Simple Folk - As the Crow Flies...

New Books

2012-01-31T17:04:00.000-08:00

Two new books from Kansas City Star have arrived:

A Bountiful Life presents the author's version of the over 150-year old folk art quilt masterpiece, Bird of Paradise, on display at the American Folk Art Museum in New York. Click Here for a link to a picture of this incredible quilt on the American Folk Art Museum's web site.

A Year of Cozy Comforts celebrates the four seasons with eight handmade projects for your home. Quilts, cross-stitch, wool applique - even some of the author's family recipes.

I'm expecting Polly Minick's new book, American Summer any day now. I keep checking Kansas City Star's web site, but it's still listed as a Pre-Order from them. Once they change their status I'll know I'll be seeing my shipment soon! This book can still be pre-ordered from me, and you'll get free shipping when I begin sending them out.

Snowed all day here in midcoast Maine while my hometown in Massachusetts was enjoying mid-40s and sunshine. Oh well - it is Maine, after all!

Stay warm!

Have Hook Will Travel

2012-01-29T13:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the annual Eliot (Maine) rug hook-in. It's been going on for I believe 28 years now and no doubt grown from a smaller event to what it is today, over 100 participants, vendors, a lovely, well-lit venue with great food and of course, loads of great hooked rugs. I was one of the five vendors. Here are a couple of pictures taken by Lauri Troutman, (Miz T), who worked hard to make the event a fun day for everyone:

Just a sliver of the rug display. There were many more.

One section of the ballroom showing how many folks came out to hook, visit with friends and shop!

One of my favorite rugs in the display, I believe it was hooked by Susie Beers.

This was my friend, Kim Dubay's (Primitive Pastimes) booth at the hook-in. She's an amazing altered artist and rug hooker.

One of my tables in my booth. Do you like my wool sign? I finally made myself one a few months back! I think it looks pretty good, and the sheep thought it drew attention to them. They are models for two Buttermilk Basin hooked and wool applique patterns.

Future vending engagements so far this year will include quilt shows in March and August as well as two rug hook-ins in April. These events are great fun, a lot of work, but it's always nice to meet new friends, reacquaint with old friends and come away with loads of inspiration.

Hope you had a great weekend too!

A Tale of Two Seasons

2012-01-24T06:44:00.000-08:00

Snow is starting to appear more regularly, but there are already some signs of spring - this is Crow's in the Garden, a wool applique design for two "ditty bags" from Crane Design. Lively, colorful, happy!

Also by Crane Design, Krispy Winter Days is back in stock and I'm already pulling some wools together to offer kits for this - stay tuned. So, we're celebrating two seasons today, both warm and wooly!

Crane Design also has a collection of needlepunch patterns called the Backyard Series. The birds are wonderful and so life-like. Shown is the newest release called Black Capped Chickadees. The design is pre-printed on weavers cloth, all ready to put in your frame and punch.

In Stitches,

Primitive Quilts and (lots of) Projects

2012-01-23T16:33:00.000-08:00

It's finally here! The eagerly awaited Spring 2012 issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects magazine - full of sixteen new projects for quilts, wool applique, needlepunch and even a couple of "silly wabbits". Contributors include (in the order their project appears in the Table of Contents) Paula Barnes (Bonnie Blue Quilts), Maggie Bonanomi, Lisa Bonegean (Primitive Gatherings), Lori Brechlin (Notforgotten Farm), Jan Goos (Goos Nest), Lynda Hall (Primitive Pieces by Lynda), Dawn Heese (Linen Closet Designs), Heather Lynn (Mohair Bears & Friends), Janice Minear, Jo Ann Mulally (Wool Crazy), Gloria Parsons (Olde Green Cupboard Designs), Marcie Patch, Cheri Payne, Renee Plains and Tonya Robey (Mad Hen Primitives). Whew!

Also available are a few of the Fall and Winter issues - first come, first served!

In Stitches,

Super Bowl Bound!

2012-01-23T07:36:00.000-08:00

We're doing the happy dance in New England! Our Patriots won the AFC Championship against the Ravens on Sunday and are Super Bowl bound in two weeks! The only fly in the ointment - a rematch between the Pats and the Giants. The last time these two met in the 2008 Super Bowl the results didn't go our way. It should be a great game! I'll have to sort through my game day recipes for the best chicken wing concoction I can find.

Have a great day!

Shipping Cost Increase

2012-01-22T16:37:00.000-08:00

As of Jan. 22nd, the USPS postal rates have increased - again! I mostly use Priority Flat Rate and First Class to ship orders, and both these services have gone up in cost. I'll need to do the same. In the past I've tried to be fair with my shipping charges, not even accounting for "handling", but will need to change this practice. For many years I've accepted what my shopping cart has estimated for PayPal orders and usually absorbed any extra shipping charges, but I can no longer do this. "Handling" includes my printer paper and ink when printing Priority Flat Rate labels, the brown mailers I use for First Class packages, as well as the paperwork necessary to process orders. It's time I allowed myself to be paid for all that! I believe my shipping charges over the years have been among the lowest of most online retailers. Some of them are outrageous! And, I think my long-standing policy of free shipping on orders over $50 has been very generous. This will remain in effect, at least for the time being.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about shipping an order. Thank you in advance for your understanding!

Hip Hop

2012-01-21T12:30:00.000-08:00

Meet Mr. Cotton Tail, a punchneedle embroidery design by With Thy Needle & Thread/Country Stitches. I've got one Pattern + partial floss kit for this. The pattern uses 15 Weeks Dye Works over-dyed flosses and two Valdani flosses. The Pattern + includes the Weeks flosses but not the Valdani, which would have to be purchased separately from your local Valdani retailer. This guy could be finished long before anyone even thinks about Easter!

More snow today, just lazy flakes drifting down. I'm in my "studio", continuing my reorganization project, as I got to the point where I couldn't find anything, and the clutter was killing any traces of creativity! I'm notorious for not putting things back where they belong, and after a while the disjointed piles of "stuff" are just too much! Lots of things have been tossed, which feels really good, and my big industrial shelf and little bookcase are starting to look much neater. So, off to sort my favorite books and magazines, deciding what to recycle or store. My tastes and interests have changed over the years, and it's time for a good reassessment of all things paper. A lot of my older quilt books may be headed to eBay soon.

Have a cozy weekend!

Whole Lotta Love

2012-01-20T07:23:00.000-08:00

Led Zeppelin - I had to look up the spelling! I came across a couple of other love-inspired patterns that missed the inventory count last time: Love and Be Loved, the popular Cupid Fraktur (3 available) and heart-shaped Sewing Bird Pinkeep (only one) cross-stitch designs, both by With Thy Needle & Thread/Country Stitches.

A Whole Lotta Love for all on a snowy Friday morning!

In Stitches,

Quilt 'Til You Wilt

2012-01-19T15:59:00.000-08:00

This beautiful quilt, called Folk Art Pleasures: A Celebration in Applique was designed by Lori Smith of From My Heart to Your Hands. I've just updated my web site with this and three other patterns that I've had in inventory but for whatever reason, never made it to the site before now. They're 25% off too - this pattern, previously $16.00, is now $12.00. The quilt is 54" x 54". Practice your applique skills on this or one of Lori's other quilted masterpieces. And, since the weather has finally turned winter-like, working under a quilt sounds like a very cozy way to spend a chilly night!

In Stitches,

All You Need is Love

2012-01-17T18:12:00.000-08:00

The Beatles sang that song, remember? I just realized that Valentine's Day is less than a month away. Seems like it was just Christmas! Time has been flying by, maybe it's because of the flurry of excitement around a new baby in the family. My head is spinning! Anyway, back to Valentine's Day - I thought I'd look around for love-inspired projects and found a few:

From top to bottom:
Saint Valentine Fraktur needlepunch by With Thy Needle & Thread/Country Stitches
Key to My Heart Sampler by Pineberry Lane
True Love Sampler Bag & Pinkeep - Stacy Nash Primitives

A little love for a Tuesday night! If you're on my email list I added a few other "love"ly suggestions, some on sale.

Sweet dreams!

Warm & Wooly

2012-01-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

Back in stock - Buttermilk Basin's neat Penny Mats Thru the Year.
Shown, appropriately enough, is January's snowman mat. All twelve months' worth of patterns are available. October's sold out very quickly when I first got them - everyone loves pumpkins, right? It's such fun to work with wool during the colder months. I'd rather make a snowman out of wool than out of snow right now. We're only in the mid-twenties today with a wind chill. Brrr! Hoping to make up some kits for these patterns soon.

Stay warm!

Tebow WHO?

2012-01-15T05:51:00.000-08:00

My son posted this picture on his Facebook page and I couldn't resist sharing! Our Pats delivered a crushing 45-10 defeat to Tebow's Broncos last night, and we New Englanders are pretty psyched about it! The artwork on Sophie's onesie is courtesy of her Dad. Back in December at her Mom's baby shower anyone who wanted to was asked to decorate a plain white onesie with colored markers. There were a lot of white onesies leftover. I'm sure her Dad will have more of these in the future!

I get to see my little Pats fan next weekend! The long-range weather forecast doesn't look like it will keep me from her. My younger brother, author Jeffrey Thomas (Punktown and many other short story collections) and 2-year old niece will be arriving back home from a long trip to Vietnam mid-week and we'll see them too. It'll be Christmas for them as they've been gone since before Thanksgiving. Looking forward to a very fun reunion with family!

Stay warm!

Grand Finale Redux

2012-01-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

Back in stock - Kris Miller's (Spruce Ridge Studios) The Grand Finale: Finish What You Start. This is a super reference manual on turning those rug hooking UFOs into the actual completed pieces you worked so hard on. Kris packed this booklet with photographs to illustrate exactly what she's doing for a variety of finishing techniques. I've said this before, but this is definitely one of my "must haves" for your rug hooking library!

A handful of the January Wool Street Journal are back as well, if you missed out on the first shipment.

Have a warm and wooly weekend!

She's Home!

2012-01-12T04:54:00.000-08:00

Baby Sophie was all bundled up, snug as a bug in a rug in her car seat, yesterday right before her Mom & Dad took her home! She'd passed the five pound mark and continues to thrive in leaps and bounds, so was able to go home after only a two week stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. We'll be making the trip to see her next weekend, and this Nana can't wait!

