Thanksgiving Freestanding Lace Bookmark

Dear Friends,
Time stands still for no man and it certainly isn't standing still for me.  In fact, I think God has put time on double speed for me as 2013 has certainly flown by.  It has been a busy year, rough in many ways and blessings in others.  The fact that it has passed by so quickly, I don't think I really got to appreciate all the blessings I've received.  I must say I am praying for a slower 2014.  We never know what the future holds for us, but I have been making plans and those plans include things that are good and beautiful and just in line with God's design.  It includes slowing down so that I can take time to smell the roses or as with Thanksgiving, smell the turkey and pumpkin pie!  That said though, He, may have other plans for me and if that is the case, I will accept what He brings my way and count my blessings.  I just hope His plans include plenty of machine embroidery because mine certainly do.  :-)

I L-O-V-E Thanksgiving.  I think as I've gotten older it has become my favorite holiday.  I like Christmas a lot too, but what I love about Thanksgiving is that it is a time for family to get together and just be.  Just be ourselves, just be together.  Yes there is a whole lot of cooking going on, but there is not the hustle and bustle of buying gifts, wrapping, decorating, parties and on and on and on.  It is about just family, gratitude and just being.

Have you read the book 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp?  I've read it a couple of times now.

She blogs over at A Holy Experience and I've been reading her blog for several years.  You can read her story in her book, but a quick synopsis, in the book and on her blog, she challenges us to see the gifts, the beauty God gives us each and every day in all the little things in our lives.

I have so many things to be thankful for and Thanksgiving is a very special day in my year to celebrate my blessings.  I am thankful for you, my readers, that you take the time to read my blog and say Hi to me.  Thank you.

May each and every one of you have a blessed and beautiful Thanksgiving.  We will be spending it at my brother's home and it will be full of family.  I have missed my girls so much, I can't wait to see them in a few days.  My dad and mom, with her new knee will be there.  My sister-in-law will be doing much of the cooking and I will jump in the kitchen and help out any way I can.  As a thank you, I made Shawna this bookmark so she can keep track of her recipes.  The bookmark is from Anita Goodesign and it is from the Lace Bookmarks cd.  You all know I'm fond of FSL projects.

So a very Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you.
Love and blessings,
Nancy

I'll be back late October or early November

Dear Friends,
As you read this, (I've prewritten this post) instead of being at the extended stay hotel, I am in Kansas helping my parents for a week as my mother just received a new knee.  I have a week before we get into our new home so I feel my time is best spent doing all I can to help mom get up and around.  My mother is 83 and my dad 85 and they have been married 58 years! Mom is a breast cancer survivor and dad has been dealing with prostate cancer for 18 years now.  They mean the world to me.

The above picture was taken two years ago at Thanksgiving.  You can see all my kiddos here with my parents.  It is a picture I love.  I come back on Thursday and we get to move into our new home on Friday.  Hallelujah!

On Saturday my in-laws arrive and are bringing us our beagle, Cindy.  How I have missed my sweet four legged companion who follows me everywhere!  Mike's parents plan to stay about two weeks to help us get unpacked and settled.  Oh my goodness I know I've got a lot of work ahead of me.

So with that, I hope you all are enjoying the cooler months.  In Michigan the leaves are turning and the views are stunning. 

With love and blessings,
Nancy

Grand Rapids Art Prize 2013

We are moving to Michigan at the right time to enjoy a big event here in Grand Rapids.  It is Art Prize, an art show that brings artists from around the world together competing for a grand prize of.....wait for it....$200,000.  Yes you read that right, $200,000.  Total prizes given are $360,000!

There are over 1,500 pieces of art located in different venues covering 3 square miles in the downtown area.  We've been downtown twice to see as much as we could as this competition has continued for three exciting weeks.  The weather has been great and I've got to tell you how nice it has been to see a community come together.  One of the exciting parts of Art Prize is that the community votes on their favorite pieces.  That means Mike, Tim and I all got to cast our votes for our favorites.  It's not hooty tooty art critics voting, it is the people visiting and voting for pieces that speak to them.  We've seen all kinds of crazy art from a fire breathing dragon made out of metal to sculptures created out of every medium you can think of.  Of course there were many paintings and drawings as well.  During the first round, you can vote for as many pieces of art you like.  All four pieces I mention below were ones I voted for.

There was no machine embroidery in the competition, at least none that I'm aware of, but there were two quilts.  Three, if I count the quilt carved out of wood and painted that looked so real you had to get up close and have the artist knock on it to know it wasn't fabric.  Truly, in the picture below, you are looking at a trompe l'oeil wood carving and not a fabric quilt.  This art entry made it into the top 10.  It is about five feet across and was done by Fraser Smith of St. Pete's Beach, Florida.  I got to speak with Fraser and he titled this wood carving "Finding Beauty in Bad Things."  It was based off a plant he found that produced berries of different beautiful colors.  He soon discovered that this vine was invasive and choked out many desired plants so hence the work of art got its name.

