A lovely box of apples appeared on my back porch from friends yesterday! There are so many things that are good and decent about the world, and apples (and friends) are two of them. Sublime happiness is in the little things after all. Here in Oregon, we are having a spell of gorgeous fall weather that is more than mildly distracting; just stopping me in my tracks as I take it all in. I love the rich colors of autumn, they inspire me.
I’m inspired by so many things I see around me right now, including the outfit Grace waltzed into the room wearing this morning. So pretty! Do we love brown cotton knit tights? Yes we do! And I must say, that having just finished reading Winter Solstice (again) by one of my fave Scottish authors, Rosamund Pilcher, my heart is embracing old world comforts and cozy earthy colors all over again. Right now, this is all just a vision inside my head, but I’m working toward that end. I’ve actually been pretty busy working on some new projects for you, my dear stitchy friends, and not only that but more exciting news: I just received my proof copy of Blanket Statement, which I see needs a few more tweeks before I can send it out into the world. Actually 
holding it in my hands and seeing all the years of work in book form is so thrilling. I didn’t think it would be, but it really is. So tying up those loose ends is going to be my first priority. Second, would be that afore mentioned apple pie that I still need to bake. The pastry has been chilling since yesterday. I got that far at least.
Love Grace's tights and that skirt! The book looks wonderful! I am thrilled for you. I'm still making lots of baby quilts and am now getting into sashiko. Always something new to learn!
Posted by: Teresa | October 14, 2008 at 10:51 AM
You HAVE been busy! I was laughing about the pellet stove "ordeal" I have a story about that too. Congratulations on the book, I can't wait!
Posted by: Penny | October 14, 2008 at 10:54 AM
It took me awhile to get the hang of my Pazzles paper cutter, but now I love it and use it all the time. It was very daunting at first though, so I can relate! I too am anticipating the wool project book. I've been reading your blog since day one and followed the blanket projects as they were presented, so I'm especially excited about it all too!
Posted by: Lisa | October 14, 2008 at 11:03 AM
What great neighbours you have. A box of apples, how nice. I do love the rich colors and everything about Autumn. Grace's skirt and brown tights are indeed lovely. To be holding YOUR book in your hands... congratulations again. I can hardly wait to read it. I am looking forward to seeing the new projects for us stitchy friends.
Posted by: Velma | October 14, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Your book does look wonderful. You do very great work.
Posted by: sarah | October 14, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Dear Vicki,
It must be thrilling and momentous to hold your very own book in your hands....I am so happy for you!
Winter Solstice is one of my most favorite books. The characters and insights in it are satisfying and real (or as close to real as we like a novel to be!). Thank you for reminding me to read it again.
Posted by: Lesley Austin | October 14, 2008 at 01:36 PM
I just have to say that you are a very eloquent writer. I love all of your posts. No one left me a box of apples today but nevertheless I'm going to try the Sour Cream Apple Pie that Alicia had on her blog. Apples are one of my favorite Fall comforts.
Posted by: AJ | October 14, 2008 at 02:55 PM
That book looks REALLY cute. Can't hardly wait to see it. Congratulations!!
Posted by: jen duncan | October 14, 2008 at 03:05 PM
~Your book looks like it is going to be fabulous! I am happy and excited for you!!!! ~Mandy
Posted by: Amanda | October 14, 2008 at 04:49 PM
How exciting! I am so happy for you! Can't wait unil it comes out. :-)
Posted by: Lisa W. | October 14, 2008 at 08:47 PM
That book looks totally adorable and if I leave you 1,000 nice comments will you send me an advance copy:-)))))) Seriously, congrats on its completion, you must be tickled pink! We love our brown tights here too and we must be kindred spirits because Rosamund Pilcher is one of my fav's too--loved The Shell Seekers.
Posted by: Suzanne | October 15, 2008 at 05:14 AM
Very exciting time for you, congratulations. I too can't wait until it comes out.
Posted by: Judy | October 15, 2008 at 05:44 AM
Oh the book! The book! How exciting!!! And I love Winter Solstice, too. In fact I own extremely well-read copies of every one of her books. They are perfect for putting one in a cozy creative mood.
Posted by: jenny b harris | October 15, 2008 at 06:40 AM
Your book looks like it is going to be a wonderful one, Vicki. Congratulations!
That first photo is sure a pretty one. We've been enjoying Gala apples here. They're so tasty, and I've always loved the name.
Grace...ooops, I mean Sarah has such a lovely sense of style, in everything she does, just like her mama.
I liked that Rosamunde Pilcher book too. I love all the little details she shares in her stories. I always feel like I've walked right into her beautiful world.
Posted by: Lena | October 15, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Years ago one of the first blogs I read was your blog...I loved following the Blanket Project. And now you'll have a book about that project! Congrats! I can hardly wait to read it, and even use it make things!
*Heidi*
(I'm in Oregon, too. Southern Oregon Coast)
Posted by: Heidi Woodruff | October 15, 2008 at 10:40 AM
I have a wonderful Swedish apple pie recipe that would be awesome with those apples....
Just let me know if you'd like it?!
Posted by: Kate Brown | October 15, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Congrats on your book! You have made me want to re-read Winter Solsitice and The Shell Seekers. Enjoy your apples...they look yummy!
Posted by: Debbie | October 15, 2008 at 08:17 PM
What's a good idea this book !!!
I hope to see (and to have !!) it over the sea !
Elisabeth (from France)
Posted by: ElisabethB | October 15, 2008 at 11:42 PM
Well I'm on the lookout for cotton tights too. And I also must add my vote for Rosamond pilcher, she is a wonderful author. And so is her son Robin. When you get the yen to read it again. Give yourself a treat and listen to it on Audio. It is wonderful. Take care and have fun with your book, it looks wonderful.
Posted by: andylynne | October 16, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Apples are nice. So our brown tights.....
Posted by: brit | October 16, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Looking forward to your book. Have a lovely weekend. Warmly, Cathy ^..^
Posted by: Cathy Santarsiero | October 16, 2008 at 09:24 PM
oh my gosh, your book!!! will copies be for sale? and ohhh yesss, we love brown cotton tights over here too.
Posted by: Toni | October 17, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Nothing says 'fall' like a box full of apples and apple pie! Yummo! Can't wait to get my hands on your book and then I'll sit down with a wonderful cup of tea and a piece of apple pie ...pure bliss!
Posted by: Alice | October 19, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Oh I can't wait for your book! Thanks so much for being such an inspiration! I've put an award for you on my blog... Come take a peek.
Blessings, Patti
Posted by: Patti | October 22, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Thrilled your book is so close to completion!
Posted by: Wendy | October 31, 2008 at 06:57 PM