....and it's still January....

Part of me says, "wow, it's already January 26" and part of me says, "it's still January??!!"  I hate to say it...and it's way too early, but little thoughts of spring are starting to creep in to my head.

1. I've begun planning how I'm going to decorate the porch

2. I've thought about how good food on the grill is

3. I've been thinking about flowers 

4. I'm designing bunnies

5. It's cold!!

~*~*~*~*~*~

Speaking of bunnies, here is a design I doodled on my ipad that I'd like to share.  Feel free to print it out and enlarge to the size you want for punching, hooking or applique...I'd love to see finished pictures!!

The good thing is that every minute of my day is always filled so I don't notice the January cold unless I have venture out, which by the way, I'm happy to say that I am still getting up at 5:30 to meet hubby at the gym.  There are mornings that it is hard to get up out of bed, but I am forcing myself and when the walking is done I have a whole day ahead of me...so much time to get so much done!  

My view of "the knoll" as I call it, as I return from the gym.  My favorite view in our yard, I use to think how beautiful it is in the summer when the sun is rising, but it's pretty in the winter too!

I have NEVER been a morning person, and truth be told I'm irritated that I cannot keep my eyes open much past 9 pm lately, it is seriously infringing on my hooking/punching time, but, I must say I am really liking quiet mornings.  That time when I get back from the gym and the sun isn't quite up fully so the house is glowing and still.....

I have found that these few quiet minutes before everyone gets up can be very therapeutic.  A hot cup of coffee and quiet...good for the soul!!

 Then, before I know it the quiet is over and it's time to get serious!

Designs to be completed, packages to be filled, shelves to be stocked...

Punching to be completed...

"Easter Bunny" is currently on the website.  I am in the middle of punching him and have made one small change.  There is no lettering on his bunting, I changed it to 3 small red stars.
Easter Bunny Punch Needle Pattern

 And here's the cute hooked rug version!  I love this fella!!  Great job as usual Mom!!

"Easter Bunny" Hooked Rug pattern
"Easter Bunny" Hooked Rug Kit

I have also added "Goin' to the Fair" for punch needle....

Goin' To The Fair Punch Needle Pattern

Mom finished my "Pig Call" design....wow!!!  I love her.....the pig and Mom too!

Pig Call Hooked Rug Pattern
Pig Call Hooked Rug Kit

And I made "Pig Call" for Punch too, there is no finished picture just yet, only the hooked rug for the time being.

Pig Call Punch Needle Pattern

I am anxious for my new design "Hearts in Bloom" to be available for everyone when it is released in the next issue of Punch Needle and Primitive Stitcher magazine.  It should be in the mail very shortly.  I'd like to thank my son Jeremy for taking this beautiful photo.  He has an eye doesn't he?

So, as you can see, we are in full on creative mode.  In between the creating we are planning for upcoming hook-ins and events, organizing and trying to build up our inventory.

And when I can stay awake at night I have been punching, stitching and hooking for an hour each to try to get more designs out.  Below is my newest coverlet.  I have been working on getting this one for about a year and a half.  This one was difficult to adapt.  I just had to get it right before I could get it on to the fabric.  Well, now that it is right the fun part begins.....the hooking!  It will be 40 x 45 inches, nice and big and is made up of 25 large blocks.  The design is hard to see until you start hooking and wow, then it takes shape.  I am VERY happy with this one.  

So, as you can see we are keeping busy as we shiver through January and work our way toward spring.  Our new addition, Hobbes, has made his way from the barn into the house and is doing quite well.  He has really made himself at home.....

....and so now Baxter has some competition for camera time, lol! Baxter has had a rough week with 3 seizures.  We can go for months without one, then all of a sudden they happen.  Thankfully they are not bad seizures....poor guy!

I hope you are all doing well, staying warm, shoveling out and keeping those hands busy.

Until next time.....