New Year goals . . . hmmmmm

I've decided that this is the year I learn to applique. . . . something. And if I could just get those leaf edge points to come out flat and pointy, I'd be happy. Truly.

Of course, actually being able to find anything in my studio right now would make me happy too. Nope, I can't even find the floor. Why? Well, it's covered in boxes and bins of, you guessed it, fabric.

Luckily, since I'm never moving again (EVER EVER EVER!!!) there's plenty of time to use it up. One itsy bitsy leaf at a time.

Wishing you and yours a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year. Until then, keep stitchin' . . .


Photo compliments of the Quilt Study Center

Wishing you all . . .

. . . .a holiday full of wonderful surprises!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Not just ONE,

. . . but FOUR handsome gentleman are under my Christmas tree this year.

Thank you G.B. How did you ever know? LOL.

Until then, keep stitchin . . .

So many talented folks

exhibit at the Firesale sale.

You might even recognize a few.


Just imagine how many UFOs you could fit in one basket.

So save your pennies.

and come join us next year. There's an awful lot to admire and all of it is Made In The USA.

Mark your calendar for the first Sunday in December.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

A few more pics . . .

from the Fireside sale.


Betsy Orlando's dolls.

Ron Howard's iron work.

Pam Howard spinning away. (Pam is co-owner of the Yarn Circle. If you need supplies for spinning, weaving, or knitting, check out their web site and give them a call.)

Lovely pottery.

and I wish I could remember this lady's name . . . but she had some lovely quilts nonetheless.

Until then, keep stitchin . . . .

Fireside sale . . .

and the work of some talented friends at the John C. Campbell Folk School.

Katrina Miller's fun and always whimsical copper sculpted pins. (She does great ornaments too.)

Lee and Doug with their blue and white pottery. The bunnies are my favorites.

Marsha Bugg's phenomenal porcelain pottery in soft muted shades of mossy green, earthy brown and tan.

Suzy DeLauriers' wonderful watercolors of local scenes around the folk school.

And Lynda Metcalfe's beautifully designed earrings and necklaces.

Of course I took more than 5 pictures and will show those soon.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

A few thoughts on giving . . .

It's a time of year for thinking of others . . . and in light of this year's ecomony, ensuring that what we are giving truly goes to those in need.

Here in my small town, one church boxed up an entire Thanksgiving meal for 160 families. Those directing the food drive verified that those asking for help truly needed it. By buying in bulk at a discounted rate they were able to make the funds and the food go further. Perhaps there's an organization in your home town doing the same thing. Check with members of your community, you may be helping a neighbor you already know.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

I'm on a mission . . .

. . . . to reinstate jobs in America. After 2 hours of trying to get my DSL line to work last night and a THIRTY-MINUTE phone call to another country that should have taken FIVE MINUTES, I hereby proclaim loudly and with great exclamation,

"LET'S BRING JOBS BACK TO AMERICA" by refusing adamantly, profusely, and succinctly, to talk with a service person outside of the United States.

Just so you know, I had to ask the Verizon operator THREE TIMES to put me through to someone speaking American English. I finally got the manager who could barely do so. Next time I will stay on the line until I'm speaking to an American.

I've found that the best way to do this is to keep repeating the phrase, "I need to speak to an American in the United States." Don't say anything else, just that phrase, until finally, you do.

Ok, I'm getting off of my soapbox now. I feel better. Thanks for listening.

God Bless America!