Saturday Sewing - Willow Tree Candle Mat

This morning I decided to take a little Saturday sewing break...it was a much needed stress reliever and I am positive it lowered my blood pressure. I decided to work on a small project I picked up at Pieceful Gathering Quilt Shop during my visit this week. It is called "Willow Tree Candle Mat" and can be used as a tiny table runner or candle mat...it is a Pieceful Gathering Quilt Shop pattern by Debbie Lazarski. This little project immediately caught my eye and was very fun to put together. It is a "quilt as you go" style pattern and was quick and easy! It is about 6.5" h x 17" w...and will make a nice little runner on a small end table in my living room...

















Now that I have had a little time to clear my head, I will get back to work on my pile of Blue Ribbon Designs commitments...it keeps growing...today, I will be stitching on a sampler model for Just CrossStitch magazine...and working on charting for a special class early next year...I also have designs for the St. Charles Needlework Market in September in the works...I definitely need more hours in the day...

A Day of Laughing, Shopping, and Sharing

Yesterday was my Illinois road trip with my dear friend Terri...and even though we spent most of the day in rain and storms, we had THE BEST time! We met first thing in the morning and headed out to Welcome Stitchery in Crystal Lake, IL...and oh my goodness, this shop did not disappoint....it was incredible! To say we were blown away would be an understatement - I kid you not, this shop had the most needlework inventory I have ever seen in one place - they must have thousands of charts. This quaint shop had what seemed like room after room of merchandise...and it was so neatly organized and clean! We were there for 2 hours and I know we did not see everything. We had so much fun looking through each area and filling our shopping baskets! We even picked out matching heart-shaped magnetic needle minders by Puffin & Company to commemorate our day together. I also managed to pick up three new charts (Plum Street Samplers - Paradise Lost, Carriage House Samplings - Matter's Choice, and The Drawn Thread - 12 House Sampler), a The Heart's Content Kit (Fruitful IX), a couple Just Nan Charm Garden Pins, a very cute button (a heart with wings)...and not pictured (because it is already in my stitching nest), a scissor block with matching laying tool. It would be easy to spend a small fortune in this shop (and we both did)...and before we left we had already decided we would be returning!

After Welcome Stitchery, we were ready for lunch, so we walked across the street to the highly recommended Benedict's La Strata - our meals were very yummy...and we had homemade raspberry lemonade...everything was DELICIOUS!...we decided we must return to this great little restaurant, as well! Then we were on the road again to a quilt shop I have wanted to visit for quite some time...it is called Pieceful Gathering Quilt Shop and is located in Fox River Grove, IL. With a little help from my GPS we were able to find this great shop that specializes in reproduction fabrics....and I managed to do more power shopping. There were wonderful models throughout the entire shop and I think I drooled on most of them. Something else fun about this particular shop - they have pre-cut "snippits" and "snippit bundles", which are 10" square cuts.


















Next (as the sun made a short appearance) we visited A Touch Of Amish in Barrington, IL...and bless her heart, even though Terri is not a quilter (not yet, at least), she was a trooper and was happy to visit this HUGE quilt shop with me. Rooms and rooms of beautiful fabric...and I even found some great fabric in the sale room! I purchased a few yards (my favorite, shown below, is Home To Roost by Renee Nanneman of Need'l Love for Andover Fabrics) and we were off again on our adventure...

Our final stop was a cozy little quilt shop called Quilt In Joy located in Huntley, IL. This shop had lots of bright colors and fun projects throughout. I was immediately drawn to a cute pillow on a chair next to the front door - it was made from an adorable fabric panel (Dolly Dress Up by Holly Holderman for LakeHouse - shown below)...of course, it had to come home with me! Along with several fun fat quarters featuring apples, strawberries, and martinis.

As we drove back to Rockford, the storms were really brewing and tornado warnings were once again in effect...but it didn't matter to us after our fun day together laughing, shopping, and sharing...

The Gardens at Hollyhock Cottage

I am writing this particular blog post from Rockford, IL, where I am currently visiting my mother. Driving here yesterday in terrible rain storms was a challenge, and I was glad to finally arrive and see some sunshine in the afternoon...but it didn't last for long, as another terrible storm moved through the area last night. Yesterday afternoon I managed to visit The Needle and I, Acorn Quilts, and a local Sewing Center. Acorn Quilts was amazing - I really enjoyed this new shop - it was clean, organized, and beautiful - with lots of new fabrics and projects I had not seen in person before...one of the best little shops I have had the pleasure of visiting. I didn't pick up much to speak of at The Needle and I...one pattern and a needle minder with counting pins.

