On a Personal Note: The New Year's Edition

It's hard to believe that 2011 is, for all intents and purposes, over. Every year people all over express this sentiment, and I am no different - this year just flew by. Seriously, it's like I blinked my eyes a year ago Sunday, and poof! The year is gone before it even registered in my brain.

Fine, that's not entirely true. I am more than happy to see 2011 in my rear view, fading quietly into the past. For those that know me and mine, 2011 was a turbulent year to say the least. Money was tight, health faultered and stress was at an all time high. Every year has its ups and downs, and every crest and every valley must be taken in stride - it just seems like that rollercoaster was more extreme than other years. Looking back, I see how close things were to getting very serious and it is sombering, yet at the same time there is a lot of joy to be found in knowing that there is so much to be thankful for; things could have very easily fallen off that razor's edge and taken a turn for the worst, but they didn't.

New Year's brings about one of two reactions from people - on one hand, in rushes a flood of enthusiastic resolutions, and on the other, a chorus of vehement rejections about making resolutions for the New Year on the grounds that it's pointless. I have to say that I'm on the fence there. Half of me says if the turn of the year is what lights a spark and becomes a motivating factor in goal setting, then so be it. But then the other half of me knows that the majority of resolutions won't be kept, so why make them to start with?

I suppose, in this case, the optimist in me wins out, and like millions of others, I make a resolution or two with good intentions. The pattern is familiar; most commonly, with fervor and seemingly untarnishable conviction, people swear to exercise more, eat less, work harder and save more money. There is absolutely nothing wrong with those pursuits, all of them respectable. Last year I swore up and down that I'd work out and get myself really fit, and back down to a single digit dress size. Here it is, the end of December, and I'm staring down a number I'd rather ignore. I guess what I'm getting at is, for me anyway, those kinds of resolutions are unattainable because in my own life they lack resonance and meaning. It's almost like they're lip service, a promise to keep for a few months and then break by means of apathy.

So this year I have a different set of Resolutions that mean more to me than the number on a tag.
- I am going to try and slow my life down. Life is hellaciously busy and I have workaholic tendencies. I've learned this year that I don't take enough time to take care of myself the way I should, to be with the people I care about and to just enjoy the day to day. It's time to make a conscious effort to relax.

- I want to get more projects done, to include my UFOs sitting in the bin in my sewing room. I want to try new and more difficult tenchniques, and finish them too. Really, my sights are set on expanding my skill set and really working towards being a better technical quilter.

- I want to go back to school for an art degree, to be put towards design. I have a plan, a master plan, and this is a piece of it.


What are your resolutions?
Oh, and happy anniversary to my parents, 27 years!

I'm just popping up here to say Merry Christmas to everyone. I know we all celebrate different things, but today is not a PC Happy Holidays day....so Merry Christmas and I hope everyone has a wonderful, warm and joy filled day with the people they love.

For those that don't celebrate Christmas, I hope your holiday season has been, is and will be just as joyous and wonderful.


Have a great day!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Scrappy Stocking Christmas Ornament

Photo Courtesy of Stumbles & Stitches

Here is another quick, simple and adorable ornament pattern that takes no time at all to make and finishes up nicely. CLICK HERE for the tutorial and thank you to Angel & Jenny for sharing!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Star Ornament

Photo Courtesy of Betz White

Ohmuhgawd. Christmas is only 4 days away. 4. How the heck did it sneak up so quickly? This week is all about quick, afternoon-and-less projects. This darling little star would make a perfect addition to anyone's Christmas tree, and not only that, it would make a cute detail on a package. Did I mention it's a no-sew? CLICK HERE for the tutorial, and thank you to Betz for sharing!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Custom Digital Camera Case

Photo Courtesy of Sophia's World

This is pretty cool! Make a custom camera case for your friends and the best part is, is that it fits most newer digital cameras. The pattern could easily be adjusted for the older digital cameras that aren't as compact. It also takes very little in the way of fabric, so you can use what you have on hand and it's done in a flash. CLICK HERE for the tutorial and thank you to Sofia for sharing!

Lovelyfrankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Shopping Cart Caddy

Photo Courtesy of Blue Cricket Design

This. Is. Brilliant. Major high fives to Becca for thinking this one up! My roomate and I fancy ourselves moderately apt couponers (as opposed to, you know, the EXTREME variety). But I have to admit, even couponing n00bs such as ourselves, it's hard to keep our coups in order when we're in the store getting sweet deals. So This is a brilliant, brilliant idea. We all know couponers, so this is fantastic as a gift for them. but this is oh-so-clever for other purposes too - keep your shopping lists in there, recipes you're shopping for, coupons you pick up from the fixtures in the aisles, a calculator if you're on a strict budget (hey, it happens...I have found myself whipping out the ol' cell phone calculator more than once); or if you are/know someone who is a mom of a child that still ride in the shopping cart, it's great to keep little toys or books for the little one to enjoy (and to keep them patient and well bahaved) while you're doing your shopping! I'm thinking I'll be making a few of these. How cute would it be to make/buy a neat reusable grocery bag, and pop one of these in there? Gift idea problem SOLVED! CLICK HERE to get the pattern and a big thank you to Becca for sharing this!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Eyeglasses Case

Photo Courtesy of Mommy's Nap Time

Here's an oldie but a goodie - the eyeglasses case. Let's be fair here, most of us have contacts, glasses or at the very least, readers - and just about everyone has a pair of sunglasses. This is a cute and simple gift for just abut everyone out there and would make a nice Secret Santa gift or stocking stuffer. I know when I had non prescription shades, I just threw them in my bag and sometimes the lenses would be fine and sometimes they scratched - these are a cute way to solve that issue! Don't worry, Mom, I don't do that anymore with my prescription shades! CLICK HERE to get to the tutorial, and thank you to "Emedoodle" for sharing!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Pear Sachet

Photo Courtesy of Dacia Ray

This is a variation of the lavender scented sachet that is relatively commonplace. Considering you don't HAVE to fill it with lavender (choose whichever herb or potpourri that suits you or the person you're making it for), these little guys make sweet gifts, especially for the people we all have to buy gifts for but don't know well enough to know exactly what to do for them. As I've been looking across the internet for gift ideas, generally I've just seen square or heart shapes, and generally they're flat. This one is neat because the pear shape is very different than a lot of the others, and it's more three dimensional. CLICK HERE for the tutorial, and thank you to Dacia for sharing!

Product Review: Cutting Edge Rulers

The Cutting Edge Ruler by Sullivan's

This time around I'm reviewing Sullivan's Cutting Edge Ruler. The concept behind this ruler is that on one edge, there is a metal, blade sharpening strip; as you cut your blade is sharpened, hence extending the time between blade changes.

We're testing these out at the shop and I have one at home. I have been a Creative Grids girl since I started quilting. I LOVE those rulers but these give those a run for the money. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros
- This ruler stays PUT because of the frosted back. I mean, it does not move at all.
- Comes in all the different common ruler sizes
- Reasonably priced
- Actually sharpens your blade if used properly

Cons
- The sharpening noise is atrocious. I HATE metal-on-metal sounds (it's my version of nails on a   chalkboard) so I rarely use the sharpening edge for that reason alone.
- There are no measurements on the lines on the inside, so finding the measurement you need takes a little more focus to make sure you're cutting accurately.
- The frosted back, while preventing slipping, is difficult to see through, which makes ensuring your fabric is straight and lined up difficult if the color is off.

Despite the cons, I use this ruler all the time at home and love it. I don't know if we'll be carrying this at the shop any time soon, but I recommend giving it a shot!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Scrappy Mug Rug with Pocket

Photo Courtesy of SEW We Quilt!

