My Circle of Influence...

Sandy's Saturday Coffee Club

"You become the five people with whom you spend the most time."

I'm blessed to be surrounded by so many more loving and talented women. Our time together is always filled with creative ideas and shared values, and when someone is ill or bothered, we're always there for each other. We miss each other when we're apart and we look forward to each visit. We're "family" in every sense of the word.

I'd like to start by introducing you to all the generous and talented quilting women with whom I share most Saturday mornings, and many days in between. These are the gals you frequently read about here on my blog...the Saturday Coffee Club.

They are (l-r) Flo (my applique' teacher and mentor), Joni (who does perfect machine applique' and loves all things "duck-y"!); Nora (whose quilting skills are envious); Fay (everything she makes is fabulous); Kathy (her wicked sense of humor exceeds my own and her long arm skills make my quilts look better than they actually are); me, and Brenda (who is one of the kindest, sweetest people I know, on top of all the gorgeous things she creates). They inspire me to hone both my quilting and my friendship skills and I love each and every one of them.

Paneras Yarn Girls

Then, there are the women who gather together on Tuesday nights at Paneras in Port Charlotte, Florida. I first met many of them through the Project Linus group that I joined four or five years ago. Adele and Helen (in the red tops) and dear, dear Ellen (in the green vest) are still part of that group. They helped me to become a consistent crocheter and we've visited and laughed over many a knitting project. They're still waiting for me to complete my ivory bamboo sweater!

Tammy (on the far right of this picture) is the inspiration behind our gathering. She was the organizer for the original group when we met at Books-a-Million, and she's always been the glue that holds us together. Her heart is as big as a house, and she not only knits and crochets, but she also spins her own yarns and throws her own yarns bowls, vases, dinnerware and more out of clay.  I treasure her gifts. Her pieces are both beautiful and useful and I'm proud to call her my friend.

Margaret (front row in the blue and white top) is from Canada. She travels back and forth each year, and we always look forward to her winter migration. Her work is incredible. When we met last night, she gave Tammy a pair of fingerless mittens. She had made them yesterday! (She uses the "two at a time" method, working on both mittens on one circular needle.) They were beautiful, and now that Tammy is moving north after Christmas, they'll be much appreciated as they help keep her warm.

Kathy (who completes the front row) and Anne (in black behind her) also share their talents with our group. Kathy creates beautiful, ruffled scarves to sell and Anne not only knits, but she's my "quilting sister" and fellow Wisconsinite in the group, too. She is teaching me more about hand stitched quilts, and I suspect that by the end of 2013, I will have created my first hand quilted piece under her guidance.

I regret that I don't yet know the rest of the gals in our photo very well. A couple are newcomers, and the others are "part-timers", but I look forward to getting to know them better as time goes on. I've seen their work and will continue to look forward to seeing their creations as they share them with us.

I mentioned that Tammy is moving north after Christmas. I'm not in the least bit happy about this. She's going to be moving to Virginia with her husband as they follow a great work opportunity for him at Quantico. I mean, this is much further away than Tampa or even Atlanta! It's not like she'll be able to "pop in" to see us once a month. We're all sad to see her go, but wish them the best in their new adventure.

I believe that our best "family" is made up of the friends and relatives who most closely share our values, our interests and our love for each other. These women are the family that live in Florida, close to me (along with Handsome and a few good friends outside this group).

It is said that "water seeks its own level". I am forever astonished and grateful that all these beautiful hearts are part of my Circle of Influence. I am blessed.

Summer Reading Update...

I've continued to read this summer and am currently working on a book given to me by daughter-in-law #1. Its title is Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi. (The title is a link to the book on Books-a-Million's website.)

It's a fascinating read, and I find myself learning more about events that unfolded when I was in high school in the early 70's. It's made me curious to learn more about the people and culture at that time, so I'll probably go in search of other books for more information.

I'm also going to admit that I finished the Fifty Shades Trilogy by E.L. James last week. It consists of three books, which you've certainly heard something about by now, titled Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed. Suffice it to say that they were an amusing and adventurous read, and are everything that the reviews have said they are.

