Buttons, Buttons, Who's Got the Buttons?

We do! Here at Chickadee Hollow Designs! If you haven't looked at our selection of buttons yet, you might want to do so,we keep adding new ones all the time. I will be posting some more new ones we just got in this past week www.chickadeehollowdesigns.com

 

 

These are just some of the new ones, more will be added this week. These are so much fun to use as embellishments on wall hanging, stockings, personal items and so much more.  Watch for new items using some of these buttons!!

 Happy Stitching! Carol

2 Down, 48 To Go!

Hello again, Here is block number 2 of the State Flowers. These are easy, fun, and are going to look fantastic in my quilt that I make in one year. I figure if I do one a week, I will be done in less than a year. The color doesn't show up the best here, but the background is a nice cream color so I think I can have some fun picking out some neat patriotic fabric to finish this quilt. I will keep you posted.

Happy Stitching! Carol

USA State Flowers

Remember a while back when I posted the patterns of the State Flowers, Birds and Flags that ladies did years and years ago, and are still available.? Well, I decided it would be fun to make at least one of these, because I do love embroidery. But, I decided to change things up a bit, (you know me!) Here is a picture of the first block that I grabbed and it happens to be Nevada. According to the direction I was suppose to pick green, bright yellow and bright blue for the floss colors. I have seen some of the older quilts made like this and they didn't have a lot of floss colors to choose back then, not like we do now. So here is what I did, I changed the background from a white to a cream color, and I changed the color palettte from a bright color to a muted color. I really like the way they are turning out. Now this will allow me to use some of the muted fabric choices we have today to make this into a "stunning" quilt.Actually I am almost done with the second block; these go pretty fast and you can easily do a couple a week. 

So if you want to get on board and do one of these quilts, I would be glad to share my color chart with you.

Also we sell the different color background blocks, either in white. natural, or cream. You get a generous 12 inch block so there is plenty of room to hoop your design and do the stitching. We sell the patterns and the blocks on our Hand Embroidery page at  www.chickadeehollowdesigns.com  I did not design these patterns but I do sell them. I have no idea who designed them, but I think they are pretty and I think we  kind of  lost a genration of people who never learned the beauty of embroidery or the pure enjoyment you can get from doing it. It is very easy, anybody can learn to do it.I really do appreciate all of you who read my blogs and also those who post comments. I love your thoughts and ideas.

Happy Stitching! Carol

Civil War Blocks

Happy Saturday to everybody!. It is humid, plus here in Minnesota AGAIN today! So humid that the windows and doors are fogged over because the inside is cooler and less humid than outside. That has certainly been the norm here lately. Oh and did I mention mosquitos? I have come to the conclusion that they not only breed in water, but they also grow and get fat on water. With our abundance of rain this year, these little guys are fat and hungry for my blood! Some got into the house last night and made for a miserable night.I swatted until about 1:00 am and then either fell asleep or they were done feeding on me.

I had forgotten to share my other blocks I have doine with the Civil War fabrics. I am doing a free BOW on my other blog, "Civil War Stitch Along."  so if you would like to follow along, hop on over there and check it our.

Here are the newest blocks. I am using the Civil War Chronicles Fabric Line from Marcus Brothers on this quilt. I am also trying to find osme block patterns that are older or not so common. Thes are, #1 Underground Railroad, #2 Cobblestone, and #3 Richmond. It is fun to do different blocks and learn the names of them, and of course it makes you wonder about the history of why they were named what they were. If any of you have that information, please share it with us.

Happy Stitching! Carol

Block of the Week #2

Well, I hope every one has their air conditioners running and have groceries in the fridge so you don't have to go out for the next week. We are expecting a heat wave that is suppose to last a week, so I am getting prepared to get lots done in my sewing room. Defintely too hot to go anywheres. Last week I posted the first block of the Block of the Week I am doing just for fun on my other blog,  http://civilwarstitchalong.blogspot.com

I have the directions for each block posted there if you want to follow along. The block this week is called Cobblestones. I really like this block, it is similar to a 25 patch block except it is sewed on point.

I also have something I would like to share with you that I think is going to be a lot of fun, but I will post that for you all later

Happy Stitching! Carol

Cute Civil War Block

                                                                        Double Square

I think this block works up so nice with the Civil War Fabrics. Just thought I would share it with you. I am trying to choose some blocks that are not used real often. This is going to be a sampler of different blocks using all Civil War Fabrics.

