there will still be a little time to do some ironing...oh how I love ironing!
.

I am so excited to have found my way into a dream class this weekend with THEEE coolest quilter around!

Hopefully I will not scare her with my enthusiasm!

More on that to come next week, until then... Happy Stitching!

(wish me luck!) -Cori

Introducing Block 5!

2011-05-05T08:13:00.003-06:00

A little late in coming this month, (sorry ladies) here is Rosie Tweet Block 5.

This little pattern will be arriving at your door step soon for those of you who have signed up. If you would like this cute block to arrive at your home you can find it HERE.

Now for a little bit of a surprise....

want to see what you are creating???

Rosie Tweet!

Yeah!!! I finished it! ........It is a miracle!

Thanks to all of you who joined up without even a glimpse of the finished quilt. It was because of YOU this became a reality. Thank you for your faith in me.

Hugs, -Cori

In the mood for a vacation?

2011-04-27T09:41:00.004-06:00

Boy, I sure am! I have had the best time working on this simple strip pieced quilt.

Introducing.....

SUNSET BEACH!

This quilt is a twin size quilt. It measures 60" x 84".

The letters on this quilt were fused on and stitched around to make sure they will be beautiful after many, many washings.

I am taking this little beauty to my amazing quilter also. Can't wait to see this one finished!

I have three girls who love the beach.

This quilt was inspired by them.

I think it is such a serene quilt, and I have really enjoyed working on it.

Down side is that it makes my husband tear up a bit, realizing our three little girls are all grown up. I hope to make this one up a few more times, because a fight has broken out about whose bed this quilt will be on. I think it would be nice made up into a wall quilt, or lap size.... not so big.

If you think so too... maybe this other pattern will be more suited to you.

Introducing.....

SEA BREEZE!
...a companion piece to the quilt.

This pillow pattern is 16" x 18" a neckroll style pillow.

This pillow is easy to make. I sure hope you like my new little creations.

If you are wondering why all of the back to back posting... I thought I would do it all at once so I can spend the rest of my time writing the patterns!.

(I need more time!)

... and there are still more patterns to come!

You will soon see how really crazy I am!

Too many ideas, and just not enough time!!!

Gotta go.... be back soon.
.

P.S. If you want to purchase either of these patterns, you can do so HERE.

For a couple of days...these patterns will be available at a special pre-order price.

Ready...set..GO!

2011-04-26T10:46:00.002-06:00

Introducing, Ready...set..GO!

It is feeling good to see these projects finally wrapping up!

Especially because I only have two weeks left before quilt market!!!

I decided to make this quilt for my daughter who is turning sixteen this year.

This quilt has been made up in the colors of her room, and the center of the quilt fits nicely on the bed top, while the flags and cars on the border race around the bedsides.

An amazing lady that I know is going to be quilting this cutie up just in time for market.

She is amazing, and I know she will add some fun texture to this cute little quilt.

If you want to buy this pattern you can visit me HERE.

It is listed toward the bottom of the home page, and has a special pre-order price only available before it's release at market. This quilt is a twin size quilt, it measures 65" x 90."
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Can't wait to see it quilted up in all it's glory for my not so little girl!

Take a BIKE!

2011-04-25T11:50:00.003-06:00

Introducing..... Take a BIKE!

Just thought you would like to see what I have been working on for market. I have quite a few patterns that I will be releasing starting with this one.

This pillow measures 14" x 16" and makes a wonderful addition to any chair or bed.

I have them displayed in my living room for the time being, as I furiously finish up all of my market surprises. If you would like to order this pattern, visit my website. It is featured on the home page towards the bottom, and will be shipped out to you on May 16,2011.

Keep an eye out for more of my market releases debuting right here, and remind your store owners who may be attending market to stop by my booth and say HI!

Back to stitching..... more to come!

All dolled up.....

2011-04-14T22:21:00.003-06:00

You may have noticed a new little button on my side bar labeled "All dolled up in SLC."

I have joined with many designers in our area to participate in a fun little giveaway at spring quilt market, right here in our area, Salt Lake City, Utah. Riley Blake will be showcasing a couple of quilts with free patterns you can download around the middle of May.

The amazing Amanda Herring of the Quilted Fish put this whole thing together.

She is such a wonderful gal, love her to pieces.

Here is my free block pattern....

This is one of many blocks created for this project. I was so inspired by this challenge, that I hope to put them all together in a fun quilt soon.

For this project, each designer was given a paper doll which we had to use in our block design.

I thought a shopping girl was just the ticket for quilt market, after all it is quite dreamy to see all of the beautiful new fabrics, notions, and patterns before they arrive in the store!

Which is why she had to have these bolts of fabric!!!

This version had to feature fabric lines from Riley Blake, so if you're wondering where to get these cute fabrics, you know what to ask for at your favorite shop.

I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity, and remind your quilt shop owners to stop by and take a peek at these quilts. A fun giveaway is in the works if they do!

In other news, I am finishing up a few projects to take to the quilter. Can't wait to show you what I have been working on! Be back soon......

A Birthday Post!

2011-04-06T13:48:00.004-06:00

My youngest daughter Brook just turned 12. She asked for a hamburger cake....so this is what I came up with. It was so realistic looking, that it was kind of disturbing! I used a rice cake for the burger..... it really looks like a hamburger! The fries were made from toasted pound cake and dipped in red frosting to resemble ketchup.

She invited over her friends to have a cupcake decorating party. The table was filled with goodies!

We started by using ziplock bags to pipe the frosting on our cupcake pie. (I have a facination with pies I guess.) I taught the girls a few techniques for decorating their cupcakes.

I think they all did very well piping the frosting on their pies.

We learned how to roll the frosting in sugar to create the apple, and adorned it with a tootsie roll stem, and a laffy taffy leaf. We learned to dirty ice the duck, and then dip it in candy melts to create a cute little duck with mini m&m eyes, and a orange tootsie roll beak. I let the girls go crazy with their monster, he was made using sugared fruit rings and dum dum sucker eyes. The girls got really creative making their monsters, covering them with candies.

Happy Birthday my little Brookie! Twelve already...... where does the time go?

Introducing Block 4!

2011-04-04T13:13:00.004-06:00

Sorry ladies, this one is a little late.....

Can I get away with a belated APRIL FOOL's Joke???

Anyhow, Block 4 of Rosie Tweet was sent out friday to all of my pre-payers.

Some of you should have yours awaiting your arrival at home today.

If you would like Block 4 to arrive in your mail box, simply click

HERE

to order your very own copy.

Kits are available at

Quilt Etc.

if you are interested.

Now, I'm off to continue sewing on my market surprises!

What joy it is to sew for a living!

A big "THANK YOU" with a hug goes out to all of you ladies who make this possible.

Happy Stitching!!!

XXOO

A post for Christine.....

2011-03-29T11:07:00.003-06:00

My cute little nephew arrived last week!

So glad I got this little monster finished up in time!!!

Here is my version of the "Don't Look Now" monster quilt. I reduced it down to a baby size quilt, and used a printed fabric for my color guide and outer border. My sister-in-law did her nursery up in brown and green, so I altered the colors to fit in with her decor. We had to add a few monsters of our own, but I think it turned out really cute.

I quilted it with my home machine.

I also double batted this quilt to make the dots really puffy.

Hands down to the master, Kellie.

I gave up on the dots, and Kellie... if you are reading,

you are the most patient woman on the planet....You ARE the master of DOTS!

It was a beautiful day in the mountains as we traveled to meet this much anticipated little one.

A fresh blanket of snow had covered everything just for our viewing pleasure.

I know it's March, and everyone is so sick of this weather,

but no one can deny the unmistakeable beauty of this little piece of heaven that I get to call home!

And now for the cutest part of this post.....

Meet JP!

Isn't he just a doll???

Two days old, and just as handsome as he can be.

Oh I miss my little babies.... now they fight with me to hold this little treasure,

and I have to share!

Life just doesn't seem fair sometimes.

Tori..... why did you have to move away?

New and Improved!

2011-03-11T10:10:00.005-07:00

The other day, a famous lady here in our area emailed me this little project.

This is my Baby Buggie pattern.

Don't you just love the color in this quilt?

I had always wanted to see this quilt done up in more vibrant colors.

My version is very soft, and subtle. It is really cool to see it done up this way.

This quilt was made by Joyce Stewart, and quilted by Ann Seeley.

These two sisters do some wonderful work,

have a LOOK!

This lady is so good at avoiding handwork!

She is limited and avoids doing handwork when she can.

They have embroidered the bugs legs/antennae using a machine method called, bobbin drawing, made famous by a quilter named Libby Lehman.

She was kind enough to send me a link to a video demonstrating it.

You can visit HERE to see it.

Joyce also used a colored magic marker to add the names on top of the circles.
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It is really a sweet baby quilt, and I love the color!

Well done don't you think so?

Sew Lost!

2011-03-09T10:21:00.002-07:00

Hello everyone!

