This weekend's Interview is....

Me! Lol! With all the softball I've been zipping around to, my time for what I do has been limited. So, as I wasn't able to connect with the individual I was supposed to chat with for this weekend, I thought, well, dang, how about answering those questions myself! So, here it goes!

You work in a variety of mediums. Tell us about what you make and how you got started.

My mom & grandmother helped me learn to sew somewhere around 9 years old. Made a particularly CRAZY blue checked shirt in middle school…horrible memory! I was quilting somewhere around college. My grandmother was an avid knitter ~ picked that up along the line. My mom was (and still is) one of the most creative people I know! She sewed our clothes as children (know that I DIDN’T appreciate the effort at the time, but we looked cute!) I think it was her creative gene w/crafts, tucked in with my dad’s inventiveness that have made me the creator I am today!

My business actually started with writing! I wasn’t very good at it (children’s book type…lots of rejection letters…) so I wondered what I might be good at writing and realized it was thematic materials for teaching! Made up some books, morphed into a line of Literacy Kits that I sold on line and to libraries…from there to scrapbooking and from there to fabric! Do you know Rascal Flatts “Along the broken road,”? That’s my creative life!

What is your favorite project to work on?

Whatever is new for me to try! I do love to work with fabric, it’s because I am so tactile! I’ve been dabbling in fabric covering old hardcover books to make journals…it’s WAY FUN!! I always seem to come back to fabric…

How do you get your ideas? Do you start with a fabric, yarn, or fabrics or a concept in mind first?

Both/all of the above. If I am going to try a new “something”, I begin with the idea and then head into the fabric rooms to find that perfect piece to make it happen. I would say that more often than not, it’s the project that comes first.

What other type of crafting to do you?

I sew and quilt, for the most part. I am trying HARD to go “hand-crafted” for family members birthdays and such, so since I have so much fabric….

I do knit. Cannot crochet to save my life! Could be that my best friend/mentor for crochet was left-handed…

I enjoy scrapbooking and making cards/tags/etc with paper.

I like to share sayings, so I work that into framed prints, photography and such.

I am the “slideshow creator extraordinaire” for my husband’s wrestling and softball teams and for my field hockey team ~ I love to take LOTs of pictures and turn them into slide shows!

I am thinking of dabbling in a bit of interior decorating by re-cycling old objects…we shall see how that goes!

Oh… and I am a new grandmother, so that opens a whole ‘nuther world!!

Of the items you currently have available, which is your favorite?

Pillowcase kits! They are soooo easy to put together on this end and when you are done, you have such a GREAT gift YOU made! I’ve had folks come over, non-sewers, who leave here with their first project! It’s a GREAT feeling!

For FUN!

What is something that makes you laugh out loud?

My children (playing Wii w/my girls is hysterical!!) and now my grandson! He’s too dang funny!

Describe your crafting/studio space to us:

Well….the actual room of creation is two part: sometimes it’s my living room table, if it’s sewing ‘cause that’s where my machine is set up. But everything else? The laundry room! The washer and dryer take up the least amount of space! My ironing board is really my working space! I have a lovely LARGE table, but it’s usually covered with materials, patterns, a hot iron, several thread stands, etc..etc…etc!

There are some bolts on racking and some headers hanging in there, as well, but the newest space is a “someday bathroom” that I took over and FILLED with bolts, tubs, racks and such of sorted fabrics. It’s a heady sort of space!

What is your best “stress buster”?

Crafting is the biggie. Going out for a walk works well. Reading a good book is on the list and so is a lovely bubble bath!

What is your favorite color?
Duh, purple!!

If you could visit anywhere on Earth, where would it be and why?

I have wee little list:

Colorado, to see that Grand Canyon. There is a bit of a problem: I am afraid of heights…we’ll have to see how that goes!

Australia, because my 20-year-old got to go and the pictures she took were amazing!

Northern Maine to do genealogy research! We went once and it was really to watch my son play baseball in Presque Isle…scoured one cemetery and found relatives!! Want terribly to go back!

Anything else?

Well, let's see...I do coach field hockey in the fall! We start Monday...Go Cougars!

Weekend Shout-Out: Conduit Press

Recently I made the decision to do my very best to buy homemade for gifts. I ran across this lovely little notebook, perfect for my niece, from Talia of Conduit Press. I recently asked her if she would mind "stopping by" my Weekend Shout Out, and she graciously agreed! Here is our "chat"...

How did you come up with the name “Conduit Press” and what does it mean to you?

When I was a senior in college I took my first book-binding class and we had to come up with a 'press' name to 'stamp' in our created books. The first name I came up with (I'm horrible with names! I hate titling my poems and it took me MONTHS to figure out and finally settle on a name for my first born!) was Ampersand Press- but, alas, social consciousness let someone else in my class choose that name first. Darn. So, I thought and thought and was sitting in my apt one night trying to think of a 'cool' word, and there, on the side of a videotape, you know, those old VHS things we used to watch, was 'conduit' (it was the name of X-Files episode I had on VHS) and that was that. A brand was born. ;)

Since then I've really had to think about whether the word still means the same thing to me as it did then. Then it was just a cool sounding word, but now it's definitely grown with me. A conduit is a natural passage- something used to get from one thing to another. The way I figure it, this little old business of mine is a conduit- it allows me to create, be creative, and help to support my family.

Your work appears to be mostly with hand crafted books. Tell us about what you make and how you got started.

It all started in that class in college which as actually a class on making 'artist's books' which are a bit more artistic and personal than what I make now.

Now, I specialize in handbound/handmade blank books and journals that range in size from pocket to scrapbook and in style from vintage to modern. Cover materials are often upcycled from leather, vinyl, other fabrics and vintage library books. All books are hand bound (either sewn or wire bound) and are filled with hand cut archival environmentally friendly papers.

How long have you been creating ?

I have been creating my whole life, and I have a feeling I'll never stop.

What is your favorite project to work on?

I really like custom orders. I like making things especially for a person or a group that I know they are absolutely going to Love because they picked out all the details!

How do you get your ideas? Do you start with the paper or a concept in mind first?

Basically I look at what I have and try to think of a way to put it all together. I really try to use what I have and not purchase a ton of new materials to just add to the consumerism in the world. I know I know, how political. But, really. Books are a dying breed. And so are our trees, so if I can use recycled items to make into beautiful books, maybe they'll come back into style. ;)

You mention “upcycling” in your profile. How do you recycle/upcycle/etc in your crafting world? (The leather journals are particularly gorgeous…just my opinion!)

Like I said before, nearly everything I use (except maybe the thread) is upcycled or recycled in some way. The leather I'm currently using is from a local upholsterer. Scrap leather that would just have been thrown out. The vintage notebooks I make are made from discarded library books that otherwise would have been thrown out. The new paper notebooks I'm making are from scrap paper lying around my 'studio'. All the paper I use inside my books are at least partially recycled and I'm working on using only 100% recycled paper.

Of the items you currently have available, which is your favorite?

It's really like choosing a favorite child- it's impossible.

For FUN!

What is something that makes you laugh out loud?

