Annual Ornament Feature

Getting a jump on Christmas and making ornaments for my grandkids. This is a tradition I began with my own children, and as they had children I continued with the grands. Oh there have been a few years where I didn't follow through, but that was before my grandson, 15 at the time, said that he loved to decorated the tree and find all his ornaments that I had made him through the years. When I discovered that it really meant something to him, a teenage boy no less, my heart was touched! Let's face it. we love to make things. It's in our blood or something. But if no one appreciates what we are doing it kind of takes the heart out of it. We all love a little recognition, right?

So here is this years simple little offering. The pattern was in American Patchwork and Quilting magazine December 2011 issue. It is a pattern by Sue Spargo that I adapted to my own needs. Hers is wonderful, but I needed something that was easier to mass produce because I needed so many. Years ago I made felt ornaments every year. In those days my mom would design the pattens and she always made them for everyone. Now I am working with wool, but I still had a nice big hunk of heavy white felt from "the old days" that worked well for the background. So I am happy to say that the ornies are done for this year!! Now I need to design and make four Christmas Stockings! Boy, these kids expect a lot!

On another note, someone telephoned me the other day to ask if I take credit cards for my pattern purchases. I do not. My website is set up to accept Paypal, which is so easy to use, and safe as well. If you haven't tried it, do so on something inexpensive, like one of my patterns, just to get the feel of it. If you are uncomfortable doing that and you don't want the hassle of mailing a check, you can always call this number: 757-523-2711. It is the local shop here in Virginia Beach (What's Your Stitch 'N Stuff) and they carry ALL my patterns. They also often have kits available for at least one or two of my patterns. It changes. Of course I also mentioned two shops in my previous post that have kits for Old Elegance, and naturally they have that pattern as well, plus other Patchalot Patterns. 
Seems like I am doing a lot of self promotion lately. Well I ask you, who else is gonna do it? LOL!

If you are living in snow country and got blasted yesterday, my condolences. We actually turned on the furnace for the first time last night. I hope this winter it is not going to be a repeat of last winter. Warm wishes to all!

 

Update! Please!

I just noticed that my post from yesterday did not update so I am trying again and adding a cute picture to boot! Be sure to see the post previous to this one!

  

Aren't these guys ridiculously cute?

Cocheco IV Fabric and Kits!

I just came home from the grocery store and am collapsing for a few minutes. My husband is expecting an apple pie. But before I begin that I need to catch my breath. I left several bags of groceries at the foot of the stairs by the garage. Our kitchen is on the third floor and it about kills me to carry heavy bags up there. I just carry the frozen and refrigerated stuff up and then Hubby gets the rest later. What a plan, huh?

 Here it is again, Old Elegance. I am excited about this quilt being displayed at the Marcus Fabric booth at Quilt Market in Houston. I know you have all heard this before, if you read my blog. The additional great news is that there will be kits available at two fabulous shops. Coincidentally, both are AP&Q top shops!

When I called Michelle Joyner of Fat Quarters Quilt Shop in Vista, California she was very enthusiastic about my pattern because she had ordered this fabric line from Marcus. She now has the fabric and the pattern in stock so hopefully kits are in the works! You can reach her shop at 760-758-8308. Also see the link to find out what other great things are in the shop. I had the pleasure of visiting this shop several years ago and love it! 

Another great shop, and closer to home for me, is Millstone Quilts, right here in Virginia. Millstone Quilts was just featured in the most recent issue of Quilt Sampler magazine. You probably have the magazine so you can take a look at how darling the shop looks. Regina Simmons is the owner and when I spoke to her she decided to order the fabric so she could make up kits. You can contact this shop at 804-779-3535. Wow, make my day!

I can't tell you how delighted I am to have these two great shops kitting up this pattern! It gives me the opportunity to share this pattern with you kitted in the original fabric pictured in the photo. I hope you love it and give one of these great shops a call!

Also, you can purchase the pattern individually at the Patchalot Patterns website, or ask for it at your LQS. I am always happy to take shop orders!