Gifts for me!

Sherie sent me this guy for christmas. He is totally cracking me up.
This is what you expected right?!? I think his name is Bub... he's not sure about it though.

Gram sent me this. Totally digging it! She forgot to take a picture for her blog so I get to show you!!

It has been FREEZING here! Literally. All my plants are dead... moo. We recieved a care package (WOOT!) from some of our friends in St. Louis to help us get through.

Freaking scrumptious let me tell you!! He roasted it himself. And I fully plan to make him show me how to do this when we see him again. Better not tell me it's a family secret! Thank you guys!! I love it all!

P.S. John you can send me more anytime.

P.S.S Sherie I want something I can wear and show off! Please. How about a cardigan? Mum says you pull beatiful things out of your butt... so search around for me k?

Coffee Cozy Tutorial

VERY IMPORTANT Printer Settings:

- This pattern must be printed on legal paper.

- Page Scaling: None

- Choose paper source by PDF size

Supplies

13”x5” - lining fabric

8”x5” - exterior fabric

5”x5” - large patchwork fabric

4”x5” - small patchwork fabric

13”x5” - one-sided fusible fleece

Coordinating thread

Sewing machine

Iron

Scissors

Needle

Optional:

Coordinating embroidery floss

Coffee cup from your favorite coffee shop

Make your cozy:

1) Print and cut out pattern.

2) Cut out lining fabric. IMPORTANT: If your lining fabric is one-sided make sure to flip the pattern piece upside down.

3) Sew together your exterior fabric and patchwork pieces using the first two lines on the pattern as a guide. IMPORTANT Make sure to adjust your patchwork fabric if it has a pattern or is directional.

4) Cut out exterior fabric.

5) Trim pattern down to the second line.

6) Use new pattern to cut out fleece. IMPORANT You want to make sure the fusible side is facing the pattern.

7) Place fleece on the backside of your exterior fabric fusible side should be down. Center on fabric.

8) Iron fleece onto your exterior fabric.

9) Optional: Add embroidery. The fusible fleece will keep fabric from stretching.

10) Place exterior and lining fabric right sides together and pin in place.

11) -12) Sew along edge of fleece (do not sew on fleece). Leave the non patchwork edge open for flipping.

13) flip cover right side out.

14) Iron cover. Make sure all edges and corners are pushed out.

15) Fold in and pin open edge closed.

16) -17) Starting your seam along your pinned edge. Sew a 1/8” inch all the way around your fabric.

17) Pin pattern to cozy on patchwork side.

18) Loop your cozy. Match up the patchwork edge of the cozy with the last line on the pattern.

19) Slide out your pattern.

20) Pin together.

21) If you have a starbucks coffee cup on hand double check your cozy size adjust if necessary.

22) Hand stitch your cozy together. Hide your stitching.

23) When you get to the back flip inside out and continue until the overlapping material is completely enclosed.

Go out right away and order some coffee!

A Saturday in Stuttgart

The Man and I decided that a good way to spend this Saturday was to wander through downtown Stuttgart. Imagine our surprise to find the Navy Band playing in the Rathaus square. First the presentation of flowers and then good ole American Rock and Roll...... The crowd really seemed to enjoy it. If you haven't been to the farmer's market you are missing out. There is a lot of about anything you can think of. It's gorgeous and overwhelming and fun to wander through.

It's crowded, but it's ok. Most people are in a good mood. Fruits and vegies seem to make some people happy..... When you're over it, there's a coffee haus on the edge of the square. It is nicely situated in the sun. Apparently it's the place to be and it gets crowded. You know who and I were lucky, we got a table, had some lovely coffee and a good pannini. Later they pulled out fun lounge chairs. We almost stopped again......
Last but not least was the flea market on the Karlsplatz. You can find anything from antiques to junk. I had to get one of the brown bowls in the picture. Can't wait for Kelly to see it. The artist is from Uzbekistan.

It's hat time again.....

Because I don't have enough to do. This one is for Elena, don't tell her, it will be a surprise that I finally did it. I made one for Collin first, he whines the loudest. I owe my Miss Ava Larue a couple more. I love her face, her big brown eyes.... go here to see her for yourself. Her whole family is just too cute!

Yes Jess, I will make you flowers.

Yes Adrienne, I will show you how to make flowers.

Mary, my coffee cup is empty in the background. I love your coffee.

I think this picture is funny. I was trying to take it myself, with short arms it's not easy. Didn't realize poor Brink was there. He personally is over the hats and just wants to walk.

What not to do and what got done......

Do not, under any circumstances drink several double esspresso lattes in one day. Have I introduced you to my magical coffee machine? She is lovely. I won't take my own advice. I will do it again and suffer.......I managed to finish this dress. It was inspired by a pattern we have at the shop. I made mine reversible.
I also finished a bag made from some Japanese fabric I brought home from quilt market. I need to remember to send Jessica a piece..... Yes, this is just one bag.
Small zip bag. I have made a couple of these after Jessica sent me one. Hers is prettier. You can see it here.

I also cleaned up my "crafting" area. I wasn't quite finished so this is all you get. The area is a wall in a room where a lot of other stuff goes on too. I know, I know, it still looks pretty messy but isn't that the nature of what we do????I also talked to my mom for two hours. There was a moment of hysteria because I am an idiot. I am sure having the shakes from coffee made it worse/funnier. Wow I am an idiot twice.....