Pattern Designer Crush

Okay... so I confess, I have a few pattern designer crushes that I must share with you all. If you are looking for a great new pattern that is well writtern and CUTE... here are a few of my favorite pattern designers that you must absolutely own at least 1, 2, or all of their patterns.  I personally want to own ALL of their patterns.

Melly and Me
I own this book {signed by Melly herself!} and LOVE IT!!!  I hope to make something out of it very very soon for my kiddos.

My daughter is very much into horses at the moment and plan to make her this cutie for her easter basket.

Izzy and Ivy Designs
I met the lovely Izzy and Ivy girls at Market last Spring and was immediately attracted to their patterns... every single one!  I want to own every single one of their patterns... but for now... I think I will be making this cute little bag in the next week or two.  Have my fabrics picked out... pattern purchased... supplies ready... now just need a free day to make it. Hmmm... maybe this weekend.

Thimble Blossoms
Simple, beautiful designs come from this talented designer, Camille.  I have a couple of Camille's patterns and have recently made a quilt from one of her patterns.  Must make another!  Maybe I shall give this pattern a try next...

Amy Butler
I have been making things from Amy Butler's patterns from the time she was designing through Country Living Patterns.  Love all her designs, very easy to follow, amazing product outcome when completed.  I think the majority of the patterns I own at the moment are by Amy Butler.  I have all her books and even have one of them signed.  I have recently made a few bags from her patterns and plan to make more in the very near future.  AMAZING patterns! Going to make this pattern next...

Anka's Treasures
Heather was such a wonderful and sweet lady to meet last Spring at Market. She has designed some of the most beautiful quilts in her books and looking forward to make a quilt from this book...

Bananafana Designs
Jess Goldman is the designer for Bananfana Designs and I have made several of her pattern designs, including a skirt for my daughter {LOVE this skirt}, a skirt for myself {so CUTE!}, and a Bag {very creative}. I hope to make another one of her patterns sometime... maybe this one...

I think I could actually continue to list all my favorite designers, but I'll save the others for another post.

Thank you to all you pattern designers for taking the time to create such wonderful designs and writing very clear and easy to follow instructions.  It makes a difference!  I believe the way a pattern is written can either make or break the future sales of your patterns and you all have done an outstanding job with your instructions!  Thank you!

Who is your favorite pattern designer?

Flat Emelie and Matt Tutorial

Do you love paper dolls? I do... but the paper tears so darn easy! 

My daughter has the same love for paper dolls as I did as a kid, however her dolls just kept getting torn up by her little brother.  Even the magnetic ones lost their heads!  So, I was on a mission to figure out a way to let her be able to enjoy her paperdolls without the fear of her little brother being able to tear them apart.

Then it hit me... I can make some out of fabric! Genius... right?  So... out with the drawing pencils, paper and a couple hours later, I had my "Flats" templates.  Can you tell how excited I am about these little pieces of fabric?

As I was making these little flats, I decided they needed a bag all to themselves to be carried around in.

UPDATE: Fabric collection of "Flats" was released by Moda in 2013.
"Flats" panels by Quiltsmart coming Fall 2014.

Momma got a brand new bag!

I love this bag!  I made this bag for my mom for her birthday back in December. She wears black and white all the time, so I thought these fabrics would be perfect for her.  I wanted to keep it for myself... love the black dottie on it... oh, well... will just have to make myself one now.

It is even reversible!  I used Amy Butler's Swing Bag pattern.

For my mom-in-law's Christmas gift, I made her this bag using Amy Butler's Birdie Sling pattern.  It, too, turned out very cute!  I can't believe how big this bag is... great size for everything and very usable pockets on both sides of the interior lining.

These bags were very fun to make! Great patterns... great fabric... great bags... great Mom's!  Love you both!

A Quilt for Rachael

Rachael is my little sister {we are actually only 15 months apart} and I wanted to make her something special for her Christmas gift.  

So, I decided to design a quilt myself.  A Moda Honey Bun, a little bit of yardage, and some sketched flowers later, this quilt was created.   

I love the way it turned out... easy, quick, and unique.  She has had it for over a month now and I think she really likes it, too. 

Love you, Rach!