My baby's laugh, he has such a deep voice his little giggle is really special.

Describe your crafting/studio space to us:

Ha! well, that kinda makes me laugh out loud, too. ;)

I design in my dining room. I like to be in the middle of things (for some reason) so that's where I set up shop. Our dining room is home to: our computer desk, a piano, my work desk, a hutch filled with my work and other art supplies, two book shelves filled with music books (my husbands), vintage books waiting to be turned, and crafty things that won't fit anywhere else, a high chair, and a dining room table of course. Most recently I've acquired my desk (mentioned above) from a freecycler and created three shelves to hang above in order to hold all my supplies (to get away from the almost walking babe!). I had my older boy help me to paint them so they are colorful but not quite workable as I'm not handy with hanging things with toggles evidently. Sad.

What is your best “stress buster”?

Oddly enough, creating or taking a walk with the babe.

What is absolutely the best cookie you’ve ever had?

Eh, can't answer that, but I will say the best cupcake I've ever had (and I don't like cupcakes ordinarily) is the red velvet cupcake from the Flying Cupcake in Indianapolis.

Thanks so much to Talia, for sharing her world with us! If you would like to see more of her creations, stop by her Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ConduitPress?ref=seller_info and take a look around!

Have a GREAT week, friends and keep creating!

Quilty hugs,

Carrie

Celebrating growth on my Facebook page!

We are just inches away from 400 fans on Facebook ~ what a surprise THAT is!

Once we hit that magic number, I am celebrating by giving away a pillowcase kit or BRAND NEW Rag Sandwich Kit from my eBay store! (The photos above are of an undone kit and then one I did that my little grandson LOVES!) Follow the link to the eBay store and click on "kits" to take a peek at what the winner can choose from!

Here's the plan:

1. We hit 400 fans. (could be ANY MOMENT!)
2. To be entered just "comment" to this posting with your choice if you win. You can describe it, use the ID# or add a link.
3. I will announce when we've hit the number and how long you all have to comment.
4. Drawing will be done using the random number generator at random.org
5. YOU MAY WIN!! If and when you do, you pick a kit...I mail it out to you...you follow the directions and viola! You have something special for YOU or someone you love! How cool is that?

So, good luck to you all!

Quilty hugs,

Carrie

Home Videos... what a gift!

While cleaning out the back bedroom before my college daughter comes home tomorrow, I ran across a large tub I needed to empty to use for the fabric room. It was filled with videos...haphazardly tucked away. I realized some of them were home video...from the day when the camera was the size of today's TV cameras and about as easy to operate!

I hauled them out, dusted them off (and I don't mean that figuratively...) and my youngest and I started to watch them. Laugh? Till we about fell off the couch! We started with one in which my son who turns 26 tomorrow (Happy Birthday, Rory!) was celebrating his 2nd birthday. The first thing we realized is that we NOW KNOW where HIS son get's his behavior in front of a camera from...they "work the crowd" that's for sure! Somehow, it was connected to the TV so that our wonderful first time video was instantly on TV for everyone to see! "Rory, look at the TV..." "Baby," he said, grinning at the screen...

The extra bonus (beyond remembering how cute and sweet my 6' tall son was) was my grandparents, now both gone, alive and well chatting with us. There is a sadness/sweetness to that gift. It brought them back, for just a moment, and opened up memories I had forgotten.

It is interesting how life comes around. My son and his family now live in that home and we sit around, just as we did back those 20+ years ago, watching the children. There is no video of my childhood (but I do believe there is some reel-to-reel floating around somewhere...) but I would imagine it would be very similar, just a different generation oohing and ahhing over our antics, as we did our children and now do for our grandchildren. For us, it's in the very same room. How special is that?

There is something incredibly special about film ~ it captures voice (and oh, if you could hear that same daughter due home tomorrow shreak over her new dollhouse at Christmas when she was almost 3...as she's 21 now...) and movement. I love my photos, but video...it speaks. It's like someone has touched a place somewhere in the brain/heart and brings those memories back in a way no photograph can. I love my photos, but this video...how fun!

Can't wait to share it with the two "stars" of most of the films tomorrow night! Welcome home, Kelly and Happy Birthday, Ror! Shauna can't wait for you to see!

July 10th ~ Weekend Shout Out goes to... Chocolate Dog Studio

This week I've been chatting with a new friend and would love to introduce YOU to Karen of Chocolate Dog Studios!

Read on!

You work in a variety of mediums. Tell us about what you make and how you got started with each.


My Grandmother taught me crocheting when I was a girl. I played around with painting and artwork all of my life. My mother taught me how to sew by teaching me how to make stuffed animals for my cousins when I was about 13. I prefer not to sew clothing or follow a pattern. Knitting I taught myself when my kids were babies. It was fun knitting little sweaters for them to wear.


How long have you been creating ?



Since I was a little girl. About 40 years now!



How do you get your ideas? Do you start with a fabric, yarn, or fabrics or a concept in mind first?



Inspiration hits, when I look at new fabric or sit around and wonder "well, what about this? Would it work, well it might." I often pin things together to see if it would be a workable design, because I hate to take things apart if they don't work out.


You do quite a bit of “up-cycling/recycling” of materials. How do you go about that? (IE: all your closet, yard sale finds, etc.) What has been the coolest “find” you’ve made to date?



Hmm, well some have come from our closet as the kids are in growing spurts right now. That is the way I know that some of these things were hardly ever worn! Estate sales, garage sales and resale shops near my home are things that always call to me when I am looking for things to upcycle. I also have a great Mother-in-law that gives me fabric that she has in her stash when it gets overloaded. The coolest find is always the last one I did!

What other type of crafting to do you?


I make curtains for the kids rooms, pillows and rag quilts with the kids favorite t-shirts. I love to make all kinds of things for fun. I paint in acrylics or watercolor from time to time and love to dabble in pastel chalks. I have been painting old window frames lately as wall art. I also love to make tie dye t-shirts but I haven't done that lately.


Of the items you currently have available, which is your favorite?



Wow, that is a really hard question. I am pretty hard on myself and I really struggle with worrying that they are good enough to sell! I like the colors in the dot pants purse. I love the crocheted purses and use one myself. It has been a great purse and I love the feel of it in my hands. My favorite item right now are my cup cozies, I don't have any listed yet, but I hope to get those up this week.

You have some wonderful items marked in your “Favorites” on your Etsy page. What do you think some of those choices say about you? (personally: I think I’d like to go shopping with you!!!)



I love colors. I like things that speak to my heart and soul. I just can't buy art in the a discount store and hang it on the wall. It has to be something that has some kind of memory or story attached to it.




For FUN!What is something that makes you laugh out loud?


The kids and our dogs. They are so funny. The old Peter Sellers Pink Panther movies, G-force (it reminds me of my daughter's guinea pig), My husband joking around with the kids and the funny voices that they create. Cake wrecks is one of my all time favorite blogs, and I also like the Cheezeburger cats website as well, and quoting Monty Python skits!

