tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56518958332298650342024-03-05T21:26:40.151-05:00Crimson Lilythe sewing and craft blog of missie lindCrimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-47792144521595183072012-12-20T15:24:00.000-05:002012-12-20T15:27:52.710-05:00Paying It ForwardScroll down and you will see former posts of purses I have made this year for a good college friend and her mom's American Legion Ladies' Auxiliary group (<a href="http://crimsonlilydesigns.blogspot.com/2012/03/new-jersey-sewing.html">Girly Purse </a>and <a href="http://crimsonlilydesigns.blogspot.com/2012/05/poppy-purse.html">Poppy Print Purse</a>). After making these items, they commissioned me to make other items to sell at their local farmers' market. After making and sending some of these bags, etc. I received a call from my friend that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer. Her prognosos is good, however she's a single mom and this was the absolute last thing she needed to have happen to her. I felt helpless in that I don't live close to her to just stop by and help out. So I decided to donate my portion of the market items proceeds to her upcoming fundraiser. I also made a purse today to send along as well for the raffle that will be held that night. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTPMs3n3RZ8jNI2P8rgjCbCvYHZNVuAOsXYTRKud0ouTBfiYTTZLN7dKY3-H3hfQ7K-Pc-_SdgEZowqqOXIN7_p3SF-t5P02huNds9v0GgE7Ql9OBDtX9-WGsLX3_AsOc0HgluyCmP6V2/s1600/IMG_5030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTPMs3n3RZ8jNI2P8rgjCbCvYHZNVuAOsXYTRKud0ouTBfiYTTZLN7dKY3-H3hfQ7K-Pc-_SdgEZowqqOXIN7_p3SF-t5P02huNds9v0GgE7Ql9OBDtX9-WGsLX3_AsOc0HgluyCmP6V2/s320/IMG_5030.JPG" /></a></div>
She requested royal blue and this fabric jumped out at me. It reminds me a starry night sky and it sparkles, just like my friend does. It's not much, but it truly is the least I could do to help a friend who has done so much to help me.Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-34097964590581136622012-08-10T18:00:00.002-04:002012-08-10T18:00:44.244-04:00Crimson Lily: The Tattoo, part 1My Crimson Lily is now permanently a part of me. This is the exact copy of the one posted here on the blog. I will eventually get the entire plant down my back...as soon as I decide to handle the pain again :p
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r8Yf3YG-4IjYYsx0hcpx0dyMyGpwIuVP_r3f42-gyP08lSSI4opprH1REcUD2tqj0eSPedK6iohY7nRxcWPOENVNCbmalnbfGzwHc3Pm-Esy3hWHBpHjanx2aINtPEnl8jf-mqJneqjm/s1600/IMG_4318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r8Yf3YG-4IjYYsx0hcpx0dyMyGpwIuVP_r3f42-gyP08lSSI4opprH1REcUD2tqj0eSPedK6iohY7nRxcWPOENVNCbmalnbfGzwHc3Pm-Esy3hWHBpHjanx2aINtPEnl8jf-mqJneqjm/s320/IMG_4318.JPG" /></a></div>Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-13201734908652348402012-06-07T16:28:00.001-04:002012-06-07T16:32:05.439-04:00Christina's Bag<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZwTP2gXxrK5WhBd7IlxqqpR_hJU1Y04pT7g47Al3Z27mj1FkW-EPYikx0CvYUX1AApdvBvtdlE-CTxMJIQH1H1a6MhQRVuEmhcg_BQjuGlpemNSX3aCb8Jvo_ymwWko9nAnIExFFMp2X/s1600/IMG_3604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZwTP2gXxrK5WhBd7IlxqqpR_hJU1Y04pT7g47Al3Z27mj1FkW-EPYikx0CvYUX1AApdvBvtdlE-CTxMJIQH1H1a6MhQRVuEmhcg_BQjuGlpemNSX3aCb8Jvo_ymwWko9nAnIExFFMp2X/s320/IMG_3604.JPG" /></a>
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I was asked recently by an old friend to make her a new "purse." I use this term lightly because her idea of a purse is actually a huge tote bag :p She mailed me some pre-quilted fabric from JoAnn's and I instantly got to work on this monster of a bag (17" long, 12" tall, 9" wide). I love using the pre-quilted fabric because it saves me about 1-2 hours of work, depending on the project. I am soooo happy with the way this came out and it's already back in the mail 24 hours after I received the fabric. Hope she LOVES it!Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-71332704147363523142012-05-19T08:04:00.000-04:002012-05-19T08:08:59.548-04:00Poppy Purse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is my new venture: The Poppy Purse and Change Purse.
I was commissioned by a friend (the same college friend for whom I made the Girly Purse) to make a purse for her mom's American Legion Ladies' Auxiliary outgoing president (phew!). Their symbol is the poppy so they found this gorgeous poppy print fabric on <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome">Spoonflower</a> and mailed it to me. I quilted it, added their patch, and created a lovely purse with an outside cell phone pocket. They also requested a sample of a change purse. They were mailed from NJ Wednesday and arrived in NH Friday for this weekend's ceremony. They already have requests for at least 2 more sets and hope to take orders for more this weekend. Eeeeekkkkkk!!!! Yay me!!!! I hope to be very busy in the coming weeks....Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-89748634168691654752012-03-10T19:37:00.003-05:002012-03-10T19:45:39.867-05:00New Jersey SewingWell I didn't realize it's been almost 6 months since my last post. A lot has changed in my life. The first major life-changing event was our move from Maine to south New Jersey in October. Although it wasn't a culture shock for me, it was definitely a tough transition. My entire family is in Maine with my history. 34 years in the best state in the nation makes it hard to get used to living elsewhere. But we are doing it. And we're fine :)<br />The second change is that I'm no longer working. With all my extra time you'd think I'd be sewing a ton, but I'm not. I have an entire sewing room all to myself and it rarely gets used. That will be changing very soon.<br />My third change is my weight. I have never had to struggle with my weight until recent years. At 30 everything seemed to go downhill. I finally decided to do something about it. Since New Year's I have lost 15 lbs and 4 inches in my waist by changing my diet and joining a gym. What a great feeling!<br />So that's that. And now for the one thing that I have sewn recently...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92Si7EzDyVTzm5kVx2UbD07fqcaStjlbiCk5V74xVq88UNr7lXTEcgNY0JBskZjOjsru3Du4Qg_9-3x7KGCh0z4nq_459IsRivB2qyKiIJBNThzz-StUjm_YLyWYGADGS3OedCO_C7CRZ/s1600/IMG_2780.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92Si7EzDyVTzm5kVx2UbD07fqcaStjlbiCk5V74xVq88UNr7lXTEcgNY0JBskZjOjsru3Du4Qg_9-3x7KGCh0z4nq_459IsRivB2qyKiIJBNThzz-StUjm_YLyWYGADGS3OedCO_C7CRZ/s320/IMG_2780.