Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Reflections....


It's the last day of 2008 ~

I'm not sorry to see it pass...really, I'm never sorry or regretful to see a year pass.

2008 was a year that brought us many joys, with the continuing Friendships of Old & the beginning of New ones...

Progress on our shop & farmhouse continues, and I can't wait to see the changes coming next.


There were marriages, divorces, births & deaths,...beginnings & endings that enrich our lives for better or worse, but are always enriching nonetheless.


Illnesses, laughter, road-trips and the occasional argument..
these are what makes life simply,
...worth living.


I don't make New Year resolutions...I think that sets one up for failure.
why mark a certain day to make positive changes in our lives,
when we have the ability do that every single day?


What I do instead, is just what I'm doing now...
I look back on situations and try to understand how (if ?) I could have made them better.
I weigh opinions & options
and usually come to the same conclusions
that were presented to me at that time.


Living a simple, less cluttered (body, mind & spirit) life is truly freeing and joyful.

I will continue to wake up each morning thanking the Stars for who, what & where I am,
and who I am blessed to be with....
that includes those of fur, feather or skin.


Take today to reflect on your past year...
you can't change it now, but tomorrow morning you can change everything....
~ again.
That little chick that you see in my hand in the picture above can't remember having it's picture taken, but it knows that tomorrow the sun will rise and a wonderful cycle will begin again...


Peace & Prosperity to you All ~

Lori

Monday, December 29, 2008

Someday....

THIS is my idea of the perfect Quilt Shop ~
This picture is found in the Better Homes & Garden
QUILT SAMPLER magazine,
(year 2000)
The name of the shop is
COTTONS
and is owned by Deb Coates...it's located in Battle Ground Washington...
Okay...the things( among MANY) that I LOVE LOVE about this shop,
(never being there personally,
but just drooling over the pictures
in this poor, dog-eared & bedraggled issue of mine)...
are:
~the White-Washed wood floors
~Bright, Natural light
~Old-timey cupboards, displays
~Bolts & Bolts of Homespuns, Plaids & Checkered fabrics...
(my 2nd fav...repro 1800's are my passion)
...housed in a renovated Church, this could possibly be thee best place for a Quilt Shop...
i mean, what better building could house something that we hold SO close to our hearts, than
a building that was erected for the sole (or should I say "soul"?) purpose of bringing people together under one roof, to gather like-minded individuals & share our stories....
Not unlike lovers of Needlework
( fabrics, threads, wools, sewing items, etc...)
We gather together to create beautiful things that we just HAVE to share with our friends...
(don't quilt? I can show you how...can't stitch? please...look at how easy this is....)

~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~


I'm hoping to purchase some buttercream-colored paint...
the floors will be first, then onto the trim...
I'm hoping to keep my little shop here on our Farm
as a destination...
someplace that many will continue to want to come...
to gather, create & share...
I've been blessed these past (almost) 3 years to have Friends visit with me,
and tell me how fortunate I am to have a shop...
I know I am.
I am because you continue to come...
~May all of your best wishes & dreams come true for you in 2009~
Blessed be,
Lori

Sunday, December 28, 2008

I'm Blue....


well, not really...but this sweet little kitty pinkeep is!
she's fresh to ebay this evening...

Working on a couple of Frakturs to list tomorrow eve also ~
Blessed be!!
Lori

Friday, December 26, 2008

just a note...


Popping in to say hello & remind you that we will re-open the shop on Friday January 2nd~


Felicia & I will be arranging the shop to get ready for the upcoming classes...more repro quilt fabrics will be arriving, and I'll be installing better lighting in the shop so we can see better!!


Quilt & needlework pattern models, as well as class models are being made up & will be posted here soon...


I'll pop in as I can...can't wait for the New Year!!
Woohoo!!!!!


Blessed be, Friends...
Lori

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Just "Stuff"...

We had a busy day here in the shop, customers came from near & far to get patterns, wool, advice, ....floss, fabric, advice,...more advice...

