The Molly Patch

Coming Soon!

2011-08-25T09:03:00.002-04:00

We are at the beginning of the holiday crafting season. I am so excited to share some of the new items I've added to The Molly Patch catalog! I just found out that I am confirmed for the Vienna Woman's Club Holiday Bazaar in November. I am still waiting on information for two additional shows, also in Northern Virginia. November seems a ways off still, but it's just a little over two months away. That will sneak up on us in no time!

Spotlight: Hostess Aprons

2010-11-08T11:42:00.004-05:00

I love wearing an apron. Not only does it protect my clothes from the inevitable spills in life, but they can be a stylish accessory. At the Holiday Bazaar this coming Saturday, I'll have several to choose from.

For those who want an apron to wear at times other than Christmas, I have this lovely green and blue apron. I'll also have a couple of pink apple aprons, which aren't finished as of today.
This cute apron matches my pillowcases, and there will also be a coordinating table runner. If this makes you happy, then come early! I would hate for someone to buy what you have your heart set on.
I think this one is my favorite. It reminds me of a time when you took off the apron you had been wearing all day and put on a fresh one for your husbands arrival.
Lastly, here we have my mom modeling her apron. The ruffle on the bottom and the yolk top create a flattering look that will last for years to come.

Spotlight: Buttercup Bag

2010-10-28T07:17:00.004-04:00

I recently became an authorized seller of the Buttercup Bag (pattern by Rae Hoekstra). These delightful little bags add a punch of style and personality. Flower carries one to church. To give you an idea on space, she can fit her scriptures and her notebook in it.

I think this one might be my favorite. I love the swirling lines and the polka dots surrounding the paisley motifs.
Then I look at this one, and I think it might be my favorite. Love the graphic flowers!
Inside there is a small pocket, perfect for keys or your cell phone, and it's closed with a magnetic closure.
Come November 13 to the Vienna Community Center and see which one is your favorite!

Pillowcases Galore

2010-10-22T08:21:00.002-04:00

I am busily sewing for the November 13 Vienna Woman's Club Holiday Bazaar. I have a lot of fun things I'll be selling at my booth. I hope you'll come! One of my offerings will be Christmas pillow cases. Sold in sets of two, these pillowcases are guaranteed to bring on visions of sugarplums.

I'm using a new technique for these. The main difference from my previous pillowcases is the cute accent strip below the band. It just makes them that much more special.
The seams, zey are French.
While most of the fabrics feature bright colors that invoke a "marshmallow world" feeling, I also have some more traditional offerings.
Here are 15 finished sets (please pay no attention to the mess). All told there will be nearly 25 sets of pillowcases to choose from. Who are you buying for? Yourself? A friend? Anyone of any age would love these this Christmas time!

A Few New Things

2010-10-07T19:13:00.001-04:00

I have posted a few new things in my etsy shop. These cute banners would make the perfect addition to your spooky soiree this season!

A Few More Options

2010-06-26T14:37:00.000-04:00

Options for Alzers17

2010-06-24T18:39:00.001-04:00

Once again using the blog to show someone options!

Etsy Update

2010-05-27T16:03:00.002-04:00

I have added a few things to the etsy shop this week. First up is a cover for an e-reader, like Kindle or Nook. I added 3.

Next I added this felt dress up quiet book. Cute, no? I made one for Mini-me and she has taken it everywhere this week. The clothes are super cute and colorful. Trust me when I say it's hours of fun.

So go forth and shop! I have some other things in my head that will hopefully make it to the sewing machine before too long. My next two things to master are little boy ties and American Girl clothes. Oh, to have a serger!

Etsy Shop

2010-03-19T11:37:00.001-04:00

We're open. Come check us out!

Tuesday Etsy Update

2010-03-16T12:02:00.003-04:00

I took a trip to Joann's today to pick up some rick rack. I love rick rack. I love saying rick rack. The rick rack is for some hostess aprons, which will hopefully be made today. And then, the leftover fabric from the aprons will magically turn into notebooks. It's exciting to make things for my shop. Hopefully you all will be as excited to buy the things from my shop!

