Bari J.

Gen Q is going to print... they just need a tiny little kick from us!

Let's Kickstart them!

Watch the video and visit GenQ for more information! 

Sewing Summit and a Bag Handle How-to Video

Warning: I'm about to be somewhat corny. The reason is that I'm still feeling all warm and fuzzy inside from Sewing Summit. As the event approached, I have to admit, was nervous. Would people like my presentation? Will I live up to who people think I may be? Will they be disappointed? How am I going to teach a whole handbag in one hour without the use of any sewing machines?

But in the end, all that anxiety was for nothing. Sewing Summit was filled with down to earth people. There was lots of learning and sewing and it was a low key, accepting atmosphere. All of which we have two wonderful, passionate women to thank, Erin and Amy. The most wonderful part of the weekend was truly meeting all of the "friends in my phone" from Twitter.

While there, I taught Handbags 101. Because I knew I only had an hour (and no one would be sewing) I made a ton of how-to videos for my class. And in the spirit of Sewing Summit (which in the end sorta' felt like it was about sharing and sisterhood as much as sewing), I'd like to share one of them with you. This video is about how to make a cute trendy handle. In it I am referring to my Springtime in Paris Pocketbook pattern (there's a kit here) which I taught in it's entirety. But, of course, these handles can be made for any bag. Happy stitching!

 

 

(... or is it part of my evil plot to get you stitching this Summer?)

I'm so honored my friend, Natalie, asked me to be part of the blog tour for her first book, Cotton Floss. Natalie is an expert stitcher with such an unmistakeable style. I'm crazy for her work. And I know if you are not already a Cinderberry Stitches fan, you will be momentarily. You'll need to find out her other exciting news over at her blog, but here's a hint... she's has something in common with Monica, Lynette, Denise, Sarah, Meg, Brenda, Rosalie and moi.

But with out further Adieu... here it is! Do you love the owls as much as I do?

The dreamy cover leads to super fun projects that feature simple stitches and great ideas.

I particularly love the way Natalie tells a story with each of her designs. This is Lizzie. She's got a "cheeky" and charming personality like her adorable creator.

I couldn't resist diving right into this book. So I started with one of the blocks above. It is also featured as a cover you can make for your books, which is what I'm planning on doing with my block. I framed it with a little Paris Apartment ("le salle du Soleil" or "sun room" in the coral colorway).

I bet you'd love a copy of this book. Natalie generously sent one for me to give away. AND... I'm also throwing in a Paris Apartment charm pack, which by the by mixes quite nicely with our friend Monica's Happy Mochi Yum Yum. (M gave away a charm pack on her end of the tour... I totally copied her for this give-away. You can't blame me, can you? She's got some rockin' good ideas.)

Here's the dealy if you want to win... leave a comment here swearing on your life that if you don't already embroider, you'll start.

Alright. I'm just kidding. But really. Stitch, K? And leave a comment here to tell Natalie that she is the queen of stitches and you love her dearly and that if you don't win, you'll purchase the book straight away.

That's all. I'll pick a winner on Monday. Deal?

Thank you! 

Oh, and also, go to all these stops on the blog tour if you haven't already. You'll find not just the tour but a slew of incredible talent.

Sunday 6/12    Monica 
Monday 6/13    Amanda
Tuesday 6/14    Pam
Wednesday 6/15    Sarah
Thursday 6/16   Krista
Friday 6/17   Yours Truly... you are here already.
Saturday 6/18    Shari 
Sunday 6/19    Paige

 

 UPDATE: JUNE 20, 2011 -- The winner is #114

Indianna, please email me at bari at barijonline dot com to claim your prize!

 

A WINNER HAS BEEN PICKED. NO MORE ENTRIES, PLEASE.

 

 

Have you ever wondered why one of your favorite bloggers was Inspired to Sew in the first place? What got them started? Who taught them to sew? Why do they love it so much? The Inspired to Sew blog tour will include answers to these questions and ...

each will Give Away a copy of Inspired to Sew as well!

Mark your calendars and remember to stop by for a chance to win. And be sure to tell us why YOU are inspired to sew!

