Grandmother's Flower Garden
Check out the giveway over at Corries' blog Retromummy for the generous and spectacular vintage/retro grandmother's Flower Garden fabric giveaway!

Halloween Apron - In just 30 minutes!
How cute is this lil' Halloween Apron!!??!! I bought the panel and just could not wait to whip it up.....just in time to wear while baking goodies for all the lil' ghosts & goblins!

Enjoy,
Sweettata

glitter-graphics.com

Cindy Lou Who - October Schnibbles
I completed the October Scnibbles quilt project, Cindy Lou Who. I just love the way it turned out!! I laid out the blocks on my design wall and I really did need to focus to make sure all the blocks came together correctly before sewing. Once I got started and I could see the pattern come together, I fell in love with it! I cannot wait to make another one using other holiday prints. I used the Moda's Christmas Past fabric for the blocks/ backing and other Moda fabric in coordinating colors for the borders/binding.

Cannot wait to see what the November pattern will be =)

Cheers!
Sweettata

Fall Giveaway - Dresden Plate
Check out the great giveaway that Kim at Bitty Bits & Pieces is offering. Kim's tutorial of the Dresden Plate charger, napkins, napkin rings, and table runner can be found on the Moda Bake Shop website - the tutorial and the projects are WONDERFUL!!

I WON - YIPPEE!

I am so excited!! My name was picked for Vicki's (Tozz's Corner) giveaway, which was hosting by the nine designers of the blog Gum Nut Designers. Wow! I am thrilled to have won - just look at the great goodies included in Vicki's giveaway - I love the handmade items!! I cannot wait until October 5th; the Gum Nut Designers will begin posting a Christmas design/pattern every week for nine weeks on their blog. Make sure to stop by and check out this great group of talented/creative designers =)

Cheers!
Sweettata

It's a Schnibbles Thang!!

YIPPEE! I have completed the first of 12 Schnibbles quilts!! The first pattern (starting with September) was "Winter White" by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. - soooo cute!! I had so much fun making this lil' quilt and cannot wait to see what pattern is in store for us in October...I am so excited to be participating in the "Year in Schnibbles" that Sherri and Sinta are hosting, it is going to be FUN! FUN! FUN!

Merry-Go-Round Quilt

I have finished my Merry-Go-Round quilt top and now I am ready to start with the backing/quilting/ binding! I used Moda/Portobello Market fabric. I just love the outcome, colors and pattern they are so beautiful (my photo does not really show off the true colors/pattern well). I will post another picture of the finished quilt soon.

In July, I went to the Merry-Go-Round Summer Quilt Camp 2009 in Laughlin with my sister Kim at Creating By The Lake and her quilting friends from The Havasu Quilters Guild (these gals are a hoot). This pattern was featured in the 2008 October McCalls Quilting Magazine - it was a great project for the summer camp. I decided to make a larger version of the quilt pattern and I am so glad I did! I think and I must whip up another smaller sized Merry-Go-Round quilt using some 1930s fabric =0)

I cannot wait to see what what surprises are in store for quilt camp 2010!!

Cheers!
Sweettata

" GUM NUT DESIGNERS" Giveaway!
Check out this awesome group of bloggers
and their very generous giveaway - so much fun!!

Giveway - Quilt & Quilt Things
Check out Quilt & Quilts Things great giveaway - Regina is having a drawing for a great selection of items, including an adorable quilt!!

New Addition To The Family!

I just have to share my new addition to our family....Lil Buddy!!! He is a miniature wired haired Doxie and he is the sweetest and adorable lil' puppy ever (not playing favorites here.. my Yorkie Princess Penelope is of course the sweetest lil' female puppy ever, LOL). My hubby and I purchased Lil' Buddy from a Doxie breeder 3 months ago and we fell in love with him at first sight....is he just the most precious lil' Doxie puppy EVER!!!???

Pincushion Swap FUN, FUN, FUN!
I made this pincushion for my secret partner. I found the dress form pincushion pattern online when browsing the web and thought it was so adorable, I just had to make one! Of course, I now must add it to my project list of things to make for my sewing room LOL. I had such a great time making this pincushion and hope that my secret partner enjoys it as much as I enjoyed making it for her.

Cheers,
Lanette

Happy Mail - YIPPEE!
I arrived home Sunday night from the Merry Go Round Quilt Camp held in Laughlin, NV and waiting for me were two Happy Mail Packages WOOWHOO!!!!!

