New Book

Barb brought over her projects yesterday....and my mouth just dropped open. Many times we don't see what the other is working on until photography day. It's almost like we are working in the dark....just hope when the light of day hits, everything will go together. I had no idea how her projects were turning out....and needless to say they turned out great. I know you will love her things as much as I do!

The inspiration for our book is an antique sampler by Louisa Bell. Barb found it on e-bay. Let me tell you, this one sampler inspired quite a bit....lots of fun projects. Oh just you wait! Not much longer now.

Our book is in the final stages....above is a picture of the book cover.....a bit more writing and a couple more photographs and it will be done!!!

At market we will have Honeysuckle Manor, 5 patterns and a wooden pincushion base that's painted and made to look a bit vintage.

Until later! I have to get back to work.

Alma

Quilling

Ok....I know you are going to say, "Quilling?" But I can't stop myself. I saw the picture below on the blog site, Tongue in Cheek. Corey, from Tongue in Cheek, called the piece a relic. Take a look at her Jan. 13th posting to find more about this piece. It was made to contain a lock of hair....And yes, I copied the picture from her site....I feel badly. I don't normally take other people's pictures....but I COULD NOT HELP MYSELF! Go visit her site... You will really enjoy her stories. (click on the name of the blog for a link) Tracy Riffle, from Hands to Work gave me the heads up a couple of months ago. Thank you Tracy!



Anyway.....I couldn't quilt thinking about quilling. My mother used to make things years ago....and they were really lovely....but when I saw the piece above I got in my car and went to Hobby Lobby to get the supplies. (That's another story!)



I just finished the piece pictured above....and it's easy. Just like applique. 1/4" strips cut from an old book and watercolor paper, my favorite PVA glue from Paper Source and the quilling tools and here's my first try!


I glued the pieces on the inside of a box lid. I'm going to cross stitch a piece for the top of the box and then paint the rest of the box. I used old paper to cover the inside of the box lid and then sprinkled a bit of coffee and baked it for a short time to dry.

Well....back to work!
There will be Show and Tell part 2 tomorrow....don't forget to view yesterday's posting to see Show and Tell part 1.

Alma

Show and Tell

Lots to show today....so without further delay here we go!

This sweet young girl pictured above is Judy Filean's granddaughter. She is wearing her Grandfather's Army uniform which he wore as a child in 1945. Judy sent this to me in October of 2006 when her granddaughter was 5. This pattern is from our book Women of Grace and Charm. Inside this book are stories of 12 local women's service during WWII. (And of course a quilt block for each woman.) Judy adapted the pattern a bit and we love what she did. Of all the books we have done, this one is the one that I'm most proud of. It's because of the women's stories. I look at their faces pictured in our book and I am honored by their sacrifice and service.


These two sweet thread keeps are from Catherine. Click on her name to visit her blog site.
She writes,

"Here is the last picture of one of your designs. The book Joyeux Noël is really a "mine" (not sure of the translation : it is a way to say that there is a lot of projects inside)"

The hexagon pincushion is from Cathy. Click on her name to visit her blog. This was a class project offered when we were in Nantes, France.
She writes,
"I've made the pincushion several times. I have fun every time and take a lot of pleasure in making them. Here is the last one.
To us in France, we can send our wishes all January long, then I wish you a very happy New Year on 2010. I don't know if we shall have the opportunity to see again each other this year, but continue to enchant us with your wonderful charts."




Debbie Wick sent in the 2 above pictures. The quilt is from Quilting the Garden. The Noel box is from Joyeux Noel.
Debbie writes, "I finally figured out how to download pictures from my new camera. I hope you enjoy them."

The next two are hers also. Debbie we are glad you have the camera figured out!


The quilt above is from the book When the Cold Wind Blows. Check out Debbie's pillowcases too!

More tomorrow!

Good night all.

Alma

End of the Day

It's the end of the day and the light is fading fast. I've been sitting on my sofa for the past 4 days. I'm starting to feel like I'm becoming one with the sofa. There are tangles and strands of floss everywhere. Piles of small bits of floss that have been carefully picked out leaving holes for a color replacement. The sampler I'm working on has been stitched about 3 times now. Trying to get it just right.

Barb's making a bit of progress. Below is a small picture of one she finished. We are starting to really like showing samplers in old wooden frames. When your stitching is complete just put the stitched linen in an old hoop. Add a needle and a bit of floss and instant atmosphere. It feels a bit more intimate.


Good night dear friends....tomorrow Show and Tell day!

Alma

My To Do List

Barb and I are working like crazy trying to get ready for cross stitch market in Nashville. We have several ideas....but we could use another three weeks in Jan. to get it all done. Luckily market is later than usual. Normally we go the first part of Feb...but this year it's at the end of the month. Thank Goodness!!!