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718433948717179010" /></a><br />It's a girly purse for a college friend who likes all things girly :)Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-32459904514163100912011-09-22T08:23:00.004-04:002011-09-22T08:29:57.892-04:00Where Did It Go?Where the heck did summer go????<br />I guess I blinked and it was over. Although I didn't get a lot of sewing done this summer, I did get a few orders. So last week I rushed to get my sew-jo back and got a bunch of stuff done:<br />Market Totes<br />Bridesmaids' Wristlets<br />Custom Diaper Bag<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8IjM2n15aGKYkNW1L1VBK5Nx3myr8hEfWJ01MxTEXLbQFcUVOpUpsiF0wq1rzky9c8VUTfT_XnWx_QBqv7_87RRuMw0bK_jATAVN87JA4Ix6fywXulshiXVcFn2s1SebYuO9gbLQs-Ua/s1600/IMG_1877.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8IjM2n15aGKYkNW1L1VBK5Nx3myr8hEfWJ01MxTEXLbQFcUVOpUpsiF0wq1rzky9c8VUTfT_XnWx_QBqv7_87RRuMw0bK_jATAVN87JA4Ix6fywXulshiXVcFn2s1SebYuO9gbLQs-Ua/s320/IMG_1877.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655159409262595906" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMZWL7getDaIC2sj3QsevWUfUk8Wt5E1WOuv1bnJbzNXKn4YMajuzgAatNXpS6_jxZYqiFRjM7hZvv4jAKYrimIyL-YpOnm8pVP5p7Ni_SIMooTEvknhQtdFqLjbqMuSPbBLbg5WCiWet/s1600/IMG_1875.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMZWL7getDaIC2sj3QsevWUfUk8Wt5E1WOuv1bnJbzNXKn4YMajuzgAatNXpS6_jxZYqiFRjM7hZvv4jAKYrimIyL-YpOnm8pVP5p7Ni_SIMooTEvknhQtdFqLjbqMuSPbBLbg5WCiWet/s320/IMG_1875.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655159405536384626" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyGSUQUV1VNeTbX2mhdIhGuAE7PmZzVhRkMzs4B34kq2Yv_WOGCuTx1uzRe78Qsrmnf0tb02Bd28kWpv6ftgJnj5weqI2oxQ1hq_EcIdWZ9F4X7Q_f60gd9X3tz3iUNlb_xRdvXWNRg4g/s1600/IMG_1879.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyGSUQUV1VNeTbX2mhdIhGuAE7PmZzVhRkMzs4B34kq2Yv_WOGCuTx1uzRe78Qsrmnf0tb02Bd28kWpv6ftgJnj5weqI2oxQ1hq_EcIdWZ9F4X7Q_f60gd9X3tz3iUNlb_xRdvXWNRg4g/s320/IMG_1879.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655159401432601826" /></a><br />Busy, busy, busy....Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-63138546125891664662011-05-25T13:57:00.006-04:002011-05-25T14:17:54.059-04:00What? I'm actually getting orders? (And WIP Wednesday)(Linking up to <a href="http://freshlypieced.blogspot.com/">WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced </a>again!)<br /><br />Wow! I have been busy in the past few days. The quilted pieces of purse that I posted last week are now part of a complete purse. And there's a matching wristlet to go with! Yay! This is the donation for next week's silent auction benefit.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmt6BALwVhCXKPSHOLOIWMn9KtVbfVoRoX3xpWWmDhvAdYmTirkhqZfQz3C8P-1V3IsbqKeyNqYhovIKhwawQq8qFdlm9Arn1_XnaclphApA22xF0DdY7hzPOsd07JiiHK0MS1-XDtpP2/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmt6BALwVhCXKPSHOLOIWMn9KtVbfVoRoX3xpWWmDhvAdYmTirkhqZfQz3C8P-1V3IsbqKeyNqYhovIKhwawQq8qFdlm9Arn1_XnaclphApA22xF0DdY7hzPOsd07JiiHK0MS1-XDtpP2/s320/IMG_0158.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610715178892798578" /></a><br /><br />I actually love making purses. The wristlet is based on <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2010/08/tutorial-patchwork-wristlet.html">Ayumi's tutorial </a>at Pink Penguin.<br />Now here's the fun part.... I have ORDERS!!!! After posting pics on FB of this set, several friends asked for sets of their own. So here we go! I made one wristlet already <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnBKdHffniOQcmeP4K4koAtkE0aul8QvASCwWwKKCL5NBg8nxVo4laELSN1zzBXjLy5A8KkPH-2rQgZzTBVFvU6hRt4iAqnCQclps5XvkAQ8cK7Ivje76cQsouR2k7TGBsJJlpmE0MyVy/s1600/IMG_0176.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnBKdHffniOQcmeP4K4koAtkE0aul8QvASCwWwKKCL5NBg8nxVo4laELSN1zzBXjLy5A8KkPH-2rQgZzTBVFvU6hRt4iAqnCQclps5XvkAQ8cK7Ivje76cQsouR2k7TGBsJJlpmE0MyVy/s320/IMG_0176.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610717041220556370" /></a><br />and the rest will be made within the next two weeks with the following fabrics:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwto3OkUCMjw2Gx4rJKMEbySIcjDus2zlaJ_6jpU1m1C3BDX0UcEhjQFpR9mSNk7r3efe87FJQ9tmdhUojpzx0v54WIhZSNEyR2PNOmZfBaLRDisU-m_denVfnm4p2NbFzS-ixTcxdANb/s1600/IMG_0189.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwto3OkUCMjw2Gx4rJKMEbySIcjDus2zlaJ_6jpU1m1C3BDX0UcEhjQFpR9mSNk7r3efe87FJQ9tmdhUojpzx0v54WIhZSNEyR2PNOmZfBaLRDisU-m_denVfnm4p2NbFzS-ixTcxdANb/s320/IMG_0189.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610717517460705170" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZXqHZcroDZiB9_j5Kr6Gk-c48ymvHpMhrKxlnJ_LciQVbbxEOhI_MBP_5zoNdgHu1PwhqFk4_uMAU3W2QC9e8nkpoDCz7UqrgLAkcyJYsLIUZzjNANhQ9Engkc7ozTJ1IUzisTUy-gz4/s1600/IMG_0188.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZXqHZcroDZiB9_j5Kr6Gk-c48ymvHpMhrKxlnJ_LciQVbbxEOhI_MBP_5zoNdgHu1PwhqFk4_uMAU3W2QC9e8nkpoDCz7UqrgLAkcyJYsLIUZzjNANhQ9Engkc7ozTJ1IUzisTUy-gz4/s320/IMG_0188.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610717500628529762" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwi_gXc9Um-WO_ow06GpkRD9CT_2pGXCRYdVC239Qs36KfRLdUz_v_xPWqCM_ohnKJYioo3CL-6ijj0Od7MRUjhI88ejwWLgNSYJY8TYPFfTR9NJs4lIdxpOm8uGkSxfJmYaPmcgMaGuR/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwi_gXc9Um-WO_ow06GpkRD9CT_2pGXCRYdVC239Qs36KfRLdUz_v_xPWqCM_ohnKJYioo3CL-6ijj0Od7MRUjhI88ejwWLgNSYJY8TYPFfTR9NJs4lIdxpOm8uGkSxfJmYaPmcgMaGuR/s320/IMG_0187.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610717498950405122" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XlSdrDmEkUi-9U3b6J-JXNMJ5cVaLJgTZcL0Rklsa6ABgAdxGfD8-EqNRdzV3BJcuunZAZNGExUjVGhK3pDRiRv7jNRh6-cB2FC0G4r9VNF7EbwUMLO180Qh9_FWE1Cz33F82akaIb6D/s1600/IMG_0186.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XlSdrDmEkUi-9U3b6J-JXNMJ5cVaLJgTZcL0Rklsa6ABgAdxGfD8-EqNRdzV3BJcuunZAZNGExUjVGhK3pDRiRv7jNRh6-cB2FC0G4r9VNF7EbwUMLO180Qh9_FWE1Cz33F82akaIb6D/s320/IMG_0186.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610717495455348162" /></a><br />Fun, huh? And now I shall leave you with some process pics of the purse set. (Oh, and the Chrysalis Quilt is still on hold. Maybe I'll get to that by the time summer actually hits here in Maine.)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SVKBFwyyDQB6KobFlMtOrBYVyabxdue4ooRdVzGxUd99qQzErQCY221WfKgd5-4oNBKEyYenOC4C8wEtlc7sL-CGAq_M5TB_FsW5X5NrLbD_HFBfJeyVQP8l5aVYOt7sr2pUtg3pLZ_W/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SVKBFwyyDQB6KobFlMtOrBYVyabxdue4ooRdVzGxUd99qQzErQCY221WfKgd5-4oNBKEyYenOC4C8wEtlc7sL-CGAq_M5TB_FsW5X5NrLbD_HFBfJeyVQP8l5aVYOt7sr2pUtg3pLZ_W/s320/IMG_0148.