Describe your crafting/studio space to us:



I work in our sunroom/eating area which looks out on our backyard deck and on to the green trees behind. There is a wall of windows on the door side of the room. The wall that I work on is full of cubby storage bins that houses the fabric, yarn and some of the notions that I use. I keep a huge laundry hamper full of upcycled clothing nearby and also the ironing board. My serger is across the room as is the computer desk. The cubbies are stacked almost 6 + feet high with baskets across the top! I also have rolling plastic storage drawers with finished work, ribbons, lace, thread, buttons and packing supplies.



I cut out projects on the our dining table. I tend to cut out a lot at one time since it is the table we eat on! I also try to sew things with similar colors all at one time so I don't have to change thread colors. I am project oriented, if a project does not have the right look or I feel that it is not quite right I will set it aside and look at it often months later.


I tend to make a lot of one series of a thing at a time. Right now I am making cup cozies! I wanted something in a different price point for my shop. I already had alll the supplies and tons of fabric scraps. I am also thinking about the treasure box of goodies that my Mother-in Law gave me recently. I haven't come up with the perfect project but it is rolling around in the back of my mind. Then there are also the personalized snowman Christmas art that I have also been thinking about.


What is your best “stress buster”?


Now that we have teenagers and a ton of Friday night driving to do, Thursday night has become pizza and movie night! That is always a great relief. Sometimes we make our own, sometimes we order in.



My quiet times that I spend praying and talking to God. I release a ton of stress that way. Date night with my best friend and husband of 23 years.


If you could visit anywhere on Earth, where would it be and why?

London England, or anywhere in England. I spent some time there as a child and I love going back. I like their city and it still feels like home to me. The years that we lived there were wonderful happy years. The history speaks to me and history is always just around the corner.



I notice you are from Tulsa ~ tell us something GREAT about living there!



I love living in Tulsa, there are hills, the river, bike trails, woods, trees, and pasture land almost right in the city. Deer jumped out in front of our car not 1/4 mile from our house! The cost of living is unbelievably low. We have three distinct seasons, Winter, Summer and Fall. Spring jumps right into summer within about 1 week and we usually have 75 degree weather the first week in Feb. Of course, then it snows in March sometime around Spring break. :0)



Don't you just want to see some of her goodies? Stop by these links and take a peek!


http://www.chocolatedogstudio.com/


http://www.etsy.com/shop/chocolatedogstudio


You can also visit her blog at http://www.chocolatedogstudio.com/

Have a wonderful, creative weekend, all!

Carrie

4th of July Weekend Shout Out goes to ....

... my Internet friend, Lynnell of Kreationsforkids. Take a gander into Lynnell’s world!

How did you get started?

I began sewing when my daughter (who will be 29 in July) was about 2-1/2 to 3 years old. I loved the ruffly, frilly dresses (she called them rounding dresses) and I could not afford them, so I learned to sew. I quickly found that I loved it and was always trying new things. When my boys came along, I learned to make t-shirts and sweats. I made a lot of their clothes. I was a stay-at-home mom, so I had time to sew. Then I got divorced and had to go to work, so my sewing went away for many years. I hauled my sewing machine and serger around with me for many years, and just a couple of years ago after having grandchildren was I able to devote more time to sewing again, and now I have started my own business and am sewing all the time.

What is your favorite project to create?

My favorite project to create would have to be anything ruffly and/or twirly, although now with my new embroidery machine I love to create designs on fabric with color - much like a box of crayons, only "coloring" on fabric.

How do you get your ideas? Do you start with a fabric or a concept in mind first?

Sometimes I will see a fabric I like and have an idea of what I want to make with it right away. Sometimes I am not sure what I want to do with a piece of fabric when I buy it, but I usually have some idea of what I might do with it. Sometimes I have a definite project in mind and go looking for just the right fabric, and then sometimes that fabric turns out to be not exactly what I wanted for the project and I will choose another.

What other type of crafting to do you?

I used to do counted cross-stitch and hand embroidery, but I no longer do those. I sew and embroider.

Of the items you currently have available, which is your favorite?

I just made an adorable peek-a-boo twirly skirt of the most beautiful aqua fabric (Sweet Pea by RJR) that I just absolutely LOVE!! The minute I saw the fabric for sale I bought some and now I'm wishing I had bought more. I also embroidered a pink t-shirt with a coordinating applique and it turned out pretty well for being a beginner embroiderer.

You recently got an embroidery machine! (very cool!) How do you think that may impact your designs & creations? What do you enjoy about working with it?

I think with the embroidery machine the possibilities are endless!! I still plan to focus on children's items such as clothing, blankets and burp pads, but I may add more down the road. My new machine is a Brother PE770, a middle of the road machine and it is so much fun and actually quite easy to use! It stitches out very well! The main drawback is that the LCD screen is very small and in black and white, but I just have the design on my laptop desktop that I am working on and can see the colors, etc., perfectly fine. I LOVE my embroidery machine!

You make some lovely tutus! What made you decide to produce them?

Thank you! I might not have ventured into the tutu business had I not had several special requests for them when I first started my business in March 2010. I had not sewn on tulle prior to that time and was a little nervous about it, but I figured the only way I would learn was to just do it! And, boy am I glad I did! I think of colors I want to put together sometimes when I should be sleeping, or I put together the colors a customer asks for, but I always then add a ribbon bow and sometimes I add other embellishments as well to finish the tutu completely. I now plan to offer appliqued or embroidered shirts/onesies with tutus as a set. :)

For FUN!How many hats OR shoes to do own?

A woman can never have enough shoes!

What is something that makes you laugh out loud?

Children laughing always makes me laugh!

What is your favorite color?

Pink, pink and pink!

What is your best “stress buster”?

My best stress buster is to sit down with a good, fun book and read and just escape from everything!

Do you have a favorite author? Who is it and which of their works do you enjoy the most?

I absolutely LOVE to read and have several authors I really like, but I would have to say Nora Roberts is my all-time favorite author! She writes about so many different subjects and while all of her books are romance novels in one way or another, many of them have suspense built in and those are my favorite - romantic suspense or mystery. I just finished a series of hers call Night Tales and loved them all!!

Would you like to see some of Lynnell’s “Kreations”? Take a peek: http://www.etsy.com/shop/kreationsforkids

Weekend Shout-Out: Sammysgrammy

Vintage Angel

This weekend I am sharing conversations I had with Rita of "Sammysgrammy." Rita does some wonderful work with yarn and up-cycling of a variety of materials. Her handknitted and felted tiny ballet slippers caught my eye, so I dropped her a note and she was willing to give me some time to chat!



Here is our interview:


You work in a variety of mediums. Tell us about what you make.
The things I create are usually made from something you'd find in your grandmother's sewing room (buttons, bit 'n pieces of broken jewelry, a torn tablecloth or pillowcase, some yarn....)



My mission in my crafting is to honor the needlework arts of our grandmothers, present them to a new generation, and encourage interest in these dying arts (crocheting, knitting, tatting, embroidery, etc.) first of all: by treasuring the work, redeeming it into a conversation piece. So, I turn a 40's dresser scarf into a born again angel, a pillowcase into a dress, a bunch of buttons in to a brooch......

