more Christmas gifts

I know this isn't the best picture, but this turned out really nice. I recycled a sweater that a friend had given me into a purse. I lined it with a nice wool that another friend had given. It was really quick and easy to make...I am slightly impressed with it and myself, so rarely am I able to be so free with sewing and not have a plan or pattern to work from. It is being added to the gifts pile for Christmas. I really am trying to make every one of them.

My next quilt...

Well, I am piecing together the top for my next quilt...a lap throw. And yes, another Christmas present. I wasn't too thrilled about this one at first, being so girly and all, but I really like it as a whole

Christmas is coming!

I have to decided to make all of my family's Christmas presents. I have been crafting like crazy! Here is a peek at Brendan's quilt...He picked out the fabric months ago and I have been sewing secretly late at night all week to get the top done. It is now ready to hand over to my friend, Susan, to get quilted. She does an amazing job and all by hand! One down, a few more to go!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Crochet Doilly Repurposed

I have been having so much fun with all of the crocheted goodies, hand embroidered, and amazing things that Lori gave me. I have embellished a few tank tops and shirts. I think I will put them up for sale in my etsy shop or use them for Christmas gifts, especially since my plan is to not buy gifts, but to make them all. What better than repurposed crocheted doillies?

I gave this one to my friend Marina. I needed a "product tester" and she was more than willing. It looks so great on her!!

Lace, crochet and vintage hankies...

I have been helping my friend move for the last week or so. I bring up the little truck and fill it up for a few runs here and there. As we were loading up some stuff today, she came across a box of vintage lace, hankies, crochet stuff, and hand embroidery. She wanted to throw it away! It was stuff that had been passed down in the family for 3 generations. So i said "I"LL TAKE IT!" and now I have it. It is currently in the wash mashine, don't worry, the delicates cycle.
I have one picture of it as it's coming out of the box.

I can't wait to start using it. Michelle at Green Kitchen made the most beautiful skirt for her sister last year and I would like to make something similar. So very exciting.....

Rice?

The boys and I went out to lunch at the local taqueria yesterday. Since the only thing B will eat there is the guacamole and rice, he had a plateful. Halfway through his lunch he paused and ask me why his rice was orange and where it came from. I told him that certain spices made it the color it is and that it was called "Spanish Rice." He thought about this for a moment and then replied "So, Mom, is white rice English?"

Quilt Top

I finished this quilt top today. I started it yesterday. I am making it for Terry. He is my loan guy, my realtor, my friend. He helped me get the money to buy the shop when I needed it and now he is helping Skye and I find a house. When we are done with the process, I would like to give this to him.

NEWSFLASH

Amy Butler now has 100% Organic Cotton Bedding Sets.
I AM IN LOVE!!

Can I have a house with enough rooms for each color scheme?

School's out!

School got out about a week ago and the boys and I have been having a wonderful time. We have been hiking at Quail Hollow Ranch and Fall Creek.

They went to Salmon Lake last weekend and got home last night. I had 5 DAYS alone at the house. This was a first for me. I got a ton of rest, lots of hiking, a massage, a craft night, saw some great girly movies, and helped my friend move. It was really nice.

Today we have spent the morning hanging out. The best part of this day, so far, was when L searched through all the songs on the Ipod and found "School's Out" by Alice Cooper. He and B knew all the words and sang along with it. I have to say that it is pretty awesome that my 5 year old can work the Ipod and he can find the song he wanted, especially one so fitting.

Enjoy this beautiful summer!

Kitty Tummy Tuck

Well, Jilly Cat is on the mend, but of course she had to have surgery this week. Without going into all the gory details, our cat has officially had a tummy tuck. For the amount of money that we have spent on her, I could have flown to Thailand and had one myself! I'm the one that could use it too...Ha.

Have to admit, if we'd known at the beginning that it would cost this much, we probably would have put her to sleep. But you know how it goes, it was a bit, then a little more, and then a little more, until BLAM! You've spent a husband's paycheck on a cat!

Good thing she is so sweet and good. More like a dog than a cat, a Catdog.

