Training Day...

Nicki Franklin's French General Hearts

I got home from work last night, ate dinner and soon thereafter went to bed. The great news is that the compression sleeves I ordered for my legs arrived in the mail yesterday, so I'll be wearing them to work today.

More good news is that I'm training a new cashier today! Hoping she's a banger and that all the cashiers get some relief from the hours we've all had to pick up. 

These hearts were done by Nicki Franklin and I absolutely love them. You may or may not know I'm a huge French General fan, and have lots of FG lines on my shelves. You'll be seeing something like these from me as soon as I finish my bluebirds and have some time to myself.

I'm going to leave a little earlier today for work. I want to set a great example, you know? See you tomorrow.

Thinking About Crows...

Michelle Palmer Crows

I have a lovely tin, filled with the artwork of my friend, Michelle Palmer. I went through it yesterday to find something special to make into a few gifts. I found a Santa, and another with a sweet owl drawing which I'll reveal later, but I have to share the crows today.

I pulled a jelly roll of French General fabrics from the Maison de Garance line that I think will coordinate perfectly with the fabrics Michelle used for her drawings. I'm going to make a table runner for someone special as a Christmas gift. I'll do the layout today, and plan to share a finished top with you tomorrow. We'll see how this works out. See you tomorrow!

A Full and Satisfying Day...

My Beautiful Eldest Nieces

 

My day began at 6 am. Up early and off to have breakfast with the beauty on the right side of this photograph. Her sister, on the left, is my eldest niece and goddaughter. She hadn't yet arrived in town, so I had a lovely visit with my second eldest niece, who was visiting from out of state. I haven't seen her in at least ten years.

We sat and visited for over two hours. It was much-needed Aunty/Niece time, and it seemed over much too soon. We parted with damp eyes and warm hearts, promising to chat again soon. (Isn't FaceTime a wonderful thing?)

With goodbyes done, I jumped into my Explorer and drove to my girlfriend, Wendi's salon a half hour south for my scheduled hair appointment. More visiting and a few giggles.

Our Elder Son and Daughter-in-law

When I arrived home, not only was Handsome here to greet me, but our son and his wife stopped to visit before heading to a local bed & breakfast for an overnight wedding anniversary getaway. If they're not careful, they'll catch up to Handsome and me! 

I gave my daughter-in-law her belated extended Birthday gift of the quilt I finished yesterday. She was thrilled with it, and couldn't wait to get it home and installed in the room I had in mind when I chose the colors. It warmed my heart to know that she will put it in a place of prominence in their home - also a handy place to use it on a chilly Wisconsin evening. (I forgot to get a photo of the presentation, so I'll ask her to send a picture in their home once they get back.)

I was glad I'd made a quiche last night, so we had a light lunch before sending them off about their celebration. Shortly after they left, I went upstairs, changed my clothes, and settled in on our new sectional. It wasn't long before I dozed off and slumbered while Handsome watched a football game. It was a day filled with love, tears, laughter, gratitude, and a little rest...the best kind of day to have. 

Sunday, our younger son and his family will join us for a Thanksgiving lasagna dinner, so today I'll get caught up on a few projects, and then rest up again for tomorrow. 

 I'm planning a Cyber Monday sale for my online shop, so I'm going to be working on that, too. I hope you're enjoying your Thanksgiving weekend, and look forward to our next visit.

A Quilty Finish...

 

A Completed Birthday Quilt

 

I sent this quilt off to be longarmed by the guys at Primitive Gatherings a few weeks ago when my machines flat refused to lend me a hand. Don't tell Jane and Destiny, but I'm glad I did. I asked for an all-over Baptist fan pattern, and they sure delivered! I love the way it looks on the design I executed in French General fabrics. 

As I write this, I've put the final stitches into the binding, and it's ready to be gifted - an "extended" Birthday gift for a loved one. I'll be presenting it today. Yesterday, I was telling my friend, Kathy D. that I was doing the binding so I could give it to the recipient today. Nothing like last minute. Her reply was, "Isn't the the way binding always happens?" She's right. It seems we're always sewing on the binding at the last minute. 

