It's been awhile since I made anything, but I managed one quick project, to wish you all the best for the new year. Let's hope 2009 treats everyone kindly. I was actually hoping to offer this little heart greeting as a free pattern today, but alas dear friends, I ran out of time. We are just so busy. The good news is, the embroidery design is included with the free-with-purchase bonus transfers this month which will magically appear on the website tomorrow. So if you are so inclined, you too can make yourself a little greeting. As for my pillow project here, a little fancy Blackwork was called into action. I used three strands of floss throughout, in case you're wondering. And lovely vintage buttons, mostly, mother-of-pearl. The older the better. Particularly if they've been hand-carved from abalone shells. I rather like that they're not so perfect. I've been collecting them for years, but never seem to have more than one or two that match, so this is a nice way to use and enjoy them.
So, mostly housekeeping today. Company coming tomorrow; two crock-pots simmering, and cakes in the oven for our January birthday boy. A four-layer, vanilla/chocolate cake to be exact. Grace is in charge of that -- making marzipan snowflakes to decorate the top as we speak. Oh, it's so good.
I JUST LOVE EVERY EMBRODERY DESIGN YOU DO..I MIGHT AS WELL HAVE AN OPEN PAYPAL ACCOUNT WITH YOU BECAUSE I ALWAYS HAVE TO HAVE THEM..YOU HAVE SUCH TALENT.SEE YOU IN 2009..VAL
Posted by: | December 31, 2008 at 04:38 PM
Wishing you the happiest of new years! I made the heart pincushions from your book to put in embroidery kits I gave at Christmas and they were much loved! Thanks for the inspiration. Cheers.
Posted by: Jeannie | December 31, 2008 at 04:46 PM
What a sweet little heart. Here's to an amazing 2009. Happy New Years!
Posted by: Lemon Tree Tami | December 31, 2008 at 05:01 PM
I'm wishing you a fabulous,fantastic year Vicki! May all your dreams, projects and plans be realized.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Christy | December 31, 2008 at 05:06 PM
What a beautiful banner! Have a happy healthy new year!
Posted by: gena | December 31, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Wow!! I can't get over your banner!! Talk about a picture perfect setting!! Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year, Vicki and family!!
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | December 31, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Happy New Year!
Posted by: val | December 31, 2008 at 06:41 PM
All the best in 2009 to your and your family.
Posted by: Yvette | December 31, 2008 at 09:34 PM
Vicki- Happy New Year to you! Love, love the heart! I understand totally about your affection for MOP buttons. My collection is dwindling as I find just the right place for this one or that one in a project. Hmmm, I think a trip to the flea market is in order! Gee, that's a shame. ;)
Posted by: Karin | January 01, 2009 at 05:41 AM
Happy New Year.
Posted by: paula | January 01, 2009 at 05:42 AM
Love the embroidery! I am having trouble today reading your post. The text is so tiny I need a magnifier....could you let me know if you changed something? Other blogs seem ok...I am wondering if it's my computer that has a problem....Thank you.
Susan
Posted by: Susan Jonsson | January 01, 2009 at 08:26 AM
I love that heart! Black stitches on linen, and I love mother-of-pearl buttons too!
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Posted by: mathea | January 01, 2009 at 08:43 AM
Happy New Year!
Posted by: pam | January 01, 2009 at 10:14 AM
What a sweet heart! I love your style. Wish you and your family a happy and creative 2009!
Posted by: heleen | January 01, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Happy new year !! Keep up with your lovely blog :-)
Posted by: nataliejo | January 01, 2009 at 03:30 PM
That is one fine pillow there Vicki. I just wanted to stop and say Happy New Year and thank you so much for being such a good sharer. Your very reasonable prices and all the freebies...you're a peach and I appreciate you!
Posted by: jen duncan | January 01, 2009 at 08:21 PM
Happy New year to you too! Your work makes me want to try to embroider! Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: n*stitches | January 02, 2009 at 07:30 AM
Lovely heart! Happy New Year blessings to you!
Posted by: Vicki | January 02, 2009 at 09:19 AM
Happy New Year Vicki! I just got a copy of your book today that I ordered from Amazon. It is WONDERFUL! And now I have this blanket thing going thanks to you and I'm waiting for an old blanket to arrive that I bought on Ebay. I'm going to make some stuff for myself! Pink wool!
Posted by: Anne Sutton | January 02, 2009 at 05:58 PM
Happy New Year. Love the heart. This year I will be buying some transfers from you...I used to embroyder when I was younger and I feel I would love to do that again...first I must apply for Pay Pal :)
Posted by: Mo'a | January 03, 2009 at 05:17 AM
You've had the cutest banner and photos lately.Love your blog.Happy New Year to you and yours.Andrea
Posted by: andrea | January 03, 2009 at 09:56 AM
I think it is beautiful! So happy to see everything you make. You inspire me so much.
Posted by: ReminisceHeirlooms | January 03, 2009 at 01:47 PM
Happy New Year! I'm looking forward to learning more from you in 2009. Great heart pillow.
Jody
Posted by: Gumbo Lily | January 03, 2009 at 08:32 PM
Beautiful little heart.
Wishing you a Happy New Year from Ireland.
Posted by: Cele | January 04, 2009 at 05:57 AM
Happy New Year! Sorry it's belated, but I have been sans PC for a while ... I am getting your book for my birthday later this month and I can't wait!!!
Anyway, just to let you know I love your blog (as always) and warmest wishes for a wonderful year ahead from London.
Posted by: Mia | January 05, 2009 at 10:11 AM