Vicki's "Pink Scarf Project"

 

A year ago, my friend, Vicki, asked those who read her blog to participate in her "Pink Scarf Project."  The scarves collected would be given to women fighting breast cancer, hopefully to warm their bodies, as well as their souls and letting them know they were being thought of by other women around the country.   October 1, 2013 was the deadline, but Vicki has had so many participate and more asking to extend the deadline a bit so they could get their scarf in, that it was extended and soon a final count will be given and scarves will be given out.  It's been a wonderful project and I know Vicki is so proud of the response.   And, I know those knitting and crocheting out there in blogland and proudly sending in their donations are excited to see the results also.  Every stitch we made was a big hug for someone!

If you'd like to read about this project, please go visit Vicki's blog....2bagsfull, right HERE.  You will enjoy not only seeing all the scarves and reading more about the project, but also reading all about Vicki's hand knitted BIRD NESTS she makes for charity.  They are made with great love and dedication and quite beautiful!!  And, if you'd like to purchase one, thereby also helping her chosen charity, you can order one of her beautifully knitted NESTS and enjoy it for years to come.  You will also want to read about her Sacred Knitting Room, her travel photos (she takes wonderful photographs!) and I might suggest also checking out the work of the  "Gardener", Vicki's wonderful husband, who has made their home and property a Paradise.  At least that is what I call it!  So...go there, visit, and she will end up being your friend also. 

Vicki has taken wonderful photos of all the scarf donations.  You can see them all.  The above photographs (sent to me by Vicki) are of scarves I knitted and/or crocheted.  I tend to be slow, so even though I began them early in the year, they were just delivered to her in September.  And, they are simple ones too, but made from my heart and hands.  I hope they each warm someone for a long time to come.  BIG HUGS to those who receive one of them!

 

 

I thought you might want to see one of Vicki's NESTS.  This one is mine....and I love it!  Each NEST has hundreds of different yarns, ribbons, beads, and other embellishments, each also hand knitted by Vicki herself.  

  

Here's a close up photo to give you an idea.  My photos aren't nearly as good as Vicki's, but you can get the idea of just how beautiful these Nests are.

 

  

Yes, I am lucky, indeed, to know Vicki, via her blog,  and I was very happy not only to participate in her Pink Scarf Project, but to be the owner of one of her Nests....it gives me great joy each time I look at it.  She is truly one special person, kind and generous, warm and loving, and a very hard worker too, as she is a nurse in her 'other life.'   THANK YOU, VICKI, for all you do.  Now, y'all go visit her....again...at 2bagsfull, right HERE.  You, too, will be happy you did!  And, now that Fall is here....many beautiful Fall days to you!  Take care, pat

Another Generous Act

 

Yesterday, as I was giving some thought as to what to post here....my mail was delivered and lo, another package arrived.  It was such a pleasant surprise that my mind was made up instantly....the contents of the package would be my next post. 

 

It was a beautiful surprise, containing something I really appreciate....monogrammed linens...and with a "P" too!  There is a small tablecloth, about three feet square, with the "P" embroidered just below center, and with a lovely woven floral background around the edge.  This letter is three inches tall.  I've shown monograms here before...don't you just adore them too! 

 

And then, there are six linen napkins with a small, perfectly embroidered letter "P."  The letter is one inch tall.  Gorgeous! 

 

The hem on the tablecloth has a beautiful weave in it....I think you can get the idea from this photo.

 

Why, even the ribbon used to tie the package is wonderful too and there is enough of it to do something FUN with and in my favorite colors....well, I can add a bit more green...it will be fabulous! I love the soft pink of the background and that little touch of soft red.

 

And, then, there was the card.  THAT card!  This wonderful gift was sent by my dear long time friend, Marty.  She used to live in Little Rock, but now lives in Springdale.  I rarely see her any more, but that doesn't mean I'm happy about it....if I had been at our guild's retreat..."Quilt Arkansas 2013," I would have been able to visit with her.  So, she, dear person that she is, sent me this gift to say she missed me.  How very thoughtful is that?  I appreciate the gift so much, and am pleased that she even gave me a thought...there is so much fun going on there, how could one think of ME.   And, not only did she think of me so sweetly....she sent THIS card!  I had to look at it a couple of times and read the back before I actually remembered this quilt...and then, I realized she had saved that card for a long time and sent it to me....probably intending to remind me of some things we worked on together in the past...well, you can see the date further down in the photos.  1998, that was a pretty long time ago.  So, I got to walk down 'memory lane' thanks to Marty.  How cool is that?

 

This Log Cabin quilt was one our guild members contributed blocks for...Marty was one of the "block piecers', our friend, Deon, coordinated the fabrics and the efforts to get it done and I hand-quilted it.

Funny, until the card reminded me, I had forgotten....and now, I remember and it seems like yesterday.

 

We sold these cards for a while and I guess I gave away all mine....so now I have one thanks to Marty!

