Happy birthday, Achaia!

Those of you who have read our blog for awhile can probably remember back to lots of different birthday posts I've written over the years. You might even think that all I've said surely can't be true – no girls could be so perfect. But I am truly blessed beyond measure by these daughters of mine.

Today I am especially thankful for Achaia – my second born daughter. She is so dear and precious to me. When I was expecting her, I sincerely hoped she'd be another girl… and how delighted I was twenty-five years ago today. And I am still delighted. Achaia is so organized! She's efficient and handy. No one in the family can hold a candle to Achaia when it comes to needlework – cross stitch, embroidery, needlepoint – you name it. But what would any of that matter if she didn't love and serve Jesus Christ? Achaia is joyful and has a servant's heart. Awesome? You bet she is! And I love her with all my heart.

XOXO Happy birthday, Achaia!

Love, Mommy

Okay, so now that we've read what Mom had to say, we're all trying to sniff up the tears. But of course we have to tell our favorite Kay that we hope she has a wonderful birthday! Because we are pretty crazy about her. It's funny how one person can take up so much room in our hearts. Maybe it's because we love her so much.

Happy birthday, Achaia! We've always got your back.

XOXO

Phi, Abs, and Bi

New plans for a New Year.

Hello friends!

We said goodbye to 2014 just a few days ago. And while we welcomed the New Year with open arms, we were a little sad, too, because we'll be making some HUGE changes here in our little studio. Good changes, but changes nonetheless!!

We will no longer be selling fabric. This isn't to say that we'll never ever carry any of our favorite fabric collections again, but for now everything must go. (Which is where the sale comes in, of course.) So if there's anything in stock that you've had your eye on, please snatch it up before it's gone! All first-come orders will receive a free quilting project pattern, too.

Shop ALL FABRIC for $8 a yard!!!

….And all previous $6-a-yard fabrics are now $5!!

Along with the fabric, all custom sewing will be coming to an end. You'll notice on our website that no custom-sewn items are available any longer… but the boutique is full of lovely garments that need a new home! If you have your heart set on something custom sewn, please contact us and we'll see if we can work things out.

*We've had some express concern that they won't be able to purchase happy scrappy quilts any longer. We are glad to report that we are still MORE than happy to take custom orders on quilts!! As of right now, they will not show up as available on our website, but please don't let that stop you! Feel free to contact us directly via email, and we will work with you from there.*

All boutique and sale room items are 25% off!

SEWING PATTERNS WILL STAY!!! They aren't going anywhere! So no worries. You'll still hear from us. And you'll still see new patterns and exciting stuff.

We want to thank you all from the very bottom of our hearts for your support and enthusiasm over the years. It's hard to believe we opened our fabric store way back in 2008! And you all have loved us and been so kind ever since. We are SO thankful for you.

If you have any concerns or questions, please, please let us know!

With love from our home to yours~

XOXO

Kristie, Apphia, Achaia, Abigail, & Abiah

Merry Christmas!

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2: 8-11

Many blessings to you this Christmas, from our home to yours!

With love,

Kristie, Apphia, Achaia, Abigail, & Abiah

Come see Abigail (& us) in Rogers, Arkansas! (And get your copy of Modern Prairie Sewing signed!!)

HI!!!!

So sorry for the silence around here. Apphia and I just got back from a wonderful week vacation in Austin, Texas visiting friends and family. You can see some of the fun stuff we did on our Instagram…. the trip went by so fast!

This Saturday (from 10:00am to 2:00pm) Abigail will be in Rogers, Arkansas at The Rabbit's Lair selling, signing, and showing off Modern Prairie Sewing!!! Us other three girls plan on tagging along and modeling some made goodies. So come see us!

As you can see, Abi's been sewing up a storm….

Hope you can join us!

xox Achaia

To The Max.

I.am.scared.of.sewing.with.knits.

There. I said it.

My Mom has sewn with knits for years, and has always loved them. When I was a girl Mom made me some darling dresses with knits. I love the way knit feels, and I love wearing knit-y things. But, I've always been a little hesitant sewing with them.

