Mama Roux

The Crochet Clutch

2012-01-15T17:42:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited about my newest creation, The Crochet Clutch. My Hanging Circular Knitting Needle Holders have been quite popular with the knitting folk so I thought I'd create something for the clever crochet gal, such as myself. This clutch came from my frustration of getting all comfy and cozy on the couch, ready for a few hours of relaxing crochet, only to realize that I didn't grab my glasses...hrrmph! Get up, grab my glasses, sit back down, get comfy...shoot! My lips are feeling a bit chappy...hrrmph! Get up, grab my chap stick, sit back down, get all comfy...poop! My hands are dry and I can't crochet productively with dry hands...hrrmph...(get the picture?). This sweet little clutch has 5 interior slots that will hold up to 10 crochet hooks, plus, a pocket for a small pair of scissors. Deep enough to hold other miscellaneous items so that everything is is contained in one little pouch. Just stock it with your necessities of choice and keep it in your project bag you're ready to roll!

Patina Bloom, Crochet Clutch

Created with Innocent Crush, Drawing Room and Loulouthi fabrics by Anna Maria Horner.

Azure Pods, Crochet Clutch

Created with Lark by Amy Butler, Hope Valley by Denyse Schmidt Metro Living by Robert Kaufman

Tangerine Dream, Crochet Clutch

Created with Lotus by Amy Butler, Haven's Edge by Tina Givens and Chocolate Lollipop by Anna Maria Horner.

Vintage Plums, Crochet Clutch

Created with Daisy Mae fabrics by Denyse Schmidt.

In the Mama Roux shop!

Saffron Ash, a Modern Tablerunner

2012-01-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

I love Lotta Jansdotter and have quickly gobbled up her fabrics as fast as my budget will allow. I appreciate her clear designs and bold, pure colors. Her Echo fabric line is so brilliant that I wanted to allow the fabrics to speak for themselves by framing them in a dark solid and keeping the design very simple. I adore all of the fabrics but my favorite (today) is the Small Spring Buds in Grey. It is so very delicate and light I am thinking about incorporating it into some baby quilts. Of course I will most likely have a new favorite tomorrow and yet another the next day. Her fabrics make me very happy and that's what it's all about, isn't it?

Saffron Ash, Patchwork Tablerunner. Created with Echo fabrics by Lotta Jansdotter. A modern patchwork assortment that will add a touch of sleek elegance to your dining table, coffee table, sideboard or dresser. Measures 46" x 14". Reversable! Warm and white batting, quilted in a simple random wave design. Backed with Kona Coal.

In the Shop!

I'm at it Again!

2012-01-07T17:13:00.000-08:00

Get out of the way, here come the dishtowels! I really went overboard with the dishtowels this time, but I just couldn't help it. These new fabrics just called for some sassy, fancy towels to doozy up the kitchen, guest bath or for an absolutely fabulous hostess gift! I always make extra sets for myself and for giving as gifts. These newest sets are truly dazzling!

Sienna Path

Embellished with Secret Garden fabrics by Sandi Henderson and Metro Living by Robert Kaufman.

Charisma

Embellished with Lark fabrics by Amy Butler

Agave Blooms

Embellished with Echo fabrics by Lotta Jansdotter

Paprika Moon

Embellished with Secret Garden fabrics by Sandi Henderson and Full Moon Polka Dot in Lime by Amy Butler

Cobalt Gypsy

Embellished with Lark fabric by Amy Butler and Innocent Crush by Anna Maria Horner

Mandarin

Embellished with Lark fabrics by Amy Butler and Botanika by Paula Prass.

They're all in the shop, while they last. Thanks for stopping by!

Felice Anno Nuovo!

2011-12-31T17:13:00.000-08:00

A bit of what kept me busy in 2011

1. Not available, 2. Not available, 3. Berry Bouquet, Mezzo Messenger Bag , 4. Wallpaper Roses, Altezza Messenger, 5. Pink Poodle Satchel, 6. Bijou Jade Satchel, 7. A Quilt for Annie, 8. Vintatge Lime, Pleated Summer Tote, 9. Aunt Matilda, Boutique Apron, 10. A Quilt for Judy, 11. Country Picnic Patchwork Tablerunner, 12. Goldenrod, Dish or Guest Towels

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.

~ Einstein

Happy New Year!

Blogger's Choice Fat Quarter Bundle Competition

2011-12-28T18:37:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love fabric and could spend all day picking out fabulous fabric combos to make totally cool quilts with. When I heard of the Blogger's Choice Fat Quarter Bundle Competition hosted by Quokka Quilts I jumped on board and spent the better part of the day gazing at luscious fabrics to create my fabric Bundle entry. Here it is...

1.Modernology-MO-4802-450,

2. CottonCouture-SC533-MOSS-D-450,

3. HyperrealGarden-HG-8406-450,

4. SpringKaffeFasset-GP70-TEALX-450,

5. Kona-K001-1066-450,

6. IndianSummer-C2614-CREAM-450,

7. Lark-PWAB068-MINERAL-450,

8. GirlsWorldVibe-PWJP058-HONEY-450,

9. PearTree-5553-E-450,

10. PrinceCharming-TP11-AQUA-450,

11. SoSophie-C2703-BLUE-450,

12. HelloBetty-9900-126-450,

13. Whimsy-5601-11-450,

14. DomesticBliss-18074-16-450,

15. Bespoken-BE-7102-450,

16. Fat quarter logo

I followed Maureen's instructions and used Big Huge Labs to create my mosaic. Even if I don't win the awesome prize (half yard cuts of all the fabrics in my mosaic!!) I just might have to create a quilt with these gorgeous fabrics! Take a look at all the other great entries at Quokka Quilts.

Spirit of Love

2011-12-25T08:38:00.000-08:00

Photo source: petitevanou

Let the spirit of love gently fill our

hearts and homes.

Christmas Eve-Eve

2011-12-23T17:47:00.001-08:00

Today is "Christmas Eve-Eve", as my family refers to the day before Christmas Eve. It is the last day to put the finishing touches on the Holiday.

The wreath has been hung, the tree is decorated, one last batch of cookies are baking, my Holiday Tablerunner is finished and Jack has been accessorized.

Tomorrow we will celebrate with family and on Christmas Day even more family. I am grateful for the slower pace of things this year since the kids are grown and there is not that usual hustle bustle as in years past full of school recitals, toy shopping, Christmas caroling, gingerbread house making, insane marathons of gift wrapping and stressing about getting it all done on time. Everything is done and now we can relax and enjoy the Holiday

For whatever you choose to celebrate, Blessings to one and all this Holiday Season!

Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

2011-12-17T10:01:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season for baking cookies, from an old worn out cookbook of my grandmother's. I decided to dig out my grandma's cookbooks and search for the beloved cookie recipe she used to make year after year, Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies. My 18 year old daughter never experienced them as a child, and for that I was sad but prepared to introduce her to these delectable little lemon biscuits from my childhood.

Once I found the cookbook it was not hard to locate the recipe, obviously the most "turned-to" page in the book. I found myself touching the pages with splatters of vanilla, bits of batter, gritty flour and remembering my grandma baking away in our kitchen. How long ago were these traces of her baking left on these pages?

As I carefully looked for the publishing date I came across where my grandma wrote her name in the front of the book and I excitedly showed my daughter as my eyes began to well up with the memories. I quickly recovered myself, not wanting my daughter to see me getting misty (she gets all freaked-out when I get sentimental). We were here to bake some cookies and so we did...

These cookies can either be rolled and cut out with cookie cutters OR rolled into little balls. Once baked and cooled, I frost them with a simple lemon icing (recipe below) and sprinkle a bit of colored sugar on top. The texture of these cookies are very similar to shortbread but very moist from the cream cheese. The icing gives them a burst of tart lemon, my goodness they're heavenly!

