I have a hard time coming up with titles.      Sewing probably doesn’t make your heart any stronger.  Maybe it should be fonder?  But fond of what?  Fabric?  Well, that’s true!  I also know is this:   Sewing is not a cardiovascular activity.  The only way I figured it helps me loose weight is by the fact that when I’m sewing, I’m not shoving food in my face.

So I’m feeling better. YAY!  I really appreciate those of you that left me kind messages on here and also the friends that sent emails, stopped by and called to say hello.  For my birthday (a long time ago) I was given a very generous gift card to a spa.  So I will be using it this week to be pampered a little.  I’m also going out to dinner with a friend that I never get to see often enough.  I’m quite looking forward to both.  Plus my husband will be home a lot more this week.  I’m so glad!  I dont’ know how military wives can handle having their spouse gone for months and months on end.  When my hubby is gone for a number of days, I start to loose it.

Anywho, I have been sewing.  And let me tell you – the creative juices that start flowing when I start cutting into fabric really do help improve the mood!  I love love love being able to take a piece of cloth and turn it into whatever my heart desires.  I had to set aside the Shade Garden project because it needed something more – and I needed a little time to figure out exactly what the something more was.  I have several orders for friends that I’m working on too – but I really needed to make something for myself.  So here is the challenge:  

Can you guess what it is?

The fabrics include:

Grey Checked Floral from Erin McMorris’ Wildwood collection
Retro Apples from Timeless Treasures Apple collection
Lime Tapestry from Patty Young’s Mezzanine collection

I may have a little special gift for someone who guesses correctly.  And I’ll have pictures when the lighting improves.  Hope your weekend is going well!

PS.  Sunday is the last day for the free shipping offer!

(Orders over $35 in US.  Use code FREE.  International order over $35, save $5.  Use code WORLD.)

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Today I spent some time looking through all my photos on flickr.  It helped me feel better.

Today I also went swimming.  And it was the best I have ever done swimming.  It helped me feel better too.

(The reveal for the Shade Garden project will have to be another day – sorry it’s not done yet.)

Here is Haley’s Christmas Dress last year.  I used a Pink Fig pattern, the Lily Top,  and super cute vintage inspired fabric.  The boys didn’t get Christmas outfits last year.  See – their life is improving.       

You still have time to make all sorts of things for Christmas. I’m not feeling up to pestering you about it though. So I’ll just say that all the Holiday prints are on sale. All are under $6/yard.

And there are other prints that would make awesome Christmas items without being too Christmasy – if that makes any sense! Like the Whimsy line from Michael Miller. Okay, that’s all I’m saying for now about Christmas.      Oh wait – did you see the Figgy Pudding outfits for this year?  That fabric is awsome!  Okay, really….I’ll stop talking now about Christmas.

Oh and the Apple line from Timeless Treasures is all back in stock! It’s retro goodness would make for some dang cute Thanksgiving things – like napkins and aprons. Oh – I’m seeing a project in my near future.

Only a couple days left of the shipping deal.  Don’t miss out!

PS. Sorry that I’ve been in a funk. I’m trying not to let life get me down. Sometimes it just takes a bit more work.

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I’m not gonna lie.  I’m still in a bad mood.  I can’t shake it.
But that’s not very fun.  Know what is fun?
Making things….

So I’m going to make myself something from Shade Garden.

And Linen.

mmmmmm – linen…….

I’m feeling a little better already……

PS.  I should tell you that I’m offering free shipping (US) this week on orders over $35.  Code FREE  (through 11-8-09)  International customers use the code WORLD to take $5 off your order of $35 or more.

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Before leaving for Quilt Market, my husband and I decided we’d take a little vacation as soon as I returned home.  We knew we’d go somewhere in Colorado – and that got me thinking..

I can get the kids Christmas pictures in real snow!

So I set off to make their Christmas outfits like 2 days before I leave for quilt market.  Maybe I’m not too bright – but  I LOVE the way they turned out.  I used fabric from Figgy Pudding.  And the Art Gallery Nature Elements  (love them) for Haley’s overdress (that is the Feliz pattern again – no ruffles this time.  I imagine you’ll see more pictures of these outfits and more details on them!)  BUT in my haste, I forgot to bring Haley a white shirt.

FAIL!

So we take the pictures anyway and photoshop does the rest.  I am so horrible at photoshop. (btw, I have photoshop elements b/c I can’t afford the real thing.  And mostly I’m happy with it.)  So don’t laugh at me…okay?  Here is what I did.

Step 1: Open Picture in photoshop.  (if you can’t do that…well then there is no hope so just skip to the end.)

