Welcome!

Welcome new visitors & friends! It's so great to see the blog is getting some traffic again. Whether you are new to applique, the Jane Stickle quilt (Dear Jane), are a fan of 30s reproduction fabrics, a modern quilter, a combination, or just browsing, I'm so glad you're here! 

I've been teaching, finishing two master's degrees, have changed jobs a couple times, and am considering going for a third master's. I've also had several surgeries on my wrists and forearms, making some of my quilting and embroidery challenging - but I'm determined to get back to my piecing and applique soon. While I've been on the mend, I have purchased several new 30s reproductions for the ever growing collection and several new cabinets to house them in. 

My daughter and I have been collecting Strawberry Shortcake vintage goodies for years and added the new re-releases from France, thanks to some very kind online friends. You'll note that Strawberry has a sewing machine nook in the Berry Happy Home. It's behind the Brazilian brunette version in the picture on the left of the screen. While the pretend sewing machine makes me happy, my zen space, the real sewing room has been calling. I do hope that means once I get back to it, I can complete my Dear Jane between projects (and unfortunately, laundry!).

Thank you for taking the time to check in! 

Wishing you the very best, 

Heather

On the very last day of my summer break, I've had a request for another 2 Triple Pouches (Pattern by Aneela Hoey). This time they'll be in a Pencil Club print and Essex Linen in a light gray. I'd have to look it up to give you the actual name but will gladly do so if you're interested. The plan is to keep art supplies in this set and school pencils/pens/markers in the other but plans are often subject to change. In any case, I'm happy someone is enjoying the Aneela Hoey patterns as much as I am. The second and third sets are going smooth as silk. :)

Happy Sewing,

Heather

 

Aneela Hoey's Triple Pouch #1 is Complete

Munchkin chose a couple fabrics for the first version of Aneela Hoey's Triple Pouch. It takes some time to complete and to be honest, probably wouldn't make them for anyone else. She's picked out some Pencil Pals & Essex combinations for the next couple. Now that I've made it through the first one, I think the next ones will go a little smoother (fingers crossed). Overall, I'm pleased with the results. 

I love Aneela Hoey's patterns but my sewing experience is limited, so I was doubting myself through the process. Plus, I naturally figure out patterns along the way and often come up with easier methods to complete it a second time. This one...not so much. I spoke with a generous Aneela fan who graciously encouraged me to keep at it, not to read ahead on the directions and to stop thinking my way through it. She assured me I'd be ok. This was also Aneela's advice lol but I guess I needed a little confidence booster. Thank you for your time and for being so kind to answer a late night plea from someone who clearly needed to take a break...which I did for a couple days.

Happy Sewing, 

Heather

♡ Another Aneela Hoey Applique To Go Bag ♡

Another Aneela Hoey amazing bag. Foxglove is such a gorgeous line, I'm excited I purchased the last set of 1/2 yard online. I still have quite a few of the other prints that could work for some more goodies. I know I said the last bag was my applique to go bag, but I think this may be perfect. 

This was my very first snap!

Happy Sewing,

Heather

A New Pin Keep & Needle Book Completed

The new needle book/pin keep came together nicely and pretty quickly. I used the older tutorial as a basis and added a few bells and whistles since there will be a coordinated set of Aneela Hoey bags.  I was just chatting with a few people about raw edge applique...but am trying to find some love for the technique and knew this kit would be around a while.

The print is from a set of Aneela Hoey blocks that I seriously considered embroidering over for this project...but time is of the essence, as I'll be back to prepping for school in a week. So, while I was on breaks during a virtual conference this week, I just decided to go for it.

Isn't the print super cute??

Add a little ribbon and some small tool pockets and it's just about right.

 

I also opted for ties on this version to
keep everything inside & to vary the
fit for larger blocks and tools.