The Craft Room Closes at Lorettas

This morning my BFF and I went into Loretta's to remove the rest of my crafts from the Craft Room.  It has been a great year but time for me to make a change. So the craft room at Loretta's is now closed. I want to thank Loretta for allowing me to rent a room from her and be able to showcase my crafts for sale.  I also want to thank my crafting friend, Melissa for sharing some time in the room with me. I will now be selling from the home so you can contact me there.  Since I quit my job and started dedicating more time to my crafting, my sales really increased. For the most, my sales lately have been coming from the house so I decided to just rearrange my studio at home and turn it into my sale/class/and work room.  There was some work done during the summer.  Johnny installed a ceiling fan and a new air/heat unit just for my room. So now we will be comfortable summer and winter. In the spring he will start on cabinets to store everything that is scattered around the room in boxes. I will announce upcoming classes as I plan them or you can contact me for personal one on one classes. As I make new items for sale I will post them here on the blog and send out monthly emails to all on my list.

The Cookie Swap brings friends and neighbors together again

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my friends, family, customers, and

students. Hope you all have a very wonderful Holiday Season.

For the last couple of months I was super busy filling purse and table

runner orders. I had some work done in my craft room and taught some

classes. More work coming to the craft room in 2014. I moved all my crafts

from Loretta's and will now have them here at the house to sell. Johnny and

I traded in our first motor home and bought a new upgraded model.  Now when

we travel we will feel more like we are staying in a small apartment with

lots of comfort. We cancelled our trip out west and took a few smaller

trips. We plan to go out west this coming summer.

As you can see in the pictures, the annual Cookie Swap was another success.

I also had a wonderful surprise this year.  My sister in law Pam and

beautiful niece Erin came from upstate NY, to share the day with me. We had

great food, tasty cookies, but best of all wonderful company.  Peggy

Bumgarner won all the ornaments from the tree. The craft room almost sold

out this year. Which now makes room for new items to make and sell. Thank

you to all who love my work and come back to buy more. It's a wonderful

feeling to know there are still some who appreciate a hand made item and

it's MADE in the USA.

 New for 2014 is a new style purse. This purse measures 9" x 13" at its

> widest point. Fully lined with 6-8 pockets inside. It has a zipper, and
> three coordinating fabrics complete the pleated design.  And as always you
> are welcome to come choose your fabrics. I hope to have eye glass cases to
> match the purse sets as this has been a big request.  I also plan to have
> this purse as a class by the first of February. If you are interested
> please email me and I will add you to my list. Also I am starting a
> beginning quilting class. It is a 4 part class for those who have a sewing
> machine and have a working knowledge of their machine. Each class is
> $25.00 and will take  you step by step towards making a lap quilt.  From
> learning to use rotary cutter and rulers, to sewing a quarter inch seam,
> to layering and quilting, to finishing off with the binding. I plan to
> start this class by the end of January. Contact me and we will set up
> dates for this class.

To my customers....I plan to have all orders finished by the first of the
year. I would like to collect all unpaid invoices so I can close my books by
the first week of January. Johnny and I are leaving for Florida and plan to
be gone for the month. Then thru spring I will be working on new items,
classes and continue to make those items that have been popular thru the
years.

So all of you enjoy your day and I hope to see you all in 2014.  God Bless
Joanna
>

New items from Mountain Laurel Crafts

Purse Sets and Table Runners are the biggest selling items for me during the Holidays.  Here are just a few of the available choices. 

Table Runners are priced according to size and amount of piecing in the design.  All are machine pieced and quilted by me. 

Purse Sets are available throughout the year.  My purse measures approximately 12 1/2" x 15 1/2". 2 pockets on the outside one with a magnetic closure. Inside is fully lined with 6-8 pockets. Zipper closure.  Wallets have quilted outside. Section for dollar bills, zippered pocket for change, ID Section, Checkbook and Register Section, pen holder w/pen, 5 credit card slot and 2 other areas for papers. 2 pc Set is a tissue holder and Credit Card Case.

Price for Purse $40.00
Price for Wallet $25.00
2 pc set $6.50

Special Orders Require a non-refundable deposit. I will email you photos of fabric combinations and will ship anywhere in Continental  US. Go to Primitive Needfulls for more pictures.

