MandMstudio

Checking in...

2011-04-14T16:46:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone. I'm just checking in. I just found out that our apartment is almost ready and we will be moving in on Monday. Yay! It got new paint, carpet and tile. I'm so excited. I hope everything fits, as we are moving from a 5 bedroom house to a 3 bedroom apartment. Most of you know that we moved from Illinois to Texas over spring break. The husband and I decided on a divorce, I guess there was no other way. This is a new adventure for us. I was born in Houston but haven't been home in 15 years. We love it. I will return to regular blogging next week. In other news I lost my camera and really have no way of replacing it any time soon, as my income right now consist of child support, and trust me that's not enough. So cell pictures, I guess. One last thing...there will be a giveaway soon for lots of lovely fabric. ~Maranda

Lovely

2011-03-27T20:13:00.003-05:00

So Im in the middle of moving from Illinois to Texas. I miss having a house and I really miss my sewing machine. So until we reunite here is what some of my friends have made this week. 1. Pocket Full of Pink 2. Quilt Nut Creations 3. Carly of Quiltville 4. Twin Fibers 5. AmieJ Designs Happy Sewing, ~Maranda

Winner!!!

2011-03-27T15:54:00.002-05:00

Sorry this is so late. I had a family emergency and had to go to Texas and wasnt around a computer. The winner was Carolyn. Congrats. ~M&M

Giveaway!!!

2011-03-09T17:07:00.008-06:00

Whoo hoo giveaway time!

Mary Beth from Ellie Mac Designs has offered 2 of her single flower steams up for grabs. (your choice)

I love this purple one, made from a Grape Crush can.

I love that everything is made from recycled materials.

*Rules*

Go to Mary Beth's shop: Ellie Mac Designs. Have a look around and come back here and comment about your favorite item.

1 entry-Comment & Follow Me

1 entry-Favorite her Shop

3 entries- Blog about the giveaway

That's 5 chances to win.

I will pick a winner on Sunday.

Please 1 comment per person!!!

Good Luck

~Maranda

February Finish

2011-02-12T15:12:00.007-06:00

Happy Sewing,

Maranda

Getting back

2011-02-04T09:43:00.003-06:00

First a big thanks to my sewing machine for not dying on me.

I have never done the maintenance and when I got it out last night, it wouldnt stitch the stitches right. Took it apart and was surprised to see this. There was alot more lint under the bobbin. Note to self: this is why maintenance is important.

Something new happened in our house yesterday. JJ got his 1st loose tooth. So I sewed this for him.

Very easy project. I was done right at 30mins. I patched worked the front, but its 2 9in. squares, with a 3 1/2 square for the pocket if you are interested in making your own.

I will leave you with the beautiful orchids my kids brought for me. I have such sweet kids.

Happy Sewing,
Maranda

PS: If you follow my blog, leave a comment. I havent been around in a while and would love to follow your blog as well.

Finally...Some Sewing!

2010-10-13T20:21:00.008-05:00

My mom is a cook and needed a new apron for work.

It had to be white.

So I couldn't resist adding pretty lining.

Happy Sewing,
Maranda

Table Runner

2010-06-27T17:39:00.006-05:00

Welcome all my Sew N Tell friends: Scroll down to see 2 quilts in progress and a finish. And consider following:)

I'm in the middle of alot of projects right now, but I needed a finish. So I started another one, crazy right?

A new table runner for the table.

I LOVE the fabric on the back

Happy Sewing,
Maranda

Playing with Color

2010-06-21T15:43:00.005-05:00

I cant be put into a box or easily defined. My likes in style and hobbies are vast. One day Im drinking hot tea and listening to classical music (I love Chopin) and the next I'm blaring country while shooting guns.

I'm the same way when it comes to quilts I love traditional, modern, funky...OK I'm quilt obsessed. But I have been trying to get more bold with color...at least in some of my quilts because I always play it safe.

So I pulled out some scraps and got to work. (I keep them in vases so I can always see them in the studio) Which is finally more than a corner but more on that later.

