Christmas Quilt In Progress (10 years in the making)

Ok, I haven't actually been working on this for 10 years. I bought the block of the month quilt at Joann's at the end of the season when it was on clearance 10 years ago. They did not have December, which is a very crucial month in a block of the month quilt, as it has all the finishing directions. I have made small Christmas quilts, but have always wanted a full size one. So every year I would pull this out in the fall and think, I can't possibley finish this in time and put it back. Last fall I decided to take the plunge ( and since it is a year later, you can see that it wasn't done in time). I got 11 months made and then thought , now what? Well, I called Joann's toll free number, and the very helpful woman mailed me a photocopy of the directions for the last blocks and the finishing.

I am doing my best to finish it before the holiday season this year. I am handquilting it, and I can't work on it in the hot weather, so I am starting to work on it in the evenings now ( ok , one evening just last night).

So, stay tuned to see if it is done for the 08 season, or if it takes another year. Keep your fingers crossed for me that I make it.

Just a reminder, the week of 9/22-9/26 is the Quiltsy trunk show on etsy. Who knows, maybe you'll see my Christmas Quilt in it! When I get exact times, I will pass them along.

Lauren

My Fireman Are Gone!

My firemen have flown the coop. They are happily on their way to the midwest. Luckily for all of you, my construction workers are still here. I have the unisex XXL apron, and the set of potholders. They are waiting for you to scoop them up in my shop http://www.originalsbylauren.etsy.com/

I want to remind you all of the upcoming Quiltsy Street Team trunk show in the etsy virtual labs. I have a small cross section of work in the right hand column. Please click on the items to see each shop. We currently have 20 members participating, and their work is outstanding.

When I have an exact date and time I will post it for all of you. You don't want to miss this, and you don't even have to leave home to attend!

Lauren

New Quilts

I wanted to show off the two new quilts I listed yesterday in my shop at http://www.originalsbylauren.etsy.com/ . I am very excited to have these available for sale. The top one is my strawberry kiwi flannel baby quilt and the other is my hearts all around handquilted wallhanging. I am very proud of them both, and they will make a nice addition to any home.

If you are interested in purchasing them, or want to see more items I offer , please visit my etsy or dawanda shop. If you see an item in one but want to purchase it through the other, please let me know and I will make it available to you.

Lauren

My Mermaids Are Going To Paradise!

I had an exciting sale this morning. I have sold two sets of mermaid potholders , which is exciting in itself, but it gets better. My ladies are going to Fiji ! Could that be any more fitting? Where else would mermaids live but in the south pacific.

The buyer bought them on the day she joined etsy, which is also exciting.

I don't have any of this great Laurel Burch fabric left, but if you love it like I do, I have two aprons listed on etsy, one chef style and on half apron. They both fit a large range of sizes.

So if you want a mermaid in your kitchen, go to http://www.originalsbylauren.etsy.com/ before they get away forever.

Lauren

Quiltsy Team Trunk Show

The quiltsy street team on etsy, of which I am a proud member, is having a trunk sale in the virtual labs on etsy the last week of September. We will be showcasing many of our very talented members and their best work. We have members with wares ranging from a few dollars to $1500. You don't want to miss this, it will be worth seeing.

When I have more details, I will pass them along. Just remember, the holidays are coming and wouldn't it be great to get your shopping done early without leaving your house?

Our members offer very reasonable shipping prices, and many ship internationally. This is a group of their work to the right. If you click on one of the items, it will take you to the indiviual store. Click on them all for a nice treat!

So stay tuned, more to come!

Lauren

Maternity Hospital Gown

I have become aware of something new people are doing. It has become popular to have your own custom hospital gown to wear when you deliver your baby. They have to tie in the back like a traditional gown, but they are made of fabric to the taste of the mother to be.

I just made one as a custom order on etsy, and she had the gown embroidered with the last name of the expectant parents. This is the fabric that she chose , as a gift for her best friend. I hope they both like it.

I have seen other places where this is becoming a trend with new moms. Now that most women deliver in a birthing rooms that are more homie, they want to be more comfortable.

I love making things I haven't made before, and hope to do many more of these.

Lauren

P.S. If anyone is interested in purchasing one of these gown, please leave me a comment or visit may etsy or dawanda shops. I have tons of great cottons for you to choose from. Be the best dressed mama in delivery!

Parade of Potholders!!!!

I know everyone needs them, and I know everyone uses them, so I decided to do a potholder parade for all of you . This shows you the variety of potholders in my etsy shop http://www.originalsbylauren.etsy.com/ .

They are all made from top quality 100% cotton fabric, and they have one layer of cotton batting and one layer of insul-bright insulation in them. They have a loop for hanging. The potholders measure about 8" (20cm) square. They are quilted with a zig-zag machine stitch.

These are very durable and machine washable, but pretty enough to hang in your kitchen. They make a nice hostess gift, or a great Christmas gift for somone you want to get a little something for.

