Christine Taylor Designs (formerly Christine Taylor Quilts)

Hey.... Remember Me?

2010-10-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, you know its been a long time since I last blogged when I can't remember the blog address or my password.... Now that I have that straightened away I don't remember what I was going to blog about, lol.

Lots of things have been happening since my last posting in April.... to say that business is booming is an understatement.... I started a blog as a fun way to let readers know about the story behind each item I was creating.... now I barely have time to share photos of the completed projects let alone blog about each one. So I am going to attempt to blog biweekly and let you know what is going on in my corner of the world.

Christmas orders are coming in daily and I am really trying to keep up. Earlier in the year I was able to complete orders in a week or so, now I am working on orders 3 or 4 weeks behind (quilts are 6 to 8 weeks)!! I can't believe it, it is exciting and busy all at the same time but I am very greatful for all that has come my way this year.

I have had some new product ideas that I would like to share with you.

This is the new curvy coin purse, it has a loop and a key ring to attach it to your keys, its great for quick trips to the gym, the mall, the grocery store, mailbox, etc.

This is the gadget case, it also has a loop, but with a lobster clip so that it can be clipped to a backpack, purse or key ring. It is interfaced for stiffness and protection and has a zipper closure on it. Its great for blackberrys, iphones, cell phones, GPS units, cameras etc.

This is an eyeglasses case. For some reason I can not rotate the pic (sorry), it is great for eye glasses, reading glasses and sunglasses. It has a very stiff interfacing to give it shape and a magnetic closure to keep those glasses in place.

This is the mini wallet, it is just large enough to hold a few cards, some money and even business cards. It also comes with a key ring to attach it to your keys.

This is the "joanne mini" purse. It is a smaller version of the "Joanne Bag" that I offer. It is a cute size for an evening out or even for a little girls first purse.

I will be participating in 3 shows this fall, the shows are listed on my website and facebook page with more info. I participated in my first show this past Septemeber called "Bella Noche", it was a lot of fun and a great sucess for all involved which encouraged me to sign on for 3 more shows this fall. I have been creating many many items for these shows and can't wait to showcase them.

Best Friends and Giveaways

2010-04-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it has almost been a month since my last blog post. I have been busy as usual with towel and quilt orders. The weather here has been great for the last few weeks so we have been taking advantage of it and spending time outdoors... you never know how long it will last.

Here is a quilt that I have been working on for a friend of mine. We have known each other for 27 years, we met in kindergarten, went to grade school and highschool together and now live about an hour away from one another but still keep in touch regularly. We have seen each other through many stages of our lives including babies!! My friend is expecting twin boys this summer, and I am making her 2 quilts as well as some crib skirts for her nursery. The fabrics used in this set are from the Riley Blake All Star line.

In other news, we have had 2 giveaways for Christine Taylor Quilts in the last month, the first was through the facebook fan page, the winner was Rhianhnon Ross, she was the lucky winner of a $30.00 gift certificate for product. The other winner was Melissa Niedzwiecki, she won a hooded towel through a giveaway on my friends blog. Congrats to both Ladies.

Busy Busy Busy....

2010-03-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

It seems like forever since I last blogged... I have been very busy filling orders for my latest product... hooded towels. These towels are great, they are big enough for kids up to age 5. They are trimmed in fabric and come complete with a machine embroidered name of your choosing!! Take a look at 6 out of the 7 orders I filled on the weekend (#7 is for a birthday gift, so no peeking till after the little dudes party).

I also found some time to work on this table runner for myself (wow that never happens, lol). This will be my spring and summer runner. I experimented a little with the quilting pattern and chose a meandering pattern instead of my usual linear quilting style.

hmmmmm.... what else have I been up to... My BFF is having twins this summer so I have been discussing fabrics with her for her crib sets, she has chosen fabrics from this line, they are on their way and I can not wait to get started!

With the weather warming up, I can not help but think about our favorite summer activity, camping. We have been camping for many years, but we certainly do not rough it anymore, we have been gradually upgrading our living quarters over the past few years. We now have a 28 foot travel trailer that we just love. I have been working on a rag quilt for my Sons bunk (the one for my daughter will be made eventually, but she is not yet sleeping in the bunk). Here are the fabrics I have chosen, almost all of them were from my stash, which is exciting.

The camping fabric on the left is no longer in print and I am searching all over for 2.5 more yards to make some pillowcases and have enough fabric to make an identical quilt for my daughter.... so the search continues...

Please don't forget about our facebook contest, you could win a gift certificate!!!

I would love to know if anyone is reading my blog, so if you have a minute, please leave me a comment and let me know that you stopped by.

Happy Spring!!