Mothers Day Weekend

Well, we had a strange weekend here. I had a yard sale on Saturday to get rid of a bunch of store stuff and it went very well. At the end of the day, Skye and I were getting ready to go out with his boss and some co-workers, grandma was watching the kiddos, when I backed out the driveway and ran over the cat! It was awful-- it took a little while to catch her because she had run off-- being hurt and scared. We took her to the emergency vet in Soquel and she has been there the last two nights. It looks like Jilly can come home today. Amazingly, NO broken bones or punctured organs. I think this Kitty used 8 lives!! Berry and I went to visit her last night and she was so happy to see us. Spent about 45 minutes with her. B didn't want to go, he said he was scared because she was hurt. I reassured him that it was ok to be scared, even grownups get scared sometimes. So he didn't come. Anyway, long story short, I get to pick up our amazing little cat today and bring her home.
Hope your Mother's Day was better!

My New Craft Room

Since the store closed, I have been living with fabric, yarn, and various crafty things spread throughout the house. So, I officially took over the guest room and have been making it into The Craft Lair.

I found some jars at our local antique store and was happy to use them for all my buttons-- so very Martha, but I really love it.
I found this chair and it's match at a local thrift store-- they are Brazilian Cherrywood. They are the perfect height for me when I sit at my spinning wheel.

That's right, I am learning to spin. Jill has been teaching me and I couldn't be more excited!

It's an Ashford Traditional that has been fitted with a double treadle. I have been using it the last few days and have been having so much fun. I have already made a hat out of my first batch, I'll try to post a picture soon.

Sew much going on!

Well! Now that the store stuff is taken care, I am feeling a great sense of relief and I am really enjoying being home with my family.
My new business, Luminous Treads (mobile knitting lessons), is really doing well and I love giving people lessons. It is great for them too.
I can meet them at their house or work and I even bring supplies.
I have 6 ladies that I meet with every week so far. If you know of any one else, send them my way!

Here are a few things going on every week at my house too:

Thursday Knit Group 3pm- 6pm.

Friday Knit Group 10am- 1pm.

Sewing Class 5:30pm- 7:30pm (every Monday, $85/4 classes, contact jill@heartgallery.com)

Susan Raineri is teaching quilting classes, you can contact her wordsmith2004@hotmail.com for times and locations.

I have been taking a yoga class, learning to spin my own yarn, and my family is getting ready to go on vacation-- we are driving to the Grand Canyon!!

SO EXCITING!!

Last month we went to Disneyland and had a wonderful time. Berry was happy to see Mickey again, always so magical.

Mister B had an awesome time too-- He told me that I was the "Best Mom Ever" for taking him there. Ahhhh, the sweet reward....

I hope all of you are happily crafting!

Ahhhh, a post. And a cute one at that.

It is hard to believe that it has been so long since I have posted something. I guess that's a good thing. It means I have been busy.
Anyway, on Saturday, my boys and I got our Christmas tree and spent the evening decorating. After they had gone to, I set out a few things and just let them be around the house willy-nilly while I put the boxes away.
When I woke up the next morning, Berry had arrange the Nativity scene. Everyone was circled around the baby Jesus and really crowded in. Next to this jumble of figurines sat a very shiny and sleek looking airplane ornament. I asked him what it was. His reply was "Oh, that's the Ferrari. You know, mom, the angels Ferrari so they can back and back and forth really fast from heaven to visit baby Jesus."

Portland Quilt market

On May 18, Kristin, Susy, Alison, and I flew up to Portland for the day to go to the International Quilt Market. Everything from our flights, our ride to and from the convention center, our time at the conventin center, dinner at the airport, and our flight home, all went perfectly! I had so much fun and I truly enjoyed meeting all the designers. There was so much to see that not all of it was walked through, but I got to meet almost everyone on my mental check list.
Kaffe Fassett
Anna Maria Horner
Amy Butler
Tanya Whelan
Tina Givens
Sandi Henderson
Heather Bailey
Heather Ross
Valori Wells
Eleanor Burns
Well, I don't think I forgot anyone. Enjoy the pictures...

Fun With Felt Part 2

OOOHHHHH....we are about to get started!! Just read this simple directions and I will have your first pattern posted next week.
Well?!? What are you waiting for.....

Fun With Felt Part 1

A friend of mine gave me a bunch of old sewing patterns today. Mixed in amongst the McCalls and Vogue was this wonderful little book from 1976. I though I could scan the cover and then a pattern a week. Don't forget to read the introduction!

I personally love the the little doggie sweater-- but don't worry, we'll be getting to that later down the road!

For Little Sydney-bean

I just mailed this quilt today. I made it for my little cousin Sydney who is having her 7th birthday this weekend. I am especially proud of this one. Imade it in record time and it turned out really cute. I also got to use several of my favorite designers fabrics-- who is that you might ask? Well, Heather Ross of course!!