Heres what I got so far:

What do you think? I love how scrappy they are and they are anything but safe:)

Happy Sewing,
Maranda

PS: A quick picture of the blocks the kids and I made. Its coming along and quickly becoming a favorite.

Blocks & Questions

2010-06-19T16:31:00.007-05:00

So I had a bunch of 2.5in squares that I had gotten for my birthday and the kids wanted to help mommy make blocks last night.

My blocks:

Lizzy's Blocks:

J.J.'s Blocks:

I had 3 cut of each fabric so I told them to pick 3 colors and make 2 matching blocks.

When we were done, J.J. (my 6 year old) said: "Thanks for letting me help, It was really fun. But my block came out too uniformed, it wasn't what I was expecting." Oh my, I guess next time he need more creative control.

*Questions*
I have gotten a few emails lately and I turned them into questions to get everyone covered:)

1) Wasn't you adopting? Yes I was, but quickly realized that since it was family I would have to move away for it to work. (Basically they wanted me to raise him and they still play parents, well went they wanted of course.) I found them a wonderful couple to adopt but in the end they decided to keep him. So no baby for me.

2) You and your husband is separated, right? Yes, different houses for 10 months, unfortunately its becoming clear that this will be permanent, but we will see. He didn't cheat or anything, just grew apart. We got married really young, I was 16 and he was 20. Some days I love him and some days I want to kill him. (You know what I mean if you have been through this)

3) Why haven't you been sewing? Well pretty much because I feel like crap. See questions 1 and 2. But I think I have been bitten by the sewing bug. Some days are better than others.

And finally whats next for M&M Studio:

I will be teaching sewing and quilting classes. The 1st class is June 26th. Wish me Luck.
I have a few patterns that should be out soon.
And hopefully I can get in a little fabric designing since it my love.

~Happy Sewing~
Maranda

Green with Envy

2010-06-15T21:35:00.006-05:00

*Sew & Tell Friday: Click here to learn more.*

Everything I have sewn has been green.

I Love the scrunch fabric. Pattern here.

This bag is reversible and came together very quickly. I stock both of these fabric in my shop. It's more lime than my camera picked up. (But the photos in my shop are a true match) Pattern here.

This is my own pattern, needs a little work but its coming together.

Happy sewing,
~Maranda

PS: I have gotten a few question and will be answering them in the next post as well as whats next for M&M Studio!

A Finish!

2010-06-14T10:51:00.005-05:00

I finally finished something!!! This cute little baby quilt.

Ceramic buttons, who knew?

Also I have a couple patterns on the way.

XO~M

An Idea for Spring!

2010-03-24T12:11:00.005-05:00

This was suppose to be a tutorial, but since it went something like cut, sew, cut again, repeat, I'm bring an idea instead.

Cute right?

I can offer some advice. I sewed this flower pot cover in 4 sections and I sewed each section at an angle with a 1/4 in. seam allowance at the top and a 3/4 in. seam allowance at the bottom.

If you make one, Id look to see it.

~Maranda

A Giveaway!

2010-03-10T14:55:00.008-06:00

Lovely, right? 3 yards of Color Splash!!! Perfect for summer. It's coming I promise:)

Aprons!

2010-03-09T13:42:00.004-06:00

The kids needed new aprons and I needed a break. I have been bouncing back and forth between 4 quilts and just needed a project that I could finish quickly. So I whipped up these:

Excuse the paint on the table: we are all painters in this house.

And its a good thing because JJ and Lizzy wanted to bake a cake:

~Maranda

PS: I'll be back with a giveaway!

Circus

2010-03-08T09:17:00.007-06:00

Isn't it lovely? Karen from Fabricpalooza sent me this to help with "Project playground"

I was rushing out the door when I decided to check to mail.

You'll notice the cement for the backdrop. I literally torn into on the front porch, but the packaging was so cute that I couldn't open it without a picture.

I later came home and took the appropriate blog pictures.

I have never seen this line before but I love it. It's called Circus.

