March Snowbuddies Pattern

Hello All!

Another month has flown by like a blink of an eye.  I just returned from a week’s vacation with girlfriends at a Get-A-Way Retreat hosted by my sistah friend, Jeanette Pie’.  This was her 47^th Retreat that she has shared with a huge group of ladies.  There were 60+ of us there.   Her groupies (they are a wonderful, lively, talented bunch) threw a Surprise 60^th Birthday party for Jeanette.  This has been in the making for a year and I just was so excited to be a part of the party and surprise.  I now believe something that I did not think was possible…….75 ladies can keep a secret for a year!  The tittering and giggling was contagious before the big “Surprise” and a few of us had the job of getting Jeanette out of the conference room and back for the party.  That was not easy!!  We lured her away with wine!! Worked!!  It was a fabulous party!!

Lancaster and Lancaster County are just amazing places to experience.  The Amish and Mennonite are visible everywhere in their horse and buggies and their very somber dark unadorned clothing.  They are very quiet and subdued and I love it when they begin to speak Pennsylvania Dutch…..I suppose they might be talking about us.  Fabric for quilts is in abundance everywhere….and holy smokes! the prices…just marked up $1.00 per yard over wholesale prices.  I am not a Batik fan but was a bit tempted by beautiful Batiks at $6.00 per yard.  Though I restrained myself because of checking heavy bags at the airport and did not bring home more than a few pieces of fabric, but imagine how much fabric was purchased by 60+ ladies at a Retreat.

The creativity in a room of 60 ladies, the imagination and techniques are so fun to experience.  I always feel like I come away with some new ideas and inspirations.  Kindred spirits for sure with the goal of making a birthday special for an extra-special lady and revisiting and making new friends. 

Although it was rainy and a bit snowy while I was in Lancaster, I imagined the children flying kites in another month or so.  Thus, my inspiration for my March themed Snowbuddie……“Kite Flying.”  I don’t think we would see an Amish child wearing red mittens as will be shown in my wool version, but the simplicity of a kite surely still brings joy and fun to anyone of any age.  

The night before I left for the airport, I decided to add the Snowbuddie Wool project to my bag for Show n Tell.  Well, I had not put the blocks together yet, plus factor in that March, April and May remained to be designed.  Geesh!  So I quickly put together the blocks and added a couple borders.  Below is a photo of how it looks put together.  Really is cute.  I love how the blocks float without any sashing.  The designs have been enlarged and the blocks are 10 ½” X 10 ½” square.  To Be Added yet are the appliques for March thru May and then the project will be finished. 

Available Now –

     Background Kit – Includes Black flannel for Blocks, Checked wool for scalloped Penny Rugs, Inner Black circle wool, Wool for Snowbuddie heads, Wool for Carrot Noses,

                              Black wool for months - $38.00

     Individual Monthly Kits – June through March are now available for an additional $10.00 each.  This includes the wool for the remainder of the appliques for each block.

                              These kits can be purchases separately but the Background kit is needed in order to complete the project.

Contact Carrie for ordering information – 970-686-6346 or carrie@starrypinespatterncompany.com

Winner This Month of the “Victorian Vintage Pillow” Pre-traced Project:

We are happy to announce that Robin C. is the winner of the pre-traced project.  We had a lot of fun making this project.  The ladies in the class colored with their favorite colors and we heat set the colors.  Then the project is embroidered in Black to outline the colors.  Robin we will be contacting you to get your mailing information.  Congratulations!

Bee and I will work on sending out some Valentine’s Day recipes next week.  Never know, even a surprise or two!!

Connie and Bee

 

1930's Feed Sack Embroidery Project

Hello All!

It is a beautiful sun-shiny day in Colorado.  It feels like Spring!!  That will change this weekend when we are going to get some real January Colorado weather.  You the know the saying here….”just wait 15 minutes and the weather will change.” 

I realized that I did not Post the 1930’s Feed sack Project on the Blog.  I have been sending a Newsletter out for years, first through the mail and of course, now through email.  I am struggling with combining both the Newsletter and the Blog.  Does one need to completely go away?  Maybe some of you have a great idea on how to handle it.  I know that some of you get the Newsletter and Blog both and each has offered different things….confusing….even I am getting confused!!  Send me your ideas.

