Mosaic Tiles Quilt-A-Long

Happy December! 'Tis the season for handmade holidays . . . and being incredibly busy! That's why I'm excited to announce a super-fun and simple quilt along that you can easily take part in, no matter how much more shopping, wrapping and baking you have to do!

Mosaic Tiles Quilt Along

Next Monday, 12/9 through 2/14 (that's Valentine's Day for all you romantics!), Craft Buds is hosting the Mosaic Tiles Quilt Along! This beginner-friendly quilt pattern was designed by Sukie for the book, Modern Bee—13 Quilts to Make with Friends, by my friend, Lindsay Conner.

Although it's a Quilt-A-Long, participants are not limited to making quilts. We'd love to see what you can create based on the original Mosaic Tiles block design. Is it a holiday stocking or tree skirt? How about an eBook cover or messenger bag? Whip up a mini quilt for your Valentine, an apron for your sister or your own quilt design inspired by the block. Anything goes, as long as you create a finished item! During the 10-week quilt a long, we'll be sharing project inspiration, quilting tips and layout options with lots of help from our friends. If you don't have time to get started in December, we invite you to go ahead and sign up anyway! You can join us in 2014 with plenty of time to finish a project before mid-February. Here's the schedule:

Monday, 12/9 Kickoff! Announcing our sponsors, guest judges + prizes

Monday, 12/16 Guest post: Holiday project and guest post with layout options with Amy of 13 Spools

Wednesday, 12/18 Guest post: Holiday project inspired by block with Sarah of Fabric Seeds - that's me!

Monday, 12/30 Guest post: Mosaic Tiles layout options with Katie of ChooChoo Skadoo Quilts

Wednesday, 1/1 Happy New Year: Still 6 weeks to sew along!

Friday, 1/3 Guest post: Mosaic Tiles bag by Katy Cameron of The Littlest Thistle + Halfway mark: Link up your progress!

Monday, 1/6 Guest post: Mosaic Tiles project by Marni of Haberdashery Fun

Monday, 1/13 Guest post: Mosaic Tiles project by Darcy of Modern Cozy

Wednesday, 1/15 Guest post: Mosaic Tiles bag by Kim of Kim's Krafts

Monday, 1/20 Featuring other projects from "Modern Bee"

Wednesday, 1/22 Guest post: Mosaic Tiles quilt by Katy of Lethargic Lass

Friday, 2/14 Happy Valentine's Day! Deadline for entries at midnight, EST.

Guest Judges and Prizes!

Next Monday, I'll be back to let you know about the fabulous prizes offered by our quilt along sponsors: Aurifil, OLFA, Pellon, Robert Kaufman Fabrics, Simplicity Creative Group and Stash Books.

We're also going to ask for some help from some lovely guest judges, who will choose winners for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place based on overall creativity, execution and innovation of the original pattern. We'll share full details on the prizes and rules next week! But for now, you can get started and . . .

Grab a Book!

If you already have the Modern Bee book, you've got all you need to sign up for the quilt along! If you don't have the book, you can purchase a copy at select Jo-Ann Fabric stores, quilt shops or online at any of the following spots:

Amazon Barnes & NobleC&T Publishing Save 25% on your order of $25+ through midnight TONIGHT, 12/2 with code TURKEY2013.

 Lindsay Sews Order an autographed copy directly from Lindsay's shop. The first 10 orders as of this posting will receive a free gift!

Other Check out other buying options via Google Shopping.

Do you Plan to Sew Along?

We'd love for you to add a link to your blog, Flickr account or online profile in the link-up tool below. This way, we can stay in touch, get to know each other and share our progress! Quilting is lots more fun with friends, and we cannot wait to see what your create. :) 

Grab a Button!

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My guest post isn't for a couple of weeks, but I am so excited about this quilt-a-long, I just have to share a little peek with you! Here is my fabric selection for the project I am working on. And yes, it is holiday inspired. I can't wait to show you what I've come up with!

