modern myrtle

FABRIC CHOICES

2009-11-08T08:01:00.036-06:00

Please choose from the swatches below for your custom
Modern Myrtle purchase.

*Don't let the amount of fabrics overwhelm you! Look through and make a note of the ones that jump out at you. Once you've found a main fabric that you love, the rest is a cinch. I am always happy to help you pick the coordinates. I know that the small swatches can sometimes be difficult to match, so please email me for help if you need it. When in doubt, choose within a particular collection. They are designed to work together.

*If there is a fabric you'd like used in your custom project that you don't see here, I would be happy to order it in for you. This won't take any extra time. If you are in the browsing mood, take a look at my favorite fabric sites: fabric.com, purlsoho, and quilthome. The fabric designers I choose from the most are Amy Butler, Heather Bailey, and Anna Maria Horner.

*Please, feel free to contact me (modernmyrtle@gmail.com) if you would need some ideas for fabric combinations, or with any other questions you may have
.

(* = home decor weight, good for all projects)

love 1 _ love 2

love 3

love 4* _ love 5*

love 6* _ love 7*

love 8* _ love 9*

love 10* _ love 11*

love 12*_ love 13*

love 14* _ love 15*

love 16 _ love 17 _ love 18

love 19_ love 20 _ love 21

love 22 _ love 23 _ love 24

love 25 _ love 26 _ love 27

love 28_ love 29 _ love 30

love 31 _ love 32 _ love 33

love 34 _ love 35

nigella 1* _ nigella 2*

nigella 3* _ nigella 4*

nigella 5* _ nigella 6*

nigella 7* _ nigella 8*

nigella 9* _ nigella 10*

nigella 11* _ nigella 12*

nigella 13* _ nigella 14*

nigella 15* _ nigella 16*

nigella 17* _ nigella 18*

nigella 19* _ nigella 20*

nigella 21* _ nigella 22*

af 1* _ af 2*

af 3* _ af 4*

af 5* _ af 6*

af 7* _ af 8*

af 9* _ af 10*

af 11* _ af 12*

af 13* _ af 14*

af 15* _ af 16*

af 17* _ af 18*

af 19* _ af 20*

af 21* _ af 22*

af 23* _ af 24*

af 25* _ af 26*

af 27* _ af 28*

af 29* _ af 30*

daisy 1 _ daisy 2

daisy 3 _ daisy 4

daisy 5 _ daisy 6

daisy 7 _ daisy 8

daisy 9 _ daisy 10

daisy 11 _ daisy 12

daisy 13 _ daisy 14

daisy 15 _ daisy 16

daisy 17 _ daisy 18

daisy 19 _ daisy 20

daisy 21 _ daisy 22

daisy 23 _ daisy 24

daisy 25 _ daisy 26

daisy 27 _ daisy 28

belle 1 _ belle 2 _ belle 3

belle 4 _ belle 5 _ belle 6

belle 7 _ belle 8 _ belle 9

belle 10 _ belle 11 _ belle 12

belle 13 _ belle 14 _ belle 15

belle 16 _ belle 17 _ belle 18

belle 19 _ belle 20 _ belle 21

belle 22 _ belle 23 _ belle 24

belle 25 _ belle 26 _ belle 27

belle 28 _ belle 29 _ belle 30

belle31 _ belle 32 _ belle 33

belle 34 _ belle 35 _ belle 36

lotus 1 _ lotus 2 _ lotus 3

lotus 4 _ lotus 5 _ lotus 6

lotus 7 _ lotus 8 _ lotus 9

lotus 10 _ lotus 11 _ lotus 12

lotus 13 _ lotus 14 _ lotus 15

lotus 16 _ lotus 17 _ lotus 18

lotus 19 _ lotus 20 _ lotus 21

lotus 22 _ lotus 23 _ lotus 24

lotus 25 _ lotus 26 _ lotus 27

lotus 28 _ lotus 29 _ lotus 30

lotus 31 _ lotus 32 _ lotus 33

lotus 34 _ lotus 35 _ lotus 36

lotus 37

midwest 1 _ midwest 2 _ midwest 3

midwest 4 _ midwest 5 _ midwest 6

midwest 7 _ midwest 8 _ midwest 9