We went back and checked and realized that we had not offered or announced the 1930’s Feed sack project via Blog.  So, below, Carrie is going to cut and paste the information from the Newsletter…..the stack of Authentic strips we cut and a photo of one finished block.  We had an amazing sign up for this project…first come basis and we were not sure how many kits my stash of sacks would provide.  Okay, so…….we were able to get 43 kits.  We have contacted everyone on the list and shipped out all but 6 of the kits.  We have six kits remaining and ready to ship…..if you are interested.  Check it out, it is quite the project and won’t be offered this way again.  My Feed sacks are gone!!!

 

"1930's ENGLISH PAPER PIECING PROJECT -

Notice the photo below of the stack of strips we were able to get from my Stash of Authentic fabrics. Yvonne and I spent yesterday putting together as many strip bundles as we could possibly get and we were very pleasantly surprised how many we were able to get. Each bundle has 25 different authentic 1930's Feedsack fabrics. We loved touching them and seeing just how pretty they are together. We will be calling beginning at the top of the list and working down. Probably will not begin calling until next week sometime, we will need credit card information to secure your kit. If you are on the list and are away during the Holidays and reading this, please take a moment to email Carrie and confirm that you want to still get a kit or have us remove your name. The Cost of the kit is $98.00 (free shipping) and the kit includes 3 1/2" yd. White Kona Cotton, 25 strips of 1930's Feed sack fabrics, 25 - 1930's Embroidery patterns and 250 Pentagon papers for the English Paper Piecing and a Pattern. Kits come as stated, we will not break kits apart or delete portions. A finishing kit will be offered later and I will schedule one daytime and one evening class for those of you that need some instruction. It's a beauty!! If you would like to call to hold your kit, call 970-686-6346 and clearly leave your name and also you can leave your credit card information.

 

 

 

 

If you are interested in a kit, send Carrie an email or give her a call.  The pattern only will be offered at a later date for use with 1930’s Reproduction prints.

Have a great week!

Connie

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year – January 3, 2013

Read to the bottom….there is a New Giveaway this Month!!

I think we all agree that November and December have to be the busiest months of the year if you are a woman!  I apologize for not blogging more, we seem to just get our next “Snowbuddies” embroidery pattern up and it is time to do it again and we haven’t posted a thing in between.  Good intentions, we promise to do better in 2013!!

We opened the Shoppe for a couple fun events.  On December 16, we had a “Sew Day” and set up as many tables and chairs as the space would hold.  We were able to seat

about 50.  The staff and I worked really hard on projects that we offered – “Make and Takes” where about 90% of the work was completed and the ladies were able to purchase the kit and finish it while sharing time with friends and making new friends at their tables. (I designed new projects, we traced, we cut, we fused and put the projects together ahead of time!!)  One donated can good item gave them a chance to win a prize and one dozen cookies to share gave a second chance at another prize.  We were over-run with food items that I loved taking to the local Food Bank and we had some wonderful treats to share as we sewed that day.  Thanks to all of you that participated.  It was fun coming up with projects that you could complete in an afternoon and provide a space where you could have some “me” time.  We will look forward to doing it again!

Savannah (Bee) did a fantastic job in her Christmas performances!  I am just so proud of her.  She is a pretty gutsy little girl.  I believe that little girl came out of her momma with natural dancing and singing talents that we have all enjoyed watching develop in her 11 years.  She seems to be fearless and what a wonderful gift to have so much confidence in herself and she loves sharing it with others.  I watched her at our family Holiday gatherings spending time with our little 3 year old grand-daughter who loves “Sa-Nannah” to pieces.  She is so patient with her and she taught her several dance steps that they performed for us.  Amazing!!

I am looking forward to going off to Lancaster, Pa. later this month to share some time with my friend Jeanette who is the Owner and Designer of Easy As Pie Designs.  She has been putting on Retreats and some road trips for many years and does a super job of it.  She has had me out several times to teach and she has a following of over 50 ladies that keep coming back to her Retreats.  Some of her ladies – referred to as “Queens” have been to every Retreat!  That tells you that they are great.  Anyway, I will be heading out to spend some time with this group, I will be a “groupie”, not teaching, but taking some R & R time with some of the dearest ladies in the world.  We will be staying over an extra day after the group leaves for some extra girl time!  I can hardly wait!  (Hugs coming soon, Jeanette, Janet, Susan…..)

