tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81889592440101119922024-03-05T04:15:34.700-05:00Hot Pink StitchesBreakfast for Dinner is my favorite meal, so this blog is where I share about my favorite things. Usually sewing, quilting, stitching, and crafting. But sometimes clothes, gardens, and my super cute puppy, Seamus. Thanks for reading!Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-22842891972920199492013-10-12T11:05:00.000-04:002013-10-12T11:05:04.663-04:00Modern Bee Blog Tour :: a.k.a. I'm in a book!<div style="text-align: left;">
I could not be more excited to share this book with you today! The entire process has been completely surreal to me, so here is a little bit about how it came to be. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctpublishing/8726363943/" title="Modern Bee—13 Quilts to Make with Friends by C&T Publishing, on Flickr"><img alt="Modern Bee—13 Quilts to Make with Friends" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/8726363943_00994d0c1d.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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It all came about after Sewing Summit 2011 where I finally met a bunch of my online friends in person. Elizabeth of <a href="http://www.dontcallmebetsy.com/" target="_blank">Don't Call Me Betsy</a>, who is such a sweetheart, invited me to join an online quilting bee she was organizing. I, of course, jumped at the opportunity! Things started off normal enough, when all of a sudden <a href="http://www.lindsaysews.com/" target="_blank">Lindsay Conner</a>, the author and a bee member, proposed the idea of a bee book and the rest is history! We all needed to finalize our quilt designs and kick things into high gear! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/10226443374/" title="Untitled by Elena @ Hot Pink Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/10226443374_6942083681.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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I absolutely adore stars, and I had sketched out this triple star-in-a-star design for <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1197421@N20/" target="_blank">Pillow Talk Swap 6</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6413012481/" title="Pillow Talk Swap 6 by Elena @ Hot Pink Stitches, on Flickr"><img alt="Pillow Talk Swap 6" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6413012481_ea1363990b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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This is the pillow I made for that swap. I loved it and was so sad to send it away, so of course I wanted an entire quilt of it!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctpublishing/8727480914/" title="Modern Bee—13 Quilts to Make with Friends by C&T Publishing, on Flickr"><img alt="Modern Bee—13 Quilts to Make with Friends" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/8727480914_5fa218e304.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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And here it is, in all its fancy styled photo shoot glory! </div>
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A huge thanks to Lindsay for all her hard work organizing everything and for doing such a wonderful job writing a great book. Go get your copy today! ---> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1607057301/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1607057301&linkCode=as2&tag=hotpinsti-20">Modern Bee 13 Quilts to Make with Friends</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=hotpinsti-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1607057301" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>Giveaway!</b></div>
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Want to win a copy of <i>Modern Bee? </i>To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post telling us about your quilting bee, what you're currently sewing, or something you learned about the book!</div>
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We'll choose one random winner to receive a hard copy of the book! If winner lives outside the U.S., they'll receive a copy of the e-book. Giveaway ends <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_6829316" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">October, 18, 2013</span></span>. Good luck!</div>
Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com116tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-82471415433399724462013-03-18T12:40:00.000-04:002013-03-18T12:41:03.512-04:00Claiming My Blog<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3080406/?claim=pbm3ws5vg7w">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-17698933702288760612013-03-17T20:16:00.003-04:002013-03-17T20:24:35.276-04:00Pantone Color of the Year: Emerald Challenge<div style="text-align: center;">
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I'm super excited to have an entry for a2w's Pantone Emerald Challenge! I had such fun pulling fabrics for this project, and was thrilled to turn it into a practical pillow we can enjoy every day. I was inspired by a HST pattern on Pinterest and interpreted it using the green focus of the challenge and paired it with my favorite, pink. I then had a design revelation and paired it with my new obsession of text prints instead of a typical solid background. It was my a-ha moment! I also inserted an invisible zipper so we can use the pillow from both sides. I'm so happy with it, especially because I finally have a project I get to keep! It's a standard 18". </div>
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<a href="http://www.asquaredw.com/2013/03/march-lets-see-those-pantone-quilts.html?m=1" target="_blank">Head on over and check out all the beautiful green entries!</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2157333@N23/" target="_blank"><img alt="2013 Emerald Quilt Challenge" height="200" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8314707800_5dbe366f0e_m.jpg" width="200" /></a>
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Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-86828782036220294702012-10-26T04:00:00.000-04:002013-03-11T20:11:42.712-04:00Double Wedding Ring Quilt<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/8121741393/" title="Double Wedding Ring Quilt by Elena @ Hot Pink Stitches, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8473/8121741393_f5090cc58d_z.jpg" width="448" height="640" alt="Double Wedding Ring Quilt"></a><br />
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I'm so pleased to finally be sharing this quilt with you! </div>
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I made it as a wedding gift for my very best friend, Jill. It was inspired by a vintage 1930's double wedding ring quilt that I bought at a local antiques show. I showed off my purchase to her and she actually recognized the pattern! Her being a complete non-sewer, non-crafter, that came as quite a shock to me. Then a couple of months later she got engaged! Of course, being the sentimental fool I am, I decided I had to make her her very own double wedding ring to commemorate this huge moment in her life. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/8121741845/" title="Double Wedding Ring Quilt by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img alt="Double Wedding Ring Quilt" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8121741845_50b26098bc_z.jpg" width="448" /></a>
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(wanna know a secret? My friend Jill is crouched back there holding the quilt so it won't fall)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/8121757468/" title="Double Wedding Ring Quilt by Elena @ Hot Pink Stitches, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8121757468_d4f0d8fd52_z.jpg" width="448" height="640" alt="Double Wedding Ring Quilt"></a>
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Now, if you know Jill, you know she has very particular taste; impeccable taste of the utmost high and edgy style, but particular, nonetheless. So I set about my design not knowing exactly where it would take me. After weeks of stalking fabric sites while also helping her plan the wedding, it hit me! Use her wedding colors! She had coral and black, with theoretical hints of turquoise, and the grey was a stray from my usual white, but went perfectly with her edgier taste.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/8121741465/" title="Double Wedding Ring Quilt by Elena @ Hot Pink Stitches, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8475/8121741465_eb74f4445f_z.jpg" width="448" height="640" alt="Double Wedding Ring Quilt"></a></div>
