The Tulip Patch

Scrap 911. I need advice.

2012-03-01T07:45:00.000-06:00

I decided to attack any fabric smaller than a fat quarter and began a scrappy triple 4-patch. I started out doing it somewhat orderly and then gave that up when I had too many orphan blocks. Right now I'm at 40x40. I felt the need to make a quilt for a child and I don't know who the child is (just that it is not one of mine). This quilt needs SOMETHING but I'm not sure what (please don't say

Let's hear it for the boy...

2012-02-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

A very long while back I blogged asking for suggestions for my oldest son who was interested in sewing. At that time, he started a scrap wreath. He finished it a long time ago, but I haven't blogged it. You see, we had a deal: I blogged the wreath so he could get your adulation and he got to keep the wreath after I blogged it. Wait...I made a terrible deal. There was pretty much no upside

Free Pattern! : Origami Butterflies

2012-02-23T06:59:00.000-06:00

Well this is one of those ideas that took hold and wouldn't let go. I know it's not insanely complicated but since it was so simple for me to write a few directions, I am offering this as a free PDF download on patternspot.com...details below! I've used the 3 dimensional flying geese to make faux cathedral windows & since I wondered about using folded fabric in a quilt design. I thought it

A (small) finish: Petite Odile table runner

2012-02-21T11:01:00.000-06:00

Recently I got the chance to work with some of the upcoming French General collection, Petite Odile. I'm doing a home decorating tutorial for the bake shop and these were my leftovers. It's not normally the colors I sew with, but I loved sewing with it and have loved living with it. My decorating style is "cocoon" (not the movie about old people, just coziness and warm colors). I don't know

I think I have a hoarding problem.

2012-02-17T07:07:00.000-06:00

Do y'all ever watch that show Hoarders? It has become my netflix show. Thank goodness smellovision is not invented yet. The house I grew up in burned down with a lot of my stuff still in it so my ability to attach to most material possessions was a little damaged...and that's a good thing. I like to throw away or donate anything that I don't feel is serving a purpose. The ONLY item I hoard is

five years ago today.

2012-02-15T08:23:00.000-06:00

Five years ago today, these guys came into our lives. Today they are five. Normally I feel excited and blessed when my children reach a birthday. I love the party planning, getting gifts together, and celebrating their lives. This year is different. It's not that I am not grateful for these two sweet boys being in our life... It's just that now I realize my babies aren't... you know...

not pretty enough for pinterest...

2012-02-14T08:35:00.001-06:00

My 3 sweet things won't be getting that perfectly photogenic Valentine's treat... But this is way cooler than a tissue paper pom-pom, no??? Keeping it real. Hope your Valentine's Day is a sweet one!

Dear Quilter,

2012-02-10T08:17:00.001-06:00

Dear Quilter, I found this cute little Christmas quilt you made at the local goodwill. I don't know for whom you made it, but I hope they don't get a Christmas card next year, much less an awesome little quilt....well, unless they died and their ungrateful kids donated it. In that case, I guess they don't need a Christmas card, anyway. The folks at goodwill argued over whether to charge me

scraps. i might be changing my tune.

2012-02-08T08:38:00.001-06:00

You know how I say I never have scraps? Well it turns out my idea of scraps and another person's idea of scraps are 2 different things entirely. I decided to clear out anything that was under a fat quarter in size and cut into strips/squares of 4.5", 1.5", and 2.5" Right now I am working on an idea of a triple 4 patch. These are the smallest components and will finish at 2". What's your

New Pattern! Skipping School

2012-02-02T09:39:00.004-06:00

It feels like it has been a while since I released a new pattern. A lot of things were happening here (some good, some not so good) and this quilt got put on the back burner. I was worried the curves would be too scary for people but in the end I just couldn't push this idea out of my head. It was just screaming to get made so I went ahead and made it. My boys are all wanting to keep this

And the redraw winner is...

2012-02-01T08:18:00.000-06:00

DebiJan 26, 2012 05:25 AM The worst stain ever was red wine on a white silk blouse. I had to soak it for 24 hours and then treat it two more times before the wine came out. Congrats Debi! Email me your name and shipping address ( marylane_brown at yahoo dot com)

BIZ Winners!

2012-01-27T16:00:00.001-06:00

I have picked the giveaway winners. Actually, my sweet, innocent children did (putting out there so all my relatives can blame them for winning instead of me).