Just wanted to share a few photos with you from our vacation.  Theres a funny story behind the one where my husband is kissing me.   That was on the island of St. Maarten and we were at a very picturesque location where a man had his "ass" that you could take a picture with (for a small donation of course).  So he says to my husband "kiss her", so with that, my husband leans over and kisses the ass.  (such a kidder)
The last photo is some beautiful woodwork that was in a restaurant in St. Thomas.  Guess what, it might become a rug design!!  A good time was had by all.  Check back in the next few days for Open House photos. 
Until next time.....

So much to catch up on and say....

Phew...where do I even begin...
On Nov. 18th we left and drove to Oneonta to pick up my son from college, then off to Massachusettes where we got up the next day at 2 am and headed to Logan airport to fly to Orlando Florida, then boarded a bus and headed to Port Canaveral where we boarded the Carnival Dream. We took a one week cruise to St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau, Bahamas. We relaxed, ate, ate, ate, ate......drank, drank, drank.....you get the hint. It was a very nice vacation. Both sons and both of our Mom's went and we all had a great time.
When we got hom we had 5 days to get the house decorated and ready for our yearly Christmas Open house. A couple nights I saw 2:30 am, but we were ready. Our rug hookers came over and ate, shopped and just took a nice Christmas breather. It was a good day.
I could go on and on about both events, but will add pictures over the next few days of both..
Now, I am catching up on things and starting my Christmas shopping. Never a dull moment eh? But do love this time of year. Just sent my son out a box of Christmas goodies to share with his friends during Exam week and then he will be home for the break. My younger son just found out he got accepted to Mount Ida College and will play lacrosse there next year and with hubby home safe and sound, it looks like 2011 is shaping up to be a very good year. I hope this finds you all happy and healthy as well. Remember to really take a look at the Christmas lights, a young childs face as they see those lights or Santa in the mall and the beauty of it all and really appreciate all that you have, even if right now it is just your health or your family, or a warm house. Sometimes we take things for granted and I know personally I sometimes have to step back and really be thankful for all I have and not let small things get in the way. And also remember to sit down at the end of the day with your favorite beverage, put your feet up and enjoy the season. Sometimes as women we get bogged down with making it special for everyone else that we don't enjoy it too!
Happy Holidays to you all!
Until next time....

Almost Turkey Time...

I haven't had a chance to write much lately, been feeling a bit under the weather. I have had a cold for the last week and an awful cough that comes from the tips of my toes. I guess I'm lucky because I have avoided a cold for a couple of years now. I have managed to keep up with order for the gift shop on Fort Drum and keep designing new patterns. You can see some unit ornaments I made, very primitive!!
Also, see two of my new punch needle patterns, 1830 Floral and Lovebirds. I'm really kind of waiting till the new year to unveil them, although they will be available for purchase at MMIJA.com and if I get to them sooner of course I'll add them to my website. I can't wait to punch both of them and Mom is anxious to hook them.
We are in a tailspin today as we get ready for our hookers to come, which is always a nice afternoon, but we leave tomorrow for a week long cruise. So, in the middle of cleaning (for the housesitter and hookers) and packing and putting together patterns, there is never a dull moment. At first I worried that this was the wrong time of year to be taking off, but, as I sit here, I am really looking forward to some serious down time. I plan to sit with a fruity cocktail and people watch. Really, is there anything better?
So, a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you all. I am thankful that my husband is home this year and we are all healthy (except for the stray cough here and there). I wish you and yours all the best and hope to have all kinds of funny vacation photos to share when I get back.
Until next time.....

Another photo...

I'm not sure but this picture didn't take in my last post...so, here it is....the hooked "Let's Talk Turkey"!!

Turkeys and a Snowman!

Busy, busy here at The Old Tattered Flag. Mom finished hooking my two newest designs "Let's Talk Turkey" and "Pride" (snowman) and I finished my "Let's talk turkey" wool applique pattern. I wanted to make it a bit different than the hooked rug pattern so turned it into a table runner with more vines and threw a couple of pumpkins in. I also decided to use some linen for my background fabric that I had slightly coffee stained. The patterns are available on my website, www.theoldtatteredflag.com
Because I always have to have my hands in something I have been fooling with some really primitive decopage pins and ornaments. I am working on some military unit ornaments for ladies at Fort Drum. It give me a nice break from the textiles here and there. So, needless to say....always busy.
Sorry for the space between blogs, I'll try to be better....
Until next time....

Punch Needle and Turkey!!

What a combination huh? I am in punch needle world now. I think because of my advertising in Create and Decorate, the punch needle world has finally found me because the patterns are flying off the shelf. I actually love drawing them, I turn on my itunes and sit with my sharpie and weavers cloth and it's very relaxing. I have 19 new designs. Above see my new Santa 2011 done in hooked form and punched form. I also have a great new Turkey design that a couple of my students asked me for. Mom is color planning it and I have revised it into a very primitive penny rug table runner and will punch it as well, very soon.

Life has been pretty hectic as usual around here since hubby got home. Who would want it any other way right? Last weekend, his first weekend home, him and my son ventured down to Mass. to attend his fathers mass and Mom and I headed north to Maine as she had a wedding to attend. While there we visited Camp Wool in Kinnebunkport. Oh my goodness, what a great store. It was overflowing with everything textile, from hooking, punching, needle felting, wool applique, you name it. We were there for two hours and probably could have stayed longer. If your ever in the area, make sure to visit. LeeAnn, the owner was so nice!!

My mother got an order for 12 chair pads so she has pretty much been roombound hooking. In the middle of the chair pads she also finished Santa and I'm happy to say he is already on his way to a nice lady in Australia. He's very festive and whimsical.

Since hubby is home I feel an obligation to attend events with him and the invitations coming in are insane, sometimes three a day. After a deployment people come and go so there are alot of ceremonies to attend to say hello and goodbye. Like I said, hectic, but also nice to have him home and get out again.

So, hope you enjoy the new designs. I'll get more on as I get them punched, hooked, painted, etc...
Until next time..

"Autumn Romance" finished

Wow!!! Mom just finished this last night. What a stunner!!! It's a big rug at 28 x 28 inches. Sure to be an heirloom for someone. It is for sale for $525, look for it soon on my website or ebay, or contact me if interested.
More good things coming...
Until next time....