Can't Wait for Tomorrow!

Why can't I wait for tomorrow?  It is not only the last day of February -- which means spring is getting closer -- but it is also the Peconic Ruggers' February Pot Luck Luncheon and Hook In!  Please join is!

Peconic Ruggers Potluck Lunch and Hook In this Saturday, February 28, 2015, from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Riverhead Library, 330 Court Street, Riverhead, New York.

Neptune

When did they start naming snowstorms?  

I woke up really early this morning -- before 5 -- and just snuggled under the down comforter for awhile, listening to the storm.  I love how snow muffles normal sounds, how it softens the edges of the world for a little bit.  I got up to watch the sunrise over the bay -- we have a tiny winter water view between two houses when the leaves are off the trees.  But there's no sun today!  So I broke open the bag of Vietnamese coffee beans our God-daughters sent us from their recent trip to Asia, steamed some milk, and nestled into the couch to read All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (which is exquisitely written).  

Today is my day off -- from everything.  After I post this, I am unplugging for the day.  I'm turning the computer and my cell phone off and unplugging the land line.  I need some quiet time.  I'm taking care of our neighbor's four dogs -- 3 Labradors and a slightly spoiled French Bulldog.  I love them, and I don't mind, but that's a lot of dog to shepherd through the snow.  Cairo, who turned 13 on Friday the 13th, is struggling with his allergies and all the salt on the roads and sidewalks and seems to need constant attention.  Pete and I have just spent two weeks housing and helping a friend who needed some TLC, and I've been struggling to design new rug patterns and kits for this year in between preparing for classes.  So I am feeling a bit . . . Stretched?  Scattered?  Saturated?  Whatever the word is, I need some solitude.  So today will be a quiet one, shoveling snow and snuggling on the sofa with my new book and my old dog.

Enjoy your Sunday.

I ❤️ Teaching

I have been teaching two wonderful groups of quilters how to rug hook at the Farmhouse Quilt Company.  The women have all taken to rug hooking quickly -- not a surprise since they all make quilts and do other crafts.  Two students, both named Judy, are particularly prolific.  I think they've finished more rugs this past year than I have!

Here is Judy W. with her version of my White Whale Tavern.  She hooked it with thrifted wool, except for the background, which is one of my hand-dyed wools.  That's her husband, Gene, helping her display the rug.  What a terrific job!

Judy and Gene and The White Whale Tavern

And here is my other Judy -- Judy L. -- displaying her version of my pattern Long May It Wave.  She gave it to her daughter-in-law for Christmas.  Lucky girl, that daughter-in-law.

Judy at the Farmhouse Quilt Company

Both Judys are working on the Saturday Sampler I designed just for their class.  I'm sure they will have theirs finished before I finish mine.

I also got a great email this week from a customer who purchased my fox terrier pattern.  Meet Sugar the Fox Terrier, hooked by Niheala:

I love the way Niheala turned my abstract border into a field of flowers and added the landscape behind the dog!  

It is always a thrill for me to see how people interpret my patterns.  If you've hooked one, send it along and I will post it here.

February Rug Show & Hook In

I just received this from Sherry Paisley who runs the Newtown Rug Show.  Sounds like fun.