Sapphire Stitches

Vintage Quilt

2012-01-20T10:13:00.000-08:00

I love a new quilt and I have fallen in love all over again with this one. This quilt top came in a box to me from my neice in Texas. She had picked them up wanting to do something with them and forgot that she had them. Whilst cleaning out her barn she found a box of vintage tops and thought I might like them and well I loved them. This is the first of many tops and I absolutely love it. It is hand pieced, yes, the most perfect tiny hand stitches have stitched this very large quilt together. A traditional 9 patch it is joined with natural muslin . It has the most beautiful vintage squares and I've captured some of my most favorite for you to see. I have this quilt on my king size bed and it hangs over the side. Can you even imagine stitching this top by hand to while away the hours. I can't. Give me a machine and thread any day. I do not have the patience for hand stitching of any kind. Anyway I took it to my favorite quilter Shannon over at Lucky Dog and she did one of her favorite designs on it. I never tell her what I want as I really know nothing about longarming but let her do as she sees fit. I've never been disappointed.

I put muslin on the back as that is what most vintage quilters used for their backings. It was relatively inexpensive at the time and added versitility to the quilt . Can you see the quilting? I think Shannon calls it cotton candy as its swirls around .

Here is another shot of the quilting. I love the way this lady quilts with no pantos. It's all in her head and it moves so easily from side to side. In her head.......that's hard for me to imagine. I took Shannons suggestion and put an orange binding on it. It was the only color not in the quilt and I have to admit that I like the way it looks. Here are a few of the blocks that I liked.

Remember everyone to Keep on Stitchin' instead of just a wishin'

I Heart Chicken

2012-01-05T17:13:00.000-08:00

I love chicken, do you? When I was a kid my Mom fed us hamburger. It was the cheap meat and she fixed it all different ways. I got so tired of it. I thought that when I had a family I wouldn't fix just one meat over and over like she did.

Well, I just changed meats. We like chicken and chicken used to be relatively inexpensive *cheap* so when my boys were small we had chicken every way you can imagine. Our favorite was chicken breasts rolled with peanut butter in the center. Oh, that was the bestest of all kinds.

I heard about a wholesale company that does major buys and passes the savings on to the consumer and I jumped on it and bought chicken. These huge chicken breasts....,yes they were all doubles like the picture ......and weighed over a pound each. They were awesome. In fact that double breast there will feed my family of four adults and we love chicken. Did I say that before???? The catch was that I had to purchase a 40 lb box of breasts. I knew I could freeze them and they would be perfect. I have one of those vacuum sealers, and a big freezer. These breasts were only $1.69 per pound. I checked Costco and Sams and they were a lot more expensive. The name of the company is Zacon Foods and you can check them out. The next buy is for bacon and hamburger and the price on that is awesome too. Check them out. I don't get anything for looking or buying. I'm just a satisfied customer.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2012-01-03T12:44:00.000-08:00

Yes, we all survived New Years Eve. DH and I stayed up and watched the NYC ball drop and the Peach drop on TV------kissed----turned over and went to sleep. We are such party animals, the two of us are. We felt lucky to even stay up that late.

I came across this poem and thought I'd like to share for the New Year.

THE LAND OF BEGINNING AGAIN
...
I wish that there were some wonderful place
Called the Land of Beginning Again
Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches
And all of our poor selfish grief
Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door
And never be put on again.

I wish we could come on it all unaware
Like the hunter who finds a lost trail
And I wish that the one whom our blindness has done
The greatest injustice of all
Could be at the gate like an old friend who waits
For the comrade he's gladdest to hail.

We would find all the things we intended to do
But forgot, and remembered too late;
Little praises unspoken, little promises broken
And all of the thousand and one
Little duties neglected that might have perfected
The day for one less fortunate.

It wouldn't be possible not to be kind
In the Land of Beginning Again
And the ones we misjudged and the ones whom we grudged
Their moments of victory then
Would find in the grasp of our loving handclasp
More than penitent lips could explain.

For what had been hardest we'd know had been best
And what had seemed loss would be gain
For there isn't a sting that will not take a wing
When we've faced it and laughed it away,
And I think that the laughter is most what we're after
In the Land of Beginning Again.