I hope you'll join in too!

The Eleventh Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #8 - Gill!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

December the Eleventh

It's finally snowing here! I am so excited. I love the snow. I've always loved the snow. I love that my kids get excited about the snow too. One of my favorite things to do is go out in the middle of the night when it's snowing and build a snowman. One year, my brother and I, along with a neighbor kid built an 8 foot tall snowman. He was about 5 feet in diameter at the base. We even built him a live size couch too. Took us a few hours, but it was so much fun! We even stripped our coats half way through, we got so hot!

Today I am giving away a Spring Cleaning Apron pattern by Fig Tree & Co.

I plan on doing some major cleaning this week. It may or may not actually get done.

To be in the draw, leave a comment.

One comment per person. Open to everyone.

Winner will be drawn tomorrow, by Random.

The Tenth Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #2 - Podunkpretties!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

December the Tenth

I've been participating in a local boutique for the holidays. Over the weekend, I received an order for appliqued onsies in a particular size (that was now sold out at the boutitique). I put a little heart shaped tag on each one. My kids saw me punching out the hearts and wanted to do to the same. I have 2 punches, large and small. My little girl can't squeeze the large punch and my boy was adiment on having the small punch. After some convincing he finally handed it over to little sister. After punching a heart, they would turn to each other and say "I made you a heart!". At some point during one of these exchanges, my boy was offering the heart to little Paisley. She excitedly said "thank you", which he replied, "you're welcome. Merry Christmas!" and gave her a big hug and a kiss. It was a such a sweet thing to watch.

and those punches kept them busy all night long!

Today I am giving away a Cinnamon Spice charm pack by Blackbird Designs

To be in the draw, leave a comment telling me the best-worst gift you ever got.

A couple years ago, my husband filled my stocking with 40 AA batteries that he picked up from his work on his way out on Christmas Eve, because he forgot to get anything for stockings.

One comment per person. Open to everyone.

Winner will be drawn tomorrow, by Random.

The Ninth Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #4 - Andy!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

December the Ninth

Thank you all for putting up with me while I'm sick, and for all your sweet comments. I bought some Mucinex for me and the kids yesterday. Seems to be working well, but now I have a lump in my throat. I hope this is the end of it. 

On top of all this, we woke up to hubby's car having a flat. After taking him to work, I took the kids to my parent's and my dad drove back to help me with the car. It started snowing. Not the ideal weather for a flat tire. We decided to try pumping it with air first, and if it held pretty good we could drive the 1/2 mile to Costco. It worked. We had an hour or so wait at Costco. Good thing they had samples :)

Turns out the tire stem was broken, and since the tires were under warrenty, it didn't cost me a thing!! :)

 Continuing yesterday's giveaway of Joy,

Today I am giving away a Joyfully Quilt Pattern by Cluck Cluck Sew

This is one of Allison's newest patterns that I picked up from this last Quilt Market.

To be in the draw, leave a comment telling me something on your Christmas list.

I'm hoping for a tiled kitchen and a clean house - I know, it's a stretch.

One comment per person. Open to everyone.

Winner will drawn tomorrow, by Random.

The Eighth Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #19 - Kirston Barton!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

December the Eighth

Thank you all for your well wishes. I appreciated reading them. I'm sorry I didn't reply to anyone (I will try to be better today, but no promises). The kids are getting worse and we spent the day in showers and bed. Unfortunately, I think this cold will be hanging around a few more days. I managed to get a nap in yesterday, and it was wonderful! I hope the same again, for today :)

Today I am giving away a Joy charm pack by Kate Spain

To be in the draw, leave a comment about something(?). I'm too sick to think!

One comment per person. Open to everyone.

Winner be drawn tomorrow, by Random.

The Seventh Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #12 - gccmom!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

December the Seventh

This week has gotten away from me.

The kids and I have chest colds, although I hope we are  finally on the mend

 - I'm getting the shakes today - yuck!

