Just a couple of things...

Weather is getting cold her in the Northeast....40 this morning when I woke, actually turned the heat on for a few to take out the chill.  Fall....my very favorite time of year.  

Ran across this great newsletter ladies, check it out...

http://www.downtheprimitivepath.com/

I actually enjoyed each article and not a ton of advertising.  

I was also honored and a bit surprised to see my booth at Walker Homestead on their blog.  Thank you ladies for our wonderful chat and the opportunity to see with you and talk about your plans for your wonderful magazine.

http://aprimitiveplaceblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/best-day-ever.html

Cardinals, Such A Beautiful Red

Just a quick note to let you know that Rocking Chair Stitches has just released a new pattern called Cardinals In the Pines.  This new pattern contains directions and templates for both a Runner and an extra large Candle Mat.  I had so many compliments on it this weekend at the Walker Homestead show, www.walkerhomestead.com which by the way was a wonderful experience.  So many wonderful antiques and primitive crafts including Eva Ramsey from Pine Patch Primitives and Denise Davis from Sassafras Hill Primitives.  I am honored to be included among these wonderful women.  Speaking of wonderful women, Lynn Barbadora from Painting Thyme Needfuls and Brenda Mercado from Pumpkin Patch Primitives took the drive on a beautiful day to support me.  Why I didn't take a picture of the three of us is just beyond me right now.  Anyway, it was a great day.  But...I digress.

Back to the pattern...

Not a great picture, but waiting for the photographer to take a better one.   Pattern is available on my website or on etsy. 

Have a great day everyone~

Michelle

Show at Walker Homestead

What a wonderful day yesterday was.  When you see the pictures you will know exactly what I am talking about.  It was a beautiful day although a bit on the hot side.  Seemed as if Summer was making a statement with temperatures closer to 90 than 70.  I was fortunate enough to have many visitors both old and new but especially Lynn, Brenda, Gladys, Tom and their wonderful friends, Jimmy and Margaret too!  Thanks for taking the ride out there and helping me clean up in the very hot weather.  I am very grateful for all of you.

It was much more of a fantastic primitive (very) antique show with a spattering of crafts and/or quilters scattered through the farm.  There was a wonderful lunch at which I tasted Lavendar Lemonade.  OMG IT WAS JUST AWESOME.  I have to get the recipe.

We were also happy to meet and become acquainted with the ladies from A Primitive Place Magazine  and hear the story of how they all met on a forum and from various parts of the country without ever meeting in person put together the best primitive magazine around. 

Enjoy the pictures and make sure if you haven't that you pick up a copy of APP.

All the girls from A Primitive Place Magazine and Me

Denise from Sassafras Hill Primitives - So happy to see her again

Little Overview

My friends Lorri and Lynn swapping stories

Lynn and I

Check out www.aprimitiveplaceblog.blogspot.com for more pictures

Enjoy your day.

Open House at The Itinerant Painter

As I write this I hope that my friend Gladys won't be leaving us, but if she does I wish her the very best life has to offer her and her wonderful Husband Tom.  Some pictures from her annual open house which she so graciously lets me be a part of.  Her wonderful home and amazing paintings are a treasure.  Joy from Rhode Island Soap Works also joined us to give all a demonstration on cooking with herbs.  It was so yummy that I drove to her house to get a second jar of pickled tomatoes....omg they were delish.!!

MOVIN ON UP - PART TWO

I am honored to now be part of a talented group of women on-line, through Etsy and in blogland.  The women at the Old Farmhouse Gathering welcomed me with open arms and big smiling faces......yes I could actually see them lol.  I hope to be able to get to know each and every one of them through posting and emails and maybe actually meeting them.  Brenda from The Rusty Thimble has been most welcoming and I am waiting for a package for her that I am sure I am going to jump for joy over.  The neighbors will think, yup....Michelle has finally flipped.....So visit us (yes us lol) on Etsy and type OFG into the search engine and there you will find all the wonderful designers, primitive, country, cottage, etc.  Really come on now....do it.  It will be worth your time and all the eye candy is just a feast!!!

Have a wonderful day AND OH....

GO PATRIOTS

Movin On Up.....