NEXT “SNOWBUDDIES” PATTERN:

Below is the February themed “Snowbuddies” Embroidery Pattern.  It just had to be Valentine’s Day….so our Snowbuddie has some hair this time….needed to be a girl!  She is pretty cute and of course holds a heart that says “Bee Mine.”  I can’t believe that we just have three more months and the project blocks will all be designed.  

 

Offered now are the blocks that are slightly enlarged and feature Wool Applique.  Each month – June thru February is now available in wool applique.  We have cut a wool and flannel background kit that includes the Black flannel for the blocks (12), Tan checked wool for the scalloped Penny Rugs (12), Crème wool for the Snowbuddies (12), Black Wool for the mouths (12) and Orange wool for the “Snowbuddie” carrot noses (12).  This provides all of the basic background fabrics for the project.  The cost of this kit is $38.00.   There are individual wool applique kits for each month.  These kits include the remainder of wools needed for each of the Blocks.  Individual kits are $10.00 each.  Below is a photo of the wool February block in progress.  (I swear, I am turbo blanket stitching and having trouble keeping up!)  Also, I have pinned up the blocks all together to give you an idea of how the finished project will look.  I plan to sew the blocks together (no sashing) and Featherstitch along the seams and will add a Border to the outside.  It is going to be an adorable wall hanging!

WINNER OF THE SNOWBUDDIES BACKGROUND KIT……We offered one Background kit as a giveaway and the winner is Susan Nixon.  We will be emailing you to get your shipping address!  Congratulations!!

Interested in the Wool Applique Kits?????  Contact Carrie at 970-686-6346 or carrie@starrypinespatterncompany.com

Please continue to check back or sign up for the Blog.  It then will come automatically to you.  Also, if you are not on our Newsletter email list, you can send your information to Carrie.  The Blog and Newsletter do not always have the same information in them, projects, kits offered, etc.  Somehow we need to combine them…update our sites…..

Ya da, ya da………………..

Next week I am teaching a Vintage Victorian Pillow.  I am reproducing an old embroidery from the 30’s and we are going to color (with crayons) and embroider it.  Best part….we are pre-tracing the design onto the muslin background!  THE GIVEAWAY THIS MONTH……The kit for this project….pre-traced panel, floss and a box of crayons.

Leave us a comment and we will enter you into the drawing.  The question you can comment on……”What is your favorite way to spend “me” time?

I’m off for lunch and pedicures with my Granddaughter Rachel!  Have a great weekend!!

Happy New Year to you All!

Connie

Mini Moments with Bee.............

I am still on winter break!  Although I can’t wait to get back to dance class and school, Christmas was wonderful for me.  I enjoyed being with my family and opening presents.  New Year's was fun for me also.  My family and I went to The Melting Pot and had a wonderful 5 course dinner on New Year's Eve, it was delicious!  On New Year's night, my family and I went and had dinner with family friends and that was also fun!  2012 was quite a year.  I can’t believe it is 2013 already!  I can’t wait to see what this year brings for my family, friends, and me! Here are some quotes to remember as we go through each and every day of the new year:

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

-Eleanor Roosevelt

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

          -Mother Teresa

“The future depends on what you do today.”

         - Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

  

January Themed Snowbuddie and Wool Applique Snowbuddie Kits now Available

Hello Woolies!

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving Holiday at our home, I sure hope you did, too!  The grandkids always keep things so festive and fun.  Savannah and our littlest Angel (3) came up with some great dance routines and performed for us.  Cody who is now 14 was into food! Loves dressing and turkey and anything else related to the dinner table.  I am always amazed how he can eat!  I came upon our Little Angel in the kitchen licking a serving spoon that had obviously been dipped into a container of Cool Whip.  She was just in heaven….mostly because no one knew she was doing it. 

Speaking of performing….Bee has been so busy in rehearsals for the program freshly written called “Christmas Presence.”  She played the lead – “Roxy” who is 8 and with her Grandfather they tell the true story of Christmas.  There was lots of story telling, dancing and singing.  She did a great job and was just fabulous in her first lead.  I know she will be updating you in her “Mini Moments” and hopefully can include a photo.  So proud of you Bee!

