All over the place....

 I think we can all agree that my promises about being better about blogging are falling by the wayside.  I'm not going to make any promises anymore, I'm just going to write when I can.  The pace here is hectic as usual, but also routine at the same time.  Now that the shop is open and everything is all relatively "close" together (studio, dye kitchen, shop) it's a nice flow and great to work in.  Between hook-ins, quilt shows, the shop, and orders from the website it has been a challenge to get all the patterns filled up, I'm not sure I will ever catch up, but as Mom keeps reminding me of the old Buzzy Bee saying "the best I can do is the best I can do and I'm doing the best I can."  That's my motto.  We have the best customers locally and through the internet, so really my job is great, doing what I love to do and interacting with such fun ladies.  We had open hooking last Thursday and it's always such a pleasure to see what everyone is working on.  I was ecstatic to see Sally walk in with her "hookers do it...." tshirt and one of my clay necklaces.  Here she is hooking below...

..and I just love seeing one of my punch designs come to life.  Here's Sharon with her "Maximus Snifficus" punch pattern.  Sharon is an excellent puncher.... 

I am so happy to be able to carry these great books in both the shop and website.  I've loved A Simple Life magazine for years and am pleased to now offer it and several of the amazing primitive books by Jill Peterson...

 I also have several other great books including Maggie Bonanami's new book "Thistle Down Moon".  I love her style.  I'm not sure she would remember, but I had the honor of meeting her a few years ago when we were stationed at Fort Leavenworth.  We were both participating in a wonderful "gathering of friends" show.  She's a very nice lady!  Love her books and these other great ones as well.....

To see our Book section click on this link:

BOOKS 

On Monday Mom and I decided we needed a little buying trip so we took off and headed to New Hampshire and Vermont.  We had a wonderful time...a little retail therapy never hurts anyone right?  We did stop in at Bennington Pottery.  I finally took the plunge and started my collection.  I have loved my Sister's set for years but never wanted to do it with all the military moves, but now that we are settled, let the collecting begin.....

If you are ever in the area, stop by Bennington Pottery, you will not be sorry....

After that we headed on over to Manchester, Vermont, had a great dinner at Mulligans, stayed at a beautiful place called The Manchester View, a pretty, nice clean room with spectacular views.  Aptly named!

The next morning we had breakfast at a wonderful little cafe "The Little Rooster" cafe and then more retail therapy...

We visited this brand new store....it reminded me of my little shop as they has put in a natural wood floor, but they had several awesome antique store pieces.  If you are in the area, check it out for all your Vermont made products...

So, then it was back home and back to work.  We are now preparing for two Quilt Guild presentations and the Brandywine Hook In on Oct. 25.  We also were just invited to a hook-in in Indiana next May.  Love those hook ins!!!  If you belong to a guild, remember, "we have wool, will travel"!

In between presentations and prep we are still managing to get some new designs done.  I did get my "Kringle" punch needle finished.  To go to the pattern/kit page click on the link:  Kringle Punch Needle

 And oh my, I just love this next one...."Charlie's Tree".  The Hooked Pattern/Kit are here: Charlie's Tree

Watch for it soon for Punch and Wool Applique

I also finished up my loooong Old Tattered Flag punch.  It is 3 x 15 inches, made for this great box that you can find in our Mounting Boards section.  Here's the link for the Old Tattered Flag punch pattern/kit: Old Tattered Flag Punch Pattern/Kit

 ...and be sure to check out our Woolens section for 8 new woolens.  Here's the link:  Woolens page

So, as you can see there is never a dull moment here.  Tomorrow I take off with Hubby to head up to Plattsburgh to visit my youngest son.  Mom will be here tending the shop, so if you are in the area stop by to say "hello" to her.  

Have a great weekend everyone...

Until next time....