Amanda

Kitty Love Quilt Pattern is Here!!

January 10, 2017 by Amanda 1 Comment

It’s here! It’s here! My latest quilt pattern, Kitty Love!!! January is feeling quite dreary!!! I created this cheery Valentine pattern to brighten things up around here! It is available for purchase in my Etsy shop. The pattern is a PDF and has full color instructions and diagrams.

I made this quilt with a variety of Bonnie & Camille fabrics by Moda: Vintage Picnic, Hello Darling, Vintage Modern and Day Sail.

This quilt measures 31″ square and is perfect to hang on a wall or put on a table. What I love about this pattern is that it is super versatile! I have included instructions to sew the quilt with charm packs and background fabric! I love my friend, Tina’s version – she made 5 heart blocks and 4 heart blocks all with charm squares!!

Also included in the pattern is a pumpkin block so you can make balck cats and orange pumpkins for Halloween!!

Mufasa is totally thrilled with this fun quilt and I know you will be too!!!

Filed Under: FEATURED, moda, patterns, quilt, Valentine's Day

Young Women Camp 2016 Re-Cap {Girls Camp}

January 9, 2017 by Amanda 2 Comments

screen-shot-2017-01-08-at-6-18-40-pm

I love Young Women Camp! Here is a little re-cap of our 2016 camp. I love sharing ideas and thought these might be helpful to someone out there! This might be the worlds longest blog post. I’ve tired to break up the post into categories. Here we go! If you want any of the documents, click HERE to go to an online folder. These are for personal, church use only.

Theme: CITY ON A HILL, inspired by Matthew 5:14 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”

Theme song: We Are by Kari Jobi. These lyrics are amazing and the chorus sings “we are the light of the world, we are a city on a hill.”

From these two places stemmed all the inspiration.

Camp Leader Training

We meet together as leaders each month for 5 months. We talk about responsibilities, ideas, inspiration, certification, and the itinerary. It sure takes a lot of preparation to plan camp! The YCLs also meet each moth to plan for their responsibilities. Our YCLs are amazing and they really run camp and are the heart of everything we do.

Back to Camp Night

About 6 weeks before camp we have “Back to Camp Night” which is when all the young women gather together and get to meet their level leaders. The YCLs lead us in songs and skits, we have fun refreshments and each level gets to meet separately and start planning. We used yellow and gingham for the decorations. All of the food was yellow: lemonade, lemon cake, cheese puffs, lemon taffy, vanilla Oreos, lemon sours, chips, and popcorn, etc.

Camp Preparations

Preparing for camp takes months. Here are some of the things we do before we get to camp.

Each girl gets a lanyard, bandana, songbook, itinerary, and camp shirt. During the week at camp they earn buttons. So I spend months making all these fun buttons!

This is about 100 lanyards. Each lanyard has a match, so there are two of each fabric. When the girls choose their lanyard they don’t know it but they are also choosing their “Pine Cone Buddy.”

Pinecone Buddies are kind of like Secret Sisters, only the girls know who their buddy is and they are paired up. During the week, they look out for their buddy, get to know their buddy, and make crafts for their buddy. I love that this has replaced Secret Sisters.

The buttons keep coming! We make buttons for archery, hikes, games, certification, special campfires, KP, nurse, crafts, rock climbing, and so on.

Each girl gets an itenary to clip onto her lanyard. This is the hardest and most time consuming part of planning camp – getting this ironed out!

screen-shot-2017-01-08-at-6-16-42-pm

screen-shot-2017-01-08-at-6-17-04-pm

Also on their lanyard is a camp songbook with all the lyrics to our favorite camp songs.

screen-shot-2017-01-08-at-6-16-32-pm

Each lanyard has a name card pouch and they write their name on the tag. They also got a little Warm Fuzzy chart and every time they did something nice for someone they got to mark it off. Once they received 10 marks, they turned in their chart and received a fluffy pom pom to put on their lanyard. These were a hit!!!
screen-shot-2017-01-08-at-6-17-40-pm

We have fabulous Stake Leaders and I made each of us a clipboard – everything was gingham at camp!!

Each level choose a City to represent them. They created a cheer based on their city and decorated their cabins according to that city’s culture. This was super fun and it each of the levels were amazing!!!

Once at camp we never sleep and run from activity to activity. Some highlights were our Amazing Race to kick off the first day of camp, 4th year over-night hike, crafts, certification, rock climbing, camp fires and mini classes, water fights, swimming, and archery.

We asked the young women who were interested to bring an artistic representation of the temple to help us decorate our large mantle in the lodge. I loved what they all came up with.

The first night the Stake Leaders put on a fun party – we were the city of Los Angles so we hosted “The LA County Fair.”

We had face painting….

country line dancing….

candy bar….

cotton candy & popcorn… photo booth….

and awards and prizes!!!