So I wish that there were some wonderful place
Called the Land of Beginning Again
Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches
And all of our poor selfish grief
Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door
And never be put on again.

Louise Fletcher Tarkington

Aren't we lucky to have been given the grace to start all over again.

Keep on stitchin' instead of just a wishin',
Sue

2011-12-26T12:40:00.000-08:00

This year I helped in the making of Chrismons for our church Christmas tree. It took forever to get 200 made and there were two trees to decorate----one in the sanctuary and one in the family life center. I made 200 of the round ones and a group of ladies cross stitched the square ones. This is what the tree looked like on Christmas Eve. I was really pleased.

The top of the tree was a silver crown of twigs....it was awesome . I really liked it that it wasn't a star of angel. The crown looked really nice.

Here's a close up and you can see the round Chrismons that I made. These can be found on my website for sale here There are a lot of other Christmas designs there also but just scroll through the Chrismons and you can see them all. The Jesse Tree Ornaments are there also. Click on any one of the designs and it will show the set that it is a part of.

Blog Winner of the Pink and Brown Rag Bowl......Drum Roll Please

2011-12-26T12:24:00.000-08:00

Can I have a drum roll please.......ta dum!

The winner is comment number three GeeMa

Shoot me an email (Sue@Sapphirestitches.com) with your address and I will get it in the mail pronto. Its boxed and ready to send. I'm so excited that someone won and hopefully will send me their address.

Merry Christmas GeeMa

This program will generate a random number between two numbers of your choice.

From Our Home to Yours Merry Christmas

2011-12-22T10:15:00.000-08:00

★_██_*。*./★\ .˛* .˛.*.★* *★ 。*
˛. (´• ̮•)*˛°*/.♫.♫\*˛*.* ˛ _Π_____. * ˛*
.°( . • . ) ˛°./• '♫ ' •\.*˛*./______/~＼*. ˛*.。˛* ˛. *。
*(...'•'.. ) *˛╬╬╬╬╬˛°.*. ˛| 田田 | 門 | *. ˛*. ╬╬╬╬ .
¯˜"*°••°*"˜¯`´¯˜"*°••°*"˜¯` ´¯˜"*°´¯˜"*°••°*"˜¯`´¯˜"*°

See you on the 26th and please put your comments for the bowl under the bowl giveaway post.

Blog Giveaway!

2011-12-21T13:38:00.000-08:00

Well, I've only had five comments this time around so guys your chances of winning are very good. I'm disappointed that Bobbeye didn't contact me but her loss is your gain. Remember I'm drawing a name on the 26th, the day after Christmas.

2011-12-18T07:30:00.000-08:00

Sir Titus or Tit for short. What a horse. He is about 9 months old and weighs 100 lbs. He has to have chewies to pacify himself much like a baby wants a pacifier. He drools like a baby does only Titus has long strings/strans of drool that go to the floor. When he shakes his head drool goes all over the place. I've cleaned it off the ceiling in the house. My youngest says not to trust his face.....he lies.....doesn't he look so cute (if horses are cute). I caught him in my sewing room once and he had a whole spool of thread all the way in his mouth. We picked strings out his rear for days. I try to remember to keep the door closed but he went in another time and I heard this weird noise and well he put an entire pin cushion filled with pins in his mouth and then tore the pin cushion apart. I had such a mess of pins to clean up and had to watch him for days to make sure that he hadn't swallowed the pins. The story would end there but he snuck into my sewing room again and yes, got another pin cushion and did the same thing. It's not like this stuff is on the floor , pin cushions and thread are on my sewing table..........problem is his head can rest on the table without straining. He's a horse!!!!!!! Never had a dog so big. He is just a puppy....can a puppy be a horse?????? This dog is big......Sometimes in the evening he goes on the prowl looking for something to get into...........DH has taken to take the dogs for a long walk in the woods.....he throws the ball for Titus and really gives him a workout. DH comes home exhausted.....I think he gets the workout instead. I do love my dogs but a horse?????? in the house????

For DH

2011-12-17T07:35:00.000-08:00

In a surprise visit from a dear friend, this beautiful wheat bouquet was brought to my husband. Both of us thought it was so sweet of her. We had received sympathy cards from friends on the passing of DH's brother but no one had brought us something tangible like this. The inside of the card had Bible verses of hope and praise. Thank you Judy.