Step 2:  Lasso the pink shirt

Step 3: Go to Enhance: Adjust Color : Change Color

Step 4: Select the pink color with they eyedropper.

My understanding is the the fuzziness will include hues around the color you picked. A higher number is a larger spectrum – so I put that up pretty high since I want the shades of pink to be changed.

Step 5: Adjust the lightness

On my Flickr photos  I showed what happens when you mess with hue and saturation. For this picture I didn’t need to adjust that at all. So I just moved the light scale. I did not go all the way to 100% b/c that looked a little too bright to me.

Step 6: Also mask the cold sore.

My poor children get cold sores sometimes. So I used the spot healer brush to dab that away.

And the finished picture…..

It’s not perfect at all. And now that you know the shirt was pink you can see halo effects of the pink around. BUT I think that at first glance it’s close enough that hopefully most people won’t sit there and stare at it. What do you think? (Knowing myself, I’ll probably go back and try to get rid of a bit of that pink glow.)

Are you a photoshop expert?  If so I’d LOVE more tips!

EDITED:  So this is what it should look like when you know what you’re doing.  Thanks Jenny for the help!  You rock!

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My week has been….blah.  And I don’t want to complain and whine – so instead, I’ve been silent.  Anyway, now I’m happy it’s Friday!  Since tomorrow is Halloween (also Reformation Day, as a friend pointed out) I thought the kids needed something a little special to wear to school today.

The idea for the shirt is from Regina of Creative Kismet

My children painted the eyes.  In my house, this is really really huge.  In fact, when my oldest son was in preschool and it was time to do an art project with paint – he refused.  His reason: “My mom doesn’t let me paint.”  And he is right.  I can barely handle crayons – so paint is something my children don’t see – like ever.  And yes, I have a huge amount of guilt over it because I feel I need to foster their creative sides.  So -anyway, I got out my paint and let them do the work.   And paint is not covering our entire house – only our downstairs bathroom sink and toilet.  *sigh*

You have to take note of the sword Taylor has down the back of his shirt.  And the juice box.  He’s such a funny boy. 

Sword √
Juice √
Eye in the back √

We tried to make Haley’s hair black this morning – it didn’t work so well.  But I still think she looks darn cute in her spooky spider dress.  

All for now.  I really do have great plans for some blog posts….if I can just find the time!

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Haley has been asking me to make her the Kyoko shirt for a long time now.  Like maybe a year.  So sometime last week I finally got around to making it for her!

Let me tell you – these ModKid patterns are amazing! They are full color books with great instructions and pictures to illustrate the steps. I really really enjoyed sewing it. (So much so that the next night I made the Isabel dress. Pictures coming on that one too.)  Some of Patty’s newest patterns have already sold out! Yay! More are coming – I promise!

The fabric I used is from Moda’s designer, Momo. She is Japanese and the fabric, if you ask me, couldn’t be more perfect. It’s the Odyssea line – the main print is Calypso (in Kelp) with the accent of Nautica. I made the obi using Art Gallery’s Nature Elements. These blenders are wonderful! I find myself using them over and over!  Binding is Luxe from Charisma (which is on sale!)

Anyway – we love it.  I love it.  Haley loves it too.  (And yes, she is wearing jeans – by her own choice! )  A mom at Haley’s school ask where she could buy one.  That always makes me smile.    

Speaking of sales – this week  20% off of ALL Michael Miller fabrics.  Even the sale fabrics!!!!  Use the code MMF09 when you checkout. (good through Nov 1, 2009)  I actually think it was Michael Miller that got me excited again about sewing.  They have SO many great prints.  The Ta Dots – the kids prints – the fun floral –  and their desingers.  We all love their designers! 

Alright, I’ve got some end of bolts that need listing….

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Thanks everyone for playing along with me!  The fabric from Sandi Henderson will be in my shop in November.  If you’d like, I can add you to an email list to let you know as soon as it arrives!  Just leave a comment or drop me a message at aboveallfabric at gmail dot com.  All prints will be available by the half yard in addition to fat quarter sets (by colorway and the whole collection).

So the winners are:

1.  Monkeydoodle

October 19, 2009 at 7:59 pm

I am DROOLING over those new Sandi Henderson fabrics (but would welcome some new patterns, too!)

2.  Lisa Higgins (from Facebook)

3. Stephanie

October 20, 2009 at 6:09 am

What an awesome giveaway! How could you pick one out of such great stuff! Thanks for the chance to win!!!

4.  Marnie  Bushmole (from Facebook)

5. Kim

October 22, 2009 at 3:39 am

Fantastic giveaway! You are so sweet! 

I will be emailing each of you as well!

Hope to see everyone back soon! I have a few fun things to share this coming week!

