Wednesday, April 27, 2011

In Progress: Just Wing It Landscape

Hello, hello!  I finally got to play around with some Just Wing It today ... I've had this one idea swimming around in my head for a bit and so I started with a sketch and then just went for it. 

The sketch ...

My current progress ....

Certainly needs some things ... some windows, clouds and maybe a sun.  :)  My mister said I should cut out a castle peep or two and add them in.   Don't think I'll be doing that.  haha  I will share more pictures as I get further along with this project.

I love these pretty stripe-y prints from the line, too.

Happy Sewing! :-)

Pure and Punctuation

Just popping in to let you know that we have 24 new "mini bolts" in the shop .... 12 from Punctuation by American Jane and 12 from Pure by Sweetwater.  Most of these bolts have about 5 yards on them, so if you love it, stash it quick! :) 

We are happy to report that since we got a great deal on them, you get a great deal on them too ... Both collections are priced at $7/yard, $3.50/half yard or $1.75/fat quarter.  We have a few bundles in the Etsy shop or you can build your own bundle here.

 Here's a few of our Punctuation Prints ...
 And some of our Pure prints ... love these blues and browns and creams!


Also, those of you that prefer to shop on Etsy ... do you prefer half-yard or yard listings?  We'd love to know!

Happy Sewing! :)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Inspired by ...

Hi!  Just wanted to share a couple of links to get you dreaming about the Just Wing It collection. :-)

Yesterday, Jennie at Clover & Violet, shared a pretty picture of some perle cottons that beautifully match the collection.  She's planning an Embroidery 101 series and she posted these pretty threads as a teaser.  I might just have to give this embroidery thing a try.  :-)

And if you haven't been to Mary's blog (Molly Flanders), you're just plain missing out.  Yesterday, she shared some awesome hexies and I love how she's mixing the Minis in Tomato with some vintage-inspired prints. I might have to get my hexagon project back out!

Also, today as I was browsing through my Google Reader, I saw a beautiful quilt made from some Just Wing It charm packs on the Moda Bake Shop blog ... you really should check out this Criss Cross quilt tutorial by Lisaweary Quilts.  If you need a kit for this, we'll be happy to set one up for you in our Etsy store or you can order what you need from our website.

And if Brown comes today, we'll be adding Punctuation and Pure up in the shop this evening ... I will update y'all here when they're ready to go!

Thanks for stopping in today. :-)

Happy Sewing!

Monday, April 25, 2011

A Random Monday Post

Happy Monday ... hope you all had a great start to the week. :)

This past weekend, I worked on a machine cover for the Sewn Spaces swap on Flickr.  My partner seemed to be into modern designs based on the info I was given and a little research that I did on Flickr, so I used some linen and some charm packs of Hope Valley that I've been hoarding for awhile.  Here's what I came up with ...

I sure hope my partner will like it.  I wish I had finished it a little differently on the sides, but when I realized what the easier method would have been, it was too late in terms the fabric I had left.

I did want to share a use for painter's tape that I discovered while quilting this machine cover.  I needed a marker to help me keep my lines straight and equidistant and decided to try folding a piece of painters tape over, leaving a little bit of the adhesive free to stick to the bottom of my walking foot.  Worked like a charm! Here's what it looked like ...

Also, I had some time to play around with mixing and matching some fabrics in the shop and saw that there's a lot of pieces that play nice together with other collections. For instance ...
This one has some Just Wing It (turquoise stripe & floral prints), Sunkissed (yellow dots) and Bella Solids (30's pink).  I have a few more "mix and match" pictures that I will share later this week. 

Also, we've put a lot of things on sale, including Bliss, Tea Garden, and more (or on further sale - Weekends & Innocent Crush at $6.50/yard) to make room for the new stuff coming in.  Stop by the shop (or Sew Lux @ Etsy) to check it out!