My grandma loved to cook and the few cookbooks she owned were well used and very worn. I have even attempted to hold them together with tape but should really invest in having them rebound. Her two-volume "Modern Encyclopedia of Cooking" by Meta Givens was first published in 1947, mine is the 1955 edition. These cookbooks are quite the collectors item I discovered after a little on-line investigating. True cookbooks of the 40'sand 50's, so simple and straightforward.

Volume II features recipes for raccoon, squirrel, woodchuck and turtle, everything you need to know to kill, bleed, eviscerate, remove feathers and fur, clean and prepare for cooking, canning or preserving, it's some good reading, I tell ya!

Lemon Icing

2 c. powdered sugar

1 Tbsp. softened butter

1/2 tsp vanilla

fresh lemon juice

Combine all ingredients together with just enough lemon juice to make a very smooth icing to desired consistency. Sprinkle cookies with colored sugar before icing hardens.

Happy baking!

Wild Weekend!

2011-12-14T12:11:00.000-08:00

What a wild weekend I had! The Tag and Art Sale was fabulous and all my crazy sewing was well worth it! I have a bunch of extra items that I just posted in the shop for those of you that missed the event.

Baby and Toddler Bibs

(sets of three)

$10 Hip Pouches

Check out Mama Roux for more gift ideas ready to ship in time for the Holidays!

Tag & Art Sale this weekend!

2011-12-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

I was invited to participate in a Tag & Art Sale this weekend, so these past few days I have been sewing my hiney off (although it's not getting any smaller, my hiney, that is). I'm making sure I have lots and lots of affordable gift items to please the masses, fingers crossed!

These Baby Bibs are a new creation for me and I just adore how they turned out. Makes me wish I still had a babe at home...sniff, sniff.

Cool Chick Spotlight: Imelda May

2011-12-03T20:26:00.000-08:00

Ok, let me just say this: Imelda May is one captivating dish of quirky cool and striking style. She absolutely rocks her two toned "quiff" and Betty page pin up looks along with her chic retro stylings. Her sultry vocals are accented with smokey growls as she backs herself up with the bodhran and tambourine. The fusion of blues, jazz and rockabilly sets the senses a'tingling. Full of sass and sizzle, I dare ya to sit still while listening to her music.

Oh, and did I mention that she just toured with Jeff Beck...how cool is that?

A Blustery Day

2011-11-30T15:11:00.000-08:00

We're having an extreme afternoon wind storm today! It sounds as if we're under the ocean, with angry waves hitting the trees and tossing everything about. We're hunkered down in the house going about our day, hoping the power stays with us and listening to the sounds of the wind...

‘A breeze came wandering from the sky, light as the whispers of a dream; He put the overhanging grasses by, and softly stooped to kiss the stream, The pretty stream, the flattered stream, The shy, yet unreluctant stream of wind' - William Cullen Bryant

Time for Turkey Soup!

2011-11-27T13:24:00.000-08:00

It's that time again! A big pot of simmering soup made from Thanksgiving leftovers...my favorite! This post is from last year and features my "Turkey Soup with a Twist" recipe...ENJOY!

Thanksgiving Turkey Soup with a Twist

Oh, how I love making Turkey Soup right after Thanksgiving! I always make a big batch so that I have several containers in the freezer for quick dinners on cold evenings. I don't use an actual recipe so it is a bit different from year to year. Here's how this years batch came together...

Thanksgiving Turkey Soup with a Twist

Turkey carcass

pan drippings (saved from roasting turkey, fat skimmed off)

4 large carrots, 1/2" dice

8 stalks celery, 1/2" dice

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

1 stick of butter or 1/3 c. olive oil

4 cloves minced garlic,

1 cup chopped flat leaf parsley

8 oz. sliced mushrooms

1 tsp. poultry seasoning

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

4 cups cooked wide egg noodles or 2 cups cooked brown rice

The "Twist"

Place the turkey carcass and pan drippings in an 8 qt stock pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer partially covered for approx 2 hours. Meanwhile, combine carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper in a large pan with butter or oil and cook over medium heat until vegies are tender, approx 20 minutes. Once stock is ready, allow to cool slightly and strain through a colander into a large bowl. Rince stock pot and pour strained stock back into pot, leaving bones in the colander. Once bones are cool enough to touch, remove any leftover meat and add to the pot with the stock. Add cooked vegies to the pot. Now, here's the "Twist".....got leftover stuffing? Go ahead and add it to the pot (up to 2 cups). Got leftover mashed potatoes? Add them as well (up to 1 cup). Gravy? In it goes (up to 1 cup). And now for something completly different...yams or sweet potatoes? Dump those in, too (up to a cup). All of these ingredients will add tons of flavor and texture to your soup. Stir well to dissolve the potatoes into the soup. Stir in the noodles or rice. Serve hot along with warm cornbread and a glass of sparkling cider...too good for words!

It's a SALE, Yes it is!

2011-11-25T07:09:00.000-08:00

Well, I hopped on the bandwagon and I'm having a Big 'Ole SALE in the shop. Check it out!

BLACK FRIDAY thru CYBER MONDAY!!

BUY ONE ITEM

GET ONE HALF OFF!!

(of equal or lesser value).

Discount refunded via PayPal after order confirmed.

FRIDAY 11/25 - Monday 11/28

I've added a bunch of new items to the shop as well...I've been a sewing maniac, I tell ya!

have fun shopping!

A Few Gift Ideas!

2011-11-17T17:28:00.000-08:00

I love to bring a special hostess gift whenever I attend a gathering or party. Sometimes it's the standard bottle of wine but most often it is something that I have made, something from the Mama Roux shop. Dish towels are my favorite little gift to give but a cute tote is also awesome, especially filled with goodies. My newest bag is called the Project Tote, inspired by my knitting pal, Diane. She ordered several custom bags to keep her various projects contained. These bags are so practical and would be just grand filled with crafty supplies as a Holiday gift.

1. Poodle, Project Tote,, 2. Mod Blooms, Project Tote, 3. Water Lily, Project Tote,, 4. Posy Bouquet, Project Tote

My newest dish towels come in sets of 3 and are so plush they would be perfect as luxurious guest towels. I will be making lots more as I tend to go through many of these dish/guest towels during the party hopping season!

1. Verdigris, Dish or Guest Towels, 2. Vintage Rose, Dish or Guest Towels, 3. Garden Damask, Dish or Guest Towels, 4. Daisy Mae, Dish or Guest Towels

All items are available in the shop so head on over and grab a few hostess gifts for your favorite hostess or just for yourself!!

A Mini Quilt Challenge

2011-11-11T15:32:00.000-08:00

A Table runner for me! I was so excited to hear of Amy's Mini Quilt Challenge. I truly do not create enough quilts for the simple fact that I assume that they have to be BIG! I have made a few table runners in the past, which are, in essence, mini quilts! I decided to make something for myself, my kitchen needed a little pizazz.

The inspiration for this table runner came from the red fabric which is from the Artful Home fabric line. I had made window valances for my kitchen over the summer and had about a half of yard left over. I raided my scrap bags for coordinating colors in lime, turquoise and browns. I did not want it to look like a Holiday accent so I added lots of turquoise and brown.

I decided to include a Star of Virginia in the middle to balance everything and add a classic element to the random patchwork design. I used straight line quilting at various angles for a modern flair.

Backed with Greenfield Hill and bound in a bold black and white. This table runner will add a nice touch to my antique sideboard in the dining area.

Thank you, Amy, for inspiring me to do a bit of mini quilting for myself. Take a look at all the other mini quilters who joined the challenge!