Now I'm off to enjoy the blue sky before I get to work!

Etsy Shop

2010-03-15T21:54:00.002-04:00

The Molly Patch is coming to etsy! The shop will be open for business this Friday, March 19. Check us out!

Little Notebooks

2010-01-13T07:03:00.000-05:00

I talked about these little notebooks on my personal blog, but wanted to highlight them here as well.
These were made as Christmas gifts for my two older girls. The notebooks are for their library totes, which they take to church.

Mini-me also requested one for her teacher, which I didn't take a picture of, dang it.

I have one in my diaper bag. They are great for writing down directions, or for small shopping lists.

Family Quilt

2010-01-12T18:58:00.003-05:00

One of the fun projects I completed this holiday season was this family quilt. The mom, Jessica, wanted something special to give to her in-laws. Each child decorated their own block with fabric markers. Jessica and her husband did the center block. She asked me to use very neutral colors, since her mother-in-law was especially partial to earth tones. I found some really great shades of brown and cream, framed each block, and then created the two side blocks. The quilting is just straight line quilting, so as to not take away from the creativity of the individual blocks.

Pencil Roll

2009-12-31T07:56:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of Amelia Johnson Photography.

This is one of my new, and recently more popular items -- the Pencil Roll. It fits 24 colored pencils, or Crayola Twist-Ups, and also fits nicely in a Library Tote! It rolls up nicely, and also lies flat when open.

Library Totes

2009-12-30T18:26:00.000-05:00

7 lucky little girls got these 7 colorful bags as Christmas gifts.

Upcoming Show

2009-10-27T13:04:00.002-04:00

I have a show coming up this Saturday, October 31 in Thurmont, MD. I will have my regular fabulous items to sell, like purses and pillowcases, as well as some new things. Over the next few days I'll post photos of the newer items. If you're interested in coming and need details, leave me a comment with your email address and I'll get you all the info. If you cannot come to the show, but would like to purchase something, leave a comment with your info as well.

Completed Quilt

2009-09-24T12:39:00.003-04:00

Here is the finished commissioned baby quilt. It ended up being 44" square, which is large for a baby quilt. But, I think it gives room to grow.

I pieced the back, which is a new thing for me. I like the look it gives and that it has a patchwork vibe to it as well.
Here is a close up of the quilting and my fabulous label. I did a meandering stipple throughout. When it's washed, it should have really nice texture.

New Quilt

2009-09-08T07:27:00.003-04:00

I got an order yesterday for a baby quilt. I chose these fabrics because they are sweet and soft and are tailor made for baby. I'm doing 9-Patch blocks separated by pink sashing. The border will be the pink fabric with sheep. Check back in a few days for a finished quilt top. This baby is coming in October, so the quilt needs to be done in a few weeks. It will be a very sweet quilt.

Daddy Diaper Tote

2009-08-16T15:41:00.003-04:00

I first made this take-along bag for a baby shower. I have since modified it, and have come up with this little gem. It is the perfect size -- about 9" x 12" -- and can hold diapers, a wipes case, and a change of clothes. Why do I call it the "Daddy Diaper Tote?" When my babies need to be changed in public, and it's my husband's turn, he hates to take the whole diaper bag. He prefers just to be handed to diapers and the wipes. Many times, he came back to me, just to need the new outfit I stash in my bag. With the Daddy Diaper Tote, dads can take everything they need to change baby, and not have to come back to mom for anything extra.

If you'd like to order one, email me at jana@mollypatch.com.

Upcoming Show

2009-08-12T19:19:00.002-04:00

Hey there! For all of you in the Maryland/West Virginia/Virginia/Pennsylvania area, I will be participating in a craft show on October 31 in Thurmont, Maryland. More details to come, but put the date on your calendar, and tell your friends!

New Post Coming Soon!

2009-07-30T08:35:00.001-04:00

I know it has been way too long since I updated this blog, but never fear, new projects are in the works! Look for new posts starting next week.

