PLEASANT HOME

Sew Picture Perfect ~~ a Farmers Wife ~~

2012-02-14T23:00:00.000-08:00

found @ sewdeerlyloved on flickr

found @ Antipodas on flickr

found @ verykerryberry on flickr

found @ Vivie on flickr

found @ Gayle Brindley on flickr

found @ Happy Zombie on flickr

found @ Why Not Sew? Quilts on flickr

found @ run amok on flickr

found @ write it down

found @ s.o.t.a.k. handmade on flickr

Need a little Break

2012-02-14T18:15:00.000-08:00

I've been away from the blog for a few... Everything is good, just needing a break I think...

I really need to start working on my Taxes (and preferably finish them too)

Took a little trip away for a few days...

Many Un-Finished projects that I REALLY want to finish...

{House and Sewing Projects}

Lots of other little things goin on round here...

AND... I feel like this computer has been attached to my hip! LOL

So... I decided it's time for a little break...

{Blogging Break that is}

But I doubt I will be gone very long,

because I can't wait to get some of those sewing projects finished and show you!

AND I have some fun new product and new templates to list in my Etsy Shop too!

So.... I'll be seeing you around in a week or maybe two....

ooxx`jodi

Sew Picture Perfect ~~ Hexies and More!~~

2012-02-07T23:00:00.000-08:00

found @ Nova on flickr

found @ Yvonne@Nellie's Niceties on flickr

found @ Venus de Hilo on flickr

found @ Annietwinkletoes (Chelsea) on flickr

found @ bulabean on flickr

found @ theplaidscottie on flickr

found @ Carriebc on flickr

found @ Chickenfoot on flickr

found @ Sarah @ pingsandneedles on flickr

found @ philistine made on flickr

found @ GoldWillow on flickr

found @ Laura @ Needles, Pins and Baking Tins on flickr

found @ Milky Robot very busy on flick

Needle little Inspiration? ~~ Mias Landliv~~

2012-02-05T23:00:00.000-08:00

Mia's Landliv = Mia's Country Living

Mia blogs from Norway... And I am smitten with her blog, home, garden, and everything in between...

I found Mia through Pinterest. And the first photo that caught my eye when visiting her blog, was this simply wonderful photo of lovely color... And the little projects she's been working on.

These quilts and afghans look heavenly...
Although I love all seasons and I'm actually hoping we get some mega snow this winter... I also look forward to beautiful spring flowers like these... I thoroughly enjoy looking at Mia's photos...

Her home is simply beautiful, and just lovely...

I dream of having a country kitchen such as this with such a fantastic quilt on the table...
And a cozy corner like this... With a quilt made from Cath Kidston fabrics...

Or this beautiful quilt with crocheted lace trim... Gorgeous isn't it! Thank You Mia for the Inspiration!!! I love visiting your blog...

Grand Prize Drawing WINNERS !!! and more....

2012-02-04T23:59:00.000-08:00

Thanks again to everyone for a simply fantastic month sewing scraps!

I've done a little organization over on the blog for the Sew Scraps Along. You will see the banner for the Scraps Along on the right sidebar. Click on that and it will take you to a page where most of the posts for the scraps along, have a link.

Hover your mouse over the photo to see a description and click on the photo, to go to that post.

And now... Let's announce the Winners of some fantastic PRIZES!!!

The Winner of the GRAND PRIZE is....

Sharon of VROOMANS QUILTS !!!! Yay Sharon!!! Congrats!

The WINNER of the book "S is for SCRAPS" (I chose from all entries last month) is ....

P. from THE WAY I SEW IT !!!! Congrats P.!

And the WINNER of the book SCRAP REPUBLIC is....

Rebecca of OUR BUSY LITTLE BUNCH!!! Congrats Rebecca!

Thanks to everyone who followed along, POSTED, BLOGGED, FACEBOOKED, and TWEETED about the Sew Scraps Along!!! Thank You. Thank You!
Until our next Sew Scraps Along...

Happy Scrappy Sewing!!! ooxx`jodi

P.S. Winners: send me your address and I'll get your prizes in the mail...

Quilt COLOR Inspiration Cards...

2012-02-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to announce a new feature here at Pleasant Home!

Every Saturday I'll be sharing some Quilt Color Inspiration!

I was so INSPIRED by all the Color Boards, Color Cards, and Color Swatches over on Pinterest, I started my own Pinterest Board titled QUILT COLOR INSPIRATION.

And then that got me to thinking... and....a NEW FEATURE @ Pleasant Home came to life!

I had a Valentines Day Quilt Color Inspiration post scheduled for today, but I changed my mind. :)

I received some beautiful photos from my parents yesterday. They have a home on the Washington Coast and have visitors there right now.... And not of the human variety. :)

They are the SNOWY OWLS.... and talk about beautiful.

My mom is quite the seamstress. She'll tell you not these days. But when I was growing up, she could sew up a storm and sew very well.

Soon I'll be teaching her how to quilt. I know she'll be really good at it. I have a pattern for a quilt in mind. It will be for their beach home....and when I saw the photos of the Snowy Owls, I knew I wanted to make a Color Inspiration card.

I'm in love with the colors in this card... And I'm excited to go looking for fabrics for my mom's first quilt!

I hope you enjoy this new feature @ Pleasant Home...
Later I will make them available in 4" x 6" PDF...

Happy Sewing! ooxx`jodi

Go Red !

2012-02-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

Today is National Wear Red Day ! ... Are you wearing RED?

Heart Disease causes 1 in 3 deaths in women each year.

Help raise awareness by wearing red today!

I thought I'd share a little RED with ya today in the form of a snippet from my RED Pinterest Board.

Click HERE if you want to see more of my RED board!

Oh and P.S. Tonight one of my most FAVORITE television shows start!

Happy Friday! ooxx`jodi

Vintage Yo Yo's on a Quilt

2012-02-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

On July 23, 2010 I posted about the Vintage Yo Yo's that were given to me by a friend, but I just wasn't sure what I wanted to do with them... So they sat in their box under my bed for another year and a half....

You can read that post HERE.

But one day not too long ago, while pinning away on Pinterest. I came across THIS pin...

I knew instantly I was going to do the very same with my vintage Yo Yo's.

I bought a 50" x 60" off white quilt....

I hand stitched / tacked down the Blocks of Yo Yo's that had already been sewn together...

And then I added a binding to the quilt to tie it all together...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE how this quilt turned out...

Super Simple with Simply Fantastic results...

And have I mentioned that I LOVE Pinterest?

Grand Prize Give Away for the Sew Scraps Along !!!

2012-01-31T11:30:00.000-08:00

K......

Are you ready for the BIG reveal?

It started off with the Shelby Mine Bag from Sheri..

You can find the pattern for the Shelby Mine Bag HERE

And gradually through the month, I added a bit of this and bits of that into the bag...

Take a Look at what's inside the Grand Prize Bag!!!...

Tiger Tape

a Cut the Scraps! Book

a Bag of Scraps

a Cute Polka Dot Sewing Tin

a Few Patterns {including the Auntie Dots Apron by me} and a Funky Pinwheel template set!

a cute little zippered pouch made by Sheri to go with the cute bag...

And a couple cards of Pinked Fabric Strips {perfect to use as ribbon or sewing ruffles on projects}

EVERY ENTRY from all the Grand Prize Entry posts will be entered into the Drawing !!!

Including this... the LAST POST of the 2012 Sew Scraps Along....

Leave me a comment on this post for your last chance at winning the Grand Prize....
I would love some feedback in regards to the Sew Scraps Along... What did you like most? What would you like to see in the next Sew Scraps Along?

The GIVE AWAY WINNERS will be announced on Saturday February 4, 2012 at 11:59 P.M. PST

Pssstttt.... I have a few books that I'll be GIVING AWAY too! All picked by Random Number Generator AND I'll also announce the winner for the Scrap Republic Book Give Away!

Thank you again to all the "sponsors" AND a HUGE, BIG, GINORMOUS, THANK YOU to everyone who followed along, blogged, facebooked, twittered, sewed, commented, allowed me to feature their tutorials,sponsored, donated and more...

I enjoyed EVERY minute... I hope you did too. Good Luck!

Good Luck! & Happy Scrappy Sewing until our Next Sew Scraps Along !!! ooxx`jodi

Projects = Scraps = Scrappy Projects !

2012-01-30T01:00:00.001-08:00

As our Month long of Scrappy Fun almost comes to a end...

I thought it might be kinda fun to show you a Scrappy Project from the very start to the very finish!

As in the original project, then the scraps from the project, and then the project created from the scraps! {did ya catch all that?}

My friend Sheri made 4 Shelby Mine Purses recently for Christmas. Each one in a totally different colorway.

#1) What I would call Dark Country... It has that country vibe with Sheep, Roosters, Wood- Grain, Apples... And, dark homey colors: Deep Red and Forest Green.

#2) I would call this Soft and Subdued... It has a bit of the country / cottage vibe in soft and subtle colors: Denim Blues and Saddle Browns.

