turkey feathers

Notably November

The colors illuminated by the morning sun are so pretty right now, and totally distracting me from getting any work done.  It's barely 36 degrees this morning, but as I opened the door even that cold blast didn't alter my course, as I simply had to get a few photos of this Japanese maple before it loses the rest of it's flaming red leaves.  The magnolia behind it is the perfect backdrop with it's glowing golden color.  It's all so dreamy.  Sigh.

Anyway...on to some crafty news:: 

1.    I am quite relieved to tell you, that the new free-with-purchase BONUS designs for November are finally done.  I was sitting here, in the middle of things yesterday, and realized I'd forgotten all about them.  oops!  There are supposed to be new designs at the start of each month.  I know.  See what I mean?  The colors out there?  Totally distracting.  And those turkeys!  (thanks for the turkey banner love, btw!)  Fortunately, that little drawing project was already on my table and nearly finished--only needed to be formatted for the website so I wasn't up too late stressing out about it, although it did lead to some inappropriate snacking on homemade peanut butter cups right before bed.  I do regret that.  But Grace made them and they were impossible to ignore.  Like the leaves fluttering outside my window now.  Must.  Stay.  Focused.  All in all I'm mighty smitten with that psychedelic squirrel.  I probably drew a dozen of these before I was satisfied. Hoping to have a little time to stitch one up now. 

2. Also, wanted to mention that "Sweet Surprises" has run it's course and is officially over. Another great idea, but alas, we are lacking sufficient time to keep it going at the moment.  The button will now be retired.  Sniff.

3.  And this just in...from my blog pal Pam, who's been a professional pattern designer for over ten years, with hundreds of published designs to her credit--and who also maintains a fabulous blog:: kitty & me designs where she shares some of that talent, has just added something special to her etsy shop!   The Backstory::  A little over two years ago, she immortalized my cat, Lily, with a pattern she designed (then published in the Christmas 2007 preview issue of The Cross Stitcher).  I initially blogged about it here.  It's all done in counted cross-stitch with amazing detail.  I get a little tear every time I see it.  It's so sweet and the resemblance is uncanny.

 

Lily would be so proud if only she knew.  Should I wake her up and tell her the news?

One Lump or Two

 

No time for the real thing--so today we have a photo quilt!  I grabbed a few pics from my files to remind myself to pull out my needle and thread again. Summer was exciting and busy, but now I'm ready to wind down, wrangle up some new ideas and settle in.  It's been way too long, evidenced by all the new fabrics and thrifted goods I have continued to bring home (which are piling up), and by the dust that has settled on all my work surfaces.  A thorough cleaning seems to be in order.  And not just in the studio either.  [Sigh.]  Blame it on the pickles.

These images remind me of some of the sweet little things in life.  Miss Cross-Stitch Kitty in the right top corner is embroidered on a child-size apron that I made a really really long time ago.  My girls outgrew it, but it's one of those things that's so hard to part with because of the memories it holds; baking cookies, rolling out pie crust.  Sweet voices.  Small hands and faces powdered with cake flour. The motif is one from a set of old Aunt Martha's iron-on transfers; still found here. 

The Coffee 'N' Cake motif is part of a vintage pattern set I've made available on my website.  I'm also happy to report that my new Embroidery Directory is done!  Now THAT was a project.  And will continue to be a work in progress as it requires updating from time to time.  If you know what you're looking for it will help you find it on the site.  I love it because it catalogs everything for me--no more hunting and digging through boxes when someone asks me if I have a particular pattern.  It's all there.  Or almost all there.  Like I said, a work in progress.  Also--when you go to the pattern info pages, hover over the images and the original pattern source or envelope will appear like magic.  Please let me know if you find errors or any crazy things happening on the site.  I keep finding little things even though I've gone over it a thousand times. It's inevitable I guess.

OK.  Back to the apron ramble...the redwork flower in left lower corner, adorns (yet another) child's apron that I made from an old linen tablecloth that had seen better days.  The edge of the cloth made a beautiful hemline.  Jumbo pix here. 

 

Patterns by Post

I've been receiving such good mail lately...and as a result I've been crazy busy.  This bundle is from Mary of Billings, MT.   Most of the patterns belonged to her Mother and Grandmother and I'm so happy they saved them.  I was able to reprint quite a few designs for pillowcases.  I'm always getting requests for more of them, so there ya go.  ( check them out over here.)  Yep, the PatternBee website has been dusted off and is back online and open for business again.  Seems there's always room for improvement; I still have a few more things I'm working on behind the scenes, but the site will remain up, so not to worry.    Plus, I've got another bundle of vintage patterns--from Rochelle in MI, that will be making their debut on the new additions page soon.  Thank you Ladies!