A week ago I took a purse class from Barbara L.  This was a totally different pattern than what I make and she taught us a different way to put a zipper in.  I was a little hesitant at first, but let me tell you I love my purse.  Now I plan to make a wallet to match.  Thank you Barbara for the great class.  It was also a real fun day.  Especially because everyone got to laugh at me (also a teacher) who kept screwing up and getting ahead.  See what happens when you don't stay with the rest of the group.  I ironed interfacing on the wrong side of my pockets and had to throw it away, sewed my inside pockets upside down and ran out of bobbin thread because I didn't take my own advise and have 2 filled bobbins before class......Lesson learned....lol...

 Another great day
with wonderful friends.

Update of 5 Easy Pieces Class

Update on 5 Easy Pieces Class.  Some ladies were concerned that a square placemat was not what they wanted.  Just to let you know, I have the pattern in a rectangle size for a placemat or you can use the square pattern if you want to make a lap quilt.  Just let Loretta know when you sign up so she can cut the batting a little wider.

Santa Dolls Everywhere

My favorite Primitive Store in Canandaigua, NY, Olde Homestead Country Store, just placed an order for 8 of my Santa Dolls that wear a child's shoe.  Got my body parts all sewn up and ready to stuff, cut out 8 shirts and pants.  Now I am in search of the shoes.  Ran out last year and having difficulty finding them. But I have faith and know I will.  Going to town today so will stop at every yard sale and consignment shop on my way.  I'm making it an adventure and at the same time having fun.  This is by far my favorite doll that I make along with my rag dolls. Still taking orders up to October 25th.

Cardinal Table Runner Class

Yesterday I taught the Cardinal Table Runner Class, which was really a lesson in learning Machine Applique 3 ways.  Here is Barbara G. with her finished top.  See classes for more pictures.

Again another fun day with friends.  I even had one of my students bring me chocolate.  yummmmmmm.  That made my day.

 

The Wallet Class was a fun day

The wallet class filled a lot quicker than I expected.   I am very excited that so many of you wanted to take the class.  The class took a little longer than expected because of the number of students but all went home with a finished wallet.  And boy one was prettier than the other. See more pictures under Classes.  Great job everyone!!!!

Road Trip to Stitcher's Garden, Franklin, Tennessee

This past Thursday, my quilting buddies and I went on a road trip to Franklin, Tennessee, to a wonderful Quilt/Fabric Shop, Stitcher's Garden.  There are over 8,000 bolts of fabric and thousands of fat quarters, rolled up into thin cigars and placed in bins everywhere. I warned the girls they would be overwhelmed when they got there but I really could not truly describe what they were going to see.  OMG......fabric everywhere.  Bolt after Bolt from floor to ceiling.  For me....when I go there if I don't have a plan or an idea of what I'm looking for.....I would go into fabric coma...lol.....

The fabrics are, believe it or not organized by colors, holiday, designer, type........but they are everywhere.  There is a complete wall, floor to ceiling of just patterns.  Quilt patterns, jacket patterns, craft patterns, purse patterns.....get the idea?   I had a plan and knew what I was looking for.  Melissa just picked out what she needed, Barbara and Barbara bought a little but I think they were a little overwhelmed and Angie......who we should have kept a better eye on, won the prize and bought the most.

We left the fabric shop and headed to downtown historical Franklin and ate at a great Deli/Bakery.  They have the best Chicken Salad I have every had and Cinnamon Raisin Bread.  We walked thru some antique shops and then decided it was time to head home.  We live about 1 1/2 hours from Franklin and it was a long day.  But such a fun day with great friends.  I have decided to go back with my hubby and take him to lunch at the great deli.

 

 

Just look at all this fabric.

 Barb is trying to decide
if this is the right colors
to pick.

And here we are with
our bags of goodies.

Thanks guys had a great day.

 

Working on a new project

As if I don't have anything else to do I was going thru the Quiltmaker Magazine Sept/Oct issue and saw this adorable applique candle skinnie. This design is by Margie Ullery. Visit her blog at ribboncandyquilts.blogspot.com.  Could this be a future class?  Hmmmmmm   maybe? Stay tune and I'll let you know.

I've started picking out fabrics and think I'll start cutting before lunch.

 

 

So what do you think of my color choices?  Time to sew them together.  This is such a quick and fun project.  May be making this as gifts this year.