Thank you so much Karen. The fabric is beautiful and I can't wait to start this quilt.

Happy Monday Everyone!

~Maranda

Lizzy's New Quilt

2010-03-02T00:07:00.007-06:00

Well it worked! Here is Lizzy all ready to go to the Pre-K's Pajama Day on Friday.

I put her name on it and she was super happy. She is learning her letters and has been getting her quilt to practice writing her name. Too cute.

The back.

She needed a new pillow too.

For the binding she got pink sparkly fabric.

I finished the quilt and pillow in 2 days. My tips of my fingers are so sore.

Happy Monday!

~Maranda

PS: YES, that sunshine you see. And it was beautiful and short lived.

A new addition...

2010-02-25T12:59:00.005-06:00

Her name is Butterscotch. She is a stray that I'm trying to rescue. I have been feeding her for a week and she has been inside twice. The last time she spent about 8 hours inside, mostly curled up on a pillow watching me sew, before begging to go outside. You can't tell by these photos but her fur is so matted that she will need to be shaved. She is a very loving cat, I sure hope that she sticks around.

Lizzy has pajama day at school tomorrow and to stop her from taking the boy cars blanket that she is so attached to, I'm going to entice her with a girly quilt. So this is what I did yesterday while butterscotch looked on. The pillow is now stuffed and the binding is half way sewed on. This is the fasted I've ever put together a quilt.

I also started a scrap quilt, that I've titled "How small is too small?"

I actually got alot done yesterday considering that I'm sick and I had 2 sick kiddos.

Lots of Popsicles at my house!

Tip: The best thing for a sore throat: chips or fries, and soda. Just try it. The carbon really gets your throat wet, and the salty and crunchy chips/fries scraps the "Yuck" of your throat.

~Maranda

Friday Night Sew-in

2010-02-21T07:47:00.004-06:00

Happy Sunday to you! I hope everyone is having a relaxing day. Strangely I am. I'm catching up on blogs while enjoying hot tea. I share a house with a 5 yr old and a 3 yr old, so this is a rare moment. Right now JJ is playing video games and Lizzy is taking a bubble bath, which she does 2-3 times a day but I got her to quit going to bathroom in her pants just so she could take a bath, now she says "Mom can I take a bath since I didn't go in my pants" Too funny.

Friday Night Sew In

I had so much planned but Friday was a day from hell for me. First I locked my keys in the car and then my bank denied my check at Walmart because they wanted me to verify my account. Now its embarrassing when this sort of thing happens, but its horrible when you have the money. I still don't understand why they didn't just call or send a letter or something, freezing my account seems a little extreme. With all this I didn't get to sewing until 10:30pm.

Here's what I did:

I even had vintage thread.

And here it is. Beautiful, right? I found this quilt at a thrift store for $5. I was truly happy. I also cut circles, tutorial coming soon.

~Maranda

"Be like mommy" & a finish!!!

2010-02-05T23:00:00.005-06:00

Yay I finally finished another quilt. (Which I haven't done in 6 months) It measures 28 1/2in. by 28 1/2 in. It's such a bright quilt but the picture didn't pick up on it because of our lack of sun these days:(

Ok now to the title of this post. "Be like mommy" that's what my daughter told me the other day, that she wanted to be like mommy and sew. Awe! So I grabbed some supplies and she set to work on a heart with "her letter" in it. She really enjoyed it so tomorrow we are off to the fabric store to put together her own sewing box. *Warning I went a little overboard with the pictures but I just couldn't be a favorite.

Lizzy: age 3

Is she not the cutest ever?

~Maranda

Fun in the Snow

2010-01-31T20:38:00.004-06:00

For those of us that are covered in a blanket of snow, here's a great idea to do with small children.

Painting Snow

My kids loved it. You just need spray bottles, food coloring and water:) Water bottles and dish soap bottles work well too.

And a sneak peek at a work in progress...

~Maranda

A week in pictures...

2010-01-29T19:55:00.007-06:00

Really has it all ready been a week?

