"Ideas & Inspirations" from Jamie Kalvestran

On the Road . . . Jamie's Giant Shop Hop

2008-11-16T18:42:00.003-06:00

I've been on the road selling patterns. I call it, Jamie's Giant Shop Hop. Don't worry I'll have new ideas to post shortly. If you are interested you can follow me on my shop hop just visit Quilt Shops@blogspot.com.

NEW PATTERN! - The Easy Zip Wallet!

2008-10-31T14:51:00.009-05:00

The Easy Zip Wallet tested extremely well with our testers! I am excited to introduce this new pattern, as I've been getting requests for a wallet pattern for some time. The wallet is easy to make (even with the zippers!) and is extremely functional. I just know you are going to love this new pattern!

The pattern will be ready to ship early next week so order now and be the first to show off your new Scrap-bag™ with matching wallet!

The RETAIL PRICE $9.00. Item# 800W.

Double Envelope Purse -Whispering Woods & Marbleous from Robert Kaufmann

2008-10-31T14:29:00.005-05:00

Fun and functional, you'll enjoy making and using this little bag!

Two pouch envelope shoulder bag. Optional easy to sew zipper pocket on the back.
Pattern tested for clarity and accuracy. Large envelope pouch measures 9.5" x 7" and smaller front pouch measures 7"x5". Zipper pocket is 9" x 5".

The fabrics used in the above bag are from Robert Kaufman,

including Whispering Woods from designer Sandra Banava.

Fabric Order numbers are:
#1 Whispering Woods ASB-8297-201 Jewel 1/2 yd
#2 Marbleous DRJ-6110 9 Navy 3/8 yd

Pattern #601 DESB - Double Envelope Scrap-bag™

"Create Something Unexpected!"- Fabric Appliqued Collage

2008-10-30T10:35:00.007-05:00

You know our motto, right? "Let our patterns be the canvas for your creativity!" Well this post is just one of many examples. (Below) Is a photo of the Triple Squares Pattern made straight from the pattern directions . . .

(Belos) This photo shows the same bag pattern, jazzed up a bit. I've taken some of the fabric from my shiva paintstik play day, and used a fusible applique technique to create a mini fabric collage on the large pocket of this pattern. I added a few decorative buttons and viola!

And you know our other motto, right? "Create something unexpected!"

On the Breeze bag pattern - a fresh new look!

2008-10-30T10:25:00.002-05:00

Anyone taking a tropical vacation or cruise this winter? This bag, in this combination of fabrics would make a fantastic travel bag!

(Above) Bag Front - Small pocket with flap perfect for your cell phone.
Large flap is actually an optional zipper pocket.
Interior has multiple pockets too!

(Below) Bag Back- back pocket perfect for your sunglasses.

The fabrics used in the above bag are from Robert Kaufman,
including Whispering Woods from designer Sandra Banava.

Here are the specifics:
#1 Marbleous DRJ-6110 133 Gold
#2 Whispering Woods ASB-8294-201 Jewel
#3 Whispering Woods ASB-8295-201 Jewel
#4 Marbleous Swirl DRJ-8290 38 Chartreuse

What to do with those jelly rolls?

2008-10-28T12:55:00.009-05:00

What to do with those jelly rolls? Not the kind you eat, but the rolled and bundled strips of fabric the quilt shops are selling.
Here's an idea . . .

(If you don't have a jelly roll - you can always cut the strips yourself - the old fashioned way)

Ahh . . . yes. I couldn't help but do a little embellishing with those fabric beads. Love those fabric beads I made earlier!

This pattern normally uses a single fat-quarter cut in half. I sewed the strips together and then cut out the bag piece using the lining piece as a template, laying it on an angle and then cutting the stripped piece the same size.

Follow the simple instructions found in the pattern to finish this bag.

The fabrics used in the above bag are from Robert Kaufman, by designer Sandra Banava.

The Diamond Scrap-bag with handmade beads, featuring the Whispering Woods fabric collection.

2008-10-28T12:31:00.004-05:00

I had a great time making and embellishing this bag with those fabric beads that I made earlier!

