Kickstart my sleeves

After years of laboriously creating small batches of laptop and iPad sleeves, I am taking the next step- a large production run! And I've launched a Kickstarter campaign to help me make it happen. Please check it out and help me spread the word. So far, I've had an amazing response from my family, friends, and perfect strangers! I'm so touched by the outpouring of love and support. My project is 44% funded, with 25 days to go...

Birds

I saw these felt bird ornaments on the Purl Bee blog in late 2010, and kept them in mind over the past year via Pinterest. (of course!) I decided to make a bunch for friends and their kiddos this past Christmas. Since I already had most of the materials, I opted to 'wing it' (heh heh), instead of buying Purl's kit. It wasn't hard to figure out. For a little extra special-ness, I personalized the ornaments by stitching each recipient's name on the side of his/her bird.

I love following through with a project I've pinned on Pinterest. More projects to come...

zig zag

I've been a big fan of Denyse Schmidt, quilter extraordinaire, since she first appeared in Martha Stewart magazine many years ago. Taking her Improvisational Patchwork Workshop at her amazing Bridgeport, CT studio back in 2006 remains one of the highlights of my creative endeavors.

I'd been wanting to make the Big Zig quilt from the Denyse Schmidt Quilts book for some time, and finally did recently as a wedding shower gift. Well, my version of the Big Zig anyway. Now I want to make more! Endless color combos and sizes come to mind...hmmm...maybe a bedspread for me! And a throw pillow.

I decided to keep zigging and zagging for my version of the Big Zig quilt.

Next time though, I will use a lighter batting (this one was waaaay too heavy), and do my best to get my walking foot working properly. I have a feeling that would make a big difference with my so-so quilting job. Practice, practice...

New Website!

Wonder Threads has a new website. It's a simple diy type thing, which is VERY different from my first website, and exactly what I need. Yay! It's a good starting off point, or should I say re-starting off point. It will evolve over time, and become a little fancier eventually. For now, I'm happy.
With this new website comes a renewed interest in blogging. I've pretty much sucked at it over the past year, but I'm re-starting here as well. I've been wanting to play a little catch up, sooo....here's what 2010 looked like for me...

January 2010-- Grandma's 80th birthday.
We invited an Elvis impersonator, of course!

February 2010--Spent Presidents Day weekend in Ocean City, NJ.




March 2010--took a birthday trip! First to Amsterdam...








Then to Paris...







April 2010-- I took Flat Stanley to FAO Schwarz



Made some dishes from the Athlete's Palate cook book,
like this cassoulet (substituted quinoa for beans).



May 2010--A trip to Boston for the annual
Mayfair street fair in Harvard Square (very rhyme-y).



An amazing chalk drawing of one of my fave paintings.








Added some block print styles.






June 2010-- Made some very red velvet cupcakes...


using this recipe.

July 2010-- Used the fireworks setting on my camera.



Took a trip around Manhattan on the Circle Line (toot toot!).




Had a photo shoot with little cuties, Zoe and Charlotte.



I got some great shots before their patience ran out...




August 2010--
The Bronx Zoo!







September 2010-- An evening in Atlantic City




Absolutely fell in love with the Beales.




October 2010--
Halloween!



November 2010--
Ice Skates!



December 2010-- Mini Christmas Tree


Christmas Card



January 2010--
Made this little felt project found on the Purl Bee.




Whew! That's it, we're caught up. Stay tuned...

pillow people

My very good friends have just moved from Long Island, NY to Bainbridge Island, WA. As a going away gift, my friend's sister asked me to make these dolls; one for each of the family members in NY who'll miss them. A sweet reminder of home, as they start a new adventure out west.

The idea came from angry chicken. My little twist-- instead of drawing the bodies, I collaged* little outfits out of fabric bits. It's such a fun project, and is sure to create bouts of laughter!

* not sure if collaged is proper English, but you know what I mean.