HELLOmynameisHeather

Nicey Jane is Back!

I have exciting news to share! The beloved Nicey Jane collection has bee re-issued by Free Spirit Fabric in response to your begging and pleading. So, good work, everyone!

The re-issue includes twenty of the original fabrics and is available now by the yard, or in fat quarter stacks, design rolls, 10" charm packs and 5" charm packs—while supples last.

Please note that in addition to the re-issued collection, we also have a limited supply of ten Nicey Jane prints from the original release which we have been holding onto for dear life till now. These ten fabrics are stocked in the store and available while supplies last. That makes thirty Nicey Jane fabrics in total—as of today.

 

How About a Free Apron-Pattern?

 

Receive a FREE copy of my Daily Spice Halter Apron pattern with any order over $50 at www.HeatherBaileyStore.com*. For the pattern, there is no need to enter a code. We will add the pattern for you and cover the additional shipping cost ourselves. Merry, Merry Christmas.

*To receive this FREE pattern, your shopping cart total must meet or exceed $50 after any promo discounts are applied and before tax and shipping. Promo ends tonight at midnight MST, 12-4-15.

 

NEW Pattern! Prize Bloom Quilt

I have two new sewing patterns to announce this week, starting with the Prize Bloom Quilt. This three-dimensional floral design is a rewarding project. It gives you the opportunity to practice a variety of techniques (curved piecing, inset corners, appliqué), yet it is quick to sew. You complete one, large flower and a simple, pieced foundation, then put them together and you're done. Practically. There is quilting and binding as well, but those go quickly too.

The large, dahlia-like flower is gathered at the center and a round of three-dimensional petals is added. These details draw you into the design and add depth. The cover quilt is sewn entirely from my Up Parasol fabric collection. However, there are a number of sneak peeks of my upcoming Clementine collection all through the background of the image—hint, hint. 

Use your quilt as a wall-hanging, a small lap quilt, or as a baby blanket. (I use mine for church. Our building is ALWAYS freezing cold. During the week, it decorates our wall on a petite curtain rod.)

The pattern includes a full-color booklet of instructions, along with a cutable pattern sheet. This is our first pattern with full-color instructions. With the petal pieces in the quilt appearing similar in contour, I felt that color illustrations would be the best way to help everyone see which pieces are which. I'm thrilled with the results. 

I hope you are too.

Prize Bloom is shipping now. Ask for this new pattern at your local sewing shop. Or order a copy online today at HeatherBaileyStore.com. A full Materials List is posted on the product page.

Embroidered Jewelry — I'm on a Kick

So, here's what I made in my time off last week — teensy little embroidered necklaces for me and my close friends. Well, and for you too. We made up a few dozen kits and posted them in the online store. There's a FABRIC SALE this week — through Friday 6-13-14 at midnight MST — with 15-40% discounts on my classic fabric collections (Freshcut, Pop Garden, Nicey Jane, etc.). We're making space for new fabric collections on their way.

If you order $35 or more of fabric and other goodies, you can get one of these limited-edition embroidery kits for FREE with your purchase. Once you're done shopping, add the pattern kit to your cart, then enter the code FREETINY at checkout and the price of one pattern kit will be subtracted from your total. Details about what's in the pattern kit are listed here. All three designs are printed with heat-transferable ink and can be used multiple times to make at least a dozen stitcheries. Heat-transfer and necklace-assembly instructions included.

I'm taking eight of these kits with me to Mexico later this month so I can teach my friends and their kids how to stitch up a necklace or two while we sit under umbrellas with our toes in the sand. I think I might bring my Foredom drill too so we can drill holes in sea shells and string them together into keepsake jewelry during siesta. Eight women and girls, 11 men and boys — we are going to have a blast. These little kits are the perfect portable vacation project. I'm so excited.

Housekeeping

We have been busy prepping samples for my next quilting fabric collection—coming in June. My fashion-fabric collection is almost here as well. If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you will have seen a number of sneak peeks last weekend during Quilt Market, the industry's trade show. Now that the business-to-business side of things is kicked off, we can start putting together some full reveals to share what I've been up to in the design department.

Before moving onto new releases, I have a little house-keeping to do. First, let me congratulate Ricky Tims and Tula Pink for winning the Bernina sewing machine face-off. And Brenda P. from Pensacola FL won the sewing machine—what a great prize—so fun!

I also have a book-giveaway winner to announce. Lisa McGriff, lucky #7, email me your address and I will have your copy of My Rag Doll sent posthaste.

