AWESOMELY WONDERFUL START TO A NEW YEAR!

It was a great pleasure to end 2012 on a high note as I completed a sweet Christmas Bishop, my first ever store sample (smocking plate by Laurie Nash Anderson of Southern Stitches; as seen in Sew Beautiful Magazine #139).  I've been asked to make samples for several stores during the last four years, but somehow or another, I had a tendency to shy away from the process.  Heirloom store owners have particularly good taste, a very keen eye for perfection and often, I can only hope to live up to their very high expectations, not to mention the difficult task of figuring out how best to achieve an agreement about creating something from scratch.  Not only do you have to know what the store owner likes and what would be stitch-inspiring to the store audience, you also have to be sensitive to what is popular in certain regions of the nation and how climate plays a role in customer's needs.  I most definitely have a problem taking on new challenges when my fear of failure gets the best of me, but, my apprehensions disappear quickly when I receive an e-mail, or Etsy order, or a kind note from a dear sewing friend across the seas, inspiring me to make something new, with their choice of fabric, colors, and touch of heirloom or whimsy.  Indeed, 2012 ended and 2013 has begun on exactly such high note.  You can only imagine how thrilled I was when I received mention in Adorable Heirlooms' new year's newsletter below.  Take a look at all the delectable heirloom fabric, notions, buttons and trims available at Laurie Brock's fabulous on-line store, located in Burton Michigan, and make sure you sign up to receive e-mail updates with many more new adorable things to come!

Dear Esther, Happy New Year!  I can't begin to express my gratitude and appreciation for each and every one of you!  2012 was the best year since opening my online shop and this would never have been possible without you, my loyal customers and trusted friends! You are the reason why I have been so committed to stocking only the finest merchandise at the lowest prices. This new year I will be expanding our merchandise line to include a wider variety fabrics and weaves, more trims and definitely more buttons!  So be sure to stop by monthly and see what's new!  Speaking of buttons, visit the "New Merchandise" category to see our latest acquisitions for you, here! There are over 150 different styles and sizes that are sure to add just the "right" touch to your project! See all of our buttons here. I've also started a new feature to my newsletter this year.  Whenever I come across a great designer, or a new book, a new seamstress I'm going to feature it in a segment called "Introducing".  I hope you enjoy my little finds and share with your friends!  This month we're featuring an exceptional seamstress!  Read more below! ************************************************************************************************* New Fabric ~ 100% Cotton ~ 60" Width  Click on the name to be taken to the shop for pricing and fabric info.                  Floral Print Medium                 Floral Print Small                      Grape Gingham ~1/16"                 Star Flowers                          Carnations in Blue                          Black/White Stripe 1/16" ************************************************************************************************* Introducing...  Esther Grant.  Esther is one of the sweetest  and hardest working women I know.  Her business is called Tiger Swallow Tales Children's Boutique.  It's an online shop for custom sewn children's clothing.   I've been following her on Facebook for a couple of years, now.  Her beautiful handmade garments have inspired and impressed many people, myself included. This past holiday season I asked Esther if she would make a Christmas Dress as a sample for the shop.  She did.  It's gorgeous and I knew it would be.  Esther is committed to a high level of quality and paying attention to detail is second nature to her. But her impecable smocking, precise stitching and professional finishing didn't surprise me.  Esther does amazing work!  What surprised and pleased me was the attention she paid to details after the dress was finished.  From the moment my  packaged arrived to the moment I opened the gift box and lifted out the tiny confection of a dress, I was delighted!  My order arrived in a gift box,  all tied up with Christmas ribbon!  The dress was carefully tucked inside layers of tissue and the sweet little bishop sleeves were "puffed" with tissue to show them off!  Simply adorable! Esther's garments even sport a "care" label so that you can properly treat your new heirloom.  If you ever need a special garment for a special occasion please call on Esther, you'll be sew happy you did.  Below are some examples of her beautiful work. Christmas Dress Sample  Close-up of Back     hri ducing Tiger Swallow Tale                                        Christmas in White                                               Sew long for now! Laurie

WINTER ISN'T ALL THAT BAD

Well, the Christmas tree and decorations have been packed away.  Family has come and gone and I miss them terribly.   Cold days linger on with a few balmy days, but overall, I'm not a good cold-weather kind of person.  But, winter isn't all that bad.  I love to change from embroidery needle to knitting or crochet in the winter months.  We also have lots of winter birthdays in our family, including mine and my grand-daughters coming up in February, the best month in the whole wide world to celebrate our special day with LOVE!  Let's just say there are a lot of red colors and hearts floating around in our creative nook this time of year!