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610718583381736882" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2K0p5QD_OwI-LcTjDVP8qI2tnkiRIABCbcKxxvfK80PeJB2NN36ZuCm_WgT1jy2ayelwx6DHKCXWCCvrgSfiM0mC5TmfpL8FozXIljCgTnIaKc-5vuf8IaBol7BcmYYyXCdXkX_lvFnz/s1600/IMG_0154.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2K0p5QD_OwI-LcTjDVP8qI2tnkiRIABCbcKxxvfK80PeJB2NN36ZuCm_WgT1jy2ayelwx6DHKCXWCCvrgSfiM0mC5TmfpL8FozXIljCgTnIaKc-5vuf8IaBol7BcmYYyXCdXkX_lvFnz/s320/IMG_0154.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610718581881298338" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjP-7x0w7DotmfMYiZljW74MvdHB0YKDLNQXV611AbIibjTfGSGAp5zqE5EUdUqGSe8F6e-QhAYC-5XMS1mokiI9SPTXZeaeeqE9-T462R1Pp8OJOe47VdGsrXiTJUGQ1f4ac7ASeXJjs/s1600/IMG_0153.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjP-7x0w7DotmfMYiZljW74MvdHB0YKDLNQXV611AbIibjTfGSGAp5zqE5EUdUqGSe8F6e-QhAYC-5XMS1mokiI9SPTXZeaeeqE9-T462R1Pp8OJOe47VdGsrXiTJUGQ1f4ac7ASeXJjs/s320/IMG_0153.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610718571839597426" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95gHA9Y_BJNfvby08IjV5Uf-yEmpiYu1dbeaelJR5GJVrLasqsl5h_bL7Sa5UKZPzZDx2tFjqMAhjoCPsG6Ecw9aMVUxiQUS7welRclvRQJLK4TvF0Y0TX0tCg3QE_e3CP7LcZWZyA_QH/s1600/IMG_0151.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95gHA9Y_BJNfvby08IjV5Uf-yEmpiYu1dbeaelJR5GJVrLasqsl5h_bL7Sa5UKZPzZDx2tFjqMAhjoCPsG6Ecw9aMVUxiQUS7welRclvRQJLK4TvF0Y0TX0tCg3QE_e3CP7LcZWZyA_QH/s320/IMG_0151.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610718568402944690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPhIbMiGPfX43_4UOO2PXBVyfQeW1Os94PLMG-vN4NRxpyOpnkBSBtu_HqXDb6ROkLPKJn5Qgz_U9inCfGhsyED-O5qfUgkEQbTLy-ub8xrpsrl9mxBfcz2n1-PDwggI0-WsH20sLff5w/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPhIbMiGPfX43_4UOO2PXBVyfQeW1Os94PLMG-vN4NRxpyOpnkBSBtu_HqXDb6ROkLPKJn5Qgz_U9inCfGhsyED-O5qfUgkEQbTLy-ub8xrpsrl9mxBfcz2n1-PDwggI0-WsH20sLff5w/s320/IMG_0141.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610719569804607490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoPuKiuUbmmbIQaeDUQyqT55FMz2niN_7FmgOdFD7LSojEnrgIcLjnIl_r60ZdGWe1_xv3y5859WsT26WJcLboWw85dFYJT7v5csna0c8PgbdsKifyxyXFSGX9afxl24xKvoj05GTFZ-L/s1600/IMG_0137.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoPuKiuUbmmbIQaeDUQyqT55FMz2niN_7FmgOdFD7LSojEnrgIcLjnIl_r60ZdGWe1_xv3y5859WsT26WJcLboWw85dFYJT7v5csna0c8PgbdsKifyxyXFSGX9afxl24xKvoj05GTFZ-L/s320/IMG_0137.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610719564207185346" /></a>Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-15751700718699934862011-05-21T08:55:00.004-04:002011-05-21T09:21:44.440-04:00Rain, Rain, Go Away.....It's official. We have had a full week with absolutely NO SUN here in Maine. It's driving me nuts. This is the time of year when I enjoy sitting out on the swing reading books and sewing magazines, listening to the birds, and enjoying (and sneezing at) all the new signs of life amongst the trees and gardens. Each year I add to my little piece of paradise (my approx. 3x8 foot garden) and I love seeing all my annuals come back bigger and better than the year before (especially my crimson colored lilies ;). Right now, as I look out the front door, this is what I see:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpChj7IZGLlNeXHkOpFhcWqEF9_60iR2qLRq6qbU97W4_jWc31sWDT3VXF_xxedEAWfHywAyYsP31hdylLcRgoH9Rw7H0oPGfTAhrjo2xDwxU9zBfZqH18BwUo0F72etZu2xFVCjjx-Vfy/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpChj7IZGLlNeXHkOpFhcWqEF9_60iR2qLRq6qbU97W4_jWc31sWDT3VXF_xxedEAWfHywAyYsP31hdylLcRgoH9Rw7H0oPGfTAhrjo2xDwxU9zBfZqH18BwUo0F72etZu2xFVCjjx-Vfy/s320/IMG_0056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609155490684250354" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_8faRCJ4CHpb5ubBhrRfM1LbCbC8zq9uGEybOs8HyAP67BYPfE-Qdl7faNCKQGBpLj2HHc5PMmwP0fv9foh3AKsDaQ6wNtoc3PFrcQ-W43vybjUtNqQnvFsIzDzBnPDw48qb4GzgOjx_/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_8faRCJ4CHpb5ubBhrRfM1LbCbC8zq9uGEybOs8HyAP67BYPfE-Qdl7faNCKQGBpLj2HHc5PMmwP0fv9foh3AKsDaQ6wNtoc3PFrcQ-W43vybjUtNqQnvFsIzDzBnPDw48qb4GzgOjx_/s320/IMG_0048.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609155482724613106" /></a><br />Notice all the mud puddles (and my cute kids walking down the driveway. The weather does not stop them from playing outside).<br />However, things are blooming! And with a little sun, hopefully tomorrow, I will have a rainbow of color in my front yard once again. Keeping my fingers crossed...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbObcCBBl7yKwZ4P2IVcmZ35_SGxFt_0qnjVT8G5PEIX17-KHqM0tSGlFLzCZnC19Y-QrZ2WbGvYUMsk6apAI4Pv6dptMotcOR6Zfx8K44N9anLZ7w3WnGMbNXpQy84S69m14XH0Ns_njX/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbObcCBBl7yKwZ4P2IVcmZ35_SGxFt_0qnjVT8G5PEIX17-KHqM0tSGlFLzCZnC19Y-QrZ2WbGvYUMsk6apAI4Pv6dptMotcOR6Zfx8K44N9anLZ7w3WnGMbNXpQy84S69m14XH0Ns_njX/s320/IMG_0055.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609158633341113602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1M3dfsD23xNkeoQPZ-v0XkbeB59dnWdbG9oDxAp6deg9p5eCRNZKQpEMsV9SLDJj7UgXw3ok2vQLxUukl60iCopf-7_LWvAFn23_gVFNN7wa8bxH_vkvXtJUE7TynM9incgAEsKOZbp30/s1600/IMG_0054.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1M3dfsD23xNkeoQPZ-v0XkbeB59dnWdbG9oDxAp6deg9p5eCRNZKQpEMsV9SLDJj7UgXw3ok2vQLxUukl60iCopf-7_LWvAFn23_gVFNN7wa8bxH_vkvXtJUE7TynM9incgAEsKOZbp30/s320/IMG_0054.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609158627255578898" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78KTHPNojwIc69Ickv5lqFdqtRw38MRR27FpXT65WfLprwbRL3aiYaVrabKNhvrL09_UIG-4McmYlxNhs18PDSbd9PRW72kxgUf0wU9Ft0zdcaJNySCLZflPSjW6_YEe6XPS0rfWLWDim/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78KTHPNojwIc69Ickv5lqFdqtRw38MRR27FpXT65WfLprwbRL3aiYaVrabKNhvrL09_UIG-4McmYlxNhs18PDSbd9PRW72kxgUf0wU9Ft0zdcaJNySCLZflPSjW6_YEe6XPS0rfWLWDim/s320/IMG_0053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609158620940621042" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i4kKnRq7dP3H0d8l5at9YWYgUgGZHSCjfbwtQoNNO5cFV9sMgJHSV-NK-T7uQeU_WwgkPtK_zmPFx34_EVslQ1lpWT0DoJgWJZLnDjH3pHTPZWaL6Q-douyFXXEQGd4GyBaGRAWlgq6w/s1600/IMG_0052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i4kKnRq7dP3H0d8l5at9YWYgUgGZHSCjfbwtQoNNO5cFV9sMgJHSV-NK-T7uQeU_WwgkPtK_zmPFx34_EVslQ1lpWT0DoJgWJZLnDjH3pHTPZWaL6Q-douyFXXEQGd4GyBaGRAWlgq6w/s320/IMG_0052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609158619339990626" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOU2Q1WxROROQWb271cnYr0tL90hfkAETPqx9__PIhttWFzkO8G-ZuWNy3FZUOaQF25J8J8iB4S-yqjuD_bU2ELzya22TqRqk6ZG4a0LLpaY0gGUrchzg4_pOlK4xgbxVoVbbBFRdPUxC/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOU2Q1WxROROQWb271cnYr0tL90hfkAETPqx9__PIhttWFzkO8G-ZuWNy3FZUOaQF25J8J8iB4S-yqjuD_bU2ELzya22TqRqk6ZG4a0LLpaY0gGUrchzg4_pOlK4xgbxVoVbbBFRdPUxC/s320/IMG_0051.