I'm making a real effort to avoid buying new textiles. With fabric designers tempting us at every turn, it isn't easy! So the thrift shops are providing my fabric fix lately. I love the graphics and colors on these vintage tea towels. They'll be worked into something, perhaps totes, or quilts.



Speaking of bags, here's my latest embroidery finished off and stitched into something to carry around this spring and summer.
Yep, it's stitched on the back, too.

How's Your Day?

The sun is out! I'm daydreaming about Spring already and my latest "pick-up" project is all about it. The piece of thrifted tablecloth here will soon be a new bag, although it's looking a little rumpled and hardly there at this point. I decided to go with the tradition of redwork embroidery and it's looking kinda cheerful against the white and yellow plaid.
The pattern is from Kathy Schmitz, which practically jumped in my basket while I was here. Had to edit the design somewhat so there will be a chance of the stitching being done before spring--or summer!-- are long gone.

I came across an article by Cesar Millan, the "Dog Whisperer", in last Sunday's Parade magazine section titled, "What Your Pet Can Teach You". Maybe you saw it, too. This is from the article:

"For a dog, every morning is Christmas morning. Every walk is the best walk, every meal is the best meal, every game is the best game. We can learn so much by observing the way our pets rejoice in life's simplest moments. Take time every day to celebrate the many gifts that are hidden in the ordinary events of your own life".

So Long, 2008

A few of my favorite bits from the holiday season...

Making peppermint soap with daughter Jessica, gifts for her co-workers. Another "good thing" from Martha Stewart. These were a lot of fun to make and a big hit at the office.

The delicious kolaches made by new daughter-in-law Jenn on Christmas morning, with savory sausage, cheese, and jalapeno fillings. Kolaches are a specialty in Jenn's hometown, Houston, but apparently nowhere to be found in the Northwest. Lucky for all of us that Jenn has learned to make her own. Yum!

White Christmas at the Newlywed's with the whole family.

Finishing the little cardboard cottages I started making last year. They need a few more little details...



The appearance of four young deer on the dunes across from our beach house on New Year's Day; I managed to catch a couple of them with my camera.

I'm excited about the New Year and looking forward to all that unfolds! Hope you are, too.