I think it would be pretty cool if someone made one of these, popped a packet of coffee, tea or hot chocolate in the pocket, found a cute little spoon to put in there, rolled it all up and stuck it in a neat mug. Bam - awesome gift, especially for office parties or Secret Santa exchanges where you don't know the person particularly well. Or maybe you do know them well and you know they drink a lot of coffee/tea/hot chocolate! Either way :-) CLICK HERE for the tutorial and thank you to Jennifer for sharing!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Coffee Cup Cozy

Photo Courtesy of Hazelnuts

Here's another really quick gift idea with all of the Secret Santa parties cropping up. This is really simple to make and can be made to fit any size cup, even ones with handles. I think the best part about this one is not only the ease of the project, but the fact that it is nice homemade touch to a purchased gift, and with the elastics used to keep it all closed up, it can stretch to fit different mug sizes. Cool! CLICK HERE to get to the tutorial. Thank you to the archaeologist at Hazelnuts for sharing!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Quilt-As-You-Go Tablerunner

Photo Courtesy of V & Co.

Tablerunners always make great gifts, but sometimes when time is as limited as it is now, getting one pieced AND quilted AND bound can be a little, well, rushed and we're all saying, "...forGET that...how's about a gift card?" (which, by the way, gift cards to The Cotton Patch make awesome gifts! Hey, I'm not one to forego a chance at a shamless plug). Well, this is a darling quilt as you go table runner, so you're hitting 2 birds with one stone here, and all you need are strips - no blocks, no squares, no appliques - just strips. You could easily make this a season specific project or something to be used any time, and it goes together in an hour or two...probably the hardest pqart is just picking the colors! CLICK HERE for the tutorial, and thank you to Amy of Diary of a Quilter for sharing!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Sewing Machine Cover

Photo Courtesy of Sew Mama Sew

The idea of making someone a fitted, custom sewing machine cover is great and all, but how conspicious is it to go to a friend's house and take measurements on their machine? I can see it now: your friend walks out of the room for a minute, and while they're gone, you bust out the measuring tape and start taking the dimensions of the machine. They walk back in and you have that awkward moment when you're at their machine, tape measurer still in hand and all you can do is answer the "what the heck are you doing" question with, "...nothing...just....quality assurance..." Yeah, busted! So avoid that awkward moment take the winter gloves approach: one size fits most! This simple machine cover will fit most domestic machines, and adjustments can be made for longer machines (if you know what the machine is). I know you're getting so sick of me saying this, but uh, guess what? ...you can use scraps and stash for this one too. CLICK HERE for the pattern and tutorial. Thanks to Jessie at Tiny House for sharing this at Sew Mama Sew!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Checkbook/Checkbook Register Cover

Photo Courtesy of Attempting Creative

All right, all right, not too many of us carry around checkbooks, especially those of my generation. But even without checks, hopefully most of use keep our check registers with us while we shop and Debit our lives away. This is just so much cuter than the basic register holders that the bank gives you. This is just another little way to stick it to "The Man" and carry your checks/check register in something cute that doesn't have the Bank's name all over it. It's another great scrap and stash buster and it's a quick and easy gift for someone (even yourself! :D). CLICK HERE for the tutorial and pattern. Thank you to Kimberly for sharing! 

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Tie-On Slippers

Photo Courtesy of Tissue Papers

These are so flippin' cute! I have a pair of shoes that look like these and I love them, so what's not to love about these in slipper form? These are such a fabulous break away from the usual slipper style. They're easy to make, and so very versatile with fabric choice. I love I'd love a pair of these babies with some fluffy Minkee inside! This one is a little tricky in how to get to what (there are a few websites involved), but I think I've got it as simple as possible: CLICK HERE for the how-to, and CLICK HERE for the templates. Thank you to Lisa Ancarrow-Maltby for sharing your pattern with us!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Double Pot Holder

