Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Tis the Season - Blocks Done!

Woo hoo!  Just 2 weeks behind but I finished block 12 and the label! 

My least favorite block turned out to be my favorite one!

Santa looks wonky but the block is actually square!

The goal is for all of us to have it assembled and quilted by end of September.  Oh well!  Late again!

Happy Stitching!
Elisa

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Where Were You?

I've had that question asked alot lately. 


I was sitting in a call center.  Just started my new job a few months earlier - very nervous, scared.  I was going through my divorce and was unsure if I was strong enough or could even support myself.

Behind me, two coworkers started shouting.  I didn't believe them at first.  Put my phone on Standby.  Heard the news.  Heard the crying.  My troubles seemed so small in comparison.

Ten years later, both myself and my country are tougher.  Stronger.  Prouder. Older. Wary. Resilient. Wiser. Saddened about this anniversary.

Where were you?

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Moda Country Fair Blog Hop

Ok, gals, I'm very excited! This past Tuesday Moda started their Country Fair Blog Hop! Each day during National Sewing Month another Moda designer will blog about the great American tradition, the Country Fair!

Today is the hilarious duo, Me and My Sister! Not only is each blogger sharing a good yarn or funny story, but they're posting a free project! Aren't these napkin rings great?!  Click for pattern.


And, of course, each featured blog is hosting a special giveaway on their day!

Happy Stitching!
Elisa


September 6th    Sandy Gervais of Pieces from My Heart
September 13th Sandy Klop from American Jane (Post will be featured on Moda's blog)
September 14th Liesl from Oliver + S
September 22nd Deb Strain
September 27th Kate Spain
and the fun continues into October

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Waymarking Edition

A forgotten remnant of Detroit's Golden Age

Merrill Fountain - Palmer Park

Merrill Fountain - detail

Elisa

p.s. Power is on again! Thanks for the prayers!

Monday, September 5, 2011

And Still She Waits....

Second full day without power. Sitting in a wi-fi free coffee shop checking emails and blogging.

Able to get some stitching done. Here is my July block for my Tis the Season SAL - finished via candlelight. Too bad I can't run my iron but flame, as they did In the old days!

Rumor has it power is supposed to return tonight, but we've seen no one from the power company & they need to replace 1 pole and 2 transformers. At least the weather is on my side!

Happy Labor Day!

Elisa

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Then The Storm Came...


Blogging from my iPhone. Storm came raging through last night causing major damage to Ferndale. Trees through houses, cars severely damaged, boats tipped over on their trailer. Looked out last night to see TWO transformers engulfed in flames! Luckily, except for a few scratches on my car and lots of debris, I made out okay. Unluckily, power is supposed to be out until Tuesday-ish. Great way to spend a long weekend! Luckily I have great neighbors - neighbor next door has run an extension cord from his generator to my refrigerator.

Looks like I will be stitching by candlelight!

Have a safe Labor Day weekend!
Elisa

Friday, September 2, 2011

Roll Call - Fall Embroidery Edition

As promised, here are a few more that didn't make it yesterday.  Here are some great, free (last time I checked) embroidery patterns and tutorials!


One Wee Home - Cinderberry Stitches


·         Backstitching by Cinderberry Stitches
·         Bird Brain Designs - All their Free Patterns! Sign up for their email list!
·         Celebrate Freedom! Pattern
·         Child of God Pattern
·         Embroidered Christmas Basket
·         Flower Sugar Woodland Faeries by Cinderberry Stitches
·         Jolly Halloween (Hudson Holidays)
·         Joy Hope Peace by Gail Pan Designs - love these!
·         Merry Christmas by Gail Pan Designs - love these!
·         Nasturtiums Pillow (Alex Anderson - Shadow Embroidery)
·         Joyeaux Noel by Gail Pan Designs - love these!
·         One Wee Home by Cinderberry Stitches
·         Retro Flowers Patterns
·         Sheltering Tree by Allie Oops
·         Stem Stitch Corners – Tutorial 

The above list does not include all the many amazing embroidery BOM out there:
·         Little Miss Shabby (Birdie Stitches)
·         Bunny Hill Designs(Henrietta Whiskers) - applique or embroidery
·         Elefantz (Give Thanks)
·         Gail Pan Design (Christmas Wishes) - LOVE this!
·         Hugs from Helen (Stitching Around the Block)
·         Painted Quilt (Raggedy & Friends)
·         Quilt Happy Quilt Often (Home Sweet Home)
·         Raspberry Rabbits (12 of Hearts)

There’s also some amazing web “embroidery schools” right now:
·         Clover and Violet - Embroidery 101
·         Hugs from Helen - Stitched Sundays
·         We Love French Knots

Happy Stitching!
Elisa

p.s. You can see by the skewed bullet points that blogger is having issues again - sigh!