Then…I go to the mall!  On a Tuesday.  When hopefully, all the pressure of trying to find something is over, and I can just enjoy the experience.  Keep in mind that I live about 2 hours from an actual mall.  I can't just hop on over there.  But I do love going during the holidays- the decorations, the hustle and bustle of shoppers, the music.  And going to my favorite stores like Pottery Barn, J Crew and Crate and Barrel.  Just to see their holiday displays.  It really gets me in the mood for Christmas.

But sometimes on that carefree trip to the mall, I still don't have a gift for someone.  I walk around aimlessly with a blank look on my face because I.  Have.  No.  Idea.  I'm sure everyone has that one person (or 10 people) they just don't know what to get.  

So here is just a suggestion.  For your Grandma, who doesn't need another candle.  For your Christmas party hostess that will pile all the baked goods she receives in a "don't have time to eat that" pile.  For your son's first grade teacher who has a lifetime supply of bookmarks.

Our personalized canvas art prints take very little effort but make a big impression.  Like you actually took the time to think about the gift- even though it is sooo easy.  We have shown these in year's past, but just to remind you, we have selected a few to show you again.

 Here is our customized "Hometown" print:

The Custom Zipcode Print:

One of my favorites is "The Top 15".  Great for a family.

My most favorite:

Here are some that celebrate the season:

These look great in the kitchen:

One of our most popular gifts is the custom recipe print.  In black and white or color.

These are fun for the kids;

And for the sewing lover in your life (like yourself):

These are just a few- we have lots more in our shop.  

Now, for the good part.  We are having a huge deal on our prints!  You can choose any three 8" x 10" from our shop for $39.95.  The prints range in price from $19.95- $24.95, so you are could actually get $75  worth of prints for $40!  

If you would like to order, make sure to find the listing that starts with "Christmas Special".  If you can't find it, simply put "Christmas Special" in the search box and it will come up.  Make sure to leave us a comment when ordering which 3 prints you would like- any of the 8" x 10" ones are eligible, including anything that is personalized.

This offer ends Friday, December 6.  Have a great week and good luck at the mall!

I think my little boy might be even more excited than I am.  He actually had a mini-meltdown about them.  He first saw the "Wish Big" bag and decided he had to have it.  He was definitely taking it home so Santa can fill it up.  Then about an hour later, we finished the "Express Delivery" one and now he is so confused.  He can't decide which one he likes best.  And it is causing a real problem.   Decisions decsions.  

I'm pretty sure he will go with the "Wish Big", since his name tag is already on it.

The pattern, fabric kits and labels are all sold separately and can be found here.  The "Ink Swatch" screen printed panel is included in the fabric kit, but you can purchase them separately, too.

Have a great Monday.  What's left of it.   See you tomorrow!

So, if you want to be one of the first to get this:

You will also get one of these for free! 

We can also autograph the book for you- just let us know when you place the order.  Please keep in mind that this is a pre-order, and we will ship them as soon as we get them in.  Click here to order the book.

  I really like Pure and Simple. I would love to see more Bags!!!

Paula e-mail us at info@sweetwaterscrapbook.com and we will be sure to send your patterns out (You will have to wait until May – because they just aren't ready yet!!)

We also have been enjoying the projects that you have been showing us using our Make Life fabric collection and would like to share with all of you –

Julie Herman of Jaybird quilts shared with us this cute little quilt – It even comes with instructions!

Find it here on the Moda Bake Shop!

Enjoy and we will be posting more projects soon!

Posted by Susan

So here is how to enter- leave a comment letting us know which of the 3 new patterns you like best and tell us what other type of pattern you would like to see with this collection (large quilts, bags, pillows, table runners, etc.)

We're only showing 3 because that is all we have completely finished.  However, the winner will receive our entire collection of Pure patterns -there will be 7 in all.  All of the patterns will be available in May.

Here are the first 3:

Pure and Simple

Pure Joy

Pure and Sweet Table Runner

We will announce the winner on Monday.  Good Luck!

-posted by Lisa 

 The best part about today is  – leave a comment about what your favorite springtime activity is and you will be entered into our drawing for a free set of Spring labels.  We will announce the winner on Wednesday!

