turkey feathers

Snowbound

I just came in from outside. We had a little snow last night and the girls couldn't wait to "hit the slopes" in the front yard this morning.  I've left them to their fun and I'm back inside where its warm. 

I've been sitting here, reading the comments from Baby Love and cracking up.  I'm really surprised at how many people not only remember Thumbelina, but actually still have their dollies!  I felt such camaraderie knowing that for some reason.  

My poor old dolly no longer has any hair--thus the need for a bonnet---nor does she possess those unique movement capabilities.  I'd almost forgotten about that feature because when she stopped working (long long ago) I'd removed all the mechanical parts including the wind-up dial in back.  She was re-stuffed and has been soft and cuddly ever since. 

Anyway, thank you for the bonnet love.

Now I need to think what else I can pull from that blanket.   

Baby Love

Here's the latest creation to come from the beloved wool blanket--a baby bonnet; an old pattern with a simple design.

I've obviously got 'babies on the brain' and for good reason.  I'm going to be a grandma again for the second time; it's another baby girl for my son and daughter-in-law, due in the Spring!  Naturally, we're all thrilled, especially the girls, who will be aunts again too.  Ginger's still trying to wrap her mind around that concept.  Not easy to understand when you're only ten and have five aunts who are matronly figures.  None of that really matters though, we're just so pleased, and of course looking forward to planning another baby shower. 

Speaking of that, there was a surprise shower for Manda.  Her real-life friend, Kristy, set it up, and I was tickled to be part of it.  Nice to have a reason to pick up my sewing again after the holidays.  One of my favorite layette things to make are these soft flannel swaddling blankets.  This one says, Sugar Plum, an old Vogart design that I think is really cute.  I hope she likes it.  I thought of her the whole time I was working on it, so it went with lots of love. 

Finding Inspiration

Inspiration sometimes comes from unexpected places. 

An article in the MS KIDS Holiday 2003 issue caught my eye recently as I was flipping through the pages again.  It's about getting out and enjoying a winter's day; some encouraging advice with lovely pictures.  What I particularly like though, is the layout of the title--arranged with twigs and sticks against a snowy background.

With twiggy letters still on my mind, and this picture as a guide, and the subtle winter landscape my palette, I began stitching away--hoping to capture the natural elements with my needle and thread. 

I must say, I was quite pleased with the results.

The pillow sleeve came next.  To cover a small pillow I already had.  (Pillow sleeves are easy to make, change out, and store when the season ends--love them.)  

My new pillow reminds me to take a winter walk and enjoy the season with all it's grand and simple wonders.

Updated 2010:  Because you asked . . .directions to make the Winter Pillow Sleeve  project are in my book Embroidery Craft::  Stitching Through the Seasons (page 48). 

Cozy Camera Pouch

 

Br-r-r-r.  It's been so chilly here, that all I seem to think about is making quilts to cover things up.  This time, I've dipped into my scrap basket of pre-cut jelly-roll strips--to make a cozy pouch for my old camera (that I keep in the car).  I did foundation piecing on cotton batting using a standard 8.5 x 11" sheet of paper as a template--folded in half, it's the ideal size.

Woody Alphabet Winners

It's Friday! 

Time to announce our three lucky winners from the comments . . . 

Woody Alphabet patterns will be going to Linda, Megan, and Pattie. 

Congratulations ladies! 

I hope you will do something fun with these. 

Winter Delights

The Woody Alphabet pattern is done and now available here.     

Let's celebrate with a Give Away!

I have Woody Alphabet patterns for three lucky people. 

Just leave a comment and I'll announce winners on Friday. 

Updated 2010 Patterns and directions for the Hugs & Kisses Tote Bag is included in my book: Embroidery Craft: Stitching Through the Seasons (page 54). 

Back in the Saddle

My sewing machine was humming along all weekend and so was I. 

After I stitched up the "woody" Redwork piece, I wanted to do something with it.  

Behold: the "Hugs and Kisses" bag.   

I think I'll leave this bag hanging around--just in case someone wants to surprise me and drop something sweet in there.  {hint hint}

Oh look!  It worked. 

I love chocolate.  Chocolate doesn't ask questions.  Chocolate understands.

But anyways . . . what makes this bag fun (besides the gift potential), is that it's constructed almost entirely from pre-cut jelly roll strips.  I do love them so.  I'm discovering you can do so much with these pre-cut strips.  

I know. 

Everyone probably already knew that, right? 

I'm slow, but I catch on eventually. 

Hanging on by a Thread

I must say, it was so nice to pick up my needle and thread again, and sit quietly for a little while yesterday listening to the rain as I stitched.   

As you can see, I'm putting the woody alphabet to the test. 

I have a little Valentine's project in mind for it, that I HOPE to share soon.

Flower Brunch Cups

Cute party food for our New Year's Day brunch!

(These are convenient "fast food" for Christmas morning too.)

I was happy to discover a 4-inch flower-shaped cookie cutter was the perfect size for a standard cupcake/muffin pan.

The pastry "cookies" were just pie-crust scraps cut into shapes, brushed with egg, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, and baked on a cookie sheet for 10 minutes. 

RECIPE HERE 

Back to the Drawing Board

Happy New Year to all! 

I'm slowly coming back up to speed.  Shaking off a cold and getting caught up with the clean-up detail around here.  I'm sure you know the drill.

{Yawn} 

We watched movies and stayed up 'til midnight to ring in the New Year with America's Good Uncle, Dick Clark.  God bless him.  Even the youngest of the bunch managed to keep her eyes open for the grand finale this time.   

It was fun sitting around with my drawing board across my lap just doodling away the hours. 

I've been working on a woody alphabet for Redwork, as suggested by a few stitching pals.  I'm still in the beginning stages here, working out the details. 

Since I have no reference material, I'm just making it up as I go along. 

Pretty much my standard mode of operandi.