Bari J.

2013: The Year of the Paintbrush and The Running Shoe

 2013: The Year of the Paintbrush and The Running Shoe

As we come nearer to the close of 2013, I'm beginning to reflect on how much my life has changed over the past 12 months. It's been a year filled with huge growth for me.

January 4 of this year, I started exercising. Not a new resolution, it was just that this time? I was truly resolved. I was going to get fit once and for all. I was feeling like crap. I was overweight, and I'd injured my shoulder, both of which were keeping me feeling really unhappy. I started first with the elliptical, but quickly moved on to Zumba, Tabata, Spinning and then finally in March, I started running. Something I said I would never ever ever do. But oddly, I was finding I loved it.

By May, I was signed up for the Tinkerbell half marathon which happens January 19, 2014. My daughter and I will be running it together. I've been training all year. And, I now happily call myself a runner.

Sometime around February I started painting. With actual paint and paper and then later on canvas... as opposed to painting in Photoshop which is how I created 7 lines of fabric. So, though it totally works for me, photoshop, I needed for myself to brave the actual medium of paint. And frankly, it's as addicting as running has proved itself to be. 

In 2013, I became a runner. And a painter too.

At the beginning of the year, I was asked if I would sell my watercolors. At the time, my answer was a resounding, "I'm not ready. I'm just practicing.". I practiced and practiced and practiced. Those of you who follow me on social media probably know how much.

Now, after all these months, I've finally become ready to sell some prints of my work. So, I started uploading my designs (including those from my fabrics) to Society6. If you haven't checked Society6 out already, it's a must. There's so much great art on there. You can buy everything from prints and stretched canvases to phone covers and pillows.

I hope you will go check out my shop. I'd love to hear what you think. 

Thank you for being with me on this journey this year. I've appreciated all of your support, kind words and encouragement. It really keeps me going.

 

Making Art that SELLS

I've signed up for Lilla Roger's class, Make Art That Sells, and tomorrow is the big day... class starts.

I'm so beyond ready and exicted. SO... Like I did right before I designed and licensed my first fabric line...

(I mention it at the bottom of THIS post from way back in 2008.)

I want to put this out there in the Universe ...

THIS is the year that I will focus on licensing my art on more surfaces. Yes, it's on fabric and stencils, but in order to really make this career work I soundly know that I have to go beyond as well. 

There will be no excuses. There will be no waiting for it to happen. This year. I will make more art that SELLS. 

My space is ready. My heart is full of joy. I'm ready to create!

Double Mitered Borders Video

Double Mitered Borders Video How To...    

The Tea Delights print from Splendor 1920 whispers to me... "please make me into a table cloth"... She's not sly about it either. She's loud. She wants to be put on a table. Napkins, tea towels, table clothes, runners, place mats... She's screaming at me. 

As you know I've obliged with napkins... and I also caved and made a table cloth. I was going to hem it, but I'm thinking I'd like a heavy table cloth, so it's going to get quilted. I'm thinking a flannel back... maybe no batting at all so it hangs nicely without being too thick. I don't want it to look like I threw a quilt on the table. So, the jury is out on that.

However, the point of this post is to show you how to add double (or any multiple) mitered borders to a quilt. Like I did with this table cloth. It's really easy as you'll see in this video. The hardest part is figuring out how long to make your borders. 

Once you've got them cut, sew them together and just treat them as one border.

The formula is in the video, but I thought I'd put it in writing here as well.

Decide how wide your borders will be first. Then figure out how wide they will be once sewn together.

To figure out how long each piece should be use this formula:

(finished width of border) x 2  +  (unfinished WIDTH of quilt) + 1" = length of border for quilt width side

Do the same for the unfinished LENGTH of the quilt...

(finished width of border) x 2  + (unfinished LENGTH of quilt) = 1" = length of border for quilt length side

And, here's the video explaining the whole process... Happy sewing!

 

 

14 days of LillyBelle. Day 10... Drawstring Gift Bag.

14 days of LillyBelle. Day 10... Drawstring Gift Bag

Off to a cocktail party in a few hours... bringing the coasters I made earlier this week along with some wine. Today I made a LillyBelle gift bag to bring it in.

I think I'll make a bunch of these to have on had as the holidays approach. They are super easy for a lot of impact. Plus, of course, you can make them in any size... great for shoe bags, lingerie bags etc etc... just re-size.

Here's how I made this one...

Supplies Needed:

Fat Quarter of fabric

1/4 yard contrast fabric

Safety pin

Serger (optional)

Cutting:

Main fabric: 16 1/4" x 14"

Contrast fabric: 4" x WOF

Step by Step:

1. Serge or zig zag stitch all four raw edges of the main fabric.

2. Fold the two 16 1/4" sides and 1 - 14" side in 1/4" toward the wrong side of the fabric. These will be the side seam and the bottom of the bag. Do not fold in the top edge.

3. Edge stitch along the inside edge of the 1/4" folded fabric to hem.

4. Mark 2 1/4" down from the top of the fabric.

5. Fold the top edge toward the wrong side of the fabric along the 2 1/4" mark.

6. Using a 1/4" seam allowance, sew along the top folded edge.

7. Edge stitch along the serged/zig zagged edge. You've just created the casing for your drawstring.

8. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise so the side seams meet, right sides together.

9. Sew the side seam and bottom edge using a 1/4" seam allowance.

10. Turn and press.

Make the drawstring:

1. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together and press.

2. Fold each short raw end in toward the long folded edge at a 45 degree angle creating a pointed end. 

3. Sew the raw edge and angle closed leaving a 4" -5" opening to turn. Turn and press.

4. Edge stitch the seam edge, closing the opening to finish.

5. Place a safety pin on one end of the drawstring and draw through the casing.

4. Turn the 

AGF's Fat Quarter Gang

Art Gallery Fabric's Fat Quarter Gang!

Fer-shizzle! This has to be the best gang evah! I can't wait to see what they do with LillyBelle!

Check out the details about Art Gallery Fabric's Fat Quarter Gang and get involoved here.

Good heavens, I think I just gave birth to an 15 pound baby! (fabric line reveal)

Good heavens, I think I just gave birth to an 15 pound baby!

(A fabric line reveal!)

For whatever reason, this line was incredibly difficult to bring to life. It was in my head, but I couldn't get it out. I kept telling Pat, "I'm stuck. I'm stuck.". And then suddenly, I was unstuck... and out she came! It was like giving birth, no kidding. And, dang the kid had a big head.

Giggle.

Here is just a little sneak peek ... She's inspired by my latest obsession, Downton Abbey. I have my sister-in-law, Mary (my brother's wife... we have a couple Marys), to thank for getting me hooked. Thank you, Mary! 