Another Random Patchwork Quilt, Brandied Pear

2011-11-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

I have an infatuation with Sandi Henderson's Meadowsweet II fabric line. It shows up in many of my creations. I started a quilt about a year ago (blogged here) and then stashed it away and forgot about it. Thankfully, I organized my studio a few weeks ago and stumbled upon the "disappearing nine patch" blocks. Ok, I was not really wanting to work on a traditional "dnp" quilt (been there, done that) so I decided to create a random patchwork incorporating the existing squares. I LOVE how it turned out.

Brandied Pear

Random Patchwork Quilt

56" x 62"

I was able to use lots of fabric bits from my huge scrap stash. Look closely and you'll see lots of old favorites: Chocolate Lollipop. Midwest Modern, Belle, Lotus, Meadowsweet, Hope Valley, County Fair, Drawing Room, Good Folks, etc... and several new favorites, as well.

I was a bit unsure about what binding to use with this cheeky quilt. I considered a dark solid, a black and white checked, but then I pulled out my yard of Ty Pennington's Papercut in Chartreuse and it just popped against all the pinks. The bright white and bold chartreuse brings out the hint of green in the quilt and adds a bit of elegance. Perfect!

Brandied Pear, large Random Patchwork Quilt. This gorgeous quilt will brighten your day! Created with a wide variety of awesome designer fabrics in a random patchwork design. Backed with Kona Bone and more of the same fabrics. Bound with Ty Pennington's decorator weight Papercut in Chartruese. Batting is Cotton Warm and White. Machine quilted in my "random wave" design. Washed with mild soap and tumbled dry for that crinkly, soft touch. Measures 56" x 62". Perfect for adding a sassy touch to the couch, bedroom or as a twin bed coverlet in a little girls room!

In the Shop!

Country Picnic Tablerunner

2011-10-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I love, love, love Denyse Schmidt's fabrics. I became a fabric addict after her popular Flea Market Fancy was here and gone so I never had the chance to jump on that bandwagon. I climbed on around the time that County Fair canvas made an appearance and I was hooked! I bought what I could, when I could and took advantage of some awesome clearance sales. My stash of County Fair is slowly dwindling and that makes me sad. I sometimes throw a swatch in here or there just to stretch it out. I keep all of my "Denyse" fabrics in a separate basket, as I do with all of my Anna Maria Horner fabrics, they're just THAT special. I have loved all of Denyse's fabric lines, even the underrated Greenfield Hill, it's so classic and sophisticated. This Country Picnic Tablerunner blends several fabrics lines creating a charming home accent with a vintage vibe.

Country Picnic Patchwork Tablerunner, created entirely of Denyse Schmidt fabrics. A charming assortment of swatches from various fabric lines. Adds a cozy, vintage touch to your dining table, coffee table, sideboard or dresser. Measures 40" x 15". Reversible! Warm and white batting, quilted in a classic stippling design. Backed and bound with more Denyse Schmidt fabrics.

In the Mama Roux shop!

More Sassy Aprons

2011-10-12T17:00:00.001-07:00

The time has come to kick things up in the kitchen and wear a sassy apron!

Turquoise Lily Apron

Turquoise Lily Flouncy Apron. Vibrant and bright with colorful abstract lilys. Created with Tina Given's Haven's Edge fabric. Accented with Metro Living Pewter Rings fabric and a plush velvet ribbon on the pocket...so fancy!

Folklorico Apron

Folklorico Flouncy Apron. Vibrant and bright with colorful abstract flowers. Created with Alexander Henry's Folklorico fabric.

Violet Haven Apron

Violet Haven Flouncy Apron. Whimiscal and romantic, created with Haven's Edge fabric by Tina Givens and Innocent Crush by Anna Maria Horner.

Luna Moth Apron

Luna Moth Flouncy Apron. Stunning and modern, created with Flora and Fauna fabric by Patty Young and Nicey Jane by Heather Bailey. Accented with ecru Ric Rac.

Yacht Club Apron

Yacht Club, Flouncy Apron. Vivid and elegant created with black and white vintage British newsprint with pops of bold red. Embellished with a "cheeky houndstooth" fabric for the pocket, waistband and straps.

Ooh La La Apron

Ooh La La, Flouncy Apron. Fresh and flirty created with sassy pink checked fabric adorned with Eiffel Tower emblems. Embellished with a juanty ruffle and pocket of black and white polka dotted fabrics as well as decorative zig zag stitching.
In the Shop!

A Quilt for Judy

2011-10-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

I love this quilt. It makes me feel happy and warm. I made this quilt with lots of love for a wonderful woman to express how much I cherish her presence in my life and in the life of my daughter. She is so very special to our family.

I started with a fat quarter bundle of Lakeside Cottage from the Fat Quarter Shop and mixed in several solids including lots of Kona Bone. The striped binding blends in all the colors of the quilt. The big blocks are called Star of Virginia that I created using this tutorial.

I created the back from a panel that came with the fat quarter bundle. I cut the squares apart and sashed them with the bronze solid.

The quilt matches the colors of Judy's home and is the perfect home accent for the upcoming seasons, Autumn and Winter. I hope this quilt keeps Judy and her doggy, Frasier, warm and snug for years to come.

Our doggy, Jack, gives it his seal of approval!

Inspiration - Crochet

2011-09-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

Just look at these colors: gold, green, fuchsia, ivory! I must remember this color combo AND hopefully remember where this image came from. The diamond pattern is unusual but looks fairly do-able. Once I'm finished with the 5, (yes, five!) afghans I'm currently working for Christmas gifts I will concentrate on figuring this one out.

Oh, the Bounty

2011-09-16T15:10:00.000-07:00

I stopped by The National Heirloom Exposition the other day to check things out. It was a quick visit, right down the street from my house, so how could I NOT go? The event was a swift kick in the pants that Summer is over and Autumn is here. The bounty of the season was literally piled in huge mountains, it was quite impressive!

"In the garden, Autumn is, indeed the crowning glory of the year, bringing us the fruition of months of thought and care and toil. And at no season, safe perhaps in Daffodil time, do we get such superb colour effects as from August to November."  ~Rose G. Kingsley, The Autumn Garden, 1905

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting  and autumn a mosaic of them all."  ~Stanley Horowitz

By all these lovely tokens September days are here, With summer’s best of weather And autumn’s best of cheer.  ~Helen Hunt Jackson

“O Autumn, laden with fruit, and stained 

With the blood of the grape, pass not, but sit

 Beneath my shady roof; there thou may’st rest, 

And tune thy jolly voice to my fresh pipe; 

And all the daughters of the year shall dance! 

Sing now the lusty song of fruit and flowers.

 ~ William Blake

I wrote about the upcoming season 2 years ago, in this blog post. It pretty much sums up how I feel this time of year. O, Autumn, bring on the bounty!

Forgotton Finds

2011-09-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

I completely organized, cleaned and rearranged my studio over the weekend and boy was I surprised at some of the things I found. I came across several piles of quilt blocks I had worked on months and months (and months) ago with much enthusiasm and excitement at the time, only to be tossed in a drawer and forgotten about. Well, my enthusiasm and excitement came rushing back when I found this stack of "disappearing nine patch" blocks.

How gorgeous are these fabrics? I'm so enthused that I have hung a makeshift design board in my hallway to get these blocks arranged for a quilt top!

Back when Sandi Henderson's Meadowsweet II came out I fell in love with all of the juicy shades and decided to mix in some Anna Maria Horner's Good Folks, Chocolate Lollipop and a dash of Amy Butler's Midwestern Modern.

I'm thinking I might sash these blocks with a very neutral fabric so the blocks really stand out, ...stay tuned!

all we are saying....

2011-09-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

...is give peace a chance.

