Schatzi, Sunshine, and Sewing

It is a LOVELY, sunny afternoon (at least it was when I started this post - it is now after 9:00 PM - where did the day go??)...and today, we are celebrating Miss Schatzi's 5th birthday (which doesn't even seem possible). I have had a pelthora of work demands today, so it was nice to get out in the fresh air and take her on a good walk.

Along with a technical website issue, a pile of correspondence, and a handful of phone calls, my sewing machine has been humming along today. Now that my Just CrossStitch deadlines have all been met, I am working on project bag and needlework finishing orders. Another 200 zippers arrived this week and two more bolts of fusible fleece...along with other finishing supplies that were low...and everything is organized for my sewing and finishing marathon. I'm trying to steadily work through each and every order, preparing for a Nashville vacation in late April (oh how I need a vacation!)...tips on things we *need to* see and do, please send my way...

I seem to be shipping out packages daily...here are a select few sewing/quilting items I have been working on...and the first photo is a teaser of what to look for in Just CrossStitch magazine later this year - I can't show you the cross stitch just yet...(hint: one autumn, one Halloween)...

I hope the cheerful spring fabrics brightened your day! I'll be back soon with some new needlework finishing photos...

A Bird, a Basket, and a Squirrel...

Today was a rather gloomy day, but inside my studio has been bright and cheerful! I have been stitching all evening, working on another new design/model for Just CrossStitch Magazine (for an autumn issue). I also was blessed to spend my afternoon with some wonderful, colorful fabrics, as I cut and prepared another 45 zippered project bags for sewing. Orders have been coming in steadily and I am grateful for more happy time in my studio....just wait until to you see the all the special needlework finishing I have been working on for my clients...some absolutely gorgeous pieces!!

I have plenty of completed projects to share with you, as time allows - but today I thought I would share some creative eye candy from my recent birthday...I will provide details with the photos, if they are available. 

These top two images are of an incredible mixed media bird - I wish I had more information for you - unfortunately, I do not have the artists name (if you know, please do drop me a note!)...but it really is spectacular! It was created with all sorts of materials and sits on (what looks to be) a vintage candle holder or stand. It is quite large in size and I had a heck of a time photographing it, so you could see the details....my images don't even come close to doing it justice. I haven't found the perfect home for it just yet - I have been auditioning places...right now it is on a shelf in my sewing room, where it is continually bringing me joy...

How cute is this stitched squirrel?!...and the round, concave tray is to die for...
plus I was given all sorts of little sewing gifts to keep in it...

So first - the basket - it is a Mini Organizer Basket from 1803 Ohio Farm Baskets
https://www.etsy.com/shop/1803ohiofarmbaskets
It is incredible quality, a lovely size, and the PERFECT gift!
The "sew" piece on the front is a needleminder from one of my
favorite artists, Michelle L. Palmer - her pen and ink works are FABULOUS!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MichellePalmer
You also see a scissor fob and three packages of hand-dyed rick rack...

How gorgeous is this framed piece?! - I ♥ it!!
The rick rack spools are from Riley Blake Designs.

 

Quiltfolk magazine - SWOON!
I received a couple back issues and a subscription...if you are not familiar
 with this magazine (each one is like a book and is advertisement free - high
quality paper and cover - no patterns), it celebrates the people and the
stories behind the stitches - it is BEAUTIFUL!
https://www.quiltfolk.com/

Stationery and Sewing Tin Set by Lori Holt of Bee in my Bonnet
You can find it here: https://www.fatquartershop.com/red-stationery-and-sewing-tin

Needle Case Slide Top Tin from Clayworks by Kim Detmers
Yes, the top of this tin is (3D) polymer clay and it is LOVELY!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Claybykim

So those are just a few creative things and artists I wanted to share with you - thank you to my dear friends and family that gifted me these heartfelt presents! Each one brings me joy and inspires me to create...