digs & bean

newness and news!

2012-01-15T15:23:00.000-08:00

All kinds of exciting things happening here at the Carestio household. First, I took the plunge - FINALLY! - and bought a new sewing machine. Take a looksee at my new Babylock Elizabeth - it has all the features I've been wanting and, well, it's green! At this point, anything would have been an upgrade from my old (much-loved, trusty) Singer, and it is pretty magical!

It will come in VERY handy this year...in fact, I used it to finish up this quilt top that I started in December. It's an easy peasy little baby quilt, but I'm quite in love. Who is it for, you ask? A good question.... me! Well, not me exactly, but for my little bean! Billy and I are expecting a new little Carestio in early August! We are so excited and feeling so blessed and already feeling surrounded by love and support from our family and friends. Can't wait to start this next part of our journey together.... and Violet can't wait to be an aunty! Needless to say, you'll be seeing 100% more baby projects around here in the coming months. If you know of any good baby projects online, please feel free to pass it on!

2011-12-14T13:21:00.000-08:00

Phwew... these past few months have been an absolute blur, I tell you! Quilt Market through Christmas just tends to be that way. And I'm overdue on just about everything, including ye olde blog! This year was especially crazy - hello, holiday Big Crafty! Boy, doing a craft show during the holiday makes so much sense, but it's killed any inclination I may have had for handmade holiday gifts. Gift cards it will be! Here's a little sampling of what I made for my booth:

First, a little series of stretched canvas birdies in various adventures with umbrellas, kelpies, etc. (see more on my flickr page!) This one was my favorite - the waves, the clouds, the big dipper - and it was a little hard to let go of!

And more bird cameos. The little scarves, well, they just made me happy!

And mushroom terrariums and mushroom embroideries. It was actually a pretty good show for me - all pennies go to the new sewing machine penny jar!

I have been thinking about some goals for next year. I'm thinking a healthy dose of quilt WIPs, maybe some crochet, and some more craft/quilt experimentation. I absolutely love making stuff that people want to purchase, but I need a break from that mode for a little while. There's one more crafting project on the horizon.... big announcement headed your way soon! Until then, may your holiday preparations be merry!

Still alive! Plus exciting news!

2011-09-22T14:39:00.001-07:00

And kicking.... despite my silence! Still waiting to get my groove back in the new crafty space, but I'm going to officially cut myself a little slack. Plus, I've got some good news. I'm so excited to announce that I've got a new book coming out next month. Stash Happy Felt features 30 projects to make from all that felt stash taking up space in your closet. The designers for this book are absolutely and fabulously talented... the projects are fun, unique, inventive, and stash-bustingly awesome! Here's a sneak peek:There are so many super fun projects in the book. We'll be sharing a few of them (and holding some felt giveaways!) over on the Lark Crafts blog later this month and in early October. In the meantime, here are a few of my projects from the book:

sorta settled...

2011-07-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

Wowza... what a May, June, and July! That's what moving will do - that, and prepping for a craft show. I apologize for the extended silence - life was absolutely swirling and demanded all of my attentions. I'm happy to report that we're getting settled into the new place here in West Asheville, we're loving it (!), we're enjoying the park and pool across the street, and the dogs are loving their new windows. The first space in the house to get settled was the craft room... the space used to be a part of the old front porch and it came with dark teal floors!
I love this little corner especially... it's just pretty dreamy. Still waiting to be pinched, but absolutely savoring the new space. More pics to come as the decorations go up. And as the IKEA furniture is completed - fun stuff!

Next up was the Big Crafty, Asheville's rockin craft show. I participated two years ago and remember learning all kinds of things that first time around... which I'm pretty sure I promptly forgot! It was a great show - soooo many talented folks in this area! - and I sold a handful of mushrooms and stitched things, including one little terrarium to a young gal who was there spending her allowance - love that! (But I didn't sell the green-framed birdies below - score! They're now on my wall at home!)

Okay, I do love the crazy pace of life at times, but I think (hear me, universe!) I'm ready for a little quiet-tude. I think that's when the real beauty of being in this place will start to sink in. I'm ready to get back into crafty mode too (especially since I'm behind on bird-a-month!), though a little break was nice. I keep thinking it's going to start feeling like summer someday soon... anyone else having that feeling?

bird-a-month: may (and more mushrooms!)

2011-05-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

It's May, friends! Official start of the picnic season, one of my very favoritest things about summer, and a natural pick for this month's installment. The mini patchwork blanket was fun (but don't look too closely, mkay?), but the grass stitching is probably my favorite element. It was something I added at the last minute, after I thought I was done with this one. Does that ever happen to you? At any rate, I'm glad I added it.And, of course, more mushrooms, this time a little group shot. Fingers crossed that I actually get into the show/sale I'm prepping for, though I'm sure I can think of something to do with all these cuties if not...

And good news on the house hunt front... we'll know in a matter of two weeks whether or not we'll be moving into an absolutely dreamy spot here in Asheville, complete with a dedicated (and lovely) sewing spot for yours truly (which would make me a very happy - very lucky, very blessed - gal!). I'll keep you posted. And in the meantime, we'd appreciate any finger crossing you can spare!

mugs (and more mushrooms)

2011-05-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

So I count May as the start of summer, even if it's not official. It's hot, I start plotting my hikes, canoe voyages, and tubing trips, and, of course, I get the thrifting bug. I set out today on an important mission... but of course found some goodies that had nothing to do with that! (Wish the decanter showed up better: there's a ship on the front!) Our cups and dishes and mugs are a grand assortment, and I kind of like it that way. These bad boys below were actually what I was looking for.... mugs and mugs and mugs. (Looove the deer!)
For what, you say? You should really know me better by now (this is, after all, post numero 101!!!)... when an obsession takes hold, it really takes hold! Here's what I had in mind... and I love the look! And I'm working on my own technique for the gills... i.e. cheating with dark strands of felt!

And you'll never guess who I got to hang out with this weekend... photos coming soon!!!

mushrooms of a different kind!

2011-04-26T16:56:00.001-07:00

I must be in a restless mood cause I am hopping around with the craftiness! That's what happens when you work on craft books... the latest bug I've caught is needle felting, inspired by the lovely Lisa Jordan over at Lil Fish Studios. Man, this lady is a crafty genius! I fell hard for her mushrooms (even bought some!) and then I had to try them for myself, which lead to an apple tree to a topiary... I'm officially hooked, even though it hurts to type because I accidentally "needle felted" my middle finger. No pain, no gain, I guess! Now what else to make in miniature...

birds of a different kind

2011-04-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

Oh, the start of beach camping season - how I love thee! I spent last weekend camping in Edisto, SC, with my mom, her new pup (a cairn terrier named Paula Deen), my grandma, and my cousin and his fam (hi, Kate and Ned!). We had so much fun, especially decking out my mom's new camper with its requisite amount of mingos. Here's Ned with a small portion of the flock... right before the carnage started. And there's nothing like sharing some grand marnier with your soon-to-be-88-year-old grandma!

And nothing like doing a little cross-stitch in your tent! I saw this fabulous birdy (of course!) pattern in Alicia Paulson's new book Embroidery Companion (love it!) and I just couldn't help myself! Not that I need a new hobby OR more excuses to make bird-themed thingies... simply lovely, though, and portable too - loving doing a little stitching in bed at the end of a long day. I estimate I'll complete this pattern sometime in 2013 ;) so check back on my progress!

little springtime adventures

2011-04-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I need a break from sewing flat decorative things... you know the feeling? The whole reason I got into sewing was to make clothing (back, oh, 15 years ago) but I haven't done much of that in a while. Until, that is, our good friends had little lady Sofi. Making kids clothes is so much fun... in about an hour and with about $3 worth of fabric, I whipped up these little cuties (using a pattern from Sew Tina!). Fun, non-commital, useful... lovely! A sew-errific Saturday was followed by a leisurely hike at Sam's Knob on Sunday (oh, Blue Ridge Parkway, I love thee!), with my little lady Violet. So nice to move and just breathe some fresh air! And get some much-needed exercise after lots and lots of sitting! That is a downside of this crafty life of ours...Violet went to the vet last week and she is absolutely tipping the scales at 51 pounds - yikes! Turns out those "growths" I was worried about are actually just love handles....

march showers, april mushrooms!