What an absolutely gorgeous Sunday morning here in the Northwest Hills of Rhode Island and although my Dad is in the hospital once again, I find myself grateful that we live in a part of the Country that has the best healthcare.  He is at Brigham and Women's Hospital after suffering another "episode: with vascular issues.  Yesterday was my Mom's 75th Birthday so we are hoping to go to the hospital tomorrow to bring a little cheer and some Birthday Jello.....lol he can't eat yet.  Anyway, just grateful this morning.

Wanted to let you know about Movin On Up....Rocking Chair Stitches has decided to expand a little bit at a time this year and did so previously by having the blog and also applying for acceptance into two additional shows.  We were accepted and oh my, NOW I AM PANICKING lol.  

We also joined The Pattern Cupboard and it's a wonderful on-line pattern shop where you can get just about anything you need from e-patterns to recipes. Check it out!!  Lots of your favorite designers there and now us as well.  

www.thepatterncupboard 

 Stop by, have a look, you will enjoy it. 

Sneak Peak

Good Rainy Evening - I hope that the sun comes out tomorrow.  My pool is looking a bit sad with leaves from the high winds and the acorns....well I must have a ton of squirrels.  They say the weekend will be beautiful and I am hoping it will be so I can enjoy the last of the Summer Days.  Fall is coming though, probably quicker than we think....I am already wanting to change my decor and put our the warm colors and light those harvest scented candles.  I was in Brown and Hopkins today and Liz had wonderful Fall items.  Just put me in the mood.  So, thought I would give you all a sneak peak at one of the new designs from RCS.....more when I can release the pattern in a few days.  Have a wonderful day.!!

Join Us

Let your fingers do the shopping, click on "Join Us!"

Wool Crazy Sew Along: Sneak Peak

Wool Crazy Sew Along: Sneak Peak: "A little sneak peak of the beginnings of my wool crazy pin cushion round robin. Now shipping off to Sandi...... Can't wait to see what tr..."
Want the Wool Crazy Book????? See Pumpkin Patch Quilt Shoppe at www.pumpkinpatchprimitives.com

Missing Italy, Summer Parties and Friends...

I have so much fun reading everyone else's blogs that I never have time to post or update myself .  Anyway, couple of picks of food during our Italian vacation, summer party yesterday with all my friends and off to another today.  Hmmm,,  sewing.  I gotta do it.  How about you.  Are you sewing today??

Yum, but can you guess what it is????

Palette Refresh

Different...Rosemary Ice.  Delicious

Flakiest phyllo I have ever eaten, and inside. Oh my goodness

clams and mussels in a most delicious sauce

I hated to leave and want to go back so bad.  Soon soon.

Yesterday was party day and just a few friends stopped by for some yummy desserts and a yummy pulled pork from the Neelys....YUM

A delish peanut butter dessert...so easy. 

Chocolate Cake broken up

Cool Whip

and Peanut Butter sauce....1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup half and half and 1 tsp cinammon.  Heat and stir constantly pour onto layers while warm.  Yum

Ok off to another party and to sew some canes and help my new employee create a masterpiece...

Serenity,

Michelle

I'm Back From Vacation in Italy And It's Time To Get To Work.

Mama Mia!!  Two glorious weeks in Italy have put me so far behind in business that I don't know if I will ever get enough done for all the shows I am scheduled for this year.  But....this girl wouldn't have given up this vacation for anything.  It's the trip of a lifetime.  My Husband and I and our two wonderful friends jaunted around Southern Italy, Rome, Florence and the Tuscany area and boy....what a blast.  Life there is so different, so wonderful, so family oriented.  I didn't want to come home.  So, I thought that you would like to see a few pictures of the wonderful places we visited.  If you ever have the chance, go for it.  It shouldn't be missed. 

AMALFI COAST IN SOUTHERN ITALY

THE MOST GREEN GROTTO ON OUR WAY TO CAPRI.

  JUST SERENE AND ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING

FLORENCE

More to come but for now I want to say again Mama Mia -- if you ever have the chance to go to Italy DO IT....life is too short to think about it....as Nike says, JUST DO IT. 

If you have been and have memories (ok now I know you are humming Barbra Streisand...) please feel free to post them here.  We are planning another trip there in a few years and would like some more input on other places to go in this glorious country.

I am planning a giveaway too for the upcoming Fall season....stay tuned in....

Much love and peace

Michelle

A Friend?

Anyone out there a "Friend of Bills"?

