nanaCompany

Mouse Bedding Maker | Winner!

I've discovered the perfect pink.  It's more of a blush really... the palest of pinks.  I found it in my stash and there's less than a 1/4 yard left but I don't know what it is!!!  (I have a feeling it's Kaufman Kona in Pearl Pink, but I won't know until I see it in person and when I do I'm buying lots!)

It grieves me to no end that solids don't have printed selvedges because I am just not disciplined ~ I have the info on exactly one of my pinks, one of my greens, one yellow, and that's it folks!

How do you keep your solids organized?

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I think I've discovered my true calling ~  that of Mouse Bedding Maker.  Ya ha.  Really.  A few weeks ago, I found this doll bed at the second-hand store.  It measures about 6" x 9" and I just couldn't say no.  (I have dreams of creating my own mouse softies someday and wouldn't this make the perfect bed for them?)  Now the pressing "question of the day" is:  Should I leave the bed as is or paint it?  Mint?  Pink?  Cream?  Well that will have to get sorted later because I couldn't wait on making some bedding.  It was so much fun!

To start, I made a "mattress" and some cushions.  The quilt and blankets will come next.  And a garland will have to be hung from the bed posts.

Did anybody catch how sick in the brain I must be to have made my mouse bed "mattress" in a cat print?  Because mice like laying on a bed of cats???  Ha!  I didn't do it on purpose, I swear.  That clever darling cat print by Lizzie House had just arrived in the mail and I couldn't wait to use it, is all.  

p.s. that little mouse up there is manufactured by a Danish company called Maileg and I didn't make it.  

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You all have been very patient, thank you, but I know you're wondering... who won the Lulu Roses Giveaway?

Congratulations to Emily, who wrote, "I am thankful for my new baby girl-that she is healthy and safe. Thanks, Amy!"  By the way I loved reading your comments about what you are thankful for.  It was an exercise that I personally needed that day because I was feeling kinda mopey about something.  Forcing myself to count the things I'm thankful for is the best way I know to adjust my attitude.  I have a lot to be thankful for and it sounds like a lot of you do, too.  Thank you very much for entering the giveaway and sharing with me, as always...

xo amy

318 Patchwork Patterns Blog Hop & Giveaway!

Welcome!  Are you enjoying the blog hop?  You're familiar with the book we're celebrating by now, right?  318 Patchwork Patterns.  (You know, the beloved book previously released in Japanese, out of print, but now it's available again and it's an English edition thanks to the savvy folks at World Book Media.)  So now I have to show you what I made from the book, but straight off I have some things to admit and I'm feeling a little sheepish.

1|  I have never ever tried this particular kind of paper piecing that all the others in the hop are so skilled at doing.  It's one of those things I just haven't learned to do yet and therefore it scares me... a little bit a lot.

2|  That's why I didn't try one of the fun blocks from the beginning of the book, though I'm definitely feeling more eager to learn now.  I've been watching quietly as artists like Charise churn out the most amazing fabric creations, figuring someday I'll try it ~  I'll love it ~ and then it'll be all over for me.  But until then, I had to come up with something else for this blog hop... sooo I decided to do an applique block.

3|  Well, hmmmph.  Never done an applique like this before, either.  I've never appliqued from a pattern and never an entire intricate block like this one.  But... I did it.

And I love it!  Kumiko's designs are so beautiful and timeless and can be translated any way you like based on the fabrics you choose, or the way that you incorporate the block into a project.  And just think ~ there are 318 patterns to choose from in this book!  I chose #288.

However, what I'm basically saying is that I don't think you want to ask me how I did it because I'm still learning, but in a nutshell...

step 1:  I copied the little tiny pattern #288 from the book at regular size.  I cut out the little pattern and then I photocopied that at 366% to get an 8 3/4" square block.  

step 2:  I traced the enlarged pattern onto freezer paper, cut out all the shapes, and pressed the freezer paper stencils onto the right side of my fabric.  (For this applique I mainly used my daughter's old clothes, but I added two Japanese lawn prints to the mix.)

step 3:  I folded the fabric seam allowances under the freezer paper "stencils" and sewed each piece by hand to a linen base.  I think I should have traced the pattern also onto the linen, that way I would know exactly where to sew on each shape, but I didn't do that part and that explains why my applique is ever so slightly wonky.  But heck, I'm very proud of it.  And I would do it again.  I love handsewing!

