There has been some awesome sneak peeks out there for the tea swap that Stephanie is hosting. I've been very curious about the goings on and can't wait for the reveals. But I guess it is my turn to give a little peek.

I like the shape of a teapot all curvy and cute.

Michele is a machine embroidery artist. I really love seeing what she comes up with. This came from Michele's machine.
But I can't show you all of it. I think you have a pretty good idea (I lifted an idea from another swapper - shhh don't tell.) And Michele sent this sweet strawberry. And that is for me! Thanks Michele. Michele just featured Mennonite Girls can Cook on her blog. This is off topic here but someday when we all sit down for hot chocolate (or whatever) together I'll tell you about one of the best lunches I ever had while visiting Lancaster County Pennsylvania. I know from personal experience, those girls SO know how to cook! I'll have to post about my PA Dutch cookbooks sometime. More teapot shapes. May or may not be included in the swap. You never know.

"Pretty maids all in a row" is what I think when I see my rick rack colors all lined up on my shelf in front of folded fabric. Am I using rick rack in my tea swap creation? - I'll never tell. At least not today.

-nanette

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It is no secret I'm a fan of Mary Englebreit and Barbara Brandeburg. Both are incredibly talented artists and wonderful women.

How can you lose with a combination of Mary fabric and a Barbara pattern? Red and Butter is a classic pattern by Cabbage Rose Quilts - Barbara's company. It is really pretty in the red and yellow combination shown on the pattern. And it shows well in this Mary E. fabric from years ago called "Best Friends". I'm sure some of you remember it.

I made this quilt as a sample for Jeanette and Erin at Piper's Quilts and Comforts in Sugar House, Utah. Jeanette said it was one of their all time best selling patterns at that time. I made 2 of them. This pattern shows off the red and Mary E. toile very well. It is just a delightful quilt. And it is making my 2nd appearance on my blog. Hey. I like repeats. And it is Valentine's Day Week. So there.

Speaking of Mary, have you seen the downloadable craft patterns for Mary E. here? They are affordable and so cute. This apron is the sweetest. Don't you love the black accent fabric and the scallops?

-nanette

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It was kind of a frustrating Saturday. You know those days - 1 step forward and 2 back. I did manage to get some things done though.
It was a nice spot in the day on Saturday when my friend Laura came to see me late in the afternoon. I was still in my nightgown. She brought me a movie and Peeps. It is fabulous when a friend knows you enough to know what you need and when you need it. Thanks again Laura.
I had some ribbon made for me at Name Maker. I admit. I stole the idea from Pam. Thanks Pam. You always have such fabulous ideas.
I decided to use it when finishing up my quilted valentines but I didn't get the ribbon tag on all of my valentines - I just didn't think to use it until most of them were completed. I think it looks cute in the back tucked into the binding. Hmm I wonder what it would look good tucked into the front instead of the back? Or is that over the top?
I put together one of my bags from my "Mixed Bag to Quilt" pattern. I have made at least 25 of these bags and I enjoy making them every time. It is a fun way to showcase great fabric.
This is the first ribbon I ordered from Name Maker a while ago. I think I like the little tiny ribbon better.
I know this is just too much but I put the little green ribbon in the side of the bag, too. This is a sample bag so I'm allowing myself some name indulgence.

Busy week ahead!

-nanette

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Fabulous Fabric Friday is always a weekly event here - well mostly. I like share peaks into my point of view and show my stash of vintage, reproduction and odd or novelty fabrics. I really don't know what I'll do with this fabric yet. The colors aren't exactly "me" but I like them anyway. When I saw this fabric it struck me as a possible theme fabric for a future quilt design. Other than that I think it is just so pretty and it shows my love for using fabric and thread. Here are 4 fabrics I absolutely love. I had to get them in all the colorways when I discovered this wonderful collection. I consider this one of my most valued "finds" since I have yardage in all 4 colors (and not just a fat quarter). My most very favorite fabric is vintage or reproduction kitchen print. And this one is super adorable. And don't ask where I got it. My lips are sealed.
This is another fun kitchen print from Japan. I love all of the little squares with kitchen items except the one with the fish. I don't like the word fish and I don't like the shape or look of a fish (except to eat). I don't think you'll ever find a fish in project of mine. I know that is kooky so now you've seen my neurotic side - if you didn't already have a glimpse before.
When I was in 1st grade my mother made me a dress with turquoise roses. I have dear love for any rose print in this color. I suppose it is a quest to recreate that feeling of watching my mother make my dress and wearing it proudly. I need to see if I can dig up a picture of me in that dress. Anyway this is a vintage print. Sweet - isn't it.This vintage fruit print reminds me of Eileen. Eileen and I have swapped fabric and we are drawn to very similar colors and prints. This just looks like something I'd find on her shelf, too.
Last week I had a question from Lynn about this fabric. Lynn, I would have emailed you but your email address is not attached to your profile. That happens so often to me when I want to talk to some of you - but your email is not accessible. Anyway Lynn asked me what this fabric is so I'll tell you what the selvage says. I'm not sure where to find it, however. "Lecien Vintage Collection". That's all. Wish I could be more help.