One of the packages I received was from my FRIENDS Swap partner Leona . The package was filled with goodies that made me feel like I was right there with her in Hawaii. The handmade items are wonderful (fabric covered coaster, pincushion) and the felt cupcake embroidery tags are the perfect touch to the wrapping. Leona's granddaughter even participated by making a embroidery cupcake panel that was used to make the lovely red tote bag.

Leona also sent me a turtle applique pot holder kit, two beautiful tapestry panels, and some batik butterfly themed fabrics; I cannot wait to get creative! I feel so lucky to have met such a great new friend and look forward to our continued communication/friendship!















More Happy Mail!
I also received a package from my partner Carol for the pincushion swap. She sent me TWO pincushions that are so adorable and fit perfect in my sewing/quilting room - I LOVE THEM. Carol also added two additional goodies (button head pins and a Moda charm pack)!! Thanks to Kim at Creating by the Lake for hosting such a fun swap!

Myspace Layouts

Happy 4th of July!

My New Friend!
It's official, my Friends Swap partner Leona, who resides in Hawaii, received the FRIENDS package that I put together for her. I had such a great time shopping and gathering goodies for my new blogger friend. Leona and I have emailed several times since Khris, the swap hostess, announced that Leona and I were partners. I am thrilled that we have gotten to know each other and have become friends via the web/blog!

I took photos of the packaging; Leona loves chickens, so the wrapping paper and gift tags were all about chickens and a lil' bit country - It was such great fun to have a theme to go by! I look forward to our continued communication and friendship and cannot wait for another similar FRIENDS swap down the road.

Cheers,
Sweettata

Sweettata MIA???!!!!

I have been MIA for the last couple of weeks....glued down inside my craft and sewing rooms that is!!! I have been working away on several craft projects and loving every busy moment of it. I am finishing up my gifts for the Friendship Swap that Khris at Sew Prim Khris is hosting; SO MUCH FUN!! I am also working on making pincushions for the Secret Sister Pincushion Swap that Kim at Creating by the Lake is hosting, I love pincushions such a cute added decoration and notion for the sewing room and so many patterns/ideas to choose from.

I have been also working on several papercrafing swaps and so enjoy the various themes and categories (cards, altered items, 6x6 recipe cards, scrapbook cards etc.). My collection of stamps and papercrafting supplies is HUMUNGUS!!! I have over 200 stamp sets.... just cannot get enough! Kind of like my fabric stash, I just never know when I MUST have or want that one specific print, color, pattern or tool! I keep my stash full with a large selection and variety, it's ready at all times - LOL. Bottom line is I am hooked, addicted and loving it!!

Cheers!
Lanette

Busy in Tataville!!!

Last night I joined a class at Material Possessions Quilt Shop for the Humbug Bag....I just love these bags!!! These quilted/lined bags are great for hundreds of uses and with only two fat quarters you can make three (a small, med, large sized) bags. I completed the large sized bag last night and love the way it turned out. I used the pincushion fabric from Loralie Designs on the outside and the black & white polka dot fabric for the lining....so cute!! I am going to make the medium and small sized bags today (if I finish all my other Saturday TO DO's) and will post the complete set when done.

I signed up for the Summer Camp 2009 Merry-Go-Round Quilt Workshop that is being held in Laughlin, NV - July 10th thru 12th; these Humbug Bags will be perfect to carry all my sewing/quilting notions in, the cute quilted pincushion fabric will fit right in!!

On a sad note, last night it was announced that Material Possessions Quilt Shop is closing on Thursday......some of the gals have been working at the shop for 10+ years; all the staff/teachers are so personable and helpful, not to mention that it is just right around the corner from my home. I am so going to miss this great quilt shop and the friendly atomosphere!!!

Cheers!
Sweettata

Exciting News!!
Kim over at Creating By The Lake is ready for business and her online quilting shop, Havasu Quilts is up and running and waiting for you to stop by! Check it out; she has a great selection of wonderful fabric, patterns, books; the list goes on!! I am so excited for Kim and wish her the best with her new quilting store and business adventure.

Apron BOM #1

WoooHoo Block #1 Complete!!

I finished block number 1 from the Apron Block of the Month Club; I just love the pattern, it is so much fun to make! I cannot wait to receive block number 2 at my next visit to Cozy Cottage Fabrics on May 20th!! This quilt is going to be the cutest quilt ever and since I just can't get enough of the adorable aprons, I thought I would make an additional block each month out of some of my 30s fabric stash and make two quilts at the same time....that way I can give one to my mother-in-law, she is going to love it too.