Lisa McGriff said...

"I had a Raggedy Ann doll as well, to this day I still love Raggedy Ann dolls. I would love to win this book so much!!"

- - - - - - -

Finally, watch for a MIGHTY Inventory Reduction Sale at HeatherBaileyStore.com in the next week or two. All discontinued fabrics—collector's take note—will be on sale. Start planning your summer projects now. It's time we make space for new collections on their way.

Giveaway Day 18

We went out for my birthday on Friday night for Thai food and a movie with my siblings and their spouses, and my dad. It was great to get together after we were all scattered this way and that for the summer. And just the kind of birthday party I like—easy and low-key. I'm so glad they all could come along. If you ever visit Tempe, AZ, Yupha's Thai Kitchen is the place to eat.

Of course, this year wasn't a 'big-deal' birthday. When the next one of those comes along, I'd like a Disco Dance Party with wigs required—nothing mellow.

This giveaway circus is keeping me plenty anesthetized from any potential birthday blues. It's quite a project behind the scenes to make sure everything is reported accurately and the winners are chosen fairly. (Random number generator, after duplicates and late entries are subtracted.)

I hope you're having as much fun as I am. I feel like a game show host at this point, "Step on down, take a spin, survey says — you win." I need fine, feathered 70's hair and a sparkly dress.

As soon as today's giveaway post goes up, I'll get to work drawing winners for the last few giveaways. Expect those updates by midday tomorrow.

And remember that our Day 16 giveaway for a Cricut Expressions 2 electronic cutting machine ends at 11:59pm PST tonight. So, there's still time to enter.

Without further ado, today's giveaway prize is a sewn book tote from FamLee Treasures, made with fabrics from my Garden District collection, as well as a Heather Bailey planner, a chevron note pad and a pack of personal stationery. A $73 value.

FamLee Treasures is my office manager Karen's Etsy business. Her adorable totes also make perfect craft totes or church bags. Karen was excited to get involved with our giveaway party—and it's her birthday this next week too. That's another vote for Birthday Month. Happy Birthday, Karen!

Comment to enter. One entry per household. Be sure to include your email address so we can contact you if you win. You don't have to type your email address into the body of the comment if you entered it in the email-address field on the comment form. Today's giveaway will close at NOON PST on Monday 8/19/13. Watch for the winner to be announced early next week at the bottom of the post.

For more info on these August HELLO Giveaways, click here. Please share the word. Good luck!

xo—Heather

Meet Ashley

Meet my new intern, Ashley. If you follow my daily feed on Instagram, you'll remember my quick post about her a couple of weeks back. She has been working with me for a few weeks now and I just wanted to take a moment to introduce her.

Ashley is a fashion design student at the local college, with a focus on textile design. I wasn't sure we had room for an intern on our team, but Ashley was enthusiastic, self-confident and pleasantly tenacious—all great qualities.

In short, she impressed me into a yes.

They say, fortune favors the bold. This is absolutely true. Add talent and style to the mix, and you have great odds for success.

So, I have a fun story about Ashley. The day we first met up, after I returned to my desk from our lunch together, I came across a press release for a design competition from Aquafina in my inbox. Often enough, such emails get dismissed or filed away. However, this time, without reading over the details too closely, I forwarded the email to Ashley and then forgot all about it.

A couple of weeks later, Ashley came into work and said, "Remember that contest you sent me? Well, I'm a finalist!" (Of course, I only vaguely remembered forwarding some-kinda-something to her, so I can't claim a lick of credit for this.) It turned out the contest was for a fashion sketch and the four finalists would be treated to a fully-paid trip to New York City and tickets to the Project Runway finale. Ashley's submission not only won her a top spot amongst the entries, but her tenacity in securing Facebook votes paid off big-time. She and her husband spread the word every which way and asked for help—they even passed out flyers at the mall. Impressive, huh? Way to make things happen.

So, less than a month after our first meet-up, that is, less than a month after I forwarded an unassuming little email her way, Ashley and her husband flew to New York just last week and had a seriously good time of it. The trip included several days to do their own thing in the city. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, they had to fly back west before the Project Runway finale show was taped—or risk being stuck in town for several days longer. But, to make up for it, Aquafina is going to fly her out for the next finale show. We'll have to pick her brain then, right? :-)

Pretty cool, huh? And all because she went for it—and is talented too—that always helps—the same reasons why she'll be working here with me while she finishes up her degree.