How long have you been creating ?
I don't remember a time when I wasn't creating. As a child, I'd watch my grandmother at her treadle sewing machine making all of her own clothing, then, out of the scraps, making doll clothes for my dolls. She did let me use her machine. Again, from scraps, I'd make halters for my sisters and myself to wear with our summer shorts. I made aprons to everyone. Still make aprons!!

What is your favorite project to work on?
Whatever I'm currently working on is my favorite project. I'm very fickle.

How do you get your ideas? Do you start with a fabric, yarn, or trinkets or a concept in mind first?
Ideas are always exploding in my head. I love to "people watch", magazines, art galleries, gift shops are all fertile idea fields for me. I would say I'm more stimulated by ideas than materials, so the concept is usually first. Except for the buttons. I had all those beautiful buttons. What could I imagine them to become?



What other type of crafting to do you?
Of course, I do all the needlework but I also make jewelry, greeting cards, labels and gift tags, scrapbooking.



Of the items you currently have available, which is your favorite
I have been making my "born again angels" for quite some time now and that would be my favorite because there's such a drastic change from the soiled thing it once was to what it is now. They are such a perfect demonstration of 2 Cor. 5:17.



You mention “re-imagining” and “rescuing landfill candidates” to create your work. Tell us a little about that.
When I say that I rescue landfill candidates I mean that if I don't purchase that soiled old doily at an estate sale, it'll end up at the curb on the day after the sale. Many people, wanting to rid their houses off grandma's old stuff, will put her beautiful hand crocheted tablecloths in their garage sale for a pittance. All of that wonderful handmade lace which embellished pillowcases, towels, napkins, petticoats......all tossed. It makes me so sad. I want to treasure it, give it the respect it deserves, up-cycle it into something that someone will value.

You knit for charity, as described on your Etsy page. Take a moment to tell us about the work you do for them and how others can get involved.
For charity: I knit children's hats for the Arkansas Children's Hospital, one of the top ten pediatric hospitals in the country. If you would like to be part of the ACH team(together everyone achieves miracles), go to www.archildrens.org I also knit preemie hats for our local neo-natal unit at Golisano Children's Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center. This is something anyone can do for their own local neo natal unit. They always need hats. The babies are always taking them home and,sadly, some of them are treasured rememberances for a grieving mom and dad.

For FUN!


What is something that makes you laugh out loud?
most Seinfield episodes

What is the funniest/cutest/sweetest thing your grandchildren have done?
My grandchildren are all born comedians but they don't know it. My own kids were so funny and I'm so sorry I didn't keep a good record of their hilarious quips but for my grandchildren, I bought a journal which only has in it the funny things they said and did. Whenever I get around to doing a blog, that's what the subject matter will be. One example: My son took his children to the playground. The elder rode his bike, the younger of the two, rode in a child carrier on the dad's bike. While at the playground, the younger made a mess in the diaper. When time to leave, my son called for the child to come so he could scoop her up into the child seat. She said, "no thanks, I'll walk."



What is your best “stress buster”?
The best stress buster is: Phillipians 4:6&7 - "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything but in every circumstance...., by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants know to God. And God's peace, which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds......"





Do you have a favorite author? Who is it and which of their works do you enjoy the most?
Jane Austen is my favorite author

If we looked inside your frig, what would we find?
I wish you would find some great noshing stuff in my fridge but right now it's pretty bare. You will always find iced tea there and yogurt. Doesn't sound very appetizing, does it?

While cruising Rita's items, as well as the beautiful angel at the top of this article, I found a lovely charm bracelet http://www.etsy.com/listing/43761820/vintage-button-charm-bracelet and a fun bag and being a purse/tote/bag creator myself, just LOVED this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/36492048/vintage-barkcloth-tote-bag

Thanks for taking the time to chat, Rita and happy creating!
Quilty Hugs,
Carrie

6/12/2010 Weekend Shout Out: Michele of By Your Side

(Above: Itty Bitty Brittney Bag)

(Below: The Katie Fun Bag)
Soooo... I really love bags and purses, so I just HAD to take a better look at my newest Facebook Fan's goodies: Michele of By Your Side! They are sweet! Michele and I had a bit of an email chat and her is my interview with her:

How long have you been creating with fabric?
About 8 years.

How did you get started?
I am mostly self taught, both of my Grandmother’s sewed, but of course I had no interest then, when I had them here! But, it all started because my youngest daughter wanted a room in orange and purple!! Where the heck are you ever going to find that combination?!! So, I bought a $99 Brother and started with a quilt and curtains.

Then I made my oldest daughter and her 4 friends rag quilts and when she went to college I did the duvet, curtains, and pillows for her and her roommate’s dorm room (the college even used a picture of their room in a catalogue)!

The purse “thing” came next when I couldn’t find a summer bag I liked and just took off from there. People were always asking me where I got my purse and then started asking for me to make them one too!

What is your favorite project to create?
Hmmm… I really like creating any of my purse designs; my FAVORITE part of the process is picking out the fabric!! I LOVE fabric, and yarn too, I ALWAYS have to touch it! I like trying to come up with combinations that are fresh and fun!!

How do you get your ideas? Do you start with a fabric or a bag in mind?
Either I see something I like or “dream” up something I think is useful. I think the bag usually comes first, but then the Itty Bitty Brittney Bag came about trying to use up smaller cuts of fabric I had that I just couldn’t toss out!! Some of my favorite handbags have been custom orders, fabric combos and ideas I never would have thought of!

What other type of crafting to do you?
I knit bags too! Besides knitting I like to make jewelry for friends and my daughters and beaded bookmarks too!

Of the items you currently have available, which is your favorite?
OH, probably the Itty Bitty Brittney Bag, it’s just so useful and fun to make! But as soon as the SUN decides to shine here in Oregon I have quite a few REALLY cute purses to photograph; the Tiny t and lil’ Miss M’s will be coming soon!!

You have a blog, how do you decide what to write about?
Usually it’s just me rambling!! I do have a weekly post “Handmade Goodness” featuring other artisan’s shops and I do a post called “Fabulous Friday.” I really try to make my blog a “fun” place to be, with a bit of sarcasm thrown in while keeping things up and positive, not all about “buy my stuff!”

Which super power would you like to have and why?
The ability to fly!! Because first, it would just be cool and second, because I could fly over all the traffic!! I DESPISE traffic!!

If I looked in your frig, what would I find?
Hmmm…. Fruit – pineapple (my favorite), strawberries, cantaloupe. Milk, COFFEE CREAMER (coffee is my life blood), and sandwich makings!

What is your favorite color?
PURPLE, any shade!! (woman after my own heart!!)

What is your favorite book?
LOVE the “Prey” series by John Sanford, I am currently reading “Wicked Prey.”

Want to check out her goodies? Click on the links below!
Etsy Shop: http://ByYourSide2009.etsy.com/
Blog: http://michele-byyourside.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ByYourSide2009

Thanks for taking the time to chat, Michele! Happy creating, all!
Carrie

A "thank you" to my teachers...

While it's still fresh in my mind, I wanted to thank those individuals who I had while in high school. Yesterday afternoon, I had a marvelous conversation with an English teacher from high school as she and several others were planning a celebration.

