The Mint Needle

Hello National Quilt Month! What better way to start off March than with a post that inspired me to begin my quilting journey! When I stumbled across the Amish art piece (above) on Pinterest, I was mesmerized.  The contrast and color choices were perfection. It was bold, beautiful, simple, and minimalist. It's no secret that the Amish are well known for creating some of the most aesthetic quilts around.   I love that you can take a plain white sofa, throw this quilt along the back side and immediately, you've transformed the whole room.  Even though  my efforts couldn't replicate such a stunning piece, I thought I'd give it a try anyway!  Take a look. Completed in a school days work, it's about the size of a twin quilt or large throw. Finding a pattern is often overlooked because of the mere fact that they are quite simple to make.  If you look, it's very similar to a 'log cabin' method. This fits into that.... work from t...

It's here! It's here! It's finally complete! I am beyond excited that The Children's Apron Pattern and Tutorial is ready for instant download at the Etsy shop! The 21 page tutorial comes with descriptive pictures, a PDF computer generated pattern, sewing supplies list and fabric requirements! Now... all you lovelies that have fabrics laying around can put them to good use for the little people in your life:) I wanted to create a pattern for sizes 3-5, which is what I usually carry in the Etsy shop. But the wonderful thing, from this tutorial, you'll learn the way each piece fits into the other, which means there's no stopping to the sizes you can create! Hooray!!! The PDF pattern is actually not even needed if you have a cutting mat with grid and rotary cutter. I just wanted to add them for people who didn't carry those sewing supplies.       So what else is in the works you wonder?  Well... Currently I have pattern testers working on The Surv...

Hello friends!  I feel like it's been forever since my last post. I suppose some might even say I've been spending nearly all my time on the forefront of creative madness along with trying to continue healing. Holy smokes! Chemo and radiation will change a person forever. I'm continuing my healing journey, and staying hopeful that I'll remain in the 'clear' for a long time. It's odd, the way you feel, when everything you've gotten accustomed to: the running around, working day to day, rushing here and rushing there.... how quickly it changes when it's no longer a necessity. Yes, I am extremely thankful that my spouse supports and pushes for my healing time, omitting nurse life as it was, but like I told my girlfriend the other day, "how many craft projects can a girl possibly do?" ..... Well let me just tell you..... A LOT! Today's post will revisit some Instagram pics, (in case you don't follow along) with some of my most recent...

One of our favorite family soups: Stinging Nettle and Yellow Dock This deliciously simple and delicate soup is a wonderful way to grab so many important nutrients. Yellow Dock, a powerful, perennial herb, is known for clearing out bacterial and fungal infections in the body. It has great anti-inflammatory agents, that can help combat arthritis, dermatitis, rashes, and psoriasis.  It can be used in salads, soups, and teas. Stinging Nettle might sound a bit tougher. Packed in Vitamins A, B, C, and K, it also has many minerals important to sustaining good health. Inflammation, cancer, allergies, enlarged prostate, and elevated blood sugar are all fought when we consume Stinging Nettle.  Stinging Nettle has a very sharp burn if you touch it with your hands. Yes, you will feel it for hours. That's why I always snip mine using rubber gloves and little trimmers.  And.... while my rubber gloves are still on, my herbs will be w...

Happy fourth of July fellow crafters! It's hard to believe that half of the year has already gone by even though Summer has just arrived. In Ohio, we're battling humidity, lots of showers, and small gardens. No joke. But that's no reason to frown! I've been spending my good days sewing about and creating all those things I never had too much time for when I was a working gal. So.... take a look at my latest completion! Another Ogden Cami! Isn't that fabric the sweetest! It reminds me of summer nights as a child. Riding your bike till the sun set, catching fireflies in glass jars, and carnival cotton candy! It's no surprise that  Hawthorne Threads  named this collection Gumdrop! This rayon is so soft and drapey, perfect for summer wear! More Ogden Cami's are in the works. They're the perfect go to top whether you're wearing a skirt or jeans.  A beautiful rainbow after a storm. The front porch...