Cardinal Table Runner Class

On Friday, August 23rd at Loretta's I am teaching a machine applique class. The class will make this Cardinal Table Runner.  Look under classes for full details.  Class is filling up fast, so if interested you need to go to Loretta's and sign up.

And We're Off.........

So Thursday, August 1st was the first day of the famous Longest Yard Sale along SR 127. Also known as the longest Corridor Sale. Now going over 600 miles. Check out www.127sale.com and read all about it. It comes right thru my area with some of the best vendors around.  My crafting buddy Melissa and I met at Cracker Barrel (gotta get some nourishment) had breakfast and off we went north on 127 to some of the best spots around.  I was on a mission.  Looking for crocheted runners, batten burg lace doilies and vintage spools. We tootled up the road to the Cumberland Mountain General Store where there are quiet a few vendors and the spool guy.  As soon as we started our journey I spoted some crocheted doilies.  One item found and bought.  Check off list. Now as we are heading around the general store we see these beautiful bird houses.  The guy is from McMinnville, Tenn and does beautiful work.  Gotta show hubby how he used hardware as embellishments.  We find the spool guy and there they are......the spools I'm looking for.  Made a bundle deal with him and check off 2nd item from list.  We walk around a little and I run into one of my Cumberland Cove Quilter friends Barbara who  is a vendor.  So nice to see her.  Our quilt guild broke up last year after a 10 year run.  So I don't see these girls that much anymore.  We chatted a little and then continued to stroll around the area.  Beautiful quilts for sale, and yard art to die for.  Now its getting a little later in the morning so we decided to go into the General Store and look around and then stop for the biggest ice cream cone you can imagine.  Yum,  great lunch........We worked our way North on 127 from there taking about 5 hours just traveling about 20 miles.  Traffic was starting to get a little heavier and it was now warming up.  The morning had been beautiful with overcast skies and cool weather.  Almost like the beginning of fall. We stopped at a few more large vendor areas and I found my Batten Burg Doilies and check #3 from my list.  Wow! everything I wanted in one morning.  That's a first.  Our wonderful day ended around 2 pm. We both had found some treasures, I got what was on my list and then we both went our separate ways home bound.  Great Day with great company.



Check out these birdhouses....

My crafting buddy Melissa.......

Cumberland Cove Quilter Barbara and good friend...........

Yard Art made from vintage glass ware.........

Inside Cumberland General Store..........................

Waiting for my Ice Cream  Cone......................

Loretta's Sidewalk Sale

So yesterday we arrived very early at Loretta's to start setting up and there were early birds already there.  I kind of felt bad because I wound up taking most of the space outside under the overhang and Angie and Linda were inside.  Sorry Guys.......didn't mean to be such a hog.  But all was well because we kept the door open and ushered everyone inside after they had looked through my piles of stuff.  We all seemed to have a very good day. The rain decided to stay away and just down the road was another yard sale so the sign they put up on the main road also brought traffic thru to us.

This was like old home week for me.  I saw some of my quilt guild members and some neighbors I haven't seen since I stopped working.  I do miss socializing with everyone. I met new quilters and crafters and just had a fun day with my friends.  I have to give a HUGE thank you to Livia.  My dear friend helped me set up everything, stayed all day and watched over my stuff for me at times and stayed to help me pack up.  What a doll she is.

I also got quite a few to sign up for the next 3 classes I'm teaching in August.  I will post them in the class section and will be sending out emails to all on my class and customer list.  If you read this posting and you are not on my email list please leave me a message to add you. I still have some bags of assorted laces and fabric scrap bags that I will leave in the Mountain Laurel Craft Room till I start bringing in Christmas items. I also have some of my used craft patterns of Dolls, Santa's, Bears, etc. for sale in the Craft Room.

Now it's time for me to work on some table runners and then watch some TV shows I saved for a night of reruns.

I took up the entire space. And still have more in the

attic I could sell.  I really need to downsize.

 

Angie seems to be having a great time.  See those lace ornaments

on the green board.  They are done on the embroidery machine.

So many to choose from. So many ideas you can do with them.

