It's Time for a Valentine Give-Away ... "Raspberry Truffle"

"Raspberry Truffle" is the perfect name for this deliciously decadent Hang Up. The dark chocolaty color and rich raspberry swirls of this tote shout 'Be My Valentine'. As if that isn't enough, in the design of the fabric flowers and lace are thrown in for added lusciousness! Chocolate. Raspberries. Lace. Flowers. It's appropriate that your heart go pitter-patter over this little Valentine!

As added incentive to get men to enter their names for that special woman in his life, I might just have to send along a real "Raspberry Truffle" as an added prize if a man wins the contest. (See rules of the contest below.)

These fabrics come from Studio e Fabrics -- this particular line is called "Chelsea Lace." I used three complimentary fabrics from this line for "Raspberry Truffle" -- two on the outside of the tote and the third as the lining. So fun and whimsical and hot!

This Give-Away will be much like those in the past. The contest will run until midnight Sunday, February 8th. Monday morning, February 9th, the winner of the contest will be announced. One name will be chosen from all those entered. Don't be shy!

The rules of the contest are as follows:
1) The participants must live within the continental U.S. I will provide the postage.
2.) Each person that makes a comment below will have her name entered in the Tote Give-Away contest. If you put a "shout out" on your blog by Friday, February 6th, about the contest and come back and let me know through another comment your name will be entered 3 more times.
3.) Any male that enters this contest to give "Raspberry Truffle" to a special woman in his life gets his name entered three times!
4.) No anonymous comments, please. If you are not a friend, relative, or blogging buddy that I already know and love, please leave your name and a way for me to contact you -- specifically an email address. If I don't have any way to contact you, your name will not be eligible.
5.) This tote is not meant for resale. Only those intending to use the tote for personal use may register to win.

Scroll down to see other Hang Ups (totes) and Dwipes that are currently available for purchase. Good luck!

Thankful Thursday

What moved me this week?
Last Sunday in church all the lessons dealt with the subject of "prayer." I needed the reminders that were taught and reiterated as we studied that subject. It's not that I'm not a firm believer in prayer. I am. It's always been a part of my life. It's just an area where I have a lot of room for improvement. My prayers tend to be repetitious and hurried and I'm quite sure if God wasn't God, he'd be bored with them. Anyway, this last week at church I was moved to make more of an effort in this area of my life and as a result I feel better.

What surprised me this week?
Yesterday I had an appointment with a couple of good friends of mine for shopping and lunch at a beautiful mall a half hour from my home. I have a lot on my plate this week, so as the day approached I wondered if I should take a day "off" to go shopping with friends. My anxiety had nothing to do with who I was going to be with (I love these ladies) and everything to do with my long "to do" list. Because I had committed I went anyway. What surprised me was that I had a wonderful time. Sometimes we really don't realize just how much we need a break. Being with these ladies and doing a little shopping totally relaxed me and readied me to hit the ground running today. I'm grateful for life's little surprises!

What inspired me this week?
There is a lot of noise at the beginning of each year about New Year's resolutions. I've made a few resolutions over the years -- some have met with success -- others have not. Lately, I've been inspired to create a New Year's resolution to live life healthier. That's all. I don't have a list of things I need to accomplish to reach this goal. It's not something that can be measured in big steps. I don't have new menus or exercise charts. I just want to be more aware of the little, every day decisions about my health. I love the kind of inspiration that taps you on the shoulder, instead of shouting in your ear. I'm hoping it will make a difference.

Word verification...

Have you noticed that the "word verification" on blogs have been getting longer and longer. When I first started blogging a little over a year ago, the "words" looked something like this...

Gradually the "words" continued to get longer and longer...

Until, the other day...

What's the deal with this?

Bloomin' Tuesday

As illustrated in the photo to the left we are under a blanket of snow in Colorado this Bloomin' Tuesday. The high was 8 degrees today with a windchill of -10. Not exactly weather for the faint of heart. The predominant landscape color this time of year is a dull "Winter brown." To cheer me up, I decided to go back into the archives to a warmer, friendlier time. Here's a little collage of photos that will remind us of the colors of Spring and Summer. It might just give us a little something to look forward to...





To visit more Bloomin' Tuesday posts or to sign up to join in on the fun, go to Ms. Green Thumb Jean's.

