I have become fascinated with the science of soapmaking.  After trying quite  few of the melt & pour types, I have made my first batch of cold process.  This has to cure for 6 weeks in order for it to get hard and very mild, but here is a picture.

This batch is made with a luscious blend of coconut oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, shea butter and vegetable oil.  To the oils I have added calendula (both into the batch and on top), a pretty blue color and the wonderful scent of black vetiver.

These are kind of mini bars, since this is a trial batch.  I really need to get a mitre box so that  I can cut the bars all the same size.

A couple of posts ago I showed a stripe flannel from Marcus.  Well, look what Roxanne Carter did with just the stripe and a border.  This is the Woodwinds line, and the flannel is so wonderfully supple and soft.  Pretty amazing design.

I will admit right up front that I have not been much of a hand sewer.  But, there are times even someone who lives and dies by the sewing machine must do some handwork.  Since I have committed to finishing quilts, and that means bindings must be put on, I’ve been thinking about thimbles.  I have an old metal one in my sewing box that must have been there since I was in junior high school, but the few times I’ve used it recently, it hurt the tip of my finger.

Roxanne Carter introduced me to these jelly thimbles recently when I needed a refresher course in hand-sewing a binding.  They’re just what the name says, flexible jelly-like thimbles in fun colors.  They come in 3 different sizes, and because I liked hers so much, I bought my own in size medium.  It’s very comfortable, and easy to find in my sewing box.  I do admit that it makes my finger sweat a little bit, but that could just be because I’m such a nervous hand-sewer.

When Roxanne Carter and I met recently with the representative from Marcus Brothers, I saw this Strip-It flannel, and was so very intrigued.  These strips measure approx. 3 1/2″ wide, and I can’t wait to play with possible designs.  I can imagine cutting and piecing in a whole variety of fun ways.  This is from the Woodwinds line designed by Faye Burgos.  I bought 4 bolts of the strip and some accompanying bolts of flannel.  Should be fun!

I’m in the processing of re-tooling the shop.  We’ve run out of room, and I don’t want to move.  So, I’m re-thinking our business strategy.  We’re going to be creating and marketing kits based on Roxanne Carter’s patterns, which is something I’m really excited about.  Roxanne and I met with several reps from the fabric manufacturers and we’ve got some great plans ready to implement.  I expect the first shipments in December.  Of course, we will still carry fabric, and that will take time to get set up, so please be patient.

The picture at left is of the kit we’ve got going for Roxanne’s Stained Glass Tiles pattern.  I’ve switched from Windows to MAC, and I’m trying to get the pictures to work better, but am still having problems.  Anyway, this kit is using the Tonga Treat batik strips in “Coffee Cake” from Timeless Treasures, and a lovely Tonga batik for the border (the bolt on the left in the picture).  The leading or separator strips will be the blue batik bolt on the right.

We’ve got this kit coming in other colors in the Tonga Treat family.

I’m still dealing with a heart problem, and will have a procedure to correct in in December.  Stick with us, and we’ll be back up in our new site soon.

Thank you all for your kind comments and good wishes.

I’m taking a design class from Kaffe Fassett tomorrow using diamonds.  I chose a greeny-yellow color scheme.   It’s been difficult to get these fabrics around here, and I know I’ll have to substitute some of the fabrics once I get to the class.  I can’t wait!  I learn so much from him.

I have temporarily closed my website at www.victoriavistaquilts.com in order to take care of some personal business.  I want to thank all of my loyal customers for their business and their friendship.

I will continue this blog because my quilting life goes on.

I do plan to re-open with new and exciting offerings, so please stand by.  I will post here when we are ready for the unveiling.

RT @VictoriaVista Working On Now – Little Hedgehog Quilt http://bit.ly/am8D9L

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This is what a block will look like in the baby quilt I’m making for my sister’s grandson.  What is that to me?  A grandnephew? A great-nephew?

Anyway, this is from Roxanne’s pattern Dream Keeper.  It is simple, and looks lovely when finished.  As you may already know, I like bright!  The fabric line is from Michael Miller fabrics.

I also plan to kit this pattern in a flannel floral fabric line a little later on.

This is the center medallion of Roxanne Carter’s  Block of the Month pattern.  I believe it is for 2010, but perhaps it is for next year.  I’ll ask her and correct if necessary.  Anyway, this is done in gorgeous fall colors.  It may look difficult, but it’s not.  Roxanne always makes things easier than they look.  She’s my hero!