Contest Announcement and Hushabye Quilt

2010-03-05T07:04:00.000-08:00

Here is another cute little quilt custom made for a Client. This one was made using the Hushabye line of fabrics in the pink and brown colorway. The Client wanted her daughters name embroidered on the quilt, so it is located in the bottom corner of this quilt. The back is made using a soft pink flannel and there is a layer of batting in the middle for structure and warmth. As always, the edge is trimmed with a decorative stitch for added detail. This is going to make a great keepsake for little Soleil`s 1st birthday!!

Ok, now onto some fun stuff... I love giveaways!! I am once again running a contest through my facebook fan page, here are the details...

You could win a $20.00 gift certificate to be used towards any product I sell or to cover the shipping costs, there is no cash value.
1. Become a fan of mine on facebook
2. Invite all your friends to be fans
3. If we reach 400 fans by April 5, 2010, I will randomly draw a name from the list of fans and announce the winner on April 6, 2010.

Good Luck:)

Cute little item for travelling

2010-02-25T13:19:00.000-08:00

My son loves playing with his hot wheels cars and his road map carpet. Today I got to thinking that it would be great if there was some way for us to take it with us everywhere we go, it sure would keep him quiet!! And so this product was born. I had to rush off to my sewing room and get started on it while I still felt inspired. One little one was napping and the other was happily snacking and watching some tv. So off I went and here is what I came up with... Oh and my little man has been carring it around with him all afternoon asking when we are going somewhere so he can take it with him, too cute.

All folded up

Unfolded ready to race

View of the 4 pockets for keeping the cars

The duck on the pond and the stop light

Another view of the pockets

Come On Summer!!

2010-02-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

Is anyone else getting sick of winter? I have had enough of the cold, the snow, the having to bundle up 2 kids every time we leave the house, come on summer!!

I am thinking of warmer weather and one of our favorite summer activities...going to the beach. Our family loves the beach, the kids love the 3 "S's", Sun, Sand and Swimming!!! so I was inspired to add a new product to my expanding lineup... hooded beach towels (also great for the bath, but I am thinking summer remember). As always, the first ones usually go to my kids or my friends kids... so here is one for my little dude, complete with name embroidery!!

This towel measures 30" by 54" with a hood attached. This size is great for kids up to age 5 (and maybe older depending on their size). The hood is embroidered with the underside hidden so that it is not scratching the child's head when its worn. The hood is also trimmed in a cute blue and lime green fabric and stitched with a fun decorative stitch.

My cute little model, fits perfect with lots of room to grow.... now all we need is some sun and sand!!! Come on Summer....

These towels will be available on my website shortly and I am offering free embroidery for a limited time. The towels come in lots of great colors, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, white, brown, black. Lots of fabrics to chose from!!

My busy weekend!!

2010-02-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

Here is what I was up to this weekend. This cute fabric arrived on Friday and was already reserved for a custom order hooded baby towel and car seat canopy.

These hooded towels are my new favorite baby gift idea. Two of my friends and my daughter have already benefited from this cute little idea. When I originally started to make these I thought that they would be the perfect size for a baby and well into toddlerhood. Well maybe its just me and my oddly tall children, but this size of towel was no good for my 3 1/2 year old!! (they will be better suited to the age of 2). So I put my creative skills to the test and I will soon be offering larger hooded towels for "big kids", I would say 2 years and up. I have purchased the supplies and just need to find the time to whip up two of them (one for each kid of course). With my new sewing machine, I am very excited to be offering free personalization on all of the towels!!

This one is going to be a gift for my Clients Neice, she is not aware of the baby's gender, so this cute little animal print will be perfect!!

This car seat canopy is also a gift for my Clients Neice, I can just imagine how cute these 2 items will be all wrapped up for a shower gift. It had been a little while since I made a car seat canopy, so I made sure I took some extra time to review my notes and make this one perfect. I love sewing but I also love being able to create the embelishments on the tabs, here I used 2 coordinating ribbons (which reminded me of the spots on some of the little animals in this fabric) and 2 lion head buttons in keeping with the animal theme. The whole cover is trimmed with a cute little decorative stitch.

I wish I had been making these covers when I had my kids, I was that lady in the Walmart parking lot scooping a blanket out of the snow and slush after it blew off of my car seat. My daughter was born in the late fall, so she needed something like this to keep the wind out of her face, the blanket just didn't cut it!!

All Star Charm Quilt

2010-02-16T08:26:00.001-08:00

As you can see, I have been very busy!! Here is another charm quilt made using a star fabric from the Riley Blake All Star collection. I have paired it up with a solid red and brown. The backing is all red as well as the binding. This would make a great gift for a shower or birthday!!

Blush Stripe Quilt

2010-02-16T08:18:00.000-08:00

As soon as I saw this fabric I knew that I had to purchase it and use it in a quilt. This is a really sweet fabric called "blush" by basic grey for Moda. I call this a stripe quilt. It is made using strips of fabric sewn together, quilted and bound with a coordinating binding. This is a perfect size for a baby shower gift, or a first birthday gift. This quilt and all my others are available in my etsy shop.