"Funky Fresh", $50

"Funky Fresh" is what I named this awesome combination of color. When I went to my favorite fabric store in our town the other day I came upon "Mod Leaves" for Michael Miller. I love the sweeping dotted leaves in this fabric! I can't give credit where credit is most certainly due to the designer of this fabric because I can't find his/her name anywhere, BUT they should get credit for this beauty because it is inspiring! The bold little chartreuse number on the top is from the line "Two Young Street" by Prints Charming, called "Starburst Chartruese." Love this bold contemporary combination that's called, "Funky Fresh"!

This Hang Up is fashioned much like all the others. It has a large inside pocket and 22" reinforced fabric straps. It is fully lined with multiple interfacing and has a fabric-covered removable base for extra support. It measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12". The price includes postage anywhere within the continental U.S. Just send me an email if you are interested. (Email address is on the side bar of my blog.)

Thankful Thursday

What moved me this week?
Most of you know that I am the mother of seven children. I also have four in-law kids and five grandchildren. My family is spread from one coast of our country to the other. For some reason, this week I was moved in gratitude for advances in technology that make it possible for me to be a part of my children's and grandchildren's lives without having to live next door. Email, blogs, texting, cell phones, skype -- all things that help us stay connected. So grateful!

What surprised me this week?
I am occasionally surprised by others generosity of spirit. These last few weeks I have received a few comments on my blog by a wonderful fabric designer. His comments have put a smile on my face and encouraged me in my creativity. It's a wonderful thing when someone who is extremely talented takes the time to encourage and lift those within his influence. Those expressions demonstrate a generosity of spirit that, I'm sure, is appreciated by all those around him.

What inspired me this week?
A few days ago I watched and listened with millions of others around the globe as Obama was sworn in as the President of the United States. One couldn't help but be moved by that peaceful transfer of power. If Obama is anything, he is an awe-inspiring orator. I was inspired as he gave his speech and, along with many others regardless of party affiliation, I was touched by the hope and happiness that day provided.

Sold - "Yowsa!"

I'm in love with an inanimate object. You'll understand why, and you'll fall under its spell when you meet "Yowsa!". I often fall in love with my Hang Ups. It has little to do with me and everything to do with the fabric designers. A few weeks ago I whipped up a tote from Mark Lipinski's collection, Califon. It sold within minutes. Seriously. Yesterday I got in the mood to create another tote using Mark's fabric, but this time I wanted to throw in a little twist, so I headed off to my favorite fabric store in town to try and find a contrasting fabric that wasn't from the Califon line. Have you ever heard of Kaffe Fassett? He designs wonderous fabrics with bold, bright colors! I found the perfect fit in one of Kaffe's creations to extol the audacious designs from the Califon line. Today this Hang Up was fashioned and I named her "Yowsa!" An apt description if you ask me. I used two fabrics from the Califon collection -- one on the bottom of the tote and the other for the lining. Then I used one of Fassett's creations, called Paperweight Cobalt, on the top of the tote. Isn't she a beauty?

"Yowsa" has all the usual features... large inside pocket, fully lined with double interfacing for extra support, fabric-covered removable reinforced base, 22" reinforced fabric straps. This Hang Up measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12". The price includes postage anywhere within the continental U.S. Send me an email (my address is on my sidebar) if you are interested in purchasing this beautiful Hang Up!

Flea Market Find...

Every once and awhile I can be found at a favorite Flea Market in our town. I rarely buy anything -- maybe a trinket every now and then. Today I found this little 26" square hand stitched quilt. A perfect size for my kitchen table. A perfect color for that area of our house. A perfect quirkiness with its irregular shaped rectangles. A perfect price ($6). All in all a pretty sweet little find.

Bloomin' Tuesday - "In the Pink!"

Purchased flowers are such a welcome relief during the Winter months. We are having beautifully warm, 60 degree weather in Colorado. These moderate days give us a glimpse of Spring, but are typically sandwiched between more frigid temperatures. These luscious, soft pink roses whisper of days to come...

Oh My ...