#3) This would be the Bright and Cheery one... It has the ever popular Aqua and Red with a bit of Pink too.

#4) I don't have a photo of #4. But it was made with this Charm Pack... Happy Greens and Sunny Yellows in a bit of Country...

It might be a little overwhelming to imagine all the scraps from these 4 projects in one quilt...

How bout if we grab all the scraps from these four purses

Press them...

and sort them by color...

Sheri's scraps were mostly 1.5" strips left over from the Charm Squares she used in her purses.

Now when you see them all together it doesn't look too bad.

But let's break them up a bit just for fun...

I've sorted them into different colorways.... You could come up with some scraptacular projects using just a few colors from this big pile of scraps...

Pink, Green and Brown...

Red, White, and Blue with a bit of Gray...

This is a pretty combo... Sunny Yellow and Happy Green make that darker country black floral pop!

But what if I chose just about 5 colors from that big pile of scraps, sewed them together, and then used my funky pinwheel template to make a funky pinwheel block?

I've never made Scrappy Funky Pinwheel's before... And I LOVE them!

And look how well the dark deep turquoise prints from purse #1 blends in with the bright aqua prints from purse #3.

Even the dark reds from Purse #1 sit next to the bright reds from purse's #3 and #4 pretty well.

I used white Kona cotton for the background... And to tie the quilt together I bought the Aqua and Red Dot for the Border.

With just a little sorting, pressing, and sorting again... I was able to put together a bright, happy and fun little baby quilt from 4 completely different colorways/projects! For me... The possibilities are endless with Scraps!

I've done up some Instructions with Photos for the Scrappy Funky Pinwheel Block in PDF format.

If you would like to download the PDF instructions for the scrappy block, you can do so

NOTE:

This Scrappy version is made using my Funky Pinwheel Template set, and 1 1/2" x at least 5" scraps.

You WILL NEED the Funky Pinwheel Template Set and Instructions to make this scrappy version. And to use the Scrappy Instructions...

The templates are NEW and IMPROVED and back in my Etsy Shop!

I am no longer hand cutting them. And they are 1/8" thick now! I'm just thrilled with the way they have turned out and will be adding my other templates and some Square It Up! templates to the shop soon!

TOMORROW I reveal the GRAND PRIZE !!! And your last chance to ENTER to win it! I can't wait for you to see all the goodies we're GIVING AWAY!!!

See You Tomorrow and Happy Scrappy Sewing!

ooxx`jodi

Crumb Quilts and another Give Away !

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Today on Pleasant Home, we have our last featured blogger and featured tutorial for our month long Sew Scraps Along!

Today I'm pleased to have Andrea from Knitty Bitties as a guest...

Andrea's featured Tutorial is this Simply Fantastic little project she made with her fabric crumbs!
What are Fabric Crumbs? You ask..... Well Andrea and I just happen to both think - they are your Fabric Scraps that are less than a Charm Square (5" x 5").

The littlest, itsiest, bitsiest Fabric Scraps that you "could" actually sew with.

Here is a little bit of my crumbs....

And here are the 5"x5" blocks I made using Andrea's Tutorial and my Fabric Crumbs... Tomorrow I'll share my finished project with you.

A little birdie told me that not only does Andrea have an awesome tutorial on her blog, she's GIVING AWAY a great little stack of Fabric!!! So hurry on over to take a look at Andrea's Project and enter to win! :)

Happy Scrappy Sewing.... ooxx`jodi

Sew Picture Perfect ~~ Scrappy Triangles ~~

2012-01-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

all things triangular

found @ crazymomquilts on flickr

found @ Blue Elephant Stitches on flickr

found @ Lily's Quilts on flickr

found @ Ellison Lane Quilts on flickr

found @ ImAGingerMonkey on flickr

found @ janssendesigns on flickr

found @ Red Pepper Quilts on flickr

found @ misocrazy on flickr

found @ patchandi on flickr

found @ filminthefridge on flickr

found @ armchairquilter on flickr

found @ saltyoat on flickr

found @ knottednest on flickr

found @ frivolous necessity on flickr

Scrappy 60 Degree Quilt Block

2012-01-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

Where has this month gone?

When I emailed Kim of Magnolia Bay Quilts fame, it seemed that January 24th was so far away...

Kim has recently posted a few posts on a really great tutorial that she has put together...

The 60-Degree Quilt... Isn't this just scrumptious! The Perfect Scrappy Quilt!

I am in LOVE with all her bright and happy fabrics...

I've started a little project using Kim's tutorial, but we had a little incident yesterday that sort of threw a wrench in my sewing and photographing plans for this post. Let's just say one of our vehicles was minding it's own business in a parking lot and no longer has a door!

I'll share my version of Kim's 60 degree Quilt later this week... But did you know....

Kim has written two scrappy books... Scrap Basket Surprises and...

Scrap Basket Sensations...

Photo courtesy of Martingdale Company on Flickr

If you haven't visited Kim at Magnolia Bay Quilts... You really should... Especially today...

Not only is there a great Scrappy Tutorial, but Kim is giving away her book "Scrap Basket Sensations" ! Woot! :) What you waiting for? Head on over and take a look at Kim's tutorial and enter to win her book!

Happy Scrappy Sewing!
ooxx`jodi

Needle little Inspiration? ~~ She Can Quilt ~~

2012-01-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Such awesome inspiration can be found on Leanne's blog; She Can Quilt

I am in love with this quilt and the hand quilting..

I think I have this pattern. I should look and see, and I should make it... :)

This is the quilt that caught my eye for Inspiration for the Sew Scraps Along... Beautiful...

And this one... I see something like this in my very near future...

I like these....

And this is the view from her window... I love fruit on bare trees in winter....
Thanks Leanne for all the Inspiration!

Scrap Republic Give Away !!!

2012-01-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

GIVE AWAY HAS ENDED

I think this is going to be one of my all time favorite Scrap Quilt Books!

I was able to review the book this past week and I'm in LOVE...

There are 8 Simply Fantastic Quilt Projects with beautiful photos !

And the book delivers exactly what it Promises!... Projects for those who love COLOR...

I think my most favorite quilt in the book is VOLUME on page 34... Absolutely Scrumptious!

How would you like to win a copy of Scrap Republic?!?

C&T Publishing is going to send one lucky reader a copy of Scrap Republic! Now how nice is that?!

GIVE AWAY HAS ENDED

~~Leave a Comment on this post.. Answer the following question(s):~~

Do you like to sew in the peace and quiet?
Or do you like somethin playin in the background?
Music?
T.V.?
Books on CD?

Most of the time I like peace and quiet. I enjoy sewing in solitude. But there are days when I have one of my Pandora stations or iTunes turned way up! And I even pop a movie in once in a while. My latest favorite? Happy Feet... a little bit movie and a little bit music. Love it.

If you'd like to get your own copy of Scrap Republic... You can buy it...

Scrappy Mug Mat Tutorial

2012-01-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

I had much fun sewing these little scrappy mug mats!

I decided to call them Mug Mats because they're just a bit smaller than the larger Mug Rugs I usually make...

Here's a quick tutorial on how I made them...

SCRAPPY MUG MATS
finished size 6" x 6"

1)
Cut 2"x2" squares of scrap fabrics - you will need 16 squares for each mug mat

2)

Cut a 8" x 8" square of Fusible Grid Interfacing

{you can use any kind of fusible interfacing, the grid just helps to keep your squares of fabric aligned. Just make sure you use light weight}

3)
Lay your 2" x 2" pieces of fabric onto the Interfacing (following the grids) until it looks good to you

4)
Press your fabrics to the Fusible Interfacing per directions that come with Interfacing

5)
Matching right sides together, refer to photo and finger press along the vertical lines first, sew 1/4" seam. Repeat this for each row.

6)
Lay flat onto your cutting mat and trim just a hair off each seam. Press each seam open.

7)
Now repeat steps 4-6 for the Horizontal Rows.

Press entire pieced "block".

8)
Cut a piece of backing and batting...

9)
Quilt your pieced squares to the batting if desired. Don't sew the Backing on yet.

10)
Cut 4 pieces of Ric Rac (you will need 4 - 6.5" pieces for this mug mat)

11) lay them out on the right side of your pieced squares, as shown in the photo below. Staring at one point and going around. Baste the Ric Rac really close to the edge of the pieced top, all the way around.

12)
Now lay your pieced top and backing right sides together and sew around the mug mat, leaving an opening on one side for turning.

13)
Clip Corners, Turn Right Side Out, Press and then Top Stitch close to edge on all four sides, sewing the opening closed as you go.

Original Tutorial for Quick Piecing Tiny Scraps using Interfacing...
Can be found @ Sew Mama Sew by Elizabeth of Oh Fransson!

Happy Scrappy Sewing ! ooxx`jodi

Scrappy Update, Tiger Tape, and another Entry!

2012-01-19T01:00:00.002-08:00

My Scraptacular Picnic Quilt from Nanette's tutorial is almost done!

Introducing the top to my 2011 Scrappy Quilt!

