Buttons, Buttons, I LOVE BUTTONS!!!!! And a SALE!!

There are many things that I like to collect, but buttons...... well you can never have to many buttons. I use buttons in just about everything, my sewing projects, crocheted work, and any other crafting project I can sneak a button or two on to.

 Recently my husband showed me a way to make a mold of my favorite buttons so that I could make my own and use that shape or size again. Then it dawned on me....I know I am not the only button lover out there.

Starting now you can purchase custom handmade polymer clay buttons from my ETSY Shop. All the buttons range in size from 1/2 inch to 2 inches in size. If you would like to custom order some buttons that please contact me and we can go over the details of what colors and sizes you would like.

I would like to have a fun blog sale. 

Hope on over to my shop on check my newest collections out. Hope you enjoy!!

Happy Crafting,

Stephanie

Stash it Sunday ~ Week 8

Welcome to Stash it Sunday!!!



March 2nd is Dr. Seuss  Birthday and I wanted to dedicate today's Stash it Sunday to a collection not only that I LOVE but I recently picked up about a month ago. I picked it up from my favorite fabric shop

Fat Quarter Shop

 

The Dr. Seuss Earth Lorax Organic Fat Quarter Bundle by Robert Kaufman Fabrics is a fun play on a classic child book The Lorax. My family is a big fan of anything Dr. Seuss. I just love the earthy tones. I am definitely planning on making a quilt out of this collection. 

This is a definite must have for any Seuss Fan.  This bundle is currently on sale for $23.00 a bundle. That is 50% off!!!!  If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing all the amazing collections that Fat Quarter Shop has to offer than you really must take a peak. The site is neatly organized so you can find exactly the style of fabric you are looking for.

 The Fat quarter shop can be found on Facebook and you can also follow them on their blog page - The Jolly Jabber -

I always love to hear from my readers so why don't you let me know what you would do with this collection if it was in your stash.....

Happy Stashing,

Stephanie

Changes in Feature Me Friday

Something that has always been important to me since I started blogging was the power of networking and having a close knit blogging community. When I first started Feature Me Friday I had the idea of letting other blogs share their yarn or fabric projects and have the ability to link back to share the more detailed version of your feature.

Over the past 2 months I have gone on the adventure of looking to fill up these spots by finding some stories to share with you. As much as I would like to continue this, I feel that I am taking a lot of extra time away from my family and my own projects. I would still like to feature other writers and makers, but it will just have to be when one of you request to do a spot.

So on that note for now on we will have "Special" Feature Me Fridays.
A Feature Me Friday Post may consist of:

•   a tutorial
•  a newly finished item
•  a pattern release
• giveaway
•  sales  

If you have one of these coming up or recently posted one of the above and would like to be featured here on Feature Me Friday's than please send me: a small description about yourself, a description of what you would like featured.  Please also include a link to your blog post and any other links you would like added like Facebook Fan Pages or Shop Pages. Email them to smalltowndreamz@gmail.com   subject: Feature Me Friday

I truly wish I could continue on the way I have been but when I started to blog I promised that it would not cut into my family life and with my little one getting bigger and more active we now have sports and other activities that will take up more of our time and I still want to be able to share my own projects and adventures. 

I hope that you will understand. 


Happy Crafting,

Stephanie 

Stash it Sunday ~ Week 7

Welcome to Stash it Sunday!!!

In just one short month many people will be celebrating with their lucky greens. That's right St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner. Many will be pulling out the golds and greens and start crafting away. Which is why I had to share this collection with you. This week we stopped by our Favorite Sponsor.

Fat Quarter Shop

 

A few weeks ago I shared with you the Sweetheart Stonehenge Collection and I loved it so much that I just had to share this collection with you too.  The St. Paddy's Stonehenge is also by Linda Ludovico. I love 3 leaf clovers and I just can't get enough of them lately. Between the colors and textures of the print there is not much  I can say about this collection other than .... LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

This is a definite must have for any spring collection and I would be so LUCKY if it was in mine.  If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing all the amazing collections that Fat Quarter Shop has to offer than you really must take a peak. The site is neatly organized so you can find exactly the style of fabric you are looking for.


 The Fat quarter shop can be found on Facebook and you can also follow them on their blog page - The Jolly Jabber -

I always love to hear from my readers so why don't you let me know what you would do with this collection if it was in your stash.....

Happy Stashing,

Stephanie

Feature Me Friday ~ Week 7

This week on Feature me Friday I wanted to give a special shout out to someone that I look up to in the crochet blogging world. Not only does she have an amazing talent when it comes to her hook and yarn but she does a lot to help promote other "handmade" shops. As a matter of fact today ends another one of her Amazing multi vendor Giveaways. I would like to give a big warm welcome to Charissa from Mad Mad Me

" I am the proud mother of 3 creative children and married to an adorable man who loves me more than coffee. My blog is filled with the Madness of our home, our lives, our hands, and our Love for each other. All toil is for my family, whom I love more than chocolate.