The politicians have it all wrong. For months they have been trying to come up with an economic stimulus package that would jump-start the economy. Here's what they've been missing... All they had to do was put me in front of a computer screen featuring online fabric stores. Whaalaaaa. Within hours the economy would show improvement. Lots of improvement. Yup, I've been helping the economy since the end of December. Simply put, with all the delectable fabric out there I've had no trouble at all doing my part.

It might be the middle of January, but Spring is just around the corner at Just Another Hang Up! Here's a sampling of some of the fabric I've bought for this Spring. I think there's a Valentine Give-Away somewhere in this group, as well. Oh happy day!

What "Spring" looks like...

Jean tagged me for a meme the other day and I'm finally getting around to posting something. (By the way, I had seen the term "meme" many times on blogs and I never really knew what that word meant. For those of you who are as illiterate as I, here's an explanation.)

Here are the "rules" for this meme: Open a photo folder and choose the fifth folder and then the fifth photo in that folder. Next, post the photo and a description.

Since I associate Jean with my "Bloomin' Tuesday" posts, that's the photo file I entered. Here's the fifth photo in the fifth file. It's a beauty. I took this photo last Spring in my backyard. Heavenly. I'd forgotten what "Spring" looks like...

Shhhhh...

I had so much fun making the Moda mini-tote (below) this morning that I decided to whip one up for a friend of mine who celebrated her birthday this week. I hope she likes it. A little birdie is guarding our secret until I give it to her tonight!

Shabby Chic

Do you remember a couple of weeks ago when I won a give-away from the The Quilted Castle blog? (Oh, happy day!) Well, today I sat down and whipped up the little Moda bag from one of the Honey-Buns I was awarded. It takes some time to sew the fabric strips together in this darling mini-tote, but the Moda instructions are a breeze and I think it turned out adorable. I'm calling her "Shabby Chic"! This mini-tote is 9"x7"x3". It's the perfect size for a little cosmetic bag or a jewelry tote for traveling. I might even try my hand at selling these little totes in the future.

This one is going to go to a special someone for Valentine's Day. Thank you again, Quilted Castle, for giving me this darling pattern and fabric. Your generosity is appreciated!

"Chocolate Covered Raspberry", $50

Have you ever had a chocolate covered raspberry? Ambrosial ... Heavenly ... Scrumptious ... are just a few words to describe that delectable combination. Those same words apply to the chocolate browns and raspberry pinks in this beautiful line of fabrics designed by Patty Young called "Andalucia." That's why I decided to name this tote "Chocolate Covered Raspberry." It's just plain yummy! I couldn't decide which of the three fabrics to use on this Hang Up, so I changed around my pattern a little to incorporate all three into this tote. Each one was too rich and inviting to pass over!

This Hang Up has all the usual adornments. It has a large inside pocket and 22" reinforced fabric straps. It is fully lined with multiple interfacing and has a fabric-covered removable base for extra support. This Hang Up measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12". The price includes postage anywhere within the continental U.S.

Thankful Thursday

What inspired me this week?

I am inspired by creative people. I am convinced that everyone is creative in one way or another, but one group that often inspires me are Fabric Designers. Daily I go to fabric sites on the net to look at the new ware available. I am always inspired by the creativity of the people who design these luscious fabrics. Their beautiful and unique designs speak to my heart!

What surprised me this week?

This week I had a couple of fabric stores take note of my blog and offer some nice discounts because I had casually "advertised" for them. I appreciate unexpected kindnesses. They are always a welcome surprise.

What moved me this week?

Young Mothers. A number of my close friends and family members are expecting or have recently delivered babies. Being pregnant and being a new mother is not for the faint of heart. It takes stamina and fortitude. I know -- I've been there. I am moved by young mothers who sacrifice to bring these little ones into the world and then continue to put the welfare of their children ahead of themselves by forfeiting or putting off a few of their own dreams and desires. For all the young mothers in my life... know that your dedication moves me and inspires me.

"Caribbean Jewel" Give-Away Results...

I'm sending out a big "thank you" to all those who participated in my Give-Away this month. Your kind comments and enthusiasm are appreciated so much. I especially value those of you who posted a shout-out on your blogs announcing the contest. Thank you for helping me get the word out about my totes by advertising for me in this way! Please check back often to see my new creations and, please feel free to leave a comment. Check back at the beginning of February to sign up for my Valentine Tote Give-Away. It's going to be a beauty!