I have always loved reading and find myself transported to the most interesting places. I've also found that the movies that follow any given book never measure up to what I've created in my own mind's eye. I wonder where I'll "travel" to next?

What have you been reading?

Na Na, Hey Hey, Kiss 'Em Goodbye...

Last week when we arrived at Books A Million, we were greeted by floor-to-ceiling tarps closing off our coffee shop/gathering area. When we asked what was going on, we were told that Books A Million "corporate" has decided that, in an effort to attract a younger clientele, they are going to remove their coffee equipment and replace it all with a yogurt/smoothie bar.

A younger clientele, you say? No warning. No consideration for the years we've met there on Tuesday nights. No gratitude for the money we've spent on books, magazines, coffee and snacks? No "Thank you, ladies and goodnight?". Really?

Not the sorts to sit around and sulk, we immediately sprang into action. (Well, actually Tammy led the charge). We quickly got the word out - via telephone chain - and everyone met that night across the street at Paneras instead.

Well, who knew? Better coffee. Real, honest-to-goodness fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, breads and pastries! (No microwave service here.) What the heck took us so long? Last night was our second Tuesday night here. Can't you just see the suffering on our faces? (laughing) I don't think so! (You can click on the photo to enlarge it.)

We've all cheerfully decided to make this our new home. Bye, bye, Books a Million. Hellooooo, Paneras!

PS. Thanks, Tammy for letting me use your photo!

In Case You Were Wondering...

I spent a nice part of Sunday just sitting in a comfortable chair and stitching. I hadn't done this in a long, long time.

I selected a kit that I'd purchased in Williamsburg, VA the day I went shopping with Shell May. It's a Maureen Appleton (The Hearts Content) counted thread kit. If you're not familiar with Maureen or her work, I'll tell you that all of her designs are stitched with one thread of floss over one thread of linen. In this case, the linen is 26 ct. Glenshee. (That's 26 threads to the inch, if you're not a needleworker.)

Maureen is from Wisconsin, and she and I are friends. Although I haven't seen her in a long time, I am a huge fan of her stunning designs. Stitching "one over one" creates a level of detail that you really must see.
This is as far as I got on Sunday. I didn't need a magnifier, but it is easier to see what I'm doing in bright daylight. I will wait for another sunny day to progress on this piece. I do know that this sweet squirrel will make a lovely scissors fob once assembled and attached to my squirrel embroidery scissors (which came in the kit).
Additionally, the ladies (Judy and Sue) have selected their mug mats (from my Second Blog Birthday celebration), so I created or chose a few special things to go along with each of their mats and Target gift cards.
I sure hope they like what I've chosen for them! I managed to include items that fit the theme of the original mat they selected.

I haven't decided what I'll work on today. Tuesdays are busy with Soundsations rehearsals from 1-3 pm, and then getting together with the Books A Million girls in the evening. I think I'll just keep it simple...whatever I decide.

I hope you all have a creative and fun day today. See you tomorrow!

Girls Night Out...

(click on photo to enlarge)
This photo is two images cropped together - I tell you
this to explain the half table in the center of the image.

I spent yesterday working on the quilt top and will share it in tomorrow's post. Last night, though, was Girls Night Out at Books A Million. (Missed you Krisann, but glad we could fit in lunch together yesterday!)

These girls have enormous hearts and they make me laugh. I love the time we spend together. They're all busy working on yarny rectangles right now to send in for Warm Up America™.

I remember when I had my shop in Wisconsin (over twenty years ago). Fellow shop owner, Evie Rosen - also located in Wisconsin, conceived of this great idea. Since then, knitters and crocheters have continued to summon their creative talents to make blankets for the homeless. It's a great cause, and the girls in our group never shy away from a great cause. (You can click here to see how you can participate, too.)

I haven't been able to knit or crochet for a while (an little issue with my hands), but I continue to meet with the gals for their inspiration and friendship. I'm looking forward to hearing just how many squares they contribute to Warm Up America™ this year, and to see what their next charity project will be.