Photo Courtesy of A Little Gray

Some things in life are so good and so SIMPLE that they make you smack yourself on the forehead and say "Dang it! Why didn't I think of that?!" This is one of those things. It's a double potholder. It makes so much more sense than fumbling with two, and it's perfect for those awful "microwave safe" bowls that manage to get hotter than the surface of the sun. Plus, you can reuse one of those towels that's gotten ratty and you're about to throw away anyhow. CLICK HERE for the tutorial, and thanks to Jessica for sharing!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Sewing Machine Organizer and Catchall

Photo Courtesy of Mellebug

While this makes a great gift...I can honestly say I'd make one for myself just because of how sleek it is. I find most sewing machine organizers a little bulky and in my way, but this one is pretty slick. I love that it has a space for the pattern you're working on in there, to keep it ready for when youneed it, but out of the way. It's just another gift that's perfect for the quilter who has it all! Besides, most folks don't think to make this kind of thing for themselves, so why not do it for them? CLICK HERE for the pattern and tutorial (very well done, by the way!). Thanks to "Mellebug" for sharing!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Pincushion Threadcatcher

Photo Courtesy of K Quilts Studio

Here is a neat gift idea for the quilter who has it all. Fine, so everyone has their own way of doing things at home, but how great would this be to take to classes? Your pins are right there and you don't have to worrry about making a mess around your sewing machine while you're in the classroom (hey, some people do worry about those things), because there's a little bin attached for your threads, pieces of fusible, snipped dog ears, or whatever you're needing to throw away. The process of making one of these little guys is actually pretty easy and once again, it doesn't require a lot of fabric you can probably use what you've all ready got! Bonus there, huh? CLICK HERE to the the pattern and tutorial - there is amore printer-friendly version available on her page. Thanks to Karen for sharing!

Misadventures in Quilting, and Why We Should Admit It

You know, sometimes I forget that people read what I say on here. One should always assume that anything one says online is being read by both familiar and unfamiliar people across the wild, weird Internet. That's a pretty important thing to shove to the back of the brain! Well, I'll be totally honest. I do forget about that point, quite a lot actually. This blog is a lot of fun for me because I am so impassioned by quilting and I truly want to share it with everyone. Just like anyone else with a quilting blog, it's quilting as seen through my eyes in my own voice. As a side point, for those that don't know me, I pretty much write the way I speak, which I'm sure explains for you my tendency to ramble on here...like I'm doing...(I do it in real life too).
But in forgetting that people actually read this, it comes back to me in some funny, strange and touching ways. I was utterly stoked when Craft Gossip mentioned this blog in their supermassive, super awesome blog...actually, come to think, I still can't believe it! They are out of Australia. Someone from allllll the way in Australia read my blog. Holy mackeral! Then I look at my blog stats, just for fun. Someone in Russia reads the heck out of this thing, and someone from allllll the way over in Kenya has been reading too. It makes a girl feel pretty small that someone so far away in this huge world and this immense-yet-tiny Internet is paying attention at least every now and then. Very humbling, and very cool.

Every now and then, a customer will be in the shop and mention that they read my blog, and I know that every single time someone tells me that, I invariably look like a deer in the headlights. It goes something like this: Customer: "Oh, I read your blog!" Me:

"...huh?"

The other day I was at work at the register helping a customer (since this is the Internet, I won't be mentioning names, but she will know who she is!), you know, like we do. I was cutting fabric and we were chatting and after we were done with the register dance she told me, basically, that she reads my blog and loves it. Despite my chronic Deer-in-the-Headlights Syndrome, I managed to squeak out what had to be the most awkward "thank you" ever and told her I was glad she enjoyed it...and I am!

But she went on to tell me she really gets a kick out of it and it makes her laugh because I will admit to things that it seems a lot of other people and quilters don't - making mistakes, getting mad about them, the cutting corners in the do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do method, etc - and it was nice to hear someone else talk about doing the same thing we know every quilter does. What went from my typical awkward exchange of "wow, people read this...thanks!" went to another level of deer-in-the-headlights...all I knew to say was "Thanks I'm glad you get a kick out of it!" I know, I know, I'm a painfully awkward human being when it comes to recieving what I percieve to be a compliment. Nothing new there!

