Ladybug Sewing Studio

Personalized Inspirational Quilts 2

2010-07-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

I am posting a picture of the second Inspirational Quilt I am currently working on. This client wanted different colors and I love the end result.

Personalized Inspirational Quilts

2010-07-22T09:43:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,
I wanted to share our most recent projects. We were asked to make a quilt with 12 inspirational messages. It turned out great and now we have two more orders. Each message is printed on its own block. The print color is chosen to match the fabrics in the quilt. The fabrics are primarily Moda, and Robert Kauffman. The fabric and batting are of high quality. It is a great size for a custom made quilt and our price is competitive. We put our hearts into our projects and pay great attention to detail.
Let us know if you are interested, I'll send you more info.
Angie

our new project

2010-01-25T09:13:00.000-08:00

Ok, we started a new project this weekend. We are making four bridesmaid dresses for a beautiful young lady. Becky is getting married and is our best friend's daughter (Roxanne). I am so excited, I'll keep you posted on our progress.
Angie

A familiar face

2010-01-05T17:53:00.001-08:00

Today I was at my neighborhood bookstore, Russo's Books, where I first ran across Artful Blogging about six months ago. You'd think a magazine about blogging would be on the boring side, but it is just beautiful and creative and inspiring.

Don't tell the Russo family, but I've been enjoying it for free by dropping by the shop at lunch to peruse the magazine shelves. But today I finally purchased the Nov/Dec/Jan 2010 edition. Why now, you say? I had to because I saw a familiar face. I saw JCasa Handmade.

I've followed Jennifer Casa's blog for at least a year now and I love it! Nicely streamlined with beautiful photography. Simply lovely. Her patterns and tutorials are awesome, too. It was exciting to see her hard work featured in print. I really feel like I know her...even though I don't think I've ever commented on any of her posts. (Why am I so hesitant to comment on blogs?? I should think about that.)

Anyway, I feel like she's my friend. So drop by her blog or purchase something from her Etsy shop for some sewing inspiration. Then, hop on over to your local book seller and pick up Artful Blogging for some blogging inspiration. No, neither have paid me...just trust me that it will do your heart good.

-- Cheryl

A New Year's Re-sew-lution

2010-01-04T17:50:00.000-08:00

Okay, dorky title. But I couldn't help myself.

I'm not normally one for resolutions in January. But Angie and I talked about it over lunch yesterday and we've just got to get this blog going again. We love reading others' blogs....so why is it so hard to produce one ourselves?

I think so many of you wonderful bloggers out there make it look easy -- when in reality you have invested lots of time and effort dreaming up ideas, writing tutorials and other content, designing great banners, and compiling the many awesome sewing links out there. I don't know if we have the tools or the energy to contribute much. But I do know we like to talk about our sewing projects and new skills that we're learning. We're good at show and tell, so we'll just focus on that for a while.

-- Cheryl

My Machine

2009-07-18T16:11:00.000-07:00

I have a sewing machine I refer to as a she. Don't get any ideas, I am not crazy enough to name her.
Machine type: Baby Lock Quilter's Choice
Cost: Approx 500-600 I forgot
The new machines are a little steep, but I imagine they have more technology. I know it has been very dependable.
The quilt shop I found it at was going out of business and offered it to me at a discount.
The best thing about my machine is she's quiet.
The worst thing is I don't know how to use all of it's functions. The only problem with buying her during a going out of business sale is the shop could not provide me with classes to teach me how to utilize all or most of it's features.
It has not broken down at all. Knock on wood. I have had her for about 3-4 years, I forgot.
I sew all my projects with her. I have done handbags, quilts, blankets, children's clothing, you name it.
Advice: No matter what machine you have it really helps to take a class on the basics.
PS. Cheryl, Roxanne and I have learned very quickly that it is a royal pain hauling our machines from place to place by hand. The best thing to do is invest in a good rolling cart for your machine. The local fabric should have them or order online. Mine is big enough for my machine and my current project.
Angie

sewing machine story

2009-07-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, I do have a funny story about sewing machines. Cheryl, Roxanne and I try to get together once a week to sew. After a long day of work,I was tired and in the confusion of cords and unpacking our sewing items, I managed to plug in my machine. Then my machine started acting strange. It wouldn't stop sewing after I lifted my foot off the pedal. I tried to turn my machine off and on, rethreaded it, then I started to think it was a supernatural phenomenon. I thouhgt my mom was trying to annoy me or my recently deceased friend was trying to help. I have a creative imagination. Then I thought maybe it was a special feature I stumbled upon. I even called a local shop that sold my machine to help me solve my problem. They never heard of this special feature and wanted me to bring it in. I finally accepted the fact that this was how my machine worked and tried to adjust to the new style of sewing. At some point in the evening Cheryl was helping me with my project, started sewing on my machine and realized my machine wasn't working properly. Then Cheryl began assembing her machine and could not locate her cords. She searched everywhere, she even searched my sewing machine bag and said,"Whose cords are these?" I insisted she must have accidently put her cords in my bag, but that wasn't the case. I accidently swiped her cords from the table, plugged them in my machine and left mine in the bag. That was why my machine didn't work.I am so glad I didn't haul my machine all the way to the repair shop only to reveal an embarrassing mistake. We get a kick at laughing at ourselves. Only I have to admit it's a lot easier when someone else goofs up. So let that be a lesson to you all. Don't try to put someone else's cords in your machine. It just doesn't work.
Angie