 

Making your projects look professional... pillow details and a zipper how-to.

Making projects look professional... pillow details and a zipper how-to.

Today was the start of pillow making for my quilt market booth. If there's anything I've come to really understand in the past few years, it's the details that really count in making projects look professional. For pillows in particular there are a couple details that I think make things really have polish.

On this pillow, you'll note several things. First, the corners are rounded. After I cut, I always take a bowl from the kitchen and draw rounded lines at the corners. This way, I don't have those dog-eared corners where there's no fluff.

Second, I always cut my fabric an inch shorter than the pillow size. If I have a 24" pillow, I cut at 23". When I pop the pillow form in the cover, it really fills it up nice and fluffy. Love that.

Another thing that I'm really loving these days in the way of detail is adding things like piping and ruffles... and fringe. And pom poms. Here, there's piping outlining the mid-section of this pillow. I think adding a detail like this gives added punch and definition. For the ruffle I used a solid from Art Gallery Pure Elements to frame the pillow very nicely. The Pure Elements colors are uber-rich. If you are interested in an easy way to do piping, I love using Nancy's Zieman's Wrap and Fuse piping which made by Clover. It makes piping super easy. It is cording covered with fusible web, so you simply cut your fabric, wrap it around and fuse it together, saving you a sewing step... and pins. I adore it. Also, it comes in several sizes. 

I additionally think that a pillow should be fluffy. I always use fusible fleece as interfacing to give it some added oompf. 

One last thing... it's easy to make a pillow back where you overlap two pieces, insert the pillow between and use ribbon or trim to tie it, but I think a zipper makes it have a professional polish you really can't get with the overlapping method. A couple years ago, I learned an extra easy way to do this... here's how...

1. Divide the width of your pillow in two, and add 1 1/4" to the width to get the measurement for the piece you should cut. So, if your front is cut at 23" X 23", your back will be cut at 24 1/4" x 23". Cut the piece in half so you have two pieces measuring 12 1/8" x 23".
2. Place the two pieces right sides together, and BASTE a 5/8" seam allowance along the raw edge of the 23" side.
3. Press your seam open.
4. Place a zipper the length of the seam on the wrong side of the fabric so it is centered on the seam and pin it in place. The pins should go in horizontally. Do not trim the zipper at the top. The bit of fabric on the zipper above the pull should be aligned with the top of the seam. Trim the bottom to the length of the fabric if it is longer than your pillow.
5. Turn the panel over so your zipper is underneath. With your zipper foot on, feel for where the zipper teeth are, and top stitch the length of the zipper about a scant 1/4 from the zipper teeth, removing the pins from underneath as you go along. Do the same on the other side of the zipper teeth.
6. Open your basted stitches, and voila! Your zipper can now go up and down... but remember, if you cut the zipper, don't open it all the way or you won't get it back together. You can now sew your pillow as ususal, but do so with the zipper partly open so you can turn it when you are done. Also, again if you cut the zipper, be very careful as you get to the teeth at the bottom. I lengthen the stitch there so it will go over and test by turning manually that I won't be hitting the teeth. Also, I then go back and forth over that area several times to reinforce it.

I hope that helps, and if you want, on the next pillow I'll videotape as I go along... I have at least two more to go before market!

Details on the fabric here: The maing fabrics are LillyBelle, of course... the center is Lily Bouquet and the sides are Flower Pop. The piping is Art Gallery's lace elements, and like I said before, the ruffle is an Art Gallery Pure Elements.

Where oh where did my Summer go?

I thought I'd get more done this summer than I did. In the end, I ususally over estimate my get it done prowess. I know some of you've been waiting on the Beachside Holiday pattern... it will be back from the quilter soon, and I promise I will bind it FAST and take photos. The pattern is done. I'm just waiting on a good photo for the cover. So, if I'm not overestimating my binding skills (ahem) it really will be done shortly.

Also, I did say I'd have the Fall Quilts and More in my shop and it is now there. (Wipes sweat off brow. Marks one thing off The List.)

And now I'm wondering... What else have I promised? Seems like I'm working my tushy off here. Although ... just thinking aloud here... the tushy seems rather large for having worked it off... and on the other hand, the juicing has really been helping... if you wondered.

On the sewing front, I made my little 2 year old nephew a t-shirt. The guy is obsessed with clocks for some reason. My sister has a photo of him sleeping with his wall clock. So for his birthday party he will be wearing this hand embroidered T-shirt. I'll post the pattern over on We Love French Knots for any of you who want a cute simple clock pattern. I hear toddlers love them. Apparently it's not just our little man.

I will admit that I did make curtains for our kitchen again this weekend. I say I'm "admitting it" because I might have a small problem with changing curtains in that same spot...this is the fourth curtain rendition for the area. Can you tell that this is one of my favorite prints from Paris Apartment? (hint: the background on this blog)

I blame it on being a fabric designer (and mind you I am not whining ... I am SO lucky). But you want to use your fabric for everything. And you really shouldn't have four million different fabrics in one room. So I'm trying to go more one tone... I didn't get too far on one tone, but this fabric does have a cream background. And I went and made pillows to go with them. I'm thinking I brought it together by mixing white and cream, no? We are getting closer to matching or something of the sort.

I have a couple projects that have got to get done... stuff for other people's blogs and such and then I swear to the heavens above I will finish that hex quilt that was for my sister, Ilisa's 40th birthday which was in April. I am SUCH a slacker bad sister!!! 

Ah, well, as I write, The List, it is a-growing. So have a super day, and happy sewing to you!

Strip "Ease" Bag Kits as Seen in Better Homes and Garden's Quilts and More Magazine

Hey all. I'm working on the Beachside Holiday quillt today. I expect to have this pattern done by the end next week, the latest. Also, I need to know what you think... I'd like to make some videos for this blog... I plan on working on a fabric collage video first... what other tips, techniques etc would you like to see demonstrated?

In the meantime, I've just created a "handbag supplies and KITS" page on my website to kick off my very first magazine kit, Strip Ease.

I hope you'll check it out... Quilts and More Fall '11 hits stands today! And I will have a supply of them on my site by next week as well.

In the way of really cute handbag supplies, I just got these last week... I think they'd be perfect on this bag, don't you? They come in lime green, red and light blue.

 

Sister Friend Pattern Now Available!

I told ya' I'd get it done! For your stitching pleasure, the PDF pattern for "Sister Friend" embroidery is now available in my shop!

Slice Fabrique... Paris Apartment! Design card give-away!

 

This sure has become the land of give-aways lately. It's madness. But I promise you, you are going to want to stick around for this one.

