Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Nancy Drew is a Clue -- and I've got so much to show you!

I've been waiting for this blog hop for months -- and today's the day! If you're a regular reader of my blog, you've seen a few of these projects before. But there's a brand new one at the bottom of the post, and a giveaway for my followers. Did I mention that I'm excited?!

For as long as I can remember, I've been crazy for the Nancy Drew books. As soon as I saw that Moda had a line of Nancy Drew fabric coming out, I knew I had to make a quilt with it. I didn't go to bed that night until I had my pattern idea written up and submitted to Moda. Then I was on pins and needles until I heard back from them.

I stayed on pins and needles until Nancy's Mysterious Quilt was quilted and bound and looked just like it had in my head at 2am when I was trying to quickly draw out the pattern with felt tip pens I'd stolen from my kids.


The back up plan for this quilt was to buy the panel of book covers and make a two color Irish Chain to applique them onto. As hard as the fabric is getting to find, I still think that's a decent option.
 
While I was waiting for Moda to publish the pattern so I could actually show it to all of you, I kept myself busy making a protective sleeve for my vintage Nancy Drew books. It also fits my Kindle Fire -- and I wrote up a tutorial, if you want to make your own.
 

I had extra blocks from the big quilt, so I made the baby version.


And now for my blog hop project!

When I was working on the big quilt, I knew that I wanted to save some of the book spine print for a tote bag. I did wind up buying yardage later, because the spines on the layer cake weren't complete and I wanted full books on my bag.

 
The blue fabric is from one of my thrift store scrap bags. I love the way it looks like the blue tweed book covers. And the red lining -- that's a sheet I bought at Goodwill last week. I wanted it for the background of some quilt blocks I've got planned, but it was the perfect color for this project. Maybe I've got enough left for the blocks, or maybe that quilt will be smaller. I'm flexible!


I love the way this bag came out! Thanks to the boxed bottom, it stands up by itself and it's big enough and sturdy enough to hold a ton of books.(There was going to be a tutorial, but I had problems with the measurements. If anyone wants a sort-of-how-to post without exact instructions, let me know and I'd be happy to write it up. I've got measurements, but not a lot of progress pictures because things kept changing as I went along.)

I did straight lines of quilting between the book spines and meandered the rest. All in black thread, because it reminds me of the black details on the blue tweed spines.


I've still got a little fabric left, and a few more ideas. I made myself a camera strap cover and used some of the blue on blue silhouette print to make a Kindle cover with an applique typewriter for Teenage Daughter after she tried to swipe the Nancy Drew one from me. (I would've given it to her if she actually liked Nancy Drew, but she doesn't, so I made one that was more her style. Then she picked the Nancy Drew fabric for the background -- I'll never figure that girl out!)

And now for the giveaway! I've got a blue tweed copy of The Haunted Bridge to send to one of my readers. Why that particular Nancy Drew book? It's the one I could get my hands on. I'm not an expert on dating these books. This one has a blue tweed cover, no dust jacket, and is in pretty good shape considering its age.  That's about all I can tell you.

To enter, be a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post before 11:59 PST March 18, 2012. I'll notify the winner then.


Don't forget to visit the rest of today's Nancy Drew bloggers -- Life in the Scrapatch, Debby Kratovil Quilts, Selina Quilts, Meadowbrook, Hilltop House Creative Works, My Sister Made Me Do It, Whims and Fancies, Pieced Brain, & Just Let Me Quilt!

111 comments:

Scrapatches said...

First stop on this big beautiful blog hop ... woo-hoo!

I love all your projects! My favorite is the baby quilt with the black silouette. Your bright and happy book cover quilt was the first one I saw online for this fabric line and it was love at first site. The book bag is wonderful. I really like the quilting on this one.

Thanks for sharing ... :) Pat

Rebeckah Austin said...

Wow these are awesome projects!

Debra Lee said...

i love what you have made!

Amy said...

Love all your projects!

Carol Swift said...

Such a long wait, but so worth it...love your bag! Of course, I totally love your quilts, too. Thanks for hopping with us. :O)

The Thimblemouse of Country Crossroads said...

Awesome projects!!! Wow, you reminded me, somewhere I have some old ND books that look just like this (they were my sisters'...my OLDER sister that is...LOL)...well worth the wait!

Judy B said...