Just a quick "HI" as I am busily rushing about running kids here and there.

Honestly, I am just hoping for a day where I can just sit and sew!

SEW MUCH TO SEW!

On the list this week is to quilt two small quilts, and one new little cutie for spring market.

Just can't wait to show you what I have been up to.

Has anyone seen a red camera????

Seems it has been the victim of some random camera-knapping.

Kids are all claiming innocence.

Introducing.....Block 3!

2011-03-01T09:16:00.003-07:00

Block three is here and ready to go! For all of my BOM subscibers, yours was mailed off to you this morning. If you would like this block pattern to arrive in your mail box, visit my website to order.

Also, if you are interested in a fabric kit for these blocks, you can visit

Quilts, Etc.

to order your fabric kit for blocks 1, 2, or 3.

Catching up.

2011-02-22T09:30:00.003-07:00

This past month has been a whirlwind of work around here. I have been busily sewing like a crazy person. I have completed a designer block for a quilt that will be featured at Quilt Market called "All dolled up in SLC" sponsored by Riley Blake, and coordinated by the amazing Amanda Herring of the Quilted Fish. I am so excited to see how this quilt turns out!

On a recent visit to some of my favorite stores, I picked up this yummy little selection of fabrics for a fast, and cute quilt idea for my girls' room. I hope to have a pattern made up of this one for market. Sometimes you just need a quick project, especially when I have been sewing for what seems like an eternity on this little monster.......

Boy oh Boy do I have more respect for that amazing Kellie of Don't Look Now! This is her pattern, and I just can't seem to get all of those dots on there! This quilt was a special request for my sweetest sister-in-law. Her very first baby, a boy, is due around the middle of March. Can't wait to meet this much anticipated little one! Hope I can finish it up before he gets here!

To add to my mountain of projects, I have taken on this one.....

Venetian Plaster.

It is so beautiful! I wanted to try my hand at it, so I picked the stairwell to start in. The kids had really dinged up the walls during our neverending construction projects. We had the railing down for a few weeks, and in the process they developed a game called "suicide."

Needless to say, the walls paid the price.

My favorite part about it is how shiny it is.

It feels like glass. I am hopeful that it will be easier to clean.

And... to put your mind at ease, we put up the railing too... so no more "suicide" will be going on here.
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Now I am off to finish up the final Rosie Tweet blocks so that I can show you the completed quilt. Hope this will happen soon, but I keep making new blocks for it. Maybe I am overthinking it.... Wish me luck, cuz I am going to need it! That Rosie Tweet is a Hymalaian mountain of stitching!
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Do you ever get to a point when you just want to finish something? I think I am there, too many things going on at once makes me a little crazy.

Introducing..... Block 2!

2011-02-01T09:11:00.007-07:00

Here is Rosie Tweet block 2.

It went out in the mail this morning to all of you signed up for the monthly BOM.

If you would like this block pattern to arrive in your mail box, visit my website to order.

It seems I am the only one questioning my yellow block!

I got nothing but sweet comments about it.

I decided to give it another chance, and finish it up.

To be honest, the "buttercream" (for you Samm) block is starting to grow on me.

Once I put on the embroidery I really started to like it.

I think that it really makes the pink roses pop,

just like the pink did for the red in the other version.

Seems I owe yellow an apology!

Has anyone finished up thier first block?

Anyone using different color choices???

Welcome to FAA!

2011-01-30T10:45:00.004-07:00

Hi, My name is Cori.

(say "Hi")

I am addicted to fabric.
It's been three days since my last purchase.

It's official, I'm incurable.

I am a hopeless, chronic fabric addict! Have you seen this fabric line from Sweetwater?

It is sew beautiful! I was at Quilt's Etc. preoccupied with a different search with Jane, when suddenly a beam of afternoon sun pierced through the window and landed on this breathtaking collection. I just couldn't take my eyes off of it. This line made me want to make a Fig Tree Quilt for some reason. I started day dreaming while staring at this amazing fabric. I must have been there a while because when I finally woke up, Jane was no where to be found. Without even thinking, I picked it up. I ran my hand across it's lovely, soft surface....and I was hooked. It was instant love, and before I knew what was happening, the lovely Sandra was cutting off pieces for me to take home.

You know what the funniest thing is about it?

I HATE YELLOW!!!

What was I thinking???

I have a whole box of yellow fabric at home, and everytime I try to make something with it, I puke and throw it in the garbage! I am hopeless! Yellow is only fitting for ducks, chicks, and flower centers! It is an accent color, not the main event!

In my delusion, I made a yellow version of Rosie Tweet.

Not sure where this block is going.....but I have a pretty good idea!

Tell the truth, is it really as ugly as I think it is?

What is my problem?

This is a FAA meeting, maybe I can find strength to resist fabric from the pain of others.

Come on........FESS UP!

Who has a story to share?

Rocks and Sunshine!

2011-01-28T08:36:00.006-07:00

First of all... did you see this new banner???

I think Samm has really outdone herself, it is so me!

LOVE IT!

I ran away for a while last week,

We made our way across the new bridge at Hoover Dam!
Can you see the little people walking across it in the upper right corner?

That thing is huge, and quite disappointing because you can't see over the side when driving on it. You have to stop, and drive on the road to the dam, then.... there are these police officers picking and choosing who they will allow to go. So frustrating!!! We were not chosen, so we just took pictures from the dam. Security.....I wish they were allowed to profile, it would save alot of time and headaches for the average citizen!

After a day of driving, we arrived at this great place.

Lots of rocks, just look at the size of some of those amethyst geodes!

They had some the size of my nine year old there - 4 feet high!

I thought these crystals were neat. They are titanium sprayed quartz crystals.

These were a little disturbing.

I know they are stalagmites, from a cave... and it has taken eons for nature to create, makes you wonder which cave is missing these beauties.

But a rock is a rock I guess???

Last of all, these sandstone tables. I thought they were just beautiful.

Like my mother, I like the things that have a little "man" in them, meaning that the things I like most are those that have been worked, and manipulated from it's original state by man into something beautiful.

It was so warm in Quartzite, 80 degrees, that was too much of a temperature difference! Made me a little sick. But I think that was a good thing. I couldn't shop as much.

Why do you suppose the guys get such a kick out of taking us women to a place where all we can buy are heavy rocks? Maybe it's because we can only fill our bags with so much. After that you have to drag it to the car, and that's embarrassing!

My first "secret" finish of 2011!

2011-01-20T08:52:00.002-07:00

After a year long engagement.....

I am proud to announce the marriage of my couple!

They tied the knot just in time to move permanetly to a new home.

Happy Birthday MOM!

xxoo
.

(Hope she likes it!)

For those of you quilters out there.... I double batted this one just to get this effect.

See how the couple comes to life and looks 3D?

If you want to achieve this effect on your quilt,

use a cotton batting on the bottom (next to the backing fabric) and then put a really thin polyester batting on top, and quilt as desired.

The polyester will create the puffy look, and will also stay puffy after lots of washing.

I am off for a few days to enjoy some southern sunshine!

Talk to you when I get back,

hope to have lots of pictures to show (especially for you Jo!)

Shhh....it's a secret!

2011-01-18T08:47:00.002-07:00

Have you noticed my new banner???

This one is courtesy of that lovely Samm!
She is one talented little lady, and such a sweetheart.

I love it, thanks Samm. XX

She seems to be keeping a little secret of her own about what she is going to do with it,
so I along with you will stay posted to see what she is up to.

It looks as though I am almost ready to show you my first finish this year....

but it's a secret, so shhhh.....

(it's my mothers birthday present!)

I hope to give you an entire photo of this little project,

but I am still furiously stitching away on it. Gotta hurry....only a few days left!

Meanwhile the girls have been creating some new PINcess pins.

I gotta get to putting them on the website... but until then, if you want them,

you can tell me in the comment box when you order.

(Still stitching........)

I have been a little distracted lately, which is why I am so behind,

and in a rush to finish up what I should have been doing.

A little birdy just gave me a new challenge, and man what a challenge for me!

It will be introduced at Quilt Market,

so gotta keep this a secret too!

Alot of secrets going on lately,

so I thought I would post them all at once.

I know how you hate secrets, but I just had to let you know,

I really have been busy..... just nothing to show for it right now.

Last week my youngest was really sick,

so for all of you contest winners....

that is why your packages have not shown up.

Have to let you know that they will go out today.

Thanks for being so patient you lucky gals!

Now, back to furiously stitching!!!

Wish me luck!

Amazing Winners!

2011-01-07T14:31:00.002-07:00

So this is what I came up with for some prizes.
And the winners are.....
.
Winner of the pincushion in back with a set of matching PINcess Pins...
.
BJ - comment 8
.
Winner of the Pretty Pinny Pincushion pattern, kit, and PINcess Pins....
.
Rita - comment 14
.
Winner of the cherry mug rug (coaster)......
.
Nancy - comment 16
.
Winner of the cherry pie pincushion and matching PINcess Pins....
.
Lynn - comment 33
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Winner of the scissors with strawberry, and red/white pins....
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SandyN - comment 47
.
Thank you for playing. Winners will you please contact me
cori@chitterchatterdesigns.com
to claim your prizes.
You quilters really are amazing people, I think you are great!
.