midwest 10 _ midwest 11 _ midwest 12

midwest 13 _ midwest 14 _ midwest 15

midwest 16 _ midwest 17 _ midwest 18

midwest 19 _ midwest 20 _ midwest 21

midwest 22 _ midwest 23 _ midwest 24

midwest 25 _ midwest 26 _ midwest 27

midwest 28 _ midwest 29 _ midwest 30

midwest 31 _ midwest 32 _ midwest 33

midwest 34 _ midwest 35 _ midwest 36

midwest 37 _ midwest 38 _ midwest 39

midwest 40 _ midwest 41 _ midwest 42

midwest 43 _ midwest 44 _ midwest 45

midwest 46 _ midwest 47 _ midwest 48

midwest 49 _ midwest 50 _ midwest 51

midwest 52 _ midwest 53 _ midwest 54

midwest 55 _ midwest 56 _ midwest 57

midwest 58 _ midwest 59 _ midwest 60

pop 1 _ pop3

pop 4 _ pop 5

pop 6 _pop 7

pop 8 _ pop 9

pop 10 _ pop 11

pop 12 _ pop 13

pop 14 _ pop 15

pop 16 _ pop 17

pop 18 _ pop 19

pop 20 _ pop 21

pop 22 _ pop 23

pop 24 _ pop 25

pop 26 _ pop 27

pop 28 _ pop 29

pop 30 _ pop 31

pop 32 _ pop 33

pop 34 _ pop 35

pop 36 _ pop 37

pop 38 _ pop 39 _ pop 40

pop 41 _ pop 42 _ pop 43

pop 44 _ pop 45 _ pop 46

pop 47 _ pop 48 _ pop 49

pop 50 _ pop 51 _ pop 52

amh 1 _ amh 2

amh 3* _ amh 4*

amh 5* _ amh 6*

amh 7 _ amh 8*

amh 9 _ amh 10*

amh 11 _ amh 12 _ amh 13

amh 14 _ amh 15 _ amh 16

amh 17 _ amh 18 _ amh 19

amh 20 _ amh 21 _ amh 22

amh 23 _ amh 24 _ amh 25

amh 26 _ amh 27 _ amh 28

amh 29 _ amh 30 _ amh 31

amh 32 _ amh 33 _ amh 34

amh 35 _ amh 36 _ amh 37

amh 38 _ amh 39 _ amh 40

amh 41 _ amh 42 _ amh 43

amh 44 _ amh 45 _ amh 46

amh 47 _ amh 48 _ amh 49

amh 50 _ amh 51 _ amh 52

amh 53 _ amh 54 _ amh 55

amh 56 _ amh 57* _ amh 58*

amh 59* _ amh 60* _ amh 61*

amh 62* _ amh 63* _ amh 64*

amh 65* _ amh 66* _ amh 67*

amh 68* _ amh 69* _ amh 70*

amh 71* _ amh 72* _ amh 73*

amh 74* _ amh 75* _ amh 76*

amh 77* _ amh 78* _ amh 79*

amh 80*

mm 1 _ mm 2

mm 3

mm 4 _ mm 5

mm 6 _ mm 7

mm 8 _ mm 9

mm 10 _ mm 11

mm 12 _ mm 13

mm 14 _ mm 15

mm 16 _ mm 17

mm 18 _ mm 19

mm 20 _ mm 21

mm 22 _ mm 23

mm 24 _ mm 25

mm 26 _ mm 27

mm 28 _ mm 29

mm 30 _ mm 31

mm 32 _ mm 33

mm 34 _ mm 35

mm 36 _ mm 37

mm 38 _ mm 39

mm 40 _ mm 41

mm 42 _ mm 43

mm 44 _ mm 45

mm 46 _ mm47

mm 48 _ mm 49

mm 50 _ mm 51

mm 52 _ mm 53

mm 54 _ mm 55

mm 56 _ mm 57

a pretty tablecloth and a little fabric gripe

2009-11-21T17:16:00.003-06:00

Don't you wish this was on your Thanksgiving table?  Me, too.  I just sent this tablecloth off this morning,  If the postal service does it's job, it will get to it's destination by Tuesday.  Arriving in plenty of time to catch those inevitable gravy spills.

I was lucky to get this Joel Dewberry sparrow fabric.  The day after I placed my order I received a phone call from the nicest lady at Quilt Home.  She was calling to tell me that the fabric had been discontinued ( I knew that---this was the only place I could find any), and that they only had 3 yards and 11 inches of the 4 yards that I had ordered.  Luckily they had a 3/4 yard piece as well, that was added, and all was well.  She told me this was one of the most popular fabrics they've ever carried, and was surprised they still had any at all.  Thank goodness!

