"Some long, dreamy summer afternoons a few close friends sat on the porch and snapped their embroidery hoops over their handiwork or knitted, ivory needles clicking happily."
~Gladys Taber
from Harvest of Yesterdays 1976
As summer drifts along, I've been drifting along with it to places near and far. Slowing down a bit I've become attuned to the graceful passing of the days.
Of course, slowing down in a cabin on a lake or walking through the woods, takes little effort. The challenge is carrying this rhythm home and weaving it into the days ahead. That's the plan anyway.
Now I'm venturing back to where I left off, ready to pick up my State Flower Quilt stitching again, to accompany the long, dreamy summer afternoons, when it gets too hot to pick berries and bake pies.
In the meantime though . . .
. . . I've got some exciting news to share: my new book will be out SEPTEMBER 1st! Here's a sneak preview of the BACK. (I'll post more about it as fall approaches.)
Also coming this fall an Etsy shop update. Think "thrift shop" treasures..old patterns, vintage stuff, fabric bits. Gathering it all together now.
For today though, for blog readers, I have a free pattern download for my PUPPY PAL, a little stuffie from my first book, Blanket Statement, that wasn't included. The pattern is similar to the LAMBKIN pattern, in fact, it's made exactly the same way. Deb made a cute one (she was my pattern tester), from the green wool blanket and added a creative twist of her own using a kid's picture book for inspiration! Check out her Copy Cat Challenge here.
(You can add a seam allowance and make it from cloth as well.)
HAPPY SUMMER!
You have a new book coming out?
Hooray!
Posted by: Bridgette | August 09, 2010 at 07:53 PM
Thanks for the freebie! I haven't gotten your 1st book yet, but I will.(And then the new one.) I have always loved embroidery and am so delighted that so many people are into it these days. I am always stitching and quilting - when I'm not gardening, baking, etc!
Posted by: Cindy Marquis | August 10, 2010 at 08:00 AM
Vicki!
Thank you so much for the puppy pattern * me and my crazy beagle dogs thank you I'm going to work on a few this week * woohoo!
Can't wait for book #2, we LOVE book #1
Happy Summer
Posted by: Patrice | August 10, 2010 at 10:26 AM
You did it! Congrats! Thanks for letting me be your tester.
Posted by: DEB | August 10, 2010 at 11:19 AM
Looking forward to your new book--will have to purchase it for sure!
Posted by: Sara | August 10, 2010 at 01:38 PM
Congratulations on the new book coming out in a few weeks. Vicki, you are always so generous with the free patterns. I remember attempting the lambkin a few years ago. I tried making him from and old pale blue housecoat I had. It just didn't work and I was so disappointed that I have never tried again. This puppy looks like less of a challenge...perhaps I'll dare to give it a whirl. Keep enjoying your summer!
Posted by: Vee | August 10, 2010 at 07:11 PM
I'm looking forward to your book!
Thanks for the free pattern -- I'm going to have to make one for my youngest.
Posted by: Erin | August 10, 2010 at 09:31 PM
Yea!!! Can't wait until September!!! And I'm standing by for your Etsy shop update-yippee!! Have a lovely day! :)
Posted by: Sharon M. | August 11, 2010 at 07:43 AM
congratulations on your new book!
Posted by: Terri | August 12, 2010 at 07:19 AM
I'd love to see the Copy Cat Challenge...but the link doesn't work. It is entirely possible it's me, though....computer savvy I am not! I think, however, the link isn't complete. Thanks! And thanks for your blog. It's a very refreshing place!
Posted by: Mariah | August 12, 2010 at 10:31 PM
I just love the first pic of flowers! I just wish I knew what they all were so I could recreate that flower bed next year. By the way your blog is for sure my favorite blog of all, keep up the good work!
Posted by: alexis | August 13, 2010 at 10:51 AM