Let The Celebrating Commence!...

 

Even though my actual Birthday isn't until December, if you've been visiting for a while, you'll know that I have mastered the Art of the Extended Birthday. I begin my celebrating with the first card or gift, and continue until the last card or gift arrives. 

 

My first gift arrived yesterday, so the celebrating officially commences! This package arrived from my dear, long-time Kiwi friend, Marrianne.

 

 

This book is what inspired the gift. Marrianne had shared a recipe she'd made from this cookbook on one of her Facebook posts. As a person who loves cookbooks, and her dish looked delicious, I commented on it. One of the interesting things about this cookbook in particular is that the recipes are small yield dishes...something you prepare for one or two people.

I searched online for Nici's cookbook only to find that it's only available in New Zealand. I may have mentioned that to Marrianne, and she offered to get a copy for me. Never in a million years did I solicit a gift, but she told me she didn't want compensation for the book.

I've already paged through and earmarked about a half dozen recipes, and I can't wait to try them. There are a few localized ingredients that are unfamiliar to me, but when I get to making the recipes, I'll research those items for comparables. I really can't wait to dig in!

 

Also included in my package was a beautiful, cross stitched acorn bookmark. It's something that was very special to her (I'll keep the details between us), but it now means as much to me, and will be treasured by me. When I use it, it will remind me of Marrianne and the significance of this gift.

 

 

Finally, she knows how much I love these confections. Pineapple lumps are a tasty treat specific to New Zealand, and I hoard them to myself whenever they arrive. Yum!

 

So, in conclusion, I've begun the official celebration, thanks to my dear friend. I'm also going to come up with something special for her to thank her for her generosity. Of course, I won't be able to show you what it is (once I come up with it) until after I know she's received it. 

 

Thank you, Marrianne. I'm so grateful for this gift, but more so for the gift of your enduring friendship. We've been separated by thousands of miles, but always so near in our hearts. We've been friends through many heartbreaking moments, as well as many joyful events. You mean the world to me, and I love you, friend. Perhaps some day, we'll meet in person. A girl can hope, right?

 

Surprises For The Birthday Boy...

Tag Got A Birthday Card

A lovely package arrived in the mail today! It was addressed to our favorite resident Corgi, Tag. His Birthday is Sunday, and one of my dear readers surprised us with a package.

This package arrived from Shirley W., who lives in Connecticutt. Don't you love the way she addressed the package?  

...and Gifts To Share

I read the card to Tag, reminding him he'll be eleven on Sunday, and then we tore into the package. Inside were Purebits™ dehydrated chicken treats for Tag and the girls, and chicken treats for the Barn Girls, too! (They were sampled right away, and if the dogs and cats had thumbs, Shirley, they would have all given the sign for their approval!)

In addition to all the treats the critters will enjoy were boxes of lovely teas for me! I was not familiar with Tea Forte™ brand, but there were three assortments: Herbal Retreat, Pumpkin Spice, and Warming Joy (which has me thoroughly intrigued). There was also a Twinings Variety Pack, and delightful Bigelow Lemon Lift (I do know that one!)

Shirley's thoughtfulness and generosity left me nearly speechless. What a sweet gift from someone I've only just come to know. I'm looking forward to getting to know her better.

                    Dear Shirley (I know you'll read this) -

                    Tag, all the girls and I, Thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.

                    We so appreciate your lovely gifts, and hope to show our appreciation

                    very soon.

                    Sending hugs from me, smooches from Tag, and kisses from the girls.

                    xoxoxo

                    Donna, Tag, Bella, Carly, Claudette & Crystal

                    (I'll leave a few snacks in the barn where I know Leo will find them, too)

                    PS. I'll be personally writing to you over the weekend. 

Gobsmacked and Grateful...

Brynwood Needleworks - Brenda Riddle's "Cottage Linen Closet" Fabric Line

 

Brenda Riddle is the creative force behind Acorn Quilt and Gift Company. We've followed each other's blogs and lives for a long time. We keep in touch through Instagram and Facebook, too, now.

 

Recently, she posted photographs of her newest, luscious fabric line called "Cottage Linen Closet", and I commented that I was "in love" with it. Soon after, she sent me a private message asking for my "new" (farmhouse) address, so I gave it to her.

 

Yesterday, a box arrive and when I opened it I was so excited. Bren sent me a fat quarter assortment of her new line, along with a lovely little tin I can use for needles, or just about anything. 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Cottage Linen Closet" Fat Quarter Assortment

 

Bren's notes about this line perfectly describe the individual prints and colors. You can visit her online journal HERE to read all about her inspiration for this line. She's truly a girl after my own heart.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "It Is Well With My Soul" Tin

She also included this lovely little tin, which after the health issues I've had in the past twelve months, couldn't be more perfect. "It is well with my soul" is so true. 