It's time to give away a one of my Paris Apartment design cards for Slice Fabrique!

Of course, you do know that they're available from Strawberry Patches if per chance you don't win. I hear they are really popular at her store. Speaking of which, Susanne, we are passing through in July and I intend to halt the Ackerman-Mobile for a stop there. Hub and the kids will be *thrilled*, I'm sure. But Pam Kitty Morning tells me that it is a must do. And I always listen to Pam. Right, Pam? I always listen.

Wow... I digressed. Where was I?

How about a Slice Fabrique Machine to go with that card? You don't want a card without a machine, do you? That doesn't make much of a giveaway. Luckily, Making Memories has generously offered a machine as well. (No, Mom, Ilisa and Lara, you can not enter this giveaway.)

This little mint green sweetie makes the cutting fast and easy, and of course it is super accurate. As a bonus, I love the sound it makes as it's cutting. It's this low "I'm working and doing my thang" sound. I don't know. It just makes me happy. I also like to look under that clear plastic window and see the mechanism moving. (crazy town? I don't think so. I betcha' you'll do the same thing.)

 

Below are some projects I have already made. I think my next endeavor will be the dress form. I have a slight penchant for them. I should show you my little dress form collection one day.

You'll probably note that though I've machine appliqued each project I can't help myself but add little embroidered details. I think you should too. It seems only right that when machines are doing most of the other work that you should pitch in a teeny little bit.

This pillow was made for my booth at quilt market. I love that it fills up an entire 16" pillow.

Heather from House of A La Mode likes it a lot. I was watching her like a hawk 'cause I thought it might, you know, walk away. Heather loves pillows.

This is another version I did for the card's packaging. As a side note, Making Memories took this photo. I've been wondering whose bed this is because I think it needs a pretty quilt. I'm just saying. It's a nice photo and all, but I'd like to see some Paris Apartment fabric on that bed.

This tea towel comes as free project with full instructions with the card. Indeed, I have been wondering who's kitchen it is in. I'm liking the granite a lot. And I totally want to know what the cups say on the inside. I'll have to ask them about these things, huh?

I'm planning on incorporating this piece into a quilt possibly. You can embroider any message onto the banner that you'd like. This just says, "Paris". Apparently this little birdie has never been and would like to go. (That's a hint, Super Husband... read: I am the little birdie. I want to go to Paris.)

So, have I convinced you yet that this is a little device you simply can't live without? The bottom line is, the thing is too fun to pass up. The possibilities are endless. 

To enter to win... 

Leave a comment saying which applique you'll do first and what you'll put it on.

A winner will be picked on Friday the 24th using random.org.

Please visit the Slice Fabrique Blog

and the Slice Fabrique Facebook page for more information about the products.

 

And the winner is... #166, SoCalGal!

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED, A WINNER HAS BEEN PICKED. Thank you too all who participated for your wonderful comments!!!

 

Cotton Floss Blog Tour & Give-Away!

(... 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.

 

 

My Favorite Floss and a crazy idea I had today...

How long have I been threatening to put embroidery floss on my website? 

Good news for all who have been asking about it... I finally pulled my head outa' you know where and did it!

Cosmo Multiwork will be here tomorrow in my nine favorite colors!

I gotta tell you, this stuff is the bomb. As you can see, it comes on a spool. And it's 2 strands already... no separating! It's the highest quality floss from Japan and sews like butter... butter, I tell you. (Think I'm excited about it?)

You can order them individually for $4.50 each or get 9 for the price of 8 at $36 when you order the all of them together. Make sure you choose the packaged version at the bottom of the page for the discounted price. 

In other news, I thought of a really sweet idea today that I'm not sure I can execute, but I'm gonna try like heck. Can't tell yet... but it will be for all of us who love embroidery. I'll let you know when I pull it off.

Happy Stitching!

Fabric Junkie Stitchery Pattern... a PDF

Summer has started, and I'm happily stitching away here in Bari-land... Last night I made this little cutie. I like little patterns you can do in an evening. Especially when my attention span is grossly compromised, like it has been lately. I also like to stitch in the evenings because otherwise I'd be rifling through the fridge looking for something to chow down on. Busy hands = no time to pop chocolate in my mouth.

This is the second Paris Apartment Stitchery Pattern... Fabric Junkie. It features the dress form from my fabric line. I know some of you were worried about doing some of the stitches. So I stayed away from the more difficult stuff. This one would be considered a beginner pattern. It's stitches are back stitch, French knots (limited doses) and a lazy daisy. 

You can get the pattern on my website (scroll to bottom) or on patternspot.com.

Secretly... ok not so secretly... my goal is to get everyone embroidering this summer. I'm telling you. It's easy. 

I can make it even easier on you: If you'd like to see a demonstration video on the stitches, click here to see my mini-class in C&T publishing's digital lounge.

Grab a hoop, grab some floss and get stitching, people. You're gonna love it. 

 

 

Reviewed.

 
It's a hard bit to swallow, being reviewed is. Truth told? I don't have exactly the thickest skin ever so I'd been putting off reading reviews of my book, Inspired to Sew. You know, when you send your baby out into the world, the last thing you want to see is her criticized. 

Admittedly, I'd glanced to make sure nothing totally evil had been said, but today I got brave and ventured over to Amazon to take a deeper look. And turns out I was worried over nothing. Isn't that always the way it is? Nine reviewers said really really nice things and there are even a couple great editorial reviews. 

At any rate, I'm not saying all this to get you all to say "aren't you wonderful" blah blah... But just to say that it's so nice to see my work be appreciated. I'm honored beyond words that you like what I do. To all who have purchased Inspired to Sew and to the sweet people who left reviews of it... Thank you. You make my days.

 

Countryside Softies Blog Tour!

I love this book for many reasons, but most of all the projects in are wonderfully creative and totally unique. I've loved Amy's work from the first I saw it, and this book just put me over the top with admiration. WIth Countryside Softies we are allowed to step into a playful land of critters and toadstools. The projects are clever and well thought out from the fox on the cover to a cheeky little otter and a beautiful swan. There's even buzzy little bumblebees that I went crazy over. The photography and layout are beautiful to look at, and the instructions are clearly written. I think this is a book that many different levels of sewers will enjoy. My two teen girls have already been eyeing a couple they want to make. And I will for sure be getting in on the action.

But let's get to it, shall we??? You want to win a copy of this great book!

Leave a comment on this blog for a chance to win. I'll draw a winner on April 23 at 5PM(ish).

Don't forget to visit all of the other blogs where the tour will stop... more reviews and more chances to win!