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I then proceeded to do oodles of research to decide how exactly I would tackle this behemoth of a project. I immediately referred to my friend <a href="http://www.theplaidscottie.com/">Kaelin's</a> <a href="http://www.theplaidscottie.com/2011/06/double-wedding-ring-quilt-along.html">Double Wedding Ring quilt along</a> for help and forged ahead. The pattern she follows uses foundation paper piecing to make the arcs, thereby making the process faster and simpler. It took me about 20 hours just to piece the arcs, and I stopped counting after that. It's made up of 98 arcs and measures in at 54" x 68". It was a total of about 5 months from start to finish. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/8121741543/" title="Double Wedding Ring Quilt by Elena @ Hot Pink Stitches, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8184/8121741543_7a302067cf_z.jpg" width="640" height="413" alt="Double Wedding Ring Quilt"></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/8121757394/" title="Double Wedding Ring Quilt by Elena @ Hot Pink Stitches, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8121757394_571544dc2d_z.jpg" width="448" height="640" alt="Double Wedding Ring Quilt"></a></div>
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I took a class at my local quilt shop to learn how to use their longarm machine. I used a very light scrollwork pattern to allow the colors and piecing to stand on their own. Binding the rounded arcs and concave points was a royal pain in the you know what, but I fudged my way through it and finished it off. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/8121741915/" title="Double Wedding Ring Quilt by Elena @ Hot Pink Stitches, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8327/8121741915_07dfc1d14b_z.jpg" width="448" height="640" alt="Double Wedding Ring Quilt"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/8123625121/" title="Double Wedding Ring Quilt by Elena @ Hot Pink Stitches, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8331/8123625121_c2ef943c22_z.jpg" width="604" height="453" alt="Double Wedding Ring Quilt"></a><br />
I aim for tears when I give gifts, and I'd say I succeeded here. :)<br />
The cute part is that although she's not a sewist herself, she totally gets it. I've since been informed that this quilt is too nice and too special to use. Instead, it will hang on the wall of the future nursery. Nothing could make me happier.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/8123643184/" title="Double Wedding Ring Quilt by Elena @ Hot Pink Stitches, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8123643184_9baa3462c3_z.jpg" width="604" height="453" alt="Double Wedding Ring Quilt"></a>
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The moment for which I waited many long hours and months. She loved it even more than I could have even hoped. My Jill, my lady, it was a true labor of love I would not make for anyone else. Much love!<br />
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<b><i>Blogger's Quilt Festival Stats</i></b><br />
<i>Finished Quilt Measures: 54" x 68"</i><br />
<i>Special Techniques Used: Foundation Paper Piecing, curved piecing</i><br />
<i>Quilted by: myself, Elena Roscoe</i><br />
<i>Best Category: Favorite Throw Quilt, Favorite Quilt Photographer, Favorite Wall Hanging</i><br />
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<a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/bloggers-quilt-festival/" title="Amy's Creative Side"><img alt="Amy's Creative Side" src="http://amyscreativeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Fall-2012-BQF-button-e1347251460705.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-227114047376785572012-10-21T20:56:00.000-04:002012-10-21T20:56:12.965-04:00Sewing Summit 2012<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/8110858713/" title="Sewing Summit 2012 - my peeps! by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing Summit 2012 - my peeps!" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8045/8110858713_f93c9d84eb.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/8110879855/" title="Sewing Summit 2012 - all the fun! by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing Summit 2012 - all the fun!" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8336/8110879855_87f2e5189a.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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This was my second time attending Sewing Summit (or “Summit,” as I like to refer to it) and strike me down if it wasn’t even more uplifting than the first one! Never have I had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful and lovely people, all of whom share my interests with the same passion and fervor as I. It’s always been a nice feeling to share with one another via the online community, but never have I felt so warm and fuzzy as being surrounded by people who just “get” me. And I get them! Seeing all our favorite fabrics brought to life, whether in one of the infamous Weekender bags, a trendy new frame purse, or a stylish Wiksten tank, was a glorious pleasure.<u></u><u></u></div>
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A feeling came over me that perfectly epitomizes what the Summit is: sisters. One afternoon I was in a car overloaded with talented ladies, and as we bopped from shop to shop, with some Menchie’s in between, of course, through all the giggles it hit me; Sewing Summit is like a reunion of sorority sisters. I don’t have any sisters, nor was I ever in a sorority, but I can only imagine this is what it feels like. Suddenly the warm and fuzzies poured over me and I’ve never felt more at home than I did in that overloaded car.<u></u><u></u></div>
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I went home with a renewed inspiration for my craft. My first day home I placed an order for supplies and set to work to restart my production and sell at a holiday show less than two short weeks away. I have plans in motion and strategies in the works. My passion and fire for all things stitched has been reignited, and it’s all thanks to Sewing Summit. A huge thanks to Erin, Ali, Megan, Erika, and Katie for all their hard work, as they’re the reason we all had such an amazing time.</div>
Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-51804963892277433142012-03-28T20:49:00.002-04:002012-03-28T21:09:40.642-04:00Postage Stamp Quilt<div style="text-align: center;">I am so excited to finally be sharing with you my Postage Stamp Quilt!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I started it over a year ago in a quilt along, but as usual, lagged behind. I proudly share with you my finished product. I'm really excited, as it's only my second finished quilt of this size. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6879297040/" title="Postage Stamp Quilt by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6240/6879297040_c40b30c56f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Postage Stamp Quilt" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the top that seemed like it would be so easy, but went on for seemingly endless seams. I took my time pairing up all the strips into individual blocks, making sure each print was equally represented throughout. I'm really picky that way. It's part of my charm, really. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/7025400181/" title="Postage Stamp Quilt - back by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6046/7025400181_6931524253.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Postage Stamp Quilt - back" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm really excited that I not only decided to go with solids on this one, but that I ventured out of my comfort zone and pieced my backing. The solids took a lot of thinking, but I finally decided to pull out some predominant colors from the top and came up with these. So bright, sweet, and lovely, they really make me smile. I also had some leftover strips from the front, so I decided to break up the back and showcase them here. I have several more extra, and will eventually make a matching throw pillow. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I spoiled myself and sent it out to be quilted. Chris, from the <a href="http://cottonpigblog.blogspot.com/">Cotton Pig</a>, did an all over "wandering pipe" pattern that really echoes the layout of the stamps. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for checking out my latest creation! I'm linking up to the <a href="http://www.stitchedincolor.com/2012/03/festival-of-scrappiness.html">Festival of Scrappiness</a> and <a href="http://freshlypieced.blogspot.com/2012/03/wip-wednesday-whole-lotta-nothing.html">Work in Progress Wednesday</a>. Go check out the other eye candy!</div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-2648160212141504412012-03-11T11:03:00.000-04:002012-03-11T11:20:54.952-04:00Rainbow Charm Swap :: FULLThe Rainbow Charm Swap is now FULL. Sorry if anyone missed out :( I missed out on Kati's and that's why I started my own. Nothing like being inspired! <div><br /></div><div>Color assignments and such are posted in the Flickr group, so please check over there for updates. I'll be emailing my shipping address directly. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks everyone and I can't wait to see what you all choose!