Let me introduce my new book of sweet little felt patterns…From Felt to Fabulous! I’m super excited about it!

When I started my Etsy shop full of felt goodies back in 2008 I had no idea I would eventually have a book published with many of my popular designs.  My very first item ever was the pink cupcake on the cover!

My love of felt only grew from there.  I now have a beautiful wool felt shop for supplies along with my Etsy shop featuring my handmade felt creations.  Yes, I’m a total felt nut!

Felt is super easy to use, inexpensive, and fun for the whole family!

The 34 designs in this book will jump start you on the road to becoming a felt fanatic, but don’t let that stop you!  Many of these designs can be used in multiple ways.  The woodland garland is created with some of my smaller hair clip patterns.  The sweet little hedgehog is one of my all-time favorites!

Create fabulous gifts!  The patterns are all included with clear instructions to help you stitch up pretty things in just a few minutes.

This simple flower hair clip looks great on a necklace!

I love this bamboo handle felt purse…the possibilities are endless!

Gather up some sweet holiday treats and hot cocoa to enjoy while making felt ornaments with your friends and family.  Felt ornaments easy to stitch with children and quickly become family treasures.

Create a coffee cup cozy for your friend that has everything.  They’re eco-friendly and pretty…a great combo!  They look great with birds, dolphins, strawberries, cupcakes or even my sweet little Hedgie Hedgehog.

There’s also a cute iPod/MP3 Player Cozy, a Hunny Bunny, Tote Bag, Purse, Project Envelope, Needlebook, Greeting Card, Garlands, Hair Clips, Necklaces, Pins, Ornaments, Tags, and more.

The patterns are interchangeable, and each can be enlarged or reduced to any size, whether it’s for a necklace pendant, ornament, or stuffed toy. Once you get started with these 34 designs, you’ll probably think of dozens of additional ideas to create and share with family and friends!

Want one??? You can purchase your own copy and beautiful wool felt in a rainbow of pretty colors at KimberlyLayton.com.

What do you think?  I hope you like it!  Check back later for a fun giveaway.

~Kim

*Thank you, Leisure Arts for all your time and hard work that went into making this book so beautiful!

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{allpeoplequilt}

There’s a chill in the air this morning and I am dreaming about beautiful quilts!  There’s something about the time and care that goes into a quilt, not to mention the fabulous fabric, that really makes them a treasure.

I actually don’t have much quilting ability, but I did manage to make a super simple quilt last year and it has turned out to be a family favorite.  One day I’ll have to take some classes or talk someone into to teaching me how to make beautiful quilts like in the ones in this post.

I’m constantly in awe over quilter’s ability to mix fabric of all different colors and patterns and come up with stunning results.  Quilts are simply a work of art.  Oh, and the keep you cozy at the same time…awesome!

You can find all the details about this lovely quilt over at A Spoonful of Sugar.  Great colors!!!

{Via Craft – Heather Bailey Pattern}

Everyone knows Heather Bailey is extremely talented.  This one would look great in my house.  Can someone make me one?  It’s all bright with sweet ruffles…love it!

 {littlegwarmers}

This is one of those quilts with fabric mixed together just right…beautiful!  I would never be able to do this!

You can find this modern quilt pattern at Olive and Ollie.  Heather is super talented and I love her style.  Check out her blog for more fabulous quilting inspiration.

For all your quilting needs check out these wonderful fabric shops…

• Contemporary Cloth
• Fat Quarter Shop
• SkyeReve Fabrics

Do you sew quilts or do you purchase them?  They are beautiful either way, aren’t they?

~Kim

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Look what I made! Yes, I’ve been on a bit of a sewing kick around here. When Venezie Designs announced a new apron pattern I was excited to be a tester.

Here’s the new pattern…

The Carmella Hostess Apron!

Isn’t it beautiful? Karen has worked so hard getting this pattern just right, and she always comes up with the prettiest fabric combinations for her projects. Venezie Designs has fabulous patterns that are easy to follow and they turn out looking like a million bucks. Isn’t that really what you want in a pattern?

I love the straps on the Melrose Tote. It’s a great project to use some of those fantastic new designer fabrics to create a one-of-a-kind beauty.

My family always lovingly picks on me when I bring out my sewing machine. Maybe it’s because I only sew every few years or so. Well, I’m trying to change that, and I actually remembered how to work everything on it this time around…that’s progress!

If you are new to sewing you can make this beautiful apron without any trouble. I did it in one evening. I meant to have the larger print on top, but I got confused when I was at the fabric store. One of the sheets to the test pattern got left on my printer somehow and I didn’t know how long to make the sash. I found it the next day. I guess it is a little funny around here when I start sewing!

