Daffodil Dreams, Signs of Spring and Three Blogs for Your Inspiration

 

With February in the rear view mirror, I have spent a little time catching up on my blog reading to distract myself from world events. *these links are not sponsored, just for your information.  I admire and respect these ladies because of their talent, their generosity, and the quality of their work.

A blog that may be new to you is Sharon Holland. A textile designer for Art Gallery Fabrics, her work is outstanding. Her fabric lines always are cutting edge but not wild and crazy, her colors are modern and timely but with a nod to the past. Gleaned from a mural featuring desert cactus, the new fabric line will offer new opportunities for quilt design. Have you ever seen or made a pincushion shaped like a cactus? A patchwork jacket, a zippered pouch? These are so darn cute! Take a look at this post and sign up for her newsletter to see all her great designs!

I am sure that I have linked to Ann Drake's blog in the past, her hard work to produce a meaningful read continues. Each month, for her newsletter subscribers (no cost,) she publishes a printable calendar, this can also be used for a screen saver to brighten your days. She also offers printable, seasonal art work for your consideration. Also no cost. In addition, her blog covers everything from gardening, cooking and baking, and home decor. Worth a look for anyone who maintains a lifestyle of simplicity, kindness, and comfort for themselves and their loved ones. She does a wee bit of sewing but that is not a focus. She is not a quilter to my knowledge! She has a Facebook page in addition to the blog. Her photography is professional....not like mine😊 A link to her blog, HERE.

On the garment front, there are few bloggers these days who can work a pattern like Bunny. Trained in exquisite needlework by Nuns, she continues to experiment and with design and pattern. Her work is a lesson in and of itself by describing her process and her talent to adapt fabric to her tiny frame. (not my problem) HERE is a recent post she shared for a beautiful, versatile top, 

 

When she first showed this fabric I was at a loss as to how this would translate into a wearable item. Of course, I was not of her ilk and look what she did. This top, this pattern, is reviewed in depth from Linda Lee of the Sewing Workshop. When I look at Linda's patterns they seem a little "artsy" for me but when Bunny translates them, I see many options.  

• I am physically ill with the war news. I am trying to keep very busy with quilting, cleaning, and praying.
• Today I will finish a new table runner, from scraps for my coffee/tea station. I am bored with the current collection and I am up to my ears in scraps. I won't decorate with the Easter linens until Palm Sunday. 
  
• My new online Theology course starts on Ash Wednesday. The Lenten season is the most important of the church calendar for me. This year it will even be more meaningful because of the state of our lives. Be well, be thankful, be kind to loved ones and strangers, it is more important now than ever.