Snowy Owl Cardigan

I had some beautiful DK Rowan yarn by Amy Butler and I was trying to decide what to knit with it. I was surfing Ravelry one night and came across the Testing Pool Group. This cute sweater was one of the test patterns by myknittedheart and it used DK yarn! So, I signed up and here it is less than 2 weeks later! I needle felted the eyes on the owl with dark green wool from my spinning roving stash. This pattern is available on Ravelry. If you would like to visit my project page on Ravelry for this sweater, click HERE.

I just bought baby Julia an owl jumper with some owl leggings at Gymboree outlet in Tilton, NH that should look super cute with the sweater. I'll have to post a picture when I dress her up! This was my first knit sweater - I can't wait to knit another one!

Barnyard Memory Game - Fabric Felt Educational for Children

My latest fabric memory matching game is barnyard themed with all of your favorite farm animals. As I was finishing the game pieces, I got an idea to make a barn themed bag to hold the pieces in, rather than the usual drawstring bag. I hope that you enjoy the new bag! This set is available in my Artfire Studio and Etsy Shops.

Equestrian Memory Matching Game

I bought this fabric last summer at the World Quilt Show. I finally finished a memory matching game. There are 14 quilted game pieces, 2 of each picture, and Wild Horses Drawstring Bag. See my Artfire Studio or Etsy Shop for more details.

Back by Popular Demand! Smiles Around the World

I got a request to make one of my Smiles Around the World Memory Matching games last week. I love this fabric which celebrates children from around the world. Being a math teacher, I also love how the game memory helps build deductive reasoning skills in young children! In addition to the set I made as a custom order, I made a couple more sets available in my Artfire Studio and Etsy Shop. You can order the game with either a pink or blue bag. They are already made and ready to be shipped. Hurry - these don't usually last long in my shop!

Curious George Blanket

That curious monkey is always getting into something! Today, he is trying his hand at being a painter. Watch out!

This cozy fleece blanket is ultra soft. On one side, Curious George is making a big mess painting and on the other side there are cute little bugs. This blanket measures approximately 34" x 40" and is made with two layers of fleece to make it extra cuddly. Visit my Artfire shop for purchase.

No Sew Fabric Crib Rail Guard Tutorial - Now Availble!

One of my friends on Etsy, BareBottomsBoutique, used my quilted crib rail guard tutorial to make a crib rail guard for her son’s nursery. She modified the pattern to fit with the supplies she had on hand. She used fleece instead of quilting batting between two layers of cotton or flannel. She also used snaps, since she did not have buttons on hand. After chatting with her about using fleece, I was inspired to write another tutorial that did not involve sewing. This is an easy project that anyone could complete, even if you have no sewing experience. You only need fleece, basting safety pins, scissors, a measuring tape and about an hour of time. If you make more than one, it will take a bit longer. Pick out your own fabric to match the bedding in your nursery, or a fabric that your babe would love – ducks, bears, frogs, trucks, pink polka dots, etc. This pattern is available in My Etsy Shop.

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Thank you!

Meow Memory Matching Game

I saw these fabric in the store and know that I wanted to make another game with them. I lve the sweet little kitties and their paw prints. Remember playing memory as a child? This fun game is educational as it builds deductive reasoning and logic forming skills. There are 18 quilted game pieces, 2 of each picture, and a Fun Kitty Drawstring Bag. Visit my Etsy Shop, New England Quilter, to find this game for sale as well as other themed games as well.

Sail Away Memory Matching Game

This set includes 7 pairs of quilted game pieces and directions that store easily in a Sailboat Drawstring Bag. This is the perfect handmade toy for little ones who are just learning about matching. It is a great way for children to start developing their deductive reasoning skills. This set and others can be found at my Etsy Shop, NewEngland Quilter.

Do You Remember Memory?

Sometimes I will be shopping for fabric for a specific project and something else in the store catches my eye. When I saw this Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit fabric, I knew that I was going to go home with some. I thought, wouldn't this design make some cute fabric blocks. The next day, I laid out the fabric with scissors in hand ready to cut out the squares. As I looked at the fabric, I was matching the pairs in my mind which had the same picture. I thought to myself, "Wow, this would make a great memory matching game!" So instead of making blocks, I made 10 miniature quilts measuring 4 inches square as game pieces. I made a drawstring bag to hold the pieces and wrote up the rules for the game. I love that this educational game helps children develop their deductive reasoning skills. I have made this first set for my Etsy Store.

I will be making more with new themes for both my Etsy Shop and my nephews. Each game piece is like a small coaster. I think that these miniature quilts would make wonderful favors at a baby shower. I would be happy to discuss a custom order if you are interested in a particular theme for a memory matching game or baby shower favor pack. Click Here to contact me.

Math and Sewing

I am a high school math teacher and I love all of the mathematics that is woven into sewing and designing your own patterns. One of my latest sewing creations is a set of fabric blocks. The pattern for a block is simply a mathematical "net" for a 3-dimensional figure. A net is a 2-dimensional representation of a 3-dimensional figure that can be assembled to create the 3-dimensional figure. For a block, which is a cube, there are six sides, so six squares make up the block as shown below.

When sewing, I start by sewing all adjacent sides together. Then, I sew the two sides, and the front and back to the bottom. Finally, I sew the top to each side. For the last edge, I sew only a little ways in from each corner and stop. Next, I turn the block right sides out. At this point, it is time to stuff the block. Finally, sew the opening on the last edge.

Here is a picture of a Jumbo Block that I made for the nursery. Since it is larger, I top stitched each edge to help keep its shape. It is great to double as a pillow for mom or dad after a long night! If you are interested in purchasing this block or one like it, visit my Etsy Shop.

Fabric Blocks for my Etsy Shop

My little guy is going through a phase where he throws everything. So, I made him some fabric blocks to play with. Now when I get hit in the head, it won't hurt quite so much! I also made a set for my Etsy Shop. These fabric blocks are made with stimulating patterned cotton fabrics. Machine wash on gentle and air dry. Each block measures approximately 3 inches square.

Baby Beach Ball

My babe loves his inflatable beach ball. However, I know that the long term fate of an inflatable ball is not good. So, this mama decided to sew him a fabric beach ball. He loves to throw anything that he can get his little hands on. So, the more plushie toys the better. I hadn’t even finished stuffing it when he grabbed the ball and walked off. He really loves it! I also made one for sale in my Etsy Shop as well.

A Day at the Beach

We went to Kiawah Island in SC for vacation this year. David just turned one and got to explore the sand for the first time. He played with his sieve and shovels a little bit, but he really liked playing with his stroller. We brought the beach ball to the beach, but it blew away two times. My husband and I took turns chasing it! When we got back to our villa, we played with the beach ball inside. David used it as a walker and took 6-7 steps! He is just learning how to walk.

In the photo above, David is wearing a handmade outfit by Holly of Winklepots. She hand painted the adorable crab on the shirt and sewed the lightweight pants, which were perfect for playing in the sand. If you would like to visit Holly's online shop, you can find her Etsy site by clicking here. You will find quality hand painted children's clothing and handmade Korker hair bows