Kaylin the Amazing!

I have an awesome in-law family (as you might know, Karen is my mother-in-law and partner in crime).  I'm married to the oldest of her 4 children, and 3 of them all decided to get married in a 5 month time frame.  Because of that, naturally we all had children together - there are 14 of them ranging from almost 13 down to 3-1/2.  Christmas time with all these kiddos are super fun and crazy.  Because of the number, we all draw names so each kid buys for one of their cousins.

Long story short, this year my oldest picked Kaylin, one of my adorable 4 year old nieces.  She has always been a kid who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to tell you.  So I decided to ask her what she would like me to make her.  She very specifically told me she wanted a pink and purple cape with a heart on with a "K".

So, I found a great (and easy) tutorial on Pinterest and got to work.  I dug through my stash of Moda fabric and found the perfect pink and purple combo, along with a cute printed fabric.

Her nickname is "Bird" so we decided to use a decorative bird stitch to finish off the edge.

This project also allowed me to play with my new embroidery machine, so it was a double win for me!

~Happy Sewing!

A Snuggly Quilt for my Dad

My dad, like a lot of dads out there, is really hard to shop for.  So this year for Christmas, I wanted to do something for him besides just buying another gift card.

When we got our "Generation Gap" panel in featuring the Pickles comic by Brian Crane, I just knew it would be perfect for my dad.  So, I got out some of my Moda Jelly Roll strips and other coordinating fabrics and got to creating.

The smaller comic strip blocks weren't completely square so I decided to do a reverse applique technique.  Hope this inspires you to make something for that special dad/grandpa in your life!

~Happy Sewing!

What Cancer CANNOT Do - Quilt Tutorial

Hello Friends!  I have come up with a quick, easy, and fun quilt tutorial for all those wonderful quilters out there!  Even if you aren't an expert, this is a quilt that anyone who can sew a straight line can make :)

Supplies:

• "What Cancer Cannot Do" fabric panel
• Approx. 1/2 yard of Dinky Dots - Pink
• Approx. 1/2 yard of Dinky Dots - Lime Green
• Approx 1 yard of Sew Many Ladies - White
• Approx 1+ yard of fusible Quilter's Grid
• Approx. 1 yard of backing fabric - I used the Dinky Dots - Lime Green
• Luna Loft 80/20 Blend Batting
• Thread
• Basting Spray
  

Steps:

1. Iron "What Cancer Cannot Do" fabric panel flat and cut out sayings to the same size (approx 3.5" x 6.5")
2. Cut (6) 2.5" wide strips of both the Dinky Dots - Pink and the Dinky Dots - Lime Green fabric.
3. Line up the strips together and cut the same height of the sayings (approx 3.5").  You will need 2 of 3.5" pieces for each saying - there are 12.  You will do 12 pieces of the pink and 12 pieces of the green fabric.
4. Sew 1 piece onto each side of the saying.  Press open.
   
5. Measure across the middle of the finished piece.  Cut 12 2.5" wide pieces of the pink and 12 pieces of the green fabric.
6. Sew 1 piece onto each side of the saying.  Press open.
   
7. Measure your finished blocks and cut 12 blocks of the Sew Many Ladies - White to the same dimensions.
8. Layout quilt blocks per the pattern and iron onto the Quilter's Grid.  If you would like to see how to use the grid, watch our YouTube video.
   
9. Flip and sew each row to complete the quilt top.
10. Press top nice and flat.
    
11. Bast your quilt top to the Luna Loft 80/20 Blend Batting and backing fabric using Basting Spray.  If you have never used this AH-MAZING product - order yours today!!!!  It will save you SOOO much time, energy, and knees (if you are one to climb around the floor pins your quilt for hours).
12. Quilt and bind as you desire.

And you are done!  This quilt makes a fabulous gift for those in the middle of their treatment and those amazing survivors among us!

~Happy Sewing!

Christmas Manger Wall Hanging

Are you looking for a fun and easy Christmas project or gift?  Look no further!  We have created a beautiful wall hanging using our "Christmas Manger" panel and the Winterlude fabric line by Moda.  We have this kit for purchase on our website for $49.99 - it includes everything but the batting!

Bragging Rights - Peggy

At our recent show for the Plano Quilt Guild, we got to see and visit with one of our good customers, Peggy.  She had told us that the fabric she bought from us at another one of our shows had turned into a beautiful Saw Tooth Log Cabin Quilt.