Love the bag and the way you showcased the book spines! Baby quilt is darling. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

You are so right about the availability of this fabric. Every quilt shop I go in here in the West I ask for it. The response is like "deer in headlights!" I don't know what's wrong. I guess these women don't know about ND. I love your bag-the other projects are neat too, but that bag is fantastic. I don't know what happened to all my old ND books. We used to trade them around so we didn't have to buy them all, but unfortunately they have disappeared. From California, thanks for sharing.

Dogwood Lane Rambles said...

I love the Kindle cover so much. As much as I love to read mysteries and have been an avid reader ALL my life I have never read a Nancy Drew book! I must be crazy! I'll have to rectify this immediately.

Terri in BC said...

I loved all the mystery series back in the day, but Nancy Drew was my favourite. Somewhere I think I still have a copy of a 1947 edition that belonged to my mother! Thanks for the opportunity!

Catherine said...

Great bag! Love the Book theme.

Sparky said...

Oh my word, you are just killing me slowly here....your projects are just totally well leave me clueless on what to add here....the book, I would love love love that book....oh yes please include me....and so glad you came along on our hop...totally!

Britt-Inger said...

I am Swedish and have not heard anything about Nancy Drew until this blog hop came up. But I love the things you have made and most of all the baby quilt with the black silhouette. Thanks for sharing your beautful works.

Jenn Fisher said...

How clever - I like the silhouette in the quilt, it's one of the most iconic images of Nancy Drew that we fans like :)

Jenn:)

My Sister Made Me Do It.... said...

I'm a new follower.....what adorable projects you have made!

tink's mom said...

love what you did with the panels. I was clueless as how best toshowcase them. Great job on everything.

Unknown said...

Great job....I enjoyed the sil. addition to the quilt and the bag....

littlelixie said...

I've also been waiting for this hop for months! I am one of next Tuesday's people. I love the tote and everything else and would love to win the book!

Judith said...

Wow! Love how all the charms bring out the colors in your lovely tote. Thanks for sharing...Judith, TExas

Theresa said...

Wonderful projects - love the Nancy silhouette on your quilts and your bag is absolutely fantastic. The bookshelf fabric is one of my favourites - I wish I'd bought more of it now!

Nati said...

wow, so many projects, love the book cover and how you actually replicated the book! Thanks for sharing and the chance to win!

Gill said...

Great projects!! I especially love the book spine fabric.
Thank you for sharing!

Sowing Stitches said...

:) The first stop on the hop...and oh the wait is worth it! :) What delightful projects!!!!! Your blue tweed book....what memories...as a child not only did we receive hand-me-down clothing but also cast off 'used' books. Pretty sure the books are still circulating between the many cousins. And yes, Nancy Drew books were among the floating collection!!! :)

charlotte said...

Nice job. You've got some great projects there.

Debby said...

The Nancy Drew applique you made is wonderful! She looks great gracing both the mini quilt and book cover. Very clever!

Chiska said...

Nancy Drew was my obsession as a young reader. I really love your Irish Chain quilt and the shadow cover. So fun!

Quilt Doodle Designs said...

Your quilt is wonderful! Love it!

Mary W Quilts said...

I'm a new follower of your blog. Love the book bag and the baby quilt.

tubilinha tiacarminha said...

Está tudo muito lindo e criativo,mas esta sacola é o Máximo parabéns.

Thearica said...

Love the baby quilt, book cover and the bag! Great job!

Jeanie said...

Your quilts, the bag, everything so wonderful! I love the silouette(sp) on the quilts!

Marla's Crafts said...

very nice projects. I love the baby quilt.

Judy Cooper Textile Artist said...

Love the tote bag / book fabric!

suz said...

what a great job you did - I love the little quilt with the silhouette of Nancy! I still remember first reading those books - I'm sure it's why I got hooked on mysteries.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Fantastic projects! great baby quilt

Caroline said...

Oh, I love that bag! Fabulous library bag, very appropriate. :) The quilts are beautiful, too. I love Irish Chains.

Patty said...

great projects 0 thatnks for sharing.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Great projects and what a great way to cover a Kindle! I am a new follower.

thepiececorps said...

So many projects...So very creative!It's all wonderful, really! TIA! B-)

StitchinByTheLake said...

Love that silhouette on your Kindle cover! blessings, marlene

Kirsten said...

The book bag is fabulous! I really like all your projects.

Cheers, K

Quiltin Jenny said...

Such cute projects! I also love the baby quilt with the silhouette best. It looks so bright and fun!

Agnes B. Bullock said...