This leads me to spout off on something that irks me a bit as a major fabric consumer.  Why oh why don't designers keep producing fabrics that are insanely popular?  I'm no business genius, but doesn't this make sense?  Amy Butler, thankfully, is continuing to produce some of the most popular prints from her discontinued Lotus line. Nothing is more frustrating than finding the perfect fabric for a client's project, only to find that there is none to be found , and if there is, they want $30 a yard plus your first born.

My favorite discontinued fabrics:

Amy Butler's entire Forest & Sunbloom lines.

Heather Ross' gnomes, bikes and VW's.  They were the best for kid's items.  Vintage, fun, and perfect.  

And this one, well, I had better get it while I still can. My couch needs two more pillows.

myrtle eats

2009-11-19T22:58:00.000-06:00

My cooking journal/blog is up and running.  A big thanks to Brianna for my headers.  She was amazing to work with.  She designed a fun header I'll be happy to see greet me whenever I wander over to enter a new recipe.  Follow her link over to her Etsy shop.  Her prices are extremely reasonable.  I hope you give her a consideration if you are in the market for such a thing.

I am drowning in orders due to the dreaded flu hitting our house last week.  I am grateful for tamiflu, understanding clients, a two year old who naps, and the fact that I am a major morning person.  Just a few of the things that are allowing me to get back on track.  The start of the Holiday season is no time to be behind!  

I was rereading last year's post about simplifying Christmas.  Thank goodness I started that last year, because this Christmas, and the ones to follow are going to be a comparative breeze to the years pre-2008.  My kids are really excited about our second year of the "want, need, wear, read" tradition, and I'm almost done shopping.  Love it.  Bring on the Holidays!

swimsuits in November

2009-11-15T19:06:00.005-06:00

You are likely well acquainted with the "modest t-shirt companies". Sadly, my favorite is going out of business. They are having a great going out of business sale that is not to miss. Check it out. My recommendation: the swimsuits. The one I purchased from Modbe two years ago is still my favorite and going strong. That is no small feat, because I am beyond finicky in the swimwear department. Who doesn't like shopping for swimsuits in the middle of November?

And no, Mr. G. (If you're reading this) I did not buy another swimsuit. Nope. I have restraint. I'm just recommending that others do not. ;)

Happy bargain shopping!

in full disclosure

2009-11-08T17:38:00.006-06:00

Lest anyone think I am anywhere near perfect, or that my seam ripper doesn't get much use, I offer this post. I had a couple of flubs this weekend. Luckily, they weren't on orders--just projects of my own. I'm less upset when I mess up on my own dime.

The first flub was a bag that I thought would be a cinch. I free styled this, and in the end my free spirit bit me in the butt! In theory the design worked, but in the end, it was far too bulky for my machine. Sad. It had such promise. I'm sure I'll pick it apart one of these nights and try something new. At this point though, I don't want to look at it ever again.