 Happy Stitching! Carol

Hand Embroidery Patterns

We will be adding new Hand Drawn, embroidery design this week. The new line is called Carol Louise's Hand Embroidery designs. They come with full instructions for completion, along with a stitch guide and coloring guide. The coloring guide is to help you add color to your design if you choose, either by using color crayons or colored pencils. The instructions are very complete and these are very reasonable, most will be under $5.00. They can be used in many different waysand they can also be resized per copyright instructions. We do ask that you do hot share them, because these are copyrighted.They will be added in the next week. Here is a picture of the first one.

Check them out on our hand embroidery page.I have been working hard all day so I am ready to sit down and do a little stitching myself. I hope I don't fall asleep! Yawning!!

Happy Stitching! Carol

Remember These?

Well, the 4th of July is gone for another year, but we all know that our American spirit lives on through out the year. We love our country and are forever proud of it, irregardless of what is happening in Washington. Yes, times are tough, but we still have so much to be thankful for if you sit down and really start to compare our country to others. We do have freedom, and most of us still have a morality that can only be found in a civilized nation.
As many of you may know, hand embroidery is back in a big way, and many customers are turning to less expensive projects to work on to get us through the tough economical times. I have found the perfect projects to work on that are inexpensive, fun, and would create a great keepsake. Remember these, old is new again.
These are easy, they are all pre-printed for you, so all you have to do is iron them on and start embroidering.

Pure fun! We carry all of these Americana patterns in our on line shop. These come with full instructions and a color guide. Remember we also sell blank quilt blocks either in a good quality white muslin or a off white fabric. The sizes are 12 1/2", larger than necessary so that you can trim then down and center after embroidering. Go check these out on our Hand embroidery page at  www.chickadeehollowdesigns.com

Happy Stitching! Carol

New Blog Design

Good Morning all my little chickadees! Have you ever had one of those nights where you slept so good that you felt like you had a new life the next morning. Well, I had one of those nights.Even though it was a hot, hot night, I slept so good.Of course, we had the air conditioner going. Phew, when the weather man says HOT, he means it. Sounds like it will be cooling down tomorrow though so that is good.
Just wondering what you all think of my new blog design. I am going to do a little contest and see who makes the best comment about the new design and they will receive a couple of my new Hallowen ornaments as a prize. Only one winner though, so make your comment look really good!
More Halloween designs coming at the end of the week, so stay tuned. By the way if you haven't signed up for our newsletter, fly on over to www.chickadeehollowdesigns.com and sign up. We have a new Newsletter debuting this month, should be out around the 15th. I hear my little wren calling me from the sunporch so I better go see what she is up to.
Happy Stitching! Carol

Halloween Ornaments

I am rolling right along on these Halloween ornaments. There are turning out to be a lot of fun. I am trying to make them friendly and fun, as I am not really into the ghoul and gore of Halloween. There is a total of sixteen of them and they would look really cute tacked to the hearth of your fireplace or in a dorrway or on a little Halloween tree.
Check them out on the Vintage Fall Ornaments page. www.chickadeehollowdesigns.com page
Happy Stitching! Carol

Transfer Pens

I have experimented a lot with transfer pens of all sorts. The one that I think work best are the Red Transfer Pencils. These will print to a fabric surface just by using a hot iron. The thing you need to know about these is to keep the tip of your pencil sharp for a nice thin line, if it is too wide, it will be hard to cover the linw with your embroidery floss.  

The Sulky Iron On Transfer Pens work very well. I like to use a Heavy Duty Tracing Paper  to trace my design to, and then flip it over and then with a hot iron transfer it to my choice of fabric. The thing you need to know about these is, you can not press real hard because the line will get too thick, you need to REMEMBER with these a light touch is best. The great thing about these pens is that you can also use them to apply some color to your design, it is best to practice a bit before you do this, but it works very well. The set pictured has 8 different colors in it, Black, Brown, Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Green and Purple. Althought a little more spendy, they last a long time and work excellent if you follow the manufacturers guidelines.
All of these products are available on our website on the Hand Embroidery Notion page. We also carry two different types of Transfer Paper, a lighter one for use with the Red Transfer Pencils and a Heavy Duty one for use with the Sulky pens.
One thing you need to remember also is, DO NOT use your ironing board to transfer designs. It works best if you use a couple layers of fabric on a hard surface. Smooth out the fabric on the hard surface. Iron it so there are no wrinkles and make sure it is smooth before you lay your fabric and design down to trace, Hold your iron and press down on your design rather than moving back and forth, this can move your design enough so the lines show wider. Again practice so you have a good idea of how it all works before you work on your final design.
All of these items are available at http://www.chickadeehollowdesigns.com/
Happy Stitching! Carol

Meet Glamourellda!

