Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Happy Flower Quilts Blog Hop and Book Giveaway


Hello! I am SO happy to be a part of the Happy Flower Quilts blog hop! If you aren't familiar with Happy Flower Quilts it's a book written by the incredibly talented master quilter, fabric designer, pattern designer and author Atsuko Matsuyama. The original book has long been a favorite and highly sought after by many quilters and makers for years.


The wonderful people at Zakka Workshop  have reprinted an English version of the book which is so exciting to be able to finally get to see this beautiful book up close.


It was so hard to pick a project for this blog hop. I want to make everything in his book, twice :)! I decided to make the sewing kit and also the lunch tote!


I'll share the sewing kit first. Here are some progress pics I shared on Instagram. I hand-pieced most of the kit. These sweet little 2" spools were such a fun way to use the littlest bits of precious scraps.


 I enjoyed all the handwork this project offered. I find projects like this so satisfying.


I changed my mind about a million times throughout making this. You can see that I changed out the yellow fabric I had intended to use for this pink fabric. I just wasn't loving the yellow as much as I thought I would for this project even though it's one of my favorite prints. I'm really happy with the pink.



The outside of the kit has all of these sweet touches to it.... applique, embroidery, embellishments and quilting.



Every detail is pure joy for me! I'm learning to embrace all the flaws and just enjoy making.


The lining fabric is an older Lecien print. It reminds me of vintage wallpaper. Love, love, love!!!


Okay, now the inside! whoa, boy, do I love the inside! ( I missed ironing away a frixion pen line near the zipper in these pics and my zipper is a wobbly mess. okay moving on..)


The pincushion is so little and so cute! It's really interesting to see how all these little elements are constructed in the book.  


The next thing that took just a little extra time was the pouch But isn't it just the cutest little thing?! Fun embroidery stitches, hand quilting, cute fabric scraps. Good, good stuff! 


I crocheted a scalloped trim for the flap. Just to give it a little something special.



To hold them in the sewing kit I used magnetic snaps for both the pincushion and pouch.


I changed the position of the tape (trim) that holds the scissors and pen to fit my needs. 




I used the tiniest scraps to piece together the scissors holder. 


I added a few more goodies, the necessities... my needles and seam ripper which I used quite a bit while making this kit. I ripped the zipper and binding out a few times and you can probably tell. I'm heavy handed and tend to pull things tight when I'm hand sewing. I'm still very happy with it.


I saw Krystine had the cutest zipper pull on her sewing kit. I remembered my dear friend Elnora had given me this pretty zipper pull a couple of years ago. SO, I put it on my kit. More love!


Are you still with me? I hope so! Here's my second make from the book. Lecien generously sent me Atsuko Matsuyama's adorable strawberry fruit handle as well as the new Retro 30's fabrics! 


I just HAD to make the cute little lunch tote! I knew I wanted to use some yellow since I didn't end up using it in the sewing kit. I also knew I had to use those petite strawberry prints! of course! For the tape/trim accent I used a piece of vintage ribbon I've had for ages. I think it was a good match! The cording in both projects was from my daughter. It's pretty neat that she has a stash of crafting supplies.


I love the florals in the line and this one just tied all the colors together. I machine quilted the exterior panel pretty densely at less that 3/4" apart.


Here's one last shot. Seriously, these strawberry handles are so cute! I sewed mine on with 3 strands of matching floss using a back-stitch.

Whew! Now for some fun, Zakka Workshop is going to give a copy of Happy Flower Quilts to one of you! All you have to do is leave a comment below. 

And here is the list of other bloggers participating in the blog hop! Everything I have seen so far has been fabulous! I'm always blown away by the talent in this quilting community!
And there is a Happy Flower Quilts quilt along starting March 6th! Check out Krystine's (Pretty by Hand), Wynn's (zakkaart) or Melissa's ( ohhowsweetco )blogs for more details. (links below)

January
23Krystine@prettybyhand  prettybyhand.com
25 Lisa @aspoonfulsugar aspoonfulofsugardesigns.com
27 Sarah @Sarahedgarprettyfabrictrims alittlehappyplace.blogspot.co.uk
30 Minki @zeriano minkikim.com
February

1 Heidi @fabricmutt fabricmutt.blogspot.com
3 Clara @claralovestosew Instagram Only
6 Ange @alittlepatchwork alittlepatchwork.wordpress.com
8 Erin @whynotsewquilts whynotsew.blogspot.com
10 Lauren @transientart transientart.com
13 Sedef @downgrapevinelane downgrapevinelane.com
15 Ayda @cafenohut cafenohut.blogspot.com
17 Renee @sewnwithgrace sewnwithgrace.com
20 Heather @vintagegreyhandmade vintagegreyhandmade.blogspot.com
22 Melissa  @ohhowsweetco ohhowsweet.com
24 Greg @greydogwoodstudio greydogwoodstudio.com
27 Stacy @stacyolsondesign stacyolsondesign.com
March


1 Wynn @zakkaart zakkaart.blogspot.com

97 comments:

Unknown said...

