A Colorful Catch-Up

Since my last post, I have been in extreme creative mode (full disclosure, I am usually in extreme creative mode!). It has been a busy couple weeks in my studio...finishing work, designing work, custom orders, birthday projects, Mother's Day projects, and model stitching (along with a few things I can't show you just yet). Here is a glimpse at some of my recent finishes...

Finishing order from a customer...two cross stitch Prairie Schooler Santas to
be finished into pillow ornaments...I chose the materials and finishing technique...

Customer order for zippered project and tool bags in progress....

Two finished project bags and three finished tool pouches for a customer...

Mother's Day gifts in progress...

A birthday gift for a dear friend...my own pattern designs...a tote bag and coordinating
zippered bag - fabric is long retired (Beach House by Blackbird Designs for Moda).

A "Slouchy Backpack" made at a special friend's request...I love how it turned out!
Pattern: The Slouchy Backpack by Bonnie Christine
Fabrics: Modern Mixers II by Studio E Fabrics

I also have to mention something truly special that arrived in my mailbox. One of the things I love about social media is connecting with fellow stitchers, sewists and quilters from around the world - and I feel extremely blessed to have a fabulous circle of virtual friends. As I have matured, I have learned to surround myself with those who make me want to be a better person - those who have a positive outlook on life - and those who are filled with joy. Through my love of quilting/sewing, I met an AMAZING online friend who fills all three of those categories - she has the biggest heart and is always giving to others - she is one of those people who truly makes a difference. Last week, I was on the receiving end of her kindness - she mailed me an extraordinary package that brightened my day more than you can imagine. It included a very special AccuQuilt cutting die and a lovely assortment of Aurifil Thread (my very favorite thread, but a little out of my price range for daily sewing)...and it was wrapped and tied in beautiful batik fabric with a handwritten note. This RAK lifted my spirits and put me in a happy, creative, colorful place...it even makes me smile to look at this photo....I can't wait to make time to play with the little butterfly die (hopefully in the next day or two)....

I have a pile of projects on my sewing table (as usual), so there will be more photos to share with you VERY soon...but for now, I will leave you with an image of the fabrics I am currently working with - aren't they cheerful?! Enjoy the rest of your week and take a little time to do something you enjoy...

A Sweet Surprise

Today I was the recipient of an amazing random act of kindness - it was a complete surprise....and it couldn't have come at a better time - it was the most perfect pick-me-up! I returned home today to find a beautifully wrapped package on my front porch - it's not my birthday or a special occasion - just an ordinary day...well, this sweet surprise made it an extraordinary day. Inside the lovely tissue wrapping (which was tied with an ivory ribbon and small framed square sampler charm) was a handmade fabric covered box...and as if that wasn't enough, it was filled with goodies...a vintage button, a pair of embroidery scissors, a sampler notepad, thread rings, a set of magnets, a pumpkin spice candle, and some delicious cookies! I know the sampler charm and the fabric box were made especially for me - yes, I am blessed to have the most talented friends - they make incredible handmade treasures!

I was so extremely touched by this thoughtful gift - I am still speechless. A very special thank you to my dear friend Lorrie - your kindness, creativity, talent, giving spirit, and friendship continue to inspire and amaze me - thank you from the bottom of my heart...

Perfect Timing

Isn't it truly amazing how a random act of kindness can truly brighten a day?!...and I wonder, do friends really have a sixth sense telling them when you desperately need a "pick-me-up"?

Today the most adorable little envelope came in the mail addressed to me - totally unexpected...and inside was the most perfect scissor fob! It was wrapped in a piece of sampler fabric (and we all know I love any and all sampler print fabric!)...and it was accompanied by a very special handwritten note....it truly brightened my day. This special package came at the perfect time and brought an immediate smile to my face - it was a godsend! I can't help but grin from ear to ear after receiving this handmade gift - it was just what I needed to lift my spirits. Thank you to my dear friend - your kindness touched my heart.

Sunshine and Sunflowers

Although I am suffering from a terrible migraine today, I am still feeling blessed. What a better way to start the day than by looking out my studio window and seeing this amazing sunflower! Now, I can't take credit for growing this masterpiece - it is actually in one of my neighbor's flower gardens - she definitely has a green thumb and I am envious of her gardening abilities. I feel this is a sign of good things to come...and it brought happiness to my morning...

I also received a Blackberry message from my dear friend Terri, who saw the cover of the Just CrossStitch Annual Halloween Issue on a needlework shop website...and I am excited to say, my ornament is on the cover! It is in the lower right-hand corner...the owl sitting on a jack-o-lantern...and is titled "Perched on a Pumpkin". Look for this issue to arrive in August...

And finally, I just had to share something uplifting. Most days, my mailbox is full of junk mail and bills...yes, I do have those days where I am expecting something special (an online needlework order, a magazine) but they are few and far between. Several days ago, I received what looked like a bill from the company I order all my poly bags and shipping supplies from...normally, I pay the order online and they send me an invoice marked "paid" for my records...I have been ordering from them for about seven years (because of their great customer service), and other than a catalog or an invoice copy, I do not receive correspondence from them. The envelope I just received threw me off a little, as I had not recently placed an order - I immediately thought something was wrong with my account or I was being billed/charged for an order I did not place...what I found was something that blew me away! It was a letter thanking me for my business (so impressive!)...and even more impressive, it included two tickets to the Iowa State Fair in August. That might not sound over-the-top to you, but this company is not even located in Iowa - they are in Wisconsin...to say I was blown away is an understatement. In these economic times, where customer service is not always at the forefront, this small gesture seemed so GRAND...it gave me hope...and showed me there are those top-notch companies out there that do appreciate their customers and clients. Thank you Associated Bag Company - you brightened my day!