Patterns going to print and April garment roundup

Hello again. A lot has gone on since I last posted, and there is so much to talk about I don't know where to start or what to post. That sounds a little crazy, but it's true. I know you KNOW what I mean.... Just like when there is so much "to do" you can't seem to start. Like that.

Like you, I have a gajillion projects in the works right now and am so furiously sewing there is no time to sit at the computer. I love blogging though, because if nothing else, it's a record of life. Maybe one day when I'm 85 and fabulous I'll look back and smile at these memories. These days that pass so quickly it's a challenge to revel in the wonder that life is. Without becoming too sappy, I'll get to some news.

My Pixel Skull pattern is being printed as we speak!

It will be available in local shops, as well as mail order from my Etsy shop. I'm really happy about this, it feels "big" to me for some reason. 

Cathal here is 9 years old and made my quilt, which he is having featured in Dublin soon! So amazing Cathal, well done!!

My Essential Oils case pattern is going to be available in print soon. I'm excited because I used to live in rural England, and believe it or not it was difficult to download PDFs at times, and forget about watching videos. That was only a couple years ago--we had to PAY for every byte we used. It was so frustrating. So, I realize the need to print patterns and hope to have my most popular ones available soon by mail or in local shops.

I've also finished writing my newest tote pattern- The Essentials Tote with "glass pockets". I'm waiting on some more tester feedback before I have this printed, but you can get the PDF version here if you like. This tote uses 20 gauge vinyl for pockets - making it super easy to locate essentials. 

 I've started working in a local quilt shop- Blue Bar Quilts in Middleton, WI. I'm still working as an RN as well, so my days are super filled and time is even more precious than it already was. I hope to eventually shift from nursing work to all sewing work. I love being a nurse, but my passion is making things. Period.

I sometimes wish I'd done things differently when starting out in the world. I don't think I thought being "artsy" could be a viable lifestyle, in terms of making money. For kids in the 80's (and before)-- art wasn't deemed a "real job", at least not in my family, and I think that's a mistake. When you do what you love, you find a way to make it work. Sometimes I daydream about running an art museum, or rubbing shoulders with Sotheby's staff, or maybe designing gowns for celebrities like Michelle Obama. . . Who knows what the answers to life are? I don't. All I know is we do the best we can with what we know at the time.
 And time changes everything.

I forgot this in the collage.  AMH Loominous fabric in a simple dress pattern by New Look.

Being more organized is on my 2017 radar, so I'm going to make collages of each month's garment makes for now. I may get to quilt, bag, and other sewing projects- but for now it's too much. 

I'm still learning Adobe Illustrator, and just making a collage takes me a while. LOL 

Clematis wristlet in Alexander Henry animal bones and black glitter vinyl. (Sold).

Lastly, here are some items I've purchased that have rocked my world. The metal baking pans are the first pans that don't turn black or get all gross when I bake things. I've been using them with the silicone mats and it's been AMAZING. No need to buy a ton of foil or wax paper or spray the hell out of them. Clean up is a cinch. LOVE them.  

I'm working on an improve scrappy quilt in my favorite blues. 

It's "quilt as you go" style. 

This stuff is amazing for piecing together bits of batting. I like to use everything up and hate to waste----so this has been great! I used it in my latest quilt and I can't tell where the pieced batting pieces are, so yay!  I'll share pics of the last four quilts I've finished when I get a chance to photograph them. 

Have a great week Friends! XOXOXOXO