I turned my applique block into a tote bag.  Since the bag is for me I felt free to do whatever I chose, and I used lace as the binding on the sides.  I used a Juliana Horner print for the bottom binding as well as the bag lining.  For the little label at the top, I cut a freezer paper stencil with an exacto knife and painted on the "nanaCo."  

I'm so sorry for these horrible photos.  I didn't get one clear pic but you get the idea.

Judging by the success of my first block and this new tote, I think this book and I are going to have a lot of fun together!

Would you like a chance to win a free copy of this book?  Just leave a comment on this post telling me what you see yourself making with it ~ and you're entered!  Comments will close Monday, November 3rd, at midnight.  The winner will be chosen randomly and announced soon thereafter.  This giveaway is open to all.  Thank you to Zakka Workshop for sponsoring this book giveaway! 

318 Patchwork Patterns Blog Hop schedule:

 

·      October 20- Kerry from http://verykerryberry.blogspot.com/

·      October 22- Penny Layman from http://sewtakeahike.typepad.com

·      October 24- Angela Pingel from http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com

·      October 27- Amy Sinibaldi from http://nanacompany.typepad.com

·      October 29- Amber Carrillo from http://oneshabbychick.typepad.com

·      October 31- Latifah Saafir from www.thequiltengineer.com

·      November 3- Charise Randell from http://charisecreates.blogspot.com

·      November 5- Leila from http://wheretheorchidsgrow.blogspot.com

·      November 7- Amy Friend from http://duringquiettime.com

·      November 10- Faith Jones from www.freshlemonquilts.com

·      November 12- Caroline from www.sewcanshe.com

·      November 14- Rashida Coleman-Hale from http://iheartlinen.typepad.com

 

Good luck to you all!  xo amy

just a bit of color

Autumn in Los Angeles, I've gotta say, is nothing compared to the autumns I knew growing up in New England.  The entire countryside seemed to be lit on fire.  In L.A. a handful of leaves may die and fall to the ground, while the palm trees look exactly the same year round.  But, in all things ~ we do the best with what we've got.  We may not be enjoying any of that glorious color but thank goodness the temperatures are getting cooler.  At last!!!  

Last week, we went for a walk collecting bits of nature for Olivia's class assignment.  The fern fronds we found were kinda neat ~ but brown, like nearly all of the leaves we found on the ground ~ so I let Livi pick a few living leaves and flowers just to add a bit of color to her basket.  She was pleased in the end with her nature "finds" and Mia dozed off into a long nap that afternoon.  Glorious, indeed!

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Today the "Spooky and Cute" version of my Halloween banner went live on eHow.  The DIY includes the templates for the spider, moon, bat, ghost and pumpkin.  Check it out here!

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FYI... I've got six "DIY Cookie Kits in a Bakery Box" going in the shop today at 5pm.  I get countless requests for these but I am downright lazy when it comes to putting stuff in my shop.  Anyway, I'll probably make more, but six kits are ready to go.

These felt cookies are fun for kids to play with, but also perfect for holiday garlands and decorating.  I'll see you at the shop at 5?

xo amy

for the love of 318 Patchwork Patterns

This book is famous in patchwork circles and I know many of you have been patiently waiting for the English version.  Well it's here and available for purchase at last!  I'm new to the world of Kumiko Fujita's 318 Patchwork Patterns but I certainly see the appeal.  So many fun blocks to sew!!  (I've already sewn up one, did you see the sneak peek on Instagram?)

Well the peeps at Zakka Workshop have put together the 318 Patchwork Patterns Blog Hop and Kerry of verykerryberry kicked it off today in her usual awesome style ~ see her post here.  Want to follow the rest of the stops on the blog hop?  (For patchwork, sewing inspiration, and lots of chances to win a copy of the book!)

 

318 Patchwork Patterns Blog Hop schedule:

 

·      October 20- Kerry from http://verykerryberry.blogspot.com/

·      October 22- Penny Layman from http://sewtakeahike.typepad.com

·      October 24- Angela Pingel from http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com

·      October 27- Amy Sinibaldi from http://nanacompany.typepad.com

·      October 29- Amber Carrillo from http://oneshabbychick.typepad.com

·      October 31- Latifah Saafir from www.thequiltengineer.com

·      November 3- Charise Randell from http://charisecreates.blogspot.com

·      November 5- Leila from http://wheretheorchidsgrow.blogspot.com

·      November 7- Amy Friend from http://duringquiettime.com

·      November 10- Faith Jones from www.freshlemonquilts.com

·      November 12- Caroline from www.sewcanshe.com

·      November 14- Rashida Coleman-Hale from http://iheartlinen.typepad.com

 