I would just love to win a copy of this fantastic book. Thanks for the chance!

Anita said...

This book looks amazing, I would love to win a copy! Thanks for the giveaway!

Kay said...

The sewing kit is so lovely, I love the tiny pieces of fabric and how they all work together for one happy mix. Thank you for a great giveaway. x

Delcia R. said...

I like that you did so much by hand; darling little spools! That tote is so cute and I, too, love the handles. Thanks for a chance to win this useful book full of eye candy!

Mary Preston said...

I'm in love. All so very cute & useful too.

Mary said...

So cute! I'd love to win the book and make one for me. Thanks for the opportunity.

Christi said...

OMG...this is so adorable. I haven't bought a new quilting book in a while, but this is going to be a "must have".

Cjpike (at) indiana (dot) edu

Podunk Pretties said...

I just love those strawberry handles.

Anonymous said...

This is very lovely. Thank you for the chance to win!
cottonpaperflowers at gmail dot com

Patti said...

I love the projects you made from the Happy Flower Quilts book! The fabrics are perfect for the projects and your workmanship is wonderful! Thanks for sharing!

Lisa England said...

Wonderful projects with so many cute details on them!

Teresa @ Aurea's Kitchen said...

This book looks so cute!!

Teje said...

Oh, this is a lot of flower happynes! All the things you have made are super cute! Would love to win the book! Thank you for a lovely give away! x Teje
nerospost(at)gmail(dot)com

Lauralynnescott said...

Your projects turned out great. I would love a copy of the book! Such beautiful fabrics.

Thank you
Laura Scott

feierabends-by-petra said...

I would just love to win a copy of this fantastic book. Thanks for the chance!

Nancy L said...

I would love to win this fantastic book. Your projects are amazing!!

FireDragon said...

I would love to win this book! Your work is lovely. Today I am working on my Dottie Angel smock.

Elizabeth said...

What a lovely book filled with so many patterns to make so many different projects. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

Lupe Rodriguez @lupe72 said...

Everything you make is really nice.... Love to win a copy of this book and aim at making something nice too ����

mary gontjes said...

So many super cute things to make. I would love to have a chance to make them..Thank you for this giveaway.

frieda said...

Your sewing kit is really cute! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

Michele T said...

Sweet projects!!! Love all the tiny details💕💕💕

Katie said...

Those strawberry handles are amazing!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

I love what you have made from the projects in the book. I'm new to quilting and I would be so happy to win this book!

ruthie said...

So sweet! Beautiful fabrics and useful projects. Just lovely!

Denise said...

I love the fabrics you've chosen for your projects. Thank you for sharing this giveaway.

Linda Williamson said...

I love all the little details in the sewing kit. And the strawberry handles are adorable.

Michaelanne said...

Erin...I am SO blown away by the detail and work that went into making this incredibly SWEET sewing case!! YOU did an AMAZING job :) I truly love all your makes!! Thank you for such an inspiring post!! and please, dont add my name to the giveaway for the book!!! Lucky for me, I have a copy!!!! XXXOOO

sillyheart said...

The minute I opened the page I started smiling. Such sweet confections! Thanks for the attention to "the little things". Your childlike heart comes through in every creation!!!

jenni said...

Your projects are so beautiful it makes me want to make all the pretties in this book!

Nisa-mom said...

It must be nice to win this book, seem like so many great project there. Is that require hand stiches only, Erin ?

Karen said...

I can't do or say anything but smile and squeal at this prettiness and cuteness! Thank you for sharing!

Kristin said...

I love both your projects! Your hand sewing and color choices are both just beautiful! ��

traditional_quilter said...

I LOVE the projects you made from this book! They are so super cute. I would love to have a copy of this book. Have a lovely day!

janie said...

That s the cutest sewing kit I have ever seen, thanks, hoping for the book so sweet.

donna said...

Love everything you make. I am really wanting to make the sewing book. There is so much cuteness here.
Hugs
donna

Lindsay said...

I absolutely love your fabric choices for the Sewing Kit! The finished kit is so adorable! And I can't believe you made two projects, never mind that the Sewing Kit is one of the most complicated projects in the book. Thanks so much for participating in the blog hop!

Debbie Darlington said...

Wow...there's a whole lot of cuteness going on in that book, I'd love to win a copy!

Marianne said...

It's all so cute! Thanks for sharing your sewing kit.

Chrissie said...

Your personal touches really make the whole project..I especially enjoy the crocheted edge on the wee pouch. So pretty!

Joan said...

Amazing book! I'd love to win a copy. Thank you for the generous giveaway.

amy said...

Love your little sewing kit! Would love to have a copy of this great little book.

Eliza said...

I love the fabrics!

Linda Bick said...

Your sewing kit and lunch bag are adorable!!!! I love the wee pincushion!

Unknown said...

Love your Projects! Especially that sweet pincushion!

Susan Stanton said...

Your projects are just lovely, especially the sewing kit. So much detail! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

Rebecca said...

Sweet sorta says it all!
Thanks for the chance to win

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

What sweet projects and fabrics.

Kathy E. said...