</div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-85293844786401652302012-03-10T08:54:00.001-05:002012-03-10T08:55:35.110-05:00Rainbow Charm Swap :: update5 spots left as of 9am Saturday. Color assignments so far are posted in the Flickr group, so go check there for your assignment. Have fun!<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1916610@N20/">http://www.flickr.com/groups/1916610@N20/</a> </div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-41967351818561202642012-03-09T12:00:00.005-05:002013-03-11T20:14:38.518-04:00Rainbow Charm Swap :: FULL<div>Update: now full, as of Sunday morning. Thanks everyone!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>COLORS POSTED IN FLICKR GROUP! GO LOOK AND HAPPY SHOPPING!</div><div><br /></div><div>Please note the rules and requirements in the previous post before signing up. This swap is limited to 56 people. I will close the form as soon as possible once the swap is full, but should more people get through to the form after it is full, please understand I may have to cut them off after the fact. I'll do my best! :)</div><div><br /></div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-20890407171221025472012-03-06T07:11:00.003-05:002012-03-06T08:53:59.017-05:00Rainbow Charm SwapSurprise! I'm hosting an enormous, gigantic, fantabulous rainbow charm swap! I've been thinking of doing one for a while now, but when Kati's From the Blue Chair swap filled up so quickly, and I missed out, I thought I better start another one to give myself and others a chance. A huge mega thank you to Kati for her help in setting this up and for letting me steal her verbiage :)<br /><br />Added bonus: to make buying 5 yards a little less painful, the lovely Brenda at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkcastlefabrics?ref=pr_shop_more">Pink Castle Fabrics</a> has offered a <span style="font-weight: bold;">15% discount</span> for swappers! If you haven't already, you must check out her shop. She has a tremendous variety of beautiful fabrics. Thank you, Brenda!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.pinkcastlefabrics.com/" title="Pink Castle Fabrics" target="_blank"><img src="http://justabitfrayed.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/pcflogo_square.jpg" alt="Pink Castle Fabrics" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>The swap signups will open on this blog this <i>Friday, March 9 at Noon eastern time</i>. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;font-size:13px;" >We will be swapping <b>FIVE </b>yards of charms. Go big or go home, right? The colors will be the 12 basic colors from the color wheel plus black & white prints and grey. There are slots for 56 participants.<br /><br />Here's the rundown:<br /><br /><ul style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 2.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4; "><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; ">Each participant will be assigned ONE color. You must buy five different yards of fabric in that color <i>(varying shades are appropriate such as a pink fabric for the red group)</i>. You will then cut these into 5" charms, sort them and ship to me (I will provide very specific instructions on how to sort). One yard must be a solid, the other four yards will be prints. A self-addressed-stamped envelope must be included (a priority envelope will be the best option for the amount of fabric being shipped).</li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; ">You must be on Flickr and agree to participate in the swap group. There will be discussion groups for each color assignment. You will be paired with three to five other participants with the same color assignment. You are expected to work together as a group to choose the best fabrics for your color and avoid duplication. </li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; ">Quilt shop quality fabric only. The only exception is Kona brand solids from Jo-Ann's or Hobby Lobby. Large scale fabrics are not appropriate unless they are tone on tone or white on tone. Prints may include additional colors as long as they do not detract from the target color.</li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; ">You will send me 5 sets of 56 charms and receive 280 different charms back.</li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; ">There is no fee for US participants, but you must include a SASE with adequate postage. I recommend a padded Flat Rate envelope which is just $5.30 each way.<br /></li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; ">The shipping fee for Canadian swappers is $14.00 USD. The shipping fee for participants from any other country outside the US is $18.00 USD. International swappers may purchase fabrics from a US vendor and have them shipped directly to me. I will cut and sort your charms for a $10.00 fee. All fees are billed through PayPal.</li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; ">US swappers must ship to me by Monday, April 9. Swappers from any other country must ship by Monday, April 2.</li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px; ">The link to sign up for the group will post here<b> this Friday, March 9 at Noon EST</b>. If you aren't available to register at this time, please make arrangements for a friend to register for you. I anticipate the group will fill quickly, as Kati's filled in just 5 minutes and I know there are people from hers waiting to sign up. (Information required includes name, email, mailing address, flickr photostream link, & paypal email for those outside the US).</li></ul></span></div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-61090787745616129572012-03-04T23:36:00.002-05:002012-03-05T07:01:59.687-05:00Modern Mini Challenge :: Giant Granny Square<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6955517841/" title="Giant 20" Granny Square by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/6955517841_fc65a3fd4b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Giant 20" Granny Square" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I'm sure you're all well aware, the <a href="http://blueelephantstitches.blogspot.com/2012/01/granny-square-quilt-block-tutorial.html">granny square block</a> has gone viral in stitchy blogland and I couldn't help myself. But the teeny little 9" block wasn't enough for me. No no, I had to go bigger; 20", to be precise. Instead of the standard 2.5" squares, I used 5" charm squares. Logically, one would think doubling the size of the squares would double the block size to 18", not 20". But lest we forget, this is quilty math and it has its own set of rules. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I went with pink and navy because this mini/pillow was actually meant for my friend <a href="http://www.theplaidscottie.com/">Kaelin</a> and that's the color combo she's obsessed with at the moment. And can you blame her? It's quite gorgeous! This will keep her company on the sofa, as due to an injury, she's not allowed to sew for a little while. (Perish the thought!) But something tells me, she won't be enjoying this pillow all by herself...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ktelschow/6782707742/" title="Cripple Surprise Package (staking his claim) by theplaidscottie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6782707742_c0952c1c83.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cripple Surprise Package (staking his claim)" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Whiskers!!! That pillow is for your mommy! Silly boy :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm linking up to the Modern Mini Challenge and Sew Modern Monday. Go see what everyone else has sewn up, too!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ellisonlane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Modern Mini Challenge" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/ellisonlanequilts/buttons/modernminichallengebutton125.jpg" /></a> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="http://canoeridgecreations/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSE5Mno1c-eyMSRIFAUmnDmxE1DbQtpDez6irCHgmmYblhr_TujX6S8qjmaYRNB7bbNV9m3ug6MrJYARaYqiujMVMqEDHfJmlx6e_DlO2pnfq6X3uqkBTwKkUQ79crZDovjjEO28K1w/s1600/button150.png" /></a></div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-61239967601186094832012-01-24T21:00:00.000-05:002012-01-24T21:56:47.686-05:00WIP Wednesday :: 2012 Inventory<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://freshlypieced.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/5159705972_49be14a673_m.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I sat down the other day to write down what I'm working on this year (and what I'd like to work on, for that matter.) Turns out it's a good thing I wrote it all down, because I've got a lot going on! Let's see....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; ">Ongoing:</span><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold; "><span>Jeni's Star BOM - </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; "><span style="font-weight: normal; ">I used this block design for my 4x5 bee, but still need to make my own. </span><br /></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><span><b>Mod Stitches Bee - </b>January is Jeni's month....still need to make it</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><span><b>4x5 Bee - </b>4th quarter blocks completed and mailed! Waiting for next hive...