house wren studio

mountain house

Just home from a few days teaching holiday crafts in the mountains. I adore this place and loved every minute of my time there. As if just for the event, a silvery fog and snow fell over the glacial lake and lodge as we arrived. All kinds of magic and beauty everywhere!

 

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I'm so far behind in my blogging I don't even know where to start. Never got to properly tell you about Quilt Market because we got caught up in the storm after. My Tilly fabric for Blend is shipping out to quilt stores now and I'm hoping it comes to one near you. So pretty! 

And thank you so much for all the nice emails and comments about the wreath. Makes me very happy to hear that you are enjoying that so much.

Can't believe that tomorrow it's December! In my Etsy shop, use coupon code THANKS2012 for 10% off through December 31. The samplers make great gifts and stocking stuffers for crafty friends and family.

Wishing everyone the happiest, lovely day. So grateful!

xoxo

new ornaments to stitch

For this year, I reworked an ornament design done in red before. Now it's in a pretty linen color and could be stitched in red or white - or any other color you like. Other designs are restocked in my Etsy shop too.

Rushing out this morning. I'm going with my friend Suzanne today to the Rockaways where we'll be cooking for those still suffering from Sandy. Glad to finally be doing something to help. Taking the workhorse apron and my favorite knife.

raggedy wreath

Just a bit ago, my copy of this darling book arrived. Mollie Makes Christmas is full of pretty little projects to make for the holidays. Happily, I have a few inspiration projects inside too.

This is one of my true favorites. Almost everything I needed was right here in the studio (or closet). I used a styro ring, but it could even be made from a ring of cardboard, traced off a dinner plate, padded with bubble wrap or quilt batting and then wrapped in whatever you have. You could make the little bird or use a purchased one. Then just rummage through the junk box for little things to decorate it with. Here are the simple instructions.

(Loved making the decorated page too!) You might remember that there is another version here.

Time to begin thinking about the holidays and making for gifts and home. I'll have some new things in my Etsy shop soon too. It all happens so fast!

sunshine and lights again

We are back in business over here. The sun is shining, the lights came on. There is warmth. I'm grateful for a return to normal and wishing the same for all those who continue to suffer so much after Sandy.

Some of you asked about my mom. It was a little touch and go as she is up on the 6th floor. Without power, the elevators were out. We frequently hiked up the dark stairwell with flashlights to take food and comfort to her. A slew of hard-working hot water bottles kept her warm and she actually seemed to enjoy the adventure of it all. Fortunately her building had power restored after several days too. Another storm is coming tomorrow. This one is expected to have snow along with everything else. Of course it does!

Working on a happy little post next. Thanks for sticking around.

my class at french general

{We are still without power here in our part of New York. But that is the extent of our inconvenience and it hardly merits any whining. The devastation is stunning and heartbreaking now that we've had a chance to see images and get news of the wider picture. I'll be back to blogging as soon as I have power at home. Today I'm borrowing from my daughter because I want to let you know that ...}

Signups began yesterday at French General for the Art of Craft classes in January. I am teaching this beautiful stitchbook project on Friday Jan 11 in the afternoon. (Click the class description image on the site to see the full page contents of the project!) The book is constructed from an old cutter quilt and various pages from other textiles. It was such fun to make, layering the textiles, stitches and bits. Everything is provided by French General. Last year's class sold out quickly so I don't want anyone to miss out. Rebecca Sower is teaching that Friday evening and there is an option for a day pass which gets both classes at a discount. Pam Garrison teaches Saturday and all the other classes are listed on the site. A weekend pass is a great option to consider as they are all fabulous. Make a weekend of it! (Kaari has a hotel and travel guide on the site page too.)

Hope to see you there!

And back here ... just as soon as possible!