I have never been big on decorating for Halloween, but I decided to do a Halloween line of ornaments, and

today I finshed this wonderful gal. Her name is "Glamourellda." I actually had a lot of fun with her. You all know I love to draw so I tried really hard to make her look ugly like all witches are suppose to be. I am thinking I maybe should make a witch doll now too. My grandson saw me working on it and he said, "her ugly, Grandma!" I just had to laugh, l;eave it to the little ones to just let out their opinions, I love it!  Don't you just love the wart on her nose? By the way, this is her glamour shot that she took before Halloween. I think she will make a good witch! Hmmm, on to the next one, wonder what that will be??
Happy Stitching! Carol

Happy Mothers Day

As I prepare for Mothers Day, I think about my own Mom and wish that she could be here with us yet to celebrate the day. My Mom was very special in many ways, and many times I think about all of our modern conveniences, and how difficult it must have been for her to raise eight of us kids on a farm without  much of anything. She always made this huge garden and spent the summer canning jars full of fruits and vegetables for us to get through the winters. There were hundreds of jars, and many times she would send one of us kids to the basement to count how many jars of this or that she had, so she would know to can more. I know one of my favorite was her garlic dill pickles, I remember the recipe by heart today. There would always be at least a hundred jars of dill pickles. And of course beets, corn, tomatoes, green beans and peas. Do you know how many peas it takes to fill a quart jar? A lot! Do you know how many pea plants it takes to fill a dish pan with shelled peas??A lot! I remember helping with all that. I have done my share of that too, but not to the numbers that she did. I don't know why I am talking about this, I guess it just came to mind as I was reflecting on my Mom tonight and thinking about how much work it must have been to keep all of us kids fed and "in line." God Bless you Mom, I know your life was not easy, but in my heart I know you wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Mothers deserved to be recognized, but those who do the recognizing have no idea what it takes to be a Mom unless they have "walked a mile in her shoes."

I am sharing a picture tonight of one of the designs that I have been working on for my Vintage Autumn line of ornaments. We will start releasing them, a couple a week for the next eight weeks, so stay tuned if they interest you!
Happy Stitching! Carol

Deal of the Week

Windmills & Wildflowers

This pattern free with your purchase.

It's my Birthday this week, and I am celebrating with a super deal. Today we sent out newsletter with a special for you in honor of my birthday. Here is the deal

Buy all three Sew Special Mini Charm Patterns, and get a free Windmills and Wildflowers pattern, plus a free mystery gift.

The Sew Special Mini Charms patterns are the ones featured in the post before this one of the little Christmas tree with all the little quilt block charms.

I can't tell you what the free mystery gift is!

Go check it out at http://www.chickadeehollowdesigns.com/

No special code, just purchase the 3 Sew Special Mini Charms Patterns and the rest of the deal is automatic.
Happy Stitching! Carol

Primitive Quilts & Projects

I had to share this photo, it is the cover of the first Primitive Quilts and Projects magazine. It is a wonderful publication, very nicely done, in fact when I saw it in my mail, I thought well that is strange I didn't order a book that I recall. It looks like a book it is so nicely done. The projects and photography are great. I am almost done re-organizing my studio, and as soon a I get it done, I promise some pictures. Gosh, I forgot how long it takes to move a studio; I am certain there are little gnomes living in there and bringing stuff in, because I don't remember having all this "stuff." But, I have to remind myself that it is not just a quilting room, it contains pretty much all my art supplies, painting, drawing, and all my stitching things. I will never move it again! It is hard to ask for help because I want to know where stuff is at, and I want to be able to throw as I go through everything, however, that pile is pretty small. Oh well, it is my life,so it is what it is..........I hate that saying and can't believe I just used it!

My poor little Honey (my little stitching partner) patiently lays by and moves from one spot to the next about a foot and a half away as I move about going through the next corner. What a trooper, and always there unconditionally. Hoowever, she loses her patience when it comes to about 10:30-11:00 at night; she wants to go to bed, she she sits behind me and lets out a little bark or sneeze every once in a while.

Happy Stitching! Carol

A Christmas Idea!