Wheels Stripe Quilt

2010-02-11T13:11:00.001-08:00

As soon as I saw this fabric I knew that I had to order it and turn it into a quilt. The browns and oranges are so retro it reminds me of when I was a kid. The map print fabric makes me think of those playmats that you can drive the hotwheels cars on. This would be a fun little quilt for someone moving into a toddler bed or even as a baby shower gift for someone who is having a little boy. It certainly would grow with a little person and be a cherished keepsake for many many years. It measures aprox 40" by 50", the backing and binding are a coordinating brown circle print. If you would like to puchase this quilt, email me or find me on etsy.

I love reading your comments, please take a moment and tell me what you think.

Sleepytime Charm Quilt

2010-02-09T10:56:00.001-08:00

This cute little quilt is a variation of the charm quilts I have been making. this one is a little narrower and longer than my other charm quilts (which are square). This fabric is called "Sleepytime" again by Moda, have I mentioned that I love the moda precuts!!

This is a great gender neutral quilt perfect for a baby shower!! I have quilted this quilt in a grid pattern echoing the seam lines. The back is white cotton just like the binding. I have lots more of this fabric, so stay tuned for the same prints used in a different pattern coming very soon.

Facebook Page Contest

2010-02-06T08:11:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that there is a contest going on through my facebook page (click on the banner at the left to join). If you become a fan of "Christine Taylor Quilts" you will be entered to win a large crayon roll of your chosing as well as free shipping. The draw will take place at the end of the day on Feb 14th, 2010 and you must be a fan at that time to be entered into the draw. I will announce the winner on Feb 15th, 2010 and I will contact the winner through their facebook profile (if possible). Good Luck!!

Animal Alphabet Charm Quilt

2010-02-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

Introducing another charm quilt. This is from the Animal Alphabet collection of fabrics. The fabrics have words, letters and animals on them. The quilt measures aprox 40`` by 40``, the perfect size for a baby or toddler. The back of the quilt has a coordinating circle print that matches the binding. This quilt is for sale in my shop on etsy for $120.00US.

New Product - Hooded baby bath towels

2010-01-30T13:58:00.000-08:00

Another new item for sale.... Hooded bath towels!!

These soft and warm towels measure 30" by 30". They are a good quality white bath towel with fabric trim and detailing on the hooded part of the towel. I do offer embroidery of a name or design for an additional $5.00.

Makes a great baby shower gift!!

Selling for $30.00

I have "Spring Fever"!!

2010-01-29T10:22:00.001-08:00

This is a new quilt pattern I have wanted to try out. Its very similar to my table runners, just in a quilt size. This fabric collection is called "spring fever" by Moda. I think that I am addicted to the moda fabrics!! They are so cute. This quilt measures aprox 40" by 40", the perfect size for a baby or toddler, or even as a lap or wheelchair quilt. The bright floral prints are sure to bring a little cheer during this cold winter weather!! This quilt will be selling on etsy for $120.00 US, although I am tempted to keep it for my little one!!

If you like this pattern, but would like to see some other fabric options, please email me and I can show you some options.

Adorable little dinosaur quilt.

2010-01-26T08:39:00.001-08:00

I started this business selling only rag quilts just like this one. Lately, I have been busy with some other items like table runners, dresses and crayon rolls, but I still enjoy making the rag quilts. I love making these quilts for babies, there is something so special about a baby's blanket. Both my kids have their "blankies" and they just love them, I am so glad that I can make something that will be special to a new little person for years to come.

This blanket is made using the "Oh boy" line of fabrics designed by David Walker. The white print has orange, blue and green dinosaurs on it, the coordinating stripe is blue and green and from the same line. The back is a light blue flannel with little circles on it. Inside is soft and bright batting for softness and warmth.

It's never too early to start your Christmas Shopping!!

2010-01-26T06:50:00.000-08:00

Its never too soon to start Christmas shopping for next season. I just finished these 2 table runners for a Client. This first one is made using "Holly Jolly Snowmen" by Moda. This was a custom order and this runner is aprox 5 feet long.

Side #1

Side # 2

This is another holiday themed runner, this one was made using Moda's "It's snowing" fabrics. I love love love the blues and the greens in this fabric combination. I am also a lover of snowmen, this runner is one of my favorites!!

If you are interested in ordering a table runner like these ones, please email me.

New Pillowcase Dress and Runner

2010-01-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of some new items I have been working on.

This is a recreation of the original pillowcase dress I had for sale, this is a size 7 and every bit as cute. I just love the pink and brown fabric combination.

This table runner was made using the Moda "Twiggy" collection of fabrics. It is backed and bound with a cream color fabric, perfect for any decor.

