I'm Guest Posting...Scrappy Pincushions Tutorial

Today is a special day for me!

I'm sharing a guest post over at

Bear Creek Quilting Company blog,

with a brand-new pincushion tutorial!

I used a delicious jelly roll of 

LARIO...

by 3 Sisters for Moda,

plus some yardage to match.

Here's just one of the pinnies 

that popped out of my jelly roll...

it's reversible, and this is the selvage side!

This pinnie was based on the Skinny Pincushion

I made for my swap partner, that I shared here.

Read all about how to make these

quick and easy scrappy pinnies.

While you're in the neighborhood,

be sure to check out the big Spring Sale

at Bear Creek Quilting Company!

{Hurry...sale ends March 31 at midnight...no foolin'!}

Springtime in the Kitchen

Home Sweet Home...

We've just returned from a family trip to Florida!

Those warm sunny days make me wish spring would

hurry up and make its way to Pennsylvania!

{I picked up some daisies to brighten the kitchen, while I wait.}

Remember my kitchen table topper,

made from some happy red gingham

and a vintage-style cherry print from Terry's Fabrics?

Well, I've used it again to add some more cherry pop

to my country kitchen.

I started with a little cherry berry basket,

made using this tutorial from Noodlehead.

Paper napkins are very lovely in my basket...

but so are GINGHAM napkins!

All I did was hem some 14 1/2" squares of gingham. 

Since they are woven, there is no "wrong side."

{I always say, you can't go wrong with gingham.}

Next on my wishlist for my cherry kitchen

was a little counter topper,

made to match the table topper.

How did I do it?  Simple!

Cutting:

(6) 2 1/2" x 15" cherry strips

(6) 2 1/2" x 15" gingham strips

(1) 12" x 15" Pellon ShapeFlex SF101 interfacing

(1) 12" x 15" cherry backing

At least 1 1/2 yds. Ricrac - 5/8" wide 

Sewing:

Stitch the strips of fabric together

with a 1/4" seam, pressing each seam to one side.

When finished,

the patchwork measures 12" x 15".

Fuse the SF101 interfacing to the 

back of the patchwork, to give it wonderful shaping.

Next baste the gingham in place

just less than 1/4" from the edges of the patchwork.

Pin the patchwork top and the cherry backing

wrong sides together, and stitch just inside the basting,

so that the previous stitches will not show.

Leave an opening on one side for turning.

Turn the topper right sides out,

and smooth out the ricrac along the edges.

Press well, then topstitch near the edges to finish!

I think it looks just great on my countertop.

You know what else?  

It's reversible!

 It makes me smile to see those little aqua dots
in the background of the cherry print.
I really love decorating my kitchen with cherry pop!

Soon the sunny days will be here at my house,

and I'll be making some fresh food...

and sewing some fresh new projects.
I've got a new set of fabrics from Terry's Fabrics to show you!

Come back soon to see what's cooking!

{I'm happy to be the newest contributor for the How To Blog at Terry's Fabrics! 
Head on over to check out more great ideas...}

Linking up with Fort Worth Fabric Studio

N Is For Noodlehead - My Latest Divided Basket

Hello, Friends - 

I've just got time to check in for a quick post today!

I've got photos of my latest installment

in the series of Divided Baskets

from the awesome Noodlehead pattern.

For this version,

I used some of the orchid prints in

Heather Ross's Briar Rose line.

{Here is the back view of the basket...}

This pretty basket is a gift

to welcome a lovely new baby girl!

I chose to decorate the basket

with her initial...N.

I used a panel from Lakehouse Dry Goods,

found here at Desperate Quilters,

printed in bronze to look like cross-stitch.

I had a bit of Jennifer Paganelli fabric

from one of her early lines called Bell Bottoms.

I liked the way it looked

as an accent for the pocket and handles.

{I love blending unexpected prints from unrelated fabrics!}

I really love making these baskets for new moms.

They add a pretty storage option

for little diapers, little books,

little socks and shoes,

and so much more.

Look closely at the Briar Rose prints...

do you see them???

That's right...SHAMROCKS!

They fit right in with this month's

Across the Pond Sew Along theme!

Have you made something with shamrocks, too?
Don't forget to add your photos to the Flickr group!

Until next time...happy stitching!

Shamrocks for March

Here comes the month of March,

sweeping in like a lion.

Wouldn't you love to take your mind

off of the weather,

and create something fresh and springlike?

Join with us in the Across The Pond Sew Along,

with a SHAMROCKS theme!

We've researched some wonderful

Shamrock projects,

and Susie's listed a bunch of them

over at Susie's Sunroom.

Not to be outdone...

The Patchsmith has even created a brand-new

free tutorial for a Shamrock mug rug!

Myself,

I am craving this lovely table runner,

which is the Option B project from

the Moda Bake Shop Susie used for

her table topper.

I'm wishing for the luck o' the Irish

and some extra sewing time

during the month of March.

If you're like me, and are looking for

something quick and cute,

check out the Shamrock tutorial I've found

at Positively Splendid.

Photo by Amy of Positively Splendid

If you make something,

please add it to the Flickr group

for the Across the Pond Sew Along.

We love seeing what you've made!

Now where's my green felt?

I'm off to make my own lucky four-leaf clover!