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><span><b>Farmer's Wife - </b>Got around to 3 blocks in 2011...pulling fabrics for another burst of production</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6744511719/" title="4x5 Bee blocks - 4th qtr 2011 by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6744511719_85393519fb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="4x5 Bee blocks - 4th qtr 2011" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">4x5 Bee blocks</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><div><div><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; "><span>Quilt Alongs:<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1904864@N22"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6653527961_0e201f8d06_z.jpg" /></a></center><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://http//pinsandbobbins.blogspot.com/" title="pins & bobbins" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPR57U0-_Ks8Fm3nKWcnCpsSS0hG5dr3MHuYJlOP8qqvbiwiSp1qvmPOpHguUFS1DMZlMkDV37V22V3znQQotM-0voshHaNEn6nObNCbzdGEK53RTWM3OwmEp05lxQXkePMYXmI7MN2Gw/s1600/QUILT-ALONG-BUTTONsmaller.png" alt="pins & bobbins" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.freshlemonsquilts.com/?page_id=1534" title="Fresh Lemons Quilts Solstice Stars Series"><img src="http://www.freshlemonsquilts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Solstice-Stars-Btn-250.jpg" alt="Fresh Lemons Quilts Solstice Stars Series" style="border:none;" /></a></div></span></span></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><span style="font-style: italic; "><span style="font-weight: bold; "><br /></span></span></div></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; ">Active Projects:</span><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><span><span><b>Super Secret Surprise quilt - </b>just pulling fabrics for this special quilt....wanna go bright, probably scrappy</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><b>Commissions from friend - </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">making shams and t-shirt quilts</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><div><div><span style="font-style: italic; "><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Wish List:</span></span><br />• Greek Cross (Across the Sea Quilt Along)....finish it<br />• Skill Builder QA<br />• Summer Sampler Series<br />• Dream On strip quilt<br />• Dresden plates<br />• Hope Valley string quilt</div></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">• Oh My Stars QA<br />• something (finally!) with my Heather Ross stash</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><div><div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; ">T</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; ">his week's stats:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; ">Completed projects </span>- 1<br /><span style="font-style: italic; ">New projects </span>- 1<br /><span style="font-style: italic; ">Currently in progress -</span> do I have to count???<br /></div></div><div><br /></div></span></div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-18064950178010063662012-01-22T20:34:00.003-05:002012-01-22T20:47:29.186-05:00Sew Modern Monday :: My First Bee Blocks!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6746029749/" title="January - 4x5 bee by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6746029749_4cf056da0a_z.jpg" width="428" height="640" alt="January - 4x5 bee" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My first bee blocks ever!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've always been super intimidated by bees. I mean, sewing blocks for other people with their precious fabric? What if I mess up? What if they don't like it? I didn't need this kind of pressure. But then I met <a href="http://sukie.mt-wudan.com/">Amy (aka Sukie)</a> at <a href="http://www.sewingsummit.com/">Sewing Summit</a> and she told me all about her awesome bee, the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/4x5modernquiltbee/">4x5 Modern Quilt Bee</a>. I would make just 5 blocks per quarter, from my own stash, and in a block of my choosing....um, awesome! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had a lot of fun making these blocks. The ladies in my hive had some really great color combinations, plus <a href="http://incolororder.blogspot.com/p/block-of-month.html">Jeni's block</a> was so much fun to sew up! In case you didn't know, Jeni from In Color Order has started a super fun <a href="http://incolororder.blogspot.com/p/block-of-month.html">Half Square Triangle Block of the Month</a> for 2012 and I couldn't be more excited to join in! After playing with all these bee blocks, though, I'm going to have a tough time deciding on what fabrics to use for my own block. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Full disclosure: I didn't read the directions all the way through and didn't trim my HSTs before sewing them together...I ended up with 14" blocks, not the 12.5" blocks I needed for my bee. I ripped them apart, trimmed, and sewed again....1 week late in mailing, but correct this time. See? We all make mistakes :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What have you been working on? I'm linking up to:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.canoeridgecreations.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.canoeridgecreations.com/"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5334052745_5cedb19f6c_m.jpg" width="150" height="200" alt="{Sew} Modern Monday at Canoe Ridge Creations" /></a></div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-48092239360125911912011-11-18T07:23:00.002-05:002011-11-18T07:25:39.675-05:00I'm featured on Gen X Quilters!<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.genxquilters.com/2011/11/follower-friday-meet-elena-of-breakfast.html"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6357851621_a29f6a7a4a.jpg" alt="GXQ I'm Featured Follower Friday button by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner" /></a></div></div><p>Come visit me over on Gen X Quilters today! I met the fabulous AnneMarie at Sewing Summit this year and had a great time with her. While you're over there, check out all the fab projects she's got going on!</p>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-31491473177710997872011-10-28T06:52:00.000-04:002011-10-27T20:23:37.250-04:00Whirlygiggle Quilt :: Complete!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5424946594/" title="33:365 by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner {was PinkStargazer}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5424946594_0ebc21af6d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="33:365" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm so pleased with how this Whirlygiggle quilt ended up turning out. It's so light, bright, and cheery and it just makes me smile. What really makes me smile about it is that it's actually my first full size quilt! Up until now I've only made a couple of baby quilts, so this was a really big deal for me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5430844210/" title="Whirlygiggle Quilt: Complete by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner {was PinkStargazer}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5177/5430844210_c4af5bb49d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Whirlygiggle Quilt: Complete" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall, it probably ended up taking me about 2 months to make. I know some could do this in a hard core weekend, but I've got so many other things going on, between my full-time job, my <a href="http://www.elenascustomdesigns.com/">part-time business</a>, and you know, spending quality time with my husband and all, I make time for my sewing. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What's funny about it is that I only ended up making half the amount of blocks necessary and didn't realize it until I laid it all out! I was like, hmm, this looks a bit small. Talk about a bubble burst! Here I thought all the hard work was over and I ended up having to go back and cut, sew, trim, and sew some more. Ay ay ay!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5430238467/" title="Whirlygiggle Quilt: Complete by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner {was PinkStargazer}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5013/5430238467_fde5c5f947_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Whirlygiggle Quilt: Complete" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The original inspiration came from <a href="http://camilleroskelley.typepad.com/simplify/">Camille</a>, as this is her Whirlygig pattern. I was completely overcome with joy when I saw the colors and found it so visually appealling. It's also what sparked my love, ok obsession, with the Nicey Jane collection. I'm pretty sure that I bought a fat quarter bundle of it to make this quilt, and as we quilters do, fell in love with it during the creative process and ended up buying an additional half-yard bundle!!! Thank goodness for <a href="http://ihavetosay.typepad.com/">Randi</a> at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/freshsqueezedfabrics">Fresh Squeezed Fabrics</a> and her amazing sales and outstanding service!