So……….here we are just creeping up on Christmas!  For me, and probably for you, it feels like we are in fast forward.  Can we all make a pact to slow down as much as possible and enjoy those beautiful moments that just go flying by so quickly that we totally miss them?  Before I close my eyes for the night, I am consciously making an effort to remember a few of the great things that happened during the day I just finished.  Sometimes, it will include a giggle and sometimes sweet tears.  Let’s promise to allow ourselves those sweet moments. 

Since our home is on the second story of our building, we face Main Street and the street is lined with trees.  Once again! I look out my windows to beautiful twinkly lights.  I just love this time of the year, love seeing the lights go onto the trees and celebrate when the lights come on.  It is like floating in the sky with twinkling lights. 

January Themed – “Snowbuddie”

Here is the January themed “Snowbuddie”  all snuggled up in ear muffs, scarf and holding a snowflake.  I hope you are having fun with these stitcheries.  We only have four months remaining.  The downloadable patterns will be available until June 1^st and then will disappear from the Blog site.   

TA DA! TA DA! TA DA! HERE ARE THE WOOL VERSIONS OF “SNOWBUDDIES”………………………

Okay, well, I was so excited about  giving new life to these embroideries by making them into Wool Applique Penny Rugs!  I enlarged the patterns and then created the same designs in Wool Applique.  They are so stinkin’ cute!  They are so much fun to make and stitch….just come to life right before your eyes.  I wish I could say that I have all of them stitched, but I am working on it.   I do have all of them fused to Black flannel background blocks.  In the photos below you will see the options of what to do with these great Penny Rug blocks.

Background Basic Kit - $38.00 Includes:

     Tan Check Wool for 12 Scalloped Penny Rugs*

      Black Wool for 12 Inner Circles and Snowbuddie Mouths*

      Crème Wool for 12 Snowbuddie Heads*

      Orange Wool for 12 Carrot Noses*

      1 yd. Black Flannel for 12 – 10 ½” X 10 ½” Background blocks

      Pattern for * Items

Wool Applique Kits – These kits are $10.00 each ₊ Shipping and just include the Wool for the Appliques – Available now, June, July, August, September, October, November, December (2 variations) and January.  February, March, April and May will be available when each of the Downloadable Embroideries appear on the Website. 

Option 1 -   Fused onto Black Flannel Background Blocks that finish about 10” each.  Blocks are then put together 3 blocks X 4 blocks into a wall hanging.  I plan to sew mine together without sashing.  I will Featherstitch along the seam lines of the blocks.  You can sash yours if you like.  An outside Border can be added to finish off this cute piece.  You will need the Background Basic Kit and each of the Snowbuddie Wool Applique kits to complete Option 1.

Option 2 – Some of you may want to pick and choose which Penny Rug designs you would like to make.  Instead of sewing the blocks into a wall quilt, I finished the December design individually.  After all the stitching was complete, I added fusible fleece to the wrong side of the square.  I then cut into the circle shape, adding backing and finished as if it is a small quilt by adding Bias binding to the outside edge of the circle.  It finishes to a 9 ½” circle.  So cute!  It is a great variation or addition to my Flag Stand pattern.  This kit comes with the Wool Welcome Flag kit which includes the adjustable wrought iron stand.  This kit is available for $52.00.   You can check out our website for other Penny rugs that go onto the Flag Stand.  www.thelittlewoolshoppe.com .   Needed for Option 2 – Background Basic Kit and Snowbuddies Wool Applique Kits.  If making individual Penny Rugs you will need Fusible Fleece, Backing and Binding for each Penny Rug. 

“SNOWBUDDIES” GIVEAWAY…….  Okay, if you are interested in the “Snowbuddies”  Wool Applique program, we are giving away one Background Basic Kit valued at $38.00.  That will get you started.  If you will email Carrie at carrie@starrypinespatterncompany.com with your Name & mailing address, we will include them in a drawing for the Basic Kit.  The drawing will be January 1^st.   Good Luck!

Hopefully, in the next few days we will have our website updated with some new Block of the Month auto ship programs……The Red Chair, Snowflakes Galore and a brand new Embroidery/English Paper pieced project that features authentic 1930’s 40’s Feedsack fabrics for the Paper piecing.  It is fabulous!  We will cut up the fabric and when it is gone it is gone.  Kits are very limited. 

I wish you a great week!

Connie

Mini Moments from Bee………………………..  