Update on Mr. and Mrs. Wren

Today is the 17th day since the last egg was laid and we now have one head bobbing around inside the nest.  While mama was out feeding, I quietly looked inside the house and there was a little featherless, big eyed chick sleeping in the nest.  I'm sure another egg hatched today.  In the next few days I will wait till the parents leave and try to get a picture of the babies in the nest.  They really aren't too afraid of us when we are around.  Only if ma is on her nest and we stick our heads too close or make a loud noise will she fly out.  We also get scolded when she wants to come back. Mr. and Mrs. will do a lot of chattering and fly from chair to chair and from one end of the porch to the other.
When we move away and stay quiet, then will she fly right to the house and enter with a small insect or worm in her beak.  It's so cute.  So as soon as I get a good shot of the chicks I will post them.

Deer Feeding in our Back Yard

We live on 4 1/2 acres and most of our property has been kept natural.  Since we have lived here we put two bowls out in the back to feed our deer corn.  This time of year they have their babies with them.  Today we were surprised by 2 Doe's and their fawns and believe it or not a Buck. It is unusual to see a Doe and Buck together this time of year. The babies were romping in the yard while the parents ate.  I wasn't able to get the babies before they ran into the woods.  Here you can see I also captured a hummingbird landing on his feeder. Later in the evening after dinner I took the 2 dogs for their evening walk around the house and all of a sudden Daisey took off for the back yard.  The deer had come back and she decided to chase them.  They ran a little in the woods and when I called Daisey she ran to me and the deer started coming back to their bowls, then Daisey would run back and the deer would back up a little and huff at them.  They kept this up a little  like it was a game with them.  I guess after all these years they know this little 6 pound dog could not do any damage to them and is not a threat but a friend to play tag with.

 

 

Little Lacey is Feeling Better

 

Our little 3 1/2 pound Yorkie, Lacey has been sick since Wednesday with a stomach virus.  Boy was she sick.  This little dog was dehydrated, would not eat, had the runs and was vomiting. So off to the vet we go and $$$$$ in our vet bill.  She comes home with meds and again she also has her ear infection.  This ear infection is a chronic problem which may cause us to have to put drops in her ears weekly.  She is so upset over everything that has happened to her, ( 3 shots, x-rays, ear cleaning, thermometer put you know where), she is off to my bed (not hers) and stays there till the next day.  Until today we have not been able to get her to eat and she drank very little.  The Dr. said all this was ok and in time the virus would pass.  Well today was the day.  She woke me up woofing for her breakfast, wanting to go out and then wanted to play.  Although when she is feel good she can drive you crazy, sometimes the quietness of a sick doggie is like a vacation away from unruly children. As you can see, Lacey is energizing  in the sun, and sticking her tongue out for the camera. That's when you know she is back to normal. 

 

 

Home Sweet Home

So I'm sitting on the porch waiting for Angie (my BFF) to come over and I notice movement in the birdhouse on the porch.  Well out flies a Carolina Wren and she had laid 3 eggs.  So we all went inside so mama could go back to her nest and be by herself.  Later in the afternoon I went back out to inspect the nest and 4 eggs were there.  For years we have had wrens nesting in the oddest places on the porch, but this time she actually nested in the bird house I intended her to nest in.  It will be so much fun to soon hear the peeping of babies and watch mom and dad feed their babies.

Road Trip

Yesterday, my friends and I went on a road trip to Harriman, Tenn.  We stopped at a quilt shop called Loose Threads. I found 5 more browns to add to my new RV Quilt Fabrics.  SO .......... now I think I am ready to start cutting the fat quarters up.  After our fabric stop we decided to venture into downtown Harriman and found some interesting buildings.  One of the buildings of which we could not go in because of reconstruction work is the Temperance Building constructed in 1891. It was the headquarters for the East Tennessee Land Company, which founded Harriman.  It also at one time had   a jail in the basement.  This jail is known to be haunted.  I would have loved to go down there and see....Then there was the Harriman Historic Carnegie Library build in 1909. We hit a few antique shops and then Lunch.  But the most fun place was the Rocky Top General Store still in business since 1957. This wonderful store is family owned and we met Owner David Webb the friendliest shop owner ever.  Now there is every thing in this store from soup to nuts and even a kitchen sink.  If they don't have it you don't need it.  Our day was completed with an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen.  So wonderful to have such great friends that you can share the day with.

Sittin and Rockin on
the  porch.

There is something for
everyone inside this
store.

I Think It's Time To Built An Ark!

