A Little Peak at the New Patterns

No 156 Patches & Pockets

This is just the "first take" for the new handbag pattern and it doesn't even have the straps on it in the photo but I thought you might like to see it anyway.

No 154 Playing Dress Up or maybe Dress Up or Little Dresses

I am handquilting this one since it is so little . . . it was so much fun to stitch - the raw edge appliqué was done on the sewing machine - really fast. It will have red binding to sort of frame it. The pattern will also have an assemblagé or shadow box included - an easy project for those of you who are crafty. What title do you like best for this pattern?

No 157 Sweetbriar

This pieced quilt is made with Windham's Worn & Loved group by Jeanne Horton . . . I love this fabric - it looks so vintage and has a very nice hand just like old fabric. mmmm delicious! The quilt is 46" square and the pieced border actually goes all the way around . . . I took this photo before it was done. It is headed to Sandy Strunk for quilting . . . she is the very best long arm quilter and so sweet to fit my quilts in. This pattern will also have a small sewing needle/supplies case.

and . . . the projects for Primitives of the Midwest are coming along too . . . but not ready for photos yet. Very soon though . . .

xoxx, Renée

Utility Apron

This is one of two apron versions in my new pattern "Utility Apron" - it will be ready for Spring Quilt Market coming the beginning of May. The second apron will be finished as soon as the rest of the fabric arrives. I think my dress form looks pretty cute in this one. The other patterns are Sweetbriar, a pieced quilt, made from Windham's new fabric line Worn & Loved by Jeanne Horton - a really old looking group. Patches & Pockets a new handbag - I bet you can guess that it has lots of pockets and fabrics! Little Dresses (not sure on the title yet - other title choices are Playing Dress Up or Dress Up) - a little appliqué quilt along with an assemblage or shadow box project - really fun to make! As soon as they are presentable I will post photos here for you to see. Which title do you like best for the dress quilt pattern? Probably would be easier if you could see it . . . and that will be very soon!
xoxx, Renée

An Amusing Stitchery

This precious little Sonia Sandell, Primitives by Kathy stitchery is so amusing! Little 6 1/2 year old Lillie may want to consider a profession other than teaching . . . one that doesn't require any patience.
xoxx, Renée

My Treasure from the Country Loft

So charming! I love it!
xoxx, Renée

Back Home . . . and finally a few minutes to share a glimpse of my wonderful weekend in La Mesa, CA for the Country Loft workshops.

This is Kathy at her fabulously decorated home - so inspiring! She is such a darling hostess . . . and makes me feel sooooo welcome. Thank you for being such a sweetheart!

and this is Jo Ann at her wonderful home . . . I got to see her awesome newly finished studio - it is the whole floor upstairs. I decided that even though she has a bed and bathroom in the studio I wouldn't be able to sleep there because there are too many fun inspiring things to stitch or paint or stuff or hook or ? . . . . her whole house is perfectly decorated too! Jo Ann and Kathy are sisters - and both are managers at the Country Loft. How fun would that be to have a sister to work with and share a love for stitching and primitives?

What a lucky girl I am to get to visit them and all the adorable ladies there! Visit the shop along with workshop photos in my new photo album The Country Loft Workshops . Thank you to all the darling girls that were in the workshops, the wonderful Country Loft staff and the very sweet shop owner, Sharon! She gathers the coolest antiques all across the country - drawers, baskets, boxes, cabinets . . . all ready for me to bring home. Thank goodness I figured out it was better to drive . . . so much more room to bring treasures home. Look for a photo of my newest Country Loft treasure soon!
xoxx, Renée