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5430238653/" title="Whirlygiggle Quilt: Complete by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner {was PinkStargazer}, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5430238653/" title="Whirlygiggle Quilt: Complete by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner {was PinkStargazer}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/5430238653_f3c6d1156a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Whirlygiggle Quilt: Complete" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span></span></span>Besides being so pleased with the outcome of the quilt itself, I'm so happy to have realized I could finally take one of those fabulous pictures of it, like other quilters do. Now, I don't have any cool barns or fences nearby, but I figured the railing at the beach would do. The secret is that my best girl Raygan is squatting behind it, making sure it doesn't flop over the front or fly away on this windy day. Thanks Ray-Ray! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm very excited to be entering it in the Gen X Quilters Love Nest Quilt Contest! I always see these great contests with these inspiring and outstanding quilts and never had one of my own to enter. Now I do, wahoo!</div><div style="text-align: left;">And I'm even more pleased to be doing my 3rd Blogger's Quilt Festival and showing my 3rd (and only) completed quilt that I love. I've got 3 other tops sitting here staring at me, so even more quilts to come!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/" title="Amy'sCreativeSide"><img src="http://amyscreativeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Fullscreen-capture-9222011-123854-PM-e1316717452510.jpg" alt="Amy'sCreativeSide" style="border:none;" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="http://www.genxquilters.com/2011/01/love-nest-quilt-contest-at-gen-x.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.genxquilters.com/2011/01/love-nest-quilt-contest-at-gen-x.html"><img src="http://i942.photobucket.com/albums/ad268/amli77/LoveNestQuiltContest250pixel.jpg" border="0" alt="Gen X Quilters" /></a></div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-73363136768626553062011-10-10T22:54:00.002-04:002011-10-10T22:57:46.374-04:00Sewing Summit :: a takeaway<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rl_NpdAy3WY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is precisely how I feel after attending the Sewing Summit. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I met so many wonderful people and made so many new friends. I could not have hoped for a better time, and would never have expected the sheer joy and glee I experienced all weekend. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Amy and Erin for all their hard work!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Complete recap to come...</div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-65549796344885978902011-09-25T20:27:00.003-04:002011-09-25T22:17:13.614-04:00Sew Modern Monday :: Learn as You Go<div style="text-align: center;">Super excited with my finishes this week, even if they did take me longer than usual. It was my first time making either, so a learning curve was definitely involved. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6183488474/" title="Market Tote by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6183488474_6e4be90c62.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Market Tote" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My new Market Tote!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I made this bright little lady to take shopping with me at Sewing Summit next week(!!!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">The pink and green were an easy choice, despite Fall just having arrived. You see, there are no seasons in South Florida, so this will do the trick year-round. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6182971585/" title="Market Tote by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6182971585_c9084923da.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Market Tote" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6183492972/" title="Market Tote by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6183492972_4f192d5dd4.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Market Tote" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here you can better see my first serious attempt at French Seams!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was reading the great <a href="http://www.sewsweetness.com/2011/09/french-seams.html">Back to School</a> series over at <a href="http://www.sewsweetness.com/2011/09/french-seams.html">Sew Sweetness</a>, where <a href="http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com/">Angela from Cut to Pieces</a> did a guest post on French Seams. She made this same bag, so I went for it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I modeled mine after Angela's and followed the styling of the Jane Market Tote, but created my own pattern to suit the type of shopping I would be doing...fabric! The base is the perfect size for a store-folded stack of fabric. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I learned a lot making this bag. I was so eager to reinforce it for heavy loads that I originally used fusible fleece on BOTH the outer and the lining. BIG mistake! That made my French seams about 2 inches wide!</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I reduced it to 1 layer of fusible and moved on. The French seams all the way around, with the fusible fleece, have made a really strong base that doesn't sag, even with a lot inside. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6182969637/" title="Market Tote by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6182969637_0a97ae98b9.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Market Tote" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The back side.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6182968603/" title="Market Tote by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6182968603_4239cd22af.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Market Tote" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The inside.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I added one large pocket for either phone or wallet. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6182979267/" title="Christmas stockings by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6182979267_f6c7ea6850.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Christmas stockings" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">These are a little early, but will perhaps inspire some more.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I made these for a bridal shower last weekend, where the wedding is in November, so the couple will have their first Christmas this year. It was a lot of fun to see all the holiday goodies, and believe it or not, the stores are already stocking ornaments!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6183502260/" title="Christmas stockings by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6183502260_412de49077.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Christmas stockings" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I thought it would be fun to do Mr. and Mrs. instead of their actual names. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I hand embroidered these on the cuffs, using a stem stitch that I learned as I went. I seriously kept repeating the video as I went along, until I got the hang of it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are a ton of great embroidery guides out there, but this video really helped me. Over on <a href="http://www.needlenthread.com/2006/10/embroidery-stitch-video-tutorial-stem.html">Needle 'n Thread</a>. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6183501182/" title="Christmas stockings by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6183501182_b4141f9793.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Christmas stockings" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mrs! These were really fun to make.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What have you been working on? Be sure to link up with Sew Modern Monday! </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.canoeridgecreations.com/"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5334052745_5cedb19f6c_m.jpg" width="150" height="200" alt="{Sew} Modern Monday at Canoe Ridge Creations" /></a></div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-83958662047679836802011-09-12T00:01:00.000-04:002011-09-12T00:01:01.807-04:00Strip Ironing Tutorial<div style="text-align: center;">After having to iron both edges of a 100"+ strip, I decided there had to be an easier way than eyeballing it, especially when every 1/8" counts. So here goes! I hope you find this helpful!