Cheryl's Sewing Machine

2009-06-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

This month is Sewing Machine Month over at Sew Mama Sew. So, this is Cheryl's contribution to their meme.

What brand and model do you have? I have a Singer 7469Q Confidence Quilter.

How long have you had it? About 6 months...I've been wanting a computerized machine for years!

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? $300 - $399 (They are often on sale for $299.)

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? I sew clothes, home decor, and gift items for myself, my friends & family, and our business.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? I sew daily in my home studio and once a week I enjoy an evening of sewing with two great sewing buddies. I'd say I put about 15-20 hours per week on my machine. Is that a lot? Should I do my dishes more??

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?I love my new machine! But, she doesn't have a name yet.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?I am crazy excited about the automatic buttonholes! Wow! If you're in the market for a new machine...it's worth it to save a little longer so you can get this feature!

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? I haven't found anything yet.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
Angie and I share a great sewing machine story...but I'll let her tell it!

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? Yes, I believe I would. 1) It's reasonable in price when compared to many other brands. 2) It comes with many attachments, including those used primarily for quilting. 3) It has about 98 decorative stitches. 4)Did I mention auto buttonholes?

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? Reasonable cost, reliability, and an automatic buttonholer!!

Do you have a dream machine? I haven't researched brands yet...but I want a longarm for quilting!

My Trip to the Fabric Store

2009-06-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Okay...I really, really try to go fabric shopping once a month. That's how I get paid, so that's when I have the cash to invest in my stash (and new business). So, on payday, I made my rounds and bought some really lovely fabric.

But, yesterday I found myself back at Strawberry Patches to pick up "just one more yard of bird fabric" for a special order. And then I saw it! A brand new shipment from Fabri-Quilt. Right on top was the most beautiful fabric...it could have been painted with watercolors right there on the cutting table. Andromeda by Paintbrush Studio, pattern 832, photo posted above. I had to have it! Just two yards, that's all. Oh, and maybe a half yard of coordinating pattern 833, a delicate pink, and soft pale green to go with. And, I might as well pick out the binding too.

I should have walked away...but what if it was gone when I returned?? What a beautiful and relaxing color palette! I just had to have it.

Plus, it reminds me of the flowering bushes on the college campus where I work. So, I took a photo of my favorite blue bushes for you to enjoy too!

-- Cheryl

Red Daisies for PinkPetunias!

2009-06-02T21:58:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the winner of our fabric giveaway...PinkPetunias!!

Madison was very grown up and took her job very seriously. She even wanted her little sister, Ariana, to get in on the action. (But, we don't think she was into it much.)

We are delighted to award our first ever Giveaway. Thanks, everyone, for playing!
-- Cheryl

Finishing up our giveaway activities

2009-06-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

Angie finished choosing the "top 5" creative ideas and I added the extra entries to the pile. Now, we are just waiting on Madison, who will be at Grandma Angie's this evening. After the festivities, we'll post the winner here and send an announcement via email/blog. I can't wait!!!

See you tonight!

-- Cheryl

Only Thirty More Minutes!

2009-05-31T23:32:00.000-07:00

Our giveaway ends tonight (Sunday) at midnight. Angie will be reading tomorrow and getting the entries ready for Madison, who will pick the final winner. I can't wait to mail our prize away to the lucky winner! Thanks to everyone who visited us during this giveaway...your comments were very uplifting to a couple of newbies!

We hope to see you often!
-- Cheryl

May Giveaway to Celebrate our Grand Opening!

2009-05-26T06:28:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

In celebration of our Etsy Store Grand Opening, we are participating in the May Giveaway Day hosted by Sew,Mama,Sew!

Here is our Giveaway:

We are giving away 2 yards of Michael Miller fabric: 1.5 yards of the beautiful "Gerberalicious" and .5 yards of coordinating "That's It Dot".

Giveway Instructions:

1. Leave a comment to this post with your plans for the fabrics. (Angie will be picking the most creative plans for this beautiful fabric.)