This past weekend I did my show at the Lincoln Center. It was a great show full of lots of dancing, acting, and music. The cast was wonderful. I am sad that the show is over though.

I can't believe it is December it seems like November went so quickly.  I can't believe it is almost Christmas, but of course it ruins the effect of Christmas when there is no snow yet. I know that my family has already put up our Christmas decorations in our house.  It makes it feel a little more Christmasy!  I think Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year!

December Snowbuddies

Hello Woolies!

I cannot believe that my last Blog post was on October 1^st.  Bee and I have been very busy and we have let you down.  I thought closing the Retail part of my business would open up all kinds of time….I must have been dreaming!

I did get my Storage units emptied, thanks to some great help from Linda!  She just kept nudging me along and we got it done.   I spent a solid week going through all of those Rubbermaid tubs that we moved over…it felt like an impossible job, but I sorted and the gals marked the items and we set up a cute little indoor sale spot and it was a whopping success!  What did not sell was donated and it felt sooooooo good!  I never thought that I would have empty Rubbermaid tubs that I would also donate to the Goodwill. 

I have spent a lot of time setting up our new workspace and my Studio!  I just cannot tell you how great it feels to know where everything is….and I am not wasting my time with the frustration of wondering which tub it is stored in and in which storage unit!!  My Studio is once again spacious and I am surrounded by the things that I love and it inspires me to create!

We are working away on getting items available on line.  Carrie has an Etsy site set up and here is the information………Our shop name is Wooly Moments and we can be found at the following link:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/WoolyMoments?ref=si_shop  We appreciate those orders that are coming in.

We are planning an Openhouse on November 17^th.  Want to share my Studio/Classroom/Work space with you and also announcements of upcoming classes and projects.  “The Red Chair” project will be available beginning on the 17^th and classes and projects will be posted on all of our sites for those of you that are not in the area.

The Backdoor…..

Bee and I see each other almost every day, but we have not had time to continue on with our Backdoor painting.  We will keep you updated with changes and we will have to finish it soon before the weather changes too much!

Winner of the Vintage Sewing Bag…..

I hope you have had an opportunity to check out my project featured in the latest American Patchwork & Quilting magazine.  We promised a great giveaway of a one of a kind vintage bag that I created into a Sewing Bag…..the lucky winner is Cindy Weed!!!                               Congratulations, we will be contacting you via email to getting your mailing information!  Enjoy this great Bag from my heart to your heart!!

December “Snowbuddies”…….

I know that I am a day late getting the December themed “Snowbuddie” to you, but for a good reason.   This month I designed two.  The Reason for the Season is different for everyone and so I wanted to design two different blocks….one very Whimsical with a string of Christmas Lights, Candy Cane and Holly.  And…I wanted to design a Snowbuddie shining with a Star behind him and abeautiful Nativity scene in his hands, called O! Holy Night.  You decide which works best for your Snowbuddie collection.   I love both of them!

NEW! NEW! NEW!......Now, that we are over halfway through the “Snowbuddie” collection, I have decided to offer these cuties in another medium.  I have been stitching mine in Redwork and you probably have been doing embroidery on yours.  I will now present the current “Snowbuddies” in Wool applique.  They are just gonna’ be so darn cute and as soon as I have the current seven ready, I will present them to you.  Kits will be available for these wool projects, I think you are going to love them.  At the end of twelve months you will have 12 blocks to embroider and/or applique.

Hurricane Sandy….

Oh my gosh!  To our East coast friends, my prayers have been with you all!  Words cannot come close to expressing the pain and sadness that we all feel as a Nation.  Blessings to you all!

Hey! Have a wonderful November.   I promise you will hear from me more this month, so stay tuned, stay safe and be Blessed!

Connie

Mini Moments from Bee………………………

It was another busy week for my family. Busy weeks are pretty fun though. Cody had three basketball games this week and I had lots of dance classes and Christmas Presence practice. The production is getting close it's kind of scary!!! We have just started practicing like crazy.  In my opinion the show is going to be the best Christmas show ever.  The whole cast of the show is great.  I can't wait until opening day, but I am glad that it isn't tomorrow. If you haven't bought tickets yet; I encourage you to get some cause it is going to be great. Plus the tickets are selling fast. Here is a link to where you can buy tickets. I hope to see you there! 

November "Snowbuddies"

Hi Woolie Moment Followers!