The latest table runner for Valentine's day

2010-01-20T12:02:00.000-08:00

This table runner was made using Moda's L'amour line of fabrics. It is a custom order and the table runner measures a length of 5 feet. It was too big to fit into the frame on my camera, so here is one side of it...

And the other side....

And all of it, not a great pic...

I just love working with these precut fabrics, they are available in 5" square packs called charm packs. They come in a variety of different fabric lines. I just ordered a bunch more for some table runners and some baby quilts. Please stay tuned for some more photos as the projects are finished.

On another note, you can find me on facebook!! I had a group up and running and then facebook made some changes and now the place to be seems to be a fan page. So I have created a fan page and I would like all of you to become a fan of "Christine Taylor Quilts", as an incentive, I am offering the fans a chance to win a large crayon roll. Please check out the fan page for more info.

New Table Runners

2010-01-08T06:44:00.000-08:00

I have been working hard the last 2 days getting some new items completed. I have been making some quilted table runners, here are the photos of the 2 new ones for sale:

Made with Bistro from Moda using the greens and blues.

And from the same line, bistro by Moda, the reds, blacks and beiges.

Let me know what you think, leave me some blog comments:)

I am in love!!

2010-01-06T13:31:00.000-08:00

I have fallen in love again, lol. This week I purchased a new sewing machine. Since business has been getting busier and busier, I thought that I would upgrade from my first real sewing machine. I started this business 4 years ago with a hand me down machine from my Grandmother. I was pregnant with my Son at the time and I truely believe that the urge to sew a quilt was some sort of nesting that was going on. I began making quilts for anyone I knew that was having a baby. Pretty soon I had people telling me that the quilts were great and that they really loved having something handmade for their little ones. Years later I was still using the same machine to make everything from quilts to crib bedding to crayon rolls and clothing. It was a great little machine, but it was time to upgrade. This past week I was introduced to the world of computerized sewing!! What a big difference in the time and ease of sewing. Here is what the new machine looks like:

It is also capable of embroidery which is very exciting to me as now I don`t have to send my items out to be done. For the Client, this means less waiting and the same professional look. I took a few moments and tried out the embroidery function, I still have some reading to do to learn more about placement, but here is what my trial looked like:

In other news, I am working on some Valentine`s table runners. I just love the fabrics that are available for Valentine`s day. I have posted some photos below. I will be ordering some more valentine`s fabrics as well as some cute fabrics for spring for the table runners, so stay tuned as there will be a limited amount available each season.

Love is in the air!

2010-01-03T17:05:00.000-08:00

February 14th is just around the corner, I have some new items that are sure to be a hit with any little girl. Check out my pillowcase dresses and skirts.

If you are interested in ordering either of these, I have the following fabrics available:

Red/White/Pink Collection

Pink and Brown Collection

Please email me if you have any questions or would like to order.

Christmas... what just happened?

2009-12-30T11:04:00.000-08:00

Ok, so what just happened? Where did Christmas go? It is just me, or did the season just fly by? Maybe its because Christmas is the busiest time of year for christinetaylorquilts or maybe its the fact that we have 2 kids that keep us very busy, or lots of family to celebrate with... who knows, but man that went fast.

I am finally getting around to uploading some photos of our Christmas events. Here are some of my faves:

Love this one, I made the table runner and painted the plate and Santa mug with a little help from my friend at pottery parties in the hills. I hope that it will be part of a family tradition for years to come.

Some other traditions we have, on Christmas eve, we go out for dinner and then take in the light display in a neighboring town. This is what the lights looked like this year:

Christmas morning was great, the kids are at such a nice age to believe in the magic of the season, I just love the looks on their faces when they see what Santa has brought for them. It was a busy day, but great to see family and celebrate with too much food and treats!!

Now that it is almost the new year, I guess it is back to business as usual. I am in the process of making some new items to sell this year. First up is some thing called a pillowcase dress. These were traditionally made using vintage pillowcases fashioned into dresses. The more modern versions of these dresses come in a variety of cotton quilting fabrics. Here is a pic of the one I made for my daughter...

They are great paired up with some leggings and a shirt in the winter months and as a sundress in the summer. When your little one gets a bit bigger, she can wear it as a top. The ribbon straps are adjustable too. A very versitile dress that can be made in many different fabrics. I will keep you posted with some valentines, St. Patricks day and Easter dresses in the coming months.

Wishing you all a happy and safe new year with all the best that the year has to offer!!

New Blog Format

2009-12-24T07:11:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to my blog. I am trying out a new blog format at blogger.com.

I will try to post often with news and information regarding my business "Christine Taylor Quilts". If you are one of my Clients, I will post your order progress and share photos of the finished product in my blog.

I will also be offering discounts and exclusive sales to my blog followers as well as my facebook group members, so check back often for some deals!!

On a final note, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!