Flub number two really gets me. I do so many shower curtains these days, I feel like I could almost sew one with my eyes shut. I was making one this afternoon, and didn't double and triple check my measurements like I always do. As a result, I ended up with 11 slots at the top instead of the standard 12. Not a huge deal, it just won't match up with the holes on a standard vinyl liner. It is currently selling at a discount in my Etsy shop. Personally, the one less slot wouldn't bother me a bit, so I figured there would be someone that would love to have it.

While you are over in my Etsy shop, ( if you are inclined to visit), you'll notice a couple more additions:

A Custom Tablecloth:

Aren't these colors beautiful together? This particular one was a client order. I love it when someone orders something that I love so much, I want to keep it for myself.

and Custom Wide Legged Lounge Pants:

I'm excited to get working on some of these for Holiday orders.

Speaking of the Holidays, I'm taking my two flubs this weekend as a sign that I need to slow down! If last year is any indication, things are about to get a little bit crazy.

elephant crossing

2009-11-05T13:55:00.000-06:00

I have seen my share of roadkill here in Oklahoma (and your share, and yours and yours). I've seen possums, skunks, squirrels, and the occasional raccoon. And that was just on my way home from Target today. You think I'm kidding?

Speaking of roadkill, when I saw this story in the Tulsa World today, I laughed right out loud. My favorite quote from the article:

Carpenter joked about being involved in such a bizarre accident on what is usually a peaceful church night.
"I don't know what was in the wine, but it must have been pretty strong," he said.

Only in Oklahoma.

bloom and such

2009-11-04T11:32:00.008-06:00

Anne over at BLOOM asked me to do a little sewing post and I was thrilled to do it! I decided to share a tutorial for a quick and easy embellished towel that makes the perfect teacher's gift, thank you, or hostess gift. Heck, a stack of these would be the cutest bridal shower gift of all. Speaking of teacher's gifts, am I alone in giving the understated, if anything at all? I'm not kidding when I say that I have seen LARGE Saks Fifth Ave or Nordstrom bags being given to my daughter's teachers over the years. Again, not kidding. And what does that say about these mothers that they didn't put their gift in a regular gift bag? Or, maybe they felt the need to put the perfectly fine modest gift in the fancy-shmance bag. What does THAT say? Oh, I am digressing aren't I? I have way too much sewing to get done today to be doing this. Anyway, this is what my girls' teachers will be receiving this Christmas. And I'm not putting them in fancy bags, either.

Check out my tutorial here, and have a lovely Wednesday!

Halloween my way

2009-11-01T18:24:00.008-06:00

As I contemplated the upcoming Halloween holiday this year, I decided that we were going to do some things differently.

This is how we used to do things:

Walk from house to house for an hour and a half while my daughters gather enough candy to last them a year. ( I then must police that candy until Thanksgiving. Grr.) We'd get home, just before bedtime, some of us grumpy, everyone wasted. I'd be up and down for the next hour, handing out candy to the late comers (read: 15 year olds with no costumes). Grumble, grumble.

I know, I know, it sounds like I am the Halloween's equivalent to the Grinch. Not true. So not true. I love Halloween. I love the cute, fun aspect of it. I love how excited my girls get. It's just the way we had been doing Halloween night that needed some tweaking.

So, here's what we did this year:

The girls and Mr. G went trick or treating for about 20 minutes while I made a Halloween-esc dinner and snacks: homemade jack-o-lantern pizza, caesar salad, white chocolate popcorn, ghost cake, and "gatortang" (hey, it's orange). While they were gone, I got to hand out candy to the early comers (read: cutest 3 yr old little boy pirate you'd ever hope to see, and the little girl who said, "My name's Kaylynn and I like Tootsie Rolls"). When my daughters came home, it was their job to hand out the candy, and they loved doing it. I loved letting them at that point. After dinner we played games, and watched a movie. It was by far everyone's favorite Halloween to date. Very fun and relaxed.