Dealing with the freezing weather in Illinois with good soup.

A little jewelry making.

Lizzy got a new bag. I'll snap a picture of her using it soon, she has been really sick, and if it doesn't involve Popsicles, play dough or Dora she wants nothing to do with it:)

Working on some new tote bags that will be in the shop soon

And the blog and I had a Birthday!!!

~Maranda

Been there (designed that) & A Swap!

2010-01-23T16:46:00.003-06:00

Last night while at the fabric store, I found fabric that I designed. About 8 months ago I designed some fabric very close to the fabric below, but I trashed it because I didn't think it was good enough. Now it's no (insert your fav designer here) but still I ALWAYS sell myself short and feel that my work isn't good enough, well not no more lesson learned.

*So my next post will be the big 50. And in honor of that I'm hosting a Fat Quarter Swap! More info in the next post which will be sometime tonight, because I'm too excited to wait.

~Maranda

Stars of Spring

2009-07-25T21:20:00.004-05:00

This quilt has been done for two weeks waiting to good some good pictures. This was the third time I tried, I didn't want to post pictures that didn't capture the brightness of this quilt.

This quilt was to be much bigger by adding sashing, but I was to eager for a finish. This is also the blocks that all the fabric had to be cut twice because the book had the wrong measurements so it was a little hard to piece.

Quilt Notes: Measures 29" X 36"

Also I used 3 fat quarters for the star blocks (one for each color) a good way to use up that stash.

~Maranda

The Great Outdoors

2009-07-18T08:53:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday America!!!

2009-07-04T20:51:00.002-05:00

I Won!!!

2009-06-23T18:40:00.003-05:00

I won the All Sewn Up giveaway that Vickie was having on her blog. Now I don't have to tell you that if it's fabric I'm happy, but this fabric is beautiful.

Thanks Vickie!!!

~Maranda

Father's Day Quilt

2009-06-11T17:07:00.004-05:00

The father's day quilt top is done. I totally love the colors in the quilt. When I get the binding on I will try to take better pictures, but the squares have eagles, deer and ducks in them.

I also started a new quilt. I hope to have this one dome by July 4th so after the BBQ, watermelon and fireworks (And sunburn if this year is like all the other ones) I can come home and have a quilt of my own.

Happy Quilting!

~Maranda

A thrifty weekend

2009-06-07T20:06:00.006-05:00

On Saturday I hit some yards sales with my sister and found this.

A king sized quilt top. I was debating if I should get in or not. (I know, like it was a hard decision) I actually left the yard sale and was half way down the street when I told my sister, "I have to have that quilt top" so with two toddlers we made a mad dash back to get my quilt top. Later, when I was looking over all my finds, I realized that the entire top had been hand sewn. I sure am glad that I when back to get this top.

I totally love it. I can't stop looking at it or touching it, and there are some awesome fabrics in it. It just reminds me of simpler times when you sewed with what you had. It even has polyester bits in it.

*It does have a stain on it. Does anyone know what might get it out?

Now on to Sunday: I had an off day today. I don't know it was but I was in a horrible mood. I just felt tried and cranky from the moment I woke up. And I was super emotional. You would have thought that I had a newborn in the house I was crying so much today.

Well the husband decided that he would cheer me up.

Yep, ice cream and shopping money, complete with clear instructions to leave the house. The first stop was Goodwill when I found this.

A vintage king sized sheet. This is going to be the backing for the quilt top. The grand total for my quilt top and backing...$9. It was a thrifty weekend.

~Maranda

Market Bags

2009-06-05T16:29:00.005-05:00

Did I say Monday? Ok, since I keep breaking them, I'm not making any more blog promises. I promise.

I made these bags for my son's Pre-K teachers. He had the most wonderful teachers the last two years. Oh how he'll miss these ladies.

I got the pattern here, from Ashley at Film in the Fridge. She has a few bags for sale here.
Also if you want the fabric that I used, I have in my shop here. I used Color Splash and French Riviera. This bag was really easy to sew and the teachers LOVED them.