So we have been home from our trip for a week now and it has rained every day. Yesterday we had half a day of sun but it rained last night and has continued for most of today again.  Now we live on the top of the Cumberland Plateau so we are not suppose to flood, but.......I'm really thinking it may soon be time to build an Ark.  I have not watered my garden or potted plants but maybe twice this summer.  I feel bad for the farmers because all this rain is really not good for some veggies. One good thing about the rain though is its been a cooler summer this year and I have enjoyed that a lot.

So Saturday is my Wool Felt Candle Mat Class and I have the kits all ready for the students.  It should be fun.  We will bring our lunch and enjoy each others company while learning some hand applique and make a really cute strawberry candle mat. I love doing my hand work in the evenings while watching tv.

Now I want those of you who are local to remember, Saturday, July 27, is Loretta's Sidewalk Sale. A group of us local crafters/quilters each have a table outside the shop to sell our gently used patterns, left over fabrics, yarns, paints, and other crafting/sewing related items.  Inside the shop will be sale items from 10 to 50% off and in the Mountain Laurel Craft Room everything is 20% off. I have been going thru my studio and boxing up things I will be selling outside and working on my new items that will be inside the craft room.  So I hope to see you all there ready to buy up all our STUFF.......Hope you all are staying dry....quack quack.....joanna


These kits have everything
in them.  May have started
some of them, and never found
the time to finish them.

 Ever wonder where I get the
ideas to make everything I do.
Well I am selling over 50 of
my gently used patterns at a
great price.

Want to make some
scarfs for presents.  Well
I have yarns in many colors
and textures for you to use.

I have half bottles and some
new bottles of acrylic paints.
Most are duplicates of
what I already have. Just
enough to finish a project.
Priced really good.

Last Day in Pigeon Forge

This is our last full day in Pigeon Forge.  During our stay we went to see the Titanic Exhibit, The Smokey Mountain Opry, The Comedy Barn and today we drove to Gatlinburg to walk around the stores.  We had great weather with the rain coming during the night so it never interfered with our days out.  Unfortunately the grass here in the RV Park has not been mowed and it was very difficult to walk a little 3 pound Yorkie in the very high grass.  Every morning I had to towel dry off both of the girl's bellies. It was a very relaxing trip and well needed after another scare with my mole being removed.  I can't wait to get home and start working on my new patterns, prepare for a few new classes at Loretta's and see the beautiful bird houses Johnny plans to make and I promised to paint and decorate.  For now I think I will take a short nap before grilling some hotdogs for lunch and finish posting pictures on FB and here.  You all have a wonderful week and be safe.

 

 

Fabric Collection for the new RV Quilt

 

So now I have to make another RV Quilt since our new RV has a king size bed.  The fabric colors in the new rig are similar to ours now with more chocolate browns and beige and I now have more blacks, greys and browns.  So far I have found 16 assorted fabrics.  I am making a Turning 20 quilt again.  I love the assorted size blocks and the way all the fabrics look.  Plus my friend Brita, who quilted the last quilt hopefully will quilt this one.  She did free motion in each block and each one was different.  It was exactly what I had wanted and I will want the same look in the new quilt. Every chance I get to stop in a quilt shop on this trip I will search for more fabric.  Boy the work we have to do to make the perfect quilt...lol....

Spending the day in Pigeon Forge

 

 

This morning we woke to beautiful weather.  Johnny suggested we have fried egg sandwiches for breakfast and we sit along the bank of the river.  Right behind our rig.  So pretty and great company. After I finished my coffee I took both of the girls for a walk and we decided to take a ride to Johnny's home away from home.  CAMPING WORLD.  Our plan was to go there for a chance to see the new Red like we ordered and take some measurements we need.  But that part of the ground was closed for the long holiday week.  So next was lunch and back to the rig to clean up the place a little, spend time with the girls and then leave again for the Comedy Barn and Tony Roma's for dinner.