 

Another entry that made it into the top 10 is this one, titled Sleeping Bear Dune Lakeshore.  This entry is an art quilt made from batiks and hand dyed fabrics.  It is a true work of art created by Ann Loveless who is a textile artist from northern Michigan.  She created this quilt, done in four panels, by looking at a photograph and it is 20 feet in length.  Ann used batiks and hand dyed fabrics to create this.  She started with a basic sketch from a photograph and then just cut her fabric on the fly to piece it together.

 

The final quilt entry into Art Prize is called The Loading Dock by Mary Buvia.  This quilt is made out of over 100 different colors of fabrics in different gradients of value and is so fun and whimsical.  I also got a nice amount of time to speak with Mary and her sister who was helping there helping.  It took Mary over 10 months to create this quilt and it was designed while she was with her husband as he received chemo treatments.  Sadly, Mary's husband passed away in 2010.  She has put her pattern for this quilt into a pattern book produced by the American Quilter's Society should any of you want to make one.  As much as I like this quilt, it looks quite daunting to make.  That said, I did get the book and Mary autographed it for me which was a highlight. 

 

Finally, last night the winners were announced in a 2 hour television special.  Mike and Tim both had a favorite piece.  It is this one titled Myth-or-Logic  It is a griffin made out of hanging pieces of bamboo that sway with the slightest breeze.  It was amazing.

The griffin above came in 7th place and the artist received $5,000.

The wooden quilt, Finding Beauty in Bad Things came in 8th place and also received $5,000.

The Santa quilt, The Loading Dock, I don't believe made it into the top 50.

Now you want to know the grand prize winner of the $200,000 don't you? 

 

Yes!  My favorite in the top ten, Sleeping Bear Dune Lakeshore won!!!!  It was absolutely stunning and an amazing piece of work.  Congratulations to Ann Loveless!

 

 

Free Machine Embroidery Designs and Projects

Dear Friends,
I just love opening my e-mail and seeing I've got access to free beautiful and quality embroidery designs and projects.  Puts a smile on my face for sure!  Designs in Machine Embroidery has put out another free digital issue for everyone!

By going to their website, you can download a special digital issue of the magazine with no strings attached.  There is something for everyone, from the beginner to the advanced.  I get their e-mail newsletters sent to me so I'm in-the-loop when something fun like this comes out.

The issue contains projects and embroidery designs for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Easter.  Their are projects from quilts to home décor and from toys to tote bags.  Fun, fun, fun!!  I'm personally quite interested in the quilt project, the baby Christmas stocking and doing the snowman hand towel show in the picture above.  His little feet sticking out below the towel are simply sweet.

Visit Designs in Machine Embroidery.  Just click on the photo at the top of their web page and it will lead you right to the download link.  Also, if you want to stay in-the-loop like I am, while you are there, just sign up for their newsletter.  It will keep you up-to-date with all they have to offer.

I hope you all enjoy this digital issue as much as I have.

Embroidery Blessings to each of you,
Nancy

Halloween Machine Embroidery Inspiration

Dear Friends,
As you know, I'm sitting quietly in our hotel room here at the extended stay hotel.  T-Minus 14 days and counting now!  I also want to say a thank you to those of you who have e-mailed me with words of encouragement that this time will pass quickly.  I do know you are right and to have you send such sweet words means the world to me.  Thank you!!!

As I wait patiently, I thought I'd share some fun Halloween Machine Embroidery Inspiration that I found while surfing around Etsy.  Now please note, I know some of you don't celebrate Halloween so in no way am I wanting to offend anyone.  That is never my intent.  Just take a look at the finished work and through it you might receive some creative inspiration while you are in the thick of your fall stitching and getting ready for those fall craft shows.  Please note some of these are for the finished items you see in the pictures and some of these are for the embroidery designs only.  Sources for these are located below each photo.

East Coast Applique

I just think this is such an elegant fall coaster set.  It is completely done in-the-hoop.  The monogram letters are not included so be sure to note that.  I'm thinking a set of these would be great for a housewarming gift or for someone who picks up your mail when you go on vacation.

Madi and Bill

Another fun embroidery design.  Again note as with the one above, this too does not contain the alphabet.  I like the gathered ribbon used to create this pumpkin and think this would look great on a pillow.  It is done in the 5 x 7 hoop.

 

Nanny's Homemade Treasures

Doesn't every mommy think their child is the cutest pumpkin in the patch?  :-)   This is for the finished shirt.

Sew Cha Cha

This is another fun in-the-hoop embroidery design.  Sew Cha Cha has several other designs to hold candy as well.  Here it looks like she topped the candy with clear vinyl but I also think sheer orange organza or tulle would look great too.  Love the bow made out of black netting!

Free From Work

This is for the finished basket.  How fun to use to hold Halloween candy or how about setting it by your chair to hold your current sewing project.  She has a number of other beautiful totes for sale as well.

Newfound Applique

Cute candy corn bag.  Make several of these and place in a bowl or how about hanging them on a tree branch with fall leaves and a black crow!  Children will love this.

