A Mini Quilt Challenge

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!

Two New Bags and a Giveaway

Slender Book Bag/Laptop Tote, Moss

Constructed with Amy Butler's Lotus and Sandi Henderson's Meadowsweet.

Mossy Greens, Steel Blue Grey & vivid water lilies inspired by the Orient

Slender Book Bag/Laptop Tote, Spice

Constructed of Joel Dewberry's Ginseng, decorator weight fabric

Elegant floral prints with a suble asian influence. Fully lined in Anna Maria Horner's Garden Party Olive Dot.

I made a couple of new bags this week, the Slender Book Bag/Laptop Tote. A new design for me. They're pretty large, 17"x 14" with 23" straps. Easily worn messenger style, across the chest. Fully lined with 3 deep pockets and a magnetic snap closure. In the shop!

Got a Lot to Give is hosting a giveaway with one of my Small Totes. Check out her blog and enter to win!

It's Friday so it must be time for Sew & Tell!

It was my 10 year anniversary yesterday, take a look at my lovely family!

Have a fabulous weekend, folks!

Running on a Treadmill

Shapely Shoulder Tote with Exotic Water Lilies

Shapely Shoulder Tote with Teal Blue Roses - SOLD!!

Bohemian Tote, Large, Groovy, Multicolored - SOLD!!

I almost feel as I did years ago when I went back to college 2 nights a week, had a full time day job, waited tables and babysat on the weekends! Every pocket of time was accounted for. I scheduled homework, house cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, etc... plus, I had to attempt to be a somewhat decent mommy and loving wife (yeah, right!!). Currently, I work a full time day job, I'm still a mom and wife (probably not very decent or loving at the moment) and am attempting to make my mark on the crafting/sewing scene with my little business, Mama Roux. I took the Handmade Pledge ("on my honor, I will try..." oops, wrong pledge) and applied to be a vendor at the local street market. Once again, every pocket of time is accounted for. Instead of school and homework it's sewing, blogging and networking, which is much more fun! I wish I had MORE time to sew, blog and network. Most weekends are usually spent in my studio, creating pretty things. If I'm not called upon to perform some mundane task I can stay in there all day, only popping my head out to yell at someone to take the dog for a walk. Last weekend was one of those weekends. It was wonderful, I sewed from Friday evening until Sunday evening, I got so much done! The result was these three new bags! They're quite lovely, don't you think? So colorful and bright. They're all listed in the shop and I have even more beautiful bags in the works. Now, I'm off to the grocery store, after I put another load of laundry in the wash. I might have time to kiss my husband and pat my daughter on her head before I go. The dog will have to wait, poor guy! This treadmill does not seem to be slowing down one bit, does it?

Take a look at what others have been up to at Sew and Tell Fridays!

Invasion of the Party Animals!

Well, it's about time. The Party Animal Quilt is finally finished!

It was meant to be a Christmas present

for our oldest daughter and her brood of boys

but things got in the way and I had to put it aside until now.

The boys all came over for the day and we had a party!

I got to kiss and snuggle little Lucca, what a sweet baby boy!

We ate popsicles

and went to the park.

It won't be long until Lucca is jumping on the bed with his brothers.

HEY!!! No more monkeys jumping on the bed!!

The Party Animal Quilt was made with Animal Party fabric, backed with flannel, Warm and White batting, cocoa dot boarder and brown zebra binding. Cozy and Fun!

Check out Sew and Tell for more Friday fun!!

Chocolate Lollipop, anyone?

Well, I made another quilt. I had ordered some Chocolate Lolipop fat quarters and they looked so delicious that I just had to dig right in! I have been wanting to attempt a string block for a while and let me tell you, I think it is now my favorite block (sorry, log cabin block). I used the tutorial from Ashley's Film in the Fridge blog and made twelve 12 inch string blocks and arranged them so they created 3 large offset squares. Sashed in Kona Cotton maize and bound with Crimson Kona. I choose a solid binding to rope in the kaleidoscope of rich, bold colors. I think it will add a yummy punch of color and sweetness to any room!

Next, I made a medium sized tote. I basically took two different patterns and used what elements I liked. I did a little tweaking of my own and came up with The Bohemian Tote. 4 deep pockets, 2 inside, 2 outside, button and loop closure and extra long straps. Interfaced to add durability. I used designer fabrics (of course). Anna's Garden Party and Tina Givens Georgina Lullaby Vine. The inside pockets are made of the most adorable lime green houndstooth from Paula Prass Summer Soiree. I tried to go outside my comfort zone and just mix things up and not worry about colors matching. I think it all works, in a groovy sort of way, don't you?

Both listed in my Etsy shop!

Head on over to Amy Lou Who's for Sew and Tell Friday!