So you could buy the $225 scarf at Nordstroms....the cheaper version at Target.....or make your own using Kaffe Fasset's shot cottons!  My local quilt store has so many of the Kaffe Fasste shot cotton bolts stacked together that the scarf combinations are endless and inspiring.  Fall colors, spring colors, orange and purple togher ~ that's the next one I want to make! 

For the cost of 1/2 yard (or less if on sale) you can make a stylish and comfy scarf perfect for any season or for gifts ....     

~~~~~~~~

What you need:

Two (2) straight 1/4 yard cuts of fabric

Thread in a neutral or coordinating color

Scissors for trimming threads and fabric if necessary

Instructions:

1.  Overlap the two fabrics by approximately 1 inch on each side and pin in the center. 

2. Sew 1/2 inch on both sides of pin line.

3. Wash, line dry, lightly iron to acheive desired look and enjoy! 

~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is my scarf all finished!  Washed, dried, lightly ironed and crinkly.  If you want your edges to fray more then just pull on the threads and trim.  Here's an instruction sheet for you to download:

RAW EDGE SHOT COTTON SCARF TUTORIAL

If you are within driving distance of Centralia, Washington and want to see a fabulous quilt show....then this is not to be missed!  These ladies make fabulous quilts ~ mostly hand quilted!  I am always in awe of the talent in this quilt show and I can only hope to be as good one day!  Mary Ann Wilson is the fabulous quilter who taught my girlfriends and I to make our quilt block.  It was a churn dash made with templates, hand pieced and hand quilted.  I really am more accurate at hand piecing than I am on the machine.....but alas, there is always the time issue!

I'll be going to the show on Friday evening and will take some pictures to share.  Oh and I will also be getting some tasty treats in the tea room!   

It's funny how life really can be unpredictable.  I'm a planner, always have been and always will be.  It has it advantages and its disadvantages....I would like to be less of a planner and more of a go with the flow kind of person.  I'm learning!

A few of you knew that my mom was having surgery for colon cancer in January.....it was all planned and under control.  So many days in the hospital.  So many days at home recovering.  Life could easily go on as usual.  That worked for a little while.  Then her body was slow to respond afer surgery.  Then she had an infection.  Then she came home.  Then she was back in the hospital.  Then she was home again, but needing to make daily visits to the doctor for lab work and progress checks.  So a little unplanned and a little overwhelming for my dad, sister and I.  And the worrying....it seemed each day for a while there was something new to worry about. 

But the good news is that she is at home, healing and doing just fine and they believe that all of the cancer was removed with the surgery.  In fact she is itching to get back to the sewing machine and I'm ready to make some projects for her to quilt.  It's only been three weeks, but it feels like three months. 

I am ready to jump back in and check out the over 500 craft blog posts waiting for me .....

Show the progress of my Doll Quilt Swap .....

Show the progress of my Valentine Swap which will be going in the mail tomorrow .....

Catch up on any fabric swaps I owe .....

And last but not least, check in on my 3 x 6 Bee and see what everyone is making! .....

Life can be unpredicatable but it is still great!  Especially when my mom is going to heal and we can get back to quilting!  So thank you to all my friends for checking in on me and know that I had to take a break to handle the emotional roller coaster, but am back with an even better outlook on life.

So I'm finally back amoungst by blogger and flickr friends!  The crazy story will be in the next post....

this post is just to say

HURRAY to Tasha who won the embroidery book!

And I've also made this cute embroidery pattern for you to download and make for Valentine's Day. I framed mine so you can't see the x's and o's but it is super cute with them on there!

I'm having fun with some embroidery these days!  I always like to do embroidery in the winter for some reason.  My husband loves old cars...we have an El Camino, Porsche, VW Bug (those are just the cars that run)....plus others in certain stages of projects.  After 13 years I know a little more than I wanted to about makes, models, body styles, and what's cool!

I decided it was about time to actually use that knowledge so I'm making some embroidery patterns to sell on etsy.  Even Hubby thinks it is cool although I doubt he'll be gifting them to his car guys.

I've also been going through my supplies and organizing and I found a duplicate embroidery book so I'm giving it to you! It is such a great book I forgot I already owned it and bought it twice.  So leave a comment telling me iif you are cleaning out your closets this month too~

I'll pick a random winner on Monday the 18th~

The 3 x 6 Mini Bee has officially started.  The first quarter will occur from January 1, 2010 to March 31, 2010.  We have 7 beehives which consists of 7 people each.....49 flickr friends ready to start something new - woo hoo!

If you are participating in the first quarter then you can access the Questionaire on the link below:

 3 x 6 Sampler Questionaire

If you are interested in joining us in a future quarter (this mini bee will occur 4 times a year) then go visit the group's page on flickr and add your name to the reservation list.

The Second Quarter will be from April 1st to June 30th and we will start filling the beehives on March 15th, 2010. 

I am so excited to participate in yet another Doll Quilt Swap on flickr!  This is number 8 but for me it's only my second.  I like that it is a secret swap and we get to see sneak peaks without knowing what our little quilt will look like till it arrives.  I'm excited to find out who my partner is and in return I want to let my partner know that I want something they are inspired to make!