Sew Special Mini Charms I, II, III

It is never too early to start on Christmas gifts is it? Today I am sharing with you a picture of my designs that I put on my little Christmas Tree. These designs are called Sew Special Mini Charms I, II, & III. They are available at www.chickadeehollowdesigns.com go to Ornaments

and then select Sew Special Mini Charms, Each package comes with 6 pre-printed designs,pre-colored designs. Each one meausres approximately 2" square when they are completed. Decorate them with some of your favorite buttons, hearts, stars, rounds, whatever. We also sell buttons on our website that you can use on these. They are quick, fun easy, and cuter than a bugs ear!! Make a great gift for a stitcher, or for anyone for that matter. Attach one to your Christmas packages, or hang them around the house for some country charm!

It is defintely still stitching weather (it is always stitching weather!) in Minnesota, they are predicting snow and colder than normal here for the next five days, Whoopie!

Grab a warm blanket and snuggle up with your favorite snack, a stitching project, and the remote, (if you can get it away from your husband) and have yourself a great weekend.Happy Stitching! Carol

Will It Ever Be Spring??

My Crazy Summer

Oh my, will it ever be Spring this year? I have had a difficult winter to say the least. It was long, cold, gray, gloomy, no sunshine, lots of snow kind of winter. Had the Influenza B flu, my arthritis was not good, and all of that on top of working around a construction crew. Difficult to say the least, but I am going to be soooo happy with my new space, once I get everything put away and organized. Whoa, a person doesn't realize how much they have until you start trying to find places for it, and try to downsize a little at the same time. I will share pictures as soon as I get everyhting put away. I did find a little time to do some stitching and finished the last season in my Four Seasons little pillows. This is the last in that series. You can see all four of them if you go to www.chickadeehollowdesigns.com and look for the Embroidery page.

I really hope to take some time this summer and spend it at the lake, maybe even doing some fishing. How about you, what are your plans for the summer? Give me some feedback and tell me what you like to do in the Summer. Summer will eventually get here, but because Spring seems so far away, Summer seems like an eternity away! So, being it is so cold out yet, you may as well stitch!

Happy Stitching! Carol

Just Thinking About Thoughts!

Just something pretty to look at!

Do you ever wonder how many thoughts you have in one day?

I know it is crazy to be thinking about it, because as I am thinking about it, I am making another thought!

Today

was one of those days!

Thinking, Thinking, Thinking!

...and now I suppose you are wondering what I am thinking about!

I don't know if it is just creative people who have this mess of thoughts going around all the time in their head, but it does get kind of annoying sometimes.

I have read the book by Eckart Tolle called A New Earth and he talks

about "just being" sometimes.

Seriously, have you ever tried to do it?

I have tried, and it is not that easy,

to sit there and just be!

We have so many things in our lives that are contantly grabbing for our attention!

Cell Phones, regular phones, radios, TV's, door bells, dogs barking,

computers, e-mail, just regular activity, traffic, etc.

It really is a wonder we are all not in the looney bin.

I guess I am not sure where this is going, well I do too!

When you sit and stitch are you able to zone out the world

and really get some peaceful time??

I love my quiet time when I can just sit and stitch and be absorbed in whatever it is that I am working on. It is like the world has stopped around me. I can do that if I am drawing and designing too.

Maybe that is why I love it so much.

It's been a long day!

I hope I have given you something to think about!!

Happy Stitching! Carol

Prayers Please Today!

The events of the past 24 hours have made this a very sad day. Please join me in praying for all the people who have been directly touched by the earthquake and the resulting tsunami. If there are any of you that may know how any of us can help these people with quilts or anything else, please let us know. I would be glad to share the information in my blog.
I know that it is probably too early to even know what kind of help they need, but we need to help in whatever way we can. Sometimes I feel so helpless; I guess that is when we should pray some more.
Just pray for now, Carol

Thinking Positive in The Depths of Winter

House Finch
by Carol L Steffensen

I thought that I would share a spring bird with you today.Are you tired of Winter?? Waiting for the sweet sounds of the songbirds, open windows, flower buds, and the smell of fresh mowed grass? It can't come soon enough for me this year. I think this is one of the longest winters that I can remember . It has been a relentless, cold, and snowy winter. Our weatherman said that most of us have recorded 74 inches of snow this year, and the amazing part is that the majority of it is still piled high. We had a couple of days of thaw, but not enough to make a big difference in the snow plies. We are wondering where the water will go this spring, basically for our whole state.

