Simplify

Keepin' it real

I have a confession to make.  A few of them, actually.

I have been sewing like crazy lately, for market, and for a few other things as well.  I'm exhausted!  And excited.  It's a strange thing.  So much to do, so little time in the day.  I'm so tired, I've been wearing my glasses.  Scary. 

I consider a Sonic Size tots and a Route 44 DP a meal.  A delicious one. 

And today, my house is a mess.  (I'd show you a picture but I'm too embarrassed) It's okay though, because if I have work to do and something has to be neglected, I'd {obviously}rather it was my house than my kids.  They are really cute.  Plus my house doesn't tug on my arm.  That always helps. 

I am SO darn proud of these little smarty pants of mine.

(C chose the words, A sounded them out.  C is a movie junkie, in case you didn't know.) 

Oh and also, I'm really boring. (As if this post doesn't already prove that!)

My life is far from perfect, but I wouldn't trade it for anything...

...except maybe a nap.  ;-)

What is your confession today?  Get it off your chest.  You'll feel better.  I know I do, but that could just be the Dr. Pepper settling in. 

Happy *yawn* Wednesday!

edit:  for a couple of great Moda-y giveaways, check out my twitter on the sidebar for some  links.  You're welcome.

Winner, winner chicken dinner

WELL, it appears that we all have something in common.  A love (obsession?) of cut goods!!  We will have to do this again soon!!!  Thank you to everyone who entered, I read every single comment and it was so fun to get to know you better.  I always wonder who is reading this silly blog of mine...  ANYWAY, on to what you are really here for...

And the winners are (thanks to the RNG)

*Marge, who has 15 grandangels and travels (and sews) in an RV all summer.  Hopefully not driving and sewing at the same time.  Congrats Marge!

*Katie Winn who lives in Arizona and is enjoying the weather (can't blame her)

*Elph aka Edith who has a "TV in my sewing machine"  Where can I get one of those?  Also she loves ESPN, she should have grown up in my house.  ;-)

*Kersten who is expecting twins and comes from a family of seven girls (WOW.)  BUT you have to send me a picture of those twins, if I send you some fabric.  Deal?

*Nancy (teenietaters) who has rapidly become addicted to piecing, and possibly enjoys tiny potatoes ?  ;-)

*And last but not least, Megan that loves to cook and made the best bean soup ever a few nights ago.

Congrats ladies!  Email me your addresses at camille(at)thimbleblossoms(dot)com and I'll get your prizes on their way to your doorstep.   How does that sound?

For those who asked, the Blue Man Group was so much fun.  Stranger than strange, but so much fun.  

And also, I'm in a blogging rut for some reason.  Anything you are dying for me to post about?  I'd appreciate a suggestion or two!  Otherwise, you are just going to get more pictures of the munchkins.  Consider yourself warned...  

What does your Friday look like?

Here's mine:

Trying not to melt...

Batman made an appearance.

As did Superman, but he wouldn't let me take his picture. 

Been trying to keep up on the giveaway entries.  Keep 'em comin!

Doing a little stippling.

While listening to my man, Glenn.

And getting ready for a hot date with four guys, 

three of them blue.  

Fridays are my favorite.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Due to popular demand, I present...

Otherwise known as, your guide to Moda cut goods. 

What in the world is a Jelly Roll?   

This is probably the question I am most frequently emailed, especially from new quilters who are just starting their {crazy} fabric obsession.  So, here's a quick and easy guide (with pictures!) to help you out.  I should warn you, you might be hungry by the end of it... so I have a little treat down there.  Don't miss it!

*And just in case you were wondering, one yard of fabric is 36" x 44" (the width of fabric. It varies a little.) 

*Just FYI, no need to prewash your cut goods.  Just start sewing!

*Oh, and have you seen these?  Oh my gosh, they are cute.... I want one! (or ten)

Anyway, back on track...