 

I'm absolutely going to execute one of Bren's quilt patterns to use this fabric, but I'm also working on something special for her to thank her (and she'll get a tiny bit of this fabric back in the process).

 

Thank you, dear friend. Hugs to you and sweet Emmie. 

(Tag, Bella and Carly send their love, too.)

Much love from this grateful heart to yours.

American Pickers' Gift...

American Pickers Metal Tile

Dear friends came to visit us at Hickory Hill Farm yesterday, and they brought gifts. Some for the farm, and some for me.

Linda and I have been friends for forty one years. We met in 1976, when I moved across the state to Portage, Wisconsin. I had worked all the way through high school as a cashier in a grocery store, so I naturally looked for a job as a cashier when I moved to a new city. I quickly found work, and met Linda at my new job. We immediately hit it off, and our friendship has endured all these years.

She and her husband had three children, and their daughter, Marie, Linda and I used to sew together every evening after work. I had a new outfit to wear every week. In fact, I became so accustomed to sewing with the two of them over the years that when I first moved back to my hometown, I couldn't sew for years. I didn't like sewing alone anymore! (You know that I've since overcome that.)

When Marie and her fiance' Tim were married, I was one of her bridesmaids, and I've watched their family grow with four children of their own, and now they, too, have beautiful grandchildren.

Marie and Tim brought a beautiful, old tin tile for me, and Linda brought two acorn gifts. One was a tea strainer painted to resemble an acorn. The other is a hanging ornament featuring a real painted acorn with fabric leaves. (They're wonderful!)

American Picker's Tile Source

Marie and Tim took a trip to visit the home base of American Pickers and they purchased three of these green tin tiles. They were actually "picked" from a Wisconsin location.

Marie's suggestion was to attach one to a piece of barn board, and add hooks or something interesting to create a wall hanging. She gave one of the tiles to me. I'm going to think on this for a while to create something useful for the farmhouse.

Crocheted Shawl from Linda

 

Linda also crocheted a gorgeous shawl for me in my favorite shades of blue and purple. She does lovely work, and this is already a treasured gift.

We spent a wonderful afternoon together, and caught up on so much lost time. I promised a trip to see them again yet this fall, and I sent them home with gifts from our kitchen...homemade banana nut bread and Cornish saffron bread. I'm looking forward to our next visit.

Before I close for today, I wanted to let you know that our younger son and our granddaughters visited on Saturday. We were able to give the girls their Birthday gifts, and they were a big hit! I took pictures, which I shared on the Brynwood FaceBook page.

Today will be a homekeeping day. The garden needs weeding and laundry awaits. Once those chores are done, I'll be working on custom orders until I'm caught up. It's going to be a wonderfully busy week.

Doing A Little Packing...

I took photos yesterday, after it was already dark outside, to show you how I spent part of the weekend. I was taking down many of the treasures and trinkets so that I could pack them up for our eventual move. I guess it's called "staging", but it's a little difficult to affect much of a change in the studio.

Nevertheless, it does seem more open in here, and I'll continue to pack away more in the coming days.

This little bear was handmade by Margaret Bouwmeester of The French Bear. She gave it to me when I was a new blogger, and it's usually where I can see it every, single day.

Look at this sweet face. She's packed away for now, but once we've moved, she will again have a place of prominence in my next studio. Thank you again, Margaret.

This bulletin board is usually situated behind my studio door. I have photos and cards tucked behind the ribbons, but there are also many gifts that hang here, too. It will be out in the open in the next studio.

There are fun, handmade cuffs from a swap I was in with Natalie Santini from The Hungry Hippie. The black one is my Halloween-theme cuff, and the one with the pink flower on it is move Victorian.

There are ornaments that were made by Mary Wadsworth of Mary Wadsworth Blooming Ideas. There are keychain fobs from Anna of LillaLotta and Renee of Wren's Nest. There are the sweetest angel ornaments from Marydon at Blushing Rose and many other small tokens from blog friends.

I have a metal dress form that usually holds my beautiful, handmade ornaments. Everything is now packed until we're moved. I'm going to miss seeing them when I look up on the top shelf in the studio, but they'll be safe until they're unpacked and hanging again.

I know I haven't named everyone who gifted me with these lovelies (Paulette of Beedeebabee, Claudia of Mockingbird Hill Cottage, DeeDee of DeeDee's Craft Spot, to name a few.), but know that I love and appreciate all of them.

The studio is tidy again, and I spent much of Mother's Day with Handsome and the pups. We all went swimming and enjoyed our fabulous, south Florida weather. Handsome made a delicious dinner for us, too, as my Mother's Day treat.

After dinner, I sat down and knitted. I've been working on this shawl for a long, looong time. I think I'll concentrate on finishing it. For yesterday, it was a lovely pastime on a lovely day.