Quilters are AMAZING People!

2011-01-05T09:54:00.006-07:00

Contest is now closed! Thank you!

Just a quick note to let you know how wonderful you all are!
.
You have been so understanding about my stupid BOM email that caused mass confusion
(S0 sorry)
that I have decided that I need to give back to you sweet ladies.
.
I feel so blessed to be a part of this business.
You are the greatest customers any business could ever dream of having.
Thank You!
.
Because you have been so great, I am going to have a little giveaway, a little surprise of sorts, to you who want to be thrown in the hat.
You give me little surprises every day, and I am really thankful!
So, if you are up for a little surprise, just leave a comment!
I haven't decided what it will be, or how many, but it is sure to be fun!
I will pick a winner(s) on Friday, and reveal what you have won.
Hugs, -Cori

Introducing....

2011-01-03T09:33:00.004-07:00

Rosie Tweet!
Time to get started on my new block of the month.
For those of you who signed up for the entire pattern,
your pattern & extra's are off to you in the mail today.

Most of you have been watching this little creation develop right here on this blog...

I thought posting some pictures - close ups - would help with your versions.

This block, along with blocks 2 and 3 are on display at

Quilts Etc.

If you live in my area and would like to sign up for monthly classes starting in February, give them a call.
I believe they will begin sign-ups towards the end of this week.

This store will also be cutting kits for this block, and will be available for around $14 per month.

Thanks to all of you for wishing me a wonderful Christmas Holiday.
It was a much needed break, and a fun vacation with the kids.
I enjoy them so much.

This is a picture of my youngest with his find at the grocery store.....
What an eye he has....*wink, wink*!
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I hope this new year found you all well and happy!
.
Happy New Year!!!

Need a gift???

2010-12-14T10:29:00.003-07:00

How is your holiday shopping list looking with just a couple of weeks left?
.
Could you use a little help??
If you know of anyone who would like this simply adorable pincushion, with PINcess pins,
you can go HERE to purchase your very own!

These turned out just so cute don't you think???
If you have my Pretty Pinny Pincushion pattern, you can make that cute little peppermint too!
.
The PINcesses have come up with such a cute Candy Cane PINcess set for the holidays.
It is just full of Christmas meaning.
The center pin, the Candy Cane, has significant religious history, a candy maker wanting to make a Christmas candy that had to do with Christ made this candy,
the shape represents the shepards hook, as well a "J" for Jesus.
Next to the candy cane, you will find two hearts, one red which represents the love of Jesus who shed his blood for us, and the white heart represents the pure love of God for sending His only son.
The star is for the Wise men who seek Him.
The Crown, Jesus is the King of Kings.
The circles on each side also have a meaning. The red being that Jesus shed his blood for the world, and the white for the perfectly pure world we would have if everyone would follow in His footsteps.

I thought you might like to see where the needle-felting fed-dish is taking us...
The kids made these really fun charms for their friends for Christmas.
They are going to be so cute accessorizing their backpacks, lanyards, or zippers!
.
Just a fun story... the penguin on the right is my youngest son's. He made the black circles for his penguin himself. It was late last night, and I sent him to bed without him being finished. The only way I could get him to stay in his bed, was to promise him that I would keep working on the penguin until it was finished. He told me, "Mom, I will just keep my hand open, and go to sleep. When he is done, will you just put him in my hand?"
.
I put on his face and sewed his eyes, and before too long he was finished. I did what he asked, and placed the little thing in his hand, and went to bed. When he woke up this morning, he came running to me, thrilled, and told me how cute he was. He went on for a while about how much he loved him. Then he tells me, " Mom, I just love him so much! I am going to keep him forever. Mom,? When I die will you put him in my hand for me?"
.
Yeah, I am still wiping away some tears! I am not sure if I should be happy he likes it so much, or sad that I will not be around to do so. And if I am,... Oh my!
.
Kids, I wonder if they comprehend some of the things they say!

It's that time of year...

2010-12-08T12:29:00.003-07:00

It's that time of year when everything gets crazy for me.
.
Hope your Thanksgiving was lovely. Mine was wonderful, and full of family.
.
Just had to share with you my projects this week.
Along with many Christmas goodies for the kids (that I just can't show)
I made these adorable pillows for my couch from this magazine.

It was so nice to take a break from my other more time intensive projects
to have fun with this fast and easy pillow! They turned out cute I think.

The last few weeks has been full of decorating and secret shopping,
but I can finally say my stockings are hung.
Mine is the little one.... only certain things will fit in it!
...like jewelry, and a truffle or two.

I have also finished another block for my new project starting in January.
This is May's block in my Rosie Tweet Block of the Month.
.
If you are interested in getting on the list you can go
Here
to purchase the pattern only.
.
If a kit is more your style, they will be available at
Quilt's Etc.
where the first three months of blocks are already on display.
You can also sign up for my class which will feature this
BOM and starts in February if you live in my area.

Last of all, I have reluctantly posted this little reindeer who is half finished, and on his way to becoming the sacrificial item of my first needle felting attempt. I really like this craft and hope to have him finished and better looking with the help of my amazing mother.
.
Oh the possibilities!!!
.
Now off to finish up some things before the kids get home.....

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Until next time, Happy Stitching everyone, and Merry Christmas!
.

Adding to the "TO DO" List

2010-11-15T08:32:00.005-07:00

I thought I would show you a peek at my new Block of the Month

"Rosie Tweet."

I am off to deliver them to Quilts Etc. today for display if you would like to stop by and take a look at them. Pictured here are January through March blocks. I hope to have the rest ready to show you soon along with some other little projects. If you would like to join my Block of the Month, you can go here and sign up!

In the meantime I have a little addition to my "TO DO" list. I found this great rug recently and just had to have it. Little did I know what an amazing amount of work this little number was going to create! Upon it's arrival in the room, I decided that everything made of material in this room just had to be recovered. So... I spent this past weekend doing just that.

Recovering, in more ways than one!

I added this chair and ottoman that I found second-hand, and recovered it in this really pretty paisley. I am not sure if I like it, but when the fabric was on sale for $1.50 a yard, and matches the couch which I also recovered in green. I figured I could live with it for a while.

On the whole, this was a pretty inexpensive, but labor intensive project.

I will show you the whole room when I get it cleaned up. I plan to do some finishing touches before I show it all. Including cleaning the few paint drips on the floor captured in this picture!

Now for the second part of the recovering... I was painting this beautiful frame given to me by my mother for my new room, white of course, and saw a little problem with some molding on a corner of the frame. It was beginning to separate.

Being concerned, I decided the best way to resolve the issue was to give it a little whack. I got a board, and because I couldn't find a hammer, decided a wrench would do the job. It was a pretty big one, but the only thing handy. So I placed the small board on top of the frame, and with all my might swung the wrench to whack that little gap back into place. My ring finger caught the might of the blow instead of the frame. Just figures.... I whacked my fingernail it half... broke it right off - sort of, it is still attached but has a bleeding crack and it is swollen and bruised. I now look as though I have a fingernail fitting for Frankenstein.

I have successfully added another "idiot" moment to my already bulging book of idiotic moments. I would show you a picture, but even my kids get sick looking at it, so it must be pretty awful!

As I heal, I intend on taking it easy for a few days,

and only applique a few pillows for the new room!

Spring into Halloween!

2010-11-03T15:55:00.003-06:00

This is my block highlighted on the cover
of this really great issue of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks.
(Some of you were asking which one was mine.)

Here is a red version of the block.
The magazine features my block in blue and has so appropriately named it
Spring in the Square.
.
I received the magazine a few days ago.
Those ladies at Quiltmaker make you feel spoiled rotten
with all of the sweetness they sent me!
Thank you so much Quiltmaker!!!!
.

Along with all of the block/ magazine excitement,
Halloween was a wonderful highlight for me these last couple of weeks!
This is the time I get to indulge in my "fashion designer"
dreams and create some fun stuff for the kids.
This is a picture of my oldest daughter Madi in her witch costume.

Brin decided to have me make a masquerade ball gown
for her great mask she found at the costume shop.
(Too bad you can't see the mask better in this picture. She just was not cooperating for the camera.)
.
The mask has a painted gold and red leaf on it.
I decided to have hanging leaves all over the bottom
of her gown and on her sleeves. She loved it.

My youngest daughter Brook has been learning about the ancient
American culture in school.
She has been intrigued by them and decided to be an American Indian for Halloween.
This costume was especially fun to create with all of the fun lines.
Watching project runway really came in handy this year!

My boys decided to be the Super Mario Brothers, Mario and Luigi.
I made them both overalls out of bright blue corduroy.
They were adorable in their mustaches!
.
This week I am back to quilting.
I have been working on a kitty/butterfly quilt I hope you will like.
I will post a sneak peek soon.
.
Thanks for visiting.

