Summer bunting

I first created this bunting as part of my assignment for the Doodlebug design team.  I love all the fun shapes, the bright colors and the abundance of embellishments.

I used buttons and bits of fabric for leaves to create some button posies.

Then I used some scraps to make the scrunched flowers.  I joined the flags using four different colors of twine.

Whether you're hosting a family barbeque, or looking for something to spruce up the kids' lemonade stand- you just can't go wrong with a bright colorful bunting.  

You can make it elaborate like this one, or keep it simple with just one shape and one layer of fabric sewn together in a row.  Either way you can add color and fun to any outdoor event.

Happy Monday!

xoxo,

Amy 

linked up to What We Wore, Read, Created at Raegun Ramblings

Point of View Reveal- Outdoors

It's that time of year when we try to head outside- barbeques, parties, fireworks, camping.  We're ready to enjoy sunshine and friends.  Well, we're here to help with some fun ideas to add some creativity to your outside adventures.

Jonie shares a Hello sign

Leanne made Drop Cloth Porch Curtains

Stephanie created a wobble board

Amy- you can see details of my Summer Bunting here

Ashlee created Mason Jar Condiment Dispensors

Have you done something to spruce up your yard?  Did you come up with a game to keep the kids busy at a block party?  We'd love to have you add your ideas to our link party:

We look forward to featuring your projects and pinning your awesome ideas!

xoxo,
Amy

It's my Party- Project 2

I'll admit that this week has been insane.  Birthday celebrations, graduations (preschool and kindergarten), cub scouts, lots of driving from here to there.  

But, there's also been a lot of fun- seeing friends for the first time in years, lots of fabric buying and late night laughs with friends.

It means that I didn't get to today's project until, well, today.  But, instead of giving up on it, I went ahead and pushed through.  And, I'm so happy I did.

 

I had an idea of what I wanted this pillow to be, but I wasn't sure how I would get it to come together.  Then,  I went shopping at my local quilt shop and saw these fun polka dot fabrics and they were just what I was looking for.

I used wonder under to fuse the "ribbons" to the front fabric, then added a layer of batting and muslin and quilted around them.  I love the extra bit of dimension the loft of batting creates.

I'm working on more pillows for our sofa, to add a punch of color to our family room, but for now, I think it looks perfect paired with this yellow shag pillow.

 And now I have to just comment on Gwen's project.  When I opened the picture I was floored.  It's gorgeous, don't you think?  I LOVE the quilting she used on it.  I am always amazed at how rows of stitching can change the whole feel of a project and these straight lines on the angle are just what this quilt needs.  To see more details, head over to her blog.

xoxo,
Amy

linked up to What We Wore, Read, Created at Raegun Ramblings

It's My Party- Project 1

As moms we often get put on the back burner.  We put our dreams and ambitions on hold in order to place our focus and energy on raising our children.  And while I firmly believe that raising children is the most important job we will ever do in our lifetimes, I think it's important that we don't lose our entire identity in the process.

When I first saw this Noteworthy fabric from Moda at my local quilt shop, I knew it would be perfect for a dream journal.  I make covered notebooks as part of my inventory when I do boutiques so I bought enough fabric to make a few- and I got both color ways- blue and gray.  

 I fussy cut a strip so the Be Happy part would be centered, then I created this pleated strip to help those important words stand out.  One of my main goals in life is to be Happy- no matter what circumstances I'm going through.

And while not every single thing on here is an actual goal of mine (I'm pretty sure I don't want a birthday party in Las Vegas ;) ) many of the things on here are things I want to do one day.  And inside the book, I'm keeping lists of goals and dreams, scheming about how to achieve them and doodling just for fun.

Because, right now I'm in the middle of babies and kiddos- but one day they will grow up and I'll be ready to make some big moves.  But if I keep up with my journal, hopefully my ambitions won't have even gotten dusty and I'll know just where I want to go and how to get there.

And don't forget to head over to Gwenny Penny to check out her gift to herself- this darling flat bottomed zipper pouch.

xoxo,

Amy 

linked up to What We Wore, Read, Created at Raegun Ramblings

3rd Annual Birthday Bash

What's better than celebrating your Birthday?  Celebrating it with one of your best friends!

This year we're mellowing out the party a bit (maybe because we're getting OLDER?) and we're going to post projects on Wednesday and Friday.  These are- do it because you want to, just for you, anything you like- projects that we have wanted to do, but never took the time to get done.  And maybe if you have something like that on your list, you'll pull it out and join us in some fun, just for yourself kind of creating.

And, since today is my actual birthday, I'm going to go enjoy a Diet Coke, pull out the sewing machine and have some fun before going on a date with my handsome hubby tonight.  

I hope you all have a terrific Monday!

xoxo,
Amy

Scrunched Flower tutorial

 Today I am going to share with you how I make these super fun, easy flowers.  

Do you like my amazingly technical name? 

Scrunched Flowers?  

It's the best I could come up with.  Feel free to share your opinions on the name of this flower.

Anywho.

 

You may remember seeing these flowers here on my most recent Business card portfolio.

 

 Or you might recognize them from this machine cover I sewed last year.

They are a favorite of mine because they are simple and fast and flat, so they add some style, without adding bulk to your project.

Let's get started shall we?  For the purposes of this tutorial, I will only show you how to make the flower, but I am doing so on a cover for a small notebook.  For the flower you will need a base fabric to sew on and a square of fabric that is larger than the flower you want to make.  How much bigger the square is will determine how full and "scrunched" the flower ends up.  In my example, the square is only slightly bigger than the flower I will be making.  If you want to add leaves, you will also need a scrap of fabric for those.

 

Start by drawing a circle that is just barely smaller than the flower you want to make.  (I often get lazy and skip this, but it's much easier to end up with the shape you want if you do it. ;) )  If you are adding leaves, now is the best time to stitch those down.  Make sure the end overlaps the circle so it is covered by the flower.

 Bring the flower fabric over to the circle.  Fold over the edge of one straight side just a bit.  You can see in the picture how I do it.  Take this folded edge and place it over the circle.  Begin sewing, but just take a few stitches.  

 

Continue around the circle, lifting up the presser foot and adjusting the fabric as you go around.  When you get to the corners of the flower fabric, you will need to push it in to line it up with the circle, this is what gives the folding and pleating that creates the flower effect.  Taking your time, lifting the presser foot often and making sure your folded edge is just wide enough to be caught and sewn down, but not so wide it eats up your flower fabric, will ensure the best results.

When you get to the beginning of your sewn circle, you will have a "pouf" of fabric in the center.  It means you did it right. :)  Take the fabric and "scrunch" it down, creating folds and tucks.  Sew down with a loose swirl in the center of the flower.

Use your fingers the push the fabric around to make sure the folds get tacked down.  When your swirl reaches the center, you're finished.

Trim your threads and enjoy your flower.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask- I will be happy to help.

xoxo,

Amy

Wrap card for mini coin purse- Guest Posting at Keeping it Simple

I am sharing the tutorial for how I made this wrap card over on Keeping it simple.  It's perfect for my Mini Coin Purse, a candy bar or any small gift.  Just measure your item and follow the directions found here.

It's a fun way to add a little extra something to your gifts.  

Have a happy Friday!

XOXO,

Amy