The morning of September 11, 2001 started off with beautiful sky and warm weather and then our lives were changed forever.

Recovering from a heart attack several weeks before, I wasn’t allowed to go help as many of my friends and colleagues did. I did little things like cover at an EMT class for an instructor friend, transfer some supplies, anything to be useful. Later that day, my husband said he was divorcing me and 4 days after that, my long time job was terminated as the company was forced to close. Like many Americans, I was hurt and lost during this mayhem. And so frustrated at not being able to do more.

 

Hi there,

We’re in month 2 of the “Woodland Holiday” BOM.  I sure hope you are enjoying the project!! The September block “Cardinals” and the September bonus block “The Nuthatch Side Border” are now available for free download  on “My Patterns” page in this website. The “Nuthatch Side Border” will be free until September 30th. After that, it will be available for purchase at my Etsy shop.  If you are just starting, the August block “The Lantern” and the bonus block is available for purchase $5.00 on my Etsy shop.  To reach my Etsy shop the easiest, click on the link on the pattern page.

My favorite stitch to use is the back stitch, but french knots can also add a little pop and are real easy!  In the next few days, I will post another video to demonstrate the french knot and how to add “fill in” stitches like inside the outline of the tree the Cardinals are sitting in.  If you haven’t seen the previous videos, click on the links below. 

The demonstration video can be viewed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr15QyPHhYA.

The “Woodland Holiday Overview” video can be viewed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9KADT7gxuQ

Remember to “like” on Facebook.com/puppygirllynn or “follow” on Instagram.com/puppy_girl_lynn3

Until next time, keep stitching!

Lynn

 

Good morning and Happy Labor day!

Labor Day was created by the Labor Movement in the United States in the late 1800’s to recognize the spirit, the contributions and achievements of the American worker – the backbone of our America AND it became a federal holiday in 1894.  I think everyone will agree with me that we all know how to work hard, and then harder, and then improvise when challenged, then overcome adversity and then back to working hard again!  We’ve got this “work” thing down solid!

 

While scrolling through Facebook this morning, I saw a friend’s memory of her vacation this weekend last Summer at the beach.  It reminded me that she so thoughtfully created and sent this message to me as I was restarting Puppy Girl Designs after an extended recovery from a horrific, fatal (other driver, most fortunate not me) car accident.  By then, I was back to work part time and back to stitching for PGD. 

Grateful to be alive, I had all sorts of plans of where I wanted to go, people and places to see, things to do.  And I have been extremely busy these past 12 months, even over-busy.  You see, I have always been very good with this “work” thing. It was how I was raised, by parents who constantly worked very hard to provide for us seven kids, and they expected we would work just as hard for our families when the time came.  And we all have, worked very hard.

After work one day last week, instead of going straight down the road to home, to work on the next task on the to-do list, I took a right hand turn and went one block to see a friend and her sweet puppy, Bella.  They were both thrilled to see me and I them. The next hour flew by, chatting and laughing and loads of puppy kisses, it was like we had chatted the week before, the flow of conversation so easy.  For many months, we had chatted by phone, texted, Facebook comments and messages and kept saying we’d visit soon, but we hadn’t.  What  a waste that we hadn’t!

My message to all of you today is – don’t forget the people, the places, the purposes – in your life!  We have all got this “work” thing down but along the way, we forget the personal connections that make us who we are.  We must take that hour to stay connected to each other. Social media can be great but can not take the place of the person in front of you, in the here and now.  My calendar is full, really full BUT I will do better, be better, at being “there” for those in my life.  It will add joy and love to my life.  Isn’t that what it’s all about?

 

 

August 26th is National Dog Day!  It’s a day all about celebrating these wonderful creatures who love us unconditionally, without reservation, regardless of our moods.  When we’re upset, they love us even more and want us to feel better as quick as possible – with all their kisses, licks, head rubs, snuggling close, etc.  I would be truly lost without my Puppy Girls Emma & Gabby.  Had a bit of a melt-down yesterday – trying to do too much all at the same time (imagine!) – and Emma was right there, on my lap (and at 38 lbs. she really isn’t a lap dog), kissing/snuggling/more kissing, little whimpers and butt wiggles in there, just willing me to feel better.  Within couple of minutes, I had been completely overrun by both Girls and was soon laughing!!  Even kitties Jackson and Katie wanted in on the goings on! 