Rum Cake

2011-12-16T07:33:00.000-08:00

RUM CAKE RECIPE...

Once again this year, I've had requests for my Christmas Rum Cake recipe so here goes: Please keep in your files as I am beginning to get tired of typing this up every year!

1 cup Sugar
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1 cup Water
1 tsp. Salt
1 cup Brown Sugar
Lemon Juice
4 Large Eggs
Nuts
1 Bottle Rum
2 cups Dried Fruit

Sample the Rum to check quality. Take a large bowl; check the Rum again to be sure it is of the highest quality. Repeat. Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point, it is best to make sure the Rum is still OK. Try another cup just in case. Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 eegs and add to the bowl and chuck iin the cup of dried fruit. Pick the fruit up off the floor. Mix on the turner. If the fried druit getas stuck in the beaterers, just pry it loose with a drewscriver. Sample the Rum to test for tonsisticity. Next, sift 2 cups of salt, or something. Check the Rum. Now shift the lemon ice strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 s and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner. Finally, throw the bowl through the window. Finish the Rum and wipe the counter with the cat.

Cherry Mristmas

Thought you all deserved a little chuckle!

Customer Project from Gloria

2011-12-15T06:17:00.000-08:00

Gloria sent me this picture last week and I am slow in getting it posted but I wanted every one to see the beautiful Jesse Tree she did.

Isn't this cool?

For those who are not familiar with the Jesse Tree a symbol is added to the tree each day during advent much like an advent calendar. Each symbol has a Bible verse or set of Bible verses to read that explains that symbol..........like a walk through the Bible for children and adults. This set consists of 24 different leaves with designs. I have it for sale here on my website.

These ornaments are so easy to make with your embroidery machine. Most people can stitch them up in one day......two at the most. Just get your supplies ready and material cut, designs loaded and stitch away.

I had such fun designing these. The set comes with a text of appropriate readings. What a great teaching tool for young and old alike. This is an exclusive set not found anywhere else in machine embroidery.

Thank you Gloria for sharing the picture of your Jesse Tree. This should inspire others to create their Jesse Trees for the Christmas Season.

Remember, Keep stitchin' Instead Just a wishin'

Sue

Blog Giveaway

2011-12-14T11:21:00.000-08:00

Bobbye never contacted me with her mailing address. I waited now for a month to hear from her so I am going to do this again. I now have my comments numbered so it will be a lot easier for me to pick a winner. If you'd like to win this bowl , then leave a new comment in this post. On Dec. 26th I will then pick a winner. You can't win if you don't make a comment. Now you can only make one comment. If I think you made two I will eliminate one of them. Please don't sign as anonymous

because then I don't know try and contact. I did try and contact Bobby thru google blog email and again didn't hear from her. So her loss is your gain. Please post your comments and try again.

Thanks,

Sue

Did You Get Yours????

2011-12-14T11:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, did you get yours?    On the 12th of Dec. Starbucks posted that if you purchase their travel mug....this one especially that for the entire month of January you could fill it with free coffee.........yes "free" coffee. Well you don't have to tell me twice.....get it two?????    Anyway, I got hubby up bright and early to go get his mug. Afterall with a deal like that they may run out..   So he went into the store (this time) at 6:30 am and there were only two left on the shelf.   Now there may have been more somewhere but its been our experience that only so many are allowed per store.   Now you think I'm going to tell you that he bought two traveling mugs......noooooo sirrrreeeeee.   He just got one.   He was being real good and just glad that he got the one.

So you ask where did the second one come from???????    On the way to work our eldest was afraid that his dad wouldn't get one so he got one for him at the same Starbucks.   I thought it was so nice of him.   So now there are two....one for him and one for our eldest.

Just as a side note.   We got home from PA on Thanksgiving day. It was a fast trip home and we did make the 12 hour trip in one day. I want to thank everyone for all the prayers and angels sent Normans way. I know he felt every one of your prayers. His wife has used the angels on an Angel Tree for Christmas this year as a tribute to Norman. So thank you all that contributed.

A NEW DAY

2011-11-17T16:21:00.000-08:00

My BIL passed this evening. I will be leaving in the morning and traveling to PA to attend his funeral. My DH was with him along with his family. Sapphire Stitches will be closed until I return. Orders will be filled when I return. I thank you in advance for understanding. We are all saddened today. The family has been on an emotional roller coaster. I will write when I return.

