CHEVRON BABY QUILT
  in Rainbow colors and polka dot.  This is my latest creation.  I love how the round dots compliment  the straight lines of the chevron.  This quilt and more are for sale now in my esty shop at:
:https://www.etsy.com/listing/170800764/chevron-polka-dot-quilt-for-baby-rainbow?ref=shop_home_active

FREE GIFT WRAP:
  Black Friday special.  Free gift wrap on purchase of any scarf, handkerchiefs, napkins and burp cloths in my etsy shop now through 12-1-13.    Coupon code is "THANKS" .  Please select gift wrap listing along with your purchase.
FabricCreationsfran.etsy.com

FREE GIFT WRAP
  November special is free gift wrap with purchase of  any scarf in my etsy shop.  Please mention that you heard about the promotion from my blog in the comments section when checking out.     Christmas, Hanukkah, Happy Birthday, Peace, Let it snow, are some of the gift wraps I have available.  I will make a matching bow as shown above.
See my selection of gorgeous scarves at:https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=14268824

8 Cloth Dinner Napkins:
  These napkins are almost too pretty to use.  We use cloth napkins in our house everyday and besides being "Green" its a lot of fun.  We have a mix of colors and styles on the table at all times.
This beautiful set in Mustard yellow and slate grey is available for sale in my esty shop at:
FabricCreationsfran.etsy.com

Handkerchief or Pocket Square in White Chevron
     Simple and Elegant this white on white chevron handkerchief came out just as lovely as I pictured when I found the fabric.  Perfect for any style wedding or for someone like my husband who "only uses white handkerchiefs".  These hankies and many more are for sale in my etsy shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=8030018

SCARF SALE:  Coupon of the week
  See my etsy shop at the link below for my selection of scarves as well as quilts, table runners and more.  When you check out enter the code: SCARFSALE for $3 off any scarf over $20.  Code expires on October 21, 2013
FabricCreationsfran.etsy.com

This week's coupon code:
Receive $4 off any quilt over $50 by entering the code QUILTSALE when you check out in my etsy shop.  I have a  variety of colorful ready made and custom order baby quilts and throws.  Offer end October 14, 2013.  find the quilt section in my shop at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=7757881

QUILTING AND SEWING TIP #16:  BASTE WHERE YOU WILL SEW
     Every quilting book I have read says to baste/ put your safety pins where you will NOT be quilting. This does help so you can keep quilting without having to stop as much to take out pins.  However, I notice the safety pins often leave holes, especially in light and solid color fabric such as shown in my photo.  What I do to minimize the holes in the fabric that might show, is to put my safety pins right where I WILL be quilting.  In a seam such as in the photo works well too.  Then when I take out the pin I will sew right over little holes and they will be filled with thread/ quilt stitches and will be less visible.
See this table runner and more quilts and runners in my etsy shop at:
FabricCreationsfran.etsy.com

Mens Handkerchiefs, Great for Teens too!
  My 13 year old son had a cold last week so I sent him to school with one of the hankies shown above for a few days.  It was easy to fit in his skinny jeans pocket and was ready when he needed it.  Since he does his own laundry now I just reminded him to throw them in with his wash.   No more tissues for him and  another part of a tree saved.  See my wide selection of mens and ladies handkerchiefs in my etsy shop at the link below:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=8030018

This weeks Coupon: $3 off
     I am running a special this week in my etsy shop.  Enter the coupon code FranScarf when you buy any of my ladies scarfs over 20 dollars and receive $3 off.  The offer is good through October 7 and may be used more than once.  Visit the scarf section of my etsy shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=14268824
 
 

Sewing and Quilting Tip #15:  Work on 2 projects at once.
   If you want to finish , not just start, your projects, you might think you should concentrate on just one.  Friends and I have found the opposite.  If you work on 2 things, if you get tired of a step because its either tedious or mentally or physically challenging, you can take a  break and work on your other project  When you are ready, go back to the first one.  This way you can often finish 2 projects instead of being stuck int he middle of one.
  Here are some photos of 2 things I worked on at once:  A table runner and a circle scarf.  Both for sale in my esty shop at:
FabricCreationsfran.etsy.com

REVERSIBLE INFINITY SCARF:
  I am having so much fun sewing these infinity scarves.   I like using a different type of fabric than I usually do for quilting.   This Scarf is made form Rayon Chellis.  It is a very soft luxurious fabric that drapes well. This scarf is Lapis Blue Batik on one side and Plum purple with blue flowers on the other.  Wear it with the blue side showing, the purple or both!
This scarf and more are for sale in my etsy shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=14268824

SEWING AND 
QUILTING TIP #14:  You can never have too many bobbins
     The next time you are at the store that sells your brand of bobbins,  pick up another pack.  I am forever needing more bobbins.  I like to match the bobbin thread to the top thread most of the time such as when appliqueing names on baby quilts as shown here.  That means a different bobbin for each color thread and we know how many thread colors there are!  See more of my quilts with baby names on them in my etsy shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=7757881

