Thursday, March 23, 2017

Grand Opening celebration--with a giveaway!

Hi everyone!  Today we are celebrating my friend Bernie and the expansion of her Etsy fabric store, Needle and Foot Fine Fabrics.  You can find the shop HERE.  Bernie has had a shop for a while, but a couple of months ago she expanded it into a full service fabric store carrying new fabrics and some vintage pieces and patterns.  Bernie is also sponsoring a great giveaway, which appears at the end of this post.

To the project! Here is what I made with fabric that I got from Bernie's new shop:


I used the Modern Tykes line and made alphabet letters and a storage basket for my tiny grandson!  He can't read yet, of course, but it's never too early to start. And based on how much he's chewed on them, he already loves them.  As a bonus, these are genuinely some of the cutest and easiest things I've ever made.


These letters are super-easy to make.  The biggest challenge is deciding on the alphabet font and the size that you want.  My letters turned out to be about 4 inches tall (the width depended on the letter, of course).


To find an alphabet, you can go into Microsoft Word, look at all those fonts and choose one, then go to Text Effects, and (I assume) say some magic words and wave a magic wand to get the alphabet you want.  Or you can go to Pinterest or Google and search for alphabet printables or alphabet coloring pages and find one that way.  That's what I did.


I used the Modern Tykes fabric for the fronts of the letters and solid charms for the backs.  Once I printed the letters and cut them out, I traced them on the solids backwards in chalk.  This ensures that the solids will always be on the backs of the letters, with the fun fabric on top. Then I sandwiched them with two layers of quilt batting and just straight stitched around the letters.  This is a great place to use up those trimmings from the sides of quilts.  Two layers makes them extra nice and puffy.


After stitching, I just cut out the letters with pinking shears.  Pro tip: do this over a table!  You will have a huge thready mess after trimming.  Seriously, thread and lint everywhere. 


If you're giving these to a small child you may want to wash them before gifting them.  (The letters he got went straight into my tiny grandson's mouth, after all.)  I suggest washing the fabric before construction and then tossing the finished letters into the dryer to get some of the lint off.  When they're washed, the letters shrink a little and twist, which is not a problem except when you want something to look "new" for a gift.  Otherwise, you can wash them and then iron them out again.  Your call!


What about this cute basket?  I made this from a tutorial by Film in the Fridge, found HERE.  It's super-easy  and only took two fat quarters.  I used a piece of leftover quilt batting instead of interfacing and it worked great.  Best of all, that size basket holds more than one entire alphabet.  This is the small, but she also gives instructions for a larger bin as well. 


My grandson's full name is really long, and I wanted hm to be able to spell out the whole thing eventually,  so I made him two sets of consonants and five sets of vowels.  I was able to get all of those letters plus the basket out of the set of fat quarters I received from Bernie.  I did add a whole mess of solid charms and the lining for the basket from my stash, but you should be able to get at least two full alphabets from the fat quarters if you use them for both the front and the back.


Now for the giveaway!  Bernie has generously offered one winner from each participating blogger a choice of either six fat quarters or three half yards from her new shop!  Your choice!  To enter, go on over to Bernie's shop (click HERE) and find something you like, then come back here and leave a comment letting me know what you might get if you win.  (Do yourself a favor and "favorite" her shop while you're there so you can find it again easily!)  For a second entry, follow Bernie on Facebook or on Instagram and leave a comment back here to let me know.  Two entries per person, please.  (Don't make me be an enforcer!  I hate it!)  International readers can also win, but will have to split the shipping with Bernie.

**If you are a no-reply blogger, make sure to leave an email where I can reach you!  If I can't notify you, you can't win!**

***This giveaway is now closed!  Congratulations to Allison!***

I will choose one winner randomly at noon on Tuesday, March 28.  But you can have many other chances to win by visiting all the other great bloggers who are participating in this hop!  Here is the schedule:
As an added bonus for everyone who has made it to the end of this blog post, Bernie is offering 15% off any orders of $5 or more from her shop, through Sunday, March 26.  Fifteen percent! That means the Modern Tykes fat quarter bundle would be only $14.45 before tax and shipping!  Use the code NANDFREADERS15 at checkout to get your discount.

Good luck to everyone, and be sure to go over and check out Bernie's shop even if you aren't entering the giveaway.  She's standing by with rotary cutter at the ready and is just itching to fill your order!  Seriously, she's very easy to work with and ships fast.


Have a great weekend!

Sharing at Confessions of a Fabric Addict and Finished or Not Friday.

124 comments:

Stitchin At Home said...

I love your letters! what a great gift for a little one! I like the colour weave textures.

