Happiness

HELLO! 

Long time friends and followers here on the blog know much I loved that first Atsuko Matsuyama's first book Happy Flower Quilts.  Of course when I first bought it, it was just the "pink book" because I had no idea what the name was. I just LOVED the designs and the colors. I could always count on that book to brighten my day when I paged through it.  I have both the original and the English version, of course.  Did I ever make anything from the book? Of course not, but it brought me hours of happiness and that was good enough for me.  

I'm sure most of you know by now there's another book out, The Vintage Flower Sampler Quilt book, 

from Zakka Workshop, filled with new Atsuko Matsuyama designs and more happiness.  Of course I preordered it right away.  How could I not?  

It's filled with projects that are just as cute, fruits and flowers, pillows and purses plus the quilt.  Very much in the 'pink book' style but a larger scale.  The projects are darling, and achievable, lots already posted on instagram under this hashtag.

There's a fun sew along starting this month with the Sunny Day Supply girls.  You can just watch and enjoy with this hashtag.  The girls are posting great tutorials on how to applique the blocks with the starch method, and you can follow along with them. There's a category on their website that has supplies they use for those new to the sport! 

I'm in love with all the fruity goodness in this book, so I had to quickly make quarter blocks.  I used my favorite fusible, you know I love the machine stitching so much.  

I can't believe it's June already.  While sometimes the days feel long, it seems to me the year is flying by at record speed!  Hope you're all doing well! xop

Dirty Laundy

 Hi friends.  Just finished this cute laundry bag a million years after Frankie asked for it, and couldn't wait to show you.  I ordered this cute laundry fabric from Sunny Day Supply, it's that light weight canvas / oxford cloth that Kokka makes and it's adorable.  The dots are Kokka as well, quilting weight,  they reminded me of a lot of iridescent soap bubbles.  I had some old Urban Chiks houndstooth from way back when that had bubbled up to the surface of my stash and I used that for the lining.  The cute cording and  cord end caps are also from Sunny Day. 

Every cute little detail like those cord caps makes the project cuter and now that I've searched through their website again I realize I could have used so many little cute details that I've got and forgotten about on this project.  Next time I'll think it through better, I hope.  

It's been a long time since I came up with something out of my own head and I'm rusty at it.  But with the exception of the little add ons, it came out as I expected.  Frankie will have her travel laundry bag and I still have enough fabric for something else.  

I love the fabric so much.  How perfect would laundry room curtains be (if I had a window) or maybe a skirt in front of a laundry room sink (if I had one.)   And if I wasn't a lazy ruiner I'd make an ironing board cover! I think I'll be satisfied with a half apron for days when I have no pockets.  I think I can still make that without a pattern, but you can rest assured that I will make a little list of things I want to include!  

I hope you are well.  It's starting to feel like summer here already, we've had a 90 degree day and although it was just one, I know many more are following.  I've enjoyed all our beautiful green hills from the abundant rain of this year.  I don't know if you still visit this blog Chris from New Hampshire but I think of you when the weather turns hot, and of your snowy winters and that one photo of the little path to your front door one year.  Blogging has always been the best. Even when I stay away from this space I think about it, and all the wonderful people I've met through blogging and it's been a blessing.  Really.   Thank you everyone.  xop

Little Chamomile Pouch

 Hi friends!  How are you? Have you been sewing away?  I have been sewing and I'm excited about how stinken cute this Little Chamomile Pouch turned out.  Jean of Little Mint Designs introduced another pattern recently and I couldn't wait to make it.  

 This little pouch is just shy of 4" square  (not including the drawstring cover) and stands up nicely on it's own thanks to foam interfacing on the outer bag and regular interfacing on the lining.

The bag also has mesh pockets inside..totally cute.  I didn't want to wait around to order mesh, so I picked up an inexpensive laundry bag to cut up.  

I had some cute cord and cord caps  from Sunny Day Supply on hand, and I think they really added something extra to this project.  (bonus, they're still available!)

I really love the way Jean writes her patterns.  She approaches making a project just how I like it.  I also like how she has you cut your interfacing smaller so it doesn't bulk up your seams, which is important on these small projects. Each project I have made with Jean's patterns have had a lovely finish inside and out.    And best of all, she leads me through it all so I have great results every time.  

