Busy ....busy ....busy

Saturday, August 29, 2009

It's our most stressful time of the year. It feels like we just finish one project and move to the next. We are rushing to finish projects for fall quilt market, cross stitch market and planning two teaching events. We always have grand plans...but in the end have to compromise a bit.

Tis Hallowe'en, our newest cross stitch publication was finally delivered to our warehouse at 4:00pm. two weeks ago. Donna and I were "throwing" (really carefully wrapping) books into boxes and trying to get as many shipped out before the UPS man came at 4:30. My husband came by and said, "How do you like the book?"

I replied, "I have no idea. I haven't even looked at it....I'm trying to get them shipped out. The cover looks great though." I asked him to call Barb and let her know it was in the warehouse. After work, Barb and I met for dinner and clinked our wine glasses together and said, "Congratulations."

We then opened our calenders and said, "Now, tomorrow we have to do......"

I feel sad that I have neglected this site for over 2 weeks. But I thought I would just do smaller more frequent entries during this busy time.

Wildflowers, our next quilt book, will be released at Fall quilt market. Barb and I are each stitching the featured quilt. My color palette is in reds, blues and tans. Barb's is going to be in reds and browns. I can hardly wait to see hers! We have many of the quilts done...but we are both still working on the main featured quilt. The featured quilt will feature 42 pieced stars, plain alternating blocks and alternating blocks with appliqued wildflowers. My stars are pieced and the flowers are glued in place. Applique day tomorrow! My sewing machine is set up and ready to stitch.

We are also working on a new cross stitch book. Joyeux Noël is the title.


You can tell I've been looking for some fun props for the photography.

Hope you have a bit of time to enjoy some stitching!

Until later,

Alma

36 comments

  1. Thanks for the little peeks.. it lookss ooo good!!! :o)
    I have to start on my wish list for Christmas...and I think I start right over here..lol...

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  2. I am so impressed in all you do and I love all of it! The new book on stars and wildflowers sounds wonderful and I love anything Christmas!!

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  3. Wow! There's more to come....ya'll are so creative. We love and appreciate all that you give us to stitch. Thanks and we await the new releases!

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  4. Your blocks are very pretty. I can hardly wait to get my Tis Hallowe'en..and I'm excited to hear you are working on another publication....love your designs...hugs, Linda

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  5. Busy is good Alma! Can't wait for the Christmas book! I just marvel at both of your creativity energy! Thanks for all the wonderful projects!

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  6. Your girls are very busy indeed! I can't wait to see your new books. I love the sneak peek pic...what gorgeous colors!!!! I love stars and I love wildflowers :)

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  7. Alma, I hope you're not going too crazy with all the work. I hope you know it's greatly appreciated out here! I just love those blocks for your quilt!! I can tell I'm going to have to get that book. Too bad I don't have a quilt shop that I can email and ask to reserve it like I can with my ONS to reserve your xs books. :D Try not to stress out!!

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  8. I receved "tis hallowen" and I am very happy to read it and read it again, I love the two little houses on the stockings.
    I love anything on Christmas too and I wait for all your new release !!!
    Thanks for all those good news
    flop

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  9. Great to see you here !
    I'm looking forward to your Joyeux Noël
    bill (from Southwestern France)

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  10. Remember to breath... Love all you and Barb accomplish. Can't wait to see all of your new projects 'cause I know I will love every one of them!!

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  11. I guess you must be so busy... "bon courage" as we say in French !
    (by the way, have you ever received my emails ? there were pics too)
    Anne - Tempus fugit

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  12. Can't wait for the new book and those little Christmas ornaments are adorable,
    Lizzie
    XXX

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  13. Alma, even though we miss you when you're not blogging we know that you are making wonderful things so don't feel guilty! Make sure to take a little break too - it's not all about us you know! Take care, Deb

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  14. Love your products, they are such a gift to us!
    Carry on!

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  15. You are missed, but I knew you were up to something good!!
    What a sneak peak, love the theme and your colors sounds wonderful too.
    Hope you have some time to enjoy and relax before market.

    Happy sewing!

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  16. I LOVE the new Tis Halloween book. I got mine a few days ago. It's wonderful! Can't wait for the Christmas book. :)

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  17. i know its busy but worth it!! i look forward to seeing what you are both coming up with! i'm working on a few things for market and feeling the market time crunch for the first time!!

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  18. The new book sounds wonderful.
    It sounds like the market will be a great one this year, lots of new books and designs are coming out.

    Debbie

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  19. Well, sign me up for a copy!!! I love your books, I think I have most of them by now......now to have the time to do the quilts!!! I don't know how you keep doing it, but am so happy you do!!!
    Christine

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  20. I love the look of the quilt block you showed! Awesome.

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  21. Can't wait to see the quilts!!! Those fabrics....must have those! I'll wait patiently for the next blog update, knowing that you're working on more fabulous offerings for us! :o)

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  22. I always look forward to your blog postings. They are as beautiful to look at as your books and so fun to read. You all do such fine work!
    ~Joyce in MI

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  23. Alma, you always make it worth the wait, whether it's a blog entry, a book, or a new design. The applique block--omg. Gorgeous. I received the Halloween book last week and can't wait to stitch some of the stockings. Remember to take some time for you!

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  24. The fabric is yummy! Thanks so much for the peek :-).

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  25. I LOVE the title of the upcoming Christmas book...even if the spelling is French! :-) The quilt colors are beautiful together! I need to get back into quilting...stitching always comes first. I like your busy time...means more stash for me!!

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  26. I love all your new things, colors are wonderful and the idea of a new Christmas cross stitch book leaves me panting.
    Looking forward to the Aug stocking book too and can't wait to see what the fall and winter ones will be.
    Thanks for all that you do, but be sure to take time for yourselves.
    Take care...Judy

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  27. I just finished a first stocking from Tis Halloween. It is so darn cute!

    Looking forward to Joyeux Noel. Will those be holiday stockings? Come on-you know that you want to tell us!!!

    Back to choose the next stocking.

    Many thanks for sharing your talent with us,
    Janice

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  28. What a wonderful design...think your new book is going to be on my "must have" list for Christmas!

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  29. I always enjoy reading your updates. I am looking forward to both books. I am trying to finish Autumn Bouquet so I can frame it and enjoy it during my favorite time of year, right now! I hope you have a great week.

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  30. What beautiful designs and photographs!

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  31. The new cross stitch book sounds great, I will watch for it.
    CJ ok;-)

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  32. Good thing...having our favorite designers post on their blogs and show us a peek at what's to come.

    Bad thing...Having to WAIT until our favorite designers have their new things out for sale!

    But PLEASE don't stop posting...knowing what's to come helps me finish some of what I've begun!

    :)

    I am enjoying the Tis Hallowe'en stockings. So much fun to make!!!!

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  33. Can't wait to see your new quilt book. I like those vintage props.

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  34. I can't wait to see your quilt book and your cross stitch book. You ladies are so creative and a true asset to the crafting world! Thank you for everything you do.

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  35. You two are wonderfully talented and your love for what you do makes it even more fabulous.

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  36. Alma,

    What happened with the QuiltBook that was to be premiered at Quilt Market. We have seen the pomegranate one, but not the one that you show here. Hmm,,, is this in the works still for a future date?

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