Stitchin At Home said...

I follow Needle and Foot on IG.

Lodi said...

I follow the N&F blog, and on FB. I LOVE so many of Bernie's fabrics: Alison Glass, the low volume fat quarter bundle, and that buzzing bee is to die for! Your projects for your grandson are so cute and timely! I just ordered Moda's Spell it With Fabric letters to make something for my 5 day old granddaughter!

Liz Horgan said...

I love your letters! When one of my nieces or nephews start a family, I make them an alphabet quilt. This is another great idea!Thanks.
I thought the little tykes bundle would be nice to make the letters with, realized it looked familiar and then realized that's what you used! My second choice is the Mexican Dress Morning-bright and happy colors!

Liz Horgan said...

I started following on instagram earlier this week when the blog started!

Jan @Cocoa Quilts said...

Mesh joy is my pick. I think it is perfect for happy low volume use.

Jan @Cocoa Quilts said...

I am following on IG

Amy said...

Your letters are so much fun! I can picture your grandson chewing away, and the good thing is no drool. What a great toy. And I really like Bernie's selection of Art Gallery Fabrics. That Fiesta bundle is tickling my fancy.

Linda Williamson said...

I love the Garden Dreamer collection from Maureen Cracknell. Thanks for the giveaway. grinnie1961 at gmail dot com

Linda Williamson said...

I follow Needle and Foot on IG. grinnie1961 at gmail dot com

Danette said...

I would like to purchase some Color Weave or Pure Elements. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net

Danette said...

I am following Needle and Foot on Facebook and Bloglovin. I also favorited her shop. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net

KaHolly said...

Clever post! I've already favorited a number of fabrics in Bernies shop! There are some pretty irresistible choices! I'm eyeballing those Mochachino Flowers this morning.

KaHolly said...

I follow Bernie every place she goes!

Anna brown said...

Rainbow on white and small letters in black... happyness04431@yahoo.com

Anna brown said...

I follow barn on facebook.. happyness04431@yahoo.com

Susan L. said...

Love these letters! I would pick the Color Weave Textured Solids, Fat Quarter Bundle.

Susan L. said...

I follow Needle and Foot on Instagram.

Monica said...

The Color Weave Textured Solids, Fat Quarter Bundle by P & B Textiles. I'm ordering one as soon as payday comes.

Monica said...

I follow Needle and Foot on Instagram

Monica said...

I follow Needle and Foot on Facebook.

Bernie Kringel said...

Mari, This is a great project. I like the size of the letters - it will be so much fun to play games with your little guy and this bin of letters. I can think of so many ways to play with them. Great post. Thank you so much for participating in the hop!!

Kim said...

Your project is awesome for the little ones. I love the Basically Low bundle. Perfect background prints.

Kathy H said...

The bin is so cute and I love the alphabet letters. They would be fun to play with. My favorite fabrics in the shop are the maker maker, especially the cats.

Kathy H said...

I am following needle and foot on Facebook.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Just flagged Needle and Foot on Etsy as a favorite shop (and placed my first order - Basically Low bundle and the Color Weave bundle). I'm also following her on IG. I love the Basically Low fabrics - they would be my choice . . .

Kath said...

Flourish in Periwinkle by Alison Glass (really anything by AG) and also Sweet Tweets by Kim Schaefer (great black\whites) were just two items to catch my eye when I went N&F'window shopping'. Your alphabet letters are darlinf!

Nancy said...

I like the Fat Quarter Bundle-Mochachino by Penny Sturges for Red Rooster Fabric

Nancy said...

I'm following Needle and Foot on FB and IG

Kath said...

I began following Needle and Foot on IG on it's grand opening.

Lori said...

FQ Basically Low from her shop
Your letters and basket are so sweet

Lori said...

I follow her on FB and Instagram

Quilting Tangent said...

Drizzle, Purple Batik made by Island Batik is one of my favorites. 24Tangent@gmail.com

Rozz01 said...

Luv the Color Weave Textured Solids Fat Quarter Bundle by P & B Textiles.
rozz01 at cox dot net

Rozz01 said...

I follow Needle & Foot on FB rozz01 at cox dot net

Jayne said...

What a very clever idea for the alphabet!! And the perfect little basket too!

Dawn F said...

I like the color weave bundle. Cute idea with the alphabet!!

Jayne said...

I would love to add a bundle of Basically Low to my stash

Jayne said...

I followed Needle and Foot on Instagram

Karen said...

Love your sweet grandchild toys! I'm smitten with those Maker Black Cats.

Laura said...