I'm IN.......TROUBLE!!!!

2010-10-21T18:11:00.002-06:00

Earlier this year, I made a block to submit to Quiltmaker for this fabulous issue!

Guess what???

I made it in! Yeah!

The other day, I got an email with the cover picture,

and was thrilled to see my little block there on the cover!

Then.....

the moment hit me, and I started to panic.

I had such great plans to have a beautiful quilt to show you with this cute block,

but not only did I fail to get it made up.... I have lost my pattern!

I am such an idiot!

I can't wait to get my issue, not only to have all of these amazing patterns,

but also to make up that really cute quilt I planned.

I will have to wait with all of the rest of you to get my pattern!

Am I the only super duper dork out there who does crazy things like this???

Boy, I need to organize my space,
I am off to visit Stash Manicure for some good ideas.

After this embarrassing story, I have to!

Enjoy the Show!

2010-10-15T08:52:00.007-06:00

Sew.... here is my booth shot from the show.
The whole booth. I have pictured some quilts from the quilt show for you, so sit back, get your favorite snack, and Enjoy the work of these amazing quilters willing to put their work up for critique. I so admire them, and their work is simply beautiful.

Sew... here we are at the end.

I know, you are wanting to see more....

sew sorry that is all I have for today.

Take some amazing chocolate, and thanks for visiting!

Baby Bracelet is Finished!!!

2010-10-03T18:08:00.010-06:00

So here it is... quilted, bound, and ready to be given to the little one it was created for.

She is only two months old!!!
And, the boy version, ready to be given to the little boy who is three months old!I had to show you a couple of close-ups. I didn't want to over quilt it, and I think it is still puffy enough to be loved and quilted enough to survive the loving.

The boy version turned out cute don't you think?

The border on the girl version is of course the circles.

And, the boy version ended up with squares.

The pattern is now ready to go if you missed out on the free pattern downloads.

You can purchase it here.
.

Now, off I go to Quilt Fest, Utah Quilt Guild's annual meeting for the rest of this week.

I have been so busy preparing, these last few weeks,

I apologize for not posting more often.

...I just can't wait to buy those wonderful chocolates made by the lovely

SUSAN BAKER.

I have been waiting all year for this opportunity!

I will take some pictures,

and hopefully you will visit me upon my return for a peek at my week!

Have a wonderful day.

Park your BROOMS here!

2010-09-21T13:26:00.003-06:00

Do any of you remember my trip to the territorial prison on my way back from Spring market???

I was so inspired by the broom factory there that I had to put what I learned to use.

I wanted a "witches" broom when I visited them.

They only had classic, traditional brooms at the time.....

SEW.....

This last weekend I took the kids up the canyon to look for crooked sticks,

so that we could make these....

Aren't they great?We pulled off the road and clipped these grasses on our way home from the store yesterday.

I couldn't find any broom straw around here, so grasses had to do.

We added a little wire, and ribbon and WALLA!!!

This is a great inexpensive thing to make for the holiday.

I hope you are inspired to get outside, take the kids, and hunt for your new broom stick!

It sure was a lot of fun!
The kids all had to take a ride around the house on their brooms.

Now.... what to do with all of these brooms??? You can only hang so many on the wall!

Any ideas?

Pretty Pinny Winners!

2010-09-20T08:07:00.003-06:00

I couldn't help myself, and had to make a few store samples for Cathie out of these beautiful fabrics.

This line is called Early Bird - and is printed by Andover Fabrics. Isn't it just lovely???

Now.... for the big news!

We have some winners! Eight winners!

...and because I can't choose the winners myself ( I would rather send you all a free pattern!)

I had to rely on RANDOM.org to pick for me, thank goodness for them.

#71 Chris the Quilter

#56 Vicki Lundeen

#7 Sandy

#17 Numna

#74 Madame Quilts Alot

#49 Crazy Old Ladies

#6 Happy Cottage Quilter

#38 Amanda

You eight are the winners of my giveaway featuring a free pattern of

"Pretty Pinny Pincushion"

and enough BLISS to make one pincushion!

\o/

Please email me with your information so I can get these off to you!

chitterchatterdesigns(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Thanks so much to everyone else for participating! You are so supportive and sweet.

Hugs, and Happy Stitching! -Cori

Introducing, Pretty Pinny Pincushion!

2010-09-14T12:21:00.006-06:00

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

THANK YOU FOR VISITING! So, here it is ladies!

Just in time for Christmas crafting,

another cute little pincushion to showcase those beautiful PINcess Pins!

This pattern is super easy,

(I hear you laughing....) really, it IS super duper easy!!!

The only hard thing about it is the cherry, which I have modified and made easier

than instructed in the Sweet as Pie Pincushion pattern.

You can use your machine to sew it!! Yah!!!

Hope this little pattern will catch your imagination, and you can see a wonderful use for all of those scraps of fabrics, or charm squares you have lying around just waiting to become something great!
.

You can purchase the pattern HERE.

As always, we have to have another contest to honor it's introduction!

Leave a comment for a chance to win this cute little pattern.

I will also include enough "Bliss" with the pattern to make up your first one!

How about we have at least one winner for every TEN entries!!

Good luck everyone, I really love you all, and thank you for all of your encouragement!!!

Hugs, -Cori

Out of LINE!

2010-09-09T10:31:00.008-06:00

Several of you have been asking what to buy for Rosie Tweet...,

my new BOM starting in January.

Well,

My little experiment of staying in line,

"Bliss" line that is,

has proved to be unsuccessful!

Next time I have the chance to visit with this little lady, I will bow down at the feet of

Emily of Crazy Old Ladies,

(You are one talented girl Emily!!!)

for her ability to combine every fabric of a line and come out with something amazing.

I have failed at my attempt! It is just not my forte.

Pictured above are the roses from one of the blocks. You will need to choose fabrics that will give you a good contrast of light red and darker red as shown here.

ROSES and LEAVES: The fabrics I am using are mostly from Moda, but I had to throw in a few others for good measure. Pictured above are the four greens I am using for leaves. They are left overs from other projects, you will need 1/8 yard of four greens. The lighter red is from Moda, it is a marble, a really light salmon-y red that matches the red in the bliss line beautifully. You can use some pieces from "Bliss" to match it up at your local quilt shop. I will inquire as to which number it is the next time I go to my local shop and get you the exact number. The bright red is by Patrick Lose for Timeless Treasures. I bought this yardage a few months ago, but it has since sold out and is not available at my local store. You need 1/8 yard of both reds. From the "BLISS" line I am using these four pinks. I have a fat quarter of each. Number 55022 ( upper left corner) you will need to purchase 1/4 yard or a fat quarter, the others you only need 1/8 Yard and their numbers are 55021;55025; and the dot which didn't come with a number on my piece.
The other fabrics I am using are left to right: Essential dot -Moda; Barbara Jones print- Henry Glass; Plaid is "Aunt Grace" authentic 1930's Judy Rothermel - Marcus Fabrics; Tan Solid from Moda; and Aqua marble - Moda ~this marble matches exactly to the aqua color in the "Bliss" line.

An 1/8 yard of each should do just fine for these.

Here is a little sneak peek at what we are creating. Just a rough drawing, but I thought having some sort of idea of what we are creating would be nice for you to see. I haven't decided on a fabric for the bows that surround the center square, so if you would like to do these in one of the "Bliss" fabrics you will need to purchase 1/2 Yard for these ( just a guess.)
.

The background fabric is Antique Dots (color: snow) by Lakehouse. I have purchased 3 yards of this fabric, and I am hoping it will be plenty for the 50" square size of the project. If you would like to piece some borders for it to make it larger, you may need to take that into consideration when buying fabric.
So sorry this is all still up in the air, but that is how it goes with designing. It really makes you get discouraged having such a limited time to work with fabrics.

So ...... what do you think of this new project???

If you would like to be added to the list for this pattern, you can go here to sign up!
.

Hope the fabric requirements help you out now that "Bliss" is beginning to arrive.

Remember that one of my local quilt shops

Quilts, Etc.

and

Cozy Cottage Quilt Shoppe

will be offering the kits to these blocks starting in January.

If you are interested in being on the list, give them a call!

Now I am off to stitch up and play with some more of these blocks and fabrics.

Happy Stitching!!! ~Cori

Baby Bracelet Blessings Finishing Part 2... and sew on.

2010-09-08T12:24:00.002-06:00

It has been a whirlwind of obstacles these last two weeks!!

First trouble with the computer.... followed by the camera... and then a broken sd card....

until finally everything has finally stopped giving me trouble for a minute

allowing me to get to the last step of this little project for you!

I am so sorry for taking so long to post our final part of the BOW baby quilt.For the finishing touch, the bracelet part of our quilt, you will need to cut 14- 4 1/2" pink print circles,

14- 2 1/4" circles of white with a print, 28 - 2 1/4" circles of pink print,

and 14- 3 1/4" yellow print circles out of left over fabric;
IF you own "Bigger Perfect Circles" follow the instructions to create circles with these measurements.