2011-04-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

A case of art/craft imitating life? May be! I've been so enthralled with all the little mushrooms popping up here in WNC, especially the tasty kind (see my previous post!). This month's installment of bird-a-month was brought to you by morel power! Gosh, those little mushrooms are fun to make, especially when I should be doing other things like a zillion WIPs, walking the doggies, cleaning the house, and cooking food and stuff... oh, crafty distractions!

I couldn't help myself with the basket! Now to figure out where Mr. Birdy is headed next....

coming up mushrooms!

2011-04-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

Everything is.... that is! And that's one of my favorite parts of early spring. I've been working on a little side series (for a show this July - fingers crossed!) with little hooped-up mushroom outcrops. These are so addictive - really the perfect thing for those little fusible backed scraps in my scrap basket. I've been painting the hoops... and, er, getting better as I practice.

Speaking of mushrooms, we have so many varieties of mushrooms here in western North Carolina! Imagine our surprise when we stumbled upon a crop of these tasty morels, growing in a random bit of mulch in our apartment complex! Guess what's for dinner? Yes, a bit alien looking, but so so tasty.

I'm loving this little mini theme - welcome to my new blog header! I stuck with the same one for so long, I'm really enjoying switching things up seasonally. Keeps it interesting! And I'm thinking a birdy might look right nice among those fungi...

birthday apron (con tiger pig!)

2011-03-21T16:51:00.001-07:00

Well, after crafting something for my friend with mildly evil intentions (she rocked the crown!), I felt that I needed to redeem myself. About that time, this fabulous apron kit arrived in the mail from my friends at Crescendoh. I'm not usually into kits, but I must say, it was kind of nice to have the work done for me - a perfect set of fabrics and notions, cleaned, pressed, and ready for me to get started. It was also nice because my vintage fabric collection is kind of wimpy, but I so love that look. And when I saw the fabrics, I knew just who the apron would be for...

(Take a closer look at this kit and other fabulous kits over here!)

And here it is, about two hours later. Fun and done! And I love the vintage-y look. And so does a certain tiger pig I happen to know... (scroll down).

A face only a mother could love? Perhaps. A little scary if you met her on the street? Probably. Seriously happy dog with a seriously silly smile? Yes indeedy! A smile that is REALLY hard to catch on camera, hence the blur. But golden nonetheless!

birds and umbrellas!

2011-03-13T17:02:00.001-07:00

As promised, here's the March installment of my bird-a-month challenge. It has been so rainy in Asheville, and I've been seriously craving some bright colors - I think that happens every spring, with (always!) serious repercussions for my (growing!) fabric collection. I'm enjoying being able to focus on one single little project for the year (with plenty of other projects on the side, of course) and I'm liking how the project is shaping up... seems like each installment has its own distinct feel. I like to think that these birdies are all part of the same family, so not the same birdy every time. I've got some plans for the summer months - think crazy adventurous auntie birdy! It was nicer here this weekend, though...and just in time. The hubs and I are in house-hunting mode and I can't help but be on the lookout for the perfect crafting space! I don't need much - just a little space of my own. I think I'll know it when I find it!

crafting for good.... (and -mild amounts- of evil!)

2011-03-08T15:32:00.000-08:00

Strange title, I know... but let me explain. The weather here in Asheville has been unseasonably warm and sunny, well, during the weekdays that is. The weekends, that's a different story, especially the last one - rain, rain, a little snow, and more rain. All that precipitation does make for good crafting weather, and I have been quite productive. Which brings me to the "good" part of my title. Our Asheville Modern Quilt Guild is creating a charity quilt. We're all string-piecing blocks like these:And now for the evil... my nearest and dearest friend is having her 30th birthday this Saturday. I simply couldn't let the glorious occasion pass without making something silly for her...and then requiring her to wear it...out on the town...all night long! If you can't dress your friends (or kids or dogs or spouses) in silly handmade stuff, who can you dress up? And in case you're wondering, her nickname is Tortilla Mae (long story!). Got my March birdy in the works... hope to share him with you soon!

my (kinda sorta) new toy!

2011-02-15T18:22:00.001-08:00

Ever since Quilt Market in November, I've been absolutely pining for a new sewing machine, particularly one that starts with a B and ends with a ernina. I've really been wanting to give free motion stitching a try and I don't have the option to drop the feed dogs on my machine and that new fancy BSR thing-a-majig seemed, well, fancy.... So I did lots and lots of research into multiple kinds of machines, asked MANY people about different brands (including some back and forth with many Janome lovers!), and did some general poking around; by the way, thanks to everyone who gave me suggestions and feedback! In the end, one suggestion helped me make my decision: look into buying a feed dog cover for my current super old but completely trusty and truly loved Singer 6105. And I did just that!
And it fits perfectly, even though my machine is 20+ years old! So, free motion experimenting, here I come! Was it hard to resist shiny and new? Yes, of course. Will I continue to pine? Probably, but investing in a new machine and saving to buy a house - well, the timing is just bad. What did Violet think of my decision? I think she'd give it the thumbs up if she had any...here she is with her cheese-eating-est smile on instead!

2011: put a bird on it!

2011-02-01T14:55:00.000-08:00

Anyone else loving Portlandia? I might have a different opinion of the show if I lived in Portland, but I think Asheville is actually a lot like the place. And, in general, I'm okay laughing with and at myself. My hands-down favorite clip has got to be "put a bird on it." I realize the irony here: who else could have timed the announcement of their year-long project so perfectly?!? Seriously... I'm taking 2011 and putting a bird on it!

And so without further ado, here's Mr. February. I made the heart the same way I used to make valentines: fold the thing in half and chop chop. And the bowtie, well, I thought it was just extra Bryce-like.

bird-a-month: january

2011-01-16T13:50:00.000-08:00

Oh, birdy... my old friend! I was flipping through an old children's book the other day and those waves popped out at me: lovely, artful, and just a touch of menacing. I knew they'd find their way into one of my stitchies some day... and today was it! I'm contemplating a year-long project with these birdies - I'm planning one per month (that I can maybe turn into a calendar for next year?). Without further ado, meet January: dark, cold, and with storms looming.

For more in this series, check out: February, March, April (coming soon!)

doodle stitch purplework!

2011-01-09T19:38:00.000-08:00

So...I couldn't resist temptation: I'm officially joining Aimee Ray's doodle stitch along. I needed an easy, low-commitment project for the start of the year... and I'm dedicated to getting comfortable using purple on a more regular basis. Good thing I happen to know lots of little ladies being born right around this time! (Here's a link to our little Flickr group if you'd like to play along!)

This project did get me thinking about some potential new years resolutions in regard to craftiness. I think I'd like to take on some kind of big project but I haven't yet settled on a theme. I've been thinking, too, that I should focus more on the process and the journey rather than the finished project, but that's darn hard to do. Or maybe the most important thing is that I put energy toward being creative on a regular basis...

last & first

2011-01-04T18:32:00.000-08:00

Happy new year! Working in publishing is a strange thing... I keep thinking "only 2011?" That's what happens when you work so far in advance. I love this time of year: everyone posts their terrific mosaics of things made in the last year. So good to take a look back (and hard to do for folks who are in the midst of planning the next great quilty!) and to celebrate all that creativity. And with that in mind, here's a mini retrospective: my last creation of 2010 and my first of 2011!

Cheers to you for a happy, healthy, and amazingly creative 2011!

more felt goodness!

2010-12-21T15:00:00.001-08:00

I must admit... been on kind of a felt kick lately. Well, when I'm not feeling totally overwhelmed by the impending holidays. Are you almost done with your list? I actually didn't plan that big this year, but these last-minute things I keep adding... someday I'll learn. Here's a quick recap:

A Ruby Doll (from Jhoanna Monte's pattern in the Craft Hope book) for my niecey Ella:

Some quick-and-easy birdy ornaments for my fabulous coworkers:

And finally, some folks are getting giftcards. Totally the opposite of handmade, probably, but it happens! And that doesn't mean the packaging can't be fantastic! Here are some simple felt gift card envelopes (free tutorial over on the Lark blog if you're interested):

And the saga continues. I don't know what it is, but I feel like a crafter possessed! Something about the early darkness makes me want to crank up pandora and sew, sew, sew! The dolly and birdies were fun - a nice break after sewing a lot (!) of flat things. Still pondering some possible blog themes for next year. In the meantime, happy solstice everyone!

a green holiday!