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609158614052578994" /></a>Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-57149807391193423392011-05-18T13:21:00.005-04:002011-05-18T13:47:20.888-04:00Back in the Saddle5 weeks post-surgery, I finally dusted off the sewing machine yesterday (and apologized to it profusely for leaving it to get that way for so long). I have about 2 weeks to finish the donation of a purse and wallet for an auction to benefit a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=201683476528655">special little girl </a>whose family needs a little help. <br /><br />So I started with the simple task of choosing fabric (yeah, right) and went with a lovely Alexander Henry print for the main focal point. Then I quilted it with cotton batting and interfacing. And that's as far as I got yesterday. I know, not much, but it's a start. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTvWMiK5ajP4LNL6vcJAh1KmZNLX97SUfL9JYzyHYHfEu0k5ay9fIxfI4cEtE5kOqt2-KRcggLicZKSzTNPJG05vEeTwfqIEhls6i1k_C6vr6rWeKE3IoPByvnORSTvPvX4jjRPpIkt08/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTvWMiK5ajP4LNL6vcJAh1KmZNLX97SUfL9JYzyHYHfEu0k5ay9fIxfI4cEtE5kOqt2-KRcggLicZKSzTNPJG05vEeTwfqIEhls6i1k_C6vr6rWeKE3IoPByvnORSTvPvX4jjRPpIkt08/s320/IMG_0033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608109322716639138" /></a><br /><br />Of course, that didn't end my day of playing with fabric. I went to my LQS for zippers and happened upon 2 fat quarters that called my name.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTa3ycxz48AnlEcg8jsgHGz3FoEoyn9NwRxCNEKu-FMr_EB12GiYz2UkiFkYUuvuYvqKjuLlYM1NRSxVCreOu77dmw2kZfSFW1nNe8vn0uXzm0Y5CriSHwX2ZJKICZEpfA_NYhshEjIDty/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTa3ycxz48AnlEcg8jsgHGz3FoEoyn9NwRxCNEKu-FMr_EB12GiYz2UkiFkYUuvuYvqKjuLlYM1NRSxVCreOu77dmw2kZfSFW1nNe8vn0uXzm0Y5CriSHwX2ZJKICZEpfA_NYhshEjIDty/s320/IMG_0036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608110485680746322" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhi26hTD9_DwE6gVOuKZegCSQDVJ4AE8AeNbVkscI7LIsGOD_XkIXf0x1PI-8N6LgdKl42-JeOTXlCET2PJCUd3NHaY83Db43kTnmXa7ZrCqcVbmQpli3AySeZyDZZyP-3RnZ_HQDSxuA/s1600/IMG_0035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhi26hTD9_DwE6gVOuKZegCSQDVJ4AE8AeNbVkscI7LIsGOD_XkIXf0x1PI-8N6LgdKl42-JeOTXlCET2PJCUd3NHaY83Db43kTnmXa7ZrCqcVbmQpli3AySeZyDZZyP-3RnZ_HQDSxuA/s320/IMG_0035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608110481989863426" /></a><br />The pretty blue floral is from Central Park, and I can't remember which line the other one is from. I'm such a sucker for anything Moda and Central Park has been calling my name. <br />2 more projects are in the works as well (in my head, anyway): a diaper bag for an old friend from school who now lives in VA, and a purse & wallet for another old friend who lives nearby and makes a <a href="http://stonesoupsoaps.webs.com/">wonderful line of natural body products </a><br /><br />So that's all for today. The <a href="http://crimsonlilydesigns.blogspot.com/2011/04/wip-wednesday-and-chrysalis-quilt-part.html">Chrysalis Quilt </a>is still on hold as well. I will get it done once everything else is finished. <br />Linking up to <a href="http://freshlypieced.blogspot.com/">Freshly Pieced </a>today for WIP Wednesday!Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-76536693471949251322011-04-27T09:41:00.004-04:002011-04-27T10:23:12.837-04:00Why I SewHmmm... how did I start sewing?<br /><br />Well, I have to say I came from a very crafty line of ladies, on both sides. Two of my great-grandmothers were crafty. <br />One (my mother's grandmother) was a crocheter. She was well-known for her baby sets of sweaters, booties, and bonnets. Everyone wanted at least one for their baby. She died when I was 15, but not before she taught me how to crochet. She also sewed a bit: little blankets here and there and clothing. <br />Move along to her youngest (of 8) daughter - my grandmother. Now there's a crafty woman for you. She is 74 years young and for all of my 33+ years, she has been sewing, crocheting, and knitting. I don't remember any day when there hasn't been a crafty project by her side. All of her 6 kids and their spouses, her 11 grandkids, and her 5 great-grandkids all have a knitted Christmas stocking with their name on it. Growing up I always had new stuffed animals made by Ma. My kids still get some every year as well. And she has carried on the baby set tradition that her mother started almost 100 years ago. As a teenager, she taught me how to use her sewing machine to make scrunchies for my hair. That was my first experience in sewing.<br />Then there's my mom. She also sews and crochets. Many of my childhood clothes were homemade. I have afghans to keep me warm. She passed along the gene, but had a hard time teaching me anything (little girls never make it easy for their moms to teach them anything). One of her sisters is also a crocheter who makes Barbie clothes. It's in their blood, I guess.<br />And then I move over to my dad's side of the family. His grandmother sewed me a beautiful quilt when I was a baby. It's tucked away in my hope chest now, but I used it as a wall hanging when I was little.