I love when my customers ask me questions on how to "do" something...
I am always happy to help as best as I can....
Sharing the things I've learned over the years fill my heart.
I'm thrilled to pieces at the results!!!
Not only have I helped in lighting a little spark in the heart
of a 'newbie' hooker, stitcher, puncher, etc...
I've made a new Friend!!!!
THAT is my reward~
The picture above shows a scarf that I made from some as-is wool, I then embellished it by needlefelting a robin's nest with dogwood flowers...
adding little beading to the center of the flowers....
Our Needlefelting Class for Beginners will be held Saturday, January 17th 10-3...
I'll be teaching you the basic techniques for needlefelting,
and you will make a scarf of your very own design!
Class fee is $25.00 ~
if you'd like me to save a seat for you, please email me at not4got@aol.com

Just received our shipment of the new Wool Street Journal magazine...
If you'd like to purchase one, you can email me at not4got@aol.com ~
they are $8.00 each ~
This issue is the January 2009 issue, it is chock-full of
thee most gorgeous rugs, colors & articles!



Below are pictures of Felicia's youngest daughter,
Bella, stitching the afternoon away...

she's in kindergarten and is already comfortable with a needle & thread!


you go girl!

This picture below is of the little quilt that Felicia made as a model for the upcoming
Beginners Quilting Class on February 21st ~ (saturday) from 10-3
Class fee is $25.00 and includes everything you need to make this quilt...
it measures approx. 12 1/2" x 16" ~
You'll have a choice of fabric colors, and will learn how to measure, cut, hand-piece & hand-quilt.
...the class is filling up quick, so if you'd like to attend,
please email me at not4got@aol.com to reserve your seat!

Well, today is Hannah's 14th birthday...we bought her some Chanel parfum that she wanted so badly, and she was gifted with some spending money from some relatives...
needless to say, she is at the Mall right now with her father !!!

We celebrated by having Chocolate Mousse cake, then we watched the home video of the day I went into labor, Hannah being born (no, no "grim" shots!) and of us bringing her home...
We watch it every year, and every year I cry when I see her that little again...
She's blessed our lives more than I would have ever imagined...
Tonight will be a quiet one,
as I'll be stitching on the model for the Mercantile Gatherings magazine...
(www.mercantilegatherings.com)
We'll watch a movie and maybe have popcorn & cocoa with marshmallows! yum!

Wishing you a Peaceful weekend spent with those you love, in the place you love most.
Blessed be,
Lori

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Christmas Shop Hours:

geeez...you'd think I actually made them wear those hats?...
look at Lazy's face...
he seems to be thinking ..."how embarrasing!"
hahaha!
Buddy, the Beast is ready for anything, including a sled-ride...
now all we need is some SNOW instead of all this rain!
Wanted to let you all know that I'll be
closing the shop next week for the Christmas Holiday,
to spend some quality time with my family ~
sorry for the inconvenience...
we'll reopen the shop again the following week...
all orders have been shipped, so those that have emailed regarding their last minute purchases, be assured you'll have them before Christmas...
if you order something after today (12/18) ,
I cannot gaurantee that you'll receive your order before Christmas...
I'm sure you understand...
I've begun working on my Spring 2009 designs...I have sketched up some designs for needlepunch, cross stitch, embroidery, doll quilts & even a doll pattern or two!..
(I haven't made a doll in SO long...I'm itchin' to stitch one up on my treadle!)
Also, I'm working on the Deare Ladyes of Threade guild, and have been asked to submit some free patterns for Mercantile Gatherings magazine...
I've got to get.....
Busy Busy Busy!!!!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

count down begins...

Hannah will be celebrating her 14th birthday this saturday, the 20th ~ I can't believe that 14 years have passed since we brought home a little bundle of sweetness!
I also can't believe that Christmas is almost here!
one week away...the farmhouse is snug & cozy...I've put up 3 trees this year,
one in the Keeping room, one in the Kitchen, and one in our Den~
the lights twinkle & blink to our life's backround music,
which, on any given day is the sound of
cats mewing, dogs barking, Peter, Hannah & or I talking
(read: yelling)...
(hey, he's Italian)....
How quickly a year goes by...
how quickly a baby grows...
how quickly, our weekly chores,
daily routines,
memories....
fly past...
Cherish them,
make them count,
hold each fleeting second in your heart forever...
or as long as you can...
Today will not be like tomorrow,
nor was it akin to yesterday...
Each day,
I count,
as a new beginning...
a new year?
...well....
that's much better of a beginning now, isn't it?...