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6136586786/" title="Strip Ironing Tutorial by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6136586786_771511fe80.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Strip Ironing Tutorial" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Please ignore the burned fabric. It's my desktop ironing space.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6136596082/" title="Strip Ironing Tutorial - 2 by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6136596082_2d92c6e32a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Strip Ironing Tutorial - 2" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6136604186/" title="Strip Ironing Tutorial - 3 by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6136604186_65f780db79.jpg" width="500" height="294" alt="Strip Ironing Tutorial - 3" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6136071635/" title="Strip Ironing Tutorial - 4 by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6175/6136071635_93a8f0ba00.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Strip Ironing Tutorial - 4" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6136083191/" title="Strip Ironing Tutorial - 5 by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6136083191_0a74ebcc67.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Strip Ironing Tutorial - 5" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6136097335/" title="Strip Ironing Tutorial - 6 by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6136097335_939d148549.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Strip Ironing Tutorial - 6" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6136669814/" title="Strip Ironing Tutorial - 7 by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6136669814_8b08a2fe30.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Strip Ironing Tutorial - 7" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6136676586/" title="Strip Ironing Tutorial - 8 by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6136676586_8d0d629af9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Strip Ironing Tutorial - 8" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Make sense? Helpful? I hope so!</div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-29909873949294862792011-09-10T17:26:00.003-04:002011-09-10T17:32:04.103-04:00Spotlight Featured Blogger<div align="center"><a border="0" href="http://ellisonlane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l623/ellisonlanequilts/buttons/followerspotlightsmallbutton-1-1.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center">I'm super excited to be featured in the Follower Spotlight over on Ellison Lane Quilts today!</div><div align="center">Go check it out to learn more about me, and while you're there, check out the blog! Jennifer is a great gal and I promise you it'll be worth a look around. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">And if you're visiting from Ellison Lane, WELCOME! There's nothing I love more than having company over! :)</div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-75822504020643715452011-09-08T08:00:00.000-04:002011-09-08T08:56:42.424-04:00My Sewing Room :: Updated!<div style="text-align: center;">It's no secret that I love taking a peek into other's creative havens to check out their setup and process. It's fun to see how other people lay things out and get inspiration from it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I recently updated my space with a couple of inspiration walls I made myself, and they have completely transformed my space. I actually featured my <a href="http://breakfastfordinnerblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/sewing-room-redo-big-reveal.html">big sewing room update</a> exactly a year ago, but oh how things have changed, yet again!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Come, take a walk with me...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5902670665/" title="1446 - Copy by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5239/5902670665_fb8b697f9c.jpg" alt="1446 - Copy" height="500" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the view from the hallway. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5885968609/" title="1459 by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5079/5885968609_7cd2d45fed.jpg" alt="1459" height="500" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My new design wall!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Since I don't actually have space to install it on a wall, I've made it so it leans. There's actually another one behind it, as well. It's made from lightweight insulation "R-Mat" board you can find in the construction section at Home Depot. It's some type of foamy styrofoam, so it's really easy to move when needed, plus it also takes pins really well, in case I need to post lots of items, like the sashings you see up there now. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been working on that LouLouThi quilt and actually spread out both boards against one wall so I could create the layout of the quilt. Then when I'm done, they can go back to their home here. Easy as that!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5903230790/" title="1451 - Copy by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5151/5903230790_9572f6ab30.jpg" alt="1451 - Copy" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's the main work area, which has been greatly enhanced with the easy access design wall. I used to have to keep all the "in-progress" blocks over there by the window, but now the new wall saves all that space!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5902671407/" title="1453 - Copy by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5313/5902671407_57e6e81984.jpg" alt="1453 - Copy" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This little flowery board is also another new addition. I got one of those magnetic dry-erase boards from Wal-Mart for like $6, then wrapped and staple-gunned the fabric and ribbon. So easy and pretty! </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5902670997/" title="1449 - Copy by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/5902670997_5bdb47d5f0.jpg" alt="1449 - Copy" height="500" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Entertainment corner. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I always have on either trashy tv or a movie to keep me company. My dog, Seamus, also keeps me company. He usually hangs out over there by the window and looks out through that crack I keep open for him...I call it his "peeking spot."</div><div style="text-align: center;">(And I truly detest all those wires, but this is technically the "office" so that's where it's all set up.)</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5902671299/" title="1452 - Copy by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/5902671299_f32b92f6b9.jpg" alt="1452 - Copy" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Coming right around....</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5885970955/" title="1448 by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6037/5885970955_fc39712742.jpg" alt="1448" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The new inspiration board!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was originally planning on just hanging stuff up on the wall, willy nilly, but then I didn't want all those holes in my wall. And since nobody makes what I wanted, and what I want is usually specific and detailed, I made my own!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I took a 4' x 5' sheet of brown hard-board, then topped it with 2 layers of cork, available by the foot from a big roll at Home Depot. I attached all the layers using an industrial tube of all-purpose glue from the paint department. I then wrapped it in linen, framed it in my favorite combo of pink and green grosgrain ribbon, and stapled it all to the back. To hang it, I just installed a picture-wire kit to the back. It ended up being about $60, including all materials. Not bad!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5886535940/" title="1451 by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5119/5886535940_fabbbf1928.jpg" alt="1451" height="500" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is like my little shrine, cake stand tower. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Up there right now I've got my 1/2 yards of DS Quilts, Dream On jelly roll, and the pincushion gorgeousness from Crystal and the Urban Home Goods Swap on Flickr. Thanks Crystal!!!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5886536022/" title="1453 by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5886536022_ea73b1b105.jpg" alt="1453" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The board! I keep adding things every day. