Happy Birthday Marine Corps!

I could not be more thankful for the men and women who serve our country. I was very lucky to be raised by a 12-yr Marine Corps Captain. You better believe I know the Marine Corps Hymn, that "once a Marine, always a Marine", and that dress blues give you goosebumps. Pain is just in your head, "can't is not in your vocabulary" and America always prevails. I love my Marine. Thanks Dad for your service and unconditional love. Happy Marine Corps Birthday!

Anne Marie Horner- Queen's of Hearts

Anne Marine Horner has my favorite classic red, white and blue fabric. The illusion of dynasty theme, made with hearts and flowers is stunning. Beautiful Americana design.

Thanks to all that serve!

Happy Creating,
Jen

Amy Butler Voile Sun Glow Pillow

Hi Friends!

It's been a long busy week for me. It's so nice to have a free Friday night to catch up.

Two years ago I made pillowcases and a bed skirt for my master bedroom. It was a fun project using Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane collection. With that project, I had a lot of scraps left over. They've been lonely in my fabric stash... so I made it a mission to find a project for them. 

I've been so interested in quilting lately, but it intimidates the heck out of me. The perfection of seams is just not my strong suit yet. BUT I love the idea of having all my favorite fabrics on one beautiful piece. Lucky for me, I found this great free tutorial from Amy Butler. It's the perfect entry level quilting project. 

Masterpiece Complete

My favorite detail of this pillow is the alternating pom-poms.

The making of the fabric square is pretty forgiving. You will need 6 different fabric patterns of a half yard each. Another cool detail of the pattern is the triangle shapes of the quilting. When I orignally printed the pattern, I thought it was a simple retangle pattern, however, I love the interesting lines the triangles makes. Great detail that brings more interest to the pillow.

Here is the quilted template; you will then cut out your 24.5 x 24.5 pattern.

 

Pin your pom-pom string on and sew. Cut the same size backing, pin and sew to create pillowcase with 18" opening on one side. Slip stitch closed.

Stuffing the pillow into this pillowcase reminded me of trying to get into skinny jeans. Except for my skinny jeans always win. I won the pillowcase war. Score!

Breaker wanted in on the action! Breaker says "Hi Y'ALL!"

I highly suggest this pattern! I am very happy with my new pillow. What do y'all think?

Happy Creating,
Jen

Amy Butler's Alchemy Organic

Amy Butler just released her latest fabric collection titled "Alchemy Organics". It's is a beautiful collection of organic fabric featuring beautiful whimsical prints. I saw this release and immediately became obsessed. Lucky for me, the fabric store in town had the full collection and I was able to snag a  yard of each.

Now here comes the tough part... what to make? I honestly, don't want to cut into them for fear of making a mistake on this beautiful fabric. Well, that and the fact that they are more expensive than typical designer fabric for their organic quality. Here are my two favorites!

This is my all time fav!

 Amy Butler's Alchemy Organic Collection

They are just gorgeous, right?! I just want to LIVE in these fabrics. The fact that its 30 degrees outside and these are clearly spring has not stopped me from wanting to sport these underneath my winter coat. I'll will bring spring beauty to this cold Minneapolis winter. Sounds like a good plan in theory. ;) Winter can exist outside and spring can exist inside. Yes.

What would you create? Would love to hear your ideas!

Happy creating,
Jen

Game Day Skirt for a Game Day WIN!

I am so excited for the LSU Alabama game today! So excited. This always becomes the biggest game of the season and I love it. Saturday night in Death Valley...Love.

I wanted to make something for the game. One MUST look cute for the big game. Its a must. ;)

I have been in love with this yellow chevron fabric for quite some time, but have never gotten the chance to use it. Here's my chance.

I used this pattern that I found at the fabric store, Audrey Wrap Skirt. It was very easy to read and follow. I have 2 'call-outs' for the pattern.

1. Read before you cut. I didn't read that you need to add your seam allowance to the pattern. I just cut the pattern and then read that they wanted you to add a half inch to the patter to allow for seam allowances. I don't like that at all. I feel like your seam allowances should be built into the patter. So be careful and read before you cut.

2. Don't make the ribbon as instructed. The pattern has you sewing the fabric ribbon in half, sewing and then turning. This takes far too long, 45 mins, and makes your hands cramp. Next time I will be making the ribbon just like I made the fabric ribbon in my pendant banner tutorial. Cutting my strips 4 inches wide so that your ribbon is a solid inch.

I added interfacing to the chevron side as you could see through the white. I'm not sure I would do that again. It is stiffer than I would like. I'm hoping that after the first wash it will flow/move better. Other that that, I'm in love. It was a 3 hour project for me, but I wasn't sewing the whole time and the fabric ribbon took much longer than it should have.

Game Day outfit complete! What do you think? I can't decide which side to wear... maybe I'll switch it around at half-time. Which side is your favorite?

Reversible wrap skirt!

Wrap skirt side "FUN"!

Wrap skirt side "Pretty"

Tiger Stadium, where opponents dreams come to die.

My new outfit and I are ready for a win!  GEAUX TIGERS!

Breaker's ready for the game too!!

I think he knows he is a stud muffin.