{every year I make a quilt with the previous years scraps. I now have a 2008 & 2009 completed and my 2011 is almost finished... my 2010 is still a work in progress.. click on the year to see each quilt}

I need to find a backing {crossing my fingers it can come from my stash}..

And it will be ready to be quilted! I can't wait until it's done. I am totally in love with it.

My next Scrappy Project is the Scrappy Dresden from Lurline's Tutorial. It's finished and enjoying it's new home on my dining room buffet.

I tried a great "new 2 me" product on this project... It's called Tiger Tape...

Have you heard of it? Have you tried it?

The tape is used as a guide for evenly spaced hand quilted stitches.. It's reusable and comes in different sizes for different stitch widths. It's very cool.

So I cut a few small pieces and stuck them along my Dresden points and just followed the lines on the tape. Nearly perfect quilted stitches...

What great results... Don't you think? You can read more about it HERE and if you'd like to purchase some, you can do so HERE.

Beverly of Tiger Tape graciously sent a package along to include in the Grand Prize Give Away at the end of the month! Thanks Beverly!

How bout another entry to the Grand Prize Drawing!?!

Leave a comment on this post... Answer the following question:

Do you have a Favorite Season?

I love all seasons. In fact I LOVE a year that has a bit of everything in it. I have been wishing and wishing for lots and lots of snow this week... But I have to say,,,Summer is my absolute favorite time of year.

I'll be back tomorrow with the Tutorial for the little Scrappy Square Mug Mats! I decided they should be called mats because their smaller than what I usually make for a {mug} rug.. :)

Happy Scrappy Sewing! ooxx`jodi

linkin up with Amy

Sew Picture Perfect ~~ Scrappy Stars ~~

2012-01-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

It's all about the stars this week! Scrappy Stars!

found @ twobutterflies on flickr

found @ auntem1 on flickr

found @ sewinluv on flickr

found @ berthacrowley on flickr

found @ MimiPark on flickr

found @ alison.klein on flickr

found @ bellflowertextiles on flickr

found @ makatrin

found @ Studio 890 on flickr

found @ Knitting Maniac on flickr

found @ jenib320 on flickr

Scrap Jar Stars

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

For Real? Are we into Week #3 of the Sew Scraps Along already? Goodness this month is going by fast!

I'm excited to share this weeks featured Tutorial....

If you don't know or haven't visited Amber of Little Bit Biased.... You should totally hop over after this post and not only take a look at her tutorial, but surf around her blog... She is one talented gal and has some simply awesome projects to share.

Today Amber gave into my pleading and begging and is sharing a NEW tutorial with you! Are these not the cutest Scrappy stars!?! I am LOVING these colors!

As soon as I saw Amber post her first set of Scrap Jar Stars.. I emailed her and begged (not even kidding) her to share them for the Sew Scraps Along.

And looky what I made yesterday!

I've started gathering, collecting and making things for one of my dreams... [a vintage camp trailer] I chose these colors for this quilt so it can go in my "home away from home" someday..

I even got a bunch of my scraps pressed, cut and ready to go. Because I can't wait to work on these blocks some more!

You can find the tutorial for Amber's Scrap Jar Stars

And while you're there, tell her Hi for me. :) Oh and pssst... A little birdie told me that Amber's having a Give Away too!

Happy Scrappy Sewing !!! And Thank You Ms. Amber for sharing your tutorial!

Needle little Inspiration ~~ Stolen Moments ~~

2012-01-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

I am absolutely in love with this quilt...
Selvedge Heaven...

Love this little pouch she made for a Swap...

Always love to see photos of pretty fabric...
Love this pic of her books... tons of Inspiration here...

These are the adorable towels I saw on Pinterest that lead me to Traci's blog...
And the patchwork quilt that fits in perfectly with the theme at Pleasant Home this month!
If you don't already follow Traci and her Beautiful blog... you really should... :)

Thanks Traci for all the Inspiration!

S is for Scraps and More!

2012-01-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

Today it's all about Scrappy Books!

I have had the opportunity these past couple of weeks to review a few books. Scrappy books that is!

First on the list is S is for SCRAPPY by Gayle Bong

Here's a shot from the book of all the projects in this book. There's a little bit of everything in this book... I especially liked the quilt called "Ahead of the Game" found on page 52.

Next is Small Blocks Stunning Quilts by Mary Elizabeth Kinch and Biz Storms... Although it doesn't have Scrap or Scrappy in the title, most of the quilts in this book would qualify as "scrappy" in my book!

There are some stunning :) scrappy quilts in this book.. Including the one below.

Although Small Blocks Stunning Quilts will be out of print soon, it is available as an e-Book and the authors have a new book coming out in May!

And one of my favorites... Crazy for Scraps by Sally Schneider

I am ALWAYS drawn to Star's. There is just something about them. {those and pinwheels are probably my favorite blocks in quilts} ... And I am really liking the pattern below.

I have some fabric stashed away that might end up in this quilt...

And look at all the scrappy goodness in the quilt below... Scraptacular Scrappy!

All three books are from Martingdale and Company and are available on Amazon.

And now for a sneak peak at the Grand Prize I'll be giving away at the end of the month!

Are you drooling yet?

My friend Sheri made this adorable Shelby Mine Bag, and she graciously gave it to me to Give Away during the Sew Scraps Along.

I immediately thought it would make the perfect little bag to hold all the Grand Prize loot in!

Yep you read that right... The bag alone isn't the Grand Prize, but it will be FULL of all kinds of Scrappy Goodness!

Want another chance to win the Grand Prize?

Super Easy! Become a Follower of Pleasant Home and leave me a comment letting me know you did!

Already a Follower? Cool! Leave me a comment and let me know you are!

Happy Scrappy Sewing! ooxx`jodi

Pleasant Home Studio Etsy SALE

2012-01-13T13:00:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the year! When I go through my house as I'm putting away my Christmas decorations, and re-organize, de-clutter, re-evaluate, spruce up, re-locate a few things (which my husband just loves), AND have a "garage sale" in my Etsy Shop!

I have a few left over Christmas Kits and Fabric Packs. A Few Patterns, and some yardage too. It's all marked down and priced to sell!

I was thinking... This Charm Pack

would be really cute made up into...
this Snowman Wall-hanging.. NO?

Scrappy Courthouse Steps

2012-01-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

My friend Andrea sent me a link a couple days ago to Randi's Blog. I've followed Randi's blog now and than and love everything she does. {including the fabric she sells}

But I had missed the Sew Along she was having this week!

Randi is going to host a Sew Along the 2nd Tuesday of each month. How cool is that! This month's Sew Along was a great tutorial on the Courthouse Steps block.. Aren't these blocks adorable!

A perfect way to use up your scraps and left overs!

I wanted a new table runner for my kitchen. I have a spot on my breakfast bar where I like to keep a bowl of fruit, napkins and such. I usually have a little runner there and change it out seasonally.

So I sat down last night and went to work.

I already had 2" strips cut for another scrappy project. So I went ahead and used the larger strips for my project,,, following Randi's Tutorial for piecing.

I totally love it.

I did some simple straight line quilting and used some left over binding I had from another project.

Oh ! I almost forgot this week! How about another chance to enter for the Grand Prize drawing?

This week is easy! For a chance to win the Grand Prize given away at the end of the month...

Leave me a comment on this post... Answering one or all of these question's....

Do you like your scraps ?

Do you love your scraps?

Do you hate your scraps?

Is a Scrap Quilt a scrap quilt if you pull fabrics from your stash, or only a Scrap Quilt if you only use scraps?

I'm getting a post ready for next week and would love some input for it...

So answer one or all of the questions in the form of a comment on this post, and you'll be entered to win!

Tomorrow I'll give you a sneak peak of the Grand Prize!

Happy Sewing! ooxx`jodi

Sew Picture Perfect ~~ Scrappy Dresden~~

2012-01-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

Week #2 - All things Scrappy Dresden

found @ Ellison Lane Quilts on flickr

found @ The Crafty Blackbird on flickr

found @ kellypuffs on flickr

found @ sailbit on flickr

found @ Dee's Doodles on flickr

found @ Hazelnut Designs on flickr

found @ upstatelisa on flickr

found @ amy smart on flickr

found @ Kala Bear on flickr

found @ bebo821 on flickr

found @ sew nancy on flickr

found @ Petit Design Co. on flickr

found @ annamariahorner on flickr

found @ Dee's Doodles on flickr

found @ badskirt - amy on flickr

found @ simple girl, simple life on flickr

found @ The Sometimes Crafter on flickr

found @ princesspinestudio on flickr

found @ tezzcan on flickr

Scrappy Dresden Plate Tutorial

2012-01-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry this post is a little late today. Had a little hiccup! ;o)

Our 2nd Featured Blogger in Week #2 of the Sew Scraps Along is Lurline from Lurline's Place! Lurline is another blogger that I've been following along with for a few years now.

I can always find happy inspiration at Lurline's Place!