Venezie Designs has been kind enough to offer one Everything Etsy reader a chance to make one of these beautiful Carmella Hostess Aprons using this wonderful pattern. They would make a great gift, don’t you think?

To win the Carmella Hostess Apron pattern, just tell me which Venezie Designs pattern you love. If you are an Everything Etsy subscriber, leave a second comment. If you spread the word of this comment by blog post, Twitter, or Facebook, leave a comment. You can leave a comment for each thing you do! {Up to 5 chances this time!!}

The giveaway ends 10/26 — Good luck!

***This giveaway is closed.  The winner is…Diane from depeagreendesigns.

Don’t forget to join us for WOW Wednesday!  Bring your Etsy deals and link up or come find a bargain on handmade goodies!  See ya there!

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Reusable gift bags can make your gifts more memorable this Christmas! They are pretty enough to be a gift all by themselves. These bags are quick to sew and add that special touch to whatever you’re giving. And they’re a green alternative to wrapping paper because the can be used over and over again! Talk about a great gift!

Use baseball fabric for the sports fan in your family or puppy fabric for the dog groomer…the possibilities are endless and beautiful! You can find this reversible bag tutorial here from Sew4Home.

I’ve had the tutorial for this reusable bag saved for months! It looks great, and I love the tags she made. The bright colors in the fabric make the bags so cheerful.  Did you notice the painted clothes pins?  They are beyond cute, don’t you think?

Think about using them for birthdays, showers, teacher’s gifts, and maybe even keep one as a little gift to yourself for being so darn creative!

You can find this stunning reusable gift bag tutorial at Firefly Hill Style! It’s a beautiful blog.  Be sure to check out the Etsy shop…Firefly Hill Designs. You’re going to want to heart it!

So if you love these designs like I do, be sure to stop by their blogs and tell them. It’s so sweet that they shared such detailed tutorials!

Have a wonderful weekend!

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I’m kinda stuck on pincushions right now! I featured Heather Bailey’s beautiful studio recently and fell in love with her strawberry pincushions. Now, I don’t sew too much, but I had to make one for myself. Isn’t it cute? I love just looking at it!

I used a Heather Bailey pattern to make it, and it was super easy.  Maybe I’ll try the pear next.

I started noticing pincushions everywhere, so I’ll share a few of these beauties with you.  Beware…you could become addicted!

Jessica at How About Orange made these cute little pincushions. She’ll show you how to make one on her blog. You won’t believe what she uses for the base!

This wildflower pincushion pattern can be found at Better Homes and Gardens. I’d love to see one in a black and white damask pattern!

Have you ever seen a pincushion ring? This was a first for me…ya gotta love Etsy!  Art Nest Shop has made pincushions fashionable!

I was blown away by Tip Nut’s post with 60 pincushion tutorials! WOW!

Martha Stewart has a video tutorial on making a fabulous tea cup pincushion from old sweaters!

Now I just need her giant craft studio so I can store all my supplies nice and neat. I don’t think she would approve of my overflowing basket method of storage!

A little history {which I’m sure you have always wanted to know} for you…

Pincushions were first recorded in history during the Tudor reign in 15th century England. Metal pins were a very costly and precious items in those early days and before the 15th century were kept in small cases made of bone, ivory, or silver.

During the Tudor era, simple stuffed shapes started to be used instead of the cases. They began by being made of colorful and elaborately decorated silks and linens, replete with tassels and laces.During the Victorian era there was a great deal of emphasis on the parlor room and it became the perfect place in which to display the novelty pincushions of the era. Pincushions were made in the shape of shoes, fans, dolls, teacups, umbrellas, fruits, and vegetables. They were hung on the walls or placed on occasional tables. {Click here for even more info.}

And what would a post about pincushion love be without one more photo of strawberry pincushions??? It would take me forever to make this many, but it might just be worth it. Heather Bailey {Should I just start a fan club, or what?} has pincushion kits available to make it easier for you.

Another great gift idea…

This title of this book says it all…Pretty Little Pincushions. It’s full of beautiful photos and ideas…kinda like fuel for creative folks!

Sometimes I’m all about decorating the house or creating an oasis in my backyard, but right now I’m sewing pincushions!  I love projects that can be done in a hour!  I might have a short attention span.

What kind of stuff are you stuck on?

I’m joining Julia at Hooked on Houses for Hooked on Fridays…Check it out for yourself!

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What a Studio!