Whether you have dogs or cats or ferrets or whatever, these furry creatures are part of your life, your family. They are my family! 

I have  new designs to honor the fur babies of our lives.  Here is a sneak peak! The patterns will be available in both embroidery and fusible applique and will have complimentary projects with each one. And whether you are a dog person or a cat person or both, there will be something for you! Patterns will debut on September 14-15th at the Bennington Quilfest, where I will be a vendor.  Look on the “Happenings” page for more details.  While on the website, please take a moment to sign up “For the Latest News” (over on the right top on computer or down at bottom on your mobile device) and you’ll receive our monthly newsletter, blog posts, events and other news.  And follow  (“Like”) us on Facebook at Facebook.com/puppygirllynn 

Finally, I have long been an advocate for different local rescues – all of my fur babies over the years have been rescues!  Please consider adding to your life by adopting a rescue!  From young to mature, from energetic to mellow, all rescues have the same needs and abilities – to be loved and to love you!  

Hi there,

In the last Blog post, I went over the materials and supplies you would need for the Block of the Month (BOM) “Woodland Holiday”.  The August block “The Lantern” and the August bonus block “The Woodpecker Side Border” both have dimensional stitching added to create more realistic images.  Both of these blocks are available for free download in my last blog post or on “My Patterns” page in this website. The “Woodpecker Side Border” will be free until August 31st. After that, it will be available for purchase at my Etsy shop.

 My favorite stitch to use is the back stitch because it allows for a great deal of control when stitching.  With the assistance of my Roadie (aka Nancie Val Alstyne), we created a video to demonstrate the back stitch and how to add the dimensional stitching to the Red-Bellied Woodpecker AND a second video of an overview of the entire quilt.

The demonstration video can be viewed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr15QyPHhYA.

The “Woodland Holiday Overview” video can be viewed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9KADT7gxuQ

Remember to “like” on Facebook.com/puppygirllynn or “follow” on Instagram.com/puppy_girl_lynn3

Until next time, keep stitching!

Lynn

“Woodland Holiday” BOM

It was with great excitement that I launched Puppy Girl Design’s first Block of the Month (BOM) called “Woodland Holiday” earlier this week!  It includes some of my favorite backyard birds like Red-Bellied Woodpecker, Titmouse, Mourning Dove, Nuthatcher, Chickadee and a pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.  I even added a cute little chipmunk nibbling on an acorn.  You will notice that by adding some extra stitching – like within the candle inside the Lantern or the tree and branches of the Cardinals block – there is a more realistic or fuller appearance to the piece.  Also, the designs are gentle enough to allow this quilt to stay up for long after the holidays. 

The materials and flosses needed are as follows: 

Red – 1-1/4 yd., White – 1-1/2 yd.  This will make the top, the flange edging and the binding.  Personally, I would buy a 1/4 yard up to 1/2 yard extra of each, just in case.  I cut all fabrics for stitching larger than necessary for ease of hoop use and for possible stretching of fabric.  And, (personal preference here) I always wash/dry/press with starch alternative (I use Best Press) all fabric prior to use. 

DMC Flosses: A skein of each of the following:

938 (dk. brown), 937 (green), 816 (red), 934 (dk. green), 318 (gray), 413 (gray), 3820 (yellow), 434 (brown), 3776 (burnt orange), 740 (orange), 310 (black), 317 (gray), 414 (gray), 451 (tan), 3350 (pink), 842 (cream), 435 (lt. brown)

Needles: 

I use size 8 or size 10 Jeanna Kimball’s  Redwork needles http://www.jeanakimballquilter.com/store/. The most important thing to consider when selecting a needle is that the eye of the needle (where floss is threaded through) needs to be big enough so that it doesn’t shred the floss AND the needle length should feel comfortable in you fingers.  A needle that is too short for you will have your muscles cramping up, a needle to long and you won’t have good control over it.  Also, use a new needle, just like you would in your sewing machine.  Used or worn out needles can have burrs, be crooked, etc.