They come in sets of 2 and sell for $12 per pair. I hope you will stop by my shop and browse, and while you are there, pick up a pair for a friend and a pair for yourself. We all deserve a treat from time to time.

Thanks for stopping by, Lauren

New Amy Butler Apron

I just made a new plus size apron out of this beautiful Amy Butler print. It is perfect for everyday, but pretty enough for entertaining. I just love this print!

I have many other aprons in a large assortment of prints and sizes. Please stop by and have a look. www.originalsbylauren.etsy.com/

I am very tired, so that's all for now.

Lauren

My New Wristlet

I wanted to show off my new wristlet. I had a customer come by whose daughter had a similar one. I thought it was so cute that I designed and sewwed one of my own.
The beautiful striped cotton is Amy Butler, and the polka dot lining is Michael Miller. I put 2 little pockets inside and added a magnetic closure.
One strap is longer than the other to allow it to loop through the shorter one and loop around your wrist.
It is machine quilted and has cotton batting between the layers. It is machine washable and dryable.
If this one sells, I am thinking of making more in different fabrics and sizes. If you want one, visit my shop at http://www.originalsbylauren.etsy.com/.
Lauren

Help! My fabric stash is taking over!!

Help! My fabric is out of control! I need to get to work and use this up so that I can buy more.

I do admit that alot of this is for etsy, and was not part of my stash, but as all good quilters know, that stash is important.

How can I resist a great fabric, especially if it happens to be one sale!

So, if you really want to help me and all the other quilters who are dying to purchase more fabric, go to my shop at http://www.originalsbylauren.etsy.com/ and buy something so I can make something to replace it. Then maybe before I am old and gray ( or older and grayer) I can get this under control.

Anyone who mentions this article when making a purchase from me in the next week gets a 15% discount. Just put it in the notes and I will adjust the invoice before you pay. So look at this, we both win. You save money, and I can keep my local quilt shop in business.

Lauren

I Finally Got A Quilt Listed!

I just finished this rag quilt last night and listed it this morning at http://www.originalsbylauren.etsy.com/

I am planning more quilts in the future.

I currently have an assortment of aprons, many of them in plus sizes, and some jewelry that I make.

My quilted items include bibs, potholders, a table runner and some bags.

Make sure to stop by and browse, and bring you holiday gift giving list. And don't forget to treat yourself. There are alot of great shops on etsy, so check us all out.

Lauren

Another Great Bag

I made another great bag yesterday. I just love, love, love this fabric. The bag is machine pieced and machine quilted, and is fully lined with an interior pocket. It is available at http://www.originalsbylaurenetsy.com/.

Anyone who didn't click on the video link in yesterdays post, please do. I think you will like it.

Have a good evening, Lauren

Quiltsy Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwxnqAIw4-Y

Kimbuktu from the Quiltsy Street Group I belong to made this video and posted it on youtube. We are trying to find ways to promote our quilts and bring more quilt buyers to etsy. I think she did a great job, let me know what you think.

I am working on a few more quilted projects to list in my shop www.originalsbylauren.etsy.com
and I hope you will stop by often to see what I have. In the fall I am planning on making more silver jewelry, as I do not have access to a torch until the end of this month.

Don't forget, the holidays are right around the corner, and what better to give than a handmade, one of a kind gift.

Lauren

Tulip Tablerunner

I just finished this table runner and couldn't wait to show it off. I made the tulip blocks by paper piecing. The batting is warm and natural cotton, and it is machine quilted.

I love the colors in this quilt. It is very springy, but would certainly brighten up any table in the depths of winter. I live in NY, so we need something pretty in January to make our homes feel brighter.

This runner is exta long , 54" x 20", so it will fit a diningroom table. I am very excited to see if you like it as much as I do. Please let me know what you think.

Lauren

Rag Quilted Bag

I made this bag yesterday and listed it on etsy this morning. It is cotton flannel, and it is rag quilted.

It is the perfect size for a small tote or a purse (12" x 13"). the strap is long enough to slip over your shoulder, but still short enough to carry on you arm (16"). I listed it for $25. It is a great neutral bag, to go with alot of colors. I think it is perfect for fall.

Well, it isn't raining , so I am going to go take advantage of the weather before it starts. Maybe I'll even get some sewwing done.

Lauren

Annual Picnic

We had our annual family picnic yesterday, and it was alot of fun and alot of work, as always. I was able to get my cousin to let me photograph her in my unisex apron. I also got a shot of my brother in it. It is listed on etsy, and I think that the alexander henry fabric is alot of fun!!

I am working on some quilts to list, so stay tuned. That's all for now, I am still tired from yesterday.

Lauren

Apron Model Photos

Hello,

I finally got some photos of my misses sized aprons with a live model. I think they look so much better that I relisted 5 of them this morning. I think the improved photos will get more people to click on them.

I have some children's items that I have yet to take pictures with models. I just never seem to have enough time to get everything done.

Tommorrow is my big picnic, so maybe Sunday I will post some pictures.

Lauren

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=20510 I have an apron in this treasury. Thanks Debi!