Woolkeeper & Oswego ~ The End

 

 While at Woolkeeper, Kathleen mentioned that there was a quilt shop just down the street.

So of course I had to take a peek ;) 

 

 

Prairie Stitches Quilt Shoppe was a wonderful large store filled with fabrics of all styles. 

 

 

 I was amazed by the number of models that covered walls, beds, tables, etc.

 

 So much to see!

So much to inspire!

Prairie Stitches Quilt Shoppe has a website here.

 

So are you wondering, after seeing all this eye candy, what came home with me?

 

 The first thing that jumped in my arms was this wonderful Woolkeeper kit.

I've been admiring it online for ages and I can tell you that it is even more beautiful in person.

 

 I was so enthralled by the model of this table runner that I had to buy the pattern.

 

 I also had a tough time narrowing down which Horse and Buggy Country patterns to purchase as well. These two won a ride home ;)

 

 Woolkeeper also carries Eleganza Perle Cotton - a highly variegated thread. Kathleen pointed out that the colors change more rapidly than others - every few stitches. I can't wait to try it out!

She also carries bobbins of the more expensive wool thread. I love this! Now I can try out a few colors and see if I like them before making the investment!

 

 

While at Prairie Stitches I found a few older Woolkeeper patterns that I couldn't live without, along with JoAnn Mullaly's Folk Branches at a price I couldn't pass up! And "Little Butterflies" by Laundry Basket Quilts was a must purchase too!

It was a lovely afternoon and I am sure that I will be heading back for a visit again!

 

There is still time to enter my little giveaway here. I'll be picking a winner later tonight.

 

"And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.

But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."

Luke 12:29-31

 

Blessings, Patti

~Woolkeeper~Part 2

Another thrilling find at Woolkeeper was the trunk show of Horse and Buggy Country designs by Karen Hahn! Wow! Like Kathleen Wall's "Woolkeeper" designs - they are very unique!

Some seem inspired by Pennsylvania Dutch motifs.

All have a wonderful use of color!

Each one was more beautiful than the next.

So hard to pick which designs might come home with me.

I love Karen's unique style.

And of course I adore flowers and nature.

Her crock box was so unique and blew me away! (pattern available)

These photos give you an idea of her stunning style, but what you can't see is...

Her phenomenal stitching! You have to be up close and personal to see the detail!

Woolkeeper carries Horse and Buggy Country patterns and has kitted a few as well. 

Woolkeeper's website is here. 

Horse and Buggy Country also has an Etsy shop that you can find here.

I have one more post of my afternoon in Oswego and I'll share what came home with me...

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!

~Luke 12:27-28

Blessings, Patti

~Woolkeeper ~ Part 1

 

Are you familiar with Woolkeeper?

Woolkeeper is a wool design company and a wool shop in Oswego, Illinois.

I've been wanting to go there for ages!

Last Saturday I finally did!

 

 

Kathleen Wall is Woolkeeper and a very kind and welcoming soul!

 

When you walk in the door you are greeted by her beautiful original designs!

 

I loved this fun monthly series and the wonderful stands made by a blacksmith.

Woolkeeper carries designs and kits by other designers as well, such as Jan Mott of Crane Designs and Wooly Lady.

She also carries a nice selection of punch needle.

 

Isn't this Woolkeeper design wonderful?! I love the use of color and patterned wool. It's a generous sized table runner with the same design at both ends, but I wanted you to see a close up.

 

I was so struck by this wonderful Winter design, that it took me a while to realize that it was part of a seasonal series of patterns:

 

Each one so pretty and unique!

 

 

Are you familiar with Eweniversity egg patterns?

Woolkeeper carries those too. 

 

 

Kathleen has offered classes for these in the past

and I am really hoping that she will offer them again.

My fingers are crossed ;)

 

Kathleen also has offered classes on penny rugs and variations on that theme.

 

I loved these flower examples and a wool kit for one of the flower pennies is included in my giveaway that is still going on now. You can read about it here.

 

There is more to come on Woolkeeper! Simply too much put in one post!

You can visit Woolkeeper's website here and her blog is here.

 

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?

~Luke 12:24-25

 

Blessings, Patti

Pennies from Heaven ~ Volume 6 (should be Vol. 7!)

When I visited my parents last month, I was able to see Mom's latest finishes.

I'm sure that I shared this one before, but it is now officially finished.

And I can't stop looking at it and admiring it!

Maggie Bonanomi's "Settlers Pride" is such a stunning design!

When Mom saw the photos last time, she did a little minor perfecting before backing it. 

Can you believe that she did this entire project in 7 weeks?!

Once backed - she added this running stitch along the edge - love it!

"Follow the Sun" by Woolkeeper

Such beautiful wool!

And it looks so perfect on the back of this rocking chair.

"Wool Applique in Neutrals" from "Another Place and Time"

Another gorgeous Maggie Bonanomi design.

Love the monochromatic color scheme.

Here is one of Mom's originals.

And here is where it lives - perfect!

Another of Mom's originals - love the snowflake charms!

Design by Laurie Simpson 

in Primitive Quilts & Projects book "Wool Applique - Volume 2"

This piece is replacing the sunflower on the back of the rocking chair for Christmas.

I love the ticking candy canes! Perfect!

While I was there, Mom decided that she wanted to learn English Paper Piecing.

It's no fun to make just a single flower, so Mom and I sat down and made these: 

We each finished a little pincushion.

Of course Mom took to EPP like a fish to water.

We didn't start these until later in the evening and probably spent as much time laughing as we did stitching. We stayed up way too late, but had so much fun!

I wouldn't be surprised if my next visit I get to see some EPP projects 

by Mom in addition to wool applique ;)

Here's some perspective to see the size of our little pincushions.

I might just need to make a few more...

Great job Mom! I always love all that you do!

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

    for his steadfast love endures forever.

~Psalm 136:1

Blessings, Patti