A Warm Gift From Cold Illinois...

Not too long ago, I received an email from one of my blog girlfriends asking for

my address. I knew there was something on its way to me, but didn't know what.

Then, late last week, the package arrived and I was so wonderfully surprised!

My friend, Gloria M. sent a parcel loaded with the most beautiful, luscious wools!

She sent me lovely large pieces of earthtone, neutral and warm colors that I can't

wait to use in one of my projects! I'm positive that I'll create a little something

 for her to show my gratitude, too. Can you even imagine such a generous gift?

  Tucked in with all these fabrics was a bag loaded with decor acorns! (You know they went right into my fall-themed arrangements, don't you?)
Receiving these gifts from Gloria caused me to pause to contemplate how truly blessed I am. Not only am I surrounded by the love and loyalty of my own family, I am also gifted with the best of friendships in my life.    Then, when I began blogging, I never quite understood the depth and longevity  of the new friendships I would develop through my writings. (I was surprised that you would even take time out of your busy days to read what I wrote!)   Dear Gloria is one of those friends, and I hope the time comes when I'm  able to visit her in her home state of Illinois so I can thank her in person.
Thank you for these wonderful, thoughtful gifts, Gloria. Words are never  enough to adequately express my gratitude for your kindness. Please  know that you'll be in my heart whenever I use these fabrics, as well as  each and every time I look at the colorful acorns you sent my way. Thanks, and thanks again, my friend. Blessings to you and yours, xo

Thanking A Hostess...

 Do you give a gift to your hostess when invited to a party?

I always try to take a little something to let her know we appreciate 

the invitation. Sometimes I take a bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers, 

but my favorite gifts are always handmade. My first choice is a set of 

napkins if I've been to my hosts' home before and know their decor. 

I also have a stack of brand new tea towels that I like to embellish. 

They're simple and easy but have a great wow factor. I just take a strip of 

fabric 2 1/2" wide by the width of the fabric, and cut it to the width of the 

towel (plus 1"). I press each end of the strip under about 1/2". Then turn one 

long edge under about a 1/2" and position it on the towel. (I always double 

check placement by folding the towel in half so the sides meet. I want to make 

sure both ends of the fabric line up with folded.) Topstitch the fabric in place 

about 1/4" from the turned edge. Next, I choose a crocheted lace or woven 

ribbon and sew it down over the other raw edge of the accent fabric. Remember 

to turn the ends of the trim over at the sides so they're finished, too. I do a set 

of two and tie them with a pretty ribbon. It's that simple, but they always look 

like it took a lot longer to make. (Is this understandable? Would pictures help?)

 

We were invited to a friend's home last weekend for a delicious fondue party. 

They live on Siesta Key - right across from the beach, so I thought something 

with a beach theme would be appreciated. A strip of "Martinique" on each towel,

and finished with a lovely mocha crocheted ribbon. They didn't take long either!

There's nothing quite like a personal touch to thank your hostess.

(By the way...they were a hit!)

Studio Comfort...

 One of the things I love about spending time in the studio is being surrounded

by the gifts I have received from friends over the years. I keep many of those gifts

where I can see them every day, and they're constant reminders of those friends.

All I have to do is look around and I find myself surrounded by them.

These wonderful and unique gifts were created by loving hands for me.

They're like reminders of warm, comforting hugs.

Of course, I reciprocated with each and every one of these friends, but I'm 

still in awe of the talent, generosity and friendship that each gift represents.

From Laura

Gifts that were chosen with my favorite things in mind -

like acorns and oak leaves - and needlework...

From Kathy

or hand stitched woolwork on a pincushion (you know I love pincushions!)...

From Bonnie

or a special sewn flower cushion from a swap that was the start of what

has become a valued friendship from someone I've never met in person...

From Twyla

 or a crocheted pincushon that is just one of the many gifts that was made by 

another dear blog friend. She also crocheted a beautiful prayer shawl for me 

when Fezzik died. I'll never, ever forget her for that kindness and concern.

These are just a few of the gifts that surround me in my studio. 

Is it any wonder that I love spending time there? 

Please know that these are tangible gifts, but I also value the gifts of your

time and words whenever you leave comments for me on my blog.

It's the feedback you give that lets me know that my words reach you...

that I'm not just "talking" out into the ether. That I'm not alone in this effort.

Thank you for those gifts, too.

Applique' On The Go...

 Can you believe it's FRIDAY again, already? Where is the time going?

Today, I'm sharing a Christmas gift I received from lovely Brenda in 

our Saturday Morning Coffee Club. She made an organizer for all my 

applique' tools and it's perfect! First...I love the fabrics she chose.

 I don't know if she created this from a pattern or designed it herself,

but it has just the right number of pockets for my tools and supplies.

(I'll ask her on Saturday if it was a pattern and if so, I'll share the name of it.)