I'm anxious to share the quilt top tomorrow. Hope you'll stop by for the big reveal!

A Source Of Inspiration...

I was with "the girls" again at Books a Million last night. My friend, Adele, shared some more of her mother's handwork with me, and I was in awe of her fabulous work.

Adele used to sit with her mother and learn these techniques. This collar was created using threads and silk fabric. It closely resembles Battenburg lace, but is different in its technique. It's so intricate, and believe me when I tell you that it's hard to tell the front from the back. (One of the gals pointed out that I'd originally taken photos of the wrong side. Of course, I knew that! ahem.) You'll remember that Adele made the breathtaking lace edge for the monogrammed wedding hankies we created late last year. Her work really made them special, and the bride love them.

This is the second piece that Adele shared. It's still attached to the hand-drawn pattern her mother created on what appears to be a grocery bag. Once the pattern was drawn, she stitched and shaped and stitched some more to create the collar. This one was never finished.

Adele is one of the women who truly inspires me to become better. Her mother was a true artist, whose mentoring and teaching created another artist in her daughter. Her mother has been gone a long time, and these pieces have been in safe storage for years, but in sharing these pieces with us, Adele's mother lives on through her incredible handwork. I'm so honored that Adele chooses to share her talent and inspiration with me.

Aren't we lucky when God places these amazing people in our path? I count my blessings daily, and Adele and my friends, near and far, including you, are always among them.

Busy Hands, Happy Heart...

If you've dropped by today to tour my studio,
please click here.

I wish I could show this entire project to you...but I can't.
Not yet. But soon. I promise. I think you might like it.
I finished this project yesterday, and then went right
to work on this...

...an ATC for a friend. It will go in the mail today.

I went to Books a Million last night and spent the evening
catching up with my knit/crochet/needlework girlfriends.
I took along one of my Strawberry Roses to work on. One of
the gals was really interested in how I made the roses, so I
did an impromptu tutorial for four of the ladies.

I love the exchange of information and talent that we share
on Tuesday nights. I'm blessed to be surrounded with
a group of women who nurture my creative spirit,
and hope that sometimes I spark something in them, too.
I wonder if anyone will go home this week and try to
make a few roses for themselves?

By now, you know just how important it is for me
to have busy hands. I'm always playing with something -
either "tried and true", or something new.
Busy Hands = Happy Heart = Happy Donna

Today is my mum's birthday.
Happy Birthday, Mum!

'til tomorrow, my friends.

Generosity That Takes My Breath Away...

I can't tell you how exciting it was to read the return addresses on those boxes I found in the studio upon my return from Wisconsin. I promised to reveal more contents, so here goes.

I received more acorns!!! Thank you to Christine from iCandy blog for the beautiful Kansas acorns and added surprises! This package had small bags inside that just revealed more little gifts. Christine included a Halloween-themed gift bag with the acorns, a handstamped tag from Kansas, and a sweet and clever repurposed matchbox which contained a gold angel charm. She even stamped and scrolled my name on the outside of a little brown paper bag. I couldn't help but smile as I unwrapped all her thoughtful gifts.

Thank you so much, Christine, for your generous gifts. Be sure to stop over and visit her blog, and if you leave a comment, please tell her I sent you over!

My next package was also very cool. I WON the fat quarter giveaway over at Bunny Hill Designs from Anne!! (You can read the post here.) The fabric is Martinique from Three Sisters for Moda.

What a gorgeous stack of fabulous fabrics! I haven't counted, but there are a lot of fat quarters in this collection! I can't wait to untie them and see how many different ways I can use them. Of course, they might make one awesome quilt, too!

Anne this is the most generous of gifts from your trip to market this year. I can't tell you how much I love these fabrics! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

And, last, but certainly not least, is the most heartwarming boxful of house shoes that I received from Twyla of Two Crazy Crafters blog. She and her daughter, Lindsey, write lovely posts. I always smile when I visit, and I love the fact that a mother and daughter team share their creative space (online or off).

