Sunday, February 16, 2014

Field Trip!!!

Today I'm going on a field trip....                                                                                           
Yes... I'm heading to Mt Dora to Renninger's
Antique Extravaganza.... I adore antiquing and it's such a rush when you find just that right thing ... you have no clue what it is going to be... until you see it from a distance... and you simply cannot walk FAST ENOUGH to touch it... pick it up... inspect it... and then you see the BARGAIN price... and you look at the vendor and say... I'LL TAKE IT!  My heart skips a beat (or several) I just know it does.  For those of you that love the "hunt"... you can relate to me...right?



Then.. I have all of these friends that collect so many things... so I'm looking for them - looking for me.. that sometimes I get a little light headed and feel anxious.  Then I have to tell myself to calm down... this is supposed to be enjoyable!  Ha!  

Today... I'm focusing on small objects for Heather and I to use with our bears, bunnies, dogs... etc.  You know...those things that just make them extra special once we have them stitched.  Like one of her Bears holding a tattered torn mini baby doll... or sitting in a vintage little wicker rocker... get my drift?

So... the hunt is on.  I've been up since 3:00 am (can you tell I couldn't sleep?)... thinking about the million and one things I'm working on... mice - bunnies - strawberries - February Camp Blanding - Jan's Retreat - Cruise in June - packing my Christmas a little tidier in the garage - designing fabric in my head - designing quilts in my head - gotta get those taxes done - OH MY!  It just goes on and on... know what I mean?

So... My phone is charged and I have my coffee... I'm ready to go.

I'll let you know what treasures I find....  "it's all about the hunt" !!!

Gloria

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Tea & Stitches Retreat!!!

Good Morning!

It's Saturday morning here in Jacksonville...it's cold...wet... and icky outside!  A perfect day to stay indoors and work on those special projects you have been wanting to finish.  I love days like this... I put on my "indoor sweats" and look like a bum and do nothing but sew and watch TV all day!!!  Ahhh.. let it rain... I'm a happy girl!

Other things that make me happy... well... it's 'HANDWORK' !!!  I adore it... I don't care if its  making little hexagons, putting binding on a quilt, applique... knitting... love it all!  One of those loves is hand embroidery!  I remember when we were little... I would watch my mom hand embroidery pillow cases full of roses... those pretty girls in the bonnets and big dresses... (am I showing my age)... you know.. the ones you find in the antique stores now!  Wow...does that make one feel a little "aged" when you see things while antique shopping that you had when you were a KID!!!  

Back on the subject of embroidery... we (AND YOU) have the opportunity to attend a retreat here in Jacksonville with Jan Vaine.  To introduce Jan more to you... she was an instructor at the Olde Green Cupboard... at the beginning of her wonderful career she now has.  She has taught all over the United States and (in MY opinion) is one of the most detailed and organized instructors I have ever been associated with.... and I used to run an entire training department for Bank of America and we had tons of instructors and hundreds of classes we taught!

To learn more about Jan... please visit her website Graham Cracker Collection .

I have chatted about Jan's retreat several times and I wanted to make sure all of you knew  this is embroidery only -  with floss!  Some of you thought is was with ribbon, silk, etc... the more intense handwork that Jan teaches.  NO... this is beautiful different stitches with floss - for beginners along with those that have stitched for some time.... learning adorable stitches that you not only use in your Fan Block Quilt... but in future stitching projects you may want to do.

You will use Jan's new Book that is debuting this month!!



This is the fan block you will make (in colors of your choice) and add your stitches!!

I'm sorry I can't get the photo any clearer... but you can see the pretty stitching on the inner and outer edges of the blades!  Aren't they something else?  OMG!  I'm in love.....  



I'm going to make mine dark too (because you know I'm a primitive lover...) and I think I'll use some of my favorite lines of fabric Marcus Fabrics - Paula Barnes Tavern Reds....



2882-0111
Paula Barnes
3324-0175
Paula Barnes
4058-0111
Paula Barnes
0049-0161
Paula Barnes
0049-0111
Paula Barnes
0168-0190
4047-0111
Paula Barnes
0047-0111
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Paula Barnes
3320-0190
Paula Barnes
3325-0161
Paula Barnes
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4047-0162
Paula Barnes
0168-0111
Paula Barnes
4057-0111
Paula Barnes
3337-0190
3337-0190

Or her beautiful SUMMIT ROSE!!


0481-0111
Paula Barnes
0482-0142
Paula Barnes
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Paula Barnes
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Paula Barnes
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Paula Barnes
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Paula Barnes
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Paula Barnes
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Paula Barnes
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Paula Barnes
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Paula Barnes
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Paula Barnes
0489-0113
Paula Barnes
0490-0144
Paula Barnes
0490-0193
Paula Barnes
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Paula Barnes


Or Pam Buda's  Prairie Stitches!!! 
 

Pam Buda
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Pam Buda
0831-0113
Pam Buda
0831-0150
Pam Buda
0832-0111
Pam Buda
0832-0140
Pam Buda
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Pam Buda
0834-0111
Pam Buda
0834-0150
Pam Buda
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Pam Buda
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Pam Buda
0835-0140
Pam Buda
0835-0150
Pam Buda
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Pam Buda
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Pam Buda
0836-0140
Pam Buda
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Pam Buda
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Pam Buda
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Pam Buda
0837-0113
Pam Buda
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Pam Buda
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Pam Buda
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Pam Buda
0838-0140
Pam Buda
0838-0150
Pam Buda
0839-0140
Pam Buda
0840-0113
Pam Buda


Or.... My all time favorite from Judy Rothemel.... Her Ladies Dressing Gowns... sweet, feminine and when all pieced together gives you a wonderful "vintage" look and feel!!

Judie Rothermel
0630-0142
Judie Rothermel
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Judie Rothermel
0632-0142
Judie Rothermel
0633-0125
Judie Rothermel
0634-0150
Judie Rothermel
0635-0150
Judie Rothermel
0636-0126
Judie Rothermel
0637-0114
Judie Rothermel
0638-0142
Judie Rothermel
0639-0150
Judie Rothermel
0640-0114
Judie Rothermel

The UNF facility we will have our classes in is the state of the art... lots of room... great light... and outside our floor to ceiling windows is this beautiful fountain and patio area for us to use!  






Vicky and I are the event coordinators for Jan... and we have wonderful treats and gifts for you each day....

Visit her website and complete your application today!  It's a great price for all that you will receive...

TRUST ME!!!

See you in April!  I can't wait.

Jan, Gloria & Vicky