sweet as honey

Hello!  Today is my stop on the Sweet as Honey Blog Tour hosted by Bonnie Christine of Going Home to Roost.  She is the creator of this line, and it is sweet indeed.  When she asked me if I wanted to participate, I immediately said yes.  Matt and I raised honeybees for awhile before the unexpected mild temps during one winter killed them.  We lost our hives.

My fabric did not start out as strips.  In fact, they were triangles for a quilt, but it just didn't seem right.  I knew I had to take a different path.  I've never worked with courthouse steps before, and I wanted to give it a try.  The Essex linen in Steel juxtaposes the bright colors.  I paired it with Art Gallery's Squared Elements in Seafoam to calm my selection of fabrics.

As you can see, this collection is fun and cheerful and centered around a woodland theme.

My favorite photo of all though is probably this last one.  It was a bit underexposed, which made the fabric radiate, in my opinion.  The photo was so moody and dark, and it was just the perfect opposition to the sweetness found in Sweet as Honey.

There are 25 bloggers participating, which means 25 projects you can see using Sweet as Honey.   Tomorrow's stop is with the miss Bonnie Christine herself, so you won't want to miss that!

Here's the roundup.

Monday March 3rd – Jennifer | Hopeful Homemaker
Tuesday March 4th – Jessica | Haile and Co
Wednesday March 5th – Meg | Milk and Rhubarb
Thursday March 6th – Meghan | Eat Live Make
Friday March 7th – Sarah | Crinkle Love
Monday March 10th – Amy | During Quiet Time
Tuesday March 11th – Corey | Little Miss Shabby
Wednesday March 12th – Amanda | Material Girl Quilts
Thursday March 13th – Sarah | No Hats in the House
Friday March 14th – Caroline | Sew Caroline
Monday March 17th – Ale | Golden Willow Quilts
Tuesday March 18th – Emily | Beautiful Hello Blog
Wednesday March 19th – Melissa | Lulu The Baker
Thursday March 20th – Nancy | Owen’s Oliva
Friday March 21st – Bonnie  | Going Home to Roost
Saturday March 22nd – Cindy | School House Patterns
Monday March 24th – Melissa | Missouri Mel
Tuesday March 25th – Shannon | Very Shannon
Wednesday March 26th – Heidi | Hands Occupied
Thursday March 27th – Barb | Knack Studios
Friday March 28th – Caitlin | Salty Oat
Saturday March 29th – Karen | Celebrate Life With Us
Monday March 31st – Kellie Kraft Nurse Quilt
Tuesday April 1st – Krista | Everyday Miija
Wednesday April 2nd – April San Pedro | I Am Artisan


Want to buy Sweet as Honey?

You can purchase from BobbieLou's Fabric Factory.

xx nancy

One year ago: Dresser turned Activity Table
Two years ago: How to fix veneered banding

Cargo Duffle || Crafty Traveler Series

Hello, and welcome to my stop on the Crafty Traveler blog hop hosted by Ellison Lane.

*Updated!  I shared the link below to show you how to make the handles.*

For this hop, we were asked to review patterns for handmade travel items.  Since I'm lacking the handmade bag department, I opted for the Cargo Duffle.  It is made by Anna Graham of Noodlehead for Robert Kaufman.   This is a nice bag that can be used for all sorts of things.  I really like how my bag turned out, even with the few adjustments I made.

Skill level: Intermediate

Time commitment:  Plan for several hours or a weekend to construct your bag.

Perfect for:  Day trips, overnight bag, church bag, gym bag, or new mothers

What I changed:

-I opted out of the cargo pockets and made a zippered pocket instead.  This would definitely be intermediate since you have to know the sewing and quilting order in order for it to work properly.  I also added piping, which is an easy addition anyone could do.

-I chose not bind my raw edges, but I think that is something I wouldn't skip next time.  Since it's just for me, the exposed raw edges are no big deal, but I could add the binding on at a later time if I wanted.

-I added a plus in the upper right hand corner for a little character.  I chose to inset this, so I would not have any seam lines in my main fabric.

-I sewed my bag with a size 14 needle and my #37 foot (Bernina).  I used my walking foot for the quilting lines.  I mention this because I know not everyone has a walking foot or size 16 needle handy.  My Bernina was able to handle the work, but I know machines vary.

Helpful tips:

-The "accent" piece is literally an accent piece.  My brain kept thinking this was differential word (even after reading the directions!), so I would know which piece she was talking about in the pattern.  Main fabric (leaf print) and accent fabric (linen).  With that and the combination of my eyes fooling me that there was a seam between the linen and the main fabric print, it made for a really dumb night on my part.  So don't do like me and try to fight with this faux seam.  You ain't going to win.