And that Princess Leia costume I was just starting on Friday night? I finished it, and did quite well if I do say so myself. Do I now have a better relationship with tissue patterns? Nope. I still loathe them. But it turned out great, and my daughter was thrilled.

I wish I had a full picture of my witch costume to show you. This is my go to costume every year. Several years ago, my Aunt Shirley invited me to go through some of her older clothes that she wanted to rid herself of. When I saw this dress, I freaked. "The perfect witch dress!" My Aunt Shirley then informed me that it was her dress from her Junior formal in 1962. Too funny. She was not the least bit offended. She was pretty great like that.

So, here's to Halloween our way, and many more to come.

what I like about bathrooms

2009-11-03T16:54:00.006-06:00

Do you know what I love about bathrooms? They are the only room in your house that doesn't have to coordinate with any other room. You can go crazy with whatever patterns and colors you want. I'm into that. Why not have a shower curtain that's as fun as this one? Not to say that there would be anything wrong with someone having a completely pink decor... You could, right? Not me, but someone.
I had a neighbor growing up that had a purple house, cars (all of them), carpet, walls, you name it. I'm not joking. I thought that was cool when I was a little girl. I think it's even cooler now. Not because I love purple, but because I realize how much her husband must have loved her. Seriously.

Speaking of shower curtains....I discovered that the large pieces I have left over from all the shower curtains I've been making are the perfect size for these yummy Amy Butler lounge pants.

I love when stuff works out like that. Hopefully I have enough time this month to get some made and in my Etsy shop before the Christmas rush hits.

Hallow's Eve Grumbles

2009-10-30T09:42:00.005-05:00

Please tell me I'm not the only one just starting on their child's Halloween costume. You've got to love those segments on the morning shows. "Last minute costumes for your kids!" They fail to mention how to convince your child to trick or treat as a bottle of ketchup.

your two cents

2009-10-17T14:52:00.007-05:00

I'm finally pulling the trigger on my cooking blog. I've had the blog set up for I don't even know how long, and there it sits. The other morning I was planning our meals for the week, and found myself in a rut. I was so bored with everything I had been making and had no inspiration. I decided to dig out "the binder". When Mr. G and I were first married, I cooked like mad. And I compiled recipes like mad, too. This binder is so full it is busting. I only got through half of it that morning, and found at least 20 recipes I wanted to try again. I thought, "I am so glad I did this years ago!" And then I thought, "Why aren't I still doing this? Oh yeah---that empty blog."

So, here's where you come in. I would love your opinion on my header! Here are the choices:

1. A B

     
2.           A                    B

(Yep, that's me, circa 1984 doing my best Frugal Gourmet impression in my Grumma's living room. You know I still do this when no one's around. You don't? ;) )

Have you ever edited so many pictures that you feel like everything looks the same? Yeah, that's where I am. I have to say though, that just while putting together this post, I've eliminated at least a dozen other pictures. See how helpful you've already been? So, go ahead and lay your two cents down. Thanks for your help!

smarty pants

2009-10-14T06:37:00.005-05:00

Tricia! How did you get that? That's crazy. It is the Clinton Library in Little Rock, AR. Let me step up on my teeny tiny soap box and say that if you are within driving distance of a presidential library, regardless of which one, it should be high on the list of your places to visit. Especially if you have kids. My kids were pretty young when we went (7, 4, and barely here), and my older two still talk about it. It was really more of a museum of the 1990's in American history, than anything else. And the architecture was to die for. Just beautiful. I keep telling Mr. G that we need to go to the Reagan Library the next time we are in California. I know I would love that one as well.

(I want that Statue of Liberty painting.)

(I can't remember what this glass sculpture was called, but it makes me think "Medusa".)