Once in awhile I like to run giveaways that highlight handmade items. Why? Well I feel it’s my mission in life to promote the Little Guy (being a Little Guy myself), to create until my hands are crippled, to appreciate the handiwork of others and to eat as much chocolate as is humanly possible. And what an adventure this quest has been! I’ve met some very kindred spirits in these giveaway times and been introduced to so much concentrated talent that I am humbled by human creativity (I’ve also eaten obscene amount of chocolate)."


I owe a huge Thank you to Charissa for the time she takes to help promote the small homemade community out there. For just over this past week, being involved her her latest 7777 Fan Giveaway I have more than doubled my Facebook Fan Base.  I have always believed that by teaming up and helping each other out we will all once reach a common goal. I had to take a moment to give Charissa the spotlight because I know how much work goes into trying to promote your own business let alone a 100 other small businesses. The giveaways are a lot of work to maintain and organize not to let alone what she does for her Mad Mad Makers at the Mad Makers Marketplace. So a big THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for everything that you do.

If you wish to see some of Charissa work over at Mad Mad Me you can follow her on her blog or on her Facebook Fan Page.


Happy Crafting,

Stephanie 

Clover Heart Pom Pom Maker Video Tutorial

Last week on Facebook I asked you if you would be interested in a seeing a video tutorial on how to accomplish making your heart pom pom actual look like a heart. Well the video is finished and I can't wait to share with you. I hope that it's helpful. This is technically my very first real full tutorial besides a video I did to explain a stitch in a pattern that I did a while back. I have to admit my screen presence will most likely not get me nominated for an award however you will get the point.

I really hope this video helps you create your heart pom pom using your clover heart pom pom maker. This tutorial will work for both the large and the small pom pom makers. ENJOY!!

I would love to hear your thoughts and to find out if this video was a helpful.


Happy Crafting,
Stephanie

Lady Bug Pattern Released

I know with all this snow, freezing rain, and the bitter cold, I am in the mood for spring. I sat down the other night and wrote down a list a of things that made me thing spring. As soon as I wrote down ladybug a little light bulb clicked in my head and I knew what I had to do next.

Introducing my newest pattern the Lady Bug Appliqué.

You can find the pattern for the CUTIE in either my 

Ravelry Shop or my Craftsy Shop.

This pattern has been tested by the Smalltown Dreamz Testing Team. 

Happy Crafting

Stephanie

Stash It Sunday ~ Week 6

Welcome to Stash it Sunday

Ever since my Husband and I met, camping and fishing,  has always been a staple in our relationship. This week we bought our first pop-up camper. I don't think we have ever been so excited for spring to come. So for this weeks Stash it Sunday, it was only fitting that I showed you one of my favorite "camping themed collections". I really do think it's fitting for the occasion. Lets welcome Julie with....

It this not one of the most adorable collections for any camping lover out there?!? This collection is called "Roughing it" by Laurie Wisbrun. You can find it in either Nature or Retro. I personally love the "Nature" colorway. 

There are so many cute things that you can make with this collection. You could make matching pajama bottoms for the whole family to wear while sitting around the campfire, or even make a lovely quilt to cuddle up with while you are sleeping in your camper or tent. 

I think this is a must have for any outdoor camping family. I am a big fan of Julie's I think she has great taste in the collections she picks out for her shop. Stop by her shop to see all the beautiful collections that fill her store. The Intrepid Thread is not only an online store. If you live in Milpitas, CA area you can visit her brick and mortar store as well. You can also follow Julie on her Blog or on her Facebook Fan Page. 

I love to hear from my readers...What would you make with this collection?

Happy Crafting,

Stephanie

Feature Me Friday ~ Week 6

This week I am excited to share with you the very first crochet blog that I started following.  She was also the one that helped me get my first big fan rush on Facebook when I entered into a giveaway of hers as a vendor.  I have learned a lot since I started following her and really look up to her as an yarn artist. This past  December she did an a post on adding labels to finished crocheted items that you sell in your shops. I found it to be so interesting and I can't wait to do this for myself.  So lets give a big warm welcome to Tanya from

Adventures in Label Making!

"For those of you that might not be aware, crocheters (or really anyone for that matter) who creates items designed for children are expected (by US law) to label them. The law actually went into effect August 14, 2009 and basically says:

…manufacturers…have (to affix) a tracking label or other distinguishing permanent mark on any consumer product primarily intended for children twelve and younger. The tracking label must contain certain basic information, including the source of the product, the date of manufacture and more detailed information on the manufacturing process such as a batch or run number. The scope of this provision is quite broad in that it applies to all children’s products, including, but not limited to, items such as clothing or shoes not just toys and other regulated products.