Those aren't all the reasons I like Jean's patterns but it's a start.  Her instructions are good, her photos make everything clear, so no matter how you like to work, with photos or words, it's good.  I can't say enough good things about it. 

My photos are really blown out, it's gloomy here, so everything is brightened up so you don' t think I'm posting from my hermit cave!  But don't let that take away from the fact that this is an adorable little project just in time for Easter.  You could pop some chocolate eggs in there and make someone's day! Or pop those chocolate eggs in there and keep it all for yourself.  Just saying. 

Love you guys.  xop

Heart Clasp Purse from Zakka Workshop

 Hi friends!  How are you?   Had a somewhat sunny day here in PamKittyVille and it was so nice.  You may have heard California is having some rain!  We're high and dry here, but wow, so much rain.   The sunny day was quite a nice relief!

Today I'm showing off my cute Heart Clasp Purse, made with the Purse Clasp Book from Zakka Workshop.  I was so excited when they reached out and asked me if I'd like to try one.  Zakka Workshop has all the cute peeps sewing with them, and I was totally thrilled to invited!  

I was also a little nervous about it be honest.  I had made a couple of clasp purses, but they were the sew in type, and the glue in seemed, well filled with glue! Like lots of room for error.  What if I messed it up?  Faith, who runs the Zakka Workshop instagram account, put me right at ease, so I said sure.

As you can see it totally worked out!   I think WAY back when I first saw these little purses in the blog years, people were using some kind of fast drying adhesive, I just remember thinking OMG WHAT IF I DON'T GET IT IN THE FRAME RIGHT???  But I just used some Tacky Glue which is very forgiving and the  purse just slides in.  I mean  SLIDES IN.  I was shocked.    

I cannot stress enough how easy it was.   My friend Jenny sent me the cute chain handle and it looks darling! The pattern for this purse includes sewn on handles, but I knew I was going to look for some kind of handle to fit those little loops on the frame, so I omitted them.  Imagine my surprise when I remembered I had something! (wait what? a use for my hoarded items!  shock!)

I can't get over how fast and easy it was.  I made another cute little purse from the book, which comes with 2 frames.  Super cute.  My mother always carried a 'coin purse' like this.     Years ago  blogging friend Elaine sent me a little purse for my mother. People have been so wonderful to me. 

  

You can order the book and frame here from Zakka  Workshop.  Hope you're all doing well! Thanks for following along!  

What is it even?

Hi there pals! How are things where you are? Rainy day here in PamKittyVille and I'm inside and cozy, doing a little of this and that.  Lately it seems busy, had a work day, a couple of fun social days and now a little bit of a sewing day.  

I don't know about you but I like to make things just for fun sometimes. This wackadoodle hat is one of those things.  There's really no good angle to show it and my favorite hat model isn't around so we just have to roll with what I have here. 

Anyway let me digress a little and say one of my favorite things about magazines back in the day was the Resources pages in the back, where you could find out where people bought things, do you remember that?  Long before the internet, you really had to be a private eye to find out something.  Now days you can image search  on Google!  Anyway I happened too see a wonderful shirt with rick rack and it led me to finding Bode Clothing and the original rick rack hat.  It's not on the site anymore but there are a lot of interesting (and expensive) clothes that use vintage pieces.  I made most of my clothes for a good part of my life and I always avoided a 'homemade' look if I could, but I also liked things that were kind of off or old fashioned, quirky.  Something about Bode appeals to me, the shapes of the clothes have a 50s and 60s feel, and I love a lot of the things that remind me of vintage California looks.  Also,  they approach quilted/pieced clothing from a totally different direction than we do as quilters and it's very interesting to me. 

But anyway the great thing about the internet is you can really zoom in and look at things up close and I could see how the hat was constructed.  Of course my version is insane compared to the original, it's made with canvas because I am not spending suede money on something like this.  I could not find smaller rick rack in a cream color and so what I had was just a smidge bigger but OMG it really makes it cartoonish.  Scale is everything, right? But you can look at the google search here and see it's not that far off. 