The Joyful Princess

I think this outfit is adorable!  I just love the little cheer leading style skirt with all the matching fabric insets.  This is for the finished outfit and be sure to take note of the orange rick-rack at the bottom of the skirt.  Super cute!

Savvy Stitches Designs

Another design I absolutely love.  Once again, take note that the lettering is not included.  Other examples are shown of putting a name in the split design.  Personally, I'm quite fond of "Happy Fall Y'all" and I'd hang this hand towel in my kitchen just like it is.

 

So what fall and Halloween projects are you all working on these days?  Shoot me a picture and a link of your project and if there is enough interest, I'll compile the pictures into another post and send my readers your direction.

 

Embroidery Blessings,

Nancy

Embroidery Machine Blues

Dear Friends,
I'm sitting here in our extended stay hotel with not much more than my computer and I'm having some serious sewing and embroidery withdrawal.  I really am!

Everything with the move is seemingly flowing smoothly.  The bank loan has come through and we are set to close in a couple of weeks.  We're set to take possession of the house October 11th and our furniture is scheduled to arrive that day and that means my sewing/embroidery machine will be there too!

As you can imagine though, it will take some time to unpack and get settled.  I can't wait!!!

Here is a little sneak peek of the future headquarters of Embroidery It.  These pics were taken while house hunting so it's not my furniture you see here.  It is a small guest room in the basement with a closet and the room includes a nice pretty window.  Those blank walls will be filled with shelves and cabinets and I'll place my desk with sewing machine in front of the window so I can look out.

Now back to hotel living.  Unless I just really need a vehicle, Tim drives himself to school and Mike drives to work which means most days I'm car-less.  While here, in order to pass the time, I have been doing lots of reading.  Also, Michael's craft store is a 5 minute walk and JoAnn's Fabrics is a 10 minute walk from the hotel.  I go to one or the other several times a week just to get out and about.  One day I even went to JoAnn's twice in one day.  I bet I can find things and know those two stores better than some of the employees. :-)  Yes, it is potentially dangerous for me to live so close to craft stores!

I have bought various crafting magazines as well as I bought a small amount of felt, fabric, beads and embroidery thread and I'm trying to make some Christmas ornaments by hand.  (It just makes me miss my sewing machine even more)

The other thing is that I've been giving a lot of consideration is to where I want to take Embroidery It.  I've been writing down goals and thoughts and if you are not too bored already, here is a bit of what I have been dreaming of.  Basically come 2014, I am ready to move it just beyond the hobby stage yet still have plenty of time for my family.

Fall 2013 - October, November and December
   1.  Get moved and settled into our new home.
   2.  Become familiar with the local art/craft shows and venues.
   3.  Prepare our own home and activities for the fall and winter holidays.

Winter 2014 - January, February and March
   1.  Start embroidery production to prepare for craft shows.
   2.  Open Etsy Shop and begin selling here on this site.
   3.  Focus on learning my Generations digitizing software

Spring 2014 - April, May and June
   1.  Continue with embroidery production, Etsy shop and digitizing.
   2.  Have digitizing for sale.  I've got to figure out how that whole instant download thing works.
   3.  Do one or two spring craft shows.  This will enable me to get my booth figured out before fall as well as packaging and taking orders down pat.  It will help me get all the kinks out before the fall craft season begins.

Summer 2014 - July, August and September
   1.  Focus of family summer fun.
   2.  Continue embroidery production and Etsy shop.
   3.  Continue digitizing.

Fall 2014 - October, November and December
   1.  Continue embroidery production and Etsy shop.
   2.  Focus on craft shows and boutiques.
   3.  Focus on family activities during fall and winter holidays.

The one thing about the Midwest is that there certainly a lot of craft fairs and events which means plenty of venues to sell finished work.  I'm not sure if I want to focus more on completed projects or do custom orders.  I'll figure that out during the first year.  I'm also wondering if I will want to do more sewing or embroidery or a combination of the two.  I'm guessing things may go in waves where some times I feel more like sewing and other times more like embroidering.  Now I'm just rambling so I'm going to bring this to a close.

Sending each of you Love and Embroidery Blessings,
Nancy

Attention All Friends, Especially Michigan Friends

Dear Friends,
Yes, as you read in the last post, we are moving from New Mexico to Michigan.  This is a huge move for us.  We're currently at an extended stay hotel for about 6 weeks now while we wait to close on our new home scheduled for October 11th.  I can't begin to tell you how excited I am.  Being born and raised in Kansas, moving to the mid-west is wonderful. 

Since I don't have my embroidery machine in the hotel with me, I will be pretty quiet on this blog for a while.  I also know it will take time for me to get settled in our new home and then come the holidays.  I'll post here when I move in and get my machine.  I'm already getting the itch to stitch!!!

And for those of you living in Michigan, I'd love to hear about the fun things to see and do in this part of the country.  I'm really looking forward to going to the craft shows and fall festivals that I'm sure are just around the corner as well as any sewing or embroidery events and classes that I could attend.

With hugs and blessings,
Nancy