Berry Barn Designs
  • Blog
  • Shop
    • Pattern Extras
  • Tutorials
  • Gallery
    • Quilts
    • Sewing
    • Quilt Alongs
  • About
    • Bio
    • Newsletter Archives
    • Tuesday Treats Giveaways!


QUILTING

TEACHING &

PATTERNS




​
Get fresh news, tips &
inspiration from around
our creative community
Sign up for my monthly newsletter!

Gearing Up for the 4x7 Sewing Challenge: Prizes!

1/28/2015

 
@berrybarndesigns http://instagram.com/berrybarndesigns
My sister visited from NC... it snowed!
@berrybarndesigns http://instagram.com/berrybarndesigns
I had a "helper" in the studio.
@berrybarndesigns http://instagram.com/berrybarndesigns
Blizzard fun! 24" with 6-10" on the way!
@berrybarndesigns http://instagram.com/berrybarndesigns
The girls longarmed their first quilts <3
Back at the start of the year I mentioned that I'd been reading a lot of books (yay for quiet baby feeding time!), and one of them has been quite timely for the transition taking place in my life. I bought Hands Free Mama this time last year after reading a review of it on another blog (Imagine Gnats perhaps?). I remember skimming the first few chapters sitting in the bleachers at swimming lessons last winter, but then life got hectic and I never picked it back up.

In the past few weeks, I finally have, and while some of the content wasn't quite my situation (I have had a smart phone for less than a year, so while it has certainly become useful, I wasn't feeling addicted per se), much of the book was a good reminder that I needed to have repeated chapter by chapter. Namely, to slow down and appreciate the moment more. Make time with my family paramount to other commitments because the years go fast and I should enjoy my kids now. And with a little baby - our last baby! - and a long separation from my husband on the horizon - the joys of military life! - I really don't want to look back and feel like I was too distracted to enjoy it all when it was right here before me. My goal for the year is focus, and I'm starting with focusing on my family.

So I hadn't blogged in months when I picked back up at the start of the year, and I was feeling uncertain about how to approach it going forward. I do love to write, and I created a detailed plan for January and February, mapping out three posts a week - mainly because I wanted to host the 4x7 Sewing Challenge and felt I needed to get a lot of posts pumped out to get viewership back up beforehand. But as a quick scroll will show, I haven't come close to hitting that posting frequency. And it's ok! (Says the book ; ) I'm trying a new schedule to allow myself more sleep, more exercise, more energy and enjoyment, and more dedicated time to work. For the most part, it's going well so far. But I'm noticing that every time my planner says, "Write blog post," it seems I'd rather keep sewing or bake blueberry muffins, or call a friend to meet for sledding with the kids. And now that I've really had time to absorb the book, I'm feeling fine with that. I did do a little snowed-in sewing earlier this week thanks to the blizzard, but I also made sure I had time for sledding!
4x7 Sewing Challenge weekly prizes | Berry Barn Designs
I haven't been completely slacking in preparation for the 4x7 Sewing Challenge, however! I have chosen prizes, and I want to share those today. (Also, I decided two drawings wasn't enough - so I'm doing four! One for each week.) 
4x7 Sewing Challenge weekly prizes | Berry Barn Designs
On Sunday, I'll post a little kick off explaining what my goal is for the month of "selfish sewing." I encourage everyone to post about their goal(s) this weekend, too, whether on your blog or in a snapshot #4x7sewingchallenge. Our first link up will be Saturday, February 7th, when you can show us how the first week went for you!
~ Sarah

Announcing the 4x7 Sewing Challenge!

1/19/2015

 
4x7 Sewing Challenge at Berry Barn Designs
Do you ever find yourself wishing you had a little more time to sew for yourself? I know I often get caught up in creating for others, whether clients or family and friends, and I enjoy those projects but find myself wanting to carve out a little time for me, too. If this sounds familiar to you, then I invite you to join me for the 4x7 Sewing Challenge! 