Fix what's broken,
mend what's worn,
and discard those things that

just.
can't.
be. .
..fixed.
I'm speaking spiritually, physically & metaphorically....
"Too Fast, Too Soon, Too Much, Too Little," ...
words to eliminate in the upcoming year.

Words to savor?
"I Love You", "Enough", "Thank You"....
I'll sign this post with a quote from a dear Friend's signature...
"May you always have enough"
Blessed be,
Lori

Friday, December 12, 2008

LIttle Quilts...

I've stitched up two little doll quilts in the last week...I absolutely love making them!
I love choosing just the 'right' fabrics, then hand-piecing & hand-quilting them...


...it is a soothing respite from counting (cross stitch)
and much more quiet than needlepunch (click-pop, click-pop!!)


This one I'll call...
"Washday"
...

it measures approx. 11" square...
...it reminds me of a Saturday morning spent doing laundry & housecleaning...
I've used vintage ticking, early blue calico, repro 1800's brown calico, muslin and another blue/brown repro for the border and backing...the design looks like a dash from a butter-churn to me, too...so it's a little quilt to remind me to keep humble...

... in every quilt I make, I will include a
"Humility Patch ~or~ Block"
...the Amish & Mennonite Women & Girls are known for their quilting abilities,
yet however perfect their stitching is,
they intentionally make a block that is imperfect...
to keep them humble...

Can you find the Humility patch or block in my little quilts here??

This little one below I'm calling
"Sunday Picnic"
...

it measures only 7 1/4 " square...
I've chosen mustards & reds for this one...reminding me of , what else?
... mustard & ketchup...
the backing & the border calico print reminds me of tiny ants marching!

I'm not sure if I'll list these on ebay, or keep them for myself...
let me know what you think of them?

Well, Gentle Folk, I'm headed to the farmhouse...the woodstove needs banking since the temps have dropped again this aft...I'll be frying buttermilk chicken (recipe to follow:) for supper tonight and making oatmeal raisin cookies for our snack later...

Blessed be,
Lori

~Notforgotten Farm's Buttermilk Chicken~

4 chicken thighs
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups crushed saltine crackers
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp rosemary
1 tblsp melted butter

Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least one hour,
(although, soaking longer makes it better...)

Mix cracker crumbs, garlic & rosemary
and coat wet chicken with crumb mixture...

Melt butter in frying pan
and arrange chicken fatty sides down...
turning to cook fully.

Serve with crusty bread and a cold green salad...
YUM!


Wednesday, December 10, 2008

What's New?

Hi Folks ~
...been a couple of days since I've been able to really get up on this computer to do any work...

Last Saturday, I was fortunate to demonstrate Needlework at Oakland, as I had previously posted...

it was a wonderful turnout, with all proceeds & donations benefitting the
Nelson County Historical Society...

I took some pictures, but for some reason they came out so dark that they were unuseable...bummer.




I've been working on the Pocketful of Primitives book, gathering more photos, etc. to make it more 'meaty' of a book than I first intended...I'm hoping to have it published soon, so I can release it by the first of the New Year!

I've also been hand-quilting small doll quilts, too...I am in love with hand quilting...
since Felicia taught me the 'proper' way to get my corners & points lined up...but they are still extremely primitive & naieve-looking...
I think I'll be coming out with some patterns for doll quilts soon too!


Speaking of Quilting...
I have been thinking about this for a while too...you all are aware of the AIDS Quilt that was created in 2000 to benefit the AIDS Research Foundation...they raised millions of dollars.

Well, How about a Breast Cancer Quilt?

"Memories in Cloth"

We could all create a 12" (with 1/4" seam allowance) square quilt block...
now, if you don't quilt, you can still contribute by creating your block in one of the following mediums:

Needlepunch
Applique
Rug Hooking
Cross Stitch
Embroidery

I would ask you to send the blocks to me, to then have professionally put-together,
and the finished quilt would then be auctioned to raise monies for
Breast Cancer Research...