<br />Her daughter (my other grandmother) makes quilts. She has been my biggest quilting inspiration to date. When I was young she taught me how to cross-stitch and needlepoint. She then taught herself how to crochet (left-handed). And then she started making quilts over 10 years ago. She is very traditional in her style, yet inspirational to me. She made crib size quilts for my kids and that is what inspired me to do the same for my nieces and nephews. <br />That year (5 years ago, maybe?) I borrowed my mom's Kenmore sewing machine and bought a bunch of fabric at JoAnn's. I made 5 crib size quilts to send to NJ for Christmas. I was so proud of myself. I guess Bobby was, too, since he went out and bought me my own sewing machine. <br />And then a good friend of mine (Deni) got me hooked on purse-making. And boy, was I hooked. I have since made purses, wallets, totes, etc. for birthdays, Christmas, myself, my neighbors, my friends, my family, for fun. I have designed my own and used patterns and tutorials. I am so addicted. <br />And then Deni introduced me to the world of Local Quilt Shops and Moda fabrics. Wow!!! I knew I had to make a quilt for my own bed. What a huge undertaking to make a queen size quilt. I only allowed myself to use Moda fabrics from different lines. I made the top in 2008. In 2010 I added to the top and pieced the back. And then - oooohhhh then - then I got to use a longarm machine to quilt it. Eek!! Thank you to my mom's friend, Judy, for having this wonderful piece of equipment in her home and for allowing me the chance to use it. How much fun did I have? You can see the finished results in my earlier posts <a href="http://crimsonlilydesigns.blogspot.com/2010/10/finished-moda-mix-quilt-and-little.html">here</a> . <br />And now... well now I just sew whatever feels right at the moment. I want to make more quilts. I want to design more bags. I enjoy making baby shower gifts, etc. I think the crafty sewing gene is something I cannot shake. It's in me and it's not going anywhere. Ever. I love to sew because of all the inspiration I have had in my life. I read sewing blogs every day, but were it not for all those wonderful women in my life, I would have never had the interest to get started.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPyM6cBbXIGFt4Nfy3oCTEp4RH8SVoHRCrXEuhdEm54poVZK7XW8UoDIdQITOWLHg_KCSTMqFFEDT927IfxnmYFXxk1PR8nlyNivF718y7v1rfKbSA_bprQl-ed4u-wZQ4XNvuXiwipzA/s1600/longarm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPyM6cBbXIGFt4Nfy3oCTEp4RH8SVoHRCrXEuhdEm54poVZK7XW8UoDIdQITOWLHg_KCSTMqFFEDT927IfxnmYFXxk1PR8nlyNivF718y7v1rfKbSA_bprQl-ed4u-wZQ4XNvuXiwipzA/s320/longarm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600265965595985442" /></a>Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-16202029732567700002011-04-26T14:02:00.002-04:002011-04-26T14:21:11.888-04:00Confessions of a Sometimes BloggerI'm thinking of adding that post title to my byline. "Confessions of a Sometimes Blogger" seems like the perfect blog name for someone like me. I rarely blog these days. Not sure why. I spend hours on end reading other sewing blogs. Maybe, since I spend so much time looking for inspiration and so little time actually sewing, I have nothing to blog about. Well that's not true. Maybe. I haven't been sewing lately (CTR Surgery, you know) so I have no pretty pictures to post of my fabric goodness. However, I have taken pictures. And I have been living my life. This morning I read a post by Rachel at http://www.stitchedincolor.com/2011/04/there-are-things-i-dont-say.html. I read all 308 comments prior to mine. I realize that I am not alone in this weird blogosphere. I have confessions to make. I feel inadequate in my sewing abilities. I'm afraid to sell what I make because they don't live up to the big-name bloggers'/sewists' works. I shop at JoAnn's and Wal-Mart instead of my Local Quilt Shop because I am poor. And also, because I like the fabric at JoAnn's and WM just fine. I have bad days in my life. A lot. Sometimes I wish things were different. Then I reflect on that wish and realize that I like what I have. Of course I want more, but don't we all? I secretly wish that I had a ton of blog followers, and published works, and a book contract, and sponsors to send me free fabric. But is that what blogging is all about? I'm starting to realize that I have a blog for my own sake. It's a journal of MY things that I have made. If people care to read it, great! If not, oh well. Is it really that important in the grand scheme of things? Probably not. If you're reading this, THANK YOU! It means a lot. And if you're not reading this, then I guess I'll never know and it's no skin off my back, is it now? <br />Oh, and since blog posts always have pictures, here's a picture for you:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDkfcA6Xt6zHYl3uLP9VB7urt-jcczvofcQr6o_4bzDQCqMpOwiLAc9mCtC4r4qKsNsVjPldonaGjylaAQMx7cylohXxtg-w_8YIlo17-aTktEwmqA71N4pIjBvwb1EKqMfGp7d4qsriH/s1600/100_9312.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDkfcA6Xt6zHYl3uLP9VB7urt-jcczvofcQr6o_4bzDQCqMpOwiLAc9mCtC4r4qKsNsVjPldonaGjylaAQMx7cylohXxtg-w_8YIlo17-aTktEwmqA71N4pIjBvwb1EKqMfGp7d4qsriH/s320/100_9312.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599958858964980066" /></a><br /><br />My family: It's what I work on every day :)Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-8528339972183195292011-04-17T16:16:00.003-04:002011-04-17T16:35:28.892-04:00Pillow Party!So as I've been "laid up" and not able to sew for the past week (and who knows for how much longer), I have been reading many many many sewing blogs, entering contests, commenting on other blogs, etc. Oh, and fondling all the fabric I can't wait to cut into. When I cam across the <a href="http://www.stitchedincolor.com/p/bloggers-pillow-party.html">Bloggers Pillow Party at Stitched in Color </a>I figured, why not go for it and enter. So here I am, entering a sewing contest with my String Quilt Pillow (<a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=oxford+pillowcase&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7SKPB_en&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=nUurTcblM4Le0QGOrbnjAQ&ved=0CCsQsAQ&biw=1003&bih=451">oxford style</a>: I learned that this technique actually has a name!). <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596652336338292882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmeiV80VC5ERFL6FjID7fD_sDdxL4_HnUHAxz7eiq0-V9n9ObFIVIKtg6Eivk2Z4M8TuXeJUKnnPbwbLTUdw2MS3lkFdcqVM4koOTQdG7ph9GJM4N1ixZzyYiDCHDWHgvwbP2kfuioQkM/s320/100_9541.JPG" />So here it is again. My scrappy, funky, crazy, not-perfect-but-I-don't-care, String Quilt Pillow. It holds a sacred place on my bed with my lovely quilt. I can't get enough of it. I just love it. And I think my husband does too, but I won't let him use it ;) <br /><div></div>Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-58053557744005126672011-04-06T12:05:00.004-04:002011-04-06T12:17:27.212-04:00WIP Wednesday and Chrysalis Quilt Part DeuxA few days ago I posted about <a href="http://crimsonlilydesigns.blogspot.com/2011/04/chrysalis-quilt-part-1.html">this quilt</a>, which I started on Saturday with Moda's Chrysalis by Sanae charm squares and some Kona Bone. Yesterday I worked on it a little more. I have 2 of 7 rows complete. I used my handy dandy JoAnns coupons today to get more thread, Kona Bone, and Warm & Natural batting. I don't plan on finishing it entirely for a few weeks due to my carpal tunnel surgery next Monday, but I still have 4 days to get the top done. I also need to figure out what I want to do for the back. I know I want it pieced, but just not sure how to do it yet. <br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592503538635893058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgzoQg-mOcbJtSS8oGJGhWmAPmaSfXNBy2yrgGp5vPkJA5lukYjJVwTIHschQO_eyhiCAlyC6U2uv12M-K1VDExGOf0uuipbQTtO0M38hUdSm4-oy-bcL1711iAX6dP5Bifytpnunb4Xg/s320/100_9518.