Great projects- cannot choose a favorite but the silhouette is great!

Rosa said...

wonderful proojects.The quilt with the silhuette caught my eye.Thanks for sharing!!

http://thankfullga447 said...

You out did yourself, I love the book fabric.

http://thankfullga447 said...

I am a follower..

Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

Great Nancy Drew Projects~! Love how you used the books in your Irish Chain and of course the adorable silhouette too~

In stitches and seams said...

What wonderful quilted porject myou have created. Looks like you had fun solving the mystery of what ot do with the fabric.
Include me in your give away to, thanks for sharing and hosting a give away
in stitches

Lorene Holbrook said...

Your bag is awesome. But my fav? Your quilt! I just love it.

sew.darn.quilt said...

You've raised the bar very high and your projects are wonderful! Love the bag, very cute :)

Tammy said...

Great projects. The bag is my favorite of all... But they are all great.conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Great projects ! My favorite is the book bag. Gotta make me one of those, for sure. :-)

Needled Mom said...

You did a wonderful job on each of your projects. I love the silhouette mini quilt. The book cover and tote ate fabulous too. You did a great job with your fabrics.

The fabric brings back many childhood reading memories.

Cecilia said...

I love your quilt and I really love your bag. I like the way you used the book print. Thanks for sharing.

Jane's Quilting said...

Your projects are all great. I truly enjoyed your ideas. I never read a Nancy Drew book, so I must thank you for your chance to win one.

✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄ said...

Fantastic projects!! I love how you used the fabrics, and the baby quilt with the shadow is fantastic! Awesome first stop on the hop today!

apple blossom said...

nice projects fun blog hop thanks for sharing

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

sandra said...

All your projects are wonderful but I especially love the book tote, I. Would love one to take to Library.

Laura said...

Such Cute Projects!

Vicki H said...

Love all the projects, especially the tote. Thanks for sharing.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Stop number one ans so worth it! Your projects are great! Love your tote, just perfect for books and sewing!

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

Wonderful projects.

OhioLori said...

Love your quilt!! but the Tote is soooo Awesome!!! (did I say I loooove Totes? lol)

I read Nancy drew books over & over & over when I was in school....loved her!! Would be honored to win one of your's! :)

Unknown said...

Wonderful projects! I was aiming for a bag myself but I ended up with a quilt I'm just delighted with. Hardest thing about this hop for me is that I have to wait another week to show it! pbstrand@msn.com

Frederika said...

wow so many nice things you made with the Nancy Drew fabrics

Linda C said...

You have done a wonderful job on ALL your projects. I love how you incorporated the Nancy Drew Silhouette into the baby quilt. It echoes your book cover perfectly.

Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames--brings back memories!

The Slow Quilter said...

Almost missed your post, had to scroll down to see that you posted a day early, put what a supprise I had to see such a lovely quilt. I could not see it that way, put it was great, but the baby quilt is my favorit and love the book bag. So many greap ND projects. Great job.

Beverly said...

I love your 'book' bag. What a great idea! I'm so glad I found your blog. I knit and quilt. Can't for the time to read some past posts. I doubt even Nancy could have FOUND a better fabric for a 'book' bag!

Mary Ann said...

So cute. Especially the baby quilt

Shauna said...

love your projects!!!! Thanks for the chance.

Bobbie said...

oh what fun this hop is! I love your silhouette quilts! Great job on all the projects!!

Bobbie said...

dont count this one twice but I had to add that the black stitching looks great! I also was going to make a bag, but only had a charm pack and the spines werent complete- maybe someone will get a clue and get me yardage for my bday :)

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

Love all your projects! Lots if creative ideas. Thanks for sharing.

Corrie said...

Really nice job!

BizyStitches said...

loved all your projects. Neat idea for the bag. I think it looks great. Thanks for the fun.

Julie S said...

Love your projects! The colors in this line are fabulous!

Bonnie58 said...

Beautiful work. Thanks for sharing and for the opportunity on an awesome draw.
bonnielarson58@gmail.com

Pieced Brain Quilt Designs said...

Great job on the projects! It seems you and I had similar ideas for the blog hop! :-)

Mommarock said...

Oh I love those projects! Wow they turned out fantastic, and you have such a great imagination! I would have never thought of any of those.. well maybe a book bag. But never so lovely a book bag.

Linda said...

You did a great job! What a wonderful bag, baby quilt, and Nancy's Mysterious quilt.
I'm a follower! I would love to win the book.As a girl, I used to read every one I could get my hands on at the library!

