New Venture

Linda has ventured into the world of pattern writing. Where I have my Supreme Sewers, she has Stitching Divas. Please be sure to visit Linda's blog to see the variations of Daintree that her Stitching Divas made. I love it when one pattern can look so different just by using different fabrics, prints, and colors. I had to ask the meaning of Daintree--it's a rain forest in Australia.

I first "met" Linda last year through her bag/bucket swap, the first swap I participated in. Then when I hosted the Time for Tea Swap I asked for her insight on hosting a swap and she graciously answered my many questions. I was honored when she asked me to co-host the Christmas in July Swap.

It's been such fun getting to know Linda through this swap but also since we're both jumping both feet into the world of pattern writing we've been sharing ideas and information (via e-mail and phone) on every facet of our venture; computer programs, copyright, photography, and on-line fabric deals. She gets me into trouble here I tell ya! I appreciate Linda's support and I am only too happy to give back. Wishing you the best of luck and much success, Linda.

~Piecefully, Stephanie

Indian Treasures and Other Goodies

Yesterday I found a lovely surprise on my doorstep. Now I can tell you personally about the beautiful handcrafts of India. This package is so beautifully wrapped I hated to open it.

Inside was this doll couple in traditional attire. Do you see that she's carrying a purse? It's green too! I love the attention to detail.

Also included were two gorgeous hand-block printed fabrics. Such precision in the printing process. Won't they make gorgeous projects? How wonderful it would be to observe this process from start to finish.

Lovely wooden beads and buttons in different styles--I wonder the types of wood used.

This photo does not do these stunning trims justice. I'll have the most unique bags in all of the United States! They shimmer so beautifully.

These are candies called rose sweet--similar to peanut brittle but with lots of different nuts and rose petals. Too pretty to eat but I did share one with my son. Delicious and we were thinking we noticed a hint of cardamom? How I would love to taste authentic Indian foods. The scents would be heavenly.

Aren't these amazing? They are hand embroidered cushion covers by artisans of Kashmir. The handwork is just incredible and the patterns so intricate. I'm in trouble if I ever visit India--I'm thinking very large suitcases! Thank you Pratima for sharing your wonderful country with me.

A little while back I won a give away on Shari's fun blog. I didn't know the gift until it arrived; 4 beautiful pieces of fabric with authentic Aboriginal art designs. Very lucky me. And THE cutest little bunny girl. Thank you so much Shari.

The errands I was running while my mail lady was delivering the lovely packages above included a stop at the antique mall. It was so worth the whim! Look what I found; a one yard piece of this gorgeous red heart fabric and 2 yards of the kitchen fabric. Somehow I think I'll eventually come up with project to highlight these little treasures.

s

~Piecefully, Stephanie

The Beauty of India

I first met Pratima from her frequent comments on my blog. Always encouraging and kind. In May she e-mailed to say she was going home to India on vacation. Upon her return she shared 187 pictures with me. I am so happy she didn't edit any out. What an amazingly colorful country, rich in history and tradition.
I didn't know Pratima was a quilter but this is the quilt she made and took with her to India for her in-laws. Gorgeous!!! When I discovered her talent I suggested she should start a blog. Well she does have one with her husband and friends--not just about quilting but about life in India as well as other insights. How wonderful to peek inside another culture. These writers are gifted with words. You can visit Pratima and friends at Peeps at The Peepal Tree. Be sure to read their sidebar for an insight into the name of their blog.
s
Thank you, Pratima, for allowing me to share your photo and gorgeous quilt.
s

~Piecefully, Stephanie

Aprons

While recently reading Teodolinda's blog, Appunti Patch , she posted about Grandma's Aprons. It reminded me that I had an apron post saved as a draft for the future. Although I can't seem to find any pictures of my grandma wearing her apron, I do have two of her aprons. Grandma was particular about her aprons so an aunt made them for her. Handmade is best. The blue one has rick rack on it. My grandma passed away in 1984. Do you have one of Grandma's aprons?

The History of 'APRONS'
s
The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, because she only had a few, it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.
s
It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.
From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.
When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.
And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.
Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.
Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.
From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.
In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.
When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.
When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.
It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that ' old-time apron' that served so many purposes.
ss
REMEMBER:
Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool.
Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.
They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron.
I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron.

Aprons are stylish and so popular once again so I've been playing.

~Piecefully, Stephanie

A Good Day

Would you take a look at what arrived in my mailbox. The very talented Carrie sent this very pretty needlepunch tin. I think she knows I love all things tea. :o)

Look at the goodies inside--trims and buttons--Christmas themed and a cute little card thanking me for co-hosting the Christmas in July swap. I'm a very lucky ducky. Thank you so very much Carrie.

What does one do while sitting on an airplane for hours and you're really tired of doing single crochet dishcloths? Sketch new projects, of course. Although I have other projects I really need to do and patterns to write, I started a new one. I love these colors.

And I'm very pleased with the project result. Now to make another and do some tweaking.

ss

~Piecefully, Stephanie

Merry Monday

I don't like doing blog posts without photos so here's a sneak peek.


Merry Monday posts from now on will be updates on packages received. If you are on Linda's list she'll be letting her swappers know their packages are on the way. Same for those swappers on my list. We'll also list the swappers who need to be on the lookout for their packages. Be watching my sidebar. I'll update as packages have arrived so you can go take a look at the goodies.
s
REMINDER: You must mail your swap package no later than July 18. Please let your swap hostess know when it has been mailed. Once you receive your package please let your swap hostess know. This will make our "paperwork" life so much easier.
s
There has been some terrific sneak peeks and I know everyone is looking forward to the reveals.
s
PACKAGES ARE ON THEIR WAY TO: Carrie P., Helena, Chookyblue, Jacquie, Anne Marie, May Kristin
s
~Piecefully, Stephanie

Thank You

Designing a bag and publishing a pattern was BIG for me. It was a huge learning curve first time at bat. I would have been thrilled with just one sale. A very public thank you to those blog friends who have purchased the pattern and given me a little "free advertising". I hope you enjoy. s

s

The bag above was my "prototype" and I've claimed it for myself. It's first public "debut" was being taken with me to California. It holds a lot. I've been asked by those who do not sew if I'll sell ready made bags. The answer is yes, eventually. I hope to have some made up before year's end (other things topping my "absolutely MUST do" list at the moment)

s

Here is another copyright post I just happened upon, if you're interested.

s

Happy Weekend!

s

~Piecefully, Stephanie