Well, I'm happy this one is finished and I'm looking forward to the reactions. Thanksgiving was quiet, but busy. I was baking, not just for dinner, but also for lunch today. We'll have company for a few hours, so I wanted to make something special. Quiche and cranberry cake are on the menu. 

I'm starting the day much earlier than usual for me, as I'm meeting one of my nieces for an early breakfast. Then off to Wendi's so she can cut my hair. I'll be home just in time to greet our lunch guests. My plan is to take a nap after they leave. 

No Black Friday shopping for me, but I will be working on getting my Etsy shop reopened over the weekend, with some sale pricing for those looking for gift ideas. I'll also list up some items here on Monday with direct purchase links. I guess I'd better be off about my day. I'll be back tomorrow. If you're braving the stores today, stay safe out there!

Delivered...

I finished one of the commissions on my books yesterday and then delivered it to a happy client. The order was for a matching set of mug mats for a family reunion next week, and each will be a gift to one of the family members.

 

I used Moda™ French General fabrics and bird design twill tape from LillaLotta. The bindings are attached in the traditional method; machine sewn to the front of the piece, turned and hand sewn on the back.

 

My client was happy, not only with the fabric choices and design, but also that I got them to her ahead of my deadline. Her words were extremely gratifying, and I appreciate her order (and friendship).

I also wanted to show you my new biz card design (in the photo of the mats). I've simplified the text, while also focusing my mission. "Designer • Educator • Needle Artist"...that's me!  

 

I'm taking the day off today. I may make my way into the studio later to select and cut out more wallets, but I may not. Tag is due for some serious grooming, so he'll be my priority for the day. He wants to look his best when he shows up next Tuesday, after all.

Staging Fabrics For The Week...

 

NOTE: This post originally appeared yesterday (Tuesday). I was reminded 

by The Corgi, that I had neglected to put up his "Tuesdays With Tag" post. 
Sooo, I took this one down, put up his TWT post and moved this one to today.
Apologies for any confusion. Corgi is happy again. All is right with the world. 

I've pulled three different fabric assortments together for my next project(s).

Time to make more Classmate organizers!

My favorite personal Classmate went to live with my pal, Carol of Serendipity, 

so I need to make a new one just like it. She was so smitten with mine, that

 I had to relent and let her have it. I know just how much she appreciates it, too.

So, I've chosen the exact same fabrics, and when I'm finished we'll have matching

pieces! I'm going to have to make another sewing machine cover to match, too.

This is the assortment I've chosen for two other organizers I'll be making.

One will use the lilac print, sewing tools print and the green fabric for binding.

The other will use the lilac print, text print and purple fabric for binding.

I'm thinking that I'll make little zippered bags out of the plaid fabric.

These are a few of those fabrics that I've been "saving". If you sew or quilt,

you know what I'm talking about, girlfriends. If you're not careful, they migrate

to Permanent Stash status...those fabrics you never want to cut into or use.

I have too many fabrics to be stingy with them, so I'm just going to take a deep

breath, roll my rotary cutter and snip, snip scissors into these. Use 'em up, I will!

Last winter, I made an organizer in this fabric for my friend, Fay. She and I 

both love French General fabrics, so I made hers with this assortment.  In fact,

I liked that organizer so much, I'm going to make it again...maybe for myself.

I'll be opening up my assembly line again...fusing stabilizer and batting, 

cutting and assembling. It will be a repeat of my process for Christmas 2013. 

It takes just as much physical effort, but doing the same thing over and over 

makes for less brain work. I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be fun, in fact!

February QAL Finish and Winners...

I finished my QAL piece for February for our group

at Sandy's Quilt Shop. I love the way it turned out!

 

Completed in Moda's French General fabrics, I also added vintage buttons...

 

 and even a little French General embroidered ribbon.

je t'aime...I love you...

perfect for my February mini quilt!

I'm looking forward to the design for March, and

I sure won't be dawdling on the next one!

It's time to announce the winners of my 1000th Post Giveaway!