Lemon Verbena Mint Iced Tea

2011-09-05T17:30:00.000-07:00

My daughter walked into the kitchen today and caught me taking pictures of my glass of iced tea. She already knows I'm crazy so it didn't really phase her, plus, she stopped questioning my madness a long time ago. Anyway...I hadn't planned to take pictures of my iced tea but when I tasted how delicious it was I thought I'd share. Iced tea is my drink of choice since replacing my Diet Pepsi habit which replaced my red wine habit years ago. I like to brew my own and experiment with different blends and flavorings. I keep a little planter of fresh herbs at my back porch and I decided to snip a few sprigs to infuse into my plain, old Lipton Tea. It was delicious, I tell ya!

Here's what I did:

In a medium saucepan bring approx. 1 quart of water to a simmer. Add 3 teabags of black tea (I used Lipton) and several large sprigs of fresh herbs (I used Lemon Verbena and Peppermint, awesome combo!). Remove from heat and let sit for about 5 minutes and then strain. I usually drink my iced tea unsweetened but decided to add touch of sugar to bring out the flavor of the herbs. Stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar until dissolved. Now here is my little trick which I think (I know) makes all the difference. Pour hot tea over a large (pint) glass filled with ice and THEN pour back and fourth several times between another glass until very frothy. (a martini shaker would work wonderfully!). This technique is referred to as "pulling" and is common in Malaysia, Singapore and Morocco. The "pulling" process helps to cool and mix the tea but it is also said to give the tea a better flavor. I heartily agree! The end result is a delicious, frothy, iced tea. Who knows, once you try it and fall under it's spell you might be found taking pictures of YOUR glass of frothy, delicious iced tea to share with others. See, there IS a method to my madness, there is! (Note: this recipe makes about 3 pint-sized iced teas)

The $10 Hip Pouch is Back in Town!

2011-08-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

I first created this bargain Hip Pouch last summer and blogged about it here. I needed a quick seller for the street Market I was participating in. They sold very well at the Market and in my Mama Roux Shop, too. I use mine all the time, it's the perfect size to carry just a few necessities so that you're not weighed down. Well, folks, they're back in stock and they're STILL only $10...YIPPEE!!

Head on over to the Mama Roux shop and take a peek!

The Boutique Apron

2011-08-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

I had several requests to create a workshop, vendor, or waitress type of apron. This is what I came up with. I wanted lots of large pockets and for it to be reversible. It also had to be colorful and sassy, but of course!

All Boutique Aprons are made with an assortment of designer fabrics. REVERSIBLE with four large, front pockets. Fits all sizes. The front measures 30" x 11" with 27" apron strings. Perfect for the workshop, studio, craft booth, gardening, etc...

Peacock Pond, Boutique Apron

Made with an assortment of designer fabrics, Tina Givens, Heather Bailey

Aunt Matilda, Boutique Apron

Made entirely with an assortment of designer fabrics by Denyse Schmidt

Green Valley, Boutique Apron

Made entirely with Hope Valley and Greenfield Hill fabrics by Denyse Schmidt

Retro Mod, Boutique Apron

Made with an assortment of designer fabrics

Pink Poodle, Boutique Apron

Made with an assortment of designer fabrics

Every little thing is in the shop!

Back in the shop at last....

2011-08-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

Brand new Hanging Circular Knitting Needle Holders, yippee! I had several requests to create more and I FINALLY took the time to crank a few out. I really prefer to use designer home decorator weight fabrics for these holders. I love the sturdiness of the heavier fabric. Hope ya'll like them!

All Knitting Needle Holders have clearly labled numbered channels #1 - #15 and one unmarked channel. Easily attaches to a coat hanger, clothes line or curtain rod. An efficient way to keep your circular needles kink-free and organized.

Floral Persimmon

Floral Persimmon, Circular Knitting Needle Holder. Created with Ty Pennington Impressions home decorator weight fabric.

Floral Charcoal

Floral Charcoal, Circular Knitting Needle Holder. Created with Ty Pennington Impressions home decorator weight fabric.

Floral Spice

Floral Spice, Circular Knitting Needle Holder. Created with Ty Pennington Impressions home decorator weight fabric.

Queen of Hearts

Queen of Hearts, Circular Knitting Needle Holder. Created with Anna Maria Horner's Innocent Crush home decorator weight fabric.

Calypso Zoo

Calypso Zoo, Circular Knitting Needle Holder. Created with colorful Hot Flash home decorator weight fabric.

Check out the Mama Roux Shop!

The Pleated Summer Tote

2011-07-11T18:04:00.001-07:00

Vintage Lime

Pleated Summer Tote

Vintage Lime, Pleated Summer Tote. Large and very spacious, created with Tina Givens Haven's Edge fabrics. Elegant and vibrant. The exterior has heavy weight interfacing. Lined with heavy cotton duck. Two large interior pocket and a magnetic snap closure. Reinforced straps. Measures 19" wide at the bottom, 17" wide at the top, 17" bottom to top, with a 30" strap.

Damask Dill

Pleated Summer Tote

Damask Dill, Pleated Summer Tote. Large and very spacious, created with Joel Dewberry's Aviary II and Tina Givens Haven's Edge fabrics. Elegant and vibrant. The exterior has heavy weight interfacing. Lined with heavy cotton duck. Two large interior pocket and a magnetic snap closure. Reinforced straps. Measures 17" wide at the bottom, 15" wide at the top, 16" bottom to top, with a 30" strap.

Take a hop over to the Mama Roux shop!!

GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED!

2011-07-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

Iron & Wine Mossy Plum Berry Patch

Nine lovely gals commented (here and on my Facebook Fanpage)

on their favorite Crochet Hip Purse.

1. Chelz Martinez

2. Diane Lucas

3. Erica Todhunter

4. Kellie Cronin

5. Lauren Peterson

6. Made or Remade

7. Melissa Cox Tufts

8. Mini Binoy

9. Sew n So

10.Wendy Brellow

I numbered them in alphabetical order and used the Random Number Generator. The winner is...#5, Lauren Peterson!! Her favorite was Mossy Plum, which seems to be the clear favorite. Congratulations, Lauren. I'll pop your purse in the mail this week!

All of the Hip Purses are still available in the Mama Roux Shop!

Thank you to all who played along!

Happy Fourth!

2011-07-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it's only July 1st, but we're heading out to go camping with the kin-folk today. I love July Fourth and did not want to miss a commemorative post (mmmm...pie!)

Also, a reminder about the Mama Roux GIVEAWAY!

1. Iron and Wine, Crochet Hip Purse, 2. Mossy Plum, Crochet Hip Purse, 3. Berry Patch, Crochet Hip Purse

Leave a comment telling me which Crochet Hip Purse you take a fancy to. I'll choose a random winner next week, Wednesday July 6th at noon! Fun, Fun, fun! Tell your friends!

Happy Fourth!

A Quilt for Annie

2011-06-30T22:21:00.000-07:00

A sweet little baby quilt for a sweet new little baby.

Created with Anna Maria Horner's Folksy Flannel (sooo soft!),

a bit of Innocent Crush, and a touch of Tina Givens.

Baby's name embroidered on the bottom edge.

I cut the binding strips at 4" which resulted in a nice 7/8"

finished binding which I highly recommend!

It was so easy to attach and I like how it frames the quilt nicely.

Simple, large patchwork squares with a border of Village Pathway in Plum

Small crib sized (I forgot to measure it before I sent it off, oops!)

and the perfect size for the stroller when she's on the go.

Welcome to the world Annie Jayne!

A Sweet Treat - Mango Shortcake

2011-06-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Mango Shortcake

Fresh, ripe Mangos

Poundcake, Greek vanilla yogurt and a drizzle of Honey

Quick and easy and so dang yummy!

A cup of hot tea (or a tall glass of iced tea) and you're ready for a nice mid-day break..."sigh".

When Rabbit said "honey or condensed milk with your bread?' Pooh was so excited that he said 'Both', and then, so as not to seem to greedy, he added, 'But don't bother with the bread, please." - A.A Milne

Crochet Hip Purses (and a Giveaway!)

