Friday, July 24, 2015

Something I've Learned.

This is me and my Nan hitching a ride on a bus that took us from our Houston, TX hotel to the convention center where the fall 2013 International Quilt Market was taking place. 

Anyone who knows my grandparents, Nanny & Paps, knows that they're giving people. 
They give their time, their work, their talents, their gifts, their hands to anyone in need. 
And they just give. 
They don't ask or expect anything in return.
So naturally, I adore them. (Actually. Love them fiercely.)

They've always been there to encourage me, set me straight and teach me; whether it's about painting cars [thank you, Paps!], how to make a pillow [thank you, Nan!], or how to respond or behave in a way that pleases Jesus Christ [thank you, both!]. They even love me through my craziness. Wow.

So now that you know that, it's probably understandable why, when my Nan called with an idea for a new bag that she wanted me to make for her, I just couldn't say no. 
She wanted a simple hipster style bag, with zippers, pockets, and an adjustable strap. 

Simple, right? No. I wanted it to be just perfect. 
(I think a thumb nail disappeared after I racked my brain on how to make professional looking zippers and pockets like that. Oops.) 
Nanny sent me the fabrics that she wanted me to use and I made a prototype. 
When she called, we talked about ways it could be better and I got to work. 
I made it. I sent it.
It took me awhile to get the design and how I'd construct it in my head.
But the main thing is: Nan loved it. 

Instead of Nan giving to me (like she has my whole life and continues to), I could give back. 
Even though it was a simple thing, I gave. 
And I loved it. 
It was worth the time, the prototype, and the math.
And thumbnails grow back.

I love you, Nan (and Paps)! 
XOXO  abs

Monday, July 20, 2015

Reflections Quilt - a PDF Pattern


Folks!  I'm so very very very excited!!!! 
Introducing my first PDF pattern:

This pattern includes options for sizes twin, full/queen and king.  
The block style is super straightforward 
and really easy to layout and sew together.  
Step by step instructions are written out along with 
some explanatory photos
 I couldn't help by share my favorite ways 
of how to sew your quilt together too. 
Binding instructions also shown. 

and can be downloaded right away upon purchase! 
Yay!

happy sewing! xo Abi

Special thanks to my Pastor Gene for his amazing help in figuring out the dimensions for my Reflections Quilt pattern and for delivering sermons every Sunday that speak to my heart. 

Monday, July 13, 2015

a knit maxi dress for Her.


Do you ever see something that you really love, 
but just can't bring yourself to spend the money on it?
Yeah, us too.

Well, for a long time now, we've admired this gorgeous maxi dress from Boden.
My sisters and I were talking and I remembered this dress pattern I'd picked up one year at Quilt Market from Kay Whitt of Sew Serendipity. I'd made the dress previously out of rayon and loved it.

Sew!
Why wouldn't it work made out of knit, substitute the pleat in the front and back of the dress for gathers, forget the sleeves and zipper and have your own Boden dream dress without the price?!

Achaia and I started cutting into a watery floral print we had on hand and I started sewing.
Achaia was super happy with how her dress turned out!
After all, that's all that matters. 

xo Abi

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

our Independence Day fun!

Family. Check.
Friends. Check.
Fireworks. Check.
Hot dogs. Check.
Oklahoma style bonfire (way too big and way too hot). Check.
Great conversation and laughter. Check.
Cute baby. Check.
Letting adorable little boy tackle you to the ground. Check.
Sticky fingers from s'mores. Check.
Burnt fingers from sparklers. Check.

A beautiful and blessed 4th of July. 
Hope that yours was just as bright. 
xAbi

Monday, July 6, 2015

the Modern Prairie Girl sale ends tomorrow!

Wow! Y'all are amazing!
I'm completely overwhelmed by the response to my sale...
The sale ends tomorrow, so scoop up anything you've been keeping your eye on while it's still there! 
Enter coupon code: SPARKLERS4 to receive 40% off!

xo Abi

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

To celebrate Independence Day - a SALE!

          Hey everyone!  
Independence Day is definitely one of my favorite holidays. 
The fireworks, the cookouts, the water + sun, red, white & blue. Mostly just what the day stands for - freedom.  
A really beautiful word. Freedom won, freedom fought for,  
freedom in Christ

So to celebrate this fun holiday, I am having a huge sale over at my Etsy shop, the Modern Prairie Girl
Enter coupon code: SPARKLERS4
to receive 40% off your item! 
The sale starts today and ends July 7th. 

I hope your 4th of July is uneventful, sparkle-y fun, packed with good food and even better company! 
Have a blast y'all!
xo Abi