And she was right.  Check out this GORGEOUS quilt she made using Moda Fabrics.  Along with the quilting done by Richard Larson, she now has a treasured keepsake to last for generations to come.

Remember, send us your pictures of what you have made and we will brag on you too.  Email them to me at jsmisek@homealamode.com or just post them to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/homealamode.

~Happy Sewing!

Tutorial: Toweling into Towels

Have you ever seen our collection of toweling and thought "so cute, but what would I do with it?"  Well, here's one thing... you can make your own kitchen towels.


SUPPLIES:

• 2 yards of the toweling of your choice.  Check out our selection here.
• Coordinating thread
• Twill tape or trim of your choice
• Iron and ironing board
• Rotary cutter
• Rotary mat
• Ruler
• Sewing machine

STEPS:

1. Take your 2 yards of toweling and fold into equal thirds.  Press the folds.
2. Using your rotary cutter, cut just to the edge of the fold, creating 3 equal pieces of toweling.
3. Fold over the edge the same distance as the side seams and press.
   
4. Fold over again to enclose the raw edge.
   
5. Repeat on the other end.
6. Cut approximately 5-1/2" of trim (you can alter depending on the size of the hook you want) and fold in half.
7. Slide the raw edges of the trim under the folded seam and pin into place.
   
8. Sew the seams down, staying close to the edge.  

And voila, you now have 3 new kitchen towels!

 

Happy Sewing!  ~Jill

Table Runner Tutorial

Our "Say It With Words" panels are great for quilts - but here is another fabulous way to sew up some inspiration.  This table runner can be used on special occasions or even everyday.

Snug up with a "Flannel Tonight" Quilt

For those of you who knew Karen back in her quilt shop days will remember the "Flannel Tonight" quilts that everyone HAD to make!  We finally got her to sit still long enough to write up a tutorial so we can share this great quilt pattern with all our friends.

Tutorial Thursday - Table Grace Coasters

A few weeks ago, I posted a tutorial for the Table Grace Table Runner.  Here is the follow-up that I promised.

Our First Video tutorial & a Giveaway!

Have you been to one of our shows lately?  If so, you have been witness to Karen demonstrating our FAVORITE quilt product, Quilter's Grid.

Well, we decided to share this fun, educational experience with the entire world.  We are starting a series of video tutorials that will help in your learning and knowledge of quilting and sewing.

And we have hit 10,000!!!

This past weekend, the Home a la mode ladies were at the Dallas Quilt Celebration at Market Hall.  We had a great time and got to meet some amazing new friends, along with visiting with some old friends.

Our "Say it With Words" samples and Quilter's Grid were a big hit and we are busy getting the shipments ready to send out!

And as you may know, we were VERY close to getting our 10,000th order before arriving at the show!  Well, on Sunday afternoon, it happened!!!  And to make it more special, the woman who won is one of the amazing therapists that help with Karen's mom at the nursing home.

We look forward to the next 10,000 orders and meeting more friends along the way!

Friends Indeed

Just recently, some very dear friends of me and my family were transferred to Washington DC.  Although we know this is where they need to be, it was heart-breaking for me and especially for my youngest daughter.  My kiddos are at that stage of life where friends move away, and they don't really understand why :(

To commemorate our wonderful friendship, I wanted to send them off with something special.  What is more special than a quilt made from the heart.  So of course, I turned to our "Say it With Words" panels for inspiration.  The "Friends Indeed" panel really spoke to me - especially the one that says "True Friends are never far apart... maybe in distance, but not in heart."  I know we will see them again (we've already planned our summer vacation) and they feel in their hearts that their time in Texas hasn't ended.  We can only hope and pray that jobs and situations bring them back to us.

Just remember, the road to a friend's house is never long - or so I hope on our LONG drive this summer with 2 kiddos ;-)

Where have you been?

