Last year my husband gave me an embroidery machine for my birthday, so I have been experimenting with new designs and patterns. This past weekend I took a Puny Valentine class at Missouri Sewing Machine Company in Kansas City and I learned so much. We made a variety of Kimberbell Valentine projects.

And with each one I learned something new -like I need to slow my machine down when I have vinyl and leather and batting and fabric layered together! When we made the eyeglass case, I also learned how to put a zipper in with my embroidery machine.

Cute little Valentine gift card holders were also included in class, with patterns for several more.

The most complicated project of the day with this cute little ice cream truck that was on the apron pocket.

Then the apron was topped with another cute pocket, this one with an ice cream cone. My projects are certainly not perfect, but working to get better, especially at even trimming.

Emily does an amazing job teaching the Kimberbell classes at the Missouri Sewing Machine store in Kansas City. If you have an embroidery machine, you can purchase many of the Kimberbell patterns and kits online. Their directions are very complete and easy to understand.

Have fun being creative!

Merry Christmas!!! Homemade gifts are such treasures to create and to receive! This past year I have been practicing my sewing and piecing skills, so I have stitched up a few quilts, some to keep and some to share.

This pattern for this one is called “Triangularity” by Jeni Baker and the fabric is from the Rifle Paper Company (which by the way has so many wonderful products, from wallpaper to fabric to umbrellas). I had seen a similar design on a quilting post and just loved the fabrics.

You can order the Rifle Paper Company fabric from their website. I ordered fat quarters from a couple of different Etsy shops because I wanted small amounts of specific colors with splashes of other colors to add balance to the design.

I loved the nostalgic theme, highlighting favorite Christmas memories…going home for Christmas, attending the Nutcracker, visiting the Christmas tree farm, hopping in the car to look at Christmas lights and lots of holiday sparkle and shine.

The perfect throw to snuggle under during the Christmas season.

Our Christmas puppy at the front door – such a cutie!

This Christmas quilt was made for our son, Andrew, who just moved into his new apartment in Kansas City. I used my embroidery machine to made a label in the corner.

I thought Andrew would need some Christmas decorations for his new home, so I included some of his favorite colors, along with fabrics that had designs that would bring back treasured Christmas memories. So fun creating treasures! Merry Christmas!!!

Remember coloring Easter eggs? Always going to be fun and probably a spill or two when the Paas coloring kit came out. The plastic eggs work well to decorate and I have found that the plastic sleeve in the Paas kit adheres to them with no issues. Simply dip the sleeve enclosed egg is lightly boiling water until the sleeve shrinks to the egg. So quick and easy and can be used the next year.

Last year I painted egg cartons and cut them up to use for centerpieces. Eggs, candy, flowers and tea light candles in egg shells look festive.

This year was much better because my sweet sister, Mary Beth, gave me some spring colored egg cartons. She’s very thoughtful that way. Fun to fill with eggs, decorate with and give as gifts.

Oreo truffles are a hit around here so I made Easter egg truffles. Combine 1 package crushed oreos and 8 ounces cream cheese. Roll out between two sheets of parchment paper.

I used these cookie cutters I bought from Amazon.

Chill the truffles in the refrigerator while you melt and color the candy melts or almond bark. Dip and have fun decorating.

Wafer cookies are a nice treat to have also.

Have fun being creative and spending time with your family and friends this Easter!