Where have I been? And My Favorite Blogs

I can finally catch my breath! This week was my last day of work until January and my first week of crafting full time. I also moved (along with five boxes of fabric) and my kids finally got a chance to see how many sewing machines mommy "really" has J It's funny how we can explain away the use of three sewing machines…you know "what if one breaks down, then what?" Anyway, I've been on this kick to finish up all my unfinished quilts. So far, I completed three and made a brand new quilt called "Trellis". Trellis will be a new pattern to my line after I work out the kinks. You can check it out on my Etsy shop.

OK now for my favorite Blogs…first up is the girl's from Lizzie B Cre8ive. I just love their bright and cheerful website and their funny antics. They just make me laugh!

Next up is Mary Engelbreit blog. I think I'm addicted to her fabric. Anyway I love reading the process how her first sketches transforms into fabric, cards or painting.

I just love, love, love Pink Chalk Studio by Kathy Mack. Lots of give aways and tutorials here. I like Kathy's quilting style so this is one of the places I go for inspiration.

Last but not least is Pink Penguin. Her work has been published in the Stitches magazine. She seems to find the coolest fabric and wait until you see what she come up with. Actually after reading one of her post, "she talked me into" purchasing a Speedball starter silk screening kit…more on that another timeJ

Well gang there goes my list. I tried to keep it short so you won't get hooked like me and wonder where the time wentJ So tell me some of your fav blogs.

Have a creative day,

Tracy & Girls

Happy New Year!

Boy, I haven't posted for some time. I like to bring you up to date on what I've been doing.
November I spent the whole month planning and making my coat for the Back Porch Textile show, which was held in Pacific Grove, CA. I was plaqued with many stopping and starting sessions because of fear (this coat was going to be seen by no other than textile artist, Rachel D.K. Clark). After being pushed along by my children, I did finally complete the coat. I waited so long that I had to send the coat via next day delivery and that cost me a woping $95! Lesson learned here...won't do that again :-)

The theme of the show was to make a coat based on a country. My country was Egypt and I tooke that to Acient Egypt.

After sending my baby (coat) off into the world, December I held my second annual cookie swap party. This year I made a whole turkey that I put in a brine which made the turkey so flavorful. I heated the brine on the stove and added chicken broth, apple cider vingar, black pepper corns, fresh sage leaves, fresh tyme leaves and kosher salt. I let the turkey soak for four hours but I think it could have been longer. For a side dish, I served Creamy Potato Gratin. This was another hit with my guest. As you can see, I'm a big fan of the Food Network Channel and I like trying different recipes.

Today I feeling very creative so I will sign off. I have a couple of new designs swimming around in my head. Until next time...

Have a creative day,
Tracy & Girls
www.3bgirlsquilts.com

The Greater San Antonio Quilt Guild Quilt Show

This past weekend I attended The Greater San Antonio Quilt Guild 14th biannual quilt show. I was like a kid in a candy store...wide eyed and ready to spend some money! I made a movie of all the pictures I took. I hope you enough it because I sure did. Later this week, I will upload a new demo of a new cutting tool (always looking for ways to make my quilting better). Please feel free to leave a comment of your favorite quilt from the video.

Have a creative day,
Tracy & Girls
www.3bgirlsquilts.com

What a wonderful day

I really don't like to toot my horn but today is my birthday! I wanted to spend a day of sewing and fixing some version of my favorite food which is seafood. Yesterday I came across this new show (well new for me) on Food TV. The show is called 5 Ingredient Fix. Well, this one recipe caught my eye, Beer Shrimp Boil. I decided then that this Beer Shrimp Boil will be my special dinner for today. Now, I can never do anything exactly the way your suppose to do it (it's the rebel in me), so I added some potatoes, fresh corn, snow crab legs and crawfish. And to top it off, I made the lemon and butter dipping sauce...mmm good! My mom and daughter's joined me for this feast and we ate everything!

Have a creative day,
Tracy & Girls
www.3bgirlsquilts.com

So what did you do with your summer???

I was lucky enough to have the month of July off...no work and no children! So I decided to get a handle on my scrap fabrics. I had fabric on my bed, table and in ziplock bags. I really hate throwing fabric away. If the fabric is at least 2", I use it. So this is what I came up with:

Yes that's right, potholders with ric rac. I placed these in my Etsy shop and they sold right away:-)

Then I started making some wonky log cabins (I really hate to do things the way you're suppose to). My daughter had a bunch of jeans she outgrow so I combined the two together. What do you think? Fashion forward? I got two thumbs up from both girls on the design.

Finally, I had this fat quarter of watermelon seed fabric for about ten years. School was starting soon so I thought about making a pencil holder (I looked at the prices for them in the store and they were $3.95!). This what I came up with:

The Watermelon Pencil Holder came out so great that I made it into a pattern. You can get this pattern for free by going to Grace Full Creations and signing up for free.

Have a creative day,
Tracy & Girls
www.3bgirlsquilts.com

My Cruise to Jamaica-"No Problem"

OK, now I have some time to tell you about my cruise. My best friend booked us a trip to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Mexico. This was my first time going on a cruise. I was a little scared because I can't swim and there seem to be a lot of water out there :-) Anyway, I never felt so pampered in my life! I treated myself to a spy day. I got a facial, pedicure and paraphin (spelling) treatment while looking out on the water. What a beautiful sight.

Have a creative day,
Tracy & Girls
www.3bgirlsquilts.com

What I've been working on

I would like to share one of the patterns I've been working on. This pattern was orginally designed for my girlfriend's first child. I played with the design for over three years and finally came up with the final design. This quilt measures 45" x 45" and can be made for a boy or girl. Please click on the cover below to purchase this pattern for $12.50.

Later this month I will share with you pictures from my first trip to Jamaica and Grand Cayman Island. I had such a good time!





Have a creative day,
Tracy & Girls
www.3bgirlsquilts.com