Whether She Wanted It Or Not

One of my co-workers had a birthday last week. With only two days to come up with something, I decided on a bag. We don't know each other well, but you know me..... I'd rather make a gift than purchase something. I made it up as I went along because that's the way I roll these days. I may have gone a bit out of her comfort zone color-wise. It's kind of a lunch bag, carry-all type of thing.

 I took these pictures with my phone the morning I finished it.

 I should have been on my way to work.

 The color is brighter than I remember it being. Poor woman, I think she prefers black.....

It's the thought that counts.... right??

Jessica's Dresses and Market

Jessica requested two more Socialite dresses from the pattern by Anna Maria Horner. She sent this fabric and I was able to get them done this weekend. She chose Modern Meadow by Joel Dewberry in herringbone and a Michael Miller fabric called Esther. I have a couple more in the shirred style to finish for her. I need to get to work. Hope you like them Jess!

Here are some highlights from the Handwerk Markt. It was fun. Not too much not too little to walk around and see on such a chilly day. I had to wear a heavy coat... blah.

Where would you wear this hat?

These fire bowls are pretty but seem kinda dangerous to me.

Pillow yumminess.

Blue Elephants on Parade

Effie and Ollie Heather Bailey's pattern is just too cute. I used her Nicey Jane fabric. I love this line.

I made one, then decided to make another.

At that point a third seemed appropriate.

Charge! They were feelin sassy....

My second skirt with the elastic smocked waist. This is the most comfortable skirt ever. EVER. It's cute too. I wrote out instructions that people can pull and try. (Proud of me Jennifer? Wait until you read it first....) I've put it in the shop for a few days and them I'm sending it on to Jessica.

I particulary love this fabric smocked, the lines make it so pretty.

I made another top like this in white, but have no photographs. Yesterday was so cold; we tried but we were shaking so much not one photo was in focus. We had snow, sleet, torrential downpours, sun and lightening storms. A typical April day in Germany!

Dear Summer,

Please stay through August, I have a new top to share with you! Yes, it's the smocked dress from Weekend Sewing adapted for me. I used a bit of my stash of Katie Jump Rope by Denyse Schmidt. I was fun to make ( thanks for the tips Jennifer), it's comfortable and I really like it.

I finally finished binding this quilt. I started it only 5 months ago. After sewing on the binding on, it took 7 more hours to complete the hand sewing. I timed it. I used a free pattern from AMH and the fabric line, Metro Blue Goes Green.

I really liked sleeping under it last night.

~

More later.

Look what I did this morning

Other than my ability to put this on a hanger straight, I think it turned out well. This project has been waiting to be started since Ms. Horner's book came out. I am slow, but once I get started, watch out. It took 2 1/2 hours including the time I took to trace the pattern and cut the bias strips. I made it to display at the shop, hoping to inspire.
When I first saw the pattern in the book, I knew this was the fabric I would use. It's from her garden party line. The bias accents are kona cotton and the way they contrast with the fabric make them worth the time. I really like the way it turned out. Hmmmm, can I get a project done tomorrow?

Guess who I met?!

All of them!

What a fun day. It was the School House Series at the quilt show. Many designers and distributors were there to give information on new products and new lines. The highlight of my day was meeting three very artistic and nice young women. Heather Bailey, Amy Butler and Anna Maria Horner, in that order..... By the time I was able to meet Anna Maria, I was a complete geek. I had just met Amy Butler, told her about Jennifer and our shop, then she said, Hey, you order patterns from me, I know you....... and shook my hand. I asked her if she would ever consider doing a trunk show in Germany.... she said to contact her people..... I will.

After this, I am talking to Kelly on the phone telling her ALL about it. I notice my sister mouthing Anna Maria Horner!!!!!! (we were waiting for her talk) I turned around and told Kelly ( rather loudly I am afraid) I am looking at Anna Maria Horner!!!! She then laughed (thank goodness) and asked who am I looking at??? Well, to make a long story short..... ha ha..... NICE, she is not only clever and cute, she is NICE. So anyway, I am a happy person. These three young women are smart, talented and gracious. I will enjoy buying their products knowing that I once met them and they were so nice.