That customer brought up a really good point and it got me to thinking though.  I didn't realize until she pointed it out that I DO jabber on about how I made some mistake here or there, or how my color choice didnt work like I thought it would. But I do. In real life, it's true - I do get super PO'ed when I make a mistake, especially one I could have avoided had I not been arrogant enough to not read the directions thoroughly, and it's true, I HATE admitting when I'm wrong. But I feel like here, in a community of quilters doing the same thing I do, I can admit to making silly mistakes and be genuine about it; after the fact, it is pretty funny and it does make me laugh and since I seem to write this blog obliviously, I just say it and don't think twice.

But again, little things can get you to thinking about bigger picture ideas. I watch shows like Fons and Porter and Quilting Arts. I meet quilters of all skill levels every day. Sometimes, if it's a very rare day, I'll meet a household name quilter (and be absolutely starstruck). But I notice the same thing she does - as a community, very seldom do we admit to making mistakes and having things not work out like we planned, and when we do it's in a negative context.  Watching quilting shows, mistakes made are either never addressed, or are brushed aside as things only inexperienced quilters do and certainly not the hostess. But then when a mistake is made on-screen it too is brushed aside as being difficult to do on TV, not as an error any skill level quilter can make. What?

I'm going to keep right on admitting that I screw up minorly and majorly on projects all the time. I miscut, iron instead of press, forget to pin, get fusible on my iron, step on pins, lose pattern pieces, lose appliques and redo them only to find the one I lost after sewing to replacement down, sew things in upside down or backwards, accidentally have one piece with wrong side up, sometimes have a wonky quarter inch, break needles, sew over pins, pucker fabric and God knows what else. Sometimes I fix it because it has to be fixed and sometimes because I want it fixed - but then again, sometimes I say, "Forget it, I'll fudge it and make it work," or "Whatever, it'll press/piece/quilt out." And you know? My quilts turn out pretty nicely if I do say so myself. They're not perfect by any means, but then again, show me a quilt that truly is, and I'll eat my hat. And that one messes things up while quilting doesn't mean it's simply inexperience, lack of skill or just "being dumb" (I hear that one a lot...quit saying that! You're anything but dumb), it means that you're using your human brain and human motor skills and, well, those functions are just not 100% accurate 100% of the time when you're doing something as involved as quilting.

By admitting, no matter how experienced or inexperienced we are, that we make mistakes while we're making our quilts (and laughing about it instead of being disparaging about it) is just one more thread that brings this community together. I'm not saying go out and point out your every mistake, that's not it at all. But being honest about having difficulty with something in the process when it comes up can serve as a confidence boost for everyone involved. It levels the playing field for quilters at all skill levels, because if a beginner knows that an advanced quilter sometimes miscuts a square, loses a pattern or miscalculates a measurement, it reminds them that no quilter is perfect and they can be that good too regardless of their mistakes in the process; it's the "well, if they had trouble with that part too, then maybe I'm not as silly as I thought I was" thought process that helps give us confidence. It helps people become more accessable to one another, to open the discussion up to asking for help, tips and suggestions, rather than perpetuating the "I can't do this!" mindset. So our misadventures keep us humble and keep us together in the community no matter how good at this we are. Elitism between skill levels is one of the negative aspects of the quilting community, and by laughing at and talking about the mistakes we know we all make, makes that elitism a non-issue.

So let me hop off my soapbox and get back to work on figuring out what I'm going to substitue for that Layer Cake piece I screwed up.