I also started (FINALLY) working on the Designer Mystery Block of the Month blocks from the Fat Quarter Shop and have finished block 1 & 2 (I have some catching up to do). Kim at Creating by the Lake and I meet online via yahoo messenger webcam & voice every other Sunday and complete the blocks together...so much FUN and it's a great way to get on schedule, plus I have a sewing buddy to chat with while sewing!

Cheers!
Sweettata

I Just Love Pincushions!
Kim at Creating by the Lake is hosting her first swap and it's going to be a fun one! Kim is hosting a secret sister pincushion swap...oh the possibilities!!! I have hundreds of pincushion patterns and ideas that are just waiting to burst out of my little crafty head and onto the sewing machine - I am so excited and just want to get started! Check out Kim's blog for the details, the sign up is through 23May09 and the deadline for mailing is 18Jul09. I cannot wait to find out who my secret sister will be and where she is from!

Cheers!
Sweettata

Sweettata's Annie

Tea Dyed Annie Doll
I finished my Annie Doll for Aunt Pitty Pat's Sugar & Spice Swap - I just love the way she turned out and cannot wait to get another one made! This was a great swap and I am so glad I joined in on the fun! Jennifer at Pure Joy was my swap partner and she made me the most adorable "Little Rosemarry" doll. I am charging my camera now and will post her for all to see, you will just fall in love with her!!

Cheers,
Sweettata

Aprons, Aprons, Aprons and More Aprons!!
Last night I attended the first class of the Apron Block of the Month Club at Cozy Cottage Quilt Shop in Brea, CA. Oh my goodness this is going to be the cutest quilt ever!! The apron blocks are just adorable and each one is so unique, vintage theme, and right up alley. I am going to start working on the first apron block this weekend and will post when complete. Lori Eklund, the class instructor, was very personable and had some great tips to share with all of us! There were ten of us that attended the first class - great group of ladies; I cannot wait to get to know each of them and to share our completed blocks at the monthly classes.

I met Kris, the owner of the Cozy Cottage Quilt Shop, Kris and her staff were so sweet and very friendly. The Cozy Cottage is a lovely place and the warm welcoming atmosphere will for sure guarantee your return in the near future. Everywhere you turn you will find a "packaged kit" that is just calling your name, patterns and more patterns, and of course tons of fabric (the selection of 30's fabric was one of the best I have seen).

Of course, my first visit to this wonderful shop would not have been complete without taking the time to browse every inch, cubby, shelf, and item in the shop (one, two, and maybe even three times around). I was thrilled with all the goodies I found and had no trouble filling up my shopping bag! I am anxious to return and search for what I may have missed the first time around =)

FUN in Tataville!
Last weekend Kimbo from Creating By The Lake came to visit Tataville. We had such a great time! We shared papercrafts and sewing projects that we have been working on. There was so much we wanted to share and even though we covered a lot, another weekend in the near future is a must! Below are a couple of papercraft items we made (treat bags and patchwork/quilt card)

We also managed to include shopping in our agenda and "OH MY" did we shop!!! Shopping for what you ask.....fabric, fabric and more fabric. Robert Kaufman/Darlene Zimmerman's "Little Darlings" was calling my name; I think we must have cleaned out the shelves! I have visions of pincushions, aprons, placemats, and of course quilts!

I also found a bolt of Vintage Batik/Rayon fabric that is absolutely beautiful; I plan to make a dress with this lovely fabric using a dress pattern from a class I took years ago. Among the many fabric "must haves" that were purchased, I bought some black & white oil cloth, perfect for the oversize utility tote bag patterns that I have. It will be my first time working with the oil cloth and I am hoping I will master working with it in no time.

My list of sewing/projects "to do" continues to grow by the minute, I will be a busy lil' gal in the upcoming weeks and cannot wait to share them on my blog when finished. The first project on my agenda beginning this weekend is to make/complete my "Annie" for the Aunt Pitty Pat's Sugar & Spice Swap that I am in. I am going to tea die the fabrics this evening.....SO EXCITING!!!
Enjoy,
Sweettata

Yippeee, I Won!!
I won the crazy for primitive quilts and gardens drawing for the Primitive Gatherings Seasonal Mini Candle Mat pattern. Thank you so much Colleen, I just love this pattern! Hand dyed wool is used to make the seasonal mats and they are just lovely. I will be purchasing some wool this upcoming weekend and will post my finished mats when completed.