2010-12-05T07:21:00.000-08:00

It's December, the time of year when I remember that I should have started hand-making all my holiday gifts months ago. Same for you, you say? Well, I've decided that if I can't hand-make every gift, handmade wrapping is a good - and green! - alternative. I've posted a tutorial for this reusable felt (of course!) gift bag over at LarkCrafts.com (my day job!). We'll be posting all kinds of felt goodness over there throughout the month of December. And looking for other green wrapping ideas? Join forces with the Green Grocery Bag Challenge, a neat project in which folks are encouraged to make, give, and use cloth grocery bags as wrapping paper.

In other news, it will be my two year blogiversary this month.... wowzers! I actually spent a bit of time the other night looking over the last two years of posts. It was so nice to look back and realize what a neat slice of my creative life this blog has become. I'm not sure what I was aiming for back when I created this space in December 2008, but I think I've acheived that! And I thank everyone who has tagged along! Thanks for your encouragement after my creative false starts, your positive feedback, the sweet comments when I submit you to endless photos of the brindle squad... I'm pondering a fun thank you giveaway later in the month - be on the lookout!

more (and more) pluses

2010-11-20T06:27:00.000-08:00

I think Quilt Market was just what I needed to get back in my sewing groove! I made the quilt top for this baby quilt in a flurry back in September and haven't had a chance to think about it since.... until now, of course, since we're headed for the baby shower tomorrow. I tried a few new things with this quilty - grid lines, sprinkled pluses, variegated thread - that I can already tell will be making a repeat appearance later. And I finally feel like I'm getting a bit better at binding (which is cute and stripey, though hard to tell in the photo) - major yay! I can't wait to give this quilty to the expectant couple (good, good friends of ours); so fulfilling to give a handmade something!

I always feel compelled to add a little sneaky sweetness...

Speaking of making and giving, we held a little scrappy pincushion swap in our Asheville Modern Quilt Guild. Since I'm (always!) in plus mode, I tried some easy peasy appliqued pluses on linen (with a felt base). Hope my partner likes it!

Still pondering a new sewing machine.... and open to input!

quilt market recap (etc.!)

2010-11-15T18:08:00.000-08:00

Wowza! It's been a crazy couple of weeks! First, we went on vacation to the Outer Banks (complete with 2 dogs and the sewing machine and the disc catcher and countless other toys). That truly is a magical place! Then, back in Asheville and the office before heading to.... Houston! It's really hard to sum up the whole quilt market/festival in words, but I've managed somehow, over on the Lark Crafts blog. Click:

Here (Read about Tina Givens' magical goose and my monoprinting experiments!)
Here (Read about my sashiko class and creations - I'm totally addicted! Plus highlights from the Husband's Lounge!)
Here (Read my recap with some images of my favorite quilts from the exhibit, definitely through the lens of a modern quilter.)
Or here (For a chance to win 500 Art Quilts and Masters: Art Quilts, two fabulous gallery books! Apologies for the shameless plug!)

What an experience! And then, of course, there was the monumental, glorious, and glutinous HAUL! Click here for a more detailed explanation of my finds. Fancy threads (for said sashiko), an innumerable amount of fat quarters (such a weakness), and some lovely vintage fabrics.

It was such an overwhelming, inspiring, and exhausting experience - what a lucky gal I am! It was also exciting to be there as a representative of the next generation of quilters. And I got to meet some of my Flickr friends in person - another level of awesomeness! I must admit that there were times throughout the week when I felt a bit out of place, but in general, I was met with warmth and acceptance - and lots of folks who were interested in learning more about the Modern Quilt Guild! It was also wonderful to see so many women investing time, energy, and financial resources into their continued learning, their passion, and their creative outlet... really inspiring!

And, of course, I found myself skulking around the Bernina booth for far too long - which means I'm definitely in the mood for an upgrade...I can't wait for Cincinnati to roll around!

stocking redux!

2010-10-25T01:56:00.000-07:00

If you've already gotten the Special Holiday Issue of Fat Quarterly (and if you haven't, get cracking!), you've seen the lovely coverage they've given to Fa La La La Felt (many many thanks yous to the Fat Quarterly folks!!). As part of a holiday round-up, I remade my Oopsy Daisy stockings from the book... following my original instructions. What an exercise it was! And here are the results, hanging from the bar. I riffed on the original pattern a little (less daisy, more asterisk!) and used some of the Kate Spain Christmas fabric the FQ team sent me. I'm also including a free tutorial from the book (over on the Lark Crafts site). Happy stocking making!

birds and plus signs - a love affair!

2010-09-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

Someday I'll bring these two elements together in some glorious quilty (sorry, to-do list!) but I'm just still enjoying exploring. It's kind of nice to do something over and over again, exploring the same form again and again but trying new directions and ideas. I've been meaning to try this plus sign design for a while (ever since making this back in January), and thank goodness I have the perfect excuse now - a lovely little lady due in January 2011.

And then I made a little blackbirdy something for a birthday gift. I'm lovin the asterisk - speaking of future explorations. This was also a lovely experiment in hand stitching. Boy, when hand stitching doesn't totally annoy me, it's kinda nice. And hey, wait a minute: is that a plus sign? Way down there in the corner....

among the flowies...

2010-08-29T17:47:00.001-07:00

...with friends makes for a fine Sunday afternoon in the mountains. That's all!

busy bee

2010-08-25T17:07:00.001-07:00

It's so funny with these online bees: you work and work and then you have to send all your handiwork away. Don't get me wrong: I love online bees! I feel like I've been challenged in so many creative ways. And I'm having fun along the way! They just tend to add to that know-I've-been-busy-but-don't-have-anything-to-show-for-it feeling. Ever get that feeling? Either way, here's a quick recap.

A few Common Threads blocks:

A (looong) strip for Rossie in our first round of the Mid Mod Quilt Bee (bottom left):

Oh yeah, and there was my potholder for Carrie (for our Asheville Modern Quilt Guild secret potholder swap-a-roo).

More in the works and coming soon... feeling the sewing and quilting bug taking over again! Oh, and the plus signs...

before & after: minty dresser

2010-08-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

It's almost the end of summer... and I'm STILL dealing with the mighty furniture makeover bug. My latest installment is headed for my sewing room. I think I'm just in love with the transformation aspect. And then there's the getting something for cheap and turning it into something you love factor... It's been keeping me from my sewing machine for sure, but it feels like a creative process nonetheless. I'm especially proud of the little wooden piece I added at the bottom.

I'm working on an old desk now that will soon become my sewing table... and, of course, have a little minty minty of its own!

Holly, jolly... July!

2010-07-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say that you should check out the loveliness over at Sew, Mama, Sew's Christmas in July. They'll be featuring several projects and designers from Fa La La La Felt (including some of my faves), which hits shelves early next month. Should be lots of fun, and it may be enough to put you in the mood for hot cocoa - though it's pretty unlikely in this extremely hot "mountain weather" here!

antique bar redux

2010-07-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

A couple of posts ago, I mentioned the dreaded furniture-makeover-bug that was plaguing me. I finally succumbed to temptation... here's what I've been busy with while I've been neglecting my poor little blog (sorry about that, by the way).

First, I found this cool antique bar at the local Habitat for Humanity store. I was actually, believe it or not, in the market for just such an item. So maybe it was fate....

Combine that with my love for all things dark teal and my intense desire to cover something with tile and you get this little number, which looks right nice if I do say so myself.

I was initially planning to do something cool - plus signs, anyone? - with the tile pattern on top, but decided to pare down. Not sure the urges have been fully satisfied... sometimes you just get a bug! I'm thinking about taking an upholstery class this fall. Oh, the dark teal furniture I could make!!!

pardon the interruption

2010-06-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

Gosh that month went by fast. Sorry for the silence on my part... I swear I was busy with things! First there was a weekend in the mountains (with the brindle squad, of course!).

Then some canoeing, some kayaking, some creek swimming...