(Below) If you are unsure that you are going to like your creative efforts, just sew a duplicate diamond patch and embellish it. If you like it you can sew it over the original one. I had this one pinned to the bag and hung it in my studio for a few days. When I decided I liked the effect I stitched it on! Easy! Fun! Not scary at all.

I first arranged the beads the way I liked them and stuck them down with a dab of hot glue. To stitch the beads onto the diamond patch. I used a long - sculpting needle. Some of my beads were longer than my usual hand stitching needle.

The fabrics used in the above bag are from Robert Kaufman, by designer Sandra Banava:
#1 Chambray C201 Jungle
#2 Whispering Woods ASB-8297-201 Jewel

"See Inside" the Quilting Studio of Shelby & Julie Peterson

2008-10-27T21:38:00.000-05:00

Today I received a tour of Shelby and Julie Peterson's design and quilting studio. Shelby and Julie (a mother/daughter team) both design quilts and do machine quilting. They were gracious enough to allow me to photograph their work environment to share with you.

(Above) Shelby standing with her original guitar quilt that she designed and made for her father. Both Shelby and her Dad are musicians. I hope to see this pattern for sale soon . . . how about you?
(Below) Shelby in her sewing area with another work in progress quilt behind her.

(Above) Julie at the pressing station. She told me they created the area from an Ikea storage unit and topped it with a big ironing board.
(Below) Julie giving me a demo on her long arm quilting machine.

Julie and Shelby can be reached via email.

Winter Breezes Quilt Pattern in Robert Kaufman fabrics.

2008-10-27T21:13:00.007-05:00

Here is another quilt featuring Robert Kaufman fabrics including the Whispering Woods line. (Scroll down for complete fabric list) This is the Scrap-bags Winter Breezes Quilt Pattern.

Quilted and bound by Julie and Shelby Peterson.

This Winter Breezes Quilt used the following Robert Kaufman Fabrics.
#1 Whispering Woods ASB-8299-208 Dawn
#2 Fusions ELJ-7517-39 Willow
#3 Fusions ELJ-7156-138 Honey
#4 EYJ-7518-35 Sprig
#5 Fusions ELJ-7516-44 Forest
#6 EUJ-7511-70 Aqua
#7 Whispering Woods ASB-8295-201 Jewel
#8 Whispering Woods ASB-8294-201 Jewel

Which Way Quilt featuring Sandra Banavas Whispering Woods - FINISHED!

2008-10-27T20:57:00.013-05:00

The Which Way Quilt featuring Sandra Banavas Whispering Woods by Robert Kaufman is now completed. Quilted and bound by Julie and Shelby Peterson. I think it's quite stunning . . .
This quilt used the following Robert Kaufman Fabrics :
#1 Fusions ELJ-7512-23 Lavender
#2 Whispering Woods ASB-8297-201 Jewel
#3 Whispering Woods ASB-8296-201 Jewel
#4 Fusions EUJ-7511-70 Aqua
#5 Fusions ELJ-7516-43 Leaf
#6 Whispering Woods ASB-8299-208 Dawn
#7 Whispering Woods ASB-8297-201 Jewel
#8 Whispering Woods ASB-8295-201 Jewel

The Kindness of a stranger! aka Sewing Angel to the rescue!

2008-10-26T13:04:00.007-05:00

Last night I had a heart warming experience. I stood in a long line waiting to purchase a bolt of heavyweight fusible stabilizer. I was purchasing the whole bolt. 10 yds. The price was $7.99/yd. The check out lady was sure that price was too high, so she paged some one to check on it. I was secretly hoping it was on sale and that's why she was checking. Well, it wasn't on sale and that means it would cost me $79.90 plus tax. She asked me if I had any coupons, I said, "No".

Then out of my peripheral vision I could see someone waving something. And YES, a perfect stranger, standing in that long line was waving her 50% off coupon at us! The cashier took the coupon and announced that she had just saved me 40 bucks!

I actually got goosebumps right then and there. I was pretty speechless, but did manage to say thank you. I really wanted to hug her, but thought that might be too weird. A quick business card exchange and I am looking forward to hearing from this sewing angel soon! Thank you again!