When searching for Scrappy Tutorials to share with you... I knew I wanted to do a Dresden Plate block.

Lurline's Dresden Plate Tutorial was perfect for this week's tutorial!

Here is Lurline's Dresden... Isn't it scrumptious!

One of my most favorite Dresden quilts is this one...

Sewn and Quilted by me in 2009

I enjoyed every bit of the process making this quilt.

So I was very anxious to try Lurline's more scrappy style dresden's.

I'm almost finished with my Scrappy Dresden! Here's a little peak...

I am hooked!

My next Dresden quilt will be done in this scrappy style...

It was so much fun to sew!

Thanks Lurline for sharing your Scraptacular Tutorial!

You can find Lurline's Tutorial HERE

Needle little Inspiration? ~~ a bright corner ~~

2012-01-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

a bright corner

I saw this table runner pinned on Pinterest. I instantly fell in love with it. I had to click over and see who it belonged to... I was thrilled to find 'a bright corner'...
I thought "a bright corner" was a 'new 2 me' blog. Turns out it's one of my long time blogging friends with a simply fabulous new blog and look ...

Andy is so talented! She has a feast for the quilters eye... Including this fantastic new pattern that just came out.. I could totally see using my scraps with this pattern!

The photography of her projects is wonderful..

I love this quilt...

Love me some pictures of quilts... This one reminds me of spring..

Of course I spotted a Red, White and Blue quilt... They get me every time...

And this selection of fabrics is scrumptious!

Thanks Andy for all the Inspiration! I love visiting your blog..

P.S. Sorry I didn't get the question and answer post up yesterday... We were too busy celebrating Son #3's eighteenth birthday!!! I'll finish answering the questions and post it this coming Sunday instead....

See you tomorrow with another featured blogger and scrappy tutorial!

Happy Scrappy Sewing !

Week 1 of the Sew Scraps Along

2012-01-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who is following along! And Thanks to everyone who posted about the Sew Scraps Along on your blog! It's been a fun first week!

I wanted to share a book with you today. I just received it this week and I'm loving it!

Cut the Scraps! 7 Steps to Quilting Your Way through Your Stash
by Joan Ford

Have you heard of it? Do you have it?

There are 20 irresistible Scrappy Projects in this book! Some super great tips for sewing with your scraps. AND how to organize them too.

Joan organizes her scraps just a little bit different than I do. I'm seriously thinking of giving it a try. She offers step-by-step instructions for cutting your scrap fabric stash down to size and ready to quilt! mmmm. Definitely something to think about.

The quilt on the front cover of the book is what sold me right off. It's totally going in my inspiration file and on my "To Sew" list.

Two other quilts going on my "To Sew" list are the Something Fishy quilt and Bloomin Steps. I really love the scrappiness of both these...

Something Fishy

Bloomin Steps

You can find the book on Amazon

now for a little recap of the week:

2 Tutorials and tons of simply awesome Inspiration, along with a Give Away over at Freda's Hive,,,, make for a great start to the Scrap Along!

I've been sewing here and there on my Scraptacular Picnic Quilt all week. The top is almost done!

I played a little more with the gridded interfacing and 2" squares and made a couple of these! I'll give a short tutorial later...

And I also finished another scrappy project I'll be sharing with you next week!

Would you like another chance to enter for the Grand Prize drawing? You have a chance to enter 3 times today! (for a total of 4 entries this week)

1) LIKE Pleasant Home on Facebook = 1 entry

2) Post about the Sew Scraps Along on your Facebook Page = 1 entry
3) Twitter about the Sew Scraps Along = 1 entry

Leave a Comment on this post for each entry you participate in.

And no worries for those of you without Blogs, Facebook, Twitter.... ( I don't even Twitter) There will be plenty of opportunities for you to enter this month!

P.S.
Be sure and join the Flickr Group ....

I can't wait to see the projects you're working on with your scraps!

Almost forgot... Tomorrow I'll be posting a Question and Answer post. I'll be going through my emails and the comments from this week trying to answer the questions I can. If you have any other questions - shoot me an email at PleasantHome@live.com

Happy Scrappy Sewing! ooxx`jodi

Organizing Your Fabric Scraps

2012-01-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

First on the List of Sewing Scrappy. Organize Ourselves.

I start with my actual scraps. Keeping them organized is key for me.

What is a scrap of fabric? For me, anything less then a quarter of a yard and/or less then a fat quarter, goes into one of my bins shown below...by color.

The bins and shelving came from Target. The bins came in Black or Gray Metal finish. I spray painted the gray bins, white. There are 9 of them.

1. Red,
2. Oranges & Yellows,
3. Black & Grays,
4. White & Cream,
5. Green,
6. Blues & Purples,
7. Brown,
8. Pinks and
9. Halloween {I'm saving all Halloweenish fabric scraps to make a Halloween string quilt someday}

Next on my list... Organizing my Scrappy Projects...

I have several of the boxes below. They are 12x12 storage boxes I bought in the scrapbooking department of our local craft store a few years ago.

I keep most of my on-going projects in these boxes. Including my Scrappy Projects.

Here is a 12x12 plastic box that I found at JoAnn's. Not as sturdy as the ones above, but less money and will do just fine. I paid $5 for it.

What I think is great about this size of a box;
I can fit more then one on a shelf,
They're large enough to accommodate up to a 12" quilt block,
And they're clear, allowing me to see a bit of the project inside

I put the blocks in progress, finished blocks, fabric, and pattern for the project, in the box. (sometimes thread too, especially if it's a color I don't use that often).

When I'm in the mood to work on a project, I just pull the box from the shelf, pop off the lid and everything's ready for me to sew... Right where I left off.

Now this doesn't mean you have to run out and buy some 12x12 containers.
Heavens.... Use what you have to start off with.
Shoe Box?
Document Box?
The Box your latest Internet order came in?

If possible, it's always good to try something out when Organizing, before you spend a bunch of money. Because what works for one person, may not work for another.

I have a closet with lots of shelving, so I have plenty of space and just the right set up, for these boxes.

I see these all over and I've even seen them at Yard Sales and Thrift Stores. If you don't have shelving in your sewing space, something like this might work better for you. I found this one on Amazon HERE.

My Scrappy Projects are almost always on-going projects. And personally I think in order to finish them someday, they need to be easily accessible and ready to work on when the mood strikes me.

How do you organize your scraps? I would love it, if you shared your scrappy organization pictures with the group on flickr!

Tomorrow I'll have a little recap of our first week... Including a Book Review ! It's a simply awesome book about Scraps that I think you're going to like.

Oh ! And tomorrow there will be another chance to enter in the Grand Prize drawing !!!

Happy Scrappy Sewing !!! ooxx`jodi

Quick Piece Tiny Scraps via Sew Mama Sew

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

did a simply awesome tutorial over at

in October 2009... I found it a while ago and had it bookmarked in anticipation for this Sew Scraps Along.

It was fun to try a new 2 me technique. The tutorial shows how to use 2" square scraps with Pellon Fusible Interfacing with a grid printed on it.

This isn't the first time I've worked with fusible interfacing in quilting. I use Fusible Interfacing when working on my Selvedge Quilt. You can see that tutorial HERE.

I pressed and cut some 2" scraps...

And then followed Elizabeth's tutorial... I could see all kinds of fun projects being made this way!

I decided to make a little baby bib for our grand-baby.

You can find the Pattern HERE....

A great way to use up little scraps and it went together in one afternoon.

Would love to know if you have tried this method of sewing tiny scraps? And I would love to see your projects, if you have!

I've set up a little group over at Pleasant Home on Flickr... just for the 2012 Sew Scraps Along! Please feel free to share photos of your projects from the 2012 Scrap Along in our group!

And don't forget this weeks 1st entry for the Grand Prize drawing!!! Post about the Sew Scraps Along on your own blog and place the Sew Scraps Along button on your blog...Leave a comment after you post, HERE.

Sew Picture Perfect ~~ Scrappy Postage Stamp Quilts ~~

2012-01-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

This week it's all about Scrappy Patchwork and Postage Stamp Quilts!

found @ mianni2010 on flickr

found @ twinfibers on flickr

found @ applecyder on flickr

found @ fliminthefridge on flickr

found @ Cara {Me? A Mom?} on flickr

found @ marci girl designs on flickr

found @ marycatharine on flickr

found @ {philistine made} on flickr

found @ La Belle Avenue on flickr

found @ arajane on flickr

Scraptacular Picnic Quilt

2012-01-03T11:00:00.000-08:00

My first featured blogger with a Scrappy Tutorial is Nanette from Freda's Hive !Nanette is one of the very first bloggers I started following way back when... I consider her one of my bestest blogging friends.

I've had this quilt... Nanette's Scraptacular Tutorial for her Picnic Quilt...

...bookmarked since she posted about it in February.

I'm excited to share with you the beginnings of my own Scraptacular Picnic Quilt!

This is a great tutorial and uses squares as small as 2 1/2"... Perfect for all those bitty scraps, or the left over Jelly Roll Strips you have layin around.