Snowing here this morning, finally a measurable snow for this crazy winter. We're expecting between 6"-10". I won't be going anywhere today!

Have a great day,

Primitive Rugs, Magdalena Briner Eby Style

2012-01-11T15:59:00.000-08:00

Just arrived this afternoon! The wonderful Rug Hooking Traditions with Magdalena Briner Eby, full of beautiful examples of the folk art of this Pennsylvania woman with the unique primitive style. If you missed out on this one when I had it before, here's your chance! Definitely a "must have" for your rug hooking library.

Happy Hooking!

Coming Attractions & New Stuff

2012-01-11T05:45:00.000-08:00

This is Polly Minick's new book, American Summer: Seaside-Inspired Rugs & Quilts. It will have twelve of Polly's hooked rug designs, inspired by her childhood memories of summers at the shore. Well-known quilter sister, Laurie Simpson, also contributes several quilts with the same salt air theme. I'm now taking pre-orders for this and two other new books that will be available at the end of the month. Pre-Ordering = Free Shipping when the books arrive. See my What's New page for more info on this and the other new books.

Something new from Pineberry Lane: Wool Pinkeeps. I love these two sweet and simple designs. The pattern contains charts for both and finishing instructions. To be honest, I'll be winding down cross-stitch on my web site this year, but every now and then can't resist getting something that speaks to me, and this does! This is available now.

Have a great day!

Waiting for This Guy

2012-01-05T17:39:00.000-08:00

I'm waiting for this guy. Impatiently. There's a new Primitive Quilts and Projects on the way (see cover, below).

The wall quilt on the cover is Cheri Payne's contribution. I'm dying to know what else is in this issue, aren't you? Hoping this guy shows up soon!

New Year, New Beginnings

2012-01-01T16:12:00.000-08:00

I met my precious new granddaughter, Sophie this weekend. I've never seen such a tiny, fragile creature! She is beautiful and getting stronger by the minute. A little nerve-wracking seeing her hooked up to IVs and under a blue light due to a bit of jaundice, but by the time we left the hospital today they'd taken her off that blue light. I got to feed her and hold her for a bit. She's being fed here by her Dad. I love the way she's studying him! What a great moment! She's been making little smiles from time to time, people say it's gas, but I like to think she's happy to be born and with her new family! My mother, her great grandma, was pleased as punch to meet her too. Is there any better way to start a new year than to welcome a new baby into the world?

Hope you all had safe and happy New Year celebrations. Bring it on, 2012!

Cheers,

First Family Portrait

2011-12-29T06:05:00.000-08:00

Here's my son, Russell, his girlfriend, Tracey, and newest family member, Sophie! It's hard to look at her all wired up, but that's standard for a premie. The medical folks say she's healthy though, so all is good. I wonder if they got some sleep last night - Nana didn't get much! I'm chomping at the bit to get down to visit them, hopefully over the weekend.

It's a Girl!

2011-12-28T11:40:00.000-08:00

Well, almost! My first grandchild, a little girl my son and girlfriend have decided to name Sophie, is making an unscheduled debut into the world today! She's about five weeks early and everything has been happening very fast today. My son just called a short while ago to tell me that his girlfriend is being taken in for a C-section. I'm not able to be there for another couple of days but I'll see her very soon.

My son, Sophie's dad, is a wonderful graphic artist. These are some tiles he painted with the baby's name that will be hung on the wall in her nursery.

More wonderful artwork by Sophie's dad! These animals will also be hung in Sophie's new nursery and are waiting to welcome her when she comes home in early February. She'll be in the hospital's NICU until her original due date, at least that's today's news.

I'll be "Nana" soon! Can't wait to meet this little girl who wanted to arrive on the scene before 2011 ends!

Update: Sophie Amber Thomas was born on Dec. 28th at exactly 2:30pm weighing a dainty 4 lbs. 13 oz.! Everyone is doing just fine, although Sophie has some typical preemie issues. Nothing out of the ordinary for an early birth, so say the doctors.

After Christmas Sale

2011-12-23T17:12:00.000-08:00

After Christmas, save 30% on all cross-stitch patterns. No codes to enter, I'll calculate your discount manually and issue a PayPal refund for PayPal orders, or apply your discount when I process your credit card order. This sale will run from Dec. 26th through New Year's Day.

Another vintage Christmas postcard. I love these, don't you? I especially liked the simplicity of this Father Christmas, dressed in plain garb and holding an undecorated evergreen.

Tomorrow will be for baking and prepping the holiday feast. The gifts are wrapped, the cards have been sent. Family celebrations were enjoyed weeks ago so it's just me and my hubby for a mellow Christmas day. Enjoy your family festivities and may your holidays be merry and bright and filled with all the warmth and love your heart can hold!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Last Call for Mail!

2011-12-19T15:52:00.000-08:00

Need a few last-minute things for Christmas giving? There's still time - but not much! Here's the US Postal Service's domestic mailing deadlines:

First Class - Tues., Dec. 20th
Priority Mail - Wed., Dec. 21st
Express Mail - Thurs., Dec. 22nd

Of course, the USPS doesn't guarantee that anything mailed by these deadlines will absolutely be delivered by Christmas. It's always a little bit of a gamble, but any orders I have in-house will be shipped accordingly. Then it's up to the mailman!

I love old antique glass ornaments like this Santa delivering mail. Sadly, I have no idea where our family's collection ended up after my dad passed away several years ago and the house was sold. My mother has since moved twice, so maybe they're in storage. I hope we see them again. We had some great old classic ornaments. At one time they hung on one of those aluminum Christmas trees, you know, the ones that had the color wheel and the whole tree would change colors every few seconds? Back in the sixties I guess! My brothers and I would sit and marvel at the wonderful tree. These days I love my real evergreen tree, this year a 4' one on a table in the living room. It'll hold my collection of primitive and folk art ornaments and some glass ones I've come across over my adult years. It's an eclectic assortment, but somehow everything works together. Sitting on top is the most wonderful primitive Santa tree topper, an old Netty LaCroix pattern.

I have the new Wool Street Journal January 2012 issue. Only five right now, I may get more if these sell quickly.

Just a note to say Thank You for your continued patronage this year! It's a tough economy and many of us don't have the money to indulge our creative passions the way we used to. I sincerely appreciate that you come back time after time to buy what tugs at your primitive heart strings!

Have a blessed holiday season!

Cookie Dough Truffles

2011-12-17T09:22:00.000-08:00

Lovely. I needed to find out about this Cookie Dough Truffles recipe when I can't manage to eat any of these even if I did make them. Oh well, there's always next Christmas, and I assure you, I will be making these! If you do, please let me know how yummy they came out! I'll enjoy them vicariously this time. The recipe came from Food Network.

Cookie Dough Truffles

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup semisweet mini chocolate morsels
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 1/2 pounds chocolate bark candy coating, melted

Directions:
In a large bowl cream butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed until creamy. Add vanilla. Gradually beat in flour and add milk. Add chocolate morsels and pecans, mixing well. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on waxed paper; chill 2 hours.

*Cook's Note: Since the dough is sticky, roll your fingers into flour. This will make it easier to roll.

Melt chocolate bark candy coating in a double boiler, or glass bowl over simmering pan of water. Using 2 forks, dip cookie balls into candy coating to cover. Place on waxed paper and chill to set. Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Happy truffling!

Ouch!

2011-12-16T06:24:00.000-08:00

Based on my pain level after having some teeth extracted on Monday, I could probably go for one of these right about now! Amazing that they existed, huh? And Coca-Cola used to be made with cocaine too back in the day. Hope things calm down soon and I can get some much-needed sleep! As a result, orders recently received have been leaving more slowly than in previous weeks. I need my helpful hubby to play delivery man, but this is after I do the processing, picking and paperwork, which I'm not always feeling up to with a screaming jaw! That said, I appreciate your patience and thank you for your orders. My delivery man will hopefully get some packages off to the post office this afternoon, as I know Christmas shipping deadlines are only days away.

Enjoy your weekend,

Passing it Forward

2011-12-15T02:44:00.000-08:00

Brenda, who writes the Past Blessings blog has kindly bestowed upon me the Liebster Blog award! This award is given by a fellow blogger to five blogs of their choosing who have 200 followers or less. This award is meant to be passed forward, so here are my Liebster Blog award picks:

Fish Eye Rugs - Jen Manuell's blog is an inspiration for the rug hooker and I love to see what hooking adventure she's up to next!
www.fisheyerugs.blogspot.com

From Sherry's Heart - Sherry does fabulous primitive folk art in all kinds of mediums and I love checking out her latest and greatest.
www.fromsherrysheart.blogspot.com

Tom Miner Folk Art - I've known Nancy for many years through my business and she stitches wonderful folk art quilts. She lives in Montana and occasionally posts pictures of the big horn sheep that visit her backyard!
www.tominerfolkart.blogspot.com

Fully Wooly Primitives - This is Joni Black of Fully Wooly Primitives blog. Joni is a wonderful rug hooker and lover of primitives and wool.
www.aboutwool.blogspot.com

Spruce Ridge Studios - Kris Miller is a very talented, self-taught rug hooker and teacher. She vends at many rug hook-ins throughout the year and offers tons of great rug hooking designs on her web site. Love to see what project she's working up next.
www.spruceridgestudios.blogspot.com

Congratulations to these Liebster Blog award winners, you're all very deserving! There are hundreds of other great blogs out there, take some time every now and then to do a blog crawl and check out all the inspiration out there!

I've tweaked my More Fun Reads and Links You'll Like lists to reflect what I like these days, so check those out too.

Happy reading,

On My Frame

2011-12-14T18:40:00.000-08:00

This is an Edyth O'Neill design called Cricket Ship. I just started it today. At 7" x 11" it's definitely doable for me. I really like small hooked projects because I can start new things quicker. Gives me some diversion as I had some oral surgery on Monday and need to take it easy for a few days. It was fun color-planning this little rug that will cover a small footstool as this one does. I had a neat heathery purple plaid for the sky and will put a few dark pinks in there to look like sunset. Will post a picture when it's finished. Edyth O'Neill rug hooking designs can be purchased from Woolley Fox. What's on your frame these days?