She is the last of the "original", so to speak. Those who were at our high school back in the 70's. Our chant (dare I say it...twill date me...oh what the heck...) "'78, '78, '78" rang through the halls. We, the Class of 1978, had survived the "storm of '78" and 4 years of high school. At the time, all we wanted was OUT! Give us LIFE...Let us free!

I have to smile now. Actually, yesterday afternoon I laughed out loud as we shared memories of what was then. Since that time I married my best friend from high school, went to college, have ALMOST raised 3 children, 2 of whom graduated from that same high school and one who in a week and a half becomes a junior (how the heck did THAT HAPPEN??? Whole 'nuther blog story....)have become a grandmother and a coach in that very same high school.

As we tossed out names and memories, Ms L asked me: "If you could meet any of them, who would it be?" In a heartbeat I said: "Miss Goodwin." I had two stories attached to that wonderful Social Studies teacher.

1. After taking Field Ecology (thought I might like to go into outdoor education at one time...) our class was going on a camping trip. In the middle of the winter. In New Hampshire. I'd never been camping in my life. Oh...and I was the only girl in the class. The only way the school would let me go was if a female staff memeber agreed to go as well. So, in stepped Miss Goodwin, my history teacher. I don't remember too much about the trip, other than we had to dig out under a log and sleep in the snow (coldest night of my life) but the stars we snowshoed out to see that night in Hancock were amazing, and that I will never forget. That weekend she taught me many things, including sometimes it's vital to put others first. I doubt she considered winter camping the height of fun...but she did it for me and I thank her.

2. As my history teacher, she pushed. I was one of those over-achieving, book smarties. An "A" was the goal...study, read, write, make it happen. Well, this was the equivalent of AP as such things didn't exist at the time. That meant that just written work wasn't all there was to it...WHAT????? She pulled me aside and told me: "You have an 'A' on all your written work, BUT, there's more to it than that...you need to talk in class to get an 'A' in here..." That was the epitome of torture for me, give me the 'B' then, 'cause I'm not going to talk. She did. I learned from that moment on that I would have to find a way to go beyond my books. In college I learned: "sit in the front, they at least recognize you that way" which slowly became "talk in class" and now...as my friends and family know, you can't shut me up! Thanks, Miss Goodwin, for the push!

The other person was Mr Aldrich. His gift to me was simple. Read. Read for the love of reading. Read some more. I took Individualized reading with him and literally sat for an hour each day just reading. NO book reports. NO sharing with the class. Just read. It was pure enjoyment. It was the class that allowed me to be what I was: a reader. I loved him for it. I am a reader today because of it. Thank you, Mr Aldrich.

Those two and many other are celebrating tomorrow night and I wish them all the best. Thanks for all you gave us. Thanks for helping to create who I am today. Thanks for being teachers .... of high school students... and probably never knowing the gifts you gave us all. Enjoy your night!

Carrie Warren Whittemore

My name is Carrie. I have a fabric stash...

Yes, that's right. I admit it. I have a bit of fabric on hand. Granted, I am fortunate that I sell it on eBay, gives me an excuse... the photo above is...well...a teeny tiny piece, a corner of one of 3 rooms with fabric...sigh...

When I go on a buying trip to south of Boston, it's an all day event, as one might expect. It's a 3 hour drive (if I've timed it wrong and find myself trying to edge my way into the bumper-to-bumper traffic on the way down). Have to remember NOT to drink too much Dunkin' Donuts coffee on the way...can bit a bit tricky if I get caught in that!!

Then...I get there! Sometimes I have a list for Ricki to locate: "I need RJR # blah, blah...Timeless Treasures # whatever...and oh, do you have any Fossil Fern in purple?" So I stack up the bolts I want in little rows and then...joy oh joy, I head into the boxes! As a tactile person, this is the BEST! I sort through pound after pound of beautiful fabrics snagging all the ones I like.

There, I've said it: "...the ones I like" ~ yes, I choose fabrics I like!!! It's like archeology or "mining" as we say at work (a historical society) ~ that's it...I'm mining!! Looking for the "gem" in the boxes of fabrics ~ the undamaged pieces of colorful fabric that would make a lovely...well, I don't know...but it's lovely!

So, that is where my eBay fabrics come from ... a trip into the warehouse, digging through box after box and "mining"...looking for the perfect fabric for well, whatever! Perfect for me, perfect for the creative ideas I have and will have and perfect for the customers who stop by! There we go...right, customers!! It's not all about me! PHEW!! I do it all for them!!! Whooo hooo, I am FREE!!!

(okay, maybe not, but it sounded good, didn't it?)

So, stop by my eBay store and see what "gems" I have snagged recently. It's fun!

Oh...and if you'd like, let me know if there is something particular you are looking for ... I'd LOVE TO SEARCH FOR IT!!! Muahahaha!

Quilty hugs,

Carrie

This weekend's Shout out...RMG Creations!

As you know, each weekend I take a look at a different fan of mine on Facebook. This weekend I had a chance to "chat" with Renee, of RMG Creations. She makes some lovely items out of paper. So, I was curious about how she got started and such...

How long have you been creating with paper?

13 yrs

How did you get started?

By accident actually, my friend asked me to start help her organizing and I said lets do a scrapbook! Back then they didn’t have all the cool stuff they did today but I loved it.

What is your favorite project to create?

My name banners have to be my favorite thing to do.

How do you get your ideas? Do you start with an idea, a piece of paper or an accent?

Usually I start with a theme and just go from there.

What other types of crafting do you do?

I love photography and anything that has to do with paper!

Of the items you currently have available, which is your favorite?

The paper diaper bags are my favorite! They are so fun to make.

For fun:

What is your favorite thing to make for dinner?

I would have to say scramblers, its really a breakfast item but we have it for dinner. Its potatoes, cheese and bacon.

If you could visit anywhere, where would you go, why?

Ireland, my hubby is all irish and I would love to experience that with him.

If you could meet anyone, who would it be, why?

My favorite nascar driver Dale Earnhardt Jr

You can find Renee at http://www.facebook.com/rmgcreations Stop by and take a peek at the wonderful things she creates with paper!

Holiday Weekend...

So it's been a busy one, so far!

We fixed up and then drove my daughter her car from high school out to meet her 1/2 way, in Pennsylvania. Getting it ready was an experience in and of itself! Ah....the stress of fixing and getting a used car to pass inspection...But ... done...check!

Packaged up orders off ebay...remembering to put Tuesday's date as the shipping date...OMG...how did June come our way so quickly? Done...check!

Went to Keach Park in Concord with the family...nice place for a quick lunch and then playing on the playground! WAY too much fun w/my grandson! He LOVES to swing! That is HIM at the top of this post! Fun...done...check!

BBQ'd steaks from a new source: WOW was it good!! Anyone local to us: Harris's Convenience NOW has meat!! I know what you are thinking...but it's amazingly good! More fun...done...check!

Now getting ready to head to Charmingfare Farm with my son, his wife and their son ~ can't wait!! Should be soooo fun! Means lots more pictures! Lol! Wicked lots of fun...to be done...sort of check?