 
The pattern can be found here they also did a fun little video about the Authentic Dessert roll – check it out!

Thank You so much to Missouri Star Quilt Co.!!
P.S. Make sure to come back tomorrow when we begin our newest collection of patterns and kits for Easter!

 This is the river that is near my house and I just shiver when I drive by

I really shivered when I stepped out to take this picture!  Let it be known that I DO NOT like cold weather – it makes me sad.  I long for the days when you can walk outside and not have to bundle yourself or your kids from head to toe.  I honestly do not know how you people who live up north deal with this all winter long?????  We are lucky here in Colorado,it can make it to 60 degrees in the middle of winter if it really wants to but right now no chance for awhile according to the weatherman.  So to deal with the long winter nights I have taken up knitting.  When I was a child I always wanted to knit so I would try and try but I could only get about 2 rows done because my yarn on the needles would become soooooooo tight that I couldn't get it off and I would just give up (so would my mom I think she thought I was hopeless when it came to knitting).  But it is winter and I needed something to make me happy so I thought I wanted to try that knitting business again and –

I did it – I was able to get the yarn off the knitting needles and I completed my first scarf!  I am hooked for sure.  My husband started calling me grandma and then my kids proceeded calling me grandma as well. I don't care – I love it!  My favorite part of this scarf is the little ruffley thing at the bottom –

I found this cute pattern on Fiber Wild and I also found a cute knitting blog called Pickles.  You just have to check out this bean bag they call Puff Mama!

On to the contest – At Quilt Market this past fall all of the Moda designers had triangle squares at their booth that featured there newest fabric release.  Everyone at market would then go to each of the different booths and pick up each of the different designers triangle squares and could then complete a quilt out of all of the different pieces that they had picked up.  For inspiration, the moda designers each created a quilt using these squares.  These half square triangles were made using a paper piecing technique from Laundry Basket Quilts.  Here is the quilt that Sweetwater featured using these squares –

and guess what??  We had some squares left over and are going to be giving them to one of you

They are already sewn and ready for you to use.  All you have to do is tell me how do you cope with winter?  I know some of you enjoy winter, so tell me what it is that you enjoy. 

I don't know about you but Mexico is looking pretty good right now!!!  Have a great weekend we will announce the winner on Monday.

posted by Susan

It has been a couple of days since our 12 Days of Christmas has ended, but our holiday features have just begun!  Today, we are debuting our 2009 set of Holiday Cards on our website www.sweetwaterstreet.com. 

Here are a few of my favorites:

Each also has a coordinating address label.  Here are some samples:

If you haven't ordered our cards before, here is a little information.  They are printed on a high quality, heavy weight cardstock with a linen finish.  Any wording can be changed, such as "Merry Christmas" can be switched to "Happy Holidays".  They come in sets of 25 and envelopes are included.  Orders generally take a week from the time you order until the time you receive your cards.  If you have any questions at all about our cards, please don't hesitate to e-mail us at info@sweetwaterstreet.com

If you are looking to save a little money on postage (who isn't?), we also have holiday postcards where the card is printed on the front, with your address on the back.  Here is a postcard sample:

Now, for the fun part.  If you order your Holiday Cards before December 1st, we will send you this cute kitchen towel for you to give as a gift, or adorn your own kitchen.

To view the entire holiday collection, please click here.

Now, for the most fun part- win a Moda pre-cut of our "Make Life.." collection!

Here is how you enter.  Simply view our Holiday Card collection here and leave a comment letting us know which card is your favorite design.  We will pick the winner next Friday.  Good luck and have a great weekend! 

-posted by Lisa

Turn to page 78 to get a free pattern of this

My mom created this floor mat a few months ago in the Authentic fabric and it is now featured in the special Quilt Scene issue.  This issue debuted at the Quilt Festival a few weeks ago, so many of you may have already picked it up.  If you don't have a copy, click here for more details.  I love this magazine.  It is fresh, informative and has tons of great projects included.

Also check out page 48 for this quick and easy project

For fun, let us know what your favorite quilting/crafting magazine is!

Have a great day-

posted by Lisa