'Dem Bones

When I say things like what I'm about to say, I feel like I am at least one or two generations older than what I really am.  But man, oh man, do I love Instagram!! Who knew how great it is?!?!?  Not me!  Not until a couple months ago.  I don't even know why I really activated my account, but I've jumped on and found several communities that I LOVE: weight loss surgery, thrifting, shopping, and sewing.  

I enjoy looking at the lovely projects that the men and women I follow make for their families and loved ones.  Some are simple.  Some use found objects and incorporate them into their craft, like the adorable little vintage flower pots/vases that are turned into pincushions--precious!  Clicking and swiping my way through the images on my phone helps tickle my creative fancy and gives me fun ideas.  Like one I forgot to mention in my last post--I'm making my 2 year old nephew and I Spy quilt for Christmas.  I've collected a few hundred charm squares of assorted fabrics to be assembled into a monster snuggly game of look and see.

But last night, oh last night.  Be still my heart.  I stumbled upon a glory that I had to own.  It spoke to the nerd that is deep in my soul.  The nerd that still keeps graduate school bone casts on her desk at the office.  Chillingsworth by Andover.

For those of you that don't know me personally, I studied archaeology in college and worked as an archaeologist for a bit in Florida.  I then went and *tried* to get my masters in Forensic Anthropology in Pennsylvania.  Turns out it wasn't the right field for me, but I still am a bone nerd--all the way.  My favorite bone is the Tibia.  My least favorite is currently the coccyx--since I lost 140lbs its a REAL pain in my ass!

Halloween 2008 with my Mercyhurst crew--Love ya, mean it!

I also made some amazing friends in that program and I love them all dearly.  Wish we lived closer together.  You can never have too many friends close by that can help you dispose of a body!  *Without getting caught*  Science, bitches!

Anyway, apparently the whole Andover Chillingsworth line has been circulating for a while and there are some lovely halloween quilts and such made with this big panel of bony goodness, but I couldn't help but think of all the things I could do with him.  Chop him up and applique him on shirts and hats.  Sew his hand on the back pocket of my jeans! And then, some one #regrammed these pictures:  

AHHH! I died.  The pics are from the Andover blog at:  Andover Fabrics and all the praise and glory must go to Erin at Diedel Bug Handmade, but OMG I will find a way to make something as equally amazing with my panels.  

So I spent a little time on Etsy today trying to find the best price and a momma to support--because one day I too hope to be a little lady with an online fabric store.  I wound up over at Heather's The Fabric Hive .  Ordered several panels and am set to go.  Heather even emailed me a couple questions immediately just to make sure that she got everything to me just how I wanted it.  I love that!  So now I'll either be looking for bag patterns or making one of my own.  Also, I'm open to ideas or suggestions of what I should use the panels for.  I bought 4.  I know I'd like to do an all black/grey/neutral scrappy blanket with one.  Then the others--we shall see.  If you have an idea, shout it out! Send me a pic.  Find me on Instagram @melsischamp and show me somethin'.   This is going to be one of those pieces of #happymail I can't wait to tear into and get going on.  It's scary good!