Cloth Hankies and Napkins:
   When I found this great Grey and Gold coordinating fabric, I could not decide if I should make handkerchiefs or napkins..... so I made both!  In fact the hankies would be great as either mens pocket squares or ladies hankies.  Treat yourself or start stocking up on holiday gifts.
 See both in my esty shop at the link below:
FabricCreationsfran.etsy.com

SEWING AND QUILTING TIP #13
  When to clean your sewing machine
Because I sew a lot, I thought I should clean the lint out of my sewing machine very often.  I sometimes  clean it everyday.  Sometimes there is a lot lint sometimes not so much.  The thing that matters the most for me is if I am quilting versus sewing.  The fluff from the batting collects in the machine quite a bit.    So, now whenever I finish quilting I clean the machine.  Above is a quilt I just finished:  A baby boy I spy quilt.  See this and more quilts for sale in my etsy shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=7757881

LADIES HANDKERCHIEF
           FROM DESIGNER FABRIC BY AMY BUTLER
   I have been making hankies out of designer fabric for several  years now.  This one is my favorite so far.   Cloth hankies are so much more fun to use than tissue!  And of course being Green and washing and reusing is a big plus.   See this lovely hankie and many more in my esty shop at:
FabricCreationsfran.etsy.com

SEWING AND QUILTING
TIP #12:     Placement in quilt
     The photo shows part of a t-shirt quilt I am working on.  You can see that the legs on Oliver had to be cut off in order to fit the words at the top of the design.  Therefore, I have placed this block at the bottom of the quilt...it looks more natural than if he was on the top or middle of the quilt and then his legs were missing.  This quilt is being made with all the blocks the same size, of course another option is not to cut off any of the motif.

CONGRATULATIONS
   to Maggie of Illinois who was the person to be my 500th sale in my esty shop.  She won 2 of my cotton handkerchiefs.   There are plenty more hankies for sale including the ones pictured here at:
FabricCreationsfran.etsy.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER ANN
  I made my sister this quilt for her, well, a big birthday.  Thanks Ann for getting my started in etsy and in blogging.  Check out her blog at the link below and wish her a Happy Birthday.
http://whimsicalcreationsbyann.blogspot.com/

SEWING AND QUILTING TIP #11:   Let people know you MADE their gift
    You can let people know that you made their gift either by putting a  tag or label  in the item or by writing in the card:  Here is a little something I made to thank you for...... or ....to wish you a very happy....
One year I made hot pads for everyone I knew: family, friends and my children's teachers.  People who knew me well or were artists or crafters themselves knew that I made their gift, while others had no idea.  All that hard, personalized work should be appreciated so tell them you made it!
See my handmade creations in my etsy shop at:
FabricCreationsFran.etsy.com

BATIK BABY QUILT:
         I had so much fun making this quilt ... if it was not baby/toddler size I would have kept it for myself!  It makes me happy just looking at it.  If you know someone who would give this quilt a happy home it is for sale in my etsy shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/155325884/colorful-baby-quilt-bright-batiks-with

SEWING AND QUILTING TIP #10     How to always have a coupon with you
  I used to get to the fabric store and realize that I forgot my coupons.   Not anymore.  I do 2 things.   First I put my coupons in my reusable shopping bag and put that in the car so that which ever day I go to the store I have my coupons.  Next, I have recently got a smart phone.  In it I have both coupons that I get e-mailed to me and I have APPs for Joann and Hobby Lobby that always have several coupons ready.  Also remember to ask if the store you shop in accepts competitors coupons.  Mill End Textiles accepts JoAnn's coupons  but they have to be on paper, not in your phone.  See some of the fun things I have sewn with all this fabric bought with coupons in my etsy shop at:
FabricCreationsFran.etsy.com

Quilted Table Runner for Fall and all year
         You can bring the colors of fall indoors all year long with this beautiful handmade table runner.  I had fun using a variety of decorative stitches to quilt this runner.  Perfect for Thanksgiving or entertaining.  See this runner and more for sale in my etsy shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=10161877

                                                 

SEWING AND QUILTING TIP #9:  Scissors instead of seam rippers when possible.   

Sometimes, when I make a mistake sewing, instead of ripping out the seam , I just cut off the seem.  This will waste a seam allowance from each side, 1/4 inch from each side in my case.  So I can only use this when I have extra fabric such as in sewing binding strips together or piecing a back of a quilt.  I occasionally don't have the right sides together, oops one right and one wrong.  Its MUCH QUICKER, to just cut out the seem and start over.    Everyone hates ripping out seams!

