Inspiration.

Yum. I just finished a bowl of summerwhite nectarines and blueberries. Summerwhite Nectarines. I can't remember (before this week) when I last had a nectarine. But I bought three(at WalMart of all places) on Monday night and now I need more. Deliciously sweet and perfectly ripe. They actually satisy my sweet tooth cravings. Which is good since Brent and I are trying to eat more healthily and exercise. And I must say, I've done pretty well on the eating part this week...the exercise...let's say next week, okay? Of course, now I just want to go buy enough nectarines for a rustic tart (I have a fabulous rustic plum tart recipe that I think would be perfect for these.) but I doubt that the delicious crust and the vanilla ice cream that MUST accompany such a thing would be as healthy as the nectarine by itself. But they really are tempting me. A weekend reward, maybe? :)

So inspiration. Lately, I have been so intrigued by the sewing world. And I know that it's mostly the fabrics...but some projects I've been seeing are just as cute as can be. (And I am telling myself that I can figure out patterns on my own, right?) Ideas for quilts, baby gifts, childrens clothing, etc. And I already own a sewing machine, so it's just a little investment in fabric :)

How cute is this? I have a feeling I will have fun making these for baby gifts and first birthdays!

So much better than the little red tomato, doncha think???


And a bowl full of these in a little girl's kitchen...perfect. Or hanging from a little tree for a spring luncheon... (The above three pictures are from Heather Bailey's new online shop.)


I know I've mentioned Sandi Henderson and her blog Portabellopixie before. She has a new line of fabric out...and new children's clothing patterns including the one above and below.


Cute, huh?


A gorgeous quilt, using some of her fabrics.


Covered books...a no-sew project. Perfect.


Her gorgeous new fabric line called "Farmer's Market".


And her booth at the quilt market. I never thought I wanted to go to a quilt market. I do now. (And besides the gorgeous inspiration on her blog...she has a fantastic playlist...I leave her site open while I'm doing computer work...it's a great blend of music!)


And some free Amy Butler patterns from her website. Very cool quilt.


as well as pillows. I think I could do that. (Sorry those pictures aren't great...check out her site for lots more stuff, including great purse patterns.)

About now, blogger stopped letting me upload pictures...so if you want a few more places to go...I also enjoyed these things:

little birdies

Anna Maria has a fun fabric line and lots of fun ideas on her blog and store sites. I love the pillow case dress she made on her blog...I had an idea (and pillowcase) for that when Hadleigh was just born...maybe I should find it and get started!

This colorful site has some great tutorials and patterns, including a splat mat that I think we need. (Not that a splat mat is hard to figure out how to do...but I will take instructions on sewing for just about anything!)

Joel Dewberry is "eclectic modern" and I like it! Definitely not "completely" my style...but there are a few fabrics in each collection that I love. And his site is clean and inspiring.

Really looking forward to pulling out my machine and creating something soft...maybe we can find a way to keep my machine permanently set up somewhere. That would help too. If you have any other fun fabric-related sites to share, please do!