Happy Sewing!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

"Y" I Needed a Seam Ripper

Hi again!  I've been working on lots of different projects over the past week, including some bee blocks. I'm in several bees on Flickr, including the do.Good Stitches bee. For April, Rachel asked us to make some rainbow blocks in any design and size that we wanted.  A wide open request for sure!

I've been pouring over several quilting books lately and have a long list of "quilts to make" and I decided to give the "modern baby quilt" from Malka Dubrawsky's Fresh Quilting book a whirl.  Well, let me start by saying under the book's title it says "fearless color, design and inspiration."  This block is definitely not for the faint of heart!  It is mostly due to ALL THE "Y" SEAMS!  Unfortunately, I did need my seam ripper.  Grrrr. 

But, I think it turned out pretty good for my first go round on this block.  I will probably try it again, but it won't be today!  haha  And I definitely don't know that I'd labor over several blocks and give this quilt away.  It would have to be for a VERY good friend's baby! :-)

For my second block, I went with something a little simpler and used some solids from my scrap bins.  This one measures 6.5" square.

That is all for now ... I will share some other bee blocks with you soon. :-)

Happy Sewing!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Patterns + New Fabric

Hi all!  Just popping in to share a few things with you ....

I updated the "Tutorials and Patterns" page on the blog.  I've linked up the tutorials I've posted here as well as some free patterns that Moda has available for some of the collections that we are carrying.  I think my favorite pattern is the one for the City Weekend collection.  Check it out.

Speaking of collections, a couple of weeks ago I told you about how we were able to offer small quantities of City Weekend and Spirit at a great price ... just $7/yard!  Well, I am excited to share that we're getting in two more collections that we'll be able to offer in the same way - great price, but limited stock.  We've got 12 prints each from Punctuation by American Jane and Pure by Sweetwater on the way.  We expect to add these to the shop early next weekend.  Of course, I will update you here. :)


We also ordered Kate Spain's new line, Terrain. This one has the prettiest colors and if you are fan of her collections, you'll love this one too. We'll all have to wait until September for this one. ;-)

Also we've got our eye on Ruby.  If you loved Bliss, Ruby will surely be coming to live with you!  If you've been following Camille's blog, you've seen sneaks of it.  I am not sure when it will be available - I think sometime this fall - but we're planning to order it when our rep comes around with samples!

That's all for now ... Happy Sewing!

Twice the Charm Shoo Fly

Hi!  I've been happily sewing away since getting our power back post storm. :-)  I just finished piecing the charm pack shoo fly block quilt and am currently debating on whether or not to add a white border.  Right now it's right at 40 x 52.  Should I add a small white border (maybe 3") or quilt as is?  I'd love to hear what you think...
Hope you're having a great day! :-)

Happy sewing!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Weekend Recap ...

Hi everyone!  I took some pictures of some of our new prints to add some custom bundles to the shop.  I really wanted to get these posted to the shop sooner, but this weekend turned out a little crazier than anticipated ...

Saturday, they called for some bad weather and you may have heard about the tornados that came through NC that afternoon.  One came within a quarter mile of my house!  Fortunately, we are safe and sound and the only real damage to our property was our grill was flipped over and in the neighbor's yard.  We did have a few trees down and siding off a whole row of houses ... just down the street.  We just got power back this evening!  I did work on cleaning up my studio today since I couldn't get a machine going, but I will be back in the sewing saddle again tomorrow!  I've even practiced hand quilting with Perle cotton and started a small cross-stitch project in our weekend of powerlessness!

So, we're grateful tonight for being safe and sound (and now with electricity again!) and for our family and friends for letting us come over to hang out and catch up with the world. :)

Here's a great City Weekend bundle...
Here's a great Spirit bundle ...

See you tomorrow ... until then, happy sewing! :)


Saturday, April 16, 2011

New loveliness in the shop!