I love Nanette's quilt and decided to use the same color scheme... So I rummaged through my RED, BLUE, YELLOW and GREEN scraps.

Here are my scraps layed out so you can see all the different sizes.

I spent the evening pressing and cutting my scraps per Nanette's tutorial, into small and large squares until I had a nice little stack....

Then I started chain piecing... First the small squares...

Then the small square sets onto the larger square...

I chose to sew 6 of my smaller blocks into a larger block.

Then I'll sew these larger blocks into rows.

I LOVE sewing with my scraps. And I'm loving this quilt. I did a little math for ya too.

6 of Nanette's blocks sewn together to form a larger block equals 12 1/2" square.

For a nice lap to twin size quilt you will need approx. 35 - 12 1/2" blocks.

That's a total of 420 of the smaller squares and 210 of the larger squares needed using Nanette's tutorial...

You can find Nanette's Tutorial HERE..... You'll want to hop over to get measurements and dimensions AND enter to WIN her Give Away! But before you go....

Enter for a chance to win the Grand Prize here at Pleasant Home. You will have 8 chances to enter for the Grand Prize Drawing this month... Which includes a Box of Scraps from me!

First Entry: Blog about the Sew Scraps Along and include the Sew Scraps Along button in your post or on your sidebar! Leave me a comment letting me know you blogged!

<a href="http://www.pleasant-home.com/p/sew-scraps-along-2012.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="2012 Sew Scraps Along 150 " src="http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt7/Simplythisandthat/borderbuttonpng.png" /></a>

Happy Sewing !!!

Welcome to the Sew Scraps Along 2012

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the first official day of the Sew Scraps Along. But technically it starts today! {don't ask... just go with the flow and play along with me.} LOL

O.K. If you must know... My posts got dated wrong and the Official "Hello! WELCOME to Pleasant Home's Sew Scraps Along!" Didn't make it out to blog land yesterday.

So here we are...Are ya ready for a month of fun!?! Here's the run down...

Every Monday I'll be featuring a quilty-sewy blogger that I found while doing some searching for Scrappy Inspiration... on my regular Needle little Inspiration post !
Every Tuesday I'll be featuring one of my blogging friends and one of their Simply Awesome Scrappy Tutorials ! Which means you'll walk away each week with a different Scrappy Project to try !
Every Wednesday as always... a Sew Picture Perfect Post... Of course the posts will be all things Scrappy !
Every Thursday I'll share a Tutorial for making another fun Scrappy Project ! That means 4 more projects to use up those scraps !
Every Friday we'll talk about Scraps. *How to organize them. *What colors to use. *What qualifies as a Scrappy quilt? *Do you like your scraps? *Are you afraid to sew scraps? And a few updates on my own scrappy projects !
And on Saturday's... a few more of my blogging friends will pop in to say Hi too!

Did ya catch that? *hint-hint* GIVE AWAYS !!!

Yep!!! Every week our featured bloggers will be giving away some of their scraps on their own blog. So every Tuesday after you read the featured post, be sure and pop over to their blog and enter to win their Give Away!

AND at the end of the month there will be one super fantastic Give Away from Pleasant Home and Sponsors!
*** Each week I will give you a way to enter the Grand Prize Give Away! By months end you could have a total of 8 entries!

I will announce how to enter each week on Tuesday,,, so be watching later today!***

I know! There are a TON of EXCLAMATION marks in this post.... I'm just so excited!!!

I have been scouring the Internet for weeks... looking for Scrappy Inspiration and have so many fun projects to share and show you! I have some simply fantastic bloggers who graciously accepted my invite to participate and Give Away some of their Scraps!

{Thank you Featured Bloggers!}

And I have some terrific sponsors who are donating to the Grand Prize! Grand Prize items will be announced throughout the Scrap Along....

{Thank you Sponsors!}

So yeah.... Let's get going and have some Scrappy Fun!!!

Later this morning I will feature our first blogger and show you one of the scrappy projects I've been working on using their tutorial....

See ya soon! ooxx`jodi

Needle little Inspiration? ~*~ S.O.T.A.K. Handmade

2012-01-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

Svetlana's blog.... S.O.T.A.K. Handmade

Each of the blogs featured in my Needle little Inspiration posts this month
were found when I was searching for Scrappy Inspiration for the Sew Scraps Along!

I am in love with Svetlana's pillows!

I think I may be adding a little gray into our mostly aqua and white Master Bedroom this year. Totally inspired by this pillow from S.O.T.A.K. Handmade...

And here is some Scrappy Goodness! LOVE it all!

Quilts all stacked up are some of my favorite photos! And I LOVE this photo from Svetlana's blog.

Thanks Svetlana for all the Inspiration!

Happy New Year !!!

2011-12-31T23:58:00.000-08:00

Reflections as I enter a New Year

He turns 18 next week. He graduates soon. He is our last one.

I also became a grandmother in 2011.

I am entering a new chapter in my life.

It's a little scary.

{I want to make it less scary and more exciting}.

I almost feel like I will be re-inventing myself in 2012.

Time seems to be going faster and faster.

I wish I could slow things down.

I realize I can't.

So I hope to make the most of every minute, hour, day, week, month,
opportunity...

Thanks for following along with me in 2011 here at Pleasant Home.
I wish you all the very best and may God bless you in the New Year!!!

See you in 2012! ooxx`jodi

I shared my reflections with Karen at This Old House 2
{a new to me blog this year}
Thanks Karen for prompting me to pause and reflect earlier today...

Announcing the 2012 SEW SCRAPS ALONG !!!

2011-12-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to announce that I'll be throwing another Sew Scraps Along, starting
Monday {January 2, 2012} !!!

I'm so excited to bring you this years Scrappy Goodness!

What's in store for the month long event?

Needle little Inspiration? I'll have a months worth of Inspirational Blogs to share with you...

Have you followed my Sew Picture Perfect posts? I'll also have a months worth of Sew Picture Perfect posts... FULL of Scrappy Inspiration!

There will be 4 featured bloggers sharing one of their Scrappy Tutorials !

Some Super Fantastic Scrappy Product to GIVE AWAY!
Including Scraps from our Featured Bloggers!

Do you need help Organizing your Scraps?
Thinkin your Scraps aren't so great?
Need some Scrappy Inspiration?
How bout a free Tutorial from me each week?

That is just some of what you can look forward to next month!
More details will be posted Sunday evening. {tomorrow}... So be sure and check back in.

In the meantime. I've created a button for your blog...

<a href="http://www.pleasant-home.com/p/sew-scraps-along-2012.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="2012 Sew Scraps Along " src="http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt7/Simplythisandthat/150250sewbuttonpng.png" /></a>

We had great fun during the last Sew Scraps Along...
Can't wait to Sew Scraps Along with ya again!
ooxx`jodi

Merry Christmas !!!

2011-12-25T06:45:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! We hope you have a simply fantastic day!

I have loved hearing about all the 'pay it forward' stories this year and wanted to share this video with you today. May we all remember the reason for the season..

Lots of Love to you and yours... ooxx`jodi

a Tour of Our Home @ Christmas in 2009

2011-12-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone !!! I hope you have a fantastic Christmas weekend!

Here's a little tour of our home @ Christmas time in 2009... go HERE

The Land of Christmas Trees 2010

2011-12-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Did you know we live in the Land of Christmas Trees? {well that's what I like to call it!}

Come along with us to get our tree... HERE

Dear Santa Mug Rug

2011-12-22T08:30:00.000-08:00

I've had several requests for my Dear Santa Mug Rug PDF Pattern this week. And because Pleasant Home on Etsy is closed for the Holidays, it's been a bit difficult to find. I've added a Buy It Now button to the bottom of this post for purchasing. Thanks for the inquiries and your patience. ooxx`jodi

If you're looking for a cute and easy peasy Last Minute Holiday Gift to sew up... My Dear Santa Mug Rug is perfect !

It's just the right size and has a super cute little embroidered pocket for a letter to Santa, or you could even pop a cookie or two in the pocket for the jolly old fellow.

The pattern includes step by step instructions with photos {just like the tutorials I've published on my blog}.

The Dear Santa Mug Rug pattern is $5.00 and comes in PDF format.

After I receive confirmation of your purchase, I will email the pattern to you. Just click on the BUY NOW button below to get your pattern. {and make sure I have your correct email addy}

Our Kitchen Christmas Tree 2010

2011-12-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

We have a Candy / Gingerbread Christmas Tree in our Kitchen. It's full of all things Candy, Gingerbread and Kitchen. You can see more HERE.

Our Blue and White Christmas Tree 2010

2011-12-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

We have a Blue and White Christmas Tree in our Master Bedroom. It's one of my most favorite Christmas decorations. You can see more of my 2010 Blue Tree HERE

Napkin Pillows from Target 2010

2011-12-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

Super Easy Peasy idea! Make covers from cloth Napkins for your pillows! You can learn all about it HERE

Christmas Cookie Exchange Party - December 2010

2011-12-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

Last year we had a FANTASTIC Linky Party at Pleasant Home! A Christmas Cookie Exchange!