First, the back story.... Last winter I decided to find time to tackle a few of my own projects that had been pushed aside for far too long, so I created and hosted a month long challenge to gain some moral support ; ) Participants pledged to set aside thirty minutes a day for thirty days to sew for themselves - and they did! Each of us chose our own goal, like a quilt top, clothing, or some FMQ practice, and checked in periodically to share our progress. My goal was to make a small project each week, and during that month, I completed a mini quilt, reversible apron, sewing machine cover and a purple Pantone Challenge inspired throw pillow that's been brightening my bedroom ever since! 
Here are some photos from my month of selfish sewing in 2014:
4x7 Sewing Challenge at Berry Barn Designs
4x7 Sewing Challenge at Berry Barn Designs
4x7 Sewing Challenge at Berry Barn Designs
4x7 Sewing Challenge at Berry Barn Designs
The challenge was so fun and productive that I'm hosting it again! After being away from my studio all fall, and then rushing to get holiday gifts sewn, I'm ready to tackle a project that's just for me. If you'd love to carve out time for yourself, too, then I hope you'll join me this winter when we again sew 30 minutes a day, with weekly link ups and some fun participation prizes!

Last year's event was in March, but this time around we're sewing the 28 days of February, hence the "4x7 Sewing Challenge!" I moved it up a month because I found that by the start of spring, I was being beckoned outside to plant bulbs and help kids ride bikes any time the temperatures were the least bit warm. So hopefully doing the challenge in a month with still chilly winter temps (at least for those of us in the northern hemisphere ; ) will keep many of us even more focused on our goal to sew just for ourselves!

Interested in joining me? 
1. Choose a goal (it can be one ongoing project or a few small ones - whatever you want as long as it's for YOU!)
2. Grab the button ----->
3. Join me each Saturday in February to link up your progress!
Berry Barn Designs
  
You can find all the details right here,
including linky party dates and info on prizes  (I hope to finalize those this week)
and I'll post again next week to remind you... February's almost here!
 I'm looking forward to having a fantastic "selfish sewing" month with you!

~ Sarah

Sunday Stash: Time Savers

1/18/2015

 
Berry Barn Designs Sunday Stash: Tools
I'm trying not to add fabric to my stash for a while until I sew down a bit of what's on hand (I firmly refuse to fully fabric fast, though - there are too many amazing lines coming out this spring!), but that hasn't stopped me from acquiring some other new things: tools!

I received the numbered pins as a birthday gift, and just broke them out to use on my last project. They were quite handy - I didn't have to rip out ANY seams for losing track of what row I was on. Talk about a time saver! ; )

Berry Barn Designs Sunday Stash: Tools
The rotary mat was a 50% off coupon purchase at Jo-Ann's last week after using previously mentioned numbered pins on a project with one too many HSTs. I always say I wish it went faster - well, from now on trimming HSTs will go faster! 

Berry Barn Designs Sunday Stash: Tools
And finally, I've hung the new ruler rack that my parents gifted me for Christmas. It's wonderful! Before I had them all hanging on two long nails, and every time I needed one, I'd have to shuffle a few others off. I'd end up leaving them about the room because it was such a hassle. Not anymore! (And, yes, that big 12" square hanging underneath does fit in the rack, but as it's right next to my design wall, I wasn't willing to give up the extra inches it stuck out.)

Speaking of saving time, or rather ear marking it, don't forget that this winter's selfish sewing session starts in just two weeks! I hope you'll join me for the 4x7 Sewing Challenge when we'll spend 30 minutes a day sewing for ourselves!
I'm sharing more info about the #4x7sewingchallenge tomorrow - see you then!
#4x7sewingchallenge at Berry Barn Designs
How about you? Any new tools in your stash/studio that are saving you time?

~ Sarah

Linking up with Molli Sparkles' Sunday Stash.

Free Sew Friday: Pins & Needles!

