I need to teach.

Today I demo'd at the Open Studios at the International Quilt Festival, Chicago. I demo'd foundation paper piecing for the second time this year. Having already done the demoing thing at this show last year, I wasn't particularly nervous or stressed while prepping for my demo. I was looking forward to it - it's fun to teach people new skills. 

Each demo is given a two hour time slot - and that's enough time for people to come and go - several sets of people stop to see what you're doing and ask questions. I managed to do my complete explanation of paper piecing about eight times today. It went so smoothly and everyone had such great questions. I really think I taught some people a new skill today. They can go and paper piece without fear. 

Today's demo affirms my desire to teach. I want to get out there. I want to share my passion for quilting. I still don't know how to go about doing that -- but I need to continue to work on it. I love the feeling of sharing my love of precision, color, pattern, design. I love connecting with a student - I love when you see that moment of clarity in their face. They get it. 

So bear with me as I figure out how to get to that next step. I need to teach. 

Molly Market Tote

I have to say, I love this tote! Ever since I saw the first pictures posted on Instagram, I knew I had to have this tote pattern! The pattern is the Molly Market Tote by Michelle Lizcano. It's a PDF pattern and it's really a quick sew! 

I'd made a couple of totes using Michelle's previous tote pattern (the Pretty Pleats Tote), so I knew I would like this one too.

This tote has already been gifted out - I made it for my teenage neice Katee. I hope she'll use it a lot!!

All Things Sparkly!

I've been in zip pouch mode here recently! Yes, this is an additional nine box pouches! I've been making some box pouches to put up for sale. I know so many people comment on mine when they see it, so why not? 

It seems to be going well. So far most of them have sold to family and friends. I haven't gotten my etsy shop up and running yet, but that might be happening soon. For now I'm posting these pouches for sale on my instagram / facebook / flickr / blog. If you'd like one just leave me a comment.

These guys in the picture measure 7" x 3" x 3" and they're perfect for makeup, toiletries, or sewing supplies (a standard rotary cutter fits). I'm selling them for $17 / each and that includes shipping (US only please). 

Why the sudden need to sell some stuff? I'm going to QuiltCon!! :) Registration happens soon, so I want to have the cash on hand to go to workshops with my sewing idols! 

I'm enjoying these so much that I had to go get more vinyl. I restocked and now I have mint, teal, purple, silver, blue, and white. They're soo pretty and sparkly!

Today my goal is to finish up a couple pre-orders, then I'll be making up some pretty sparkle pouches -- stay tuned for more!

Jungle Ave Mug Rug

I was lucky enough to help out with Sara Lawson's quilt market prep - which was super fun (any time I get the chance to sew with other people I'm all for it!). Afterward, Sara sent me some of her brand new Jungle Ave fabrics, and a set of her Aurifil thread collection. Naturally I went right to work making something fabulous with it. 

I made a tiny little mug rug (measuring at about 7" across). I'm pretty much in love with it. The fabric is a dream to work with, and I quilted it using a layer of Soft & Stable instead of batting. Whoa does that Soft & Stable make the quilting pop!! I love it! 

This little mug rug is a gift for Sara - She's surely one of the most generous, kindhearted people in the fabric world. I'm glad to call her a friend! 

Just like that there were eleven pouches!

For those of you who don't know, my daughter has switched schools (again)... she's now at a specialized school (still in our district). If you've been around a lot you'd know that Allie has battled with a lot of behavior related and hearing related school problems. Well, her new school is awesome! Allie has been at the new school for about three months now, and we've noticed a huge huge huge change in her behavior. It's so amazing. We're very grateful for to the staff - the teachers and aids, and everyone who helps make every day successful for Allie. 

So - how could I give an end of the year "thanks" to just her home room teacher? I couldn't. I decided to make a simplified gift for each of the people who help Allie at school on a daily basis. Yes, that's eleven people (not counting the bus driver who will get some treats of another sort). Yes. ELEVEN. lol

Here's the end result of 3/4 yard of fabric, a dozen zippers, and a couple hours. Eleven laminate box pouches. Insane! 

These are so much fun! I sewed them assembly line style - one step at a time. It really went fast and my only regret is that Hobby Lobby didn't carry actual Oilcloth. The laminate is for suckers.