I have made myself a few knit garments, and usually they end up on the side of a-pain-to-sew-with and I-don't-wear-it-long-before-I-get-rid-of-it-because-it-looks-homemade. I hope someone out there understands. I'm not a perfectionist for the most part, but I hate it when I sew up a garment and it looks like I sewed it. Cringe.

Well, the time rolls around again when I voice to Mom how much I would love to have a maxi knit skirt that is cute and comfortable and I sewed it. And, of course, Anna Maria Horner having just come out with new knits gave the perfect excuse to try ONE more time and get over my fear of sewing with knits.

People, I'm here to tell you….. I DID IT!!!

That's right! All those pictures above are photographic evidence. I purchased a piece of Anna's knits from some of our favorite fabric folks (hi, Quilt Home!), and made myself a skirt. In fact, I made it in about 1 – 1 1/2 hours one evening. So I could wear it to Church the next day, of course. And, I love it. Yay!!!!

This knit is a dream to sew with. Most of the other knits I've worked with want to catch and slide around, then catch some more. Then, when you put it on it wants to grab you and cling in all the places you are telling it not to. Not this knit! I also just used my regular machine with a stretch knit stitch (because sergers kind of scare me to death). No problem-o.

So, I guess this means I'm officially a sewing with knit survivor and advocate, right? I know (because My Mom has told me this for years…) that not all knits are created equal. So, if you're like me and have sewn with knits and had bad results, pick another knit and try again. You can conquer! And, while I'm at it, may I recommend the knits that I used?

Did I mention it's as comfortable as pjs?

If you have any knit experiences (bad or good) do share them!

xoxo Achaia

Smile for Sophie (she’s amazing, cute, talented, and funny!)

A month or so ago Sophie, asked if we could come out to her house and model some vintage wedding dresses for her. Sophie is a super talented, cute, happy, funny photographer, who also happens to be a fabulous friend. Of course, what could we say but "yes!"?!

Above you'll find some of the results. We also got to model with Sophie's sister (Hi, Clara!!)….. You can see all of them over at Sophie's blog!

We had an awesome time dressing up and roaming around the property looking for the perfect spot! Thanks, Soph, for inviting us!

xoxo

Happy birthday to our Abs!

Dearest Abigail~

What a wonderful surprise to be blessed with a 3rd daughter! You have always been so full of life, love, and laughter. I truly value your zest and your tremendous loyalty.

May The Lord Jesus Christ continue to guide and direct you all the days of your life.

I love you, Mommy

Happy 22nd birthday, Abs! We love you so very much and know we are so blessed to have you as a partner-in-crime. Thanks for being a great sister. We are so excited to see what God will do in your life this next year!

xoxoxo Apphia, Achaia, & Abiah

Needlework Thursday

Today I've been thinking about all the marvelous things you can do with a needle. Just seeing a Pinterest picture or a photo on someone's blog of something beautiful that's stitched makes me giddy.

The most recent hand project I've started on is this beauty above. Talk about LOTS and LOTS of cross stitching. I know. I bought the PDF pattern on Etsy a few months ago, and just a couple weeks ago decided I was ready to plunge in. It will be soooo exciting to see it completed!

Below I'm going to share with you some beautiful handstitched works. Some of the forms are different (crewel, most just embroidery). Enjoy the eye candy!

xx Achaia

Crewel Embroidery. I absolutely LOVE this.

I love Anna Michelle's work, and this ballerina is no exception.

Raindrops keep fallin' on my head….. Simple, but packs lots of punch in all the colors, don't you think?

I bought this PDF pattern already, and am looking forward to making it. How can you resist a cute tiger??

I LOOOOVVVVE Rita Hayworth's blouse in this photo!!! All the attention to detail + the styling = magnificent. It doesn't even seem to bother me that the photo's in black and white so I can't see color. I can just imgaine…..

Anna Maria Horner put this little birdie on a sash for her daughter a few years ago. Cutest thing.

Love this piece.