1/2/2015

 
My daughters have gotten very excited about sewing and cooking recently. I'm trying to relax about letting them share tasks with me - the whole "yes, it goes more slowly and gets more messy, but we're making memories!" mantra has helped come kitchen time, but I hadn't been as excited to share my sewing studio. Now that I want to get back to sewing more frequently, though, I've realized some shared time might be just the ticket - a chance to let them play with fabric while I maybe play with some less serious, more fun and open-ended projects, as well. 
@berrybarndesigns http://instagram.com/berrybarndesigns
"One of these things is not like the other..." When you let kids help with meal planning, all of a sudden Big Bird is offering up recipes ; )
I'm going to try and post regularly on Fridays with a few pics of what we're up to. I don't plan to write nearly this much each week, but just to try to be spontaneous and cross post a few @berrybarndesigns IG snapshots with #freesewfriday.
@berrybarndesigns http://instagram.com/berrybarndesigns
Laying out their designs... we'll see how the pinning goes!
@berrybarndesigns http://instagram.com/berrybarndesigns
First time trying it herself!
Are you on IG? Leave your handle in the comments below and I'll pop by!

~ Sarah

Happy New Year!

1/1/2015

 
Berry Barn Designs
I’m back! And welcoming in a fresh new start for 2015!

As many of you may know, I had high hopes last year that I’d be opening my doors to new longarm customers this January, but then life threw our family an adorable curveball. Ever since our son's arrival this summer with surprisingly short notice, the day to day routine at our house has been turned upside down, and I barely managed to get back behind my sewing machine in time to finish Christmas gifts, let alone master my longarm. But I have no regrets – I’ve spent the past few months a little crazed (a lot crazed?!) learning to juggle three kids on three completely different schedules (it seems to be true what they say – three really tips the scales!) and stealing as many moments as possible to snuggle our new little joy before he grows up all too quickly. We’re not expecting to add any more to our brood, so I’m doting on the baby and trying to savor every last giggle, feeding and bath... and yes, even the diapers!

In the past few weeks I did carve out time to read a handful of self-improvement books in the hopes of grabbing 2015 by the horns and deftly steering myself and my business to where I want us to be by this time next year. From sparking creativity to building my business to tidying and mindfulness, I’ve been filling up with ideas and tips to make every facet of life run more smoothly, and hopefully that will shine through in my blogging. I’m aiming for focus: to stay on top of my goals, to minimize mental and physical clutter, and to enjoy the here and now with my family and friends. If I seem to be getting off track, I welcome any and all helpful tugs on my sleeve to remind me where my focus should be.
This month I’ll start debuting some new recurring themes for my posts, so be on the lookout for fresh tutorials, happy mail giveaways, “on the frame” photos, glimpses of my attempt to teach the two budding sewists in my midst, and the (much requested!) return of my month long selfish sewing challenge!
4x7 Sewing Challenge at Berry Barn Designs

I know some of you are really looking forward
to the chance to steal thirty minutes a day to
sew for yourself, so mark your calendar:
4x7 Sewing Challenge starts February 1st
(Formerly the 30/30 Sewing Challenge, but this winter
I’m running it the month earlier with two less days ;-)

So thanks for sticking with me through the little hiatus here at BBD. Come back tomorrow when I’ll share a quick peek into my new “Free Sew Friday” creative time with my daughters. I’ve committed to setting aside a period each week to let them work alongside me in the studio – hopefully their creativity and my skills will be a great way to learn from each other! 
Happy New Year, everyone!

~ Sarah

P.S. Do you have any exciting new goals for the year ahead? If you’d love to share, leave a link in the comments so we can see what everyone’s up to for 2015!
    Sarah Nunes @BerryBarnDesigns
    Welcome! I'm Sarah. As a milmompreneur maker, wherever I go, I quilt, teach & sew! ​{Bio}  
    Get my newsletter!
    Picture
    Shop Patterns!

    Archives:

    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    February 2013
    December 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012

Copyright © Berry Barn Designs 2012-2017
All Rights Reserved.
​No part of this website may be reproduced without express consent.

​
  • Blog
  • Shop
    • Pattern Extras
  • Tutorials
  • Gallery
    • Quilts
    • Sewing
    • Quilt Alongs
  • About
    • Bio
    • Newsletter Archives
    • Tuesday Treats Giveaways!