It's Rosebud's Cottage on the Cross Country Christmas!

 

Well how about that ... the blog hop is nearing the end.  It seemed so far away when we first began on November 9th but here we are and now it's my turn. So let me introduce myself ... I'm Roseann Meehan Kermes and I'm the owner of Rosebud's Cottage in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

Unlike the other bloggers, I'm the only one who has a storefront. It's been so fun hearing what all of my customers have to say about the blog hop. Quilters have come into the store with their patterns printed looking for supplies.  It makes me smile to think there are hundreds out there doing the same thing!

While the others design for their own companies, my designs are often used in the store, or sent off to various publications. I have had a long history with Better Homes & Gardens, contributing to their painting and crafting magazines before coming to American Patchwork and Quilting about eight years ago. You've probably seen my projects in APQ or Quilts and More. Last Spring, I was even a cover girl! Beginning in 2010, you'll also be able to see my work in Scrapbooks, Etc.

I do behind-the-scenes work for a number of companies in the quilting industry, too. Several years ago, I was asked to help write the web site content for All People Quilt. That was fun! I worked with OLFA as their education coordinator until I became a job-loss statistic last year. There are lots of interesting opportunities in the industry and I've been lucky to be invited to take part in so many of them.

My interests aren't just in quilting ... I love working with paints and brushes ... as well as altered art ... needle felting ... doll making ... photography ... anything and everything. You've probably heard me refer to the 'hideout' ... it's around the corner from the store and it's where I have all of my  creative stuff. Some people would call it a studio but the word workshop works better for me. I love being there.

 

The hideout and it's proximity to my home was the reason I chose to move my store back to White Bear Lake  last month.  WBL is one of those pretty towns ... the kind women choose to go to for a day out or lunch with a friend.  Lots of hands-on businesses in town ... most owned by women. I do miss North St Paul and all the people there. It was where we were photographed when we were a Quilt Sampler shop in 2004 ... the town I grew up shopping at. It has special memories for me. 

But now, you need to get busy making my project! First, go down load the directions for my  Cookie Plate Crumb Catcher.

  

I used a Moda layer cake for my project ... Essence by Sandy Gervais. The trick to working with precuts is not to be fussy about colors or designs matching. For the  'cookies and bars' I chose pieces that looked like gingersnaps or fudge bars. I used two reds for the corner flips that make up the 'frosted bars'. Ya ... I take this all literally! For my borders I picked two with the same design even though their colors were different. Three different reds are the binding and have a scrappy look. For the back I just sewed up four that looked interesting to me. You can do the same thing by working from your stash. On the pdf you'll find supply information so look there for more information.

  

One basic sewing skill you'll need to make this project is how to do a corner flip. Kari has her Clearly Perfect tool on her blog and if you have one, use it ... it's such a time saver! If you don't here, are the step to making them.

1. Draw a diagonal line on the back of each small square and then pin it in the corner like the first photo. Stitch on the line.
2. Use a rotary cutter to trim exactly 1/4" beyond the seam line.
3. Press the corner flips away from the center. That's it! One tip ... because I was piecing together so many of the corner flips, I watched which way they were going together and then pressed the seams that were joining in opposite directions.

 

Here's how the center of the crumb catcher will look. Notice that the bars in the top and bottom rows are going up and down and the one in the center is going across. You'll piece and sew the borders on after you get this part completed. One helpful product for these projects with a ton of seams ... I use Mary Ellen's Best Press before I square it. It makes everything lie flat.

 

I am horrible at machine quilting and even worse at stitching in the ditch. So to overcome that, I quilt small projects this way. I use the left side of my presser foot and guide it along a seam on the top of the quilt. It gives me a stitching line that's a little deeper than a 1/4". I always use my needle-down feature so that I can pivot at intersections. I back stitch one stitch at the end. For this project, I went inside the gold cookies and then on the outside of the points in the border.  

The Cookie Plate Crumb Catcher measures 13" square and is perfect for setting under a tray of Christmas cookies! What will yours look like? I'd love it if you would post a photo on our Flickr page.

Don't forget you need to post a comment on my blog today ... and on the project days of each of the others, too, in order to be put into the drawing for the grand prizes!

And there are prizes for some lucky individuals from me today, too! My pals at OLFA have given me some cutters and rulers to give away.  I'm including a copy of the Winter2009 Quilts and More ... where you'll be able to see my delightful cherry pincushions inside and on the cover as well! On Friday, I'll pull four names from those who commented.

To get to all of the other designers, click right here!

Thanks for coming to my blog today and for taking part in the blog hop. Happy holidays!!

 

Comments

[Jaylene]

This is such a cute pattern. I can hardly wait to make a few. Very quick and easy. Thanks so much.

[Loy]

Very nice project. I have some cute angel fabric that would be perfect for the larger areas. Now just need to find some coordinates to go with it. Thanks for participating in the fun blog hop. I will come again soon.

[Granny J]

We are a cookie family, so I will have to make a few of these. Thanks for sharing this cute pattern.

[amanda Ryan]

This looks like fun, just enough of a challenge to make it interesting, but not too difficult. I'd never thought of using a mini quilt as a crumb catcher, but what a great idea.

[Sandi]

Since I am a cookie monster, especially for Chocolate Chip Cookies, this is a project that I could really use. :-) I liked your tips on quilting as I am not very good at machine quilting. Thanks so much for the pattern and tips!

[Gloria]

Just thought I'd check your blog before I hit the sack and I see that you have your pattern all ready. I love it. It's so cute and think it would be fun to use. I better get busy - tomorrow.

[Kim]

Cute project! The blog hop is so much fun! Thanks to you and the other designers for giving us such great Christmas projects to work on!