Do you like to travel around our beautiful 50 states?  What type of souvenirs to you gravitate towards?  Well, our collection of State Tablecloths and Towels are a wonderful way to remember where you've been, where you want to go, or just where your friends and family are.  They also make great gifts for those that have moved away.  Keep the memories of where life has taken you :)

Charm Pack Quilt for a New Prince Charming

A dear friend of mine was expecting her first baby.  So of course, I HAD to make her a quilt!!!  Her and her husband decided to go "old school" (which I love!!!) and not find out the gender of their little miracle.  While I decided to do the same with both of my children, you probably know just how hard it is do find the perfect fabric for a great gender-neutral quilt.  Well, of course I turned to Moda, the greatest fabric manufacturer in my opinion.  And anytime I can use precuts, I am a happy girl.  Even though I have been sewing for awhile, I am still one of the worst cutters of square fabric in the world!!!

Armed with 2 charm packs (which I didn't use completely) and some jelly roll strips, I came up with the simple quilt design.  It is just 6 vertical rows of 9 squares with strips in between.  And my favorite backing for a baby quilt is our 100% Cotton Chenille - it get softer every time you wash it.

Here is the mama-to-be with the classic "tummy shot"... doesn't she look adorable!!!

And just the other day, this adorable little man made his entrance into the world.  I can't wait to get my hands on this little guy and cuddle him up :)  But knowing how life goes after bringing home the baby, I'll give mama a few weeks before I show up :)

Flag Day is Near!

Flag Day is near!  June 14th!  I love this time of year...celebrating our country...the pride that we have in our troops...remembering the men and women who have fought and are fighting for our rights. 

I wanted to show you some really cute items that we have at Home a la mode.  I thought that all of these items together would make the cutest vintage patriotic party.

Nana's Sliced Bread Patchwork Towels
These would be so adorable just hanging in the kitchen all the way through July!

Very Berry Tablecloth

I can see this beauty stretched out on the table with some Red, White, and Blue drinks, desserts, and plates and napkins on it.

Celebrate Banner

Your party would not be complete without this super cute banner hanging overhead.

Crochet Pot Holders

Nothing says vintage to me like crochet pot holders. Wouldn't they be cute sitting on the Very Berry Tablecloth

54" Sliced Bread Hokey Pokey

We also have this cute cute cute fabric that could be made into any size table cloth you would like.  Let us know what size you need and we'll get it made.  We carry lots of tablecloths ready to ship out today! 

We have lots more red, white and blue items... head on over to Homealamode.com and check them out!  You still have time to have a great patriotic party!!

Remember to use the DISCOUNT CODE

Say it with words--Prayer Shawl

I have a new Say It With Words Project today.  Before I show you, I wanted you to see some awesome storm clouds that rolled by our house.

In my next life, I really want to be a storm chaser.

Now,to the quilt.  For this quilt I used the Say It With Words--Prayer Shawl Fabric Panel, Moda Candy Bar, and used Dottie Tangerine fabric for the backing.

I really like how the quilt top looks with natural light shining through.  Kind of gives it a stained glass look.

A close up of the quilting.

The final product!

As I make more and more of these I can't think of how great these would be given to loved ones in my life.  There are so many panels to choose from.  They also come together very quickly. Remember to use our DISCOUNT CODE when you check out. 

I would love to see any projects that you make from these.  I would like to send out a challenge to everyone to make at least one of these for a special loved on in your life.  They really mean a lot to the recipient and it makes it more special that you have created a unique item just for them.  Don't you LOVE handmade items?

Zippy Pre Cuts

I don't know about y'all but i LLLOOOVVVEEE Pre Cuts.  My kids know when I am talking about working with Layer Cakes, Jelly Rolls, Honey buns, and Charm packs....that they are getting a wonderful treat from the oven...poor kids.  Can I get a collective....AWWWW!  Trust me they aren't going hungry.  They are actually getting some wonderful homemade Cinammon Rolls on Friday. 

OK, on with what I did today.  Do you remember the coasters I made using the Sassy Jelly Roll?

Well after all of that, I still have quite a bit of the Jelly Roll left...

I was talking to Karen about how much I loved the Sassy line and she told me I should make some Zippy bags with the leftovers...So I came up with three...



The last one is actually pretty big.  It measures about 12" x 9".  It is also my first time making chevrons...How did I do?  Even after making these...I still have even more fabric left over so I am thinking I might have to whip out some more just to finish it up. 

If y'all love Pre Cuts as much as I do head on over to Home ala mode and check out our great selection.  If you don't see what you want, feel free to email Karen and she will do all she can to find it for you...and remember if you use my DISCOUNT CODE when you check out, you will get an extra 5% off your order.