Rise & Shine

Most of the golden autumn leaves outside the bedroom window have fallen away, revealing the dawn's early light.  As the sun inched up over the horizon this morning, the entire room lit up with a rosy glow.  A supremely peaceful moment I will try and carry around with me today.   I'm sharing it here should anyone else need a bit of respite amid the chaos of global reality, in whatever form that may be. 

I come bearing gifts today!  I've been really busy these past few weeks, re-drawing vintage patterns to add to the website.  Yes, I do use computer programs for some of them, but most are done the old-fashioned way, with pen in hand.   I was up all hours last night, loading a bunch of these to the website as free print-outs and while I was at it,  I decided to give the Christmas category a make-over.  Most of the old designs that were up there have now been replaced with new ones.  The previous designs are being combined and printed as iron-on transfers, so they'll still be available and easier to use, if you missed them.  Above is a sneak-peek at the new free-with-purchase pattern sheet that will be available starting Friday (November 16th).   

Hmmm. . .deer seem to be a recurring theme in my life.  Real and otherwise. 

Speaking of that, here's a piece I've been working on.  I enlarged and modified the design slightly, and added feather-stitching around the border which I think frames it nicely.   It's also a PatternBee freebie, you can print it out here.  This was done using different shades of browns on hemp cloth.  I love hemp cloth.  Not only is it a natural sustainable fiber, but it handles beautifully, similar to linen.   I bought mine from a small indie-shop a few years ago,  at a whopping $22 py, but I just did a search and found it here  for about half that price, or less if you want to buy bulk.  (Great for summer clothing.)  This site seems to have a lot to offer as well.  (Visions of zakka just flashed through my head---and I'm also thinking while it's true that "the best gifts are tied with heartstrings", I may have to give hemp string a whirl too.)

Comments

[Isabelle]

Dear Vicki, what a peaceful scene you captured and shared with us all. Thank you so very much.

[claire]

Thank you so much for uploading those free patterns! I actually have several of them that my granny gave me, but they are really too fragile to do anything with. Your pattern printouts have saved the day!

[Vee]

Such a lovely moment you captured in the first photo. Thank you for your generosity in posting the Christmas patterns. I am definitely going to do a couple of tea towels. I really enjoy visiting your blog.

[Lana]

Oh what a lovely view out your window! Thank you for sharing with us.

[M&Co]

That deer embroidery is sooo beautiful! It would be perfect on a pillow in our log cabin! You inspired me to another project idea!My head is bursting over, got to start getting some of it out on fabric ;-)

[Sonnja]

Thank you so much for uploading those free patterns!
Kind regards,

Sonnja, from the Netherlands

[Lori]

How could I sit on the sidelines for almost a year and not tell you how often I visit and how much we (my dear 8 year old daughter Sara and I) enjoy every post? Finding your site changed everything I think about the web. I was looking for white feather boas to mix with blue Christmas lights last year for the top of my china cabinet; it was the day after Thanksgiving. I found this blog in the process and am so grateful I did. By following your site and your links to others I have found a world previously unknown to me. One day I will get my own bloggy groove on, but finding your site has been one of the highlights of this year. Thanks for the delish patterns to peruse and all the eye candy. As a homeschool mom, there are many days that I linger here just to refill the spirit. When the world seems sad and scary (I really should opt out of the news but my 17 year old son insists on keeping me informed!), this is a refuge. So, as we near Thanksgiving I had to let Turkey Feathers know how I feel. I'm sure many lurk like me, not wanting to jump in and join the fun. Well, no more. I'm in! Hi Vicki and family and friends, I'm Lori from Buffalo NY--so glad to make all your acquaintance and offer my thanks for all you add to the world.

[Mrs.Staggs]

Mornin' Vicki!
It really feels like November in our part of the world. The wind blew away most of our autumn leaves and the mountains all received a good dusting of snow this week.
I love your deer, and the feather stitched border is perfect! I'd forgotten about your lovely wool trees.
Thank you for being oh so generous with the patterns. I appreciate it.

[Alice]

What a stunning view from the window. Very striking! Thank you for sharing the pattern as well.

[dollybelle]

I love your blog and your website!
I put an link from my blog to yours! let me know if that is not ok! I love all your patterns and want to give them a whirl!
xoxo
dollybelle

[Mary Alison]

Thank you for the respite. Worked like a charm.

[Mariah]

What a beautiful start to the day! So...I was just over at Patternbee and suddenly I remembered a redwork pattern I saw once many years ago in England and have been kicking myself ever since for not buying it. I haven't been able to find anything like it online or in stores. It was Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. Does this sound at all familiar? I would love to find the pattern again and I'd snatch it up if I ever come across it. Do you have a line on old patterns that might turn this up? Also, just to let you know...I have an old doll house that my parents made for my daughters many moons ago and I'm getting ready to revamp the whole thing...inspired by you! Thanks for that inspiration!

[Victoria]

Just stumbled upon your lovely blog. What a delight! I will be sure to visit again!
Best wishes,
Victoria

[Average Jane Crafter]

I love the deer embroidery! My daughter has been obsessed with deer for a long time. I had to search and search for embroidery patterns when I was making her tooth fairy pillow a few months ago - wish I'd seen this then! :)

Thanks so much for the great inspiration!

[lisa s]

those deer. so perfectly sweet. love them

[Aina]

OH, your blog is so wonderful!
Yes,your are such an inspirations for me. Your world makes me calm, motivated and happy :))
Thank you so much for the free pattern, lovely pictures and good spirit.

Kiss and hug from Aina

[sabine]

Beautiful pictures, as always...

[Terri]

Thanks for the pattern links! I always enjoy visiting your blog. Thanks!
God bless.
Terri

[dawn]

You are just coming up with the most fabulous designs, and I think the way you embroider them really stands them out to be very special. I especially love the deer.