Sewing Summit 2012

Saturday, March 31, 2012


This Tuesday, registration opens up for Sewing Summit 2012.  Especially for newer readers of this blog, I'd like to take some time today to talk about what Sewing Summit is! I'll be working on projects for my class all throughout the year getting ready for this great event! So, let's go!

What is Sewing Summit?
Sewing Summit is a sewing and blogging conference for the modern sewist! If you're connected online and you love sewing, this is your event! There will be classes, speakers, sewing, and time to just hang out with friends (new and old!).  Really though, it's so much more than that. It's like the internet in real life, connecting and meeting friends, getting inspired, collaborating on projects during sewing time. A giant slumber party sewing weekend!

The Sewing Summit by jenib320
The Sewing Summit, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
Where is Sewing Summit?
This years event is being held in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah at the Little America Hotel, October 11th-13th, 2012.  The hotel is beautiful! The rooms are spacious and well cared for, and the food was great too! The city itself is fantastic. The airport is only a few minutes from downtown, and there are lots of great shops and restaurants! There was no shortage of modern fabric in this city, that's for sure! On top of that, there are cute yarn shops, good thrifting, and lots more. Plus, the mountains are breathtaking!

For more information on the hotel, city, and transportation see here.

What type of classes can I expect?
Last year there was a great range of classes, and this year's class offerings are going to be even more diverse! From quilting to home dec to bags and garment sewing, you'll find all types of sewing here! I took classes on free-motion quilting, bag making, improv piecing, mini quilts, and an author's panel! And this year there is going to be a whole extra day of classes! :)

For a better idea of what classes to except this year, take a look at this year's teachers here!

The Sewing Summit by jenib320
The Sewing Summit, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
I don't know anyone, will I still have fun?
Absolutely! And the great part is, the event is still 7 months away, so there is plenty of time to get to know other attendees! I'd recommend joining the flickr group and introducing yourself! Honestly, even if you come to the event not knowing anyone, I think you'll find this is a great weekend to make new friends. There were a lot of people I didn't know until I met them at last year's event!

Do I need to bring my sewing machine?
Only if you want to! The conference is going to be equipped with sewing machines for you to use! These rooms last year were fantastic! Great machines that were used for the classes and then available for use in the evenings for open sewing time!

For answers to lots more questions, see their FAQ page!

The Sewing Summit by jenib320
The Sewing Summit, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
My Experience
Sewing Summit 2011 was one of the most fun weekends ever! Getting to meet all my online friends in person, being around like-minded creative people, was simply amazing. It made me realize how important and valuable it is to get together in person with other sewers. Because of Sewing Summit, I drive 3 hours to Iowa every month or so to get together with friends. It's worth every minute of driving time. For me, this makes the cost of flying out to Salt Lake City in October, worth every penny.  It's a really special event, and I'm honored to be teaching again this year.

The Sewing Summit by jenib320
The Sewing Summit, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
For a full recap of my experience last year, see this post and this one. Check out this Sewing Summit Pinterest board for more recaps of last year's event!

As I mentioned, this Tuesday, April 3rd at 9am MST, registration opens. The first 50 tickets will receive $50 off, so act fast! You can find the registration page here.  For more information about Sewing Summit 2012, I highly recommend visiting their website, signing up for their newsletter, and following them on Facebook, Twitter and now Pinterest!

I hope to see you there! :)

Nesting Fabric Bowls Pattern

Friday, March 30, 2012

Nesting Bowls Pattern by jenib320
Nesting Bowls Pattern, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
I had the pleasure of testing out a new pattern recently for a friend! Nova of a Cuppa and a Catch Up just released it, the Nesting Fabric Bowls PDF Pattern**! This pattern is in-depth. Six different sizes of bowls ready for you to make and lots of fun extra options like patchwork, handles, square bowls, and custom sizing!

**Update July 2020: Unfortunately this pattern is no longer available for purchase.

Nesting Bowls Pattern by jenib320
Nesting Bowls Pattern, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
I decided to make a full nesting set! I love nesting bowls, so the idea of having nesting fabric bowls was too much to resist. I wanted to work from my stash, so I ended up using all different colorful fabrics that had off-white backgrounds. They coordinate but aren't super matchy. For the interiors I used various colors of Alexander Henry's Heath and Timeless Treasures Sketch.

Nesting Bowls Pattern by jenib320
Nesting Bowls Pattern, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
These bowls have multiple layers of interfacing so they are nice and sturdy but still soft! They come together really quickly, and are a great project to do assembly line style!