So, say hello to Ashley. And if you cross paths with her while following up on an order or calling in for whatever reason, give her a big, warm welcome.

Maybe.

 
Charlotte started 1st grade today. Elijah starts high school on Wednesday. With their schedules & activities, my own work obligations, and a newborn to juggle, we will be ping-ponging all over town this year. I'm counting on the crock pot for help. And I'll be baking grab-n-go goodies on the weekends. Yesterday, I made Sour Cherry Muffins. I thought 2 dozen would get us somewhere -- but they are no more -- devoured in a day.

That's a teenage boy.

... and a pregnant woman.

... and a sugar-obsessed child.

... and a man.

--- and two dogs sweeping up crumbs.

I was planning to snap a photo & post my recipe, but it looks like I'll have to bake 4 dozen in order to pull that off. Maybe next week. 

Everything is "maybe" right now. "Maybe I'll be there." "Maybe I can do that for you." "Maybe I'll make muffins this Sunday." I sound so wishy-washy. The fact is, I'm 36 weeks pregnant tomorrow. Elijah was born at 36 weeks on the nose and Charlotte was born at 37.5 weeks. I can't commit to anything much for a while.

Any day now! Or, then again, maybe in a few weeks.

All of my cuteness efforts are going into accessories at this point. Flashy, distracting bags & purses. Headbands, earrings, necklaces -- all at the same time. Colorful shoes. (Ignore the billowing pudge of my swollen left foot escaping the confines of my unsensible shoe. Strangely, it's just my left leg that swells.)

My belly precedes me. Not only does my colorful new thermos make me feel better about the gallons of water I have to drink in order to keep up with this baby AND the 113-degree weather -- it is yet another loud-and-lovely accessory to wave in front of my stomach when I'm out and about -- a colorful diversion for the well-intending stares that follow a pregnant woman everywhere.

So that's the pregnancy update -- and the business news -- all mushed together. Check out my new travel mugs! Just in from my licensing partner, Inviting Company. Five designs. Stainless steel. Awesome.

Signature Styles

I have a bit of catch up to do.  More than a bit.

I made a list of all the blog posts I would have done if I hadn’t lost my Wonder Woman headband last month. (Or is it a tiara?)  It’s quite a list and I’m just not prepared to skip past “Go” and move on with things without spinning out a few re-caps.  There are too many cool things I have missed sharing.

I'll start with Signature Styles.  That's me on the cover of a new book.  Newsworthy, right?   I think so.  In Jenny Doh’s latest title for Lark Crafts, she features 20 creative women and discusses each gal’s personal style as it relates to her work, her wardrobe and more.  Each “stitcher” has designed a project for the book as well.  For example, Megan Hunt includes instructions for an awesome little ruffled flower bracelet and Amy Tangerine shares techniques for "Crafty" tee shirt applique.  It’s a jam-packed read, with lots of eye candy. 

For my part, I designed this quick and kicky wristlet purse.  It’s the ultimate easy-assemble purse pattern for customizing your wardrobe.  With a design so simple to sew, why not prep the perfect purse for every outfit?

I’m really impressed with this book. I’m only about halfway through reading each of the features, but once I’ve devoured it entirely, I’m certain to keep it within easy reach for a quick visual escape.  It was a pleasure to work with Jenny and of course, an honor to be included.

Signature Styles hit bookstores just this last month. If you’re interested in a signed copy, we are stocking a few at our online shop -- for a limited time.

Other women featured in this new book include: Serena Thompson, Meg McElwee, Elsie Flannigan, Rashida Coleman-Hale, Kathy Cano-Murillo (who I just had dinner with last week), Betz White, Meg Allan Cole, Bari J. Ackerman, Erika & Monika Simmons, Kayte Terry, Megan Hunt, Sonya Nimri, Megan Nicolay, Ruth Singer, Sandy Stone, Bonzie & Ger, Teva Durham, and Amy Tangerine.

Feeling oddly curious about the history and significance of Wonder Woman's headband?  Click here. It's amazing what you can learn on the internet.

A Fetching Pail

With Charlotte in Kindergarten this year, and half of my own week days spent at our new business location, my family's need for a fantastic lunch bag pattern has increased in urgency.  So I have hunkered right down and put together a new mini pattern -- meeting my need, and hopefully yours as well.

Introducing Jack & Jill, a fresh take on the classic lunch bag.  I've got the girls covered, and the boys too.  I worked the design into my mini pattern format to keep the price low, jamming some serious value into one little package.  Whether you have one lunch bag to supply or several, Jack & Jill bags go together quickly, so you're in good shape.