My sister Jo-ene is in stage 4 of her cancer...still undergoing treatment.
I know families that have been touched & affected by Breast Cancer.
So many unanswered questions...

Are you up to the challenge of making a simple quilt block,
that best reflects your feelings about Breast Cancer
& the millions of lives it touches?

if so, give me a holler at not4got@aol.com... and we'll get this thing rolling...

I think alot of Good can come from something as simple as Memories in Cloth...


Blessed be~

Lori

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

A Sneak Peak !

The picture above shows the little doll quilt
that I've sewn on my new (antique) Pfaff Treadle sewing machine !!!

...now, I'm not a quilter by any means...
the Amish say that they purposely make a mistake in their quilts
because only the Lord is perfect...
well, I've definitely got Amish blood
(or at least PA German, for sure!)
in my veins...
and i don't purposely make mistakes...
they create themselves when i quilt!
I like the wonky look my little quilts have when they're all finished up...
the pieces don't line up right,
and I sure can't hand-stitch like a professional quilter,
but, the look I'm after is one of a small child's hands...I think I achieve that well-enough...
this one measures a scant 8 1/4" x 8 1/4".
(I'm debating with myself whether I want to list this on ebay,
or pin it to my Keeping Room wall...
so far, the debate is leaning towards the Keeping Room wall.)
The picture also shows you a preview of one of the projects in my newest book,
"Pocketful of Primitive"
which I am almost ready to release...
The pocket shown is called "Elda's Flowers", named for my sweet Mother ~
The book should be ready in a day or so,
and I'll post here when it will be available and up on ebay too...
I have another little quilt in mind, this one done in blues & browns...
perhaps a little bit larger than the one shown here...I have some early men's shirting in cream with little blue stripes & polka dots, some seriously thin & old homespun in thee best grey-blue/cream, and a bunch of others that are repro 1800's...
Well I'm off to peruse Maggie Bonanomi's book (again) "With These Hand's"
...I love it DEARLY
and now want to change my little Farmhouse to all browns/creams/blues...

*sigh*

Blessed be, my Friends~
Lori

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

December musings...

my feather tree stuck in an old grey graniteware coffee-pot,
wears a funnel of the same for a topper!

The family members that were here over the Thanksgiving Holiday have now all gone...

Peace and Quiet again in the old Farmhouse!

I've been writing a list of things to do (or not to do) for December,
to prepare for the long Winter ahead and the upcoming New Year:

1~ buy more wool socks...
The old floors of this house are COLD.

2~ stuff the old windows with newspaper to keep out more of the cold.
It worked for Grandma, it'll work for me.

3~ collect more kindling for the woodstoves.
I love the way it crackles, plus gathering firewood warms you twice...
once when you go hiking for it & twice when you burn it!

4~ ready the barn for the cold wind.
the sheep's barn is full of hay bales now,
so that will help insulate them a bit more.

5~ stock up now on floss, threads & sewing needfuls.
if I get snowed in, I'll be sure not to be stuck without something to do!
6~ fix and/or patch the quilts.
I usually patch with wool...lasts longer than the quilts themselves!
7~ catch up on my spinning.
I have gobs of raw wool that needs to be carded & spun
...hmmm...about those wool socks...(see #1)
oh, never mind, I can't knit to save my life.

8~ try to NOT take scalding hot baths.
even though i love LOVE to soak in my big porcelain tub,
the hot water sure does a number on my old hide.

9~ stitch more. talk less.

10~ talk less. stitch more.
XXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXxxxxXXXXXX
Santas & Bears on the old Blue mantel in the keeping room

I've posted a few pictures of parts of the Old Farmhouse that I've decorated.
I'm very plain & simple farmhouse style....don't have the tree up yet, will post that when I do ~hope you enjoy!!

The dolls are from some of the best doll-makers out there in cyberspace...& yes, I do collect them...I have about 50 different primitive dolls from Dear Friends...

this basket was once used by an Appalachian Momma to hold her babies...
now it holds some of mine.

