Happy Holidays!!!

We wish you a very Merry Christmas! I hope that you've all been good and that Santa brings you whatever you wish for!

We are going to have a very relaxed holiday. The only excitement that we are going to have is a visit from Santa tomorrow night. He's going to be visiting our neighbor Mr. Frank and I've been told that he's asked to see the kids.

Meanwhile, my little one wanted to make some nature scenes for the holidays.  A couple of weeks ago we dropped by Pottery Barn and Michael's. He saw these adorable squirrels and raccoons and asked if he could have them to make a "nature scene".  Of course you can. 

He even used his trucks to carry the berries to the scene and to fill the vases with some snow.

He was so proud of his display! Mommy was impressed too!

Happy holidays!

xo, L

Aurifil Designer of the Month 2011

Something fun and exciting is going to start happening in January over at the Aurifil blog. The Aurifil Designer of the Month will start on January 6. Each month Pat Sloan will interview a designer and showcase her work. Each designer will provide a project to you for free. 

We met at Quilt Market [above photo] and we all promised to deliver one awesome event to you. You will find something to inspire you whether you like handwork, machine applique, traditional needlework, needleturn applique, or embroidery.

Besides patterns, there will be prizes. If you make up a project and post it on Flickr 30 days after the pattern is released, you will be eligible to win some Aurifil thread. There will be a different thread collection each time!

Aurifil

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/aurifil.quilt.thread

Blog - http://aurifil.com/Aurifil/News/News.html

And add yourself to the Aurifil Designer of the Month Flickr group here:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/2011aurifildesignerofthemonth/

Host

Pat Sloan [website]

Susan Brubaker Knapp (January 6)

[website, Facebook]

Linda Lum DeBono (February 3)

[website, Facebook]

Kaye England (March 3)

[website, Facebook]

Susan Guzman (April 7)

[website]

Sarah Vedeler (May 5)

[website, Facebook]

Denise Clason (June 2)

[website, Facebook]

Barbara Persing and Mary Hoover (July 7)

[website, Facebook]

Jinny Beyer (August 4)

[website, Facebook]

Edyta Sitar (September 1)

[website, Facebook]

Marianne Byrne-Goarin (October 6)

[website]

Larisa Bland (November 3)

[website]

Sharon Pederson (December 1)

[website, Facebook]

Come and share the fun with us!

xo, L

Countdown To Christmas

Naughty

OR

Nice?

I am way beyond tired. I think that I am running on adrenaline alone. The past few weeks since Quilt Market have been crazy. The majority of craziness ended yesterday. Now I can sort of re-group and send out Christmas cards, wrap presents, etc.

I had some wonderful visitors to my home yesterday. My good friend, marvelous, Mark Lipinski, and the fabulous Jodie Davis brought along their crew. Terrific guys! We had fun working and playing. Thanks guys.

We love our Aurifil threads and we love to show it!! This photograph is for you, Alex Veronelli!

Now, get to that last minute crafting and shopping or whatever you need to do! Christmas is this week! Need some ideas? I hear that you can get the first season of QNN on DVD. [hint! hint!] You can also get some gift certificates so that you can take my machine applique class over at CraftEdu.

xo, L

All Wrapped Up!

Great news! During the Henry Glass event last week I had a lot of e-mails regarding the Wrap It Up pattern that was an insert that came with the fall issue American Patchwork & Quilting.  For a very limited time, the editors of APQ have generously put up the directions for All Wrapped Up on the American Patchwork & Quilting website. Here's the link to the pattern. Please note that they've set up a private link just for this pattern. You cannot find it by looking for it on the main page.

Right now, though, the directions are for the alternate coloration. I believe that they may put up directions for my colorway. I hope to see your versions of this fun quilt.

Thank you to the awesome editors at American Patchwork & Quilting.

Enjoy!

xo, L

Winner!

Did you notice? The winner of the Henry Glass Designers Holiday Project Parade was announced yesterday! Congratulations, Erica of MT! Details on the Henry Glass blog.

I finally got the tree up last night. We've been making these pipe cleaner tree ornaments and snowflakes too. I have been missing in action for a week because I have had so much going on. I will get back to blogging soon because there's going to be a story to tell by Sunday.