Fabrics (left to right): Larkspur by Alexander Henry, Loulouthi by Anna Maria Horner, Hedgehog Meadow by Michael Miller, Washi by Rashida Coleman Hale, Farmdale by Alexander Henry, Umbrellas by Yuwa Fabrics.

Nesting Bowls Pattern by jenib320
Nesting Bowls Pattern, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
I'll definitely be making more of these in the future. Next I want to make one with a handle and some patchwork.

Happy Sewing!

Favorites

Since last week there were no favorites, I figured we could use double this week! :) Happy Friday!
Favorites by jenib320
Favorites, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
1. Rainbow Hexie Update, 2. Liberty of London Stack, 3. You Are My Sunshine Mini Quilt, 4. gigantic dresden complete, 5. DQS12, 6. Cherry Blossom Mini Quilt, 7. a beastly mini, 8. Spectrum Wheel Quilt- folded up, 9. a solids puzzle
Favorites by jenib320
Favorites, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
1. pillows, 2. Pattern testing for Traceyjay WIP!, 3. Pillow out of churn dash block, 4. bright dresden, 5. ticker tape spring pillows, 6. Warm Spinning Stars, 7. Flying Geese for DQS12, 8. Pillow Talk Swap 7 Received, 9. On a Whim Quilt Finished

This Week

Thursday, March 29, 2012

New York Beauty Mini by jenib320
New York Beauty Mini, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
Hi Everybody! Hope your week is wrapping up nicely! Mine has had a very slow start (hence the lack of posts!), but I'm feeling re-energized now. This weekend and week are going to be jam packed with good stuff!

I was very happy to finish up this mini quilt today! It uses four New York Beauty blocks! You can find the pattern here, it's block 7.  I'll be sharing a tutorial to go along with the pattern on Monday! It's paper pieced, which made it totally do-able.  I used a variety of prints for the main part of the mini and Quilter's Linen for the background/binding. It finishes at about 16"!

Wonky Churn Dash Mini Quilt by jenib320
Wonky Churn Dash Mini Quilt, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
Darci put together a little mini quilt swap between a few of us where we simply had to make a mini quilt and then vote on our favorites! This is the mini I made! Last weekend, Faith was making a wonky churn dash block, and I just couldn't get it out of my head! So, that was the inspiration for this mini! I used scraps of Anna Maria Horner voile prints from Little Folks and Innocent Crush.

Vintage Sheets by jenib320
Vintage Sheets, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
I've slowly been thrifting more sheets over the last few weeks and finally got them into the shop!

Cathrineholm Teapot by jenib320
Cathrineholm Teapot, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
After waiting and waiting I finally got a Cathrineholm teapot! I have wanted one forever!! I won this one on ebay last week for a steal! It's so beautiful in person, I love it!

George Viewfinder by jenib320
George Viewfinder, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
This awesomeness arrived this week from Amanda for my Birthday! It is a viewfinder with a custom George reel! Such a super cool surprise! She ordered it from Image3d.com! I can't stop looking at it!

George by jenib320
George, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
George :)

Today I love the..
Smell of: Fresh laundry
Sound of: Harry Potter 4
Taste of: Cadbury mini eggs
Sight of: Clean apartment
Feel of: My Liberty tank!

Good Things about Today:
- Beautiful weather!
- Productive day
- Finally got some things put away!

Giveaway Winner!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Thank you for all your entries in the Cool Breeze Bundle Giveaway from The Intrepid Thread! I'm so glad you all like it so much! :)

The winner is...



Gwen! I'll pass your information on to Julie! Cheers!

This Weekend

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Color Wheel Mini Quilt by jenib320
Color Wheel Mini Quilt, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
Where to start? This week was crazy! So much going on at the moment, it's a bit overwhelming! Luckily, all good things, but that doesn't mean it's not still taxing :)

I finally finished up this color wheel mini quilt! I started it the day after I discovered I would be teaching again at Sewing Summit, so back in January.  I used the Golden Wreath Mini Quilt Tutorial from The Purl Bee, with a catch. The traditional color wheel has 12 colors, and the tutorial creates a circle using 16 wedges. I of course didn't think to check until after I made the wedges, so had to alter the pattern. From then on, this project was a disaster! As soon as I started changing it, everything went wrong. But! I powered through, it's done, and now I love it! It's about 20" square!

Modern Crosses Mini Quilts by jenib320
Modern Crosses Mini Quilts, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
I had originally planned on making a full size Modern Crosses Quilt (pattern in Modern Log cabin Quilting), but after taking the pattern in a different direction, I settled on two mini quilts.  I wanted to experiment with fabric placement and this was the perfect pattern for the job.  The mini on the left is done according to the pattern, while the mini on the right uses opposite fabric placement. Both use the same fabrics, backing and binding, all of which are vintage sheets.  They finish at 19" square.