Blessed be, My Friends...
Lori

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Quiet Coziness....


All squirrelled up in my comfy stitching chair, I've been setting these past couple of days...

usually warmed by my constant companion Suzy, who curls up on my lap, feet or head
(usually my head when I'm fast asleep and drapes her tiny furry arm about my neck.)


I've stitched up a sampler pillow that I'll list on ebay this eve~stitched on osnaburg and backed with white chenille (sashing on front is red chenille) ~

Today is a loverly, cold wet & rainy day...perfect for a hot mugful of Turkey Soup and a bit of stitching while watching a movie...White Christmas?...hmmmm....Dances with Wolves?....no ~ White Christmas...maybe this eve I'll put up the tree for Hannah & I to decorate...
Hoping that your early Winter days are full of your favorite things...cats included.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Being Thankful ~

Here are some things that I'm Thankful for this year:

Dirty Dishes
(that means we have enough to eat)

the Alarm Clock
( time to begin a new day)

Drafty Windows
(that allow me to see my surroundings)

Arguments with those I love dearly
(that means someone loves me, too)

Holes in my Socks
(for the ability to walk)

Glasses
(that enable me to see)
Broken promises
(helps to strengthen relationships)

Stress
(if it weren't for that, I'd have no energy!)
Not your typical list of things, granted, but I try to look at life with a little different perspective than most I guess...

I want to know how it feels to want, to need, to hurt, to heal...
it strengthens character & makes us truly and humbly,.....
Human.

We surely don't have alot of money, but we do have one another.
That is a gift to be Thankful for, everday.
~Wishing you ALL a most Happy, Peaceful & Humble Thanksgiving Holiday~
Blessed be, my Friends...
Lori

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Holiday Shop Hours & Gift Certificates


For those that have emailed, our Holiday Shop Hours are as follows:

CLOSED November 26 & 27
OPEN November 28 & 29
10:00 - 3:00

CLOSED December 23, 24, 25
OPEN December 26 & 27
10:00 - 3:00

CLOSED January 30 & 31
Open January 7
10:00 - 3:00

Our regular shop hours will resume January 7th, and will be
OPEN Wednesdays - Saturdays
10:00 - 3:00
CLOSED
Sundays, Mondays & Tuesdays.

Please don't forget that we have beautiful Gift Certificates available,
in any denomonation ~

Thanks Friends, any questions?
I'm only an email away:
Not4got@aol.com

Blessed be!
Lori

Friday, November 21, 2008

Simple Things....


Some of my most cherished posessions are truly simple and humble...
I was looking around the farmhouse the other evening, as it was lit only by candle-light and being warmed cozily by the fire in the woodstove, and I thought to myself,
'I have such Simple Things'...
saying that aloud but quietly,
was a huge compliment that I gifted myself...

I'm not a 'store-bought' person.
I'm thrilled beyond measure with handmade & hand-done things.
I find Peace in knowing that something as humble as a worn tin apple corer
(that I use weekly for baking apple pies)
was at one time in the posession of another Woman before me...
that she, too, could have used that tiny metal thing
to fill her family's bellies with a warm treat....
I look for things that show wear, age, use...
Love.


Nowadays, things aren't made to last.
and they don't.
Our television set is almost kaputz,
and I think I'll enjoy the day it actually goes, as I'm not much of a tv watcher anymore
...I read, sew, listen to the radio...
I clean house, I tend to my animals & gardens.
I live Simply.


Think of this:
not even 50 years ago,
Women still saved buttons from spent clothing.
... the fabric from said clothing was turned into a quilt, patches for other clothing, rags for cleaning and then, finally, threadbare & worn, they were burned...
how many uses was that? Hmmm...
I try to do the same thing...I haven't bought 'new' clothing in a long time...I purchase 2nd-hand & gently used clothing...I sew patches from pretty calicoes & wools and I LIKE patches!
I want to take the time to mend an article that needs it...
it saves me money & hones my sewing skills to boot!

Think of all the things you can do around your Humble Home to help you live more Simply...
it may just unclutter your mind, free your spirit & help your environment...


"Use it Up..
Wear it Out,
Make it Do, or
Do WITHOUT!"