I admit.....

I admit that sometimes my memory isn't what it used to be.

Embarassingly enough, I haven't posted for so long because I couldn't remember my password. What's with that? I don't get it-- it's the same password as for a few other things. How did I forget? I just don't know. I even tried to leave BitterBetty a comment and I had to send it "anonymous" because my password was lost in my little head.

So strange.......Anyway, the store is doing well. I am working on an amazing little quilt for my cousin's daughters birthday. It is probably one of my favorites so far. All Heather Ross prints and oh so sweet. I'll post a picture when it's done. I haven't been knitting very much lately, life has been so busy. We went to Clear Lake for Easter and spent some time with old family friends who the boys get to call their "aunties."

Skye even got to go and we had 3 wonderful days as a total family unit!! I don't even remember when that last time that had happened!! The whole weekend was a lot of fun, even though I was a bit uptight having incredible PMS-- ugggg! But I think my favorite part of the weekend was when the four of us got to go to Clear Lake State Park and walk along the river to the lake. I think we counted 52 turtles!

When we came to the lake we just hung out for a while, skipping rocks, throwing sticks.....Brendan decided that the lake was a giant bowl of soup and he spent the next 30 minutes making it for us. I loved it all!!! I really felt connected to my kids and my husband. Amazing how something so simple as a walk and time spent together can do that.

Anyway, here is a picture of the boys and their Easter Egg hunt goodies

What a treat!

Plug For My Store-- Year End Sale and Meet Heather Ross

Heather Ross is coming to our store! In September we were lucky enough to meet Heather and have her hang out with us for a few hours at the shop. She talked to us about her new book, fabric line, and how she got into the fabric design business. She has agreed to come back for another visit and SHOW us her new fabric line that is getting ready to go into print. Please join Heather and the rest of us at our shop on Thurs., Jan. 3rd at 4 p.m.

This week we are having a storewide year end sale......

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday the entire store is 25% Off!!!

AND

Buy 1 Yard Vintage Reproduction Fabric, Get A Second Yard Free!

And, AND!......You still get it at 50% Off!

We are open at 11 a.m. every morning, closing at 6 p.m. on Friday,

Sat./Sun. at 5 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Monday.

Sale excludes: Carol Milich Buttons & Clearance Yarn

The best part is, you don't even have to print out a coupon.
Can you believe it!!

December 28- 31, 2007

REMINDER!!!: We will be closed on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 in observance of New Years.

FINALLY!!

I can't believe it-- but after waiting for 3 weeks I have
finally been accepted into Ravelry!!
OOOOOHHHHHHH.........The excitement!
The wonder!
The amazing-ness of it!
The hours I'll spend putting in all my information!!!!
I am overwhelmed by the possibilities!
And the store......OH THE STORE!!!
Do I even go there?
hmmmmmmm.......

Craft Crafty

So running the store has definitely made me slack on the blogging-- but I think I can catch up. Right now I am working on three projects.

--The first is a knit tank top made from Southwest Trading Company's yarn called "Amaizing." It really is amazing. It's super soft, stretchy with a good spring back, machine washable and dry-able, and soooooo easy to knit up. And the coolest thing is that it's made from corn fiber-- yes, corn fiber. Don't ask me how-- just is. My brother says that I'm turning into a tree hugging hippie with all my going green, recycling, and eating organic. He'll be glad to know that I'm continuing with it. Anyway, I'm getting distracted. It's turning out really cute and I should be finished with it by the middle of the week. It really shouldn't have taken me as long as it has because it's so easy, knit in the round. I just get a little bored with it sometimes, doesn't take much thought in the production process. I will post a picture as soon as I have it finished.

--My second project I'm working on is organizing and developing my pictures from Thailand. I went 10 months ago and I'm almost ready to put the pictures into an album. It hasn't been easy sorting through all of them. Between Becky, Sommer and I, we had taken over 1500 photos. I don't want to give a single one up!

--My third project is a scarf for Kristin's "Hogwarts Halloween" display at the store. I'm making a Hufflepuff scarf. Nothing fancy, but it is made out of a delicious yarn. "Venezia" by Cascade Yarns. (It's a silk/wool blend.)