Then, we'll probably end the weekend with one more BBQ...basic burgers this time, but yummy!

Overall, perhaps a bit more balance for me than my normal weekends! Those of you who run your own business, will know what I mean: free time means work time, time to create, time to put what you've been working on out there! A "work-aholic" who works for themselves, out of their home = dangerous combo! But hey, at least I AM here if need be...right?

So....off to make a picnic lunch...ready to head to Charmingfare! Enjoy YOUR weekend, all!

Weekend Shout-Out: Bluebird Gardens

This weekend I peeked through my Facebook fans list and ran across Charlotte from Bluebird Gardens Quilts and Gifts. I always enjoy reading what she has to say, so I thought I would give her this weekend’s Whitt’s Kits Shout-Out!

Charlotte describes what she does on her Facebook page:

Welcome to Bluebird Gardens Quilts and Gifts! We help you make quilts, gifts, refinish furniture, cook fun dishes and garden so you can easily make gifts and home decor that make people feel special.From personalized baby quilts to photo memory quilts and handmade pillows, rag dolls, hard to find but practical and whimsical gardening, quilting and pet gifts, we've been helping customers make special gifts for 11 yrs.

While perusing her Etsy store (http://www.etsy.com/shop/bluebirdgardens ), the red hand quilt caught my eye ~ could have something to do with those years as an elementary teacher! I would have LOVED one of those to mark the time spent with my students! Nice job, Charlotte!

She also has a wonderful blog filled with creative ideas on gardening & quilting and soooo informative!
http://www.bluebirdgardens.com/bluebird_gardens_blog/ I really liked the blog about container gardening...may have to give that a try!

Thanks for sharing your world with us, Charlotte!

Quilty Hugs, Carrie

Thankful for...

It’s been a couple of days since I’ve had a chance to pop in here.

I was thinking about what I am thankful for in my life the other day, lots, actually!

I am thankful that I was born into a family that live close by one another. I knew one great-grandmother and all my grandparents ~ having wonderful memories of all of them! Had the best time recently chatting with my cousin about our paternal grandparents…such wonderful memories I didn’t even realize were there! In turn, my first grand child just moved next door and lives in the house his great, great grandparents lived in!

My family also valued all the people in it. Each of us brought/bring “something to the table” as it were. It sometimes amazes me how genetics works: we can LOOK so alike and yet BE so different sometimes and yet so similar other times. To see my dad’s eyes in my son and then him in his son…amazing…all I can say!

I am thankful for the wonderful man I married ~ my best friend for more years now then not! Someone who brings the best to the world each day and is a gift to others as well.

I am thankful for my children ~ healthy, happy, adjusted buggers that they are! Each of them is my “hero” for their own reasons ~ each has enriched the world in their own way, and mine as well.

I am thankful for all the friends I have made in these 50 years ~ friends who’ve come in and out (women are like that…LOVE that about us!) and back in again…who I can call on at a moment’s notice…who “have my back” and vice versa… and who are facing this whole “aging” (aghast!) thing together.

I am thankful for the opportunity to be a coach and a coach’s wife. It has brought (and continues to bring) so many wonderful young people into our lives. Their energy, their strength and their weaknesses brings the reality of life into our world day in and day out.

I am thankful for my home. It may not be the nicest on the block, but I realize it’s a place that my family and our friends are comfortable in. That comfort, like the MasterCard commercial, is priceless.

I guess the bottom line is that so much of my world is priceless…I am so fortunate to be able to do what I love along with what I like. Not everyone has that option in this world.
Thanks life! Like the saying on the T-Shirts: “Life is good!” It’s not always easy, not always fun, but all in all…it’s good!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend all ~ I hope you can spend it with those you love and create new memories on this day!

Quilty hugs,
Carrie

This week's special...

... (in honor of our first pillowcase making event) is on pillowcase kits! We've had great feedback from folks who've purchased them:

• Nice kit. A+++ seller!


• Waiting for another one of this GREAT kit! I love the Kitlady store!


• Great fabric. Well packed, promptly shipped.


• Incredible well cut fabric- Excellent EBay experience


• Love THIS kit too! Waiting for more to show up in shop!


• A++++ Fast invoicing, quick delivery, great communication, Couldn't be happier!!

Just makes you feel good all over! Mix that with the success people are having in creating their own pillowcases and it's a win-win!

So, to help more people give it a whirl, I'm running a special this week: buy 1 kit, get a 2nd at 1/2 price! You can get as MANY AS YOU'D LIKE!!! This is for all my fans on Facebook and Followers of my blog! All you need to do is pop into either my eBay or Etsy store and make a purchase. Email me with "I'm a FAN!" and I will invoice you for the correct amount! (ie: DO NOT JUST PAY!)

So, buy 1, get a 2nd at 1/2 price - by 2, purchase 2 more at 1/2 price, buy 3 and you can purchase an additional 3 at 1/2 price!

I HAVE to say that my cousin told me these are like "eating Doritos ~ you can't stop!!!" She is soooo right! At the Pillowcase Making Party yesterday, 2 of the guests were new to sewing: one had literally NEVER used a sewing machine before! They BOTH made 2 pillowcases (donating one and keeping the other) and one was so excited that she was doing two things at once: "This is a gift for someone, so THAT MEANS I've finished my first gift for the DIY Christmas Club!!"

So hop on over to my eBay OR Etsy stores and pick out some pillowcase kits to try! You'll receive directions for making the pillowcase two different ways, but I HIGHLY recommend the "sausage" method ~ seriously ladies: its SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO easy!

Happy creating, all!

Carrie

PS. Here is a link to a GREAT, SIMPLE, QUICK AND EASY pillowcase with the "sausage" method: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7moryq_ZRFY&feature=related

Follower/Fan Drawing!

Thanks so much for "tuning it"! We hit 300 fans on Facebook, so as a "thank you" we drew from our followers here on Whitt's Kits Fabrics & Crafts Blog!

The winner is....Lynnell!

Thanks so much for following my blog, Lynnell! You need to zip into my eBay and Etsy store and pick out your pillowcase kit/kits! You can choose either a pair of matching kits OR two singles, your choice! Email me with what you'd like and your address for mailing!

We had sooo much fun at the Pillowcase Making Party today! Can't wait to see which ones Lynnell chooses and how they come out!

Have a wonderful evening, all!
Quilty Hugs,
Carrie

Weekend Shout-out: Widow's Walk

Each weekend I dive into my Fan base and grab someone to chat about here. This week, I thought I'd share about Gail from Widow's Walk! Gail does some beautiful knitting and has some of the funniest conversations every day!

Here is some about her from her Etsy profile:

"Welcome to The Widow's Walk! At the age of 6 or so, a neighbor tried to teach me embroidery.

In 5th grade I discovered a love and talent for drawing and painting. In my teens I learned to crochet. And in my early 20's I learned to knit. I still love and dabble in all things creative, but my true love (for now) is knitting.