MY NEW FAVORITE HANKIES:
   I just love this new set of hankies so of course I have to make a set for myself.  I have many hankies and do get around to them all:  some are in my purse, my fanny back, my gym bag, my nightstand, in my drawer ready to go and the ones in the laundry after I used them reading a really good book.  My daughter keeps asking, if the book is happy why are you crying?
See these and my large selection of men's and women's  handkerchief in my esty shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=8030018

SEWING AND QUILTING TIP #8:    Fabric Storage
     My favorite way to store fabric is in these clear plastic containers.  You can see how easy it is to see which fabric is in which container.  They have handles for carrying and stack in my closet nicely.  The containers lock tight with the side flaps to keep my fabric dust free.  I have found them in 2 sizes but prefer the smaller one so I don't have to dig to reach the fabric at the bottom.  Yes, I have a closet full of these and more fabric stored in extra dresser drawers, in my china cabinet, in....
See what I make with all this fabric in my etsy shop at:
FabricCreationsFran.etsy.com
 

HANUKKAH TABLE RUNNER, QUILTED:
     This year Hanukkah starts in November so I am already sewing more table runners.  This one is a new design for this year.  I will also be making some old favorites that sold out the last few years.   See my varied collection of fall, holiday and year round table runners at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=10161877

SEWING AND QUILTING TIP #7:   Start your holiday sewing now.
      Yes, its technically still summer, but its the right time to start your fall and winter holiday sewing and quilting projects.   Christmas fabric is often on sale starting in July and August.  Also, the selection is much better than if you wait until November.  So start now and you will have all those gifts ready to go with time to spare.  I am currently working on some more of my popular hanukkah table runners.  Photos coming soon.  Fall and year round table runners are currently for sale in my etsy shop at:
FabricCreationsFran.etsy.com
             

RAINBOW BABY QUILT:
        Primary colors and rainbows are great for both boys and girls.  I painted my daughters room pink before she was born.  Her  first favorite color was  yellow.  Her next favorite a few years later was "Rainbow".
This quilt is sale priced at $50.   See this quilt and more in my Etsy shop at:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/81691081/rainbow-baby-quilt-i-spy-quilt-game-on?ref=shop_home_active

Quilting and Sewing Tip number 6:      Quick and easy way to clean your iron.
I recently read that you can clean your iron with a crumpled up piece of aluminum foil.  Yesterday I was using a new type of iron on interfacing and accidentally iron on the sticky side ( Groan!).  If you have done this you know what a sticky mess it is.  I remembered the aluminum foil , grabbed a small piece, unplugged the iron and wow did it work quickly and easily!

Baby's birthdate can be added to my custom order order quilts in addition to names.  See my etsy shop:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/126132563/custom-baby-quilt-with-name-and-date-i?ref=shop_home_active

Give Away: Help me get to 500 sales on my etsy shop-- I am almost there.  Visit my etsy shop and send me a message on etsy to be entered to win surprise gift below.  The person who makes the 500th sale will also win a prize.  FabricCreationsFran.etsy.com

NEW:  My latest set of ladies hankies are this set of batiks in a rainbow of colors.   I can never have enough hankies: some in my nightstand, some in my purse, my gym bag,....
See these and many more hankies for both men and women for sale in my etsy shop at:
FabricCreationsFran.etsy.com

QUILTING AND SEWIG TIP # 5
     Having a good overhead light really helps a lot when it comes to seeing well while sewing and quilting.  At my old house I kept trying to position  a gooseneck lamp so I could see better, so when we built our new house, I chose an overhead light fixture with 5 down facing bulbs.  My previous overhead light had the bulbs facing up.  While you might not be building a new house, you could consider buying a new light fixture.  Happy sewing.

FALL TABLE RUNNER:
     Even though its time to sew for Fall, it sure does not feel like it here in Fargo today where it is 96 degrees with humidity feeling like 105!   I used some of my favorite fall fabrics to make this patchwork and applique runner which is available for sale in my etsy shop at:
FabricCreationsFran.etsy.com

LARGE DOUBLE SIDED FLANNEL BURP CLOTHS:  JUNGLE BABIES
   My  jungle baby burp cloths are being featured on  Simple as 1-2-3 blog.    If you sew yourself, these really are as easy as 1,2, 3 to make and the cute fabrics make them fun too!   I have a variety of fabrics to choose from on my etsy shop at:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=8006647
   

First day of school so its TIME TO SEW!

How do you make time for things you want to do and enjoy doing??  For me one of the key ways I can squeeze in sewing even on the busiest days when the kids are home all summer is to keep my sewing machine out.  I use the dinning room table ( we also have a kitchen table) so the dinning room is now called the sewing room.  I do clean it all up once or twice a year for a holiday dinner or a large party that needs both the kitchen table and the dinning room table.  By keeping things out and ready to go, even if I only have a few minutes I can get some work done.
How do you find time for your projects?

BABY QUILT WITH NAME and OWLS ON THE BACK:
  I had a lot of fun making this girly quilt.  I was not sure the name would fit ... I do have bigger sizes of quilts if your baby's name is even longer.  See this quilt and more at my etsy shop at:
FabricCreationsFran.etsy.com

Here is a view of the cute owls on the back;