sew simple...right?

I bought two yards of this fabulous "Tea" fabric a year ago, and I had no clue what I wanted to do with it. It was one of those, "I can't NOT buy this!" buys. (I can't bring myself to say compulsive, exactly, because it sounds too sinister and hurried--I knew I really would make use of this fabric; I just didn't know how at the time...)

I fiiiiinally bought matching fabric a couple of weeks ago, and am planning on working on a quilt this fall so that we have something to snuggle under while watching movies this winter! I am excited as this is my first quilt ever {I really have no clue what I'm doing} and thankfully, I know a couple of very talented seamstresses who I know can help me through it.

I also bought this magazine over a year ago, and have had my eye on this pattern:

It's a simple quilt (sew simple), made up of off-set rows of 9-10 6.5" squares. This puppy will be large, at something like 52" X 70 something". I figure as I start laying out the squares, I may or may not want it to be that big... We'll have to see.

My mom has graciously offered to help, and so last weekend we began with the most tedious task: cutting the squares. Oy. I had no idea it would take so long, even with a circular cutter (which is a wonderful invention, btw...). As with most things, it is better with two, and I enjoyed her company and her patient help. I think I'm going to bring it back this weekend so that we can work on it more, if she feels up to it! It means a lot to me to work on these kinds of things together... more than she knows, I think.

Ah, and a tiny baby bump in our midst... So maybe I should say instead, "it's always better with three?" :)

accordian heartstrings.

I saw the idea for this on Martha Stewart's website, and couldn't wait to try it. The perfect outlet: a little fall package for my bf Leanne.

Seeing as how we've been sending themed packages for the last, oh... 13 years (!)... it seemed like a fun take on the usual envelope filled with random goodies. These are very easy to make, and can be re-purposed as a coupon keeper, a place to store scraps, or anything else that is little and flat. Seeing as how I can't find Martha's instructions on this little number, I'll do my best to try to explain how to make it...

MATERIALS

5 envelopes (I used ones made from paper bags)

Ribbon

Glue stick

Hole punch

Fun goodies to include inside envelopes (pictures, letters, etc.)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fold the flaps of the envelopes backwards, with the glue on the edge of the flap facing away from the front of the envelope. This is how you will adhere these envelopes together--you can either dampen the glue and stick them on that way, or use the glue stick. After folding all of the flaps backward*, line the envelopes up with one another, and glue the flap to the front of the envelope behind it. Make sure the envelopes are square with each other.

*The envelope in the very back will be the front flap that closes over the whole thing, so don't dampen or glue this flap to anything!

2. Repeat this on each envelope until you've created an accordian-style book.

3. The only hole in this accordian is at the bottom of all of the envelopes--center the hole on the bottom of the first envelope (see first photo) and punch. Make a mark from that hole onto each envelope, and punch through, making sure all of the holes line up with each other.

4. Thread ribbon through the hole, up and over the top of the whole book, folding over the flap of the last envelope over all of the envelopes. Add a sentiment if you'd like, and tie in a bow. Voila!

5. Don't forget to stuff each compartment with something fun for the person you're giving it to! I added a recipe, a note, a little crochet pattern, and some chipboard pieces for fun.

Thanks for stopping by!