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592503539302573826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizRfuO-wzvVHVvMEYN6zUcUJQi3iE3hvJodZd3Fx0l8jF9ud4cG0IHosu7xzjFrtmU3fhn79BcfN-VDEFvCmWfD1fWmfG7XBV_XSNxPrp4VgxefejDunJIPq2spFIAHflwZVXh7GrJIL3/s320/100_9517.JPG" /></div>I also finished up a few baby items for my cousin's shower (I seriously hope she doesn't read my blog). It's a boy so I hope she likes these Debbie Mumm fabrics. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592504657544874834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyrtXM3T1Lin0ct5mi8d-iDMRFhYJkmWOhTqF8lDA8oK-CrlVrcLMBgMQ3o_enPQ_AGdEhsx8RwRzZTHf34aC_mLIiKCeuufSnaqkWdpIxvR9Bi-1fT-J9mVEN92WjcSPlLpkLWh25SvJ/s320/100_9519.JPG" /> Sorry for the horrible pictures. I have a very tiny house and horrible lighting so it's impossible to get a good indoors shot. And outside, with all the mud, well, we just won't talk about that. Happy Wednesday!!Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-16973473032127990432011-04-04T08:34:00.002-04:002011-04-04T08:52:34.726-04:00Chrysalis Quilt Part 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzV2NZjoJlL4-gcpXE4yyPxZa_IiX46ISBye1gjRp2bInVBWxNxEUN8C305Dhv9B4TbJxqOldcenrleYFoxAOBdl_gHIGi4c17vK-0ub46GNf3R4j1G3-bbxS4nBKS2huz3KCvleBbhr9/s1600/100_9514.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 112px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591706200313990034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzV2NZjoJlL4-gcpXE4yyPxZa_IiX46ISBye1gjRp2bInVBWxNxEUN8C305Dhv9B4TbJxqOldcenrleYFoxAOBdl_gHIGi4c17vK-0ub46GNf3R4j1G3-bbxS4nBKS2huz3KCvleBbhr9/s320/100_9514.JPG" /></a> Saturday, I had the good fortune of being alone from about 3pm until 11:30pm. Bobby was working and the kids were off at sleepovers (one with a friend, the other with Gramma & Pa). So I sewed! I finished some baby shower gifts for a cousin (to be posted next week, just in case) and I finally started a new quilt. I bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moda-CHRYSALIS-Charm-Fabric-Squares/dp/B0042ZZZLI">these charm squares</a> a few weeks ago and got some Kona Bone to accent them. I knew I wanted a lot of white space to accentuate the Chrysalis fabrics, so I went with a wonky log cabin style. At first, I thought I was being silly by using so many pieces of the white fabric instead of just 1 wide strip on each side. That certainly would have been quicker. However, I kinda like the look of the seams showing through. I think it adds dimension. I plan on using all 42 charm quares, each in its own 12" square, to make a twin sized quilt. I really like the idea of having quilts available throughout my home for us to randomly use whenever we want, either on the couch for snuggling or on our beds for extra warmth. Now the dog will be able to have all the fleecey throws for herself!Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-493291767999270742011-02-09T14:28:00.003-05:002011-02-09T14:35:25.438-05:00WIP Wednesday (2/9/11)Wow! Wednesday again! Here is my work in progress for the day... Mermaidens (and Mermen) from the Wee wonderfuls book. <div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571774407970090066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6x_wGLP0D2_ua_Myj_HowHsdk_jAi6UG1KgpXhhZprs3LrP6rY7CkQlVf7NLPkflnK4uXlZoQNU40jUWx9z0DTKWhfCJlYcKvDaPTlYKtk1IkIPsx_fIpYVlClmUt6XNi8hvkAK-hq0c/s320/100_9457.JPG" /></div><div>I just love these little guys! Unfortunately, the numbness in my hands makes it difficult to finish all the hand-stitching right now, so it's very slow-going, but I'm getting there. These are going to be a 1st birthday gift for my cousin's daughter whom I adore soooo much! The fabrics are vintage quilt fabric that I got from my grandmother. She probably found them at Goodwill or something, but they worked perfectly for the look I was going for.</div><div>Also, I have been working (again, slowly but surely) on my string quilt pillow covers. See my <a href="http://crimsonlilydesigns.blogspot.com/2011/02/pillow-progress.html">previous post </a>for a pic of the pillow progress. More progress next week!</div>Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-54427083202545092932011-02-04T10:27:00.003-05:002011-02-04T10:34:16.346-05:00Pillow Progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1voDedGO0j8k-mgFLhnOS71q7I10GRF1IvAQJ3Csw1vZOyZC779rVvEgfsaSo7KPv-kDgaUOYhSqcZf_-YNyfreZzb_QHBTuwhX1bcqM74b_lMIckcoKFhptwmaYc0eR2u7hW-LhbXJPy/s1600/100_9434.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569856753585259522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1voDedGO0j8k-mgFLhnOS71q7I10GRF1IvAQJ3Csw1vZOyZC779rVvEgfsaSo7KPv-kDgaUOYhSqcZf_-YNyfreZzb_QHBTuwhX1bcqM74b_lMIckcoKFhptwmaYc0eR2u7hW-LhbXJPy/s320/100_9434.JPG" /></a><br /><div>A little progress has been made. I finished the quilt piecing for the top of one of the couch pillows. It took longer than I expected (about 1/2 hour per block), but I'm not really in a huge hurry. I do want to baste the tops to some batting and quilt some straight lines before I assemble the actual pillow cases. </div><div>I also have 4 mermaids to finish. Those would be quick & easy were it not for my assumed carpal tunnel. OUCH! </div><div>It's weird. As much as I want to sew, I keep being lazy about actually doing it. My sewing space isn't ideal and I hate having to pull things out and then put them away after an hour of sewing. Plus, my husband tries to get a little sleep during the day thanks to his overnight job, so I have to be quiet. Someday things will be better and I'll have some space all to myself, where I can just shut the door and not worrying about "cleaning up". Someday...