I have created a free pattern for you to make this tote bag.  I designed it with my fabric collection “It’s a Dog’s Life” for Quilting Treasures by Cranston Printworks.  As you can see, the fabric collection features very whimsical dogs and will generate plenty of smiles.  The tote is easy to make and can be finished in a couple of hours. The tote has large pockets on each side made with different dog blocks. The bag is lightly quilted with stipple quilting.

Enjoy! And I would love to see a photo of any totes that you make with this pattern.

Phyllis

I just received the August issue of Quilter’s World magazine and am excited to share it with you.  I designed one of the quilts in this issue – Daisy Pocket Quilt. Its an easy-to-make quilt that would be perfect for kids and teens because it has pockets to hold their “stuff”.  I designed it in the bright colors of “Kids Go Green” fabrics from Quilting Treasures to add a dramatic accent for a wall.

I stipple quilted this quilt in an all-over pattern, a technique that I love, but outline or echo quilting would also work well with this quilt. It would also be a great project for a new sewer or quilter in your family.

Thanks for stopping by and and stay tuned – I have lots more to show you!

Have a great day

Phyllis

I have been trying to catch up all week from a whirlwind trip to Atlanta for the Gift Market.  I always return home tired but inspired – tired from the constant walking because the market is so huge and inspired from meetings, visiting with friends and the excitement that just comes from market.

It was encouraging to see that the buyers there were buying, although more cautiously. A lot of the showrooms were really busy, especially for gifts over home decor items.  Also, lower price items were selling better than the really high price items.

I had some great meetings with discussions on new products using my art to debut at the January show.  Meanwhile I was thrilled to see some of my new products that I have been working on the past few months.   Most of the products were still in sample form, but here is one, a “Chick Power” garden flag for Evergreen that is available in 2 sizes.

I can’t wait to show you my other products but will have to wait until they are completely finished and in catalogs.

Is always fun to catch up with friends, plus make some new ones.  I had a fun evening with a dinner with several friends at Azio’s (one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta). From left to right – yours truly – me, Joyce Shelton, Barbara Barnett, Brenda Pinnick, BJ Lantz, and Carol Eldridge.  I guess you can figure out what happens when 6 women get together – lot of talk and more talk, and most important – lots of laughing.

I wish you each a fabulous weekend.

Phyllis

I love being in my studio designing or painting because I love my “job”.  However an occasional glance out of the window at the greenery is not enough.  I have to go outside for just a few sec’s once or twice a day for a break and enjoy the flowers.  I love this Vintage Hibiscus which has spectacular 10″ blooms. They are simply amazing.

I have another Vintage Hibiscus that has wine colored flowers, same 10″ size blooms, but it hasn’t started blooming yet.

Unfortunately, like most hibiscus, the bloom only lasts a day.  But it is prolific and blooms every day, usually with 2 to 4 blooms.

Stop and take time to enjoy all the flowers around you.

Phyllis

Frequently, I am so focused on what I’m doing, I loose track of time – you know, a few hours.  But this week, I lost an entire day.  I have really been focusing on creating new art and designs.  I did not pay attention to the calendar on my computer or any of the other ways I keep track of time such as mentally noting each day.

Yesterday, as I was working, I wondered if it was Tuesday or Wednesday, hoping for Tuesday, but really knowing it was Wednesday.  So this morning when I woke up, I asked my husband if it was Thursday.  To my surprise, he told me it is Friday.  Gee, now I’ve got to go double time as I’m behind where I had planned to be at this point.  My husband insists that I was present and accounted for each day, no alien abduction.

So, back to the “drawing board”.

I wish each of you a great and safe 4th of July!  I do know that its tomorrow, since its on Saturday and today is Friday!

Phyllis