My stop is coming up... see you soon!

xo amy

Lulu Roses Giveaway

There are so many reasons to love Fat Quarter Shop.  I've told you before how I love their 'coming soon' section and how an amazing new line can give me heart palpitations.  It's happened recently, it's true (I would only admit that to you.)  But as a sponsor, they're really cool because they allow me to give away free stuff, and you deserve it!  I don't think I tell you enough how much I appreciate you coming here ~ maybe because I'm afraid of sounding corny but we're way past that, aren't we?  And I also feel like I've been holding back so much lately ~  there's been a ton of secret sewing that I haven't been able to share and I really really want to, but I can't just yet.  So this is like a consolation prize.  Pretty sweet, isn't it?

Fat Quarter Shop is letting me give away one fat quarter bundle of these pretty fabrics to one of you.  That's seven yummy fat quarters.  And let me just say I truly am thankful.  To them, to you, to my family for putting up with me, and my parents, my sister, and "the village" that's helping me raise my kids.  If you'd like to enter for a chance to win this fabric, leave a comment on this post telling me what you're truly thankful for today.  Just one thing.  Comments will close at midnight on Friday, October 24th, and I'll announce the name of the winner soon thereafter.  This giveaway is open to all.  

By the way, I really want one of these.  I just spotted them tonight, at FQS of course.  Have you tried one yet?

xo amy

hello fall | DIY Halloween Banner

Mia loves her punkin' hat, which is saying something since she cried actual tears the first time I put it on her head.  Now she asks for the hat and I never say no because it raises her cuteness level to about... oh, off-the-charts.  And as the weather starts to cool (it's in the mid 70's now!) we're finally doing more than just wishful-thinking for fall ~ fall is coming our way at last!  In the meantime, pumpkin everything has hit stores and I'm loving it, how 'bout you?

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I bought some more 'possibles' for the Pink & Blue quilt for my girls.  The problem is I think I love each and every one of these new prints and I'm wondering ~ can one have too many prints in a single quilt?  Here is my first batch of possible additions:  

These are from Spun Sugar Quilts, an Etsy shop that's quickly become a fave this past year.  They specialize in low volume prints and sweet Japanese, and offer well curated bundles and charm packs.  I've got more 'possibles' coming soon and hope to start sewing in November (too swamped this month!)

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I'm still pinching myself over this one.  Have you seen it yet?!!!  Seriously, I was happy dancing for days when I saw I'd made the cover of Make It Yourself magazine and it still brings a smile to my face.  I love the beautifully styled photographs they took of my work for this issue:

{ All Make It Yourself images above used with permission from Make It Yourself™ magazine. ©2014 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved }

You can find the magazine at newsstands now, or get your digital issue here.

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I also got the thrill of seeing my work in Mollie Makes Home issue 3.  And even though it's just a pic, I was totally flattered because this entire magazine is a work of art.  Soo much eye candy!  If you spot the mag, check it out.

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I'm back at eHow.  I am... so happy... to be back dreaming up fun new projects and making new tutorials.  I hope you love this simple festive Halloween banner as much as I do...

I plan on making banners like these for all the occasions we celebrate.  (Switch that word up there from "halloween" to "birthday" + change the colors = an awesome birthday banner right?!!!  Or how about a banner that shows off your favorite quote, or personalized message?)  The possibilities are endless!!

Click here to visit eHow for the DIY.

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1. hello-fall-cover-and-stickers, 2. Plums, 3. Untitled, 4. Werewolf Pattern, 5. English-Paper-Pieced Star progress shot, 6. Pumpkin Pincushions, 7. one more with this cute teapot :), 8. 35 :: 365, 9. 'Fairy wren', 10. Star Count #8 progress, 11. 'ungrounded' hand weaving _knots, 12. props for the mouse house, 13. Modern Solids 

Created with fd's Flickr Toys

xo amy

Quilty Fun Birthday

Lori Holt's book Quilty Fun is one year old!  Awwwwww ~ and we're celebrating with cake!  Yum.

Now I rarely get to say yes to the fun bloggy events going on in our quilting community but I said yes to this one because...

1.  I like Lori Holt (of Bee in my Bonnet).  She's good peeps.

2. I have her book, Quilty Fun, and it's worth celebrating.

3. Have you seen the birthday block Lori designed just for this occasion?  It's only the sweetest no-calorie cake ever!

Want to make one yourself?   Download the Birthday Block PDF here.  Go ahead, it's fun, it's easy.