~Maranda

For your viewing pleasure...

2009-05-30T14:05:00.005-05:00

My husband brought me these lovelies home the other day just because. I know he's great and he's taken, unless you have a stash. Will Trade For Fabric!

Thanks honey. Oh and I'm kiding about trading you for fabric.

But how much fabric do you think I could get?

Have a great weekend of sewing. I'll see you back here on Monday.

~Maranda

It's been too long...

2009-05-29T21:51:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone. Oh how I've missed blog land. I had been really busy and for about the last 3 weeks I have not have internet. We were hit with a huge storm on May 8th (An Inland Hurricane) we lost power for about a week and then had no phone or interent for the last 3 weeks. But I'm back and I really missed all of you.

I have done a little sewing and a little quilting. My lastest quilt is for my husband for Father's Day.

Maranda

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T15:42:00.004-05:00

I hope that you have a great Easter!!!

My Easter basket...

I love hippos

I got Sugar Snap-I have been wanting that for a while

New quilting supplies

Oh, the Easter bunny was good to me!!!

~Maranda

I did something right!

2009-04-10T13:05:00.004-05:00

The other day my 2 year old, Lizzy, came running up to me outside with a dandelion in her hand. "Mommy I got flower for you" Awe, how sweet. This was really touching, as my Lizzy is very independent and almost never needs her mommy. She has to be sick or held down just to get a hug and gifts...forget about it. But every now and then she surprises me with a little something. So I must have done something right, I just wish I knew what it was and I would do it again.

She insisted that she give the flower a drink.

I got alot of sewing done yesterday. I made Lizzy a new shirt. She really like it. She said, "Much shirts in purple" Such a girl, well sometimes, I kept getting the craziest poses from her.

Could it be that she would rather be playing in the dirt then modeling for me?

I made this dog quilt for my puppy, Nero, from start to finish yesterday. I got this idea from Ariane, go check out her blog.

I also worked on two more quilts that I hope to finish next week. Are you working on a quilt, I'd love to see it:)

~Maranda

Quilting Bee

2009-04-07T15:13:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I might do a quilting bee. Well I am!! I already have myself and 3 other people signed up, but I still need 8 quilters.

*How it works: 12 people commit for 1 year to make 2 blocks a month. Each of us will get a turn to be the "designer". On your month to be the designer, you purchase the fabric for your quilt and mail it to the other 11 people (keeping enough for yourself to make 2 blocks) the fabric will be made into blocks and sent back to you. The other 11 months, fabric will be mailed to you, you complete 2 blocks and mail it back to the designer. This is sure to be a fun and exciting experience. So if you are interested comment or E-mail me.

Fabric Easter grass, How cool is that?

(No fabric was harmed in make this easter grass) Remember the fabric for my quilt I showed you a while back? Well I cut 160 triangles and they were the wrong size. I will now make one block before cutting the fabric for a whole quilt on any new pattern.

It rained last week. Guess where my 4 year old was after the rain.

Hope you all are having a great and Crafty week!

~Maranda

Friendship Star Block

2009-04-03T00:07:00.012-05:00

Here's the tutorial that I promised. This is for the friendship star block. To keep it simple I refer to the fabric by the colors that I used: pink, purple, and multi. But use any color that you like.

You need:

2 3 1/2in. purple squares

2 3 1/2in. pink squares

4 3in. pink squares

1 3in. multi square

First, you need to make your 3 1/2in. squares into triangles. These are called half-square triangles. You need to cut the square diagonally to form your triangle.

It should look like this. Cut all 4 3 1/2in. squares into triangles. You should now have 8 triangles, 4 pink and 4 purple.

*Use a 1/4in. seam allowance.

Next, you sew the triangles together. To do this you put one pink and one purple right sides together and stitch along the longest side.

I chain stitch the triangles together, it goes so much faster.

Now you will have 4 squares, press and trim the "ears" off like so.