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5885968279/" title="Urban Home Goods :: mini quilt by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/5885968279_6531c68462.jpg" alt="Urban Home Goods :: mini quilt" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pretty much the whole reason I needed an inspiration wall, to pay homage to this piece de resistance, the mini quilt from Crystal and the UHG Swap. LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEEEEEE this quilt!!! She totally nailed it with the saying....I was like, my soul IS fed with needle and thread! It's safe to say it's on the short list of "if my house were on fire....."</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5885968501/" title="1457 by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5032/5885968501_6fa602fb0c.jpg" alt="1457" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here you see my little clothespin doll from Liberty, a souvenir from my trip to London. I've also posted printouts of the quilt-alongs I'm currently in, minus Farmer's Wife and a couple of skill-builder ones. It helps me remember at a glance what the heck I'm up to! I also got the dog fabric b/c my baby, Seamus, is a black lab, so I'm sure I'll be making some great pins with this. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5886536222/" title="1456 by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/5886536222_c8f17bc7d2.jpg" alt="1456" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of my first embroideries, just for fun. They look like Hansel & Gretel!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/4765855136/" title="Sewing Room 14 by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4765855136_decddee5d9.jpg" alt="Sewing Room 14" height="500" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The supply closet!</div><div style="text-align: center;">This just underwent a teeny tiny organization, so it'll change, yet again, from this picture. Everything is labeled and in its place. Soooo helpful when you have this many craft supplies!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks everyone for checking out my sewing space!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-23743737541325121322011-09-06T21:13:00.009-04:002011-09-07T09:40:33.159-04:00WIP Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;">Another week, (hopefully) more sewing done!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've got a lot of irons in the fire and ideas on the brain, getting ready for the <a href="http://www.sewingsummit.com/">Sewing Summit</a>...in exactly 30 days!!!! Aaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!! Insanely excited....can you tell?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6122446196/" title="Siggy block by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6183/6122446196_469f9ee685.jpg" alt="Siggy block" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My first siggy block!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've seen <a href="http://www.psiquilt.com/2010/01/siggy-block-tutorial.html">so many</a> <a href="http://www.thatgirlthatquilt.com/2010/05/signature-blocks-tutorial.html">great tutes</a> for siggy blocks and it's really so important to document the history of the quilts we work so hard on, so I'm making a concerted effort to start making siggy blocks for all my quilts, going forward. I think this one will fit well in my postage stamp quilt.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6121904233/" title="Duffle Bag by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6121904233_1cb4e9e94f.jpg" alt="Duffle Bag" height="500" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The giant quilted piece for my duffle bag. This thing is going to be huge!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6122447542/" title="Duffle Bag by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6122447542_b325fda2e7.jpg" alt="Duffle Bag" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Close up of the wavy quilting, echoing the fabric pattern.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6122447970/" title="Duffle Bag by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6122447970_d284d7675e.jpg" alt="Duffle Bag" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The reverse side, hot pink lining! This pink will also go on the straps. So fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6121905871/" title="Across the Sea by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6121905871_6284d9455b.jpg" alt="Across the Sea" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My pieces for the fabulous Across the Sea quilt along, hosted by Jennifer at <a href="http://ellisonlane.blogspot.com/">Ellison Lane Quilts</a> and Sarah at <a href="http://www.fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.com/">Fairy Face Designs</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm a week behind, due mostly to a last minute project that cropped up.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Should I match all the fabric in the crosses or mix it up?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6121906653/" title="Across the Sea by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6121906653_f72e96f312.jpg" alt="Across the Sea" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a close up of the fabrics matching...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6122450120/" title="Across the Sea by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6122450120_0052f781b9.jpg" alt="Across the Sea" height="375" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And here's a close up of the fabrics mixed...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Which way? I'm leaning toward mixing, so it's fun and unexpected. What would you do?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6121908389/" title="Across the Sea by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6121908389_54bf93119f.jpg" alt="Across the Sea" height="500" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Whatever I do, this will be the binding.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I fell in love with this print the moment I unwrapped my bundle of Heirloom. Love it! And I'm so excited it pops so well against my bold choice of pink for the background. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This week I've got to work hard on this duffle and at least get my crosses pieced...Fashion Week's "Fashion's Night Out" just might hinder my progress though.... :)</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://freshlypieced.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/5159705972_49be14a673_m.jpg" alt="WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced" height="150" width="150" /></a></div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-81370740444449630832011-09-04T19:08:00.002-04:002011-09-04T20:08:36.093-04:00Mini Quilt Mondays<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5885968279/" title="Urban Home Goods :: mini quilt by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/5885968279_6531c68462.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Urban Home Goods :: mini quilt" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.freshlemonsquilts.com/">Faith at Fresh Lemons</a> is having a great series of Mini Quilt Mondays, all through September. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I think it's a great way to showcase a favorite technique without committing to an entire quilt. I'm also excited to get inspired by all the great mini quilts I see before we all go to <a href="http://www.sewingsummit.com">Sewing Summit</a> and take <a href="http://msmcporkchopquilts.com/">Amanda</a>'s class on Packing Mini's with Punch. So excited!</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While this amazing little mini belongs to me, I definitely did not make it. I was lucky enough to receive it in the recent <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1330324@N25/">Urban Home Goods swap</a> from my amazing, awesome, fantastic, thoughtful partner, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45271190@N04/">Crystal</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was meant to be, as I spied it in the Flickr pool and favorited it right away. I about had a heart attack when I opened my package and saw it was actually mine! I think she did a great job of laying out all the little squares, fussy cutting some special prints, and then adding the special quote in the center with hand embroidery. It now hangs as the showpiece in my sewing room. </div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks Crystal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy mini-ing everyone! :)</div>
<br />