Admittedly, my block is a little different.  For about a minute, I was going to use light blue as the background for the block but I changed my mind to linen (as you can see).  Then I chose not to fix it, because I liked it just as it was!  Can't we decide that the light blue part is the tablecloth?  Good.  Okay.  Then, I added a little extra sash at the top of the block so I could embroider the words, "Happy Birthday."  I didn't have time to turn it into a mini quilt as I'd intended (time is... not my friend) but I'll show it to you when I'm finished.  Hopefully then I can get a better picture, too.  I'm pretty sure this one is going on the wall in my girls' room... because Livi declared that it absolutely has to!

Before I go, here's a round-up of some of my favorite Quilty Fun blocks:

1. Apples for Quilty Fun sew a long, 2. Week 4 baskets, 3. Quilty Fun houses, leaves, butterflies, 4. quilty_fun_top, 5. Quilty Fun Apples, 6. Quilty Fun Flowers, 7. quilty fun week 19 - bees, 8. quilty fun week 15 - butterflies, 9. Quilty Fun Sew Along 006, 10. quilty fun week 16 - sewing spools, 11. Quilty Fun bee pillow., 12. Shop Sample of the Leaf Quilty from Quilty Fun, 13. Quilty Fun

Make sure to check out the other birthday cakes that have been whipped up all over the world in honor of Quilty Fun ~ click here for links.  Cheers!

xo amy

Turning Colors

Where you live I bet the leaves are turning colors and the air is crisp and getting cool.  Boots and sweaters, socks and scarves are at the ready, right?  Where I am, it's still hot and steamy ~ 80+ degrees.  We're still wearing tank tops and sandals by necessity.  Blech!  Fall, please hurry up and get here soon!

Well it's October now, I don't mind showing you that I've been working in spurts on this cute cross-stitch from The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery (if you're not familiar, they sell just the most adorable kawaii cross-stitch designs).  I bought this pattern last October and set it aside until a month ago.  I chose to stitch on natural linen ~ not Evenweave or Aida ~ and I kinda wish I hadn't.  I'd forgotten that the fibers in my linen are thinner horizontally than they are vertically, which makes a square... not so much a square.  I don't mind so much, but counting fibers can be a strain.  I find it nothing short of a miracle when my stitches all line up.  Next time I think I'll use Aida if I can find one that isn't sooo stiff.  Recommendations, anyone?

When I bought this pattern last year, I mentioned that I would do a comparison of the DMC and Cosmo floss colors included on the pattern's color key.  (Here's my disclaimer:  I was sent an entire supply of floss from both Cosmo and DMC, and I honestly don't prefer one brand over the other.  I do however think that both companies' floss is leagues better than any other brand I've tried in terms of quality.  In the beginning, I was definitely inclined to love Cosmo floss more than DMC and that's simply because Cosmo is a part of Lecien Corps. and I love Lecien, but you knew that, right?  I also told myself that Cosmo's colors were richer, but after having worked exclusively with the full range of DMC floss on my latest book, I've come to the conclusion that neither company has better colors ~ their colors are simply different.  It's like comparing the colors offered by two different car manufacturers ~ they don't offer the same colors!  FYI, Cosmo offers 443 solid colors and DMC offers 454.)  So, what I've learned is that a "comparison" is useless.  My pic below is just a visual guide to show you the recommended colors, side by side.  Sometimes Cosmo's and DMC's color dyes get very similar, and sometimes they just don't.  It's nice to know you've got choices, right?

So far in my Spooky Sampler, I've used a bit of both DMC and Cosmo floss.  What's most ironic is that after fishing out all the right colors, I think I'll be going with a slightly different color palette after all.  More like the colors in this pattern.  Go figure.  Anyway, if you're doing the Halloween Spooky Sampler this year, happy stitching my friends!

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On another note, my "Be Joyful" embroidery pattern (at the shop) has been updated so it now includes a Cosmo-DMC color key instead of just a Cosmo color chart.  If you purchased the pattern before I included the DMC colors and you would like the new key, please contact me and I will email you the file.  Thanks!

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1. ladies with birds, 2. Bearnard and Catherine, 3. Bythynnod gleision, 4. Untitled, 5. My colourful feelings, 6. It is growing! Or My design wall is shrinking : ) nice to have time to work on this! #nokids #loveSummerCamp, 7. granny throw for summer, 8. clothespin kids pouch, 9. Fieldcrossing Quilt, 10. navy gingham quilt., 11. First Sampler, 12. schnitzel and boo mini quilt swap progress, 13. all three completed!

xo amy