1.  Charm Packs

5" x 5" squares of coordinating fabric from the same collection of fabric (otherwise known as a fabric line).  Charm packs include one of each of the prints, usually between 25-40 squares.  It typically says how many are included on the back. 

see examples here

2.  Layer Cakes

10" x 10" squares from one fabric collection. They used to include 40 squares but the new ones now have 42. Want to throw a quick and easy quilt together?  Layer cakes are the answer.  Love 'em.  By the way, that is a charm pack on top of a layer cake.  For size reference.  And because forgot to take a picture of the Layer Cake by itself.... but who's counting?

see examples here

3.  Jelly Rolls

Jelly rolls are my favorite.  They look so darn cute all rolled up, and even if I just stack them on my shelf, they are gorgeous to look at.  A Jelly Roll is 40 2-1/2" x 44" strips from one line of fabric.  

see examples here

4.  Honey Buns

(Like a Jelly Roll, only sweeter.  And shorter.  :-)  Same concept as a Jelly Roll, only the strips are 1-1/2" wide instead of 2-1/2.  Darling, darling.... 

see examples here

5.  Turnovers

6" half square (triangles) of fabric.  There are 2 of each print, making 80 turnovers per pack.  I haven't used these yet, but I just got a few to start playing with.  Can't wait!

see examples here

6.  Fat Quarter Bundle

Okay, maybe these are my favorite...  Fat quarter bundles are a stack of fat quarters from a line of fabric, and include as many fat quarters are there are prints in the line. What is a fat quarter?  Well, if you cut 1/4 yard of fabric, it would measure 9" x 44"   So, you'd have a long skinny quarter yard.  Instead, a fat quarter is 18"x22".  OR, half the length, twice the width.  Still a quarter yard.  And darn cute all stacked up. 

see examples here 

Simple as that.  

Okay, so now that you are all savvy on the cut goods, lets give a few away!  I'm thinking, some Honey Buns, Jelly Rolls, maybe Charm Pack or two... or some Turnovers!  Hmm... they all sound delicious.  So, heres what you do:

Tell me.... your name, where you are from, a random fact about yourself, and what you think (preferably about cut goods, rather than... I don't know, the meaning of life.  Maybe next time.)  Which cut is your favorite?  And for extra credit (but not really) tell me which Moda fabric line is your favorite right now.  Who knows... it just might end up on your doorstep, in dessert form.... Feel free to tell your friends, for a few extra entries.  But have them hurry, because the winners will be announced next Monday, whatever day of the month that is.  

As always, heres mine: Camille Roskelley, current Nevadan, and I could eat a Fire Grilled Steak Burrito and a Dr. Pepper from Cafe Rio and listen to James Taylor every day for the rest of my life.  My favorite Moda treat is either Jelly Rolls or Fat Quarter bundles, I can't get enough of either.  And my favorite line of fabric right now is... Simple Abundance.  ;-)  ha ha... okay, since that isn't out yet, how about SWEET by Urban Chiks.  LOVE it!  And yes, I posted about this on my blog.

So go on, enter.  And feel free to bribe me with chocolate, it's the Reeses Eggs time of year, you know.... 

One more thing... are any of you able enough to muster up the courage to cut into your cut goods?  It's such a struggle for me! So... I do what any sensible person would do.  

I buy backup.  :-)

Good luck!  

Lazy day

Anyone else having a tough time getting anything done today?

I sure am.  All I want to do is sit in my pjs and browse my favorite stores and blogs.  There are about 100 things right now that I'm eyeing... (don't worry J, only eyeing, not buying)  ;-) 

First of all, these chairs from Target:  

Second of all, more of this fabric:

Third of all, this sweet (as in sweet) white balance filter that Shelly let me play with last weekend:

 

Fourth, this fabulous new book Joanna has coming out in the next few weeks:

Fifth...you get the idea.  I mean, have you been to etsy lately?  Geez!  

Oh, and a quick reminder:   Have a question?  Check out my FAQ page up on the top left sidebar.  Because my inbox isn't doing so hot.  And I'm all about instant gratification when I have a question.  Hopefully that will help.

And also, stop by on Monday- I'm working on something fun that just might have to do with those delicious little honey buns in the first photo.  Mmm.... honey buns....  

So, what are you eyeing?