Let’s take a peek at Heather Bailey’s Studio. She’s a wonderful fabric designer with the most amazing studio to enjoy as she works on her newest patterns.

I love everything in here! The little blue cabinet on the wall is perfect, and the green chandelier has me green with envy! Her creativity clearly overflows into her lovely home.  The wall color is so pretty, do you think? 

Colorful stacked fabric and ribbon holders are a beautiful part of this studio. I wish I could spend a week in this room…I’m sure my sewing skills would improve. 

Well, next time you purchase one of Heather Bailey’s fabrics or embellishments, you can think of her sitting in this fabulous studio designing away.   Heather Bailey’s Store has patterns and other pretty things you might need.  I have my eye on the cutest strawberry pincushion pattern.  Love it! 

She has so many wonderful photos on her blog. Stop by and check it out…you will enjoy it, I’m sure of it!

Studio photos are so much fun!   I hope they inspire you to be creative with your area, no matter what size.  I move baskets of supplies around the house for now, but who knows what the future holds.   

I’ve been on vacation from my blog a bit and working on some projects. It was a nice break, but now I’m back and I have a few fun things coming up.

If you are starting to plan for your holiday sales, I’ve got something to help you out…check back tomorrow!

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Get your sewing machine ready and dig out those old t-shirts! This is the perfect project to turn them into the cutest little dress around!

Ashley from Lil Blue Boo has just introduced her new Recycled T-Shirt Halter / Tie Back Dress ePattern and we will be giving away 3 of them to lucky Everything Etsy readers!

It’s an easy tutorial that even the most inexperienced sewer can follow, and it includes all of her tips and tricks for sewing knit fabrics. You can make this dress in about 2 hours!

The PDF pattern & tutorial includes:

• 33 pages of easy to follow step-by-step complete sewing instructions
• 92 full color images, diagrams and drawings to demonstrate pattern specifics
• 6 pattern pages which include separate patterns for sizes 12M, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5 & 6
• Bloomers pattern for the 12M and 2T sizes
• Options for halter straps, tie-back loops, or stationary straps
• Options for customizing your dress by adding a ruffle, pockets, and racing stripes/graphics

Lil Blue Boo is Ashley’s blog and it’s full of sewing tutorials and other fun stuff…check it out. Visit Lil Blue Boo’s Flickr photos for great examples of what you can do with this pattern!

What a great way to recycle your old t-shirts into something beautiful!

If you would, visit lil blue boo and take a look around.  Ashley has wonderful art for nursuries as well.  Comment here to be entered {that’s easy}.  To be entered a second time, spread the word by Twitter, blog post, Facebook, or something like that.  If you are an Everything Etsy subscriber, leave another comment and you’ll be entered again!  You have up to three chances to win!

The 3 lucky winners will be picked on August 18th.

***This giveaway is closed.  Thanks for all the entries….our luck winners are Andrea from The Train to Crazy, Priscilla from My Swaddle Babies, and Mandy!  Congrratulations and have fun with the pattern!

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Embroidery has taken a turn towards the modern side of things, thanks to Sublime Stitching!

Awhile back I purchased an embroidery kit by Jenny Hart {founder of Sublime Stitching}, and I fell in love with embroidery. I like small projects, ya know, something that takes an hour or two and you’ve created something pretty. This works for me! I guess I have a short attention span.

The tea towel above only took a couple of hours while watching a movie. It’s simple, but a nice little touch of something special for the kitchen.

This palm tree was the very first tea towel I made. It’s been washed a ton and still looks great. Maybe that’s because I followed the directions and patiently prewashed my towels.

Here’s the fruit of my labor…a strawberry. Most of her patterns are not fruit and flowers. You’ll have to check out her site to find your favorite set. They make wonderful gifts! I just gave my mom a towel with the Eiffel Tower on it…in pink.

All three of these towels were made with patterns that came in this wonderful kit!

The box, book, and everything in this kit are pretty. Really pretty.

You can order patterns that are so much fun. I bought pirates for my son’s towels, because he loves anything to do with pirates. And travel and beach themed patterns for the fun of it. They can be used over and over again…ya gotta love that!

Now you can try it for yourself! Sublime Stitching has been kind enough to give Everything Etsy a $10 GIFT CERTIFICATE to give away! That’s enough for two sets of patterns, or use it towards one of their kits.

Have you embroidered anything lately?

Please leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway.  We would love it if you would subscribe or add are button to your blog, but that’s not required to win!  Thanks to all of you that visit on a regular basis!

The winner will be picked June 18th.  Good Luck!

**This giveaway has ended…the winner is Ashley C!  Congratulations!

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