Happy hooking,

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

2011-12-09T06:27:00.001-08:00

This is Old Fashioned Santa from Pineberry Lane. A humble fellow, simply dressed. Great stick legs! Quite primitive, very cool. Another neat Santa pattern from Pineberry Lane is Santa and Elmer, with the bonus of Elmer the reindeer, shown below.

I need to get busy baking a couple of Chocolate Pumpkin Loaves (recipe in my Sept. 30th post) to take with me to our annual early Christmas family get-together tomorrow where I get to play Santa. The other gifts are wrapped, but I promised my mother a loaf of this bread after I told her how wonderful it was. My aunt will get one too, along with a big bag of Maine Roasters Holiday Blend coffee. Doesn't that sound like a great breakfast on a snowy morning? Maine Roasters coffee is similar to Starbucks, strength-wise. To be honest, I'm really not a Dunkin' fan!

Are you doing any holiday baking? One of my Facebook friends posted about all the make-ahead cooking and baking she's been doing, freezing things to be reheated later in the month for parties and just to make things easier once the holidays are in full swing. It's something to consider. I've never done much "big" make-ahead cooking like that but just might try a little.

This would normally be the weekend we get the real tree and decorate, but since we'll be out of town it'll be a week later this year. Hope you're having fun with your holiday planning. Have a great weekend!

Crazy for Christmas

2011-12-08T04:46:00.001-08:00

Isn't this great? It's a wool applique design called Christmas Candle Mat by A Piece of Work, a new designer I've just added to my web site offerings. Done in a crazy quilt style with lots of lively seasonal motifs and embellished with embroidery stitches, these are fun and really cool. There are several more "crazy" designs, all on my What's New page or see everything on A Piece of Work's own page under my Patterns, Wool Applique category.

Stay crazy with Jo Ann Mulally's wonderful Wool Crazy and Crazy at Home books. Jo Ann's illustrations and instructions are very detailed, with lots of tips and inspiration to make her "crazy" projects your own.

And this neat pattern called Krispy Snow Days is from another new design house, Crane Design. I love the neutral colors used, but it would look equally cute in traditional Christmas colors with a blue background. The pattern has instructions for the wool runner and hanging bag. Several other patterns are available as well as some great needlepunch designs. I hope you check them out.

While you may not have time to make some of these before Christmas, there's still time to get them shipped to you before the holiday for gift-giving - but only if you order soon! Hope your holiday plans are coming along nicely.

Stay warm!

Onesies

2011-11-29T14:02:00.001-08:00

Be Merry: Quilts and Projects for Your Holiday Home is one of a short list of "only one" books from Kansas City Star that I have available. From time to time I get preview books that I check out to see if I want to add them to my web site. This particular list I opted not to purchase, but have the single copies available on my web site. Please check out the complete list on my What's New page and if you're interested in a title, act quickly because there's only one of each book.

Thanks to everyone who placed orders during from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Lots of great deals went out the door! I hope you enjoy making all your wonderful creations.

Hope everyone enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving. On to Christmas!

Shop Small Today!

2011-11-26T05:56:00.001-08:00

Don't forget to SHOP SMALL today, Small Business Saturday! According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses represent 99.7% of all employers. About 52% are home-based (like mine). In 2009 there were 27.5 million businesses in the US, so you've got lots to choose from! Help support our US economy and make another dent in your holiday shopping list.

While you're shopping small, you may want to check out some of the cool new goodies that have been arriving lately, like this awesome New England Primer Snowman doll from Walnut Ridge Primitives. Love the old book page with snowflakes stitched to his front, and he carries a paper snowflake made from an old lesson plan. Both these things are included in the pattern. He makes a big impression at 17", so would look great on your door, centered on a big evergreen wreath or propped in a chair - but not too close to the fireplace, please!

Wool Crazy by Jo Ann Mullaly has patterns and very good, detailed instructions to create a 60" x 60" wool crazy quilt. The folk art designs are great, and Jo Ann guides us through the construction with great tips on ways to really make this project your own. The next book she produced is Crazy at Home with 15 wonderful, primitive projects with wool.

So much that's new! I hope you'll take a little time to peruse my What's New page to see and read about everything that's arrived lately. More to be posted over the next couple of days now that the holiday is over. You can also take advantage of my Black Friday/Small Business Saturday/Cyber Monday sale - 25% off all cross-stitch and needlepunch items (excluding those on my What's New page), plus free shipping through Monday.

Have fun shop-hopping on this Small Business Saturday!

It's on to Christmas!

2011-11-25T07:37:00.001-08:00

Black Friday - really?? Was this you in the early hours of this morning? I was dreaming of sugarplums dancing in my head. Never been a Black Friday person, don't see that ever changing! I hate crowds! And now we're hearing of a woman in a Walmart (forget where) who pepper sprayed other shoppers in order to keep them away from some XBox deal. Is that what we've come to? The local police called it "competitive shopping" - I call it assault, and if it was me who got hit with pepper spray, she'd be hurting worse than me! But, I digress...

Just looking at the cover of this gorgeous new book by Tina Woltman, An Early Christmas, you can just imagine what's in store for you inside! This is a beautifully produced hardcover book filled with about 300 gorgeous photographs over 160 pages of early American homes decorated in Christmas finery. Antique collections of Santas and so much more to delight the eye. As for me, I'm always looking for great decorating ideas, and I'll be curled up in front of the fireplace later absorbing every picture in this book. This is one you'll take out for the holiday season year after year. Available in limited supply for $36.00. There's a link to a Picturetrail previewing several dozen pages from the book on my web site, so do check that out.

Hoping everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving day! As usual, the meal is always a challenge to get on the table reasonably warm, and everything has to come together at the very last minute, but we did it! It's been nice to have an extended visit with my son, his girlfriend and baby-to-be. Lots of sleeping in this morning after eating quite well yesterday!

Don't forget I'm having a Black Friday, Small Business Saturday & Cyber Monday sales event - 25% off on all cross-stitch and needlepunch patterns not on my What's New page, now through Monday, Nov. 29th. Don't hassle with pepper spray-wielding crowds! Free shipping too!

Happy (& Safe) Shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T15:54:00.001-08:00

May your stuffing be tasty,
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes 'n gravy,
Have nary a lump,
May your yams be delicious,
May your pies take the prize,
May your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off of your thighs.

~ Owen K. Lorion

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday

2011-11-23T04:14:00.001-08:00

Three big sales days are coming, right on Thanksgiving's heels. Black Friday, of course, then it's Small Business Saturday, followed quickly by Cyber Monday, the busiest on-line sales day of the holiday season. To take part, I'm offering a 25% discount on cross-stitch and needlepunch items ordered from Friday through Cyber Monday, Nov. 28th. Any order that includes cross-stitch or needlepunch items will receive 25% on those items. Only the brand new patterns on my What's New page will be excluded. And, shipping will be FREE for these four days, through Monday, Nov. 28th. It's a good chance to stock up on patterns you've had your eye on, and there's plenty of time to create some wonderful holiday gifts and decorations for your tree and home.

There won't be a coupon code to enter as my shopping cart isn't smart enough to just apply the 25% to certain things, so I'll manually apply your discount when I process your credit card order, or, if you use PayPal, I'll be processing refunds to your PayPal account. No shipping charge will show on orders, however.

This was last night's snow total forecast for my area. When the sun came up I checked, and we've already got at least six inches on the ground if not more. Hoping we don't lose power! I've still got vacuuming to finish and pies to bake! Better get to it... Stay safe, everyone!

It's the Weekend

2011-11-22T16:59:00.001-08:00

Well, it's actually Tuesday, but I just got my box of Blackbird Designs' new book, Weekend. We've become accustomed to Barb Adams' and Alma Allen's gorgeous and feminine quilt designs, and this book does not disappoint. While mostly quilts featuring their fabric line from Moda, Blueberry Crumb Cake, there is also a hooked rug, sampler, treasure box, pinkeep and even instructions for hand-poured candles, all with their signature style. I'm ready for a little Weekend, how about you?

Coats & Clark Summer Brown all-purpose sewing thread is listed in Maggie Bonanomi's books as her thread of choice for her hand work projects. It's a great neutral for Maggie's color palette. We've got 225 yard spools for your convenience.

Tomorrow is "Pie Day", if we don't lose power during the very ill-timed Nor'easter churning our way! Timing is everything, Mother Nature! Couldn't wait until after Thanksgiving? Busiest travel day of the year? Really?? Oh well, I just hope my son and pregnant girlfriend make it up to Maine OK. Mom will be a nervous wreck until I see those headlights come up the driveway.

Stay safe, all!

Don't Fear the Finish!

2011-11-17T18:50:00.001-08:00

So - your rug is all hooked. Now for the part we all dread - the finishing! Well, dread no more! Kris Miller of Spruce Ridge Studios has put together a booklet called The Grand Finale: Finish What You Start with her 5 favorite rug finishing techniques. Each one is incredibly detailed, with step-by-step photographs that will really help you understand each process, something this visual girl needs. I now feel as though I can tackle any of these rug finishes with confidence! A "must-have" for your rug hooking library. At $18.95, it's a good price for a great reference.

Holiday Fair Season

2011-11-17T06:35:00.001-08:00

Don't you love all the holiday craft fairs this time of year? Pretty much any weekend you can find one at a school or local church, and there are great finds and great food, with something for everyone. This Saturday, Nov. 19th from 9-2 I'll be participating in the Durham Community School's Craft/Business Fair. It's sponsored by the Durham PTA, who will be having a bake sale as well as selling coffee and lunch items. Proceeds will benefit the students' enrichment programs and field trips. I'll be one of over 40 vendors so it should be fun.

The Durham Community School is located on 654 Hallowell Rd. in Durham and the fair takes place in the cafeteria. Free admission! Hope to see a few familiar faces from local folks!

We Have a Winner!

2011-11-16T15:58:00.001-08:00

Blog follower Patti will be getting a half yard of wool for giving me her suggestion for a wool kit - Maggie Bonanomi's Tropicals Under Glass from her book, Nature's Offerings. Great suggestion, Patti! I hope to offer this kit perhaps sometime in early December.

Thanks!

New & Noteworthy

2011-11-14T11:08:00.001-08:00

FOLK magazine is a new publication devoted to the simple things in life, handmade goods, country living and all things primitive. This is their second issue, the Christmas issue, and it's chock-full of holiday memories, recipes, how-tos for crafts and needleart, gift wrapping and ornament ideas, and tons of ads sprinkled throughout for folk art and primitive artists you'll want to check out. Just over 150 pages, beautifully photographed. A "must have" publication! Just got my shipment in, they're ready to go at a retail price of $6.95 plus about $3.00 for shipping.