The best part about it was that it was fun to make.  If I came across some smaller rick rack in my travels (and by travels I mean hunting through my own stuff, I know there's some somewhere)I might give it another try.  I had some thread tension problems and Alex gave me a spool of her Quilter's Select thread to try and it fixed my problems.  There's some other cute ideas with rick rack I saw on Bode clothing,  like this shirt here, with daisies on it. I think I could take that idea and do something with it.  Will I, probably not but it's fun to think about.  I don't think that shirt is the best thing ever but I do think there's an idea there that would be fun to explore.  

Anyway that's the kind of thing I'm up to.  My friend Joyce and I are going to sew together soon and make a quilt from this book.  She's got a couple of quilts picked out from the book, so I need to get it together and select my fabrics. Do you have the book and have you made anything from it?  

Ok, that's it for me today.  Hope you're keeping warm (or cook depending on your hemisphere) and things are going ok ! xop

Shark Tank Shark

 Fun times lately in PamKittyVille.  My friend Jodie, long time quilt market pal and all around fantastic person, sent me her amazing pattern Shark Tank.  Maybe it was because I could not stop commenting on it.  I mean it, couldn't love it more.  It really brought back so  many memories about when Jaws first came out in 1974.  We all loved the movie so much, and my father, my brother and sister and I would put up a fin and make the shark music in a way that I am sure was so annoying to just about anyone around us.  I mean we did it for years.  My Aunt Mary Jane game me a shark necklace even. Insanity.  

But back to the shark I made.  I totally love it. What will I do with a shark? Who even knows, it was just so much fun to make.  This is the jumbo size, the pattern comes in several sizes and the smallest looks like it would make an adorable pin cushion for your shark loving friends.  

Took my shark downtown and held it up like it's the catch-of-the-day in front of the @onlyup_team mural on 2nd street in Livermore. My shark has a cute smile.  And some side-eye but you can't tell, just know it's there.   

You should follow Jodie in Instagram, she has a great staff meeting every week.  And she's got a ton of cute patterns if you like making toys. 

SEE I WAS NOT EVEN KIDDING.

Love you guys.  Hope you're doing well!   Have a good week everyone! xop

Little Tulip Tote Bag

 Hi friends!  How are things going with you?  Finally cool here in PamKittyVille and I feel a lot more like doing something, like sewing!  I know most of your are probably already following along on IG, so this is old news, but Jean from Little Mint Designs  came out with a new bag pattern, the Little Tulip Tote Bag, and she very kindly sent me the pattern in case I'd like to try it!    

I had recently ordered some of Cathe Holden's new fabric (Leather and Lace and Amazing Grace for Moda)  from Sunny Day Supply, and decided it would be perfect for Jean's new bag, so I pulled some linen  and ticking I had hoarded for a long time out of my stash  and got busy.  

I like the way Jean lays out her patterns.  This patterns comes with 3 sizes and I made the medium size.  She breaks out each step with great photos and instructions, so it's easy to follow along.  I'm someone who likes the paper pattern to work off of, so I print with ink savings turned on, then if I need a better look at the photos I can come to my computer and blow them up for whatever detail I need.   

I really love the details in the bag.  There are two inside pockets and the lining has top stitching details that I think upscale the look.    The shape is cute, and the interfacing and fusible fleece are just enough to give it  good structure and there is no interfacing or fusible fleece in the seams which makes it much easier to sew together.

This is my darling medium size tote.  Perfect for anything really, I went on an archeological dig in my sewing room and unearthed some natural color cotton webbing I've had for ages for the handles, and I'd ordered some very nice cotton twill tape from Jeni Baker which I used for the  ties.  I love the look. Jeni also carries the cotton webbing in her shop in case you're going to need some! 

I loved sewing this bag, Jean's patterns are so nice.  She also designed the cute Little Wisteria Pouch I made, you can see it here on my IG .  Everything finishes so nicely.  I hope you give it a try.  Thanks to Jean for sending her pattern for me, I sure appreciate my sewing friends! 

