Incredibly HOT...and a NEW LooK

How HOT is it???

This guage is in the shade
...but with the humidity and dewpoint it acutally feels like the mid 90's
and later this afternoon it should be 103!

Don't know about you...but I get stupid when it gets this hot!

I don't mean to complain...but at least in the winter we can always put on a few more layers...

Really...
there is only so much this 50 something can take off and still be in polite company
and I do need to make a grocery store run...bet the dairy and frozen food isles will be a popular spot!

So...what do you think of the NEW look here?
I've been wanting to freshen things up around here...but not quite sure...prehaps we will live with this for a bit before deciding whether or not to retreat back to the old familiar.

Hope you have a great day...stay cool ~L

Independence Day...

Wishing all our northern neighbors...
Happy Canada Day!
and to all my fellow USA folk...
Happy 4th of July!!!
I hope all your travels and celebrations are safe
...good times shared with family and friends!
While I enjoy the parades, picnics and fireworks...I'm mindful of all my blessings...and my thoughts turn to those I know with heavy burdens...so many friends both near and far that are struggling with health issues...their own and of their loved ones...my thoughts and prayers continue to be with each of them...and also to those who are struggling with Mother Nature's extremes of fire and water.

My newest needle punched treasures just added to Early Work Mercantile...I hope you'll take a minute to click over and see all the artists offerings!
We do so appreciate your support!
~L

Stars and Stripes Fabric Contest...

Good Day Dear Friends,
The heat and humidity of the summer is definitely upon us...can you believe it is almost July?
This week's fabric contest at Spoonflower is "Stars and Stripes"...

My Indigo and Stars fabric is in the running...
You can view all the entries and vote for your favorites here at http://www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters/new?contest_id=144
Of course if you like my design, I'd appreciate your vote!
I'm just thrilled with all my fabrics and can't wait to start offering them in pillows...sewing rolls and pinkeeps!
My friend, Robin over at Bird In The Hand Primitives has a sweet design in the contest, too. I'm sure she would appreciate your votes! It's her birthday on Sunday and she's also running a contest on her blog, click above on her name to check it out!
Early Work Mercantile Update is coming up this weekend...back to the studio for me! Thanks for visiting and your support...I'm raising a glass of iced tea to you ~L

SEW excited...

Good Morning Dear Friends,
I hope you are enjoying a sun filled early summer morning! It's beautiful here...I love this time of year! Perhaps because Friday is my birthday...though I'm ready to stop counting...or maybe just because the daylight is long...the air is sweet...and so are the strawberries!!!
I'm excited to share my NEW fabrics with you...

I've been having so much fun playing with fabric designs...and have many more to finish, but for today it's back to the hooking frame.

I know of many of June birthdays...stop over and send your good wishes to Lori at HomeSpunPrims...it's her birthday today and she has lots to celebrate!!!
Wishing you all a sweet sunny day ~L

Happy June and A Peek...

Hello Dear Friends, Here is a peek at my June offering at Early Work Mercantile

~*~ Star Spangled ~*~ Wool Crazy Pillow ~*~

Hope you will take a moment to visit all the artists at Early Work Mercantile to see all their June 1st offerings!
The end of the school year is almost here...I've been keeping busy stitching...easy to pick up for a few minutes in between all the activities...
Pillows...Pin Keeps...Bags...I'm hoping to get them up over my Etsy shop soon...in the meantime if you are interested in anything you've seen here on the blog...don't hesitate to contact me.
I need to get busy hooking a rug that is due on the 15th...so I need to hunker down and stay off the computer...but while I'm away...I'll be thinking of you...I feel another giveaway coming on soon ♥ ~L

Memorial Weekend and Catching Up...

Hello Dear Friends... I hope you are well and send wishes your way for a Happy and Safe Memorial Weekend.
Where has the month gone?
I have been trying to re-group after the Spring events...catching up on orders...putting the studio back together...busy with family and end of school year stuff. Our early Spring weather left me feeling further behind than ever. I had no time to devote to the gardens until after Shepherd's Harvest Festival...which was a delight again this year...

...wonderfully warm weather and record crowds! It is usually cold...see your breath even inside the buildings cold...but not this year...perhaps because I made myself a fun new jacket...

...to keep the chill away!
I've been on a stitching kick lately...

I used to make these style bags when I was in school in the early 70's...and love 'em still today!
All this sewing has made me wild about Spoonflower.com! I've been playing around with fabric designs that will be so fun for bag linings, pin keep backs and such!
One of the founders of Spoonflower was offering a workshop here at the Textile Center and I so wanted to go...but the timing wasn't good...so I've been muttling along on my own. One of my proofs arrived and looks awesome, the others should be here soon...then I will be able to make them available if you are interested. I know several other designers are playing there too...You have to check out Spoonflower.com

Well this as turned into quite a chatty post...I'll just leave you with a few views of what I have been able to accomplish in the gardens between all the downpours we've had this week...

All the best to you ~ L

better late than never...

...I like that saying better than...a day late and a dollar short! Okay...I'm showing my age here...these are old sayings I remember hearing the adults say when I was young. Anyway...I was late getting my May Update on EarlyWork Mercantile

Mid April to Mid May is always hectic with events and just the day to day...but I do love Spring! The weeds will have to wait as I'm keeping my fingers busy stitching and getting ready for Shepherd's Harvest!

Sorry no photos from the Hopkins Hook-in...it was a great day...super new location...just no time to take photos... A big THANK YOU for all the comments and well wishes from my last post... Now back to work...

Have a great day ~L