Monday, December 29, 2014

2014 Favorites

Berry Bunch 2014 Favorites
It has been a crazy year! I made a resolution that iwas going to do more this year and I started off fairly strong. But, sometimes life happens and I needed to focus on family; they needed me. Even though, I think it has been a pretty good year, and I think you, readers, for making it as great as it's been!

I thought it might be fun to jump on and do a review of the year. See what you, readers, visited the most. And also share with you my favorites. It was really hard to pick. I loved how so much of what was done this year turned out!

My favorites

Your favorites

The one that had the least views, probably because I didn't promote it as much. Hmm... A lesson learned perhaps? 

I have met do many great blogging people this year. They have pushed my sewing ability, to get me to do more. I've met some incredible pattern designers that have given me athe great opportunity to test the patterns. They are all great people. I'm so glad I've gotten to meet them!

One thing I have noticed is I've spent a whole lot of less time on Pinterest. It's hard when friends ask if I've seen stuff, I laugh because I'm just not on it. I also have less time to sew and work on things with baby girl taking one nap a day and little man not taking any. It makes it harder to write up posts, edit writing, take pictures, edit pictures, etc. It's a lot of work, and it's hard to do with so little time!

It's been fun learning and growing, and thank you for coming along for the ride. I look forward to a New Year!

Happy New Year!

Friday, December 19, 2014

Be Brave Ribbon Necklace: Etsy Shop Opened


I made this necklace for my secret sister. I loved it and wanted one for myself. But, instead I'm sharing it with you!

I opened an etsy shop called BunchOBerriesDesigns so I could sell these necklaces and am thinking of listing bags too, but one step at a time.


I found these incredible metal stamps ImpressArt Uppercase Stamp Set, 3mm, Bridgette (affiliate link), and I love the font. I also got the numbers too. ImpressArt Number Stamp Set, 3mm, Bridgette (affiliate link)...

I love how it turned out, and my secret sister said she loves it too. I've already seen her wear it twice! Makes me happy that she enjoys it!

So check it out, heart it to spread the word, share it with friends who might like it, order one for yourself.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/214159394/be-brave-hand-stamped-metal-washer?

Tell me... What do you think?

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

GYCT Designs Holly & Ivy Party Dress



Have you seen the Holly & Ivy Party Dress by GYCT Designs (affiliate)? I love this dress on baby girl. I live that it's easy to sew, fast, and has so many different options! Perfect for play, perfect for dressing up. It's just an awesome dress!


The dress has three neck lines;  sweetheart, square and round. It has two sleeve options; long and short with elastic. The dress also gives directions for doing an overlay!



I did a regular one for baby girl in a square neck for Thanksgiving and an overlay with a sweetheart neck for her Christmas dress. Both turned out so cute! I capped the sleeve for the Christmas one, lined it and sewed it onto the bodice before doing the lining... That way all those bodice seams are hidden.



Check out the dress, such an easy sew. Adorable! Holly & Ivy Party Dress by GYCT Designs (affiliate)

Perfect for pictures with Santa!


Happy sewing!

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Arizona Mug Rug: A Paper Piecing Tutorial

You've probably seen my Arizona Mug Rug here and here, and you can buy the paper piecing pattern on craftsy. Here I'm giving directions on how to assemble paper piecing patterns using my Arizona Flag Mug Rug.

Print patterns according to directions, in this case without any scaling. Make sure the 1" test box is 1". I print them on paper that works really for paper piecing, this is it from Amazon! Love this stuff! Foundation Piecing Paper (affiliate)

Cut out all pieces.



Then I take and fold on the lines... This makes trimming the fabric once sewed, and matching the fabric piece to the space a little easier too.


Match up the size of fabric to the space starting with the numbered 1 space. I think of it like a quilt-by-number as-you-go method, but on paper instead of batting.


Make sure you leave enough room for seam allowance.

I use a spot of glue, like this glue Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks (affiliate), to hold down the first piece of fabric as I start. wrong side of the fabric to the back of the paper.


Then take your 2nd piece of fabric (making sure it's big enough) and line it up on top of your first piece, right sides together. using a short stitch length, sew along the line of the paper fabric down so you could see the lines.

Lining up D+C...

Open up your fabric and it should cover the second space plus seam allowance. Trim down for the next piece leaving a 1/4" - 1/2" seam allowance.


Continue for each piece and shape and then trim down to the final paper size and shape.


then sew together as instructed by pattern. In this case:

Bottom parts A + B, then tear away paper

Top first E+F & D+C then EF + DC .. tear away paper 

Last top + bottom

I pinned to make sure the star came out.


Square it off, sandwich with batting and backing then quilt and bind!



You now have a fun new rug mug for your morning coffee or tea!

Don't forget to give this a try using my pattern that you can buy on craftsy !

Happy sewing!