Next, you need to lay out the 4 half-square triangles, 4 3in. pink squares and 1 3in. multi square. Pay extra attention that the half-square triangles match the picture below and that you lay them out right everytime. *I've gotten to know my seam ripper again doing this quilt.

Join the the squares to make three rows and press.

Now, join the rows together and press the completed block.

And your are done. Enjoy your friendship blocks!

I tried to make this tutorial easy to follow, but if you have question comment or e-mail me and I will answer them for you.

~Maranda

New Item in Shop...

2009-04-02T00:43:00.003-05:00

I really love how this pillow came out. If was my first time doing applique and I will defiantly be doing it again.

Block tutorial coming in next post, I promise!!!

~Maranda

From my sewing table...

2009-03-31T22:56:00.006-05:00

I started on the quilt I told you all about. I decide to make a "Friendship Star" quilt. I now have 8 blocks done. I'll do a block tutorial in my next post.

My children being silly:

And a lovely picture of my tulips! Spring has sprung! (But today was cold and rainy)

Hope everyone had a great weekend filled with sewing.

Maranda

Sunday Stash...

2009-03-29T17:42:00.003-05:00

Here's the latest fabric to join my stash. My husband actually brought this home for me. I totally love the black and white print.

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday.

Ever have one of those days?

2009-03-27T00:13:00.005-05:00

First off, I have to say that I'm better now. But Sunday was just one of those days. Yes, I pouted for 4 days before I could post these pictures. So what happened? Well here it goes.

I started out making a handbag...

There it is all finished and cute, with no pockets or handles. I really don't know what I was thinking, but I was so aggravated that I went on to finish my table runner.

Turned out pretty cute, but I was half way through quilting it (first thing that I have ever quilted) before I realized that I didn't double check to make sure that backing was smoothed out. I pinned this a few days before I quilted it. So there is a big fold down the back.

In other news I finished my sons quilt.

This is the second quilt that I have done. I didn't actually quilt either one of them. I used the tying method and added some buttons. But I think that I'm ready to tackle my first patchwork quilt. Here's the fabric all cut and ready to go.

Maranda

Kreativ Blogger Award

2009-03-23T18:56:00.009-05:00

Bex from BexsButtons gave me a Kreativ Blogger award. Thank you!!!

I have to list 7 things that I love:

1) My husband, Jeff! I love you, BIG honey.

2) My children, J.J. and Lizzy.

3) Sewing

4) Good and Plenty candy

5) Flip-Flops

6) Mr. Bear- My teddy that Jeff got me our first Christmas together.

7) Sunsets

Then I have to give it to 7 bloggers, who have to do the same thing:

ChristyNelson

Polka Dot Quilts

Sew-Funky

Ariane's Crafts

This That and The Other

Sampaguita Quilts

LizzyHouse

So there they are, some of my favorite blogs.

Maranda

And the winner is...

2009-03-22T00:33:00.003-05:00

FunnyBanana!!! Congrats, I can't wait to see what you do with it.

EDIT: Sorry this post was so late, on Friday I realized that I never had a set time for the giveaway to expire so I waited until Saturday to draw the winner.

Thanks to everyone who participated and made my first giveaway a success. You guys totally ROCK!

Also, I'm thinking about starting a beginners quilting bee. I'm looking for 12 people who are fairly new to quilting, who can commit to making 2 squares a month, for 1 year. If you are interested please E-mail me.

Maranda

From my sewing table...

2009-03-18T22:49:00.004-05:00

Click here for the giveaway!

Here's what I'm working on right now:

A summer quilt

and a table topper.

I finished this yesterday and it's in my shop. It's a stroller organizer. So helpful for all the long walks of spring and summer.

And a little something to prove that spring is on it's way.

Thanks to everyone who has joined my giveaway so far, I have enjoyed all the comments and I'm working my way through every ones blog now as I'm getting to know you.

Maranda

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

2009-03-17T15:28:00.005-05:00

Click here for the Giveaway!!!

Gift's from my husband!

On Sunday morning I got these, for no reason!