 

monday 18th april - whip up - http://whipup.net/ (kicking off with a brand new, not in the book, free pattern)

tuesday 19th april - bari j - http://www.barij.typepad.com/

wednesday 20th april - blue nickel studios - http://bluenickelstudios.com/

thursday 21st april - fat quarterly - http://fatquarterly.com/

friday 22nd april - ric-rac - http://vintagericrac.blogspot.com/

saturday 23rd april - skyo - http://syko.typepad.com/ 

sunday 24th april - lucykate crafts - http://lucykatecrafts.blogspot.com

monday 25th april - treefall design - http://treefalldesign.typepad.com

tuesday 26th april - i heart linen - http://www.iheartlinen.typepad.com/

wednesday 27th april - sometimes crafter - http://sometimescrafter.blogspot.com/

thursday 28th april - plush you - http://plushyou.blogspot.com/

friday 29th april - allsorts - http://www.allsorts.typepad.com/

UPDATE: 4/23/2011...

THE WINNER HAS BEEN PICKED it's number 38 who said:

If this is you contact me at Bari at BariJonline dot com with your address!  

PLEASE, No more entries... THE WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN. :)

La Boulangerie... Spring Pattern Reveal #4!

More art for your kitchen... My fourth Spring pattern release is a sweet little apron. It has two rounded pockets and features a double skirt with a collaged border plus a heart shaped waistband. Instructions for free motion quilting and fabric collage are included.

Sewing Pattern Reveal!

Based on the original Millie Fleur from my handbag line, this new sewing pattern is updated a bit. Now it's fully reversible. It's also easy to sew with a drawstring closure. This pattern will be available early May. Featured here in my Paris Apartment fabric line from Lecien.

Edit (7:20PM): My sister just pointed out that it was the day of my grandma Millie's birthday. This bag is named for her. I knew it was her birthday when I wrote a check this morning, but it didn't occur to me until my sister said something on about it on Facebook. Oddly, I felt driven to post this today. I finished the sample late last night and spent the day photographing. Happy birthday, Grandma. You must be watching down from above.

It even has a pretty back side with a sweet pleated pocket:

And you get two bags for one with it's reverse side.

Live the Pretty Life! New Sewing Pattern

Since my Paris Apartment samples arrived last week, I've been on a tear to finish my sewing patterns. I'm loving how this one turned out. Jolie Vie will be available to order in early May. This new series of patterns is all about living pretty. I'm hoping you'll be brave and put it on the floor! It's washable and has a felted wool backing so it's nice and cozy too. If you insist on being a sissy, I'll allow it to go on a table top as well. It sure would be "pretty".

 

Mojo. Sewing Mojo.

This was the first day I had the opportunity to sew in about 2 weeks. I need to finish the edges and bind it. but. Soon. This will be a pattern. It will come in several sizes and varieties. And I just may have figured out the perfect material to back it in to make it nice and thick. I think I'm going to use this one by the bath. 

Truly. Nothing can make me happier than making something. I think I may have my mojo back.

 

Slice Fabrique . . . Paris Apartment design!

A ways back I posted about a project I was working on for Making Memories Slice Fabrique Digital Cutting Machine... custom applique designs that can be cut out automatically. I don't know if maybe you remember?

Well, I'm so excited about it now, I could pee! Yesterday I received a sample digital card with my very own designs on it. You guys, it is SO flipping cool. I love this thing. It is so easy. You just iron fusible web on your fabric back, set it on the Slice cutting board and press a button. So totally addicting.

I've been dying to show you. My card, like my upcoming fabric line is called, Paris Apartment, and the designs will coordinate. I'll be designing quilts and projects to go with both that will debut at Quilt Market. This is a small sneak peek a just a few of the projects. There are 18 layered designs on the card altogether.

Above is the chandelier design (yes, there's a chair too!). It can be cut to assemble to an amazing finished size of 17 1/2". This one will go on a 24" pillow. It took me less than an hour to cut all the pieces (there are 22 in all). I machine appliqued them on and did little French knots for the drippy crystals. It's made from the Lecien Flower Sugar line.

This cake stand design is 5.2" wide. I'm making this piece into a tea towel. I used my light box to trace the words "let them eat cake" on it and then I used a backstitch with Cosmo Multi-work Embroidery Floss to embroider it. The fabric is Paris Apartment and a touch of Flower Sugar.

Below is the cameo design. I'll be doing a bit of embroidery around it then leaving it in the hoop to display. I've again mixed Paris Apartment and Flower Sugar. The cameo itself is a dark grey shot cotton.

Fun, right? Well, back to work... and making dinner and cleaning up this joint. I'm teaching tomorrow (see sidebar) and my mom is coming to visit for a week! I'm so looking forward to all our misbehavin! I'm taking her to my favorite tea room, Crown and Crumpet! I'll take pictures to share, no worries. 

 

 

 

What I was inspired to sew today and a Zombie-licious Winner

 

Did you sew today? After the gym, errands and a large round of procrastination via Twitter, I ended up with an ounce of afternoon sewing time. I've been wanting to make a spider web quilt even though probably everyone else is totally done with them, so I started that quest. Now, however, I'm thinking of making just this little star portion into a zippy pouch because I don't really have time to finish it and I loathe UFOs sitting around. The Ladies in Waiting (projects I have fabric and ideas for already) own a large enough portion of this studio. So this may be as far as I ever get on a spiderweb quilt. I guess I just wanted to know how to do it, then once I knew, I didn't care anymore. I'm like that sometimes.

Were you inspired to sew today? What'd you make?

In other news...

My good friend Monica asked me to pick the winner for her Inspired to Sew Giveaway...

So here goes... 

Out of 193 (wow!) entries the winner is #19! Nancy, claim your copy of Inspired to Sew!

 

 

 

Patchwork Theory

In Theory...

This should work.

In practice, it's a curved piecing nightmare that refuses to lay flat.

So, for those of you more experienced than me, any ideas?

 

I Love Embroidery

This was going to be another zippy pouch. But then I spent an inordinate amount of time on the embroidery.

Cause I love hand stitchery.

The purple and red are all hand done and the stitching on the seams is by machine. Maybe now it wants to be a pillow?

Or add blocks and make a big quilt? Maybe a bigger handbag. What do you think?

BTW, it occurs to me... if you are interested in these stitches, I'll be teaching them in a free online class... You can check my sidebar for details. I promise it to be lots of fun. 

For those of you who are curious, the roses on the roofline are bullion stitch mixed with some french knots and lazy daisy stitches.

On the side of the house lavender is growing. Also made with bullion stitches. And on the ballerina's dress I added a little yellow rose made from bullion stitches.

And this is the piece prior to hand embroidery.

Any ideas? What should this be?

Zippy pouch rehab or what am I avoiding?