My mother took me on a tour of her gardens when we returned to her house (which she loving refers to as Hollyhock Cottage). Obviously my passion is needlework, sewing, and quilting - my mother's passion is gardening. It is hard to take photographs that do all her hard work justice. She grows both vegetables and flowers...and everything she plants seems to thrive...if you would have seen this yard before she started, you would be blown away by the transformation! Here are just a few photos:

My Saturday Sewing

I'm not sure where this last week went...seems it was hijacked and I didn't get the message. While working on about six different BRD projects and trying to keep my sanity, I somehow misplaced the last several days. I did make a trip to my fabulous framer and dropped off "Sweet Simple Samplings" and "Liberty Stitchery"...and I did make time to do a little playing with my new Accuquilt GO! Fabric Cutter. I managed to cut 138 tumbler blocks out of black and brown fabrics I have been collecting for over a year (I used 23 different fat quarters)....then yesterday I got them all placed and pieced...now to find time to machine quilt it...it is 48" x 72"...and I am TOTALLY thrilled with the results! Here is a photo of my quilt top (not the best, but you get the idea - it looks so much better in person, really, it does) and an image of the backing fabric (from the fabric line Iced Mocha by Buggy Barn for Henry Glass)...




This week, I will be heading to Rockford, IL to visit my mother - which also means FUN trips to The Needle and I, Quilter's General Store (oh, how I love this place!), Quilter's Haven, and a new quilt shop called Acorn Quilts (can't wait to visit this "new to me" shop). I am looking forward to seeing my mother's gorgeous gardens (if it doesn't rain the entire time I am there) and her adorable dog (a miniature Schnauzer named Wilson)...and I will try to get some good photos to share with you. It also means, I get to spend some time with my dear friend Terri - we are doing a little road trip to Welcome Stitchery in Crystal Lake, IL (can't wait to see this needlework shop!)...and I am hoping to drag her along to Pieceful Gathering Quilt Shop in Fox River Grove and A Touch of Amish in Barrington, IL (both places I have been wanting to visit for quite some time). We always have fun together and it will be wonderful to see her and catch up! It will be a busy and eventful week and I am sure I will have fun things to share with you when I return home...

Sneak Peek - "Liberty Stitchery"

FINALLY....here it is....my latest design model (pre-frame, of course)...titled "Liberty Stitchery", I am hoping to release this piece (along with "Sweet Simple Samplings") sometime in July...we'll see how quickly the framing and print production advance...I will give you a little better idea of a release date in the coming weeks. The design model was stitched on 40-count Fawn hand-dyed fabric from Lakeside Linens and uses The Gentle Art Sampler Threads. I am truly looking forward to getting it to my framer this week...
























So, as I promised myself, I stayed up until 3:12 AM finishing the stitching last night...well most of it...I made a design change today and did a little extra stitching early this afternoon. Now for my reward...I still have a couple hours in a quiet house, so I plan to do a little sewing and play with my new quilting toy (a shiny new Accuquilt GO! Fabric Cutter)....

Beautiful Begonia

I know you were probably expecting a sneak peek photo of my new design "Liberty Stitchery" today....and I am sorry to disappoint you, but it isn't quite done yet. I have been stitching my fingers raw...and I just taped them up for the third time today. For some reason this model is taking longer than planned - but it WILL be done late tonight...I am working on the final section (the bottom border) and I vow not to go to bed until it is finished! Once you see this new piece, I think you will understand the delay...

Today, I finally replaced the flowers in the basket next to my front door...the geraniums just didn't survive well after the crash with the bird nest...so, I have replaced them with some gorgeous blooming begonias...they are a delicate shade of salmon pink...I have had begonias in this spot before and they usually thrive, so I am expecting them to last throughout the season...

While I was outside working with the flowers this afternoon (after another torrential rain downpour), I managed to get this photo of a robin collecting dried grass for a nest...for some reason, this picture immediately made me smile, so I had to share it...
























I will be back tomorrow with a sneak peek photo for you...really, I WILL BE...I have a new quilting toy I am dying to play with and I have promised myself not to touch it until this model is ready for the framer...so I have a huge incentive!

Sunday Sewing

I worked on a quilting project today...I really wanted to start it yesterday, but had to chose between sewing and mowing, and mowing seemed more critical. I hadn't turned on my sewing machine for any length of time since before my teaching trip to New England, so I was definitely going through withdrawal...I really needed this! This last week has been overwhelming, to say the least, and I just need some creative time that had absolutely nothing to do with "work"....so with a quiet house this morning, I got up and immediately went to my studio and chose a project...I wanted something a little complex and challenging, yet something I could finish today if I was unable to make time later this week to sew. I chose this small quilt...well, I guess you might call it miniature...it is actually only about 12.5" x 12.5" square. It is called "Crossing Ohio" and is made from the fabric line Bar Harbor by Polly Minick & Lauri Simpson for Moda. I wanted to work on a seasonal project....and this patriotic piece caught my eye....it was the perfect one day project (and it gave me some more practice on my bindings - which are much improved).