See you soon.

xo, L

henry Glass Designers Holiday Project Parade - Day 7

It is the last day of the Henry Glass Designers Holiday Project Parade! We hope that you have enjoyed this as much as we have! We wish you happiness and have a great holiday. Please stop by all of our blogs again. We'd love to see you. I'll have some news about different things coming up so please follow my blog or friend me on Facebook to find out the latest if you haven't already.

For me, I'd like to thank each and every one of the ladies. You've been wonderful and so supportive of this idea. The posts and projects have been wonderful. Thank you.

To my readers, thanks for your support of this special event. Your input and comments are what inspire us to continue to write our posts, to design and to share. Thank you.

Today we have the "crazy" gals at Buggy Barn, Janet and Pam. They have a wonderful project and post. Kim Diehl shares the spot light but we round up this event with her post on the Henry Glass blog.

Pam Soliday & Janet Nesbitt [Buggy Barn]

Kim Diehl

Have you been collecting the special words? For those of you who need a helping hand, Carrie, has flexed her writing skills and has written a poem with all of the clues in it. When you've collected all of the clues, head over to the Henry Glass blog and post the answers on the GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY right after Kim's post. Remember that your comment will not show so please do not post multiple times. Your entry will go through but will not show up and it will only count once. Include your full name, e-mail and all 17 clues by Thursday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. You will be entered to receive all of the goodies posted above and a small gift from EACH designer! Wow!

Thank you again! Happy holidays!

xo, L

Henry Glass Designers Holiday Project Parade - Day 6

Oh boy! My kids had fun helping me pick the winners! First, thank you for making this event so much fun! We hope that you've enjoyed yourselves too! We counted up all of the chances and extra chances, included those who couldn't post but had e-mailed their comments and added them all together. What a useful thing that random number generator thing is!

Before we get started, please visit Leanne over at The Whole Country Caboodle  and Dana at Lazy Daisy. It's their day.

Leanne Anderson

Dana Brooks

As you are visiting each blog, please remember to take not of each designer's secret holiday word or phrase. Remember to post all of your answers starting tomorrow on the Grand Prize Giveaway Post on the Henry Glass blog. You can find the cover that we've designed for you to print out so that you can put together the projects into a booklet. If any of you have finished your projects, please share! We've set up a Flickr site for you to show off your finished goods!

Are you ready? Winners, please e-mail me your details! The form is on the right sidebar where it says,
E-mail Me!

Here are the winners and prizes:

Aurifil Thread
Country Log Cabin Quilter said...
Thanks for the wonderful giveaway! I am now a follower, so please add me to the drawing.
8:06 AM

Aurifil Thread
Bettie said...
Love the pillows! I'm going to make some for my son. thanks for hosting this awesome blog hop.
Bettie
7:21 PM

Aurifil Thread
Mary said...
Good morning, Linda, love the colors on your blog! I'm following the blog, and sent a Facebook friend request. So much to see here, I'll be spending some time I can tell. Thanks.
3:54 AM

Redwork With A Twist
lovetostitch said...
Adorable pillows, Linda, but I love seeing you start off with your cute boys!! These hops are always so much fun!! I was unclear how you made the glass tree topper, it was very pretty in the pictures. The frozen wreaths were also clever - guess it depends on how cold it is, on long it takes to melt.
I am also your friend on FB, not sure if I comment there too or not. Thanks bunches!!
8:26 AM

A Touch Of Rosie
Country Log Cabin Quilter said...
Thanks for the wonderful giveaway! I am now a follower, so please add me to the drawing.
8:06 AM

Better Together
Quilt n Queen said...
I am a follower and look forward to all your blog posts. Thank you for sharing and the chance to win one of your fabulous giveaway.
9:21 AM

Bloom Creek Quilts
Needled Mom said...
So many fun things in this post, but the best is that beautiful little Finn. So sweet!!
I love the ice rings too, but don't think they would do well in CA.
9:54 AM

Fast, Flirty and Fun
Shelley said...
Oh, this is so fun! I love the reindeer on the pillow! And I am a followerer!
10:13 AM

'Tis The Season
Briarside Lane said...
Hi Linda... Wonderful pillows and a great post!
I already follow your blog, and I am already a friend on Facebook.
Thanks so much for the chance at the great prizes. Love your new Hugs & Kisses line! And the little birdie Chirp is adorable! Love birds!
...Karen
12:09 PM

Chocolate Soap
Anonymous said...
Hi Linda, I've enjoyed the things you share on FB for some time and this blog hop is such a great idea! I'm enjoying the chance to "meet" all the designers and get so many good ideas for the holidays. Thanks for sharing!
Joyce
jortiz916@yahoo.com
9:43 AM

More good news!

