Our Next Class

Tuesday, June 1, 2010


Barb and I will hit the road again soon. Saturday, June 19, 2010 and Sunday, June 20, 2010 we will be at Tomorrow’s Heirlooms in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Above is a part of Saturday's class. There will be a stitched piece to go inside the sewing box too. Sunday's class is a small piece inspired by an antique sampler.

I've visited this shop during one of my trips to Chicago and can hardly wait for this return visit. This wonderful shop might be small but it certainly has everything. I was floored by the number of charts available at this shop! Click on the shop name for their web-site and information.

Over the weekend Dave and I did "fun" yard work. Nothing like a bit of hard physical work to make a weekend pass quickly! Things have been a bit neglected around here and my gardens need giant weeds removed. Our spring rain has certainly gotten plants growing....weeds as well as flowers.

Mostly though, we are struck by the quiet of our house. I told my husband I need some more kids to fill this place up again. He rolled his eyes and didn't seem too thrilled with the idea....but it seems like everything was more exciting with the noise and activity of lots of youth. There were times I could have pulled my hair out...but the fun times made it all worthwhile. I'm suffering from the loss of my youngest. Even though he's been gone for the past 4 years at college....it just seems more final now. He's moved to Washington, D.C. and having the time of his life.

So Dave and I are spending some of our excess time watching this new arrival to our neighborhood. I recognize lots of birds, but this one was new to me. It has a slate gray body. It's in the flycatcher family and likes roadsides and open areas.


White detailing on the tail feathers.

White throat and yellow breast. It's a Western Kingbird. Isn't he or she just too wonderful? Hopefully we will get more in this area.

Show and tell next time!

Until later,

Alma

22 comments

  1. I look forward to and dread, all at the same time, the empty nest.....

    The bird is beautiful, as is your new class piece!

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  2. Love your new class piece. I'm envious of those who will get to stitch it with you. Sure do wish I could be there!

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  3. We have Western Kingbirds here in Colorado, too. They are so pretty and larger than most other birds (finches). How neat! The box is beautiful! I too am dealing with our youngest moving on. He just graduated from high school and will start college out of state in the fall. It's so weird to think about our house being quiet after so much organized chaos! I guess I am in really good company and somehow, we will all get through it together. I am still working on the March Hare project and love how it is turning out. I recieved your new book, Country Inn, this past Saturday and have already made 2 recipes. They were yummy good!! I cannot wait to get started on that beautiful quilt pattern. I simply adore your designs--thank you!!
    Lou

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  4. Oooh, I love the sewing box. I wish I was a lucky student.

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  5. Oh I wish I lived closer to where you're giving at least one class! This is gorgeous! It must be weird to have your last child fly the nest for real. I have a hard time imagining it. It's good he's off having a good time -- and hopefully being productive too! :D

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  6. I am dreading my youngest leaving this fall. He is heading to Fairfax to George Mason just outside of DC. My oldest son has been there for 5 yrs and persuing pre-med and boy was that hard to leave him. My youngest has come out of his shell since his older brother has been out of the house and I have so enjoyed our talks, I am really going to miss him so much. I love your class piece....any chance you could teach it in the DC area.....you know then you could check in on him!!!!!!! I wish you the best. Kathy

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  7. I just came in from doing some reading and bird watching out on the patio. So relaxing.

    Your sewing box lid is beautiful. I, too, wished I lived closer to where you have your classes.

    Bobbi

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  8. You know Alma, I wished I were independently wealthy because I'd fly all around the world attending each and every class you and Barb taught! You are so very talented, thoughtful and creative. I always look forward to your latest designs and ideas. Have a wonderful time in Illinois! Hugs and Happy Stitching

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  9. I know exactly what you mean. I love the peace and quiet but yet I miss the excitement and busyness that children bring to the house.

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  10. Ohhh so cool to see the project for the class. I will be there and Katrina will be flying over to come as well and visit me in our new home. How lucky I am to have moved last year to Illinois to be only 15 minutes from this shop and to go to yet another class with you and Barb :-)

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  11. What a lovely pattern. Do you ever publish the pieces you teach in a class or are they exclusive to that class? I too wish I lived nearer - maybe on the same continent would help!

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  12. What a lovely class piece. Please come to Europe to teach a class sometime? ;-)

    The bird is so pretty!

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  13. Alma, for those of us who aren't able to take your classes - I'm from Iowa, is it possible to purchase the class supplies and pattern so that we can make the project also?

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  14. The class piece looks really great! I'm looking forward to being there and seeing you both again.

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  15. Love the new class piece and can't wait for class in a couple of weeks. Be careful what you wish for; our "little bird" just flew home again. Now that's something we weren't planning on.

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  16. I love the box for the class. Love love. I took a wonderful class of yours years and years ago in Mexico, MO (Homestead Hearth -- a rug hooking class) but am, unfortunately, no where near Illinois. Do you possibly sell kits of the class projects?

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  17. Love the box!!! is there a site were one could puchase box and pattern????
    clementsrandy@yahoo.com

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  18. I don't think the day will ever come when my son will be done with school...yet I know it's going to continue to fly!

    Love the nature pictures and the class piece is fabulous!

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  19. Bellissimi i tuoi lavori, sono un vero sogno.
    Saluti Nadia

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  20. I feel your pain and remember it all too well. My daughter's senior year, I cried at the mear mention of her name..... she is my best friend!! She only went 2 hrs away to college, but I knew she was never coming back to live. Dinners were never the same and I miss it 20 years later!!!
    You take beautiful pictures - we have a couple of doves that have taken up with us, but I have not found where they live yet - just see them every day. I walked across the drive way the other day and one came right by me within a foot, as almost sto say "Hello neighbor". Loved it!!!
    (my google wont sign me in - Linda P in GA)

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