Thank you!

So I'm watching the Golden Globes last night and am struck by two things--one, that many of these beautiful, accomplished people after years in their careers still have moments of self-doubt and two, how much they need supportive friends to keep them going in their chosen life path.  And I realized how similar my experience has been since I decided to make my quilting passion my career a decade ago. Many times since then I've struggled with self-doubt and asked myself whether it was time to do something else with my life.  But invariably, in those bleak and uncertain moments, when I'm scanning Craig's List to see if there's a minimum wage job somewhere that would fit me, that's when something happens to lift my spirits and encourage me to keep doing what I do.  Today was one of those days.

I opened my email to see a message from my friend Martine in France, along with pictures of some of the quilts she's made from my patterns.  Here's her version of "Chocolate-covered Churndashes" from my book, Country Comforts.  Didn't it turn out great?

And she's working on my "Out in the Country" pattern, turning it into a very cute wallhanging.

And finally, "Chickens Under the Stars".  When I first made up this wallhanging I didn't think I should make it a pattern--I thought it was such a silly idea for a quilt.  But again, a friend saw it and loved it and so I published it and now another friend in France has it in her home!

And then also this morning I got a phone call from a lady in New Jersey, whom I've never met, who wanted to order some patterns.  Her name is Ellen and she made my day with her praise and words of encouragement to keep doing what I do.

All this to say, thank you all so much for believing in me over the years and for making my patterns.

It's because of you that I'll continue to follow my dream.

Your support means more to me than you'll ever know and I'm so very grateful.

First New Pattern for 2013!

Here it is, my first quilt pattern for the new year!

I call it "Starry Nights".

I decided to try designing some mini-quilts for a change, to use up some of the fabric and batting scraps that seem to reproduce themselves in my sewing room!

This little project measures just under 20" square.

It's based on the Irish Chain block and I've added wool stars and pennies as an accent.

I'm going to print up the pattern next week and make up some wool kits as well and then post them on my website.

If you prefer, you can download it now, by going to PatternMart and checking under "Country Quilts".

Hope you like it!

Happy 2013!

Hi friends,

I'm back!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that 2013 will be your best year yet!

My year has got off to a great start. I received an email today from my favourite quilt magazine, "Primitive Quilts and Projects" that a quilt I designed for them is featured on the cover of their Spring 2013 issue!

How cool is that???

(Can you tell I'm a little excited?)
Also, if you'd like to purchase a subscription to this wonderful magazine, use this code (DSMSP13) and you'll get a free pattern.  Just go to their website, www.primitivequiltsandprojects.com and sign up.
I'm busy working on a bunch more projects so stay tuned!

 

What Shall I Make Today? Little Light Ornies!

Wanting to make some last-minute decorations?

Here's a super quick and easy idea.

(I don't know if this is original or if I saw a version someplace--can't remember things like I used to!)

You'll need a battery-operated tea-light, an old jar lid, a rusty star, and some rusty wire.

Punch two holes in opposite sides of the lid.

I found the easiest way to do this was to tighten the lid in a vise and hammer a nail into it.

You'll also need to hammer a nail into the star to make a hole.

I found the white tea-lights at Michael's.

Since I prefer the grungy look, I painted the top and sides with black acrylic paint.

Before it dries, sprinkle with a mixture of ground instant coffee and cinnamon.

When dry, paint it with modge-podge (but not the bulb!)

Cut a length of rusty wire and insert one end into the hole in the lid.

Wrap the end around itself.

Thread the star onto the wire and bend the wire to hold it in place at the top.

Insert the other end of the wire into the other hole and wrap that end around itself.

Tear a little strip of homespun and tie it around the wire at the bottom.

Place the tea-light in the center of the lid.

Fill the area around it with bits of moss, berries, whatever you like.

That's it! 

Won't these look pretty nestled among my Santas on the mantle?

Or as little center-pieces on my Christmas table?

You could also give them away as party favours,

thread a tag with a guest's name on it onto the wire for a place setting,

or hang them on your tree.

Have fun!