Out to Lunch
August 15th, 2008
I’m goin’ on a blogging break for a bit. Too many coals in the fire at the moment. Good coals… but still coals. And visitors. And visitees & visitees. And not like I’ve made a lot of posts lately… like a “break” would be something unusual. If my blog had a door knob - I’d hang one of those “We’ll be back at:” clock signs with movable arms, positioned at such-n-such-o’clock. But I wouldn’t know how to McGiver the arms to rotate them into a perpetual spin - or at least a 3 week spin.
The last time I had coals in the fire, I left some sneak peeks here. Not too bad of a wait for me to spill the beans since the project was last minute and all happened so fast.
I’m so excited my magic 6-pocket (aka Pick-a-Pocket) purse made the cover of the Fall ‘08 issue of Quilts & More. THE COVER. My head is about to snap off. And not only that… since I used some of Tula’s beautiful Fultterby fabric… it’s like sharing the cover with my future sofa crasher Tula herself. Why, we’re practically Mary Kate and Ashley now. I guess I should stock up on some Slim-Fast if I’m gonna be Mary Kate. Ok, NOW my head has snapped off. Edited in: Tula is not crashing on my sofa… it’s just a standing open invitation/inside joke.
Also in the issue is my secret Friendship Bag (aka To Market - To Market bag) . I can’t even remember when I made it, it was so long ago. What evolved out of wanting to dress up baggies of goop (Amish Friendship Bread starter) for my pals… evolved into all sorts of size bags, especially for grocery shopping (for light weight items only). Fun to make, fun to give!
In the back of the issue is a sneak peek for the next issue (Winter ‘08). That Silly Lil’ Doe - akamai friend of mine can read me like a book… and asked me if I designed/made one the items. If my head hadn’t snapped off, I’d be able to hang it around my neck on a lanyard to hold my scissors, needles and thread.
Ok… time to stoke the coals some more. As almost every signature pens in my late 1970’s high school yearbook… Have a cool summer, man! Sidenote to Cheech & Chong… whoo whooooo!
Posted in Stuff |
Farting around with needle & thread and then blogging about it.
Have fun with those coals. Congrats on making the cover! I’ll have to pick it up next time I go to the bookstore :)
August 15th, 2008Congrats on your published projects! Hope you had a nice glass of wine to celebrate.
August 15th, 2008Well, I see by your productivity that those Georges have been most cooperative!! Can’t wait to pick up that new issue of Quilts and More to see it all “in person”….. but it sounds like you still have more productivity to go, so good luck on your bloggy break and tell those Georges to keep up the good work (and lots of massages!)
August 15th, 2008I am so excited Mary Kate, oops, I mean Monica!! I so can not wait to make another Table Runner of yours xx
August 15th, 2008I love your web site.. I have given you an award drop by when you have the time to pick it up :)
August 16th, 2008Just thought I’d delurk to say that I totally enjoy your blog. I’m a fairly new reader and you are an inspiration! Also, I bought that magazine mainly for your purse pattern–I’ve been looking for one like that with outside pockets. I didn’t realize it was your design until I got home and read the article, and I was so excited b/c I “knew” you from your blog. From one Monica to another, comgratulations on making the cover and I’ll be looking forward to your return from your blogging break!~~~~Monica in SC
August 16th, 2008Ok, I’m pretty sure you are fine the way you are…no slim-fast needed. Who wants to hug a bag of bones. And you are a huggable friend! :) I have to run to the quilt shop to buy that magazine asap, and ya know, I need some more fabric.
I think of you each time I shop here. I take my Freddy bags and I know everyone is jealous of me. :) hahahaha Hey, have a nice break and we’ll catch ya when you’re back around. kiss kiss!
August 16th, 2008HEY!! How stinkin’ cool is THAT! I’m glad your upcoming plans include me. :-D I just hopped over here to make sure I had your email address right. Can’t hardly wait to see all your talent in real life! See ya soon!
August 16th, 2008I think the big wigs at Meredith Corp. need to take notice that you are the “STAR” of this magazine and with post haste change the name to “Quilts and More HZ!”. Hah!