I'm trying my best to reply to everyone's comments. I might be a late in doing so.

I just want to go to bed!

Today I'm giving away an Olive Swing Bag Pattern by Betz White.

I made this bag earlier this year for my sister. You can see it here.

It sews incredibly fast, I'm talking complete bag in less than 20 minutes! And it comes with a sunglass case pattern that is easily made from the leftover fabrics.

To be in the draw, leave a comment telling me who would make this for if you won.

One comment per person. Open to everyone.

Winner be drawn tomorrow, by Random.

(I may or may not reply to comments on this one. Please do not hold it against me if I don't. I plan to spend a good part of the day in bed.)

Oh, and there's still time to enter the Sew Mama Sew giveaway here.

The Sixth Day Of December

December the Sixth

(if you're looking for the sew mama sew giveaway it's right here.

but you might want to stick around for this one too)

 

 

Be sure to visit the Fabric Seeds Facebook page for today's giveaway.

The Fifth Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #13 - Robin!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

December the Fifth

(if you're looking for the sew mama sew giveaway it's right here.

but you might want to stick around for this one too)

I spent the day quilting yesterday. My index finger got a little close to the needle while I was guiding the quilt. For a second, I thought it was pierced. I guess I just hit the needle about 3 times in a row - going at the highest speed. I was surprised the needle didn't break or pierce my finger. But it sure hurt! A few hours later I noticed I didn't get a clean getaway like I thought. I have a little almost blood blister under the tip of my finger. I'm hoping to finish up the quilt today

Today I am giving away a Peppermint Frenzy Quilt Pattern by Basic Grey.

To be in the draw, leave a comment telling your favorite holiday treat.

One of my favorites is Linzer Cookies and a good Caramel!

One comment per person. Open to everyone.

Winner will be drawn tomorrow, by Random.

The Fourth Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #15 - Joan & Kevin!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

December the Fourth

(if you're looking for the sew mama sew giveaway it's right here.

but you might want to stick around for this one too)

Last night I took my kids to a local dairy that serves freshly made scones. This is something my family did at least once a year. There is usually a long line and a long wait to accompany. When I pulled up, the line looked pretty long. But by the time we got through the door, there wasn't hardly anyone waiting. I got to the counter to order my scones and they said it would be a few minutes, because they had to make more. Of course I was willing to wait. About 15 minutes later, I made mention that it had been a long while. My mom had joined us and said she was told it would be at least 30 minutes since the dough was raising. We waited an hour! Meanwhile, the kids are hungry and bored and was in tears by the time we actually got our scones.

Once the kids saw the scones, all was good!

Today I am giving away a Sentiments charm pack.

To be in the draw, leave a comment telling me one of your holiday traditions.

One comment per person. Open to everyone. Winner will be drawn tomorrow, by Random.

The Third Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #34 - Katy!!

Winner has been contacted.

December the Third

I might just be the only one who was unaware that Sew Mama Sew giveaway day is today. That's what I get for not keeping up on things. Luckily my friend Lindsay reminded me yesterday. And even more lucky, I already had a giveaway planned for today.

Today I am giving up a Needlebox Purse Kit.

These cute little purses require no sewing! They are large enough to hold a couple spools of thread, scissors, needles, floss or just about anything you need to finish up your projects.

Don't be fooled by the listing. You can pick any fabric that is available by the yard for your kit. What's shown with this listing is not listed in the store elsewhere.

To be in the draw, leave a comment. Maybe tell what your favorite handmade item is - whether made by yourself or gifted to you.

you can get an extra entry if you follow my blog, facebook or pinterest.

Anyone can enter. Giveaway open until December 7. Winner will be chosen at Random.

P.S. if you are looking for the winner of yesterday's giveaway, the post has been updated with the winner at top!