These are exact measurements, if you are needle-turning or using a template to prepare appliques, add seam allowance.

Fuse, needle-turn, or by machine, center and sew on the 4 1/2" circle to each point of your embroidered block, followed by a white print 2 1/4' circle on top, as shown in the picture above. Use your border seam as a center line to place your circles.

In between each large circle, create the bracelet by adding the pink 2- 2 1/4" circles,

with a yellow 3 1/4" circle in the middle.

Walla! You have finished your baby quilt!

Now it is on to quilting!

Meanwhile... I have been playing with this-

I have been working on my new block of the month pattern (pictured in the background)
and got a little side tracked by this cute little pincushion idea.
What do you think???
.
Is it pattern worthy??? I just love the colors in this "Bliss" line.
.
And finally... we have finished it!!!
Over the holiday, we finally put the shingles on our little chicken coop.
These "chicks" are now ready for the approaching winter cold.
YAAAAAAH!!!
It was nice to have something finished around here!
...as for my house, hopefully this winter will give me the time to finish up my little nest!

A "Perfect" Winner & a new IDEA!

2010-08-24T15:41:00.005-06:00

BubzRugz........

You are the new owner of a package of Perfect Circles!

Congratulations!

Thanks to all who entered, you guys are so amazing!
I really appreciate all of your comments and encouragement.

In other news.... I think I have finally figured out which colors

to use where in my first Block of the Month pattern.
(pictured above is block 1)

I am going to attempt to use a "line" of fabric for this one.

I have chosen Bliss, by Bonnie and Camille for Moda.

No promises, as lines tend to make me crazy.

I really like the Lakehouse print on the scallop, so it may come out just as pictured.

(If you like it too, you may want to head out and buy some
Lakehouse as their line is about to change, and this print may be hard to come by.
You will probably need 1/2 yard just for appliques.)

After the fourth attempt at this block, I decided to try an iron-on technique
just to see how the colors worked together.

(My finished block will be needle-turned of course, this one was just a test.)

I am still going to make a few changes to fabric selections.
I have decided that the border has to be pink, so the roses will really pop.

I plan on starting this BOM in January.

This will be a 10 month BOM project, so you have plenty of time to have it quilted and bound by the end of the year. This quilt will be 50" finished size.
I plan on turning mine into a queen size to fit my bed.

I want to have a list of you ready to go in January, and if your year has been anything
like mine... you may want to sign up now
before you become Holiday poor over the next few months!

On the home page of my website, at the bottom, there is a "Buy Now" button.

You can buy the entire pattern now...
a whole year of patterns for the introductory price of $40.00 (includes shipping.)
I know, this is going to be a shot in the dark for alot of you,
but this BOM is sooo cute, you are going to love it!

Otherwise, the pattern will be available monthly for $5.00/month, pattern only.

I am in talks with some local shops with the fabric power to have a kit available,
let me know if this is something you would be interested in.
(These kits will be in short supply, because fabric lines change so frequently,
and most Moda lines sell out quickly making them non-reorderable.)

Thanks for participating in my contest and for visiting!

Baby Bracelet Blessings Finishing Part 1

2010-08-19T09:56:00.006-06:00

This week you will be setting your blocks.

You will need the following:

1 1/4 Yard White

1/3 Yard Pink or Blue Print - Depending on boy or girl version.

.
.

White: Cut 6 strips 4" wide x width of fabric,

From those strips cut 4 of them 24 3/4" long; 2 of them - 37";

and 4 - 4"squares from the leftovers.

Cut 2 strips 9" x width of fabric.
From those strips cut 7 - 9"squares; then cut on the diagonal to make 14 triangles

and 32 - 1" squares from the left over fabric.

Pink: Cut 10 strips 1"x width of fabric.

From each strip cut 5 - 8 1/2" long strips for a total of 50 strips.

Layout your blocks. When you like the placement, start assembling the quilt diagonally adding a pink strip between each block as shown in the above (crude) drawing. Continue in this fashion until your quilt top is assembled, adding your sashing strips of pink strips and 1" white squares, and your 9" triangles.

Sew the 2 - 24 3/4" strips together end to end to create the side border.

Repeat for the other side; then sew to the sides of the quilt top.

Sew 2 -4" squares to each end of the 37" strip to create the top and bottom border strips;

then sew to the quilt top.

Next week we will be adding the bracelet.

"Perfect Circles" are going to be your best friend for next week, so make sure you enter the contest below to win your very own set!

Happy Stitching!

Introducing Very Berry!

2010-08-17T08:16:00.006-06:00

Finally I can say Very Berry is finished!!!

Thanks to all of you very patient Pre-order-ers!

Your pattern will be shipped off today.

I think she turned out just beautiful, don't you?

Look at this insane border.
I wonder if I am sane at times when I make something like this.

Do you ever feel like you are at the Mad Hatters tea party?
I thought I may have been there a few times with
this as the table topper while stitching it up.

Honesty it was alot of work, and there were times
that I really didn't think I would finish!
.
But here it is.... all done!
Now it is time to celebrate!
I have a FREE package of Perfect Circles that is just waiting to come help you out!
Leave a comment to be thrown in the Hatter's hat.

Winner will be announced August 24, 2010.

Just look how lovely it looks with this new line of fabric coming out in September.
It is "Bliss" by Bonnie and Camille from Moda.
Isn't it just beautiful...!?!
I am in the process of making up another insane quilt with these lovely fabrics.
.
But... that is another story.
.
You can have the joy of joining my little tea party
by purchasing this pattern on my website HERE.
.
Cathie of Thimbles and Threads has graciously agreed
to make up kits for this little tabletopper.
You can contact her HERE,
or wait til tomorrow when she will have the kits posted on her website HERE.
.
Now I am off to finish up our Baby Bracelet Blessings!
Wish me luck!.

Baby Bracelet Blessings #17

2010-08-15T13:28:00.002-06:00

The final block is here at last....

Baby.
I will be putting it all together this week for the final reveal on Thursday.

Finishing instructions will be posted next week.

Can you believe we are finished???

Yaaaay!

Can't wait to finish them both.

Print your pattern off HERE.

Happy Stitching!

Until Saturday...

2010-08-12T23:31:00.004-06:00

It's Thursday, and I should have our last baby blessing pattern posted.....

Where is it you ask?

Well, my daughter has taken my camera to girls camp.

Saturday is the day she returns, and I will post our last block then.

Until then, check out these really cute hats we made for the girls

to go to camp from an adorable pattern by Izzy and Ivy.

(I have to post another picture of my oldest in her hat, she was feeling quite left out.)

This pattern has such amazing instruction.

It is so easy to follow and was a joy to create.

Thank you Shasta, Jana, and Lauralee!!!

The girls just love 'em. Now I just need to get the really cute tabs to go inside!

Baby Bracelet Blessings #16

2010-08-05T10:34:00.002-06:00

You probably knew this one was coming...

Toes.
Everytime I think of baby toes, I think of the bath.

I just loved bathing my babies,

we had such fun with soap and bubbles.

Pattern is available HERE.

Only one block left...

the summer is almost over, and if you have been following along,

You will have finished up your quilt by the end of the summer.

Yaaaa!

Happy Stitching!

Hope.

2010-08-03T09:57:00.003-06:00

My husband just annoys me sometimes....

like today for example,

He did something this morning that just drives me crazy.

I have asked him a thousand times not to do this.

Isn't it funny how every time you ask, there is a little glimmer of hope that he is actually going to listen to you?

You think to yourself, why does he do it when I have asked so many times? Maybe somehow he has forgotten and if I tell him again he will stop, and you believe he will, full well knowing that the very next day you are going to be asking him again, with your glimmer of hope shining brightly.

Well today, it made me think of my Savior.

How many times has He asked me, and have I listened?

Do I listen to Him when I am doing that annoying little thing that He has asked me not to?

Is He still holding out with that little glimmer of hope for me?

I guess hope just comes with those you love.

I hope my Savior still has hope in me.

But, I tell you what, I am no where near perfection yet,
and if hubby does that one more time....

I am going to choke his little throat!

It was a nice thought, but then I just lost something in the end there.

Oh well, back to stitching up strawberries....

Have hope that I will finish it ladies, I am going to need it today!

A Winner!

2010-08-01T17:13:00.003-06:00

My 1st Blogerversary has come to an end.

Thank you for all of your wonderful comments and support of my first year celebration!!!

I was truly overwhelmed with all of your sweet comments and support.

I have chosen a winner.....

Barb, of five sons, you are the lucky new owner of a birdie pillow!

Please reply back to my email with your info.

As for everyone else, you should have recieved a little surprise in your email box.

If you haven't recieved it, it's because I don't have your information.

If you would like the surprise... email me your info at

chitterchatterdesigns(at)yahoo.com

Thanks again everyone! You are amazing!

