All Hallows' Eve

Happy Halloween to all my friends, family, and followers! A while back, I mentioned I would post an early photo of me dressed up for Halloween...well, yesterday I was sent a gentle reminder of that statement...so here I am making good on my promise. This is an early childhood photo of me dressed up for Halloween (well actually two photos I scanned and edited to make one)...don't I make an adorable monkey??! Truth be told, these are the only two photos I have of myself dressed up for Halloween...and seeing them always makes me giggle...
My sister and I loved to go trick-or-treating each year...and our goal was to go to every house in our small town...we would run from door to door and collect as much candy as possible...plus, back in the day we would get all sorts of homemade goodies (popcorn balls, caramel apples, cookies, etc.). I remember helping my mom pop popcorn all day and filling small Halloween paper treat bags...we would add candy corn and small sweets to the popcorn bags and hand them out to children who visited our house in costume. I also have vivid memories of my mother placing our bags of Halloween treats on top of the refrigerator, so we couldn't "fill-up" on candy....the day after Halloween, my sister and I would trade candy with each other, so we each would have our favorites...and I'm sure mom and dad got some of our goodies too!

Over the past ten years or so, I have celebrated my love of Halloween by designing quite a few needlework charts and patterns especially for this time of year...I thought you might enjoy seeing a collage that includes many of my spooky pieces...you can find additional information on each of these pieces by exploring my website...enjoy!

May Jack-o-lanterns burning bright
Of soft and golden hue
Pierce through the future's veil and show
What fate now holds for you.
                                                           -Author Unknown

Excuses, Excuses....

I know, I know, my posts have been few and far between lately...and I do have (what I feel is) a good excuse...I have been getting the new designs ready for release at the TNNA Fall Needlecraft Market (a large wholesale trade show for needlework shops, designers, and manufacturers) next weekend in St. Charles, MO. I picked up my printed designs several days ago and since then, I have been in a sea of charts, poly bags, and Stitch Starter rulers. Here is a brief look at the floor in my warehouse...keeping in mind some stock has already shipped for display/sales in St. Charles...

I am happy to say, I finished up the last of the bagging last night and now I am on to invoicing, packing, and shipping...so these new pieces will be arriving at your favorite needlework shops soon!

Although time for "me" has not really been an option for the last few days, I did manage to piece the quilt block I mentioned to you in my last post ...it took about 20 minutes to put together, as I had cut it the day before. This is block #4 (September) in the Accuquilt BOTM series I am working on and is called "Hourglass Star". I am super excited to have the first four blocks all complete and will be looking forward to seeing block #5 in October...

I am off to do a little charting tonight - I am working on some teaching designs for 2011...and if I can keep my eyes open, I may do a little prep for my upcoming class at Stitcher's Hideaway. I can't believe I am heading to Mystic, CT in a few weeks to meet two new groups of students...it is going to be a wonderful event...and since this is my first trip to Connecticut, I can't wait to see the area. I still have some work to do on the class kits and binders (and a few surprises), so that will be on the agenda! I will do my best to make time to post this week - I have several things I want to share with you...

"Halloween With A 'Y'" Framed & Smalls

As promised, here are photos of "Halloween With A 'Y'", a new design being released at the end of September at the TNNA St. Charles Needlework Market. I love the frame molding - it reminded me of a swamp when I saw it - black, green, and gold melded together - almost eerie looking - perfect for this Halloween design....and I am so very proud of these smalls - I thought they turned out SUPER cute - better than I imagined! The models are stitched on 40-count hand-dyed fabric from Lakeside Linens (Tundra) with The Gentle Art Sampler Threads. Of course, as usual, I designed this piece so each box would be perfect for a needlework small. This design will contain the charting for the entire sampler and complete finishing instructions for making the flat ornament and the treat bag!

There will be one more design released at market called "Blessed Beyond Measure" - it is the special needlework tool I designed and complementing needlework small(s) - I will share photos of this design when I return....I am really thrilled with this this unique piece and I am looking forward to giving you a special look soon...

Well, I leave for a much needed vacation tomorrow morning, so I will not be updating for about a week...but since I am going to Las Vegas, I am sure I will have plenty to post about when I return. Until then, be well, be happy, and be productive...and take a little time to stitch...

Halloween With A "Y"

Oh my goodness...I am completely overwhelmed by the response to my giveaway - WOW - blogland has been busy - thank you all so much for reading and following...and for posting about my giveaway on your blogs - my follower list grew leaps and bounds overnight (I feel so special)! Welcome to all my new friends and followers - I am so glad you are here - and I hope I keep you entertained enough to stick around...

...and for those of you who are just visiting for the first time - there is still PLENTY of time to enter my milestone giveaway - just check out yesterday's post...

So on to some more exciting news....a new SNEAK PEEK!!

I have finished stitching my new Halloween model...and it will be heading to the framer tomorrow. It is titled "Halloween With A 'Y'" and will be released in September at the TNNA St. Charles Needlework Market. EVEN MORE FUN - it will have instructions for making each box into an ornament or treat bag (photos of these will be coming soon!). It is stitched on 40-count Tundra by Lakeside Linens with The Gentle Art Sampler Threads. I have to admit, I am very proud of this piece - it turned out even better than I imagined - I have been working on it for about 10 - 12 hours a day this last week (with my sore fingers taped), trying to get it done and framed before I go on a much needed vacation - I wanted to make sure it was ready for market. I hope you all enjoy this special peek...and there will be more to come...