On tour...

We have just completed a whirlwind college tour of Indiana and Ohio for our oldest son.

In three days we managed to visit: Butler, Dayton, Xavier, Miami and Case Western Reserve. Wow! That was a lot of driving!

Since the four of us went, we tried to make it fun for the whole family. My boys love the food network, so we decided to try to visit a few spots that were featured. The first stop was 3 Sisters Cafe in Indianapolis - fabulous fresh food! (Of course I forgot to take any pictures.)

In Cincinnati, we stopped at Terry's Turf Club - definitely of the beaten path, but worth the drive for delicious and unusual burger combinations.

And the atmosphere was so fun!

In Cleveland, we stayed at the Glidden House - a 1910 mansion converted into a boutique hotel set right on the campus of Case Western Reserve University. What a gem it is! I hope to stay there again one day... My husband and youngest son also stopped at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame while my older son and I attended sessions at the University.

It was a fun trip. Now I must really get focused and finish my offerings for TDIPT Mercantile! I'll be back soon to share my update!

Blessings, Patti

What I have been working on...

Now that you know where I have been,

I thought I would share what I have been working on...

"Sweet Summer Time" design by Jan Goos of Goos Nest

I started this piece on Memorial Day at home, worked on it during our first storm when we were without power for 2 days and finished it in Hayward Wisconsin on the 4th of July. I attached an antique ticking tag to the back ~ writing out my memories on it. When I bring it out in years to come I love reading these tags and remembering what was going on while creating it.

I just adore this piece! So perfectly designed by Jan. You can see her shop here and her blog here. The pussy willows took more time than I thought they would but were well worth the effort! I changed the blue flowers just a bit - they remind me of the cornflowers that I love so that grow on the side of the road this time of year. I know that they are weeds, but they always make me smile.

"Old Glory" design by Maggie Bonanomi

I started this piece on the 8 hour drive home from Hayward and continued working on it during the second storm when we were without power for four days. It's now framed and hanging in my dining room.

And now I'm working on this piece... started on a wonderful trip to visit my parents in central Illinois with my sister. I think the only time my sister and I didn't talk non-stop was the few hours we spent sleeping :)

I've also started some velvet vegetable pincushions for my TDIPT offerings on August 1st, but I'm not quite ready to share those yet!

It is still hot here in Chicago. Strong storms have been coming through sporadically for the past day and a half bringing much needed rain for the garden. (But also making it hard to take good photos for the blog!) I keep cringing, thinking that the power will go back out. It did go out at some point last night, but came back on before any of us woke up.

Would love to hear what you are working on! please share...

Blessings, Patti

Where I have been...

I can't believe that it has been 3 weeks since I posted!

Where has the time gone...

We made our annual trek to the northwoods - near Hayward, Wisconsin.


This is the trip that really recharges my batteries.

Quality family time spent in the great outdoors...

Then the day after we came home (the day I meant to spend doing laundry and grocery shopping) another big storm came through Chicago and did this:

Over 800,000 buildings were without power including us. Luckily crews came in from all over the country. A wonderful crew from Kansas and Missouri restored our power after 4 full days without power.

Luckily power was restored just in time for this heatwave!

What more could I possibly ask for?

Please be sure to stay cool and take care of yourself during this heatwave!

I'm a bit behind in creating, but will hopefully have some finishes to share soon!

Blessings, Patti

*Red*White*Blue*

Is there a combination of colors that stirs the heart more than red, white & blue?

I think not!

Where has the time gone ~ half a year is over already. During the second half of the year, I need to make a conscious effort to slow down and focus on the moment. To try to make it last...

Since it is the first of the month, it is also update time at TDIPT Mercantile! I am so happy the way the pillow in the photo above turned out. The design is by fellow TDIPT artist Nan of Threadwork Primitives. The moment I saw it, Nan had inspired me and I knew that I had to stitch it right away!

I also decided to share some of my favorite antique textiles and buttons by creating this original candle mat.

Be sure to view all of the lovely offerings at TDIPT Mercantile. You can view my offerings here.

Thank you for your wonderful response to my vintage material pin disks.

And your overwhelming response to my velvet cherry emeries!

In my minds eye I can see two velvety vegetables that I hope to offer on August 1st. If you would like a sneak peek once the prototype is done, just email me at pgagliardi9@hotmail.com to join my monthly mailing list. Now the trick is to translate them from my minds eye to reality :)

Wishing you and your family a Happy 4th of July! If you can take a moment, please say a prayer for our troops both at home and overseas. I'll also be saying a prayer of thanks for the blessings of living in this wonderful country!

Blessings, Patti