This is also my first pattern highlighting my yummy Nicey Jane laminated cottons.  The laminates are light and supple and easy to work with.  For specifics on the care and make-up of these fabrics, click here;  I understand the laminate is about as food-safe as plastic can be.  Of course, you can make lunch bags from non-laminated cottons as well, or decorator fabric, light corduroy, denim, and so forth, like the green floral bag shown at right.

Fun-fun!  Great for holiday presents too -- a nice bag for a nice girl or boy -- filled with a naughty amount of candy.

While you're at it, whip up a coordinating napkin or two to boot (tutorial).

Happy Spring!

I have a serious crush on vintage Springtime decorations.  At the turn of the 19th century, there was decoration after decoration and postcard after postcard of a fluffy bunny pulling a cart of flowers or candies. By the 1920's and 30's, illustrations became more graphic in style and less painterly, but the cart concept stayed put.

In homage to these early depictions of the Easter Bunny, I designed my first-in-series Springtime Paper Craft Freebie. Sage, here is 2" tall, and together with his wagon, he measures 6" long.

Have one for free.  We're putting one card in every package that goes out this Spring from www.HeatherBaileyStore.com, while supplies last.  To craft up your own little bunny, all you will need is a pair of scissors, a glue stick, and a tool for scoring fold lines;  I like to use the rounded tip of a crochet hook or an embossing tool.

There's no promo code to enter.  One white bunny will mysteriously hop his way into every package.  Happy Spring, everyone!

If you would like to have more than one bunny -- for table decorations, teacher gifts, kids' Easter baskets, etc., you can add more kits to your cart.  They are available in packs of 3 for only $4.95.

- - - - - - - - - -

Oh Yes.  Check out this crafty, new web-show, DIYdish.  To celebrate Kris & Kim's first episode, I've donated 10 sewing-pattern-and-pincushion-kit goody bags as prizes.  And you know what that means -- good odds.  Leave a comment here to enter.  The drawing takes place March 31, 2010.  Go check out their fun, new show.  The first episode is about pincushions.

- - - - - - - - - -

Hello, btw!  It's been a nutzy couple of months. Fortunately, several big design projects are moving from Hide-N-Hush status to Show-N-Tell status.  For starters, my new stationery collection started shipping to stores this week, including invitations, note cards, paper plates, napkins, notepads.  Wait till you see.  They are so cool.  Of course, new Hide-N-Hush projects are in the works.  This drives my blabbity-share-everything self crazy.  Thus, the bunny-wagon design -- dreamed up, designed, printed & posted in a matter of days.  Love that.

Smarty New Year!

I'm moving my business into a new office/warehouse space. We have a few walls to build and a couple of rooms to paint, then the big haul begins. The plump, juicy cherry-on-top is that my craft-night fantasy may soon become reality -- regular thread-covered, music-filled, sugar-enhanced soirees. And with the larger studio space, we may be able to convince my fabulous mother to teach sewing lessons in the evening. The Phoenix area needs more craft socials, if you ask me. (I'm not opening a retail store, just expanding my space.)

It will take a few weeks to get settled and adapt to the new digs. Let me know if you're in the area &/or know anyone who may be interested in 'knowing their sewing.' I'll start buttering-up my mom. She's an amazing teacher, and she knows her stuff.

I'm working on a new, free tutorial to post online as well. And there is another new mini pattern on the way, and four new premium patterns, and several secret projects -- busy, busy new year. What are your new projects/goals for the new year? I wish I could commit to the traditional goal of increased exercise and vegetable intake, but I'm in no position to take that on this month. Maybe next month.

Also!  I need the winners from last month's giveaway to email me their contact info so I can hand out prizes: [email protected].

Easy-Peasy Palette Packs

You asked for it.  Felt palette packs are now available for faster and easier shopping.

Five palettes:  Reds/Pinks, Blues, Greens, Oranges/Yellows, Neutrals -- and a limited-edition Holiday pack. The five staple palettes cover 25 of the available 40 colors, so don't forget to check for other felt you may want to add on.  All colors continue to be available by-the-sheet as well.

I'm heading out to dinner in a bit with a gaggle of girlfriends, then over to the movie theater for an 8pm showing of New Moon. It's a special-screening of some sort. I haven't read the book yet, but I do love to go to dinner & a movie with friends. And it's for a good cause.

Till then, it's clean the studio, play with my nephews, and design, design.

