Lumiere de Noel by French General

Last week in a LQS I noticed a little table holding fat quarters and charm packs that seemed familiar.  I looked closely and discovered that they’re from the Christmas collection of quilting fabric by French General for Moda, called Lumiere de Noel.

Lumiere de Noel fat quarters

Similar to their debut collection in color and style, this collection contains a reprint of the popular medallion prints from Rouenneries along with new prints that are really pretty.   I’m thinking that it will be fun to combine a bit of this collection with my scraps from Rouenneries for a fun project.

In fact, I added the fat quarters pictured above from Lumiere de Noel to the Rouenneries quilt I just cut pieces for.  I’m excited to see them together.

Once again, I love the pattern on the edges of the fabric.

Lumiere de Noel bird print

The bird print is really pretty.

Lumiere de Noel bird print 2

I also like this pattern quite a bit.

Lumiere de Noel by French General 2

Set to ship in June, this line has a few prints I’ll be on the lookout for!

Lumiere de Noel charm squares

Hopeful Homemaker

Spring Porch


rocking chair with red bench and spring sign

Inspired by the spring weather we’ve had this week, I took the little ones on a walk and when we got home I decided to give my front porch a little attention.  It started out simply, but somehow became a project that involved moving everything that was on the porch somewhere else, and bringing pieces from other porches to use in front.

My parents gave me this cabinet that they picked up at a community yard sale in Colorado.  The large drawer is made for storing bulbs.  I bought the “dirt” bin years ago because it made me laugh.  It still makes me laugh, and it’s a great place to keep dirt.

vintage cabinet with dirt bin and window frame

I grabbed my old “spring” sign from the basement, along with a white lantern to sit on my old red bench.  I love that bench.  I could use it in 10 different places at the same time.

red bench with "spring" sign

My old blue milk jug found a new location as well, along with a planter I hope to fill with flowers soon.

vintage blue milk jug and planter

The porch looks more open than it did.  More colorful, yet simpler at the same time.

distant view of porch

Zero cost.  A bit of time.  Entirely new look on my front porch.  I like it.

Front porch ready for spring

I’d love to add a rug.  What do you think?

This post linked to The Inspired Room .

Verna and Kate Spain

Earlier today I posted pictures of the quilt top I’m putting together.  It’s made with Kate Spain’s new collection for Moda, titled Verna .

Well, about an hour later, Kate left a comment on the post, which was so kind of her, and although I have absolutely no idea how she found her way to my post, I do know that her comment led me directly to her website .

And I think I can say that I now have a new favorite designer to watch.

Let me back up.  A few weeks ago a new Crate & Barrel catalog came in the mail, and I devoured all the pictures, as usual.  One in particular was torn out of the catalog and kept for 2 reasons:  1.  I want these!  2.  Inspiration.

Did you see these too?  And do you like them like I do?
Loire plates
I mean, I’d like several in each color, but if I had to choose, I’d take the aqua ones.  They’re beautiful and affordable.  You can buy them individually or in sets of four.   Hello!  Can they get any cuter?

Back to Kate Spain.  You see, not only is she responsible for the gorgeous quilting fabric that I’m currently in love with, but imagine my delight when I read a few posts on her blog and discovered that SHE is the designer of those lovely Loire plates, the very plates I tore out of the catalog,  from Crate & Barrel!  She also designed these awesome melamine plates .

Wow!  I was so excited to discover that two different products which I’m so drawn to are designed by the same person.  Cute stuff!

Well, it gets even better than that.  She’s currently giving away one layer cake from the Verna collection, and some totally cute gift bags and takeout boxes for a second winner.  So hurry on over here and get in on the fun.  You have until March 20th to enter.

And thank you, thank you Kate for sharing your awesome designs!  I love them.

Hopeful Homemaker

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