daybook ::42::

for today :: November 16, 2011  
(I feel like I should start bidding 2011 farewell. . . because it's going by so quickly!)

outside my window. . .  after some (wonderful) cloudy, drizzly days. . .(we get kinda excited about having rainy days). . .  we are having a beautiful,  sunny autumn day (love these too!).

I am thinking . . .  about some fun little quilt-y gifts I'm making this week.

from the kitchen. . .  coffee (of course!), . . . & some of my favorite Ghirardelli 60% Caoco chips. (. . .a must have for pattern writing. . . !)

I am wearing. . . t-shirt & comfy J.Jill pants. . . (just like wearing jammies. . . but not as embarrassing if I need to answer the door!)

I am creating . . .  a shopping list  - for all the cookies & yummies I am planning to make! (. . .  love baking!. . . & even more so - this time of the year.)

I am remembering. . .  to slow down & appreciate what I have.

I am reading. . .  just finished 'The Scarlet Thread' by Francine Rivers . . . & am actually pondering the next book. . .

I am hoping . . .  to get out my watercolors this week.

I am hearing. . .  one very busy (& noisy) birdie - outside. . . & Bailey making his 'I'm-running-&-running-&-running-in-my-dream' little noises. (. . . oh, how I wonder what he is dreaming!)

around the house. . .  lot's of shipping envelopes & boxes. . . just waiting for 'By My Hand' to arrive from the printer.

I am going. . .  to go on a 'date' with my Dad. . . to the library to get him a card & then to lunch.

one of my favorite things. . .  when we actually get chilly weather in autumn & get to wear sweaters!. 

a few plans for the rest of the week. . . working one day at the quilt shop, making gifties, shipping orders (thank you for all the orders!. . .  keeping me very busy!), & more pattern writing!

from my picture journal . . .

close-up of one of the 'By My Hand' blocks.

(. . . can you tell I'm already thinking about decorating my tree?. . . I am!)

. . . wishing you a wonderful autumn day!

  ♥  Bren

… counting my blessings

Yep!. . . It's that time. . .

. . . when I like to share in my blessings 

& let you know how much of a blessing you are to me! ♥

On the website patterns & books are 30% off (or more!). . .

. . . & I'll be adding a few sample quilts as well!

. . . & there are a bunch of cute little giftie things too!

Also, (just for you!),

I've added some fun little bundles of my newest line -

 Durham Collection Anew 2011

So, I just wanted to pop in here & let you know,

. . . & to say 'thank you'.

In so many ways you are such a blessing!

♥ Bren

… Durham Collection Anew 2011

I know that I promised this peek quite a bit ago. . .

I'm hoping that you'll forgive my lateness. I wanted to be sure that is was okay with 'headquarters' (Lecien) to show. . . & since it is up on the Lecien USA website (you can find it here). . . & I just noticed it on the Fat Quarter Shop website (under 'coming soon'), & Fall Quilt Market is this week & everyone there can see it. . .

. . . so. . . I'm guessing that now is a great time to show you. . . !

So, here is my fabric line for fall by Lecien  - Durham Collection Anew.

First, here's the line by designs. . .

main floral -

gingham floral -

paisley - (sigh!. . . they did such a great job with this!)

small flowers -

tonal floral -

dots -

. . . & just for fun. . . here is the line - by colorway. . .!

whites -

pinks -

reds -

yellows -

greens -

blues -

& greys -

I have been having soooo much fun playing with these fabrics. . . getting things ready for my vignette in the Lecien booths for Market. (. . . & I'm thinking that the next few evenings are going to be on the long-ish side!). 

. . . I'll post a couple more photos before I go - of some of the items that I've been 'playing' with!

♥ Bren

… By My Hand

For the first of the new designs, here is one that seemed to fall together all by itself . . . like it was supposed to be.

. . . It first started with my ever growing love of stitchery samplers.

. . . Then I saw the new Lecien fabric line 'Mrs. March's Basic'. . .(sigh) & it was love at first sight. 

(Seriously. . . if I were a quilt shop owner, I would order a bolt of every single fabric in that line!)