Possibly I need to be sent to rehab for a zippy pouch sewing addiction.

I am seriously avoiding doing what I need to do around here. 

Excuses, excuses.

 
Excuses for sewing these little bags when I'm totally supposed to be focused on creating new sewing patterns:

1. I'm clearing scraps out of my studio to make room for more creative thought.

2. During the process of creating these bags I might just come up with that one incredible idea that I wouldn't have thought of otherwise.

3. My mom has requested a bag like this but with pockets for her knitting needles. So now I have to make at least one more.

4. It relaxes me. If I'm relaxed I'm more likely to come up with some fab sewing pattern designs.

5. I need more bags. No. Really. I need more bags.

6. I'm using up my supply of leather handles which is taking space in this studio.

7. They are starting to fill the website. Sort of.

8. Creativity breeds more creativity? 

9. I can't help myself.

10.  I can't help myself.

 

 

Find out why these 9 bloggers are Inspired to Sew... blog tour and giveaways!

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! 

Everything I ever needed to know I learned from YouTube, a quilt in progress + New favorite tools!

Everyone in my family is under the impression, that if you want to learn to do something you go to YouTube and search for your subject. Super Husband learned how to fix our television, how to catch squirrels in the attic and how to fix the window that refused to go back up in our car. My girls have learned to make soap, found recipes for body scrubs, and how to put on make-up. There was the infamous hair cutting incident that started with a YouTube video and ended up with an unwanted mullet on the part of a certain 14yo girl, but never the less, YouTube is our Go-To. I have learned knitting and crochet, fashion drawing, and I recently learned a great method for cutting hexagons and a method for machine piecing hexagons.

I discovered this Kaye Wood video and her awesome rulers and immediately ordered one to start making a hexagon quilt. 

Of course, I didn't want to hand piece hexagons. But lucky me, this video was listed in the sidebar of related videos. 

This quilt has been relatively easy so far using both of these methods, and I feel like a super-accomplished quilter having tried something new.

You do get left with a bunch of these little triangles when cutting with this method, but luckily, they are perfectly usable. Of course, I can see making anything with these taking a lifetime, but then, maybe I'll just spend the next 60 years making little hexies out of tiny triangles.

On another note, this post would be incomplete without introducing you to my latest tool obsessions as I gained a few in the process of making this quilt. Are you a sewing tool junkie too? I may buy more tools than I buy fabric. I could be exaggerating, but maybe.

This quilt-go-round, I found these erasable pens. They erase when you iron them and mark very nicely on fabric. Even when you mark on the bias, the fabric doesn't stretch. Love that! My hot pink Frixion pen has been invaluable for marking the 1/4" starting and stopping points on my hexagons. I can't wait to use them for embroidery and applique.

And speaking of marking the 1/4" starting and stopping points, I really like this Jinny Beyer Perfect Piecer tool. It has all sorts of angles marked and little holes where you put the pen through to mark your points. And I imagine there's tons of other uses for it too that I've yet to figure out.

On that note, I'll leave you with a bit of advice... make sure your teenage/pre-teen female children understand that not all YouTube videos are useful. Especially ones that advise using your leg shaving razor to cut your hair. I'm just saying.

PS Since I know someone will ask, the fabric I'm using for the hexagon quilt is Flower Sugar by Lecien. Available here.

[Edit: I'm so honored! Kaye Wood commented on this post! For another way to piece hexagons watch Kaye Wood's Hexagon Cut and Sew video. This method allows you to avoid having to mark your 1/4" points!]

Little Girls, Big Style blog tour and give-away ... Plus Mary Abreu's famous sewing tips!

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.

Sewing with Minkee or Cuddle Fabric

Knowing how much my girls love the softness of Minkee or Cuddle (they are brand names for those fluffy, soft wonderous fabrics), I grabbed a couple kits full of fat quarters several months ago to make some blankets for them for Hannukah. Of course, I procrastinated so long that they got them the day after Hannukah ended, but you're not counting, right? Day nine works for me.  I don't *love* the colors and prints of these, but they are workable, I think. Next time I plan on finding some of the Moda brand as I hear they have great colors to work with.

I had it in my head that this was going to be relatively easy, that I'd just whip them up and be on to the next thing. And I would have been if I knew then what I know now about working with these fabrics. So I thought I'd let you in on what I learned along the way. Some of these hints came from friends on Twitter where I vented my frustration.

1. Apparently a serger would do a fantastic job with Cuddle/Minkee. But I don't own one, so I was stuck with the sewing machine. But if you have one, Mary from Confessions of a Craft Addict says use it. 

2. Next I heard it would have helped a lot if I fused a woven cotton interfacing such as form flex to the back of it according to Debra Lynn from Fat Quarter Shop. I use that on everything, so I have no idea why I didn't think of that myself. But it was too late for the first blanket, and I was too lazy on the second one. But my bet is that this works like a charm.

3. I was smart enough to use a ton of pins, which really helped. In fact, I used 5 for every 8" square. I highly recommend taking the time to do this.

4. A walking foot is a great help if you have one.

5. For long stretches of rows, I started in the middle and sewed to one end, then the middle to the other end. This helped avoid much of the stretching along the way.

6. As I sewed blocks together I did end up cutting any corners that stretched a bit to square them up.

7. I pinned seams before I started a row, but if, as I approached, a seam wasn't matching, I did do a little stretching and tugging in the appropriate direction to "make" it match.

8. You can see I did the two quilts differently. I started with the fun Log Cabin block on the quilt below and used a ton of little squares around it. However, I quickly found this was going to cause me lots of pain with seams not matching etc, so the next one, I cut all 8 1/2" squares. Much better.

9. I did not bind these as if they were quilts, I simply placed the back and front of the blanket right sides together and then sewed them together leaving an opening to turn as if it was a pillow.

10. I also did not quilt these. I put in over 100 pins in one and tried to quilt by stitching in the ditch and made an immediate mess of the thing and ended up pulling out stitches (not an easy feat with this fabric). So my plan is that if the girls are finding the edges are turning funny as they use them, I'll go back and yarn tie them.

That's all folks... I think in the end these turned out really great. And I would totally work with this fabric again even though half way through I swore I'd never ever ever do so. I guess it's like having a baby. You forget all about the pain once you have the fruits of your labor in your arms. Well, sort of.

