TTFN

TTFN stands for "Ta ta for now", which my dad would always say whenever we would leave to go out with our friends or in later years when we would go home after a visit. Two of my brothers have taken to using it too. As I was trying to figure out what text to superimpose on this vintage postcard the phrase popped into my head.

Anyway, just a note to say that I'll be away for a few days beginning on Sunday. My husband has an annual business conference down in Massachusetts and I always go along because it is around the time of my mother's birthday. We celebrate with as many family members as we can wrangle up. I'll get to see my mom of course, my handsome and talented son Russell and his girlfriend, two of my three brothers, one of my aunts and uncle and last but not least my nephew Colin and eight-month-old niece Jade, whom I haven't seen or held since before Christmas. We'll be back the middle of next week and order shipping will resume on Thursday.

Have a great spring weekend!

Hoppy Easter!

I love these vintage postcards. I looked for one that had all the animals that we associate with spring - lamb, chick, rabbit. They've even got some 4-leaf clovers to munch.

My husband has taken to saying, "Hoppy Easter" and gets a grand kick out of saying it to everyone. So, I'm borrowing his phrase to wish all of you a "Hoppy Easter" as well! With temperatures predicted to be well up into the 70s today, we will be cooking our Easter meal on the grill - butterflied pork tenderloin - try this on the grill, it's wonderful! We'll have that with a typical spring veggie, steamed asparagus and also some roasted baby Yukon Gold potatoes. My husband is not big on ham. I think I'll make a nice chocolate chip banana bread too, and I really need to share that recipe, it's the best I've ever had. In a future blog post!

I know it's spring when the April Wool Street Journal arrives at my door! I love the cover rug hooked by editor Bonnie Smith, a Warren Kimble design called "Yankee Clipper". While this is not one of the free patterns in the magazine there are several others, as well as one for needlepunch and lots and lots of color pictures of beautiful rugs. It's like a rug show in every issue! I bought extra to bring to my spring rug shows so hopefully won't sell out anytime soon.

Breakfast is calling my name - eggs, bacon, toast and a little fruit to start the day, then some yard work. Anything to be outside on what is shaping up to be a gorgeous, sunny Easter day in Maine - raking and pruning are OK by me if I can be outdoors! Hope you enjoy your day too.

Hoppy Easter!

Rabbit Folk

Just got some new cross-stitch from Notforgotten Farm including Rabbit Folk, pictured here. Love this! Classic Lori Brechlin charm in her critter designs! Two others added include Plant Ye Seeds and a wonderful house design called Loureda Geiste 1830, named for Lori's grandmother.

I put a new poll on the left, this time wondering about needlepunch. I hope you'll take the time to leave a few answers.

I'm sitting here with a rotten head cold today. I guess that's karma - last week I was thinking to myself that I really hadn't been sick all winter. Just a long bout with chronic sinus issues but no flu or cold. Whamo! My ears are blocked, my nose is blocked and my eyes are hanging out of my head. I think I need a nap... So, I'll cut this short for today. Hope you're staying healthy and enjoying the start of spring where you are!

In stitches (sniff),

Getting LOST

How appropriate that the focus of last night's episode of LOST dealt with the highest vote-getter in my recent LOST poll? I thought Sawyer was going to be the absolute, hands-down winner, but John Locke got a "spoiler" vote at the last minute! I do like the Locke character too, and Terry O'Quinn is a treat to watch. But... My heart belongs to that bad boy Sawyer! And the bonus was that we got to see him sans shirt a couple of times too! I am really enjoying how the characters' lives intertwine, both on and off the island. It will be sad to see the show end! Really looking forward to seeing Richard's story next Tuesday night.

Tonight I'll be happy to have "Flash Forward" back again after it's long break. Must have been due to the Olympics I guess. So, I'm off to pack a few orders before settling in to get back into the story - 2 whole hours!

Enjoy your evening - maybe I'll even talk fiber arts next time!

Upcoming Events

Spring is heating up! Below are a few upcoming events at which I'll be a vendor. Hope to see you at one or all of them!



Spring Fever Hook-In
Sponsored by Hooked Treasures, Brunswick, ME
Sat., Apr. 17, 2010, 10am-4pm
Knights of Columbus Hall, Brunswick, ME
Contact: Cherylyn Brubaker, 207-729-1380
Email: cherylyn@hookedtreasures.com

2nd Semi-Annual Camp Wool Spring Fling Hook-In
Sponsored by Camp Wool, Kennebunk, ME
Sat. OR Sun., Apr. 24 OR 25, 2010, 9am-4pm
The Coastal House, Rt. 1, Wells, ME
Contact: LeAnn Hodgson, Camp Wool, 207967-6022, toll-free: 866-938-WOOL
Email: cottagesheep@roadrunner.com

This hook-in is an all-weekend event with separate hook-ins on both weekend days. Choose either Saturday OR Sunday.



Maine Tin Pedlars 2010 Rug Show & Hook-In
Sat., May 8, 2010, 10am-3pm
Woodford's Congregational Church, 202 Woodford St., Portland, ME
Contact: Cheri Nixon, 603-749-1865, Rachel Johns, 207-854-2797
Web: www.mainetinpedlar.org

All I need to do now is make sure I'm stocked with enough goodies for all these hook-ins!

See you on the road!

New book coming soon

This is a recently new release by Maine author Susie Stephenson. She did a book signing for this book at the Maine Tin Pedlar Chapter of ATHA back in December. Unfortunately I missed that meeting and didn't get a chance to meet her and hear her speak. I've seen the book though, and it's chock full of tips, techniques and pictures of Susie's incredible primitive hooked rugs - there's even a hooked bikini if you can believe that! Just ordered a bunch and will have them soon I hope.

I've been cracking up over my little "LOST" poll!! Everyone's voting for Sawyer!! As Kim said in her comment, we're all attracted to the bad boys!! Now don't get me wrong, I like Jack too, but Sawyer just has such a "come hither" look, doesn't he?

Off to the Tin Pedlar meeting tomorrow at least - it's the annual guild auction and that's usually a raucous fun time! Must bring my checkbook - there will be wool, patterns and other goodies to bid on. I have been needing a little "girl time" and can't wait!

Enjoy your weekend!

Blog Trollin'

Wow, some great tips out on the blogs today - Alma Allen of Blackbird Designs shows her process for making a scalloped quilt border; Laurie Simpson (Minick & Simpson) gives some great tips on making applique templates given her admitted lack of drawing skills; Lori Brechlin of Notforgotten Farm gives us insights into her own creative process on a current cross-stitch project. Scroll down to my More Fun Reads list and check out these and other great blogs. I need to add more to my list that I've found in my travels.

Take my little LOST poll! I'd love to know who your favorite character is! My vote was easy:



Have a great night!