Are you the type of sewer to throw a sewing project together in a couple nights? Or do you prefer an ongoing project like the process of reading a book? Typically I am the go-getter type who spends a couple nights on sewing projects. This week I found was not the case. I started a simple tote out of some fabric that I have had for a while. Later I found myself running back to my sew for an hour or so when I had a break in my day.  I know everyone has their own process of creativity, and time management. I think I have found what works for me and keeps me interested in the completed project! An hour here, and hour there and before you know it the project is complete!

Have an unsightly kennel in your house? Create a cute and functional kennel cover for man’s best friend that you’ll both love!

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As vacation time nears, get ready to catch some z’s on those long flights or road trips. What’s better, this simple but stylish pillow case is constructed of 4 fat quarters so there is no yardage to buy and minimal fabric leftover.

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Enjoy an evening with the girls by hosting a dessert party - these charming napkins will be sure to add a touch of whimsy!

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I found this awesome article on Smashing Magazine and wanted to share it with you. It has some awesome inspirational items that should get your creative juices flowing. What do you think?

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/04/18/the-beauty-of-knitting/

Pod for the Queen of Wool

Checkout Kit Lane’s Flickr photostream for more awesome inspiration.

because we all know that we have one.  You know, that crazy side of you that loves stuff made from fabric that has been cut apart and put back together.

Last Christmas a friend turned me onto this really simple quilt pattern and book, Turning Twenty by Tricia Cribbs.  It looked really simple but already having several Christmas projects in danger of non-completion I tabled the pattern.

Recently, one of my local fabric haunts had a blow out sale on fat quarters.  The light bulb in my head went off.  The Turning Twenty pattern I had called for 20 fat quarters.  I did some quick math, determined it fit into my budget and off I went to gather my fat quarters.

Well, that was two weeks ago.  Since then, I have pressed, cut and pieced (the art of sewing the blocks back together after you cut them apart) my very first almost queen size quilt top!  It took 2 evenings for cutting and two afternoons for sewing and waa-laa!  It was quick, easy and I must say, for my first  it’s pretty fabulous!  It’s official, my quilter has been outed!  I already have my next one planned and can’t wait to get started.

So, check out this pattern and release your inner quilter!  I would love to hear about your experiences

What better way to get the party started than with a fun table setting! These will quickly become essential for all your family celebrations.

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Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and other Latin countries which honors and celebrates friends and family members. Every year on November 1st and 2nd, All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day, alters are made to honor loved ones in which favorite food and drinks are set out in honor of the deceased. Decorations are bright and vibrant to truly celebrate life and not mourn death. Flowers, candles, brightly colored sugar skulls as well as favorite music is all a part of the festival.

Being that the celebration is such a colorful and beautiful event, there are great craft projects that use the colors and fun sugar skull images of the festival.  I have made an easy tote using some fabric featuring the sugar skull image.  It is a large tote that would be great for taking books to and from the library or some light grocery shopping.  When putting this together don’t be afraid to use bright colors that mix n’ match.  The Day of the Dead celebration is all  about the vibrancy of life.

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Taking clothing from a thrift store, or even your own closet, and making it something new can be an exhilerating and exciting project.  This Halloween, take something old and make it a great old-time costume.  This dress was a basic, peach-colored, 1980s prom dress made into an 1880s gown.  By taking bits and pieces from a few sources, you can create something new (and old) for a great costume that will leave people speechless.

Being a busy, working mom of two small kids, I love to use clothes that my kids already have and some other materials from around the house to make their Halloween costumes.  That’s what my parents did when I was young, and that’s what I do.  I made this costume with that in mind.

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