2. After choosing the top five creative plans (no way she'll be able to pick just one, right??) Angie and I will award up to two extra entries for each of the top five who have also:

a) posted at least one other comment on our very first week of colorful blogs, and

b) visited our Etsy shop. (After visiting the shop come back to this blog and tell us about your favorite item).

How we'll pick a final winner:

Angie's "Top Five" will each be written on a 3 x 5 card. Up to two extra entries for each will also be written on separate cards. All cards will go into a mixing bowl and Angie's granddaughter, Madison (age 2), will pick the ultimate winner of our giveaway.

A few more details:

Yes, we'll ship the fabric internationally.
Our first giveaway is open until May 31st.
We will ship the fabric to the winner by June 3.

Any questions?

Email us at ladybugsewingstudio (at) gmail (dot) com.

Thanks for celebrating with us!
-- Cheryl

Memorial Day - May 25

2009-05-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

We honor those who have given their lives supporting United States military causes. And, we also honor those currently serving around the world.

If you'd like to do something special this Memorial Day, visit AnySoldier.com. This organization has developed personal contacts in all armed services who have volunteered to accept and deliver encouraging cards and packages and redistribute them to others in their units. It is 110% volunteer (as the site says) on both ends. Folks at AnySoldier have provided a safe and secure way to send love from home, without compromising the safety of our loved ones.

Pass it on,
Cheryl
Ladybug Sewing Studio

Steel Blue Sunday - May 24

2009-05-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Months ago I picked up a few yards of Moda's Marbles Pacific Blue to coordinate with a jelly roll filled with Charisma by Chez Moi. I just the love the color...very rich and surprisingly close to the color of the Pacific Ocean for those who have never been. I guess Angie loved it too, because she bought some for a quilt she is making her brother.

While Angie and I were sewing the other night (with our great friend, Roxanne), Angie ran out of thread. I loaned her my spool that matched that the Pacific Blue fabric exactly. When she returned it, she said, "thanks for the green thread." Immediately I said, "Green? Don't you mean blue". We both shrugged our shoulders and moved on with our projects. I thought about it later and wondered why Angie thought the fabric and thread were green.

Maybe now I know the answer. I learned on Wikipedia that in many languages blue is the same word as green. Check out this detailed list of languages and how they handle blue/green.

Who knew?? I guess Angie and I were both right.
Whatever the color, enjoy today's Etsy finds!

-- Cheryl
Ladybug Sewing Studio

Permanent Etsy Store Links:

Coleen Olson Art (top left)
Sally Magundy (top right)
BrownBirdMarket (middle left)
Lillian Olive (middle right)
Alchemic Muse (bottom left)
she bear designs (bottom right)

Sienna Saturday - May 23rd

2009-05-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Have I mentioned that I love looking things up in the dictionary? And now that we have great dictionary resources on the internet, there is no excuse for not learning unfamiliar words. That said, after I read the sienna definition, I had to look up ferruginous.

sienna si⋅en⋅na [see-en-uh] –noun
1. a ferruginous earth used as a yellowish-brown pigment (raw sienna) or, after roasting in a furnace, as a reddish-brown pigment (burnt sienna).
2. the color of such a pigment.

Origin:
1750-60, "earth of Siena," from a city in central Italy,
where the coloring material was first produced.

ferruginous [fuh-roo-juh-nuhs] –adjective

1. Geology. iron-bearing: ferruginous clays.
2. of the color of iron rust.

Permanent Etsy Store Links:

Scheri's Abstract (top left)
Le Petit Poulailler (top right)
evarose1900 (middle left)
fancyfarmdestash (middle right)
Janette Maher (bottom left)
Honeytree Photography (bottom right)

Forest Green Friday - May 22nd

2009-05-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Green is probably my favorite color, except I usually tend more toward the pale lime variety of green. But forest green is deep and earthy and makes me think of the rolling hills in Western Kentucky where we lived for several years. Brilliant and relaxing at the same time!

I talked to Angie last night and we agreed -- our giveway for May 27th will be Michael Miller fabric: 1.5 yards of "Gerberalicious" and .5 yards of coordinating "That's It Dot".

Over the weekend, we'll get our giveaway details together. I can't wait to celebrate our Etsy Store Grand Opening with you on Wednesday, May 27th!

Permanent Etsy Store Links:

greentrikepress (top left)
Sea Find Designs (top right)
Amber Alexander (middle left)
TippyThai (middle right)
KitMit (bottom left)
Flourish Bath & Body (bottom right)

Tomato3 Thursday - May 21st

2009-05-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Back to vivid color today! This color is called Tomato3 on the CCS color chart. What a perfect description...just like a ripe tomato hanging from the vine in a garden! Enjoy these beautiful Etsy finds.