"Shop name: To those of you who may not be familiar with the term, this excerpt from a poem by Kenneth Finn is probably the best description I can provide. "On the tops of the old sea captain's houses is a walkway, high on the roof, called a Widow's Walk and the wives of the captains were supposed to go up there and look for the return of their husband's ship from the sea. A large percentage of the captains never came back. Thus the daily walks, had nothing to do with viewing ships. The walks were the recognition, that these women were not truly in control of anything in their lives. It was a constant reminder."

"When working outside the home full time, I always felt deprived of the time I had for my craft projects. Then, the "powers that be" out-sourced my job, which devastated me at the time. I now see it as one of the greatest blessings I could have received. It allowed me to have the time that I needed to care for my Mother, and caring for my Mother gave me the time to pursue my creations.

"I live on the coast of Virginia, and love everything associated with the sea, so the name and description fits perfectly, and doesn't pigeon hole me into only one area of creativity.

"Even if we are not truly in control of anything in our lives, there is always a silver lining to those thunderclouds if you look hard enough."

Gail is a gifted woman both creatively both in yarn and in conversation. I hope you take a moment and check out her work!

You'll find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheWidowsWalk#!/TheWidowsWalk?v=app_169505045786

Hit 300 Facebook Fans!

Well, that's pretty cool! My Whitt's Kits Facebook page hit 300 fans while I was sick with the flu, how cool is that?

As Facebook rules prohit contests, drawings and such, we have to do them on our Blogs....so, folks: FOLLOW THIS BABY and WIN!! Lol!

I am assuming people might have a crazy weekend like I do this week, so I will have the drawing Sunday night from my followers here on the blog. This time's prize is a pair of pillowcase kits, YOUR CHOICE from either my eBay or Etsy store! There are some pretty pillowcases there, so click that little button! You know you want to...go on...DO IT!

Have a GREAT day ~ it's beautiful and sunny here in New Hampshire!
Quilty hugs, all! ~ Carrie

PS. Here is a link to the ones in my eBay store: http://stores.ebay.com/Whitts-Kits-Fabrics-Quilting-Crafts_Pillowcase-Kits_W0QQ_fsubZ10463955QQ_sidZ56499600QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322
and here are the ones on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhittsKitsFabrics?section_id=6974143 so you can take a peek!

(The one at the top of this post is on Etsy, using RJR Heirloom Lilac fabrics!)

So this grandparent gig: VERY COOL!

Despite the fact hubby and I didn't feel we were OLD ENOUGH to be grandparents, he reminded me that we were the same age my son is now when we had him...eons ago! Sigh...

So, that being said, it has been marvelous having he, his wife and adorable son living near by us now. What was seeing them once a month, maybe, has turned to multiple times during the week and lots of fun! Ah...the generational thing!

What that has done for my crafting world is to OPEN IT UP! Lol! Hey, I'm a Memere now...gotta make the latest goodies! My little bugger was up yesterday and I had things to wipe up at the ready...you know, 11 month-olds are like that! But they were plain...a bit boring...okay: naked white diapers! Can't be having that!

After sorting my world out today, I headed down to the studio space and pulled out the package of cloth diapers I'd picked up on a previous trip to the big city and then wandered into the fabric room...hmmm....the possibilities are so endless in there!

I ended up with some fun combinations. A handful are mine to use and the rest, yup, you guessed it: on Etsy! Here is one set: http://www.etsy.com/listing/47457054/pair-of-burp-cloths-colorful-butterflies They were way too much fun to do and I'll pop a tutorial up when I get the chance.

Off to pull the bread out of the oven and finish getting dinner ready ~ night all!

The experimenting continues!

So, now that I've gotten the fabric space of my "studio" organized (to the degree that the fabric is SORTED, so I use the word "organized" very loosely)it's time to get the proverbial buttocks moving!

I'm one of those people that like to do lots of different things so I spent time this weekend experimenting with ideas for items I could create using the materials I have at hand, ie: LOTS of fabrics under 1/2 yard!! I've been selling pillowcase kits, those are going well...have some in stock so, what's next?

Well, I had lots of fun making aprons for children this past weekend and thought I'd pop some pix up here and give some directions for anyone interested before I head back in and make some more today!

"Fat and a Half" Children's Apron How-To:

You need:
1 fat quarter (18" x 22") for body of apron and neck strap
1 skinny quarter (9" x 22") of coordinating fabric for pocket & ties (IF you make pocket 4" wide ~ otherwise, a 2nd fat quarter
pattern cut from paper

Directions:
1. Transfer pattern from sketch included to paper and cut out.
2. Fold apron body fabric in half the long way (22" side) and place pattern on the fold. The pattern is only 16" wide, so slide the fabric a bit so that you have the 2" hanging out and can use that piece for the neck strap. Cut out.
3. Place pattern pieces for pocket and ties on coordinating fabric and cut out.
4. Take pocket fabric and fold over 1/4" on the top edge. Press. Fold over again and sew.
5. Place pocket fabric right side up on wrong side of apron. Sew 1/2" seam. Flip to the front, press and sew 1/4" from edge. Your pocket creates a nice tidy bottom seam!
6. Press all edges of apron at 1/4". Turn and sew.
7. To make neck loop and ties: press under 1/4" along long edges. Turn right sides together. Sew across the end of each piece to keep neat and tidy and then turn right side out, press again and sew along open edge as close to the edge as you can get.
8. Turn under the ends and put that part in next to the fabric. Decide where to place your ties and sew them on the back side to secure. Do the same with the neck loop.
9. Ta da! You're done!

Wondering what the heck I am talking about? Stop by my Facebook page and go to the discussion area. I have more pictures there of the "how-to" aspect.
Happy creating!

Weekend Shout-out: Stuffed Silly

I’ve decided to highlight one of my Facebook Fans who creates their own products and selected Lisa, of Stuffed Silly as my first.

Her mission is to create unique, silly high quality plush toys and I find them ADORABLE and GORGEOUS! Take a peek!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/stuffedsilly
http://www.artfire.com/users/stuffedsilly
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stuffed-Silly/254244957864

I have to admit that my favorite is the monkey ~ it is so sweet!

My first (of many?) rag quilts

My talented cousin (yes, YOU, Joni!) made me some wonderful blocks on her embroidery machine of trucks/tractors/and such. While on a buying trip, I found a bolt of Blank Quilting fabric that just seemed to scream: "YES! I AM WHAT YOU NEED!" (I am sure you've heard that voice...) The rest, as they say, was history! I put together a fun quilt for my grandson's upcoming birthday and just have a few snips left to go ~ then it's off to the washer and dryer!

I thought other's might like to see it and perhaps give it a try! The directions are below. I posted this on my Facebook page, but one never knows ... things do go missing! If you'd like to give something like it a try, I have a kit up on eBay with the Blank Quilting fabric, flannel for the lining and two different flannels for the back. I only have one available at this time.

Just need some of the Blank Fabric? Drop me a note ~ I have a bit left on the bolt (It's $8.50/yard) Have the fabrics you need? Here are the directions to make it yourself! Oh...and if you do, that makes it a DIY ~ give it for the holidays and YOU are on your way in our DIY Holiday Club!