I already had my vinyl pouch for all the things that might fall out

of the side pocket, but don't you think it looks like it was made especially for

 this purpose? It just the right size! I'll tell you more about it later in this post.

I managed to tuck quite a few applique' tools into that little pouch...

A fimo-trimmed, glass bottle for my needles; bias binding makers in

three sizes; my indispensable Thread Heaven; a rubber finger sleeve

that I use as a thimble-on-the-go (I don't want to lose my precious silver

one!); Roxanne's Glue Baste It temporary, water-soluble glue and 

Aleen's OK to Wash It permanent glue in little travel bottles.

 I also added a safety pin (I just remembered I got a fancy one from our 

granddaughters that I can use!) to hold my spool of Kimono silk in a neutral 

color. The spool kept falling out of the pocket, so I threaded the ribbon through 

the holes on the spool and then pinned the ribbon to the edge of the pocket. 

It's easy to use this way without unpinning it, too!

 On the right hand side of the organizer are long, skinny pockets for holding 

my applique' & pressing tool and stiletto. When I'm not using the stiletto, 

you'll notice from the other photos that I keep a cork on the sharp end so I don't

hurt myself. Brenda also sewed two little felt flaps at the top to hold needles and

pins. I added my cute, little metal dog which has a magnet to hold it to the flap.

 When I'm sewing, I can park my needle there so I don't lose it.

 I also have a Sharpie™ marker (for drawing my applique' shapes on

freezer paper); my 1/4" stencil brush for applying starch to the fabric;

and another handy tool...it's a convenient refillable glue pen from

Sewline. It's also water soluble and has blue glue that turns clear when 

it dries. The fact that it's refillable was also a selling point for me.

This kit is great! All I have to do is grab it and most of what I need to 

applique' is right in my hands. I really appreciate this wonderful and 

handy gift from my friend. Thank you, Brenda. It's workin' great!

 Now...about this vinyl pocket. Have you seen these before?

Would you like to know how to make your own? It's simple and quick.

Just let me know if you'd like a tutorial and if you'd like to know,

I'll post one for you next week so you can learn how to make your own!

All you have to do is ask!

If you missed yesterday's post, click here to learn how you can enter my

Sweetheart Valentine Giveaway!  There's still plenty of time to enter.

More Friendship And Reveals...

Look at the beautiful friendship block I received yesterday from Mary F. of Miss Mary's blog. You can read about the block, as well as the Farmer's Wife quilt she created as a gift for her daughter. It's a truly gorgeous quilt.

Now I understand that each of the blocks I've received were created using fabrics that are in each givers blocks. I know. Can you even believe how much more special they are because of that fact?

Thank you, Mary for your beautiful block. I'm just thrilled to know the details behind the blocks that I have received, too. Your work is so wonderful, and I'm honored to have something created by your hands. I so appreciate the time you took from your crazy busy schedule to do something for me. I'm humbled by your generosity.

I hope all of my friends will drop by your blog and say 'hello'. You guys, it's a great place to visit and see what keeps Mary busy.

I want to show you a couple more nearly-finished American Treasures blocks, too. This is a close-up of the Oregon block created by Susan Slaton and her team. Susan did the stitching and (like me) she has the fingers to prove it.

This block only needs the hand embroidery (a few vines and tendrils) to finish it. Susan doesn't do embroidery, so that work will be done by another volunteer. Barring that, I'm happy to do that part. It's fabulous even without the embroidery right now. Don't you agree that Susan and her team did a remarkable job?

Kathy took another photo of my on Tuesday night as I held up the Florida block. Karen and Jettie are working together on this one. Jet prepared all the applique' work (I love the alligator in the center!), and Karen is doing all the embroidery on the palmetto fronds and she decided to embroider the areas that might usually be created with 1/4" bias strips. I wish I had a close-up to share, but I'll do that when they finish the block and hand it over to my temporary care.

I'm telling you, though that I can see where it's going to get more and more difficult to give up this quilt. I'll probably have to go into mourning for at least a month! 

Thanks to all my quilting friends for bringing light and love into my life everyday - but especially in the past couple of days - seeing all their inspirational work.

One more thing today...I've agreed to teach two applique' classes at the shop where my friend, Loreen works. I'll be teaching on Friday, November 30th from 10 am to 2 pm and again on Friday, December 7th from 10 am to 2 pm.

If someone had told me in 2010 that I'd be teaching this technique in 2012, I would have told them they were crazy. Flo must be so proud of me! (For those of you who don't know, Flo - who is now a dear, treasured friend and mentor - was the teacher in my very first applique' class. Let's just say that applique' and I didn't immediately hit it off.)

I'm really looking forward to teaching the classes and hope to inspire a quilter (or two) to embrace this historic technique. I mean, why should I be alone in my new-found obsession?