Whimsicals Threads

:: just spooling around! ::

First things first.  I want to thank each and every one of you for sharing your stories, your hearts, your hurts and prayers.  I can't tell you how much they touched me.  And made me wonder why I waited to share.  Well, besides the fact that I was (and still am) so completely overwhelmed with how far behind I am.....

BUT, I do have some good news!

Tad's scan came back good and his tumor markers were down, so no surgery is needed right now.  He goes back in a month for another check and they will once again look everything over and determine if he is ok without surgery.  It is still at long road to complete recovery, but I'm thankful that he is at least on the mend.  Energy level is way down, and his lungs were affected by one of the drugs so he's enduring some pain and shortness of breath, but things are at least looking up!

The other snippet of good news is that I finally got my new book sent off to the printer!  YEA!  I'm hoping to see the big semi trailer pulling into my cul-de-sac late this week or early next week. And because it should be here soon, I'm thinking that I need to share a few of the projects with you.

This is the quilt that kind of inspired the name of the book.....

I used lots of different fabrics for the spools, but they are all from my more recent fabric lines, as well as fabrics from my newest line Heartstrings.  I must have been tired and in a slap-happy mood when I was working on it because this little play on words, "just spooling around", popped into my head.... Get it?  Just spooling around instead of just fooling around?!  I had myself a little chuckle and decided that it would be a great name not only for the quilt, but for the book too!

Another project that was really fun to make was this table runner....

Yes, once again I felt the need to use that jumbo rick rack that I love so much.  I didn't plan it that way, it's just that once I got the whole thing pieced together, it just fit with the mood of the blocks.  I love the wavy edge that mimics the wavy applique edge..... so fun!

This is a lap size quilt that uses the large scale prints from Heartstrings in the center of the stars.  Actually, the entire quilt is made with fabric from my new line, Heartstrings! 

And then there is my personal favorite....

I know, it may not look like a typical quilt that I would make, but I had such a blast making this one.  I made this one for my son to take to college with him.  He loves music, plays several different instruments, and even writes some of his own.  It's a big quilt, sized to fit the XL twin beds in the dorms, so the music notes are pieced, not applique.  I collected the black, gray and red music fabrics over the past year and just enjoyed every minute of making this quilt.

On this next quilt, I printed pictures on the Printed Treasures fabric.... I have to say, that stuff is awesome....

I picked pictures of my boys as three different ages and just have to chuckle about the way the pictures convey their relationship.  Although they are 3 years apart in age, they have always gotten along great and I love that!

And, here is one that my mom designed and made.  I liked it so much that I had to include it in this book....

Yes, those are all half square triangles.  The funny story about this quilt is that these are all my fabrics, many of which were scraps that mom pilfered from my trash can!  Some of the fabrics were from my very first lines of fabric, close to 10 years ago! 

And then there are a few smaller projects I made out of wool....

What can I say?  I still love working with wool.  The colors, the feel, the texture.... things you just can't get with cotton fabrics.  The first picture is a pincushion and the second one is a project bag that is a great size to keep my knitting projects in.  Of course, that particular project has been in the bag for a long time since I don't get a lot of knitting done anymore..... Maybe my husband will forget that I told him I would make those felted wool slippers for him......

And finally, the project that is on the cover of the book....

 Yep, after photographing it for the cover, I made it into a little pillow!

 And that's it! 

I'm still working on getting the fabric swatches scanned, resized, and put into some sort of format where they can be posted on my web page, but I did get the book added today, so if you happen to order it, just be aware that it will still be several days before it is actually shipped out.

Now, I'm off to do some more work on the next fabric line.  I finally have a direction and a plan, which is a good thing since I'm already about a month behind getting it to Red Rooster.  It's hard to believe that Quilt Market is looming on the horizon because there is still so much to be done yet.  Yikes!  Will I ever get caught up?!

 

 

 

:: apologies ::

Have you ever done something that unintentionally hurts a dear friend or someone you care about?

Now I KNOW that most of you can relate, so go ahead and admit it.

Well, this recently happened to me and I am so deeply saddened by it.  Even when things happen that are merely an accident or unintentional, I still feel the need to try and make amends.  So here goes....

You see, I just got my copy of Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting (November/December 2011 issue).  And on page 78, you will see a lovely quilt called Winterbury Lane and a not-so-lovely picture of me. 

Honestly, it's been a long time since I've had a quilt featured in a magazine.

