Winter Delights
Thanks dearies for all the xox bag love! Since I'm always asked for my tote bag patterns, I'm going to be putting a tutorial together for this one. No time-line for it right now though. At the moment, I'm sitting here on this very chilly morning with a quilt over my lap, sipping hot tea and trying to wake up so I can get back to a few other projects I've got laid out on my work table. But first, as promised, the Woody Alphabet is now ready, and available here along with a few other vintage patterns that I finally got around to getting up on the website last night. Check out this one with pedestal-bowls of festive happy-faced fruit. I think it's hilarious. And this one with a darling kitty couple. Both patterns were originally intended for dish towels, but the latter has this wonderful little cottage motif, that I think would make a cute pillow or something. 
Feel free to use the design; click on it to get a larger image. Also, the new free-with-purchase bonus transfers have been uploaded. There's a little bit of a Valentine theme going on with hearts and flowers, and yes, another teapot. What can I say, I LOVE teapots. And swans, apparently. The designs are a combination of old and new, as I often take liberties here, like with this swan motif for pillowcases (below). I altered it a bit. I can't help that I'm a romantic at heart. The original is here too if you want it. Both are traceable print-outs. Maybe you can think of something spectacular to do with them. (Follow my directions for tracing if this is new to you.) And one more tidbit before I head back to my stitching---I'm offering a few free Woody Alphabet patterns---just leave a comment and I'll choose three peeps, and announce winners on Friday. Time to re-fill my teacup and shuffle back to the studio now...
Okay - so I've been reading your blog for ages but I've never left a comment...I know, I know! Believe me I feel horrible, especially since now that I have a blog I'm obsessed with comments. I need to shake off this bad comment karma so I'm coming out of hiding to say that I love the new alphabet {as well as your whole blog!} and want it desperately! No matter what you decide on Friday I will make it mine {I just hope there will be some left!} so feel free to give one of the freebies to someone who isn't an evil de-lurker but a loyal reader who really deserves it. My gosh, I finally leave a comment & its the longest one ever - sorry!
Posted by: g | January 16, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Oooo--love the alphabet! I am a novice embroider-er, and I love the projects you feature here--lovely stuff! And I am so looking forward to that tote tute!
Posted by: Celeste | January 16, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Okay, it looks like I will have to get my sewing machine in working order so I can try making a tote. Now, off to place my order for this month :-)
Posted by: Paula | January 16, 2008 at 10:35 AM
I join the ranks of tote admirers - your work if wonderful - can't wait for the tutorial. The new alphabet is awesome - as is all of your work Vicki!
Posted by: Anne | January 16, 2008 at 10:35 AM
I totally admire your talent...love your blog...hope I win!
Mary Jo
Posted by: Mary Jo Jones | January 16, 2008 at 10:49 AM
::Sigh:: I am sitting at work reading about you sitting at home, lap covered with a quilt, sipping your tea. Aargh! I love your woody alphabet, I love teapots, too (my kitchen has a teapot theme) and I love your new free with purchase pattern. I love your site (visit every day) and, oh my, how gushy, huh?
Have a lovely day and I would love to be entered in your give away! :)
Posted by: Sharon M. | January 16, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Hello: My favorite is the fruit bowls. How cute they are! Well, may the magic bonnet spit my entry out as a winner this time around. Pattie in San Francisco
Posted by: Pattie in SF | January 16, 2008 at 12:43 PM
You are a huge inspiration to me. I am a doodlebug too.
Posted by: Angela | January 16, 2008 at 12:52 PM
As always, I am in love with all your creations! The little cottage may just have to be my next project...thanks for all stitching generousity :)
Posted by: Julie Lundquist | January 16, 2008 at 01:13 PM
I love the new alphabet. I have been working on red projects lately. I guess it is a winter/Valentne's thing. Like cardinals in the snow.
Posted by: Lynn | January 16, 2008 at 01:37 PM
What a great new alphabet, nice work! And neat transfer designs, I especially like the little heart with the bee. Such cute things, so little time...
Posted by: Michelle | January 16, 2008 at 01:43 PM
I have been reading your blog for over a year - Love it! Even made a couple of your free traceable patterns for Halloween. Am thinking the swans will be my next project! Just saw a flock of Tundra swans on my way to work the other day. What a great way to mark it!
Posted by: Carrie | January 16, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Thank you so much for the tote tutorial! I look forward to it...no pressure though! The woody alphabet would look great in my recently redone bonus room as a pillow...maybe something log-cabinish? Thanks so much for a happy little corner of the world!
Posted by: Dana | January 16, 2008 at 02:29 PM
De-lurking to say I love the new woody alphabet, and have been stalking the blog waiting for it to go up for sale-- so much so that I had put it in my cart and paid for it without reading the whole post and seeing the giveaway! oops!
I think I'm going to use it for the names on some Christmas stockings I've been dreaming up...
Posted by: Nada | January 16, 2008 at 03:50 PM
ooo...I think I'd like to try my hand at this alphabet!
Posted by: Megan | January 16, 2008 at 04:43 PM
I love the alphabet and the creative way you incorporated it into the tote. I'm hoping for a quiet weekend to get back to my sewing.
Posted by: Debbie | January 16, 2008 at 04:57 PM
Your alphabet is so charming, and just the thing to personalize some treasures for my infant grandson! Thank you for sharing your bag design, too. So inspired, wishing for more time...
Posted by: Lisa | January 16, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Your so generous, count me in, Id love to have the chance to try it!
Posted by: norththreads | January 16, 2008 at 05:40 PM
I'd love to win the woody alphabet and I can't wait for the tote tutorial
Posted by: Janice | January 16, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Your handwork always makes me drool. I don't know what it is about it except that is so darn cute and always makes me feel all warm inside (did I just say that?) Oh well, you know like a hot cuppa cocoa. Thanks for the ideas. Terry
Posted by: Terry | January 16, 2008 at 07:10 PM
I will be looking for the tutorial. Thank you for always inspiring me to keep stitching!
Posted by: dawn | January 16, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Well I'll soon be ready for a new stitchin' project as I'm almost through with my Summer lake scene (that you now carry). Thanks for showing us how to use alphabets in a creative way! Love the bag!
Posted by: Leslie | January 16, 2008 at 08:01 PM
What fun designs. And hey, one of my goals for this year IS to do more embroidery!
Posted by: Angela | January 16, 2008 at 08:36 PM
Love the tote bag, and that cottage is adorable.
Posted by: Linda | January 16, 2008 at 08:41 PM
I love love love your wooden alphabet! I've been wanting to start embroidering to add details to my quilts...a free pattern would give me a kick-start!
Posted by: heather | January 16, 2008 at 11:58 PM