Hugs, -Cori

**Note: the "surprise" has a little glitch.

Go here to get the correction sheet. Thanks to Joy and Sophie for the emails to let me know. There is a missing measurement on the cutting instructions, and some missing information on the left side of the middle column. So sorry everyone!

Baby Bracelet Blessings #15

2010-07-29T10:45:00.003-06:00

Today's stitchery

Fingers.

Don't you just love baby fingers?

Upon arrival doesn't everyone count them,
just to make sure they are all there?

Download today's pattern HERE.
.
I bet you can guess next weeks block!
Only two left....
.
Remember to enter the giveaway below!
Only a few days left, and the winner will be announced.
I also have a special announcement for all of you who did enter!
.
Until then,
Happy Stitching!

Coming Soon!

2010-07-26T10:57:00.002-06:00

Just thought I would give you a sneek peek at what I have been working on.

This is a tabletopper pattern,

mostly because after doing nine blocks, I was done!

I think it is a cute block, just lots of applique!

My hopes of toning down the applique has failed on this project.

I am only showing you this much, because truth be known,

I haven't finished up the other borders yet!

Summertime has proved to be very difficult to finish anything

with the kids running every which way.

Getting side tracked with other projects hasn't helped much either.

I plan on releasing this pattern the first week or so of August.

A few of you have asked to pre-purchase this pattern so.....

I have this pattern listed on my website at a Pre-Release price of $10.

(that includes shipping!!)

If you are interested take a look HERE.

It's at the bottom of the page.

.
Have a wonderful day!

Baby Bracelet Blessings #14

2010-07-22T12:58:00.002-06:00

Hello again everyone!

I just wanted to say I am truly floored by all of your happy wishes and comments in response to my little Blogerversary Giveaway!

Your friendship and support is truly overwhelming! I really appreciate all of you!

Thank you for making my day!

Next on our list to finish for this baby quilt is

Beautiful.

I really enjoyed this one.

And for the boys,
Handsome.

There was some discussion around here if beautiful could pass for a boy.
I say yes... I always refer to little boys as beautiful baby boys,
but the girls insisted it must be handsome.
.
Now it is up to you~!
.
Colors remain the same as the first.
.
You can print off the pattern HERE.
.
Thanks so much for joining me!
I would love to see some links to your versions if you would like to leave a comment!

My 1st Blogerversary Giveaway!!!

2010-07-20T15:04:00.007-06:00

Give Away has ENDED!!!

Thank you for entering! Thursday is my 1st year blogerversary!

But, since that is also the day of my block of the week, I decided to post it a little early.

In celebration of my first year, I thought I would give away this little pillow.

It is a new design I have been playing with,

and will eventually become my first block of the month quilt pattern!

If you would like to provide a new home for this little pillow,

just leave a comment,

and please make sure your email is available with it!

(If I haven't responded to your comments on previous posts, it is because it comes through as a non-reply comment when I recieve it.)
.

I can't wait to get started with this new block of the month project,

but I am waiting for that perfect line of fabric that just screams out to me.

In the meantime, I have to finish my strawberry quilt!

(Sorry to all of you who I know are waiting patiently! I am shooting for the first of August.)

I keep getting distracted by all of those wonderful ideas out there,

like this ....

Cathie of Thimbles and Threads had a small sample in her store of,

"Any Witch Way" a project featured in Quiltmaker Magazine 2009

This wall quilt just caught my imagination.

Seldom do I see a project that does that to me,

so I just had to play with it.
.

It is a little off track from the original, I just can't seem to follow anything exactly.

Like everyone else, I just had to put my spin on it!

..and I must have a thing for pillows lately?

Anyway.... don't forget to

Baby Bracelet Blessings #13

2010-07-15T09:00:00.002-06:00

Little.

The next addition to our quilt.
We are getting so close to finishing up this little project!
Only 4 more blocks left.

The same three colors for each block are the same as before.

It was so hard not to break out those wonderful Cosmo Threads!!!

You can print off your pattern HERE.

Thanks so much for visiting,

Happy Stitching!

Baby Bracelet Blessings #12

2010-07-08T17:27:00.002-06:00

Love.

Hope you will still "love" it despite it's late arrival today!
I had another day of Cub Scout Day Camp,
sorry for the delay.

Colors are all the same.

You can print off your pattern HERE.

Thanks for visiting, and Happy Stitching!!!

Let Freedom Ring!

2010-07-06T23:53:00.004-06:00

This is where I got to spend the 4th of July this year.

For those of you in our area, we went up to the top of Fairview Canyon.

These pictures were taken at Huntington Reservoir.

The kids and hubby were busy fishing here, trying to catch a tiger trout.

They were unsuccessful, however my oldest boy did manage to catch a sardine, not a real one of course, but you could have mistaken this little fish for one.

I am still in amazement that he even got the hook in it's little mouth!

Shortly after this picture was taken, my stupid camera ran out of batteries.

Kids.... they love playing with the camera!

I had a wonderful weekend in the mountains, we almost froze, but survived!

We didn't really catch much, the girls resorted to serenading fish with crazy songs to lure them in (that's probably why!)

There was a bit of an argument over the fish we did catch...

it went something like this:

"Dad, is it a girl or a boy?"

Dad- " " He is untangling line and doesn't get involved...

"It's a boy fish."-9yr old boy

"No! It's a girl fish!" -11yr old girl

"It is a boy fish, because it is stupid and got caught by you!" -12yr old girl

The youngest, 5yr old boy steps in to solve the whole issue, by saying;

"Wait a minute, let me look at it. Hmmmm"

..after much consideration....

"It's a boy fish."

"It doesn't have any eyelashes!"

Kids are just the best!

Meanwhile, I was busy stitching up this new project.

Note to self: Don't take anything white camping!

I will have to wash it up before I can really show you.

And take a look at what was waiting for me when I got home.

Yep...

A whole collection of every color of floss by Cosmo / Lecien!!!

It was like Christmas!

It was all I could do not to just scream with delight!

I spent much of this afternoon admiring all the beautiful colors!

I just can't wait to do something with these!!!

But, as I was admiring and dreaming of projects,

reality hit me...

it's stiiiillllll Summer.

and I have a million things to do with the kids.

Darn,

I guess stitching will just have to wait!

Tomorrow I am off to Cub Scout Day Camp with my little group.

Do you think it would be weird to bring my project?

Yes.. I suppose that would be taking it a bit too far I guess!

What do you think?

Baby Bracelet Blessings #11

2010-07-01T09:16:00.003-06:00

July already? Wow the time is just flying by!

Our next block,

Happy.

I always find I am happiest when busy as a bee.

It was really hard not to break out the black floss!
Hopefully I will be able to incorporate black in a future version.

And here we are, one step closer to completing this little quilt.
.
Download the pattern HERE.
.
Now I am off to load up our camper as we plan
to celebrate our freedom this weekend in the mountains!
I will have another sneek peek at my latest project when I get back,
I plan to have it all stitched up over the weekend.
There is nothing more wonderful than appliqueing in the mountains!

.
Have a wonderful 4th of July everybody!

Too CUTE!!!

2010-06-29T13:14:00.004-06:00

I just have to share one of the NEW PINcess pin sets
the girls just listed on their website.

They are just too cute not to share,
and who can resist a cupcake???

So many colors to choose from....

thank goodness I always get one of each!

Take a look here to see more!

Baby Bracelet Blessings #10

2010-06-24T10:02:00.004-06:00

The next addition to our project,

Snuggle.

Same embroidery floss colors as before.

Only seven more blocks left to complete our quilt!

If you are doing both, you will be prepared for either one that arrives, boy or girl!
.
Download the pattern HERE.
.
...oh...and by the way... check out the home page on my website to see a sneak peek at my new project! I am getting so many "new" projects that it is getting hard to keep up with all of them!
.

Some favorite shops.

2010-06-21T10:35:00.008-06:00

Thimbles and Threads in Draper, Utah

I just adore this shop!

This is the shop that first took a chance on me.

They displayed and sold kits for my first quilt "ANTtitude."I guess there will always be a special place in my heart for this shop,

and for Arlene Shepard who ran the store at the time. I miss her.

My favorite thing about this shop is the way my quilts smell when I take them home after they have been displayed.

It smells ........ hmmm, just wonderful!

This shop is under new ownership. Cathie Zimmerman is the new owner.

I just can't explain the enthusiasm this little lady brings to quilting!

It is like a breath of fresh air. The ladies are always so helpful and nice.

It is just something you have to experience when you visit.
Cathie is absolutely amazing, and a dream to work with.

I love Cathie! Look at her cute little display of the tabletopper on the table.

I have to say this is the cutest tabletopper I have seen for the 4th of July!

This is a picture of her shop hop quilt.

It is wonderful. I really love the piecing look to this quilt.

Sadly, there is no pattern yet.

Don't you want one? .... Me too!

Hopefully we can convince Cathie to make it up.