 

Something Super Exciting! (that 2nd secret I mentioned last week)

I'm leaving first thing tomorrow morning for Quilt Market, but I thought you might want to know what my next fun secret was. Here's the low down: Making Memories is launching a new product for fabric cutting at Quilt Market in Houston called Slice Fabrique. And I am creating Bari J. co-branded custom shapes for it! Slice Fabrique is a digital fabric cutter. i.e.: No more cutting by hand! And because the designs are stored on a special SD card, you’ll save loads of money (and space) versus the manual die cutters. My designs will be based on my fabric and sewing pattern designs! This is what the little portable machine looks like (I actually have a PINK one):

 

(photo courtesy of Making Memories)

If you'll be at market don't forget to visit Making Memories at booths 2236-2239.

And I will be in booth 1261! See you soon!

 

Author Deborah Moebes stops by...

I was so excited to hear of Deborah Moebe's new book, Stitch by Stitch. It is a wonderfully laid out book that teaches you to sew one project at a time and comes with a CD of patterns. Deborah owns a fabulous fabric shop and sewing lounge down in Atlanta called Whipstitch. And I'm not ashamed to admit I drooled a bit when I saw the photos.

I love this book for a couple reasons. First, I like so many of you am excited about the sewing industry's growth, and a book like this helps us to new, young sewers in. Another reason is it is a great reference even if you already know how to sew. For instance, I recently made some curtains, but I had never lined curtains before which I wanted to do this time. I wasn't sure how I wanted to do the hem, but low and behold, there is a lined curtain project in Stitch by Stitch which was clear and easy to understand. And lastly, as Deborah put it, "it has an obscene amount of Full Bloom in it." Yeah, I'm a tiny bit excited about that. Deborah used my tea pot fabric on a pillow which appears on the back of the book and pussy willow fabric on a skirt. I'm totally humbled and honored to be part of it. 

Recently, I got the chance to ask Deborah a couple of questions about herself and the book... I know you all will be interested.

Me: This book shows that you have a ton of experience sewing! How old were you when you learned, and who taught you?
Deborah: My mom taught me and my sister to sew when we were young, and we'd use hand-sewing needles to make outfits for our dolls or bags to carry our treasures in.  I dabbled a bit in high school, but didn't really get enthusiastic until I was in college and worked in the School of Theatre costume shop--seeing the artistry and the excitement in that room made me re-think sewing and what it could represent.  I went from seeing it as something utilitarian and practical to something creative and inspiring.

Me: When did you first open your fabric store, and can you tell us a little about it? What classes do you offer? What makes it special?
Deborah:The shop started as an outgrowth of my children's clothing line (which I've since retired).  I sold my overstock fabrics on a whim, and it took off--I quickly realized that selling fabric gave me the chance to indulge my fabric greed, and it's been a whirlwind ride ever since!  The bricks-and-mortar version opened in May of 2009 and moved to a larger location this March--we were overflowing with classes and students, and I needed more room to accommodate the numbers of folks who are learning to love sewing and want to practice their skills.  We offer everything from the very basics of sewing all the way through advanced techniques like patternmaking and fabric design.  I think what sets Whipstitch apart from other shops is the focus on community and building relationships through sewing--it matters to me very deeply that I not only share my love of the practice of sewing, but that I pass on the way sewing can teach you about yourself and open you up to connection with others.  I want the shop to really be a hub for all that, and have been so excited to see it spread and grow!

Me: Tell us about your concept for this book. 
Deborah: I love sewing books, and collect them with a passion.  I also get frustrated when suggesting titles to new stitchers, because there are so many amazing project books out there and so few that give the bare-bones basics about sewing to get someone started!  I wanted this book to do that, to give a new stitcher the tools to see their ideas become real.  I wanted to avoid having it be just a collection of skills, so it's designed to be done in sequence, with each project leading to the next and each skill building on the one before.  That way, you learn each technique in context, and you know where and when to apply the ideas as you move along.

Me: What was your most favorite and least favorite things about writing a book?
Deborah: Writing the book was really a ton of fun--it was so exciting to plan out each section and imagine how a reader would see the material, then figure out ways to phrase it all and lay it out to make it the most useful.  I love planning things and sketching them out, so that was like playtime for me.  The loooong nights were pretty tough, though, especially toward the end when it was really crunch time.  And it was hard to let go and accept that at some point, my part was done and it was time to let the book go out into the world--that was scary.  But I loved, loved the experience overall and am already hoping I get the chance to do it over again!

Me: You have a big family and lots of responsibilities. How do you balance it all?
Deborah: Some days, not very well!  I really, really love what I do, and am grateful every morning that I'm able to wake up one more day and get another chance to do it.  My family, though, is the most important thing to me, and in the end, the only thing that's real in this world.  So I try to live my work in the sense that I do the things I was going to do anyway--sew for myself and my home and my kids--and translate that into the blog and the book and the shop when I can, and always stay willing to cry uncle and ask for help whenever that work interferes with my family.  This past year has been totally insane in terms of the number of opportunities and experiences that have come my way, and I'm learning how to say no more and be patient more and forgive myself more for taking time out to be with my kids and husband with no worries or expectations for work.  I'm looking forward to next year being a little slower, but I'm enjoying the ride now while I can!

Me: What are you working on now? And what is on the horizon for you?

Deborah: Right now, I'm focusing on my upcoming e-courses--I'm teaching one on sewing knits with just your sewing machine, and another on crafty business basics, both this fall--and am working on an outline for another book.  That, and realizing that the holidays are coming up soon, and I'd best get cracking!

The BIG reveal of my fourth Fall Sewing Pattern! Get Ready for a Soiree!

 

I. Am. So. Excited. About this quilt.

It has everything I love: embroidery, applique and collage... with instructions for all of it. You'll learn French knots, backstitch, stem stitch, free-motion quilting and freezer paper applique. And it features all the good things in life: petit fours, cake, flowers, cute shoes and presents... Really, what more could you ask for? 

 
 

 

 

 

The trim is the pre-made crochet that I love which will be available from Above All Fabric. 
      

 Pre-orders for retailers and distributors are available by emailing me at (Bari at BariJonline dot com.) TBD: Oct 20.

 

Red Rose Farm... Mine all Mine!

 

Lucky me lucky me lucky me! Nanner nanner nanner. I got me some of Elizabeth Scott's debut line, Red Rose Farm and you didn't! 

 

That's mean. 

But... Nanner nanner nanner!

Aw. I'm sorry. 

I shouldn't tease you. I just can't help myself. You see, I've got friends in high places ... Ummm... Elizabeth lives, like, down the road and she's my friend, I'm happy to say. So she gave me some of this goodness to play with and I made myself this laptop sleeve I've been waiting to make until I had the perfect fabric.

And lucky for you, Red Rose Farm is shipping next week. And it's available at Fat Quarter Shop.

I really love this line. Run. Go get you some!

Fall Pattern Release Sneak Peek!