Hope all is well with you!  xop

Cherry Pillow

Hi friends!  In a shocking turn of events, I finally finished my cherry pillow.  I'm afraid to even go back and look to see when I posted this little group of fabrics, and my inspiration piece, because I know it's been a long long time.  I had them all piled up, and moved the pile from place to place but never got around to making it. 

True confession, cutting up that cute Moda towel was rough, and I think that's what held me back.  I had taken the hems out and pressed it all up, but when it came time to cut... gulp.  

I thought I might move away from the inspiration pillow, and collected up some fabrics that worked well with the toweling, but in the end I just loved the pillow in the photo.  The fabric choices and layout are just so darling to me.  Good proportions are  everything. 

Its long and thin and and my stuffing job isn't the greatest, but I love it anyway.  I mean what luck was it to have hoarded that towel for so long!   And now that I've cut into it, it should be a lot easier to use, right?  RIGHT? 

So are you up to anything fun?  We're coming off a week or so of very hot weather here in PamKittyVille.   Exhausting, even with air conditioning.  Hopefully we're done with the super hot weather, but summer isn't over by a long shot here.  Hope your weather is making you happy and all things are right with you! xop

Zakka Workshop Stylish Sewing Caddy

 Hi friends!  How are you?  Hope you're keeping cool.  Its really a challenge, right?  Thank goodness the sewing room is cool (enough) and I can hang out there.  

This weekend I had everything prepped to work on the Zakka Workshop Stylish Sewing Caddy.  I have  wanted to make a frame bag for quite a while so this seemed like the perfect opportunity.  Kristyne from Pretty By Hand designed and wrote the pattern so I knew I'd be able to follow along.  And friends, it's surprisingly easy.  Like I was shocked by how easy it was. 

I really challenged myself with selecting some directional fabric, and I think that was the hardest part of the whole project.  True confession: I did have to re-cut the end pieces but the rest went ok.  It's really straightforward cutting  and piecing.  

I can't get over how professional the results are.  Look how nice and boxy that is.  I'm so impressed with how it turned out.  Its nice and firm, and holds its shape perfectly.  I haven't made a bag with this type of zipper installation, so that was fun.  I do have a tip, and that is sew one side  following the instructions then mark the zipper where the sides meet the body... I kind of like you do (or at least I do) when I sewing rows together with sashing, so all the sashing lines up.  Does that make sense?  

You can see in the picture below my two sides don't quite match up, where it folds over, not  a problem, but I think I maybe pulled a little when working on the second side of the zipper.   It doesn't really show and I'm not worried about it, but it's a little tip.  

I did crack up, at first I was kind of disappointed,  my ends weren't that great, but Kristyne mentions that you need to let it sit a bit to learn it's shape and  later when I came back and dorked around with the ends a bit they laid down quite nicely, even after opening and closing .  I was a little afraid because the ends did not look good at first.  Don't be discouraged!

Look at the interior, it's huge!!!  I think it would make a great makeup bag as well, you could easily customize the inside with pockets. Could be a lunch bag, you could make one in more masculine fabrics as a dopp bag for men. 

Glamor shots, because I love how this bag turned out.  

I really enjoyed making this bag and totally would make it again.  The frame  insertion, piece of cake.  Even  top stitching the little casing line of stitching was easy.   If you needs inspiration go check out the #stylishsewingcaddy hashtag, lots of wonderful bags and much better photography there.  You can order the pattern with the zipper and frame from Zakka Workshop.  

That's it sewing friends!  I'm already thinking about what to work on next!  See ya later. xop

Little Wisteria Pouch

Hi there!  How is your weekend going?  If you follow along on Instagram, you saw that I had all my pieces and parts ready to stitch up a Little Mint Designs Little Wisteria Pouch.   Jean was very kind to send me a copy of her pattern, and I was anxious to give it a try because I have been wanting a little clutch like this for quite a while!  I love all the details, especially the slip pocket inside.  I have never sewn one before so it was fun to learn a new technique.  Jean's dainty designs are easy to sew with her excellent instructions and photos.  I've had such good luck with her patterns.  This one was no exception.  My only reason for not doing it sooner was the fact I needed to order more zippers.  