Arriving soon - the newest book from Blackbird Designs, Weekend. As we can always count on with Blackbird Designs' books, it will be filled with beautiful quilts and delicate stitchery and other projects that we love.

Looking at my Preview before publishing this post I see we've got a pretty blue and white theme going here. I love that color combination. A charming way to start the week! Enjoy...

P.S. After weighing this magazine, it looks like it will have to be shipped via USPS Priority Mail. First Class is not an option, nor is Media Mail, which is restricted to educational material without advertising. My cost for USPS Priority Mail is $4.75. If you pay via PayPal and your total order shipping charge is less than this I will send you a PayPal invoice for the additional shipping cost. Credit card orders will be charged actual shipping costs. Of course, orders over $50 receive free shipping, as they always have!

Hi-Tech Hijinx

2011-11-12T16:16:00.001-08:00

My web site has been down all day due to web host server upgrade issues, but it looks like we're back online now. Glad it wasn't as bad as one time years ago with a previous web host who brought all their client sites down for about two weeks!! That's what made me change to my current web host, whose record of web site up-time is excellent - problems such as today's are rare. I am with Create a Shoppe, a DIY web site and store builder. Very intuitive, easy to maintain and low cost. If you're in the market for a service such as this, do check them out!

Saturday night... What shall I do? Some rug hooking? Watch a movie? Surf the 'net? Not sure. Hubby is downstairs watching hockey so I'm on my own. Should call my Mom - yeah, that's what I'll do. She's debating making the trip up to Maine for Thanksgiving this year. Think I'll make a "sales call" and try to seal the deal.

Enjoy your Saturday night!

Wonderful Wool!

2011-11-11T18:23:00.001-08:00

Yum Yum! I just received a big box of wonderful hand-dyed wool bundles from Blackberry Primitives. Shown is a collection called "Holiday Surprise". Reds, greens, golds - great for holiday projects. There are six different bundles to choose from, each one has ten different hand-dyed wools, both solids and textureds, in 7" x 8" pieces. I'm selling these for $28.00 a bundle, and they're already going fast! The chillier temperatures and less daylight has really rekindled everyone's desire for projects working with WOOL!

Speaking of which, I've put together another little wool and floss kit to make the adorable Penny Pouch, a Lynda Hall design from the Winter issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects. This little wool "crazy quilt" bag is on my "must make" list and I've already got my wools color-planned for it. This little "helper" kit will give you seven 6" squares of hand-dyed and textured wools, plus a hand-dyed black for one of the patches plus enough for your initials, should you choose to put them on the bag front as Lynda did. There are also five primary colored DMC flosses to use for the embroidery embellishments. These little kits are priced at $10.00 and are available under my Kits section. Here's Lynda's sweet little wool bag:

Don't forget to comment on my Nov. 9th post, "It's All About the Fun" with your suggestion for a great project for me to offer as a future kit. I'll pick the suggestion I like the most next Wednesday and will send that person a half yard of wool as a Thank You!

Have a warm and wooly weekend!

Thank a Veteran

2011-11-11T05:00:00.001-08:00

If you live in a free country, thank a veteran today! Let's celebrate their service and support those still serving.

It's All About the Fun

2011-11-09T17:54:00.000-08:00

I made up the rest of the White-on-White Wool Applique Bag kits today. The base wool and reproduction print I used for the lining (a Jo Morton print, by the way) are used up and my ivory buttons are pretty much gone. But what fun it was putting them together! I love it all - color-planning, cutting the pieces, selecting the buttons, ironing the fabrics before they're packaged, even choosing the right font to print on the paper label I staple to the bag. It's all FUN! I'd forgotten how much fun making kits is, and I need to do more of it. But there are so many patterns - so many and so little time! Is there a particular wool or wool & fabric pattern you'd like to see kitted? Leave a comment on this post or shoot me an email - next Wednesday I'll pick the suggestion that I can best create a great kit for and send the suggester (is that a word??) a nice piece of wool. So, get those books, mags and patterns out, and let me know what you want!

And as far as more White-on-White kits - I'm working on pulling some similar wool and fabric combinations together and might have a source for more old ivory buttons. Watch this space for updates...

In stitches,

P.S. I forgot to say, the design needs to be from a book or pattern that I sell. Patti's suggestion of a Maggie Bonanomi design from one of her book's, Nature's Offerings, definitely fits the bill and is a great suggestion - Thanks, Patti! Keep 'em coming! ~Wendy

White-on-White

2011-11-07T13:11:00.000-08:00

This is Maggie Bonanomi's White-on-White Wool Applique Bag design from the latest issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects magazine. It knocked me out, and I know lots of others love it too! So, taking inventory of my supplies, I saw that I could make up kits for this great bag. I substituted a lovely, oatmeal wool for the sometimes hard-to-find (and pricey) silk matka Maggie used, and combined it with a slightly lighter, natural wool for the appliques, five antique ivory buttons from my personal button stash, and a skein of ivory linen floss for hand sewing. For the lining, I chose a nice, tan and brown reproduction shirting fabric.

I've priced this kit at $20. Only two are available while I search for more oatmeal wool for the outer bag!

In stitches,

Oh Boy!

2011-11-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

Just arrived today! The Primitive Quilts and Projects Winter issue! Sixteen new projects from folks like Maggie Bonanomi, Renee Plains, Lori Brechlin, Jan Patek, Lynda Hall and more. I think this is the best issue yet! Click here for a short video peek inside the issue. I've got a good supply, so get 'em while they're hot! (Will require $3.24 in USPS First Class postage.)

Have a creative weekend!

How About Ewe?

2011-11-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

This is Sheep - a set of three full-sized paper patterns for rug hooking from Primitive Spirit. Baa is a 7-1/2" x 10" rug that could embellish a bag or mount on an old suitcase. My friend, designer Kim Dubay did just that, and it looks awesome. Go to Sheep is a 10" circle that could be a chair pad or made into a pillow with prodded wool fringe as shown here. Finally, Wooly is a 8" x 9" heart-shaped design that can be hooked as-is or centered, as Karen Kahle has done, in a 10" x 11" rectangle with a hit-or-miss background, which I just love. This pattern set is $15.00.

This sweet little paper pattern set, also from Primitive Spirit is Owl Babies. Three little owls to hook that can be combined any way you like, or made individually into little heart-shaped mini pillows as shown. I made the one in the middle, named Knap. Shilo and Wari are his buddies. This set of three designs is only $5.00.

Happy Hooking!

Eat, Punch, Browse

2011-11-02T18:10:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for great, unusual recipes. With the impending October Nor'easter on our doorstep last Saturday, I had to run out to the herb garden and salvage all my flat leaf Italian parsley before it got buried under heavy snow. Figuring I'd make a batch of traditional tabbouleh, I went to Google for the classic recipe. I read through a few to find something a little different and found this - Cranberry Walnut Tabbouleh from the myrecipes.com web site, and originally from Cooking Light back in 2004. It's awesome! I love the combination of the bulgur wheat and reconstituted dried cranberries, walnuts, red onion and lemon. Lunch today was a whole wheat pita pocket filled with this wonderful concoction, and I've got plenty of parsley left to make a few more batches. Here's the easy recipe:

Cranberry Walnut Tabbouleh

1 cup bulgur wheat
1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat leaf Italian parsley
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 1/2 tablespoons walnut oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:
Combine bulgur and cranberries in a medium bowl. Add 1 cup boiling water, and let stand 30 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff bulgur mixture with a fork. Stir in chopped parsley and the remaining ingredients, and toss gently to combine.

Changes I made were to omit the mint as I didn't have any on hand or left in the garden, and I used my regular, good quality EVOO in place of walnut oil - if you watch Rachel Ray you'll know that means Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I'll definitely try it with walnut oil at some point though.

From Eat to Punch - I've got some new needlepunch designs from Buttermilk Basin. This one is called Punched Sheep, a great dimensional piece that mimics a hooked rug design, also available. Punched Pineapple matches a hooked version as well. Check out lots more new patterns on my What's New page. There's the Browse part!

Ciao!

Time to Warm Up

2011-11-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

It's coming! We finally broke down and turned the heat on over the weekend. Actually, we'd been using a little space heater in the bedroom at night until we turned in, and our gas fireplace downstairs while holding off using the main heating system until it got it's annual cleaning last Saturday. Even though daytime temps have been in the 50s, we know it's here - wool blanket weather.

This is a penny rug (or wool applique, if you prefer) pattern from Lake View Primitives called Snow Berries. This plump ewe would be warm enough with her thick coat, but she's sporting a spiffy wool blanket adorned with seasonal holly leaves just because. Raid your stash of hand-dyed wool and whip up this quick-stitch wallhanging or table covering that you can leave out all winter long.

Watching the first snow of the season melting away, but it's only a matter of time until it's around until April or May. Ugh!! Not really ready for it!

Have a great day,

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T07:15:00.000-07:00

This is my son, Russell, and his girlfriend, Tracey. Russ is a graphic artist and hand-painted Tracey's skeleton costume. It took him about twelve hours. Don't they look great? Tracey is expecting my first grandchild sometime in February, a girl, so the baby skelly has a little pink bow in it's hair - well, on it's skull, actually. They went to a costume party Saturday night. I used to love costume parties! When this guy was little we would decorate the front porch with those gauzey fake spider webs and large black spiders and made little hanging ghosts from squares of inexpensive white sheets wrapped around styrofoam balls. They looked great at night, blowing in the October breeze. I always had a "bleeding" candle on a table near the door, though not too near as to catch a little one's costume on fire. Not sure if Yankee Candle still makes these. One year we played a scary CD of screaming and moaning sounds in a boom box. I remember a group of little kids stopping in their tracks on their way up the front walk, wondering if they should continue or not! It was a really scary CD, even scared me playing it! Ah, those were the days! Tonight we'll be lucky if we get the little tykes from the family that bought the house next door, that is if the snow melts enough so it's not an icy walk up the driveway. We'll have our carved pumpkin on the porch at least, like we always do, and will enjoy the snack-size Reese's peanut butter cups while watching something not-too-scary on TV. Didn't have time to make a scarecrow for the porch before the October Nor'easter hit. The leaves are all buried under a couple of inches of unwelcome snow.