And then I was involved in the taxing task of... drumroll, please... turning thirty! Now I'm not the type of person who gets too hung up on numbers, but it did seem like a fine excuse to get myself a fancy present. And fancy it is! Meet my new camera. After literally almost two years of research, I settled on this bad boy. It's, in a word, friggin awesome. And I had to have a fun new project to photograph... This blackbird mini was for a friend. I love how the new camera captures all those perfect imperfections! More fun to be had, I'm sure.

love for tea towels! (in print!)

2010-05-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

Before working on my projects for this book (Craft Challenge: Tea Towel), I hadn't yet expanded my fabric horizons; most of the time, I feel pretty overwhelmed by all the glorious fabric options at my local stores, online, and, my own stash. But I kinda fell in love with tea towels and vintage fabric in general. There's something about the authentic kitschy flavor they bring to a project that new fabric just can't fake, even the vintage-inspired stuff. I had two projects in the book:

Fabric Jars

Pup Pack

The jars are my favorite, especially since they're kinda useful. Useful and pretty - that's my new shtick!

I pledge.... (and gratitude)

2010-05-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

Have you seen Rossie's post about process? Of course you have. I love everything about this idea... the story that happens between the stitches, the magic that occurs during the final stitch or a way-out decision you make last minute that brings everything together. It's hard to take time to relish the process, I think, when we're all driven by the final product. But this pledge is a good nudge to slow down, and I can appreciate that. I'm also totally infatuated with the drawing in Rossie's blog badge... (over there, in the right column).

I really don't know what it is about kelpies that draw me to them. I think they must be part of the mid-century modern design genre, but I just never tire of them. Have they been a design crutch? Yeah, probably, but there's something wonderful about doing the same thing (kelpies, birdy appliques based on my tattoos, plus signs)... and it always seems to lead somewhere creative. That little blog badge led two particular places, one directly and one with colorful little bits....

I'll be headed one of these directions soon. Part of the pledge deals with design inspiration, and rightly so. I think this can be a tricky discussion for the online community and for myself as a quilterly type. Sometimes ideas just pop into my head, and I worry that I picked them up somewhere from someone subconsciously. Sometimes I see something and it's more like "man, oh, man... gonna have to make me that exact same thing."

I'm personally okay with it when people riff off stuff I've done. I think it's actually one of the best feelings to have inspired someone creatively. But it's always nice when that is acknowledged. And that's made me think that I need to be better (in a totally non sappy, non cheesy kind of way - not my strong suit!) about who inspires me on a daily basis, especially since inspiration is part of the process. I'm talking Malka, Victoria at the Silly Boodilly, Jacquie over at Tallgrass Prairie Studio, Rossie, Jess at Urban Patchwork (okay... I'll just go with everybody in the Common Threads quilt bee).

There are more, I'm sure, but what's your list look like?

urban home goods swap - sent!

2010-05-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

This swap's been on my to-do list for a while. What a perfect excuse to buy some of Malka's fabric, and then, of course, I got a wee bit nervous about cutting into it. It was so excellent to work with, especially since I knew my (yet unnamed) swap partner was a fan. I hope she likes it!

Take a peek at what Brioni (flossybossy) made for me: serious mind reader! More swap awesomeness here!

start of something good: pluses and minuses

2010-05-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Pluses and minuses... how I love thee! Seriously geeking out over these blocks. I made the one on the left and then couldn't help putting it together when Rossie's block arrived on Friday. I've got plans for a few more myself, but the fact that there will be something from everyone in the group is so exciting. Aren't virtual quilting bees cool?!?

back to blackbirds

2010-04-15T17:52:00.001-07:00

And it's so nice to be back! This little mini is for secret bird swap... I'll say no more (except that I'm hooked... again!).

hello, spring!

2010-04-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

And gosh, it couldn't have come soon enough. Violet and I took our first official girls-only walk in the woods for the spring season. Aside from some scary ladies with walking sticks, the bees, the water, and the heat, she had a grand time... especially relaxing on the couch once we got back home. Two words: total ham!

beach scenes

2010-03-31T17:28:00.000-07:00

Well, despite its sogginess, March has absolutely flown by! In the midst of rain, rain (and insert more rain), I was able to sneak away for some beach time with my hubby, my mom, my 86-year-old grandma, my cousin and his fam. Oh, Hunting Island, SC... how I love thee! Let me count the ways: shrimp burgers, hand-sewing in the surf (pics to come), not a building in sight, and boat drinks. Oh, and raccoons and alligators and no-see-ums. You know, I think we're gonna need a montage...

march of the quilt blocks

2010-03-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the backlog here, but it really is necessary. Two rounds behind, and I was starting to feel the pangs of guilt. But here they are: red cross blocks for Jacquie and some mixed-bag blocks for Nadia over at Common Threads. I'm loving the way these blocks look on this big wooden buffet at work!

And drumroll please.... April is my month! I've been round and round on the design, but I think the red cross blocks really tipped me over the edge. And dang... I better get to the fabric store. But not before I head out of town for a quick vacation. This winter has really kicked my butt on the weather front. How bout you? Time for some beach camping con family and margaritas! Be back soon with a post on the newly formed Asheville Modern Quilt Guild!

mini quilts... in print!

2010-03-07T14:38:00.001-08:00

Oh, glorious day! My quilties have been officially released in print. They're part of the collection in Pretty Little Mini Quilts. These minis represent the first incarnations of my long obsession with the kelpy shape. Here they are in their natural habitat (aka my home).

The two-panel set was the inspiration for my most recent office set (seen in the previous post). I love the set aspect, but I think it's kind of like knitters' second sock syndrome. Nevertheless, I'm sure I'll convince myself I need to make more.

These blue ovals (they kinda look like eggs, huh?) were a little mini series I experimented with for a while.

kelpies attack!

2010-02-25T15:35:00.000-08:00

Hmmm.... know why I love crafty quilters so much? We all have a favorite color. Some people haven't had that since kindergarten, but we quilters always have a current fave (or 14). I'm having a brief love affair with teal at the moment, but what's more... these kelpy shapes and I are just about to celebrate our 1 1/2 year anniversary. It's been a lovely romance, bordering on obssession at times, but I'm still in the throws and loving it.

These kelpies are hanging in my office and they just make me happy. Do not adjust your screen: there are two of them, mirror images in fact. They're actually based on a design I created for Pretty Little Mini Quilts (a Lark Book due out any minute)... but more on that later. For now, just kelpy fever!

stitched lampshade tutorial (and a tiger pig)

2010-02-15T17:05:00.000-08:00

Stitched lampshade tutorial coming up!

Here we go:

1. Cut out your shapes from paper. May I suggest a fine kelp shape?

2. Lay the shapes over a few layers of felt and use an awl to punch holes for the stitches.

3. Glue the shapes on the lampshape and use an awl to punch holes in the lampshade, using the previous set of holes as a guide. (Be sure to support the lampshade while you make the holes: otherwise, the walls may collapse!)

4. Stitch the shapes in place. I used two strands of regular embroidery floss. Done and done! Time to celebrate with your favorite (deceptively angelic looking) tiger pig!

lamp revamp

2010-02-11T18:17:00.001-08:00

So I'm switching offices at work which means I want all new decorations, all matching, all perfectly in tune and coordinated with my particular color palette - namely teal and green (hey, looky at my blog colors now that I think about it!). But instead of new, I tried for "revamped" with a little paper and stitching. It was fun! But now, of course, I'm pretty sure I need a new lamp fixture...

Interesting in trying your own lamp revamp? I'll gladly put together a tutorial.

girls at work!

2010-02-08T15:59:00.000-08:00

It's scary how quickly time passes. I swear I've been busy making the past two weeks, but I can't seem to remember what. Let's see: blocks for Common Threads (check), mystery project (check), and a wee bit of work on the Gee's Bend blocks (check). Most recently, I've started work on a pair of mini quilts in this color scheme... loving it! I don't know for sure, but I'm thinking something kelpy...

At least one of us has been productive.... (ahem, excuse me, Miss Violet).

"one thing" wednesday: the bathtub edition

2010-01-27T18:05:00.000-08:00

and now for something totally different...

You know, I've been thinking about one of my resolutions for the year - to slow down - and I realized that I could do with some slowing down on my blog. I think I kinda jumped right into the crafty bits without giving any context about myself. Indeed, the crafty bits are probably more interesting, but I think I'm ready to share other stuff too, since a lot of my life happens away from the computer and the sewing machine. For example, a lot of my life happens while I'm staring at the fixtures above. I am - and have been since as far back as I can remember - a professonial soaker. Swimming pool, natural spring, hot tub, babbling brook, claw foot - you name it.