You should see my "to do" list for the weekend. I need 4 arms and 6 legs to get it all done.

-nanette

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It is a big day for Chelsey. My 5th daughter is turning 21. Watch out world. Here she comes.

The requisite birthday cake. We like bakery cakes at my house. Not grocery store bakery cakes though. This one has a little to offer everyone's likes in the family. We celebrated Chelsey's birthday last Sunday.

She's not going to like this picture but oh well. I like her hair dark (natural) and long and today it is short and blonde (I think). She's headed to California for her birthday anyway, so she won't see this post until later. Happy Birthday Chelsey.
I thought I'd show the completed little apple teapot short and stout - all finished. This seemed to be the most popular teapot from those I showed last week. It turned out pretty cute. I like the little dot edge. I'm sneaking you a little peak at this cute vintagey paper doll fabric underneath. If anyone knows where I can get more of this I'd like to know.
Stephanie talked about us showing teapot love on our blogs while we are working on our swap gifts so I thought I'd show this quilt made years ago. It seems like at least 7 years? It shows my love of squares. I like to make pictures with shapes in my quilts. This is a fun one - totally scrappy but missing some contrast (again). I like to think I'm getting better at the contrast thing with the newer quilts I've made. But you can tell it is a teapot - can't you?
I don't have may blue quilts. Let alone blue and yellow. But it seemed to fit the subject. I think I got a little carried away with 4 borders though. My favorite border is the outside boarder with scallops. I need to make more curved edges like this on my projects I think.

I hope you have a happy SAFE day Chelsey - and weekend. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. Deal?

-nanette

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By now I think everyone knows my favorite color. Right? RED! So it is no wonder why I love February and Valentine's day. I picked up these vintage valentine towels more than a year ago.
They are perfect for my love of red, all things vintage, and rick rack. They are just so cute.
I get my valentine and February decorations out when we put away Christmas things. This quilt is one I made years ago to celebrate February.
I know the border is a little strange compared with the main part of the quilt but I wanted the quilt to represent President's Day and Valentine's Day. My mom was born in February too. And I have a daughter born in February.
This is a repeat quilt making it's 2nd appearance on our blog. But it bears repeating. My quilter, Wren, put such cute designs in each heart. Everyone of them is unique. This heart has my husband and my initials in it.
This is a Black Mountain quilt pattern from Teri Christopherson. Unfortunately it is out of print. It is such a classic design. I've made several quilts from this for friends, a few that I have sold and one my daughter has at her home. It was fun, fast and the directions are great.

Loving all things red and valentine - I was amazed and so proud to see this quilt by Stephanie R. You HAVE to go look at her valentine quilt. Go ahead. Click. Come on. You can do it. Stephanie R. took my heart pattern (on my side bar) and made it her own. She made 4 hearts into a square and framed each of them with red. I couldn't love it more. Way to go Stephanie R. I'm so incredibly happy when I see an idea move to someone else and then they make it their own. I love that. Thank you so much for sharing it with me and everyone. She's got a fun blog. Bookmark time.

-nanette

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I saw a cute sweater in this fall's issue of Interweave Knits (my favorite knitting magazine). It was a beautiful read sweater with cabled princess seams. I loved the proportions, and the 3/4 length sleeves, and almost instantly decided to add it to my queue of projects.

I used some fiery orange yarn that is a mixture of mohair and wool from Lamb's Pride. I love to wear bright colors and jewel tones, but orange is a bit of a departure for me, but I am liking it more and more these days.

The pattern was pretty simple to follow, but I changed the crochet edging at the neck and the bottom of the sweater to make the design look more girly. (I am finding more and more I like the girlier patterns).

I love the end result of the princess seams, and the loose sweater. It is a very warm sweater, I only wish I had completed it earlier in the season.

-
Shelbie

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