Busy and exciting week!

Phew! I haven't had a chance to write in a week and I feel like I have so much to share. I don't even know where to start, so I'll start with the photos. While my sister was here we visited that quilt shop, Mission rose I told you about last blog. Well, they had lots of neat ideas for needle felting. None of us knit though, but as you know we all love wool. So, we decided to pick up some 100% wool sweaters while scavenging at the salvation army. Now, let me tell you, I know there is a stigma for alot of people to go to a salvation army, but I got several sweaters from J.Crew, Eddie Bauer, Gap, American Eagle, and did not pay more than $5 for any of them. When you are going to come home and shrink it to less than half the original size it is, how could you not shop there. Plus I have to say, here in Norther NY, we have some of cleanest and well organized Salvation Army's I have ever seen. So, we all put our "inner snobs" aside and dug in. So, anyway, my sister and I each made some slippers with our felted wool sweaters. I love them and would venture to say that you may see some on my website very soon.

Next is one of my newest patterns that I just finished hooking. It's called "Hearts Abound", is 10 x 55 inches long and intended to be used as a table runner, but of course could be hung or (the horror) go on a floor. I'm very pleased with how it came out and thanks to Mom for the color planning!

Next is my Old Glory pattern that I have had as a hooked rug pattern and have just turned into a penny rug pattern. Mom's hand dyed wools are just gorgeous for these penny rugs, so nice and mottled that they look antique. I have the pattern/kit available on both ebay and my website.

Last is one of my new paintings. It's a primitive tulip design that I punched a couple years ago. I got really funky with the border but was pleasantly suprised with it and love it. It's done on an old door panel.

Now, for the most exciting part of our week. Mom and I are going to be featured in a national craft magazine in either June or August. I really don't want to say too much because I'm a bit superstitious, but let me tell you, we are both so excited. I can honestly say that I know I am lucky to be able to work from home AND love what I do. I wake up every morning eager to get into my projects for the day, so the chance to be in a magazine that is sold nationwide in craft/grocery/walmart stores is just so thrilling. On a side note it feels good because I've been doing this for 12 years now and although it's been nice to be home for my boys I have not "gotten rich" doing it. As my boys are getting older now, it's so nice to know that perhaps this really could turn into something serious for me. Sometimes I think that as women, when our kids leave the home we, (I know I) have dealt with feelings of self worth. As a military spouse I am always "standing by my man", which don't get me wrong, I have loved. But, it feels good to finally have something of my own to embrace. My husband and boys are just thrilled for me which makes it even more special. I am so thankful to my mother too for nudging me to write in to the magazine. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

So, that's it for now. I got a bit wordy today but there was alot to share. I have to be very organized before that issue comes out in the summer so there will be tons of new designs coming.

Until next time......