 Winner of the First Giveaway Gift - Set of 6 napkins

 DAWN of The Feathered Nest

Winner of the Second Giveaway Set - Vintage linens assortment

MARY ANN of Handcrafted by Mary Ann Miller

Congratulations to both winners. I'll be sending out your gifts right away!

Thank you to everyone who entered. 

It won't be long before I celebrate THREE years of blogging -

with another giveaway, of course!

I hope you'll stay with me, so that we can continue this journey together.

Valentine Bluebirds...

I'm nearly finished with the February mini quilt for the Sandy's Quilt Shop QAL. You know how I adore the French General fabrics from Moda, so I decided to use that line for my interpretation of the design.

When I was at the shop on Saturday, they asked where my piece was. I replied, "It's not even February yet!" There was a lot of chortling and cajoling, to say nothing of the immediate correction I received. Sad, but I was serious! Seems I've been so busy with other things that, even though I've been writing "February" on everything, it hadn't really registered that it was time to make this month's piece. (Nothing like having a "senior moment" in front of God and everybody!)

When Tammy and I got back from the art show (photos later in the week), I immediately set to making my piece. All the fabrics were chosen, templates cut, fabric fused and attached to the background fabric before I went to bed Saturday night. I did the stitching, assembly and machine quilting Sunday before heading to a concert in the afternoon. I didn't want to waste any time finishing it!

This is the original piece as executed by the gal who designed it. (My sincere apologies that I don't know her name so that I can share it with you!)

When we receive our design sheets, we get to see the original - which I always photograph - along with shapes to make templates for the applique' pieces. (One 8 x 10" sheet of paper that's mostly white with a few elements drawn in.) We're left with quite a bit of leeway for decisions about color, placement - even the number of leaves to use in this one. I stuck pretty close to what the designer wanted, but chose to make my statement with the fabrics. I still have birds' eyes and flower centers to do and then I'll show you the entire piece, along with photos of finished minis from some of my other shop pals.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and another Tuesdays with Tag. We're working on a little something special for his post. In the meantime, if you'd like a little gift inspiration, perhaps you'll go over to Button Floozies blog where I left an idea. Of course it uses buttons, so don't be surprised!

Tomorrow is the last day to enter my 1000th Post Giveaway.  If you haven't entered yet, be sure to click here to drop your name in the hat. Drawing will close at 10:30 pm. I'll announce the winners on Wednesday. Good Luck!

Sunday Scripture...

"She is not afraid of the snow for her household;

For all of her household are clothed with scarlet."

-Proverbs 31:21 (NKJV)

All of the placemats are bound and completed, and the napkins have all been hemmed. I didn't want to set a complete table so that you could see the different designs on each. (I found four more pair of triangle blocks, so I'll make eight more mats another time.)

The heart, featured in the apple centerpiece, was a gift from my friend, Claudia of Mockingbird Hill Cottage. She also chose French General fabrics for her creation, so I have it sitting out in my kitchen all the time. Thank you again, Claudia! I love it.

May your day be blessed
and your new week be filled
with joyful and creative pursuits.

Sewing In The Rain...

This is the assortment I chose for my table accessories project last week. Of course, the weekend was full and fun (more about that later this week), but I didn't get as far as I'd planned to create my pieces.

Monday was spent catching up on housework (groceries and tidying up), and then I had chorale rehearsal in the evening. No sewing.

Tuesday morning was spent going over some of my music for the Soundsations, and before I knew it, I had to run out to their Tuesday afternoon rehearsal. I can't tell you how much fun I'm having learning new songs and dance moves needed for a few of the numbers.

The weather turned nasty late day, so I decided to stay home from Books a Million knit night and spend time in the studio instead. Back for some much-needed sewing therapy.
I also pulled out the yardage I'd purchased of French General toweling fabric. I decided to make napkins from the toweling to coordinate with the placemats I'm making from the General line.

