Notes from the Patch

Twenty 12

I've been thinking a lot about my word for 2012. You know, the one word that summarizes what I want to work on to better my life in the coming year.

This year my word is simplify.

sim·pli·fy  (smpl-f)

tr.v. sim·pli·fied, sim·pli·fy·ing, sim·pli·fies To make simple or simpler, as:

a. To reduce in complexity or extent.

b. To reduce to fundamental parts.

c. To make easier to understand.

Simplify summarizes what I hope to accomplish in my life perfectly! Let me be clear. I'm not striving for a simple life, there is nothing simple about me - just ask Bill! What I hope to accomplish is to reduce the extraneous things in my life so I can fully enjoy the things that matter to me most.

Here are my plans:

1. This year I will strive to simplify my life by cleaning the clutter from my office, my sewing room and my closets; my life in general. I really want to feel and be more organized!

2. I will strive to list what I hope to accomplish and revel in the satisfaction of crossing off those lines one. by. one.

3. I will document my experiences and share my feelings more regularly here on my blog through words and (better) photos.

4. I will simplify my life by remembering that people are more important than things. That holidays aren't just about elaborate decorations and shopping lists but about spending quiet time with the people I love.

5. I want to eat simple, healthy foods (not necessarily those pictured here - sorry Peggy) and continue to strive to eat a sugar free diet.

6. I want to take more long walks on the beach and capture the simple beauty in nature through the lens of my camera.

7. I want to sip and savor this life to its fullest and share it with people I love.

8. I want to simplify my life by unplugging more often from computers, iphones, ipads, televisions and radios. In this crazy busy world I want to find quiet moments to reflect.

So, for me tonight there will be no crowded parties and fancy gowns. I will simply surround myself in the comfort of good friends and the man I love and toast to a bright and promising New Year.  

Cheers!

Encourage one another,

One more thing. I couldn't let this year go by without thanking you all for gathering here and encouraging me through your comments. As corny as it may sound, my life has been forever changed because of this blog. Your coming here means so much to me. Thank you! xo 

   

I'm so in the mood to sew and by the number of customers in the store since Christmas I'd say I'm certainly not alone!

I love this time of year. Reflection, resolutions, new beginnings, fresh starts. The pressures of the holidays are behind us allowing for some free time to do fun stuff.

This came today.

Isn't it fabulous?!  This is seriously the cutest flannel I've seen in years and I'm just itching to cut into it.

What to make?...

PJ's and pillowcases are obvious choices but I thought a cute tiered dress in flannel would be fun on a cold January day. Add funky striped leggings and brightly colored high tops and be prepared to stop traffic!

I immediately called my talented friend Beverly to make it. She does such fabulous work and there is just no way I could leave her out of the fun.

I cut a few pieces for me too and hope to have some time this long weekend to get reacquainted with my Bernina.

What's on your cutting table?

Encourage one another,

Angry Birds

I've resisted Angry Birds for months. I'd heard about the power of those feathered creatures and I wanted no part of them. My life is consumed enough with blogs and Facebook and Twitter. I just knew my schedule couldn't handle one more computer generated diversion.

But, (you knew this was coming didn't you) while we were visiting our grandsons they wanted to play Angry Birds on my iPad. You know, to see how it would look on that big, beautiful screen. And me being the doting grandmother that I am, I obliged.

They each took turns showing me how it was played. Nathan was especially adept; easily traversing the obstacles and blowing up those greedy green pigs. Innocent enough.

Umm, right.

As we said our goodbyes and headed for home I thought I'd give Angry Birds a try. Afterall, I-5 is a long boring drive and my husband's driving sometimes makes me a bit nervous. I'm a better passenger went I'm not looking at the road and he is definitely a happier driver when I'm not looking at the road. 

Four blocks from  home Bill noted that I had been playing that game non stop for the past five hours. I asked if he could just drive around  for a few more minutes while I completed level two.

As we pulled into the garage I deleted the game.

Damn birds!