Now, I head to my stitching nest for more model work - "Liberty Stitchery" should be done today or tomorrow...and I can't wait to share a peek with you and get it to the framer....

Finally, A Sarah Moon Update...

Here I am with another long overdue blog post...I just can't seem to find enough hours in the day to do everything lately. I am still busy with model stitching and working on charting for new designs...in fact I have been so focused on new designs, I think I am seeing the key symbols in my sleep...

I did find time to get together with my local stitching group on Wednesday morning for a little personal stitching...but most importantly, I had a chance to catch-up with some good friends. This was the first time I had been able to get together with them since I finished the Papillon Creations Mystery Sampler (which went along with me for "show and tell")...and, for the first time I brought along my next long term project "Sarah Moon's Quaker Sampler"....and although (as usual) I did do more socializing than stitching, I managed to complete a new medallion - so it should only be several years before this project is complete! Here is my new diamond floral medallion, in all it's glory....

My Quest For A Wooden Embroidery Hoop

Over the years I have collected my share of stitching/sewing totes, projects bags, boxes, and tins. In fact, sometimes I think it takes me longer to pick out a tote, box, or bag than it does to pick out the project to take on-the-go with me. Seems I am always sewing (or collecting fabric for) a new tote or project bag...or adding a new shaker box or special tin to my collection....and Vera Bradley bags - well let's just say I don't keep them all in one place or my husband might "freak out" a little.

Why am I sharing this...well, after a note from the local EGA regarding an upcoming class I am taking, I had to go on the search for a high quality wooden embroidery hoop...and I don't have many of those in my possession now that I am accustomed to q-snaps or working "in hand"...I just am not really comfortable working with a hoop. Normally, I am not a conformist - I stitch to enjoy my hobby and I like to use what works best for me...but that being said, I like to follow "rules", so I went on the hunt for one of my good old embroidery hoops. Right away, I realized I had the right size, right under my nose...well, actually on the shelf right next to my desk...which leads me back to the discussion on stitching boxes and totes.

Years ago, I fell "head over heels" for embroidery and quilting boxes made by Goods From The Woods...I used to go to their website everyday and drool over these wonderful sewing boxes. I wanted one so badly, I actually printed out a page from their website (with the one I wanted and their contact information) and put it on the refrigerator door a few weeks before my birthday, to gently nudge my husband in the right direction. Well, my husband got the hint and ordered me one to be delivered on my birthday (yes ladies, I really am a lucky girl!). When this sewing box arrived, it exceeded all my expectations - it is GORGEOUS! The large oval sewing box is super high quality and very sturdy...the inside contains a smaller shaker box to hold all my tools...and (if that is not enough) mounted in the lid - a high quality pair of stork scissors and (you guessed it) a 6" embroidery hoop....all that, and a wooden case for my needles, pins, and thimble. Oh how I love this stitching box...it has traveled with me to many retreats and classes over the years...and is just as spectacular today as it was when it arrived. My box is signed and dated 2003...and I feel very blessed to have this treasure, as their website has since disappeared and I have not been able to locate any current information on their products. I just had to share this beautiful box with you - it brings me joy every time I use it!

New In The To-Do Pile: A "Garden Fresh" Quilting Project

Happy Sunday Stitchy Friends!

It has been several days since my last post...and mainly, it is because I have been focused on model stitching...I have lots of new designs in the works - for teaching, for magazines, and for releases this summer. I have a list of deadlines and I am stitching my little fingers off to obtain all of those goals. I will have a sneak peek picture of "Liberty Stitchery" for you soon - it is over half completed...

I haven't had much time for sewing or quilting lately...and I am truly going through withdrawal...seems like ages since I last turned on my beautiful Diamond machine...well, really it has only been a couple weeks - but to me, it seems like years. I have promised myself that this week, I will make time to sew! ...and I just had to share this fabric and project with you! If you read my blog regularly, then you know I love vegetables...I truly eat a spinach and fresh veggies every day...so this fabric line is right up my alley - not to mention my kitchen colors are black and white with sage accents, so it matches perfectly. I first saw this fabric line ( "Garden Fresh" by Gail Kessler for Andover Fabrics) in the March/April 2010 Fons and Porter's Love of Quilting magazine, and I'm totally "in love" with it. I had been looking locally for this fabric line for quite some time and had not been able to find it....so when the Fons and Porter online store recently had a sale, I just had to purchase the kit for the Garden Fresh magazine quilt while it was still available. This fabric is so beautiful in person...and I love that there is a panel (shown Below), a border print, and fabulous coordinates...I can't wait to start this project!...hopefully this week....