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Girls Live?

Yeah, I don’t know.  I have the book, Where the Wild Things Are (and the movie) on my brain.  I haven’t actually seen the movie.  And based on one of my friend’s review – I won’t see it until it comes out on DVD.   But the fabric I used is from a collection called Wildwood, so it seems fitting.

Maybe.

And I am actually a little dizzy in the head.  I fear I might be catching something.

Okay forget my craziness….back to the cute little outfit Haley is wearing!  

It’s from the new Pink Fig pattern Scrapbook Jeans & a Sweatshirt.  I still need to add a big button to the front – or a fabric flower like my friend Anna.  But it wasn’t done – and the temperature was below 70 degrees (I am raising an Arizona girl!) so Haley wanted to wear it today.      

I used fabric from Erin McMorris’ Wildwood collection (oh I already told you that, didn’t I?) and instead of a sweatshirt (we are in AZ afterall) I used a raglan shirt I had on hand.  (Pssst – they are also listed in my store in the new Notions section at a great price!) 

And the hood!  The hood is lined with minky fabric.  

The minky will be available in my store  soon- in smaller cuts (in other words, more afforable!)  I’ll be sure to let you know when it’s up.

As usual – I opted to size up when making this for Haley.  That way, I figure it’ll last her longer.  I realize, however, that I need to stop doing that because I make her so many things – she needs to outgrow them!  If that makes any sense.       

Oh – I almost forgot to share – I got many of the prints from Erin’s Park Slope collection in the shop now!  They are no longer being printed so I got a great deal on them!  And I’m passing it on to you guys.  Plus this week if you use the code ERIN when you check out, you’ll get an additional 20% off (good on both her Park Slope and her Wildwood collections!)

Now my head is really spinning.  I’ve got to go find some medicine.  Talk at you again soon!

PS.  There is still time to enter the grandest giveaway ever!  And remember – someone has to win. (Actually 5 people will win! ) Yes, international entries are accepted and yes, I know I’m crazy to give away this awesome fabric and the patterns too.  I might have to have my head checked.  Thank you very much.  Plus your chances are way better with me than with, say, Ree.

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I started to compile a detailed list of what I ordered.  Then I got bored.   So instead let’s just do these giveaways.  You’ll want to win them ALL!  They are so great.

1. Craft Apple Patterns: (estimated retail value $36)

I really enjoy spending time with Linda  - but more importanly – I love her patterns.  They are so well written.  Every detail is covered.  You don’t have to guess or wonder what you’re supposed to do next.

2. Sidewinder and other goodies from Quilt Market: (estimated retail value $30) 

The bobbin winder is super handy – I’m told.  It doesn’t work with Viking bobbins tho.      Also included are a Moda quilt puzzle, a ModKid tape measure, free pattern and picture brochure from Amy Butler, notepad and more pretty things from Anna Maria Horner, Jenean Morrison’s postcards with her California Dreamin’ designs, and a cute little token from Sweetwater.

3. Pink Fig Patterns: (estimated retail value $72.50) 

5 patterns from Pink Fig (including her new Nie Nie skirt) and her embelishment book!  Super fun patterns for little girls.  I use them often!

And the GRAND FINALE!  

These aren’t even available in the store yet! But you can get a fat quarter set of Sandi Henderson’s newest collection right now!  Right here! 

4. Fat Quarter set of Meadowsweet – Peach Colorway (estimated retail value $42.50)

  The peach colorway has 17 prints.  Henna Garden appears again in new colors.  Other prints include Vintage Paisley, Poppy Parade, Chain Flower and more.  Here are a couple more pictures.

5. Fat Quarter set of Meadowsweet – Pear Colorway (estimated retail value $32.50)

The Pear colorway has 13 prints.  Peony Plaid, Splashy Rose, Daisy Path, Paper Snowflake and more.  Yummy!

SO HOW DO YOU WIN?

Leave a comment.  Easy peasy.
There will be 3 winners from my blog.

AND I will choose 2 lucky winners from my Facebook Fan Page.
So become a Fan and have another couple chances to win.

The first name I pick with get to choose which gift they want, and so on and so forth. I’m making a lot of work for myself. The entries will close on FRIDAY OCTOBER 23rd and announced shortly after that!  Okay!  I’ve closed the comments – Will draw the winners soon!

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I am taking a tiny little break from the Quilt Market blog series to post a couple pictures from Fall Break.  It was so relaxing and enjoyable. The scenery is magnificent and the weather was perfect for our trip. We drove up to the mountains one day and even found it snowing. Just for us.  

The whole set of pictures is on Flickr.

Thanks for letting me take that little detour. One more quilt market post to come!

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