The winter has definitely given me lots of time to quilt and also to add on to my studio. I am so excited to get moved into my new sewing room. I will share pictures when it is completed in about two weeks.
One of the things that hepls me to get through the long winters is to try to have a positive additude and one of the ways that I do that is by checking out positive places on line. This is one that I recenly found. It is called "The Positivity Effect." Here is a link if you want to check it out:
http://www.thepositivityeffect.com/
It is a fun site and has a lot of positive reading. Check it out!
Happy Stitching! Carol

Spring Is Coming 20% off sale

Just a quick note to let everybody know that we are having a 20% off sale to make room for new items that will start coming out next week.
So hop on over to www.chickadeehollowdesigns.com and check it out.
Watch for new items next week!!
Happy Stitching! Carol

The Civil WarSewing Circle.

I am recommending this book for anyone who may enjoy working with Civil War fabrics or small quilts. It just came out, Amazon has it and also the author, Kathleen Tracy. It is very well done.
Got some new items ready and will hopefully get the pictures and get it posted this week. We made the Civil War Nine Patch Quilt in a Navy Blue from Bonnie Blue basics and a cream color, and it turned out very pretty. You know Navy Blue and white was a very popular color combination from that era.
We will also be rolling out some new stitchery items here in the next week or so. We do stay busy, helps the winter while away!!
For those of us here in Minnesota, we are ready to say good bye to winter. And the cold has been relentless, making it very easy to stay inside!!
Stay warm, make a pot of chicken noodle soup, and curl up with some good stitching!

Happy Stitching! Carol

Civil War Stitch Along Has Started

The Civil War Stitch Along has officially started. Not all of the projects are ready yet but six of them are, so it is time to get started. We plan to make this a Year of Civil War. Projects will be added all the time and people can pick and choose what projects they want to work on.
What else is there to do for those of us who do not like to have snow ball fights, ride snomobile, shovel snow, drive in the snow, walk in the snow, slip and slide on ice?? I try very hard to ignore it by not looking out my windows. I really do like winter as a season, but since "arthur" took up residence in my joints, I try to stay away from it as much as possible. Thank God for my love of sewing and crafting, it does make the winter pass swiftly and keeps your mind off of the snow and cold.
I am working on new projects using Civil War fabrics, and it has been really interesting to look at the different designs and colors from that era. I am trying to do some pieces exactly as they used to do, using some English Paper Piecing, and I am also doing one that is totally stitched by hand. It is fun to try to do things as they were done back then, I have collected some old quilt blocks from the late 1800's and I plan to be working on some projects using actual fabric from that era. I will share some pictures as I get them completed.
For now, it is off to bed, to warm my feet!
Happy Stitching! Carol

Monday Is The Day!!

Well, we finally received all of the items that we need to get our Civil War Stitch Along Club started. By Monday 1-10-11, everything should be up on our website and we can get started. I have heard from several of you and I know you are anxious to get going and so am I, so between now and Monday, I will be busy posting all of the supplies, etc. If anyone is still interested in joining us, just send us an e-mail, you can jump in at any time.
Happy Stitching! Carol

Civil War Stitch Along Club

We are getting ready to start our club, those of you who have expressed interest, have received an e-mail with a copy of the Guidelines. If you did not express interest before and want to now, you can e-mail me at csteff46@tds.net and I will e-mail you a brochure. You can register by going to our website and selecting the Civil War Stitch Along Category on the left hand side of the Home Page.
Happy Stitching! Carol

New Online Magazine Coming Soon

The Blog Tour Cutdown is going on now, be sure and check it out. Click on the emblem on the sidebar..

On January 1st 2011, a new magazine will hit the Internet It is exciting and will be dedicated to quilting/stitching patterns. You can check out the website by clicking on the link above.

Happy Stitching! Carol

SNOWY 20% off

Just a quick reminder our 20% off sale goes untilo 10pm tonight! Go to http://www.chickadeehollowdesigns.com/ to take advantage of this great savings! Get a jump start on those projects you want to do after Christmas. It's a great time to start the Quilting Snowladies Throw.........you can save $17.00 right now on the complete set!

Or if you haven't done all of the Vintage ornaments, now is a great time to get the rest of those before the New Line comes out in January! Normally sell for $7.00 each.........with 20% off they are $5.60! GREAT SAVINGS!

Also, Check out our Heirloom Ornaments for Easter and Spring. Perfect time to get these at reduced cost....you can get them done before Easter!