I know what you mean about Korean BBQ. We have one here, too! ;p!!! Think of me when you’re chomping on Spam Musubi! Num-num-num! I’m salivating just typing it.
Don’t have too long of a break. We’ll definitely miss you!
August 16th, 2008Congratulations on being published. That is one magazine I look for all the time, a must have. Looks like your pattern is one I like to try, too. I really enjoyed your previous post. Thank you for taking me with you in photos. My husband and I own our own business so needless to say, we don’t travel much.
August 16th, 2008That’s a-maze-za-zing! You go girl! I can’t wait to see what those coals bake up. Have a great day!
August 16th, 2008Wow to being published.
Wow to such a beautiful blog.
And, wow, how is it that only now I’ve found you?
August 16th, 2008Well, toast some S’mores over those coals and get grovin! (I think we went to school about the same time!)
August 16th, 2008Love the pattern! Its just what I needed. One question: what is a ’stiff batting’ they list in the directions? I’ve never looked for that one before!
== == == == == == ===
Hi Jennifer,
August 16th, 2008I’m glad you asked… “stiff batting” is my word for Warm & White/Warm & Natural (sans product endorsement). W&W and W&N is stiffer than most bats. Perfect for purses, wall hangings, table runners, etc. Hope that helps - Monica
Have fun with those coals - and Tula! Geez. How lucky can one get. I will be looking forward to your return. And I will be buying that mag ASAP.
August 16th, 2008Hi Monica. . .
August 16th, 2008You will be missed while you handle all those coals . . . (but I hope you have fun with them!) Don’t be gone too long. . . you cover girl you!
xo, Bren
WooHoo! Congrats on the cover! And you might be a Zombie but you’re anything but out to lunch!
August 16th, 2008Just got back from Borders with “Quilts & More.” I’m going to make several of the small-sized market bags for my knitting peeps to use as project bags. We are going on a yarn crawl in Chicago in October, and I’m thinking these are going to be the reuseable snack sack bags. Please don’t stay away too long—
August 17th, 2008Okay, I have been waiting for this magazine to hit the stands and you are making me want to run to the store in my jammies!! I can’t wait to get my grubby little paws on this one and make something!! I really hope your head doesn’t snap off, you would have one @#%$* of a headache!
August 17th, 2008HOLY COW!!!! ANOTHER COVER!! I can’t believe I haven’t gotten this mag yet. Well I’ll have to remedy that today!
Plus, I already have my darling little bag! And seriously,is it just wishful thinking or is Tula going to be there??? I’M SO JEALOUS.
August 17th, 2008Oh yippee!! You are a pattern genius. That bag looks like a must have! My little grocery store, (the only one in town) better have it…or else. They don’t want a disgruntled zombie fan on their hands. ps. your head ’snapping off’ is cracking me up. x
August 17th, 2008I love Quilts and More. GOOD FOR YOU!!! Yayyy. I’ll be out looking for it. I guess at some point I need to subscribe but its fun to shop for magazines too. I will miss your posts while you are on a break but I do understand. I made a really cute quilt (little) last week that I already took to the quilter. I’ll post it in the morning. Its really a happiness quilt. It was like therapy to make it. Very happy fabric.
August 17th, 2008Enjoy!
August 18th, 2008Breaks are great for rejuvenating your blogging spirit.
Wooooohoooooooo congrats on making Quilts & More - I love that magazine, and can’t wait for new issues to come out - for sure I’ll be grabbing the fall issue to see your project!
You and Triskit take whatever time you need to rejuvenate, and come back to blogland when you’re ready - we’ll be here when you get back ;)
August 18th, 2008Yay, I still have my amish friendship bag original, hehe… lucky me! Congratulations on making the cover, the bag is gorgeous!
August 18th, 2008You’re amazingly talented, so fun to see this. I HAVE to go crazy ogling over your greatness, since I rarely ever touch the sewing machine… um except to sew paper envelopes! ;)
No breaks!!!
Awesome projects and there you are getting more published everyday so that there’s just no keeping up with you.
August 19th, 2008Congrats on your patterns getting published!
You deserve the break. Just don’t stay gone as long as I have. I have been a bad blogger for several months now.