And it's one of those "small things" that make me feel human on a regular basis, and definitely one of the few moments of the day when I feel I can actually control the speed of life. It even dictates how I pick out my music... when I go shopping for tunes, it's either bathtub music, sewing music, or roller skating music for me (although there are a few specific sub categories: staring out the window music, music to play Catan to, chopping veggies music...)

What do you do to slow down?

white fabric vs. reality

2010-01-20T15:47:00.000-08:00

I had big plans for a quilt made with blocks like this one. I was hoping for a project I could spend some serious time with, something I could work on slowly over the next few months of winter. I'm drawn to tone-on-tone designs and decided to shoot for something artful: Gee's Bend-esque with some hand stitching (a la Victoria's spectacular work quilts) and spot ties. But one block in and I'm already reconsidering things. I love crisp white fabric but I know it wouldn't stay that way long in my house. And I hate to think of a quilt not being used as such; I think that's the beauty of this medium. So I'm undecided at this juncture... Suggestions? Thoughts? Fellow dog-hair-bedecked quilting commiserators?

And oh goodie: another mystery project in the works. Here's a sneak peek... I'm liking this orange and aqua color combo-so cheery mid-winter.

welcome 2010: project #1

2010-01-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

Project #1 is officially in the books! This baby quilt (for a friend who's due in February - mums the word!) was so fun. Of course, the kelpy design/motif continues to make an appearance, but I did try a few new things with this one: spot tying, hand stitches, and taking my time. Seems like I'm always trying to work as fast as I can, but I really tried to slow things down. I think some good came of it... including my growing love affair with my walking foot. How'd I ever do it before?

Here are a few more close-ups; I think close-up photos always do a better job of capturing a quilt anyway! But I do have dreams of a new camera. And I'm open to suggestions (hint, hint)...

happy (crafty) new year!

2010-01-03T10:32:00.000-08:00

I started my crafty year off with a little bit of sprucing up around ye olde sewing room. I've been thinking about a way to display and access my threads, and I stumbled upon an idea for a simple spool board. It was super easy:

1. Mark a 2" grid on a piece of wood.
2. Hammer in a nail at each intersection on the grid.
3. Spray paint the whole shebang.
4. Add some ribbon trim (with simple fabric glue).

My cork board got a little update too... crafty fun quick and cheap! And all that lovely thread to be inspired by...

happy holidays from the brindle squad!

2009-12-24T09:15:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's Christmas again... I guess that means it's also my blog-i-versary. Ah, it's been a good, productive year and full of changes, at that. We said goodbye to a lovely, loyal, and absolutely legendary canine friend and welcomed a new member to the tribe: miss violet p. (shown here in all her chunky glory!). My hubby graduated nursing school and started a new job (yay!), we moved (ack!), and we finally went on our honeymoon (only 2 years late!). Oh, and I got a walking foot for my newly-repaired sewing machine (major yay!). Who knows what next year holds? It's a big one for me... 30 here I come!

What I do know is that I'm excited to have an itty bitty break from work. I've got some projects planned (two smallish quilts) so crafty photos to come. In the meantime, here are some pillows I made for some of my pals at the office. I really do want to try some paper-piecing - especially hexes - in the new year, but these little hexes are appliqued (shhhh!).

Happy holidays to you and yours, from digs and the brindle squad! and cheers for a grand 2010!

everything's coming up toadstools!

2009-12-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, yes, that's probably the cheesiest blog heading I've ever come up with, but I can't help it. These little ladies just make me happy. Thank you, Cathy Gaubert! And they make our Christmas ficus look oh-so-merry, don't you think? Despite the fact that they look a little...er...dehydrated.

More holiday crafting updates to come, and soon if I'm going to get everything made in time.

in the lab... (er, sewing room)

2009-12-08T18:24:00.000-08:00

I spent my weekend experimenting with some quilting designs that have been in my head for a while. The first is a quilt block that I've been dreaming about for my round of the Common Threads quilting bee. I'm wondering if I can actually make the vertical lines match up and how well those colors will play out over a queen size quilt... open to suggestions!

Then I worked on some stitched holiday cards with some super cute green (of course) polka dot fabric I found. I love stitching on paper... it always surprises me that it's so easy to do.

And finally, the girlies got some new bling.... matching, of course. Aw, (spoiled rotten) mama's girls!

big (big, big) news!

2009-12-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

I'm so very excited... remember that "felt mystery project" I was working on over the summer? Well, mystery revealed: I was feverishly creating projects for this book: Fa La La La Felt. Lots of hard work on a crazy fast schedule, but so worth it! This book is Lark's very first ebook, available for purchase at Zinio.com. It's also coming out in its print version early next fall, but instant gratification is so nice, especially this close to the holidays. I had such a fun time getting acquainted with felt (especially the whole easy-to-work-with bit)... and the book is chock full of super cute designs, both traditional and indie. And what a smashing collection of designers!

Here's one of my designs as a sneak preview; maybe it's my quilterly ways, but I couldn't help but bring a little fabric into the mix. Wanna get a free project from the book? Try Cathy Gaubert's totally rad Holiday Toadstools on for size. I want to make about 62 for our Christmas ficus!

crafty holiday weekends....

2009-11-29T16:13:00.000-08:00

....are the best! Especially when you've got two lovely assistants. Here they are, "guarding" the sewing room (or more likely hoping someone will come round the corner with cheese!).

First on my to do list: blocks for Rebekah's round of the Common Threads Quilting Bee. Her fabrics were terrific to work with! We each made 15 inch blocks that are going to be put together with grey sashing... so cool! I've been thinking about my month - which isn't until April - and I'm starting to get excited. By then, the mister and I will have a new queen-sized bed (hopefully!) that will need a lovely covering...

And finally, a wild crafting hair moment: I decided to make something Christmas-y for our table - just a simple quilted placemat. Ye olde Christmas ficus just seemed a bit lonley this year.

a little series (so far)

2009-11-26T10:01:00.001-08:00

Today, I'm so very thankful for dog parks... and tired brindle doggies. A little peaceful crafty time is so nice! I think I've got two more in me: birdies, I think, with some (score!) Ikea fabric leftovers! These guys are bound for 7 x 7 stretchers and then...

Happy turkey (or tofurkey or veggie lasagna) day, everyone!

trees and more trees

2009-11-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was my family's official yearly girls-only camping trip (with margarita machine, of course). It's unseasonably warm for November (or at least it was last weekend) so we got to take in some lovely scenery. These images are from Craggy Pinnacle, just one of the many awesome spots along the parkway. Every time I hike past this tree, I wish I spoke entish.

And perhaps it was the hardy trees of the upper elevations that inspired this little mini. The little hand stitches are my favorite part. I can't wait to see these last few little minis on stretchers... I just received the stretchers so I'm thinking I'll finish a whole batch over the holiday weekend. And then maybe a store update?

many minis!

2009-11-09T17:35:00.000-08:00

You think I'd know better and give my Singer a nice and easy settling in, but no! I've been wanting to try pebble quilting for a while, and I must say, the results are a nice compliment to my wonky...er...messy quilting style. This one is made with the same hand-printed stripe fabric and is bound for the stretchers. I do love the minis!

And speaking of minis, the vet just told us our little Violet is probably a bit older than we first thought, maybe 8 or 9 months. Which means she may not be getting much bigger after all. She's about 25 pounds now, and she may not top 35... We like the sound of that even better: an itty bitty pitty! She looks a bit business-like in this photo, though I think she was actually trying to figure out if my straight pins were edible!

Love song for Singer 6105

2009-11-05T09:52:00.000-08:00

Oh, happy day. My sewing machine is back in action! And working better than ever. I continue to be surprised by how attached I am to this machine. The thought of learning a new machine positively horrifies me. And, I guess, it's also related to the fact that this was my mom's machine (until I "borrowed" it 10 years ago), so I've always imagined I'd make my children's clothing on it... Or at least puppy costumes. Speaking of puppies, things are finally starting to settle down at the homestead. Violet is doing well (see puppy montage - my favorite kind - below!), and Baby is starting to enjoy her new little buddy, despite that constant gnawing feeling in her ears, lips, legs, face, bum....