Needlework On-The-Go

Talk about perfect timing...I just purchased some fabulous stash, and look what arrives in the mail...a DMC Travel Portfolio! Recently, I was asked to share some photos of my stitching studio and some organizing/stitching tips with the DMC Threads Blog readers....and as a thank you for my participation, Emma Broidery sent me this fabulous travel portfolio. What a perfect way to carry my on-the-go project...and I am super impressed with all the pockets, ties, tabs, and rings to hold my accessories! I will definitely be putting this to good use and filling it with my current stitching project.

If you happened to miss the DMC Threads blog entry featuring my studio, you can see it here: http://dmc-threads.com/?p=1613

...and if you are interested in the DMC Travel Portfolio, you can read more about it and/or purchase one in the DMC Shop: http://www.shopdmc.com/nossu1545s.html

Thank you Emma Broidery!

New England Stitching Retreat - The Stash

Let's talk about stitching! I think the most asked question when I returned from the retreat was "what stash did you bring home"?...I'm not sure why...seems there is a lot of interest in my purchases. First of all, I am a stitcher...I am just like all of you...I have stash accumulation beyond life expectancy....I am a needlework FAN (or probably more appropriate fanatic)...I still get giddy when I find a good needlework shop! Those days of being blessed in Des Moines with multiple needlework shops are gone, and I truly miss the ambiance of a specialty needlework store...there is just something about being able to see the charts in person and being able to see, touch, and feel the fabrics and fibers. When we visited ABC Stitch Therapy for a shopping spree and tea party, I felt like a little kid...it seemed I roamed the aisles for hours trying to decide what to bring home...and I am sure I was seen sitting on the floor slowing going through pegs and pegs of design charts. For those of you who are able to frequent this shop in person, I am so very green with envy...it was such a treat...a true candy store for the needlework enthusiast. I found it so organized and clean (which is a HUGE plus)...and there was fabulous natural lighting...and even comfortable chairs and sofas - with a fireplace - yep, you heard me correctly, a fireplace. I seriously would consider moving across the country to be near this shop....well, maybe that is extreme, but you get the idea!

I had to bring home several A Mon Ami Pierre charts - and it is a good thing needlework charts are a universal language, because the details for these charts are mostly written in French...I am such a fan of these designs and it was quite fun to have an assortment to choose from! I brought home "Porte Aiguille Angelots" and "Au Coeur De La Vigne". Also, being a huge lover of peacocks, I brought home Just Nan's "Keep A Little Secret" (this is a tiny tin...and for the inside, you stitch a peacock sampler and back it with wool to hold needles or pins)....and the Cottage Garden Peacock Stick Pin...and not pictured, I brought home the Daisy Needle Tweet, too.





Next...this was the hardest decision, EVER...I brought home only three packages of Puntini Puntini Pins....oh how I love these...and it was so very hard to choose the ones I wanted...I could have bought the entire rack (but I definitely would have needed a bigger suitcase!). It was a painstaking process to be good and narrow it down to these three choices....
















If you follow my blog, then you know I am a HUGE fan of Liberty Hill Boxes and I was thrilled to find this one from 2007 - it accompanied the Historic Stitches Pattern "Quaker Pynkeepe". And finally, from one of my most favorite designers, Maureen Appleton of The Heart's Content, "Splendor XIX A Colonial Coverlet ~ Treenware Sewing Box"...complete with the gorgeous treenware candle box. Over the years, I have collected quite an array of Maureen's kits...in fact, I have most of the "Splendor" designs. We all know I love tiny stitching, and this piece is stitched over-one on 40 count - WAHOO! I was super excited to bring this kit home...I wish I could make the time to start it right away...



So there you have it, a taste of what I brought home from the shopping spree. I know that seems like plenty, but there were several other patterns in my shopping cart - three from Carriage House Samplings, one from All Through The Night, and one from Homespun Elegance. Looks like I have plenty to keep me busy....

Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend, filled with sunshine, family, and good barbecue...

New England Stitching Retreat - Gift Shop Finds

Today, I start out with a bit of sad news...before I share the things I purchased at the Enfield Shaker Store, I will give you an update on the House Finch nest...

