Another in my long list of shameless plugs:

My Spring Album Kit is now available at TheScrappyGourmet.com

And Scrappy Gourmet has also re-stocked my Beach Album Kit:

There, I’m finished promoting my kit designs,

I may just go throw up now.

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In other news…

I was sewing like a crazy lady yesterday.

I had some leftover fabric from a couple Aprons I am making….

I thought that I may just have enough fabric there to experiment with a Lap Quilt.

I should have been cleaning my house, especially since Laura is coming this weekend.

But I had the entire day off and really wanted to create something.

Sigh.

So after the kitchen was cleaned thoroughly

and while I did ten loads of laundry,

I quilted.

I was happy with how the little quilt turned out.

Keep in mind that I put it together without a pattern

and I’m still too nervous and inexperienced to try free-motion quilting,

so…it’s nothing to write home about.

I hope you have a FANTASTIC weekend!

xoxo, Christie

You will now see more sewing on my layouts.

Do you want to know why?

Even if you don’t want to know…I’m about to tell you.

I have purchased my very first sewing machine!

I bought this little beauty from Bill Blakely and got a screaming deal:

I was expecting to pay around $300.

I paid $65.

I love you Bill Blakely.

And I love my machine!

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I purchased my Janome last Saturday.

I wasn’t feeling very well but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to visit with Bill {I was introduced by my sweet friend Courtney} and perhaps purchase a used machine.

Even though I wasn’t feeling well, I couldn’t help but start to sew.

And then I kept sewing. all. day. long.

I made this apron:

And this purse:

And this purse too:

Not bad for a beginner, aye?

OK, I’m bursting at the seams with excitement!  Just in case you haven’t heard yet, I been selected to be part of the 2010 Graphic 45 Design Team!  I’m so happy to be able to continue designing for Graphic 45, it’s such an amazing company to work for.

The amazingly talented women on the 2009 Design Team are fabulous. Each one of the women I worked with inspired me and I will miss working with them dearly.

I’ve been visiting all the 2010 member blogs and I am so excited to work with the 2010 gals too. What an honor to be able to work with such talented ladies (past and present).

Speaking of Graphic 45, my Graphic 45 Beach Album kits are now available at The Scrappy Gourmet.

The Graphic 45 Beach Album is featured on the Scrappy Gourmet website for the whole month of April. How fun is that?  It makes me feel special (and I’m totally not).

Another little ditty I want to share…

My sweet friend Courtney, the one I posted about HERE, came by last night to teach me how to make a purse.  Courtney promised to help me and she definitely made good on her promise.  This darling girl toted her sewing machine AND her surger to my house and stayed for FOUR HOURS.  She was so patient and made me feel like I was doing a good job.  Gosh, I’m lucky to have Courtney as a friend.

Here’s Courtney at her machine (helping me…patiently):

And here are some photos of the purse we made together:

I love it!  It was so much fun to make. I will definitely be purchasing a sewing machine. Very. Soon.

Here’s a link to Courtney’s Sewing Blog:

Watch Me Sew

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

xoxo, Christie