Happy Stitching! Carol

A Year of Civil War

Chrysanthemum made with Civil War Fabrics

We are getting closer every day to being ready for our year of Civil War projects. While it won't officially be ready until after January 1st, we are getting ready for it. We have pretty much got all the projects started and some are actually completed. We are still taking names, so shoot us an e-mail and let us know if you are interested. Letting us know you are interested does not obligate you in any way. csteff46@tds.net By the way, we started a new blog just for the Civil War Stitch Along Club, and you can visit it already and get in on the "cutting edge." Here is the link: http://civilwarstitchalong.blogspot.com/

Happy Stitching! Carol

Civil War Stitch Along Club

We will be having a Civil War Stitch Along Club. Anyone that is interested, please drop me a line, csteff46@tds.net so that you may be added to the growing list. There will be three options and you may do all three if you like. If you love Civil War Fabrics, then this is the club for you. Details will be e-mailed after the Thanksgiving Holiday, requesting information does not require you to be a part of the Club. Tell your friends or anyone who might also be interested.

Happy Stitching! Carol

Freedom Is Not Free

To honor my husband who is a Viet Nam Veteran, and all veterans who have served us so unselfishly and with the courage that most of us can not even imagine. We are PROUD, of your COURAGE, and give THANKS, for our FREEDOM. He was very moved by this little wall hanging that I made for him a few years ago, so I know the feelings run very deep.

God Bless the Veterans and the United States of America

"I sing because I am happy,

I sing because I am FREE,

for his eye is on the sparrow,

and I know He watches me."

Civil War Nine Patch

Civil War Nine Patch

Had a full day of sewing today, and got a lot of little things done from my "To Do" pile. I did finish the binding on this piece that I did recently. It is a throw about 55"x 65," and also a table runner. So many times customers tell me that they would like to find patterns that would go well with a lot of the natural colors in their decorating. I think these pieces would work great. The runner is about 16" x 38." I researched about 1200 Nine Patch Blocks and could not find this one anywhere, so I don't know if I have actually come up with a new one or not. It really doesn't matter, I like the way it turned out anyway.

I have quite a collection of civil war fabrics, and I am eager to start a couple of new pieces. So we will see what tomorrow brings. My little Honey (that's my puppy) is patiently waiting for me to go to bed. She comes and sits behind me when she thinks it is time for me to quit working on the computer. I love that little squirt! That's what my husband calls her, Squirt!

Good Night and

Happy Stitching! Carol

Civil War Fabrics

I don't know what it is about the Civil War fabrics that make me like them so well, I certainly can't remember that era, but they stir something inside of me that makes me want to work with them. Althought this picture isn't the best, I took a couple of pieces that I really liked and I made this ministure 9 patch variation quilt. Two color quilts were popular during that era., and I wanted to do something that would go with a lot of todays decorating ideas. Lots of people decorate their homes with a lot of natural colors. This arrangement would be a great piece to add some nostalgia to a little corner. I also made a runner and a throw also using this color combination.

The history that goes along with the Civil War prints is very interesting to me now, however, I certainly didn't care about it when I was in school; I really didn't care about any history, come to think of it. Ha! I didn't even care about the History teacher. He made fun of me all the time in kind of a joking way; I think he knew deep down that I didn't really care that much about his dumb old history, and he was right. Oh well, it is intersting today, and I certainly will be making a lot more quilts using the Civil War prints. My favorite fabric designer is Judy Rothermill of Marcus Fabrics; I don't think she has designed anything that I didn't like. Windham also has some nice Civil War prints. Well, I better get going a new quilt!!

Happy Stitching! Carol

New Quilt Pattern

Flying Goose Corner

It has been a while since I have turned out a quilt pattern, but here is a new one using the Holly Taylor Botanical line. I think it works well as either a Christmas wall hanging or a table canter.It measures slightly over 36 inches square and goes together real easy.
This past week we have been very busy getting things ready for the Houston Market. While we will not be attending, we will have several new items there that some of or distributors and quilt shops are taking.The last of everything went out today, so we are all kind of resting tonight.
However, just as I finish one project I have about 5 others going in my brain, so as soon as I can see my way clear of the clutter from our busy week, I will be ready to go on to the next thing. You will have to keep watching as around the first of the year we will be ready with a whole new line of Vintage ornaments.
Thanks to all of you who have been such good customers this past year, drop us a line and tell us what you are up to; we love to hear from our customers! I really enjoy visiting with shop owners when they call in orders.
Well, keep those needles oiled up for some fun stitching coming your way real soon.
Happy Stitching! Carol

10-10-10

My Girls Mittens & Patches

Let this day go down in history as another ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS DAY!! What else can I say? Thank you, God!

