Splendid Sampler Block 7

I used one of my new Sue Spargo Eleganza threads for the embroidery.

Panel Pillowcase

One of my fabric reps. gave me a great idea recently. Use a panel to make a pillowcase. The very next day I took one of the two panels I currently have in my shop and made it up into a pillowcase.

Here is the panel:

And this is the pillowcase:

The panel is the main body of the pillowcase and I used two companion prints for the accent strip and cuff. Panels are usually 24" wide but the pillowcase pattern I use calls for 27" for the main body. To compensate I cut my cuff fabric 12" wide instead of the usual 9". A regular size pillow still fits nicely inside.

So there you go ... another way to use a panel besides in a quilt.

Splendid Sampler Block 6

I'm on a roll! I've completed two blocks this week and printed all seven of the current block patterns out. Here is block six.

I think this one would make a great quilt. When you set four of these blocks together the secondary pattern will be a star.

I have two more blocks in progress, blocks 4 and 7. One is applique and the other is embroidery. I'm doing both by hand so it might take me a little longer to get them done since I don't have much time to sew right now.

If you haven't already you should check out The Splendid Sampler.

French Knot Insanity

Earlier this week I showed you my first block from the Splendid Sampler. Today I'm showing you my progress on one of the Splendid Sampler bonus blocks.

This is the heart pin cushion bonus project. I'm using one of my Sue Spargo Eleganza variegated size 8 perle cottons for this.

These threads are just gorgeous. When you see them individually they are very pretty, but when you see them all together in the display they are just stunning. I'm so glad I didn't try to pick and choose. Waiting until I could afford the whole collection with the display was so worth it!

Blog Friends are the Best!

Yesterday I received this adorable little guy in the mail from Caroll.

She made him for my new shop. I hung him by the front door. The wall is curved which is why the bottom right corner looks a bit funky. It's the wall, not the quilt.

Thank you so much Caroll! I LOVE it!

Splendid Sampler Block 5

Have you heard about the Splendid Sampler? If not, click the link and go check it out!

I've decided to participate. I'm using the fabric from my Frivols for the blocks since I really only bought the Frivols for the tins they come in. I'm a little late in starting so I decided to start with the current block and work my way back as time allows.

When I started, block 5 was the most recently released block.

I also have block 6 mostly completed but no photo yet. Block 7 was released yesterday.

These little blocks seem doable with just two blocks being released per week. That's my speed at the moment!

In shop news I purchased the cute mugs.

They are good advertising and unique gifts! We had a daughter come in last week looking for a gift for her mom. She said that her mom is hard to buy for because she already has everything. I told her that I have the perfect thing . I can guarantee that she doesn't have this mug yet because they just arrived that morning. She bought the mug and some fat quarters to go inside. Makes a very nice gift for the quilter who has everything!

Busy Week

I've had a busy week. This week has been the Grand Opening Sale week in my shop. We've had a good turn out. 

I've been trying to carve out some sewing time each day after I've gotten my book work done and in between customers. Some days it is only a few minutes while others I can get in about an hour during the course of the afternoon. 

My latest project is a shop sample - big surprise.

I've been collecting Frivols. This is the pattern from the second one. The completed top measures about 26" by 26". Even though the fabric is not really my style, the pattern was fun to make and I love the project.