Sundry Snippets -- and a Sale

The HB Store was offline for a while earlier today. It looks like our hosting service fixed the issue and now everything is back in order. We apologize for the disruption. As a thank you for your patience, enjoy 20% off your entire order for one day only.  Enter code "OneDaySale" at checkout. Expires  on Wednesday, 10/21/09, at midnight MST.

Designing stationery products today. Must get back to it. Will be back soon with Market photos. Picked up a copy of Modern Bride this morning -- issue includes a wedding decorated with my fabrics. Trying to avoid the sizable bag of Dove chocolates in the other room. Blogging twitter-style.

Re-Entry

I'm back from Market and restoring sanity at home -- and cleanliness. My kids kissed me awake yesterday like two little pecking chicks. It was a contest.

Market photos are still on the road with Isaac, so I'll save the reporting till he rolls in later today. I'm excited to be home and thrilled that my long-awaited bicycle-weather has arrived in AZ at last. It's gorgeous out today. We're packing a picnic to the park, for sure.

Also, here are a couple of discount codes for you, to shake things up and keep it interesting at The Heather Bailey Store.

• 20% off of all Trash Ties™ with code "TwitTies" (posted on twitter first)
• 25% off of Freshcut™ fabric with code "FreshOut" (Freshcut is no longer in production, so get it while you can.)

Discounts available through Monday, October 19th. Both codes can be used on the same order.

It has been a wild few weeks -- since Creative Escape, really. I'm ready to move forward, with lots of design work up next (my favorite!) -- after filling these kids up with love and attention, picnics and parks, movies and popcorn, haircuts, and a few home-cooked meals.

Now to resolve my hopelessly-clogged kitchen sink. Next time I'm tossing the old spaghetti in the trash and not down the garbage disposal.

Have you Herd?

Make a new friend in Henrietta turtle (or skip the flower corsage and make a Henry turtle). Henrietta will gladly house your pins & needles or entertain your baby or pet -- but not at the same time. She's funny that way.

You may have glimpsed my pokey new sewing buddy in my recent interview on NBC. This sewing pattern is hot off the press and ready to ship. I'm in love. Sitting by my sewing machine, Henrietta reminds me to take my time and enjoy the process.

Fresh from Bingo night, come Edna, Matilda, Eloise, Harriet, Penelope and Gladys. "Shush, dearie. Did that nice young man call B-15?" Six different materials kits available here -- pattern sold separately.

A herd of turtles. Or as my dad likes to say, "A terd of hurtles."

Announcing Heather Bailey Felt

This photo could seriously be a poster.  I may have to print it out onto canvas and hang it over my couch. Oh the many uses of felt.

If you haven't stopped by my shop for a while, you may want to take a look through the all-new Designer Felt section. I know how hard it can be to find high-quality felt in good colors.  Most chains only carry the nasty, polyester variety or a handful of muddy colors in wool-blend. I needed a source for great felt and figured you must need a source as well.

I'll be stocking a custom palette of over 3 dozen wool-blend and bamboo felts at the Heather Bailey Store.  I love to embellish projects with felt flowers or use felt to make pincushions and ornaments. These are the felts I use for the leaves & stems in my Fresh Picked Pincushions, in La Fleur Debris scrap flowers and in several upcoming patterns (getting so close now!).

I recommend stocking up on a variety of colors & neutrals to have on hand -- like a box of crayons.  You'll be surprised how many flowers, leaves, stems & whatnots you can make from a small stack of felt.

We'll be changing out the colors occasionally, so check back often to see if there is anything new.  Did I mention how excited I am about this felt?  No more hunting.  And they're nice to look at.

I'll Get You, My Pretty.

In the spirit of summer picnics, I've added three colors of gingham to the variety show, in long and standard lengths:

She's No Picnic - Red Gingham
My Pretty - Blue Gingham
Check Please - Pink Gingham

And a pack of Red, White & Blue ties with a bonus 6th tie. 

As far as patriotism goes, this new multi-pack not only covers the USA, but also Australia, Great Britain, France, Iceland, and a number of other countries;  (did you know there are at least 11 countries with red, white, & blue flags?)  A great pack for back-to-school as well, especially if your kids wear school uniforms and are limited in their color choices for hair doo-dahs.  The Red White Blue multi-pack is only available through Labor Day though (Sept. 7th). The ginghams are available while supplies last.