2011-06-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

I recently taught myself to crochet. Several of my friends are knitters and yarn is their "thang". I wanted to join the fun but was not quite ready to step into the knitting pool so I started crocheting. I LOVE it. It has even brought my teen-aged daughter and I closer as now I can join her on the couch while she watches her very favorite, quality, educational programs (16 and Pregnant, The Kardashians, Jersey Shore, oh my...). I sit there and completely tune-out the TV and I crochet away... (Ok, I might peek at the TV a tiny bit, I'm so ashamed!)

These sweet Crochet Hip Purses are a blast to make. The color combos are all different and very vibrant. I've given a few away to friends to get their feedback: Here's what my pal, Jilly-Jill has to say:

- Have it and LOVE it! It's perfect for a small wallet, cell phone and keys. Nice job Nina!!

Ain't she sweet?

Iron and Wine

Crochet Hip Purse

Crochet Hip Purse, Iron and Wine. Small, cross-body pouch perfect to keep your hands free while keeping your essentials safe. Double Crochet, medium worsted weight premium acrylic yarns in Cranberry, Grey Marble, Oatmeal and Charcoal. Magnetic Snap closure. Lined with Cotton Osnaburg and accented with an upside-down blanket stitch and a folksy scalloped top edging. Purse measures 8" x 6.5". Long 50" strap easily worn cross-body style resting at the hip.

Mossy Plum

Crochet Hip Purse

Crochet Hip Purse, Mossy Plum. Small, cross-body pouch perfect to keep your hands free while keeping your essentials safe. Double Crochet, medium worsted weight premium acrylic yarns in Pea Green, Olive, Cranberry, Grey Marble and Dusty Purple. Magnetic Snap closure. Lined with Cotton Osnaburg and accented with an upside-down blanket stitch and a folksy scalloped top edging. Purse measures 8.5" x 7.5". Long 50" strap easily worn cross-body style resting at the hip.

Berry Patch

Crochet Hip Purse

Crochet Hip Purse, Berry Patch. Small, cross-body pouch perfect to keep your hands free while keeping your essentials safe. Double Crochet, medium worsted weight premium acrylic yarns in Rose, Eggplant, Cranberry, and Dusty Purple. Magnetic Snap closure. Lined with Cotton Osnaburg and accented with an upside-down blanket stitch and a folksy scalloped top edging. Purse measures 8" x 6.5". Long 50" strap easily worn cross-body style resting at the hip.

I'm having a giveaway on my Mama Roux Facebook Fanpage. Head on over to win a

Crochet Hip Purse.

Click here and I'll beam you up!

Summer....time, time, time...

2011-06-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

Child, your living is easy...

brainfreeze.....

Sassy Satchels

2011-06-24T22:38:00.000-07:00

I'm always coming up with new designs for bags. I create a design, whip up a couple of versions, post them to the shop and usually move on to something else. I should go back and recreate some of my more successful designs. They sold really well and were pretty stylin'. I'm even considering developing a pattern line...that could be very fun! Here are a coupla new satchels. These have two straps as opposed to the Pink Poodle Satchel, which has one. They all have a flat bottom so they stand on their own and are very roomy.

Park Avenue Satchel

Park Avenue Satchel. Medium sized satchel created with Jennifer Paganelli and Paula Prass designer fabrics. Elegant and vibrant, adorned with a vintagy faux diamond button. The exterior has heavy weight interfacing and one large back pocket. Lined with heavy cotton duck. One large interior pocket and a magnetic snap closure. Reinforced straps. Measures 16" x 5" wide at the bottom, 14" across the top with 26" straps. A very elegant handbag for everyday use!

Bijou Jade Satchel

Bijou Jade Satchel. Medium sized satchel created with Jennifer Paganelli, Anna Maria Horner and Sandi Henderson's designer fabrics. Elegant and vibrant, adorned with a vintage jade button. The exterior has heavy weight interfacing and one large back pocket. Lined with heavy cotton duck. One large interior pocket and a magnetic snap closure. Reinforced straps. Measures 16" x 5" wide at the bottom, 14" across the top with 26 " straps. A very sassy handbag for everyday use!

In the shop!

A Few Sassy Additions to the Shop.

2011-06-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

Pink Poodle Satchel

Pink Poodle Satchel. Medium sized satchel created with Jennifer Paganelli and Paula Prass designer fabrics. Elegant and vibrant, adorned with a vintagy gold jewel button. The exterior has heavy weight interfacing and one large back pocket. Lined with heavy cotton duck. One large interior pocket and a magnetic snap closure. Reinforced straps. Measures 17" x 5" wide at the bottom, 12" across the top with a 30" strap. A very sassy handbag for everyday use!

Rasberry Plumes Tote

Rasberry Plumes Tote. Large and curvaceous created with Anna Maria Horner's Drawing Room home decorator weight and Metro Living Tiles fabrics. Elegant and vibrant, adorned with wide crimson red velvet ribbon. The exterior has heavy weight interfacing. Lined with heavy cotton canvas. One large interior pocket and a magnetic snap closure. Reinforced straps. Measures 16" wide at the bottom, 14" bottom to top with a 30" strap. This large tote will make a vibrant shoulder bag for the summer!

Paradise Garden Tote

Paradise Garden Tote. Large and curvaceous created with Amy Butler's Love and Metro Living Tiles fabrics. Elegant and vibrant, adorned with wide mossy green velvet ribbon. The exterior has heavy weight interfacing. Lined with heavy cotton duck. One large interior pocket and a magnetic snap closure. Reinforced straps. Measures 16" wide at the bottom, 14" bottom to top with a 30" strap. This large tote will make a vibrant shoulder bag for the summer!

In the Shop!!

Incommunicado, or what?

2011-06-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...where the heck have I been? Too busy for my own good, that's where I've been. It's a busy time of year, graduations, birthdays, parties, street markets, etc... Sewing has been limited, just no time. So I've been satisfying my creative needs by plopping on the couch and crocheting after a long day of busy-ness. Afghans, totes, scarves, hats...just in time for summer! I was able to make a sweet baby quilt for a friend and I'm beginning to look at my fabric stash with fresh eyes. The craziness has almost subsided and my sewing machine and I will be inseparable once again...hopefully...in a few weeks...if I survive!

Eliza Jayne

2011 High School Graduate!

Friday Inspiration...

2011-04-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

No time to chat...just a pretty picture to enjoy!

all the beautiful things by Loreta

Happy Friday.

The Velveteen Rabbit

2011-04-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

Mama Roux's version of the classic character The Velveteen Rabbit. Created with Queen of Hearts Innocent Crush velveteen by Anna Maria Horner, bright velvet ribbon, a vintagy jewel button and a pom pom tail. He is quite an elegant fellow! Measures 16" tall x 8" wide. The perfect Easter or Spring accessory for the mantle, table or as a small couch pillow. In the shop!

Innocent Crush Velveteen

2011-04-07T15:12:00.000-07:00

I've been so crazy busy that I'm getting a bit of a late start on my next creation...my version of The Velveteen Rabbit! I'm using Anna Maria Horner's Innocent Crush Velveteen, bright velvet ribbon and these cute little vintagy buttons. I hope to have something for the shop this weekend. Fingers crossed...

Altezza Messengers, in Bright Spring Colors!

2011-04-04T17:45:00.000-07:00

These Altezza Messengers have become quite popular! They are the perfect size for everyday use and so easy to carry. I added a few more to the shop in bright spring colors, take a look!

Luna Moth, Altezza Messenger

Created with Patty Young's Flora & Fauna and Anna Maria Horner's Chocolate Lollipop fabrics.

Wallpaper Roses, Altezza Messenger

Created with Heather Bailey's Pop Garden and Metro Living Fabrics.

Spring has sprung and it's time to accessorize accordingly!

Visit Mama Roux's shop for more springy items...

