New Year's Eve

I woke up yesterday morning with a bit of a chest cold. Nothing terrible but by the time we got back from running errands, I was tired and didn't have the energy to do much other than stitch and watch movies.

I so much wanted to sew up a new block but instead, pulled one already sewn from my stash:



Yes, this will be another purse. I love the colors in this! I plan to stitch on this most of today, once I complete my end of year paperwork and finish up writing the tutorial for the Dryer Sheet Pansies which is coming on Tuesday.

I'm really looking forward to Sharon's "Take A Stitch Tuesday Challenge" project. I have loads of fun ideas and will probably get in sync with what Sharon's doing once things get rolling. Since I needed time to write the tutorial (and make a sample) I thought I would start with the Pansy project as I know I have many readers waiting for that.

I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to offer their suggestions on how to clean that beautiful vintage collar that I found at the antique mall. Special thanks to Lynne for doing a bit of research on the store! It didn't occur to me that they might still exist!

I sent a photo over to my mom and she said it can safely be dry cleaned so that's most likely what I'll do. The foundation and backing fabric are satin.

I hope everyone has a safe New Year's Eve. We aren't planning to go anywhere. Instead, we'll make some shrimp cocktail, a Pina Colada and watch television.

Vintage Collar

Again, I don't have any stitching to share today. I'm having serious withdrawal symptoms! I've had a little trouble deciding on what I want to start on. Sometimes, it's not good to have so many ideas!

Today, I thought you would enjoy seeing this beautiful vintage collar that I found last weekend at the antique mall:



It needs to be washed but I'm a little afraid to do that. I thought about having it dry-cleaned but I have reservations about that as well. I'm not sure what to do. I'm not sure how old it is but I'm assuming it's from the 40's or 50's based on the style. What are you're thoughts? Do any of my readers have experience with cleaning something like this? Can anyone confirm the 40's/50's era for me?

There is a tag on the back that says, "Made In India" - Baar & Beards Inc N.Y.

I'm sure it won't be any surprise to you that I plan to use it to make a purse. I can see this along the edge of a purse flap, with crazyquilting in the center.

So this is what I really want to start on but until I can determine if I can clean it or not, I'll put that idea on hold and do something else instead. As soon as I can decide on what the "something" else will be!

We Have A Winner!

Congradulations to Lynne Gabbe-Harkcom for being the first person to post the correct answer to the question, "What was my first published design?".

The name of the design is technically, "Mr. Snowman" but the information online states it as "Snowman On A Blanket" so Lynne, you are the winner!

I sold this design to Leisure Arts in 1989 and it wasn't published until 1993! Talk about having to have patience!

Yes, the name of the magazine is Celebrations To Cross Stitch And Crafts, the Winter 1993 issue:



And here is a photo of the design:



I don't know if this was too easy or too hard! But I enjoy having contests and am already planning on another one!

Lynne, when you have a free moment, I need you to send me your snail mail address so I can mail your prize to you!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to search for the answer.

CONTEST!

As promised, I have a fun contest for you today!

You'll have to do a bit of research, but the answer is available on the internet.

Ok, here it is:

What was my very first published design and what magazine was it published in?

You have to give me the title of the design as well as the name and issue date of the magazine.

The first person to post a comment with the correct answer, will receive this beautiful Venice lace applique which I've hand-painted. I've also included some small pearly sequins, seed beads and tiny yellow pearls to embellish it with:



Ok everyone, do your research, have fun and good luck!

Crazyquilting Gifts

I thought you would enjoy seeing several gifts that I made for this Christmas. I couldn't post them until now:



Crazyquilting is a wonderful way to use photographs thanks to commercial inkjet fabric sheets!



I found that beautiful hummingbird pin at a flea market over the Summer. I don't know if it's vintage or not but it was in perfect condition and I thought it would be a beautiful focal point on a crazyquilt piece.

If you would like to see larger versions of these photos, just click on one to go to my Flickr site.