January 31 Mary Abrue: Confessions of a Craft Addict

February 1, Jennifer Paganelli: Sis Boom!

February 2, Jona Giammalava: Stop Staring and Start Sewing

Feb 3, Rashida Coleman Hale: I Heart Linen

Feb 4, Sarah Fielke: The Last Piece

Feb 5, Jenny Doh: Crescendoh

Feb 6, Cara Wilson: Cara Quilts

Feb 7, Deborah Moebes: Whipstitch Fabrics

Feb 8, Monica Solorio-Snow: Happy Zombie

And... (edit) Susanne Woods will be giving away a stack of my Full Bloom fabric (which is no longer in print) at the end of the tour on the Stash Books Blog on February 9! 

Welcome to the last but not least stop on the blog tour of Little Girls, Big Style by Mary Abreu!

I had the honor of being in on the secret of Mary's book writing early on as we are both C&T Stash authors. She's been a friend to me throughout both of our journeys for which I can't thank her enough. And needless to say, with the inside scoop of how awesome this book was shaping up as she went along, I could not wait to see it in all it's glory.

I most certainly was not disappointed. When you take a look at the cover of this book, it's not difficult to fall in love, but open it up and you'll have an all out romance with sewing.

The photography is gorgeous, the instructions are impeccable and you get a ton of bang for your buck with four patterns that create an entire wardrobe of clothing.

This is Mary's debut sewing book and it clearly shows she is no newcomer to sewing. She's an expert, and today, we are lucky to have a bonus guest post from her with her favorite sewing tips, below. 

Oh, and did I mention a give-away? Why yes, I believe I did. Leave a comment at the end of this post, and I'll pick a winner on Monday. 

Without further adieu, here's my friend, Mary Abreu:

I’m so fortunate that I get to do what I love on a daily basis. Sewing truly makes me happy and I love that I get to share that by teaching others how to sew. Seeing my students complete their first project lets me relive the excitement of sewing my first pillow and I get this warm, fuzzy feeling about sparking a love of sewing in someone else. Bari asked if I’d share some of my favorite sewing tips and I’m delighted to oblige with the list I give my Sewing 101 students. Some of these were passed on to me from my mom, while others are gleaned from my sewing experiences. I hope you find them useful tools for your sewing arsenal.

• Invest in the best tools you can. Many times there really is a difference between the cheapest and the not cheapest. It’s worth it to spend a little more if it means it’s more durable and reliable.

• Designate a sewing space and own it. When my husband was in law school, we turned the walk-in closet of our master bedroom into an office for him. Space was at a premium (two-bedroom apartment for four people) and sacrificing closet space was worth it for him to have a designated study area. It’s a lot easier to enjoy your sewing if you have some space you can call your own, whether it’s a spare room, corner of the dining room or even a closet.

• Wind an extra bobbin at the start. I rarely get through a project without needing to replace the bobbin. It’s a lot easier to just drop in a second one instead of unthreading my machine mid-stream and loading a new bobbin.

• Trim threads as you go. I am horrible about doing this but it’s really the easiest way to make sure you snip all those dangling threads.

• Use a different color bobbin thread when you gather. If you use the thread-gathered method, it’s a lot easier to separate your bobbin thread if it’s a different color than your spool.

• Remove pins ahead of the presser foot. My mom taught me to just sew over pins and it’s really been a hard habit to break. If you’re lucky, you’ll just break a machine needle or bend a pin. On the other hand, you can end up with a pointy projectile or mess up the timing of your sewing machine.

• Round the edges of elastic before pulling it through a casing. It feeds through more smoothly with no corners to catch inside the casing.

• An ergonomic seam ripper is worth it. Everybody unsews. It’s just part of the process. You may as well have one that fits in your hand for those times when you sew and serge the bottom tier of a twirly dress right side to wrong side.

• Start a sewing notebook. I use mine for keeping track of the kids’ measurements (note the date you measured), settings on my serger and a shopping list when I’m running low on an item.

• Sew for the ones you love -- but only if they can appreciate it. People who don’t “get” handmade gifts, people who point out flaws — get them gift cards. Your favorite aunt who taught you how to crochet when you were 10 and praised the 8-foot-long bookmark you made? Sew for her.