Enjoy your Halloween night!

Needful Things

2011-10-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the cutest? This is a magnetic "needle minder", designed to hold your needle or a pin or two at your sewing table. This one is called "Pumpkin Crow", but there are a few others as well, and retail for $9.50. Size is approximately 1-3/4" x 1-1/4". A perfect little gift for a sewing buddy, or just for you.

These are sweet little "Putford" scissors. You may have seen them on cross-stitch pattern covers. Small, only 2-1/2" long, but can be used, and are great to tuck into a little huswif or sewing book.

More cool sewing needfuls are on the Sundries page under the Et Cetera category. Hope you'll check them out!

Happy Monday!

Maine's Ultimate Yard Sale Redux

2011-10-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

We'll try this again! Maine's Ultimate Yard Sale was rescheduled from last weekend and will be held this Saturday, Oct. 22nd from 9am-2pm at the Cumberland Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maine. I'll be set up with two tables loaded with super bargains on fiber art patterns, books, supplies and other primitive goodes. The producers of this event expect upwards of 5,000 people to attend. Over 100 sellers will be set up and there will also be Maine craftspeople and food vendors. Sounds like it should be a fun day. If you're in the area, I hope to see you there!

Another Wool Quilt

2011-10-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

This is a fun and folky wool quilt by Buttermilk Basin called Potted Flower. Six floral blocks, some with crows, framed with sashing and an outer border. Personally, I feel the block background used for this model wasn't the best choice and doesn't translate well in the photograph, but I could see this done using a less mottled or solid sky-blue wool, or a scrappier look with various small-scale textured wools that would provide good contrast with whatever colors you choose for the flowers. The set includes six block patterns and a finishing instructions pattern, seven in total for a special price of $29.95. Finished size of this wool quilt is 32" x 57".

The rain and clouds should be leaving later today, thank goodness! My mood is definitely affected by gloomy days and I hope to feel better as the hours tick by! Have yourself a sunny day,

Natural Fibers and Zombies

2011-10-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

Soft, subtle, elegant, natural... This is DMC linen embroidery floss, a unique fiber for your embroidery and needlepunch projects. Made with 100% European linen fibers in nine soft, muted shades to give your needlework a time-worn look and feel. There is just such a wonderful feel to this floss. 8.7 yards per skein. DMC has actually discontinued this floss so what I have is "it" for me.

And now, on to zombies! I've become addicted to AMC's original series, The Walking Dead, that premiered it's second season last night. What a great, suspenseful series! I watched the first four episodes of season one in two days on Amazon Instant Play - $1.99 an episode - and watched the last two on AMC last night before the new season began. My husband recorded the 90 minute premiere episode for me to watch today, after breakfast. Not to be watched while eating - anything! Wow - anyone else watching this?

I grew up with three brothers and we all loved dinosaurs, monsters and sci-fi. Two of my brothers went on to become horror and sci-fi authors - Jeffrey Thomas, author of the critically acclaimed Punktown, and Scott Thomas, author of Midnight in New England and the recent Quill and Candle. You can find their works on Amazon and in bookstores.

Enjoy your pre-Hallowe'en fun!

Special Purchases

2011-10-13T17:03:00.000-07:00

Tis Hallowe'en is a little book with designs for 13 mini cross-stitched stockings with Hallowe'en-inspired motifs. Blackbird Designs created them all, sized at 3" x 5", they're quick to stitch and display. There are also four additional projects: two necklaces, a pumpkin pinkeep and magnetic needle minder. Due to an ordering goof, I have a few too many, so have reduced the price by 25%, from $24.00 to $18.00. These would look cool all made up and hung on a little black feather tree.

The classic Lake View Primitives Wool Bed Rug is an absolutely gorgeous heirloom-quality project. The complete set of 21 patterns - 20 quilt blocks and finishing instructions - is available at a savings of 20%, from $168.00 to $135.00. This will certainly keep the winter chills away while you stitch!

Rain, rain, go away. I get so unmotivated on rainy days! I'm one of those SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) people who really need nice, sunny days. We've had lots of them lately, so I knew there had to be rain eventually. I'll get through it. It's almost the weekend, after all!

Stay dry,

Ultimate Yard Sale Rescheduled

2011-10-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

I just got word that Maine's Ultimate Yard Sale, originally scheduled to be this Saturday, the 15th, has been rescheduled to NEXT Saturday, the 22nd, due to rain and wind predicted. Same time, 9am-2pm at the Cumberland Fairgrounds, Cumberland, Maine. At least that gives me more time to gather more good stuff to sell. Hope to see you there!

Quilty Stuff

2011-10-12T15:11:00.000-07:00

More from the Lost & Found departrment: Monthly quilted banner patterns by Buttermilk Basin. Each pattern packet contains instructions for two monthly banners, with motifs depicting the particular month. Combine fabrics from your stash along with hand-dyed wools, or go "all in" with all fabric or all wool, for a penny rug banner or table runner. More ways to have FUN as we get back to our sewing and craft projects this fall. These pattern sets sell for $10.00 each.

In Stitches,

Lost and Found

2011-10-11T18:29:00.000-07:00

My friend Diane went searching through her studio for some supplies she's going to give me. In her search she came across some rug hooking patterns that she'd forgotten she had. Tonight, in a similar situation, I've been rooting through boxes and came across some inventory that I'd misplaced. (Sometimes inventory doesn't make it back to the right storage location after I vend at a show. Yep - not the most organized gal, and I freely admit it!) Pictured is one of the patterns I found in a group of Carriage House Samplings cross-stitch charts, Fall's Gifts. There are several others on the Carriage House Samplings Cross-Stitch Pattern page on my web site. Quantities listed are all I have and these won't be re-ordered.

I found some other things too, and will continue updating my web site, so stay tuned.

Magdalena Briner Eby

2011-10-10T06:02:00.000-07:00

This book arrived on Friday, and what fun I had reading about Magdalena Briner Eby, her family and life in Pennsylvania during the time of the Civil War. There are lots of great color photos of her rugs and discussion about her design style and use of color, dyeing, as well as a gallery of rug reproductions hooked by one of the co-authors, Evelyn Lawrence. A definite "must-have" for your rug hooking book collection.

Pre-orders for this book will be shipped on Tuesday, as today is a postal holiday to celebrate Columbus Day.

Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian friends!

Have a nice holiday,

Happy Columbus Day!

2011-10-07T16:27:00.000-07:00

All of a sudden it's Columbus Day weekend. We're wondering where the fall foliage is up here in Maine. We should have a lot more color this time of year. Hhmmm... I'll have to ask a meteorologist.

Just to let you know, we need to go out of town on Saturday, and with Monday being the Columbus Day holiday, order shipping will resume on Tuesday.

Enjoy your long holiday weekend!

Supporting the Postal Service

2011-10-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

Uh oh, poor mailman... This is what he'll look like after I drop off all the packages I just finished sealing up. Two dozen heavy Priority Mail packages are in the back of my Jeep, ready to pop the eyes out of my local postmistress! It'll take three trips to get them inside! WHEW! These mostly include the eagerly awaited 'Tis the Season book, the first big group of pre-orders. I'm still waiting for a couple more boxes of books for the second wave. So, watch your mailboxes in two or three days for your pre-ordered books, and THANKS again for all your pre-orders!

Happy Friday!

The Ultimate Yard Sale

2011-10-06T05:56:00.000-07:00

I'll be setting up tables next Saturday, Oct. 15th for Maine's Ultimate Yard Sale, from 9am-2pm at the Cumberland Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maine. I'll have great deals for fiber artists of all types, patterns, supplies, books and sundry items. If you're local, do come out and shop! This is an event that used to be held at a place in Gray, Maine called Stonehedge on Rt. 202 but it became too big for that venue. Now a local radio station has become the event's sponsor and it's been held twice a year at a much bigger location in order to accommodate all the visitors and folks who want to sell their stuff. Rain date will be the following Saturday the 22nd.

Hope to see you there!

FOLK Art

2011-10-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

I had the same reaction over the weekend after I stumbled upon the blog for a brand new publication called FOLK - a magazine filled with all things primitive and folk art.

Seemed like a natural for someone with a business named Simple Folk to investigate, right? I did, and I ordered some. They'll be available soon on my web site for all fellow primitive and folk art lovers to enjoy. Issues will retail for $6.95 plus shipping. The goodies just keep on coming this fall!

Victory is Mine!

2011-10-04T16:15:00.000-07:00

V for Victory! The UPS guy just left me two heavy boxes filled with my shipment of Victory Girls and more Buttonwood Farm books! Of course I had to cut open one of the boxes and rabidly flip through the pages of Victory Girls for my first quick look - oh yeah, it's a GREAT book! Will have to spend more time absorbing every page tomorrow morning with my first cup of coffee.

Now I know what I'll be doing for the rest of the night! Pre-orders for Victory Girls will be shipped starting tomorrow morning in the order in which the orders were placed. Backorders of Buttonwood Farm will also be heading out the door tomorrow.

Thank you again for pre-ordering! Back to work I go...

Pumpkin Time

2011-10-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

Just added - new and returning favorite wool applique/penny rug designs from Buttermilk Basin, one of my long-time favorite designers. Shown is October's pattern for the new series of Penny Mats Thru the Year. All are 8-1/2" round and would look great on your table or grouped hanging on a wall.

Returning are a few of Buttermilk Basin's classic penny rug designs - shown is Crow in the Pumpkins, one of my favorites. Love the white pumpkins. Three of the Trio of Star patterns have returned as well: Sheep, Saltbox and Fall. See all of the returning classics on Buttermilk Basin's Wool Applique page.

More new things arriving soon - stay tuned!

Afternoon Coffee Break

2011-09-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

This is what I'll be snacking on with my afternoon coffee, and this is what I'll be reading. We've already had a piece of this Chocolate Pumpkin Loaf for dessert last night, and it's great! Chocolatey, a touch spicey and super moist. I'll be making this again and again! The easy recipe is below (courtesy of Carrots 'n Cake's blog):

Ingredients:

1-1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 can (7.5 ounces) pumpkin

Optional: 1/2 to 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts or both (I used walnuts)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325*F. Grease loaf pan.
2. Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl; blend well.
3. Once mixed, pour batter into loaf pan.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until top is firm and a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow loaf to cool for 15 minutes.