With the ensuing calm, I've had a little time to create. Gosh, the place didn't feel like home until I got to be creative here. The first experiment was printing my own fabric with cardboard cutouts: based on an idea I saw in a magazine, I cut out strips of cardboard, glued them in a stripey pattern on another piece of cardboard, put paint on the strips, and pressed them onto the fabric. Easy, fun, and that imperfect look I've learned to love.

Then I used the printed fabric as a background for these little red corals. I don't know why sea life - kelp, coral, greenies - keep popping up. I live in the mountains; I suppose I should be making pine trees and mountains instead, but... I do like this little mini and it's the first of a little series I have in mind.... we'll see where it leads.

and I'm back!

2009-10-28T18:28:00.000-07:00

Gosh, it's been a crazy month and a half. I didn't think I'd be gone that long, but a lot of life has happened. Let's see: we moved across town (bye bye beautiful porch for all that sunny picture taking), suffered some seriously bad machine mojo (computer, sewing machine, scooter), and Billy started a nursing job (woohoo!). Things were just starting to settle back down... I even was a little crafty. First a sock monkey for Craft Hope...

...and then some quilt blocks for Common Threads...

.... and then we almost ran over a puppy on the way to our friend's house. And, because fate is cruel, she looks exactly like Baby! No tags, no microchip, and no calls from her previous owners despite the fact that she's an utter sweetheart. We've named her Violet for now, but the jury's still out as to whether Baby can handle a younger, spunkier, fartier sybling in the midst of so many other changes. Pheww... puppies are a lot of work! Hopefully, I'll get to use the craft room - oh, yes, the room of crafts! - soon. I'm thinking Violet may have crafty tendencies....

hiking and packing adventures

2009-09-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

With the sewing machine still down for the count, I thought I'd share a few shots from our hiking trip to Potato Knob (just south of Mount Mitchell). The blueberries were quite cool and delicious, though we were in the middle of a bear sanctuary, so we nibbled watchfully.

But the time has come... the Carestio family is moving uptown! Goodbye, West A'ville; hello, North Asheville. With the move, I'm thinking a little blog break may be in order, at least til I get my craft room set up and ready for action. So, until next time....

labor day (for real)

2009-09-07T17:25:00.000-07:00

Now for something different.... There is something about buying furniture - especially the used, cheap kind - that sets my heart aglow. After months (really!) of looking for dining room chairs that didn't cost a fortune, I found these beauties (not really!) on Friday at the local Habitat for Humanity store. And the set was on sale: even better.

After some intense sanding, priming, painting, and sealing - oh, and stripping and stapling and sweating (labor!) - I have a new set of dining chairs that I absolutely love. And the fabric: super yummy. I think it's actually outdoor furniture fabric, but that's probably a good thing since the hubs and I both tend to be the spilly type. I love these types of projects - especially the transformation aspect.

Speaking of transformations, we're about to make a big one: moving from our much-loved, yet pricey rental house to an apartment. We're saying goodbye to a lot: lovely West A'ville, a superb yard, our hot tub (sniffle, sniffle)... and it's bittersweet for sure. But there are some definite positives: hello, my first ever very own craft room!

virtual quilting bee, round #1

2009-09-01T15:56:00.001-07:00

Here is installment #1 of my round with the Common Threads virtual quilting bee. What fun! I love the colors Amber chose... It'll make it hard come my turn. I think my favorite part of both blocks is the tone-on-tone blue stripes. I'm thinking I'll have to put that technique to use again sometime soon.

Unfortunately, these blocks have done the unthinkable: they have killed my sewing machine. Well, actually, it was probably the 20+ years of steady use without a servicing. Either way, I'm taking her in for a checkup: fingers crossed. Gosh, I never thought I would get so emotionally attached to a machine.

And I can't help but share some lovely shots from our weekend camping in the mountains. We camped at Lake Santeetlah - which was still warm enough to for swimming (oh, moonlight swims!) - and did a little bit of hiking at Joyce Kilmer. And Baby took her first canoe ride... like a champ! Admittedly, we were trying to extract one last flurry of summer fun, but the nip in the air is nice, too.

(very) wonky log cabins

2009-08-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

I think it's a good thing: being able to embrace my inner wonkiness. Or maybe that's just a bit of laziness coming through... either way, wonky log cabins are here to stay, complete with some embroidered details.

And since the only thing I photograph besides crafts and my hubby doing silly things, you, dear reader, will be subjected to installment #46 of Baby in her best porch-sitting pose. Here, she's looking bored and ready for fanning - one of my favorites!

back to reality

2009-08-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

Hmmm... this is my second post with this title. Either I spend a lot of time avoiding the real world or I do a good job taking a break from it at times, thus necessitating a return. Ah, the bored ponderings a vacation supplies.

Yes, indeed: the Outer Banks were absolutely splendid. If we three - Baby, my hubby, and I - do ever decide to start a professional beach sitting team, the Outer Banks will most definitely be our training grounds, provided they have enough limes. Here are a few pics from my new favoritest beach in NC:

From top left across: provisions, Baby and the big "bath," Billy and Baby in the sound, the Hatteras lighthouse, the boardwalk, and my vacation table runner (yes, the sewing machine joined us for our journey).

beach bound!

2009-08-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

...but not without a crafty project in tow! I'm thinking table runner in yellow and grey. We'll see how much work I actually get done, and if my hubby can handle me bringing my sewing machine on our official honeymoon (two years late but hey!). My main objective is some serious beach sitting and maybe just a touch of sweet, sweet boredom: it's been so long! Outer Banks, here we come.

super (uncrafty) weekend

2009-08-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

I spent my weekend with my brother, his family, and their super full-o-life boston terrier Lucky. We took in some local eats, played lots of apples to apples (my fave!), and went tubing (also my fave!) on the Green River. I love sharing this place with my family... it always makes me rediscover things I forget to notice on a daily basis. No crafting to report, but good, good livin nonetheless.

big news!

2009-07-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

Yay! I just finished setting up my very own Etsy store! Pretty exciting stuff, and something I've been meaning to do for a while now.

Oh, and I have a new piece I've been working on... so much for a break from the sewing machine! This is one of the ideas I've been thinking about experimenting with: stretching my minis over canvas stretchers. I really love the effect; I love minis as they are - art! - but somehow they seem more official on a canvas like this. You can expect to see a lot more of these and the birds too, I guess. I really could make birdies all day long!

next steps

2009-07-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

Actually, in the last week, the only steps I've taken have been outside... ahhh, hiking does this body (and brain) good. It's nice to take a mini vacation from the sewing machine and let the creativity build up again in my hands. I'm still plotting some possible new directions - an Etsy store? More craft shows? Putting together some kind of art show myself? But it's wonderful to be still for a moment, sit on the front porch with my best gal Baby, and count the cars that go past. Here's to porch sitting and it finally feeling a little more like summer!

post show glow

2009-07-15T15:09:00.001-07:00

The Big Crafty has come and gone... I had a blast but gosh, it was a lot of work. Here's a shot of me with my wares.

What's missing from the photo is my little table setup... seriously, I could have read some tarot cards. Maybe next time... yeah, I think they'll be a next time. This show was such a good learning experience. And best of all (besides the fact that Tia - campfollowerbaglady - stopped by while she was in the neighborhood... from Australia! Thanks, Tia!), I've got a ton of ideas for where I'm headed next with my minis. And boy, oh, boy, I'm excited to experiment. After a small break, I think.

all about the merch

2009-07-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

...andising, that is. Digs and bean stitched business cards, bags, and official craft show signage, all bound for the Big Crafty show tomorrow. The bags are my favorite: they were a total last minute, matter of necessity creation, but I'm all for free and handmade!

I love stitching on paper, but I'm not sure how my sewing machine feels about it. When I think about all the sequins, papers, impossible amounts of fabric layers, and various fake fur items I've run through my poor machine... I think she's probably due for a little servicing soon, after 25 years of dependable operation.

show time!

2009-07-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

This installment represents the last of my craft show creations. Even now, having spent most of my holiday weekend in crafty exploits, my mind is still racing with things yet to make. So sad to actually have to cut yourself off from something, but it's for the best. My hubby and my doggy miss me! As does my very hairy house! Regardless of these and other pressing "adult tasks," I'm pretty happy with the way these turned out, just in time for digs & bean's Big Crafty debut. More pics on my flickr page.