 

Here is the tablecloth letter...sorry I didn't iron it first, but hurried out into the backyard to snap these photos before the light went away....

 

This photo is of the floral design in the fabric, damask, I think.........barely visible....but gorgeous just the same.   This design is right above about a two inch hem shown in one of the above photos and it's about five inches wide....

 

And, I've included here a photo of the new magazine "Victoria Classics MONOGRAMS."  If you love monograms, as I do, then this magazine is a  "must have."  Everything in it is just wonderful!  Makes me want to stitch a monogram right away!

 

And, just for Marty....here is a photo I made of her special pincushion.  I was asked to make it for her by a mutual friend...another lovely person!....and it was one of the most fun things I've ever made.  I just love the colors and the different elements. 

  

I also loved that big floral print.....

 And, the beaded edging.  Marty is such a fun person...it was great to be able to make something 'just for her.'  And, now she has just "made my day" with the lovely package of monograms.  I am grateful for her generosity and thoughtfulness.  THANK YOU, MARTY!!!!  I hope to see you in the not so very distant future.   Hope you all are well.......see you soon.  BIG HUGS, pat

Generosity

 

It's always nice to hear from friends and family....and it is amazing to me that these days, some of my friends and family have so much kindness and generosity directed my way as to "make my day" on exactly the day I needed a kind word or deed.  What you see here is that kindness and generosity made visible....some gifts from those I love and who evidently love me too.  I am grateful for having them in my life.

 

My dear sister, Debbie (as I like to say...my 'favorite sister') sent a box of goodies....she is so much more thoughtful than her older sister...me.  She knows I am crazy about the birds, so these delightful things came my way...a hanging jar with a lovely bird, holding a candle...nice to hang on the porch, or any place I fancy.  A bird nest sign...so nice and don't we all love that color!  More from her box further down this post.

 

 My dear brother-in-law, Don, who lives in Alabama, painted a lovely watercolor of a bird's nest and sent it via his daughter when she came to visit.  When I find the proper frame, it will make a glorious addition to my bird nest collection.  Wasn't it nice of him to think of me?  I do believe so.  THANK YOU, Don!'

  

My good friend, Sherry, sent a lovely card with this lace inside.  Sherry and I love a lot of the same things and we are currently gifting each other, on occasion, with bits of lace and lovely ecru and brown fabrics...planning on someday creating our own versions of our friend Brian's crazy quilts.  He was here recently for our guild's retreat and left with many wanting more.  Always a good thing.  Anyway, Sherry and I are building our 'stash' of items that will fit Brian's example.  Maybe one day you will see what we do with these beautiful things.  THANK YOU, Sherry, for always knowing what I love and sharing!  And, YOU, Brian, for inspiring us!

 

My friend, Bibi, sent me this little token of thanks, which I consider a precious gift.  The tag inside says a nice thank you, while the outside is decorated so daintily (as Bibi always does!) and in pink.  We share a love of pink and take great joy in sharing bits and pieces of 'pink stuff' whenever we can.  And, it's hard to believe but this started off life as a lowly toilet paper roll.  One has never looked so good! 

 

This is a close up of the tiny rose Bibi made from fabric...it's about the size of a dime...so very sweet.  Everything she makes is tiny and dear!  THANK YOU, Bibi, for your generosity in saying thanks to me in such a pretty way.

  

Now, the rest of the story of my sister's gift.  She also sent me many of these tiny tatted flowers.  She was enjoying an estate sale and found them there.  There is a house in my home town (McGregor, Texas) that she and I have always admired.  The estate sale was there and she was wishing I was there with her.  Me too, it would have been great fun to not only find a treasure there, but to see inside that house.  She came across a tiny box filled with these little tatted flowers and wanted to share...so here you see them.  The one thing I could never do is tat.  I tried and tried...once a tatting teacher told me to "go home and make a quilt" as I'd never be able to do it.  So, I appreciate tatting and whenever I find some, I buy it.   Now I know my sister is going to to the same thing!  

  

I can't imagine sitting and tatting hundreds of these tiny flowers.  I will have to use them for something very special!  THANK YOU, dear sister, for always being the thoughtful one and remembering your old sister!  (I think these are about the size of Bibi's rose.  A dime!)

  

Last Thursday, my good friend, Jean, who is also my good friend Susan's mother, gave me this blue and white pillow top.  I forget what she called it, but when I was younger, I knew it as embroidered 'chicken scratch.'  I actually made one like this way back when.  No idea where it ever went to, but this one will receive a new pillow form and go on the blue and white quilt on the bed in my NEST.  Jean is dear, and I appreciate knowing her and spending time with her.  She has a great sense of humor and always makes me laugh.  It's not easy to do either.  THANK YOU, Jean for being YOU!!

  

Here is a close up of the embroidery.  I never tire of seeing embroidery...always amazing to me how some strands of thread and a simple needle can make so many zillion different patterns and designs.  I'm so glad embroidery is one of my favorite things to do!