This has been a whirlwind week. I did a radio interview plus a tutorial and a giveaway were posted today!

If you missed my interview on Pat Sloan's Creative Talk Radio you can download the podcast here.  My interview was the one on December 6, 2010.

Check out Sew4home for the how-to on this project and a bit of the conversation I had with Editor, Liz Johnson.

And for a giveaway of my latest four patterns and my "Holiday Traditions" story, visit Where Women Create... There you'll find a giveaway a day and holiday traditions from many designers for their Twelve days of Christmas! They are already on day 9! Run on over there and sign up!

 

 

We all know it. There's no one like Monica Solorio-Snow of The Happy Zombie. We love her for a reason. She's awesome. Really awesome. And I'm not just saying that to suck up, or because she's my new fabric sister. She really is.

Go on and stop by her blog (I'm betting you have already), and see the rest of the goody bags she made with Country Lane. I'm bringing these sweeties to quilt market and fillin' 'em with candy. I bet some lucky people will get one. Hint: booth 1261. See you there, right?

The next stop on the Country Lane Garden Walk is at the home of Blue Nickel studios with Scott Hansen.

Scott designed a beautiful runner which he's offering as a free pattern AND he's having a little giveaway! I also answered some questions I'm sure you'll be dying to know the answer to; like who my teenage idol was. I know! You were going to ask me that too, right?

The walking tour of the gardens on Country Lane (that's what I've decided to rename my bloggy tour) continues with stops at the blogs of Rebecca Makas (Restitcherator) and John Adams (Quilt Dad).

These two totally rock out the Country Lane fabric combos. I love what both of you have done. Thank you for letting us stop by.

Stop by Resticherator for a pattern review of my Green Living Market Bag.

And Then stop by Quilt Dad for a fabulous log cabin quilt tutorial!

 
 There's an informal-ish Country Lane Blog Tour going on, and I'm answering all sorts of fun and interesting questions. 

Stop by the blog of my friend, Stephanie at Little Lady Patchwork where I tell you all about how I got started doing what I do. I blab quite a bit of the details over there! And you are going to love Stefanie! Her work is fabulous! 

And while you are surfing... you might (I'm just saying) want to get in on a giveaway of Country Lane over at Quilting/Sewing Mecca, Fat Quarter Shop! 

I'll be announcing stops at the blogs of several other friends in the coming days! Keep your eyes peeled!

 

PS Pictures included are of the upcoming sewing pattern projects mentioned in the previous post... 'cause I have this rule about no posts without pictures. I wouldn't want to bore you. ;) 

The flower at the top is a bonus for the Flower Market Tote. 
 

 

My home away from home has changed owners. I'm so excited for my friend Marby who has purchased, Quilter's Inn in Danville, CA (125-F Railroad Ave). 

I have to tell you, without this store, and the ladies who work there, I'm not sure I'd be doing what I am today. Jane, the previous owner and Marby, the new owner are two of the sweetest, most supportive people you could know. 

The new name of the shop is Wooden Gate Quilts. It's currently closed for the week as it gets a few updates: paint etc, but when it opens I'm sure it's going to be better than ever.  I was lucky enough to be asked to create the new logo for the shop. Marby has such pretty, simple taste. The new logo fits her just perfectly.

I hope you'll visit when it reopens (next week if all goes as planned, I believe). There are still drop-ins on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 to 2 with Janis and Margaret. I try to make at least one of those days each week. And I hope to teach a couple classes there soon too. So, I'll let you know when that happens. 

 

Happy Monday, blog-land. 

One of my goals this year is to be a better blogger. Part of the plan is to offer more free downloads (patterns, cards, labels and such... I'm working on it), and part of my plan is to give you a closer look at day to day life (hoping you are interested). I've mentioned before that most of my Mondays are spent at the Quilter's Inn sewing and socializing with friends. Today the infamous, Pam of Pam Kitty Morning and Elizabeth of Late Bloomer Quilts stopped by to do some shopping. It's always nice to see those girls! 