I cherish my Monkey-fied Amish bread bag! Thank you!
Oh, and Cheech & Chong eh? *Dave’s not here man*
August 19th, 2008Happy summer to you!
~ Robyn
congrads on your patterns!! I posted about my BHG craft!! So now we are BHG buddies!!
August 20th, 2008Hey thanks a bunch for continuing to feed my TOTE BAG ADDICTION. Seriously cute, seriously going to make a squillion of them. Hey, btw, I went to a quilt retreat this past weekend with some bay area gals you may know - - - Thimble Creek regulars. Pictures and stuff on my blog.
August 20th, 2008I saw the new Quilts and More on your site and I had to run out and get my copy. I have already made the pick-a-pocket tote and I loved it. The directions are easy peasy and it is a very quick project, less then 2 hours start to finish. I can’t wait to try the market tote next. Congratulations on the cover pics.
August 21st, 2008Oh my gosh, that amish friendship bread thing hit you too? My Aunt and I were making that stuff like crazy for a while there!! Congrats on the tote bag !!
August 22nd, 2008Oh my gosh, that amish friendship bread thing hit you too? My Aunt and I were making that stuff like crazy for a while there!! Congrats on the tote bag !!
August 22nd, 2008I’m so happy to see you so busy quilting!
August 23rd, 2008Woohoo!!! Congratulations! I can’t wait to go get my copy!! cheers…tammy
August 23rd, 2008I grabbed that ‘zine today at Safeway and now can tell the world that I, yes little ‘ol me, has one of those very first Monica Market Bags. It’s hanging on my bedpost and can’t wait for fall to bring it out again. Wa-hoo! (Put your head back on, will ya, you’re freakin’ me out…)
August 23rd, 2008omg!!!
i have been popping in and out of your blog, then realized who the heck you were!!!
congrats on quilts & more.
hi-5!!!
i made your pick a pocket bag
{and a small matchy-ish one for my 2 1/2 year old.}
if you wanna see them…pop on over to my blog.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog.
August 24th, 2008:O)
I just picked up a copy of the magazine today at Wal-Mart and your bag is the project of choice that I picked to work on. I just love your fabric selection, too. Hmmmm…Isn’t imitation the sincerest form of flattery? And, the market bags will be perfect for our Christmas Cookie Exchange — A big thanks in advance for giving me some new projects to get my “mojo” back.
August 24th, 2008Enjoy your break! I’ve already got the mag and am planning to make a stack of those fabulous bags. They’ll be great to give as gifts for Christmas.
August 27th, 2008Confession time:
August 30th, 2008So, this woman was opened to your page of the magazine whilst we were checking out at JoAnn’s…I bragged and told her that you were my friend blah, blah, blah. I neglected to mention that we have never actually met so if Velma from Hamden CT ever asks if it’s true, lie…. ok?
Congrats on the cover of QnM!! You talented girl, you! If I could find the @#% magazine around here, I’d be even happier! I’m still on the hunt!
Enjoy your break - you deserve it! I know you’re having loadz of fun!!
September 5th, 2008Just picked up my copy and I’ll be searching for my fabrics for my version of your tote tomorrow. Great project, clear instructions- keep those creative ideas flowing!
September 7th, 2008Take a break and don’t feel bad. Sometimes I spend so much time online looking at all the lovelies that I get nothing done.
Love your blog!
Cheers!
September 8th, 2008I had to get the magazine just to see the patterns and I am soooooo in love with them and am sooooooo going to be making them for gifts.
Hope you had a great bloggy break!!!!
September 8th, 2008I just received my copy of Quilts & More the other day love that bag! What a pleasure to stumble upon your blog today!
September 12th, 2008tried the market bag pattern little confused on when sewing the bag altogther how to get the drawstring in the casing when you sew the casing shut per intructions. Need a little help with pattern.
Hi Jodie,
November 11th, 2008I tried to email you, but the addy you left bounced and the url you left was a dead link. Instructions with diagrams for the casings on the 19×15x5″ bag can be found here and the 10×13x3″ bag here.
missed seeing you so much!!
May 27th, 2009