Quick Column Quilts Blog Tour!!

We are so delighted to be a part of the Quick Column Quilts blog tour!! The ever wonderful, lovely, and talented Nancy Zieman is celebrating the upcoming release of her newest book, Quick Column Quilts.

The book features patterns for 13 different quilts, all done 'column' style. Which makes it soooo much easier to put together! This book is perfect for those that haven't quilted before, but are ready to give it a whirl, or for the seasoned quilter that wants a fun, fast project.

We chose to make the "Carefree Column Quilt" out of Pam Kitty Picnic fabrics. Except for the sashing, binding, and backing the rest of the quilt is made with fat quarters. Always a plus, right? The quilt came together in one day with no problem. The quilt patterns are for many different size quilts (the Carefree quilt is lap size). We are thinking these would make darling baby blankets…

One of the things we loved about the book is the diagrams. Call us goofy, but diagrams really can help a body out. The ones in Nancy's book are spot on, making it a cinch to lay out!

You all want a copy, right? The good news is that Nancy is having some fabulous giveaways coinciding with the blog tour, so run on over, check out the prizes, and sign up!!! (Psst… and you can pre-order her book here.)

Be sure to check out all the other quilts on the blog tour….

Date Link

09/04/14 Nancy Zieman

09/05/14 Quilt Taffy and Simple Simon & Co.

09/06/14 Diary of a Quilter and Stitchin Jenny

09/07/14 A Woman a Day

09/08/14 Jina Barney Designz, Lilac Lane Patterns, and Totally Stitchin’

09/09/14 Esch House Quilts and The Cottage Mama

09/10/14 Designs in Machine Embroidery and Pat Sloan

09/12/14 Happy Valley Primitives, Doohikey Designs, and Quilt in a Day

09/13/14 Quilt Dad and Just Arting Around

09/14/14 Lazy Girl Designs and Marie-Madeline Studio

09/15/14 Always Expect Moore and Polka Dot Chair

09/16/14 Amy Lou Who Sews and Riley Blake Designs

09/17/14 Indygo Junction and Amy’s Creative Side

– See more at: http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/blog-tour/quick-column-quilts-book-and-blog-tour/#sthash.usA9EAWY.dpuf

09/04/14 Nancy Zieman

09/05/14 Quilt Taffy and Simple Simon & Co.

09/06/14 Diary of a Quilter and Stitchin Jenny

09/07/14 A Woman a Day

09/08/14 Jina Barney Designz, Lilac Lane Patterns, and Totally Stitchin’

09/09/14 Esch House Quilts and The Cottage Mama

09/10/14 Designs in Machine Embroidery and Pat Sloan

09/12/14 Happy Valley Primitives, Doohikey Designs, and Quilt in a Day

09/13/14 Quilt Dad and Just Arting Around

09/14/14 Lazy Girl Designs and Marie-Madeline Studio

09/15/14 Always Expect Moore and Polka Dot Chair

09/16/14 Amy Lou Who Sews and Riley Blake Designs

09/17/14 Indygo Junction and Amy’s Creative Side

– See more at: http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/blog-tour/quick-column-quilts-book-and-blog-tour/#sthash.usA9EAWY.dpuf

09/04/14 Nancy Zieman

09/05/14 Quilt Taffy and Simple Simon & Co.

09/06/14 Diary of a Quilter and Stitchin Jenny

09/07/14 A Woman a Day

09/08/14 Jina Barney Designz, Lilac Lane Patterns, and Totally Stitchin’

09/09/14 Esch House Quilts and The Cottage Mama

09/10/14 Designs in Machine Embroidery and Pat Sloan

09/12/14 Happy Valley Primitives, Doohikey Designs, and Quilt in a Day

09/13/14 Quilt Dad and Just Arting Around

09/14/14 Lazy Girl Designs and Marie-Madeline Studio

09/15/14 Always Expect Moore and Polka Dot Chair

09/16/14 Amy Lou Who Sews and Riley Blake Designs

09/17/14 Indygo Junction and Amy’s Creative Side

– See more at: http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/blog-tour/quick-column-quilts-book-and-blog-tour/#sthash.usA9EAWY.dpuf

09/04/14 Nancy Zieman

09/05/14 Quilt Taffy and Simple Simon & Co.