A New Design - The Altezza Messenger

2011-04-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

Altezza Messenger Bag is a medium sized bag with three pockets and a magnetic snap closure. A sleek design measuring 13"L x 12"W with a 38" strap. Heavy interfacing, cotton canvas interior and reinforced straps make this bag very sturdy! A super stylish bag for everyday use as a sassy shoulder bag!

Periwinkle Garden, Altezza Messenger Bag

created with Amy Butler designer fabrics.

Red Lotus, Altezza Messenger Bag

created with Heather Bailey's Pop Garden and Amy Butler's Lotus fabrics.

Both new bags are in the shop!

Add Some Kick to Your Pesto

2011-03-30T15:15:00.000-07:00

I'm having a pretty busy day today but I was wanting something yummy and quick for lunch, Pasta Pesto, yum! I usually keep frozen pesto in the freezer for just such an occasion. I decided to add a few embellishments for a little zing and it was awesome. Instead of the usual parmesean try sprinkling your pasta pesto with crumbled feta, fresh lemon zest and hot chili flakes. So...darn...good! You really need to try this, the perfect lunch, and probably dinner too!

A Little Urban Inspiration

2011-03-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

I love looking through online catalogs of those house ware stores such as Pottery Barn, Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters, just to name a few of my favorites. Being the uber-frugal lass that I am I have never purchased anything from these stores, but I certainly acquire mucho inspiration from them, which is totally free, free, free! While exploring the pages of Urban Outfitters recently I took away some awe-inspiring ideas for some future Mama Roux creations! Feast your eyes on these dreamy images...

Definitely food for creative thought!

Ladies and Gentlemen...It's Fabric Time!

2011-03-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

I got my latest fabric delivery and I just had to share it with ya'll. I ordered from Pink Chalk Fabrics, a snazzy little fabric shop that I just adore.

The fabrics are always packaged so nicely with a sweet sticker.

This fat quarter set of Greenfield Hill in Cranberry is most likely going to be turned into a vintage inspired quilt. Have you see Denyse Schmidt's latest quilt pattern, the one with the spools? How cute is that!

A few Hope Valley lovelies!

This Hot Flash fabric was only $3.95/yard. I bought 2 yards. It's so fun and funky!

This Flora and Fauna Luna Moth was a bargain at $4.95/yard

The postcards that come with each order are so handy with a Quilt size chart. I refer to mine often.

Well, that's all I have to say on this wet and rainy Thursday. Stay dry, now.

A Bag for Moi

2011-03-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

I rarely make anything specifically for me. I usually carry around one one of my "less than perfect" creations that did not make it into my shop. I decided that I wanted a Mezzo Messenger Bag for myself. I used up the last of my Innocent Crush Loves Me, Loves Me Not in Grape and accented it with Metro Living Tiles in Grass. I LOVE it! If I get enough positive feedback I can always replenish my fabrics and duplicate the bag for the shop. In the meantime, I'm luvin' my new bag, created just for me!

I added a little interior side pocket, perfect for sunglasses, pens or a cell phone!

I'm participating in Fabric Tuesday today. Head on over to see more fun creations!

A Quilt for Elias

2011-03-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

A perfect opportunity to create a baby quilt...a new baby boy named Elias! I considered using Ready Set Go, by Anne Kelle but then remembered my charm pack of Wee Woodland by Keiki. I had purchased it months ago because it was just so gosh darn cute and now I had an excuse to use it. I simply sewed the charms together, making a panel of 5 charms by 6 charms. I then added a boarder of Kona Maize and then another boarder of the remaining charms, cut in half and sewed together, end to end. Another boarder of Kona Maize and a funky, cocoa, zebra binding! I didn't have enough charms for the back so I used Night Owl and added strips of Garden Party and Meadowsweet and more Kona Maize. I absolutely love the cute little woodland creatures, the charming acorns and mushrooms and the kooky owls on the back with the stars and moons. Measures 32" x 36", straight line quilted with Warm and Natural batting.

I hope this quilt keeps Elias warm and cozy in his little house in the woods!

I Made Cookies...

2011-03-12T07:06:00.000-08:00

Gingersnaps with lemon icing... just because...

Mama Roux featured at Quilt Story!

2011-03-11T07:55:00.000-08:00

Wow! I was so flattered when Heather and Megan of Quilt Story contacted me and asked to include one of my quilts on their wonderful blog. They chose to feature The Disney Quilt, and I couldn't be happier! Thank you Heather and Megan, you guys rock!

Disney Inspired Quilt

Check out the feature here...

The Mezzo Messenger

2011-03-10T18:04:00.000-08:00

My latest creation is the Mezzo Messenger Bag. Medium sized, it's perfect to use as an everyday carry-all! I like to keep my bags as affordable as possible so I just took my regular messenger and "shrunk" it! I also shrunk the price, woo hoo!

Berry Bouquet, Mezzo Messenger Bag

Berry Bouquet, Mezzo Messenger Bag is a medium sized messenger bag created with Denyse Schmidt's County Fair cotton canvas and Hope Valley fabrics.

Pink Hound, Mezzo Messenger Bag

Pink Hound, Mezzo Messenger Bag is a medium sized messenger bag created with designer fabrics, Anna Maria Horner's Drawing Room, Summer Soiree by Paula Prass and Metro Living by Robert Kaufman.

Festive Plum, Mezzo Messenger Bag

Festive Plum, Mezzo Messenger Bag is a medium sized messenger bag created with wide wale corduroy in wine, Anna Maria Horner's Good Folks and Metro Living by Robert Kaufman.

All the Mezzo Messengers have three pockets and a magnetic snap closure. Nice and roomy measuring 15.5" x 13" with a 40"strap. Heavy interfacing, cotton duck interior and reinforced straps make this bag very sturdy! A super stylish bag for everyday use as a generous carry-all, sassy diaper bag or fancy knitting bag. In the shop!

Innocent Crush Guest towels / Cloth Napkins

2011-03-07T10:18:00.001-08:00

A few months back I picked up a couple of Innocent Crush charm packs. Not nearly enough for a big project, like a quilt. I finally decided to create some cute guest towels out of crisp white muslin. These would even make very nice cloth napkins!

Innocent Crush Guest Towels / Cloth Napkins in Violet

Innocent Crush Guest Towels / Cloth Napkins in Indigo

Innocent Crush Guest Towels / Cloth Napkins in Blush

Innocent Crush, Guest Towels / Cloth Napkins are 100% cotton muslin. Fresh and crisp. An elegant touch for your guest bath or kitchen table as festive cloth napkins. Measures 14" x 17.5". Embellished with fabrics from Anna Maria Horner's Innocent Crush fabric line. Perky decorative stitching around the edge. Preshrunk. Set of two. In the Shop!

Inspiration....

2011-03-06T07:53:00.000-08:00

A gloomy day here in this neck of the woods. Time for a little sunshine via the lovely blog Pretty Inspirations.

Happy Sunday.

Pink Topaz Quilt

2011-03-04T17:21:00.000-08:00

I really need to spend more time making quilts. I have thoroughly enjoyed making the last two quilts and I've decided that once I finish a quilt I will start another one in order to have a continual stream of quilts for the shop. The Pink Topaz quilt was started months ago, inspired by my Pink Topaz Quilted Hipster. I love the look of pink and gold together, it's just so regal and sassy at the same time. This is my first "random patchwork" quilt. There was almost no measuring, no sashing, no plan to follow. I just allowed the quilt to create itself as I randomly sewed fabrics together. It was a nice break form my usual style of quilting, involving blocks. It's a wonderful way to use up those larger scraps. I will be making many more "random patchwork" quilts as I have a mountain of scraps packed away in my closet. It will be nice to see some of those fabrics I used oh so long ago and finally give them a proper home. (Speaking of scraps, did anyone catch the Fat Quarterly issue #2, titled "Scraps"? I purchased the issue simply for all of the Scrap ideas. Well worth the price, just sayin'!!)