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: iPad Case

Photo Courtesy of Fresh Lemons Quilts

Isabelle, this one is for you...well, and all the other lucky duck iPad owners out there. Make your very own iPad case out of your favorite fabric. You can stabilize it just about as much or as little as you'd like. What I like about this pattern, is that it closes completely - so many iPad and Kindle patterns are open on one end to slide the thing in there, and I know I'm a klutz and a nervous Nellie so I'd want this sucker to close right up. Hooray for zippers! This pattern could easily be modified to suit non-Apple pads as well as the various brands of E-Readers. CLICK HERE to get to the tutorial and thank you to Faith for sharing!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Scrappy Tote

Photo Courtesy of, well, Don't Call Me Betsy

If you know me you know I'm a big fan of bags and totes. I have no idea why, but I've beent hat way since I was a little kid. Anyway, this tote is a good size and very customizable for whoever you're making it for. It can be as classic as what is pictured, or as wild as you want to make it. Plus, it's another great opportunity to use leftover precuts and scraps for the decorative part of the bag. I could see my aunt loving one of these! CLICK HERE for the tutorial. Thank you to Elizabeth for sharing this!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Fabric Gift Boxes

Photo Courtesy of Geta's Quilting Studio

This is from one of my favorite blogs, Geta's Quilting Studio. It's done by a gal in Romania and I just love her projects! She has a great way to use up your leftover pieces of stabilizer (even the heavy duty stuff) and scraps to make these sweet fabric boxes. They're perfect for gift-giving, or just to spruce up your sewing area or home while being practical at the same time. CLICK HERE to get to the tutorial. Thank you to Geta for sharing this!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Scrappy Stocking

Photo Courtesy of Stellar Mother

Scarps are the name of the game when it comes to this cute little stocking, so it's guilt free! Use up your stash and make a cute and useful gift for yourself, family or friends in no time. Too bad my roommate already bought a stocking, otherwise I'd have made her one. CLICK HERE to get to the tutorial. Thank you to the lady who writes for Stellar mother! I'd post a name, but there isn't one available. So just check out her blog and enjoy!

Why Scraps?

If you haven't all ready, you're going to notice a lot of posts centering around projects that are either, A) scrap/stash focused, or B) easily done using scraps/stash. I work in quilt shop. Why am I posting such things?

Allow me to explain.

It's the end of the year, near the holidays. Money is always tight, but now with the rapid approach of the holidays, it's even moreso. Money for fabric has gone to money for gifts, food, airfare, decorations, gas, entertainment and what have you that is by and large absent ove rthe rest of the year. Not to mention, time is of the essence and what is quicker and easier than using something you all ready have? The key with these projects is use what you have as you can, and supplement with bought fabric as you need to. It's good for everyone, and the person who is recieving the gift will never be the wiser as to whethe ryou just bought the fabric or you had it in your stash; they'll be too busy being absolutely THRILLED that you thought to make something special just for them.

So use your stash, use your scraps and supplement as you need to with quilt shop fabric. Your local quilt shop will be happy to help you find something perfect to match with what you have all ready!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: 10 Minute Table Runner

Photo Courtesy of Quilting Nanny

This table runner, designed by LaRae Bunnell Clark is a snap to ake and a perfect way to showcase any large scale print you have, Christmas or otherwise. Plus, you have an "excuse" (not that you need one) to use some really fabulous buttons to make that fabric pop even more. I found this through Marge over at Delaware Quilts, but CLICK HERE to go straight to the free PDF. Just a note: though this pattern has so kindly been provided for free by Ms. Bunnell Clark, if you intend to make this for any other reason than for yourself or as a gift for someone - for example, to sell at a market or to teach as a class - I would suggest contacting her for permission to use her pattern first.

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Folded Star Ornaments

Photo Courtesy of All Things Crafty

Here is another great (and elegant) way to use up your smaller scraps, and there is very little sewing involved. These would make beautiful gifts, and they're perfect if you want to give something nice but you're strapped for cash. Lovely! CLICK HERE for the tutorial...thank you to Trish at All Things Crafty!

Lovely Frankenstein's 24 Days of Christmas: Softie Trees!

Photo Courtesy of TeresaDownUnder

What a cute idea! Use your scraps to make these darling little trees. It's easier than I thought it would be, it seems the trick is stabilizer and not stuffing! Thought, you could use stuffing too if you wanted I suppose.  CLICK HERE to get the tutorial...thank you Teresa for sharing!