You can find all the cookies, recipes and links HERE

Merry Christmas Everyone !

2011-12-18T08:04:00.000-08:00

I had the best intentions of sharing some fun Christmas Crafts, Sewing, Baking and Decorating with you all - this month.

Goodness. I am still trying to decide if I'm in a dream and can't wake up? Because I cannot believe it's already December 18th!

We have had a lot of busy-ness at our home. But all is good and we are totally enjoying the Holidays! {especially with our little Grand-Baby and her first Christmas!}

So.... I've decided to just wipe out a good portion of my To Do List and take the rest of the Holidays off from Blogging. {that means I'll have a jump start on posts for next year! LOL}

In the mean time I've post dated a weeks worth of posts for ya ! They're posts from years past. But all things Christmas! Enjoy....

And thank you to everyone who reads my blog. And for all your Etsy purchases in Pleasant Home on Etsy this year. I'm truly Thankful.

{I'll be back after Christmas sometime. I have something Totally Cool planned for January!}

I wish you a very Happy Holiday and a very WONDERFUL NEW YEAR !!!

Much Love and God Bless.... ooxx`jodi

busy, busy, busy...

2011-12-13T06:40:00.001-08:00

There has been a serious lack of posting going on around here. But I have good reasons...

Son #1 and his cute little family just bought their first home! And just down the street from us! I've gotten to spend a little one on one time with the cutest little grand-baby ever... They're all moved and settling in just in time for Christmas!
And we had our family Christmas party this past weekend too! In between helping with the move and a few other things going on, I took the Christmas slides from my Gramps' collection and converted them to digital images.

This is my Gram and Gramps in the 50's.

I came across some totally FUN pictures that I hadn't seen in a very long time. How do you like the matching dresses my mom sewed for us? Cute face I'm making too!
I used about 160-180 of the Christmas pics and put them all on a DVD to some old timey Christmas music. It turned out fantastic! Each family took a DVD home.

I plan on converting more of the slides this next year. {he took a LOT of photos}...

So what have you all been up to? If you haven't left me a little note lately, I would love to hear from you!

P.S. I've got some fun little posts planned ... coming soon! ooxx`jodi

Christmas Books ....

2011-12-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

I {Heart} reading Christmas books during the Holidays! My collection grows a little each year. Here are a few in my collection...

I've added a few new ones this year... Like 'Lost December' by Richard Paul Evans... I haven't gotten to this one yet, but looking forward to reading it.

Another fun new one is 'Christmas Memories' by Susan Waggoner... I am LOVING this book.
It is full of pictures, photos, art work and good story about Christmas from the 1920's thru the 1960's.

I especially love the artwork in the book...

I thought this ad was super fun!

I read a little hear and there and I'm very much enjoying it. It's a GREAT Coffee Table book!

I have another book to tell you about too.... It has a little story behind it I'd like to share...

My sister and a group of friends meet for coffee & breakfast every Friday morning at a little Cafe here in town called Paris Cafe...

photo courtesy of NationalGeographic.com

The girls have been meeting for about 5 or 6 years... They met each other through volunteering at their kids' school. Many things have happened in their lives in those 5-6 years. A few birthdays, Illness, New Baby's, Graduations, and Anniversaries to name a few.

And one of the newest 'news worthy' events was the publication of a first book by one of the girls in the group... Very cool I think...

'Home for the Holidays... Tales to Warm the Heart' written by Barbara Ritter under the pen name B.K. Ritter.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Barbara's book, and would totally recommend it! It's full of seven simply awesome short stories that are sure to put you in the Holiday Spirit.

According to Barbara: "the book is filled with "neighbor-next door" characters, a few furry "angels" and a Christmas miracle or two."

It's available in paperback HERE or you can get an autographed copy direct from Barbara @ bkritterbooks@gmail.com

Home for the Holidays is also available as an ebook! Which is what I purchased.

I downloaded the book straight to my phone using the free kindle app... Very cool! You can get the ebook HERE

I would love to know if you're a hooked on Christmas Books too?
And do you have a recommendation?

P.S. I've put several books in my collection all together on my sidebar

{over there to the right on my blog....}

Happy Reading! ooxx`jodi

Cake Walk Quilt ....finally

2011-12-02T14:36:00.000-08:00

Back in July I gave you a little sneak peak HERE

Guess what!?! It's done! And I am so thrilled with how it turned out...

Let me present to you my version of CAKE WALK !!! {A Pattern by Lori Holt}

One of the funnest quilts I've worked on ever... a little bit of applique, a little bit of embroidery...

a little bit of ric rac ....

and my own little contribution; {birthday candle's}...

All the women 18 years old and up on my mom's side of the family, get together for our Birthdays once a month. We have a little Birthday Club! When I saw this quilt, I knew I had to make it! And that I had to add a little birthday candle to some of the cakes... When I host the Birthday Club, I'll have this quilt hanging on the front room wall!

It took me a while just because my life has been so busy. But I enjoyed sewing every inch of this quilt...

And can you believe this fun backing I found at JoAnn's! {i bought the last of the bolt and haven't been able to find it since}...

I also used it on the borders... the colors were PERFECT! {I had already picked out and started sewing the cakes when I found the cute print}...

The quilting isn't perfect-o on this quilt, but I'm O.K. with that. Overall I think it turned out pretty darn cute ....

Here are 8 of the 12 cakes on the quilt....

I rarely make the same quilt twice, but I could totally see me making this quilt again someday...

And can I just say how nice it is to FINISH a project. {I have way too many un-finished at the moment...}

Pinterest Picture Perfect

2011-11-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Instead of a Sew Picture Perfect post today....

Today's post is brought to you by... Pinterest

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving !!!

source

Little Bits Quilting Bee Book Review

2011-11-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

Hello All !

How's it goin?

Are ya all ready for Thanksgiving?

Done your shopping?

I braved the cold and pouring down rain early yesterday morning and headed for winco.

I was on the brink of a little mini melt down when I was blessed with the most wonderful Cashier! *** Let's just say I didn't sleep well that night {up at 2:27 a.m. in the morning} it was raining cats and dogs and windy too, and I got a really rotten no good horrible cart! ***

But I got all my ingredients for my food assignments! Yams, Green Beans and Pie... Yum....

K... So I have something fun to share with you today!

I'm one of the lucky bloggers who has had the pleasure of reviewing Kathreen Ricketson's newest book; LITTLE BITS QUILTING BEE !!!

Kathreen is the founder of WhipUp.net a hugely popular craft blog and author of Whip Up Mini Quilts. She's teamed up with Chronicle Books and together they have published one awesome Quilting Book!

One of the quilts that totally caught my eye is this one that is on the front cover. It's called Dress Circle and I love everything about it...

Another one of my favorites is this one... It's called Square Dance and I'm thinking there is something about the Red, White and Blue that caught my eye.

The book is over-flowing with Fantastic Patterns. 20 patterns in All! Using Charm Squares, Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes and Fat Quarters..

There are approx. 160 pages in the book and so many of them are gorgeous colorful pages of gorgeous colorful projects! I could totally do a WHOLE Sew Picture Perfect post just from this book!

Oh and I must add.... if the quilts, patterns, and colorful photos hadn't already sold me on the book, her dedication at the back cinched the deal. The book is dedicated to her female ancestors... {gives me goose pimples}...

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! In fact if I totally recommend putting this on your Christmas List.

You can find the book here

And if you'd like to read more about the book, you can visit any of the other bloggers who reviewed the book by going HERE and clicking on the links.

Kudos Kathreen and Chronicle Books! I'm thrilled to have been able to review the book. It's simply awesome...

Oh wait! Would you like a chance to win a LITTLE BITS QUILTING BEE book!?!

Leave a comment letting me know if you're ready for Thanksgiving and what your food assignment is this year! And I'll draw a winner Saturday...

This Give Away is Open to U.S. Residents Only. One comment per person. Give Away Closes Saturday 11:59 P.M. PST.

Needle little Inspiration? ~~ Stitch n Sing ~~

2011-11-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

Janet's blog is a fairly new blog, but it's already loaded with fantastic projects... Like these adorable drawstring bags she made from a tutorial in blog land.. And this way fun patchwork tote... And these adorable little bags... I'm sure there are more great things to come from Janet... Just this week she shares some great tips for creating your own labels for your sewing projects...

Oh and she also keeps stock of some very cool Japanese Patchwork and Quilting books she sells...
Thanks Janet for all the Inspiration!

Our Eagles Nest

2011-11-20T06:55:00.000-08:00

It's been a little like a zoo around here the last few months. Planning and preparing for a night with the women at church wasn't the only 'big' event taking place.

We were also helping Son #3 plan, prepare and carry out his Eagle Project...

It took place at this historic church and the adjacent cemetery a few miles from our home...

I've blogged about this church before. And I mention it HERE...

It's a beautiful old cemetery where my great-great grandfather, his second wife, 2 of his grand-daughters and 1 (possibly 3) of his great grand-daughters are buried.

