January Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Seriously??  Happy New 2014 Year!  WHERE did this year go??  I know I have been busy but did I really miss this entire year?  I have some memorable moments but many of the days have truly escaped my memory.

But it is now time to move on... So if you have been hopping with us, then you have arrived from the happiest of all stampers at Dawn's blog here.  Her card gives you a sneak peek at some of the new CTMH products! 

If you get lost hopping around you can always go back to Melinda's blog here where you will find the complete list for this month's hop.

In my life I have dabbled in many crafts!  In the 80's I loved to crossstitch and I have a few of my projects left from that 'stage' in my life.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to sew!  No, I am not a quilter.  I originally sewed garments for myself...but alas those days are gone... 

I was once known as "the vest lady"!  I taught vest classes in Tampa and traveled in the 90's on the weekends to a variety of Pfaff dealers.  (oh - so fun!)

In 2002, I started teaching bag classes ( long before there were a million bag patterns)!  I had my own line of bag patterns and I was known as 'the bag lady'!  I decided to dig out some photos and create a 2 page layout using this month's stamp set ...  Here are several pics of the ladies with their finished bags in my 'most popular' bag class!


S1401 Cross Stitch Wishes

Here is my 2 page layout using the retired Stella paper pack.  I should probably inform you right now that I purchase any paper, stamp, embellishments or accoutrements that have to do with sewing!!!

Supplies:

S1401 Cross Stitch Wishes

X7174B Stella paper pack (retired)

X7174C Stella Complements (retired)

Z1687 Bohemian Assortment(retired)

Lagoon ink

Sunset Ink

Based on a Scrapbook Generations free layout page

Now it is off to Lisa's blog  here a.k.a. the "Happy Stamper".  I am sandwiched beteen two happy consultants - how can this year not be an exciting year???

Happy New Year everyone!!

Mug Rug Madness

On Saturday, I was the guest teacher for Stitch and Show at Bernina-Pfaff Sewing Center in Tampa, FL.  Valentine's day is my SECOND favorite holiday - how can you resist love AND candy!??

So after checking out all of the Valentine Inspiration on Pinterest, I found this cute mug rug on Ryan Walsh Valentine Inspiration blog.

Then I found another cute idea on www. Pleasant Home.com and combined the both of them for my version below.

I created a tutorial for the ladies rather than typing up a set of directions for them.  So check out the pics I have included and make one for your "True Love"!

Step #1 - Select and cut your fabric and fusible fleece according to the cutting directions below.

 (oops - forgot the 3.25 x 6.5 piece of fusible fleece...)

 Step #2 -Place 1" squares - right side together and mark diagonal lines using a ruler and pencil.

  

Step #3 - Place the 2.5" square on the bottom RIGHT side of the heart shape.

 Trim and press bottom corner flat - set heart design aside.

Step #4 - Embroidering the design

Here is the design in my software....

Completed embroidered design

Step #5 -  Completing the pocket...

Step #6 -

 

Step #7 - Binding your Mug Rug.

 Completed Designs...

 

If you get lost or confused - be sure to click on the links above for their version of the designs.  I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial......and start spreading some L-O-V-E!

I USED to love to sew, but....

Carpal tunnel in my right hand got the best of me! So I have spent the last few months converting my sewing room into a craft room for scrapbooking and stamping. Another trip to Goodwill with bags #12 and #13 and the conversion is almost complete! So now I plan on 'quilting' with paper and stamps! Here is a recent card I created from the June 2006 Technique Junkies newsletter. This technique is perfect for small pieces of paper. It is a 5 x 7 " card with 2" and 1" squares. You can use a punch but it is easier for me to cut them out using my trimmer.