- Updated!  After receiving emails asking about the handles, I am linking the how-to here.  I personally felt the handle instructions were vague. I did not know which side was referred to as the "raw edge" since both sides were raw, even after sewing the right sides together.  There is one photo of it rolled, but I think it would have helped me to have more photos of how to exactly fold the fabric so you have nice accent trims on the sides.  If I can get around to it, I will snap a few photos how to fold the fabric for the handles, and update this post.

-In the instructions, it states to center the gusset loop, and sew RST.  Eyeballing it, I tried to center the zipper and place the piping correctly, so it wouldn't be wonky.  After repositioning three or four times, my fabric was pulling in either direction, and I knew I was doing something wrong.

This caused tightness to happen on only one side of the bag.  I didn't realize that if I was off even by a little bit with my centering, it would throw the whole thing off causing this tightness.  There are no measurements provided of how far the zipper seam was to the gusset seam, so the distance between my zipper seam and the piping on my gusset is 2.5".   Make sure to lay your gusset flat (zipper side up) and measure the center of that.  Then measure the center of the main front piece of your bag.  Pin those two markings into place, and then continue on as the pattern states.

-Do sew only the top and bottom first, and then on the sides.  I didn't have issues with that, but I am sure someone out there will want to skip that step.

-Do buy a carryall zipper, preferably YKK brand, because it makes such a difference!

-If I were to make this bag again, I would consider adding canvas to the straps to make them a little thicker.  I would also consider adding interfacing to the bag to give it a little more structure when there are few items in the bag.  Both ideas are just a personal preference though and have nothing to do with the quality or integrity of the current bag.

My project used:

- Juliana Horner Modbox
- Essex Yarn Dyed Linen by Robert Kaufman
-YKK zippers, 26" carryall and 18" in black
-Quilted in Aurifil Mako 28 wt #2024

Would I recommend this pattern:  Yes for those who, in general, feel confident in sewing.

Here is the original bag made by Anna.  Isn't it lovely?!

xx nancy

One year ago:  Judy Ross Textiles
Two years ago: Aurifil Crayon Variegated Up close


My quilting book released Sept. 24, 2015 and is on Amazon.  Check it out!

A new lamp in the house

Lamps.com asked me if I wanted to review one of their lamps several months ago, and even though we were in the middle of moving across the country, I jumped at the chance.   I had a hard time picking which lamp I wanted, but when I saw the Director's Table lamp, I knew that was the lamp I wanted!  I love its three-pronged legs, and its sleek contour.  My lamp came packaged well, was quick to assemble, and overall felt great.   Lamps.com offers lamps at all prices making it affordable for many people, and they offer a wide selection of different styles.  I highly recommend checking them out next time you are in the market for lighting.

Some other bloggers have their lamps too, so I recommend checking out what they have to say about Lamps.com.   I enjoyed seeing their lamps in their homes since we all have different tastes.   There really is a style for everyone.

Kristen F. Davis

Brittany Makes

Whipperberry

xx nancy


I received a lamp in exchange for my review, which all opinions are mine. 

Wonky Triangles Pattern Release

Y'all.  I just gave birth.  Okay, not really, but it seriously feels that way after all the hard work that went into this!!  So without further ado, I would like you to meet my 9 megabyte . . .

This is my first pattern, and it is available for sale on Craftsy and Etsy!  Woo hoo! Can I get a wha-what along with some powerful fist bumps?!  Guys and gals, I could not be more excited.  I hope you are too.

So let me tell you about this pattern.

wonky triangles paper piecing pattern

• Great for all types of levels and comes in a 29 page PDF file.
• Features three different sizes - small (1.75"), medium (3.5"), and large (6.5")
• Directions on how to complete a panel as well as helpful tips, which will aid in successful completion of this project
• 22 different templates included for versatility.
• There are a lot of design possibilities because of the ability to customize each template, including the ability to create any size you want for your panel or block! 
• Perfect for making zip pouches, bags, pillows, table runners, quilts, sashing, or anything else your heart desires
• Perfectly priced at $1.99.

Here is a sampling of what I have made using my pattern.

Artist's Roll using the small triangles

A sample block using the medium triangles to create a wonky chevron pattern.

A Modern and Sweet Quilt using the large triangles.

Before I share with you what is being given away, I would like to shout out a HUGE THANK YOU to all these wonderful shops who are showing their support this day by offering my readers a chance to win some fabulous prizes!  Thank you!!!  Without you, this party would have been pretty lame.

Fat Quarter Shop is offering one lucky reader a $20 gift certificate to their shop.  They offer a large selection of fabrics, so I am positive you will find something you will LOVE!