Today I looked out my window and saw I believe the “first frost.”  I am loving the cooler days!  I did go out last week and walk through the leaves and loved the “crunching” sound.  Yesterday, Savannah and I spent a few hours working on our back door paint project.  This is our “Gateway to Creativity”.   We are painting a picket fence on our door so that it looks like a gate.  As you can see from our photo…the progress, we have painted on our fence pickets and the fence posts alongside.  We are planning to add detail of grass, flowers and probably a Bee or two!  We thought it would be nice and cool while we painted, but since the door is on the South side of the building, we were in the sunshine and we were surprised how quickly the paint dried and how hot we felt!  Had to put some sunscreen on Bee!  I noticed she would wander off now and again to walk through the leaves….she loves the crunching as much as  I do!

November themed “Snowbuddies”

Okay, so here it is the first of October already!  Below is featured our November themed Snowbuddie…”Pilgrim Girl.  I think she is pretty sweet!    Also, I have included photos of how I am planning to finish my blocks.  To add a bit of whimsy to the project, it just kept screaming Yo-yos.  Now,  I know that yo-yos can make some of us cringe…they use to have the same effect on me.  But, I love the little Yo-Yo Makers that come in various sizes.  I precut my squares and put them next to my sewing chair and before I know it, I have made a bunch of perfect, same size yo-yos.  The Yo-Yo maker that I am using is the 45mm Orange maker and the Yo-yos finish to about 1 ¾” wide.  I have selected a tiny red/crème print and solid red for my yo-yos.  I originally cut my background squares 8” X 8”.  After finishing the embroidery, I cut the square to 7 ½” X 7 ½”.  I then cut a 7 ½” X 7 ½” red/crème print for the backing of the square.  I placed them right sides together and stitched ¼” around the outside edge, leaving a small opening for turning.  (Like sewing a pillow)  Turn right side out, press and slip stitch the opening closed.  My embroidered square is now completely finished.  I then Blanket stitched around the outside edge using two strands of my Sulky 12 wt. thread.  As you see in the photo below, I then added 4 print Yo-yos to each side and a Red yo-yo to each corner.  Notice that it is now finished both front and back.  My plan is that the blocks will be put together three blocks wide by four blocks down. I will continue to add the little finished blocks and yo-yos.  It is really coming out cute and a bit different from setting it together with sashing and borders.

December American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine…..

I have not personally seen or heard that the issue is out for sale.   Check my last Blog Post for news on my featured project and the Giveaway. 

Storage Units…..

A curse!  I have had three of them.   Many of you know that I have worked hard the last couple years to “gleen” my stuff!  I am sure a collector….don’t think that I am a hoarder….just have so many interests and so many things that I love.  Vintage…just gets me into trouble….and Flea Marketing.  I must admit that I am not the impulsive buyer that I used to be….more selective and contemplative.  After living in a 4000 sq. ft. house with way too much garage space for storage, I just have to downsize and I have done it in stages.  My last stage….this past week was to go through all three units and move everything out.  Well, Linda and I did get through all three units, but I found myself needing to keep one.  I am planning for it to be short term, another step in the process.  My stuff in storage was beautifully organized in Rubbermaid tubs, but now I am going to go through them and gleen again.  For those of you in the area…..Big Indoor Sale this coming Saturday (October 6) at the Shoppe – 9 – 3.  There will be lots of fabulous stuff that I am ready to have out of tubs and on to new owners.  I think when I am finished with this process, I surely will write a book!!  I won’t even include a photo of the mountains of tubs….too embarrassing!

I hope you have a great week!  Think of me as I am sorting and pricing and feeling the load lift!

Connie

Mini Moments from Bee………………………….  

 Yesterday was very exciting, Tee Tee and I started painting the door. We used a brillant blue; it is beautiful. The brown we painted accents the blue.

 Yesterday I also made a shirt bag.  To make it I took one of my dad's old t-shirts and cut off the sleeves and then cut around the neck hole.  I cut a few inches off the length of his shirt so that the bag wouldn't be too long.  Then I turned it inside out and sewed a zigzag stitch at the bottom of the shirt.  I then turned the bag right side out again and the bag is complete.  It turned out really nice!

I am excited because I am in a play this Christmas called Christmas Presence. I play the granddaughter. The tickets went on sale online at the Lincoln Center today. Tommorow the tickets will be sold at the box office so make sure to get your tickets!

