December Sew Along Project!

The December Project
        for  Across The Pond Sew Along

December is moving right along...  and Amanda, from The Patchsmith has given us an awesome project for this month!  (Go to her blog and get more details about making December's sew along project.  The Patchsmith.blogspot.com )

She  has created-   A Trio of Trees placemats, in two versions.

One:    Applique Technique

Appliqued Trees Placemat and Napkin by The Patchsmith at Craftsy

and, Two:   Paper Pieced Technique

Trio of Trees Paper Pieced Placemat    by The Patchsmith  at Craftsy

Both are charming, and an excellent gift to make for the holidays!  Or make them with  a season theme , or  in colors to match your kitchen and dining room!
   
Sew Along with us  on our projects from the Across the Pond Sew Along ,  and post it on our  Flickr page!  See what beautiful things our friends and family are creating!  
This is the link to go to our Flickr group page:  http://www.flickr.com/groups/2154636@N22/


And now ....Giveaway Alert!!

A  Giveaway is coming Dec. 9 -17 !!

Happy 5th Birthday – Quilter’s Blog Hop Party

 Quilting Gallery 

Check back here on Susie's Sunroom, on the evening of Dec. 9  , to see more details!   
I have a really neat  giveawy for this blog hop!  (Hint:  I love patterns from  At Home With Mrs. H....


Time to start sewing again...
I want to make my placemats with seasonal colors, I think....
Let's see ....  which version do you think that I'll try first??? 

I'm off to my sewing room!

Birdie Sling

Sewing one of my favorite patterns

If you are a regular  blog reader of Susie's Sunroom, you will probably notice that I like to make a few  things A LOT! 
 (It is NOT an addiction.... it is an AFFINITY :)  )

Besides mug rugs,  I love to make purses and totes.  One of my favorite patterns  to make is the Birdie Sling,  an Amy Butler Pattern.   This is a stylish and fun tote bag, that can be used as a purse, too. 

The Birdie Sling pattern   by Amy Butler

Today's sling was made for my  cousin.  She mentioned to me that she liked the sling I had made for her sister, in the fall.  (This one, in black and white and PINK!  , seen below.)

Black and White and  PINK  Birdie Sling

  After showing her  some different fabric options, she chose this vibrant  assortment of fabrics.   I loved her choice!  (Note:   Poppies  are from a line  by Exclusivelyquilters.com,  made in 2007.)

Poppies   by Exclusivelyquilters.com

                                                               And,

Poppies by ExclusivelyQuilters.com

I added a black fabric  , with dots of gold ,  made by Bark Sackel for BlankQuilting.com, 2010, which was in my stash.

First peek... the  gold  fabric lining,  with a  big pocket inside

I added a cell phone slot for easy access , in the big pocket,  and a zippered lining pocket on the other side.

I customized her bag further,  by adding  the zippered lining pocket, the magnet snaps for some closure , and her monogram.

This sling bag has fun pleats on the front and back, and  is roomy inside.  I just love its curvy shape! 

"See  my gold lining  and my curves?"

K  monogram

She really likes her  "Poppies"  Birdie Sling.  I think the colors go perfectly  with her dark brown hair, and her personality!   

Now, I need to focus on making a few more items for a bazaar.  On this  Saturday,  I will be selling items with Maxine!  Where is the time going??.....

I'm off to my sewing room!

PS   Have you thought about joining us in the  Across The Pond Sew Along?
If you are too busy,  maybe join up in December or January..... it's never too late!

PPS    I have linked my sling bag on to Can I get a Whoop Whoop on Confessions of a Fabric Addict.  This is a fun blog to check out lots of beautiful projects!  Hop on over to look at them.

A Surprise from Across the Pond!

A Gift from a Friend

Earlier this week,  I found a mysterious and wonderful package in my mailbox!  It was an odd shape, and it  was all wrapped up in duck tape!   I knew that I didn't have a fabric order still "out there"....( we ALL know when we are waiting for a fabric order to arrive!!) 

Upon closer inspection inside the house, I saw the ROYAL MAIL  sticker first...   Can you see the Queen's profile?   Then,  on the bottom right-hand  corner, it had a label saying it was from my friend , Amanda!!  

This overseas package came from Amanda,  The Patchsmith !

Well , now I began to squeal with like a little child getting ready to open up a Christmas present!  But I slowed myself down, and decided to cut it open very carefully.  I didn't want to cut into any fabric... just in case there was any kind of fabric in there.  

My treasures from the UK and Amanda

Inside I found the " best of the best"  ...  thoughtful  treasures,  relating to conversations and projects shared , by internet  and pictures and blogs! 

How  did Amanda know that I LOVE  shortbread cookies?? ( I am not sharing these with anybody!!)     I will be using this  adorable tin with the Scottie dogs, in my sewing room, for fun storage!!  

Fade to ......   

The Patchsmith's Scottie Dogs pattern  (on Craftsy)

                                      

My version of the Scottie Dogs Mug Rug  (for my mom)   

I looked this up on Wikipedia after  Amanda told me she was going  "to eat an ice cream cone with Flake ,"  out by the harbor....

A 99 Flake can refer to an ice cream cone with a Cadbury Flake inserted in it;

And then, for my favorite part of the surprise...

My mug rug
Made by Amanda,  The Patchsmith  
Pattern made by Amy , of Amy Made That! (My sister!)

I love the echo quilting and vibrant colors Amanda chose!!  And the extra  "Patchsmith" touches that she added !
Fade to....

The Patchsmith made a mug rug designed by Amy at www.eamylove.blogspot.com
(This is her picture from one of her previous blogs.... little did I know that she was sending it to the USA for me!)

Amy Made That  Tumbler Mug Rug Pattern (on Craftsy)
(This is the first Tumbler mug rug from Amy's blog.)

So , Thank you ever so much for your wonderful gifts, Amanda!   xoxoxo

Meeting you and becoming your friend is one of the blessings that I am so thankful for this Thanksgiving!

 

I'm off to my sewing room!