I'm almost done typing up a new ice cream recipe too -- just in time for the outrageously-hot weather that rolled in this week.  If you're suffering through summer, definitely get an ice-cream maker.  They're great.  Of course, you might have to exercise extra, which may not be the best way to stay cool. Hm.

In Limited Supply: album kits, fabric... patience

It is refreshing to be home again.  Not only to sleep in my own bed and hug on my little kids (of course), but now I can start scratchin' at those irresistibly- itchy projects I sketched up while I was away.  Here and there, at least.  First, I have some emails and interviews to complete, as well as some fabric strike-offs to sort through (yes, round one is in the house!).

So, check out my Flutterby Flip-Book mini album.  I used an old-fashioned wooden clothespin for the butterfly body.  A variety of cardstock wings make up the album's many pages, with a sprinkling of flowers and miniature butterflies thrown in for good measure.  The perfect album for celebrating a special event, a summer-load of activities, a new baby, a birthday, quirky kid-drawings, etc.

This is the workshop I taught at Inspired in North Carolina this month -- the stinkin' cutest-est album ever.  We kitted up some extra albums, with full-on illustrated instructions included, so you can make an album too if you like. (Or maybe set up your kids or grandkids with a kit -- gotta keep those children engaged over the summer.  My two have been squabbling all day.)  So, if you're interested, hop on over to the HB store.  Limited supply!  When they're gone, they're gone. 

Freshcut™ is in the same boat too.  Free Spirit's warehouse is plum out of my Freshcut collection now.  We received our last supply.  Though the demand for that collection never subsided, the supply certainly now has, so last call for Freshcut!  Heck, here's a discount while you're at it.  Use the code "AlmostGone" through June 1st for 10% off any fabrics from my Freshcut collection.  We'll all sigh as it trickles away.

And this week is my blogiversary again -- three years now.  I'll put together some sort of giveaway, so stay tuned for that. 

I'm off to dig myself up an urgent dose of Tylenol.  My kids aren't used to being around each other all day.  It's adjustment time -- for all of us.

Hello-ness

I have serious vertigo from working on a 24" monitor for the first time today.  We're holding off on the 30"er till the next upgrade.  (It's been 5 years or so since Mac last upgraded that beast.)  I've heard you get used to the gi-normity.  I sure hope so, as I'm definitely a bit dizzy -- but it's a grateful dizzy.  My main machine is now a laptop and I can't say how excited I am about the portability.  Beyond heading to the park or the local bookstore for some quiet concentration, just switching rooms at will is exciting stuff. 

I was trying to convince my new assistant to take a photo so I could introduce her here. Then, it dawned on me to swipe her Twitter photo & move on with it.  (You don't mind, do you Emily?)

So, meet Emily.  Some of you may recognize her from the scrapbooking world.  Emily worked with Heidi Swapp for years, and Making Memories before that.  We had narrowed our interviewing process down to two candidates and were thick into discussing the matter when we received a last-minute suggestion to give Emily a call.  Well, Emily shook up the whole conversation and here she now is.  Currently, Emily is your girl if you have a customer service question at the Heather Bailey Store, a press inquiry, a wholesale order, etc.  Basically, she's our company juggler.  Well, I guess we are all company jugglers.  (You know those juggling acts that start with one juggler, then a second juggler steps on stage, then a third & so on?  Pretty soon, the bowling pins form a mid-air ballet?  That sort of thing.  We're not ready for Vegas or anything, but we're getting there.  We're still working on our stage names.)

Oh, and you've gotta go back and read each & every comment left on the last post -- holy toledo, what a bunch of crazy, cool stories!!  I'm both inspired and weirded out.  Time to start a dream journal.

Widdle Wubby Flowder Paddern

Hey all, there's a Trash Ties giveaway going on at Sweet Life in the Valley.  And April's listed out a few ways you can increase your odds while you're at it : )

I'm working on the cover story for the holiday issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine.  All of my photo mojo is going into that right now.  I'll see if I can slip a sneak peek into an upcoming post.  Who knew you could make Christmas out of such Spring-i-ness?  I offered my doubts, but Creating Keepsakes urged me on.  I'm glad they did.  I've got some kick-A Christmas projects here now. 

And I haven't forgotten about the giveaway for the La Fleur Debris brooches.  I read through the first 300 or so entries on my birthday, but haven't had time to pour over the rest just yet.  I truly must read and consider them all.  I promise to get that bit of fun resolved in the next few days. 

The La Fleur Debris pattern is now available though.  It's so cute and little -- like dvd-size.  I want to coo at it.