 

Saturday, June 29th, looking for a quilt shop

 

 

Saturday, was our first full day out and about.  So I wrote down addresses to local quilt shops and my favorite Pattern Shop, The Pattern Hutch.  I've been ordering patterns from the Pattern Hutch for years and never went to see them in person.  This trip I did.  Thousands of patterns from my favorite artists and samples of each item finished so you can see what they really look like. As you know there is always the husband section and by now mine is trained to sit and wait.  This time he ventured inside and disappeared down one of the isles of patterns.  Next thing I know he's calling me to come see some patterns he has found.  Bird Houses......I've been asking him to make them for years.  Well guess who bought about as many patterns in bird houses as I did in doll patterns???????????  So I now have a few new items  for this holiday season.  I have these cute primitive

5" rag doll ornaments, 2 new 22" rag dolls, 22" primitive stockings filled with ornaments, 20" primitive Santa and some wool felt ornaments with applique work on them.

 

On the Road Again to Pigeon Forge

So here we are today, on the road to Pigeon Forge.  The trip actually started without incident. The tow car was in neutral so pulling out of the driveway went smooth.  The girls got in their bed next to me and actually were much calmer than in the past. As we drove out of the Cove we beeped the horn while passing my BFF Angie's house.  Then on the road we passed Melissa who was coming to visit Angie and waived to her. The ride over was fast.  My kind of trip. The RV Park is not far off of I40, so it took minutes to get there once we exited. We booked a spot at the Two Rivers Landing RV Resort right behind the Knife Works.  One of my favorite places to stop on the way to Pigeon Forge. We pulled into our site right along the French Broad River.  Good size pad with plenty of room and very clean. Beautiful view of the river   Hooked up to electric to get the air conditioners going and then walked the girls.  It was extremely hot for them, so it was a quick walk, pee and then inside to cool off.  I made us lunch, while Johnny worked on the satellite and then we were off in the car to drive around a bit. 

Boy traffic is unreal.  Bumper to bumper most of the time. And soooooo many traffic lights.  Being it was late in the after noon, we decided to stop and see the Titanic Exhibit, go to dinner and call it a day.  Seeing the Titanic memories was really touching.  The exhibit takes you through its journey from the building of the liner to its last hours.  There are quite a few photographs and memorabilia to look at.  There is even a section where while walking outside you touch a frozen chunk of ice which is suppose to be the iceberg and the feel the 28 degree water that everyone fell into.

After the Titanic we went to the Apple Restaurant for dinner. WOW  a 5 course dinner under $20 each. You are greeted with apples fritters, apple butter and apple cider, the soup, salad, your main course with 2 sides and dessert.  Dessert and the apple fritters came home with us.

We ran into a down pour of rain which cooled the area off.  By time we got to the rig it had stopped raining and was cooler for the girls to be walked.   I fed them, walked them again and we all sat on the sofa to relax.  Now I am catching up on my email, blogging and will do some hand stitching until I go to sleep.

I plan to make a pancake breakfast in the morning before we head out to Gatlinburg, walk the girls a few times, and then be in search of the Pattern Hutch and a quilt shop. So you all have great evening and I'll post again tomorrow and hopefully add pictures.  later.....joanna

My Gardening is Coming Along

My Bee Balm is really beautiful this year. The hummingbirds just love this area.  See how both sides of the porch are much cleaner now.  I even planted in the 4 baskets along the railing. I have a few varieties of day lilies but this red one is my favorite.

 

Had my surgery a week ago now and recovering very well.  Stitches came out today and tomorrow  we are off to Pigeon Forge in the RV for a few days of tourists stuff.  Of course you know I bookmarked some quilt shops.  Johnny has already requested we eat at the Apple Barn Restaurant and a rib place. So I will only plan cooking for 2 nights.  OK by me.

We are 95% done with the gardening in front of our porch and just need to mulch.  The good thing about it raining every day this week was the plants never stressed and I didn't have to water.  When the rains came, I would go upstairs and work on projects.  I'm half way done with my log cabin quilt, made a few mug runs and finished another table runner.

Then I decided to clean out more fabric and decided to make fat quarter bundles to sell.  So there are about 2 dozen bundles in a huge basket in the craft room at Loretta's.  6 fat quarters for $10.50.  Those on line can also order and I will send you pictures of the fabrics in the bundles.  I have 100% cotton fabric, homespun and flannel.

So its raining again and I'm now ready to cut a few more mug rugs out.  When rain stops I plan to finish packing the RV and give my Yorkie a bath.  I plan to bring my lap top and camera, so maybe I can post a little while I'm gone.

