Shabby Cottage Roses

I thought you'd like to see one of mom's latest stitched pieces.  This is a hanging pillow with Shabby Cottage Roses:

I believe the embroidery pattern is from my collection of vintage designs.  I share with mom and I know she has some of her own so I'm not entirely sure. 

In other news, we're still looking to adopt a kitten.  We've checked with our vet's office numerous times and they haven't had any kittens come in yet.  We've checked with the various shelters in our area and to be honest, we're not thrilled with some of their policies.  Scott and I both feel that neutering a cat at 2 or 3 months old is just too young.  We understand why they do it and I'm certainly a firm believer in spay/neuter but that just seems too young.  It doesn't look like we'll have a choice though.

My vet's office called this morning and suggested that I check with Animal House Shelter in Huntley Illinois.  It seems that's the shelter they recommend so Scott and I will go there.  I've already filled out the adoption application and a lady called me just a little while ago to say that we've been approved.  So, sometime in the next couple of days, Scott and I will go up there.

It's very hard for me to do this.  Not to adopt a kitten but with so many that need a good home, it's just hard.  And quite frankly, I wouldn't be doing this if Garfield and Simba were still here.  I guess I can't think about adopting another kitty without thinking about them.  But I can't have them back so we have to give a new baby a good home.  I'll keep ya'll posted.

Forget Me Not and Valentines

First, I'd like to say thank you to everyone who decided to take my Crazy Quilt Color and Composition Classes.  I'm thrilled to know that there are so many stitchers out there who want to learn my techniques!

I thought you would like to see a close up photo of Lesson 1 - Forget Me Not:

Lesson 2 will be released on January 21, 2013.  I'd also like to mention that if you signed up for Lesson 1 and plan to document your progress on a blog, website or photo album, please email me the link and I will post them here on my blog so every one can enjoy your photos!

And speaking of Valentines, I just listed 2 pretty Valentine's Day Door Hanging Pillows by mom over in my Etsy shop:

This pretty Pink Rose Door Hanger is made with a vintage hankie.

And this Valentine Heart Hanging Pillow is crayon tinted and hand embroidered by mom!

My Valentine Cat Dolls are all together now but I don't think I'll have time to list them until over the weekend.  I'll post photos when they're available.

Machine Embroidery Vintage Hankies

I've been collecting vintage hankies for quite a few years now and I love to use them on my crazy quilt projects.  My favorite hankies are the ones with machine embroidery flowers on them.  They're quite easy to find for a dollar or 2 at flea markets and antique shops.

The purple rose on this hanging pillow is from a vintage handkerchief:

I finished embellishing this door hanger yesterday and then last night, I started on one with a pink rose:

I spent all day yesterday sewing.  I put a good couple of miles on my sewing machine, piecing loads of new blocks.  I wish I could sew some more new blocks today but I have other things that need to be done.  I do plan on having a few hours of stitching time later today.

Pink Cat

My pink cat crazy quilt hanging pillow is done and ready to be sewn up:

I think I'll spend the afternoon putting my last 3 projects together.  I have several custom orders to do and I like to stay on top of things.

I was asked to do a small purse on a frame so I started on this project last night:

I'll have to pull out one of my books that shows how to actually put the purse on the frame.  I've never done that before.  But first I have to finished stitching this so I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

I won't be taking on anymore custom orders this year. At the moment I have 4.  I'm going to be focusing on following my own muse, putting some new books together and working on some online classes for Maureen at Maureen's Vintage Acquisitions.  Of course, I'll be making things for the shop because I have to stitch.  It's just what I do.

Groundhog Day 2012

Did you know that the movie, Groundhog Day with Bill Murray, was filmed right here in McHenry County, Illinois?  Yes, 20 years ago!  It was filmed on the beautiful square in Woodstock, Illinois which is the county seat.
The city of Woodstock (more like a quaint old-fashioned town) is having a 20th anniversary celebration of the filming of Groundhog Day through this weekend.  How fun!

Here is a photo of the opera house on the Woodstock Square:

If you're old enough to remember Orson Wells, he used to perform at this Opera House!

Just a little bit of fun trivia for today everyone!

I spent the majority of yesterday putting miles and miles on my sewing machine!  Loads of new crazy quilt pieces are now ready to stitch on and embellish!

I also finished up my Pot Of Gold Hanging Pillow:

I think I mentioned yesterday that the design is from my collection of vintage embroidery patterns.  It's so much fun to collect these old pattern and then actually create something from them.  I don't "iron them on".  I scan the patterns into my computer, print them out and then trace the design onto my fabric using a wash out blue pen and a lightbox.  Anyway, this is in the shop now.

I also had a little time to stitch on my Spring Lady Crazy Quilt Purse:

I love the colors on this one!  I'll stitch on this some more today and have another update photo for you tomorrow.

Finally, today is my dad's 72nd birthday!  Yes, he was born on Groundhog Day!  If anyone might like to leave a Happy Birthday wish for him, I will forward your messages to his email so he can read them.  I think he'd get a kick out of that!  Thanks everyone!