Elephant Softie by jenib320
Elephant Softie, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
I picked up this Effie & Ollie Elephant pattern by Heather Bailey earlier this week. I finished it up this morning and I am so happy with how it turned out! I used the gray bouquet print from Flea Market Fancy which looks like is still available at Poppy Seed Fabrics!

Bunny Cake by jenib320
Bunny Cake, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
The better part of this weekend was spent at another sewing day with the Iowa girls, Vanessa, Deedee, and Megan.  Every time we hang out, I find myself enjoying our days together more and more. Anna and Faith joined us this time, and the fun only multiplied! These women are incredible; kind, talented, funny, and genuine.  They surprised me yesterday with this sweet bunny cake, bunny cookies and chocolates!  What a way to cap off my birthday! I left feeling more cared for and inspired than I have in a long time. I'm so thankful to have them in my life! :)

New Fabric by jenib320
New Fabric, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
Can't have a weekend away without picking up a little fabric! Anna and I hit the jackpot and found yardage of the natural Authentic newspaper print by Sweetwater (we cleaned them out!). Also picked up some fabrics for more clothes last week!

Dachshund Softie by jenib320
Dachshund Softie, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
I want a Dachshund really, really, badly! They are so cute! But, since I can't have one now, I settled for one of these sweet softies from Alice Apple! Isn't he adorable!?

George by jenib320
George, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
George! He wore himself out working on his basket, had to rest his head!

Today I love the..
Smell of: New bath salts
Sound of: Harry Potter 4
Taste of: Cookies!
Sight of: Sunshine
Feel of: Being home

Good Things about Today:
- Great light for photos!
- Sewed!
- Mike is home!
- Ready for next week!

Cool Breeze Bundle Giveaway!

Friday, March 23, 2012

How about one more giveaway this week?  It is still my birthday week after all, so I figured you should get some goodies too! :)

Julie at The Intrepid Thread asked me to put together a bundle for her shop, and I couldn't resist! Putting together fabrics is my favorite part! I've really been drawn to purple lately, so here is the bundle I came up with, the Cool Breeze bundle! You can find it as a fat quarter bundle and a half yard bundle




We've got a Cool Breeze Fat Quarter Bundle to give away to one of you!

To enter: Just leave a comment! 

For a second entry, head on over to Julie's shop, then come back here and leave another comment with your favorite item or bundle! :)


International entries are welcome! Make sure your email address is viewable in your profile or you include it in your comment. Giveaway will be open until Monday at 5pm CST. Winner will be chosen with random.org.

Good luck & Happy Friday!

**Giveaway is now closed!**

Giveaway Winner!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Thank you for all your kind comments on Seaside Home! Without further ado, the winner of the e-book is...


Liberty Bliss! I'll pass along your email so you can receive your copy! :)

Happy Sewing!

Seaside Home Book

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Seaside Home by jenib320
Seaside Home, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
I have a bit of exciting news to share with you today! Last year I was asked by Susanne Woods to submit a seaside themed project for an upcoming Stash Books Design Collective publication.  I'm now happy to say that you'll find a nautical wreath project by myself in Seaside Home!

Seaside Home by jenib320
Seaside Home, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
It is so cool to finally be holding this book in my hands! It didn't really feel real until now! Definitely had a little geek out moment when the box arrived yesterday! :)

Seaside Home by jenib320
Seaside Home, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
My project combines fun seaglass colored prints with linen and beading for a little extra sparkle! It is certainly making it feel like summer in here! Wish we were closer to the real seaside, hehe!

Seaside Home by jenib320
Seaside Home, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
There are lots of other great projects in the book too, of course! Especially now that summer is just around the corner, expect to see a few seaside projects show up here!

The book can be purchased from your favorite book shop, Amazon, or directly from the C&T website!

And now, I think a quick giveaway is in order! I have a copy of the e-book for one you! To enter, just leave a comment! Please make sure your email address is viewable in your profile or you include it in your comment.  Giveaway will close Thursday at 10pm CST! 

Giveaway is now closed, thanks!


Happy Sewing!

Catch Up!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Tova by jenib320
Tova, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!  Michael and I tried to enjoy the beautiful weather as much as possible! Between sewing and work, I went to a community garden orientation (I got a plot!), and we managed to do some grilling! 80 degrees in March, yes please, thank you very much! :)

I have been wearing my Tova tops so much lately, so I knew I still needed a few more! I bought this purple print from Poetica by Art Gallery Fabrics a few weeks back from The Intrepid Thread's new website! (Check it out, it's fantastic!)  I had a feeling that Art Gallery Fabrics would be perfect for clothing, and oh my goodness it's true! Not only did it sew up super nicely, it's more comfortable than regular quilting cotton and here is the best part. I pulled it out of the dryer and it had NO wrinkles. ZERO ironing needed! Woo hoo!