Thanks for sharing your project, lucky grandma you! My pick is Birds in Multi Colors from Modern Tykes. Those birds are so happy making.

Laura said...

I follow Bernie on instagram.

Lisa J. said...

What a fun project! I've been to Bernie's shop a few times and I think my current favourite is the hash tag fabric.

Lisa J. said...

I follow Bernie on Instagram already.

Sewgirl said...

I like the small letters and typewriter fabrics. Your projects are great...love the letters!

Sewgirl said...

I follow Needle and Foot on Instagram.

Michele T said...

Great fabric selection in her shop... I have my eyes on some of the black and white Andover fabric!!

Michele T said...

I follow Needle and Foot on IG via @ winkowl

Renata S said...

I found a bundle of fat quarters that were basically low for Red Rooster. I like those

Paige said...

Some Bella solids would be nice! Your alphebet is adorable!

Paige said...

I follow via IG!

Mona Phelps said...

I like the maker maker fabric

Mona Phelps said...

I follow needle and foot on IG

Allison C said...

I'd get some solids and/or some Alison Glass

Allison C said...

I follow NAF on FB

Pamela said...

Your letters and basket are delightful! I can just imagine little hands enjoying some tactile fun. I would chose some Alison Glass from Bernie's shop. Thanks for the fun!

Pamela said...

I follow Needle and Foot on Instagram/ Thanks again!

PatriciaLud said...

I keep changing my mind - but I think I'd like the color weave textured solids best.

PatriciaLud said...

i follow Needle and Foot through the blog.

OhioLori said...

Oh my gosh!!! LOOOOOVE your Alphbet & Bucket idea!! I have a lil Granboy that will b 2 years old next month!! Would get the "Modern Tyke" Fat Quarter Bundle!!! & make him a set!! How fun!! (that is if you don't mind me being a copycat of sorts!!) Thank you for chance to win the give-a-way..and Specially for sharing this sweet idea!! :D

carol said...

I like the Moda basics. All the shades of Gray are also calling me.

Beth said...

Those "Cheerios on Black" are a fun background fabric. I can always use that in my stash.

Beth said...

I follow Bernie on Instagram, where I am @wordygirl11.

Angie said...

I really like the Mexican dress mornings fat quarters bundle. Sew pretty!! Good luck everyone in the giveaway!! angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom

pamspretties57 said...

Hiya!!! I love those Fiesta Fun prints from AG Fabrics. So sunny and bright. Thanks for participating in th giveaway. Blessed be, hugs!!!
pamspretties57 at gmail dot com

pamspretties57 said...

Hiya!!! I follow the blog and on Instagram and Facebook. Thanks for participating in th giveaway. Blessed be, hugs!!!
pamspretties57 at gmail dot com

Puppilalla said...

I follow 'Needle and Foot' on IG as Puppilalla

Puppilalla said...

I would make a bee line for the Alison Glass prints

Kate said...

Love your letters! Very fun!

Marian said...

Love the basically low FQ bundle from Red Rooster. Thanks for the chance to win! sayers.gmlren@gmail.com

rosemaryschild said...

I love Maureen Cracknell's Nightfall & Garden Dreamer (Bumble Buzz & Climbing Posies)-great crisp colors! Thank you, Susan

rosemaryschild said...

I follow Needle & Foot on Facebook!

suzanprincess said...

I'm coveting the black on white Andover fabric Hip to be Square; it will go so well with so many other fabrics, or maybe even on its own for a blouse.

Lisa said...

I follow Needle & Foot on facebook!

Christine said...

I am seriously crushing on anything Alison Glass. I also need to start stashing some low volume prints so either would work for me. Thank you and Bernie for the chance to win. momoftana at yahoo dot com

Christine said...

I already follow Bernie on Facebook. Thanks again. momoftana at yahoo dot com

Chiska said...

It's a toss up for me between the Mexican dresss morning and the color weave textured solids. So many great ones!

Rina Mason said...

I follow Bernie on IG under Chanzy01

Rina Mason said...

I am loving the Color Weave Fabrics an the Hash Tag but there are so many yummy fabrics to select from.

kathy slaughter cummings said...

I would like one of the textured solid bundles! Thank you.
kcummings71@gmail.com

mumbird3 said...

Alison Glass is my fav!!! Lots of choices!!! mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com

mumbird3 said...

I follow Bernie on instagram as mumbird3 :) mumbird3(At)gmail(dot)com

Susan said...

The color weave textured fabrics.

Brenda said...

I would choose Wallflower in Cherry and in Grass from True Colors by Amy Butler and Lily Birds in Coral by Alice Kennedy for Timeless Treasures definitely but their are so many beautiful fabric selections and I also adore the clothes pin bags! brendunderscoreackatyahoodotcom

Brenda said...

