The Wednesday Showcase

I'm going to depart from my usual Wednesday Showcase format as I would really like to introduce all of you to the wonderful ladies I met this past weekend. It was exciting to hear that I was chosen as one of the two finalists, but I think there is a little too much "Mom" in me (although I've never been a mom!) as I so wished everyone could have been chosen. All of the ladies were delightful, talented and gracious. I think you'll enjoy meeting them as well 

First up is Caroline Hulse of http://www.sewcaroline.com/ and here is a little something about her,
"My name is Caroline (if you didn't gather that from the blog title) and my husband (of almost 1.5 years) and I live in Fort Worth, TX with our pup. We love to be outdoors, host parties, laugh, and poke fun at each other. All in good humor, of course ;)"
Her project was this Chevron Bag. I am going to give this a try as it makes adding a chevron to anything so very simple. I really like this idea. Caroline's blog is full of beautiful pictures and great ideas. I think you'll enjoy taking a look.

Next is Stephanie Chan of http://www.sillypearl.com/. Read her description below and your heart will melt.
"The Silly Pearl": my childhood nickname by my parents (in Cantonese - "Soh Jee"). Okay, they still call me that sometimes, to let me know that despite my many quirks, I'm still precious.
Those same folks (i.e. my parents) are probably the two most influential creative forces in my life. My dad is the quintessential nerd with a creative side, who loves woodworking, painting, and has the neatest handwriting I've ever seen. My mom, an avid knitter, jewelry maker and amazing cook, is the one who encourages all my creative endeavors; as a kid she taught me to sew and took me to any art and craft class I wanted to attend. She is now my biggest cheerleader and I look up to her both as a woman, mother and professional.
After a long crafting hiatus to start my career, I was getting ready for my wedding and did a lot of DIY. This sparked a handmade custom bridal jewelry business for two very fun but busy years. Soon I became a stay at home mom to twin girls. I began blogging, first about them, then about crafts here on The Silly Pearl.
I'm thankful for the opportunities that have come about through this blog...meeting and collaborating with the friendly and supportive members of the creative blogging community, doing something I enjoy while being at home with my girls, participating in my first craft fair, and finally, opening The Silly Pearl SHOP! on Etsy. So grateful for all these little blessings!
Stephanie's twin girls. Oh my goodness....just beyond cute and they look just like their mother!

Stephanie's project was this delightful pillow. I am going to be making a number of these as I think they would make the perfect shower gift. I LOVE this idea!!!
Stephanie also has lots of great DIY ideas on her blog. Run go check it out.

Elizabeth Chandler is a woman who has a passion for the art of sewing. I admire anyone who shares their talent with others by teaching them how to sew and that is exactly what Elizabeth is doing. You can find her blog here  http://elizabethchandlerdesigns.com/. Here is her description,
"Elizabeth Chandler Designs is a place where I keep track of everything crafty. I teach creative sewing and craft classes in the upstate region of South Carolina. I work independently as well as in conjunction with other programs like Furman University’s Learning For You program and the City of Greenville’s Department of Parks and Recreation.
I embrace creative arts of all kinds, including baking, pottery, paper crafts, and anything else that strikes my fancy. I have a special fondness for repurposing, upcycling, refashioning, or whatever it is the cool kids are calling it these days. There are countless ways to take everyday items and change them into something unique and fashionable. I usually try to use materials I have before running to the store, but the allure of new supplies also entices me.
I love seeing artistic expression in myself as well as in other people. Even if they deny it, I believe every person has the capacity for creative design."

Elizabeth did a wonderful tablecloth for picnic tables using rocks for the weights. What a wonderful project to share with your children. Let them look for the rocks and then help with the sewing. Sadly, I was unable to find a picture of her project but I included the picture below to show a sample of her work. A talented and lovely lady who is doing her part to keep this craft that we all love so much, alive. Thank you Elizabeth!

Last, but not at all least is the dynamic duo of http://www.simplesimonandco.com/. These two ladies are a hoot!!! They have exactly the same name as they married brothers, Elizabeth Evans and Liz Evans. Below are their descriptions, "HI. I am the “liZ” of the Elizabeths here at Simple Simon and Co. *I’m married to a cereal-eating, mountain biking, school teacher who is always building something.
*I’m the mother of a 1st grader named Simon, a preschooler named Grace, and my sweet little baby Ruth---all of whom I adore.
*On any given day you can find me wearing pajamas in public, down at the gas station getting a soda, eating nachos, walking around barefoot, or a combination of any of the above.
*My dream life would involve living on Main Street USA in Disneyland where we would leave only to spend time on the beach and to shop for fabric.
*I love Dr.Pepper, staying up late reading, watching Hoarders, drawing, painting, the smell of pumpkins, thrift store shopping, home grown tomatoes, virgin mint juleps, pearl necklaces, white T-shirts, and of course sewing."

"Hi. I am the other Elizabeth and am a stay at home momma to three kids, Aaron who is 9, Hannah, 6 and Isaac, 1. My days involve laundry, running around in the car, mopping under high chairs (I wish someone would invent a roomba for that!) and just entertaining general chaos around here. But I wouldn't have it any other way....
I started sewing as a teenager and loved it, but as what sometimes happens, suddenly decided it wasn't cool anymore and quit.....a huge regret in my life. I started sewing again 5 years ago after Hannie was born, and have never looked back. And while I am still on the sewing learning curve, it has been a fun ride that has taught me that it is never too late to learn a new skill.
I love sewing vintage patterns, especially children's. Am always trying to sew through the stash, and for every 5 projects that I am working on, there are always a couple of craft fails involved, some of which are real doozies!
A perfect day of mine involves a pool, an ice-cold limeade and a fabulous book....with an afternoon nap and some sewing time too, all whilst my children behave perfectly and never have a quarrel. HA! If only."

Their project was this delightful little bubble skirt. You can find the tutorial here, http://www.simplesimonandco.com/2012/03/bubble-skirt-tutorial.html

Lots of great things happened this past weekend, but one of the best was meeting these absolutely delightful women. I wish you could have been there to meet them in person, but at least you can get to know them through their blogs.
I know that some of you are snowed in today so fabulous projects I'm sure will be rolling off your machines!!!
Have a wonderful day and for those of you who are snowed in, enjoy your sew day!
Rhonda