In the lodge we hung a photo of each young women mounted on yellow paper and throughout the week the girls wrote sweet words. They got to take them home at the end of camp.

Not sure who is having more fun….leaders or girls!!

Camp Crafts are such a fun part of camp. We made pom poms and yarn crafts….

wood, nail, and string art….

Embroidery projects, and lots of other fun things.

For one of our campfires, we had a service night where we could “Let our Light Shine”. We helped make these draw-string bags for the Days For Girls. The girls LOVED it and it was super meaningful and brought everyone joy!!!

By the end of camp there is no room left on the girls lanyards! These are a fun keepsake for each girl to look back at through the years and remember what each button represents.

I would say the highlight of camp was seeing our challenge we issued the year before come forth. We challenged the young women to take this past year to memorize the Living Christ. On the last night of camp before testimony meeting, we all stood and recited it together. It was so AMAZING!!! It had such a huge impact on everyone and really helped to strengthen our testimony of Jesus Christ.

screen-shot-2017-01-08-at-6-17-58-pm

Well, that’s it all in a nutshell. It’s hard to summarize a years worth of work, prayer, service, and love in one blog post, but I hope you find a little inspiration from our experience. Thanks for reading 🙂

Filed Under: girls camp, young women

Riley Blake Speedster Quilt Tutorial

January 9, 2017 by Amanda Leave a Comment

A little update on one of my favorite quilts…..

I am so in love with this fabric called Speedster by Riley Blake Designs!!! I created this quilt for my son, Ryan, for his 11th birthday. You can personalize the quilt by adding a favorite number, team number, or in this case, a special birthday age. This is a great pattern to use with large print fabrics.

This quilt pattern is great because it shows off the wonderful prints in this fabric line.

Finished quilt: 45″ x 67″

Block size: 16″

Let’s get started! Here’s how you can make one:

Supplies:

Assorted prints of Speedster 1/3 yard cuts or fat quarters

Heat n Bond Lite

Instructions

Cut the center theme blocks (12) 10″ square

Top and bottom strips (2) 3.5″ x 10″

Side strips (2) of each print 3.5″ x 8.25″

Lay the block out like this:

Sew the top and bottom strips to the theme block. (1/4″ seams throughout) Press seams. Sew the 2 side rectangles together to make the left and right strips. Press the seams toward the dark. Sew to the sides of the block, press. This completes a block.

Continue until you have 12 blocks. I used 3 different theme prints.

For the arrow blocks:

Cut a 5″ square of white

Cut a 5″ square of Navy

Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the white square.

Layer the white and navy squares right sides together. Sew 1/4″ along both sides of the diagonal line. Cut on the drawn line to make 2 half square triangles (HST). Press toward the dark. Square up to 4.5″ finished block.

Cut a navy rectangle 6.5″ x 5″

Cut (2) white rectangles 2.25″ x 6.5″

Sew in this order and press toward the dark:

Sew the two block sections together and press. Make 4 arrow blocks and sew them together all going the same direction. You will need to add a 2.5″ x 8.5″ strip of white fabric to the pointy end of the arrow row.

Prepare the applique block:

Trace a 8″ circle on the Heat n Bond Lite. Iron to the wrong side of the white fabric. Cut the circle and fuse in the center of a block. Top stitch around the circle two times in black thread,

Print out the number in reverse. I tried to find a font that matched the numbers in the fabric. Trace the number on the Heat n Bond Lite. Iron to the wrong side of the black fabric. Cut out numbers, press in place and top stitch in black thread.

Assemble the quilt:

Sew blocks together in rows. Press each row alternating directions. Pin the seam intersections.

(notice the white rectangle next to the red arrow. This needs to be squared up.)

Quilt as desired. I put minky on the back of mine so it is super cuddly!!!

I love how the quilt turned out and I can’t wait to give it to my son! If you are making this quilt for a smaller boy, you could use 9 blocks instead of the 12 blocks.

Save

Filed Under: FEATURED, quilt, Riley Blake, Therm O Web

Jewelry Travel Set {Zipper Pouch}

December 24, 2016 by Amanda 1 Comment

What do you give someone who has everything? It can be challenging! I thought my mom would love this fun travel jewelry bag! It has little individual pouches to put bracelets and necklaces. They all fit into this quilted zipper pouch. I used the Wildwood collection from Blend Fabrics.

Instead of rewriting this tutorial, here are the links so you can make your own!!

For the little jewelry button pouches I followed THIS tutorial.

For the zipper pouch, I used THESE measurements. I used quilt batting for the stabilizer and quilted the fabric before sewing the zipper pouch.

To insert the “Open Wide” zipper, follow THESE instructions.

This is such a fun little project and I use my set every time I travel!

