Miss Maven Ruffled Handbag

Can I even tell you how much I love Amy Butler's latest book Style Stitches?

A LOT! A book full of fabulous bags? Yes please!

And after no less than 12 hours of hard labor, I'd like to introduce you to the Miss Maven Ruffled Handbag.

I used Amy's Full Moon Dots print and a Midwest Modern print and I love the combo. So pretty!

The inside of the bag has a false bottom for extra stability. Nice detail! I deviated from the pattern on the pockets and made my own to suit my needs.

I have to tell you, this was THE.MOST.DIFFICULT. bag I've ever made. The pattern is listed on the "Experienced" level and they aren't kidding! When I first read through the directions I didn't think that any one step sounded too hard and I dove right in. But I must have overestimated my skill level because this sucker gave me run for my money! I had broken thread drama making those ruffles, and don't even get me started on making and attaching those adorable handles! I can't even tell you how many times I pinned and re-pinned and stuck my fingers. But then it was done and it was so worth it!

I'm really grateful for the deadline of the Amy Butler Sew & Tell Challenge to keep me going, because I might have given up otherwise! My bag is far from perfect but I feel really good about working through such a difficult pattern.

After making this crazy hard bag I need some serious quilting therapy. My next task is quilting a baby quilt for a friend, and believe me, that's EXACTLY what I need!

Happy sewing!
Mary

Sometimes you win!

Like many of you, I enter TONS of blog giveaways but never really expect to win.

Imagine my surprise when I won this fabulous mini quilt from Kristina Wilberg of Sew Domestic!

I had seen this mini on Kristina's blog back in May, so I was thrilled when I saw that she was giving it away! As part of the giveaway Kristina also promised to send some scraps. I was expecting, well, scraps, but instead this is what she sent . . .

Wow, thanks Kristina! Now I have plenty of fabric to make something fun and girly!

Be sure to visit Kristina's blog to ooh and ahh over her adorable new baby girl (born last Friday!) and stop by her Etsy shop Quilted Treasures for fun fat quarter bundles and other goodies.

Happy sewing!
Mary

Are you ready . . .

for Amy Butler Sew & Tell day this Friday? I'm on my way!

The husband (who spoils me!) talked me into buying this FABULOUS book last week and there are SO many great bags I'd like to make!

The Cosmo Bag, Style Stitches

Origami Bags, Style Stitches

Blossom Handbag, Style Stitches

Miss Maven Ruffled Handbag, Style Stitches

Seriously, you have to check out this book next time you're at the book store. So.many.awesome.bags. Sigh . . . :-)

For the Amy Butler Sew & Tell challenge I've decided on the Miss Maven handbag - in Amy Butler fabric of course! It's such a cute bag and totally unlike anything else I've made or own. Lauren took a crazy long nap today (3 1/2 hours . . . unheard of!) and I spent the entire time cutting out fabric and interfacing. Phew! Am I rediculously slow or what? I thought I'd start sewing after she went to bed tonight, but I have to admit that after that marathon cutting session I needed a break for the night.

Are you joining in the Amy Butler sewing challenge? I can't wait to see what everyone makes!

Happy sewing,
Mary

Neptune Destash

I've been lucky to have fairly easy access to Tula Pink's Neptune line over the last year at my LQS (local quilt shop, if you're wondering!) It seems that the average Myrtle Beach quilter is not nearly as obsessed with this line as my online blog friends and Flickr friends are! Neptune is pretty much impossible to find online these days.

Anyway, I haven't been able to figure out what I want to make with my small stash, so I think it's time to let it go . . .

7 Fat Quarters (still available)

One half yard of SS Pink in Coral SOLD!

Two "Deep Sea" prints SOLD!

You can find these goodies in the shop!

Happy sewing,
Mary

Doll Quilt Swap - Received!

Look at what Jessica made for me!

| Front |

| Back (in gorgeous Tanya Whelan Fabric from the Dolce collection!) |

| Pretty hand-quilted bird detail on front |

| And the same detail on the back |

| Plus some extras . . . additional fabric from the quilt back AND a hand made card! |

Thanks so much Jessica! This is hanging in my sewing room where I can see it every day!

Happy sewing,
Mary

{Aqua & Tangerine} Tiny Log Cabins

I decided I wanted to play around with tiny log cabin blocks the other day. I had so much fun I made five. Four became coasters -

I'm disappointed with the skipped stitches in my quilting, but I was using a size 9 needle and maybe it just wasn't up to the task. I later switched to a size 14 and didn't seem to have any more trouble.

I love the backs of these coasters too!

The fifth log cabin became an easy pincushion. I experimented with the triple stitch on my machine for the quilting on this one.

I just love these colors!

AND, I just have to share that I used basting spray for the first time ever on these little log cabins and I'm IN LOVE. Sooo nice to not mess with pin basting on such a tiny "quilt sandwich." I used 505 Basting Spray from my LQS, but I'd like to find something cheaper. The 505 spray was $13 - yikes! Not sure I'd be willing to use it on a larger quilt at that price.

I definitely see more tiny log cabins in my future . . . too much fun, and perfect for scraps!

Happy sewing!
Mary

First day of preschool!

Lauren had her first day of preschool yesterday. She was so excited! I think we managed to get all of the obligatory "first day" photos.



Mr. PinSewPress is even going to make an appearance here . . .



I love my girl!



I think she's going to have a great school year.

Happy sewing!
Mary