Just in time for Valentines!

I sure do love me some Andy & Ann!  This is a single block that's Pieced in the Hoop™ and finished with a "trim in place" applique heart & redwork.  WOW... all 3 techniques combined! 

 

I left off the corners and created a more primitive style block.

Artwork drawn by a dear friend of mine, Angela Prince-Bex

 PURCHASE DESIGNS HERE

Cross of the Dogwood

One of my fondest memories of growing up in Tyler County, Texas is the time Daddy took us 3 girls and planted a dogwood tree.  He told us the story of it and to this day it's etched in my memory.  It was his favorite flower and is now mine too next to white daises. 

 

Click to enlarge

I created this set of designs as a reminder of who I am and where I came from.  I love living in Woodville, Texas!  Each year around the end of March, first of April, our town, being the county seat, hosts the Annual Dogwood Parade.  The courthouse square become packed with  lookie-lous oohing and awing over the niftiest craft find, antique cars and funnel cakes.  It's not long before a stream of lawn chairs line the city streets waiting on the opening ceremonies to begin.  It's then that Princesses and Ladies in Waiting representing each school wave and smile from decorated themed floats and kids hold their ears because the Shriner's are on their miniature motorcycles making cyclone of noise.  Most small business owners are represented with a float or decorated truck and attached lowboy as those riding throw hoards of candy to the crowd.  School bands play and march with their twirlers leading the way.  Ahh, I'm so glad to be back home!  It won't be long before dogwood time in Tyler County is here.  I'll be sure to post pictures.

PURCHASE DESIGNS HERE

Piece in the Hoop Buttons

I wanted to share a fun surprise I received in the mail a while back from a wonderful student named Mimi.  We met at the IEC convention last year in Evansville, IN.  Mimi took a design of mine and made me some darling buttons!  Don't you just love them!!!

She and Charles, her beloved husband, were both true treasures.  His love for this woman exuded in every action that poured from his heart.  I love seeing a man that encourages a woman to follow and do what she loves.  He was right here helping set up her machine and pampering her in every since of the word.   He gives me hope (smile).

Thanks Mimi and I hope I keep on inspiring you because you two have inspired me.

It's finally starting to get really cold here in Texas.  I know 30 degrees may be a walk in the park for some of you but to us Texan's that's just down right chilly!  I had to make sure I left the faucets drip last night to keep pipes form busting.  I think the heater ran overtime!  

Talon, my 3 year old alarm clock, woke me up to hunger pangs asking for Rice Krispies so that's just what he got.  Since I was up I decided to put a pot of Taco Soup on the stove to warm the bones after we head outside to play some T-Ball.  

I took Talon to see Santa yesterday and this is as close as he really wanted to get.  He's the lil boy in back in overalls.  Linsey decided she was just to big to sit in Santa's lap anymore, although I think she really wanted to.

 

Yesterday evening, I took the kids around town and took pics.  Talon wasn't cooperating too much but I still got a few good shots.  

We had a few visitors while taking pics and Talon had to go explore a little then decided to chase them back to the water.

The following two pics were taken by the court house square in front of the Historic Wheat House. 

 

  

Well, here's to a couple weeks off with my kiddos.  I pray that each of you have a safe and wonderful holiday season!  I'm truly thankful and blessed in so many ways.

Merry Christmas to all and to all and full bobbin!