I'm really excited to move onto some different kind of projects. It's just a different way of thinking: making stuff to make stuff and making stuff to sell. I like the process though - working on lots of little quick projects - but I'm ready for something slow and involved. Maybe some experiments with image transfer? Maybe some abstract pieces shellaced onto wood? Who knows... but house cleaning first!

my half of the table

2009-07-01T14:09:00.001-07:00

I claim this end, bedecked in crafty mess though it may be, in the name of digs & bean! The other end is claimed by my almost-finished-with-nursing-school hubby: he's studying for a take-home test - a novel idea to me, at least. I'm in final preparations for the Big Crafty in July. Once I finish framing these prints up, I'll be officially done. This has been a lot of hard work, but I'm really proud of all the stuff I've made in the last few months. I've been meaning to make a tally... or at least post some photos of my stash. Maybe someday soon...

placemats and other fun adventures

2009-06-28T16:45:00.001-07:00

Oh, what a spendid weekend in the mountains. On Saturday, we explored Panther Town Valley and found a new favorite spot: Warden Falls. It was lovely: relaxing in the (chili!) water, "teaching" Baby to swim, and general outdoor frolicking. This morning, we went tubing on the Green River... seriously the most fun $7 can buy.

And in between all that outdoor adventuring, I constructed a placemat for the placemat swap group. My swap partner (thankfully) gave me pretty specific ideas about what she liked, so I pretty much copied those ideas but put a creative twist on it, for her and her kiddos: the placemat turns into a tic tac toe board. My favorite are the fork and spoon: those might have to make an appearance in some future quilties...

felt mystery project

2009-06-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

Pardon the silence... I've been busy with, well, a felt mystery project. I can't show the finished project (just yet, anyway), but I will share this mildy intriguing in-process shot (how's that for an opener?). Fun, no? Ah, I love felt: no finishing, no kinks.... no yummy prints either, though. More to come soon.

tat-pplique

2009-06-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay... I'll admit it: I do have a fondness for made-up words. And I decided that I wanted a word to describe the process I've been using to make these little birdy mini quilts, using my tattoos as applique patterns. I'm having some major fun with it, but I think I'm going to have to either get more tattoos myself or borrow my friends' tats. I'm in luck, though: I happen to have a fairly inked up group of buddies to borrow from!

And it has happened: I'm actually (officially, finally, unless I crack from withdrawal) done making mini quilts for my craft show in July. On to lino prints and, gosh, you know, I've been thinking about glass again recently. Ahhh.... we'll see how long it lasts.

micro and mini

2009-06-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

I finished up another little framed mini, just in time for Mini Quilt Monday. This time, I turned my microscope lino print into an applique design: fun, fun! And I kind of like the two - the microscope and the beetle - as a set. But, of course, I have had thoughts about a third and fourth framed mini... Just can't help myself, it seems.

I spent the better part of the weekend at Devil's Fork State Park in South Carolina with my mom (who loved her pink and green apron) and my neice. Nothing like a little lake swimming to set my world right, except I did have some minor crafting withdrawal. Not to worry though: I'm recovering nicely... with mini quilts, of course.

Oh, and here's a promised sunlit shot of my beetle mini... much better than the previous installment, I think.

beetle mania

2009-06-10T18:15:00.000-07:00

Yay for beetles! This one is based on a lino print I did last fall and is made with some of my birthday stash fabric. I've been meaning to make this for a while; I love taking a design from one form or medium to another. And it's a good thing I like beetles: those little legs were a bugger to stitch down. The picture is a little less than thrilling. After dark, I have the hardest time getting a photo that's anywhere close to the actual fabric colors. Any suggestions? Maybe it's time for a new camera... in which case I'm also open to suggestions. And oh, hold the presses: I just realized this is the first thing I made as a 29-year-old!

birthday adventures

2009-06-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

Couldn't have asked for a better birthday: a haunted pub crawl in Asheville, some yummy beverages with friends, and an adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway with my honey and my Baby dog (see floppy ears above). Oh, and a delightful sushi dinner. 29, here I am.

print-a-thon 09

2009-06-05T17:09:00.000-07:00

So I've been super busy printing for the craft show in July. I've been doing some new things with adding embroidery stitches to my poppies (the lino print is based on my poppy quilt) and my skully print (I've done some embroideries based on this design). On the poppies, I tried to stitches to correct a printing error on one of the designs, but I ended up liking the effect and ran with it. The fabric frames are really easy to make... and I'm so in love with stitching on paper. Even more pics on my flickr page.

And, of course, I couldn't help doing a little digs & bean merchandising. I carved a stamp to create homemade price tags for my wares.

welcome to summer

2009-06-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

I will turn 29 on Sunday and I think it's taken me this long to figure out what makes me most happy. My wonderfully silly hubby: check. A super spoiled pit mix, a lovely family, inspiring friends, an awesome job: check. And crafting: a big check. I also happen to live in a beautiful part of the world, and I do a pretty good job of exploring it on the weekends. Canoeing, hiking, scootering, or good ole Blue Ridge Parkway sitting (very good at that last bit)... Asheville is a lovely place to get to call home. So, that being said, I think I'd like to incorporate a little more scenery into my life and blog: more to come! Installment #1: Dinner Hike to Pilot Cove.

But (BUT!) this past week was not totally void of creative adventuring of the fabric variety: I finished what I think will be my last black bird mini before the Big Crafty. This little mini combines a lot of my quilting ideas into one. And I did a little something different with the wing. Now, to get printing....

poppy pods print

2009-05-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

Aaahhh, happy Memorial Day! Took a break from fabric today and carved a poppy print based on my poppy mini quilt. I've gone the other direction - from lino print design to embroidery design (see my skulls and ships) - but never from quilt design to lino print... fun, fun! I'm not sure if I'll have time to do it before the Big Crafty show in July, but I've been having a strong desire to carve some roller skates...

hello, black bird

2009-05-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, I think I'm officially in the icey grips of another crafting obsession: this time, it's black birds. I have at least two more black bird designs in mind... those will be on their way soon. Maybe I'll combine all the little elements I've used in the past few months: kelpies, tombstones/Us, and blackbirds... Ooo la la. Thank goodness for loooonnnngggg weekends!

And maybe one day I'll share a photo of the ones on my legs. Using my tattoos as a design element has got me all excited: I feel like I'm carrying an applique design with me wherever I go... you know, in case of emergencies. It's kind of given my work a new life as well as my tattoos. I like it, but now I'm thinking about more appliques/tattoos I might need to add to my collection. Well, I do have a birthday around the bend...

mini quilt monday/mania

2009-05-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

Just...can't...stop...making...minis... seriously, this condition probably has a name. The trees were because, well, I'm just really in love with green right now. And I had some crafty energy to exorcise after our trip to Delaware last weekend.

And the birdy...well... that was for Mini Quilt Monday. And these birds WILL be around for a while. This design is based on a pair of birdy tattoos on the back of my legs: my husband's Christmas present to me about four years ago. I've got two others planned, and they'll probably happen sooner rather than later, with the Big Crafty just around the corner.

poppy pods

2009-05-04T16:20:00.001-07:00

I knew it wouldn't be long before I'd have to make a mini based on the poppy pods in my yard... and I was right. Malka over at a stitch in dye has this great Mini Quilt Monday, and, well, I just couldn't help myself. I made it fast, too: in about an hour and a half. It was nice, just moving forward without second guessing myself. And I didn't even have my "design star" hubby to consult; he was busy napping. Here's to more Monday stitched adventures!

on to the next!

2009-05-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

I finished my wedding tree mini quilt based on my friend's wedding logo... and it's a good thing, too, since the wedding is next weekend. I love the way it turned out, but all that cutting and crazy curve sewing was a lot of work.

And then it rained, a light spring sprinkle. And the poppies in my yard looked so inviting... especially those little pods that happen after the petals drop off. I think that's my favorite part.... after the flower. Anyway, these little guys are bound for mini quilt stardom: on to the next!

apron-tastic!

