New projects and blog issues

Sorry for the funny blog appearance. I am trying to figure out how to keep our ETSY page near the top and also start twittering about new projects. Sigh...this always takes a while and I NEVER like the middle steps when I'm trying to figure it out. I may just go back to the beginning because I can't stand this look!

Anyway, here is a new pic of one of the projects we are working on. Besides the tote bags for that first library trip, these towel designs are really growing on us.

New Tote Design

Since Jeanne has twin grandsons who are going to be in first grade this Fall, we have been thinking about all the special things that we can make for them to inspire learning. We both love reading so the idea for a tote bag that would be the perfect gift for that first trip to the library was a natural. Jeanne asked her "little guys" what designs they liked best and we'll share them with you as we get them done. This butterfly is one of my personal favorites.

And don't you just love the little holder for that library card? Every kid I know loves little things like this that are perfect for a pocket or, in this case, can attach to the tote because it has velcro on the back or a button to hold it in place.

We are playing with National Nonwoven's great new bamboo felt-it feels great and we think will hold up well to the weight of a book or two. Stay tuned for more designs!

Colored Floss version of Sophie #7

I am soooo in love with this Sophie. I think Jeanne may be rolling her eyes every time I stop over for coffee to show her what I've finished. I'm not sure if it is the hat or the bags of goodies in front of Sophie. Either way, this was a treat to stitch in my floss matching the fabric we are using for the non-Redwork version of our wall-hanging. I hope she inspires you to let your "wild side" out a bit!

Sophie #7 Pillow

I had so much fun making up this pillow with the first version of our Sophie #7. I found this great striped fabric in a fat quarter and HAD to have it. When I was driving home my mind just kept coming back to mitered corners and a red frame for Sophie-perfect, don't you think? Let me know what you're doing with your Sophie's-I know it's hard not to keep thinking about the complete wall-hanging but, honestly, don't you love this pillow all by itself???

The colored floss version of Sophie #7 will be posted this weekend-keep an eye out for her-she's awesome!

Barbie Tree???

What do you think about this great tree that is in Jeanne's front yard???? I have a brown/gold version (called a Smokebush-I think) but leave it to Jeanne to have a "Barbie Tree"!!! I think it's beautiful as it shifts colors to this great pink shade. Very appropriate for a woman who has her very own version of the Barbie Game!!! She really knows how to have fun.

I've been stitching up Sophie and the shopping bags and have a great idea to share next for a simple pillow using mitered corners to show off some great stripes. Stay tuned. The colored floss version of Sophie #7 will go up this weekend to give you some other ideas.

Jeanne is hard at work finishing up a new/original tablecloth idea that we hope to present at the end of July. Keep watching-I think you'll like it!

Happy 4th of July! and new Sophie

Hope you are all celebrating the 4th with us-or are still celebrating Canada Day if you are north of us! Looks like there will be a parade later today and fireworks-but, of course, no matter where I am there will be a little bag of stitching close at hand. Jeanne took a quick picture of our latest Sophie as soon as I passed it to her. Didn't she turn out great?

Don't forget to download Sophie #7 from our web site-she's there waiting for you! I plan to post some new items on our Etsy shop page so check us out there too!

Sophie #7

Take a peek at our July Sophie! Isn't she great??? The home page of our website now has this design available for free download. Let us know how your Sophie is coming along. We'll have a colored floss version of this ready to post mid month.

I was in Door County for the last 2 days-enjoying a short get away with friends. Although it was cool and overcast, I had the chance to get re-charged AND get lots of ideas for new projects. Hmmm....now to share the ideas with Jeanne and see what she thinks. How about some lighthouses???

I can't believe it's July 1st already. We hope you are enjoying your summer and having fun with projects that are portable enough to stick in your bag for those minutes spent watching kids play, at picnics, or just waiting for an appointment. Be sure to keep an eye on our web site-we think we have some great new patterns that are easy/quick to stitch but will make great gift ideas. It's never too early to be thinking about holiday gifts!