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!

Back to Reality

What a wonderful time we had in Florida.  We haven't had much one-on-one time with our grandson since he was born 10 months ago, due to the distance between us (PA to FL) so a five-day visit was awesome.  We really had the time and opportunity to get to know this little guy, and we loved every minute of it.  We kicked our feet and splashed in the pool together, went for walks, played games, sang songs, and just hung out together getting to know each other.

As you can see in this picture, his mom and I even introduced him to quilting fabric!  He was really eyeing up this pretty bundle of Amy Butler Lark fat quarters!  Wonder if he'll be a quilter when he gets older...

 And we did our best to get a picture of him modeling the new bucket hats I made for him for Easter.  But this little guy HATES anything on his head right now.  He'd pull it off just as soon as it touched his head.  We even tried double-teaming him with two hats at once.  While he was pulling off one, we'd be putting the second one on him, but we still couldn't win.  He's fast!!!  But it kept us all entertained for a few minutes and we all got a good laugh out of it.  Maybe he'll get over it someday, but for now he's going hatless.

Now it's back to reality as I get back to work on all the unfinished projects I left behind a week ago...

Tasting Table Tuesday

So much going on here in the Cotton Cellar today! It's so warm outside today that I'm finding it hard to make myself stay inside and sew, but there's so much to do! First off, I finished some Easter projects for the grandkids - gotta get them mailed soon! This pattern is called "Blossoms & Bloomers" by Favorite Little Things. I just love the bell shape of the hat, and I fussy-cut all 5 panels so the bunnies are centered in each one.

Next up is two more sun hats. I love this Bucket Hat pattern by oliver + s. The pattern is in their "little things to sew" book, which I have, but just noticed recently that this pattern is also available as a free download here. I couldn't decide which fabric to use, so I made two! You can never have too many hats, right?

It's going to be a busy time for awhile now, because I've just gotten two requests for custom quilts. One is a T-Shirt quilt that I think is going to turn out awesome! More details on that later as I get further in to it.

This next one is going to be a "Crazy Curves" quilt. My customer requested that pattern, and asked for bright batik fabrics in saffron yellow, turquoise, magenta, and purple. I think this fabric selection is right on the mark - don't ya think??? Can't wait to start piecing these blocks - I just love the colors!

And just to show how little self-restraint I have, I broke down and bought the jelly roll I've been dreaming about. It's all grey & cream fabrics from Bunny Hill Designs, called "Puttin' on the Ritz". (by the way, if you're looking for a great fabric shop, check out Sanourras Fabric Love on Etsy. Megan's fabric selection is great, as are her prices and service. Stop by and tell her I sent you!) I think it will make an awesome, contemporary baby quilt. Now to come up with a design...

And speaking of Etsy, there's another new shop that you need to check out. It's called "Half Pint Knits" and she's doing a giveaway to celebrate her grand-opening. Click here for more info.

And don't forget the "free shipping spring special" at my Etsy shop thru the end of March!

Now it's Happy Hour and my wine is waiting. Have a great evening!

Personal Day

After all the work I've done lately to get this blog up and running, plus start my new Etsy Shop, I decided it was time to take a couple of "Personal Days". Although I love all the sewing I do, it's especially satisfying to make personal things for my friends & family.
Yesterday I finished a laminated cotton Rain Cape for a friend's little daughter (sorry, forgot to take a pic before I mailed it), and today I made this Bucket Hat for my grandson. And no - that's not him under the hat - that's my selvedge jar :) He's already outgrown all the other hats I've made for him and he lives in Florida so a sunhat that fits is a must! Both were made with patterns from this book by Oliver + S. It's full of lots of great sewing patterns for children's items and I highly recommend it.

Warning! If you're the mother of my grand-daughter and you want to be surprised at her 1st birthday party then don't read any further - stop now!

OK - now that she's gone, I'll show you my latest project. I found this pattern from The Purl Bee for the cutest little penguins. They'll be just perfect for the aforementioned birthday party! So tonight I cut out all the pieces and tomorrow I'll start sewing them together. I'm not one to usually make stuffed animals, but I just couldn't resist these ones. They're so stinkin' cute!!!