I'm so excited about this quilt I just can't keep it to myself any more. This pattern, 1 of at least 4 that will be released in October is my very first quilt pattern for sale. It's a traditional zigzag quilt with a modern twist. In what would be the neutral rows, I've incorporated striped fabrics which are reversing directions, and then (because more is more and I couldn't help myself) I added giant rick rack to add a some flair. I hope you like it as much as I do. More to come very soon!

 

Creative Sewers: Sisters Recap Part II

Sisters is a great place to teach. Not only do the students enjoy learning, but as I mentioned in a previous post, the whole community seems to get in on the action. When you arrive at the high school, where the classes are, you are greeted by a contingency of high school students who help you bring your supplies and machines inside in grocery carts. The kids are around all day helping with various and sundry things. You get the feeling that everyone wants to be a part of Quilter's Affair. 

And, I love teaching. There's nothing like sharing what you enjoy most with others. One thing I enjoy most is cutting big old motifs out of the center of a piece of fabric and then creating a collage to make something new. I do this with free-motion quilting. That's exactly what we did with my first project, The Container Garden Pillow. The original is a 24" x 24" pillow which I'm not going to show you because it's in my upcoming book, and I need to leave a little to the imagination, you know what I mean? But here are some pillows in progress and almost finished pillow fronts made by my students. My goal here was to make collage addicts of all of the ladies, get them comfortable with free-motion quilting, and so that, like me, they have big pieces of fabric with holes in the middle because there was a Had-to-be-Had Motif there. I have tons of pieces like this. It's a sign of a true love for fabric. 

The first four are in the process of creating compositions...
 
 

 

In this photo she is ready to start free-motion quilting... 

And here she has started her quilting... notice the quilters gloves? They make free-motion much much easier.
   

Here her motifs are all pinned on and she's ready to start her quilting.

 

And this lady decided that rather than cut out motifs she would just cut the fabric in the shape of flowers. I loved this idea.
 

I try to give students the freedom to make their projects into what they want them to be, and this next one is a great example of someone who did just that. She based this one on a vase she had in her home.

And this is the back of a finished pillow front... the white is the bobbin thread. Don't you love how you can see what was on the front? Sorry for the blur... but you get the idea. We were all very excited over this one.

 

And here is a fully quilted front. I just Looooove all that Kaffe fabric!  

In the end most of the ladies (there were 16, I think) got their pillow fronts quilted. I then sent them all home with instructions on how to finish their pillows. I'm dying to see how they all end up! So, if you are reading this... be sure to send me your photos!

 
  
  
  

 

All filled up with creativity and inspiration... Sisters recap, Part I

 
There will be an overload of fresh quilter's and sewers at Sisters next year if I have anything at all to do with it. Because even if I'm not teaching there (which I hope to be), I'm going to start a movement to get all of you there! Ladies and gentlemen, Sisters is Mecca for sewing and the needle arts. 

Led by Jean Wells-Keenan and her daughter Valori Wells, The Stitchin' Post has been around for 35 years, as has the festival which was founded by Jean. Jean is about to be the 40th person inducted in the Quilter's Hall of Fame. A huge honor for her and her family! The Stitchin' Post itself is a dream of a place with pretty much everything you can imagine you'd ever need to do what we do. Patterns, books, fabric, notions, yarn... and the best of it all. 

 

 The Quilter's Affair is a five-day program (M-F) before the start of the festival which is always the second Saturday in July. It was a huge honor for me to teach there. As I quickly found out, the teaching staff is world class. I would gladly take a class from any of them. And the students are so excited to be there, it's just a pure pleasure to teach. I taught two projects from my upcoming book (Inspired to Sew; to be released January 2011), an apron and a pillow, plus I also taught a two day class on my Garden Tea Party Quilt (see sidebar) and a handbag class. That was five days of teaching, and each day I learned something new and felt blessed to be sharing what I love.

I am overflowing with creativity and inspiration from my trip to Sisters. I met so many wonderful, talented people. And words can't describe how Sisters and the spirit of community there filled me with joy. This is going to take like a month to re-cap! I have so many photos, and so much to say. So, I'll begin at the beginning and wind my way through the trip. 

Due to lack of direct flights, I arrived in Sister's pretty early in the day on the 4th of July. Kind of a crazy day to land as everyone in Sisters it seems was in Bend for fireworks that night. After checking into the hotel... which has llamas, the first order of business was finding a shoe store where I purchased a seriously Oregonian, but surprisingly cute, pair of Keens... a necessary evil I found out. BTW, llamas spit, did you know this? I did know, but I was reminded the hard way. I know! That guy looks really nice, doesn't he? But truly, he needs to learn some manners!

After recovering from the spitting incident, I was then able to walk around before all became quiet and still. And I found my dream home. It was for sale too! Sigh.

I also stopped at Sisters Bakery. Don't be judgmental again. I was instructed by my brother, a U of O Duck, that I was to stop there and eat a chocolate covered, chocolate donut. I was just being compliant. Ask my brother. I do anything he says... ummm... yeah... and so... where was I?

 

So I ate my chocolate donut and then walked and walked and walked because I was sure I'd done some serious damage with that donut. By time I was done walking it was time for dinner, of course. But it was the 4th of July, so almost everything was closed by time I remembered that it was a holiday. Therefore, I was forced to eat at a BBQ. And they forced me to eat Danish Babyback ribs. It was all that was left, I swear. And I did have to walk back to the hotel and all. I needed to be nourished for the trip.

 

Ok. So. Tomorrow I will start in with some sewing photos for you! You are going to love what my students did in their pillow class. They were so cool! 
 

 

 

Bonus Pattern

I thought the Gracie Girl Doll Shoe Pincushion seemed a little lonely all by itself. So I added a Gracie Girl Needle Book to bring a little bit more sewing joy to the package. ie., you'll be getting a two-fer with this one!  I loved making the prototypes for this project. The little French knots that fill the pinafore were my favorite part. It's a great project to work on sitting out in that lounge chair this summer, and they make great gifts for the sewers in your life. The instructions include how-to for the hand stitching so it's not something you have to be an expert at. This pattern-pair plus the Lill Street Messenger are due to arrive here for shipping at the end of this month. Keep your eyes peeled.

 

 

and out comes all the old jewelry making stuff...

We are getting ready to move to Arizona to be near family. Which means I've got a lot of "junk" to get rid of. If I had the patience I'd put it on Etsy. But every so often clearing stuff out means I've got to make a thing or two. Or Three. Which I also should put on Etsy. But I'm not.

 

 
  

Adventures in Interfacing ... and a give-away!