Pink Topaz Quilt

Pink Topaz Quilt. This gorgeous quilt will brighten your day! Created with a multitude of designer fabrics in a random patchwork design. Backed with more of the same fabrics. Bound with a groovy, mod polka dot. Batting is 100% Warm and Natural. Machine stippled. Washed with a mild soap and tumbled dry for that crinkly, soft touch. Measures 55" x 38". Perfect for adding a little ZING to the couch, bedroom or nursery!

In the Mama Roux shop!

Folklore Oatmeal Dishtowels

2011-03-02T19:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally dove into my sacred stash of My Folklore fabrics. I must have been sitting on these for over a year. It was time to add more dishtowels to the shop as I think I had been sold out for a while. I had to admit that the Folklore fabrics were just perfect for the Oatmeal Dishtowels. I added a contrasting strip of jumbo ric rac and a folksy blanket stitch around the edge. Very "old world" and festive these dishtowels are!

Folklore Oatmeal Dishtowels in Mulberry

Folklore Oatmeal Dishtowels in Cherry Red

Folklore Oatmeal Dishtowels in Burnt Orange

A Disney Inspired Quilt

2011-02-28T14:58:00.000-08:00

Another commissioned quilt! This quilt is for a baby girl whose nursery will be decorated in the theme of Mickey and Minnie. I wanted to make the quilt as tasteful as possible without it looking too commercial. I made the appliques myself, simply taking a silhouette image and tracing onto black Kona and attaching with fusible web. I then stitched around the appliques. I used red and black polka dotted fabric in large and small dots. The solid fabrics are kona black, red, white and buttercup. Quilted in a loop de loop/meandering pattern. Measures 40" x 50", a medium crib sized quilt. This was definitely a fun quilt to create.

Sew and Tell - Lantern Bloom Tote

2011-02-25T08:15:00.000-08:00

I used to be a regular player in Sew and Tell Fridays. But then life started coming at me fast and I stopped participating. Let me tell ya...I really missed it. I love joining a group of crafty gals showing off our accomplishments for the week. So, today I'm back and I will attempt to take the time to join the fun when I can. Ideally every week, realistically when possible. That's way better than never!

Lantern Bloom Tote, with two large pockets, one interior, one exterior and a magnetic snap closure. Created with gorgeous designer fabrics from Laura Gunn's Lantern Bloom and Poppy Collection. Nice and roomy measuring 15" x 13" with a 33" strap. Fully lined, no raw edges. Heavy interfacing and makes this bag very sturdy! A super stylish bag for everyday use as a generous carry-all, sassy diaper bag or fancy knitting bag.

It's good to be back!

Click the button to check out all the other crafty creations!

Seafoam Dahlia Tote

2011-02-22T20:07:00.000-08:00

Seafoam Dahlia Tote, Created with gorgeous designer fabrics, Patty Young's Sanctuary and Robert Kaufman's Metro Living. Accented with a deep purple velvet ribbon and vintage button. Two interior pockets and a magnetic snap closure. Nice and roomy measuring 17" x 16" with a 34' strap. Heavy interfacing, cotton duck interior and reinforced straps make this bag very sturdy! A super stylish bag for everyday use as a generous carry-all, sassy diaper bag or fancy knitting bag. In the shop!

Trying to get some work done....

2011-02-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

How can I get anything done when Jack (Little Muffin) just wants to be held...

and held...
and held...

and held...
It's a good thing he is so sweet and adorable or I'd have to throw him out the window!

The Thing That Started it All

2011-02-21T10:44:00.000-08:00

Cool Little Totes, my first attempt at creating bags. I was so proud of myself.

Then came Etsy a few month later selling those Little Totes.

And now here we are year later and I have achieved 100 sales in my Etsy shop, Huzzah!! I have brought back those Lovely Little Totes, those things that started it all. I've used some Metro Living fabrics to add new life to some older favorites.

Peachy Meadow, Belle Fleur, Daisy Pop - Small Totes
To celebrate my 100th Sale Milestone I'm having a GIVEAWAY over on my Facebook Fanpage. The winner will have their choice of one of these new totes! So head on over to my Facebook Fanpage to join the fun!

Violet Bouquet Pleated Tote

2011-02-19T17:47:00.000-08:00

Violet Bouquet Pleated Tote. Large tote created with Anna Maria Horner's Innocent Crush fabrics. Accented with a charming vintage button and velvet ribbon! Large and curvaceous measuring 15" x 16" with a 34" strap and magnetic snap closure. Two large interior pockets. The exterior has heavy interfacing and the interior is constructed of heavy cotton duck to add strength and durability. Fully lined , no raw edges. A very sassy bag for everyday use as a generous carry-all, diaper bag or knitting bag. In the shop!

More New Fabrics For Me!

2011-02-18T08:47:00.000-08:00

A bunch of lovelies arrived this week and boy, am I excited! This Metro Living by Robert Kaufman had me at "hello"! I love the bold colors and simple geometric design. The Pewter is my absolute favorite (should have ordered more of that one, hrmgph...). Also new to me is several yards of Anna's Innocent Crush, one from Laura Gunn's Magnolia Lane and one from Patty Young's Sanctuary...all just so luscious. I'd expect some new bags for the shop to come from my new arrivals in the next few weeks...so excited!

Darjeeling Tablerunner

2011-02-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

I just recently finished and shipped a custom tablerunner using the new Darjeeling fabrics in the Jade palette. This is a rather large tablerunner as my client wanted to cover up a few water marks on her vintage table. The finished tablerunner was to measure 56" x 21", but it actually measures a bit longer...bonus! I usually like to create my tablerunners to be reversible so with an easy "flip" you have a fresh clean runner. This one is no exception. The fabrics are quite green, more than I wanted for the main side of the runner. I decided to blend in a few other fabrics to bring in more beige and soft blue (Joel Dewberry Modern Meadow and Ginseng...look closely). I also used Kona Tan for the sashing. On the "flip" side I allowed the bright greens to shine by sashing with Kona Tarragon and using larger swatches of the brighter fabrics. Bound with a blue/green stripey fabric by Debbie Mumm. Quilted in my favorite wavey design.

A Rainy Morning

2011-02-14T09:20:00.000-08:00

After all the warm weather we had been blessed with this past month the rain has decided to fall upon us, oh poo! What's a girl to do on a rainy morning...I think I'll hop back into bed with a hot cuppa coffee and put the finishing touches on this scarf I've been working on. Once it's done I'll get my day started and head out into the blustery, rainy day with a nice warm scarf wrapped about my neck...sounds like a plan. Oh yeah...Happy Valentines Day!

My Quilt Blocks

2011-02-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

I've finished my blocks for the Quilt Story Block Party. Here they are...

TRADITIONAL

Dusky Log Cabin

I went with one of my favorite type of block, the good old Log Cabin. I chose fabrics that had a vintage vibe and muted colors so to stay true to the "traditional" theme.

MODERN

Mirror Image

This block is created with bright and happy fabric from the new Darjeeling line. A new block design for me. I'll be making a tablerunner with this block and more just like it with different fabrics from the same line.

CREATIVE

Persimmon Tree

Persimmon trees are gorgeous when all the leaves have fallen and just the fruit remains. I used Laura Gunn's Lantern Bloom for the persimmon appliques and framed it with Chinese Take-Out and Flower Power fabrics I thought it would make a beautiful pillow with an Asian flair!

Check out all the other beautiful blocks at the party, click HERE!