Hoops:

Again, it’s about comfort when you’re working.  Find the size hoop that your hand can hold without discomfort.  I find I use from 6″ to 8″ hoops, larger or smaller cause hand fatigue.  And thoroughly clean (and dry) your hoop before starting.  Debris, dust or left over threads can cause stains on new projects. This is for wood as well as plastic.  Little hot soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly.

Transferring the pattern to fabric:

I use a variety of methods to transfer the pattern to fabrics but I always use a mechanical pencil with eraser.  Inexpensive Bic brand works quite well. You want to see your lines but not so dark as to show after stitching.  If you drawn line is a bit too dark, very lightly erase some of the line, brushing away the debris from the fabric.  Sometimes I need a lint roller to get rid of all the little bits of eraser left over.

It’s time to get started!

 

While out with the Puppy Girls this morning, I noticed a small flower bud on my Columbine in my flower bed! Doubt I will get to see it open up and hope it’s still pretty when I get home.

Am prepping this weekend for tomorrow’s trip to the Shoreline Quilters in Branford, CT. I will be presenting my “Finishing Touches w/Unique Borders & Bindings” program and vending PGD patterns and kits. Am so excited! Also planning to stop at as many quilt shops along the way!

If your guild or shop is interested in unique programs and classes, check out available offerings at www.puppygirldesigns.com or contact me at puppygirllynn@nycap.rr.com. Would love to come visit!!  And remember to follow me on Facebook.com/puppygirllynn and on Instagram @puppy_girl_lynn3.

The last time we were together, I told you about my wool appliqué session with Karen Miller of Redbird Quilt Co.  After lunch, we filed back into class for some machine quilting.  And not just any machine quilting, but McTavishing!  I am always looking for ways to improve my machine quilting skills and was of the impression that I couldn’t possibly tackle something as beautiful as McTavishing, a technique created by Karen McTavish that combines echo quilting and travel stitching.

To create the quilt sandwich for the class, Karen Miller used two layers of batting – cotton on the bottom and wool on the top.  She stitched in the middle of the quilt (green thread), starting with a basic “S” shape and began to echo quilt around it.  Echo quilting is when you stitch a set distance – 1/4” or 1/8” – around the motif or quilting shape.  This stitch is meant to enhance the section being quilted around. 

Travel stitching is done for two possible reasons.  First, by stitching directly on a line of stitching already in place, it allows you to move to another section of your quilt without the whole stop/start again process. The second reason is one of embellishment, where you add depth to the stitching by repeating the stitching. This over-stitching may also allow surrounding areas to “puff up”, to be more prominent and noticeable. McTavishing can be as dense as you’d like.  When filling in the opening areas, Karen used “Cs” to fill in the open spaces, repeatedly travel stitching so as to present this beauty. The work around Karen’s is mine and while it is certainly nothing to write home about, I was pleased with my first try and look forward to practicing in the future.  For the Bernina users in the class, she suggested open foot #9 (which she let me borrow) as being less cumbersome as other feet.  And when my tablemate’s machine just refused to play nice, Karen moved said tablemate to her own machine and set down to fix the unruly machine.  All of this while attending to each one of the dozen or more in the class.  Karen was delightful, helpful and most of all, FUN!

 

If you have the opportunity to take a class with Karen Miller, take it.  Better yet, get your local quilt guild bring her in for her lecture, “Aurifilosophy” and then a day of classes.  You can reach Karen at www.redbirdquiltco.com or on Facebook @Redbird Quilt Co.  A good time will be had by all.

Thanks to all who participated in this Blog Hop! Sure hope you enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful projects. The prize winners are as follows:

Judy Sturn – the “Text It” book by Sherri Noel
Tambry @ Instagram handle (iquiltalot_fl) – 2 spools of Aurafil thread
Danette Stankovich – choice of a Puppy Girl Designs pattern.