What free time?!

Hey friends!

As if I didn't have enough to do, I went ahead and started the new year by signing up for three (yes, three) different BOMs!  Oh.M.Gee what was I thinking?!  But, since I have six more teaching days in my crazy semester and am hoping that 2013 brings me less teacher homework and more evening sewing time, I figured, "why not?!"

The good news is that they are all online and I can do them when I want.  We'll see how that goes.  I have so many WIPs its not even funny.  :-)

There's a free BOM at Craftsy.  I will admit it was all those dotty mcspotty fabrics that had me at hello for this one. I love a good dot print.  Did I mention how I love dot prints?!

Then there's the Sugar Block Club BOM with Amy.  I mean, it's Amy's BOM so I had to join.  Love that she is including a sweet recipe each month too.

And this paper pieced Lucky Stars BOM with Elizabeth from Don't Call Me Betsy looked super fun.  Haven't decided if I will use solids or prints this one.

If you sign up for any of these (well the non-Craftsy ones) and you're an eager beaver to get started, be patient while they add you to the mailing list and get everything updated since the original emails went out on the 1st.  :-) 

And in the meantime ... stop by tomorrow for an awesome tutorial from Lindsay, our Design Challenge blogger, this month!  You're going to love it!

Happy Sewing!  :-)

Design Challenge : January's Featured Blogger

We're excited to bring you another project in our Design Challenge Series, in which we ask a blogger to come up with a tutorial using 6 FQs.  Check out the previous posts here.  

This month, we welcome Lindsay from CraftBuds and Lindsay Sews.  She was kind enough to answer some questions for us.

Hello, Sew Lux readers!  I'm Lindsay Conner, and I'm a writer, editor and crafter. I started sewing and blogging around the same time (in 2008), and I love to make modern quilts, clothing, accessories and handmade gifts. I love being a part of the online sewing and quilting community, whether that's through swaps, quilt alongs or blog hops, so please let me know where you blog, because I'd love to meet you! You can find me at Lindsay Sews (www.lindsaysews.com) and Craft Buds (www.craftbuds.com), and I'm also an editor at CraftFoxes (www.craftfoxes.com), a site where you can upload your sewing projects and connect with other crafters like you.

What is your favorite sewing tool or notion?
I love my mat, ruler and rotary cutter (of course!), but I am also pretty fond of freezer paper for tracing sewing patterns, paper piecing, stenciling and more.

What was your first quilting project?
In 2008, I sewed my first quilt (a crazy 9-patch) just to try out a tutorial I found online. I bought a charm pack on eBay and figured out the rest of the quilt (binding and such) through trial and error. I ended up gifting it to a friend for her first baby, and the quilt has been well loved! 

What is your favorite color combination?
For the last year or so, I've been inspired by aqua, yellow and grey. I think it's great together! Although I realized when looking at my year in sewing, I've used a lot of purples and jewel tones as well.

Some of Lindsay's Great Projects!

Photo courtesy of Lindsay Conner.

What is your favorite sewing supply/room organizational tip?
Although I am not very good at this, I like to keep my craft room decluttered and picked-up, or else I'll never wanted to spend time in it! If I am not inspired by a fabric, and it's been sitting in my stash for over a year untouched, I think it’s worth finding that fabric a new home. To trade fabric, I’d recommend joining a fabric swap group on Flickr or listing it on eBay or Etsy as a destash.

Thanks so much for joining us this month, Lindsay!

For her project, Lindsay selected this awesome bundle of prints - and just wait until you see the quilt she made with these!

Bundles are available here and will be on sale through 1/10/13.

Stop by Friday to see Lindsay's project tutorial.

Happy Sewing!  :-) 

January Curated Collections

I am so excited to share some new Curated Collections with you today ... I decided to join the fun this month and curated a bundle as well as a Valentine's-themed bundle.  Ready!?

Pure Color by Jenelle of Echinops & Aster

Let me tell you ... I was freaking out when cutting this bundle ... it's just so stunning.  

Sticks & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails by Amy of Stitchery Dickory Dock

Um ... hello, little man cuteness! 

Baby Love by Jennie of Clover & Violet 

You can't go wrong with these bright, spring-y prints. 

And Peacock Party by your's truly

I've been staring at these aquas and mustards together for weeks.  

It's time to make something pretty with 'em!

And ... our 2013 Be Mine Bundle!  I couldn't resist putting together a pink and red bundle.  

Look for a project with these coming soon!

All these pretty Curated Collection bundles are now available and are on sale through 1/10/13.

Happy Sewing!  :-)

2013 Feedback Winner

Awhile ago, I asked for y'all's feedback on collections we should order from our rep for the early part of 2013 ...


I somehow totally missed choosing and posting a winner ... but I consulted with Mr. Random and commenter #10 is the winner!

Congrats to Deanna!  :-)  I will be emailing you a $15 gift certificate code for our shop!

We did order several collections when we last met with our rep - you can see what's coming soon here.

And believe it or not, she's already sent us info on Christmas collections for 2013!  (Oh my goodness!)

Hope you are all having a fabulous final day of 2012!

Happy sewing! :-)

Shop Update: Last Chance Overload!

We went through all the inventory today ... and there is an ABUNDANCE of remnants and assorted end of bolts, last bundles, etc.  I've been busy adding them to the shop and as of this moment, there are over 85 items in the Last Chance section - all at least 10% off!

I will be continuing to add new last chance pieces tomorrow as well ... but wanted to let you know to check it out and keep scrolling all. the. way. to. the. bottom!  :-) 

There are also lots of new baby car seat quilt kits - eight great new color options!  I have two friends that have already had babies since Christmas day and two more due in the next month ... lots of sewing to do around here!

Hope your last day of 2012 is awesome!

Happy Sewing!  :-) 

Christmas Joy Quilt

Well ... we've dug our way out of the wrapping paper, bags, and assorted bows and tissue.  I still haven't taken down the trees and decorations yet, but maybe tomorrow.

I did finish my quilt the day after Christmas and here it is ...

It seems really small when my giant, 6'4"husband holds it up.  But it is a decent size lap quilt. :-)

I decided to call it "Christmas Joy" instead of what I will be calling the pattern ("Holiday Hustle") when I get around to doing a tutorial for this one.  :-)

This quilt was easy ... and uses one charm pack, some Bella white solid for sashing, and Joy yardage for the border, binding, and backing.

I just did some free motion stippling on this one and it washed up and crinkled nicely.  :-)

I am happy to report it was very well received and even warranted a "best gift ever" comment.  Love it when that happens.  :-)

Happy Sewing!  :-)

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!  Hope you have a wonderful day with friends and family! :-)

p.s. Like my new quilting bee ornament!? :-)