[Kathleen]

A cute pattern! I am so happy to be meeting all of you designers on this hop...lots of fun/informative reading ahead! Thank you for sharing the pattern with us. Look forward to making a few of these.

[Meredith]

This is just so cute, and just like the cookies, I won't be able to stop at just one!!! A perfect gift, and a great way to use up some fat quarters. This blog hop is just wonderful, as I live in Australia and can share the fun from the other side of the world.
Thank you to you and all the designers for their generosity!

[Julie Stewart]

Hey girlfriend, I was up late and deided to log in. Of course you had already posted! Darling pattern. Also could be used for charm squares. Hope you are sleeping.

[Anne Heidi]

A lovely project! Thank you so much for sharing with us :-)

[Martina]

Looks very lovely. And a great idea. Thanks so much for sharing.

[CJ]

Very cute project, thanks for sharing it with us!

[Kathryn Laposata]

I like your project and think it would be a quick gift-making opportunity. Thanks. Kathie L.

[Jan]

Roseann, very cute and easy. This close to Christmas and quick and easy is needed. I will have to go back thru my magazines to see your patterns. Thank you.

[Margi Borck]

Very kewl project Roseann! And so practical,,,,hate cookie crumbs on my beautiful mahogany table,,,,mmmm, but I love cookies so I am the one who puts most of them down on the table! LOL

[Sharon Griffith]

Wow I love cute and easy...This is a wonderful pattern and I can't wait to see what I can throw together....It was so nice meeting everyone and getting to know the people that help us thru the year with the desings and patterns for us to do...thank you

Sharon G

[Chris]

Hi Roseann,
...from New Zealand it is Thurs 19 November 11.16pm here,... so I haven't had to stay up past midnight to get my "blog hop" fix...
Thank you for sharing such a lovely design, the Christmas Blog Hop has been amazing so what will I do in a couple of days when it all finishes.....

Thanks from Chris,
Wellington...New Zealand

[Karla]

Hi Roseanne-
Great Blog hop. And the new shop is looking great, too.

[Linda Mcneely]

What a fantastic project! Thank you! Linda

[Eileen Kane]

Roseann, thanks for the pattern. Looking forward to giving it a try over this weekend.

[Kitty]

Yummy, the project looks mouth-watering. Thanks

[sewsewjackie]

Thanks Roseann for the cute pattern and for being a part of a really great Christmas Blog Hop. I have liked every project and am working of several at one time. Thats no surprise!!!!!! Thank you to all designers for sharing your talents.

[Covered Porches]

Great fabrics. Nice photography in the photos.

[Debbie e]

Thanks for the pattern. That makes a plate of cookies a super gift!

[Sandi]

Thanks so much for the pattern and the Blog Shop Hop. This is my first time doing the Blog Shop Hop and I've enjoyed all the patterns from you fabulous designers. Happy Holidays to you all.

[Vickie E]

That's wonderful RoseAnn...great machine quilting idea..I hadn't thought of that :)

[therese bell]

What a great project, and nice colors, its a peaceful change from all the bright reds and greens of the season. I had a chance to see your Hideout and It in it self looks like a work of art. Great job and thank you for telling me about the hop.
From No. St. Paul

[sharon]

Very cute pattern another gift for Christmas Thanks Sharon

[Wendy]

Sweet pattern and nice, quick project.Thanks so much for sharing. White Bear Lake sounds like a lovely place to live.

[Terry]

Lovely project! Thank you! I quilt about like you do so now I don't feel so bad! LOL

[arlette]

A cute pattern, congrats, thank you for sharing!

[Ida13]

It is great! Thanks. And I can use my stash.

[eileen]

Crumb catcher?!! That's a new one on me.....love it!! We'll have to come up with a more creative name for 'coaster'...hmmm...... maybe a 'drip sticker'. I'll keep thinking...thanks for all your cute blog projects. I love reading it..and thanks for updating often!

[Thelma]

I'm sorry to say that everyday that I checked out the Cross Country Christmas blogs I ran out of time before I got to yours, but I'm up to date now and so enjoyed all your stories, Thanks!

[Dorothy]

Great Idea, I am going to make this is Christmas prints and put it under my cookies.
thanks so much
Dorothy in IL

[Lynda Green]

The biggest challenge with so many talented designers is trying to keep up with the projects that are perfect for someone on the gift list... thanks for the pattern.

[Maria Isabel]

Thanks you for the project. Beautiful work. Greetings from Uruguay
javasa4@hotmail.com

[Kathy J]

What a cute idea! Thanks for good instructions, too. Now, on to check out the Cottage website! Nice to "meet" you!

[Jill]

Great project!!!! Nice and easy....I need to make 7 before Christmas.

[Margaret]

Love it! Thank you for the design!

[Sheila]

The crumb catcher is such a cute idea, and some of the snowballs look like gingersnaps. Thanks for the project, and enjoy the new shop.

[Marianne]

Thanks for the cute project. I will definitely be making it. Loved your first picture, so welcoming!

[Becky Gooch]

What a cute project and I love the name. Thanks for sharing

[Connie F]

Very cute design! And I love the fabric that you used too!
Thank You!

[Carolyn McCready]

Another winner! I do love this table topper. This has been so much fun to see what the pattern of the day is going to be. Thanks sooo much. Now to check my stash!
Carolyn McC

[susan]

Thank you for the cute pattern and the quilting tip.

Susan

[Ruby]

Looks like a great project. Thanks for sharing! :)

[Danna]

I've been looking for something like this. This blop hop has been great. I head to the computer each day with fresh anticipation.

[Lin]

I like the pattern