--I hate to admit it but I do have a fourth project as well. I'm knitting a prayer shawl for my friend Barbara who is moving away. I am so sad to see her go, but I know that it is the right thing for her to do. Anyway, it is a beautiful sea green ribbing with some beads mixed in. The green is on the edges and a steel grey makes up the center. I really like this one and hope to have it finished soon too. I guess I have to have it finished, Barbara leaves in 2 weeks! I'll put a picture of that one up as soon as it's done as well. It's getting late and I still have a ton of stuff to do before I head to bed so I'm signing off. Have a happy craft-filled week!

Nigella by Amy Butler

We now carry "Nigella" by Amy Butler! This home decor weight fabric is sturdy enough for bedding and furniture, yet soft enough for quilting and fashion. Come and check out these beautiful heirloom prints with a modern twist-- we are the only store that has them!

Summer Sale

Happy 4th of July!

In honor of Independence Day, we are having a

clearance sale on all our vintage fabrics:

40% OFF AND Buy 3 yards and get 1 FREE!!

We also are offering 15% off anything in the store that is RED WHITE AND/OR BLUE!! This includes yarn, fabric, notions,

jewelry, knitting needles and crochet hooks!

This sale will continue until the end of July.
(Mackerilla Bags and Carol Milich Buttons are excluded.)

Make sure to check out the blog for specials and our

regular website for classes. We are now offering

"Quilt in a Day "classes and "Socks on 2 Circular Needles."

Don't forget to check out our $2 Yarn Clearance Bin and our

50% off fabric table......
you never know what treasure you'll find!

Thank You!!

The last three weeks have been wonderful! I am so glad to be getting to know the "regulars" and some new people as well.

I truly appreciate your patronage, especially during the changes that have been happening at the store. Rearranging, set-up, even my lack of childcare. Your patience and understanding has been incredible!! Now that things are squared away (have childcare and we are finished rearranging), I would love for you to come and enjoy the store, the wonderful new yarn and fabrics, and even a cup of tea.

As a thank you, I am happy to offer the following discounts:

10% Off Books and Baskets!

15% Off Vintage Reproduction Fabric
Buy 5 yards, get 1 free!

20% Off Summer Yarn.
(cottons, silk, cotton or silk blends, nylon, viscose, anything light and summery!)

This sale will end on Saturday, June 16th at 5p.m.

Our Summer hours are in effect and we are now closed on Sundays.

Don't forget that we offer:

Gift Certificates,

Classes,

and Jewelry.

LT Website Down

Please don't be alarmed that the main Luminous Threads Website is not working. It will be down for a few days while we transfer it to my name. It will be up and running again by Monday. Please stay tuned into the blog-- we are getting ready for a
"Customer Appreciation Sale!!!"

SPECIAL COUPON

Copy and paste this coupon, print it out,

bring it to the store and receive

40% off

one item of your choice!! Even Sale Stuff!!

This coupon expires Sunday,

May 27th at 4 p.m.

Consignment excluded.

Mother's Day Weekend!!

Open House & Mother's Day

Weekend Celebration

Saturday May 12th, 11- 5pm.

Sunday May 13th, 11- 4pm.

There will be a drawing, doorprizes, and

25% OFF ENTIRE STORE SALE!

Luminous Threads 335-2621

6223 Hwy 9 Felton 95018

Luminous Threads

Well, I realize that it has been almost 4 months since I've posted anything, but don't despair! I am back! Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentines Day, and a buying trip in Thailand has happened since my last post. WOW!! And now, I am so so so very happy happy happy to announce that I will be the new owner of Luminous Threads, a fabric and yarn boutique! I will begin on May 11, 2007.

I would love it if you would join me for an

Open House & Mother's Day

Weekend Celebration

Saturday May 12th, 11- 5pm.

Sunday May 13th, 11- 4pm.

There will be a drawing, doorprizes, and

25% OFF ENTIRE STORE SALE!

Luminous Threads 335-2621

6223 Hwy 9 Felton 95018

*consignment and stamp cards not included*

Hope to see you there!!

As for my jewelry, I will continue selling it in the regular places (Hair Hut in Ben Lomond and Skin City in Aptos Village), and adding even more to Luminous Threads. I also have several new pieces added to my collection since my buying spree in Thailand. Here are a few samples:

Craft Shows and BIG SALE!

Well, it has been such a long time since I have posted, I thought I should give everyone an update.

The Craft Show Season is upon us!!

I have already been to 3 this month and I am doing well. I've decided to put all the jewelry on sale for 10-50% OFF AT EVERY SHOW. (This doesn't include custom orders.) The reason for this is that I am traveling to Thailand in January and I will be bringing back many new stones and silver findings. I want to clear out as many of my pieces as possible.