On the Breeze Bag made by Suzanne Rettler

2008-10-25T16:29:00.004-05:00

Here's a submission from Suzanne Rettler. Suzanne made the On the Breeze bag . . . and here's what she had to say.

Hi Jamie,
The bag I made was On the Breeze and it turned out very nice. I was concerned that it would be too cumbersome to open the flaps to get into the purse, but you were right that most times it is only necessary to open the big one. I made the handle longer so could wear it crosswise over my shoulder. Pictures of front and back are attached. I guess the fabric for the big flap wasn't the best choice, but it seemed ok at the time. Thanks.
Suzanne Rettler

Suzanne, Thanks so much for your submission. I think your fabric choice is fantastic! (Including the front flap) It's always great fun to see what different folks put together. It's fabulous!

Note to blog readers: If you have made a Scrap-bag purse or quilt and would like to share it with our readers, please feel free to submit a photo with a note via email.

Grandmothers Flower Garden - Variation for Makena

2008-10-24T08:14:00.000-05:00

Did you know I am now a Grand MaMa? My first grand child has arrived. Her name is Makena. I started this quilt in the hospital while I was waiting for her arrival. I find hand sewing hexagons is an excellent way to pass the time and quiet my mind. I continue to add to it in the evenings in front of the TV. It's going to be her 'big girl' quilt for her twin bed.

Fabric Bead making day . . .

2008-10-23T14:41:00.001-05:00

Today I created fabric beads . . .

I will be using these beads to embellish the bags I am making using the Whispering Woods collection that I mentioned yesterday. (Robert Kaufman)

Below, is a photo of how I start. I used left over strips of fabric from the quilts I made last week and fused the wrong side of the fabric to a double sided fusible web. Leaving a 1/2" of fabric at the end with no fusible on it. This prevents your stick from getting all gooey . .

Cut through the fabric and the fusible paper, creating strips the width that you want your bead to be.
You can roll the entire 8.5" length for a fat bead, or cut it in half for a smaller bead. Below are examples of the two lengths and the size bead they create.

Roll the end that doesn't have any adhesive on it around the end of a bamboo skewer or a similar stick. Keep rolling to the end of the fabric.

Now hold the bead up against a hot iron and roll it slowly until it adheres together. If the bead feels soft, just heat it a little more. It should be fairly stiff when your done.

Well, here is my stash of beads, buttons and fabric beads ready for embellishing, now I need to get going on the bags!

PS. The beads in the top photo are made the same way, the fabric strips are cut into a long narrow triangle rather than the straight strip as shown here.

Stay posted to see the applications . . .

Laundry day = Playday with Shiva Paintstiks

2008-10-22T15:16:00.006-05:00

Today is laundry day . . . and if you remember from my earlier 'Artist Studio Posts',
my artwork, painting (messy work) area is in my laundry room.
So instead of laundry day being a : (
it's a : )
because I can just hibernate in my laundry room all day and play.

Today I used one of my old rubber stamps that I had carved for another purpose, and used it to do rubbings on fabric. I mostly used Shiva Paintstiks, but also roller printed a few pieces with fabric paint.

All of the fabrics shown are from Robert Kaufman and they all coordinate or belong to Sandra Banava's, Whispering Woods collection.

As you can see . . . I have varied the colors of the paintstiks as well as the background fabric, which makes for an endless variety of outcomes. Some work better than others . . . but you have to try lots of things to find out what works for you.

Stay posted because I will be using some of these in bags I'll be creating with the Whispering Woods Collection from Sandra Banava!

Indygo Dying

2008-10-22T14:16:00.000-05:00

Here are the two items I dyed yesterday at Woodland Cottage. One is a silk scarf, the other is a 1/2 yd of muslin. They were both in the same dye bath for the same amount of time.

Interesting what you can see in these fabrics. Strange . . . What do YOU SEE??? Send me a comment.

Indygo Dying with Winnie Johnson at Woodland Cottage

2008-10-21T16:31:00.006-05:00

I just spent the afternoon at Woodland Cottage with a lovely group of women learning about Indygo Dying! Woodland Cottage is a Bed & Breakfast that specializes in textile activities, scrapbooking or candle making.