Michele T said...

Great projects!!! You really know how to make the colours work well! I was an avid Nancy Drew reader... probably the first book series that my friends and I shared and read!

MoeWest said...

Your projects are all wonderful! I especially love the Irish Chain quilt and the book bag.

Sally said...

Love thebaby quilt with the single Nancy on it! How cool that you found a 'real' Nancy Drew book!

Lyn said...

What a fun start to the blog hop! Thanks for being part of the hop and I am a follower. Thanks

Leone said...

Love all your great ideas.

LJ said...

Great projects and the bag is wonderful. Love that silouette of Nancy that you made.

evelyn said...

Love the "baby' quilt with the silhouette, but the book bag is awesome.

Cindy said...

Lots of great projects! You've definitely been busy. I like it all. :)

Jenny said...

I love your quilt, cover and book bag. I fell in love with the book spine fabric too!

Suze said...

I'm a new follower. I loved Nancy Drew. I got some books one year for Christmas and my parents had to limit me to one a day to help make them last over Christmas break. What great projects. I really like the tote - it great especially for a book tote. The red lining is superb. Thanks for getting the hop off to a great success.

Soma @ inkTorrents.com said...

Great projects!! I specially love the bag!

Tina said...

I love the Nancy Drew shadows.
Wonderful idea.

Cliodana said...

really love your baby quilt with the silouhette, beautiful

Donana said...

Wow I love that bag and how creative you were putting it together. I am amazed at all your projects.

Unknown said...

I love your bag. Would send me sort-of-how-to. The measurements would be great. I am going to make bags for the local library as prizes for their summer reading program. This looks to be a perfect size.

QuiltinGram said...

I grew up reading Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, along with some of my Mom's old books..Bobbsie Twins and another one which the name is evading me at the moment.
Love how you made the leftovers in to the baby quilt.
QuiltinGram
cathyc1950(at)gmail(dot)com

SIMPLESEW said...

wow

Brenda said...

Love the bag! Wonder if I can still find some of the fabric to make book bags for my homeschooled granddaughters. So cute! I have The Scarlet Slipper Mystery in the blue tweed cover and I do not have the one you are giving away at all! Thanks for the chance to win!

Michelle said...

Love your projects! Thanks for sharing!

Tricia said...

I loved All your wonderful projects as I am avid mystey reader all the way back to my Nancy Drew days in upper elementary school. I still love to check them out from the library from time to time to reminase with Nancy and the gang.

Thank you for the chance to win the wonderful book.

Sincerely,
Tricia

Domestic Bliss said...

Your projects are amazing!! You use the fabric so creatively. Thanks for sharing!

Shanna said...

I think my favorite is still the baby quilt project the best! Very clever work, thanks for sharing!

janequiltsslowly said...

I love the bag! My mom had a full set of Nancy Drew books that I avidly read in my grade school days. She "loaned" them to a friend's daughter and they are probably gone forever. They were bought for 25 cents each.

Sallie said...

Great job! My DD and I love to read and I remember reading Nancy Drew books. Thanks for the giveaway!

usagypsy said...

I love Nancy Drew! I have spent many of childhood hours going on adventures with Nancy and her friends! I am saddened that I no longer have the books. I am going to have to start that collection over again. And some of the fabric to go with of course! Love your projects! And I'm a new follower!

Texas JennyWren said...

I LOVE your book tote bag. Awesome. I would love to win the Nancy Drew book giveaway. I am collecting them to give to my granddaughter. I read them all when I was about 10=12 years old. thanks

Karrie said...

Awesome projects!!! Thanks for the chance to win.

Unknown said...

A Nancy Drew book!! Awesome!! I was just telling someone I need to go on a book hunt! Would love a tutorial, idea of how you made the bag.

Dasha said...

Nancy Drew! Well that is a blast from the past. I think my daughter had every one published in her teens. I must ask her if she kept them.
Visiting from Val's Tuesday Archive blog

Jennifer Fulton Inquiring Quilter said...

Visiting from Val's Archives because I love Nancy Drew! Boy you took that fabric and used it in so many clever ways! Love, love the applique of Nancy on the baby quilt! It's so awesome. Weren't they great books to read as a kid?

Val's Quilting Studio said...

I agree....a great blast from the past post! RThanks for rejuvinating this at TA this week...I so enjoyed reading your post. V

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