. . . & then, after some research into some old samplers (especially ones made by younger girls,. . . I love those the most!), it was, honestly, simply a bunch of fun & play putting everything together.

So, here is my version of a stitchery sampler - a quilters version . . . 

'By My Hand'.


. . . first there is the alphabet (a mix of embroidery & simple fusible applique)

. . . then, there had to be some acorns. . . (of course!)

. . . & then some favorite sampler elements. . . 

. . . then row by row, it all comes together. . .

'By My Hand' is 40" x 52", & the pattern will be available around mid November. (I will have it up on the website right after the first of November & will be taking pre-orders so that we can start shipping these as soon as they arrive from the printer.

If you are attending Quilt Market this next week in Houston -  you will be able to see 'By My Hand'  & the info for the quilt in the Lecien booths. 

So there you have 'By My Hand'. . . by my hand. I hope you like it! I know that this one will be hanging in my studio. . . for a long, long time.

♥ Bren

…remembering. . .

Four years.

It is really so hard to believe that it was four years ago this evening that I said my final 'good-bye' to Mom.

I know it's said of how fast time 'flies by'. . .

. . . but it really does seem to.

I love this photo of Mom. (. . . oh how she did love her coffee! I do think that's where I get it from. . .)

. . . & this photo. . . It is Mom back in Minnesota the first time she 'met' my brother's first baby - Angela. Oh how Mom did love babies. She had such a way & was at such ease with them & would sing to all her granddaughters. . .

Thankfully Mom did get to see all of her granddaughters in the months before we said good-bye to her. . . but she never did get to see any of their weddings. So far two of her granddaughters have married. . .  & just this last month I got to be a part of this sweet occasion . . .

 . . . Angela (the sweet little baby above) trying on wedding dresses . . . 

(sigh)

. . . Although this was not the dress (it was the first of several & this one was to see if she liked the straps (they got a 'no' vote). . . & although she looked so pretty in all of them. . .  there were a few dresses that took our breath away. . . & one that brought tears. . . (I sooo get why there are tissue boxes all over the dressing areas!) . . . & I couldn't help but think that Mom was somehow there. 

. . . even though she isn't here with us now. . . her love. . . all that love that she gave so freely to us all. . . & has shaped so much - who we are. . . still is ever present.

I miss you Mom. . .

. . . & I love you so.

♥ Bren

… little studio peeks

. . . just dropping in 'real quick' to post a few teaser photos of some of the busy-ness going on in the studio these days. . .

. . . I'll be back with a bunch of 'real' photos for you later this week. . . 

. . . promise!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

♥ Bren

daybook ::41::

I know it's been way too long. . . (almost a month!) since I've posted. . . & please acept my apologies. (. . . & thank you to those of you who've emailed to see how we are doing!) . . . (Dad, Bailey & I are doing fine!). . .

It's been a crazy-busy month with lots of traveling & now getting ready for Fall Quilt Market. . . but I wanted to pop my head in & say "hi!". . . & let you know I haven't fallen off the planet. . . (I'm just tripping along!) ♥

stitching. . . stitching. . . & more stitching!

for today :: October 14, 2011  
(I feel like I should start bidding 2011 farewell. . . because it's going by so quickly!)

outside my window. . .   beautiful sunny, 'indian summer' type of autumn day

I am thinking. . . of my Quilt Market to-do list . . .

from the kitchen. . .  coffee (of course!), . . . & I just finished my morning bowl of yummy oatmeal.

I am wearing. . . t-shirt & shorts. . . (it's going to be in the 90's today!)

I am creating. . .  a little sewing pouch using some of my new Durham Collection - Anew fabrics, & a great new stitchery product that Lecien is introducing at Quilt Market (see photo above).

I am remembering. . .  how blessed I am

I am reading. . .   'The Scarlet Thread' by Francine Rivers.

I am hoping . . .  to get everything that I have planned in my sketchbook made in time for Market.

I am hearing. . .  Alfie Boe singing 'Bring Him Home' on the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary dvd that's playing in the studio.

around the house. . .  little projects here & there.