July 4th means beach, barbecue and Fall

Ok ok, I know it doesn't rhyme or even go together but after I have a wonderful weekend with great friends, some cooking and some sun, I have to begin to think about my Fall and Holiday shows.  I have quite of few of them this year so I need to start extra early.  I am even going to bring some sewing to Italy with me when I leave next week.  I can't wait....but I digress, Fall shows.... 

So, let's go through the weekend.  First I will start at a spritual meeting on Saturday morning and start my weekend off on the right foot. I will come home and gather up  my husband (great guy by the way)

and we will get into his mid-life crisis car ........

and then we will meet up with our friends at Bonnet Shores....these are the friends we are going to Italy with too....

and drive to the beach to Bonnet Shores to our wonderful friends house (the ones we are going to Italy with)...

and we will proceed to eat and eat and eat again......first is seafood night, pasta with clam sauce and 20 (yes I said 20) pounds of steamers and of course desserts......

Fourth of July Desserts.....

These are what I am making straight from The Food Network ...  the one on the right is made with red velvet cake which I have already baked.

On Sunday we will eat some more, you know the traditional things like sausage, hot dogs, burgers, etc., tons of salads and more desserts....really what more could you ask for?
 
In addition....like I said...I have to start thinking about Fall and the shows for the holiday season.  I am thinking that I will start stitching some Fall ideas....maybe some oldies but goodies like....
 

Falling Leaves

 

Autumn Spectacular

 

Bring On Fall Candle Mats

 
All patterns are available at www.rockingchairstitches.com or just drop me a line or comment on the blog. 
 
I hope that you all have a wonderful, safe and happy holiday weekend.  Be careful with the fireworks.
 
AND THERE'S GONNA BE A GIVEAWAY........
 

OK I am off for a few days of relaxation.

After being sick for a week my husband and I have decided to take off to NH for a few days to Bike Week.  Last night he shined up the bikes and the weather is going to be hot and beautiful so I am pretty excited.  Brenda, we will be passing through the Nashua toll booth, I expect to see you there waving a Welcome to New Hampshire Sign, Michelle....lol .  Hope you all have a wonderful Father's Day weekend.  Treasure your dads. 

http://www.laconiamcweek.com/

The weather is rainy and I feel like doody

So I didn't go to work today feeling very under the weather with a miserable cold.  Thought OK I can get some things done too, some pattern writing or applique on a couple of new patterns that I found...something soothing and creative.  YUP, I SLEPT, most of the day, on and off, and I managed to fold a dryer full of towels and now post this blog.  That's it....  So, I will sit some more tonight, try to get better, but i gotta tell you.....I don't think I am going to feel better any time soon.  My husband is planning on making dinner tonight for me and yup, he doesn't cook lol.  He can open a can so we will have warm soup.  I love him for trying.  Anyone else sick out there........maybe we can be miserable together. 

Here We Go!! It's Lots of Giveaways and a Winner

I haven't been on in so long and I hope no one is feeling neglected, lol.  Well I'm sure Brenda might be.  What you say, Brenda who??  Well Brenda Mercado of course.  Who is Brenda Mercado you ask.....well most of you know her, but for those who don't she is this awesome girl from the lovely State of New Hampshire who has a wonderful Quilt Shoppe called.....Pumpkin Patch Primitive Quilt Shoppe.  Well why do you I mention her you might ask.  BECAUSE SHE IS THE WINNER OF MY MEMORIAL DAY GIVEAWAY, the Traditions Kit.  100% pure wools and a wonderful pattern that she can make into a unique runner. 

DON'T FORGET

Don't miss out......check out the giveaway, the drawing is closer....Memorial Day is the day.  Tell your friends, post on your blog!!  It's fun.
Just click on the wonderful Traditions Penny Rug to the right and enter.

DON'T' MISS OUT A GREAT GIVEAWAY

Check out our new blog and our new website. It's only the beginning of lots of great changes happening at RCS. So let's see........how about a surprise giveaway. Leave a post on the new blog and tell me what you think of the changes so far and.....post the giveaway on your blog and you will be given 3 NOT 2 but 3 entries to win.


WHAT WILL YOU WIN YOU SAY......

A 100% wool kit complete with the pattern, floss and all the wool to complete it. All in celebration of all of the new and exciting changes at Rocking Chair Stitches.



What else is coming.....stayed tuned.


There just might be another great giveaway!