You see, I don't submit many things to magazines because frankly I have a hard time keeping up with making what I need to for my own books and fabric.  Even with quilts and projects for myself, I rely heavily on several friends (yes, my  mom is included in that group) and their gifts/talents to help me out.  Believe me, I would not be where I am without them.   I am forever thankful that they are willing to share their talents and eternally grateful that they are there beside me in this journey I call life.

So, you can imagine how my excitement over having a quilt in this magazine was quickly replaced by despair when I realized that I had failed to give the proper credit to those who helped me make this project possible.

Although I did design the quilt, it was pieced and sewn together by my mom, Jackie Conaway, and quilted by my friend Kathy Dye of KD Dids.

Mom did an outstanding job of using the fabrics that I sent to her, conversing with me via Skype, and making it all work. 

And Kathy did an exceptional job of quilting, mimicking the applique snowflakes in the snowball blocks, and making the border print look incredible with the little swirls and snowflakes.  If you are fortunate to have a copy of the magazine, you can see these details.

Although I work alone every day, my work is not done by me alone.  Like many people, I need some help along the way.... whether it is an opinion, someone to bounce an idea off of, proofreading, getting a project quilted, or simply finishing it by sewing binding down.  My friends generously help with all of these things.  There is no way that I could possibly keep doing what I do without them.

So, when you see something by Whimsicals or with my name on it, please don't just think of me.  Think of all those that helped to make it possible.  Think of it as a group effort, a collaboration even. 

If you are one of those friends, I thank you.  And if you know of or see one of my friends, please thank them.

Because without them, I would be nothing.

 

It's about time, don't you know?

I know, I know, it's been FOREVER since I've written anything here.  I've started countless times.  Have had lots of ideas.  I've even written them in my head - and please tell me that I'm not the only one who composes thoughts into stories in my head at a time when I can't write them down..... like when I'm driving or taking a shower....

No, the problem is not in coming up with the ideas or getting started.  It's more in the completion.

You see, I get started, then get distracted, then lose my train of thought, and by the time I make it back to finish things, everything that I wrote is so out of date that I have to start all over again.  And hope that I can remain focused long enough to finish.  Obviously, that focus thing hasn't been working in my favor recently. 

And I have to tell you that it is not only with my blog.  It's with everything. Which explains why I just finished my latest book a few weeks ago - the one that was supposed to be finished in May - and why there is a lag between when I got the books delivered to me and when I'm posting it for all of blogdom to see.

But because I'm determined to finish this one tonight, {even if I have to pinch myself to stay awake} I'll move it along and show you my latest book and projects....

 

 

Originally, I was going to do the book with only a few color pages showing the projects and have the text pages for the instructions in black and white.  More like my older books.  But after getting the entire book laid out, I just didn't like it.  So, I went back through the whole thing, added color to all the diagrams, and re-worked it to have color on every page.  And I must say that it was worth it.  A lot of extra work, yes.  But so worth the end result.

So, here are the projects....

This is such a cheerful quilt!  I was really trying to make the blocks look like buttons and flowers without having to do any applique, and I think it turned out well.

 

 

For this one, I took the owl that is on one of the prints in the Buttons and Blooms fabric line and appliqued him on the pillow.  The swirls that you see coming from the branches were actually stitched on with my machine, because I was trying to save some time.  I simply threaded my #16 pearle cotton floss through the upper part of the machine and used some Aurofil thread in the bobbin.  It was quick, easy, and effective!

This tote bag uses two small parts of the panel that is in this line.  They become the pockets on the outside (yes, that's a pocket, and there's another one on the other side using a different panel section.  I sized this to be pretty generous, so keep in mind that ANY fabrics can be used for this.  Make one for the winter and one for the summer.  I think a heavy weight home dec fabric would look great for this bag too.  I'm just sayin'.....

 

This table runner was so much fun to put together!  And I used up some more of my really jumbo rick rack in the process!

 

No, this one is not a panel..... it is actually painted on the fabric using the Shiva Paintstiks!  In the book, I give specific instructions on using the paint and in addition to the colors I used in Make It Merry (burnt umber, crimson, ivory black and meadow green) I used yellow ochre and slate blue.  If you've never used these paints, you're missing out!

 

You can probably tell that this is another portion of the panel print, along with the large border stripe print.  But my favorite thing about this quilt is all the buttons my mom stitched on for me in the border!