Elephants on Parade

It's August already!  And that means new bonus designs for you.  Woot.  Fun summer ones.   And while I was at my art table with pen poised, I also got around to working on this old elephant pattern from 1941, that has been in my mitts for awhile.  I love it so.  Nice for quilt blocks and other little items.  You can find the restored and reprinted designs under new additions.  And speaking of cute little elephants....

The library display (for Blanket Statement)  was packed up on Friday.  If you missed it, my collection of over 40+ handmade items from one wool blanket -- will be back November 1 - 16.   (I'll try and mention it again before it happens next time.)  These two looked darling sitting together in the backseat during the car ride home after their first big adventure out into the world.  Like children coming home from summer camp.   

Crazy Daze

Monday's are always a bit of a transition, aren't they?  Especially during the summer, when we squeeze in lots of extra activities and weekend jaunts.  It's fun, but then -- there's some catching up, and back to work as usual.  I love what I do, but sometimes, there's more to do than I can easily manage.  Pandora helps me pace myself with soft Folk Instrumentals as I print and pack the orders from last week.  Those who have been taking advantage of the pattern/book combined savings, are finding a little extra surprise inside their packages.  I won't say outright what it is, but it has something to do with my garden and the above photo.  I'm finding tiny little projects like this quite satisfying, and about all I can handle at the moment.   

 

It's been pretty warm here.  Even with the door open and the fan oscillating like crazy, my fingertips are sticking to the keyboard.  {TIP:: Perfect weather though for hanging sheets out to dry and naturally "radiating" pillows and down comforters to sanitize them.}  To escape the heat, we headed over to the seashore yesterday.  It was comfortable and cool in that misty gray Oregon way.  Still, we all got a bit more sun than we realized, having ditched the sunscreen.  Today we are sun-kissed with very rosy cheeks. 

 

Sock #2 in progress.  I'll try and remember to show these when Grace finishes.  And -- I keep forgetting to mention this, which is probably only of interest to peeps in my own area, but the Blanket Statement gang is currently on display at the Corvallis Library until the end of the month.  A peek here. 

Sweet Deal

 

 

I didn't plan for these mail-bags to match, but they're SO happy hanging out together.  I can't remember when or if  I shared the little felt ornament made by Elizabeth of  Creative Breathing.  Even if I did, it's worth sharing again.  It arrived over a year ago, as a surprise--and it was!  A very good one.  Her hand-work is amazing and it's still hanging here, reminding me of all the goodness in people's hearts "out there".  (Thank you again, for the lovely gift--I treasure it.)    The totes I made, at different times.  They're perfect for the over-flow of mail and receipts, and other bits that otherwise get scattered all about.  I don't have a pattern for the draw-string tote, but the wool catch-all (on the left) is in my book.  Speaking of which, brings me around to my next bit of news...

 

For all you wonderful peeps who are still asking for autographed copies of blanket statement (and thank you!); you'll be happy to know that I just found another shipment of books on the back porch.  Woot!  It's mind boggling how fast CreateSpace can print and ship my books.  I tell ya, they're truly awesome over there.   

OK.  To simplify things, I've just added a web page to make ordering easier  for all of us.  International shipping is available too at a flat rate.   (And cheaper than Amazon, I'm told.)  MORE GOOD NEWS:  I can fit up to 3 books in the same envelope without additional postage!  So, if you have friends or family that want to order books, you can split the cost of International S/H to save a little $.  OR... I can fit up to 4 iron-on *EMBROIDERY* patterns from the PatternBee website, along with one book--all for the same flat rate as long as they have been added to the same shopping cart as a combined order.   The rates for U.S. orders are  automatically calculated by weight.  As always, you can use your c-card if you don't have a pal account.  And if you have any questions or trouble ordering, contact me and we'll figure it out. 

Rose garden update::  Nearly two weeks have passed now and I still have roses on the vine, so to speak.  The deer have been visiting daily, but they are leaving them alone.  I couldn't be more pleased.  I do a little happy dance every time I walk by the window and see them all out there.   I've been collecting rose petals and lavender the last few days to make my potpourri (featured on page 58).  I love this stuff.  It's a natural air freshener; wonderful in sachets--to slip into drawers, pillowcases, and closets.  I'll be making a few gifts with it too.  Maybe even a give-away or two.