I woke up this morning to the basket on the ground, my geraniums crushed and broken...and the nest was on it's side and empty...some how during the night, the basket had fallen and the contents had crashed all over our front doorstep. There were no signs of the eggs...wanting to remain positive and hopeful, I was trying to figure out how the birds could have moved or saved the eggs...but my mother was quick to smash those hopes and dreams by telling me a predator probably found them and had a delicious meal. I was so heartbroken. As I cleaned up the mess and tried to salvage what was left of my geraniums, I only found a few small pieces of egg shell. So, there will be no photos of the baby birds...at least not in the near future - I did read pairs may raise three or more broods in a season, so we may have a new nest soon!

Now on to something much more fun!...
Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I did some wonderful stash shopping while in New England...and I brought back some fabulous finds from the Enfield Shaker Store (the gift shop located in the Great Stone Dwelling House/Museum). It was extremely difficult to choose mementos to bring home, as there were SO MANY incredible, hand-crafted boxes and gifts in this lovely shop. There were many gorgeous pincushions and sewing boxes in a variety of shapes and sizes...it really was hard to choose what to purchase and bring home.

First, I chose this amazing Fir Balsam Pillow - it smells so fresh and relaxing...plus I love that is has a natural linen cover that I could actually do some stitching on, if I so desire. This pillow is about 8" x 8"...and I am going to find the perfect place to put it, so I can continually enjoy it's delightful aroma.























Next, I chose this quaint little framed print. It is 5" x 7" without the frame...and it was a little difficult to get a good photo, as it is framed with glass. One of the things that drew me to this piece was the lettering of "Hands To Work, Hearts To God" - although you probably can't tell from the photo, the letters are made up of little tiny "x"s, so they look like cross stitch...and the hands are holding strands of thread. Plus the birds and the flowers...I just loved the whole design...


























And finally - I purchased this beautiful walnut shaker box made by Steve Grasselli. I love the unique two-tone look and the size of this box - it is about 4"W x 6"L x 3.25"D...a great size for sewing or stitching tools. I plan to make a padded cushion for inside and possibly some needlework smalls. The craftsmanship on all the various boxes was truly exquisite and I looked over many boxes multiple times - it was so hard to choose...I almost brought home a second box with a handle, but showed a little restraint!

So many fun things to share with you this week! I will be back tomorrow to share the stitching stash I purchased at ABC Stitch Therapy during our shopping spree and tea...

Also...I have to mention...Marie has started a New England Stitcher's Retreat Blog, so if you are interested in seeing photos and information on future retreats, you will want to visit:
http://www.stitchingretreats.blogspot.com/

New England Stitching Retreat - A Peek Inside

Today, my New England Stitching Retreat photos focus on the inside of the Great Stone Dwelling House - our home for the retreat weekend. The vast amount of windows and the natural light they provided was a huge plus for stitching...and the quiet halls and rooms added to the relaxation. The first evening of the retreat a tour was provided for those of us who were interested in the history of the building - we got to take a peek inside the attic, the second attic, and the bell tower...as you will see in one of the photos below, the second attic had a room completely filled with antique spinning wheels (quite the sight!). The view from my room window was lovely - overlooking the water and an endless skyline of trees. One of the wonderful things about this particular retreat was the fee was "all-inclusive"...including all of the meals...so we all had meals together and we didn't have to leave the location...and extremely important - the food was FANTASTIC...it was catered by a local restaurant called Mickey's and each and every meal was truly delicious. There was a wonderful stitching lounge...and seating areas at the end of each floor where stitchers could gather....and we did nightly. It really is a unique location. Although the individual rooms did not have the amenities of modern day hotels - I was very comfortable...and once the hot water reached my room (I was on the top floor), my shower was great! My room had the original split shaker shutters on all the windows....and of course the pegs for hanging my clothing. As you can tell, the history of this special venue was not lost on me - I was very inspired!

Inside My Room - taken in the evening with the shutters closed (as seen above the bed)...



























The Class Project - the shaker box with the kit supplies all tied together neatly, the special goodie bag commemorating the retreat - filled with awesome stash, and the class binder...























The Classroom - with loads of windows and natural light...

























The Classroom once the students took over...

























The Dining Room
























The Stitcher's Lounge

























The Meeting/Stitching Area (at the end of each floor)

























The Spinning Wheels in the Second Attic

























Shaker Chairs

























I hope you are enjoying a little tour from my New England teaching trip...I will be back with my stash photos (which for some reason everyone wants to see)...and a look at what I purchased in the museum gift shop!

*House Finch Update*...there are still five eggs in the perfectly round nest...and if I have timed it correctly, we will have baby birds any day...I will let you know as soon as they start to hatch...