The winner of this month's contest is proof, once again, that when you put a Shout-Out on your blog, it really does increase your chances of winning!

Congratulations, Kristen!

Yes, Kristen, from Kristen's Chaos, is the lucky winner of "Caribbean Jewel."

A gift for you all from "Fabric.com"...

Great new, Ladies! Yesterday on one of my posts Tracy from Fabric.com mentioned that she had a gift for me for mentioning "Fabric.com" on my blog. Yippeee! I immediately emailed her and today she came back with this response. As a gift for mentioning their website on my blog, they gave me a gift of $10 off my next purchase. Even better (at least for my faithful readership), the visitors of my blog receive $5 off your next purchase by typing in "Bloggers" for the coupon code. There is no minimum purchase, however it is a one-time use coupon. How generous is that!?!

This is great news because their website is resplendent in fabulous fabric. All kinds -- great prices. A wonderful feature that Fabric.com always has is free shipping with orders over $35. I have signed up for their daily emails that tell me what is on sale that day or that week. These emails are a great way to keep abreast of the sales and good buys at Fabric.com. Thanks, Tracy and Fabric.com for your generous gift to me and all my blogging friends!

Let's Start the New Year with a Give-Away!

"Caribbean Jewel"

It's time to celebrate the New Year in style and have a Give-Away! Last week I took a poll and asked you to let me know what shades of colors you would like depicted in this month's Give-Away Tote! The majority of those polled preferred "Jewel Tones" to be represented. Done deal. Off I went to the fabric store to scout out some jewel-toned fabric. In my mind's eye I was looking for fabric that included the colors of rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. Instead I fell in love with two fabrics that represented the colors of jewels found in the Caribbean. Tanzanite, Sapphinres, Amethysts and Onyx! Thus, "Caribbean Jewel", was born...

These tantilizing batiks by Hoffman Fabrics are absolutely luscious! Hoffman designs and creates innovative and unique hand-dyed and hand-painted batik fabrics of the highest quality. Their fabrics are of such a high caliber that they have the feel of "silk." Generally speaking, the higher the thread count, the more silk-like the fabric feels and, believe me, these fabrics are silky-smooth! This bag has all the usual adornments... large inside pocket, fully lined with double interfacing for extra support, fabric-covered, removable, reinforced base, 22" reinforced fabric straps. This Hang Up measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12".

This Give-Away will be much like those in the past. The contest will run until midnight Wednesday, January 14th. Thursday morning, January 15th, the winner of the contest will be announced. One name will be chosen from all those entered. Don't be shy!

The rules of the contest are as follows:
1) The participants must live within the continental U.S. I will provide the postage.
2.) Each person that makes a comment below will have her name entered in the Tote Give-Away contest. If you put a "shout out" on your blog about the contest, and come back and let me know through another comment, your name will be entered again.
3.) No anonymous comments, please. If you are not a friend or relative that I already know and love, please leave your name and a way for me to contact you (either an email address or the address of your blog). If I don't have any way to contact you, your name will not be eligible.
4.) This tote is not meant for resale. Only those intending to use the tote for personal use may register to win.

Scroll down to see other Hang Ups (totes) and Dwipes that are currently available for purchase. Good luck!

Sold - "Drama Queen"

I was in the mood to create a tote this morning and stumbled upon these three fabrics and envisioned "Drama Queen". Generally, when I create a tote I use fabrics from the same fabric collection, but these three fabrics looked promising together, so I decided to try them out. I'm glad I did. The two floral fabrics are from the "Shangri La" collection by 3 Sisters for Moda. These fresh florals are an inspiration -- just lovely! The "Moorish Tile" is from the "Andalucia" collection by Patty Young for Michael Miller Fabrics. "Andalucia" can be bought at Lanie Jane.This is one of the hottest lines of fabric out there right now. I have two more designs from this same collection that I will whip up into a tote in next few weeks, but for now we'll appreciate the beauty of "Drama Queen." I'm pretty sure that you will be treated like royalty when you walk into a room with this little Hang Up on your shoulder!

The "Queen" has all the usual features... large inside pocket, fully lined with double interfacing for extra support, fabric-covered removable reinforced base, 22" reinforced fabric straps. This Hang Up measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12". The price includes postage anywhere within the continental U.S.