She read about the Books a Million Tuesday night knitting/crochet group Appalachian Project charity cause, and decided to participate. She sent me TEN pairs of house shoes to contribute to the cause.

I took them with me last night and passed them on to the very grateful organizer of this particular project. She was thrilled to receive them and agreed that they will be appreciated and well-loved by their lucky recipients. Thank you, Twyla, for the generous gift of your time and talent to a worthy cause. (I really wish my photo could adaquately portray just how great these crocheted house shoes are. They really are warm and wonderful...in an array of sizes!)

Can you even believe how very fortunate I am? I have these gracious and generous blog friends who share my passion for giving, gifting, and creating. Sometimes, it just takes my breath away.

Because The Shirt Matters...

So, I'm told by my "more mature" Linus friends that we eventually all go through a second childhood. Apparently, I've got a headstart on some of my girlfriends in my age group! (Now, that's a legacy, isn't it?)

This story starts about two months ago when my friends and I went to Naples on a knitting shop hop (click here to read about it). I had grabbed a go cup, filled it with some of Handsome's great brew (coffee) before leaving home, and then drove over to our meeting place to pick up The Girls. I didn't take a sip until we were all loaded and on our way. I had no idea the seal was broken on the cup.

Well, don't you just know...all dressed up for our day out and my go cup decides to leak all down the front of my Chico's top. Netta saw it happening in slow motion and was speechless. I couldn't believe it. My friend, Tammy grabbed her Tide stick and handed it forward to me. I used it right away to no avail.

When I got home, I spent the next three days trying to get the stain out. I tried everything from the usual cleaning potions to nearly beating it on a rock in a sacred stream. Nothing worked and the design on the front of the shirt made it impossible (at least for me) to modify. I threw it out.

In the following weeks, we all joked about the drippy cup - and my subsequent lip leakage events - until I threatened to make a bib. I said I'd embroider "Because The Shirt Matters" on the front of it - and I'm serious! You can plan to see them in my Etsy store in the future.

A couple of weeks ago, our friend, Helen (who had heard this story and the continuing "Donna With The Newest Dirty Shirt" stories) decided that it was time to take action. She made a bib for me in Linus fabric (because we knit together at Project Linus).

You should have been there to see my reaction when I opened her tissue-wrapped gift! We all had quite the laugh. Of course, I chose the most wrong shirt to wear the night I modeled the bib for my Books a Million friends. I really do match up my attire better than this, but I just had to share the photo that was taken by Tammy that evening. Now, everyone wants one! So, I guess I already know what I'll be making for The Girls Christmas and Hanukkah gifts this year...

Thanks again, Helen for my bib. I love it!
Thanks, Tammy for the photo. Please visit her blog Are We There Yet -0r - Spinning My Wheels in Paradise. She posted this photo there first and gave me permission to use it here.

Creating For A Cause...

I just wanted to post a photo of our knitting/crochet group taken on Tuesday evening. Tammy organized the knit night and named the group the "Forward Tinkers". We meet each Tuesday at Books a Million to create and chat, but we also create for causes, too.

This is a photo of our group with our most recent project...washcloth packs for women in shelters. We knit or crocheted the cloths and then packaged them with soap, hand cream and shampoo. When a women is displaced to a shelter, either through domestic violence or foreclosure, at least she'll have a little comfort to call her own. I used natural, organic cotton with brown ribbon for mine.

Our next project is to make scarves, mittens and hats for the kids in Appalachia. We're planning to have all our pieces completed by September for shipping north in time for the cold weather. We'll even have a few sewn pieces made from fleece to add to the package. If you're interested in contributing to our cause, you can contact me through my email button on my blog. There's just something very fulfilling about creating for a cause.

Photo: l-r: Tammy (pazzagato), me (craftydeece), Ellen (front), Netta (nstherd), Cindy (Travel4Fun) and Adele (front). Missing from our usual gang are Monica (monnielou), Helen and Lenore (seveniron). From time to time, Tammy's daughter, Amber and Cindy's daughter, Lizzie join us and knit, too. *the names in parenthesis are our Ravelry names.