And today I got this for St. Patrick's day!

I was so shocked to get this, I just said this morning that I needed a quilting machine. This machine does it all! Sewing, Quilting, Embroidering. I really made out this year.

Maranda

New Fabric in Shop & A Giveaway

2009-03-13T13:13:00.011-05:00

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!!
My fabric shipment came in yesterday. It's beautiful, I totally love it.

Great isn't it?

OK now for a giveaway!!!

Want to see what your playing for?

That's right, 4 different fabrics. What do you think, fat quarters, half yards, full yards...that's what I thought. Looks like it's going to be 4 full yards of fabric.

Here's what you need to do:

1) Leave a comment telling me your favorite fabric in my shop.

2) Post about my giveaway on your blog.

3) Follow me.

***You will be disqualified if you don't do all three unless you don't blog***

(Don't have a blog, then comment and follow)

I'll pick the winner randomly next Friday (March 20th)

Good Luck to everyone!!!

Maranda

New Fabric coming soon

2009-03-10T09:16:00.011-05:00

Lovely right? It's all by designer Patricia Bravo of Art Gallery Quilts. I will take pictures when it arrives, thess images just don't do justice to the prints. Fabric will be in my shop on Friday.

In other news, I started a few projects yesterday at my sewing table, more to come on that later.

Maranda

From my sewing table

2009-03-09T09:14:00.003-05:00

This tote bag is my latest creation. It's a really bright orange, perfect for those days of summer

that will be here soon. (Trying to convince myself that I won't freezing forever) This bag is already posted in my shop. What do you think of it?

Gifts for my kids

2009-03-08T12:52:00.004-05:00

I just receive my order from Say It Right Plaques. A "Queen Elizabeth" plaque for my daughter and a "J.J.'s Room" plaque for my son. They both really loved them and they came wrapped in tissue paper and my kids liked that they got to unwrap them.

Here they are:

They are many saying to choose from or you can have it personalized. These are perfect for any child's room. Want one for yourself, click here.

Yummy fabric not included!

New Item in Shop- Color Splash Fabric

2009-03-06T09:11:00.000-06:00

I have Color Splash by Patricia Bravo available for pre-order in my shop!

Well there it is in all it's yummy goodness. I can't wait to get my hands on this fabric, it's amazing. If you want to be one of the first to add Color Splash to your stash, click here.

Maranda

SMS Fat Quarter Exchange

2009-03-04T17:57:00.000-06:00

Here's what I got:

Yep, my partners were great!!! I got great fabric, cards, candy, notebooks!

Thanks everyone. THis was my first exchange and it was great. I can't wait for the next one.

Maranda

Swappers Fat Quarters

2009-03-01T01:45:00.002-06:00

I can't believe that I forgot to post about these.

I was recently in a Fat Quarter Swap (It was great, but more to come on the later) and while preparing my fat quarters for the mail, I thought it would be great to find a shop that offers decorated fat quarters, well I'm standing in the gap to be that shop. I think half the fun is preparing the fat quarters but some people don't have the time or the desire to put them together, so I will be offering them. I will have a whole line of these, so check back soon.

Also if there is a certain print that you would like to see in my shop, just let me know.

Happy Sewing,

Maranda

What a busy weekend

2009-02-24T02:43:00.001-06:00

I have alot to share with you, so grab a cup of coffee and settle in.

First off the bag from my sewing table is finished.

Along with another one. I just can't help myself, they are so fun to make. I'm working on a pattern for this bag.

Aprons, Aprons, Aprons

J.J. and lizzy got aprons last night. They loved them.

And just what were those aprons inspired by? My Goodwill find...

I found this vintage apron at Goodwill this weekend for $1, yes, one dollar. What were they thinking.

And eight of these guys went out this weekend for the Sew, Mama, Sew fat quarter exchange. I love how they came out.

-Maranda

From my sewing table...

2009-02-21T23:10:00.001-06:00

Hello loves!

First off, I have to show you what my husband made for me...