Blessed be, sweet Friends~
Lori

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Found my Scissors...

I've decided to make a limited number of finished Paper Cuttings
(scherrenschnitte)
for Yuletide ~
The one pictured above is titled

"A Winter's Walk"

and depicts
the Jolly Olde Elf himself going for an evening walk
in the Holly Woods
(hence the punched-tin lantern he's carrying)


I'll be listing this on ebay this evening,
along with this:

I found this EARLY German Christmas Tree Topper in Ohio last summer,
and think it is gorgeous!!

it is hollow, like a textile bobbin, and had heavy glass 'candles' and star on top...
the tinsel has faded wonderfully
and it really looks neat when you shine a light in it...the 'candles' glow!!!

It's in expected worn condition, but I love it's primitive look...

I should be listing both of them around 8pm this eve, so you can better read their despcriptions~
Almost finished with a christmas sampler that I'm hoping to be listing this week too...

Saturday, December 6th, 2008 from 2-4 pm, I'll be demonstrating Needlework at

Oakland
The Nelson County Virginia
Museum of History...
I'll be dressed in my finest ca. 1800's gown & bonnet,
and will hold sampler-making and rug hooking demonstrations...
The museum will be decorated in period fashion for the Holidays, and there will be:
*Storytelling by costumed reenactor, "Govenor Thomas Nelson"
*The Lovely Harp Music of Quinn Egner
*Light Refreshments
*and exhibits on Rural electrification and Hurricane Camille

Adults $20 donation - Children under 12 $10 donation
With all proceeds going towards Oaklands future and Ongoing exhibits

If you'll be in the area, Oakland is located on rt 29 south,
across'd from the Tye River Elementary School ~

I'll be sure to take pictures and post them here!

Well Folks, I'm headed back to the farmhouse...
I've been printing and packaging orders most of the day ..
(THANK YOU!!)

Blessed be, My Friends,
Lori

Monday, November 17, 2008

My New Baby!

THAT got your attention, I'm sure! HA!

my new "baby" is a ca. 1900's Pfaff model #31 Treadle Sewing Machine!!!

I found it at Lou's Antiques Mall, here in Amherst, VA~
I have been wanting to sew on a treadle machine for...well, EVER!


I wasn't even looking for it, "she" sort of found me!!

I was poking around the basement of the antiques shop, which is chock FULL of all kinds of neat things, when I turned the corner & bumped into 'her' cabinet with my left thigh...I rubbed my leg, and looked down & saw a treadle-base, with a dome-shaped cover setting on top...
Usually, you don't find the machine still attached to the table base, but I lifted off the top & there "she" was...all black & chrome & shiny with her gold lettering & designs...


I opened up her little drawer and found all of her old silver-metal bobbins in there little holder...
I took out a spool of thread, and the stars aligned...
I actually threaded the machine & bobbin, and got her working...
I was amazed!!!!

WOOHOO!!!!

The belt that drives the wheel from the treadle was in sad shape,
so Peter fixed it for me & oiled her up, once we got her home here...

I have yet to get the bobbin tension right,
so I'm practicing, practicing...
I even found a booklet of instructions on eaby ~ (keep your fingers crossed that I win it!!)
so that I can see if I truly threaded her correctly or not...
now THAT would be funny if I did, huh?

I'm hoping to make some little wool doll quilts on it,
and when I do I'll post pictures here...
Do any of you own/use an antique sewing machine??
Well, I'm Done for the day, off to stitch on my little sampler....
Blessed be, my Friends!
Lori

Sunday, November 16, 2008

A Success Despite the Weather!

snowflakes from Tennessee....

Mizz Pat Cross visitied our Open House & brought Show 'n Tell!!
Here she is holding her beautiful rugs that she hooked from my designs:
Good Witch (above)
and
Give Ye Thanks (below)
both Notforgotten Farm Rug Hooking adaptations can be purchased at http://www.spruceridgestudios.com/



Shoppers in line with their Goodies~



Lots of Patterns to choose from!


Red & Green Holiday inspired fabric in the big cupboard...


Trying to decide what to look at first!



Hi Folks!