The October issue of The Wool Street Journal just came yesterday. In it, Sally Van Nuys (Folk 'n Fiber) has an article titled, For the Love of an Old Rug that I want to read first. Kris Miller (Spruce Ridge Studios) contributed a piece about Dyeing Sheep Curls that sounds very interesting. Also included is a cute needlepunch design called Pumpkin Seed Packet, a design for you to punch or hook as you desire called No Peeking!, a dye formula and recipe for a Pumpkin Crunch Cake that I might have to make next - and much more. Only a handful of issues are available as I've scaled back my buying these days, but if there is still interest when these are gone I can always get more!

We're back to a warm and sunny day today, so afternoon coffee will be taken on the front porch. Can't wait! May your afternoon coffee break be as yummy and relaxing!

More Coming Attractions

2011-09-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

We've got another new book coming soon: Rug Hooking Traditions with Magdalena Briner Eby. Magdalena Briner Eby lived in Perry County, PA during the Civil War. The rugs she hooked during her lifetime are regarded as quintessential examples of American folk art, prized in private collections and up-scale antique shops and auction houses all over the country. In the book are depictions of what life was like during this time for Magdalena and her family. The authors examine the materials she used in her rugs as well as her use of color and design. Over two dozen historic black and white photos and over eighty color photos of Magdalena's works are presented. This will be a book to savor on a cool, autumn eve, to inspire your own rug hooking projects.

Unfortunately I cannot offer a pre-order deal on this book; however, if you'd like me to reserve one for you, I have a limited supply on order. The book will retail for $24.95. I hope to have it in stock within a week or so.

Happy Hooking!

Update: Due to numerous requests, I have enabled this book for pre-order, with the stipulation that I cannot pay for shipping for this particular title. Thank you for your interest! ~Wendy

My Next Projects

2011-09-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

This is a "Taggie" baby blanket. You may have seen, purchased or even made one yourself. That's what I'm getting started on next. I've got a granddaughter due to enter the world this February, so it's time for all things PINK! This is a photo of a taggie that is my inspiration for the one I want to make for her. I'm using "Minky" fabric, super-ultra-wicked soft, in shades of Fuchsia and Kiwi. It was fun shopping for different pink and green ribbons to use for the tags along the sides. I found an easy tutorial on how to make these taggie blankets: Click Here

I also have a hooked child's chair pad in hit-or-miss style using pastels. This will adorn a cute little green painted chair I found at an antique shop. The hooking is 99.9% complete - I'll take a picture when it's finished. After these two projects I have a quilt to make:

This pattern is called "Tickled Pink" by Cotton Way. Looks easy enough, lots of straight-sewn strips, sliced and mixed up, then reconstructed in a sixteen-patch set on point. I should have the pattern any time now and can go have more shopping fun looking for just the right pink fabrics.

Aren't new projects and new grandbabies FUN?

Enjoy your week,

Happy Fall!

2011-09-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

Fall officially arrived early this morning, 5:05am ET to be exact. It's probably my absolute favorite time of the year, and I think that holds true for most of you, too. The leaves are really starting to turn here in Maine, pumpkins and mums are everywhere and the fall fairs are beginning all over the state. Now that the heat of summer is a fading memory, thoughts are turning from the beach and working in the garden to indoor craft projects. Enter more new arrivals - Need'l Love's Pumpkin Patch Threads is back in stock, as well as some of Need'l Love's classic autumn and holiday Threads books and two of their "Simply" booklets, Santa Moon and Scare the Crows. All but Pumpkin Patch Threads are at reduced prices.

Have a great fall weekend!

Something Old, Something New

2011-09-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

"Make new friends, but keep the old; One is silver, the other is gold." - traditional Girl Scouts song

I have new friends and old friends on my web site - three new needlepunch patterns from Country Stitches/With Thy Needle & Thread, and some of their returning favorites for upcoming holidays - yes, I said it, upcoming! It's almost October for goodness' sake!

New are Tending the Pumpkins, a nice punch needle pocket design, Wool Farm (for all you wool lovers, and aren't we all?), and Pumpkin Hill (for all you pumpkin lovers, and again, aren't we all?). Returning favorites include Glad Tidings, a multi-project pack, Blessed Harvest, the most wonderful white pumpkin with a turkey, Olde World St. Nick and Ho Ho Ho, two great St. Nick wool applique patterns that I rediscover every year.

Well, it was bound to happen... My first sell-out of Maggie Bonanomi's wild hit, Buttonwood Farm. But, fear not - all my pre-orders for the book shipped - see how GREAT pre-ordering is? It helps me so much! I ordered two dozen beyond all my pre-orders, and POUF! Just like that. Back to the fearing not - more are on the way, and for those who ordered after they went out of stock, I'll throw in the bonus Spooky Threads book as a little condolence prize for having to wait a few extra days.

The good news is that I've heard that Kansas City Star will also be sending my order of Victory Girls as they have them ready to ship. So, those pre-orders will be heading out just as soon as I get my hands on those boxes. The UPS guy commented on the four heavy boxes of books he delivered recently - little does he know he's going to have a repeat performance!

Tomorrow is the first day of fall, y'all. Cooler temps, lovely really cool nights and the flannel sheets are BACK! Love it! Fall fairs are coming up and I'll get to be up close and personal with all the animals again. What a great time of year! Enjoy!

"Let 'er roll!"

2011-09-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

Now that I've received my first shipment of the new Maggie Bonanomi and Renee Plains books, it'll be assembly line time around here for the rest of the week! Not quite like this, but I know the drill. Enjoy this timeless classic from a vintage I Love Lucy show and think of me as you await your yummy new books.

To those of you who pre-ordered these two titles, shipping has begun. Since they are now in stock, orders dated Sept. 12 and later are no longer considered pre-orders. However, pre-ordering is still available for the Minick & Simpson book, Victory Girls, as well as the James Cramer/Jill Peterson book, 'Tis the Season. Confused? Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Gotta get to work! Thanks to those of you who pre-ordered books. Watch your mailboxes! These two are worth waiting for.

Cheers,

More Maggie & Renee

2011-09-07T16:53:00.000-07:00

In addition to getting new books from Maggie Bonanomi and Renee Plains, re-stock of their previous books will be back as well, including Maggie's great Comfort Zone from last summer. I'll also have Nature's Offerings and With These Hands.

Renee Plain's first book, A Bird in Hand, was my highest selling book ever, and will be coming back soon as well. If you missed this when it was first released you'll want to grab one now.

The pre-orders for the new books have been coming in fast and furious - boy, I'll be busy for at least a week shipping books out once they arrive! And that's a GOOD thing! If you haven't pre-ordered yet, there's still time - as long as you order before I have the books in stock you'll get free shipping for domestic orders, "half-free" for international orders, plus a free copy of Need'l Love's Spooky Threads, in time for fall craft projects.

Rain, rain, go away! It's making physical therapy for my recovering knee harder. But, I was able to straighten my leg a little better than last week, so I'll try to grin and bear it through the raindrops.

Happy Hump Day!

No Patience!

2011-09-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

I finally have book covers for Maggie Bonanomi's new book, Buttonwood Farm, and Renee Plains' Stitches from the Schoolhouse. They both look GREAT and I'm having a huge attack of impatience! Can't wait to get my hands on these and settle in with my coffee to absorb every single page! These and two other upcoming books (see a couple of posts ago) are enabled for pre-ordering. Pre-orders will get free shipping and a free bonus book, Need'l Love's classic Spooky Threads, while supplies last. This time I'm even springing for splitting shipping costs for international customers, so you guys get a chance at a pre-order deal this time around.

Can't believe so many folks are still recovering from the effects of hurricane Irene! My thoughts are with you and hope you can get back to some degree of normalcy soon. I feel kind of guilty whining about our loss of power for 2-1/2 days when others are totally stranded, flooded or lost their crops due to the heavy winds and rain.

Take good care,

Good Night, Irene

2011-08-31T04:38:00.000-07:00

Well, after we thought we were home free once hurricane Irene was downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it arrived in Maine, we lost power. This was Sunday afternoon at 1:05pm. Sixty hours and 31 minutes later (yes, I was definitely counting!), power was restored at 1:36am this morning. That hot shower is going to feel so good!! We have a well so it wasn't long before the water was used up in the tank and the pump is electric. So, it's been fun using bottled water to brush our teeth, wash up, flush toilets, etc. I don't even want to tell you how much food we had to throw out from the fridge and freezer - broke my heart!

All that said, I'm looking at my queued-up orders and will be working on them starting today. What an August it's been for me! One set-back after another, but I'll catch up eventually. No new info on upcoming books from Kansas City Star but I'll do some sleuthing to see if there's anything out there somewhere to post.

Hope you all were safe throughout the storm and have your power back too. Have a great, sunshine-y day!

Late Summer Reading Heating Up!

2011-08-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

Extra, Extra, read all about it! There are some AWESOME new books due to heat up the waning days of summer very soon:

* Maggie Bonanomi will release Buttonwood Farm - I know lots of Maggie-philes can't wait for this!

* Renee Plains (Liberty Star) releases Stitches from the Schoolhouse

* Polly Minick & sister Laurie Simpson present Victory Girls for rug hookers and quilters.

* Jill Peterson (Frontier Homestead) and James Cramer of Seven Gates Farm collaborated on 'Tis the Season, Christmas Eve with James Cramer (available in October).

I'm taking pre-orders on all of these new books with the usual offer of free shipping, AND, as an extra bonus, receive a free copy of Need'l Love's Spooky Threads, just in time for Halloween and fall crafting. This is one of their classic "Threads" books, a $25 value in itself. International customers will get a break on shipping charges as well - we'll pick up a third of the shipping cost this time around. Details on this pre-order offer and the books themselves can be found on my web site.

Waiting for pictures of Renee and Maggie's book covers so I can post, but all four will be available for pre-order on my web site later today.

On a personal note, my left knee is recovering - slowly - from arthroscopic surgery about a week and a half ago. I wasn't prepared for the reaction to the anesthesia and strong pain meds and developed a hellish bout of gastritis on top of that! Constant nausea and pain is the pits! Because of all that, order processing fell behind, but I'm working to catch up. Thanks to everyone for their patience during this hiccup!

