More time to sew!

 Ever had one of those days when you just want more time to sew but you know you are going to need to get dinner on the table at some point?  Around here at the Fresh Thread studio that means it's time for Pizza Fondue!   This easy to make meal is a quick pantry pleaser that my kids never tire of!

1 loaf Italian bread cut into bit sized cubes, or even easier.. pita bread cut inot wedges!  (lightly drizzle with garlic butter and toast till just crisp)

1 jar pasta sauce
1/2 cup cream or 1/2 and 1/2
2 cups shreaded cheese

Pizza dipping extras... peperoni, green  pepper slices etc....


In a pan heat sauce and then add cream and cheese, stir till melted.  Transfer into Foundue pot and use bamboo picks to dip in the bread cubes or pita that you have lightly crisped.  Serve with a big salad!

Rare Bird

Today was rather chilly here in Chattanooga but it did not stop the sighting of this rare bird! With scraps from the charm pack that I am using for the Quilted Coaster Class I created this little wall hanging with one of the designs  from an upcoming collection. 

This new collection will be a departure from the many in-the-hoop projects I have done in the past but  am really excited about it.  Inspired by primitve art with a dash of childhood whimsy and color thrown in for the bargain.. they are feeling quite right for Spring!  What do you think??

Catch me if you can!

 Wow... only a few days into Spring and already my calender is starting to look very full! You can catch me a Chattanooga Sewing teaching about the fine art of In-the-Hoop pojects with my new floral quilted coaster. This class will be on the 30th of April at 10 am

April 10th finds me hosting a sew-&-go field trip to the ever wonderful Sew Bee it quilt shop in Ringold GA.

Of course I can't forget the American Embroidery Conference towards the end of April and will giving away lots of collections  to those I catch wearing the official Fresh Thread embroidered pin ( post up the 1st of April) while I am there.

May has me teaching multiple classes in differnt venues.. And as  scary as it is to say for those who plan on  Handmade Holiday it's time to start sewing!  If pot holders are in your future I will teaching a class on them and using Insulbrite for all sorts of creative heat proof projects. 

Towards the end of May I will be back at Chattanooga Sewing to have even more in the hoop fun with my soon to be released  Hair clip and holder project!

Can't wait to see you!

A New Man in my Life....

 It's true.. I have a new man in my life... but I think it's ok with my husband since it's just Dr. Kracker and his highly wonderful Pumpkin Seed Cheddar Flatbreads.  These are wonderful but not for those with dental issues.. these flatbreads are all about the crunch!  This is my current midafternoon snack of choice while working in my studio.. 1 flat bread and a nice little hunk of St. Andre cheese...   I get my Kracker fix  at my local Fresh Market , which is also where I get my cheese. 

So Maddie.... what does this have to do with sewing? I hear you asking... well nothing really.. it's just so good I wanted to share!

A Little House Keeping

Thank you to everyone who expressed an interest in the Fast Frames they are now sold.

PLEASE NOTE!... after an all out tear through my studio I found the other two hoops!  This is now a complete 7 in 1 x-change set!
as seen here  on the Fast Frames site

Due to family obligations and health issues I am no longer going to be doing client work ( no worries.. I am still going to be doing design work!)  but since my pledge for the new year is to get rid of what I don't use it's time for my Fast Frames to find a new home! 

I had thought that I had the 7 piece system.. but for the life of me these are the pieces I can find  so this is what I am going to put up for sale. 

This is the arm frame with 7 frames that lock onto it that I have used on my PR620 machine. This set has had VERY light use but some of the hoops are marked for center with Sharpie marker.  I no longer have the instructions but you can get them at the FF website.

Asking price $225 OBO + shipping

Got an offer?... send it my way!

Please feel free to contact me if you are interested.

maddie6@bellsouth.net

We have Winners!

How cute are these???   Well guess what?

LAKBerry

and

pollycolumus

You have each WON a pair of  Embroidery Broidery Scissors with your

own custom Scissor-leash attached!

Just  leave a response here and then drop me a note at maddie6@bellsouth.net and I will get them in the mail to you ASAP!

As a note.. these are some of my favoirte little scissors and I have a pair at each of my machines!  If you did not win and you want some of your own call my darling friends at SEW BEE IT Quilt shop and I am sure that they would be happy to sell you a pair!

Just ask for Gloria or Martha and tell them that you saw it here!

A rick rack gift

Thanks for all the continued love when it comes to the Rick Rack Napkin tutorial and perfect placement guide.  I know I am a ninny but it makes me so happy when you guys like somthing!

  I guess I have Rick Rack on the brain because I just finished these faux rick rack coasters to go with my napkins! These are quick to make and really cute and clever with the way the thread shading makes it look like real rick rack!  And even better... I am sending them out free to everyone who has ordered the Rick Rack Napkin Tutorial! 

Since my email server will only let me send 10 emails with attachments at a time and per hour ( got to love spam saftey!) this is going to take a bit of time but I am sending the files out in order that the original files were ordered so just hang tight.   Below is a quick written tutorial on how to make the coasters.

Fast Track to Rick Rack Coasters

Hoop  a piece of stabilizer and your chosen fabric in a 4x4 hoop and run the first step.. this will lay down the base and the RR design. Now taking a piece of fabric that you want for the back and a piece of flannel  lay then face down in the hoop with the flannel on top and the fashion fabric face down "kissing" the fabric in the hoop.  Now run the last step which will sew a secure square with an opening.  When done remove the fabric from the hoop and trim close with pinking shears. Turn right side out and give it a firm pressing with a nice shot of steam to boot.  Now slip stitch the opening.. you are now done!.. easy huh???