WOW HOW HONORED AM I!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010



Tea Party


Hello all,


So last year my Sister and I held our first annual Tea Party for our nieces. As you can see SMay was a bit shy in joining us, but she was very entertaining. The rest of the girls were very good. They had a ball, we had different snacks, played some games and made beautiful decorated hats. As you can see they had on there Sunday bests.  This year we are thinking of a Flower theme. Planting a flower, decorating a pot. So in about 6 to 7 wks I will let you know how we make out! I'm hoping it is a hit like last years.

In my last post the craft fair I was in, I should have pointed out that on the wall behind me there are two wall hangings that I did, only to forget the great person behind the pattern. The patterns are wonderful to work with, very easily read. I would love to give a big credit to Rocking Chair Stitches. The web site is http://www.rockingchairstitches.com/. They have fabulous patterns. Never realizing they were from the same little town I was! That is a hoot to know now. I loved the pattern so much never noticed this. Also she is on the fabulous WCQ blog, I love it. Check out her new and improved blog, fabulous!!!!!
Have a terrific Tuesday ladies!


Sandy
 

Thank you so so much Sandy. 

 

Make sure to visit her blog at http://sunnisandyandwool-sunisandy.blogspot.com

DID YOU CHECK IT OUT??

Check out our new blog and our new website.  It's only the beginning of lots of great changes happening at RCS.  So let's see........how about a surprise giveaway.  Leave a post on the new blog and tell me what you think of the changes so far and.....post the giveaway on your blog and you will be given 3 NOT 2 but 3 entries to win. 

WHAT WILL YOU WIN YOU SAY......

A 100% wool kit complete with the pattern, floss and all the wool to complete it.  All in celebration of all of the new and exciting changes at Rocking Chair Stitches. 

This kit retails at all of my shows for $74.00 so, what a giveaway this is.

What else is coming.....stayed tuned. 

There just might be another great giveaway!

Stayed tuned.....change is coming.

New Updates at Rocking Chair Stitches

I have finally had some time to sit and work on stitching and patterns and new designs and the website.  I have uploaded some new finished items that you might like to take a gander at.  I hope you enjoy.  If you have questions just give me a call or drop me an email.  Hope you enjoy and oh by the way, I just love reading all these awesome blogs and I have met some wonderful wonderful new friends.

A Woolen Needle pattern done by one of our own Connie Estrada.  Awesome isn't it.!!

Breakfast With a Wonderful Friend

I had one of the most wonderful days today.  Really just relaxing and some wonderful and much needed girl time.  Lynn at Painting Thyme Needfuls and I met for breakfast at a little cafe in her Town which coincidentally used to be mine before moving to the hills of Northwest Rhode Island.  We hadn't seen each other since October of last year and had alot to catch up on.  Almost three hours later, we were finally done.  It really took us an hour to even open up the menu to look.  The waitress thought we were wacky.  We traded little gifts....well hers to me wasn't little....

One of her famous and absolutely awesome sunflowers.  This thing is huge and I can't wait for the rain to end so that I can put it on my door. 

Yes it's raining again....hopefully no flooding anymore because it's been too much.

Anyway, we had a great time, and I am so so glad we got together.  Let's do it again soon Lynn....

and ladies....

treasure your friends and take the time to embrace the friendship.

IT'S SO WORTH IT.

With Serenity

Michelle

Flood Pics

Thanks to all of your for your prayers and good wishes for my daughter.  We went to her apartment and it is worse than I could have imagined.  Thank for though she is safe and most can be replaced.  I am posting a few pics to show you what happened.  We will be spending our day there on Easter after a small brunch.  I am grateful for the family we have. 

WATER LEVEL IN THE LIVING ROOM ABOUT 2 FEET HIGH

OUTSIDE OF HER BUILDING AND ALL THE MUD AND SEWAGE

ENTRANCE TO HER APARTMENT.  COFFEE TABLE TO THE LEFT WAS IN FRONT OF THE COUCH.  THAT'S CURTAIN ROD THAT FELL AND TRACKS OF MUD.  FLOORS ARE ALREADY BUCKLING AND MOLDING HAS PULLED RIGHT OFF

It's OK we will start again.  A new and fresh start.  Thanks to all who have chipped in and helped us to help her.  I am so grateful to you all.

Michelle

Giveaway at the Rusty Thimble -

What a Wonderful Spring Giveaway - Tucks Love Them

http://therustythimble.blogspot.com/2010/04/spring-giveaway-at-rusty-thimble.html