Happy Stitching! Carol

Taking Time To Reflect

Today I took some time to just sit outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Although I shared it with the ladybugs and box elder bugs, it still was awesome.

The leaves are some of Gods best work

surrounded by a clear blue sky,

it seems to take my breath away

and leaves me with a nature high!

It was quiet, no wind, so I had time to think, and this fall weather always makes me nostalgic. I remember piling up the leaves with my brothers and sisters and then jumping into the pile, the smell of leaves that are burning, and the clear, cool fall air in the evening. The harvest moon that shines so bright and lights up the dark, and pumpkins that now peak out after the frost has taken their leaves. A high school football game on a Friday night in our small hometown, meeting our friends and having no idea what was going on in the game. We were having too much fun

on the sidelines. Supporting my sons at their football games, now my grandsons are playing. How did that happen? It was just yesterday when they were little jumping in my leaf piles as I tried to clean the yard. Life has a way of getting away from you.

Both of my parents passed away in the fall, Dad in September, Mom in October, a brother in November.......not all at the same time,.......... thank you God.

Our hometown has just lost a young soldier serving in Afganistan, 22 years old, a bright, young man devoted to his country......leaves behind a grieving family and community. It's just hard to put it all together sometimes and makes sense of it. Thank God for FAITH.....and something to busy my hands.

Happy Stitching! Carol

Fall Is Here, But So Is Spring!!

That sounds like I am talking in circles!! Fall is here, but so is Spring. What I meant was my Spring Sampler of the Seasons Stitcheries that I have been working on is ready. Now on to Summer, then all four will be done.

So what's everybody been up to. Getting back in a routine here, after a fun summer but a hot one. So the cooler fall weather has been a treat........it just wouldn't have to be this cool.

We are vending at the Walker Minnesota schoolhouse this weekend. Should be a fun time, I am staying home to try and get on top of some things that NEED to get done. This is a first time event that they are planinng to make an annual event. Hope that things go well so they can make it an annual event. Stop on up there if you are in the area and take a peek, should be able to see some nice fall color up there in Northern Minnesota.

Well, I better get busy....time is a flying!!

Happy Stitching! Carol

Early Morning Thinking!

"Katie"

Isn't she just a little lady? She loves to be groomed and sits so pretty. Such a sweety!

Well, I am officially ready for the next week. I hear it is suppose to be hot and humid. Didn't we just have that? Come on weatherman, shake it up a bit!

What I meant by being ready is I moved a table into my sunporch, the one that is airconditioned and I have been collecting Civil War prints for quite a while now, and my intention has been to make some new quilts with it, so that is going to be my project for the next week when it is suppose to be so hot. If they turn out like the visions in my mind, I may just put together a little book of them. Not sure why I am attracted to them as well as the 1930's fabric, but I am. Everybody has their thing, and for some reason I like them. I have been putting together some layouts on graph paper and I think they will be different , at least I am hoping they will be. Coming up with "different " in the quilting world is getting to be a challenge especially when it comes to blocks, etc. But we will see how they come out, and if your lucky, you may get a glimpse of them here as I usually share what I am working on. Well, it is 4:30 am and I guess I can make that first pot of coffee this morning. Not sure why I am awake, but didn't want to rattle around the kitchen too early as it would wake up my husband, so I put off the coffeemaking for a bit here. But, I can't hold out any longer, besides that cup of coffee in the morning
Happy Stitching! Carol

Picture I Promised!

"Katie"
Oh what a beautiful morning! Here is the picture I promised about my new little friends. She is so special, just a little lady, and weighs just barely 5 lbs. The perfect lap dog she is! Rarely do you get everything you want in a pet, but this one is a Bingo! Maybe that is what I should have called her, but she came with the name Katie and it just kind of fit her so we stayed with that.
You all have a good day, and hey ladies (and gents!) today looks like a great day to stitch out in the porch! The weather here in Minnesota is beautiful today, "thank you God", after yesterday!
The temperature was 90 degrees and the humidity was about that, very uncomfortable to say the least. It is cool enough today that I might just even cook something in the oven for a change for supper. Oh well, lots of stitching to do before then!
Happy Stitching! Carol
"I sing because I am happy, I sing because I am free, for His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!"

A Beautiful Morning!!

