The Kate Chronicles

NewNewNew: Amy Butler!

kate — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:23:35 +0000

I just found out that Amy Butler’s got some new fabrics coming out in April! I’m not gonna lie - orange dahlia’s kinda rockin’ my world. Check out the sample palettes here:

Baby Quilt: Round Two

kate — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:50:22 +0000

Forget being a baby quilt…I want this quilt for myself! Perhaps you know about my serious hate relationship with sewing triangles in patchwork. If you don’t, allow me to summarize. It doesn’t matter what technique I use, I find triangles to be extremely tedious and unforgivable. Despite this, I love this quilt SO much that I may just attempt it. Could it be a good idea for the quilt for my little bro? I think it might…

On a brighter note, please check out the Purl Bee blog - they have great tutorials and inspiration for knitters and quilters alike. I hear this is also a phenomenal quilt and yarn shop in Soho. I’ve definitely put it on my list of places to visit next time I’m out and about on the east coast. Fortunately for those of us in the west, you can also shop Purl Bee online by clicking here.

Sigh, it’s love. I even felt a little wave of excitement when I saw their banner:

Josie’s First Project

kate — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 20:52:24 +0000

You probably remember the sewing machine I got for Josie…it was a post not that long ago. Anyhow, just wanted to post a pic up of her very first project - a purse that we worked on together. Josie was the driver, while i guided the fabric. Unfortunately, the only kid’s sewing book that I could find was pretty dated, but I’ll start collecting some new ones soon…Go Josie!

Teacher, Teacher

kate — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 04:10:45 +0000

I taught ldk and k10 how to sew! Check out their (very admirable) first projects! How positively Martha

Cool New Thing + Great Gift: PBW (portable bobbin winder)

kate — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:19:07 +0000

Suz alerted me to this cool new product (it’s on her Christmas wish list). If your bobbin winder is broken, no longer do you have to worry about taking it in for an expensive repair. Don’t want to worry about re-threading? The portable bobbin winder is the perfect solution.

photo courtesy of clotilde.com

The Sidewinder runs on AC or batteries, and works with the simple touch of a button. It works with most bobbins. Unfortunately, I checked 10+ websites, and it’s out of stock everywhere, with an estimated in stock date of January 2008.

To read a review of the sidewinder, click here.

The Modern Baby Quilt

kate — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 19:37:32 +0000

I saw this recent post by SFGirlbyBay, and decided to give a shout out of my own to Ciuccio. I have never seen such adorable baby quilts (except of course for the ones that Suz makes). Here are a couple of my favorites:

Both available on Etsy. for an extremely reasonable price, $38.

Here’s a little about the quilts:

“It’s not all pink and blue around here. In fact, you may have noticed that many of our fabrics are surprising choices for baby quilts. We like color. A lot. Quilt tops are hand pieced using 100% cotton fabrics. The batting is polyester and Minkee (the coziest fabric ever) is used as backing. Machine quilting is done in complementary colors and patterns, and cotton strips are bound by hand.”

For more information about the artist and the quilts check out the site.

Holiday Cheer: Quilted Stockings

kate — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 03:16:40 +0000

Finally a weekend of crafting! I gave up everything this weekend to be able to craft. I NEEDED a low key weekend, and that’s what I got. The result of my low key weekend? Two fabulous quilted stockings for PRD and me.

And one up close shot for good measure:

The holidays have officially begun!

Cool Gift: Rice Heating Pad

kate — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:59:25 +0000

Check out this cool handmade heating pad! It’s definitely a great gift to give for the holidays. I especially love the colors and patterns that were chosen for this one. For instructions you can check out SewMamaSew’s website here: Rice Heating Pad.

See more cool ideas from Sew Mama Sew…

(more…)

Greatest Gift…Ever!

kate — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 04:56:28 +0000

I was so excited to hear that my lil’ sis, Josie, is interested in the world of crafting! “Yes,” I thought, “something we can share” - she’s always been interested in my quilting projects, and likes to help pick fabrics and such, so I just couldn’t resist getting her this for Christmas…

Isn’t it wonderful? This Hello Kitty Sewing Machine is made by Janome - a trusty sewing machine source, and this machine is the exact same product as the “sew mini” - the only difference is the hello kitty decals. Plus, it’s blue, so it’s not too girly. Overall it got great reviews, which is what convinced me to purchase it…much better reviews than any other half size sewing machine on the market. Features drop-in bobbin, easy lay-in threading and 3 stitch types: straight, zigzag and reverse - perfect for a beginner.

I am so stoked about this gift - I might just open it to check it out before I give it to Josie on Christmas Day.

I got a great deal from www.allbrands.com, the price was $59.99 (same everywhere I looked online) but I got free shipping that was upgraded to free three-day shipping. Gotta love it!

Give Handmade - Baby Gifts

kate — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:42:44 +0000

Now that everyone I know is getting married, it’s not completely out of the question to speculate about babies…which will eventually mean more showers (just replace the bridal with baby).

Now, baby gifts are easy to find, but hard to find handmade. I’m not hating on the diaper genies or the onesies - all perfectly practical gifts. Here’s a great idea from Suz, and a relatively simple project at that. If you like to give handmade, then here’s the gift for you. It’s a bib with a teething ring attached. Makes a perfect gift if you ask me, and completely customizable.

If you’re interested in instructions, contact me