 

Once again I ask, can you ever have too many pincusions?!  I love the size and weight of this wool one.  The little needle book is removeable so you can stash it in your sewing kit, or leave it attached. 

And finally, Ollie the Owl.....

 

I had so much fun making Ollie and he seems content to sit by my machine and watch me stitch away.  Now, if only I could find the time to get to my machine to sew!

And that is all!  I have added Buttons and Blooms to my website, so be sure to check it out there....

www.whimsicalquilts.com

Before I go, I wanted to thank all of you for being so supportive and understanding while I try to get everything done yet still enjoy a little time with my kids this summer.   The high school graduation went great, and this summer has been awesome with both my boys home and all their friends congregating in our basement.  But the next several weeks are going to be hard, especially once they are both gone.  I will be finding out what it is like to once again have the house quiet and picked up.  Am I looking forward to it?  Yes and no.  But I guess I'll find out and I'll keep you posted!

Now, I can't believe I did it!  I finished an entire blog post in one night.  Wow.  I think that deserves a good night sleep.....

Good Night!

 

:: the final projects ::

It is always so interesting to see which projects are the favorites and which ones intrigue people.  Believe it or not it is seldom the ones that I would have guessed, so thanks for all the comments!

And from the comments, it sounds like there are a lot of you who have not yet tried the paintstiks, so I guess I need to work on some sort of tutorial.  In the books that have projects where the paintstiks were used, I do have detailed instructions on the technique that I use.  I don't leave you wondering what to do with them!  But my best advice is to just experiment with them.  I should put a big note where I use them saying  NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY because believe me, anyone can do it.  I've seen people with no painting experience get really great results!

If you want to purchase some of the paintstiks, I found a website, www.artsupply.com, that has them for a good price.  Although I've never ordered from them before, you might give it a try!

With that being said, I have one more project in the Make It Merry book that I used the paintstiks on.  It's a little ornament called A Little Joy.

Again, I felt the need to add some additional texture with the lace trim, but that's what makes it so fun!

And I had some of you ask about the little box that was in the picture with the pincushion, so I'm pleased to let you know that it is in the book as well.  I show two different versions.... One of them I did with the fabric from Winterberry Lane, so it is very Christmasy (is that a word?!) and the other is one that can be used for just about anything.

I leave one on my counter to store my tea bags in because it is the perfect size for that.  Wouldn't it be fun to fill it up with hot chocolate packets and peppermint sticks to give to a friend?  Or tea bags, like I did, and have some friends over for tea and scones?! Ah, too many ideas and not enough time!

Here's another project.  How could I do a Christmas book and not include a tree skirt?

I called this Simple Gifts.  See the big border stripe from Winterberry Lane?  Because there are two distinct portions of the stripe, I tried to make the best use of the fabric and cut them so that both could be used, resulting in very little waste.  I can't wait to put this under my tree next year!

My mom helped me out a little with this book by designing this Christmas Star...

This little quilt is the perfect size to place in the center of your table to give it a nice festive look.  And you can complete your table with the Jolly Holly Placemats....

Anyone who did the Cross Country Quilter's Blog Hop a few years ago will recognize these.  This was my projects that I shared when I was a part of that.  I love the big holly leave and the big rick rack.  What a statement!

So, there you have it.  I think I covered them all and I hope that you like them!  Don't forget to leave me a comment to have a chance at winning a fat quarter bundle of Winterberry Lane and a copy of Make It Merry!  You can check out my website and see all of the fabrics included in this line by clicking here. 

I'm going to wait until Monday morning to draw a winner, so keep the comments coming!  Hope you have a great weekend!

Terri

 

:: a few more ::

I was a little remiss yesterday in not answering a few questions in the comments.  I have yet to really figure out how to answer them within the comments section.  Yea, I'm that slow when it comes to the blog world!  Actually, I think I'm doing pretty good just getting something typed up and posted here!

Anyway, about those questions.....

The little purple flowers are crocus.  I love these little flowers because they are so hardy.  Every year, they insist on showing their beautiful colors right after the snow melts and the tempatures warm up past freezing.  The problem is that in Indiana, the warm weather is always a tease.  It doesn't stick around.  There have been many years where the crocus are in bloom and all I can see of them are the tips of the petals peeking out from yet another snow. 

The other thing that amazes me about these flowers is that they come back every year, despite the fact that every year I take off the remaining foliage after the blooms are gone.  I've been told that I'm not supposed to do that with bulb type flowers like these, but I do it anyway because I don't like to look at the wilted remains.  And I guess they don't mind, because they come back to greet me every spring!

