Mardi Gras Time! Applique embroidery designs

March 8th is Mardi Gras time!  (2011)

 I love this time of year, and it brings back some fun memories of living in New Orleans as a child. 
Dad used to have a ladder, with a little seat on top we'd bring to parades.  I'd sit up on the seat, yelling "Throw me sumthin Mista!"
Although Mardi Gras parades aren't really thought of as "innocent"... we always made it a family affair. 

We would dance in the streets with the bands, chase beads and doubloons.  Mom always wanted us to soak up the culture.  I remember King Cakes in Elementary school, and at Blue Birds.

To celebrate this time, here's two sweet Mardi Gras designs.  Stitch one up just for fun. In true cajun fashion, I've added some lagniappe. (Type in code lagniappe for an extra $1 off when you order.)
  
"Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez"

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

New Coupon Codes Are up on the site

New Coupon codes are now available on the site. They are only good until 1-31-2011, so take a look.

Valentine's Day is coming!! What wonderful things are you stitching up? I have new designs that can be used as pencil toppers or hair pretties, with instructions included. Also Valentine stuffies! Put something fun in their box this year.

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

You Rock My Heart Valentine Applique embroidery design

I love Valentine's Day-- and not just for the chocolate!

I love the look on the girls faces as they open their little cards. I love that whole childhood anticipation.... and yes, I'm a sucker for chocolate.

Here's a new design you could use for a boy's shirt too. Just make the colors a little more masculine, and it could be a great addition.

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Turkey Applique SALE!

I love this little guy! So before you stuff yourself this week-- stitch up some fun.

Intro priced this week only for $1.50 on the website.

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Wow! Need an Update- What a turkey!

Well, sometimes life gets in the way of blogging. A customer (thank you!) reminded me that my blog still shows the 60% sale-- thanks to all my great customers, I'm now at 154 Etsy sales!

The current sale is Buy 2, Get 1 Free! Here's how it works. Purchase your two designs on the same invoice. Then in the "notes to seller" indicate your free design choice. That's it! Please do not "buy" your free design, as Etsy will charge me fees for it.

AND... a new cute turkey and light saber applique designs are available on Etsy. I hope to have them up one my website later tonight.

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

White Robots Can't Dance...

Robots.





They can do many things-- rhythm is not in their nature.



Coming soon, hopefully this week. I'm trying him with glitter fabric for a Disco ball head!



MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

New! Applique Girls are Weird Font

One of my favorite fonts, personally- now available as applique for your sewing machine!

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

keepsmeinstitches.com

Comes in three sizes of lowercase letters: 3" (fits 4x4 hoops) 4" and 5".

Some letters (like J, l, k) are taller.

Download it instantly with your payment! PLUS... Special sale through Labor Day, all fonts are $5!

Along came a spider...

A new spider !

Applique for the 5 x 7 hoop. Cut as you go in the hoop.

http://keepsmeinstitches.com


MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Awww.. Baby! New Carriage / Pram design

This one's in honor of a new little cutie I met at the pool this summer. Her mom is learning to sew, which inspired my to make up a few baby designs.

This is the first of several applique designs.

For more information, please see the Keeps Me In Stitches embroidery section.

Halloween Designs Get one Free!

I've been working on some new appliques for the upcoming Halloween season. Something not too scary, just a little fun!

All are done in stitch as you go applique, with minimal overlap stitches.

As a special for those who are readers of the blog, just write the word "blog reader" with your payment and when you buy 2, I'll send you the other one free!

They are up now in the Etsy shop!

Buzzzzzz!!! Bumble Bee Bibs

Love love LOVE these new bibs. Almost makes me wish I had someone this little again. (well, almost...)

I've been sewing up stuff in anticipation of an upcoming showcase. These just sort of struck me, as I had the perfect fabric in my stash! I'll make them until the fabric is gone, then move on.

The pattern (yes, sometimes I use one...) is from Precious Patterns on Etsy. She does a wonderful job of designing cuteness and supports the cottage industry by allowing you to sell up to 5 things from her patterns at a time. I've changed the pattern a bit because although I love her cuteness, I could never stand tie bibs. This one has been adapted to have velcro that doubles back, so it's not easily yanked off. Easy on, but Mommy off. :-)

Can't wait? This one's in the store....

Here's a glimpse on something else I'm working on:

I can smell the newly sharpened pencils! :)