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.
Might I make a suggestion? I have 3 girls and 1 son. I have started to pass some of the things like aprons, my black fry pan (our son laid claim to it! LoL... he asked for it when some day we go the way of all things.... so I gave it to him/and his bride a few years back!) just cause... why not let the kids also have the memories... b/4 they forget what the memories are! Besides I figure I have enough "stuff"... and this way I can make new... things and memories with the grandkids!
Posted by: Jean C. | October 05, 2009 at 11:32 AM
The Embroidery Directory is wonderful. I didn't think PatternBee could improve, but you have accomplished the impossible. I feel deprived if I don't get to check it at least once a week.
Your blog is enjoyable and informative, my favorite place on the web. Thank you for replenishing my creative spirit.
Posted by: Cgirl | October 05, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Like grabbing a cup of tea and having a nice chat... always a pleasure to see what's happening at Turkey Feathers.
Posted by: Natalie | October 05, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Whatever you are going to come up with or create, it always looks fabulous!
Posted by: heleen | October 05, 2009 at 02:17 PM
Wow, your directory is great!!!
I love to see all the embroidered items you make and
am excited to see what you make for Autumn and Christmas time too:)I want to get started on some things myself!
Posted by: Samantha Martz | October 05, 2009 at 07:06 PM
very sweet mosaic..now i feel like having coffee and cake!
Posted by: Christy | October 05, 2009 at 07:35 PM
I love seeing your needlework and the directory is wonderful!
Posted by: Patty | October 06, 2009 at 08:17 PM
Coffee 'N' Cake 'N' Patternbee, what could be better? Love the new directory. Happy Stitching!
Posted by: Velma | October 07, 2009 at 11:31 AM
mmmmmmmmmmosaic!!!!!!
:)
Posted by: Dawn | October 07, 2009 at 03:01 PM
I'm trying to get on your Patternbee.com and can't! :(
Could you help me?
Posted by: Sue | October 07, 2009 at 05:51 PM
Just wait...........those aprons aren't quite filled with all the memories they will be able to hold! Grandkids (and maybe even some day great grandkids) will fill those lovely child sized beautifully embroidered cookie and cake dust holders with even more memories that will be fantastic!
Posted by: Kathie Hill | October 08, 2009 at 08:52 AM
I agree! I've already passed some things along to my older grown kids. The aprons will be nice to get out when my granddaughters visit.
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 08, 2009 at 09:53 AM
Thank you! This is so nice to hear sometimes.
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 08, 2009 at 09:55 AM
Thanks Velma! I'm so happy it's DONE!
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 08, 2009 at 09:57 AM
Cute!
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 08, 2009 at 09:57 AM
Thank you Patty--I hope to share more creative stitchery soon!
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 08, 2009 at 09:57 AM
..oh, me too!
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 08, 2009 at 09:58 AM
Thanks Samantha! BTW I love your blog header--the grandmother's flower garden blocks are so pretty.
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 08, 2009 at 09:59 AM
Love your new "birdhouse"...congratulations!
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 08, 2009 at 10:08 AM