I love being organized with a project, and I like the way Jean approaches each design, very methodical,  and just my cup of tea.  My favorite part of the project was the little templates for the outer and slip pockets.  Genius really.  I also like the templates for interfacing.  I like that she keeps the bulk out of the seams. 

I think my pouch turned out great.  Its not perfect, my zipper pocket is a little off center.  My own error, so know that even experienced sewists have less than perfect results.  But honestly can you even tell?  I'm not mad and it doesn't ruin it for me.  Lets be kind to ourselves over things like this.  

Another thing I love is that I added in a third fabric for my pockets, it makes me so happy to see those little dots in there.  Would 100% do that again.  The more the merrier.  I mean you really could go wild with fabric right?  I know you get it.  

Love the inside.  Couldn't be more perfect.  Can't wait to try the mini pouch.  Perfect for dropping into my larger purse, when I just don't feel like lugging it around. 

All in all a delightful make. Love everything about it.  I recommend The Little Wisteria Pouch for sure.  Delightful.  Can't wait to make another one!  

Ok pals, that's it for me.  Be sure and check out the #littlewisteriapouch hashtag on Instagram to see more pouches! And follow Jean, she's coming out with a very cool new tote bag with a drawstring top!  I can't wait for that one!  

xop

Swoon Curious

Hi there friends, what have you been up to?  Lately it seems like I've been busy, I have a little bit of work, some weeks more than others, and then there's just stuff, you know, takes time, but isn't anything all that interesting.  

One thing that caught my eye this summer was the Summer Swoon Along.  I really love that quilt, the block is clever, and the piecing easy.. I've just never made one.  I have the 16 inch pattern, you can grab any of the many Swoon patterns over at Camille's site here.  There are a ton of totally cute patterns, but I'm sure you already know that.  Check out the #swoonquilt hashtag for some beautiful quilts. 

                                             

I have all the beautiful Tanya Whelan Posie fabric just waiting for a great project, so I went for it.  I ordered the Barefoot Roses dot from Thimbleanna to use as my background. I plan on using the ginghams as that accent part of the star and then the pretty florals as the stars. Posie will be available later this year.  

I made just one block for now, no rush right?  I have to cut a bunch of squares for my house quilt that I still want to blog all about, but that is means going through my scrap box for a nice mix of fabrics and I've been really lazy about doing it.    I have sewing motivation in spurts so I'm making the most of it when I do, and then I don't worry about it.  

Anyway you guys have been busy sewing and doing fun summer stuff, I see you on Instagram!!!  I hope you're all doing well.  So much intense weather everywhere I worry about friends near and far.  Sending my best wishes to you!!! xop

Treat Yo Self

 Hi friends!  How is the summer/winter  going? Can you believe we're at the tail end of July already?  As usual time seems to be zooming by lately.   No disrespect to those of you that love summer and it's  hot weather, I am not a fan. 

                                             

Anyway about treating myself.  Do you follower Minki Kim, @zeriano, on Instagram?  She makes a lot of really wonderful projects and is a fabric designer as well.  I'm sure you already follow her.  Anyway I watch a lot of her sewing videos over on her you-tube channel.  I find them so peaceful to watch, I keep the sound off, but even the music in the background is calming. Sometimes I sit in the morning with coffee and watch her stitch away.  But back to treating myself....

Minki often uses some beautiful black sewing shears and the way that they cut through fabric is mesmerizing to me.  In all the years I have sewn, I've always used inexpensive 'over-the-counter' fabric shears.  They work for a while and then they are doomed to become paper shears or worse, relegated to the garage!   I've treated myself to a lot of smaller fancy scissors but never a pain of long shears. 

One day earlier this year I was cutting with some scissors that were reaching retirement age and I decided to research what scissors Minki uses and ordered myself a pair.  I was watching this video where she slices through a quilt-as-you-go panel and I knew I HAD TO HAVE THEM.   

So they're LDH Midnight Edition Fabric Shears, 9 inch length.  Worth every penny, they glide through fabric, it's really amazing.  I'm so happy I ordered them. They have a nice weight, heavier than your basic scissors, but they feel good.  I'm being very careful not to knock them off my ironing board or sewing table with my irresponsible behavior.   But I love them.  I'm not sponsored by them or anything just a big fan.  