A ribbon box. I love it. The ribbon slides through for easy cutting, you never even have to open the lid. Great right? I will list a few in my Etsy shop when I get it up and running (Any day now) in case you are in need of one like I was.

OK now on to sewing.

I have been sewing these teething toys since I first made one for my niece. She loved it and I loved making it. These will also be listing in the shop.

My first bag and my messy sewing table.

I really love this fabric. It's a limy green color and looks African to me. It's Honeycombs by Marie Kelzer.

Things still needing to be done...

This quilt needs a binding.

Another tote in process and this time it's my own design.

The Moose dress is almost done and I have a quilt that's being neglected.

I needed to make a list and try and knock out some of these projects. I always start new projects in the middle of other but this is crazy. We have a joke around here that if I start it my husband will finish it and like all good humor there is some truth to it. Infact the quilt here is mostly his doing.

Ok enough ramble, get to your sewing machine-You know you want to.

-Maranda

2009-02-21T02:35:00.001-06:00

Thrusday was paint night at our house.

I just love this picture, you can't see it but she even has a little bit of blue paint on her lip.

Before this she painted a little kitty cat.

And my son painted a train.

And we ended the night with this!!!

Monkey Bread, Yum!

What a great day

-Maranda

2009-02-17T21:27:00.001-06:00

What I did this weekend

2009-02-16T19:35:00.000-06:00

A trip to 3 fabric stores and 1 mail order...I'm set for a while.

Lizzy Dish is great. It has a very soft feel to it and is stunning in person. Pictures don't do it justice. I fell in love with Lizzy Dish the first time that I saw it, but to get to hold it in my hand only made that feeling stronger. I love it!

I'll show more of my purchases later, but if you have yet to get your Lizzy Dish, What are you waiting for? Go get it. YOu'll love it.

-Maranda

Happy Valentines Day-Husband gets an A+

2009-02-14T06:07:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentines Day! I hope that today is sweet for you and filled with lots of LOVE.

OK, so why does the husband get an A+...Well here's what I got for Valentines Day

Beautiful right? These are the first items purchased for my future fabric and quilt shop. I want a homey, vintage feel to it. Nothing to commercial.

So what did you get for Valentines Day.

-Maranda

Lizzy Dish

2009-02-09T15:09:00.000-06:00

I have 4 fat quarters of Lizzy Dish in kitchennaire! coming. I'm happy! I'll post pics when it arrives.

-Maranda

And yes, I was able to sleep on Saturday night, not until 3:30am, but sleep found me.

From the sew table...

2009-02-06T05:58:00.000-06:00

comes my first dress. This is for my niece, but my daughter Elizabeth is modeling it. It makes a nice tunic, I think. Lizzy is getting a pink one soon. The pattern is Simplicity 9784 and was easy to follow. I do however, think that the sizes run on the bigger side.

-Maranda

So much to do...

2009-02-03T16:56:00.001-06:00

I'm in the middle of making my sons quilt, as promised. Then, mammamade, sent me this, a pre-cut dress pattern, to make a dress for my little one. It's heavenly, really pre-cut fabric with no pattern, that's how I work best. Anyone else hate fabric cutting and pattern reading? I'll post a picture as soon as it's done. I'm just checking in.

-Maranda

Lizzy's Quilt

2009-01-28T08:33:00.001-06:00

This is my first quilt of 2009 and my first quilt. It was made for my daughter, Lizzy.

Buttons on the front and fringe on the back. It fits a toddler bed prefect. I have already started on one for my son.

-Maranda

Happy Birthday to me and my Blog

2009-01-27T09:54:00.001-06:00

Today I turn 25 and I'm starting a blog. A few of you might know me from a previous blog that I had a few months ago. I really enjoy blogging but my main purpose for blogging is to showcase my journey of becoming a fabric designer and that wasn't the path that my last blog was taking, it wasn't even mine by the time I quit blogging. So I'm starting fresh. I have a few designs in the making and will be posting the rough drafts soon.

-Maranda