And about the book....

I hope to have it available by the end of next week.  Some of that depends on how fast my printer can get it finished and sent to me, but that is the plan!

Now, on to some more of the projects in the book.

This is one I called Peppermint Truffle.

 Now, don't ask me what a peppermint truffle is, because I've never had one.  But these blocks just look like a peppermint that has been wrapped in chocolate, and when I think of a truffle I think of chocolate.  However, when I did a google search I found out that a truffle can also be made from mushrooms!  Not being a fan of mushrroms, that does not sound very tasty to me.  I think I'll stick with the picture in my head, thank you very much!

And here is a little pincushion....

This is a really quick pincushion that can be made as a gift for someone special, or just make it for yourself.  I filled this one with walnut shells, which I got at the pet store, of all places, but I love the way it feels.  It's squishy and fun to pick up, and it stays put wherever you decide to set it down.

And the final one for today is A Simple Wish.....

Once again, my fascination with fonts, words and textures becomes apparent.   I made the letters for peace using the paintsticks then stitched the words on earth with embroidery floss.  And for those of you who have not tried the paintsticks, shame on you!  They are fun, addicting, and EASY!  In the book, I give directions for the technique I use and maybe, just maybe, if I can get my act together, I will prepare a tutorial that I can post here on my blog.  Hmmmmm..... I'll add that to my list!

So, that's all I'm going to show you today!

Remember to leave me a comment so your name will be in the running for a fat quarter bundle (which will include the panel print) and a copy of the Make It Merry book.  

Let me know what you think!!!

:: make it merry projects ::

So, yesterday, I showed you the cover for my new book. Make It Merry.

Today, I'm going to show you a few of the projects!

The first one is All Wrapped Up....

One of my favorite prints in this line is the one that I call a "wrapping paper" print because, well, it looks like wrapping paper!  It makes a great border print on this quilt because it looks like you've taken lots of time to piece together all those squares, but really, it's just a print!

I also did these really sweet little stitcheries I called Tiny Tidings....

I think the simple little words on the big background really draws the attention to the message, making a big impact for something so small. 

And the final project for today is a full picture of Tree Trimmings, which became the cover for the book....

This one was fun to make because of all the different techniques and textures.  The "believe" on the ornament was stitched on, where the "peace on earth" was cut from the large border print in Winterberry Lane.  Then, I painted the branch onto the fabric using Shiva paintstiks, added more embroidery for the needles, and finally added the rick rack trim that each of the ornaments is hanging by.  So much fun!!

And as a bonus, another version of Tree Trimmings.....

No, this is not the exact same layout as the other one.  This one is smaller than the first, but it is another option if you don't want to paint the branch on.  And can I say that I just LOVE the fabric in the center ornament and no, it is not mine.  When I saw that fabric, I knew that it would be a great print for an ornament and just had to use it. 

So, that's it for today.  I would love to hear your feedback....

Oh, and just in case you're wondering, I used a lot of the fabrics from Winterberry Lane on these projects, but also mixed in some from previous lines, and even snuck in some from my stash of other fabrics to balance things out.  You can't imagine how hard it is to create so many projects from just one line of fabric, so I like to mix things up by throwing in something unexpected, like someone else's fabric!

Hope you like them!

 

:: spring is here! ::

Happy Spring!!!!

I was so in need of a good weather day, and today did not disappoint.

This morning as I was sitting in my room working, I glanced out the window and saw this.....

And I realized that it was the first day of spring!  And the sun was shining.  And it was warm.

I don't know about you, but it's been a long winter and I am so excited to think about putting my winter coats and boots away.  My flip flops were calling to me from my closet this morning and although I ignored them, I know that it won't be long before they become an intrical part of my wardrobe again.  Woo hoo!

And another thing to celebrate....

Last week I sent my new book off to the printer!

Can I tell you what a relief it is to have this book completed?!  AND how happy I am to not work on anything Christmas related?!  I know, that's probably not what you want to hear, when the Winterberry Lane fabric is starting to show up in shops about now, but I feel like I have been stuck in Christmas mode since October.

And because I'm so over the Christmas thing, I'm going to give away a fat quarter bundle of the Winterberry Lane fabric to one lucky person along with a copy of Make It Merry when it shows up sometime next week!