Sold - " Ma Petite Beaute' "

"My Little Beauty" (in French "Ma Petite Beaute' ") is the perfect name for this scrumptious Hang Up. There's nothing like Paris in the Springtime, polka dots, and a little damask to put a smile on one's face! I bought this fabric from The Quilted Castle, which is one of my new favorite fabric shops on the web. All three of these fabrics are from Michael Miller Fabrics. Here again is the ultra-feminine color combination of delicious pink and chocolate brown. This little bag could make me spout French poems, if I only knew the language. These wonderful fabrics come from Michael Millers "Eiffel Tower", "Dandy Damask", and "Dumb Dots" lines. Love the playful fabric combinations of this tote!

This 14.5" x 12" Hang Up has all the usual features. Check out my sidebar to find out more information about the construction of my totes and to find out how to purchase one for yourself! The price of $50 includes shipping to the continental U.S. Feel free to send me an email with any questions you may have.

"Hungry Caterpillar" Dwipe, $15

The cute green caterpillar link on this Dwipe definitely mimics the favorite children's book that it's named after! Love this fabric. Andover Fabrics has a whole line of fabrics in honor of Eric Carle's classic. This particular fabric is so bright and cheery.

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" Dwipe is made like all the rest. Please check out my sidebar for more information on how my Dwipes are constructed. This one sells for $15, which includes postage to the continental U.S. You can buy the pattern for additional $5 if you would like. Just shoot me an email if you are interested!

Sold - "Orangeade with a Twist of Lime"

"Orangeade with a Twist of Lime" is a long name for a tote, but when the shoe fits...

These beautiful Erin McMorris fabrics from her Park Slope collection by Freespirit are like a walk through a citrus grove! Playful abstract florals and fresh organic shapes create pure, clean color palettes with eye-popping colors. It's a modern, fresh garden with a retro kick. Love her designs! I chose three complementary fabrics to make this Hang Up. I bought these fabrics at Lanie Jane -- a new fabric source that I have listed on my sidebar. Love their site and they shot this fabric to me in no time!

This creation has all the usual adornments... roomy inside pocket, fully lined with double interfacing for extra support, fabric-covered, removable, reinforced base, 22" reinforced fabric straps. This Hang Up measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12". The cost is $50 which includes free shipping within the continental U.S. Feel free to email me at my email address on my sidebar with any questions you may have or if you are interested in purchasing.

Scroll down to sign up for January's Tote Give-Away!

Sold - "Tanzanite Night"

This Hang Up is the twin sister (though slightly different) to this month's Give-Away Tote! Just in case you don't win the Give-Away, I wanted to give you the opportunity to purchase one of these beautiful totes for yourself! The jewel tones of tanzanites, amethysts, sapphires and onyx are represented in this gorgeous fabric. It reminds me of the colors of a Caribbean ocean right before those vibrant aqua-blue colors fade into an inky black night.

This inspiring batik is a Hoffman Fabrics creation. As I said above, Hoffman produces original screenprints and hand-dyed batiks. Their fabrics are of exceptional quality and have a silky-smooth texture. Yummy. I repeat. Yum. Me.

This bag has all the usual features ... a large inside pocket, fully lined with double interfacing for extra support, fabric-covered, removable, reinforced base, 22" reinforced fabric straps. This Hang Up measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12". The cost is $50 which includes free shipping within the continental U.S. Feel free to email me at my email address on my sidebar with any questions you may have or if you are interested in purchasing.

Bloomin' Tuesday

This is another unusual Bloomin' Tuesday post, but it's perfect for the month of January when our gardens in Colorado are bloomless and the earth is nothing but a frozen tundra. For Christmas my mother made me a beautiful needlepoint sampler. For as long as I can remember she has had an interest in needlepoint and our family has occasionally been the lucky recipient of her stunning pieces. She's made some gorgeous creations over the years, some abstract in design, but many with a garden theme of one kind or another. This particular beauty comes from Ehrman Tapestry, is called "Garden Sampler," and was designed by Magie Hollingworth. Just beautiful. A family heirloom to be sure.