Post, I shall name you later. I'm taking myself out to a movie.

I have this funky 70s condiment-serving set that's gold with green daisies on top.  It doesn't show too well in the photo above, but I just love it.  Makes me giddy.  The lid has a spoon-notch that doubles as a handy scissors-holder -- as I've opted to store thread and buttons inside instead of mustard or pickles.  Though I guess you could store your scissors in mustard.

And not that my blog needs any more photos of strawberries -- or pincushions even for that matter -- but strawberry pincushions are what I've been photographing today, so strawberries it is.  In truth, I'm entirely surprised how popular the strawberry pincushion kits have been over at the HB store. Definitely in the top 10.  In response to the excitement for ready-to-go strawberry supplies, we've added two new colors.  Now there are kits for velveteen strawberries in deep red, bright pink, and soft pink, and wool-blend strawberries in bright red (photographed above) -- covering the full gamut.

School kicked back in yesterday.  Elijah seems glad for the increase in activity.  Summer can get long.  I've heard it said that childhood is 'long days, but short years.'  I understand that sentiment more and more.  Such short years. 

I'm regularly asked how I fit it all in - design work, motherhood, church, friendships, family, fun.  I can't say I do fit it all in.  But what I do successfully manage comes as a result of regularly re-assessing my priorities.  Not on a weekly basis, or even a daily basis, but every 20 minutes or so.  And often a peanut butter sandwich or the next chapter of Inkheart overrules pressing business matters for a time.  I'm in business to serve the needs of my family.  I've chosen to do what I love so I can be happy at work, and hopefully brighten the world in some small way while I go about my thing. 

Time away from my children is a tangible thing I don't take lightly.  To repair the balance at times -- in the world at large, if not in my own home -- I focus my business on projects that will help knit us to our children/families/friends through the work of our hands, and on materials that will inspire us to do so.  In my experience, those quiet times of creativity, with long stretches of time (or frequent spurts) spent thinking of and truly loving the ones we're creating for, are full of sweetness and provide meaningful attachments.  In my life it's true -- even if the sentiment is not always returned -- in sewing pajamas for the kids, in making a blanket for a friend, helping a neighbor move, or designing a wedding dress for a girl at church, I've loved these people through the process.  And the process of creating has opened my heart toward them.  The blankets, dolls and toys I've kept from my childhood are all items that one or both of my parents made for me.  I know they were thinking sweetly of me when they made them.  I love that.  Charlotte plays with my childhood doll bed every day.

When my workload weighs a little on the heavy side, I think of other moms out there who have found the time that day to go the extra mile, perhaps making a blanket for their son or teaching their daughter to make bread -- or maybe just finding more patience, more snuggle time, more laughter.  The simple things that make life beautiful.  It's true, they're precious, short years.

No, I don't always fit it all in, but I certainly try to fit in the important stuff as much as possible. 

I'm clearly still feeling sappy.  Oh me.  To lighten things up, Here's a list of fun tidbits I've been meaning to mention:

• The talented Vivian Love did a three-part blog series on the quilting of my Pop Garden sample quilt.  It's fascinating to see the techniques involved -- and she did an immaculate job!!  (I'll post photos soon). (Links to parts 1,2,3 are in Vivian's sidebar under her photo)
• My new scrapbook collection has made Creating Keepsakes' Latest & Greatest list.
• And it's been featured in this month's Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion as well.
• Trash Ties have been featured on Project Runway Australia - click here (about 8.5 minutes in).  Several long red Trash Ties in one hairstyle.  Avant garde!
• There's a Project Runway Australia!  How cool is that?  And you can watch it on YouTube.
• Tara's getting married! (We could use your help -- stay tuned.)
• We're having a new patio put in - it should be done before the weather gets nice (!!)
• Bobbin refuses to budge when she's on a leash.  Not for treats, not for water, not for a song & dance.  Any advice?  Pixel will, of course, do anything for a treat. 
• The Pop Garden & Bijoux photo group on Flickr is all set up.  Take a peek.  And share your projects too -- I love to see what you're up to.
• And join the new HB Paper Crafts group while you're at it.  I'll add Flickr badges to my sidebar as soon as possible -- next week hopefully.
• There's also a great Paper Crafts inspiration page here.
• Today's 8-8-08.  That's kinda fun.  (My son certainly thinks so.)
• Tuesday's my birthday.  I've got big plans : )
• Lists are the best.  I feel so much more caught up now.