Hope you're enjoying a few cooler days. We've had some gorgeous, dry temps and cool, crisp nights lately. Heavenly! That's my reward for last week!

Take care,

Instant Inspiration

2011-07-30T17:41:00.000-07:00

Just arrived - the fall issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects. Every now and then I need an inspiration infusion, especially during this hot, lazy summer. This issue has it! Fifteen new projects to rejuvenate and remind you why you're a primitive fiber artist. Your free shipping pre-orders have almost all been posted, the remainder going out Monday morning. Thank you for pre-ordering!

Stay cool and inspired!

Boo-Boo Knee

2011-07-25T04:36:00.000-07:00

This isn't the knee brace I use, but the picture tells the tale. I've had a bad knee since I was in my mid-thirties, but almost two weeks ago I think I really tore something badly. Have been pretty much laid up and barely able to walk! MRI tomorrow to see what's going on in there. I can't imagine not needing arthroscopic surgery, but am hoping that's not the case. Unfortunately, the small amount of orders I have in-house have been held up, and I apologize! I may be able to get caught up this week as the knee has gotten a little better with lots of bed rest, icing and pain meds.

Hoping to see the new Primitive Quilts and Projects magazine this week. Thanks for your pre-orders. I'll be refunding the PayPal customers for shipping charges when the orders get processed.

Thankfully the heat and humidity has subsided! That has also kept me from this computer, as the upstairs was like an oven and I just couldn't work in here. Hope it's cooler where you are, but unfortunately if you're not in the Northeast it looks like the heat wave continues in most of the country. Wishing you A/C and ice cream!

Keep cool!

Primitive Quilts and Projects

2011-07-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

The Fall issue of the new quarterly publication, Primitive Quilts and Projects will be arriving soon. A new crop of 15 projects by your favorite designers to satisfy your primitive and folk art cravings! The premier issue is still available as well. Pre-order the new Fall issue and your shipping will be free! Orders pre-paid via PayPal will have shipping charges refunded to your PayPal account.

The July issue of The Wool Street Journal is here with only five copies available - first come, first served!

Hope you're enjoying your summer. Lots of people out in the garden (including me) and at the beach (me too, a little). Weather has been grand in Maine lately, hope you're having a lovely summer where you live.

Ciao!

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T05:39:00.000-07:00

Saving the best for last! These two patriotic rugs are Polly Minick designs. Check out Polly and her sister, Laurie Simpson's blog under More Fun Reads.

A friend's daughter posted on Facebook this morning, "Land of the free because of the brave!" Amen to that! Have a safe and happy 4th of July, everyone!

Happy Birthday, America - Part II

2011-07-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

Once I started looking at patriotic hooked rugs I couldn't stop - here are a couple of other neat rugs to inspire:

This rug is called 4th of July House and is a Lucille Festa/American Country Rugs design. Lucille has loads of Americana rugs on her web site.

Ulysses is an old favorite of mine, a Lori Brechlin/Notforgotten Farm design. This model was hooked by Lori using the Oxford Punch with #8 cut wool strips. I love the subtle stars worked into the background. Check out Lori's blog under my More Fun Reads section. The Ulysses pattern can be purchased through Spruce Ridge Studios - Kris Miller's blog is also listed under More Fun Reads.

I'll have a few more patriotic rugs tomorrow!

Happy Birthday, America!

2011-06-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

I searched for some patriotic hooked rugs in honor of the 4th of July and found a couple of great ones. They are both Sally Kallin, Pine Island Primitives designs. The wonderful eagle rug is called "Kathi's Eagle" and was hooked by Sally. Nothing says America like an American Bald Eagle!

This rug was recently hooked by my friend Rhonda Thomas - check out her blog, My Glory Stars, link is in my list of More Fun Reads. She does beautiful hooking! This Sally Kallin design is called "Olde Flag". I love the hit-or-miss tongues around the border.

Both designs are available on Sally's web site.

Hoping you have a safe and fun 4th of July!

Gremolata

2011-06-05T16:33:00.000-07:00

Summer grilling season is here! We had to wait until our deck was repaired before we could get the grill out, and that was done last week. The wonderful aroma of grilled meat is once again filling the air in our neighborhood, and it's "good eats" time!

One of the awesome grilled meals we had included this fantastic condiment pictured above, called Gremolata. While the traditional version is a simple mixture of minced lemon peel, garlic and parsley, mine is a multi-herb concoction of all the herbs growing in my garden: flat leaf Italian parsley, basil, sage and rosemary. It's never exact, just a few leaves or so of each, minced finely. To that I add some grated lemon zest, minced clove of garlic, salt and pepper and enough olive oil to bring it all together in a paste. I then spread this on a butterflied pork tenderloin, which cooks in about 25 minutes on the grill. Absolutely heavenly! You NEED to try this!

In summertime I love mincing herbs, love the smell when I'm working with them, the scent lingering on my fingers. So the process of making the gremolata is part of the enjoyment.

What's your favorite summertime recipe?

Ciao!

I Got Your Back(ing)

2011-05-24T05:59:00.000-07:00

Natural, unbleached linen, available in continuous yardage as well as pre-cut yards and fat half yards. This linen is 52" wide, so a fat half yard measures 36" x
26". $23/yard, $11.50/fat half-yard.

Beautiful, soft hairless ecru linen, available in pre-cut fat half yards, 36" x 30", $12.50.

Soft and supple monks cloth in pre-cut fat half yards, 36" x 30", $9.00.

Need a new hook? The tried and true Moshimer primitive rug hook is available and will handle your medium and larger wool strips. Fits in the hand well - $7.00.

Happy Hooking!

New Threads

2011-05-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Patch Threads is the new book from Need'l Love with 19 fall-inspired projects. Four quilts, a hooked rug, yarn-punched chair pad, needlepunch and several wool applique creations. There hasn't been a new Threads book in a while so it's great to see this one make it's debut.

Hope you've got sun where you are. We're going on week #2 of gloom and periodic showers. Actually saw several hours of sun after the first seven gray days but now we're back to more of the same. And, we're about 15 degrees below normal. This coming weekend is Memorial Day weekend! Sure doesn't feel like it! But, all this gloom makes for industrious days working in my craft room, mostly organizing but doing a bit of cutting wool strips and rug hooking. So, there's always a way to make lemonade, right?

Another Model for Sale

2011-05-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

This is the original model for Stacy Nash's cross-stitch pattern, Two Crows Scalloped Pinkeep, made by Stacy herself. Aged to look like a family heirloom piece passed down through generations, it holds some rusty pins and a few little antique ivory buttons. Two black crows crown the top with some alphabet letters and a "practice row", then some wonderful Colonial-inspired motifs at the bottom. It is backed with a nice reproduction cotton in a black print and is firmly stuffed with what feels like sawdust, very hefty.

Looking for a good home! It can be purchased for $75 from my web site.

Is the sun shining where you live? Please send a little our way! We're very rain-weary after about eight days of gloom, drizzle and shower after rain shower! Uncle!!

Cheers,

New Technology

2011-05-10T04:32:00.000-07:00

We've finally, after months of struggling with our not-so-old Dell Windows-based PC with the Vista operating system, jumped ship and bid farewell to Microsoft and sprang for a spiffy new Apple iMac. The screen is bigger than that of the TV we have in the bedroom at 21.5" and the clarity is breathtaking! It will take some getting used to, including this teeny, tiny keyboard with no raised "home row" keys to help you know where your fingers are when you're typing. I don't look at my hands when I type and have always relied on touch, so this will be a bit of a challenge.

Having worked in Information Technology for about 30 years (really showing my age here!), one of my jobs was as a software developer for Apple when they had a facility in Massachusetts in the 1980s. I was there when the original Mac was released, but this souped-up baby is lightyears ahead of that little 512K machine.

All this said, we're working to load pictures and hopefully saved emails from the Windows PC to this new guy, so Simple Folk stuff might be a little sluggish while we convert. Happily, I'm having some fun along the way. Ain't technology grand?

Hooray, USA

2011-05-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

I borrowed this awesome antique quilt picture from Laurie Simpson's blog. I thought it was fitting as we celebrate America today and hope the news of Osama Bin Laden's death brings some degree of closure or sense of justice to the families of those we lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

God Bless America!

Spring Cleaning

2011-04-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

With spring finally here I've been in the mood to purge and reorganize, starting in my computer/craft/sewing space. And, it's also time to let go of some models for patterns that I'll no longer be carrying going forward. First up for "adoption" is the original model, made by Stacy Nash, of her cross-stitch pattern, "Hands to Work Pinkeep Pillow".

It is just as I purchased it from her, aged and stained to look like a family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation. For sale at a price of $80.00 on my web site. Maybe it's just right for your sewing space?

A Little Break

2011-04-10T16:01:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note - I'll be out of town for a few days (husband has an annual conference until mid-week), so orders placed this weekend will ship beginning on Thursday the 14th. I've got LOTS of Primitive Quilts and Projects magazines to ship out! Thank you in advance for your patience and for your orders. Have a great week!

Something New!

2011-04-09T16:38:00.000-07:00

The highly anticipated new quarterly publication, Primitive Quilts and Projects has debuted with it's premier issue! This over 100-page, full-color magazine contains 17 projects from your favorite top designers, including Maggie Bonanomi, Jan Patek, Cheri Payne, Renee Plains, Lori Brechlin from Notforgotten Farm and many more. At only $9.99, that's less than a dollar a pattern! Several quilts, wool applique, a needlepunch and hooked rug are among the great designs you'll find. Everyone's talking about this one! Available on my web site under the Sundries category.

Check out their blog too, to keep up with what's going on with future issues. I've added it to my More Fun Reads list below.

Happy Spring!

Celebrating Spring!

2011-03-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

Are you ready? Spring will arrive at exactly 4:21pm on Sunday, and we winter-weary New Englanders are definitely ready! We're seeing more and more of the yard every day with the rising temperatures and melting snow. It won't be long before we can start getting out and assessing the spring clean-up in the yard, spreading spring lawn fertilizer and planning what to plant in the gardening beds this year. Oh, and getting the rocking chairs back out on the porch. Weekend morning coffee is generally taken out there.