Well, the Holiday Open House has come & gone...


My thanks to ALL that ventured out in the midst of a terrible rainstorm yesterday!
My sweet hubby even carried an umbrella & walked our guests to their cars~ Thanks Peter!

The shop was a flurry of activity, with shoppers, friends and new faces everywhere...
Felicia was busy at the front counter & cutting table,
I was trying to answer questions...
I hope I was helpful!!

Our new cross stitch designs were released, and they were a big hit!
THANK YOU!!!

We received so many compliments on how the shop is coming along, since adding the quality fabrics & patterns~ I'm so happy!!!!



My sister, Jo-ene (Jo), sent me up a box of little white snowflakes from Tennessee, that she hand-cut for this occasion...
I hung them from the ceiling beams, and they danced in the light & slightest wind...
I taped them to the windows, and to the glass front counter...
each one is different from the other, and each one is so intricate~
she adds a tiny cut-heart to each one, as her 'signature'...
I'll keep them forever....


Now that the open house is over, I'll have a little more time for myself and the farmhouse...
I'll be creating some one of a kind works for Ebay and decorating in the house...
I'm working on a Christmas Sampler, that I hope to have finished soon...
I've even pulled out the paper & scissors again to make some scherenschnitte,
with Holiday/Winter themes...


Well, I'm off to the farmhouse, I have a pot of stew on the stove (again!) and I just want to sit by the fire, put on a good movie...and stitch.

Enjoy the crisp weather, and don't forget to feed the birds~
Blessed be my Friends,
Lori


Saturday, November 15, 2008

*NEW* Cross Stitch patterns are ready to go!!!!

All FOUR *NEW* Holiday patterns are ready to be shipped...

"Christmas Cat"

"A Happy Christmas"


"O Christmas Tree"


"A Christmas Sampler"

All patterns are $8.00 each. ~
$1.50 t0 ship (I gladly combine shipping!)

If you'd like to order, please email me at
not4got@aol.com

Blessed be, my Stitching Friends!
Lori


Friday, November 14, 2008

Please Visit ~

The Deare Ladyes of Threade blog is up & running ~

please do visit
www.deareladyesofthreade.blogspot.com
to read the Welcome post and see what this on-line Guild for Needleworkers is all about...

if you'd like to join the guild,
please email me at
not4got@aol.com
or
deareladyes@aol.com

Thursday, November 13, 2008

A new poll...


Many thanks to all who participated in my last poll....

I've just added another, if you'd be so kind.


Your opinions and answers help me greatly,
as I'm planning some retreats for 2009
and would love to hear your input!!!

~ ALSO ~

I am in the process of developing an on-line Guild for Needlworkers:

"Deare Ladyes of Threade"
The Guild for American Needleworkers
will debut soon, and I'll be sending out info & a newsletter
to all of my stitching friends ~


I'm hoping that by starting an on-line Guild,
we can become more connected by
starting up local chapters in our own areas...


If you have interest in the Guild,
please email me at
not4got@aol.com

and I'll add your name & contact info on my email list...


It's raining here again today, so I'm in the shop decorating for the
Holiday Open House
on Saturday~

I may even get into the spirit a little more & start on the farmhouse!

I'll post pictures as soon as I can~

Blessed be, my sweet Friends~

Lori

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Many, Many Thanks ~


Do you appreciate waking up in your own bed, to the sounds of birds chirping?
Thank a Veteran.

Do you enjoy eating a warm breakfast in the comfort of your own home?
Thank a Veteran.

Do you relish the long walks you take in the woods,
being able to work for yourself,
...shopping for whatever you want?
Thank a Veteran.

Have you ever thought to yourself
what it would be like living in another country?
...not having the freedom to express yourself,
your religious beliefs, your creative spirit...
maybe being told that you could not have another baby
or even have one taken away from you?

Thank a Veteran for all of this...
and
more...

This Veteran's Day, I would like to Thank those
that have stood for our Country on foreign soil,
placing themselves in danger for our freedom,
... not knowing if they would be coming back home...

...and
Thank you for allowing my daughter
to grow up in a Country
that has such Diverse & Rich history,
and an even more Bright, Promising future...