The dying shed is out back. Here we gathered around with our yarns and fabrics waiting our turn for the dye bath that Winnie had prepared ahead of time.

We are starting to get some of the items out of the bath which are then hung to dry.

This is a silk scarf and a 1/2 yard of cotton muslin, knotted and tied and going into the bath.

When the fabrics come out they are not indigo, but a shade of green. The dye bath itself is actually yellow.

After hanging out in the air the color changes to beautiful shades of blue.

We took a short break to meet Winnie's sheep. Winnie is also a spinner and weaver!

Here are more results of this fantastic day of dying!

Thanks for a delightful day, and special thanks to Betty for the invitation. Great Fun!

If you are interested in finding out more about Woodland Cottage, for quilting, weaving, spinning and more be sure to check out their website. They offer classes or you can bring your own projects.

P.S. - Do you remember my post about Winnie's Mothers Vintage Scraps? I posted it on Saturday, March 22, 2008. Well, yes, this is the same Winnie. Fun to meet up again after all these years!

Whispering Woods by Sandra Banava for Robert Kaufman / Scrap-bags Which Way Quilt Pattern

2008-10-19T17:58:00.011-05:00

Here is the first of many projects featuring Sandra Banava's Whispering Woods Fabric Collection!

Scrap-bags™ Which Way Quilt Pattern. Order online.

Sandra invites you to visit her Flicker Album or send her an email.

Fabrics can be ordered wholesale from Robert Kaufman

Fabrics can be purchased at your local independent quilt or fabric shop - Ask for it!

Fabrics used in this quilt:
#1-Fusions
ELJ-7512-23
Lavender

#2
Whispering Woods
ASB-8297-201
Jewel

#3
Whispering Woods
ASB-8296-201
Jewel

#4
Fusions
EUJ-7511-70
Aqua

#5
Fusions
ELJ-7516-43
Leaf

#6
Marbleous
DRJ-6110
9 Navy

#7
Whispering Woods
ASB-8297-201
Jewel

Scrap-bags™ On The Breeze Bag in Lonni Rossi Fabrics for Andover Fabrics NY

2008-10-13T14:32:00.005-05:00

Well, here's the bag! This is the 'On the Breeze Bag Pattern', made in Lonni Rossi's newest line of fabrics. Lonni Rossi Fabrics

Online Resources for Making Fabric Beads

2008-10-13T14:02:00.003-05:00

Fabric and Paper Beads
Knotted Fabric Buttons and Beads
Fabric Beads Book

Swatch of the Week - Lonni Rossi's Tea Ceremony Geisha from Andover Fabrics

2008-10-08T10:14:00.006-05:00

Lonni sent me her latest fabric to make up into a Scrap-bag or two for her schoolhouse at International Quilt Market in Houston at the end of the month. As always, Lonni has out done herself! I'll post photos of the bags when they are finished, so stay tuned.

Lonni's Schoolhouse is:
Friday Oct. 24th from 3:40-4:10
"Artistic Impressions from Lonni Rossi"

Lonni Rossi Fabrics

Coming soon . . . aka work in progress

2008-10-06T10:05:00.004-05:00

I've been working away on new patterns, I should have this one tested and printed and ready to ship by early November . . . any guesses as to what this one is?

Embellished Yin-Yang handbag from Scrap-bags™

2008-09-16T09:02:00.010-05:00

Bag Front

Close up of the fused fabric applique'.

Close up of the fabric bead detail.

Online resources for making fabric beads (below):

Fabric and Paper Beads
Knotted Fabric Buttons and Beads
Fabric Beads Book

Bag Back

Double Envelope Scrap-bag with Discharged Fabric and beading!

2008-09-11T08:09:00.005-05:00

Here is my Double Envelope Scrap-bag, using a solid black fabric and a discharge dyed fabric.

Embellished with copper beads and handmade fabric beads.

Resourse list for discharge dying fabrics

2008-09-09T13:20:00.003-05:00

Resourse list for diy discharge dying fabrics:

www.quilt.com
FSU
Dharma Trading

Resource list for purchasing discharge dyed fabrics from textile artists:

Lucy Senstad
Jeanette's Fabrics to dye for

There are additional resources available via 'google'.