a practical envelope

I have seen that one of my free patterns, easypatchwork Love Letters, has been downloaded many, many times on Craftsy, lately. I am totally psyched about it too! One reader/downloader told me she was having problems with the download and didn't understand the pattern; half of the directions were missing! It is true, I had a template located on my website and the directions on Craftsy. I did this, because I wanted you to visit both sites. I cannot see who and how often my patterns are downloaded on my website, but I can see that information on Craftsy.

I took another look at my pattern and made some changes. I added both the paper pieced foundation for the envelope as well as the template for making the side pockets to the original pattern directions at the end of the file. Now there are eight pages of information, pattern, and templates.

There are plenty of pictures telling you how to make the envelope pockets. I hope everything is now clear and concise.

The once free pattern is now at an exploding amount of $1. That sounds like a lot of money doesn't it? You probably don't want to download something you have to pay for do you? I know there are lots of patterns out there, but I think this is justified. I see it this way....I offer many free patterns, and the only thank you I really want for the download is to see a picture of YOUR finished product. I do have some very good patchwork friends who upload pictures to Craftsy or send me a picture of their creations, but not too many. Nor, do I get a thanks for the effort in making the pattern. ;-( I am sorry if you see it differently.

So, I posting about my new and improved Love Letters pattern sold for $1 on Craftsy! If you decide to use my pattern, I would still really love to see what you make from it! You can even upload to the ALL THINGS EASYPATCHWORK GROUP on Flickr!

Thanks for dropping by. And if you have ever downloaded a pattern of mine, wether free or bought, I would love to hear from you to know if it was worth it or not. Thanks!

warming up for v-day

Are you a romantic? Do you love to spoil your loved ones with sweets and chocolates on Valentine's Day? We do! My mom always made a big schabang about it with boxes of chocolates for each member of the family. Granted, this was back in the seventies and eighties when you didn't get candy on a daily basis. (That's another story though.) We would always receive a beautiful card as well thoughtfully hand picked according to our character by our our mom and dad. I am trying to pass on the excitement and tradition to my family and NO it's not just another AMERICAN import for the companies to sell more chocolates and cards!! How often do you really appreciate your family?? Okay, we spoil them with activities, presents, love, extra privileges, BUT VALENTINE's  DAY is so special. It is that one extra special day to say, "Hey! I love you more than anything else in this world!" Can you understand me here?

I started working on a mini place mat or oversized mug rug (about 8 x 10 inches) for my husband. I wanted to try out this really great PP pattern from Jenny at (Jennymakesstuff) with a slightly tilted arrow. It would be a great choice for a quick present for my husband on Valentine's Day. He always says I make too many things for other people, and we don't keep anything ourselves - meaning it is not for him. Aren't men a little sensitive sometimes? ;-)

The free arrow template went together like a dream! I used a couple 5" charms from a new V-Day charm pack. I liked the arrow and the XO (which stands for kisses and hugs), but thought there was still a little too much black going on. What to do?

I decided to add in a quick pocket for some office treats. I folded a charm in half and sewed around the outside. I went for a little outline quilting in red and black. Quick 1-2-3! I added 1 1/2" single fold binding.

The new XL mug rug is going to be the perfect gift for my sweetie on V-Day, especially since he brought home a nice loot from his last business trip to L.A.!! He went to JoAnn's Fabrics and to a really awesome quilt shop he found on his own called Sew Modern. I am also putting this on my list for online shops; the prices are great and the fabrics are fresh! This is what he brought home just for me!!

Keep in mind, he did have a list with him of what I wanted. Men need lists don't they?? But don't expect them to look at the quantities! That won't happen. = )

• Three different plastic template sheets
• 8" pinking scissors
• Fiskars Titanium roll cutter
• applique sharps (needles)
• 5" embroidery hoop
• 6" embroidery hoop
• Clover Clips
• Hex N More (large) ruler
• FABRIC

I gave a few tips about fabrics - modern and I liked the new collection from Carolyn Friedlander - Doe, and text prints preferably in black with white writing. He forgot his list and forgot about the Doe, BUT he picked out - Kona Cotton Solids - Patchwork City Autumn, Cotton & Steel - Sarah Watts - Tokyo Train, and Tula Pink - Modern Shrine plus two yards of turquoise solids and two assorted prints! My man has great taste in fabrics!! = )

I am so excited to DIVE INTO the fabric, but I have some more projects to get out of the way first. I envision, yes, envision a quilt with that yummy fabric with the new Hex N More ruler!! There are just so many ways you can use it! Watch the videos and you will be amazed!

And what else have I been working on? I finished up my pillow for our Four Seasons Pillow Swap. I am not going to share THAT here today. That will get its own special post. =)

What did I learn this week? I HATE WORKING WITH BIASES!

Thanks for stopping by!

v-day 2014

Just another day or two until V-Day or Valentine's Day - one of the most favorite holidays for a woman next to Mother's Day. Are you excited? I am!

I got a little inspired this month from my doll quilt swap. Our monthly theme was/is "love letters." Let me tell you, it is extremely hard to find sweet Valentine's fabrics over here in Germany. So, I requested a few different prints from Jo-Ann Fabrics from a secret source. I went with the theme and designed this cute 3-D Valentine's Day Envelope Wall Hanging for the whole family. There is one envelope per family member. We can drop little love notes whenever we want. I think I will put in a chocolate lolly in the pockets for the kids on Friday morning. Maybe my hubby will put something in there for me too! -)

My swap partner likes cats and batik prints. Do you think she is going to like this? I don't! That is why she will be getting her own special "love letter" exchange quilt quite different than the one featured here.

If you are interested in how I made this wall hanging, please drop me a note and I could tell you all about it. I might even send you some free templates. ;-)

Oh, by the way, I finally figured out how to fix my "no-reply" blogger problem - just delete your Google+ Account! 

 Happy Valentine's Day!