Crewel Jewel

 

Sometimes the source of inspiration comes from unexpected places.  Like when I recently found this bundle of colorful wool yarn at a thrift shop; undoubtedly, remnants from someone's needlework projects.  And I might add, quite a find for a quarter.  Score!  Looking at it, I began to imagine all the possibilities.  But due to time constraints and other priorities, I had to set it aside.   Then, the following week, I wandered into another shop and behold--a set of old crewel-work patterns just waiting.  I tell ya, sometimes it's uncanny how these things happen.  I knew immediately how I would use the yarn.  The little bird design is the result of some finessing on my part, and will be included with the June bonus designs on the PatternBee website that go live on Monday.  The embroidery can actually be done with floss or wool.  (I used one strand of wool with a crewel embroidery needle for this--or use 3-4 strands of six-strand floss or more, if you are so inclined.  Pearl cotton will work beautifully as well.)  Click on the birdie to see it finished.  I goofed and printed this one in reverse though, so the bonus design will actually be facing the opposite direction.  It's stamped onto hemp cloth which is similar to linen in texture and feel, but much more substantial, I think.  I picked up this piece in a small shop out of town, but have also been experimenting with goods from Dharma Trading Company; really love this weight in particular for a variety of needlework projects, and it's also suitable for clothing.  $16+ py may seem pricey, but it's 59" wide.  One yard will go a long way.  (I'm thinking like: zakka smocks and aprons--yes, definitely aprons!) 

This has been such a busy week with lots of things happening, and people coming and going.  We had an impromptu dinner party for twelve on Thursday.  A little bit of a celebration.  The weather has been incredibly nice too, and with friends visiting from out-of-state, we took full advantage of it and felt a backyard BBQ was in order. Even had our very own live Celtic band.  It was perfect.

On the flip side of the property, day three of garden wall construction continued.  I'm actually headed outside to get my hands dirty.  Looks like a great day for it. 

Have a good weekend doing what you love!

May Day Give-Away

 

Seems like ages since I popped in here.  I know some of you check everyday for an update and I really appreciate hearing that.  I seem to be in a quiet, productive phase right now.  Doing many things.  And all at once.  Or so it seems.  Was up past my bedtime last night working on the May Bonus designs that I suddenly realized were promised on the website *today*.  eedgads. I'd completely spaced out on them.  Where did April go?  So, borrowing a little inspiration from my afternoon spent with a group of homeschoolers yesterday, out at Hesthaven, an Audubon Society outreach in the area, I bring to you a little more spring flora and fauna. And naturally--I had to throw in a cake for good measure, and to commemorate grand-baby Olivia turning 1 next week!  Hard to believe.  Hope you like, and find fun things to do with them.  I know you will.

After a week of so-so weather, another day has opened up to be nothing short of gorgeous.  Just the tonic we need.  I have so much to tackle today.  And I'm making slow and steady progress on my new book too.  I can't wait to show you.  In the meantime, to celebrate May Day: a give-away! I have a signed copy of Blanket Statement available right now.  The last one of the bunch.  (I'll order more soon though).  Leave a comment for a chance to win one for yourself, or to give as a gift if you already bought one (and thank you btw!)  I'll announce a winner sometime next week.  One more thing, and I always hate to say this, but due to postage and shipping issues, the give-away is limited to U.S. regions. 

UPDATE::  Comments are now closed.  Winner to be announced Wednesday, May 6th!

Spring Chicks Give-Away

I just wandered in from my sewing room after putting the last finishing detail on this;  a bit of vintage rick-rack as "grass"---it's interpretive, use your imagination here.  (smile)  Yesterday, after I found this cute old pattern among my boxes of orphan transfer sheets, I  literally dropped everything I was doing and took up my embroidery needle.  It's been awhile since I stitched anything and I could not resist such cuteness.  Spring chicks also seemed like the perfect "conclusion" to the newest*sweet surprises* towel designs too (don't ya think?),  so I made them part of this month's bonus collection which is up on the website now.  And...I'm giving away the dishtowel shown here!  No April foolin' either.  Leave a comment to enter the drawing and I'll announce a winner on Good Friday (4-10).  My sincere apologies to International readers, but due to sky-high postage rates this drawing is limited to U. S. residents.   OK, I think that's it...now I need to go make more of these. 

*Comments are closed--a winner will be chosen soon*

Seeing Spots . . .

Or. . . just call me "Dottie".  Hello!  And Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Can we get any greener around here?  I don't think so.  Hee hee.  I'm wearing my new apron turned the other way around today, (it's quite reversible!), so no body better even try and pinch me.  No sireee.  I'm armed with a vintage shamrock pin too--just in case anyone is color blind.  Yes, indeedy, me Irish eyes are a smilin'.  While I'm on this subject, don't forget to check *Sweet Surprises* for a little leprechaun fun too. 

 

Change is good sometimes and I've been having fun updating the website.  Basically, I just created a few new pages and moved things around.  I loved making the collage pages, and found that rather fun and satisfying;  creating that "other world".  What do you think--too busy, too cute?  And...finally, after (ahem) four years, I'll be adding an 'About' page here for TF that will tie it all together.  That's coming soon.   Oh, and from now on, I'll be answering all questions in the comment forum--it's been rather hit-or-miss in the past, but I'm on it--so check back there if you are wondering about something in particular.  I'm sure I'm forgetting something else I want to tell you--I can't remember--but that's all I really have time for right now anyway.   

Because it's time to get back to, um, "work" around here. (wink)