Words for 2013!

A friend shared this with me recently...good to have focus!

"You've got this life and while you've got it, you'd better kiss like you only have one moment, try to hold someone's hand like you will never get another chance to, look into people's eyes like they're the last you'll ever see, watch someone sleeping like there's no time left, jump if you feel like jumping, run if you feel like running, play music in your head when there is none, and eat cake like it's the only one left in the world!"  - C. JoyBell C.

and I'd like to add to this.....sew, sew, sew...and keep sewing!

Cheers to a really great year ahead!

Holly

It's been a year...

Last day of 2012.  I'm actually very glad.  It's been a year...

As the year comes to a close, I look back on it and realize while it had it's down moments, it truly was a good year.  As most things, it did not turn out quite the way I may have planned but life never seems to really turn out that way anyway!

Machine Embroidery...

The past few weeks have flown by.  I finally took the plunge and started my photography business officially!!  While I am in the process of getting things started, I've managed to get some sewing done.  WooHoo!

Looking forward to 2013!  Lots on my to do list and sewing is at the top of my list!

Happy New Year!  (just realized I didn't send this yesterday, the 31st!)...

I-pad case - my own made up pattern using 2 Tula Pink Fabrics

Zenfolio embroidery pattern, Amy Butler origami bag pattern (without the corners squared), and the fabric is The Ghastlies by Alexander Henry

The assortment of various gifts I made...mostly origami bags, few hand-towels, ipad case

Embroidery on t-shirts!!!!  

My AnnaLee Elf...made a photographic story each day of  December!  Here he's lost his holly-berries from  under his hat.  

I've been busy...

Quilting a baby quilt...frogs!!!!

making an Amy Butler coin purse out of my "little black dress" scraps!

Making the "Trip Around the World" quilt pattern for a class I get to teach!! You can make this too if you like!  Kits are being sold for this quilt at Stash (and I hear their online store will open soon!)

   Using Christmas fabric!  

Riley Shedder would not get off this quilt...!!

Finished this bag, a Butterick Pattern.  I'll be making a scarf next!  But it is not quite done and maybe will get a big button or flower or...????  This may be headed to the auction though in support of Girls' Council.  

And a dear friend gets this lovely baby quilt for her soon to be little one!  I love this pattern, "Hip Baby" using "Little Black Dress".  

Always more to do...SEW glad sewing is one of my hobbies and a passion.  :) 

Stacks...

Stacks quilt top is complete!

Just needs backing and then off to the quilters!  I'm still not sure what I want for my backing...something fun and cheerful!

I really love Tula Pink's new line called "The Birds and the Bees".  Lovin' the colors.  This photo doesn't do the fabrics justice...

Lots on my mind lately...seems fitting for this "stacks" quilt.
Things pile up
sometimes get lost in shuffle
some taken off the shelf and dusted
some things stand out
some things make sense and some don't...

and it all seems like a balancing act...

I love to sew...

Curious Nature Quilt

It's so nice to be doing some sewing again after a bit of a hiatus due to yard work, trips, daily grind, and just stuff!  I may need to start practicing sewing for 15 min. a day but I think I'd get sucked in and spend more time, which might not be a bad thing!!

The latest quilt top I've finished is called Curious Nature by David Butler and is a free pattern that can be found on the Free Spirit website at: click here to find!!

I LOVE it...fast, fun, and easy to make.

Curious Nature

COLOR and Tula Pink!

Tula Pink

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending a workshop with Tula Pink (who can be found here).  She is one of my favorite fabric designers - such a unique and talented artist!  Last night's quilt class ended with Tula sharing about being a fabric designer and the process.  My favorite part was hearing Tula say "Every day I get up and try to do me as best as I can."

I think that's the best way to live life...being the best possible version of myself and putting 100% me into whatever I am up to.

Tula also stated that COLOR is the most important part of a fabric line.  I'd agree...my eyes are drawn to color first.

My stacks waiting to be made into pinwheels

Getting my quilter's facial...more steam please!!!  j/k!

My first pinwheel...

 This is a close-up of Tula's quilt called "Beanstocks".  I am so amazed at her quilter, Angela Walters (you can find her here).  Just got Angela's new book about machine quilting.  Can't wait to read it and start doing more quilting!

COLOR!!!!!  from Tula's Spacedust quilt

closer up of COLOR!!!!

And so...here I go...smiling about color, sewing, photography, and life.  Plan to blog more too...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I can't believe how quickly this month is already moving!

I've gotten off track with blogging for a while.  I miss it.  There is something special about sharing what I love with others who love it too.

For today I have an article to share.  It's about Creative thinking...very good article, I think!
If you are someone who knows me, you know I think...A LOT!  This year I hope to put my thinking into creative avenues...


http://m.psychologytoday.com/blog/creative-thinkering/201112/twelve-things-you-were-not-taught-in-school-about-creative-thinking