School has been going great! My favorite subject right now is math.  Talk to you later.

Quote of the Day- "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."   Abraham Lincoln

Savannah

BLISS! and American Patchwork & Quilting Magazine

Hello Woolies!

I hope you are experiencing a wonderful Fall Day!  When I look out of my windows I am amazed how quickly the leaves are turning and falling.  Chuck hinted laughingly that he thought it might be time to turn on the furnace.  That is his way of telling me that he is cold.  Here I am just loving the cooler temperatures and the last thing that came to my mind was to turn on the HEAT!  Isn’t that one of the reasons why we make all of these beautiful quilts…..to snuggle under them when it gets cold.  My friend and staff person Yvonne talks about how her and hubbie challenge each other to see how long they can go without turning on the furnace.  They just pile on the quilts.  My problem is…..I get cold, cover up with a quilt, get my stitching all organized in my lap (on top of the quilt) and then promptly fall asleep.  I guess it is just called BLISS!

 

I wanted to give you some exciting news!  As you know, our quilting Bible…American Patchwork & Quilting Magazine features projects from Quilters.  We as Designers submit projects to the magazine in hopes of being included in an issue.  In 2009, we were honored to in the Quilt Sampler magazine as a Top Ten Shop.  And, in 2010, I was selected and invited along with 20 other North American Designers to be honored in the “Creative Circle”.  It was amazing….kind of like being on the Oprah show!  Anyway….I am honored to have one of my projects featured in the December issue of American Patchwork & Quilting Magazine.  I am letting you know, because, they tell me it may hit the Newstands/Quilt shops this week, so look for the issue.  My project is called “Pocketbook” and those of you that know me, know that I love the challenge of taking trash and turning it into treasure.  A vintage piece – otherwise a “throw away” and giving it new life.  My way of recycling.  My BLISS!  See….I get BLISS from many different places.  I hope that the article will inspire you to create some treasures of your own.

 

 

This article is a perfect reason for a GIVEAWAY!  Maybe adding a bit of BLISS to your life.  I am giving away one of my creations (not the one in the magazine).  I found this cute round vintage navy blue purse at a local flea market.  Every part of it was in great condition, including the lining inside.  So, I designed a Penny Rug for the lid of the purse.  It features a Rose and of course….a BEE!.  Inside the purse where there once was a mirror, I added a small Penny Rug embroidered with “Needles” and glued it to the worn spot left by the missing mirror.  VIOLA! A Sewing Kit.  Small, but great for those important Sewing items….scissors, threads and needles, of course.  I like it because it sits flat on your table and opens to reveal all your necessary sewing notions inside.  Here is your chance to win this fun Sewing Kit.  Sign up as a Member or leave a Comment beginning today 9/25 through November 1^st.  We will draw for the Winner and announce the Winner on Friday, November 2^nd.  Good Luck!

 

 

 

 

 

           

“Snowbuddies” – November is Coming……..

This Free Downloadable project sure has been fun!  I swear, I just get one designed and it is time to design the next. I hope you liked our October “Snowbuddie” all gussied up in his Mask….Bats and all….for Halloween.  This Embroidery of the Month is designed to be whimsical and make you smile.  If you are signed up as a “Member” of the Blog it will just automatically appear in your mailbox to remind you that it is the first of the month.  I will include in November’s design how I am putting my blocks together.  It matches the whimsy of the project. Any ideas for the November design????? I’d love to hear them!

 

I think I will go walk on the leaves and see if they CRUNCH!  BLISS!!

 

Connie

 

Mini Moments with Bee…………………………….             

 

As you see below in the picture, I am drawing a pretty picket fence on the door outside the shop. As you might already know we are painting it. I am very excited to start it.                

 

I had a wonderful birthday about three weeks ago. I had a great birthday dinner/movie birthday sleepover with a friend.  I got wonderful gifts. One of which, I've been waiting for forever, a cell phone.  I also got to go shopping and out to dinner with my Tee Tee and mom.  We went to Aeropostale, Marshall's, and Justice.  I got lots of clothes.  Other than a birthday this month it has been great.  I can't believe it is almost October.  It seems like it was just the beginning of summer. Wow, life does go fast.

 

Phrase of the Day- Spend each day making small memories because some day when you look back to the memories they'll be big.