So, over the next several days, I'm going to share with you the projects in the book.  All you need to do is leave me a comment on one of those days, and you'll be in the running.  It's that easy!

Good Luck and Happy Spring!

 

:: silent no more ::

Hello?!

Is anyone there?!

I know, it's been a very long time since I've posted anything, but believe me, I've been really busy.  Wanna see what I've been up to?

The first week and a half of February, I was snowed in.  Well, ok, not really for a week and a half.  It was probably more like 3 days.  But it sure felt like a week and a half.  And it wasn't really snow, either.  It was ice, which would explain why I couldn't go anywhere, since my car doesn't do well on the ice.  Or snow for that matter.  But that's all beside the point.  This is what it looked like....

It looks a little bit mad, don't you think?  My feelings, exactly.... 

There was ice everywhere and I felt like I was never going to escape.  But I finally did.  And my car did too!  And there was much rejoicing!

We had a lot of snow this winter; more than we usually do, which usually puts me in a grumpy mood, because I don't like snow.  But one day as I was grumbling, pulling into the snowy driveway again, I saw something that made me smile.  

My son had been outside and randomly made this little snowman on the little patio table that sits in the front yard.  I don't know why, but I had to laugh.  And then I had to grab my camera to get a picture.  This was before the ice storm.  AFTER the ice storm, this same table made me laugh again.....

How funny is that?! 

I have no clue how this formed, but this sheet of ice hung on like this for several days.  It was the wierdest thing.  No one in our house could figure this one out.  Finally, it just melted away.

So, while everyone else was happliy stitching away when they were "iced" in (get it? Instead of snowed in, we were iced in?!  Ok, that was lame, I know.  I won't do that again...) I spent most of my time at my computer, trying to get patterns written, a book completed, and a new fabric line designed. 

And I have two out of the three done. 

Not bad, but I was hoping to have my book done by now.  Just a few more weeks, though.  I'm finishing the final projects this weekend, and then it's back to the computer for writing, layout, photo touch-ups, etc.

But, I did get the new patterns completed and printed.  I even got them up on my website this week.  And just in time too, becuase I've heard that the Winterberry Lane fabric is starting to show up in the shops already!  So, just in case you haven't seen them, here are the new patterns to go with the fabric....

I also have a new hat pattern and my very first apron pattern!! 

I have to say that this hat is by far my favorite one that I've made.  I take it just about everywhere I go, just in case I'm having a bad hair day, which is more often than I like.  And every time I wear it, I get compliments.

I can't say the same for the apron though, because I think it usually works best to wear an apron in the kitchen.  And since I spend very little time in the kitchen, well....  Let's just say that the apron has not seen a lot of use.  But, it is a fun one!  I made it so that it can be reversed, which also gives it a bit more thickness.

So now, all I have left to do is finish this book.  I'm working on it, believe me.  And I'm hoping that everyone finds that it was worth the wait.  It's been fun, making all these Christmas things, but I'm ready to move on now.  Ready for some spring, not only outside, but in my sewing room too.  Just a few more weeks, I know.  I can feel it....

:: a new year ::

Well, I don't know about you, but I feel like 2010 just flew by.  For some reason, I thought that as my kids got older and I got more gray, that things would slow down for me, but that hasn't happened yet....

Ah well.  It's a new year.  A new beginning.  So, I'm headed back into my sewing room.  Time for some serious work now that the holidays are over. 

But as I sit here, I'm wondering how my room suddenly became so full and disorderly.  I work in a relatively small space, and although I think it has personality I am constantly considering how I can make better use of the space I have.  My husband can count on it, at least twice a year..... he'll make his way home from work, hoping that a delicious meal awaits him.  But when he walks in the door, he is greeted not with a yummy smell wafting from the kitchen, but a mess of what used to be in my room now sitting out in the hallway, as I desprately try to find more space where there isn't any. 

And then this morning, it hit me......  maybe I just need a different perspective.   

So, I took some photos of my room as it is right now and will share them over the next several posts, in hopes that you (can you sense my finger pointing at you from your computer screen?) will give me some ideas.  Or inspiration.  Or maybe suggestions.  Let me know what you might do.  What works for you.  What you have done to make your space your own.  How can I make better use of what I have..... so here goes...

The first area is my sewing table.    