 Years ago, when I first started making handbags, I tried every interfacing known to sewing-kind. I ended up throwing in the towel on regular sewing interfacing when I started getting the bags made by an industrial seamstress, and I won't even get into that. It involves rolls of fabrics and heavy machinery. The most important thing is that when you sew a bag at home you end up with a bag that feels industrially sewn. Or at least as close as you can get. 

On my first go-round, I just used a woven cotton fusible interfacing. Clearly not enough. I like a bag that stands up. I had no idea what I was getting into at first. 

Going from the sublime to the ridiculous, next I tried Timtex. I used that for a long time, but I hated every minute of it. Timtex is a thick interfacing that is fusible. It almost feels like a thin layer of foam. It makes for a very thick bag that stands on it's own, but good grief it's a pain in the neck. It tends to crunch the fabric and cause bubbles when you bend it after fusing it on. I tried putting a layer of thin interfacing under it to remedy that. It worked. A little. But sewing through Timtex alone is a pain in the keester. Try adding another layer.

Then I tried fusible fleece... which I still use a lot of. I like it because it adds body to the fabric. But... it only makes the bag stand up a little bit. Not completely. I have been known to double the layers of it though, and I often add a layer of woven cotton fusible interfacing underneath. That works quite well.

About six months into this process of trying different things, I found heavy crinoline. It works very nicely. But it's cousin, Buckram, is even better. While still thin like the crinoline, it has just a tad more stiffness. However, it is not fusible. And I don't like that it's a loose layer. So, to remedy this, I put it on top of a layer of fusible fleece, and add small, thin dots of fabric glue here and there to hold it in place. I don't recommend adding glue unless you have a layer of something in-between the fabric and the buckram or you'll see the dots of glue on the fabric and have little stiff spots.

 And, I'll add another little caveat... you've got to be aware that buckram is used for millinery, purses, corsets and more. It does a big job. It makes the bag stand up, but I'm not going to tell you it's heaven to sew with. It's definitely doable, but you will need to be patient. The hardest part will be the topstitching when finishing a bag. I do have some suggestions to help there though. Here goes:

1. Make sure your bulky seams are trimmed pretty well. You can't trim too close because you don't want the seams to open, but you can get pretty close and trim some of it out. 

2. When you get to the seams where it gets bulky, stop, keep your needle down and rotate the wheel by hand a couple of stitches. 

3. I also suggest slightly increasing your stitch length for the top stitching.

4. If you have one, use a walking foot. 

5. Needle down position. For a long time, I didn't realize that my machine had a needle down position. Meaning, when you stop sewing, the needle stays in the fabric. If your machine has that feature it is really helpful when doing that last topstitch to finish the bag. That way you can sew nice and slow, stop to make sure you are sewing straight, that the lining isn't rolling up into the way etc. Call me a goober, but when I figured that out, I thought I'd won the sewing lottery.

The bottom line on interfacing for bags: Layer it. I now use a combination of Form Flex, Fusible Fleece and Buckram.

So there you go... Oh. Did I say something about a give-away?

 I did. My Art Journal line of fabric is shipping to stores 4/25... If you want to win a fat quarter stack of the whole group, I'll pick a winner on that day. 

Just leave a comment and tell me what you'd like to do with it. You can have an additional entry, if you tweet about the give-away. Just make sure you tweet @barij so I see it.

Happy sewing!

Bird Brain

I've never been able to get enough of the whole bird theme. I think it's because of all the little creatures, they really are just the sweetest ... as a design element, I mean. Not for instance, the ... ahem ... pigeons... who have invited themselves to a party on my roof. (Sorry PETA, don't come after me.) 

You can see that my bird obsession runs a little wild in my fabric designs. I just received a small bundle of Art Journal the other day and started sewing up a messenger bag...It was funny how the birds lined up so perfectly with my pattern piece on the right side of the bag, wasn't it? It was like I designed the fabric to fit the bag. I don't have that kind of foresight, but I really was pleased none the less.

 

There was also a bird in my Full Bloom fabric line, and yes, I did just contribute to a book called "Little Birds". When picking items for my OpenSky Shop the bird theme obsession has gone unchecked. You saw the print in one of my previous posts. But there's also decor eggs in a nest, a ceramic bowl, and I especially like this vase with the bird sitting on it's side. I'm thinking right next to the stove for kitchen utensils. But I also see pussy willows or cherry blossom stems in it. And the blue works with my new(ish) curtains and canisters. 

 

I've got to wondering... how long have I been using the whole bird theme? So I rifled through some old files. And I have to laugh. 

Some of you may know that one of my first handbag designs involved a little birdy...

 

But I even found it in some collage art and jewelry I created almost 10 years ago...

 
 

 

What I'm showing you here? The tip of the iceberg. 

And it's not over people. Although I can assure you my third fabric line contains no birds, I will make no promises. I like 'em, and until I'm sick of them, well, they're here to stay. 

Tweet.

 
 

Sewing Patterns, Decorating and Shopping

 Before I get started... Keep your eyes open for a fabric and sewing pattern giveaway in the morning over at the Where Women Create blog!

It's been quite a long week. It feels like I've been doing a million different things, and I have. I finished a free download for a quilt for Art Journal which is now being technically edited, I finished my quilt for our master bedroom (OK, fine. it needs quilting and binding but whatever), and my sewing patterns came in and began to ship which was super exciting. I also have been working on my OpenSky Shop quite a bit... you can see the new button to the right and I made a pretty banner. The flowers in the button and banner were fabric rejects. They didn't quite go with the rest of the line. But I'm making good use of them anyways.

OpenSky has been getting some great suppliers, and I'm super loving the stuff I have in my shop. Especially the bird themed items. I love this print below... it's not to scale here... I photoshopped it into the photo of my settee, but you get the idea. You can probably tell, I like the colors a lot... the pillows below are in Full Bloom. I think they look nice with the print.

 

(And I repeat: the print is NOT to scale and has been photoshopped in)
 

Below is the quilt I've been working on for the past year and finally put the outer borders on today. Love it. It's for our master bedroom and it's made of Anna Maria prints. The first border is a combination of velvets that were samples I had laying around. I love the combo. And the outer border is a shot cotton.

 

 

 

 

Well, that's all folks. I'm one pooped pup. Going to go sit in front of the TV and stuff patterns into bags. 

PS... I'll give you one hint what this is all about. It has something to do with that upcoming giveaway I mentioned. 

 
 
 
 

Decorative Tape & Mailing Labels... right up our Crafty Alley!

I totally fell in love with these mailing labels and packaging tape and cannot wait to get my hands on some. I think they are the perfect expression of what my business is all about... the details. If you have an online business or you are a crafty sort, I think you're going to like them too. Now available in my OpenSky shop! 

  

Packaging Tape

  
Mailing Labels