Kitchen upgrade

My husband and I are renting a home until we decide where we want to end up living permanently. As many of you know rental properties can be drab. I love this house and am trying to figure out ways to add a splash of color without putting a lot of money into it. This week I created a matching  kitchen set to add some color. Our walls are a grey blue and cabinets are white. At first I was going to go with lime green accents. However, I remembered I had a jelly roll waiting for the perfect project and it would work out great for the kitchen. I ended up making a set of pot holders, a grocery bag holder, a dish towel and curtains. This is the first personal sewing I have done in months. I had an absolute blast. Now, back to regularly scheduled client work and new orders as well as gifts.

 For weeks now I have been staring at the bag of bags hanging in the stairway to the basement and thinking I need to fix that mess. Yesterday I was searching for new ideas and found a new to me blog that featured a grocery bag holder. I headed to my stash and 2 hours later this is what I made.

I am sure this could be made in less than 2 hours. However, me being me I decided I wanted a scrappy look and used 13 2.5 "  strips from my scrap pile. The holder is only 3/4 full in this picture.  If you would like more info on this holder you can visit Ashley at http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2009/01/grocery-bag-holder.html

 

Baby Quilt

I have been very lucky to have an amazing boss at the tutoring place I work for part time. I found out she was pregnant and knew what I had to do. It was time to make a baby quilt. Her colors were green and pink and I was limited on the time I had to make the quilt. I spent the weekend working on this and ended up with this quilt. I played with using two different color borders but think in the future I will stick to using 1 border all the way around.

It occurred to me tonight that I have been so busy I have not blogged in quite awhile. So I thought I would rectify that.  I am still working on getting the ideal set up for my sewing room and when I figure it out I plan to do a short video tour. Yes folks I am going to venture into shooting videos. O.K., so a little about what I have been up to.

My friend and fellow Etsy shop owner Brandy  commissioned me to make felties she could use in her hairbows. I had been wanting to create some of my own designs so I decided why not !  Now you may be asking what in the world is a feltie?  Felties are embroidered pieces of felt used for scrap booking or a variety  of other crafts. It has been about a month and I have created quite a few designs manually using my embroidery software. By no means do I claim to be an expert. However, I think these came out really cute.

The pictures above are uncut felties. Each design has an outline stitched around it so you can easily cut it to your desired size. I will be offering felties on my Etsy shop in the future depending on the demand for them. Also, be on the lookout for embroidery designs that I will create and sell. I am working on testing some now.  If you are interested in getting some custom designs created pleased contact me and we can work on your design.

I am also working on some new bib ideas. Here are two sports themed bibs I created recently. Both of these are for sale. Again I am open to hearing your ideas and I would love to answer any questions my future customers may have. You can message me for more info info@quilthandler.com or hit me up on facebook


 

 

New Space

My husband and I relocated in Feb 2012 from KY back home to NJ. After almost a year of staying with my in-laws we have ventured out to a home of our own again. I am lucky enough to have a sewing space again and it is probably three times the size of my room in Kentucky.  I am so excited just dreaming of all the sewing I will get done. Those of you that know me know I am a tad OCD and everything has to be in its place before I can sew. Therefore, I have spent the last 2 weeks just organizing and cleaning. The rest of the house is finally done and now I can focus on the sewing room. I thought I would share some pictures ( the before) and the work in progress(as of today). The when I have it all set up I will share more pictures.

 

[caption id="attachment_452" align="aligncenter" width="150"] My 10 X12 closet[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_450" align="aligncenter" width="150"] view from the closet[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_451" align="aligncenter" width="150"] From the staircase[/caption]

 

 

My new room measures 24 X14 with a 12 X10 closet. I have set up a mini fridge, computer, bed, printer , recliner and all my sewing stuff. I could live up here if only there was a bathroom !

New Year, Resolutions and Quilt Handler

 

 

Happy New Year everyone !  I hope you had a wonderful 2012 and are blessed with a fun filled, positive and easy 2013. What will the new year bring for Quilt Handler ?????

 

In the new year you will find holiday items, more baby bibs and  embroidery. My mind is full of new ideas for the new year. Look for valentine's day items appearing this week on Etsy. I  look forward to a wonderful 2013 with all of our friends, family and customers.

