The Polka Dot Poppy

Well here we are, leaves are turning, skies are clear and blue and the air is sweet and dry.  It's fall y'all!  I have been busy, busy, busy with Halloween in a few short days and Thanksgiving coming up fast I want to share some of my most recent projects. Burlap Door Hanger Pumpkin Pair Sweet Smiley Pumpkin Soft and Sweet little dress Happy Pumpkin Let's hear it for the boys! When I need art I stitch it. Boo Burlap Door Hanger Fun Pumpkin design

I attended a convention this summer and as is almost always the case, you end up with a few promotional items to bring home.  I was happy to see that this time, the goodie bag included mouse pads because I wanted to experiment doing embroidery on them but didn't want to use a good one since they run about $4 - $5 a piece now even at Walmart.   So I did this.  Using Heat & Bond Ultra and beautiful fabric from my collection I created these.  Being an embroiderer there was no question that I had to add a monogram.  They made my desk top a happy place now. But of course I couldn't stop there.  Once I noticed the totally ugly promotional design was ghosting through I went on a mission to find some plain white ones and create some for family and friends. Then I thought well what the heck else would be a nice complement sitting near the computer and I remembered that I had this in the hoop round coaster design.  I found the design ages ag...

I just have had a great time sewing out some of my collection of fun summertime appliqué designs.  Naturally drawn to color as I am this season allows me a no holds barred opportunity to use the best and brightest fabrics I have on hand. Polka Dot Octopus in Aqua  Used glow in the dark thread for this little angler fish.  Just received a testimonial from my grandson Dylan that it indeed glows in the dark!  Design is from Lynnie Pinnie. Who says boys shirts have to be boring brown or blue.  It easier keeping an eye on them in safety green. Jellyfish design from Planet Applique' with ribbon tentacles.  One of my favorite designs. This made a great little cover up for the beach. Hot Pink!!!!  Just added appliqué pockets to this little dress. Pocket detail.   Fun fun flip flop design Great little beach or pool dress.

It's Spring and it simply calls for bright and fun sewing and embroidery projects.   Sweet little birds and lovely little butterflies and let's not leave the bunnies out.  I had orders for gender neutral baby sets of burpies, bibs and onsies.   They are a conundrum for me since I love girlifying outfits.  The birdie print flannel is from Jo Ann's Fabric and a bargain at $2.50 per yard the other day. Set was made with Riley Blake Butterfly Garden flannel and the butterfly zipper case is perfectly sized to hold a pacifier. Some bunnies to love. Oversized monograms on bright springy towels for my mom, sister and niece.  Love the graphic quality and the beautiful digitizing by Planet Applique.  I am never disappointed with the stitch outs of her designs.

Been creating some adorable outfits for the little guys coming our way this summer.  Baby boys don't have to live in old predictable colors.  It's fun to create items with interesting color combinations inspired by fabrics.  What does the fox say? Citron, gray and black makes this adorable giraffe set more modern. Baby Bandanas are all the rage for little boys. A buttonhole through the folded end. So yes this is  more traditional but the yellow puts a little sunshine in some things for a little Benjamin.

Just finished this adorable bag for a customer who wanted one personalized to carry things back and forth to daycare.  I spent more time worrying over it than it actually took me to complete the project.  That white piping across the top threw me off a bit at first.  The mother requested the bag be neutral but "pinked" up a bit. I used an oversized tote with a zipper to ensure things wouldn't fall out in transit.  A tiny bit of chevron fabric keeps it from becoming over powering but still provides a modern touch.  I didn't think $25 was too much considering the scale of the design.  Layla's Mommy agreed!

Is she adorable or what!  I made this for our granddaughter Izzy for Christmas (actually planning ahead for once).  As she deliberately pointed out she was 2 and a half at the time.   I know white is a bad color for a toddler but in my mind some designs just beg for the pureness of white.  Colors tend to really pop so beautifully against it.   After finishing it I thought it needed a bright ribbon sash to finish it off. Froggy Valentine on comfy cotton knit It is nearly Valentine's Day and I have to say I just love this.

Found the most adorable fabric heart craft that is easy enough for anyone to do in a couple hours.  The pattern is free and this can be used to make a sachet with a bit of lavender in it or maybe a pincushion or just a sweet little decoration for Valentines Day. Back of the heart See, even pretty done just with fabric! Of course I had to add a bit of embroidery to mine but it certainly isn't necessary.  Just use some fun fabric scraps.  The finished hearts are about 5" by 6" and the most difficult part is tying a nice square knot. Here is the link for the free pattern.  The font is a freebie I got off a German embroidery design site.  Unfortunately I can't figure out which one but I certainly would love to have the entire alphabet to use on children's clothing. http://www.contracostaquiltguild.org/quilt_show.htm Cut 2

You have probably noticed while traveling that when your luggage comes onto the carousel in baggage claim your little black bag looks pretty much like everyone else's.  I solved this problem by creating monogrammed bag tags. Using bright and beautiful grosgrain ribbon I used a font called Eccentric and embroidered directly onto the ribbon as it was held in place on my stabilizer with adhesive spray. The font was skinny enough that I could use a bigger more bold 2 inch initial.  To make them sturdy enough to survive the handling process I used large grommets. In addition I thought they could use a bit of extra embellishment and I added a wooden bead and some extra ribbons tied on to jazz them up a bit.  Getting that ribbon through the bead proved to be the most difficult part of the entire process but I liked how it finished them. Fun colors that will certain make your bag stand out in a crowd.  We all have our baggage - flag yours! Ribbons ...