October 2006 - Autumn Bits & Pieces!

We had a great growing season this year. Now is the time to pick the dried branches of French and English lavender. I’m wrapping whole sprigs with gingham, and stuffing the remainder into tied homespun bags. They smell terrific and will be good Christmas gifts.

My house is overflowing with bits & pieces of autumn. The Homespun Hodgepodge Sampler is only one example.

My marigolds blossomed better and bigger than ever this year. I’m saving the seeds for next year’s planting in our Appalachian egg baskets. I covered them with leftover linen and aida cloth. Then tied them loosely with bits of floss. They will be ready when I am.

I even made little mice for my two indoor mousers with dried leaves from the catnip plants. I feel like a Homespun Housewife.

Enjoy your fall harvest and keep on stitching!

Sincerely,
Linda

 

August 2006 - Summer Rewards!

My garden looks very nice this year. What used to be an empty field has now flourished into a thriving paradise. The plants are well established and look as if they’ve been loved. My neighbor’s three furry felines have been enjoying the catnip patch as my kitties watch with envy from their inside perches.

This year I added garden ornaments and sponge painted new pots to appear mossy and timeworn. We now have a sundial, armillary and directional marker stone – if only I knew how to use them. I rescued a discarded set of stairs, painted them blue and arranged terracotta pots on top. I even made a hypertufa planter – what fun!

I’ve also been designing and doing punchneedle projects and enjoying it so much! It’s been a rewarding summer.

Hope your summer was relaxing and fun.

Sincerely,
Linda

 

June 2006 - Summer Rewards!

I am so excited about Cross Stitch and Punchneedle! We have an abundant array of colorful designs in this June Issue for every level of stitching.

This is the time of year to try something new. Punchneedle is relaxing and quick - no counting. A darker color fabric, like black, can add real drama to your stitching. And smaller pieces can be easily tucked inside one of our gingham or country pillow forms for finishing.

Whether you're up for a challenge or just want to stitch for fun, try something new this summer.

Sincerely,
Linda

 

April 2006 - Spring A Time for New Beginngs!

I know that spring has arrived. Roku, my neighbor's orange cat has moved to his springtime sleeping spot. In winter he rests comfortably in my bed of dried catnip with a warm Southwestern exposure. In spring he moves expectantly to my cooler back deck with a clear view of the arriving robins. Rascal, my indoor cat, follows him from window to window. If cats, which are unrelenting creatures of habit can change, so can we.

Linen threads are a new look and texture. The colors are soft with a matte finish and have a spring to summer feel. New textures, products and techniques can add new life and enjoyment to your stitching. And as you learn something new this spring remember - sharing it with another stitcher will make life richer.

Sincerely,
Linda

 

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