Hi and happy weekend  We're supposed to get some storms tonight and tomorrow ... great opportunity to stay in and SEW! :-)  It's also the start of Spring Break for me ... I've got big time sewing/crafting plans for next week!  I can't share all my plans yet, but I am looking forward to sharing them with you soon! :-)

I am very excited to tell you that we've added 2 more lines of fabric now in the shop.  We were able to get a great deal on some small quantity bolts of City Weekend by Oliver + S and also Spirit by Lila Tueller.  Since we got a great deal, we get to offer YOU a great deal.  Both lines are priced at $7.00/yard!  Great deal, right?!  We have 12 prints from each line and limited quantities - so if you love something, snatch it up! :-) 

A few City Weekend Prints ...


A few Spirit prints ...




You can also create your own FQ bundle with as few or as many prints as you'd like on our "Create Your Own Fat Quarter Bundle" page.  We hope you'll enjoy having this option of collecting a sampling of just the prints you want without having to wait on a custom listing or buy a predetermined bundle.

You also have a few more days to take advantage of the free Bella FQ bundle with minimum purchase coupon offer from the newsletter ... I will be sending out a newsletter update this weekend with the code again ... make sure you're signed up!

Speaking of Bellas ... unfortunately, the wholesale for all fabrics has gone up recently.  The Bella solids went up pretty significantly and you'll notice an increase in prices on the Bella solids in our shop beginning May 1st. It stinks to have to raise our prices a little, but we wanted to give you a heads up before it happened.

Thanks so much for stopping in!  We love sharing this journey with you. :-)

Happy Sewing!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Charming Peeps Quilt

Hiya!  Remember this sneek peek?  I finished up the binding and took some photos today.  :-)  Here it is ...

I really heart this little quilt.  I won the set of 12 Castle Peeps charm squares in the fall during a quilt shop stash dash.  I played around a bit with the arrangement of the squares and eventually decided to go from lighter to darker hues.  And the white sashing just sets off all these bright colors. 

This quilt is really easy to make and would be a great wall hanging or a quilt for a baby.  (Or in my case, just something pretty to admire for awhile. :)

Supplies:
  • 12 charm squares (5" squares)
  • 1/2 yard for sashing - cut 2" wide strips (I used Bella White Bleached)
  • 1 yard backing and inner border (green multi print) - for border, cut three 1.5" x WOF strips
  • 1/4 yard binding (solid green) - cut and join three 2.25" wide x WOF strips
Instructions (Sew right sides together with a 1/4" seam allowance!):
  • Arrange charm squares in a pleasing 3 x 4 grid. 
  • Add 2" x 5" sashing strips between charms.  You'll have 4 rows measuring approx 5 x 17. (Don't add any outside borders yet!  Just square, sashing, square, sashing, square.)
  • Add sashing between rows and join together.
  • Add sashing border along top and bottom of joined rows.
  • Add sashing border along left and right sides.
  • Add printed border (1.5" strips) - attach top and bottom, then left and right sides.
  • Add another sashing border (2" strips).
  • Quilt and bind as desired. Quilting and binding tutorial here.
Pretty easy peasy!  Mine turned out 24" x 30" and I quilted some straight lines using my walking foot as a measuring guide from the seam.  I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but I really love the quilting.

If you decide to whip one of these up, I'd love to see it.  Please share with a link in the comments or in our Flickr group. :)

Happy Sewing!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Just Wing It is Here!

Just Wing It by MoMo is officially here! We've got 18 beautiful prints and charm packs available now in the shop (here and on Etsy).  :)  Very excited about playing around with these prints in the coming week.

I've put together a few bundles already.  Here's the blues/aquas ...

And red and aqua ...

And green and plum/pink ...

Which combo do you like best?  I would recommend the Bella Solids White Bleached as a coordinate for these prints.

We also added this line to the "Create Your Own FQ Bundle" page so you can order what you like. :)

Happy Sewing :)

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Customer Spotlight: Sandy

Hi everyone!

About a week ago, I announced our monthly FQ promo winner for March.  Well, when Sandy contacted us to claim her prize, she also sent us some pictures of the totes she made with the fabrics she purchased


Thanks so much for sharing your work with us, Sandy!  :-)

Do you have a project you'd like to share with us? We'd love to feature it on our blog ... please email us at sewlux (at) gmail (dot) com and let us know.