The Bijou Jade Pleated Tote

2011-02-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

Bijou Jade Pleated Tote. Large tote created with Anna Maria Horner's Good Folks, Sandi Henderson's Meadowsweet and Jennifer Paganelli's Flower Power fabrics. Accented with a charming vintage button and eggplant velvet ribbon! Large and curvaceous measuring 15"x16" with a "34 strap and magnetic snap closure. Two large interior pockets. The exteriorhas heavy interfacing and the interior is constructed of heavy cotton duck to add strength and durability. Fully lined, no raw edges. A very stylish bag for everyday use as a generous carry-all, diaper bag or knitting bag. In the Mama Roux shop, ya'll!

Pretty, Pretty Scarves

2011-02-07T15:39:00.000-08:00

I have really been loving wrapping a scarf about my neck before going outdoors these days. Now, granted, it HAS been in the 80's here in California (please don't throw anything at me) but the mornings and evenings are still quite brisk. I'm the kind of gal that also will use a light and drapey scarf as an accessory, so you can imagine my delight when I found the scarf kits at Above All Fabric! Melanie has such a fun and fresh little shop. These kits were so affordable I bought several, planning to give a few completed scarves as gifts or maybe for the Mama Roux shop...take a look...

They came wrapped in cute little bundles tied with a satin ribbon.

First Impressions Velveteen and Voile Scarf kit

Nightly Romance Voile Scarf kit

Safe Haven Voile Scarf kit

Slow Dancing Voile Scarf kit

I love them all and am not quite sure if I can bring myself to part with any of them. I will most likely be purchasing more of these wonderful kits, as long as they're available and MAYBE give a few as gifts...to MYSELF, tee hee!!

A Few New Bags!

2011-01-27T16:38:00.000-08:00

Black Emerald Quilted Hipster

Black Emerald Quilted Hipster, with one large interior pocket and a magnetic snap closure. Created with a patchwork of gorgeous designer fabrics, Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner Jennifer Paganelli, etc... Measures 13.5 x 15.5 with a long 44" strap. Quilted with a layer of batting. Fully lined with sleek black Kona cotton, no raw edges. Big and roomy, a little quilt on a strap!

****

Pink Topaz Quilted Hipster

Pink Topaz Quilted Hipster with one large interior pocket and a magnetic snap closure. Created with a patchwork of gorgeous designer fabrics, Amy Butler, Tina Givens, Jennifer Paganelli, Bari J, and plush corduroy. Measures 12" x 15" with a long 39" strap. Quilted with a layer of batting. Fully lined with a jewel toned mod polka dot fabric, no raw edges. Big and roomy, a little quilt on a strap!

****

Clematis Sky Travel Bag

Clematis Sky Travel Bag is expansive and generous. Created with Amy Butler Daisy Chain, Anna Maria Horner Garden Party and Jennifer Paganelli Poodle fabrics. Elegant and vibrant, adorned with deep crimson velvet ribbon. The exterior has heavy interfacing and the interior is created with heavy cotton duck to add strength and durability. This baby will stand up on it's own!. Incredibly spacious with two large interior pockets. Magnetic snap closure. Reinforced straps, fully lined, no raw edges. 22" x 6" at the bottom, 18" wide at the top, 15" from top to bottom. This extra large tote would be a perfect diaper bag, overnight bag, knitting bag or book bag, it's THAT sturdy!

Visit my Mama Roux shop to see even more sassy, vibrant, handmade items!

QuiltStory's Having a Block Party!

2011-01-25T07:46:00.000-08:00

I love to participate in fun contests and this one looks tempting! Here's the scoop:

Basic idea: YOU (any and all of you) will create quilt blocks and submit them to QuiltStory's Block Party. There will be three categories in which you can enter your block. Modern, Traditional and Creative.

How to submit: Three weeks from today we will have a linky party starting 12:01 am MST on Monday February 7th through Wednesday February 9th closing at 11:59 pm MST. During this time you will submit your quilt block in one of the three categories, Modern, Traditional and Creative. You can submit up to three blocks.

Categories: You will be the judge of which category your block falls in to, but it can be only one. Modern or Traditional can mean the layout of the block or the fabrics. Creative is referring to a block that maybe has applique, a pieced house block, etc. You don't necessarily need to be experienced to enter this contest! If you are unsure or new to quilting, I'd search through Flickr to get ideas on some quilt blocks!

Prizes: We have got some amazing prizes for the winners of this contest!!

Determining winners: We have fabulous celebrity guest judges to help Heather and I determine the winners. We wanted to do it this way because first a foremost we value these ladies opinions greatly! Secondly we didn't want the popularity of a blog determining a winner based on votes. We will basically be judging on skill and style and we will not be biased in the least! The judges are Twin Fibers, SewSara, Flamingo Toes,Diary of a Quilter and AmyLouWho. Over the next couple of weeks we'll get to know them better and tell you why we think they deserve to be our "celebrity" judges!

Click here for more info and to see all the fab prizes!

Warm Fuzzys

2011-01-24T12:48:00.000-08:00

Positive feedback is always nice to receive. Etsy shoppers can leave feedback, whether negative or positive, for the sellers after making a purchase. Mama Roux has been lucky enough to be on the receiving end of some very kind words...looky!

Well-made charming tote! I love it! Friendly seller- thanks SO much!!

This is just fantastic!!! I fell in love with it instantly!! Great quality and wonderful workmanship. Thank you!!

I love my beautiful MamaRoux bag. It is even prettier in person and the construction of the bag is fantastic, too!!

Thanks so much, I love them they look great!!!

Another super purse, thank you!

This bag is deceptively roomy. I fit a cloth diaper, a small package of wipes, my wallet, phone, keys and camera in it without problem. Also, the strap is long enough that at 5'10' and 'chesty' it comes just above my hip, so it's great!

Love! It! I'm a size 20, and this fit beautifully. I've loved wearing aprons lately but didn't have any half-length ones yet. Such a cute pattern and really well constructed.

Super, as always, thank you and God bless!

An absolutely beautiful tote, beautifully made. Have received many compliments! Thanks!

I received them 10/8 and they make me smile and will bring lots of happy to my kitchen, thank you!

Beautiful Holiday dishtowels. . . just what I wanted!

THANK YOU to all of my clients and supporters. This whole Mama Roux "thang" has been an amazing experience and I'm looking forward to an awesome year. Keep the kind words a comin'!

The Lumberjack Quilt

2011-01-23T15:54:00.000-08:00

FINALLY, finally, I finished our son's quilt. It was meant to be a Christmas present from 2009. The 3 girls got theirs last year (yes, one was late) and today I was able to give him his. Whew! I knew exactly what I wanted to create for him. It needed to have a rugged, and manly vibe, as he's a rugged and manly guy! He loves the outdoors and goes camping quite often so I thought an assortment plaid flannel would be cozy, kind of like a sleeping bag. I also incorporated some heavy corduroy to add some heft. The back is a twin flannel sheet with a few strips of plaid patchwork. I kept the pattern and quilting very simple and then bound it with black Kona cotton. I call it The Lumberjack Quilt. It measures 54 x 66. He loved it, thank goodness! My husband loved it, too, and asked if I could make one for him...he can expect to see his in about 13 months...I'm running a little behind these days!

Saffron Bloom Travel Bag

2011-01-22T16:39:00.000-08:00

Expansive and generous, The Saffron Bloom Travel Bag. Created with Jennifer Paganelli's Flower Power and Sheri Berry's Chinese Take Out fabrics. Elegant and vibrant, adorned with a black velvet ribbon. The exterior has heavy weight interfacing and the interior is constructed with heavy cotton duck to add strength and durability. This baby will stand up on it's own! Incredibly spacious with 3 large pockets, two inside and one outside. Magnetic snap closure. Reinforced straps. Fully lined, no raw edges. Measures 22"x6" at the bottom, 18" wide at the top, 15" from top to bottom. This large tote would be a perfect diaper bag, overnight bag, book bag, or knitting bag, it's THAT sturdy! In the Mama Roux Etsy shop!