09/06/14 Diary of a Quilter and Stitchin Jenny

09/07/14 A Woman a Day and Craizee Corner

09/08/14 Jina Barney Designz, Lilac Lane Patterns, and Totally Stitchin’

09/09/14 Esch House Quilts and The Cottage Mama

09/10/14 Designs in Machine Embroidery and Pat Sloan

09/12/14 Happy Valley Primitives, Doohikey Designs, and Quilt in a Day

09/13/14 Quilt Dad and Just Arting Around

09/14/14 Lazy Girl Designs and Marie-Madeline Studio

09/15/14 Always Expect Moore and Polka Dot Chair

09/16/14 Amy Lou Who Sews and Riley Blake Designs

09/17/14 Indygo Junction and Amy’s Creative Side

xoxo!

Kristie, Apphia, Achaia, Abigail, & Abiah

Happiest of birthdays to our beautiful Mommy.

Happy birthday, Mommy!!

All we can say is that we are the MOST blessed girls on the planet. You are the best Mom ever! There's so much we want to say, and so much we can't say. We've been together through thick and thin, and nothing has changed. We are still crazy about you!

For so many years you've been our teacher, our example, our Mommy. As we've gotten older you are now our best friend and confidant. Thanks for all the years you've loved us, taught us, and showed us. We feel we would be extremely blessed if we only lived up to being half of the woman you are.

To the best Mommy ever, we wish God's richest blessings on you. Here's to many more years celebrating you!

With all our love, your girls,

Apphia, Achaia, Abigail, and Abiah

Scenes of Summer.

So sorry for the silence around here these past months. Our summer has come and is going so quickly. We ended up with lots of memories that we want to hold onto forever.

In July we got to take our annual Indiana trip, which happened to be some of the best two weeks ever. We were refreshed and encouraged, while we relaxed, visited lots of friends and family, went flea marketing, put up about 13 dozen ears of corn, got our hair cut, went shopping, sang, laughed, and drank quite a few Mountain Dew icies. We were also so happy to have our brother Joe there for a few of the days!

And speaking of Joe, a few weeks ago we had the opportunity to spend a hot (humid) Saturday with him. We watched him work (amazing – especially in that hot forge!), and fed almost the entire school with homemade pizzas. We've spent lots of fun weekends with him, and can't believe school is almost out! Joe's been able to meet some awesome people, and we are so thankful that we're able to call them our friends now too.

Oh, and we girls have also taken advantage of matching a couple times. Which is funny, considering that Mom would match us ALL the time when we were little (and we didn't always like it). Now, we have actually done it on purpose a couple of times, including a 'maxi dress' Sunday.

Some of the most exciting news this summer was the launch of Abigail's book, Modern Prairie Sewing! It's been amazing watching her promote it and exciting to read the good reviews from happy seamstresses!

We feel so blessed to have gotten to meet some wonderful people over this summer that have become fast friends. We've loved getting to do things with them including a shopping day, movie + snack fest + kayak adventure, and photo shoot fun.

We do have good news for you…. our birthday bash starts Monday!!! We will plan on sending out newsletters so if you haven't signed up, you might want to so you can keep up to date. Lots of inventory-ing going on around here.

Not much else has been going on, except lots of reading and watching Perry Mason before bed. Hope your summer has been as good. xoxo

PS…. Have you spotted that badge on the top in the sidebar?? Coming soon!!

Labor Day Weekend Pattern Sale!

Hi all!

This weekend only (August 29th through September 1st) you will find all marie-madeline studio sewing patterns 25% off!

Happy shopping!!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend~

xox KAAAA

PS Abigail is hosting a grand giveaway on her blog right now!! Go sign up for an opportunity to win a copy of her Modern Prairie Sewing + a handmade item!! xo