Notes From My Nest

 
The Toadflax family live in the hornbeam tree next-door to Crabapple Cottage.  On cold winter evenings, it is very cosy inside the tree, and noisy too, with four boisterous children running up and down the stairs.  Wilfred, Teasel, Clover, and Catkin share a nursery at the top of the tree, and as the snow started to fall, Mrs. Toadflax found it difficult to keep them quietly upstairs in bed.  Mr. Toadflax had been looking forward to some peace and quiet, but just as he was helping himself to another bowl of hot chestnut soup, he heard the creak of Wilfred's paw upon the stair.  "Why aren't you in bed, Wilfred?" he called.  "It's very late." 

"But it's snowing!" shouted Wilfred.  "Toboganning tomorrow!"

---from Brambly Hedge---The Toadflax Family, by Jill Barklem

* * * * * 

It is a comfort to know there are many Brambly Hedge peeps out there.  Thanks for checking in.  It warms my heart.  I love this cozy Brambly world.  This story segment is quite appropriate for the season, I think.  Especially, since some of us are still wrapped snuggly in hibernation mode around here.  I told you I was inching into the new year slowly. .  It's been a mild and (so far), a dry, winter day--but we are on storm watch once again and hunkering down with sewing and great steaming pots of hot chocolate to see us through.  No snow in the forecast this time, but lots of rain.  I'm inside for the day, working on some current projects.  I usually have several going at once, and with any luck will have something to show for it all soon. 

Before I snuggle back down..a few notes today:

• Flickr Photo Pools::  I'm in the process of consolidating my lambkin stuffies & blanket statement flickr groups into ONE group, so if you are a member of the latter, please "leave it" so the group can be deleted.  It's a crazy way to have to do this, but it's the way flickr has set it up.  In other words, every member needs to leave the group for it to close.  (Email me if you have any questions.)  And, if you haven't already, please join the Lambkin Stuffies group and feel free to post any of your finished BLANKET STATEMENT projects to that group pool.  (The lambkin is also part of the book, so it just made sense to make this one group.)

• Blanket Statment wholesale orders:: I also want to mention that I've taken down the wholesale info since the book can be ordered through traditional methods now.  CreateSpace handles this very efficiently which means I don't have to drop-ship orders or keep an inventory; so if you want to order copies for your library or book shop, just ask them and they can do so.

• PatternBee PDF Patterns:: The good news is the new 2010 bonus transfers are up on the website and flying out the door already...however, the bad news is I will no longer be offering them in PDF format.  I know, I'm sorry--but this is no longer possible.

Also, if you order PDF patterns to be sent to your yahoo account, the new SpamGuard filters everything and you need to turn it off or change your preferences to receive large image files. Be sure to check your SPAM folders within 24-48 hours after placing PDF orders.  If they aren't waiting in your IN Box, they are most likely filed as spam.  Files may also be auto-deleted if you don't save them to your desktop before the pre-set default time is up or just deleted without warning.  Feel free to email me if you need your patterns resent or if you have any other questions regarding your orders.  Thanks!

Comments

[judy]

I ordered Blanket Statement with some Christmas gift money. It arrived this week, and although I already KNEW it would be wonderful, it was more than that! I love it. LOVE it!

[Narita]

This may sound strange but I had never heard of Brambley Hedge stories but years ago I did purchase a book that has patterns on how to make the Brambley Hedge characters as small dolls made with fake fur and all their costumes. I have not yet got to make them and hope to do so for my granddaughter. Thanks for sharing.

[Dawn]

Love the Brambley Hedge stories.....
and your banner...is just the sweetest!

Always a pleasure to visit you, vicki!
♥
Dawn @ (4:53 am)
xo

[Bridgette]

I can just imagine myself living in that tree.
Where can I buy the book?

[Jackie Holland]

I had never heard of Brambley Hedge until your previous post. I "need" to acquire my own copy now!

[andylynne]

What a sweet post, and your right the tree sums up the season very well. I just got copies of the Brambley Hedge books. What wonderful stories and of course stunning illistrations. Thank you so much for sharing your delightful books. Amazing how such things can be carried forward isn't it. I hadn't heard of them either, but am now a dyed in the wool fan. I feel enriched :)

[heleen]

Oh, That is so pretty!

[Franciely]

Hi dear...visiting ur sweet blog...add me in ur blogroll ok...i have a super cute blog too,alywas with great poems and posts talkin about the life,love and God.Big Hug!!

[lea helmerich]

what a dreamy, brambly story!

what a great blog!

[Magickwyrds]

Mmmm...love this picture, all the rooms look snug and cozly in the midst of the snow. Wish I were there! Thank you for sharing.