Winter Whirlwind

Wow...I can't believe it has been two weeks since my last post - where has the time gone?? To be honest, the last couple weeks have been a whirlwind of work deadlines and I've barely had time to breathe....but it's all good GREAT, because I am still pursuing my passion...

In the Christmas department - there is no news. This year it is a quiet holiday...in fact, I have joked that I have canceled Christmas...to be honest, I have been so focused on work obligations that I haven't even thought of decorating, baking, shopping, wrapping, caroling, or cards. This year is a first for me - I haven't had a chance to make one single gift or send one single package (which is something I really enjoy). Those who know me well understand - I'm definitely not bah humbug, I'm just taking a break from Christmas...

In the stitching department, I have been working on (believe it or not) Halloween designs for Just CrossStitch magazine...these designs will be published in 2015. Obviously I can't share them just yet...but here is a teaser of one of them...I have several more designs and ornaments to complete for JCS...lots of fun things are on the way...

...and since I can't show you my upcoming designs, here is a peek at what is in my personal stitching basket...Winter Wonderland by Blackbird Designs....

In the fun mail department - I have received a couple AMAZING Christmas packages with wonderful wrapped gifts (which I am saving until Christmas)...my fabulous friends who sent them had no way of knowing that I had cancelled Christmas...they'll be waiting a wee bit longer this year for a package from me. I also received the coveted Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks mug - woo hoo! - the designers who participate in the special 100 Blocks issue each receive one...who knew how fun it would be to drink out of a mug with one of my block designs on it - it is my current favorite thing!

In the kids department...we had a few clear days last week, and the snow has melted away, so Schatzi and I have been stopping at the park on our early morning walks for a few rousing games of fetch...and Simba is still looking for sunshine (which is rare this time of year) or a warm lap....

In the sewing and quilting department...my machine was purring all week long and filled with deadlines...unfortunately, I can't show you any of the finished products as they are for AccuQuilt, a magazine, and several customers...but here are a few peeks...

I can't wait to share some of these pieces with you...they are so much FUN! This coming week, I have more special projects to do, contracted designing, more magazine designs, some needlework finishing, and some customer projects (window coverings, project bags, and wall hangings) - it will be another full week and that is fine with me! Tonight I am cleaning up the studio so I can get started on list...

...but I do plan to take a couple hours off to watch a movie with my husband and enjoy a nice glass of wine. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!