Sunday, August 30, 2009

Wonderfully Lazy Sunday.

Today, was just a kick back kind of day. We're still moving so we packed a few boxes, took alot of stuff to Goodwill and then just sat around and veg'd.

With the hectic pace we've been keeping, the fantastic weather combined with a peaceful deck gave us the much needed down time.

Hope everybody got a chance to enjoy the day.

Patti

Thursday, August 27, 2009

My "Sew and Tell"

I've said it before and I'll say it again... Terry Atkinson Rocks!!! Here is my "Fire Escape" quilt that I made at Terry's Shop Owners Retreat in July. (excuse the strange way it's displayed, I just pinned it up on the bolts so I could get a quick shot before I went home)

This in one of the nicest quilt patterns I've made in a long while. As always, it was easy to understand and fun to make. I know this one's going to be a hit so I doubled my pattern order. Kits are all cut and just waiting for the patterns to arrive. If you would like a kit, give the shop a call and we'll put one aside with your name on it.

When you stop in the shop, look at the fun quilting that Patti H. (Quilts from the Trail) did on it. She always knows exactly what's going to enhance each quilt. Kudo's to her for the fantastic job. Also, if I hadn't gotten my Bernina from Bear Patch my seams wouldn't be as accurate. I had been using a featherweight and it sewed OK but I was not very consistant on my 1/4". I love my new machine and it's really made me want to sew . Thank you Laurel.

While I write this, Lily Jane is laying on my lap, purring and watching the words as I type. She is quite the character. We love her dearly... just wish that she'd set her alarm for a little later than 5:30 in the morning. That's the time she starts pouncing us.

Have a good day tomorrow Patti

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Autumn, my favorite season...

Just finished my wool table runner. Great project, especially if you've never worked with wool - it's the most forgiving medium. Just stitch around the edges with a primitive stitch or a button hole stitch and it's done.. The part you're seeing in the photo is only half of it, the other side is the same with a nice space in the middle to put a harvest candle.



This adorable wall hanging was made by Becky's daughter Christy. Hard to believe it's her first attempt at working with wool. She is very good at it and has made several wonderful samples for you to enjoy.


I love to decorate around the house or the shop with Holiday dishes, vases etc. I was at a thrift shop and found these "Leaf" dishes and was thrilled. There are 4 to the set, 2 smaller green ones (not pictured) and these two.
They are alot larger than they appear in this photo. We have the large one on the table holding a few kits for a table runner Theresa made.
The smaller one is holding the kits for my wool project.
The added touches really add to the Fall feeling.

I don't know if it's the wonderful cool - crisp nights that I like so much. Maybe it's the colors. One thing for sure - I love pumpkins and Mums. Pretty soon my deck will have both on it and I'm sure the shop will too.

Stop in and check out our new fall and winter fabrics and projects. We've got something for everyone.


Later, Patti

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Birthday Buddies 2nd Golf Tournament

What a fantastic day for our 2nd Annual Birthday Buddies Golf Tournament held at Majestic Oaks. You couldn't have asked for better weather or turn out. Last year it was pouring rain and cold. (for this year -just in case, Nancy bought rain slickers for each cart).

Just a few shots here, but to see the entire event go to http://www.birthdaybuddiesmn.com/.




Nancy and I wore the extremely attractive hats most of the day.... not much the Donahue sisters wouldn't do for the cause. Dave "Hooner" was there, he's one of our best friends and a great supporter of Birthday Buddies, he never misses an event.



There had to be about 40 golfers in all. They played "Shotgun" style, with something special at several of the holes. After they came in we had a catered dinner while we did our silent auction and raffle.

One luck winner won a spa package worth $810 that included six 40-minute facials, six 1-hour massages and several other fantastic treatments and products. There were also lots of golf, beer, wine and sports items, as well as gift certificates to many nice restaurants. We've found cmopanies in the Twin Cities are most generous in donating to Birthday Buddies and we thank each and every one of them. With out the support of others, we couldn't continue. OUr next even we have planned. . . .

"Boo Bash"
October 24th at CR Billards in Coon Rapids

This is our annual Halloween Costume Party. Mark your calendars - it's for a good cause and tons of fun. I have already started working on my costume - I went as a banana last year nad Nan went as a "Gothic Princess". The photo of us together is posted on the web site ... the Donahue Sister's for a good cause again.

Looks like today is going to turn out to be a wonderful day too. I'm still in the process of moving so after work I will keep plugging along with that.

Enjoy the day!

Patti

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Rosebuds Cottage Joins Birthday Buddies!!!


Roseann from "Rosebud's Cottage" has joined the Birthday Buddies Team.

Rosebud's Cottage will be a drop-off site for toys and supplies needed to complete our birthday bags.



With the economy in its current state, the demand from families has grown. We are working very hard to insure that every child's special day is an eventful one. Many of these families never thought they would be in a situation where they required help. When jobs are lost or sickness drains a family financially - birthdays fall low on the priorities list. Our goal is to see that every child receives a custom built birthday party in a bag.

We now have 3 locations to drop off items or make donations. For more information on how you can help, check out our website at http://www.birthdaybuddiesmn.com/.

Thank you Roseann, for supporting Birthday Buddies.

Patti

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Goodbye Old Friend....



The fair ended, hard to say Goodbye to all my new friends. This fine specimen won a few ribbons and as you can see is lookin' pretty darn proud.


Well, back to the shop and to the normal routine. Have several upcoming shows to get ready for.


Putting the class schedule together and getting the new samples done. We've got a busy fall and winter planned.


Schedule should be on our web site Sept. 1st, some fun classes coming up. Offering a few of the ones we had last time - per request. So if life got in the way of you taking one you wanted, check and see if it's offered again.


Anyway.... The fair is over, No more Cotton Candy, Corn Dogs, Gyros or Italian Ice. I guess if I get desperate I can go to the State Fair. To all the Weight Watchers leaders that might be reading this - I'm just kidding. I'm using my points on fruits and veggies!!!


Patti