Here are some of the many projects in the works at our sewing drop-in...

 

Above are some gorgeous Kaffe Fassett motifs cut out by Margaret... I'm not sure what she's planning, but I know it's going to be incredible.

 

And here Stephanie is working on a table-topper. Each piece is a circle and she is free-motion stitching them in place. Can't wait to see the finished project! 

I worked on getting a pattern design finished. I have a bit of a headache from it, but the second go-round I think I got it down. I'll be able to show you that soon. Speaking of which, I'm looking for a couple of pattern testers... anyone interested? Free fabric is involved, and you get to keep your project, of course. Let me know!

 
   

...my new pattern, Home Sweet Home. This piece will be displayed at Quilt Market in Houston this week. And the pattern will be available for free download when Art Journal hits stores in April. The piecing and collage was artfully (and expertly) executed by my good friends, Janis Stob and Margaret Linderman (a mother daughter team... aka, December's Child), and beautifully quilted by Deb McPartland.

Hugs and kisses to all three of you! Can't go it alone! Thanks for being there! 

 

 

In the roughest of times, good friends will get you through. Frankly, I don't know what I would have done without them in getting ready for quilt market and trying to finish a book at the same time (which is crazy and I do not recommend doing these two things at one time).

Here are some of the delights made from my new fabric line, Art Journal, by my sweet friends.

Jackie (Wren's Nest) made these beautiful pears and eggs. 

 

And Janis (December's Child) made the dress form, Mathilda as she is called. Janis and her mom, Margaret also made my quilt (Home Sweet Home) which I'll have pictures of soon! 
 

Ladies, I can not thank you enough! You've totally saved me.

More of what others and I have sewn up soon! 

ttfn,

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I gave up and stopped categorizing these pictures. They're all crazy mixed up, and that's the way they're going to stay. (Man, I have an uncanny way of creating more work for myself... I'm trying to give that up, but it's vuuuuurrrry difficult for me.).

Below is my new friend, Genevieve. She's also a new designer at Windham with her beautiful Collection, Flower Bucket. Genevieve also makes the most adorable jewelry. You can see some of it here. Wood, leather, total cute.

Next is Joanna Figueroa's booth, Fig Tree Quilts. Joanna is a local gal, and also a friend. She was so much part of my inspiration to get started. Her booth, btw, won best merchandising. You can see why.

Here is a shot of Jenean Morrison's marketing piece for her newest line for Free Spirit called Picnic Parade.

And here, a piece I nearly fell over when I saw by Paula Prass. It's in her new line, Summer Soiree for Michael Miller. I roomed with Paula, her daughter Jennifer AND Sandi Henderson. Four gals. One room. Tons of fun. And Miss Sandi... had a flip cam. She's in big trouble if she ever shows her recordings though. Makeup free and in pajamas. Hmmppff.

And, last (for today) but not least, Maw Bell Designs GORGEOUS quilt pattern. To die for, huh? And there's more more more to come. I didn't even show my very own space yet, did I?

Yay! Good news. My friend Jennifer has opened her new Sis Boom web store with home goods, childrens, women's and more made from her own fabrics. As expected, it is super beautiful. The site, first of all, is just so Jennifer. She has the most wonderful (I'd say classic/vintage-modern) style...

I am especially happy that she decided to sell her tunics in finished form. Methinks I'd look super-cute in this one! I think it's going to have to be a gift to myself when I loose that last 10 lbs. When am I going to do that?

And I'm also thinkin' this pillow would look really fluffy fun on the little settee in my living room.

This is one of my favorite Jennifer Paganelli fabrics. There's something so not-too-sweet-but-just-sweet-enough about Jennifer's designs.

So, if you haven't already stopped by the new site, it's definitely a must do/must see/must shop.

I've been wowed by something recently. Kindness. I know. Sometimes it's super hard to come by. Our world is moving so quickly it seems, but more and more I am grateful for moments that just make me stop. And realize good and kind and generous people are out there. Especially true in this little world of craft blogging, I've noticed.