Fellow Scouts, friends and family joined us on a Saturday morning to take photos of every headstone in the cemetery...

Son #3 would then catalog and burn CD's for various organizations. {such as the local Historical Society and Caretakers of the cemetery}

It had been raining but held out just long enough for everyone to get photos taken. And even a chance for me to take some 'fun' shots...

I {LOVE} this old cemetery and glad Son #3 chose to do it for his project... Some of the headstones/markers are getting very hard to read {about a dozen were almost impossible to read}... It's nice to know there is a photo record of them now....

And the awesomeness that followed this project!... Our Eagles Nest... Hubby {1983} with Son #1,{2005} Son #2, {2008} and Son #3 {2011}.

Good Stuff...

Hope everyone is having a Fantastic Weekend ! ooxx`jodi

i've been away from the blog for a bit...

2011-11-16T19:30:00.000-08:00

Did ya notice that I haven't been around lately? Well on the blog that is...

I've been having fun plannin and puttin on a Pre-Holiday Fall Social for the women at our church...

I thought I'd share a few pics from our evening last night. It took place in the Church Gymnasium, so pardon the color of the pics... Hard to get good pics in gym lighting...

The "theme" for the evening was; "finding joy in all seasons of life"... We decorated in Browns, Golds, and Greens...

My sister and friends helped with set up and I think it turned out fantastic! All the decorations came from our homes and yards...

The Serving dishes were a combined effort too...

After having had to be tested, tested, and tested again.... I try to be a little more aware of different food needs... So I made sure to have some Sugar Free and Gluten Free goodies too...

I baked and frosted 150 mini cupcakes! I {LOVE} mini cupcakes.... And I love my sister's tiered stand to display them in...

The food turned out awesome! Many wonderful helping hands prepared it and I am so grateful for all their help. We had: Meatballs, Little Smokies, Cocktail Tuna sandwiches, Chicken sandwiches and Cucumber sandwiches. Mexican Tortilla Wrap Bites, Crackers n Cheese...

Veggie and Ranch cups...

And one of my favorites.... Tortellini Salad on a Stick!

Little mini Fruit Kabobs...

Mini Chocolate Indulgence Parfaits...

And Sour Cream Lemon Parfaits...

Oh...and Sparkling Cider {of course}

We closed the night with a DVD presentation of the Parable of the Pear Tree {I'll share that with you soon}... Thus the pears in the invites, decor and handouts...

Silverware Bundles in little paper sacks tied with muslin...

And a little handout for everyone.... a bookmark

The bookmark said:

Let us relish life as we live it.... and find joy in the journey... President Thomas S. Monson

Find JOY in every season

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven... Eccl. 3:1

We had a great conversation {about 40-50 women} about finding Joy in every season of your life.

We asked 6 ladies to be on a panel answering some pre-written questions and then opening up to the audience for any comments.

Some of the questions were:
What brings you the most joy in this season of your life?

What are some things you are learning during this season of your life?

How is this season of your life different than you thought it would be?

I'm kinda sad it's over. It was loads of fun preparing for the nigh, and a wonderful evening with some wonderful women.

I would love to know... What brings you the most joy in this season of your life?

In fact... How bout a little Give Away if you leave a comment in the form of an answer to that question?!?

I don't have any little polka dot fabric bundles left. But I do have a sewing kit and pair of scissors!

So... leave a comment answering this question: What brings you the most joy in this season of your life?

And I'll enter you in the drawing for ONE little pink sewing kit tin and ONE pair of turquoise scissors.

Entries will be accepted until Monday! (November 21st) @ 11:59 p.m. PST...

Can't wait to read your comments! ooxx`jodi

Apron Kit Winner !

2011-11-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot!

The WINNER of the Apron Kit from THIS POST.......

Is............

Christine from Beannie Quilts !

Congrats Christine! Send me your snail mail address and I'll get it off to ya!

Thanks everyone for your comments!

Polka Dot Stocking Stuffers !!!

2011-11-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

SOLD OUT Just listed in my Esty Shop! SOLD OUT

Polka Dot Stocking Stuffer Packs!

The perfect Stocking Stuffer or gift for your fellow Sewist or Quilter!

A way fun 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" Charm Pack of 30 squares of Polka Dots, Checks and Solids...

All packaged up in a Cello Bag with a CUTE Button...

Aren't these Scissors adorable!

A Sewing Kit in a Super CUTE little tin...

With CUTE little matching sewing supplies...

Each Pack comes with Scissors, Charm Pack, and Sewing Kit.

- SOLD OUT -P.S. There are only 12 available. - SOLD OUT -

Sew Picture Perfect ~~ roly poly ~~

2011-11-09T02:00:00.000-08:00

found @ Bijou Lovely on flickr

found @ Johanna on flickr

found @ Sarah @ FairyFace Designs on flickr

found @ Johanna on flickr

found @ Saffron Craig on flickr

found @ maddieandme1 on flickr

found @ HookedOnNeedles on flickr

found @ junienone on flickr

found @ KristinaMarina on flickr

found @ Undercover Crafter on flickr

Tuesday Tips with Amber @ A Little Bit Biased

2011-11-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody! Are we all havin a good day? I hope so!

I started mine at 3:00 a.m.! Goodness my body is having a hard time adjusting to the time change!

But the sun is out, it's a crisp and cool 45 degrees and I'm in heaven. I love fall!

Know what else I love? Answer: Inspirational Blogs!

Amber's blog; A Little Bit Biased just happens to be one of them.
And I just happen to be doing a guest post for Amber today... She has a new feature called Tuesday Tips -

I've done a quick little post on one of my favorite parts about my Creating Space. You should head over and check it out...

And I'll be back here tomorrow for another Sew Picture Perfect post! See ya! ooxx`jodi

field trip....The Yankee Trader....Part 2

2011-11-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

I forgot to show you my treasures yesterday that I brought home from Yankee Trader!

But first let's finish our Field Trip.

Part 2.... The Red Rubber Boots that the shop has become famous for... In fact you can see a photo of our front porch with my own red rubber boots totally inspired by the Yankee Trader HERE...

Directly over the front counter you'll see this... As you can see, every display is a work of art...

Thinking I should get one of these next year for the grand baby.... {tee hee} But I'm thinking I need a red one. Don't you?

I took some photos this time around of things I {LOVE} / Inspiration for our home. Like this one! We have tons of old soft balls hanging out in the garage. Now I just need to find something cool to put them in...

I also have a few birds nests that have fallen out of our trees. Love the idea of the nest on a glass pedestal...

And these I just adored...

I wonder how many children wore these? If they were passed down from one sibling to the next?

{LOVE} this as much as the Softballs above. Thinking I'll have to keep my eye open for some of these...

Vintage Iron anyone?

I just loved this sign...

And one of my most favorite areas of the shop.... I've taken photos of it each time I visit. In fact you can see a couple photos HERE and HERE...

But there was one item that I never posted about... the RESTAURANT sign. Do you not love it?

And did you notice I said "was". Uh huh... It's now living in MY kitchen! And it looks absolutely perfect!

I bought another somethin, somethin too, but I didn't get a picture yet. I will. And I'll post about it soon.

Hope you're all having a GREAT WEEKEND! ooxx`jodi

Field Trip....the Yankee Trader in Gearhart Oregon

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

In September I got to join the women in my family and head to the coast for our Annual Girls Weekend!

The weather was close to perfect...We had Good food. Good conversation & Good times with Good people.

I always try to head over to The Yankee Trader when I'm in Gearhart [just down the road from Seaside a bit].

I've blogged about the Yankee Trader before. HERE and HERE.

And,,, I've been promising a certain someone that I would take some pics of the owner Carrie Bergin's fantastic cakes!

Simply Awesome Altered Art. I think you could gaze upon these cakes for hours and hours and never see the same little trinket, found object, or ornament twice.

Here is my favorite from this trip...

I {LOVE} all the found objects...

This little piggy is celebrating the JOY of the season!

Such a cute little puppy with his pedestal of cupcakes close by...

Patriotic Santa's always catch my eye...

Make a Wish!

This one makes me smile...

And the most adorable little bunny for a Happy Easter dessert...

Carrie doesn't do the Internet. {I know!} But she will ship!

It looked like the cakes ranged in price from $50 - $150 each.

I absolutely {LOVE} the Yankee Trader. I always come home with a little somethin. In fact I came home with two somethin's in September! I'll share those with you tomorrow...

If you'd like more information: Yankee Trader in Gearhart is at 4197 Highway 101 N. Store hours are noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday from Memorial Day through December. For additional information, contact Bergin at (503) 717-1744.

Christmas in Etsy !

2011-11-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

I've been dying to show you the latest kit I've put together for my Etsy Shop!

Let me introduce you to SOUL MATES! An adorable Birdie Wall Warmer / Wall Hanging / Table Topper...

The pattern comes from Sandy Gervais from Pieces From My Heart. And I am totally in LOVE with these little "Soul Mates"...

I've done up several kits in Red's and Greens...

