I just finished the Circus Tent from Whip Up Mini Quilts for our kitchen nook.  I’ve been eyeing the book at the shop for a while now & decided that even though the tent was listed as a “tricky” project I was going to give it a go anyway…what do you think? Totally adorable, no?

After reading this months issue of ReadyMade I was completely inspired to revisit last summers teepee idea!  Made with 4 yards of Mod Green Pod’s Atticus in Basil, 5 bamboo poles & a few feet of rope, this teepee was super easy to make & although I didn’t catch a photo of my little guy in it for you, the teepee was a hit! The best part is the set up & take down–completely portable & easily stashed away in a corner of our home while not in use! Perfect!  I used this pattern from NearSea Naturals but there are a lot of options out there…including this free pattern for a fabric pup tent that Annie is making for her daughter–very cool!

Susan couldn’t wait to make something out of our new Nani Iro Fuccra fabric. After a quick browse in our inspiring book section she choose to make the Gauze Top from Wendy Mullin’s Sew U book. The pattern is a classic button down top that is loose fitting & flattering & paired with your favorite cuffed jeans & Swedish clogs makes a stylish outfit for on the go moms!  Susan wasn’t here to torture so the lovely Sarah modeled the shirt for us–thanks Sarah!

I saw Annie’s post over at Bird and Little Bird & had to make one of these shirts! Once the slightly confusing sleeve situation was explained to me,  it was super easy to sew up & I have already made another one from our new nani iro fabric that arrived last week. I highly recommend this pattern to beginner sewers who are looking to spruce up their summer wardrobe!  Thanks for turning me onto this FABULOUS 1 hour shirt Annie!

Alex just got into sewing & after a couple of simple projects she dove right into making the School House Tunic from Sew Liberated. We love the Kaffe Fassett shot cotton that she made her tunic out of–she looks absolutely beautiful (as always!) and it is the perfect light weight material for spring & summer.  Great job Alex!

I don’t know why but I have always been intimidated to do anything patchwork.  To me, patchwork is a ton of little pieces precisely cut & sewed…hours upon hours of time & well–only for the neat & perfect sewer! I stayed clear of patchwork projects fearing that I had none of the required skills & admired others for their dedication to their own patchwork projects from afar.  NOT ANYMORE! After being inspired by a friends enthusiasm for Suzuko Koseki’s book Patchwork Style, I found myself wandering over to books in the shop that were all about patchwork techniques & projects. I had various conversations with customers about my fear & was encouraged over & over again to give it a try.  They all said how “easy” it was & even though I continued to be a skeptic on Saturday afternoon I found myself looking down at a sweet little bundle of fabric that I had put aside for a simple baby blanket & started cutting out pieces for a patchwork blanket instead…I’m quite proud of my first patchwork project & found that it was as easy as everyone said!  I guess I just needed a little boost of inspiration from all of you…a big hug to Sarah–thanks mama!!

I finished my Bunny Rabbit from Natalie Chanin’s Alabama Stitch Book–he is so soft & cuddly–perfect for a little on to snuggle up with. As suggested in Natalie’s book, I used old t-shirts to cut up & use for the material & once I made time to actually sew him together it went surprisingly fast. Now I am onto the hand towels–I am so loving this book right now!

A ton of people have been asking about Natalie Chanin’s flower bouquet that we made for nido.  It is a pattern from Alabama Stitch Book, Natalie’s first book, which is full of lots of lovely reverse applique & stencil designed projects.  I am currently coveting this book–I can’t put it down & all of the photos really inspire me to want to sew something unique to add to my handmade spring & summer wardrobe…

but I will probably start with something a bit simpler like the Tea Towels…

or the Bunny Rabbit….

I do seem to be a bit behind though because Natalie’s NEW book Alabama Studio Style was released this month.  There have been great reviews of the book by Anna Maria Horner & Heather Ross so check out their websites & of course,  stop by nido to check out both books for yourself.

We had so much fun at the reversible apron class at nido this week! Our class was full of great people wanting to learn a little something new & each one of them walked out with their aprons on, which they all completed in just 3 hours flat!

The reversible apron is an easy project to make for yourself or as a gift to a friend & nido offers the class once a month. So spend an afternoon with us & learn how to sew this simple project!