She used the amazing talents of the girls in her shop and herself to create it!

My favorite thing about Cathie's shop is how much work and effort went into her preparations for Shop Hop, it sure showed, and was appreciated. There is so much work that goes into preparing for this event. I can't even imagine all the work and thought that went into her store displays and products.

Many shops have started to wane in their excitement for this event. I found it impressive that they took the time to offer something special to us as customers.

Cathie rearraged her fabrics in Red, White, and Blue to keep with the theme.

I thought that was a really nice touch.

This shop had prepared and you could really tell.
.
It's been a while since I have been to a shop hop that the winners of a door prize drawing would scream with delight when presented thier prize!
.
Cathie gave away some wonderful prizes.

I spent the day with them on Friday demo-ing "Perfect Circles", and how to applique.
I hope I helped out someone who is struggling with applique!
.
I think it was wonderful that they were offering demonstrations.
I think that is what I enjoy most about shop hop,
specials and demos that you just can't experience on a normal shop visit.
Thank you Cathie for making us feel special and appreciated as customers participating in the Hop!

. . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
American Quilting in Orem Utah.
This is a great store. My favorite part is the way they use antiques for display.

The fabrics here are equally wonderful!

Whenever I am looking for a pretty pastel, this is the shop I come to.
I love the look of their scrappy quilts on display.
They are just beautiful.

I also love the way this shop groups fabric together.
It sure makes it easy to pick fabrics when they are displayed together this way.

Thanks to Amy who allowed me to share her shop with you.

. . . . . . . . . . . .

There were a few shops I just didn't have time to visit this year,

Quilters Haven in Bountiful Utah - this shop is amazing, and I wished it were closer to me.

If you are in the area, it is worth a visit.

Quilts Etc. in Sandy Utah - I am at this shop more than I want to admit, I love this store. So much fabric and ideas, but it is always too busy with shoppers to take too many pictures.

It seems I am always in the way.

I plan on taking some pictures and sharing them with you someday.

Village Dry Goods in Brigham City - this store is always the most fun to visit. These ladies know how to throw a party! I am sorry I missed it this year.

Thanks for visiting me, and have a wonderful day.

Baby Bracelet Blessings #9

2010-06-17T10:35:00.006-06:00

The next addition to our project,

Soft.

How are you progressing so far girls?

All the colors are the same as before.

Download your pattern HERE.
.
Now I am off to visit my favorite shops as I participate in our local
Wasatch Front Shop Hop.
.
I plan on posting some pictures of them in the next few days!
Can't wait to see what they have been busily working on!!!
.

A slice of Summer!

2010-06-16T00:43:00.005-06:00

What am I doing up at this hour?

Making Fruit Pizza of course!

Yum!

Sugar cookie crust, with strawberry/creamy sauce and all the toppings.

(Recipie is quite easy.. I'm not much of a cook but a few of you requested it so here it is.

Sugar Cookie dough - refrigerated - courtesy of the Betty Crocker cookbook

2/3 c. shortening

3/4 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 egg

4 tsp. milk

2 c. flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

Cream together first 3 ingredients, add egg and mix till fluffy. Stir in milk.

Combine dry ingredients, then add to creamed mixture.

Divide dough and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Spread out the cookie dough like a pizza crust.. or giant cookie, and poke all over with a fork just like a pizza crust.

Bake at 375 for about 10 minutes, or until the edges start to brown then let cool.

Mix together one small container of strawberry cream cheese and a bottle of Jetpuf Marshmallow Creme (You can substitute Cool whip instead of the cream cheese mixture too!) then spread over giant cookie. Add fruit of your choice, we had raspberries, strawberries, kiwi, grapes, peaches, and banana's. Pineapple is amazing on this too, but we didn't have any! The longer this sits out, the softer the cookie gets and it is absolutely wonderful after about an hour.)

I just love the summer, kids are home, life is carefree, sleeping in is wonderful!

But. . . . . it comes with a price. . . .

My house looks as if you dropped one of these on it!

Laundry is..., well unbelieveable, kids rooms are un-mentionable,

it is as if we had a fall out!

I do have a little excuse for all of this wonderful chaos...

It is somewhat due to this little gal...
and mostly due to the thing surrounding her...
.
GRASS!!!
.
WE HAVE GRASS!!!
After eight years, we finally finished our back yard!
.
It is a miracle!

Now I can send the kids out to "play", they mostly just run around in circles, but I really can't complain, at least they are out there, instead of in here!
.
Hopefully I can make some progress on the inside.
Oh and by the way... the little puppy's name is Pepper.
This picture does not due her justice! She was very uncooperative, but so cute!

Baby Bracelet Blessings #8

2010-06-10T12:05:00.002-06:00

It's Thursday again can you believe it?

I am so glad I decided to do this every week,

otherwise I may have never finished it.

Too bad my projects for our Local Shop Hop are suffering....

... but that is me, too many ideas, never enough time!

Enjoy this new addition to our project.

You can print off the pattern HERE.

This is how I did it if you want to embroider the image as you see it,

I satin stitched the roses in light pink before outlining them in the dark pink.

The candy stripes were made after the dark blue stem stitch was finished.
.

All embroidery uses the same colors as before,

the fabric was chosen from my scrap pile.

Happy Stitching!

A new project.

2010-06-07T09:05:00.002-06:00

Last year I met Becky of Patchwork Posse.

She is a super creative gal and good at everything that I struggle with.

She asked me to design a project for her online sewing group,

this is what I came up with.

What do you think?

Take a click to her blog and check out my interview with Mrs. Becky!

For those of you who are not members of the Posse,

this pattern will be released in a few months.

If you just can't wait...

head on over and join! There are a bunch of wonderful designers

who have already done, and have yet to do projects for the group.
.

Lots of creative projects to keep you busy this year!

Thanks for the opportunity Becky!

Baby Bracelet Blessings #7 BOW

2010-06-03T12:52:00.003-06:00

Just had to take a break from all the paper cuts and tired bottom

to create this week's BOW for you.

*CUTE*

What a nice break it was, stitching is so relaxing for me.

and who I ask is not a ladybug fan?

.

For the boys, we switched it up a notch to add beetles..
Ladybugs are just too girly!

Hope you enjoy this free pattern available

HERE.

Thanks for being so patient and waiting for me while I went to Quilt Market!

Now back to the pattern creating for all of you wonderful shops out there

anxiously awaiting their arrival!

Drowning?... Me?.....Glub, glub....

2010-06-01T07:36:00.004-06:00

So much to do... so little time... I am trying to keep my head above water!

Market... it really drained me. I think I have finally recovered.

I only slept for a few days.....

My oldest daughter made fun of me,

she would tell the other kids, "Leave Mom alone....

She's recovering from "So-cial-iz-ing!"

How much sleep can you actually get with five kids who want your attention I ask?

...really....

Kids can be so mean... and when they are not in school,

they start to pick on me instead of their friends...

I wished I would have taught them to be nicer...

....sigh... oh well.....

Only a few days into summer vacation and I already need a pick-me-up ....

all of this teasing... kids.....ahhhh....

so I started to upack.

Take a look at my wonderful bottle caps! And.... these great strawberry baskets!

I have big plans for them!

I found these goodies at an antique shop in South Dakota.

I was restricted to what I could fit in my purse!

Our car was so full of luggage that I reluctantly had to leave many wonderful items.

I am planning on returning with the "big" car, and maybe the camper.

I can fit alot in there! There are some great things at those shops.

it was more like torture to visit, because I couldn't take much home with me.

As our local shop hop looms ever closer...

I have really been focused on trying to finish up this little project.

I sure hope I can finish it in time!

I have been so busy with recovering, filling market orders,

and working on this that I am sorry to say...

My kids already feel like they are in prison!

I think we are going to have to take a trip out today,

just to the printer, and the post office...

but hey,

at least they get out!

Maybe I can just reward them with a Slurpee,

you think it will work?

Gosh, what we do for a little "Mom, you're the best" comment!

Quilt Market...

2010-05-28T10:17:00.003-06:00

Set up day: Driving in Minneapolis was a bit of a challenge!

Eventually we made it to the convention center to set up.

I didn't get many pictures of set up, everyone was busily working.
.

We just had to visit the Mall of America.
We just didn't have enough time to see it all, so many stores... so little time!

.
I did get a picture of my booth before market opened.
I recieved 2nd PLACE for single booth display!!!
Can you believe it?
Me neither...
Hopefully someone had a chance to get a picture with my pretty bow!
I will have to steal it!
.
I regret not taking more pictures!
My booth seemed very busy!
.
Not much on the drive through Minnesota, just farmland, but very beautiful.
.

South Dakota was under tornado watch.
We had to stop in Wall to avoid a touch down,
that was a little scary!
.

This picture is of the ceiling in Wind Cave in western South Dakota.
.

This cave was a little creepy, one of the longest cave formations in the world.

What a deep dark place!

Mount Rushmore was a must!

We stayed in Keystone. I had to shop the antique stores and found some wonderful things!

