PA State Shop Hop

There's a Shop Hop coming up this summer!  It's called the PA Row-by-Row Shop Hop, and my local quilt shop, Needles Quilt Shop, is on the list.  Each participating shop in the state of PA gives you a pattern for their "row", and it runs from July 1st thru Sept. 2nd.  And there are prizes involved, so be sure to check it out!

As a volunteer for Needles, I designed and pieced this "Row" for the event.

I've called it "Laurel in the Mountains".  The theme for this event is Fairs & Festivals, so the inspiration for our row should come from a local fair or festival.  Every June, the town of Wellsboro hosts the PA State Laurel Festival, so that was the obvious inspiration for this row.  I've finished the sample row, but still have to create the pattern - but I've got some time yet, since it doesn't start until the beginning of July...

Follow along on the Shop Hop's Facebook page to see all the great rows being offered at the quilt shops throughout the state of Pennsylvania.  You'll find all the details there as they develop over the next month.

Cheers!

Tasting Table Tuesday

Wow - it's been ages since I've posted anything!  Where have the last few weeks gone?  The Sew Mama Sew! Giveaway Day was lots of fun again this year.  I loved reading everyone's comments, telling me what color combination they're into right now.  So many great combinations!  I'd love to make a purse using every one of them, but I'll have to pick one to start with for now...

But there hasn't been any purse-making going on lately - or quilting, for that matter.  I've been totally consumed with a large custom order for something I don't normally make...  A set of custom bedding, including a queen-sized duvet cover, bed skirt, pillow shams, and accent pillows.  My mother ran her own interior design business and made these items on a regular basis, so I had a good teacher, but haven't made any of these items in about 20 years.  But it's all turned out fine, and everything will be ready for pick-up by tomorrow.

I'm also in the middle of planning a 60th wedding anniversary celebration for my parents.  I have 3 brothers, and we're all working together to pull off a fantastic party next month, so that's taken much of my time lately as well.  I'll post some pictures of the event later in June.  I'm so excited about this - it's like planning a wedding reception all over again, and I just love this kind of stuff!

So - life is busy - as usual...  so that explains the lack of posts lately, and I'll try to have some pictures to add next time.

Cheers!

Sew, Mama, Sew! Giveaway Day

Welcome to the Cotton Cellar!  It's time for the semi-annual Giveaway Day, (actually it's five days!) hosted by Sew, Mama, Sew!  This time, I'm giving away a set of three handmade wrist-strap key fobs.  One for you, and two extras for your special friends.  Or heck - you can keep all three if you'd like!

The wrist strap is 3/4" wide and the open portion that fits around your wrist is about 6" long.  The D-Ring on each strap holds a 1" diameter split key-ring.  All you have to do to win this trio of key fobs is to leave a comment at the end of this blog, answering this question:

"What is your favorite color combination in fashion accessories?"

I'm asking because I've started making a new line of handbags in my Etsy shop, Cotton Cellar, like this green and navy City Bag...

...and I'm wondering what color combination to make next.  What's your favorite???
And I love visitors, so please stop by my Etsy Shop and take a look around!

This giveaway is open to everyone - international entries are welcome - just remember, if you're a "no-reply" blogger make sure you include your email address in your comment so I can contact you if you win.

The comment period closes on Friday May 10th at 8pm EST. The winner will be chosen using the Random Number Generator Tool and I will post it here on this blog post on Saturday.  And don't forget to head on over to Sew, Mama, Sew! and check out all the other fantastic giveaways this week!  Good luck!

Comment period is now closed.  Winner to be announced shortly!  Good luck!

And the winner is...

Congratulations Glenys!  I have sent you an email requesting your shipping address.

Cheers!

Hint Hint!

Sew Mama Sew is hosting another Giveaway Day!  Come back on Monday and see what's up for grabs from Cotton Cellar!

Tasting Table Tuesday - Bucket Hat

I know a little girl who needs a new sun hat...
...and she likes fishies...

(Bucket Hat pattern by Oliver + S)

Cheers!

City Bag - Full Size Version

I finished up this custom City Bag yesterday.  My customer wanted a larger bag than the Petite City Bags I've been making lately, so I used the pattern at it's original size.  If you like a bigger bag, this one is wonderful.  It has plenty of room inside, but it still hugs your body and tucks neatly under your arm.
***Update - my daughter just asked me if an iPad fits in this bag (because her iPad doesn't fit in the Petite City Bag I made for her) and I'm happy to report that YES - an iPad fits!***

To give you an idea of the difference in size, here it is next to the Petite City Bag, which is 85% of the original size.

Cheers!

Summer in the City

I just finished another Petite City Bag.  I really love this "Good Fortune" fabric by Kate Spain, in periwinkle.  I bought it a while ago and have been waiting for the right project.  When I saw it next to the blue cotton duck, I knew this was it.  I love how the blue base makes the fabric pop.  It's a perfect bag for summer!
The last one I listed in my Etsy shop sold in a week, so we'll see how long this one lasts...

Etsy listing here.

Cheers!