Saturday, April 23, 2016

Fat Quarter Shop Sew Sampler Box - April

I'm super excited to share the new Sew Sampler box from Fat Quarter Shop. When I saw FQS was starting a monthly subscription of quilting supplies...I knew I needed to try it! I'm that girl that reads the last chapter of a book first because I can't wait to know how it ends. So it was a challenge for me to wait patiently for my first Sew Sampler box! When I saw this adorable aqua box in my mail box...I might have a squealed a bit!


I didn't even wait to go inside my house to open my box. I did it right outside! I'm sure my husband thought I was a bit nutty when he saw me taking pictures of my happy mail. I love how the box was packaged...just like a present!


First look at all the fabulous quilting goodies.



I really liked how FQS included a card that described each item included in the April Sew Sampler box. I then took my box inside to look more closely at each included item.


Here is a fun grid showing EVERYTHING that was included in the April box! Isn't it awesome! It's perfect for spring or summer quilting!

From (Left to Right)
1. On the back of the informational card is a crossword puzzle. See it is educational too :) Plus a cute Welcome to the Neighborhood card (with an exclusive coupon on your next FQS purchase...I think I need to order a Garland FQ bundle),  Block #1 Recipe card (8", 12", and 16" sizes), plus a cute sticker and magnet.
2. Grow Charm Pack from Me and My Sister Designs. The colors and patterns remind me of summer. In fact, I opened mine up and starting sewing the same day it arrived. 
3. FQS Creative Grid ruler. This is fabulous! I LOVE the grips on the back side of the ruler....no slipping!
4. Screw B Do magnetic screw drivers. These are fantastic! The perfect size when needing to remove your stitch plate or putting on your walking foot or anything else. I just need to hide them from my husband and sons. Plus they are made in the USA!
5. Strawberry Picking Pattern. This is just adorable. I even used my charm pack to sew one block to make a mini quilt!
6. Cotton Candy Embroidery Scissors. These are so sharp! Perfect for snipping when chain piecing! Plus the cover is a great safety feature too.




I adapted the Strawberry Picking pattern slightly so I could use my charm pack. I wanted to include lots of the pink fabrics so I made the squares very tiny...maybe too tiny :). I then used the purple squares to make binding and pieced 9 charm squares to make the backing. My 2 year old is claiming this mini quilt for her Strawberry Shortcake doll, which is perfect!

The April Sew Sampler box has already sold out...so be sure to sign up for the May box! I'm sure it will be amazing!

I shared even more pictures on Instagram @mellierc

Thank you Fat Quarter Shop for sending me the April Sew Sampler box....I LOVE it!

Have a great day!

Melanie 


















Saturday, April 16, 2016

Minecraft quilt

My kids LOVE Minecraft so when I found this Minecraft Sew Along...I knew I needed to make this quilt. It's a good thing the patterns are so well written as I'm now making 3!!!

So far I have 9 of the blocks finished for each of the 3 quilts... 27 blocks total so far ;)


Blocks: Steve, Creeper, Cow, Skeleton, Alex, Wolf, Villager, Pig, Ocelot

I can't wait to finish the rest!


Monday, April 11, 2016

Finish A Long Q2

I have some big plans for Quarter 2 Finish-A-Long sewing :) ! I'm hoping to make quite a few bags as I always seem to need more bags in the summer (park, pool, lake, trips), more clothing, and of course quilts.



Projects (not all pictured):
1. Minecrafts x 3 (can't just pick one favorite kid :) )
2. Quilty Fun Quilt
3. Project Sweetwater projects (Sewing basket, bag, mini, cups, and what ever else is coming in my mystery box)
4. Plum Pudding Quilt in purples!!!!
5. Geranium dress with Mickey Fabric
6. Caravan tote
7. Poolside tote
8. Amelia dress
9. Cargo dufle
10. Mini Carousel Quilt
11. Mickey shirt (Zipper tee by See Kate Sew)
12. Mickey backpack
13. On the Go Bags: Airport Sling
14.  On the Go Bags: Sporty Strap Bag
15. Bonnie & Camille Sampler
16. Pocket Tank 
17. Plus the mini quilts from my mystery mini quilt club with Westwood Acres
18. Red White Blue pillow
19. Pouches with a view (strawberry shortcake, mickey/minnie, my little pony)

I think that will keep me busy...plus I'm sure more will be started too :) 


Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Hop Hop Dress with Wonderland Fabrics

I'm excited to share my most recent dress I made for my daughter with the fabulous Wonderland Fabrics!

I knew these fabrics would be perfect for a dress as my daughter loves bunnies! She calls this her Hop Hop dress :) The bunnies are adorable and easy for fussy cutting or centering in a pattern for clothing. I was also glad that the metallic gold fabric has a nice feel as it is the lining in the dress - not scratchy at all! 


Here is a fun little peek of the lining! The fabric is well designed as it is printed straightly so it lined up nicely, which made me so happy!


My daughter loves her Hop Hop dress! I know it will be worn lots as it is one of her favorites....plus it twirls!


I knew I needed to add a black and white strip to the bottom of the dress. This is an easy add-on to do for any pattern. I simply cut two 4" strips to match the width of the bottom of the dress. Then I ironed the striped fabric 1/2" under (to tuck under the raw edge) and pinned it to the bunny fabric -lining up the raw edges at the bottom.



Then it's time to topstitch to secure the striped panel to the main dress. Then just finish the dress/clothing per pattern instructions.


Just one final close up of the cute bunnies and pleats!


I can't wait to see what you create with the Wonderland Fabrics! It is such fantastic and well designed fabric! I am so pleased with the fabric quality (I did pre-wash as I was sewing clothing). The softness for 100% cotton and print patterns are great!  

If you want to purchase yardage or 10" squares: Click Here.
Dress pattern: Geranium - Made by Rae

Have a Hoppy Day!

Melanie