Back to School Inspiration

As I mentioned yesterday, I will be going back to school this semester. I graduated from Texas A&M (Whoop!) in 2007 with a BBA in Finance. I know... boring! But it was "practical"! ; ) Anyway, after graduating I immediately went to work at my mom's quilt shop. I did all of her marketing and updated her website and pretty much anything she needed me to do. Through working for her I taught myself how to use Photoshop and other graphic programs. I loved it!

Anyway, after she lost the shop during hurricane Ike I was worried I wouldn't find a job in graphics since my degree was in FINANCE! I contacted our sales rep from Moda, Jim Salinas, and asked him if there were any positions open. At the time there were none but a few months later (and after alot of prayer) a graphic arts spot opened up in the notions dept! I was excited but also worried that I would not do a good job since I did not go to school for this. Well, it is has been almost two years now and they haven't fired me yet! Woohoo! ; )

I do love my job but there is still so much for me to learn. This is why I have decided to take a few classes this semester.

The thing that has gotten me the most excited about going back to school is this Bow Tie Pouch!

First of all, it has a BOW on it. Second of all, it is my favorite color. Third of all, it has a FREE tutorial.

I know this wasn't designed to be a laptop case but I am converting it into one.

Can't wait to make this precious pouch to tote my MACbaby to and from class!

Ok, now the fun part... What fabrics will I use?!

I love the yellow from Hometown but I really LOVE the numbers & letters from Circa 1934. I think that would be cute for back to school. Ok, how about the yellow for the outside and the numbers or letters for the inside?

I just HAVE to find something to make with those numbers!

I have been drooling over them since they came out. Any ideas?

I will definitely be using the Soft & Stable that I used on my first laptop cover.

 It worked so well and they have now come out with a new white one which will be great with lighter fabrics.

Gosh I hope they don't give us homework this week because it looks like I have weekend plans. ; ) 

$4 Smiles

Man, this weekend flew by. I went to the grocery store last night and these lovelies were staring me down. I thought they would be perfect motivation for a Monday that has come too soon... especially with a $4 price tag! 

I am taking a few classes this semester which start Tuesday. So I NEED some motivation this week! A little nervous. A little excited! : )

Happy Monday!

What.i.WISH.to.WEAR

I follow several blogs that feature a "What.I.Wore" on Wednesdays.

Well I don't LOVE my wardrobe but I do love other peoples! So I am going to feature a "What.i.WISH.to.WEAR" Wednesday.

 You will find a few other "wishes" as well ; ) 

If I had to pick one celebs style I would absolutely die for, it would without a doubt be Zooey Deschanel.

How one person can look so glam in literally any style

absolutely amazes me.

And that HAIR! One day I will get the courage to have those bangs.

All images from Pinterest.

Love this outfit from Casey Wiegand's "what.I.wore"

and I may or may not have just bought this neclace.

this dress has been haunting me since I saw it on Lisa's blog...

What I love about these girls is how they mix their outfits so well. Like jeans from Anthro, shirt from H&M and cardigan and shoes from Target. Now if I could afford Zooey's wordrobe, I would be all over that! But for now, a mix of Anthro & Target will have to do.

Now I would like you to MEET LAUREN.

She is a dear friend who has impeccable taste and style who has agreed to be my personal shopper when I hit the jackpot one of these days ; )

Lauren, I hope you are taking notes...

She has an awesome blog that you should definitely visit it right now. 

Check out her great styles & tips.

What do you WISH you wore today?

Pretty Pretty Pincushion

Is it just me or has the quilting world exhausted all measures in an attempt to make every style of pincushion imaginable?

Believe me, I'm not complaining!  I LOVE me some pincushions!

That's why I am dedicating this blog to them alone.

I have the most precious cupcake pincushion at home that this sweet lady made for me but I am thinking I want to make one myself. And since we all know I have the attention span of a goldfish and I only like projects that I can finish within one day I figure I CAN DO THIS!

Here are some of my favs...

Wouldn't these Strawberries from Fig Tree be so cute for summer?

And my gosh! Heather Baily, you are just too cute. Really! How perfect is that "Fresh Picked" Pear?

Especially in these Adorable new Sophie fabrics by Chez Moi!

Love, love, love them!

I think I may buy that Effie & Ollie Elephant pattern and make him outta the blue floral.

The next few patterns I like are actually FREE! 

Just click on the pic for the Free Pattern Download!

This precious Peppermint Swirl is by Camille Roskelley
and compliments of the delicious Moda Bakeshop! 

Since I can't use it to make cupcakes or muffins I might as well use it for this! ; )

Anna Maria Horner- another amazing pattern/fabric designer!

(i know, i know... not Moda but hey I love bright fabrics and I don't discriminate folks)

This one just makes me happy- I really like yellow!

It reminds me of my favorite scene in the movie You've Got Mail where Meg Ryan says, "I love daisies! Don't you think daisies are the friendliest flower??" My favorite movie! (smile & a sigh)

What is your favorite movie/flower? 

 OK, so which one do YOU think I should make? 

Do you have a Favorite pincushion that you can't live without?

And just to make you smile...

Lovin' Little Apples & Week 3

photo creds at bottom

  

This has to be my favorite block so far! (out of ALL 4, ya know ; )  )

Ever since I first saw the Little Apples fabric line I have been in love. 

It is just so bright and cheery, isn't it?

The little outfits and precious patterns just stir up happiness. 

My other block this week is actually my least favorite. The colors just don't do it for me. I picked them out so quickly during class - trying to stay up with the gang(read about these overachievers here). Oh Well!! It's certainly not changing! I don't hate it THAT much. Suuuurely it will blend with some of the other blocks I make months down the road! And if not... tough! : )  

Here are the blocks from some of the rest of our group! Not too shabby huh?

It is really neat seeing everyone's unique style.

I love that I work somewhere where our differences are actually encouraged.

Oh Oh! I also found some things I MUST have.

A rotating cutting mat & a little baby rotary cutter!

Jamie was just whipping her pieces right out! JEALOUS!

Ok, let me describe to you what trying to sew in a house with 3 girls AND 3 dogs looks like.

With 3 of us- a stationary sewing area is out of the question so...

1st step: Go upstairs and get giant cutting mat out from under my bed

2nd: Carefully carry the mat down the stairs avoiding the dogs who think going down the stairs is a RACE, everytime!

3rd: If I survive step 2 then I place gargantuan mat on our small kitchen table and proceed to try to cut out those ity bitty pieces with my very large cutter. You get the gist.

**They do say Everything is Bigger in Texas!

Well NOT anymore...

 I am getting these little babies asap!

After a little research I have decided I like these best. They are a good size and a really good price!

  

OLFA 12" Rotating Cutting Mat & OLFA 18mm Cutter & FISKARS 8" Rotating Mat

(ps... Jamie taught us a secret about this mat. If you say "Weeeeeeeee" everytime you spin it you will have GOOD LUCK! Or at least a smile on your face while you cut!)  = )

 

Do you have any notions you think I can't live without? 

Don't hold out on me quilters. I need to know your secrets. ; ) 

  

Many Blessings and a Happy Weekend to you all!

Photo Creds-adorable little girl in little apples dress

Jenny B Harris Studio

Little Apples Pillow-Suppose Quilt Boutique