Enjoy,
Sweettata

Wooohoooo!
Jennifer at 4purejoy.blogspot.com has signed up to be my third PIF recipient - YIPPEEE! My PIF is now full - thank you to Irma, Veronica, and Jennifer for joining me in the PIF. I cannot wait to begin putting together your handmade item/surprise package!

Enjoy,
Sweettata

Happy Friday!
I have my second PIF sign up!!! I am so excited to have Veronica at ronisbliss.blogspot.com join and be my second Pay it Forward recipient! I have one more spot available and would be thrilled to have you sign up in the sharing of the “Pay it Forward” experience with me and your fellow quilt/craft lovers.

Cheers,
Sweettata

Happy Saturday!
I am still looking for two more crafty people to play "Pay It Forward" with me and would love for you to be the next person I send a handmade gift and goodie package to! Come on and join the FUN! FUN! FUN! with me, won't you? Check my post below to see how to play... I look forward to have you sign up with me today!

Oh Happy Day…
I have my first PIF sign up – YIPPPEE!!! I am so thrilled to have Irma at irmasrosecottage join and be my first Pay it Forward recipient! I have two more spots available…. and would love to have you join in on the sharing of the “Pay it Forward” experience with me and your fellow quilt/craft lovers.

Cheers,
Sweettata

Come Join the FUN!!
I have signed up and joined a Pay it Forward with Cathy Jean from Aunt Daisy's Cottage and I am so excited to be be participating! I have committed to send the next (3) people (who sign up with me on my blog) a handmade item and a goodie package within 365 days.

I would be so thrilled to have you sign up to be my PIF recipient! Here is how it works: If you would like to join, you agree to "Pay it Forward" to the next (3) people who sign up with you (on your blog) and you will send them a handmade item and goodie package within 365 days.

Want to join the fun and play Pay it Forward? Please leave a comment that you would like to join and include or email me your email address. I will contact you to confirm and give further details.

Let's keep the PIF going strong - I look forward to hearing from you =)

Cheers!
Sweettata

Giveaway Winner
Congrats to Kerry at Forever Friday my hubby "BigRed" picked your name and you have won the Basket Block Pillow kit by Liberty Homestead. Please email me your address and I will put the kit in the mail for you. Thanks to all who participated and shared your favorite blogs with me - I will make sure to visit them all!!! Don't forget to check back often, more giveaway drawings posted soon!

Cheers!
Sweettata

Tataville - one of Sweettata's favorite places to be!

Stamp a Stack Stampin' Camp
Saturday, Puiwah and Nancy came by for a Stamp a Stack stampin' day. We had a great time sharing ideas, laughing, and of course snacking on delicious cookies from French's Bakery and BigRed's famous Bruschetta - YUMMMY! Can't wait to see what is in store for us next month!

Puiwah's Stamp a Stack

Nancy's Stamp a Stack

Puiwah

Nancy

First Day of Spring
I have been doing a little spring cleaning and re-arranging this week in my sewing room. It is amazing how much "stash" one can accumulate and in no time at all!! I am notorious for being the "must have it" kind of shopper/collector; especially when it comes to fabric, vintage items, and quilt kits/patterns.

Since posting my blog a week ago, I have come across and participated in several "give aways" that have been posted and all have been very generous and nice items (such a thoughtful gesture of sharing). While re-arranging my fabric shelves, I came across a few kits, that for some reason or another, I will not be using and thought I would host a give away and share with others too; surely another quilter would enjoy them!

In celebration of the First Day of Spring (20Mar09), I will be hosting my first (of several) drawing giveaways. This one is for a 16 inch pillow kit. The kit is from the 2006 Show Me Safari Shop Hop, Design by Liberty Homestead. The kit includes instructions to make the pillow, pink and green hand dyed cottons by Liberty Homestead, pillow backing, and three mother of pearl buttons.

If you would like your name in the drawing, all you need to do is leave a comment and share with me 1 or 2 of your favorite quilting blogs/sites (sites that are must haves on every quilters "go to" list) and why they are your favorite. I will draw a name and announce the winner on Sunday, March 22 @4pm. Good luck to all!!

Cheers,
Sweettata