Summer Quilt Challenge

Ever since I started to sew, I've really wanted to tackle a BIG project that my family could use for years, and possible pass down from generations.  I never got anything like that, so I think it would be really cool to start a tradition.  And what better thing than a quilt to become our first family heirloom!

First, let me tell you that I'm TERRIFIED about making a quilt.  I've attempted a couple of times at making quilt squares and they never came out right.  That's the great thing about doll clothing, it's a little forgiving.  But on a quilt, it's noticeable if things don't line up just right.  And you have to use math.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE math, however whenever it comes to applying it to sewing, 2 + 2 never = 4 for me.

But, I'm going to overcome my fear and triumph my need to pass on a legacy with this summer quilt challenge.

I need parameters when I'm learning a new thing.  I need a schedule, and a deadline.  I need to be held accountable.  I need a short timeline.  I need variety.  Or things sometimes have a way of not getting done.  So I have set up this challenge to HOPEFULLY be no-fail, and you can help hold me accountable!

Here's the dealio: from June 1st through August 31st, I will be making 50 different 12 inch squares for my first ever Queen Size Quilt, and finishing it up.  (I'll write about how I came up with that figure in another post, with links how you can figure out to do your own).  I think that 92 day deadline will be good, that means I have a little over a day to make each square, and the rest of the time to squander trying to figure out sashing, quilting and binding.  Every day (or every other day) I will post the "square of the day", a tutorial how I made it (or where I found a tutorial for it).  I will be getting inspiration and patterns from searching the internet and Pinterest - here's my board if you want to follow it :)

Follow Camelot's Treasures's board Quilt Summer Challenge on Pinterest.

You are more than welcome to follow along.  And if you do, please feel free to share your progress; I'd love to see how it's coming along for you.

Anyway, that's all for now.  I have a few things on the cutting table waiting to be sewn up and shipped to a fabulous doll!  Stay tuned for the progress of this challenge :)

Ciao!

Guin

American Girl Doll Clothes - Black and White Gingham Shorts

9.99 USD, by camelotstreasures via Etsy http://ift.tt/1d0LlIQ

American Girl Doll Clothes - Funky Stripes Shorts - Orange Pink Green

9.99 USD, by camelotstreasures via Etsy http://www.etsy.com/listing/154892968

American Girl Doll Clothes - Black and White Gingham Shorts

9.99 USD, by camelotstreasures via Etsy http://www.etsy.com/listing/154368932

American Girl Doll Clothes - PRE-ORDER Swimsuits - You choose style and color

14.99 USD, by camelotstreasures via Etsy http://www.etsy.com/listing/154956527

American Girl Doll Clothes - Blue Flowers Tiered Dress

14.99 USD, by camelotstreasures via Etsy http://www.etsy.com/listing/154898669

American Girl Doll Clothes - Yellow Daisies Shorts - Yellow White Red

9.99 USD, by camelotstreasures via Etsy http://www.etsy.com/listing/154893240

American Girl Doll Clothes - Funky Stripes Shorts - Orange Pink Green

9.99 USD, by camelotstreasures via Etsy http://www.etsy.com/listing/154892968

American Girl Doll Clothes - Black and White Gingham Shorts

9.99 USD, by camelotstreasures via Etsy http://www.etsy.com/listing/154368932

American Girl Doll Clothes - Gray Plaid Shorts

9.99 USD, by camelotstreasures via Etsy http://www.etsy.com/listing/154368708

American Girl Doll Clothes - Red Herringbone Shorts

9.99 USD, by camelotstreasures via Etsy http://www.etsy.com/listing/154374333

And the winner is........

Synder Central!  Send me your address via email (guinivere17@gmail.com) and your new leotard will be on it's way!

Thank you to all of you who entered the contest!  And just because no one walks away a loser from Camelot's Treasures, anyone who entered the contest can use coupon code "contest" to receive 10% off at Camelot's Treasures Etsy Shop.  This offer will be good for the rest of August.

Summer Olympics Giveaway

Ok, I know ALL of you have been watching the Olympics.  Every four years, I can't help but get excited to see all the awesome athletes show off their talent and heart to win the gold.  Every four years, I end up watching a new sport, and/or learning about an event that I didn't realize was a part of the Olympics. However, my favorite has been and will always be Gymnastics.  The grace and strength that a gymnast has just amazes me!  