I've taking our family away from paper napkins, and to tell the truth, I'm really enjoying the civility of using fabric napkins instead. I know my friend, Krisann likes the fact that it's also a green decision - and she's right - but it's the luxe factor that I really enjoy. Simple pleasures, right?
This is just one of the placemats I created last night. I haven't sewn the binding on the placemat yet. I'm going to make all the mats first and then I'll bind them all at the same time. The finished placemats measure 12" x 18" and the napkins are 18" square.

All of the fabrics were used in my French General "Rouenneries" quilt, which I use on our kitchen table. I'm making six placemats and six napkins. All the napkins are the same, but the placemats will be made in pairs, so there will be three different sets.

I bet you can guess what I'll be doing today. I'll show you tomorrow, when I should have everything finished! I really do love playing in the studio.

Dream A Little Dream...

I spent a little time in the studio with the French General again yesterday. I'm not even going to try to apologize. You know how much I love this fabric line, and the colors just make me happy.

You'll remember that I made a table quilt in the "Rouenneries" line, so I decided that I needed to add some accessories to go with it. I'm not finished yet, but probably will be today or tomorrow.

I just wanted you to know what I'm working on right now. Never one to just sit around, you know. I'll be back with more photographs just as soon as I've finished everything. Trust me. It's all cool!
I just got my Restoration Hardware catalog and I have to have these! Belgian linen sheet sets in natural colors. I think they're gorgeous, and I've learned through reading Kari Meng's book, The French General: Home Sewn, that the linen sheets only get softer with multiple washings.
Here's another photograph of the sheets (and coordinating bedding) installed on one of Restoration Hardware's linen-trimmed beds. (You'll have to excuse me. I'm having a serious day-dream moment here.)

I hope this week holds something dreamy for you, too. We all need to have something to dream about, don't you think?

NOTE: I want to remind you (early) that my first Memory Lane Monday party will be on January 31st. I'll give you one more reminder on Saturday, January 29th, so you have plenty of time to write about your own special memories. I'm really looking forward to reading your stories!

Dream The Day Away...

Today, I thought I'd share my newest book with you. Honestly, I fear this has become a mild obsession (if there is such a thing). Kaari Meng is The French General, and this is one of her fabulous "How To" books. I thought my taste tended toward my new-found Scandinavian furniture and decor, but I think I may have to reconsider.
Imagine dreaming the night away on fresh linen, hemp or even nettle bedding? Natural fibers that only get softer with age. Vintage linens would be even better. (Let's agree to not talk about cost, shall we?)
Or perhaps setting a fine table with vintage-looking placemats you've created yourself? Of course, the French General has just what a girl might need in their fabric lines, and all the instructions, too.
I can just see this clean, tailored ottoman slipcover on my little suede-y cube in our living room. All of my colors are blues, tans and whites, but don't worry about that. Kaari has my color theme covered, too!
An old French country table on the patio, or under the beautiful oak tree in our yard...covered with a scalloped tablecloth, mix-n-match antique china and silverware, bowls of fresh fruits, cold lemonade, and Mason jars filled with seasonal flowers. What a dreamy way to spend an afternoon.
Then, there's this...I finally found a local shop that carries the French General's "Rural Jardin" fabric line in the blue colorway. (I kept running into the reds, but needed the blues.) I purchased plenty of fabric to make a quilt to cover our antique oak table, with enough left to cover that little cube in the living room.

If you love books (which I do), and you love inspiration, then you'll want to get a copy of Home Sewn. Why should I be the only one to dream the day away?

The General Advances With Good News...

Day Two of my French General quilt...
When I showed it to Handsome, he really liked it!

Another cool thing is that, when I'm finished, I'll
still have enough fabric left for another project or two.

I just saw that Brynwood has 400 followers.
I can't tell you how much this means to me.
So, you know what that means for you, right?
A Four Hundredth Follower Giveaway!!!

I'm going to draw a name to win a Strawberry Rose tonight
for the Where Bloggers Create II studio hop. If you haven't
entered that drawing yet,click here to enter.
The drawing will close at midnight tonight.

I'll announce the winner in my post tomorrow.
After I announce the winner of that giveaway, I'll
show you what I'll be offering to celebrate my newest milestone.
I hope you'll come back to visit and enter.