The sampler pictured above is going to be in our new book. The book is based on an antique sampler Barb purchased. My sampler above is my adaptation of the vintage sampler. Do we have a title for the book yet? No....of course not. That usually comes after we see all of the finished projects. We pick a title that suggests the uniting force behind it all. We are thinking about Honeysuckle House....because of the border....but that could still change.

I know you are looking at the word "Walnut" on the sampler and wondering, "What the heck?" I stitched this sampler in memory of my Great Great Great Great Grandmother, Margaret Harris. She died in 1877 in Walnut, Iowa. Last June, I went to Walnut with my friend Flona and Linda and we did the antique sale they have each Father's Day. But at the time, I didn't know my Grandmother was buried there....I will have to see if I can find her next time I'm there.

I know the sampler above is pictured in a hoop....but I never use a hoop when stitching. It gets in my way...but Barb loves to use a hoop.

Anyway, the point of this posting is that the stress was beginning to bother Barb and me. I told her I bought a journal last night. I'm going to write 5 things that I want to do for each day. I'm not going to worry about all the other things that need to be done. I'm just going to do 5 things. That sounds doable right?

My list for the day is:

1. Clean for about an hour
2. Update the blog....I miss writing to you! I know that sounds crazy....but this has turned out to be something I very much enjoy!
3. Pay the bills....don't you hate doing that? It can take a couple of hours to go through all of the mail and sort it all.
4. Get the Loose Feather pattern to the printer
5. Work on another pattern.

You know what? It kind of helps my stress level today. Just 5 things to do....think I can handle it. (Will let you know if it really works later.)


Yesterday I finished the photography on our Engagement Calendar. I took pictures of thimbles, sewing hoops, tape measures, needle cases, tatting shuttles, quilt blocks and all kinds of fun things. The Kansas City Star will be offering it at Spring Quilt market. The picture above didn't make the cut...but thought you might like to see to get an idea.

This pictures highlights a needle case I purchased years ago....another calendar shot. This was really a fun project. Can hardly wait to see it myself....the book designer Amy Robertson is working on it now.

Ok....now I've done two things...off to finish 3 more.

Hugs to all of you!

Alma

My Winter Guest

I'm happily stitching along and my son shouts for me to come to the window and bring my camera. He's shouting..."What is that? Looks like a large rat!"

After getting a good look at her I tell him, "She's an old friend." Look how daintily she walks through the snow. I don't blame her....lots of deep snow and she has to navigate this with her tiny pink feet.

Her destination is the bird feeder. Lots of seeds spread on the ground by the greedy blue jays.

Lots of sharp pointed teeth. Wish she would learn to chew with her mouth closed! Those teeth make her look almost evil. But...I owe her big time. I won't chase her away. My 4 outside cats won't bother her either. They know better. When she wants to eat their cat food...they move over to let her have a bite.

She decides there wasn't enough food on the ground and climbs up the bird feeder. (My husband bought this for me years ago....it holds 25 pounds of bird seed. I told him eagles could land here...I have seen 3 raccoons hanging from feeder one night having a party. After that view, I no longer put 25 pounds of bird seed in the feeder....those raccoons can finish it in one night.)


The cats must be making her a bit nervous....Look at those teeth!

And look at that tail! She's a hard one to love....but I owe her big time. Last year my dog Gracie chased her. I didn't know the possum was in the yard...several of her babies fell off and I found them the next day in the grass. It was heart breaking really.....so I'm letting her eat her fill. Even with her icky tail and sharp and pointed teeth....

Back to stitching!

Until later,

Alma

Warm Sunshine

Finally!!! The snow is melting and the sun is shining. Spent time stitching and watching my son work on his thesis. Peaceful. My days are divided between quilting and stitching. My quilt blocks get the morning hours and my afternoons are saved for stitching.

We have several projects we are racing to finish up. Country Inn, our quilt book, is due soon. And we are trying to get everything ready for cross stitch market in Nashville. It's the end of Feb. this year...so we still have about 15 minutes before we load up the car and head south. (We really have longer ....but it feels like market will be here in 15 minutes.)

But no more stressful thoughts...I'm snapping the rubber band on my wrist...so in the spirit of beauty and peace, I'm showing you the following.



I never considered my geraniums as house plants until last year. Usually I leave them outside and just purchase new ones in the spring. But no more! This is the second year I have brought in my white geranium to overwinter in the house. It sits in my south bay window. The fresh white bloom and spring green leaves cheer me up. It's amazing how they bloom all winter long. Just clip the spent blooms and continue on their merry way.


Thank all of your for your thoughts and advice. Barb and I really appreciate you taking the time to let us know your ideas. We can use them all!

Hope it's warm and sunny where you are!

Until later,

Alma