Wednesday, March 17, 2010

… who knew. . .



For some who have been reading my blog for a while (& I you for that !) - you've seen these little wool pennies before. . .


I actually started making them a few years ago - from wool that I dyed. . . while visiting my friend Anne - not knowing exactly what I would use them for. . . 


. . . Who knew that eventually they they would go from being cute single little pennies to be used like this . . .



. . . for this little spring linen & wool project . . .


. . . & eventually end up on the cover of this wonderful magazine . . .?


Last spring, the very sweet Catherine of Australian Homespun - (my favorite Australian magazine!) contacted me about being their American guest designer for their 'Easter' issue. . . & I was thrilled. I follow in the footsteps of  several other American friends (Verna, Joanna, Anne, Carrie, Camille, . . .) who have been featured before. . . &, honestly, I was a bit nervous. I mean. . . I know that I think of soft colors for Easter - but what about in Australia? . . . In the US - Easter happens in our spring season, but In Australia - it falls in their autumn season. . .  ! I was filled with questions & second guessing myself. But then - with wonderful advice from Lynette (thank you Lynette!) I followed my heart & went for what was truly my look & feel. (Big sigh here. . .!)




The folks at Australian Homespun did a great layout & were so wonderful to work with!


  

I know that it takes a few extra weeks to get the latest issues in the US - but it should be arriving any day! If you don't have a local resource for Homespun - I know that you can order them (& subscribed too! - I do!) here, and I know that Colonial Crafts also carries Homespun (although this issue may not be in yet). (The issue is N0. 82)

So. . . now that this is out. . . & now that we are having glorious sunny (& warm) days. . . (with windows wide open!) . . . I think I can officially consider it 'spring' here at the studio!

 Bren

22 comments:

vivian said...

That is so cute it takes my breath away. I will definitely be getting that magazine.
Jane

rachel griffith said...

oh bren.
this is absolutely adorable.

happy zombie said...

Like Vivian... it's so cute it took my breath away! I will search hi and low if I have to to get this issue! Congratulations, Bren!!

Suburban Stitcher said...

precious! it is amazing sometimes when you put simple things together they make something extraordinary. i guess that's why we all love this craft. we make the same "basics" and just put them together in amazing ways. congrats on a winner, there :)

Vicky said...

Congratulations, Brenda! It's absolutely adorable!

LindaSonia said...

What a lovely piece and what an honor to be on the cover. Good for you!! LindaSonia

Anonymous said...

adorable! Lizzie

Unknown said...

It's awsome and sooooooooooooooooooo cute I love it. Hope I'm able to get a Homespun Magazine
Hugs Gunda

Lynette Anderson said...

Bren, Your Tweet Basket is so cute and pretty. I cant wait to get my issue so I am going to make myself this lovely Easter project and better still I have some of your lovely wool that I can use.
Love Lynettex

Camille said...

Hooray for you! How exciting. I love Australian Homespun too- that Catherine is amazing! As are you. But that's a given. ;-)

Unknown said...

Bren, That is just way too adorable!! Congrats, I am definitely going to get this magazine.

edyB said...

That piece is just so pretty. Love those little woolies!

Sewn With Grace said...

Oh my goodness! Such wonderful news. Congratulations! Your design and colors are just breath taking. How very fun for you. I look forward to finding the magazine!

paulette said...

Gorgeous penny rug!! LOVE IT!! Well done...you must be VERY proud of yourself!!
Paulette

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

How adorable Bren! The linen and wool work perfect together! Love it!

Shontelle said...

Congratulations! I have this magazine and your little penny rug is absolutely gorgeous. Take a bow!

Dawn said...

How exciting for you!!
The pennies are so beautiful...soft looking.

Sarah Greider said...

I must have this magazine! I've never worked with wool, but I can't wait to now.
Great job. Love your patterns!

Sinta Renee said...

It can't get any cuter than that. Your little woolies are so sweet... and match perfectly with your wonderful fabrics! Congratulations on your debut in Homespun. Your Spring pattern is adorable!

Sarah Greider said...

Brenda - Your creation is just awesome. Will you have kits available? I would love to try my hand at some pennies and wool. Please advise, as I would love to buy one.

Linda said...

Does anyone know where you can buy that magazine. I have checked all bookstores where I live and none have it. Also, the colonial crafts website doesn't list that issue.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I would love to get that issue.

Catherine said...

Hi Brenda

So glad you liked this issue of Homespun and the promotion of your gorgeous penny rug. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you and hope to do so again in the future. If any readers of your blog are interested in purchasing this issue of Homespun, you are needing to order Homespun Vol 11 No 3 (No 82) and please contact the following as to which is appropriate for your country:

NZ Distributor - Needlecraft, ph 64 6 356 4793, website: www.needlecraft.co.nz

UK Distributors - The Cotton Patch, ph 44 121 702 2840, email: mailorder@cottonpatch.co.uk; Manor House Magazines, ph 44 167 251 4288, email: info@manorhousemagazines.co.uk

USA Distributors - Stonehouse Publications, ph 1 1800 461 1640, website: www.craftmags.com

Singapore Distributor - Car Kit Pte, ph 65 6 282 1960, website: www.magazines1source.com

Hope this helps everybody. Otherwise, please log on to www.universalshop.com.au and you can order a copy through our website or they can direct you to an appropriate source. For your information, Homespun is also now available in Borders in the USA.

Cheers

Catherine Sanchez
Editor
Homespun