I am really hoping that Brown stops by tomorrow with some fresh bolts of Just Wing It so I can add it to the shop :-) I'll let you know ...

Happy Sewing!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Charmed

Hi everyone!

Recently, when we asked what kinds of projects you wanted to see patterns and instructions for, many of you mentioned wanting some quick-finish projects and charm-friendly projects.  While those big quilts are beautiful, sometimes finishing something quickly sure is nice!

Today I worked on finishing a WIP (work-in-progress) that I've had laying around for awhile and its turning out pretty cute, I think.  :-) It's about 24 x 30, perfect for a wall hanging to show off your favorite prints or for a cute stroller quilt for a special wee one.  Since it is fairly small, it is definitely a weekend or afternoon/evening-friendly type of project and I will be sharing some instructions and photos in a few days. But for now, here's a sneaky-peeky ...

Thanks for stopping by ... I'll see you soon!

Happy sewing!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

On the way ...

Hi again ...

We just got the shipping notification that our Just Wing It by MoMo collection is on the way!  I am really excited to play around with this collection and have already been prepping some bundles to add to the shop!  Here's the collection we'll be getting ...


Talk to you soon!  As always, happy sewing! :)

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Sunkissed Sampling ...

Hi and Happy Wednesday!  My mom (the other half of Sew Lux) sent over this lovely little bundle of Sunkissed prints ... aren't they pretty? 

Now, I just need to figure out which project I want to make with them!  Any suggestions?  Which print is your favorite?

Happy Sewing!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Pinwheel Stitch Along Week 4

Hiya!  This is Week 4 of the Pinwheel Stitch Along and my plan was to just invite you to share a link to your pinwheel project.  Not done yet?  No worries, just link us up when you get done or share your current progress with us here or on our Flickr group page.

So far, I've gotten to finish my Bliss FQ version.  Here she is blowin' in the wind today ...

Also, I have the top for my charm version in Countdown to Christmas.  I am waiting until the yardage comes in to finish it.

I think if I turn it the other way and line it, it may make a really cute apron! :) What do you think?  (I know that my mister needs to work on his photography skills! haha)

Can't wait to see what you've made!

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Bliss FQ Giveaway

Hello, hello!  Exciting news to share with you today ... and a coupon code for this weekend only!

A few days ago, I introduced you to Mish and her blog.  Well, she's doing a giveaway for this beautiful Bliss FQ stack that we sent her.  See how pretty?! 
(Photo by Michelle Wooderson)

We have sold out of some of those pretty prints since we sent it, but we still have many in stock here.  You can also order fat quarters in whichever prints you like here on our Create Your Own Fat Quarter Bundle.

Please visit Mish's blog and say hello.  You can enter the giveaway on her blog post here.


We're adding to the fun by offering 10% off all regularly priced merchandise now through Monday, 4/4/11 with the coupon code "bliss" - just enter the code at checkout on our website(If you prefer to shop with us on Etsy, please convo us with the coupon code and your order so we can set up a custom listing with the correct pricing.)

And if you're a newsletter subscriber, you can take advantage of our great exclusive subscriber special too!  Didn't get the newsletter today?  Sign up on to left of this post and we'll forward it on!

Happy Sewing!

Friday, April 1, 2011

Fat Quarters and More Fat Quarters

Hiya!  Happy Friday!

Just wanted to share that our March FQ Promo Winner is Sandy M. from St. Louis!  Sandy, we'll be contacting you to get your selection!

Speaking of Fat Quarters, we've updated the sewluxfabric.com site with a brand new page so you can create your own fat quarter bundle.  Each collection has a item and all you have to do is select the print you want from the drop down menu. 

So now you can get FQs in just the prints you want without having to buy a preselected combination!  We hope you'll enjoy having this option!  All of our new collections will be added as we get them as well. :-)

See ya tomorrow ... Be on the lookout for your April newsletter tomorrow as well!

Happy Sewing!