Happy Leap Day & Bedcover status

Here is my current status on my Maggie Bonanomi Boxwood & Berries Bedcover. I'm happy with how it is coming along. I have one more border on the top and the bottom and then comes the part that I am not sure about... the quilting and backing. It will be a new experience for me!

I was so excited to hear from several Boxwood & Berries classmates after they saw my status. It seems like most of us have picked up the project again now that the holidays are over. I would love to share photos of my classmates projects as well, so please share your photos with me at pgagliardi9@hotmail.com It is so much fun to see, how we all start with the same project, but each comes out a bit different.

Pat from session #1 was kind enough to send me her status photo:

Isn't it lovely?! Her added pennies and diamonds are perfect! And I love the little bird's twig... off to build a nest, I'm sure. Here she is testing out scallops in deciding how to finish it. Pat says that she will share a finished photo as well - I can't wait to see it! I'm hoping to see others' photos as well ;)

My bedcover is temporarily sidelined as I finish up my TDIPT Mercantile first of the month offerings... Be sure to stop there later tonight as the big birthday bash begins! More on that tomorrow...

And a Happy Leap Day to you!

Isn't this little Leap Day dance card sweet?

Celebrated at "Forest Hall", the name of the dance was:

"Red and Yeller

Catch a Feller"

so fun!

Here's hoping you do something you love on your extra day!

I'll be attending my younger son's band concert tonight - he plays the tuba :)

And then late tonight, I'll be updating my TDIPT Mercantile offerings.

Blessings, Patti

Signs of Spring & A Winner

"Snowdrop"

freebie design by The Little Stitcher

What a joy it has been to read all of your favorite signs of spring:

tulips and hyacinth, crocus and snowdrops, pussy willows and leaf buds, longer days and sunshine, thawing ground and the smell of spring rain, spring peepers and morning songbirds...

*sigh* it makes me long for spring even more.

I forget that many of you live in more temperate climates than Chicago and are experiencing spring already. Here a few bulbs are breaking ground, but we are still weeks away from snowdrops and crocuses.

I just loved the little design above and started it pretty much the moment I saw it. Click on "The Little Stitcher above and it will take you to these lovely free design. It reminds me so of the crazy weather here in Chicago, bulbs blooming while the snow flies :)

I had 62 entries in my little giveaway and used random.org to select my random winner - Lynda of Portland, Oregon (no blog). She used to live in upstate New York where she was used to 6 foot snow drifts in February, but now enjoys blooming daffodils at the same time of year :) I will get your heart out to you this week, Lynda. (I've grown rather attached to it and may just need to make another for myself.)

Thank you all for participating. There will be another giveaway next month... just not quite sure what it will be yet... stay tuned!

After Boxwood & Berries last fall, I promised myself I would finish Maggie's wool bed cover before the end of winter. Since the first day of spring is just a month away, I've pulled it back out and started working on it in earnest. Maybe if I commit to posting weekly update photos that will keep me on track!

Thanks again to all who participated in my giveaway!

And let's hope that spring arrives soon!

"For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;

The flowers appear on the earth;

the time of the singing of birds is come"

~Song of Solomon 2:11-12

Blessings, Patti

Worth the wait?? Giveaway

"Old Heart Pin Keep"

Design by Maggie Bonanomi

"Buttonwood Farm" Book

When I saw that I had hit 200 followers, I was so surprised that I wanted to have a special giveaway. My thought was to have the drawing on Valentine's Day. But as usual, time got away from me and I am just getting to it now. I've created this heart pin keep with all vintage/antique materials - my absolute favorite piece of ticking, old wool blankets and quilt batting and vintage seam tape. I hope that you find it worth the wait...

Speaking of "worth the wait", now is the time of year when I am anxious for spring to arrive. I'm always waiting for those first early signs of spring.

My favorite sign of spring?

1. When the first bouquet of daffodils arrives at the florist. I just have to buy it and continue buying them whenever I see them as they are my favorite springtime flower and I know that their season is short.

2. The arrival of the first robin. At my house we are all on the lookout, and when we see the first one, I pull out a little pillow that I made that says "first robin of spring" and display it for the rest of the season. (Once that robin arrives, I'll share a photo of the pillow.)

So to enter this giveaway, tell me:

What is your favorite sign of spring that is absolutely worth the wait :)

Either comment on this post or send an email to me at pgagliardi9@hotmail.com with "Worth the Wait" in the subject line.

I will draw the winner with a random number generator on Monday, February 20th - Presidents' Day.

Thank you so much for joining me on this blogging journey.

It truly has been a blessing to meet so many wonderful kindred spirits!

Blessings, Patti

A Merry Valentine

Based on "Scattered Hearts"

design by Jo Ann Mullaly

"Primitive Quilts & Projects" Spring 2012

I've always thought of Valentine's Day not as romantic holiday, but as an extra day to let our family and friends know how much we love them.

And to celebrate the greatest love...

A Winding Vine Design

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

~John 3:16

Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day!

Blessings, Patti

A few finishes...

"Auld Lang Syne"

freebie by Heartstring Samplery

(featuring the initals of my grandparents in memory of days gone by...)

It's been a busy time... Busy season at my full time job as an accountant with lots of extra hours. Busy with the February 1st update on TDIPT Mercantile. Busy with a few special orders.

But somehow I still have to fit in a few finishes to keep myself sane :)

"Mary's Pinkeep"

by Stacy Nash Primitives

a Country Sampler Girls Club Kit

I had a lot of fun with this piece. It was designed with the crowns and an initial under each crown representing a family member. I decided to make it a family tree - the parents above the crown and the child below - the crowns representing my husband, me and both of our sons. When it was just about complete, I realized I forgot a very important family member - our dear dog Orion... so at the last moment I added an "O" in the bottom right hand corner with a crown for him too!

"My Valentine"

Simple Goods Stitched by Jennifer

I am still planning a special giveaway this month. It's just been delayed a bit as I haven't created the item that I plan to giveaway yet... so please stay tuned.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike."

~Matthew 5:43-45

Blessings, Patti

*Welcome February*

February is here!

With a focus on love and heartfelt sentiments...

TDIPT Mercantile is now updated with new offerings by all of the first of the month artists.

Click here to read about my new offerings.

What a difference a year makes...

Last year on this day we were in the midst of an incredible blizzard here in Chicago. Yesterday we had a high of 60 degrees!

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. " ~Deuteronomy 6:5

Blessings, Patti