So Thankful...

...For all of the people who have come in to my life.  For laughter, for learning, for friendship.

As an early gift from me to you, use coupon code 10PERCENTB to receive 10% off every single item in our etsy shop.  No exclusions.  No limits.  Period.  Offer good through Monday, November 28.

Also, watch for new items to be added soon -- great stocking stuffers and beginner kits.  Here's to a Happy Holiday season!  Much love from The Little Shop Of Stitches!

Sittin' in a Barn, Drinkin' Wine

Yeah, you read that right.  ;)

Earlier this week, I took The Little Shop on the road to a neighboring town.  One of the local "Mom" groups was putting on a Holiday Showcase with proceeds to benefit underprivileged children.  An evening of shopping and socializing for a worthy cause -- how could I not go?

 

Here is our little home away from home.

I should explain that this was held at a very elegant venue, generally known for hosting weddings.  I believe it used to be a family homestead, but the hustle and bustle of "progress" just grew up all around it.  The main house is a 19th century farmhouse that has been beautifully restored, and the grounds are the envy of any gardener.  Click here to check it out.  Although, seriously, the pictures do not do it justice!

Mom and I set up in the barn, which was already decorated for Christmas.  Couldn't help but think that barn would make a darn cute quilt shop!  It had a lovely little loft, a kitchenette, and his and hers "facilities."  Nothing at all like Grandma's barn on the farm I used to visit!

The Moms group had advertised refreshments.  Much to our delight, those refreshments included wine!  And so we sat, talked, sipped, and laughed in a barn on a Tuesday night.  Not a bad way to spend an evening.

Making a List, Checking it Twice

I have always said that I am happier when I am busy than when I am bored. 

If that is true, I must be on cloud nine right now!  I have lists upon upon lists of things to do today, tomorrow, next week, and before all of the upcoming holidays.  I am a list-maker.  List follower?  Well...

The Little Shop is on its World Tour...meaning we are going to different craft shows in our area.  It's been a lot of fun putting together, and I really enjoy meeting new quilters.

I've also been asked by a few friends of mine to teach them to sew.  So, I'm trying to work on some simple, small projects that are easy to understand and easy for me to explain.  I think we're going to have a Girls' Night Ornament Workshop soon.  Should be fun!

I've also "met" a lot of fun people here in BlogLand.  One of my newest customers sent me a link to her favorite website, AllFreeSewing.com.  I have been drooling over this cute little Santa Purse pattern.  Just need to put it on my to-do list.  

Now...where did I put that list???

On the Road Again

I have enjoyed getting my new adventure started.  The blog, the etsy shop, the Facebook page...all part of phase one for The Little Shop of Stitches.

I've missed people, though.  Cyberspace is great, and I've "met" a lot of really nice folks.  And, to be honest, I kinda like my alone time.  But, it was time to get out where the real humans live.

Our little shop went on the road over the weekend.  "On the road" might be pushing it just a bit.  It was just a half mile from my house!  

Anyway, we (Mom and I) set up shop at a local craft bazaar and had a ball!  Take a look!

It was a mini-dream-come-true for me.  This is the beginning of The Little Shop of Stitches.  We talked with people about quilts and patterns.

We met one lady who couldn't call herself a quilter, but would admit to being a Fabric Collector.  

One woman actually fessed up to being a Fabric-holic!  That's my favorite kind of Olic!

I was very tired and very proud by the end of the day.  And, we're going to do it again!  We've signed up to do three more shows within the next two weeks.  Here's to new friends and new beginnings!

Busy Little Elves

"Sorry I've been MIA lately."

I have read this statement numerous times this week, all from completely different people!  I'm not sure if it's the time of year when everyone gets so bogged down with their to-do list, or what exactly.  Several bloggers I read on a regular basis have been to Quilt Market and Quilt Festival in Houston.  (Jealous!)  Another blogger said she'd come down with a case of pneumonia.  (Yuck!)  And, now it comes from me to you.  I don't have a good excuse.  

But, I do have some fun things to show you!

I'm taking The Little Shop of Stitches on the road, displaying my wares at various craft shows here in my town.   So, I've been in "merchandising" mode, making sure everything looks its best.  I've spent hours and hours listening to Christmas music (puts me in the holiday mood, I don't care if it's too early) in my sewing room.  Not so much sewing, as assembling.  

First, I need a place to hold all the fabric cuts I'll be taking.  No room on the shelves, so I made a shelf...out of baskets.

 Cute, yes?  I found the baskets at a yard sale this summer for less than $2.  They are held together using those giant binder clips.  Add some fabric, and voila!

 Easy up, easy down, easy to transport.

Then, the real fun began.  Fun with fat quarters!  First, I rolled up two...

 They are held them together with a little clear packing tape.   Add some accessories, and we have Fat Quarter Lollipops!  No calories!

 Next, I found these cute little plastic heart boxes.  I put a fat quarter in each, wrapped a ribbon around, and added a "Thought for the Day." 

 There are others, but this one is my personal favorite.  Consider this my closing thought...