 

Chirp, Chirp

Thank you for all of your feedback on little bug-a-boos & whatnot.  For some reason, US First Class mail wasn't showing up as an option yesterday, when it should have (on orders less than 13oz. in weight).  Only Priority Mail and FedEx options were showing up on those lighter-weight orders.

We've got it all worked out now!  If you want to order only one or two sewing patterns and not a whole box of goodies just yet, then First Class Mail should now show up as an option.  This will work for a box or two of Trash Ties, or an order of scrapbook embellishments totalling less than 13 oz. in weight, etc.  Have a look.  I believe we're all set now.  The option will only show up if your order meets the weight requirements (less than 13oz.)

Now shipping can be something like $3.50 to $4 or so on those smaller packages instead of $7. If you're ordering more items, then Priority mail is definitely the best bargain.  FedEx is available if you want your order to have a tracking #.  Just a little update. 

Thanks!

Early Bird Launch!

We have been busy, busy behind the scenes.  Though we've set the date for the Grand Opening of our new online store for August 12th (my birthday), we've worked extra hard the last number of weeks to get everything in place for an Early Bird Launch.  Our goal was today -- and well, here we are, it's Monday and we did it -- the store is up!  I wanted you guys to have the first look at our new shop before any press releases go out or whatnot.  And it's your first chance to see my new scrapbook collection in its entirety.  It's really pretty crazy how all of these projects are popping at once.

Why "popping?" (I've used that term a lot this year.)  I was thinking about that last night as I lay in bed.  And I think my internal metaphor hearkens back to the electrical popcorn machine I had in college my freshman year.  I lived in the dorms, and the cafeteria closed well before I was ready to eat dinner.  So I ate a lot of late-night popcorn that year. 

You know how it is, you wait & wait for that first kernel to pop, watching them swirl & swirl around.  It seems like it's taking forever.  But, then.  Well, once it starts, there's no stopping -- it's just pop, pop, pop... pop-pop-pop. 

So, with no flouncy build-up (we've been too busy getting things ready for you), our Early Bird Launch is Today -- with over 200 different items for sale.  Yep, 200+.  I just did the count.  And, what I now realize is that half of the skus represent much of my design work over the last year.  And two of the main four categories are filled with designs I haven't even revealed on my blog yet.

In short, I've got a whole lot of revealing to do.  I hope you have nothing else going on today, as there are pages and pages of new HB designs:  gobs of Freshcut fabric (now no longer in production), paper, stickers, stamps, rub-ons, ribbons, etc.  And we have new Trash Ties colors, new Trash Ties prices(!), inspiration pages, coupons, discounts -- oh my. 

One post certainly won't cover my excitement for all of these bits and baubles.  I have lots of fun projects in the works.  Two new free patterns too (including these greeting cards -- I'm excited to show you this new, tricky card closure I came up with.)

And if all of this isn't enough...

Today marks the blog debut of my sewing patterns.  Four new sewing patterns to reveal -- pop, pop, pop, pop!  We'll have even more new patterns to release at Quilt Market in October, but you've already waited long enough for these ones.  I won't say how long -- and don't look it up.  I get absolutely a ton of emails about sewing patterns (which I love -- thank you so much).  My fingers are tightly-crossed that we're printing enough copies on this first print-run.  If you've been waiting & waiting on my fruit pincushions pattern or le sexy-hubba-hubba halter apron or must have either or both of my other new patterns (wait till you see these!) -- well you know what they say about early birds.

All four sewing patterns are stocked in the new store, so go reserve your copies today.  I'll preview each of the patterns here soon.  I could have easily let this post become a small book, but I'll resist.

I'm sure you're anxious to go check out the store, the scrapbook collection & the patterns. Before you go, make sure to read over our current discounts and promotions so you don't miss out on your chance at free Trash Ties and a special discount on your first order.  Cute coupons too -- a cute store warrants cute coupons, don't you think?

Well then.  With no further ado...

Let us know if you run into any kinks.  There's a customer service email over at the store ([email protected]).  Thanks so much.  Yay!!

xo--Heather

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

UPDATES:

• INTL. FLAT RATE: Some international customers have requested Intl. Priority Flat Rate Envelopes as a shipping option.  We are happy to now offer this option, but please note that we cannot fit scrapbook paper and albums into these envelopes (the envelopes are only 9"x12").

• All other issues that have been pointed out, such a mis-linked buttons and whatnot, have been fixed.
(Thanks for emailing us your suggestions. We appreciate your feedback!)