The sampler depicts all the scenes found in a garden. The closer you inspect it, the more you discover. It's filled with gardening tools, flowers, topiaries, gardening gloves, a watering can, a wheelbarrow, paths and little critters of all kinds ... doves, dogs, ducks, geese, flies, bees and butterflies. In the middle -- a home.

She tacked a letter on the back of the frame and wrote:

...Each stitch taken with appreciation for the beauty you have brought into my life. I have loved being in your garden for all the pleasure it has given me over the years. Nature's beauty has a spiritual quality about it. I have a real appreciation for all your hard work to make your "little bit of Eden" the beautiful and serene place it is...

Pretty special, wouldn't you say? And just so you know... my love of gardening was nurtured by my parent's example.

To see more Bloomin' Tuesday posts or to participate yourself, go to Ms. Green Thumb Jean's.

Tutu Apron...

A few weeks ago I had a shout out on my blog for a friend who had a "tutu" giveaway. My daughter, Jillian, saw it and she immediately mentioned to me that she would like one for Christmas. I told her, "no." I don't think a tutu is proper attire for a 19 year old young woman who isn't a ballerina. Anyone who knows Jill will vouch for me when I say that she vehemently disagreed. Jill has always had a style of her own. Truly. It's been pretty amazing watching her grow up and seeing what style she would come up with next. Well, today we went fabric shopping for some tutu fabric. Leave it to Jill to find a way for a 19 year old to dress up in a tutu and still be socially acceptable...

I'm Jumping Up and Down!!!

Oh, ladies! I am so excited. I don't know if you've noticed, but this last week I've come across some new fabric resources. They are listed on my sidebar under "Online Fabulous Fabrics." One that I particularly like is called "The Quilted Castle." I ordered gobs of fabric from them last week. Let me tell you why I like this particular store... I am a very 'visual' person. I have a hard time visualizing something that isn't smack dab in front of me. As a result sometimes shopping online for fabric can be a challenge for me, because often times you can't see two fabrics next to each other. As you know I like putting two complimentary fabrics together on my totes. When I can't "see" them together it frustrates me because I don't know if they will compliment each other the way I want them to. Enter... The Quilted Castle. This store is designed for people just like me! When you go to the store and click on a particular fabric, several more fabrics come up right below it that compliment, in color or style, that fabric. Whaalaaa. All the guesswork is gone. Love it! Ok, so that's the scoop on The Quilted Castle, but there's more!!!

Today I got an email from them telling me that I won The Quilted Castle's blog Give-Away! Ladies, I'm beside myself with joy! Literally jumping up and down! Here are the goods that I won... Two (yes, two) Moda (you know how I love Moda) "HoneyBuns." This Moda Bake Shop package includes one Aviary mini-HoneyBun, designed by 3 Sisters, (fantastic) and one Spring Magic mini-HoneyBun, designed by April Cornell. (I'm talking April Cornell, Sisters! I love April Cornell!) But wait, there's more... These cute little HoneyBuns also come with a free Moda Pattern to make a Sweet Treat Bag. Could life be any sweeter? And it's not even Christmas!!! Oh, happy day!

Anyway, I know this sounds like I'm bragging and there's no way to deny it, I am. However, you also should know by now that I will share the wealth with you! In the next couple of months I will definitely make one of these Sweet Treat Bags for a give-away of my own. One of you will benefit from my good fortune. Fo sure!

"Garden Trellis", $50

I made up with my sewing machine today. I had been downright callous toward her over the holidays -- ignoring her completely. Not exactly like a best friend should behave. Today I woke up eager to apologize and reunite myself with my little buddy. Fortunately she doesn't hold a grudge and she acted as if we had never been apart.

I love this appealing floral by designer Pamela Mostek. It's from Clothworks' "Jasmine" line. It's a garden full of color in the middle of Winter! I paired this delightful floral with a black and white material that reminded me of a garden trellis ... thus "Garden Trellis" was born.

This bag has all the usual adornments... large inside pocket, fully lined with double interfacing for extra support, fabric-covered, removable, reinforced base, 22" reinforced fabric straps. This Hang Up measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12". Please feel free to email me at my email address on my sidebar with any questions you may have or if you are interested in purchasing. This Hang Up sells for $50 -- which includes shipping to the continental U.S.