I wanted to share these photos and comments on my Easy Zip Wallet pattern courtesy of Audrey Hess. I think she did a great job, I love the fabric choices and the zipper pull! Thanks so much for sharing Audrey!

Here's what Audrey had to say,

Hi: I wanted to share photos of the easy zip wallet that I made. This is the second wallet I've made using your pattern and I'm sure it's not the last. I have found that matching the 18" zipper color to the binding color looks really sharp. I used a ...

And the Lucky 13 Winner is Bette Loyd! Not because her comment was the longest. But because of what she said. It is gratifying to hear that a pattern that I created has the power to not only inspire the sewer and in Bette's case rekindled her enthusiasm for sewing! But, that the finished product created (in this case a handbag) has an impact beyond that and brings positive social interaction and fun to someones life!

Bette, I am so grateful that you chose to share your story with me and the rest of the world. Thank you! It ...

Gel printing in my new "wet studio" with my friend Chris Kimmins. Chris is a weaver but I enticed her to give this a try. She is excited about working her prints into garments! I can't wait to see what manifests.

The weather has been glorious here all week. Sunny, cool, low humidity absolutely perfect. And I've decided I don't want to work inside when the weathers so beautiful. (Especially on a holiday weekend) So I set up a workstation on my front porch. Now I can enjoy the weather and keep on working!

Happy 4th of July weekend to all my readers in the USA! Have a good time and stay safe!

Tip of the Day . . .

Never put your coffee next to your brush rinsing cup when painting. Inevitably, you will rinse your paint brush in your coffee.

Ask me how I know?

(At least I didn't lock myself out of my house today)

Have a great day, enjoy each and every moment.

FYI-This post has nothing to do with sewing or quilting, crafting or anything creative.

Yesterday I tried to get my lawn mower started all day long - off and on. At the end of the day a friend of mine came over, diddled with some thing-a-ma-gig and started it with one pull. When he left I went in to put on my lawn mowing shoes and when I came back out and tried to start it . . . NO LUCK. Ugggh. I then had supper and tried again. NOPE.

This morning I walked down to the coffee shop and had coffee with my ...

Win thirteen Scrap-bags purse patterns! Comment below and tell me about your FAVORITE Scrap-bag pattern and why it’s your favorite. You could be the LUCKY WINNER!!! Contest ends July 15th! (Make sure I can contact you via email if you win)

Look what I found . . . quilted postage stamps! Cool huh!

I'd like to introduce some of my Quilty/Arty friends to you. Below, are the four sisters who own Behind the Seams Quilt Shop in Silver Bay, Minnesota. You'll notice that from behind (second photo down) they have visually portrayed themselves on the back of their vests. This was their first time at Quilt Market and they really got into the spirit of things!

And this is Betty Buss a long time customer of Scrap-bags™ patterns, Betty formerly owned Beehive Quilt Shop in Mason City, Iowa. Betty is showing me the wallet she made from my Easy Zip ...

I was fortunate to meet Marcia Derse at Quilt Market. Marcia designed the fabric I used in my newest quilt, "Buttons Bows & Yo-Yo's". This collection that I used is called "Gerta" and is produced by Troy Corp. Marcia is a high energy delightful person. I am so happy to have met her. Thinking of her just makes me smile . . . just like "Gerta" and my new quilt!

I greatly appreciate the women who helped me prepare for quilt market this year. I could not have done it without you . . . (and remained sane that is).

Thanks to my pattern testers:
Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts, Sarah Olson, Sue Lyon, and pictured below, Tracy Krueger, Sue Seslar & Roxy Baumann.


Darcy Taylor, Nancy Gille & Tracy Krueger

And last but not least a big thanks to my dear friend and fellow artist Linda Thiltgen. Linda accompanied me to ...

Thanks to those of you who stopped by my booth at Quilt Market in Minneapolis. I am delighted with the reception you gave my two new patterns! If you'd like a three minute peek at my booth and new products please have a look at the video below. My best to you, Jamie.

The Buttons Bows & Yo-Yo's Quilt - This is a fun one! Easy piecing for the simple bow tie design creates the base of the quilt top, then you add easy applique buttons (circles) using fusible interfacing. To top it off you have the option of adding Yo-Yo's to the center of the circles. The patterns has instruction for three sizes - Lap, Twin and Queen. Note: The Pattern cover shows a cropped view of the actual quilt. #1001 BBYY - Retail cost $9.00.

For both patterns this one and the Bayport Bag - Instructions for how to make Yo-yo's the ...

The Bayport Bag - This bag was designed by me just for me! I wanted a bag that had easy access interior pockets, (without having to open the bag), one for my cell phone and one for my keys. I also, wanted a bag that was large but not bulky. With this pattern you make the quilt sandwich and quilt it BEFORE you do anything else. You also bind it just like a quilt. There is also an optional Yo-yo detail. #1002 BPB - Retail cost $9.00

The Pattern is ready to ship NOW!


"I ...

Are you a quilt shop owner or buyer? Are you attending Spring Quilt Market in Minneapolis? Did you know you have a chance to win some great sewn samples! Check this out!

Passport to Minnesota Home

Minnesota is the land of many designers!

Passport to Minnesota is a “booth hop” event for shop owners attending spring market in Minneapolis.

There are prizes involved too!

Come to the schoolhouse and get your Passport and a goodie bag. Find out what it’s all about!

Passport to Minnesota School House

Thursday May 20th

1:30 – 2:00

Imagine this, I move to my hometown after being away for 29 years and within 25 days I've been asked to join a "Craft Club" and a newly formed "Quilt Club"! I am delighted! Thanks to my sister Tracy for inviting me, she is a long time member of the local "Stitch & Bitch - Craft Club".

Below are photos from the very first meeting of our newly formed QUILT CLUB, along with just two of the many beautiful show and tell quilts that were brought to share. We spent the day together sewing and getting to know each other. There ...

I have been away from my blog for too long . . .

But, I've not been lazy . . . I've been working hard getting ready for Quilt Market and I moved! Here is a photo of my new inventory and shipping room. New products and new posts are coming soon!

. . . while staying at the Woodland Cottage last week my friend Linda and I were treated to a private showing of Winnie Johnson's quilt collection. Winnie had just finished serving our breakfast (Yes, breakfast is included with your stay) And because I was carrying my handy dandy iphone (and with Winnie's permission) I can now share it with you. (Both the breakfast and the quilt show!!!) All of the quilts shown were made by Winnie or her mother or grandmothers. They each have a story and an identification patch on the back. This was a wonderful treat! Thanks so ...

Just got this nice email note from a customer . . .

Subject: scrap bags pattern
Date: February 22, 2010 12:53:54 PM CST

Hi, I recently purchased your yin-yang scrap bags pattern in Staunton, VA. It was one of those patterns that as soon as I saw it, I had to have it and as soon as I got home, I had to make one. That was just three days ago. Now I'm on my fourth one. What a great pattern! Thanks.
Phyllis


Yeah Phyllis! You go girl! Send me some of your photos, I'd love to see them ...

I just returned from 3 days and two nights of exploring fiber arts techniques with my friend Linda Thiltgen at the Woodland Cottage. Below are a few photos.










Get inspired . . . work . . . play . . . and try something new. I can't wait to incorporate these things into bags, quilts and wall ...