(Do you ever wonder how many random people's pictures you're in?)

Speaking of "that's crazy", here is a video clip that I watch more often than I'd care to admit. It makes me laugh even when I am the most down. Don't we all need something like that? If you don't laugh, than I guess you have a much more sophisticated sense of humor than I do. I blame it on my sister.

Email me Trish!

wanna play?

2009-10-13T13:45:00.006-05:00

I'm sad. And you know what? I get to be. And since I am, I thought we'd all play a game. There's a prize of course. I don't do anything without a little motivation.

Where was this picture taken? I took it myself. No more clues---yet.

The first person to comment with the right answer will receive a grab bag of fabulous fabric or 25% off anything in my Etsy shop. Whatever their lucky heart desires.

I will actually be very surprised if anyone guesses it from this picture. Prove me wrong. I'll post clues periodically until someone gets it.

Have fun!

it was lovely, still

2009-10-11T09:39:00.007-05:00

A couple of posts ago, I predicted a simply lovely week. I not only predicted it, I expected it. I am an incurable optimist. I make no apologies for that. Although, at times I feel like I get the rug pulled out from underneath me because I'm so busy looking for and expecting the good. I was counting on my next post consisting of a joyful announcement of new life. Instead, I post about the beauty of good people who step up to help in time of sadness with a kind word or dinner or prayer. How I love all of you--- far and near.

How grateful I am for the gospel of Jesus Christ that gives us comfort even in the middle of things we are not meant to understand.

As I said, I am an optimist. I believe there is good in everything. I know I'm not done seeing it. There was still lovely to be found, even in a week such as this.

Thank you to all of you who added your good to it. I am forever, gladly, in your debt.

minky love

2009-10-06T19:18:00.005-05:00

Isn't this new minky quilt fun?

When I was in Utah this past July, I was able to use my Stepmom's quilting machine for a few quilts, and this is one of them. I am thrilled to see it all finished and bound. I couldn't believe my luck when I found the perfect color of aqua for the back! It just makes it. It's the little things, I tell you. I used fabrics from Sandi Henderson's Ginger Blossom line to piece the top. I love that the colors are bright and fun, but not too "babyish". It is a generous crib size (48" x 44") that is easily large enough to drape across the foot of an older girl's bed, as well. It is supremely soft, drapey and cuddly and on it's way to my Etsy Shop. I have another one, quite like this, almost finished. I pieced the top with a mix of Amy Butler prints in mustard/gold, pink, brown and green, with a gold minky back. It is divine. I suppose I should make something for a boy one of these days.

a simply lovely weekend

2009-10-05T11:56:00.010-05:00

Before my blissful weekend began, these seven purses for Amy's cute boutique in upstate New York were completed and sent. That Amy is one patient saint. I hope they are worth the wait when she gets them today.
Friday morning I was desperate for a hair change, and Sally saved me. I have basically lived in a hat or a ponytail for the last two months. A little color, and a half inch trim and I was a new woman. Hallelujah. My daughter's piano teacher declared that I can now look like a lady, instead of a teenager with my ponytail. I had to agree with her. (Nothing against the ponytail, but everyday? It was time to let my hair down!)

We spent most of this weekend celebrating Mr. G's birthday. Friday I surprised him with a birthday dinner with some good friends. We had the best time! It was so fun for me to get to know this couple better. And, the thrill of actually surprising my husband? Priceless. Saturday brought some crazy good steak and Mr. G's favorite lemon cake waffles, and of course some napping in between sessions of General Conference.

Speaking of General Conference, I found myself filled with a cheesy type of gratitude that I could listen to a living apostle of Christ speak while I make chocolate chip cookies. Silly, I know. I anxiously awaited Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk, because he is my favorite. I was blown away. If you care to know more about the power of the Book of Mormon and why we as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints love it so, please take a listen. You will undoubtedly be moved, as I was. Pretty powerful stuff.