Black Friday Through Cyber Monday Sale

 

We are having a Black Friday - Cyber Monday Sale. Don't miss out. We added new gift sets, quilts and so much more. In order to receive your discount enter 1 of  the following coupon codes when making your purchase.

Holiday12- 10 % off your order

Freeshp12- free shipping

 

You can only use 1 discount offer.

 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheQuiltHandler?ref=si_shop

 

 

Unexpected Quilts

 

 

I was pleasantly surprised by our local mall on Saturday. They have redone their motto to reflect quilting.  According to the information available inside the mall, Moorestown was founded by Quakers and has a rich quilting history.  I must have stood in the entry way for ten minutes on the way in and on the way out. It was so fun to see a wall dedicated to quilting. I think these unexpected encounters with quilts excite me the most. I took pictures of some of the stenciling and sayings painted on the wall of the entry way.



This runs the entire length of the walls on either side of the entry way. I know it is an eight point star. But, does anyone know it’s name?



I never thought of this but how true this statement is! We are creative recyclers and some of the first recyclers.



 



 

 

There was also a beautiful T shirt quilt on display that was bordered with photographs taken in Moorestown through the years. If you live in the south Jersey area I suggest visiting the Moorestown Mall. They also have some nice shops including Sears, Spencer’s Gifts, Hot Topic, Boscov’s and many more.

http://moorestown-mall.com/

 

 

Upcoming Quilt Events

 



Hello friends,

If you are like me, you are always keeping your eyes out for upcoming quilt shows and quilting events. Who doesn't love the chance to spend the day getting inspired by fellow quilters. Also, who can resist the chance to shop at the vendors and merchant malls? I know I can't. There are 2 upcoming quilt events I want to share with you. Some of you have probably heard of them but maybe someone doesn't know about them yet. I have not attended either of them. However, I am hoping I get a chance to go to Quilt Odyssey in 2013 and some Mancuso shows this year.

 

The first event is Quilt Odyssey, which is held  in Hershey PA.  It runs from July 26-29th. This is a quilt show with classes and retreats. There will also be vendors.

 

https://server7.pacecomputing.com/quiltodysseycom/www/Merchants-Mall.php

 

The second  is The Quilt Festival and Antiques Show put on by Mancuso Show Management. They put on 7 shows throughout the year.




August show -will be held in Manchester New Hampshire and run  August 16-19th

http://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=18




September Show- will be held in Philadelphia Pennsylvania and run September 13-16th

http://quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=4




October Show- will be held in Santa Clara California and run October 11-14th

http://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=7




November Show- will be held in West Palm Beach Florida and run November 8-10th

http://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=36




February Show- will be held in Hampton Virginia and run February 21-24th

http://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=8


 

Feb/ March Show- will be held in Somerset New Jersey and run February 28-March 3rd

http://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=30




May Show- will be held in Denver Colorado and run May 2-5th

http://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=35


 

 

OH BABY!!! ~Your choice of bibs with custom embroidery~

 

I just listed 9 new colors of bibs. I did not want to blow up your Facebook by posting all ten listings. However, I wanted you to know about the new stock. So, here are the 9 new colors of bibs now available. These make great gifts and are a unique way to announce your pregnancy to family and friends.
[gallery link="file" order="DESC" orderby="title"]

OH BABY!!! ~Your choice of bibs with custom embroidery~

I just listed 9 new colors of bibs. I did not want to blow up your Facebook by posting all ten listings. However, I wanted you to know about the new stock. So, here are the 9 new colors of bibs now available. These make great gifts and are a unique way to announce your pregnancy to family and friends.

Happy Fourth of July

As far back as I can remember, I would get excited for the 4th of July. Growing up I have some of the best memories of spending 4th of July with my extended family. Not a year goes by that I do not think about those friends on the 4th. I hope you are making wonderful memories for yourself and your family today. I will be heading to my Dad's to enjoy a day of fun in the sun.   This is a big deal because for the last 4 years I lived 10 hours from him. Now, I can do a day trip to see him.   I pray we don't hit a ton of traffic. Although, if you live in NY or have been there you know there really is no such thing as no traffic.

