Get your holiday patterns now!!

It's time to start working on those Autumn and Christmas holiday goodies....get your patterns now!

Suggestions?

I found a hand-stitched vintage quilt square made with indigo blue fabrics and muslin the other day, and it just begs to be made into something new....but what?
I'm thinking about adding some wool appliqued flowers or something...maybe in true red? Dunno just yet. Here are a few pictures of what I'm starting with. I'll post pictures of the finished product (whenever that happens!)

Challenge yourself

Those of you who know me personally, know that I am an education junkie. I think an important part of personal development and growth depends on challenging and stimulating our minds. I've voluntarily taken classes for about 18 years now, some craft related and others for a doctoral degree. See? When I say "junkie" I'm not kidding! We're talking "hardcore"! Last spring I suggested that all my readers consider taking some sort of class or workshop to expand their skills. For fun, I took a class in wool applique and fell completely in love with the possibilities! As excited as I am about learning new techniques, I'm also nervous about mastering them. This year I decided I would finally face what I felt to be a really challenging class....needle-turn applique. I seriously wondered if my skills were anywhere close to good enough to manage that one. This is much finer work than I'm comfortable with. Luckily, this class was offered by a dear friend (who doesn't mock a fledgling effort!) and she made everything seem so obvious and simple. Amazing. Well, except the part where the skinny little needle split my finger open and my jaw ached from gritting my teeth in concentration. Honestly, I worked myself up over nothing. Any technique can be learned. Practice makes perfect and whatnot. That's why I suggest finding a class that interests you during this less-hectic time of year. Challenge yourself. Get excited about something new. Add to your repertoire and surprise your friends and customers as holiday time rolls around again. I'm posting a picture of my first needle-turn applique project.......not perfect, but who is?
*Happy Crafting*

Oh yeah...if you're free Saturday...

Spring Fever

Happy Spring, ya'll!! Hope everyone is enjoying fine weather. I have spring fever, but not the traditional kind......no yard-work for me, thanks! I'm compelled to stay inside and sew! Don't know what's gotten into me, but there it is. I'm including a spring pattern freebie as a thank-you to my loyal customers and friends. Here's hoping inspiration strikes you all!

*Happy Crafting*

Support your local crafters on Etsy.com!

Happy New Year!

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!

I am truly excited about the new year for several reasons:

I'm still settling into the new/old house and can see the decorating potential emerging from amongst all that Christmas decor.

I've been yearning for some quality time with my new sewing room and all the wool I've collected recently.

We are planning our first fall craft show and it's time to get busy!

I'd love to hear from y'all.....let me know what you'd like to see from PunkinPatch this year and what goodies you're planning to craft.