You can read more about the law here: Tracking Labels for Children’s Products

Now, a lot of people might look at that and shy away from it because basically–everything you make that is intended for young kids HAS to be labeled…and that can get expensive. But it really doesn’t have to be! If you have access to a printer, a graphic program (you can use paid ones like Photoshop or free ones like GIMP, or Sumopaint), some plain white ribbon, T-shirt transfer paper, and a hot iron–you’re set!"

To see the actual process on how Tanya created her handmade labels hop on over to her Blog Page to get the details. You can also follow her on her Facebook Page. 


If you would like to be featured here on Feature Me Friday's than please send me a few good quality photos, a description about yourself, your item you would like featured and what inspired you to make it. Also include a link to your blog post and any other links you would like added.
 Email them to smalltowndreamz@gmail.com   subject: Feature Me Friday



Happy Crafting,
Stephanie

Rainbow Quilt WIP

My Rainbow Quilt WIP

Last week I started a new sewing project and I just wanted to share a little of it with you. Over the past year I have been collecting a lot of scrap fabric that I can practice with so I wouldn't feel upset if I screwed something up majorly. Most of the fabric I collected for that were pre-cut squares already so it was pretty easy for me to just pick out some colors and start sewing my strips together.

I really am looking forward to finishing this quilt top, Because I want to try FMQ. I have heard many things about it and I really just want to try it out. I found an awesome site that I shared with you on Friday last week with lots of info for beginners such as myself. I will for sure be using her FMQ Lesson to reference back to.

Have you ever done FMQ I would love to hear about your experience. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

 I also have a question for you sewers out there.

What is the best product to use when you have cut fabric ends sticking out but you don't want the fabric to fray? Any and all advice would be awesome!!

If you ever have any questions that you would like asked please feel free to write me and I will post it at the end of my posts to ask the rest of the readers. Don't worry I wont have to use your names. But this will be a great way to get some different advice from other people. Just email me at smalltowndreamz@gmail.com

Happy Crafting,
Stephanie

Stash it Sunday ~ Week 5

Yup its that time of the week. Stash it Sunday. We have been doing these segments for a month now and I am in online heaven by all the amazing collections I have seen while searching for my favorites to share with all of you. Over the past month I have picked up a total of 9 yards of fabric. Most of which was on sale but 9 yards is a great add into any stash. Most of the fabric picked up last month was for the 2 Dr Seuss quilts that I am making.

Anyway February is a new month so lets see what awesome collections I can find. For Starters I stopped back by one of my favorite shops, Sky Reve Fabrics. Natasha has some incredible taste when picking out collections for her shop.

Skye Reve Fabrics!!!

I would also like to add that she not only sells fabric but she has some amazing deals on patterns as well. So I love things with rainbows on them. Not so much with things that are blown out entirely in the rainbow colors. But rainbow accents. Who doesn't smile when they see a rainbow. Keeping that in mind I have to show you this ADORABLE Collection called Raining Rainbows by Anthology Fabrics. 

When I see this collection I see a cute little apron or a skirt for a little girl. You could even use the Raindrops in White, Dots in Grey and the Dot Stripes in Pink for an awesome tote bag for yourself. Really the ideas are endless. I know I would LOVE to get even a couple pieces from this collection.

If you haven't stopped in she always has great deals and amazing shipping prices. You can also hear about her great deals and offers on her Facebook Page. Free Fabric Friday is just one awesome deals that she does for her readers. I have been fortunate enough to win that once so make sure you go fan her you could be next.

I always love to hear from my readers so why don't you let me know what you would do with this collection if it was in your stash.....

Happy Stashing

Stephanie

Feature Me Friday Week 5

So the past couple of weeks I have been featuring a lot of crochet sites but yarn is not my only favorite fiber. I love fabric and this year I am on a mission to do a lot more sewing. One goal I had set for myself was to try Free Motion Quilting. I am just in aw when I see the beautiful work that I see all over using this technique and I just have to try it.

Just this week I was asking around where I could find a good free motion quilting tutorial and then low and behold I open up an email and and my quilting prayers had been answered. I want to give an awesome warm welcome to Alyssa with

This month she started an AMAZING series called Skill Builder Block of the Month.  This week she did a very informational lesson on Free Motion Quilting. 

She gives a breakdown from your quilting feet to how to design your path you will take while FMQ. I can't even tell you how ecstatic I was when I saw this in my email. 

Included in the post are 7 videos showing you various steps and tips to help you along the way. I am a fairly new fan of the Pile o Fabric website but I know now that I am most likely a lifer. I can't wait to keep following this series. I know I will end up learning a lot from Alyssa and I definitely look forward to seeing more of her work. 

If you haven't already stop on over at Pile O' Fabric and take a look around, I can almost guarantee that you will find something you like. She really is nothing less than amazing. 

You can also follow Alyssa on her Facebook Fan Page

Happy Crafting

Stephanie