Wiksten Tova pattern by Jenny Gordy, available here.

Birthday Tank by jenib320
Birthday Tank, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
Last week I snatched up a yard of this Liberty of London fabric from The Sewcial Lounge to sew up a special tank to wear tomorrow for my birthday! I'm a bit sad about being away from my family so I am doing a few special things to help distract me! I love this pattern and the finished tank feels so dreamy! I can't wait to wear it!

Wiksten Tank pattern by Jenny Gordy, available here.

Kaleidoscope Pillow by jenib320
Kaleidoscope Pillow, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
I have been wanting to play around the the Kaleidoscope pattern ever since seeing Angela's fantastic quilt.  When a friend needed a little pick-me-up I decided it was finally time to try it! I've had this Marti Michell Kaleido Ruler for a while, and it came together pretty easily. I loved Angela's Kaleidoscope pillows, so I made one too! I can definitely see myself doing a whole quilt in this pattern!

Re-fashioned Tote Bag by jenib320
Re-fashioned Tote Bag, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
At Sewing Summit last year, we received lots of fun swag in plain canvas bags. We were challenged to re-fashion or decorate the bags after the conference was over. Well, I finally did something with mine! I know I'll need a sturdy tote to take back and forth to my garden and I think this will be perfect. I thrifted this blue striped utility fabric last week and had just enough to create a lining for it and add a little embellishment to the front. Best part is, it's now reversible! :)

Cloud 9 by jenib320
Cloud 9, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
A little fabric made it's way here this weekend. A Miscellany by Cloud 9 fat quarter bundle! So pretty!

Cathrineholm by jenib320
Cathrineholm, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
I got a lovely birthday package in the mail today from my Mom which included the bottom Cathrineholm bowl! I've had my eye on it for a while, since I already had two the smaller bowls in the same color! Now to find some other sizes!

George by jenib320
George, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.
George!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Clean apartment
Sound of: The Beach Boys
Taste of: Cupcakes
Sight of: George
Feel of: Warm laundry

Good Things about Today:
-  Got some sewing done!
- The apartment is clean!
- Wendys :)
- Happy Mail!

Giveaway Winner!

Thanks for all your entries in the Flea Market Fancy giveaway, courtesy of Poppy Seed Fabrics! Ms. Random.org has spoken and the winner is..


Congrats Caillean! I'll pass your information on to Kim and she'll be in touch with you soon! :)

Favorites

Pillow Talk Swap: Received

Friday, March 16, 2012

Eee! Look what arrived in the mail yesterday! A pillow from John for the Pillow Talk Swap! Isn't is so cute?! I love it! It features prints from Suzy Ultman's Appleville, that I just love! And look, there is even a bunny on it! George approves :)

Just my type of style! And John was very kind to include a pillow form, so it was enjoy immediately! The pom-pom trim kills me, adds an extra layer of cute!

Check out the back! It's just as cute as the front! I love the idea of a quilted envelope closure! I might have to try that out myself one of these days!

And! As if that weren't enough, an adorable ceramic bunny made by John himself! So adorable! I love all things bunny, of course! There might have been some Easter candy too.. but I ate it before I could get photos, hehe :)

It matches the mini quilt I made last year so well! Now I think I might need to hand it somewhere else so they can be together!

Thank you John for an awesome swap! :)

Giveaway: Flea Market Fancy

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Today I have a giveaway for you from my sponsor, Poppy Seed Fabrics! You all love Flea Market Fancy, right? Kim is generously offering up a bundle of 10 fat quarters of winners choice from Flea Market Fancy! Woo hoo!

So, how to enter? Just leave a comment!

If you'd like a second entry, head on over to Poppy Seed Fabrics and let me know here what your favorite item is (and come back and leave a second comment!)! Be sure to check out their blog too, while you're at it! :)

What's my favorite item you ask? Well, it's hard to narrow down! I'm torn between many of the Japanese prints, the seriously cute ribbons and the Echino webbing!  Ooh, or this Pearl Bracelet bundle! Actually, I think I need to figure out a project that uses ribbons just so I have an excuse to buy some!

Make sure your email address is viewable in your profile or you include it in your comment.  Winner will be chosen by Random.org. Giveaway ends Sunday, March 18th, at 5 pm CST! International entries welcome!

Good Luck & Thank you to Poppy Seed Fabrics!

**Giveaway is now closed, thanks! Winner will be announced shortly!**