I rounded out my weekend with some all too rare reading time. If I was normal, I'd read Twilight. Instead, I'm reading this:
It is excellent. Don't knock it until you've tried it.

I am very much looking forward to my sewing this week. Just enough projects to keep me busy, but unstressed.

Maybe it will be a simply lovely week,as well.

* if following the link to watch Elder Holland's talk, click "Sunday PM", then on Elder Holland's name/picture on the bottom left.

LoVe

2009-09-24T18:48:00.007-05:00

My heart skipped a beat or two when I arrived on Amy Butler's website today to compare fabric swatches. I visit Amy's site every day, sometimes more than once, so I am accustomed to seeing the same screen shots welcome me. Not today! A spontaneous, "Yea!" and clapping hands prompted a funny look from Mr. G. Here's what induced such a response:

Check out some of the sample shots. I know. Shutty McShutty. I was dieing. Then, I read that this collection not only includes the usual quilting and home decor weight fabrics, but also flannel and laminated fabrics. I can't wait to play around with those. A lot of these designs remind me of Amy's second collection, Charm, that came out maybe 6 years ago. It has been long discontinued (good luck finding any), but it was divine. I am thrilled to see something that is reminiscent of it.

And what do you think of those fun canvases? What a fun project to do with your kids for their rooms, with their names, different silhouettes, or an inspirational word. I'm thinking this would be a fun way to use some of my fabric scraps. I know my daughters would be all over it. Seeing as I am considering building an ark in my backyard, some rainy day projects may be in order!

Click on over

2009-09-17T20:55:00.004-05:00

My friend Whitney, over at her supreme food blog, Rookie Cookie, is offering one of my Leah Aprons as a give away this week. If you'd like to win a fun new apron for Fall, click on over. Even better, check out her blog while you're there. Spend an hour there (and you seriously could). You won't regret it. It is honestly one of my favorite blogs, and I can attest to the fact that her recipes are divine. This girl's got skills.

Dear Mrs. Mystery Quilter

2009-09-12T08:53:00.005-05:00

Dear Mrs. Mystery Quilter,

after quilting, before binding

So, I finally got around to finishing your 1930's-40's quilt top. I found it on Ebay almost 2 years ago. I wanted a vintage quilt top that I could back and quilt myself. I couldn't believe my luck with this one. Wedding ring pattern, all 30's and 40's fabrics, and completely hand pieced. E v e r y piece. Daunting! Every piece has to be exactly right to make the curve, and every piece is.

I am in awe of your talent. Mrs. Mystery Quilter, you did yourself proud. I think of you sometimes. I wonder if you were ever disappointed or frustrated that you never completed it. I wonder if this unfinished quilt top taunted you from the corner, like some of my unfinished projects do. I wish you could see how it was finally finished. It's makes my bed very comfy and homey.

For now, your quilt is perfect on my bed. I'm sure that someday it will migrate to a couch or chair for cuddling with. Just as perfect.

So, thank you, Mrs. Mystery Quilter, for never giving in to the decades of taunting from that unfinished quilt top. I am its happy beneficiary.

Hello, September

2009-08-31T21:34:00.005-05:00

I think I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel I call August 2009. Maybe next Wednesday? August was a blur. It was busier than Christmas, and that's saying something. My lesson learned? Be careful what you pray for, you just might get it. I prayed hard for this tunnel....and I am grateful for it, please don't get me wrong. I'll just be glad to see it in my rearview mirror!

Welcome, September.

I'm having a little end of Summer sale, if you will, over in my etsy shop. All of my remaining premade bags are marked down this week. If you have been eyeing one, now would be a splendid time to pounce. ;)

and the winner is...

2009-08-22T19:02:00.003-05:00

FIG!

Congrats, congrats. Drop me an email with your shipping address. (your prize will be shipped directly from allmodern.com)

Thanks to everyone for entering!

Chalk it up to a FABULOUS Giveaway!