Find Fat Quarter Shop elsewhere:  Facebook, Twitter, and on their blog.

Are you familiar with Maze & Vale?  You should be!  Her hand printed fabrics are to die for!

Leslie is offering up this extra large Sample Pack, which is 3 times the size of her standard sample packs.  It features a variety of Maze & Vale prints and colors.  This beautiful bundle is valued at $30.

Find Maze & Vale elsewhere: Etsy, Facebook, Blog, Pinterest, Instagram, Flickr

My pattern is perfect for scraps, so I was thrilled when Kimberly from Poppyseed Fabrics wanted to giveaway a bag of scraps!  Poppyseed Fabrics stuffed a large bag with awesome fabrics, weighing in at 2 pounds.  This will measure approximately 8 yards of fabrics and valued at $50!  Have fun with that my friends.

Find Poppyseed Fabrics elsewhere:  Facebook, Blog, Etsy circle 

Jennifer, from Tactile Fabrics, is graciously offering up 10 fat quarters from the Zen Chic's Barcelona collection.  Blue and orange is a popular, winning combo in the sewing community.

Find Tactile Fabrics elsewhere:  Facebook,  Twitter

Erin, of Mina Prints, has graciously supplied one of my readers with a beautiful scrap pack bundle and two panels of her hand printed fabrics!  Her prints are colorful and cheery and would complement many projects.

(Giveaway is closed)

Find Mina Prints elsewhere: Etsy, Blog

Find owen's olivia elsewhere: Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, Etsy

Follow along:

Bloglovin'  and RSS

Can't wait to win the pattern?  Buy it on Craftsy or Etsy!

Roly-Poly Pinafore by Imagine Gnats || Review || Giveaway

Hello!  Today is my stop on the Roly-Poly blog hop.  `

This little girl had enough before I was able to shoot the reversible side.  I was one of the lucky ones to receive this pattern from Imagine Gnats to review.   This is my fourth article of clothing I have ever made.  You can see one, two, and three here.  I am not sure why I do not make more clothes!!

The Roly Poly Pinafore is an easy pattern and perfect for a beginner who can sew a straight line and understand basic sewing terminology and instructions. I could easily see a mother and daughter team sewing this up together.  It's a pattern that can teach sewing skills to younger children.  I LOVE that this dress is reversible.  As someone who has little storage in her home, I love clothes that can double duty.

I also love that I can customize this pattern.  Pockets, no pockets, or add a decorative detail like I did with the placket.  (The placket is an original design I did and is not included in the pattern.)  Two looks, one dress.  My kind of a pattern!

Do note:  The pattern instructs you to sew a pleat in the front, which I changed a bit because I wanted to add a placket.  I made my pleat open a little wider and did not stitch it down the front.  I also used regular Steam a Seam, the only  fusible webbing I had on hand.  This did not allow me to press around the neck area resulting in a slight bib like look for the the front, but I really like how it turned out, even with a peek of my reversible fabric on the front!  It did not affect the integrity of the dress, but if you want to make a placket without a little bit of the reversible fabric showing, I think a light fusible webbing will do the trick. 

Want to see what the others made?  Here's the roundup.

5.13 Jill Made with Moxie / Stephanie The Crafty Kitty

5.14 Stephanie NeurosesGalore / Cherie you & mie

5.15 Ari Max California / Caila Caila Made

5.16 Veronica SewVery / Tara Girl like the sea

5.17 Nancy owen's olivia / Adrianna Crafterhours

5.20 Ajaire Call ajaire / Sarah EmmylouBeeDoo

5.21 Laura Craftstorming / Jessica a little gray

5.22 Frances Miss Matatabi / Nicke kiss kiss quilt

5.23 Amy formwork design / Kat Sew Chibi

5.24 Joanne Rose & Dahlia / Amanda Kitschy Coo

5.27 Celina Petit a Petit and family / Delia Delia Creates

5.28 Christy a.Amelia handmade / Carolyn Fake It While You Make It

5.29 Bonnie Fishsticks Designs / Maria La Inglesita

5.30 Jane Buzzmills / Kate Things for Charlie

5.31 Polly Jack & GeeGee / Molly Rose & Odin

This giveaway is closed.

Would you like to try this pattern out for yourself?  Rachael is graciously giving away her pattern to one lucky owen's olivia reader.

Leave me a comment below telling me something you have planned for the summer.  My little family and I packed our bags and drove from North Carolina to California to live there for the summer!   I'll pick a winner on Monday.

You can purchase a pattern here.

Dress -  Pattern by Imagine Gnats.  Original design made by me.  Quilt designed and made by me.