I know, it's hard to believe, but I've never had a cabinet for my machine.  It's usually the cost that stops me from buying one.   But I'm thinking that it would be nice if I could find one that fit.  I have only 40 inches between my fabric storage cabinet and that annoying jog in the wall.  Do you see it?  I had a friend make this table for me, and he cut the hole in the top so that my machine would sit down in it, as well as a little jog in the table to fit the jog in the wall.  It works, but I would love to find a way to have some sort of storage underneath.  I guess that's where a cabinet would be a benefit.

You can see the plastic box of thread standing on end under the table, as well as the light box (it's kinda hidden).  Then, I have a thread rack nailed to the cabinet for the threads I use frequently.  And more threads in a couple of the drawers in that old wooden box sitting on the bookshelf.

And many of my tools are on the shelf above the table. I don't mind the shelf, since it gets things off of the table, and although I love the cabinet that is hanging above it, it's not very practical.   The shelves are not adjustable inside and I've never really found a good way to store things in it. Which is obvious in the pictures below.....

Those shoe boxes are the only things I've found so far that will fit inside, but they aren't very easy to get out.  Hmmmm..... maybe I just need to put something different in here, or maybe even move it to a different room. 
 
   

And then there is my table top, which holds a lot of the tools I use on a regular basis.  My favorite thing is this little egg separator that my mom gave me, which now holds my seam ripper, scissors, etc.  That, I won't give up because it just makes me smile! 

And just in case you are wondering, the fabric box is my "beginners and enders", or little works in progress.  You know.... when you begin or end a long string of piecing (what I call "string piecing"), and you just need a scrap of fabric to segway from one seam to the next?  Instead of using a scrap piece of fabric, I've been sewing these little pieces for a civil war quilt together. It's taking a while, sewing them together this way, but it's my quilt-free way of working on something for myself without taking the time to do it.  Hehehe!

So, that's it for that area.  Now, bring it on.  Give me some ideas.  Please?!

 

:: it's cold! ::

I hope that everyone had a merry Christmas! 

In the past month, I've started several posts and not completed any, so today, I'm going to try compiling them into one, so stick with me here......

We've were hit with cold weather really early this year, which is a major bummer to me, but it sure doesn't seem to bother our dog, Yukon.  The first snowfall we had was at the beginning of December and there has been snow on the ground ever since.  One day while my son was out shoveling the driveway, I happened to look out the window and notice Yukon patiently waiting by a tree for him to come back and play with him....

He is so funny. I think Yukon is the only one in our family who really likes the snow!

Yes, I know.  He blends right into the snow, right?!

Ok, here he is, ready for a chase through the yard......

Yep, he's a great dog for the snow!

So, what else have I been up to? 

Well, you may have guessed that I'm not a huge fan of the cold weather in Indiana.  Already, I'm wishing for those warm sunny days of June.  But instead of donning my beloved flip flops and shorts every morning, I've been layering up with sweatshirts, scarves and wool socks, just trying to stay warm.

So,I decided that what I really needed was a new winter coat, and when I couldn't find one, I took matters into my own hands.  I dug out some black heavyweight wool that I've had for years, threw it into the washing machine and felted it so that it was even thicker, and decided to make my own coat, using a pattern by Serendipity Studio.

 

(Image taken from www.sewserendipity.com)

 Ahhhhh...... all those memories from my 4-H Clothing days came flooding back.  

As you might imagine, I've never been one for following the directions, so I made a few minor changes as I made the jacket..... I added pockets in the side seams, (because pockets are a must for carrying my ipod and keys), and because wool against my skin makes me turn all red and blotchy, (which IS NOT a good look), I added a lining. 

I did have a few challenges.  One being the mix of fabrics and the faux suede that I used on the collar, facing, and cuffs.  It kept shifting on me as a stitched, but it didn't take long to figure out that it worked better to have the suede on the bottom and the wool on the top as I fed it through the machine.  And with 4+ layers of heavy, coat-weight, felted wool my trusty Pfaff with dual feed was a huge plus.

It is in no way perfect, but I love the way it turned out.  It's warm enough without being too heavy.  It's long enough to cover my bottom.  And the best thing is that both of my boys (who are really young men at 17 & 20) think it's so cool that I made a jacket!

It's been a busy month spent visiting with family and friends, making it hard to get any real projects accomplished.  I did get the patterns for the Newsboy Cap and the Little Apron sent off to the printer.  Now, I'm moving on to the patterns and book to go along with the new fabric line, Winterberry Lane.  I will keep you posted as to when each one becomes available.  In the mean time, I pray that you all have a SAFE and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Terri