2009-08-17T07:09:00.008-05:00

Are your kids back to school? Mine are. Have you found that whatever organizational system you had going went the way of the dodo over the Summer? Me too. Are you now suddenly facing everyone needing to be everywhere, and you're the one who's got to keep it straight? Again, me. You, too?

Vinyl chalkboard panels to the rescue! Aren't these awesome? They stick right to your wall, just like the vinyl wall sayings we are all familiar with. You can combine them into one huge chalkboard, space them out, split them up, and even cut them into whatever size and shape you want. Oh, the possibilities! And, they are completely removable, so there's no commitment. Switch them around as much as you need. Happy.

Interested? Good, because you could win a set of four! I've partnered with allmodern.com to offer these as a giveaway. Your comment's your entry, so comment away. As a bonus, if you mention your favorite item at allmodern.com, you'll receive an extra entry.

They have a fabulous selection of modern furniture and home accessories from many leading designers. (If you love midcentury modern, like I do, you'll drool over the Herman Miller collection.) Allmodern.com is one of the CSN Stores (there's over 260!). Who knew? They have everything, and I mean everything. It makes for some fun looking and wishlist adding. My newest addition to my wishlist?

This killer sectional. Love.

This is a week long giveaway. I'll choose the winner Saturday morning.

Have a great week!

Napkins and Nuptials

2009-08-15T11:24:00.004-05:00

I received the loveliest email yesterday. It was an update from a customer who'd had a fun request. Her sister and her fiance were going to be having lobster at their wedding reception. It's Maine, afterall! Isn't it simply gorgeous? She thought it would be nice to have aprons for them to wear, and coordinating napkins, during the meal. You can see the napkins on the table in one of the pics. I can't take credit for making the groom's apron, but doesn't go perfectly with hers?

And the monogramming---what a fantastic idea! I was told it was done with fabric paints and stencils. Wouldn't that be a nice idea to do on a set of napkins for a wedding gift?

A big congratulations to the Newlyweds! Thanks for letting me be a part of such a special day.

A little P.S. and by the way. Monday, I'll be hosting a darn fun giveaway of something from this awesome site. See you Monday!

Congrats Rebecca :)

2009-08-13T21:04:00.002-05:00

Thanks, Rebecca! I am loving those Premier Prints fabrics, too. Email me at modernmyrtle@gmail.com, and I'll get you your $10 coupon code.

Monday's Gray Lining and a happy little giveaway

2009-08-10T21:32:00.002-05:00

I thought about magical powers today as I sat soaking wet, in traffic, waiting for a train to pass, wondering if I should turn around or wait it out. If I had magical powers, I would have made that train disappear, and oh yeah-- a few changes to "meet the teacher day". I would have made 62 more parking spaces, and 12 less lines, and about 200 less people trying to get to all the same places. I would also have stopped the downpour that drenched me and my girls (and I mean d r e n c h e d) on my way out to Timbuktu where I parked. Everyone I passed now knew what color of bra I chose that morning. Good times. It was one of those days!

So as an attempt to brighten my mood tonight, I thought I'd post a shower curtain and towel set I finished this weekend that has me swooning. I have looked past this gray/blue floral print for the last two years, never giving it a second thought. I ordered it in for a custom order, and when it came, I fell in love with it. Isn't that a pretty combination?

Tara, the owner of these fun towels and shower curtains is about to have two swankified bathrooms. A shower curtain and set of towels for each.

I'm thinking of making some premade shower curtains for my etsy shop, and I'd like your input. What colors are you loving in your bathroom? Are you a floral girl, or do stripes float your boat? Polka dots, or no? Formal or casual? Let the opinions flow.

I have updated the Fabric Choices link on ModernMyrtle.com . Leave a comment with your favorite fabric(s), and you could win $10 of your next Modern Myrtle purchase.

I'll choose the winner at random Thursday morning, 10 am.

Happy fabric oogling!