So, I hope you enjoyed seeing my pretty new things.......and knowing that there are these very nice people in my life.  I always want to share with you what comes into the Nest and also what goes out.  My birthday is coming up and you know, I love to have a giveaway for that, so sometime in October,  I'll be posting some photos of what I'd like to send out to one of you.  Meantime, enjoy the beautiful Fall weather...my favorite time of the year!  Take care, pat

 

It's the Simple Things that Count

 

It really IS the simple things that count...don't you think?  Today, these are some of the simple things in my kitchen.  

 

And, a little closer look.  I wanted to share with you, once again, one of my favorite poems.  Written long ago and meaning a lot to people like me still.  Does it move you as it does me?

 

  

I would have used a "deep bowl of old blue' if I had one...but this one is old, so will do. 

 

 

Picked up these sun flowers while shopping at Walmart today, knowing I was going to treat you to this poem.  Mary Elizabeth Mahnkey, "Ozark Lyrics," 1934.   Now, she knew what she was talking about!

Hope you all are well 'out there.'  See you soon.  pat

 

The View from a San Francisco Apartment

  This is where I'd love to be today!  The view from my favorite son's apartment in San Francisco (my favorite city!) is quite beautiful....and, along with all that beauty, I know the temps are delightful.   Here, not so much.  I'm sure wishing you all a very Happy Labor Day, so wherever you are.....travel safe and have FUN!  See you later in the week!  Take care out there....pat 

An Embroidered Surprise

 

The other day, I heard the doorbell ring.  Rarely happens here, so I wondered who was dropping in.  Turns out it was the mailman with two boxes.  One was from my sister and the other did not have a sender named anywhere on it.  A mystery.  I do so love a mystery!  I will post my sister's package in a few days, but for today, let's talk about the mystery.  You can see it above...but WHO is it from?

 

 

 Naturally, I couldn't wait to get the box opened and when I did, I found myself momentarily at a loss as to where this lovely gift came from.  So, I stood there a minute and thought...."now who would do this?" Sometimes my brain just doesn't quite function...why, I don't know....maybe too many things going on for efficiency of the thought process.  Well, that sounds like a pretty good reason, doesn't it?

And, then, it hit me!  Who do I know doing this kind of work?  Oh, YEAH!!!!  This has to be from my new old friend, Brian!!!!  Isn't this embroidery just gorgeous?  YES, it sure is!  This little envelope bag is so wonderful....what was in it...you'll see a few photos down.  LOVELY!

 

 Also there were these three hearts.  You KNOW how I love hearts....guess Brian does too.  Am I lucky or what?  Brian is known for his crazy quilting...more on that further down this post too.  These hearts are just wonderful.  All the pieces are made from a wonderful felt....and hand stitched, as Brian is known to do, with crochet thread and/or perle cotton.  Spider Web roses abound...beautifully designed and stitched by Brian himself. 

 

 So, here are the hearts one at a time.  Well, I'll begin with the one on the envelope bag.  So much detail in a small area.....Brian is a stitcher after my own heart, as they say.  Love the various sized French Knots.

 

And the first individual heart.  So pretty.

 

 And, now, the second heart.  I like the addition of that curve of French Knots on the upper right...adds such a special touch and detail to this heart.  Again...just beautiful!

 

And, the third heart....the smallest with the biggest roses...definitely special.

 

A closer look.....

 

 Another close look....

 

 And, now a look at what was in the envelope bag.....a wonderful vintage photo...oh, how I love these!  And, this one has been specially glorified with some of Brian's drawings...the drawing would be beautiful stitched on something special!  Hmmm....just maybe I'll do that!  Then, a lovely beautifully sentimental inscription specially for me.  LOVE IT! (Yeah, I'm just a sucker for sentimentality too!)

 

And, when I turned it over....GUESS WHO!!!  By then, I already knew, but what a fun thing anyway!!

   

If you've read my blog over a period of time, you have seen Brian's work here before.  He has two books in publication and you can find them at Brian's blog,  The Creative World of Brian Haggard.

If you wish, they can also be found at amazon.com.

 

Now, here is the back of both books....and you will love every page!  Brian, will there be book number three?  They are delightful to look at and really showcase his talents.

Now, I have to tell you this....Brian will be teaching here in Arkansas in just a week or two...at Quilt Arkansas!   Also, I just learned by visiting Brian's blog today...he will be hosting and teaching at The International Quilt Festival of Ireland, June 3-12, 2014.  A ten day trip and wonderful opportunity to meet and learn from Brian and also feast your eyes on the beautiful sights of Ireland! You might want to go along on this trip...check it out at his blog and make your plans NOW. 

So...a lovely surprise for me....and great news for you who may want to travel to Ireland along with Brian!! 

Thank you, my dear new old friend...for sharing you beautiful work with me...I'm so happy to now own something from your heart and hands! Well, including your beautiful books, of course!!  And, for you readers out there...as always, take care.  pat