A Treehouse for My Birthday...

My birthday is tomorrow. I'm close to 30. (Who says close has to be "less than"?)

All week my family has been pestering me for gift ideas. When I say pester, I mean that in a loving, yet call screening sort of way. They literally won't take "nothing" as an appropriate response to the question. I have everything I need, most of the things I want, and unless they can afford to send me on a posh trip to the Figi Islands in one of those little thatch roof huts on the water with a peek-a-boo hole in the floor to the tropical fish and a personal waiter to bring me fruity drinks and mango - please, save your pennies for a rainy day! I want my kids to make me a card. period. While I totally appreciate the gesture, I have more stuff than I can keep up with in my house already:)

Ok, maybe a card AND a back rub from hubby that lasts more than 4 minutes. Is that being too greedy?

Then...I sat down at my computer to patiently wait for my embroidery machine to hammer out a last minute addition to my cat woman costume and I found this! It just makes me happy.

So this is what I want for my birthday. If anyone is still asking. Thanks;)

New Doll Size Kyla Dress!

Now you can create a pint sized version of the Kyla Reversible Dress to match the girls sizes!

Receiving your Doll Size Kyla Pattern is Easy:

1. If you have previously purchased the Kyla Pattern, your will receive the update FREE! Just send me an email with "Kyla Doll Pattern Request" in the subject line. In order to verify your prior Kyla purchase, I will also need the following information: location of purchase (my website, Etsy, or other), date of purchase, your Etsy username (if applicable), and/or any other receipt of purchase from another site so that I can confirm the prior purchase. These will be going out to you quite soon so you can use up those scraps from your Kyla creations.

2. OR, the Doll Size Kyla Pattern is currently included in any new purchase of the Kyla Dress Pattern. This is available for $9.99 at my Etsy Shop or Website.

I am also in the process of adding a doll size pattern to the Happy Day Party Hat Pattern and the Maisie Skirt Pattern! Please watch for those announcements soon!

New for 2010 - Lily Ann Matching Child and Doll Dresses!

Matching child and doll outfits seem to be the rage these days! Now you can create adorable ensembles for your special little one and her dolly. Two strap options - halter or shoulder ties - make this versatile pattern a huge hit for this spring and summer! With cute touches like the braided fabric belt and felt flower, your little one will be so excited to wear these. Includes child sizes from 12 months - 8 years and doll sizes of 15" and 18". (Yes, this pattern will work perfect for all American Girl dolls, Pottery Barn dolls, Build-A-Bear, Madame Alexander, and many more).

Perhaps you are in the business of selling clothing? This pattern is quick and super easy, wink, wink.

The Lily Ann is my most comprehensive pattern yet. I have combined many of your requests (darker fonts, more photos, complete full-size pattern pieces), to make this the best pattern yet! Plus, since it is from Frog Legs and Ponytails, you know it will be simple and fun to follow. I hope you enjoy it! It is available for purchase now on my website and in my Etsy shop.

Haiti Relief Contribution

At this time, 100% of the proceeds from my Lola Head Scarf Pattern will go to Haiti Relief. I will be doing this for quite some time, but please visit my shop and add one to your cart. You'll have an adorable accessory for all your clothing creations. But most importantly, you will have make one small step in the unfathomable effort it will take to help the people of Haiti. Thank you!

Sewing Contest Winners!

Thank you to all who entered the Fall 2009 Sewing Contest! I had a ton of entries to sort though and it wasn't easy choosing three winners! Here are my three picks! You will pick up your choice of two of my PDF sewing patterns!

I posted all the entries to my Flickr Pool, so stop by and take a peek at all the gorgeous creations!

A pretty Carson Shirt made for Pia by her mom, AJ.

Two super, extra cute dresses by Dianna Suarez (Caroline & Kyla Patterns).

Tiffany paired the reversible Kyla Pattern with cute ruffle pants for a "Posh" look!

Welcome Maisie!

Ruffles, bows, and a sweet little apron - what more could a little girl want?! The new Maisie Skirt and Apron Sewing Pattern is super simple and has oodles of possibilities. The apron is totally removable, too, and the skirt is precious on its own.

It is available now in my Etsy shop or on my website. Enjoy!

I also should mention that if you have not yet submitted your Frog Legs and Ponytails sewing creation to me for Round #2 of the Sewing Contest - the deadline is 10/31 so you have a few days left. View the details in my Etsy Shop Announcement. Thanks!

Just Can't Resist!

October is the month when the International Quilt Market and Festival takes place in Houston. I sold fabric for a couple years on Etsy, but never got the chance to get to the market. I am dying to go there someday! There are displays by fabric and pattern designers that are to die for and giveaways galore! Next spring, the Festival takes place in Chicago and I WILL BE THERE! That is a little closer to home than Houston. Although I would love to be in the warmth and sunshine right now, as I am sitting at my window looking at what appears to be some pretty nasty looking rain coming my way. Did I mention that it is currently 53 degrees? Ug. So long summer (or the so called summer we never had).

Even though the weather stinks, I am excited about something else;) Have you seen the new fabrics by Sandi Henderson, Amy Butler, and Patty Young? I have been scrutinizing their blogs and websites all week waiting to catch a glimpse of their new releases for fall. My husband came home from work this afternoon to find me pouring over print outs of the new fabrics - trying to exercise some restraint when it comes to ordering and planning for my new designs. He pleaded with me to just order what I will use from another retailer and not to buy the bolts for resale anymore (after many long nights of cutting, cutting, cutting and swearing that I'll never sell fabric again!). Well, I'm happy to report that I just got off the phone with Terri at Michael Miller and I am now on the books for the November shipment of Meadowsweet from Sandi Henderson (30 prints). I will be selling off a good portion of what I purchase, so if you are looking for some Meadowsweet - email me and I will set some aside.

With that said, I do have some kick butt sales going on in my fabric shop right now. Visit me at ruralfabric.com for prices as low as $5.50 on some designer fabrics by Amy Butler and Heather Bailey. Must make room for the newbies;)