Next week, Sew Mama Sew is hosting a Giveaway Day. Angie and I are going to host a Giveaway in celebration of our Etsy shop's Grand Opening. So, last night I was working in my studio when Michael Miller's Gerberalicious fabric caught my eye from the fabric shelf. Ahhhh. I love that fabric! I snapped up 1.5 yards as soon as I saw it at Strawberry Patches, a local quilt store. Wouldn't that giveaway be a wonderful end to our crazy colorful week?

I'll confirm with Angie tonight. But, I'm thinkin' those beautiful flowers might be the prize! And maybe even some coordinating black on white polka dots. Mmmmmm.

-- Cheryl
http://ladybugsewingstudio.etsy.com

Permanent Etsy Store Links:

storeyshop (top left)
damosel (top right)
karaku (middle left)
Zip It Zipper Supply (middle right)
historicallyvintage (bottom left)
ThePendantFactory (bottom right)

Wheat Wednesday - May 20th

2009-05-20T07:36:00.001-07:00

Ahh, a neutral breather in the middle of a colorful week. I do really love cream and and ecru and oatmeal and wheat and all the zillions of variations on off-white. Can't you just taste those snickerdoodles??? YUM!

Enjoy the visual sigh.

-- Cheryl
http://ladybugsewingstudio.etsy.com

Permanent Etsy Store Links:

JustBakin (top left)
dbabcock, Deb Babcock (top right)
SheepishCreations (middle left)
Geninne, Geninne Zlatkis (middle right)
soapychica, Sue (bottom left)
Leelinau, Adina (bottom right)

Turquoise Tuesday - May 19th

2009-05-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

tur⋅quoise [tur-koiz, -kwoiz] –noun

1. Turquois, an opaque mineral. A basic hydrous copper aluminum phosphate often containing a small amount of iron, sky-blue or greenish-blue in color.

2. Turquoise blue. a greenish blue or bluish green.

Origin:
1350–1400; Turkish (stone), From French turquoise meaning "Turkish"; the original material from the south slopes of the Al-Mirsah-Kuh Mountains (Iran), found its way to Europe via Turkey.

Related:
Odontolite. O*don"to*lite\, n. [Odonto- + -lite.]
Odontolite is a turquoise simulant derived from fossil bones, most commonly the teeth of mastodon and other large species of mammals.

-- from www.dictionary.com and www.mindat.org.

Enjoy today's Etsy finds in turquoise! And, follow that link to Odontolite...it's a cool article about bone turquiose and mastodon teeth. Who knew?

-- Cheryl
ladybugsewingstudio.etsy.com

Permanent Etsy Store Links:

sweettweets (top left)
vesselsandwares, Jeanette Zeis (top right)
Tanis Fiber Arts (middle left)
yumiyumi, Aline Yamada (middle right)
ellecools (bottom left)
ExoticFlavour, Amanda Yu (bottom right)

Magenta Monday - May 18th

2009-05-18T01:41:00.000-07:00

ma⋅gen⋅ta [muh-jen-tuh] –noun
1. fuchsin.
2. a purplish red.

Origin:
After Magenta, a town in Northern Italy, West of Milan. The French and Sardinians defeated the Austrians in Magenta in 1859. The dye used to produce this color was discovered the year of the battle.

Related:
fuch⋅sin [fook-sin] –noun
1. a greenish, water-soluble, solid, coal-tar derivative, obtained by the oxidation of a mixture of aniline and the toluidines, that forms deep-red solutions: used chiefly as a dye.

-- from www.dictionary.com

Permanent Etsy Store Links:

Wooly Knits N Bits (top left)
Love Art Works, Kristin Love (top right)
myssticwynd, Karen (middle left)
VividEarthDesigns, Christina Cortino (middle right)
Tisserande Handwoven Textiles (bottom left)
Zygopsyche (bottom right)

Enjoy!

-- Cheryl
Ladybug Sewing Studio

All Things Colorful

2009-05-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm Cheryl. I am one-half of Ladybug Sewing Studio in Bakersfield, California.
My business partner is Angie. Today is the day I actually followed through on creating a companion blog for our Etsy store.

Initially, I want this blog to focus on color. Like the nice orange flower up top. I've always been a 'neutral' kind of girl. But, Angie has introduced me to color...and lots of it! So, I think we'll celebrate all things colorful each day this week:

magenta4 monday
turquoise3 tuesday
wheat4 wednesday
tomato3 thursday
forestgreen friday
sienna1 saturday
steelblue2 sunday

Lovely names, I think. Check out every conceivable color on the CSS Color Chart at somacon.com. Have you ever seen so many shades of grey??

I needed one neutral for old-times-sake (wheat4) but the other days will be crazy colorful around here. See you tomorrow with Esty finds in festive shades of magenta4!

-- Cheryl
ladybugsewingstudio.etsy.com