A new year represents all our dreams and aspirations, while also celebrating our accomplishments.  Looking back at 2014, there were a handful of lows, but numerous highs to counteract them.  Regardless of how you count your blessings, it's important to show them recognition.  Welcoming in 2015 isn't just about a calendar year, but rather an opportunity to celebrate who you are, to your very core. As you may know, this blog is still in its infancy.  Despite this, at the mere age of 8 weeks old and thanks whole-heartedly to you, it has reached a milestone.  Today, we celebrate 1000 blog views!  While it may not seem like much, it's been an incredible kickoff to something that is bigger than ever dreamed at this stage.  To continue the momentum, here's a wonderful tutorial to help you welcome 2015 into your homes and hearts. Important information to know before you begin: If this is your first time sewing, please note that when stitching, a 1/4" seam allow

Holidays are filled with joy and laughter, stress and tears.  This year, I have traveled back home, which for me is in the South Suburbs of Chicago.  For the last seven years, my childhood home has housed another family.  Instead, we go to my grandparent’s home each year.  My parents purchased the home from their estate when my (last grandparent) grandmother passed away.  Initially, visiting them brought on an emotional gamut.  I was happy to see my parents and for them to see their grandchildren, but also so sad about my forged childhood memories.   One of many needle points made by my Maternal Grandmother. When my Grandparents purchased the house in the late 60's, the previous owners had fallen in love with a Swiss Chalet and its views while vacationing in the Alps.  They recreated the scene in the basement.  The original furniture they purchased was sold with the house and still remains there today. The last of my grandparents passed away in 2006.  When

Many of us have the best of intentions.  We purchase the (sometimes very costly) materials, and (sometimes) begin to craft with the best of intentions: a birthday gift, baby shower present, holiday giving.  If your plan was to make gifts this year for your friends and family, there's still time.  Here are a few of the projects I have in the works this week: A picnic blanket using a flat sheet from my childhood as the backing. Adorable zipper pouches, perfect for pencils, makeup, etc.  Find the pattern  here . A quilt top (ready for batting and backing).  Find the pattern  here.   This is a great project for scrap fabric. A zipper pouch made from fabric that I screened and dyed. Eyemasks galore! More of the sweetest zipper pouches. A fantastic baby blanket, toddler blanket, throw blanket, or whatever you want to call it.  It's made with Moda's Berenstain Bears fabric, and couldn't be more perfect. Potholders made from scrap fabrics

No one likes to burn their hands.  This is why t'go hot drinks (ie: coffee, lattes, brewed teas, etc) have a cardboard sleeve.  Today's version is much more eco-aware than previous models: they are made with thinner corrugated paper board.  Let's be real, paper is still paper.  It comes from trees, which are a precious resource, and in my opinion we need to be frugal with their use.  This includes the t'go cups as well.  Rather than go home with another cardboard cup, Starbucks offers a plastic travel cup for the bargain price of $2.  While I could give you a list of why metal is better than plastic, that's not what this post is about.  Rather, it's about creating your own sleeve for your hot cup of java.   Materials: Cardboard Sleeve, opened 100% Cotton Fabric Felt Thread and Needle Pins Permanent Marker (chalk, fabric marker) Scissors Start with a (recycled because it's already been used for coffee, and now putting it t