The Second Day Of December

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #3 - Dede!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

December the Second

 Yesterday I went to see my little brother play Scrooge in a local production of A Christmas Carol. As I watched the ghost of Christmas past, I thought about my own past Christmases. How exciting it became as Thanksgiving ended, putting the tree up and slowly seeing presents appear underneath, having snow days and making cookies & candies. I could never wait for Christmas to open my presents. I always snuck in little tears here and there. Until my Mother grew tired of me doing so, and then color coordinated everyones presents, with no name tags. It made it worse & better at the same time. Now that I am older, I have much more restraint.

I don't get near as excited about the Christmas season now, as I did growing up. Somewhere along the way, the magic seems to have been lost inside me. I guess because it doesn't really feel like Christmas for me until it snows. Or maybe I'm entering a slow decline into Scroogeism. Or perhaps it's because it's still early, and we haven't done anything really Christmas-ey yet. With the exception of pulling out our tiny tree.

To show you I am in fact, not a Scrooge, today I am giving away a Cherry Christmas charm pack!

To be in the draw, simply leave a comment telling who you think you relate more with: Scrooge/Grinch or Charlie Brown. (I may be a combination of all 3)

One comment per person. Winner will be selected tomorrow.

P.S. if you're wondering about the winner from yesterday's giveaway, the post has been updated with the winner at the top of the post.

The First Day Of December

 

Update giveaway is now closed!

Congratulations to #5 - Lynaeve!!

Please email me at admin(at)fabricseeds(dot)com to claim your prize!

 

December the First.

I am not nearly as prepared as I think I should be. My house is in complete disarray. The fridge has been sitting in my living room for about 3 weeks now as I scour every flooring department I can come across for anything that will remotely resemble the missing tile I thought I already had. Which means, my kitchen floor has been torn up and hauled out. The appliances in my living room for over a week before new floor base was put down and we were able to move the oven and dishwasher back. Still no table in the kitchen and incredibly limited counter space. This is not my ideal situation for the holiday season.

I did, however, manage to put up my 18" tall Christmas tree today. As soon as I placed it on my little table in the living room, my boy told me it's not finished because it doesn't have a star on it. I went to the closet and pulled out a snowflake star I bought him last Christmas. He was very excited to see the tree will now have a star. And if I can find the time (and the right fabric) I plan to make it a new little tree skirt.

And then there's the shopping. The kids are easy. The husband is not. Too bad it's not as easy as picking out some pretty fabric for him too :)

Which brings me to my next point. 

Fabric.

Pretty Holiday Fabric.

Today I am giving away a Charm Stack of Alpine Wonderland 

To Enter, leave a comment on this post telling me anything about putting your tree up.

One comment per person. Open to everyone. Winner will be announced tomorrow, by Random.

Have a great day!

Costume Clubhouse

I have another fun holiday line to show you today. This one come from Sheri Berry for Riley Blake Designs. 

Costume Clubhouse by Sheri Berry Designs.

I just love Sheri's cute little people.

I'm thinking this would be perfect to make a few trick-or-treat bags.

Costume Clubhouse is available here in fat quarter bundles, 10" packs, 5" packs and rolie polies.

Also new in store from Riley Blake Designs is their new Shade Blenders.

available in fat quarters with lights & darks.

(10" & 5" packs are still coming. I just have to get off my lazy bum and go pick them up)

Rolie Polies in Lights

and Darks

and can be found here.

Fa La La La La la la la

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas around here! The first shipment of this year's Christmas lines arrived  late yesterday from Moda. I have 3 new lines to show you today!

Blitzen by Basic Grey

 available in fat quarter bundles, fat eighth bundles, layer cakes, jelly rolls & charm packs

Joy by Kate Spain

 available in fat quarter bundles with 2 panels, layer cakes, jelly rolls & charm packs

Sentiments by 3 Sisters

 available in fat quarter bundles with panel, fat eighth bundles, layer cakes, jelly rolls & charm packs

For these and all other Holiday fabrics, click here.