Filed Under: Blend Fabrics, FEATURED, Heat n Bond, Therm O Web, zipper pouch

Captain America Child’s Apron

December 23, 2016 by Amanda 2 Comments

Do you have a little kitchen helper at your house? Sally bakes everything with me!! At 8 years old she has a few recipes she can make all by herself! For Christmas I thought she needed her own measuring cups and spoons and Captain America Apron!!! This is a basic pattern that can be made in 30 minutes. You can get creative and add a pocket, ruffle, or fabric accent. I kept it simple because its all about “Cap” for Sally. This is a big kids size – would fit from a 6X up to a kids 12.

Place the pattern on the fold – I made sure to center the Cap 🙂 Cut one front and one lining.Once you make the straps, baste them according to the pattern. Then pin them to keep them from getting in the way of the apron seam.

Pin right sides together and make sure to leave a 3″-4″ opening on the side for turning.

I love how it turned out – and it’s reversible!!!

Save

Filed Under: fat quarter shop, FEATURED, gift, Marvel

Vinyl Covered Fabric Pencil Pouch Tutorial

December 19, 2016 by Amanda Leave a Comment

I love sewing zipper pouches! This one is the perfect size to keep pens, pencils, and art supplies in. What’s even more fun is I used Heat n Bond Vinyl to make the outside of the zipper pouch waterproof – it kind of has the look of oil cloth! The kids were so excited! They each choose a Marvel fabric for their pouch. They literally stood by the sewing machine waiting for me to finish them! These are such great gifts and are so useful!!

They go great with my Marvel composition book and Marvel key fob!! Here’s how you can make one:

Supplies

1/4 yard outer bag

1/4 yard lining

zipper, at least 12″ long

Heat n Bond Vinyl

Instructions:

Cut the following:

(2) 5″ x 10.5″ for outer bag Marvel fabric

(2) 5″ x 10.5″ for lining

(2) 2.5″ x 2″ for zipper tabs

(2) 5″ x 10.5″ Heat n Bond Vinyl

Cut the outer bag and lining pieces.

Cut the vinyl pieces.

Peel off the vinyl and place the sticky side to the right side of the outer bag pieces. Cover the vinyl with the paper that was just removed and heat set (on medium heat) according to manufacturers instructions, about 8 seconds then flip over and press for 4 seconds.

DO NOT touch iron directly onto vinyl. If you need to press, cover with the paper first.

The outer pieces are now covered in vinyl and have a whole new look!!! It’s so much fun!!!!

Now it’s time to sew in the zipper.

Press the zipper tabs 1/4″ in on the top and bottom and then press in half:

Trim the metal end off the zipper and insert the end into one of the tabs. Sew 2 seams along the edge:

Cut open the zipper tab and cut out the zipper. Trim the zipper tab to be the same width as the zipper.

Now measure the zipper to the zipper pouch. You need to have 1″ of zipper tab on each side. Measure the zipper and cut the other end off to where it needs to be. Sew the second zipper tab on. Make sure not to cut the zipper pull off 🙂 Cut open the zipper tab and cut out the excess zipper.

Lay the zipper right side on top of the Marvel piece. Lay the Lining piece on top of that right side down. Match all the raw edges. See photo below:

Using a zipper foot, sew the zipper in. Finger press.

Now position the second Marvel piece right side down and the lining piece on the bottom, right side facing up, like this:

Basically you are making sure each piece is right sides together with it’s matching piece. Line up all the raw edges and sew using the zipper foot. Finger press.

Sew 1/8″ along both sides of the zipper.

With the zipper partially open, match the Marvel pieces right sides together and the lining pieces right sides together. Pin all the way around. Sew using 1/4″ seam all the way around leaving a 3 inch opening in the bottom of the lining. Clip corners and turn right side out. Top stitch the opening closed. The vinyl gets a little scrunched while turning, so place the pressing paper on top of the vinyl and lightly press out the wrinkles.

Ta Da!! Now go sew up a bunch of these!!!!

With Save

Save

Filed Under: fat quarter shop, FEATURED, Marvel, zipper pouch

Marvel Covered Composition Book

December 19, 2016 by Amanda Leave a Comment

If you know me at all you know I LOVE Composition Books! I use one for everything: sewing notes, Christmas planning, Young Women Camp Planning, Journals, Gospel study notes, To Do Lists, and on and on! I love sewing covers for these fun books to give them personality and also add durability! I am loving the latest Marvel Fabrics from Camelot Fabrics available at Fat Quarter Shop. These would make great Christmas or Birthday gifts!

Cut Center piece 7″ x 16.5″

Cut (2) accent pieces 2.5″ x 16.5″

Cut Lining 11″ x 16.5″

Cut flap pieces (2) 10″ x 11″

Heat n Bond Fusible Fleece 11″ x 16.5″

To make the outer book cover, using 1/4″ seams, sew the top and bottom pieces to the center Marvel piece. Press seams.