You all have a wonderful weekend and Happy 4th.  Be safe and happy sewing.  joanna

Having a Little Down Time

So today I'm off to see my favorite surgeon.  I'm having another pre cancerous mole removed. So I have collected some of my hand sewing projects and piled them on my night stand next to the bed.  This way I can rest, recoup and get some hand sewing done.  We delayed our trip out west for this, but we also ordered a new RV.  It will be a 2014, Tiffin, Allegro, Red.  It's an upgrade from gas to diesel and has a king size bed, full size frig and washer and dryer.  So we have to wait till it's built and then head to Memphis to trade out. From there we plan to head west for a while.  Meanwhile, after my stitches come out we plan to take a few days and go over to  Pigeon Forge and do the tourist thing there.  There is a great trail to drive called the Crafter's Loop that I hope to drive on.  Miles of different shops, artists and places to eat.  Plus on the way is the best Christmas Shop that's 3 floors high  and full of wonderful Christmas Decorations.  Johnny's excited because he wants to eat at the Apple Barn every day.  He loves the apple fritters and its fine with me cause I won't have to cook.  I will probably pack the sewing machine and some hand sewing for the evenings we just stay around and relax.

I am starting to work on new purses and wallets and the purses will now have zippers.  I also have a few more table runners coming and new will be the mug rugs.  Various designs and prices.  Some come in pairs, some have applique on them and some may even have a pocket for your fork and spoon.  These make a great Birthday, Get Well and Teachers Gift.

Ornies will be back again this year, some new and the most popular from last year.  I will be making up fat quarter bundles to sell and have scrap bags galore in the shop now.  Great for small piecing and applique work.

I'm putting together a few classes and will have dates real soon.  We also plan a sidewalk sale sometime in July.  Just another week and that date will be posted.

Now just to let you all know, I do take orders from online customers.  You can email me at mountainlaurelcrafts@gmail.com.  Place your order and when your check clears I will mail the item.

I also have a 10' Bernina Quilting Frame for sale. It will also close to half size.  It's the FRAME ONLY, no machine.  You use your own domestic machine on it.  And I don't think it has to be a Bernina.  Retail is $2,400 and I'm asking $1,880 obo.  If your interested email me and I'll send pictures and more info. I used it once and never went back to it.  I love piecing more than quilting so I send my work out. 

So time to head on out.  Lunch first then Doctor.  You all have a wonderful weekend. Happy Sewing.
Would love to heard from you all.  Any requests or comments would be greatly appreciated. 

Hugs  Joanna

Time For a Change

As May came to a close, so was the end of an 8 year part time job with my Home Owners Association. It was now time to go back to full retirement so I could further my crafting/quilting/gardening and now our traveling.  I will miss the great girls I worked with and seeing many of the property/home owners, but knew this was the right time.

So now I will be concentrating on the Mountain Laurel Crafts Room more and hope to have more inventory for sale starting in July.  Melissa my partner in the room, has decided to concentrate totally on her on line shop on Etsy. I will surely miss her and her beautiful work, although she will probably have a few things in the room during the holidays.  She really can't stay away forever. After my return trip out west I will start redecorating the room and make way for new Fall and Christmas items. The room will be open, but please forgive me if it looks a little bare.

I will also start teaching more classes at Lorettas' starting late July.  Keep checking for updates with class schedules.  There will be an assortment from hand applique on wool, to machine applique, table runners, more beginning quilting classes, etc.

ALSO<  Please note, in August, date not decided yet, there will be a Side Walk Sale at Lorettas'. Some sales on Fat Quarters, Crafts, Kits, and several tables of treasures you CAN'T live without. Loretta will also advertise on her Blog and both of our email lists.

While I am on my trip I will try my best to blog daily of our travels.  I will also have pictures to share with you when I can.  Internet service is not the best in the mountains and campgrounds so I will try hard to keep you updated on our daily adventures.

Keep stopping by and hope to see you all in August at the Side Walk Sale.   joanna

My Friend in Canandaigua, New York

During some down time while visiting my family, I decided to go visit my new friend, Wanda from Olde Homestead Country Store, located at 112 South Main St, Canandaigua, NY.  I sell some of my crafts to her and wanted to stop in and say hi.  If ever you are in the area, please stop in and see many of her beautiful Primitive/Country items for sale.  ALSO, she sells some of the best fudge around. You can also visit her on her website. oldehomesteadcountrystore.com.