One of these time-stopping moments happened Wednesday. I went to my UPS box to be greeted by a wonderful surprise. Melissa Schoenhardt (Find The Joy in Each Moment) sent me three of her adorable paperweights (see her store, Paper flowers, for more) which two little girls are already eyeing. I'm determined to keep them here in this little nest to be used as pattern weights before little hands take them off to stack on their own goodies.

As adorable as this present is, what really gave me a moment to pause was the note enclosed. It said, "Just wanted to thank you for inspiring me.". I stopped and just sat there in my car for a moment where I opened the envelope. I was wowed. First that I inspired someone, and then that Melissa took the time to tell me so. 

I can't help but be incredibly grateful. That note will do it for me for a long time to come. Melissa. Thank YOU. Every time I look at this special gift, it will make me smile and remind me to see the good and pass it along.

XO,

Do not walk... run to The Chit Chat Cafe, a new blog by my new friend, Lisa K. who owns the fabby Trunk Show Boutique in New Jersey.

Lisa's advice and "chit chat" will have you cracking up. And laughter is totally the best medicine.

Plus... yours truly made the new banner. My daughter was teasing me because I spent a good hour fiddling with the red shoe design only to reduce it down in size and hang it from the letter "C". But I think it was worth it. I love that cute shoe. It was based on this $695 shoe (yikes!) from NM. Don't you think I'd look HOT in those shoes? Hello!

Inspiration: Inspired, always, by my friends Janis and Margaret. This mother/daughter team owns Decembers Child. They teach, they sew, they write, they pattern, they inspire in so many ways. I'm not sure if there's anything they don't do well.

And now, lucky us... they'll be sharing "Inspiration, Creativity and Gratitude" on their new blog.

Creativity: You know how I love making a good blog-header, so when I finally managed to twist Janis's arm into blogging, creating this one for her was pure joy.

Gratitude: For wonderful friends and all that they share.

You're gonna' love these ladies as much as I do!

Hey all... been getting the question a lot these days. Where's Daphne?

I know, I know she hasn't been blogging. Just so you know, she had/has been quite sick for several months. Some not good stuff at all. BUT... she is on the mend and will return to blogland soon.

We can look forward to her hysterics and ranting to return in just a short while I am told.

So, send her a kiss and a get well message! I miss that girl!

Okee-dokee, people. Let me explain something to you... This was so difficult!!! There is not a lack of nice people out there bloggin' away for starters. Second many of them have already been awarded & third I'll just die if I left someone I needed to mention out. I just know I did. I can't think of it. So, whoever you are... I'm sorry. You are nice, you are!!! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Elizabeth at Daphne's Cottage: Now, please believe me when I tell you that this is N-O-T because she is my best customer. Also, don't believe a word of naughtiness that is on her blog. While it may be true... I'm still wondering... this woman has a heart of gold. She really has been nothing but NICE and really supportive of my work.

Kalurah at While They Play: I just "met" Kalurah through her blog. You know how you meet someone, and you just know you're gonna' like them? You'll totally feel that way when you visit her at While They Play. Her motherhood musings have me cracking up... and sometimes crying.

Tricia at A Little Birdie: Here's another gal I met whilst blogging (like my use of "whilst"?... I don't ever say that). I think her "about" section sums it up: "Homeschool Mother, Artist, Seeker. I find that other than being with my family, I am happiest surrounded by papers, paints, old lace and vintage photographs. I like to think of myself on a wonderful journey of personal discovery through making art." Ok, Tricia, you got me at "Homeschool Mother." I bow to Thee ("Thee?" AND whilst... in one post none-the-less!). And, all of you other homeschool mothers out there: I bow to thee too... I have no idea how you do it. I'd just go wack-a-doodle-doo. And, I must, must mention Tricia's work. Incredible!

Shannon at Miss Fickle Media: Ever supportive and oh so talented! I met Shannon blogging too... She comes to visit me often here on my little journal and always has something sweet to say. You may remember I showed you her art not too long ago... it's fabulous!

Heather at Present Past Collection: Go read her blog, and look at the pink goodness. I just like her. There's no explaining. Also, my goodness, go visit her new STORE. You'll just go crazy mad!

(Photo from Country Living Magazine.)