 

For those of you looking to stay home in the Ac and do something fun ... check out this blog. She has a ton of cute ideas for the Fourth of July. It might be to late for many of us for this year but still  a bunch of super cute ideas for next year.

http://www.thecraftycrow.net/fourth_of_july/

 

 

Whatever you choose to do today may the 4th be with you !( Sorry I could not resist)

 

Have a happy and safe fourth my friends!!!

 

Happy Fourth of July

As far back as I can remember, I would get excited for the 4th of July. Growing up I have some of the best memories of spending 4th of July with my extended family. Not a year goes by that I do not think about those friends on the 4th. I hope you are making wonderful memories for yourself and your family today. I will be heading to my Dad's to enjoy a day of fun in the sun.   This is a big deal because for the last 4 years I lived 10 hours from him. Now, I can do a day trip to see him.   I pray we don't hit a ton of traffic. Although, if you live in NY or have been there you know there really is no such thing as no traffic.






For those of you looking to stay home in the Ac and do something fun ... check out this blog. She has a ton of cute ideas for the Fourth of July. It might be to late for many of us for this year but still  a bunch of super cute ideas for next year.


http://www.thecraftycrow.net/fourth_of_july/





Whatever you choose to do today may the 4th be with you !( Sorry I could not resist)

Have a happy and safe fourth my friends!!!

Weekend

Another weekend is upon us. I am losing track of time lately. Is it me or does time seem to be flying by? Here in New jersey we will have a heat index of 107 all weekend. I am sure most of the country is under the same heat. Stay cool my friends and remember to do something you enjoy this weekend. I am hoping to spend some time in the sewing room and also connecting with family and friends.

Weekend

Another weekend is upon us. I am losing track of time lately. Is it me or does time seem to be flying by? Here in New jersey we will have a heat index of 107 all weekend. I am sure most of the country is under the same heat. Stay cool my friends and remember to do something you enjoy this weekend. I am hoping to spend some time in the sewing room and also connecting with family and friends.

Week Wide Fourth of July Sale-ebration!

I am so excited about celebrating the birth of our great nation that for 1 week only all items in my shop are 10 % off.  Don't miss out on this  great sale.

 



 

 

“Liberty is the right to choose. Freedom is the result of the right choice.” - Anon

Week Wide Fourth of July Sale-ebration!

I am so excited about celebrating the birth of our great nation that for 1 week only all items in my shop are 10 % off.  Don't miss out on this  great sale.









“Liberty is the right to choose. Freedom is the result of the right choice.” - Anon

It breaks my heart to see or hear of a child who is struggling with an illness. Recently, my girlfriend posted on facebook that a  friend of her daughter was going through treatment for Cancer. I decided that Kk needed a quilt to cuddle up with.  I normally would not blog about this but I'd send it and move on. However, I got the cutest picture and wanted to share it. Here is a picture of Kk with her quilt.  It is so nice to see the smile on her face. If you would like to read more about Kk you can follow  her story here  https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katelynceciliasilviano/createorsignin

It breaks my heart to see or hear of a child who is struggling with an illness. Recently, my girlfriend posted on facebook that a  friend of her daughter was going through treatment for Cancer. I decided that Kk needed a quilt to cuddle up with.  I normally would not blog about this but I'd send it and move on. However, I got the cutest picture and wanted to share it. Here is a picture of Kk with her quilt.  It is so nice to see the smile on her face. If you would like to read more about Kk you can follow  her story here  https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katelynceciliasilviano/createorsignin

Quilts Quilts Everywhere. . .

I had a little break from life this week. My husband and I went to Atlantic City for his birthday.  We had an amazing time. When we checked in we got upgraded to a suite because it was hubby's birthday. We enjoyed a romantic dinner and breakfast in bed. However, quilts were never far from my mind. In our hotel room alone I saw quilts in three spots.



Imagine all the colors you could use to do a positive / negative quilt like these chair backs. Also, this painting gave me a great idea for a quilt. If you are afraid of circles like I use to be I suggest checking out this book by Dale Fleming. It was a great help to me http://www.amazon.com/Pieced-Curves-So-Simple-Applique/dp/1571202935

 

In addition to doing the casinos we went down to North Wildwood and had lunch on the boardwalk and stuck our feet in the water.



I truly hope you all had as nice of a week as I did. Have a wonderful weekend. TGIF!!!