I drew two extra names for a copy of Believe! Enjoy, Abbybeth and Holly! You each get a copy of the pattern. [If you didn't win and want a copy, you can buy it from Kindred Quilts.]

Abbybeth said...

Wow - LOVE LOVE LOVE the 'have jingle, will rock' pillow! I need to make that immediately (read: this weekend) and thanks for the chance at some amazing prizes!
10:01 AM

Holly said...
The pillows are really cute. Thanks for sharing and I am glad to have found you!
7:34 PM

xo, L

Henry Glass Designers Holiday Project Parade - Day 5

We are moving right along. I don't want this to end too quickly though. These posts have put me in a jolly mood despite what's been going on in the background.

Today we have the talented Brenda Pinnick of Brenda Pinnick Designs. That Heidi Grace is such a cutie patootie! Chelsea Anderson of Pink Fig Patterns shares the spot light with Brenda today with her frilly, girly little apron.

Brenda Pinnick

Chelsea Anderson

I've had deadlines, a sick family and other stuff that I can't even breathe a word about yet. I thought, though, that I'd show a preview of my next CraftEdu class up there at the top of the page. It will be a class on hand applique. You will be able to make this cute little baby quilt. Did you notice that there's a lot of Hugs & Kisses in there with a bit of Inspiration?

Meanwhile, I have cast on for the Cristallo Beaded Cowl. It is so luxurious. It is meant to be for someone special but she may have to wait! I may want to keep it. We'll see how I feel after I finish it. The Tilli Thomas and Blue Sky Worsted yarns are gorgeous together. Last week nearly killed me with all of the deadlines and things that I had to do that I just needed a crafty diversion.

The family and I are going to start crafting and decorating in the next week. We'll bring out some of the treasures that we've made in holidays past. Last year when I was homeroom mom for Little A's class, I designed this snow globe for the kids to make for their holiday craft. I still love it so much.

A few of you asked to see the tree topper. Here it is sitting on top of a glass vase. The center is a twig leaf and I just bought whatever I liked at Michael's. I stuck them in between the twigs. No glue necessary!

Let's not even mention the fact that I haven't even thought about the holiday card. I must have had a lot of time on my hands last year when I designed this one.

Are you ahead or behind in this holiday mad rush?

See you tomorrow!
xo, L

Henry Glass Designers Holiday Project Parade - Day 4

Wow, this week is flying by! I am loving all of the holiday goodies. Oh goodies, I've posted a few more photos of the shops around her on my website Journal. Enjoy!

Before I go on about Day 4, I need to tell you about the first Hugs & Kisses sighting! Nanci Mahenski Quick owns The Quilted Kitty in Lincoln, NE. I've been told that she will do mail order for those of you who can't find it near you. Give her a call! She's super nice and willing to help you out!

As we are hopping along from blog to blog, please remember to take note of each designer's secret holiday word or phrase. There are rumors that Miss Carrie might put together some sort of story for you on the last day to help you along. Just a rumor and you didn't hear it from me. Also, remember that we've set up a Flickr page for those of you with finished projects! Also, the album cover for the booklet can be found on the Henry Glass blog.

Today we have another wonderful group of ladies. First, we have Barbara Jones of QuiltSoup. She's a funny lady and I loved using her wonderful fabric for my project. Her project is so cute today! Second, Lizzie B girls, Liz Hawkins and Beth Hawkins. Check out their lovely apron project that is modeled by Liz's equally lovely daughter. Finally, Laurie Bird of Rose Cottage Quilts. What an adorable advent calendar!

Barbara Jones

Liz Hawkins and Beth Hawkins

Laurie Bird

Speaking about talented friends, Linda Hanneman of Moon Beam Primatives is one of them. She works at Kindred Quilts but she does her own lovely arty endeavors that she sells at the shop or on-line. The photos don't even do them justice. I've seen them and they are gorgous!! She's got pincushions and Santas but these are my favorites. The snowman, above, is delightful and her Raggedy Ann doll has such spunk!

How did I miss these? They are in homes already but one can drool! The goth witch is so cool. Oooh, that little boy is handsome!