I think about how I used to just blog away about nothing in particular,  like scissors or Trader Joe tamales for lunch, of about coffee.  I miss it.  I have been thinking about the scissors and thought it might be fun to write about it.  Its easy to post a picture on instagram and say look at my new scissors but then I couldn't tell you how much I like Minki's you tube videos and all her pretty pictures, maybe you'd like them too.   In the mean time I do love seeing everyone's photos on IG, so I'm sure I'll see you there, and maybe post a picture of my scissors.  But we'll both know the real story.  Treat yourself friends, to a walk outside, a breath of fresh air, a cup of coffee  and some sewing or some pretty scissors.  You're worth it. xop

Sloan Zone

Good morning! I'm up with  my first cup of coffee enjoying the cool air before it really warms up here.    These hot summer  temps are normal for us but I know a lot of  you are in hotter than normal weather and I'm hoping you stay cool and hydrated.  

I hope you had a chance to visit all the participants of the Bird Song fabric tour.  There were a lot of great projects shared, and I enjoyed seeing them all.  The tour winner here at PamKittyVille is Lisa McCool who said "♥️♥️I love seeing the fabrics manipulated and set into designs by all the designers!! Love Blue!!♥️♥️ Thank you for your post and tips!!"

Time for me to get to get ready for work.  Monday's are my day at the office.  Can't wait to see what's new.  Keep cool friends !!! Thanks for visiting my stop on the tour! xop

Bird Song Fabric Tour

Good morning friends! Today is my day on Pat Sloan's Bird Song Fabric tour!  Bird Song is Pat's new collection for Benartex Fabrics.  

I really love this collection, it's two colorways, pink and blue, and both are so cute.  I love pink and I made my fabric selections and then of course thought OMG should I have chosen blue???  Luckily Bird Song will soon be in stores so we can get all we want!

I decided that it would be fun to make another project from Pat's Tantilizing Tabletoppers book and I chose the Breakfast Club topper for a nice summery topper.  I think this Bird Song Breakfast Club mini quilt makes for a cute table display.  

Of course it's a perfect opportunity to bust out my cool vintage concrete garden bird!

I love all the little details in the Wildflower Field and Sing a Song prints.  Of course also the Bird Watching print on the back.  And the Happy Flower for the border, super cute.  It's very reminiscent of the 70s to me, fun and funky! 

Be sure and check out the Bird Song look book!   There are some great projects shown and closeups of all the pretty fabrics in this collection.  

Now for the fun part, leave a comment and you might win a 10 inch charm pack of Pat's fabric!

The drawing is open to international  friends as well, and if chosen you'll win this cute Perfect Little Box of Colors of Aurifil thread!

Here's a list of everyone participating in the tour along with their links.  you can also catch people on Instagram by following the #patsloansbirdsong hashtag. You have a chance to win with every participant so I hope you check them all out! Pat will have updates daily so you can check out her Instagram here. 

• Monday
  • Beth Helfter www.evapaigequilts.com
  • Hilary Jordan https://auribuzz.com/
• Tuesday
  • Jacquelynne Steves https://jacquelynnesteves.com/
  • Carolina Asmussen https://www.carolinasmussen.com/
• Wednesday
  •  Andy Knowlton https://www.abrightcorner.com/
  • Pam Vieira-McGinnis http://pamkittymorning.blogspot.com/
• Thursday
  • Jane Davidson https://quiltjane.com/
  • Annie Unrein https://www.byannie.com/byannie-blog
• Friday
  • Fat Quarter Shop https://blog.fatquartershop.com/
  • Roseann Kermes https://rosebudscottage.typepad.com/rosebuds_cottage/
• Saturday
• Wendy Sheppard  https://ivoryspring.wordpress.com/
• Scott Hansen www.bluenickelstudios.com

That's it for me today!!  I should be back here soon because I can't wait to talk about my fun current quilt in the making.  You've maybe seen it on Instagram here...   It's so much easier to share photos on IG but it really takes a blog post to fill in all the details, you know? Hope you're having a good summer or make that winter for all my southern hemisphere friends!