I follow Needle and Thread on Facebook and by email!

Brenda said...

I also wanted to say that your bag and all of your letters is a fantastic idea and they look awesome! You chose the perfect fabrics with all of the bright colors and shapes for this project, you and your Grandson will play with them for years! So Thank You for sharing and inspiring with your great projects and also for the chance at a great giveaway in support of Bernie! Have a great day!

GranChris said...

I love your Bag of letters. So much fun. I should make a bag for my grandson.

Nancy J said...

The batiks are beautiful and " Crystal Cove" is a dreamy fabric. The letters and their bin are so lovely, and a gift that the little one will grow into, lovely pinked edges. And so CHEWY !!!

Nancy J said...

I follow Needle and Thread on Facebook, what a fab site to visit.

Cathy L Wilson said...

I follow N & F on Instagram
cathylouwilson@gmail.com

Cathy L Wilson said...

I love the color weave textured fabric! My first grandchild should arrive in August, I'll have to make a bucket of letters soon!!

Diana @ Red Delicious Life said...

She has a nice collection of Alison Glass fabrics. Would have to go with one of those prints.

Diana @ Red Delicious Life said...

I follow N&F on facebook.

Vicki H said...

I would get Bella solids.

Vicki H said...

I am following her on FB and liked her Etsy shop.

mangozz said...

I really like CATS in Black Maker Maker by Sarah Golden, Numbered in Peacock Blue by Alison Glass and Renewal in Opal by Alison Glass among others! Thanks.

mangozz said...

I'm following her on FB.

Sarah J said...

I love Rainbow on White and Bumble Buzz- they would make the sweetest sundresses for my little girl!

Sarah J said...

I follow Needle and Foot on IG!

Bec said...

I love the Cherry Blossom fabrics. :) Thanks for the chance to win!

Bec said...

I'm following on instagram. :)

Julie in GA said...

There are some great black and white prints that I would love to get!
Thanks for the giveaway.

Emily C said...

Ooo. Definitely some Crystal Cove in green!

Judi Duncan said...

HIp to be Square.....I love colorful prints

Judi Duncan said...

I follow on facebook

Christine said...

I would get a Mondern Tykes FQ bundle to make some of those adorable alphabet letters for my Great Niece!

Christine said...

I follow Needle &Foot on Instagram: @christinesquilt

Rhonda said...

Thanks for the chance! I love the textured-pattern solids, my stash could use more solids:) marshudson AT comcast DOT net

Lee said...

Maker Maker FQ Bundle by Sarah Golden for Andover Fabric is what I love in the shop! I did add as a favorite on etsy! thank you and i love your fabric alphas!

Lee said...

I also follow her on Facebook!

Kathy E. said...

These are awesome letters for a baby or toddler! I have always wanted to make some and your tip about keeping the solids on the back is a great one...need to remember that! I follow Bernie on FB, IG and Bloglovin' and even ordered fabric from her late last night. I got notification early today that it was already on its way! Gotta love Bernie!

Kathy E. said...

If I win, I'll order Color Weave Textured Solids, Fat Quarter Bundle by P & B Textiles. Because I've already sent in an order, I found my favorites, but this bundle would be a super set of blenders!

Preeti said...

Bernie and I are friends on FB and I had already favorited her Easy shop a while ago :-D
I have a few goodies in my shopping basket which I will get as soon as I post this comment. I am not going to wait and let someone else beat me to it. But if I win, I'd love to get - Fat Quarter Bundle, 9 pieces Seventy Six by Alison Glass for Andover Fabric. Go Bernie!!!

Preeti said...

I follow Bernie on my Blogger's Reading List.

Swedish Scrapper said...

Lovely letters! I just adore the Laura Gunn Cherry Blossoms prints in Bernie's new shop.

Swedish Scrapper said...

I'm now following Needle and Foot on IG as @agalinsweden!

pippirose said...

Love the letters! I would probably get Birds on Taupe from Modern Tyke by Kim Diehl for Henry Glass.

pippirose said...

I follow on FB (Piroska B...)

asteride said...

I would get a Maureen Cracknell bundle, love the climbing posies!

asteride said...

I follow Needle and Foot on Instagram!

Calypso said...

Too difficult to choose! Love the Garden Dreamer bundle.

Calypso said...

Following Needle and Foot on Facebook.

Jen Barnard said...

I'd pick Numbered in Peacock Blue, among others.
jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

eileen said...

I like the Tykes fat quarters...real cute!
Eileen ekmvalencia@gmail.com