<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.freshlemonsquilts.com/?tag=mini-quilt-mondays" title="Fresh Lemons Quilts"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6092905210_3c61a17cdf_o.jpg" alt="Fresh Lemons Quilts" style="border:none;" /></a></div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-76270009959804143002011-08-22T06:46:00.003-04:002011-08-22T07:07:15.877-04:00Sew Modern Monday<div style="text-align: center;">I'm so excited to finally have another finish so that I could join Sew Modern Mondays again!</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is my Warm/Cool HST top from <a href="http://incolororder.blogspot.com/">Jeni's</a> quilt along. It's a huge twin topper, measuring in at 76"x90". Something like 352 HST units make up this behemoth! It took several sessions of cutting, piecing, ironing, trimming, more piecing, some more piecing, and then it was done! I'll tell you, thank the good Lord for my 2 design walls on this one, because otherwise I could not have kept it straight!</div><div style="text-align: center;">And that's my super tall, 6'4" husband holding it up for pictures. I knew he was the only one for the job :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6067455629/" title="HST Quilt Top - finished! by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6067455629_6bd4c2b1c7.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="HST Quilt Top - finished!" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm officially a Farmer's Wife!!! I've been dying to join this all summer, and actually bought the book way back in June! But in an effort not to have the aforementioned behemoth on my design wall til Christmas, I forced myself to finish the top before moving on. I've also been following the Summer Sampler and Skill Builder, and even though everyone has finished their Sampler, I still want to join up and make mine. So many pretty ones!</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6067419213/" title="Farmer's Wife - 29 - Economy Patch by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6067419213_cddd1f9d83.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Farmer's Wife - 29 - Economy Patch" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is my first time actually cutting into and using my HR scrap stash! I missed the boat on these collections, so all I have is from her studio sale and some scrap swaps. My first block turned out great! And I even remembered to fussy cut on point!</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I probably would not have been so excited to get started if it weren't for <a href="http://twinfibers.blogspot.com/2011/08/farmers-wife-quilt-long-week-11.html">Jessica's post at Twin Fibers</a> about paper piecing. She linked up to The Sometimes Crafter's <a href="http://sometimescrafter.blogspot.com/2009/08/tutorial-paper-piecing-block.html">paper piecing tute</a> and that's what got me going. I'm still getting the hang of it, but practice makes perfect!</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6067970008/" title="Farmer's Wife - 5 - Bat's Wings by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6067970008_65a3dae4c9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Farmer's Wife - 5 - Bat's Wings" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I couldn't stop at just 1! I kept going and tackled this Bat's Wings block. I love that little pup, although he won't be on point...I guess we'll all end up with a few of those. </div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6067433133/" title="Farmer's Wife - 4 - Basket Weave by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6067433133_dc684b4e49.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Farmer's Wife - 4 - Basket Weave" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My third and last one, from late last night. Pink and green!!! My favorite combination. I'm really happy with how this turned out, although the green strips remind me of a separated Nazi symbol. Does everyone see that with a block similar to this one? I can't help it.</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/6067438449/" title="Farmer's Wife - my first batch! by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6067438449_3a5760c742.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Farmer's Wife - my first batch!" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">All 3, all together! Can't wait to make more, and I better, because I need to do some serious catching up!</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone have a great week! I'll be down here dodging Hurricane Irene!</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.canoeridgecreations.com/"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5334052745_5cedb19f6c_m.jpg" width="150" height="200" alt="{Sew} Modern Monday at Canoe Ridge Creations" /></a></div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-63234113051439410872011-07-11T07:09:00.002-04:002011-07-11T07:19:34.721-04:00Sew Modern Monday<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.canoeridgecreations.com/"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5334052745_5cedb19f6c_m.jpg" width="150" height="200" alt="{Sew} Modern Monday at Canoe Ridge Creations" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm so happy to finally be linking up to Sew Modern Monday! I've been following everyone's updates for a couple of months now, and I haven't really had any finishes that would "count."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5925468457/" title="My stash - in color order by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5925468457_facde0eff7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="My stash - in color order" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My uber organized stash!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't tell you how pleased I am about this one. I had everything folded much wider and randomly put into a couple of bins. This way is much better! Just last night I wanted to double check how much I had of something, and I was able to find the print so quickly in its appropriate stack. Of course this wasn't my idea.....the oh-so talented Jeni from <a href="http://incolororder.blogspot.com/">In Color Order</a> had a great series, <a href="http://incolororder.blogspot.com/p/art-of-choosing.html">The Art of Choosing</a>, where she did a section on stash folding. Great videos!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5926035880/" title="LouLouThi Tiles Quilt Along :: top done! by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5926035880_ac95a9e20a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="LouLouThi Tiles Quilt Along :: top done!" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Finished top!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I feel like I'm officially a quilter now because this is my second finished top recently, and it's now in my "quilts to be quilted" pile. I never thought I'd have a pile like that!</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is from the LouLouThi Tiles Quilt Along on <a href="http://www.stitchedincolor.com/">Stitched in Color</a>. I'm pleased with how it turned out, and it's definitely a monster, measuring in at 73x85! My biggest one yet!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by to check out my weekend progress! How was your weekend?</div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188959244010111992.post-33721001111691728322011-07-08T21:39:00.002-04:002011-07-08T22:03:44.784-04:00Lizzy House :: top notch!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elenascustomdesigns/5903380134/" title="Lizzy House mosaic by Elena @ Breakfast for Dinner, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5031/5903380134_c9674c6269_z.jpg" width="428" height="640" alt="Lizzy House mosaic" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >All images from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/freshsqueezedfabrics">Fresh Squeezed Fabrics</a> and Lizzy House. Thank you!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >In cutting my way through new stash additions these past couple of weeks, I've been using a lot of <a href="http://lizzyhouse.typepad.com">Lizzy House</a>. It's my first experience with her fabrics and I am thrilled with them! Of course, I was initially attracted by the cute designs and great color, and equally dazzled by the illustrious Pearl Bracelet prints, but upon working with them I was inspired and driven to devote a post to their incredible quality.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >They are nice and soft, but more importantly, and what I really noticed, was how nice and <i>thick</i> they are! Such high quality! You can't see through them at all, the colors aren't grainy (actually nice and saturated), and they have such a nice drape. Very easy to work with. I quickly ordered yardage, as per my new stashing habit, inspired by <a href="http://incolororder.blogspot.com">Jeni</a>. Very impressed, Miss House! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Disclaimer: I am in no way paid, sponsored, or otherwise for this post. I'm just a great new fan! :)</span></div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075389034179626691noreply@blogger.com87