Dick and Jane, The End

2009-05-07T09:18:00.004-04:00

I put the finishing touches on the Dick and Jane quilt this morning. I am delivering it this afternoon. Thanks for your input on the border! The customer chose the yellow border with the bubble corners. My customer wanted the baby's name on the quilt, so I went to my local shop that sells embroidery machines and asked them to do it for me.

Here is the back. I put the Molly Patch label on the bottom left corner. I love this fabric. The baby can learn to read while having tummy time.

A close up of the name.

Dick and Jane, II

2009-04-14T21:15:00.002-04:00

Here is a second Dick and Jane quilt, this time with a royal blue in place of the red, and a sky blue in place of the blue in the original. I really like how this turned out, and I liked being able to rethink the colors. Sometimes when I choose fabrics, it's hard for me to see things a different way. This was a great exercise for my brain.

Now the question is the border. With the first quilt, I had chosen a light yellow with corners made out of the Dick and Jane bubble fabric. I liked how it worked with the first, because all of the primary colors were prominently represented. I think it also looks nice here, and has kind of a soft feel, perfect for a baby. I also really like the bubble fabric, with the characters in circles, also pulling in the dots found in the main part of the quilt.

Here is option two. It keeps the yellow in the quilt, but uses it as a narrow first border. The outer border would be this fabric that I like to describe as a bead curtain.
Any thoughts?

Brown/Green/Blue Quilt

2009-04-08T20:43:00.003-04:00

This quilt was delivered this week. Sadly, I did not take a picture of the whole quilt. Andrea -- if you're reading this, please email me a picture of it in use!

This quilt is made up of 20 large blocks. I had one block left over, so I made a throw pillow to match.

Dick and Jane Quilt

2009-03-24T16:56:00.004-04:00

This is the start of a Dick and Jane quilt. Still to be added are a narrow green border and a larger yellow border. The finished quilt will be about 40 inches square. I love the retro feel of this fabric. Retro is so modern.

Pink Apron Set

2009-03-13T23:51:00.004-04:00

This set was created for a lucky 7 year old for her birthday. Her mom told me her favorite colors were pink and purple, and I immediately thought of this fabric. She also got an American Girl doll for Christmas, so a coordinated doll apron was a must-have.

Mini-me was my model for the day. Models don't always smile. This apron is a size 6, while Mini-me is a 4, just to give you an idea of fit.

The apron has a yolk top, which eliminates the tie at the neck. The straps on the doll apron criss-cross on the back.

My favorite part of the little girl aprons are the pockets. They have a gathered bottom half. Too cute!

Gifts

2009-02-26T20:56:00.003-05:00

One thing I love about owning my own business is using friends and family is guinea pigs. Twice this week I have tested new patterns and then given them as gifts.

Exhibit A:

For my sister-in-law's birthday, I made her a little zippered pouch. It's good sized, about 5.5 x

8.5 x 1.

Exhibit B:

I went to a baby shower tonight and made this cute little (read: huge!) bag to go inside her diaper bag. I envision she'll put diapers and wipes in it, and then hand it and the baby to her husband when the baby needs a diaper change. Or, it can hold an extra outfit. Another fun use would be as a gym bag, for when you go workout and put your child in the daycare for an hour.

It folds up easily and is machine washable, and measures about 12 x 15

I have not yet worked out prices for these. If you're interested, leave a comment with your email address, or email me at jana@mollypatch.com.

Teeny Tote

2009-02-24T08:43:00.002-05:00

This bag is the same height as the small tote, but about half the length. Perfect for the tween or teen!

Spring Tote

2009-02-17T17:39:00.000-05:00

Toile Diaper Bag

2009-01-23T18:17:00.001-05:00

Here is a diaper bag that I did for a customer that she received today.

Custom Bag

2009-01-16T08:06:00.001-05:00

The customer who wanted this asked for something dark but bright. Red definitely fits that description! This is one of my smaller bags.