I am going. . .  to get another walk in this evening. . . the weather is too perfect not to. 

one of my favorite things. . .  windows open wide while working in the studio. 

a few plans for the rest of the week. . . Some pattern covers, & making some pretties for my vignette for the Lecien booth at Quilt market)

from my picture journal . . .

'Acorn Fairy'  by one of my favorite British artists. . . Cicely Mary Barker. Perfect for autumn, yes?

Hope you have a wonderful autumn day!

♥ Bren

… breathing a little easier

This morning, Bailey & I got up & went for our morning walk. . . & as we walked, I found myself looking down the leash to the little sweetie-pie that is my best buddy & praying that our morning visit to the vet would have good news. 

I also spent a lot of the time thanking God for such a wonderful little gift that this little one is to me. In my heart he goes everywhere with me. . .

When we arrived at the vet, he was waiting for us & he took a good long look at Bailey's leg. . .

He was happy with what he saw. . . & I think that Bailey knew what he was saying was good. . . because he almost got the 'stuffin's hugged out of him by me while the vet was giving me the good word.

I think that God was also looking down, smiling, knowing my heart & knowing that it is so very thankful. 

We're not completely out of the woods, as the spot is still there. It did get a bit smaller & I will continue treating it. . . but so far, it is not acting like cancer (cancerous spots don't respond to the ointment like Bailey's did) - but the vet said that you can never say never. 

So, for now, I will keep using the ointment to see if it continues to help, but if the spot starts to bother Bailey again (he's been so good & has been leaving it alone!). . . then we will be back at the vet & would then need to see a specialist.

But. . . we are not thinking about that yet. . . we are just celebrating that it isn't acting like it's cancer - & is instead probably a dermatitis issue that is so much easier to deal with.

So, while this scary little chapter is closing. . . the story of my sweet little fluffy boy continues. . . & I cherish every day that I have with him.

. . . & he definitely continues to be the 'apple of my eye'. . .

Thank you. . . so much

for all your e-mails & tweets & comments asking about how Bailey is doing.

It has meant so much.

. . . & trust me. . . he is knowing how much he is loved! ♥

(the photos for this post were created using Photofunia. . . & yep, I've got a whole folder filled with Bailey photos using these!. . . (hint - more to come!) :o)

♥  Bren

… a little waiting. . .

I've been keeping very busy these past 2 weeks. . . so I apologize for the lack of posting. I've had things to post. . . just no real news to post.

It's felt a bit like 'hurry up & wait' for the past 2 weeks.

Firstly, with my little Bailey. . . we got into the vet on Tuesday & we go back tomorrow for the follow up. The vet took a real good look at the black spot on Bailey's leg & we have been treating it with a hopefully less invasive way (& special ointment) to see if it responds. We go back tomorrow for the follow up - to see if the vet thinks things are improving. It doesn't look as 'angry' as it did. . . but it hasn't reduced in size as much as I had hoped. I'm trying not to draw any conclusions & will just keep praying & will wait to see what the vet says tomorrow.

Then there's the fact that my next line with Lecien - Durham Collection Anew (2011) will be arriving tomorrow. . .

(!!!!)

So, I've been working furiously on getting my current new quilt design all completed (& I did . . . this morning!) before the UPS man rings the doorbell tomorrow. . . 

For the fabric for this latest design . . . when Nireko (the 'angel' that works at Lecien USA) showed me the new Mrs. March's Basics. . . I fell in love, & knew I needed to use it! I know that Lecien has been thinking of & working on putting together this line for several years & they honestly hit a home-run with it. It is quite large (80 pieces). . . but honestly, if I owned a quilt shop, I would invest in this line. . . the whole thing.  The pieces, the colors, the look (all small prints) are classic. . .  timeless.

When Nireko sent me a fat quarter bundle to use, I could hardly wait to start. I had the idea for my quilt (which will also be done for embroidery & cross-stitch) already in my sketchbook  - so I jumped into the bundle & had the best time!

The quilt, called 'By My Hand', is going to my quilter's tomorrow. . . but I shot a couple of sneak peeks . . . just for you.

