Nicely Nestled Netbook

Nicely Nestled Netbook, originally uploaded by rkkilmer.

Yet another quick little project created from my Moda charm packs. I was inspired by my friend Robin. Robin created a nifty little case for her regular sized laptop. She then posted the results to her blog. I actually talked to her that day. She explained how she did it, so I went home and did exactly what she said to do. This is the result. The only change I made was that I used fusible fleece interfacing and actual fleece for the inner lining. I found the combination of the two made for a seriously sturdy case. I sometimes don't appreciate quilted totes or cases because they don't seem to have any real firmness to them. May not be the best word to describe what I mean, but it's all I can come up with. At any rate, the added bulk really made a difference. I feel like I could drop the thing and my case would provide a nice bit of protection. For the tutorial to create your own, head over to my friend Robins blog. It's listed on my blog list.
Happy sewing!
Rob

Flower watch

Flower watch, originally uploaded by rkkilmer.

In my previous post I told you about receiving my much coveted Tula Pink fabric. Well, if you'll recall, I had no clue what I was going to do with my findings. Over the holiday weekend I found myself wanting to sew since I had a 4 day weekend. I was also perusing www.modabakeshop.com. I thought maybe I could come up with some original way in which to use my charm packs and see about submitting a tutorial for mod a bakeshop. Behold, the "Fabric Flower Cuff Watch"! I used a 10" inch strip of each of my 2 coordinating fabrics to create the cuff. I created binding with the 3rd. Next, I choose my favorite charm squares. Using a template I created with vinyl plastic, I made my flower petals. I found a pretty face watch at Joann's. I assembled it all and voilà! I used heavy duty silver snaps for a professional looking finish. That was fun because I had never actually applied snaps before. I will definitely be incorporating them in future projects no that I know how simple they are.

Tula Pink

Tula Pink, originally uploaded by rkkilmer.

Today's post hailed another anxiously awaited package! I just recently discovered Tula Pink. I am taken with just about all of her fabric. But, I am most especially in love with "Plume" at the moment. It was not easy to find. But I located 3 charm packs and 3 yards of coordinating prints. Not sure yet what I will make with it, but I can't wait to make it! I found the fabric on quilt sandwich.etsy.com check out their etsy store if you get a moment. She has some very bright, fun fabrics listed. Their customer service and shipping times were excellent!
Off I go to quilt :)
Rob

Another 5 10 20

Another 5 10 20, originally uploaded by rkkilmer.

So, this is what I did with my evening. Actually, not my entire evening. More like the last 2 hours. With my little ones, finding time to quilt is a challenge. Ok, honest truth? Finding time to think is a challenge!! However, with potty training so close that I can see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, I have taken to spending some time each evening in my quilt studio to work. My friend Robin suggested that I try just utilizing snippets of time here and there to sew. She was right. As long as I have a way to keep the munchkins away from my work area, I can leave everything out and ready to go so that it's all available to me whenever I find a spare moment. This has been a revelation. I have sincerely gotten more done in the last 2 months than I have in the last 2 years. My quilting really got a jump start when I spent a weekend in Laguna Woods on a Two Wacky Woman retreat. I think I have blogged about it before. I am lucky enough to belong to the most amazing friendship group. 2 of our founding members started a quilt retreat business a few years ago. They do such a great job that the retreats fill up more than 6 months in advance! They have a website. www.twowackywoman.com Check them out if you get a Moment they are also both very talented designers and sell their original quilt patterns as well. This quilt top is one of them. I am so excited to get this one put together. Now, when the Tula Pink fabric I ordered online over the weekend arrives, I will be able to get started immediately on the next project! Ha, I think I may be hooked :)))))

Joel Dewberry Fabric

Joel Dewberry Fabric, originally uploaded by rkkilmer.

This is the fabric I mentioned purchasing from Sewdeerlyloved in a previous post. I love it! I have no idea what I am going to do with it though! Any suggestions? There is a pattern called "Victory Gardens" that I saw on Heather Bailey's blog. I am thinking that this may be a possibility. I still have my 5, 10, 20 quilt top working, so I have a little time. Also, I started another Birdie Sling from some cute peace sign fabric for my sister in law's birthday next week. Any recommendations anyone has would be greatly appreciated.

Homemade Peach Pie

Homemade Peach Pie, originally uploaded by rkkilmer.

I have always wanted to bake a peach pie from scratch. Last night, I did just that. I didn't start the process until after 8 PM, so it wasn't cooled enough to eat until 11 o'clock. Needless to say, I had to wait until this morning to taste it. I didnt have time to eat my pie at home before leaving for work, so instead I packed a piece to take with me. I sent one with my husband to work, and took one for myself. As I settled in to my desk to read my morning e-mail - I opened my pie to enjoy along with my coffee. There is no really adequate way of describing just how radiantly good this pie was! I sincerely thought for a moment that I would feign a sudden illness so that I could go home and spend the rest of the day on my couch with just a fork and the rest of that pie!!! To further affirm just how good of a pie this was, my husband text me just after 8:30 from his office. I guess, he too was eating his pie at his desk with his coffee. He told me it was so good, that he ate the spoon! He also told me that he was going to be going home for lunch to eat the rest of the pie :)
Moral of the story, if you've never made a homemade peach pie before, do it. it truly is worth the time and effort.

Design Wall Monday

5 10 20, originally uploaded by rkkilmer.

Ok, so here is my very first "Design Wall Monday" post. My friend Robin Gall is a part of a group that posts every Monday about what's on their design wall. I thought joining in would be a good way to keep me moving through my projects. Maybe if I knew I had to post every Monday, it will be more of an incentive to keep me on track. I don't have an actual design wall. So, I just laid everything out on my cutting table. I am working on another 5, 10, 20 quilt top. This pattern was actually designed by my friend Robin. I posted a pic of my first top in an earlier blog. You can either use 5 yards, 10 half yards, or 20 fat quarters. The more variety of fabric, the scappier the outcome. For this top I have 20 different fat quarters that I purchased at The Sewing Party in Laguna Woods, CA. It was the first time I had ever been in there. If you are a fan of Amy Butler, Kaffe Fasset, Hailey Bailey and the like, then this is the shop for you. It's a bit of a drive for me, but I will definitely be back. Also, I think this quilt pattern is becoming my favorite. You can find that for purchase thru Robin's site. Her blog is listed in my fav blog section. I just ordered 10 completely different yards of Joel Dewberry's Modern Meadow today from Sew Deerly Loved at www.etsy.com. I found Joel Dewberry while perusing www.quiltdad.com. Come to think of it, that's how I heard of Sew Deerly Loved! Check out her Etsy shop. She has some great stuff for sale. Ok, enough from me. I have 4 more blocks to sew then it's off to fold laundry and lay out the babies clothes for the morning.
Night all!