Thank You.

Saturday, November 08, 2008

A pleasant Saturday at the Shop~

Our youngest model stitcher,
Noelle , (Felicia's oldest daughter)
works on a sampler model for us
as she sits in the shops' comfy 'Stitchin' Chair'
...Noelle is sweet 16!

Felicia at the front counter,
doing what she does best...SMILING!

(l to r) Jane, (my Exemplary Student Extrodinairre !!!),
Leslie (learning how to hook),
and Ann (also learning how to hook)
at today's little hooking class ~

Jane came in to hook for a while
& showed us some of her show 'n tell..
....always something wonderful!
Leslie & Ann both took to rug hooking like they had done it for years,
as each have experience in some sort of needlecraft...
~both did a fantastic job on their rooster purses!!
I just love when we can get together & share,
we all have something unique & different to talk about,
and usually, we agree! LOL!
a pleasant way to spend a Saturday, absolutely.

I'm hoping that your Saturday was spent
in the company of
like-minded Friends~
Blessed be!!
Lori



Thursday, November 06, 2008

Smitten with Stitchin' !!


Don't you just LOVE these little beauties???

My new obsession ~
(aside from collecting ANYthing that has to do with antique sewing tools)
are these little Sewing Machines!!
The green one at the top is a
ca. 1950's "Betsy Ross" electric (runs too!)
that came in a beautiful Red faux alligator case...
it measures only 5" x 7"
The little blue one is a "Kay-an-EE", ca. 1950's ~
it came in it's original box, has a hand-crank,
and measures only a teeny 5 1/2" x 3 1/2" !!!!
They're on display here in the shop...
Do you collect any viintage or antique sewing items?
~~~~~~
Today is blustery, windy but a little on the balmy side...
not what I call a 'good' November day...
it has to be COLDER for me!

...althought the trees are almost bare of their leaves,
the walnuts on the ground are now turning black,
making for good dye-stuff and easier cracking of the shells for baking
(nothing like a hot Brownie with Black Walnuts!)
I'm happy that so many have taken my little poll over there on the right side of this page,
it really helps me know what my customers needs are~ thanks for participating!
Have yourself a 'good' November day...
grab a basket, go for a walk in the woods
and collect some pinecones for wreath-making,
fire straters or string some into garlands...
Be Creative!!!!

Blessed be, my Friends~
Lori
p.s. in the new Christmas issue of Country Living magazine,
there is a feature on Jones' Tree Farm,
in my old "neighborhood" of Shelton, CT ~
our family has visited there many, many times!!
You Primitive-Lovers will enjoy this issue for sure!

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

some pics of the shop ~

antique post office box/cupboard stuffed with
beautiful wool roving and supplies for needle felting

dolls, doll patterns & doll making supplies

new needle punch patterns
from top designers and old favorites

Old fashioned country kitchen
cupboard with calico& repro 1800's fabrics

more repro 1800 fabric on primitive shoe rack
Don't forget that we'll be holding a rug hooking class here
on Saturday the 8th,
if you'll be in the area & would like to stop in,
make sure to bring your hookin'
so you can hang out with us for a while!
we're still receiving more goodies for the open house daily,
so when everything is here,
then we'll decorate for the Season
...and take more pictures ~
Now, since I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, I'm heading back into the warm farmhouse to work on my stitching...
I hope you all have a wonderfully creative day!

Blessed be,
Lori

Monday, November 03, 2008

Happy November!

Hi everyone!...
I'm hoping that the first few days of November are finding you all
Happy & Healthy...

We will be busy for the next few weeks, getting the shop ready for the
Holiday Open House,
getting the new book printed,
and of course,
celebrating Thanksgiving
with our families...

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the Open House,
and I'll be taking pics of the shop real soon...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'll be offering the little punched Squirrel sampler (above) on ebay this evening ~
(I just love his fluffy little tail!!!)


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The members of my BLESTB group on Ebay will be offering their Christmas & Holiday wares all month long, so be sure to visit their auctions...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have a beautiful Autumn day...
create something!!!

Blessed be, my Friends,
Lori