Sure wish I had more room in the car,

I considered throwing out a suitcase or two just to fit in some great items,

but opted to leave them instead.
.

We visited the Territorial Prison in Wyoming.
.

My favorite part was the broom factory. I just loved everything about this building.

There were some tour guides demonstrating broom making.

Such a neat place, and of course, I had to have a broom!
.

After days of driving and talking...

it sure was nice to see my familiar mountain scenery surrounded by my family.

I had a great time....

Now,

Back to WORK!

On the road.

2010-05-19T22:36:00.002-06:00

You are probably wondering where the next BOW is today...

I didn't get to that part of the list before I had to leave for market,

So...

Instead of a new block, how about a few pictures from

my little road trip just to mix things up a bit ?

.A snap shot from our journey through Wyoming...

.
We ran into a little rain in South Dakota along with a few buffalo.

We just had to stop at the Corn Palace.

A whole building decorated with cobs of corn?!?

now who could pass that up?

I bought a corn cob pipe for Frosty the snowman who should be back this winter,

and a popcorn bowl.

Finally, after two days of driving, we are here!
.

Minnesota has so many farms! It is beautiful country.

We set up our booth thursday, so more quilty pictures will soon follow.
.

Look forward to a new block in the next week or two.

Thanks for visiting, and wish me luck!

Baby Bracelet Blessings BOW #6

2010-05-13T10:59:00.002-06:00

It seems lately that the only time I get a minute to post something it is for our project!

.
Block #6 is "Giggle."
Alot of giggling has filled the air here as I help my daughters
prepare for Quilt Market next week.
I feel very overwhelmed with all there is to do,
so some giggles are fun to take my mind off things this week.

And who doesn't just love a baby's giggle?
Cute, cute, cute!

You can find the pattern for this week HERE.

If you need floss color numbers, click on the Baby Blessings BOM label

on the right, then scroll down until you see block #2. They are posted there.

I will be posting some pictures next week of my journey to my first Quilt Market.

Next week's block is in the air...

hopefully I can make it to that point on the list.

Too many things to do!

Baby Blessings BOM #5

2010-05-06T16:44:00.010-06:00

We have a bit of a problem with our block this week.

If you don't have Microsoft Word on your computer,

it may take a few days before I can figure out this PDF problem.

Otherwise you can print out this pattern in Word.

Note: I fixed it! It is now a PDF!!!

You can print it out anytime between now and June 6!

The computer and I are not getting along today....

We are going to therapy this evening.

Not sure if it's me or it?

Needless to say, my BOM is going to suffer.

Why is it that the innocent always get the bad end of the deal?

I sure hope it has nothing to do with my amazing new toy!!!

My husband is the most wonderful man, and I know he must love me very much.

How do I know?...

If your house looked like mine right now, you would understand.

This sweet man, still has the desire to give me a toy that only adds to the mayhem,

lack of clean clothes, and empty pantry.

There is nothing else it can be, but love!

What is my new toy you ask?

It is HERE!

Lucky me!!!!

NOTE: I fixed it!!!~ Yaa!!!!!

Therapy proved to be worthless, but the answer was found

when I decided to spend a little time with my little partner in crime!

I am happy to report, that it was an easily solved problem,

just needed a bandaid, instead of endless conversation, so....

we have a Happy Ending ~!

There is no stopping the BOW's now!

How is everyone doing with the faster pace?

Baby Blessings BOM #4

2010-04-29T13:37:00.004-06:00

WELCOME ALL! The next block towards our cute little baby quilt is here...

Joy.

Just says it all doesn't it.

My babies were so much joy, my kids continue to bring me more joy

than I ever realized I could experience.

A boy is a joy,

....covered with dirt!

Hope everyone is having some fun with this project.

Embroidery floss colors are the same as before.

You can print off the pattern HERE.

Thanks for visiting! We are speeding right along with this project.

Blessings pattern #1 will only be available for two more days!!!

Make sure you print it off before it's gone!

Neeeed Help!

2010-04-26T13:59:00.003-06:00

Have you ever felt like there is just too much to sew?

Like the UFo's are all competing for some time to shine?

I am having a really hard time focusing on just one thing lately....

with upcoming MARKET... I hate to waste my time,

and I need some help!!!

I just love this color combination,

and would really like to finish this one up, but I'm stuck!

I know there are alot of really talented quilters out there....

so could you help?

I am bordering this with one color-scalloped border of course-

but I just can't seem to visualize which color should be highlighted.

The border, and the binding will be the same color....

so which do I choose?

One of the existing colors.... or a new one? any ideas???

Your ideas will really help get me unstuck.....HELP!

Meanwhile, I am planning a wedding...

...and playing with some chickens!

It is amazing how much your brain will create while trying to avoid

that enormous laundry pile I have waiting for me!

Can't wait to hear back from you.

Until then... hugs and happy stitching to everyone.

Baby Blessings BOW #3

2010-04-22T08:12:00.005-06:00

So, is everyone ready for number three?

Did you get yours printed and stitched up already?

Number three is one of my favorite baby blessings,

nothing beats a baby cuddle!

I sure miss holding my babies!

How I loved it....

I just spent hours cuddling!

Floss colors are the same as last time.

Printable pattern is HERE.

Thanks so much for visiting.

I would love to see your progress!

Send me an email, or leave a comment if you have posted about this BOM.

My birdies are back!

2010-04-18T15:41:00.003-06:00

I have spent my bright and sunny sunday relaxing with this cheery little quilt.

What a wonderful job my quilter did on this beauty.

I requested that she double batt this one with

a polyester on top to give it that extra fluffy feeling.

Just love the feather border, fits right in the scalloped edge.

I also found the perfect backing for this one,

a small cherry print purchased online at JoAnn's.

Finally, Cherry Tweet is quilted, bound, and ready to go!

An extra thank you, coupled with sympathy goes out

to the wonderful lady who lost her mother while quilting this quilt.

This quilt was inspired by my mother.

Her sacrifice hits close to home on this project.

I appreciate her effort to finish this one up despite her loss.

Thanks again, it will be treasured.

Baby Bracelet BOW #2

2010-04-15T09:17:00.004-06:00

Welcome All! This is the second block.

The #2 Boy version. I changed the floss colors of my boy version.
I like these better, sorry ladies, just part of the process for me.

After recieving so many comments,

the majority of you would like to speed things up.

I have decided to step it up a notch and do this as a Block of the Week program.

Pattern is available here for printing.

Remember, all patterns will only be available for one month each, so remember to print off your pattern even if you can't get to it right away.

Embroidery floss colors are:

Girl Colors - DMC 603; 963; 745; 3348.

Boy Colors - DMC 799; 800; 368; 745.

I thought I would also show you a little drawing of what we will be creating. Right now it is still on the drawing board, subject to change, but this is the general idea.

Thanks for visiting, and happy stitching!!!

Keeping Busy.

2010-04-14T10:43:00.002-06:00

Here is a little peek at the project keeping me away from the computer this last week.

There are still some things yet to be cut, decorating the cake sort of things.

I can't wait to show you when it is finally finished!

For now.... this is all there is to show of my little chicks new home.

This week I took a little trip to American Quilting in Orem Utah.

This store is full of such beautiful fabrics.

What do you think of my finds?

We are planning on making some displays with these fabrics for market.

I will have to post what the girls and I come up with later.

Also, the stack 0f fabrics I have on my desk
at the moment is being used for this project.

What do you think of it so far??

And... we have yet another stack of fabrics.

I am so glad I don't work at a fabric store!

This last weekend I had the pleasure of spending some time with the ladies at

Thimbles and Threads.
They had a wonderful open house.

I couldn't help myself and just had to pick up these for something.

Aren't they just beautiful? I just couldn't resist.

As for the Baby Bracelet BOM....

after reading all of your comments,

the majority said they would like to speed things up.

Tomorrow I will introduce the second block and we will officially change

our BOM into a BOW! (block of the week)

Thanks so much for your input, I can't wait to finish this one up.

I will be posting a sketch of the idea for this quilt

so that you don't have to follow blindly.

See ya tomorrow!

BOM Changes and Translation.

2010-04-05T15:26:00.002-06:00

The wonderful Celes has offered her talents to translate my instructions

for those of you Spanish speaking ladies out there doing this quilt BOM with us!

If you are in need of this help, you can visit her here for help.

On another note....

I have gotten a few emails from ladies out there

who are excited to do this BOM with me.

I am quite concerned if they will get to finish before the baby arrives!

How would all of you feel about making

a new block every week to speed things up a bit?

If we do this, it will become a 6 month project instead of a year.

Considering the baby time constraint, it may be a better idea, as most of you only have a short time to finish a quilt for baby!

As of today, I have 112 followers.

On my blog, majority rules......

If I can get an okay from at least 56 of you, we will step up the pace a bit.

Hopefully you may be able to finish a little earlier and keep

this project at a manageable level.

I will be excited to hear back from all of you!