If you would like to stop by and pick out some gifts for yourself or friends and family, you can find me at the following Locations:

Saturday AND Sunday
Nov. 18th and 19th
9am- 4 pm
Santa's Shelves
Felton Firehouse
Hwy 9, Felton 95018
(FInd my jewelry at the Earth Angels Booth)
Tuesday, Nov. 21st
2:30- 6pm
Felton's Farmers Market (this is the last market for the season)
St. John's Catholic Church
Hwy 9, Felton

Wednesday, Nov. 29th
4pm- 8:30pm
Bailey's Properties
Scotts Valley Dr. Scott's Valley 95066

Hope to see you there!

Beautiful New Jewelry

I am happy to announce that Skin City in Aptos Village now carries my jewelry! Patti Lopes, the owner, met with me a few weeks ago and purchased over 100 pieces for her shop. Stop by and check it out!

Since meeting with Patti, I have been making a lot of new jewelry. Getting ready for the Holidays is my main priority. Contact me anytime if you'd like to set date for an Office Holiday Boutique and let the Store come to You!

Scarves

Since Autumn is just around the corner, I thought I'd let you know that scarves, capelets, overskirts, gauntlets(fingerless gloves/wrist warmers), and hats can be made in practically every color and size. The beautiful Miss Amanda is modeling just a few of these wonderful creations.



Here is the lovely Miss Katelyn modeling fingerless gloves and a long-tailed fairy hat.




I have also included a picture of just a few of the scarves I have made. If you'd like to place a personal or store order, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Ian in Amber's Originals

Ian works at the Felton Farmers Market selling bread for Beckman's. He's wearing an agate and horn necklace from my collection.

New Jewelry!!

I have spent the last few weeks making a whole new batch of jewelry. I am very excited about it! There are a lot of crystals, pearls, and sterling silver or bali spacers.

I have incorporated some beautiful vintage pieces.

Art Deco Pressed Glass

Natural Vintage Coral
Carved Cinnabar

Vintage Ivory
Handpainted Porcelain
Edwardian Crystals
Lapis Lazuli

I have also been working with Dichroic Glass for a great new look on bracelets.
If you have questions about any of the pieces shown here, please feel free to email or call me.

THANKS!

Baby Blanket

This beautiful basketweave blanket is made with Cashmerino Super Chunky from the Debbie Bliss Collection. I made it for Galadriel's baby (who has yet to arrive.) If you would like information on the pattern or would like to order a blanket-- just let me know!

Fiber Content: 55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfiber, 12% Cashmere

Miss Amanda

This is my wonderful friend Amanda and she is wearing two of my knitted creations. The capelet is made from Karabella Festival Yarn and is available in 5 colors.

Orange Sherbet
Lime Sherbet
Cream
Blue
Earth Tones (shown left)

The cotton overskirt is available in pretty much any color you would like. This particular one is made with an off white cotton yarn and has a gold thread interweaved with it.

Thai Silver Necklace

This big, chunky, but beautiful necklace is definately "one of a kind!"

The dyed quartz alternates with the Thai Silver and meets at the bottom with a large silver disc. The regular price for this is $195.00...but if you contact me and mention the blog, you can get it on sale for $125.00.

Yeah! Jewelry pictures have been Posted!

I am so excited to finally be posting some pictures of my jewelry on the web! My friend Alison told me how easy it was for her to make the shop blog for Luminous Threads , so I thought I'd give it a try.

For those of you who are new to my work, I happily make jewelry in my home using natural stones, cultured freshwater pearls, new and vintage crystal and glass, and sterling silver and goldfilled metals.

Contact me if you wouild like to have a jewelry party at your home or office.

You can find my jewelry at the following locations:

Luminous Threads
6223 Highway 9
Felton, CA 95018
831.335.2621

Hair Hut (a Salon)
9573 Highway 9
Ben Lomond, CA 95005
831.336.9209

I gladly accept custom orders and all jewelry can be purchased using cash or checks.




The necklace above is made with beautiful garnets that are slightly faceted swinging from a gold fill chain.

The sparkling blue anklet on the left and the chandalier earrings on the right are made with sterling silver and Swarvoski crystals.

Each piece is handmade with attention to detail and quality.

I will try to put up pictures every week of as new jewelry is created. I will also do knitwear as it becomes available.

Have a wonderful day!