2009-05-01T19:31:00.001-07:00

May means my mom's birthday is near. Time to whip out something in her favorite color scheme: magenta and green. I actually worked on this apron (from A is for Apron) in our beginning sewing workshop at Lark. I did fight the urge to add flamingo paraphernalia (just barely). And I couldn't resist posing in front of our impossibly-pink azalia: I just love spring!

I'm also finishing up a mini quilt for my friend's wedding gift. I turned their wedding invitation insignia into an applique design. Here I'm just about 1/3 of the way through... but none of this would have been possible without fusible web. That stuff changed my life.

After all this follow-the-lines sewing, I'm in the mood for something a little more freeform... Pods anyone?

a big day...

2009-04-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

...I finally made something besides a skully or a little greenie! Hot off the presses, here is my ship! Like the skulls, this guy is based on a lino print I carved last yearl and was created in the first place as an homage to my past life as a sailor (we're pretty sure my hubby was the bar maid). I had trouble with this one, and I can't quite tell if I'm done yet. But it feels good to branch out a little; I've been so busy creating things for the Big Crafty!

The stitching on the border was a total accident: I just didn't feel like doing all those little Us (but oh, how I love them). And I'm okay with the imperfections....

Up next, a dog-themed mini for an animal shelter benefit: this should be interesting!

skully takes form

2009-04-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

I finally turned the skully embroidery into a mini quilt. I'm really liking it, although it might need a few more details: any suggestions? I've got a few more in the works, in various colors. I hope these guys represent some kind of acknowledgment/celebration for people (and maybe for myself): death is such a huge part of life, especially recently it seems. So I'll crank out a few more of these and then on to more linoleum... I promise.

obsession....

2009-04-07T16:34:00.001-07:00

I made the brown raspberry truffle mini for my mini quilt swap partner in The Netherlands, but the lemon truffle mini quilt (top) followed soon after. I just can't stop myself; this design is so much fun! I think I'll take a short break from sewing to see if I can't shake the truffle/kelpy thing... although my first plan was to make a lino print of just that! Oh well...

stitch-o-rama

2009-03-28T12:06:00.001-07:00

I'm still loving the little greenies doodles (and will have many more to post soon). Here's a recent one in teal and green. I loved being able to take something crafty with me on my mini vacation to Edisto, SC with my mom. Turns out the beach is perfect for laid back creativity.

Also, here's something I'm really excited about: I turned one of my lino prints into an embroidery design. I like the way it turned out but I can't wait to frame it up in a little mini mini. More to come soon as I get crankin on some Big Crafty projects!

sock creatures!

2009-03-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

Lark Labs held a most excellent event with Stupid Sock Creatures author John Murphy and it was so much fun! I made this little fellow, now named zeke (thanks claire!). I have a feeling I'm going to need to make some more: there's really no wrong way to make them and they really seem to take on a life of their own. My favorite is the butt patch, made mostly because I forgot to stuff my little guy before I stitched him up.

Oh, and here's another spore creation. I wonder if I'll ever run out of little doodle sprouts to stitch?

spore doodles and crafty news

2009-03-04T17:14:00.000-08:00

Big crafting news this week: I got into the Big Crafty show here in Asheville in July! Which means I better get busy making some things to sell. It's always a delicate balance: making what I want to make and making what I think I can sell. But I'm hoping to keep those two categories as closely aligned as possible this time around. And I'm starting with these little diddies: framing up my embroidery doodles into little mini-mini-quilts. I call these latest guys spores...they make me happy.

In the meantime, my friend and I are leading a sewing workshop at work and we're busy making some squares for the Bushfire Quilt Project. Pics of our wonky stars headed this way soon!

greenie doodles

2009-02-23T16:33:00.001-08:00

I went home to Cleveland, TN, this past weekend and took some embroidery supplies with me. Even if I look dorky, I do so love the portability! These were fun - I stitched them over the course of a few days, sometimes in the morning before work while I waited for the hubs to finish his breakfast, sometimes in the bed at night snuggled in between the rogeys (it's cold!). I have a lot more ideas for little greenies. And yes, the odd man out is the pair of glasses at the top right that are facing the wrong direction. Oh, well... that's the nature of the doodle.

thread doodles

2009-02-17T15:01:00.001-08:00

I've been having such a ball with French knots that I decided to extend my repertoire to back stitch. I like the sensual aspects of embroidery (ok, that sounds a little weird): the needle popping through the fabric, the thread pulling along, my whispery curses when I create knots in my floss.... ahhh. I do like the portability though; knitters always look like they're having fun while they're out-and-about doing their thing. Although I did have some hesitant thoughts about bringing my embroidery out at a party... but I did it anyway!

fun with barbells!

2009-02-12T19:28:00.000-08:00

Pardon the typos... it's hard to type with a bandaid on: I should really invest in some thimbles if I'm gonna continue this hand-stitching business! Before the massive bloodloss, I was able to complete this mini quilt, which I call barbells. And of course, the French knots made an entrance! And gold thread, gold thread! I really like it, and there used to be more of it. This piece and the last were kind of lessons in editing: I added too much and then took stuff off until I was happy again. It's been working for me pretty well, but I should probably purchase a friggin seam ripper if I'm gonna stick with that trend. Ahhh, tools.....

I've also been thinking this pattern would be fun to make in stained glass... maybe when the garage is warm enough to work in again!

hmmm.... spring

2009-02-05T18:21:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's the 17-degree temperatures in Asheville or the utter lack of color, but something about this week made me thirsty for green and spring. And maybe a little springtime romance... with French knots! This piece was really fun to make. I was definitely kind of making it up as I went, but those little U/tombstone shapes keep showing up. I hope they stay. I've got a couple of projects in the works for upcoming books, but all I wanna do is make knots. Life is tough.

gee's bend inspired mini quilt

2009-01-29T15:57:00.000-08:00

Yay! It feels great to be stitching again after a little bit of a break. I was really inspired by all the gee's bend mini quilts I kept seeing on Flickr, and I wanted to give it a try. I'm not sure this really ended up looking anything like a gee's bend quilt, but I did enjoy myself. It's been a while since I've been serious about piecing - love that fusible web! - so this was a departure for me. But so fun. And I cheated a little (the turquoise and brown squares are fused in place), but I'm really glad I took some time to do the hand stitching and binding right...

my crafty valentine

2009-01-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

So here they are, my finished valentines for the Cloth Fiber Workshop auction. I was originally planning on using the microscope and the sail boat, but the hearts just seemed to fit the theme so nicely. One is made with paper and one is made with fabric. I made the paper one first (which I think I'm keeping for myself) and it was kind of fun to experiment with a paper prototype. Needless to say, more work with printed images to come. Also, for bigger pics, check my Flickr photostream.

i miss summer....

2009-01-15T18:54:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. It's supposed to be cold during winter, and we've been pretty lucky so far. But it's 10 degrees outside right now... 10! All that chilliness should put me in the stay-at-home-and-get-crafty mood, but mostly it's making me sleepy. Until I can get the crafty home-fires burning again, have an owl pillow. The lines are made with simple straight stitches on the machine.
I've been seeing owls everywhere (ad nauseam, almost) and I'm currently taking bets on what the next owl will be. I'm personally rooting for the hippo. Who - or what - are you voting for?

voila!

2009-01-11T15:14:00.000-08:00

As promised, here is said sailboat on said fabric in (finally!) proper fabric ink. I love the final look, but that oil-based paint is a bit messy to work with.

So the sailboat (i heart the sea) and the microscope (i heart the scientist) will be the centerpieces for my two valentine mini quilts, but I thought I might need something else to carry the theme. Cheesy hearts aren't really my style, so I decided to try an anatomical heart instead (see below). I'm excited to see how the images will come together on the piece, seeing as this is the first time I've tried making quilts with my own printed images. But, alas, I have to wait until the ink cures for any sewing. I'll post my progress... which better happen fast since the valentines are due in 2 weeks.

back to reality

2009-01-08T19:16:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know it's lame-o, but I've just realized keeping up a blog during a regular work week is going to be a challenge. But I promise to keep it up. I've got a cool sailboat on the block ready for printing... maybe this weekend. Until then, here's a fun little pillow I made: I call it the Topo Pillow. I'm happy to pass along instructions if you're interested.

I'm also heading with some folks to an Asheville Arts Council Artists' Roundtable opening tomorrow night; should be lots-o-fun!