Merry Christmas! 

Luke 2:11-14

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Winner!

I just used a random number generator, and here's the results:

Congratulations to Kellie from Indiana. You've won the pattern. Please send me your address in an email so that I can get your pattern in the mail to you.




True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:3                                                                                                                              

I started a new punch needle project. It's a Santa. I have to get a bit further to get some photos. I know it's a little late for this Christmas, but..... better late than never.

~*~ Laura ~*~

~*~ Giveaway ~*~

It's time for my first giveaway!!!! I will be giving away a free punch needle pattern of my 1858 quilt pattern on weavers cloth. (not the finished piece, but the pattern) To have a chance to win this, simply comment on my blog. Please feel free to post this giveaway on your blog. I will draw the winning name on December 11, Tuesday night. Good luck to all!


~*~ Laura ~*~

Punch needle quilt

I finished punching! I used an 1853 quilt block to create this pattern. I added a scalloped border. I'm not sure if I'll separate the blocks in the center or not. I'll have to play around with some paper to see how I like it. I now need to find a board to paint/stain to finish the piece. I have an idea, just need to find the right finish.

Please take my survey on the left side of the blog. If I offer this as a pattern, how do you normally purchase patterns? Is it on weavers cloth already printer, on paper where you use your own weavers cloth, or an e pattern for immediate use. Thanks!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Sneak Peak

 I started the binding - finally - on my snowman rug. I'm going to use my left over wool worms, and use the wool fabric around cording. I started it after Thanksgiving while traveling downstate. Our high school football team made it to the state championships, so the marching band went for half time. That meant my son got to go. I went to watch him march. It's a much bigger stadium at a Big 10 school than our small local high school stadium. It's a great view to be up high. I got to see the band formations clearly. the 1 C-G was perfect!

 Their half time show was great! From the first note, it was loud and clear. We had twice the amount of band members (maybe more) than the opposing high school.

 We lost the game, but it was well played by both sides. We were glad we had the afternoon timeslot, as we got a little bit of sun. It sure was cold!

 

This week I took down the fall berry rings on my chandelier. I don't have any Christmas ones, so I quickly made some plain white pip berry rings. I had a long string of pip berries sitting in storage, so I untwisted them and tied 3 bunches into a ring for each candle. 

I've been busily punching a new pattern I made. It's a larger 7x7 piece. This is a sneak peak. I started punching in my Morgan hoop stand, but then switched to my smaller K's Creation rug hooking frame. The gripper strips really hold the weavers cloth drum tight. I just need to get some cheap stretchy headbands to cover the edges. I don't like getting scratched from the points that stick out. Ouch!

It's hard to get into the Christmas mood, as it was a balmy 62 degrees this afternoon. My daughter took out her flip flops because she thought it was so warm. I know snow will come soon enough, but I'll just block it out of my mind for a while!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Wool ornies for sale

I have 6 extra wool applique ornaments that I'm willing to sell. They are 100% wool  fabric that has been hand stitched. The top cuff is wool roving that has been stitched down. Each mitten is stuffed with and has a couple sprigs of green and a couple ice branches.

 Each ornie is $5, plus shipping. I will put each in a cello bag with a ribbon ~ ready for gift giving! Just drop me an email with how many you would like (1 - 6). Shipping is based on weight (can do parcel post, Priority, or first class). My email is appleberrycottage@hotmail.com    All are now sold!!!!

I just finished an entire order of the mittens~ now to get them to the post office this afternoon.

While I was out shopping this week, I found this wonderful Pendleton wool skirt! It is SOOO soft. Can't wait to see what I do with it! Wish I could find more good resale wool, but it's hard to find. I've learned how to pick the good stuff, and leave the gaberdine, and thinner wools that won't work as well for rugs or applique.

We're heading downstate tomorrow for the state football finals. I get to watch the marching band perform at half time. It's sure going to be cold - only 39 degrees for a high. But, the band only gets this chance once! Go Trojans!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Success

Last weekend, the squirrels were successful in chewing our pumpkin. I woke up and found a huge hole in the pumpkin. Plus, all the insides were eaten (and some left on the doorstep). They haven't touched the smaller pie pumpkins, so at least I still have those.

I've been busy stitching some ornies for an order. I have a bunch mostly stitched, and another batch to start. I think that will keep me busy during the evenings this week. My goal is to finish them by Thanksgiving. I'm still debating on what to put inside the mitten. Some greenery, cinnamon stick, ice branches, or something else? I'll think about that as I sew. At least the dyeing, and cutting and wonder under is all done. I have some new black pearl cotton, so I'm set to go.

 

Yet another football game yesterday. Our team keep winning! Matt is here in the marching band. He gets this week off, as it's an away game next weekend. After that, it's the state championships. The band gets to go for half time. That means we'll drive the 3 1/2 hours downstate to watch!  (assuming we win next week)  (for those observant people, yes, it's barbed wire in the photo. I've been standing outside the field rather than in the bleachers. It's a great view of the game from the end zone. Plus, no people trying to get out from their seats tripping over those that are sitting in the bleachers. Yesterday, there was quite a crowd watching from my favorite spot)

One more week, then I get Thanksgiving week off of school. I wonder how pumped the kids will be this week? If we get some snow flurries, that sure will spark some excitement!

~*~ Laura ~*~