Fuse the Heat n Bond Fusible Fleece to the wrong side of the fabric according to the manufacturer instructions.

Sew accent stitching 1/8″ along both sides of the seam.

To finish the composition book cover, follow this tutorial. I omitted the button closure.

The book tucks easily inside the cover.

It’s the perfect addition to my collection of Marvel fabric items!!!

Save

Filed Under: FEATURED, Heat n Bond, Marvel, Therm O Web

Marvel Padded Sketchbook Case Tutorial

December 19, 2016 by Amanda Leave a Comment

I love sewing for my kids!!!! They are totally into Marvel right now so I’m so excited for this new line from Camelot Fabrics available at Fat Quarter Shop!! This fun project is for a padded sketch book case with button closure (Sketch book measuring 9″x12″). This case is also great for coloring books, journals, music books, and magazines. The Heat n Bond Fusible Fleece gives it soft stability. You can whip one up in about 30 minutes! So it’s a great gift.

I made four Sketch Book Cases for my daughter’s artsy friends. The four of them sketch all day and nerd out at lunch with their sketchbooks. They were thrilled to receive them!!

Let’s get started!

Supplies
1/2 yard lining fabric

fat quarter backing

fat quarter flap fabric

fat quarter front sides

fat quarter front center

1 yard Heat n Bond Fusible Fleece

Button

First have your cat sleep on all the fabric so it needs ironing when you are ready 🙂

Cut the front side pieces (2) 5″ x 12″ and center 6″ x 12″.

Sew together as pictured above with 1/4″ seams and press.

Cut the back 15″ x 12″

Cut the flap (2) 15″ x 6″

Cut the lining (2) 15″ x 12″

Cut the Fusible Fleece (2) 15″ x 12″ and (1) 15″ x 6″

Match up the Marvel pieces with the fleece pieces and fuse to the wrong side of the fabric, according to manufacturers instructions. (only fuse one of the flap pieces)

Sew accent stitching 1/8″ along both sides of the seams.

Prepare the flap:

Take the fused flap piece and round the corners of the bottom two corners by tracing a small plate. Cut with scissors.

Lay the rounded flap piece on top of the second 6″ x 15″ piece and pin, right sides together. Sew 1/2″ seam around the side, bottom, and side. Leaving the top open.

Trim down the seam allowance and clip the curves.

Turn right side out, press and top stitch along seam 1/8″.

Find the center of the flap and mark. Sew a button hole that matches the size of your button. Sew the button hole 2″ above the seam.

Place the front pouch piece on top of the back pouch piece right sides together. Pin the sides and the bottom. Sew the sides and bottom using a 1/2″ seam. Clip corners and turn right side out.

Pin the sides and bottom of the lining pieces in the same manner. Sew 1/2″ seam along the sides and bottom.

Pin the flap to the back of the pouch, matching raw edges. Make sure to center on the back piece. Baste 1/8″ along flap .

Place the outer pouch inside the lining, right sides together. Match at side seams and pin all the way around. Sew using a 1/4″ seam all the way around.

Unstitch a 3″ section on one of the sides of the lining. Turn right side out. Top stitch the lining closed. Press lining down inside the pouch. Top stitch using a 1/8″ seam around the “mouth” of the case. Hand sew the button on.

They were so much fun to make and the fabrics were fun to mix and match! I can’t decide which is my favorite!

Save

Filed Under: fat quarter shop, FEATURED, Heat n Bond, Marvel, Uncategorized

Christmas Ornaments and Art on Etsy

December 7, 2016 by Amanda Leave a Comment

Proud Mommy Alert!!!! I just want to take a moment and give my sweet daughter, @Ellasketch, a shout out! She has been working so hard this holiday season to paint amazing ornaments and decor for her Etsy shop! She has been spending every moment in her room painting ornaments to fill orders. She decided to open an Etsy shop instead of getting a regular “teenager job” to save money for college. Thank you to those who have supported her – we both appreciate you so much!! If you would like to see her work, visit her Etsy shop here 🙂

Not only does she have ornaments, but she has painted these wonderful 7″ wood squares.

Filed Under: Christmas, FEATURED

Five Fat Quarter Fun {Free Quilt Pattern} Fresh Eggs

December 7, 2016 by Amanda 3 Comments

It’s so fun to loose yourself at the local quilt shop!! Sometimes it’s hard to know what to buy with so many amazing choices! Fat Quarters are a fun way to bring a little sampling home with you! This pattern was created after Amber, from Gigi’s Thimble, and I met up at a quilt shop while in St. George, Utah. All you need is 5 fat quarters and some background fabric to put the top together! It’s even more fun when you shop and sew with friends!! You can download the PDF by clicking HERE.