</div>Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-61322605573513730782011-02-02T14:56:00.002-05:002011-02-02T14:58:52.126-05:00Wednesday Work<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdXSBQQ0IRj86bT4IsmUkzfLQhJb_wBZLGZa9CwrrK0c_A2XeAJeAfcPtxmUzjPhOSHF2Es2vHbfQzPbi_CMJSCuZyytH3kz4WJTthArjj8M_n3nL92Ij93z1DnZV3X3DpsJB2FXxskMs/s1600/100_9416.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569184148044372866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdXSBQQ0IRj86bT4IsmUkzfLQhJb_wBZLGZa9CwrrK0c_A2XeAJeAfcPtxmUzjPhOSHF2Es2vHbfQzPbi_CMJSCuZyytH3kz4WJTthArjj8M_n3nL92Ij93z1DnZV3X3DpsJB2FXxskMs/s320/100_9416.JPG" /></a><br /><div>On this oh so snowy Wednesday (the 6th one in a row here in Maine) I finally got my "sew-jo" back. I started making my first string quilt blocks. I plan on making 8 total, for my 2 couch pillows. The living room really needs a little brightening up and I think these pillows will do the trick. Now, back to work!</div>Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-59280475660025332232011-01-22T16:20:00.003-05:002011-01-22T16:24:40.920-05:00QuiltStory's Block Party ContestI think I'm going to try something new. I need some inspiration to start creating things and I really would like to start making more quilts. I read a ton of quilting/sewing blogs and I am in awe of all the wonderfully creative, crafty and inspirational people there are out there. So I'm going to attempt to make some quilt blocks. Fun & funky ones. Creative ones. And if I can win some prizes along the way, then more power to me! I just want to make things. And maybe this is the motivation that I need.<br /><a href="http://twinfibers.blogspot.com/2011/01/quiltstory-block-party.html">QuiltStory's Block Party Contest</a><br />Wish me luck and creativity!Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-33917281459437088022011-01-18T10:54:00.003-05:002011-01-18T11:00:44.060-05:00DreamingI'm dreaming of winning a book and some sew-alicious goodies from Camille, <a href="http://camilleroskelley.typepad.com/simplify/2011/01/dream-on.html#comment-6a00e55272ca4d88340147e1b4d12a970b">here on her blog, Simplify.</a> She wrote a book (LOVE), and designs fabric (double LOVE). And she's giving away some of her scrumptious goodness. So I had to leave a comment about my dream and then blog about it. I just dream of being able to get up in the morning, send my kids off to school, grab some coffee (or tea, as I am cutting back), and head to my sewing room (don't have one). Then, after sewing all day, I'd like to sell what I make and supply my family with extra income. That's it. Nothing big, really. I can do it, right? Sure I can!Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-18394281139712882922010-12-30T10:48:00.003-05:002010-12-30T10:51:22.446-05:00Yikes!Wow! I can't believe it's been nearly 3 months since my last post. Sheesh! I'm a slacker. I have been quite busy with the holiday season, making lots of things, and getting a new job. As I type this (at work...) I have many ideas running through my head and lots of little people to make things for. Hopefully I will find the time to sew in the new year between my kids, my husband, my job, and my life. See you in 2011!Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-42117835258031184372010-10-07T18:31:00.005-04:002010-10-07T18:39:50.640-04:00Finished Moda Mix Quilt (and a little frustration)It's. Finally. Done.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525437022184167538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfSJ9Wqdode-YRKELsgM_nQ9UZFcJxUJ8no5oe9TYnC9_PQft_UURW8FG_Qjm_5sLZq6kybpP4__lp_qHmXwZw0WWvcPtJcDNpvQ9P0QigLWXFHKbdzf8vdQrANSvyB095P9_XU_jF3iW/s320/100_8575.JPG" border="0" />The Moda Mix Quilt is now on my bed and feels nice and warm and snuggly. Last weekend I was able to machine quilt it on a longarm owned by a friend. We had 2 evenings of machine failure and finally on Saturday it worked! I quilted it in a Funky Feathers design. I love it! <div><div> </div><div>Yesterday I put on the binding, by machine, for the first time ever. I have done hand binding once and hated it (tendonitis - ouch!). I found a tutorial on machine binding <a href="http://www.redpepperquilts.com/2009/11/binding-tutorial.html">here at Red Pepper Quilts</a> and after a few mishaps and lack of perfection it's done. Again, it's not perfect, but it's mine and I am so happy!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525437013652012290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhi_jsbYlGa54WWIUi5YUF9Ch6kEw00nsaCSRM9sScApLduHEWoxbfEPiTuFQ9vBca3fyXaR8MLHqMmZWPvwIuM0rDL17NxB-fQqmqBHDjwhajSyVvBhAVBsnToPZUEyo4iJwhmgng0CR/s320/100_8574.JPG" border="0" />On a side note, I finally won a blog contest. However, due to my intense sewing in the past week I failed to check back on the blog that was hosting the contest. Needless to say, I lost out on some great free fabric. Grrrrr......</div>Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-81103127902776062772010-09-24T18:15:00.006-04:002010-09-24T18:34:33.488-04:00The Christmas QuiltLast Christmas I started a Christmas quilt for my mom (and dad). I spent December 23rd cutting squares and rectangles and strips and sewing them together into this quilt top. <div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520607680588291634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwPIO5W5jLt9loCMLEG58HqTOttgxdgc1q96l8SSPVXsmKvVNZcKZkzs8DWZktIhP6MqFNu0fq71fi5e8k5mGcK-imJCIHqVc4X87BMk29uTd_NwPOQuv0lb7JgU6jlH4ephatSsU-ZK3/s320/100_8415.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><p>I was able to give it to them on Christmas Eve, however I had to take it back, as it was just a top: no batting, no backing, no quilt.</p><p>Fast forward to yesterday, September 23rd- 9 months later. I have been working on many small, quick projects as of late. I realized that, since it was the first full day of fall, maybe my mom would want her quilt soon. After a brief discussion, she decided that she wanted it be a duvet cover for an older quilt that is starting to wear thin. I think the reason I have been putting it off is because I know I can't machine quilt a queen-size quilt on Diva (my Singer with a wicked attitude).</p><p>So, I started piecing together the remaining fabric left over from the front to make the back. I did have to run out to JoAnn's for a little extra, but I got it done. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520607689353985458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPUCwDX7sVJvesDn9jhRz-8psfCZifBrjGVQV3eWsnRPWQQit99b2ZG6Z4uMRks26xKJL4XakPQhxV2etfNSdgnfDxoky01erXUfdjii6pC3eU4AhCDhX6f4rmHTh1bHspBkt36_hNov0/s320/100_8414.JPG" border="0" />Today I sewed the front & back together and did a quick straight stitch all around. I also added a strip of Velcro to the bottom so that the old quilt doesn't fall out. ;)</p><p>Phew! It's done! And tomorrow, as we celebrate my son's 6th birthday, my mom (and dad) will finally be in possession of the Christmas (Duvet) Quilt. Yay!!</p>Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-12717442574650726072010-09-16T15:28:00.003-04:002010-09-16T15:46:16.621-04:00The Matching BagSome women dream of owning a Coach bag. Many women make that dream a reality. (My friend's 5 year old daughter has been saving for one since she was 2.) Others may prefer Vera Bradley, or Dooney & Burke. Me? I prefer a good old Crimson Lily Bag.<br /><br /><div><div><div>You may remember that cute little zippered pouch I made for myself last week. Well, I've had this cute Moda fabric for a while now and it's been waiting for me to make it into a bag. So I did.<br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517599321944796962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzkjgjdtI5i4Xm6KSS1y7uTckZZtpFqjhZ-3jJcB6c4Ze_L87G9yA5jR098Xiz-FJLZUgNBsSNg6up5N1AhCnUXkHHhdSZBfoOGTxgo8fHNzJuRniV9S01yDOf9IUMaqm_2KkY8-TE44n/s320/100_8379.JPG" border="0" />Last week I pulled out my sometimes-trusty walking foot and quilted the outer bag pieces in the style of one of my fave bloggers from Film in the Fridge. I then made one pleat in the center top of each.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517599295809715778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwU9okfxeEuWKGPJmrF601GD9t10v_eyh7iAdTUU75RK8PyYuv4RhYOxRpeHk8cU0vKDZ_DAY-7r_zq-8mkFjJZlOLVxtREvENF7zUeqJssdAgJfjjJ8a4tOe8XaMyRW8djGXEnmCFLZBH/s320/100_8383.JPG" border="0" />Today I decided it was time to turn this baby into something cool. I used some vintagey fabric that I think belonged to my great-grandmother for the lining, added inside pockets and a zipper, as well as hot pink leather-like handles and a key/wallet clip. Also, instead of doing the usual squared bottom, I sewed a crescent shape on each bottom corner for a funky look. It also helps it stand a little better and poofs out more.<br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517599308903000050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Z4BZtO3rlHGe1yPyS5p8cx6SqXDTxqzkx0Yks78sztwalYz3O4reV41tlXHVv9_AF8NtNmn2SUyIxabHUP8C1OfXwVfKY_UbW-vzeBqKuB85UaX4VlukdQXjUiyIvcCKoZT4xkb44qsC/s320/100_8382.JPG" border="0" />I am so excited for this bag! I'm not usually a big bag kinda gal, but I was inspired by, you guessed it, a Coach bag...</div></div>Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-26866287912853483942010-09-15T13:56:00.005-04:002010-09-15T14:08:29.906-04:00Pouches & Domesticity<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDI4DdJf7q_5fWGBpI759DXBseDPdfptOyzuY3ZwYkLFTS4T2nwOkBP0a_ScAjQvZahV-dRwBVGLcdme4u2T1LgjJxxRhMiAgim-mst9UVW0ViyCWdIHMKBcJSyAFERzmJtzIESs0R7qxz/s1600/100_8375.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517200964228590962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDI4DdJf7q_5fWGBpI759DXBseDPdfptOyzuY3ZwYkLFTS4T2nwOkBP0a_ScAjQvZahV-dRwBVGLcdme4u2T1LgjJxxRhMiAgim-mst9UVW0ViyCWdIHMKBcJSyAFERzmJtzIESs0R7qxz/s320/100_8375.JPG" border="0" /></a>I made another zippered pouch yesterday for my sister. She's 16 and likes yellow & purple as well as funky designs. She often watches the kids for me, so I owe her big time. I should probably make her about 12 more of these.<br /><br />On another note, I have been incredibly domestic lately. My neighbor/landlord/best friend's mom is very much into organic and natural living. She had a wonderful bounty of tomatoes, cucumbers, and cabbage this season, as well as garlic, onions, and swiss chard. Since my aunt & uncle own a farm and Bobby & I often work for them, we have access to tons (literally) of fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, and herbs. Jeanne (the neighbor) and I have been very busy making tomato sauce, pickles, and jams for the fridge & freezer. We have had to buy only a handful of ingredients (sugar, some spices, extra onions, pectin). It feels awesome to know that we are making the food that will help sustain our families throughout the winter.<br />This afternoon I will be shredding zucchini and cabbage for the freezer for future zucchini breads, cole slaws, and who knows what else.<br />Tomorrow, more pickles (refrigerator bread & butter pickles...Mmmmmm!).<br />We have been desperately trying to make our own tomato paste, to no avail. Today, it became chili sauce.<br />Oh! And Jeanne and her friend made homemade mozzarella cheese on Monday in 30 minutes. With the leftover whey, Jeanne made yummy bread today and we had tomato & cucumber sandwiches on fresh, warm, whey bread. Delish!<br />And now, I'm off to check on the pumpkin seeds I have roasting in the oven. I love this time of year!Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5651895833229865034.post-42915914385689007132010-09-13T11:44:00.003-04:002010-09-13T11:56:07.653-04:00What's My Title?As I sit here reading my ever-growing list of sewing blogs, I can't help but wonder what to call myself. What exactly does one who sews call herself anyway?<br /><ul><li>A Seamstress? - well yes and no. I'm not really one to make clothing, or even alter clothing for that matter. Yet my friend and neighbor seems to think that is what I am.</li><li>A Sewist? - ummmm, not really. This would imply that I am a great artiste. I get my inspiration and ideas from other people, therefore I feel that I need to give them the credit for being the artist.</li><li>A Sewer - NO. That's just wrong.</li><li>A Quilter - again, yes and no. I like to make quilts. I like to quilt fabric to make things that are not quilts. Yet I still have not finished the two major quilts that are sitting in my sewing closet.</li><li>A Purse-Maker/Designer - yes. I think this fits me the best. However, it doesn't sound all fancy and romanticized. I need more flair than that.</li></ul><p>So I am still stuck. I guess for now I'll just be Missie-the girl who likes to make things with her sewing machine. Wait. Did I just call myself a girl? Shouldn't I be a lady? Or a woman? Geez, this is a never-ending cycle...</p>Crimson Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06813345619034836264noreply@blogger.com0