And some in Red and Aqua too!...

I've also got a few Fat Quarter Bundles in a few different color ways...

Along with a few Zippered Pouch kits in Christmas fabrics. ***the pattern for the Abby's Treasure Box is on back order, but if you send me a convo through Etsy, I'll put your name on a mailing list and let you know when it comes in *** {pattern $4.50 + .50 shipping}

And of course there are some fantastic Charm Packs!

It's hard for me to believe it's already that time of year! Do you have your Christmas List done? Are you starting to make little gifties for everyone? Now that my shop is stocked it's time for me to get going on mine!

Happy Sewing! ooxx`jodi

Sew Picture Perfect ~~ Red and White ~~

2011-11-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

found @ The Busy Bee Handmade on Etsy

found @ Joe Architect on flickr

found @ Red Pepper Quilts on flickr

found @ That Old Blue House 2 on etsy

found @ Joe Architect

found @ polka dots gifts on etsy

found @ QOB on flickr

found @ maryanda studio on etsy

found @ Peppermint Pinwheels

found @ shannoncharlize on flickr

found @ NY_Man on flickr

found @ c jaeger on flickr

found @ quilterpatsloan on flickr

found @ Pinkilicious on etsy

a little HOW TO on Pinterest ...

2011-10-30T02:00:00.000-07:00

A reader emailed me last weekend and asked if I'd give a few pointers for Pinterest. I'd love to give a few tips and pointers! Why? Because I LOVE Pinterest!

Pinterest does have a HELP page... You'll find it under the ABOUT link in the upper right corner on the Pinterest page. But here's a few tips from me...

Pinterest is the PERFECT way to keep all the 'Inspiration' you find all over the Internet, all neat and tidy and in once place!

Imagine a HUGE wall full of multiple Bulletin Boards. Each Bulletin Board is a category; for example... My Favorite Vacation Places... Kitchen Ideas... Quilt Ideas.... Sewing Tutorials... Recipes.... Inspirational Photography... etc.

RE-PINNING:
If you see something on the PINTEREST site that you'd like to pin to your own Board.. Move your cursor over the image and you'll see a REPIN link. Click on the REPIN link. And up pops a screen like this: 1. Choose the category/board from the drop down menu you'd like to put this image in.

2. Describe the PIN and PIN IT. Wah Lah!

If you'd like to see the source for a PIN . Click on the image itself and up pops a screen like this:
The green arrow is pointing to the link for that PIN.

PINNING from the WEB:
Let's say you're surfing the Internet and come across an image of a gorgeous quilt... It's easy peasy to put the image of the quilt onto your QUILT IDEAS Bulletin Board.

1. After you've installed the PIN IT button on your toolbar, (see Goodies under the 'ABOUT' link at the top of the Pinterest site.

2. just click the PIN IT button on your tool bar when you're on the page where the image is... all the images on that page will pop up.

3. Click on the image you want to PIN and then click PIN THIS... A Pop Up box will display.. Like the one above for re-pinning.

4. Pick a category or create a new one..

5. Type a description and PIN IT.

Your PROFILE:
You can see I have a link to my blog and my etsy shop, along with the city and state where I live, on my Profile. I think it's especially important to have your blog / website info there.
Often times I come across some PINNER'S that have the same taste as I do. And I would love to visit and follow their blog.

I have over 100 Boards! I add new ones all the time. Often times I will see an image on Pinterest and it will inspire a new Board.

For instance... the other day I saw a few PINS of some awesome fireplaces. So I started a board titled "by the chimney"....

You can also arrange your boards anyway you'd like. On your Board page you'll see a "REARRANGE" link in the upper right corner. Click on that link. Then move your cursor over one of your boards, {up towards the top of the board in the white space.} Click on the board and move the board by moving your mouse. You can "drag and drop" it anywhere on the screen. Then go back up to the top of the page and click SAVE.

A few helpful tips;

SEARCHING:
You can search for things on PINTEREST... There's search box in the upper left. Let's say you want to find pictures of Red and White Christmas Decorations. Type in Red White Christmas and Tah Dah! LOTS and LOTS of pins will come up of all kinds of Red and White Christmas inspiration that others have PINNED and REPINNED.

DESCRIBING A PIN:
I have found that search results in Pinterest seem to be based on what a person DESCRIBES the PIN (image) as. So I personally think it's best to put a good description of the pin when it's PINNED or REPINNED... That way someone will be able to find it in a search.

Like this pin: I described this pin as "going on a picnic".

If I wanted to make it easier for someone to discover my pin of the vintage cooler and picnic baskets - I may have wanted to describe it as: Vintage Coleman Cooler and Picnic Baskets - going on a picnic!

You absolutely don't have to. But if I decided to do a board on Vintage Coolers. I may not have found this photo with the original description.

Be sure and PIN from the original page that the photo is on. Otherwise there will be no link. And it's really frustrating when you find for instance a PIN for a tutorial or recipe and the link isn't there.

Also this may seem like a no brainer, but try and be nice when you PIN. It would kinda stink if someone pinned an image from your blog, website or board and had horrible, rotten, no good things to say about it. So don't do it to others.

K. There's a bit of basic info about PINTEREST. If you have other questions - leave a comment and I'll do my best to answer them or publish another post.

Now.... if you've stuck with me through this forever long post, I have a little treat for ya!

I hit 600 FOLLOWERS on Pinterest this weekend! Very cool! That's a lot of people following me. If you follow me on Pinterst. Thanks! And I hope you're enjoying my boards!

So in honor of 600 followers, I'm going to give ya a chance to WIN one my Auntie Dots Apron pattern's and a fabric kit to go with!

All the fabric you need and the pattern to make one Auntie Dots Apron!

It's a simply adorable kit: Cute 'Sew Cherry' with a Green and White polka dot tie and Red and White polka dot pocket...

One entry per person. Just leave me a comment . Any old comment will do!

Give Away ENDS on Saturday November 5th, 2011 @ 9:00 p.m. PST

Happy Pinning !

Christmas to Pleasant Home on Etsy is COMING SOON!

2011-10-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for Halloween? Got Candy? Dressing Up? Pumpkins Carved?

We are oh so ready for Halloween! {love the little trick or treaters}....

Candy? check!

Dressing Up? possibly???

Pumpkins Carved? yep! {but it's already growing fuzzies...bummer}

And guess what else I've been getting ready for? You know, don't ya...

Yep! Christmas in my Etsy Shop!

Here's a few little sneak peaks... There are yummy greens and reds...

Reds and Aqua's too...

And a few super cute kits!!!...

In the mean time I've put most of what's left in the shop on SALE....at really good discounts! {except templates and most patterns}

I'm shootin for November 1st as my 'Re-Stock the store date'... so stay tuned...

No More Word Verification...

2011-10-28T05:30:00.000-07:00

I'm a early riser. Always have been. But lately I've been rising even a little too early for my own tastes. So I decided to put the time to good use without waking up my family.

I've been Blog Surfing! So much fun. I haven't Blog Surfed in FOR.EV.ER. BUT,,,,

I have been so sad to see all the blogs with Word Verification turned on. {bummer}...

I thought today would be a good day to re-visit an old post.... Why does Word Verification make me sad? (and drive me absolutely bonkers!) Read on....

originally blogged 5 February 2011:
I've been blogging for a long time. I've left hundreds of comments on other blogs.

Lately my time to visit and comment on blogs, is few and far between. So when I do get a chance to pop over to your blog and I want to leave a comment. I need to do it quick.

Sometimes, that's not so easy. It depends on how you have your comments set up.

There are a few different ways you can set up your comments on Blogger blogs.

I am going to share the way I set my comments up, and personally I think the best way if you're wanting to make commenting easy for your reader's.

Here are step by step instructions. I would highly encourage you to try it this way. Just give it a week. If you're not happy, you can go back in and change it.

1. Design

2. Settings

3. Comments

In this section you will want the following:
Comments - SHOW

Who can comment - ANYONE

Comment form placement - FULL PAGE

***Comment Moderation - ONLY ON POSTS OLDER THAN 15 DAYS
you will need to check this circle and type in 15 in the empty box..

***Show word verification on comments - NO

Show profile images on comments - YES

Comment Notification Email - Type YOUR email address in this box

By using the ONLY ON POSTS OLDER THAN 15 DAYS option and with Bloggers
new Spam filtering. You don't have to worry about unwanted / spam comments.

By typing your email into the Comment Notification Email box, all comments will
be emailed to you. Which allows you to easily reply to your readers. Very cool.

Don't panic if you get a spam type comment in your email. It was probably filtered out by blogger, but it get's emailed to you anyway. You can go to your blog and check just to make sure, but most likely it's in your Spam box in your dashboard. If it does happen to show up on your blog, just delete it. Easy Peasy.

Having your comments in pop up view and having word verification, SLOWS things down tremendously. There have been many times I have ended up not leaving a comment because
it's taking so long. Just think of your readers that only have dial up. (there are still some that do) it would take forever!

Try It. I think you'll like it. ;o)