I have always loved stitchery, embroidery, cross stitch & especially samplers. . . they are like a personal handmade snapshot into someone's life. . . So, that's what I chose for this quilt. 

This one will definitely be hanging in my studio when it's completed. . . reminding me of what a blessing it is to get to do what I love. . .

 But for now. . . it goes to the hands of Nubin, my quilter (who is also such a blessing to me). . . where I know it will be loved & cared for until it comes back home. 

I promise that I will update you tomorrow with what happens with Bailey's vet visit. For all of you that have been asking about him & praying for him. . . Bailey wanted me to be sure to include him when I thank you, & let you know it how it means so very much to us!

(. . . & he wanted me to be sure to let you know he sends 'licks'!)

 ♥ Bren

… still feels like summer. . .

Somehow. . . when the calendar says that it's September. . . somewhere deep inside me & long for automatic autumn-y weather. . . a bit of a crisp bite to the air, pretty leaves softly floating off trees. . . but none of that is happening here. We are still having our summer storms in the afternoons & evenings (Bailey is actually getting used to the sound of thunder again!) & the temps aren't even near 'crisp'. But that will come. . . my internal clock is just wanting more sooner than later.


Around here, I've been keeping quite busy in the studio, finishing the cover for a new pattern, & having the best time with a new applique wall hanging. I've loved that about this summer. I have been having the best time creating & making new designs. I have to admit that I had lost a bit of that. After several years designing, I got a little caught up a bit in trying to create things that I thought might fit into what the market seemed to saying was 'in'. . . &. . . um. . . that just didn't work for me. I lost the joy of why I started quilting in the first place. . . & I lost track of who I was as a designer & artist. I prayed about it - because it's a little scary to feel like your about to jump off the proverbial 'band wagon'. . . but I kept being reminded to 'do what you love'. . . & not to try & jump through hoops that I may think are there.


. . . & I must admit, it's still a little scary (I do that to myself too easily sometimes). . . but honestly. . . I'm having the best time in the studio. Some days I can hardly wait to get in there! (. . . like right now. . . I have some applique pieces to prep & I can't wait to play with the fabrics & the process of creating something I'm enjoying so much!)


Also, on the studio side. . . I want to thank you all of you who went to the website & helped me with my 'spring cleaning' at my web site's tag sale! There are still a few things left if you hurry! And. . . just so you know I have just cut the remaining bundles of my fabric collections that we will have available on the website. I want to thank you all so much for your wonderful comments on my fabrics (it means so much!). . . & I'm so glad that you like getting to get all of them! 

Durham Collection - Anew

Georgia Lou

We have made bundles of fat-eighth, fat-quarter, & half-yard bundles of both lines. . . but just as a little  'heads-up'  - what we have on the website is all that we have left . . . & when they're gone. . . they're gone! (Yikes!. . . see I meant it when I said "thank you"!) 


On another little (cute & fluffy) note, (but also something I'm praying about). . .

. . . When the groomer brought Bailey back to the house early yesterday evening (she has a little white bus converted to a grooming studio & comes to the house). . . she had Bailey in her arms & told me that, "We have to talk." Nora (our groomer) is someone I take seriously when she notices things, because she really knows her stuff & really cares about the dogs she grooms.  She then came in & showed me where she had shaved a section of Bailey's inside front let leg. He had a little irritation there a couple of years ago - but we treated it & it went away. . . or so we thought. What Nora just found was an ugly, very dark, mean looking area about a half inch across. My heart sank & I know that when Nora is this concerned - that it means something. Unfortunately it's a holiday weekend. . . but we will go into see the vet next week. . . to have him look at it & have some tests run. (That's why Nora shaved the area - so the vet could clearly see it. Until then, I'm keeping it covered - so that Bailey leaves it alone. I can't believe I didn't see it - but Nora said she didn't either until she was cutting the hair there, & it wasn't there until a few weeks ago. So, hopefully, whatever it might be (. . . & I'm too afraid to think of all it might be) will get caught early enough. So, if you think about it. . . please say a little prayer for my little Bailey. Thanks.

For those of you here in the US, I hope you have a  great holiday weekend. . . & for all - I hope you have a great weekend!

♥  Bren