These are just the perfect type of projects I like to make. Each is adorable and the fabric choices are drool-worthy! I could use this book and be locked up in my sewing room for days!

Nähbegeisterte said...

I love your projects and the fabrics are verry nice! :)
Thanks for the chance to win the giveaway...

Bye Bye the Nähbegeisterte :)

Anonymous said...

LOVE THESE PROJECTS! Thank You so much for sharing a Great Book Giveaway! msstitcher1214@gmail.com

Jackie said...

I love all of your projects! Gorgeous! Winning the book would be awesome! Thank you for the opportunity....

acottagequilter said...

Your projects are sew cute! I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for the chance!

acottagequilter said...

Your projects are sew cute! I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for the chance!

Sherry said...

I've enjoyed seeing all the sweet projects from this book. I think I need it for my library. And I might have to buy some of the fabrics as well. They aren't the typical colors I buy, but I'm loving the mix very much.

Pat said...

Thank you for the awesome visual of what is contained in this book.
I would love to receive this book

ruthshelton10@att.net said...

So cute. What adorable projects. Thanks for the giveaway

Gill said...

I love everything!!!!

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

I love your projects! Too cute! Thanks for the fun!

Missy Shay said...

I love your projects! I had asked on Instagram where you got the handles, I here that Lecien sent them to you!
missysaprons@gmail.com

Karrie said...

This book is so awesome! I love everything everyone has made SO much!!! I love your scissors holder the best!!
Ksmith8@emich.edu

Susan said...

Love all the details on your sewing kit. I have been admiring the give-away book for years (first saw the Japanese version) Sooo happy it's been translated to English!

GranChris said...

This book looks amazing. I love all the extras you have added.

Pamela said...

These projects are absolutely delightful. Thanks so much for the eye candy and inspiration, and the chance to win!

trisha said...

Nice

Lisa E said...

Wow, all the details on the sewing kit are amazing! Love.

Lauraitalia said...

Your makes from the books are adorable! I love your fabric choice for the projects! Thanks for the chance of winning a copy of this beautiful book!

Mokki said...

I love the fabric you used inside your sewing kit. The little pouch that goes with it is sooo cute!

Malerie said...

So adorable - I would love a copy of this book!

ana said...

Parabéns! Que trabalho lindo! Adorava ter um exemplar do livro!

rush said...

The fabric bits you used were so cute, and fit so well with the project. The book looks wonderful, and I would love to own it. Thank you for the opportunity to win!

Teresa S. said...

That book had the cutest projects! If I don't win a copy, I'm definitely going to buy a copy!
tstanulis@verizon.net

Alice said...

Beautiful. Everything, the book, the projects, the fabrics, all are awesome. I would love to win a copy of this book.

CF said...

Love the projects you made and the book plus fabric- so delighful!

LJ said...

What an fabulous book with the most adorable projects. The sewing book with that amazing pincushion is the best. Thanks for sharing with us.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Very cute projects!!!

Hannah said...

two lovely projects, thanks for sharing them!

Beth said...

What a darling project! Your pincushion is precious. And aren't you glad you used your zipper pull? I tend to save those things, and it's always so much better to use them, so I can enjoy them every day. Way to go.

Jayne said...

I just love those strawberry handles

Susan Friskics said...

I would love to win a copy of this book! It looks so tempting!

friskicsf@bellsouth.net

lvkwilt said...

I have been "eyeing" this book for a while. The projects are just so darned cute and I enjoy hand piecing....thanks for the chance!

Claudia/Ompompali said...

Beautiful book, lovely projects and pretty fabrics - in other words the perfect book!

legato1958 said...

What precious and gorgeous projects you have made from this book!
You can put together the prettiest fabrics!! Thanks for a chance to win this book!
Susie

Unknown said...

i would really like to win this cute book. thank you for the giveaway.

leaetlechatmalo@yahoo.fr said...

Beautiful. Thanks for a chance to win.

Amandalee said...

This is so pretty!

Linda Edwards said...

I absolutely love your projects, and thank you for the chance to win this fabulous book!

The Rx quilter said...

Oh my, I love it all. Your work and fabric choice is absolutely perfect...and those strawberry handles, I can't get enough of them! Lisa in Texas

eileen said...

Love the sewing kit...such pretty fabrics! Would love to win the book!
Eileen ekmvalencia@gmail.com

Alis said...

What gorgeous little projects & your sewing kit is so cute, it makes me want to make one too!!

Anonymous said...

Looking at the projects makes me want to get off the computer and start creating. Thank you for book offer.

Wendy said...

I love the little lunch tote! Would love the book!

Deonn said...

Oh, my goodness, these projects are all so adorable! Such sweet little details. Such sweet little snippets for your sewing room. Love the crocheted edge you added, and oh! those adorable strawberry handles. Perfect with the strawberry prints.

Quilt Knightly said...

I think I love this book! Love the little touches you added.

Camille said...

Fantastic projects and great giveaway!

Shar Adkison said...

What a cute book! Love,love,love making things for others. Sew much fun!

>

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...