Have a great day!
xo, L

Henry Glass Designers Holiday Project Parade - Day 3

Are you having fun? I know you are! Can you believe it? We are on Day 3! Don't forget to post your finished items on our Flickr page! We'd love to see what you make. Also, tonight I'm closing my contest at 8 p.m. Hurry, tell your friends to write in before it's too late!

Today we have Jill Finley of Jillily Studios. She put together the graphics for this event. Remember to download the beautiful cover that she designed for you. You can find it at the Henry Glass blog. Jacquelynne Steves of The Noble Wife also writes for us today. Her wonky tree is too cute. Go visit and enjoy their day!

Jill Finley

Jacquelynne Steves

I am fortunate to live a funky little town that is big on character. It is a quaint town and the stores are wonderful, independently establishments. I have four favorite ones [although my kids would argue that the ice cream shop is the only one that matters!].

I've talked about Kindred Quilts. It is my local quilt shop and Toby and her gals are wonderful. The store is lovely and I am so blessed to have such a great shop within 2 mins. of me. I tell Toby that she puts soul into quilting for me.

Did you know that that last quilt was made from my buddy, Mark Lipinski's fabric?

Heartstrings [above] is oh so inspiring. Can you imagine being locked into this store? I wouldn't sleep. I would wander around in all of this beauty all night long.

I can't even describe the bliss that I feel when I am in The Write Touch [above]. I think that I have mentionned that paper was my first love before fabric. I haven't started making this year's card. It may be really simple though as I am tight for time.

The newest member of our town is Greens and Beans Floral Studio. This is my source for all of the lovely flowers that I photograph. I love this newest addition to our town.

Oooooh, I want a disco ball on top of my tree! Yes, please! 

I'll put some more photos on my website on the Journal page for you later. There are many more goodies to see!

Tonight we have our Santa Claus Parade! The whole town and then some come out for some good ol' fun. I wonder if Captain America and Batman will make an appearance?

xo, L

Henry Glass Designers Holiday Project Parade - Day 2

Hello! Welcome to Day 2 of this awesome event! Are you having fun yet? Thank you for all the amazing comments. My kids and I read through them last night. My little one asked if he's famous. Very funny. Thanks to Heather and the Little Quilts ladies for making Day 1 such a great day! For the giveaways on my post yesterday, the contest is still on! Please continue commenting there until this Friday at 8 p.m. and announce the winners on Monday.

For those of you who asked, CraftEdu classroom is linked here. Please join me. It is free to join the classroom only and I will start updating soon. See you there!

Today the special designers are Carrie Nelson, Kari Ramsay and Amy Hamberlin. I know that they've got something wonderful ready for you.

Carrie Nelson

Kari Ramsay

Amy Hamberlin

I thought that I'd share some of my favorite things from Market that crafters would like on their wish list.

You have to start with a holiday magazine like this one. I don't have any designs in this issue but will have some in the December issue. [Did you catch that? December? That's this month!]

Or this magazine. I do have a block in this issue. 

How about some Japanese cuteness? I've wanted to make these ornaments for a long time but never had the time to sit down and work on it. Now I don't have to think!

Some more Japanese cuteness in the shape of kits. I couldn't pass up the pink reindeer or the Alice In Wonderland. I wanted the Red Riding Hood one but they were out of it. I also got a kit to make felted strawberry shortcake. There are other kits that aren't from Japan. Check out the easy, peasy but oh so adorable brooch kit by Handbehg Felts on the right. I also have their bracelet and pincushion kits.

Wait a minute. What is this thing? Doesn't look that cute. Well, the pink color is certainly cute! It is an
i-Top tool. It makes buttons, brads, magnets, and you can attach them to their headbands, bobby pins, etc. I can't explain it all here but check out their site to see all of the goodies that you can make from this.

I bought half a yard of this gorgeous silk matka fabric from my local quilt shop, Kindred Quilts. It is gorgeous especially for those who do stitcheries and embroidery. 

I bought this iron from Kindred Quilts and I love it. I loved it even more when I was making the pillows and my big iron broke down. 

You can now purchase Believe from Kindred Quilts. I re-packaged it in one complete pattern.

Amy Bradley showed me her new pattern that is totally cute. It is a pattern but it is also a kids book! Her daughter wrote the book. How cool is that?

Or you can ask for a gift certificate for CraftEdu [the link is at the top right corner]. It's a fun place and more will come.

How about some awesome basics like thread?

Or buttons?

Enjoy the Henry Glass Designers Holiday Project Parade. There's more to come!
Happy Holidays!

xo, L