Sew Special Pinwheel Charm
The sun is shining brightly, the humdity is not bad, the temperature is 68. It's going to be a great day! Besides that we are having a birthday party for my seven year old grandson, so cake and ice cream later. A perfect day!!
I am also writing to introduce my newest little friend. I got a new puppy, well not exactly a puppy, but she is three years old, and her name is Katie. She is a toy Pomerainian, and she barely weighs 5 lbs. She is white on the bottom, and a mix of cream color and strawberry blond on top. I do not have a picture of her yet, but I will have later today. I am so excited about her; she stole my heart at the first glimpse of her. She is the sweetest little thing and my husband actually likes her! He does not like "yappy" little dogs, but she is not yappy, and she is so special. I love having a lap dog and one that lays at my feet when I sew, and besides someone to talk to when my husband is off all day doing his work.
Now, I can get down to some serious sewing. This week I will be releasing patterns for three new miniature kits that I have designed, all using reproduction fabrics. I am also going to start working on the designs for my book which will also be all quilt patterns using only reproduction fabrics, both the 1930's and the Civil War era. I am totally in love with those fabrics, and I don't know why. I am really excited to get started though. Last year we spent so much time on remodeling the house that I didn't get many big projects done, so now I can get started on those.
Have a great day everybody, and check out my pictures later on today or in the morning, and
take some time today to spend with family or take a stitching projects out onto the porch and stitch in this beautiful weather. For those of you who have had bad weather, and are experiencing floods, power outages, or extreme heat, just know that we are all thinking of you and praying that your weather gets bettter soon.
Happy Stitching! Carol

Special Requests!

Josh's Hamster Shirt Design

A great Sunday afternoon; enjoyed it sitting in the porch visiting with the kids, grandkids, and some friends. Everything is lush and green in the flower gardens today after last nights wonderful rain.For those of us who stitch and sew, sometimes we get special requests from friends to make something for them.Today, I received a special request from my grandson Josh. Josh is an animal lover like no other and hehas an imagination that goes far and wide. He has a little pet hamster amd when he arrived today, he came walking up to the house with a clipboard that he had drawn some pictures on. (He is also a little artist!) On the clipboard was a design that he had made and his request was that I make him a shirt for his hamster. He has the front and the back all drawn out for the shirt. (See picture.) Now how cute is that?? We decided that we probably had a little "Tommy Hilfiger" in our family.

Well, guess what Grandma is doing tonight?? I am sewing a shirt for Josh's hamster!

It just doesn't get any better than this! Love those kids! I will post a picture of the completed shirt later.
Happy Stitching! Carol

Should I or Shouldn't I??

I am looking at a new house dog at the shelter, and she is really cute. I am trying to decide, should I or shouldn't I? I miss the company of a dog laying at my feet while I sew. Does anyone else enjoy that?? She is two years old, a tri-color Jack Russel, rat terrier mix, house trained and loves to sit on your lap. Can I possibly go wrong?? I think rat terriers/mixes make the best house dogs, they are low maintenance, easy to keep clean and groomed, and usually pretty loveable.

I think I talked myself into it!! I will have to wait for her to get spayed, so I have time to get ready for her.

While I am waiting, I will contine to work on my "relaxing in the porch project." I have been working on these little ornaments that I think are turning out so cute. They are the perfect easy little project to work on while listening to the grandkids talk a mile a minute, they are all taking turns at Grandmas for the early part of summer. We will have a "just before school" session too. I love them all, and they are so full of "vim and vigor" and just love to hear scary stories that Grandma makes up as I go. Of course I have to use their names for the characters in the stories. Sometimes they get so scary, that they all end up on my lap. Pure fun!!

Next week, it is time for some serious sewing!!

Until then,
Happy Stitching! Carol

Minnesota Does It Up Big!

Just thought I would share with you a few more of my new line of "Sew Special" Ornaments. I just started this line, only have about five of them ready, so they will keep coming for awhile. We have been at the Minnesota Quilt Show for the last two days, and "Wow," what a good show it is. If you are in the area, and haven't stopped to see what is all there, I highly recommend that you do tomorrow. It will be the last day, but it is worth the time. A great bunch of quilters who stopped to make purchases, and chat a bit. It was fun seeing them all.It makes me happy to be a part of this industry. Women and fabric just go together!! I even saw a few guys there and even one dog!! It is really nice to see husbands who come along to help tote stuff for "their women." They are good guys that keep their women happy! So keep on stitching ladies, it looks like there are more quilts needed as many blew away in the tornadoes that went through Minnesota these past couple of days. I think Mother Nature is having menopause or something! Remember all those who had damage or were injured in your prayers tonight, please.

Happy Stitching! Carol