Encourage one another,

 

 

 

 

All was merry and bright

Well the tree is down and the pine needles vacuumed. I'm afraid however, the glitter from the ornaments will be with us for months.

Bill and I traveled to northern California to be with Cherene and the boys.

Nathan is nearly completely healed from his surgery

and Jake must have grown a foot since we saw him last!

We joined Cherene's family for a holiday party

and opened gifts Christmas morning before returning home to, you know, take down the tree and vacuum glitter.

I hope your Christmas was merry and bright. Ours was!

Encourage one another,  

 

 

 

Tying one on

If the number of phone calls is any indication, fleece blankets are the hot gift this Christmas.

If we got one, we got a bazillion calls asking if we carry fleece.

Not just any fleece but NFL fleece.

49'ers seems to be the team of choice.

By four o'clock we were getting punchy from all the calls. 

We jokingly called Becky our fleece Nazi as she shouted, No fleece for you! over the phone. (Not really, but we sure wanted too. She was actually very polite even after all those calls).

Sorry, but it just seems strange to us that all these people want NFL fleece two days before Christmas!

Is there some kind of Christmas tradition I don't know about where women sit around the fire tying fleece blankets for their men the night before Christmas?

Just asking.

Fleece Navidad,

 

 

 

 

Opening my jar to wish you a sweet day,

 

 

The Reason for the Season

It's just days before Christmas and the stress in some of our customers is palpable as they scurry about trying to get everything done.

Tuesday we had three customers standing at the door before we officially opened at ten.  As we let them in from the cold they apologized and thanked us as they grabbed a quick gift card or a yard of fabric to finish last minute projects.

About mid morning a young mother came in with her three small children. As she strolled her baby through the store her two preschoolers made their way to the toys and began quietly playing together.

I overhead the five year old say to his sister, Excuse me, may I play with that toy? She happily handed it to her big brother and continued to play.

As I checked on the mom to see if there was anything I could help her with I told her what I had overheard and complemented her on her young children's kindness towards one another. She smiled and admitted she had reminded them to behave themselves before coming in the door.

A little later Barabara asked the four year old if is she was excited for Christmas and Santa Claus. She replied, Christmas isn't about Santa. Christmas is all about Jesus!

As you rush about to cross those last to dos off your list and put the last stitches on your gifts, I hope you'll stop and remember the words of one very wise little four year old.

Christmas isn't about Santa, Christmas is about Jesus.

Merry Christmas my friends.

Be kind to one another and share,

 

We love Moda!

UPS did a major box dump on us today. 

Forty four bolts of Moda's Half Moon Modern along with Charm Squares and Jelly Rolls.

Contemporary basics in a striking spectrum of stylish new colors. Big, bold and graphic polkas dots and zig zags alongside whimsical scissors, butterfly and botanical silhouettes. 

I've said it a million times - We love Moda!

Look what they've gone and done now.

Free tutorials with handy PDF printable instructions for your sewing room all using Half Moon Modern.

So trendy and modern for a chic designer look.

Thank you Moda.

We love you!

Encourage one another,

And I wonder why I never know what month it is

Our Valentine fabric arrived last week.

Crazy, I know, but most of it will be gone before New Years. You quilters know you have to buy the good stuff when you see it. You snooze you loose.

                                                           This would make great lingerie bags and PJ bottoms


Retail is a crazy biz. We buy next years Christmas before the current one has come gone and then it arrives in May and June. 

I never really know what holiday we're in since we're always planning so far ahead. That's my excuse anyway. (And you thought my confusion was because I'm old).

                                                         This one will make great boxers and pillowcases. Bingo!

 
Just because I shop for the store months in advance doesn't mean I'm ready for Christmas. No siree. I still have tons to do before the big day.  

But still, looking at fun fabrics like these it's no wonder I find myself planning my Valentine's Day tablescape.

Encourage one another,

 

 

Decking the halls...

...with ornamental cabbage and cyclamen.

Our planter boxes are dressed and ready for Christmas.

How are holiday preparations coming along at your house?

Encourage one another,