Diaper Bags

2009-01-07T14:29:00.004-05:00

When I had my babies, I went through several diaper bags, searching for the perfect one. The main problem was that there were never enough pockets, my keys got lost, the straps were the wrong length, and they just weren't the perfect color for me. If only I had known how to make these back then! Roomy pockets, in and out, a small tab on the front for keys (or even baby's favorite toy), great straps, just perfect for throwing the bag over your shoulder, and in easily customizable colors. Not to mention all the room inside! And, at $60, you can afford more than one, in case you tire the color.

Be My Fan!

2009-01-06T22:21:00.001-05:00

The Molly Patch is now on Facebook. Show your support and become a fan!

Valentine's Day Pillowcases

2009-01-05T15:35:00.002-05:00

Pillowcases are a great way to decorate for a holiday. They are fun, and, best of all, they don't take up much room when it's time to pack them away. These are $25 a set. Currently, I have only one set in stock, but if you order before January 20, I will be able to ship before February 1. Email me at jana at mollypatch dot com if you are interested! Please specify color preferences, as this fabric no longer available in stores.

Happy 2009!

2009-01-02T21:07:00.002-05:00

I love a new year. New projects, new ideas, new everything. I have some really fun ideas for The Molly Patch, so please keep coming back. Over the next month, I'll whip up some fabulous new creations. Keep an eye out for the following:

Picnic Quilts
Valentine Pillowcases
Birthday Placemats
On-the-go Silverware Holders
Bedtime Book Caddies

...and much more! I'll be scheduling some shows in the DC area coming up at the end of February. Check back starting Monday for some fabulous new things!

What to Do?

2008-12-20T08:20:00.002-05:00

Nearly everyone has a pile of t-shirts, commemorating their past. But what do you do with those? If you wear them and keep washing them, they'll wear out! That's why I make t-shirt quilts. This one was made as a graduation gift last spring. They are the perfect gift for Father's Day, graduation, Valentine's Day, Easter, Christmas, well, you get the idea. So gather up those shirts that you just love and have them made into a soft, warm quilt! My prices on these are very reasonable -- they start at just $250.

It's a Sham!

2008-12-18T08:08:00.000-05:00

Two, actually. These go with the two twin sized cowboy quilts I'm working on for a very special customer. I used Michael Miller fabric for these and followed a tutorial I found online. The red inner border matches the red in the quilts, and the outer border and back is denim. I love the main fabric in the middle. I call it a cow print, but Michael calls it a pony print. Whatever you call it, I love it!

Done!

2008-12-17T14:48:00.001-05:00

The items from my first show are done and delivered. What a great feeling that is! My workshop feels much lighter.

The brown bags were filled with smaller items, like the aprons or "feminine rolls." Then, each bag and purse had a tag with the person's name on it.

These 6 bags were just part of what I did this past month. I had 3 other orders from people not at the show, and those bags had already been delivered. Curly's favorite is the black and white bag. I would have a hard time picking a favorite. I loved them all. The fabric with the blue background with green and brown flowers was very popular. It was represented in 5 bags of the 9 bags.

One of These Things is Not Like the Other

2008-12-13T00:53:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, I was trying to complete 5 aprons at once. I had a really good system down, but then I noticed something not quite right. Can you spot it?

No? How about another view.

See it now? Yes, the blue apple/pear fabric was cut upside down. Whoops!

But, some things did go right. Isn't this the cutest pocket? It's for the children's apron.

For Dolls

2008-12-11T18:42:00.000-05:00

My girls are obsessed with dolls. There is always a doll stashed in remote corners of the house. So, I went with the flow. Here are two great things for their dolls: a quilt and an apron . They retail f0r $20 each, and, as always, are done custom, just for you.

Custom Quilts

2008-12-10T09:47:00.000-05:00

Red, Black, and White

Green Batik

Chocolate Purse

2008-12-10T09:45:00.001-05:00

Welcome!

2008-12-10T09:44:00.000-05:00

The purpose of this blog is to keep you updated on my recent Molly Patch projects. Here, I'll post pictures of my finished products. Ordering is still done via email, but hopefully you'll see something you like here!