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Monday, July 13, 2026

It's been a minute...

I'm still here and kicking, shocking, I know!

My machine has been working overtime this year, but that's for a post I'll share another time. I wanted to jump on here today to share a project that not only made my day, but apparently the day of ByAnnie, as well.

It all started with this super cool gift box of "Bones" coffee, a friend sent me years ago. I love coffee and I love Halloween, so this "Nightmare Before Christmas" assortment spoke to my soul. The bags were just adorable and the coffee was to die for. As I used up each bag, I just couldn't get rid of them, and the though of making something with them kept rolling thru my head...


Fast forward a few years, and fusible vinyl hit the sewing scene.
Now my mind was churning with ideas. Then I stumbled on a backpack pattern named "Leader of the Pack" from ByAnnie.


That was my Ahh-hah moment.


These bags were perfect for the front pocket and to my surprise I didn't even need the fusible vinyl. The inside of the bags were a heavy metallic that held up to machine stitching. I just cut the front off the bags and appliqued them on, like any fabric applique.


The fun part was picking fabrics that made the bags come to life, on my backpack.

 

The inside needed just the right amount of creepy to match the outside and these eyes staring back at me, were perfect.

I uploaded my project into ByAnnie's monthly photo contest, which was a first for me, and was lucky enough to be chosed as the Top Choice for June. There were so many entries of beautiful projects people have made. It was quite an honor for me and it came with a gift certificate, too.

I've made quite a few of ByAnnies bags over the years. I love her patterns. Some take a little work, but once I got into her mindset and took advantage of the videos she provides for her patterns, I came to fall in love with the process. 



"Leader of the Pack" is a large backpack with pockets and a divider for your electronics on the inside. The front pocket has 2 dividers, one has elasticized tops that allow for expansion and a zipper compartment on the front, as well. This backpack actually is carry on size and fits under the seat on airplanes, which make it a great travel bag.

Sweet Pea has decided she needs a backpack now. This one is way to big for her, so we are anxiously awaiting part of my prize loot. A smaller backpack pattern called "Out and About".


It's backpack season! 

If you love coffee or know someone who does, be sure you check out  "Bones Coffee Company"
They have a sample pack for the Star War's lovers now too!
I see more backpack opportunities in my future.
LOL!!


 



Thursday, February 19, 2026

Stars and Scrappy Stripes

 

It's all done. 

This is my latest scrap buster and it busts those little 1 1/2" pieces, you thought were safe to throw away! LOL!!
I stumbled on this pattern saved in the file of a zillion quilts, I thought I was actually going to be able to complete in one lifetime. How many of you have files like it on your computers?
This one was from the Alamosa Quilter, way back from 2014. Best yet, it's still on her blog.
You can find the pattern HERE.

I added a few additional rows and the sashing and scrappy border to mine to make it a nice picnic size quilt. Now I have visions of bright stars and more planned stripes for a baby quilt. You never know, it might happen.
Check out her tutorials tab while you are there. She has an awesome pattern for a circle wallet, I can't stop making right now, as well.

The sun was just rising when this photo was taken. While the colors are not true, the glow just warms my heart.

Wonder what project I can find to sink my teeth into next???



 

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

I'm Still Here...and Scrapping Away

 It seems like I've fallen off the face of the earth, but I promise I have not. I've been down in the sewing room every second of the day I can squeeze in.

You know how much I love my scrappy quilts, and when Bonnie Hunter announced her mystery last November, I knew it was going on the top of my list of things to do.

This year's quilt was...




The colors just melted my heart, and of course, that of a certain 5 year old who claimed it was hers before it was even done. LOL!!


I kept up with each clue weekly and even had time to work on another of  her quilts at the same time.


This is "Kismet". I actually saw the quilt on the "Quiltville's Open Studio" Facebook page, during the mystery.  With the gentle prodding of one of the members, I decided to take on the challenge myself.
It was so much fun to work on, that I found myself staying up to all hours of the night piecing away on it. The string blocks are pieced on phone book pages. 


One might think that my scrap bins are about empty after all the Bonnie quilts I've done in the past year...but oh NO!! 

About the time I thought I was going to put them away for awhile, I found another pattern on my computer that I saved years ago. 

Hopefully I will have that to share with you soon!

Sew, what's on your list of to-do's this year?


 

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

It's My Day...Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange

I'm so excited that Carol brought back her holiday staple...
Her Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange.
You know how much we all love seeing what's happening in our friends kitchens.
There is always coming good to be found!

So grab a cuppa of your favorite and join me while I share some "cuppa's" myself!


This is Angie Padilla's "Holiday Mugs" design.

It spoke volumes to me. Let's face it, there is nothing better than a cuppa of your favorite holiday beverage. I did a little adjusting on the border and rather than piecing it, I chose to use assorted Christmas fabrics and made prairie points instead.

Full disclosure...there are no snowy photos here. November was a completely crazy month, so I knew I had to get my project done and the photos ready to go early, for this hop. As you can see fall was in full bloom. It really is my favorite time of the year. 


The festive cups do bring out those wonderful holiday "feels" still.


Now to go along with all our cuppa's, I have our newest, most favorite cookie recipe to share. I know some of you have peanut allergies, so these aren't for you unfortunately. But if you don't,  you won't find a better cookie around.


These are Snoop Dogg's "Rolls Royce Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip" cookies.
Even if you aren't a Snoop Dogg fan, you're going to love his cookies.
Unfortunately for my diet, they are a family favorite and seldom not in the cookie jar around here.
LOL!!
Diet??? What can I say...I have fallen off the wagon and right now, I'm not even sorry about it.
Thanks Snoop, I am blaming this on you!

Make sure you stop in and visit my fellow bloggers today. Leave them some sugar with a sweet comment, too

December 5

MooseStashQuilting (you're here)

Scrapdash

Sew Many Yarns

Happy Cottage Quilter

Days Filled With Joy

That Fabric Feeling



I want to thank all of you who participated and our readers for our 2 fall favorite hops. 
Carol and I sure felt the love.


Wishing you a  blessed and wonderful holiday season!


 

Monday, December 1, 2025