turkey feathers

Busy Working On . . .

  

Well, so many things actually!  Sometimes I feel like an entertainer in the circus spinning plates on sticks--trying to keep everything balanced and moving.  The new February blog banner is done and up early.  It was now or never.  Featuring our cat, Lily--in repose.  As always.  This cat is such a princess. 

 

Let's see what else?  Someone is knitting their first sock.  (Not me.)  These are Grace's busy hands.  I've already put my order in for a pair of them.

I must thank every one again who's purchased my book and expressed excitement over it.  I'm just so thrilled to know that, I really am.  If you've made something with the patterns, don't forget to add it to the flickr group so we can all ooohhh and ahhhh over it.  Take a peek at Judy's baby bunny (from page 94).   And see what else she's up to on her lovely blog: Daily Yarns N' More.   You'll be inspired!

If you've been waiting for a signed copy of Blanket Statement shipped to you personally by *Yours Truly*,  here's your chance to get one.  Another batch has arrived and awaiting new homes.  Just drop me a note and I'll send you a Paypal invoice, or a shipping address if you want to do money order.  S/H is still FREE!

 

And tomorrow...the new free-with-purchase bonus pattern is revealed!  Check it out here.

Have a great weekend!

Say It Isn't So

 

As I was sifting through my mail yesterday, I stopped short as I came across a small white postcard from the MSL circulation director, that began, "We regret to inform you that Mary Englebreit's Home Companion magazine has ceased publication with the January 2009 issue."   I read it several times.  I wanted it to be a misprint.  And then my heart sank and I sat down and just stared out the window for awhile, thinking.  I'm sad that I'm losing what feels like a comforting old friend.  Home Companion magazine had heart and art!  It was personal.  It was inspiring.  It was crafty.  It had those cute paperdolls!  And so much more.  I'm hugging myself for saving them. All 11 years worth, or so.  Every issue still a treasure.  Thank you Mary, and everyone at Home Companion for giving us so much. 

 

I was nostalgically flipping through past issues and this picture reminded me that I need to get my hair done.  Thankfully, no more pink rollers!

Cutting Up

 

These silhouette pictures seem to be everywhere right now, and I can't stop thinking about them.  Years ago, I made a few the old fashioned way--by hand with a tiny pair of sharp scissors.  Fun, but somewhat time intensive.  So, today I dusted off my Pazzles paper-cutter and in just a few minutes time had several dancing ladies all cut out and ready to frame.  The black and whites here are from Dover Publications.  I love their books and have used them as a major design source for years.  This collection is actually part of a CD-Rom & Book, which is on sale for nearly half price right now during their winter sale.  I just ordered mine and a few others.  I also signed up over there and have been getting a few pocketfuls of clip-art once a week for over a year now too.  Gotta love those Dover folks.  You can check that free offer out here.

My finished project.  I REALLY need to make more of these!

 

Turning Pages

I'm trying, I really am, but the new compose editor is not making me happy yet.  Things didn't go smoothly the last few times I tried to post.   Pictures played peeka-boo and text trotted off to whereabouts unknown.  I keep uploading until everything finally stays where its supposed to.  I apologize if anyone is having trouble viewing new entries as they come and go!  I feel like PiPPi walking backward.  Obviously not as much fun though.

This was some of the good mail that came today.   Fun bedtime reading!  I loved the PiPPi stories growing up, and have shared them my children over the years.  This new edition is illustrated by Lauren Child, of 'Charlie and Lola' fame and couldn't be cuter! 

Before I get started though, I need to finish, "Can't Wait to get to Heaven" another book by Fannie Flagg.  I'm on a Flagg jag.  I started it about a week ago and became instantly absorbed by all the colorful characters.  Especially, old Elner Shimfissle--the main character.  This book has an interesting plot that starts out with a bang.  Literally.  As she falls off a ladder.  Which starts a chain of humorous events.  Can't wait to see how it all ends up. 

Animals In Aprons

Hello!  Thank you for stopping in for a visit today.  I'm excited because I actually have a cute quilt to show for a change.  With the winter days being so short here in the northern hemisphere, it often seems like I'm not getting much accomplished in the way of creative stitching.  Before I know it the day is over.

 

So, I've been pulling out my unfinished projects and -- instant gratification!   I just put the finishing touches on this vintage baby quilt for my grand-daughter Olivia, which was started last summer.  I'd tucked it away as the days got busy toward year's end. Actually, it's not vintage, but the designs are.  They're from this old pattern with the sweetest little animals -- all wearing aprons.  17 motifs in all, but I only used 7 here.  Very easy and fun.  Above, Miss Bear attempting to raid the honey hive.   

   

Miss Kitty washing up. 

 

Mr. Rooster cock-a-doodling. 

 

The quilt.  It's dark on this cold January day and impossible to get a good picture.  I should've taken some yesterday when the sun made a lovely showing, but as I was out of the house all day I missed the opportunity.   Anyway, before I putter off to dig up more UFO's that need finishing, I'd love to give away a free Animals in Aprons PDF, which I can send anywhere via email.  You will have to print out the pattern and trace the design in reverse to use it.  Visit my website for tracing tips.  If you want to be entered into the drawing, just leave a comment and include the word 'apron'.  I'll announce a winner sometime in the next few days.

Currently. . .

 

Organizing my sewing room with a little help from the embellishment center from Michael's.  I didn't actually know I needed one, until it went on sale for half-price.  Still trying to find empty 3" diameter ribbon spools to finish the job.  It seems they're everywhere until you actually need one.  (Piglet pincushion from Jennifer Murphey:: perhaps a visual comment on how I'm feeling at the moment--doing balancing act!) 

Looking Ahead

Snow Flowers!  These "grew" in my flower bed. 

Thank you for the new year's wishes--they are most appreciated, as are each of you who take time out from your busy days to visit here.  It's comforting to know I'm in such good company.  Especially as we head into the unknown country of 2009.  You hold my hand, I'll hold yours.  We'll tip-toe through it together.

Snowflake Cake!  Made by Grace for her big brother's birthday this week.

Happy inspiration from new and old friends.

I have turned my attention back to the new book I'm working on.  Actually, I started on this little book years before the first one wiggled its way to the front of the line.  It's true.  Gee, didn't I mention it?  Well, in case you don't know--it's all about that gentle art near and dear to my heart: EMBROIDERY.  Of course it is!  I hope to bring something new to the party though.  It may even turn into a series of books along the same line, with different themes.  I certainly have enough fodder to fill a few books anyway.  My needle has been flying!

In the meantime, I hope the projects in Blanket Statement are inspiring you to get out your needles and thread.   And, if you are still holding out for a *signed copy* of my book, I'm happy to let you know that I just got a few more in.  I'm offering these with free Priority S/H again.  (Unfortunately, I'm only able to offer free shipping within the U.S.)  If you want one for yourself or a gift for friend, here's your chance!  Drop me an email or leave a comment here to reserve your copy. 

Thank you very kindly...all books have been spoken for!

Hearty Greetings!

 

It's been awhile since I made anything.  So 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 goth-torian 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 embroidered 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. Used three strands of floss throughout, in case you're wondering. How I *LoVe* these vintage buttons.  Mostly, the 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 display 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.