So when I saw that Stacy and Stella posted on their Facebook page that THEY were looking for pattern testers for a leotard, I jumped on it!  Here's Bridget modeling our version of the leotard in red and silver (go Team USA!):

Ouch, can you do that?

She "stuck" her landing!

After submitting my feedback, I decided that this leotard was too cute to just keep to myself.  One lucky Camelot's Treasures' fan will get a chance to win this fantastic leotard, so their doll can join in the Olympic spirit!

All YOU have to do is comment on this blog - that's it!  Comment on the Olympics or whatever, just be sure to leave your email address (or your parent's) so you can be contacted if you are the lucky winner.  If you would like an extra entry, share it on Facebook or Twitter - but be sure to tag us, so we see it! The winner will be announced on Sunday, August 12th, when the closing Olympics Ceremony will be.  Easy peasy :)

Of course, not everyone entered will be able to get this leotard for FREE, however there will be more listed in the shop soon.  Or, if you're a fellow seamstress, then check out Stacy and Stella's Etsy shop for this or several other fabulous patterns!

Picks of the Week - Week 7/21 to 7/27

This week the favorites were chosen by my daughter, Mallory, who is 7 years old and the proud owner of one of the Camelot's Treasures' models, Angelica.

The cute Heart Cut-Out Tank outfit is a great versatile year-round ensemble any doll could pull off. The white tank top is fully-lined and features a pretty cut-out of a pink heart in the center to "jazz it up" a bit. The wide leg jeans are a great wardrobe essential, ready to pair up with any shirt in your doll's closet! And the pretty beaded necklace completes the look with a silver heart pendant! Check out this fashion at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27722337.

The next featured outfit was made by my mother, who has now decided that I shouldn't get all the fun of making doll outfits. This cute white and blue polka dot outfit is perfect for any summertime endeavor, but what it reminds me most of is camping. The cute sleeveless shirt has pin tucks, but doesn't button up for a nice cool feel. The coordinating wrap skirt is perfect for modest, but is also a fun way to keep cool on those hot summer days. And the turqouise tank is a perfect staple, mix and match it with any other outfit in your doll's wardrobe! Check out this fashion at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24629791.

Our combined all-time favorite outfit though, is this last outfit. This cute strawberry dress screams summer treats in the summer heat! The dress features pretty puff sleeves and an a-line hem that allows ample playtime while still looking pretty. And the pretty white, green, and red ribbon adornments just make this dress completely finished! Check out this fashion at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=25416541.

Love these outfits, but want to see more? Go to Camelot's Treasures store and check out all that is in stock - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6692216. And be sure to check back next week, for more picks of the week!

Picks of the Week - Week 7/7 to 7/13

With the onslaught of Thunderstorms and generally gloomy days of the past few weeks, I've been pretty busy finishing up some new outfits that I'm excited about.

Of course the first outfit is the one inspired by the rain. Ruthie looks great in her raincoat, hat, and boots - ready to jump in the puddles at her whim! Cute little girls carrying pink and brown umbrellas avoiding the little raindrops all over the coat and hat, with contrasting bands of pink and brown flowers on the cuffs, brim and boots. It features a print by Alexander Henry in the Kitchen Collection including April Showers and May Flowers. You can purchase this adorable outfit at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27018119

Another great outfit featured in my store this week is this cute Cowgirl outfit inspired by my childhood visits to my Grandmother's house. My grandmother has lived by a small ranch, and everytime I would visit her I was able to check out the horses, and watch a rodeo or too! And sometimes, if I was lucky, I was able to attend a small town country dance, where the girls wore denim and lace, and the boys wore cowboy boots and hats! This outfit features a cowboy-themed tiered skirt, a pretty white peasant blouse with flutter sleeves, and a coordinating "red bandana" sash perfect for any country dance Angelica wants to attend! You can purchase this outfit at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=27018790

I don't know about you, but when I think of summer, I think of SWIMMING! So every doll, like every girl, needs a cute ensemble to wear to the beach or the local community pool. This cute number features a triangle wrap top that ties in the back at the neck and the mid-back and cute surfer-like board shorts. The print is a ivy green tropical scene, with hibiscus flowers and palm trees, reminiscent of an island retreats. And this outfit wouldn't be complete without a floral lei! You can purchase this outfit at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25913015

Wanna check out all the great fashions at Camelot's Treasures - go to the source at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25913015. And check in next week for the new "Picks of the Week" Also, soon to be coming, a special sale each month, for ONLY those subscribed to this blog!