Anyway - to celebrate spring's arrival on March 20th, I'm offering 20% off on new orders from now through next Saturday the 26th. Some exclusions apply - see info on my What's New page. Just enter coupon code "spring" in the Discount Coupon block when you check out.

This is Peppermint Tulips, a new punchneedle design from Notforgotten Farm, one of several new things just added to my web site. The new April Wool Street Journal is here too, and I uncovered a few January issues that were packed away and forgotten about after a recent vending engagement.

Don't forget to check out the "Supermoon" tonight! We'll have clear skies here in Maine so I'm definitely going to be doing some moon gazing. Full moons are incredibly bright where we live anyway, the whole backyard will be lit up. I can't wait to see what a "Supermoon" will be like.

Happy Spring everyone!

Dreaming of the Garden?

2011-03-05T12:58:00.000-08:00

Garden Club is the newest book from Blackbird Designs and will have you dreaming of flowers and warm, sunny days. Always a charming collection of floral, feminine projects, you're bound to find something to put thoughts of the garden in your head.

Spring is just a day over two weeks away! I think I'll start a countdown!

Spring Fever!

2011-03-03T11:00:00.000-08:00

When the designers start sending me bunnies and chicks, that's a surer sign than crocuses that spring can't be too far behind! It's actually only a little over 2 weeks away, although we'll have snow in our yard for much longer. Shown below is Country Stitches/With Thy Needle & Thread's Peter & Peep, an Easter "ditty" pocket with your favorite hare and friend. The pocket is embellished with wool penny tongues and ivory buttons. I'd wear it to an Easter parade!

There are five new needlepunch and two new cross-stitch patterns with fresh, spring designs. I'll have floss kits coming soon for selected patterns so keep an eye out for that. I know you like to get just that look in the pieces that you take such care to create. Check out my What's New page for everything that's new.

Think Spring!

Wish I Were There!

2011-03-01T04:45:00.000-08:00

This is my friend Phyllis and husband Peter's sailboat, the "Aquilegia". They are retired and have spent the last several months sailing down in the Bahamas. The beautiful picture they sent me was taken on a recent sail to Long Island, one of the out islands that make up a group called "the Exumas". A Bahamian tourism web site calls the Exumas "an archipelago of 365 cays and islands, beginning just 35 miles southeast of Nassau, an exotic collection of tiny jewels set in the most beautiful aquamarine and sapphire water you’ve ever imagined." True that! I don't think I've ever seen such a gorgeous shade of turquoise water. I looked up the word "cay" because I wasn't quite sure of it's meaning, although I thought it might mean a small island, and I was correct. Phyllis' husband Peter took this shot because of the way the light was refracted by a gentle wave as they sailed through the water. They were both on the bow of the boat which was on auto-pilot. That's a hazy Long Island off in the distance, if you can take your eyes off that beautiful water long enough to look at other things in the picture.

People on the news refer to New Englanders as "winter weary" right about now, after our latest snowstorm dumped yet another foot of snow on us last Friday. I don't think I've ever seen this much snow on the ground, ever! So, my retired friend's wonderful sailing pictures were just what this winter weary New Englander needed! It gives me hope that somewhere in the not-so-distant future, we too will have sunny skies, warm breezes and smooth sailing!

If you're as winter weary as I am, wishing you some summer feelings to brighten your day!

MORE SNOW??!

2011-01-31T05:20:00.001-08:00

Well, it doesn't look quite like this where I live - yet - but we do have a LOT of snow on the ground from all the storms thus far. This morning the local weatherman announced that we're expecting another one to two FEET - yes, I said FEET - of the white stuff by the time this next big storm comes to an end sometime Thursday. Not sure there's room to put anymore snow! The small country roads are getting narrower and narrower, as are sidewalks and my shoveled walkways at home. And it's not even February yet! I'm willing to place a hefty wager that old Punxsutawney Phil will definitely be seeing his shadow this year! I used to have that backwards, by the way - it's if he DOESN'T see his shadow that means spring temps are not too far away. Seeing his shadow means six more weeks of winter. I think that's a slam-dunk.

I'll be trying to get as many orders shipped out before Wednesday as possible with this upcoming storm. Hopefully I'll only lose Wednesday at the post office and not Thursday too - it depends on the aftermath clean-up. Here we go again!

Stay safe and warm, everyone!

UPS came early

2011-01-28T04:54:00.001-08:00

The UPS man came with an early delivery of Maggie Bonanomi's new Book of Days. Last night I was busy beginning the processing of all those pre-orders - THANK YOU for pre-ordering! They date back to January 14th and a big group is being shipped this afternoon. It will take me through early to mid-next week to get them all out the door. Thank you as always for your patience as I'm sure you're all aware that I'm a one-woman show here at Simple Folk! ;-) Plus, as things usually work out for me in my life, I've got a hook-in to vend tomorrow so will lose a day at the post office.

Also, every book in my first shipment of three dozen is spoken for in pre-orders so I've already placed an order for a second shipment, which shouldn't take long to receive.

So, now that the books are available the pre-order free shipping has ended. Orders placed for this book beginning today, Friday the 28th, will incur normal shipping charges.

Thanks again for the pre-orders and I hope you enjoy Maggie's new book! Now that I've seen it and the supply list I'll be working to acquire some of the things you'll need to build your own book so watch for news about that.

Happy Friday!

Hitting the Road

2011-01-24T16:23:00.000-08:00

I'm packing up and getting ready to vend the first hook-in of the year, the 27th Eliot Hook-in this Saturday, Jan. 29th at the Regatta Banquet and Conference Center at Eliot Commons, Rt. 236/Dow Highway, Eliot, Maine. Donation - $5.00; breakfast pastries and luncheon available, and of course vendors and a day of rug hooking fellowship. Come and bring a project to work on and a rug to display.

I just got notification that my shipment of Maggie Bonanomi's newest book, Book of Days is on the UPS truck and on the way! If they are on schedule I *might* have them at the end of the week or at least early next week. Woo Hoo! Have you pre-ordered? There's still time to avoid shipping charges, just place an order now and you won't pay for shipping.

The next events where I'll be vending are in April, the Spring Fever hook-in, Apr. 16th in Brunswick, Maine and the Camp Wool hook-in weekend, Apr. 30 & May 1. Contact me for more information on either.

See you on the road!

A Book of Your Own

2011-01-13T17:33:00.000-08:00

Another new book from Maggie Bonanomi is on the way, yippee! Book of Days is a book about making your very own, homemade book - a journal, a diary, scrapbook, whatever you can imagine. Here's what Maggie says in the book's introduction about this wonderful, primitive project:

This book, designed to be a Book of Days, is very basic and primitive. It has 25 pages - four per month - with a front page and a back page. The covers are wool-covered cardboard with some appliqué added.

The Book of Days is designed with a non specific year, which can make it a great place to keep a record of important occasions, birthdays and anniversaries. You can use it as you wish – as a journal, a baby book, a memory book to send off with an adult child leaving for college or moving away. Adapt it for your own life or special occasion. You might want it to be a book about quilt projects or rug hooking with photos from guild meetings or rug camps.

I am offering a pre-order option for this book, priced at $14.95. As in the past, I will give free shipping for pre-orders. If pre-paid via PayPal I will refund shipping charges to your PayPal account. I need to check on the book's availability, but I believe it will be shipped towards the end of January. If this is not accurate I'll post a correction.

Can't wait for this one!

I Wanna Go!

2011-01-09T16:12:00.000-08:00

If you're a rug hooker, you are almost certainly aware of ATHA - the Association of Traditional Hooking Artists, an international organization devoted to promoting the art of rug hooking by sharing ideas, information and through educational activities. And, if you are aware of ATHA, you are almost certainly aware that they are having their Biennial this year, October 19-22 to be exact. This is a 4-day rug hookers retreat with numerous workshops, vendors from all over the country and a wealth of instruction and fellowship with other rug hookers. Recently I received my December/January ATHA newsletter, with biennial workshop information and registration, and I really, REALLY wanna go!

Imagine taking a workshop with some of the best rug hooking teachers in the country, like Barbara Carroll, Jane Halliwell Green, Kris Miller, Gail Dufresne or Maria Barton, just to name a few. Registrations will begin to be accepted postmarked on January 31, and I need to convince my husband that this is a great way to spend some of our annual vacation time! I'm already trying to decide what workshops to take, so that if, or hopefully when, he agrees I can jump right on it!

Are any of you planning on attending ATHA's Biennial? If so, what workshops are you looking forward to taking?

A Year of Inspiration

2011-01-03T17:03:00.000-08:00

I'm always happy when I receive packages from my friend Lori Brechlin, but her new 2011 calendar that arrived today really made me smile! If you haven't found just the "right" calendar for your studio or office cubicle, this might be the one. Twelve of Lori's charming folk art drawings, in full color, from years past - a year's worth of inspiration! Many of these designs have been rendered as hooked rug patterns produced by Kris Miller of Spruce Ridge Studios. The calendar is spiral-bound and has a hang-hole, ready for hanging. A limited quantity are available.

Colonial Homestead Pinkeep Drum is one of three new patterns from Stacy Nash Primitives. Also new is Stacy's latest pattern booklet, Home for Christmas (yeah, I'm a little late getting this one!) with five cross-stitch designs, all with a holiday theme.

I'm feeling more energized now that the holidays are over. That whole "new year" thing I think. Starting to plan and dream about new things to come. Isn't January great? We get a new beginning every twelve months!

Have you made any New Year's resolutions? One big one for me is to carve out more "me", creative time and actually make more things. I've already started - I'm making a great big wool tote bag from an old army blanket pieced with some cool striped wool - browns and blues, love that combination (see blog background!) Oh yeah, and the default resolution to lose weight! Let's see how long that one makes it this year!

Be back soon...

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T14:30:00.001-08:00

A very healthy, happy and safe New Year to all!

My New Year's Eve pot of chili is simmering on the stove. We'll work on that while watching "The Twilight Zone" marathon on the SyFy channel! Maybe we'll switch over to see what "The Three Stooges" are up to now and then, and of course if we manage to stay awake we'll watch the ball in Times Square drop on one of the major channels. Our typical mellow New Year's Eve!

May your New Year's Eve plans be just as much fun! See you in 2011,

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T12:15:00.000-08:00

My Christmas card to you - have a merry, joyous holiday!

(Click on the picture to get a better look at this wonderful vintage artwork!)