Row By Row H20 2015

Row By Row H2O is underway and a GREAT opportunity for you to meet local shop owners, dive into a new project and share you experience with the world!!  This is a “hop” of a different kind and a QUILTERS challenge.   

Go out and collect at least eight (8) FREE patterns.  Each pattern will be for one row on the quilt.  Create a quilt consisting of eight rows from eight participating shops in your area.  Start visiting your local shops and collect their 2015 Row by Row H2O pattern now!  Then start designing your 2015 Row By Row H2O Quilt.  The theme is water so let your creativity flow.

The challenge started on June 21, 2015 and will run through September 8, 2015.  There are thousands of shops participating in this event so pick a state and get started.  You have until October 31, 2015 to submit a quilt for a PRIZE!! 

There are lots of prizes to be collected along the way so be sure you visit with shop owners to learn about the prizes they are offering this year.  This is going to be a great adventure for many so be sure you share…we want to hear all about your adventure.  You will find lots of FREE patterns and some giveaways I’m sure.  Don’t hesitate to share them with others.  

I hope everyone has a crafty good time!

Keep Creating!!!

Karen

Sewing With Friends

A few weeks ago my mother was kind enough to offer a private class to me and a couple of my friends.  We asked her to teach us how to use our sewing machines and notions.

The project of the day was Seamless Pillowcases aka Pillowcases with French Seams.  This is a great project for beginners!  We had a really nice day sharing stories, helping one another and discovering what all the dials and buttons on our machines are really for.  We all got a lot of experience using the ripper too....

My friend Karen B. working on her project

We didn't use a pattern that day - we call that learn as you sew.  Because this is such a simple project my mom had everything memorized.  I was able to find a great pattern at The Cottage Mama.  I'm sure you can find others online.

NOTE:  Fabric widths can range from 42" to 45" so measure your pillow if you want to be precise. 

For the BODY you will need 27" x the width of the fabric; for example 27"x42".  For the CUFF you will need 12" of fabric in a coordinating pattern.  You can use the same fabric as the body if you'd like.  For the BAND you will need 2" x the width of the fabric.  You can use large rick rack for the band also.  

You can choose fabrics in so many designs the possibilities are endless -- just be sure you select 100% cotton fabric.

Here is another example of various fabrics pulled together to create a wonderful set of pillowcases.

French Seam Pillowcases

Nice & Tidy

Give this project a try, it's easy and the end result is a pair of seamless pillowcases that will make a lovely gift or give any room a fresh look.  Share your color combinations, tips or suggestions with us!

Keep Creating,

Karen

Epic Inspiration Jewelry Design Blog Hop



It's time for the Epic Inspiration Jewelry Design Challenge and Blog Hop hosted by Melissa Trudinger the author and designer behind Beadrecipes who challenged several bead lovers to create a piece of jewelry inspired by a favorite television show.  

The first show that popped in my head was Mad Men, not so much because I'm glued to the tube to catch every episode of the show (which recently came to an end) but mostly because of the costume design team.  Janie Bryant and her team created a vintage fantasy land.  I absolutely love seeing what everyone is wearing -- and I mean every member of the cast.  It's fun!

The 1960's was a time where American women found new opportunities in the business world.  GO Girl Power!!!  The cast includes many strong female characters who dress the part.  The cast includes Joan (Christina Hendricks), Betty (January Jones), Peggy (Elizabeth Moss) and Megan (Jessica Pare).  Each has great fashion sense wearing oversized sunglasses, faux pearls and furs and beautiful statement pieces (many brooches) true to the time.

This show also captured many of the fundamental characteristics of that era.  There were episodes related to the death of President John F. Kennedy, the Woodstock Festival, Man on the Moon and the Vietnam War.  

While I especially like Joan I was drawn to Betty's necklaces.  I created a double strand necklace and earrings.  The earrings were something that Megan would wear and not Betty so much.  Betty mostly wears post earrings.

The vivid color of the beads - orange, red and chartreuse were in fashion at that time.  I knew immediately when I saw the beads that these would work wonderfully for this project.

Please visit the other blogs to see what favorite show inspired their creativity.

Melissa Trudinger             http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com (Hostess)

Karen Mitchell                   http://www.overthemoon-design.com

Andrea Glick                      http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/

Karen Martinez                 http://fairiesmarket.blogspot.com/

Lennis Carrier                    http://windbent.wordpress.com

Lindsay Starr                      http://phantasmcreation.blogspot.com/

Mona Arnott                      http://bijouxgemsjoy.blogspot.com

Lee Koopman                    http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com

Shaiha Williams                 http://ShaihasRamblings.com

Veralynne Malone            http://veradesigns.blogspot.com

Elisabeth Auld                    http://www.beadsforbusygals.com

Kelly Schermerhorn          http://meanderingwithkelly.blogspot.com

Dini Bruinsma                    http://www.angazabychanges.blogspot.nl

Jami Shipp                          http://www.celebratinglifewithdamamashipp.blogspot.com.au/

thanks for stopping by

Keep Creating,

Karen