Tooling Around Rag Quilt

For this project you will need:
• 16 of the “Tooling Around” Blocks by Blank Quilting (#BTR4777) OR, if you can do machine quilting (or know someone who can) you can make up a set of 8 of the Construction and Service Vehicles from Embroidery Library at http://www.emblibrary.com and do 8 vehicles and 8 tools
• 16, 8” flannel blocks for the “batting”
• 8 + 8, (2 sets) 8” blocks of coordinating flannel OR 16 of all the same color

1.Cut out all your blocks, 8” x 8”. Put each in their own pile.

2.Lay out the tool blocks on a large surface, like the floor, and create the design you’d like. Take them up IN ORDER, off the surface and keep in a pile.

3.Now, you are going to make “sandwiches.” If you are using 2 different flannels for the backing, it is important to alternate back and forth for the design on the back, so be careful to check each time that you are taking the correct color. Take the backing flannel and lay it on the table, face down (right side DOWN on the table), lay a piece of the batting flannel on top if it and finish with your tool block RIGHT SIDE UP. (See photo below.)

Make up all your block “sandwiches” by sewing a ½” seam all around the block, sewing all 3 layers together.

4.Take a moment, before sewing the blocks together, to lay the blocks out and be sure you have the overall design you want. A minute or two here can save a great deal of using a seam ripper! After checking your design, pin each row of 4 blocks together to make 4 strips. Sew the blocks together just inside the seam you made when creating the sandwiches.

5.Once again, lay the strips one above the other to check on your sequence/design. All good? Let’s sew the rows together! One of the tricks here is to line up the seams FIRST, then go back and pin the beginning edge. When you pin them have the bulk of the fabric to the left away from your machine. When you get to a side seam, fold the TOP edge TOWARDS your needle and then bottom one (underneath) TOWARDS you. That way, you can see the seam and hold it down more easily than trying to keep an eye on the one underneath. (See photo) Sew each of the seams across the quilt.

6.Once your blocks are all sewn together, it’s time to SNIP! And snip you will! I was working with denim in the photos, so when it was time to snip 6 layers of fabric, one being denim, I snipped the denim first and then the other 5 layers. Snip the intersections first, to relax the seams a bit. (See photo) Then, begin snipping about every ½ ” along EVERY seam (including the outside edges)! Keep your hand underneath where you are snipping so you don’t cut anything you DON’T want!

7.Now it’s time to toss your quilt in the washer and dryer. Doing so is what gives the ragged look to the frayed seams! Enjoy!

DIY Christmas Club

Some of us were chatting about how we ALWAYS want to make things for the holidays, but somehow we suddenly find ourselves at Christmas Eve (the 9th hour) trying to complete something or other and wondering what the heck we were thinking trying to make whatever it was!! Sound familiar to anyone!

So, I've created a DIY Christmas Club. The challenge is to create AND FINISH (key words there) at least ONE handmade project (can be a gift of a decoration for your home) for this coming Christmas BEFORE December 24th, 2010! The choice of project is entirely up to you!

Would you like to join our "support group"? :o) Post a comment here to let us know OR stop by my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/whittskitsfabricsandcrafts?v=app_2373072738&ref=ts#!/topic.php?uid=111033148924330&topic=34 and sign in! We'd love to have you join us!

Note: start small so you can be successful! THEN, when you complete one project, move on to another...and another...and another!

Holly's Bag!

As a "thank you" to my fans on Facebook, I drew a name out for the latest drawing and Holly, of Hollycraft won! http://www.facebook.com/pages/HollyCraft/297674992935?ref=mf

So...I whipped up a bag JUST for her! It's "whimsical" and "colorful" ~ her two requests! Hope you like it, Holly!

Quilty hugs,
Carrie

Fan drawings can't happen on Facebook!

Okay, just when I was having fun sharing goodies w/Fans, I realize: "Ooops! A no-no!" http://www.insidefacebook.com/2009/11/06/facebook-updates-promosweepstakes-guidelines-for-pages-and-apps-what-it-means-for-marketers/

So, like some of the folks I've been chatting with, I am going to have to offer it here! (Am hoping THAT will be okay ~ if not, we'll find out!)

As I better understand HOW to working this blog, I am sure it will all look better and such, BUT for the time being, here goes!

** I am hoping that just automatically selecting a random fan each time I hit another 100 will be okay! (I use www.random.org to select a number) As long as it is, that person will win their choice of single pillowcase kit (not pairs) I have made up that is available on either eBay or Etsy! They come with complete directions and are sooooo fun and easy to make! So, stop by either of those sites (feed is to the right) and take a peek to see which one YOU want if YOU are the winner!!

This may still not quite fit the requirements. If so, I will change it to doing the drawings from here ~ just NOT quite sure how to do that yet! I am a "baby" in the blogging world!

Happy birthday, hon!

Well, hubby has joined me in the 1/2 Century Club this morning! YEA!! What a great place I find this to be! A year ago I was staring down the face of turning 50. I thought about how I wanted to celebrate this landmark. Jumping out of a perfectly good airplane did not appeal to me (I prefer sitting buckled in at that point!) swirling down the rapids in January? (A wee bit chilly, imho!) A vacation in a warm location? Now that was appealing, but it was during wrestling season, so I would have had to go alone...boring.

My boss and friend assured me when I figured out what it was, I'd know. So, I kept thinking about it. Then it hit me: rather than doing one thing that would be over and done in an instant (or perhaps NOT quite fast enough, if I'd gone w/the plane or rafting idea...) how about something smaller each month? Things that I'd always wanted to do, but never had the time, OR needed to push myself a bit to achieve? It was an "Ah Ha!" moment and now that I am almost 1/2 way through the year I've LOVED it!

I began by treating myself to a lovely pink leather journal (thanks Steeles, for such quality items) and then sat down wondering exactly WHAT did I want to do? I made myself a bit of a list and began to journal (infrequently, but hey, what can I say?) about what I was trying to do.

I am encouraged to say that I am about 1/2 way through the original list, but have ADDED (as all good listmakers know) a few along the way!! While at Disney with my daughter this February, we BOTH stepped outside our comfort zones & went on the Aerosmith ride! OMG!!! What a rush!! What fun!! We'll both do that again!!

I've also made some trips to museums that I wanted to go to (thanks, Michelle, for that wonderful trip to the Currier FOR my birthday and what fun with Kelly, Ryan and little Ryan to go the Quadrangle in Springfield!), have started yoga (Ms. D, you'd be proud) and am working on Christmas being hand-made this year!

Most importantly, life feels good! So, guess it's working!

Believe I said the "N-Word" (ie: never) about blogging...but here I am!

I was determined not to jump into this world, but have had so much fun reading other people's that I thought...oh what the heck! DO IT!

So, here it is...the very first Whitt's Kits Fabrics & Crafts Blog! :o) I hope I can have as much here as I do on Facebook, with my fans...perhaps even more?

I've been taking baby steps here in promoting what I do: first Twitter (http://twitter.com/QuiltingKitlady) and then a Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/whittskitsfabricsandcrafts) and now this!

So, we'll see where this takes us!

Have a wonderful day, all!

Carrie