Today is the Big Day!

2011-11-15T08:04:00.000-08:00

Okay, so until I rewrite the code for the comments section to include numbered comments this will just have to do. I printed off the comments and numbered them. There were 35 comments but two of them were by the same person and well I could only count one of them. After all its only fair. So take a minute and see what number you are. If you click on the picture it will enlarge the comments. I was really excited to get as many comments as I did. I am relatively a newby to blogging so I haven't expected that much.

I ended up printing a bunch of other stuff but I knew you were only interested in what number you were. Now for the random number thing. I went searching for a random number generator and my o my do you realize how many there are? I was dumbfounded by the amount. But none were cute little machine looking ones. *snif-snif* So I copied the url I used

http://www.random.org/integers/?num=1&min=1&max=32&col=1&base=10&format=html&rnd=new

And the winner is.......

True Random Number Service
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
15

Timestamp: 2011-11-15 15:23:47 UTC

So Bobbye, will you email me your address and I will get it in the mail Saturday morning. You can use this email Sue@Sapphirestitches.com

Newest Set at Sapphire Stitches

2011-11-14T06:59:00.001-08:00

I'm really pleased to announce the completion of my newest set of Jesse Tree Ornaments. This set took a while to complete as it is 24 ornaments that when completed will be hung on a bare branched tree which symbolizes the root of Jesse. This is similiar to an advent calendar, with 25 ornaments. The difference is the symbol on each leaf is correlated to a scripture in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. I am very happy also to announce that this entire set can be made in two days as each ornament is a combination of applique (the leaf) and stitch (a small symbol).

Why not make Christmas meaningful this year with a Jesse Tree. Each symbol comes with a suggested Bible reading. This set can be found here.

This set will take about two days to make....I made two sets in two days ....and I do not have a commercial machine. Just assemble the materials and load the designs and start stitching. There is time to make this set for Christmas. Right now this set is on intro pricing. Its a great price and I can't guarantee that it will be this low a price again.

Happy Stitching everyone!

I'm Baaaaackkkkk!

2011-11-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone, I'm back and with a couple of pictures to share. What's a blog post without pictures..............kind of drab if you ask me.   This is my brother-in-law with my great niece.   Can you believe it???????   I am a great Aunt.....Auntie Sue........not too shabby.   Norm was in the hospital and whenever they brought Olivia in to see him , his spirits would rise and he'd just smile.   He told her that he was going to beat her boyfriends away when she turned 16 and that he was going to take her fishing next summer. To see his hope was exhilarating to say the least.   Norm was diagnosed with cancer but they won't know what kind till later in the month. It was found in a few places so the type is uncertain. But .....it is managable which sounds promising.

Olivia is a cutie.......she was at the hospital every day with her mom and dad and so very good. She cooed and gurgled and spit up all over the place.   Don't you just love babies????   They make the world okay.   How could God create babies if the world wasn't going to be alright....ya know?

Anyway, Norm is home now and a lot happier at home than at the hospital. I think he will get some well needed rest now that he can sleep in his own bed and no one will take his vitals every hour.

Give me a couple of days and I will be back in full swing.   I need to unpack and get my head reorganized.

Here is a picture of my son Shawn, my husband, his brother and Shawn's cousin Dan. This was taken just three or four months ago at a family picnic for the Irish side of Norms family.....his wife's side. My DH surprised them by showing up. See, Norm doesn't look ill at all and he was enjoying every minute. Life changes in the blink of an eye at times.

Gone

2011-10-26T18:01:00.001-07:00

Just a short message to say that I will be gone for a while. My BIL is in the hospital and we are going to PA. I'm not sure when we will return.

New Set being Developed.....Cup Wraps

2011-10-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

I've always liked Starbucks....especially in the fall. Their Pumpkin Spice Latte is to die for but the cups even with the cardboard wrapper is a bit warm. I decided to make my own and started with one to honor Breast Cancer Month. Here is mine with itty bitty flowers and the pink breast cancer ribbon and the words "Support the Cure" . I made a plain one for DH and he loves it. Says that it is so much more kinder to the fingers than the cardboard ones that Starbucks give you with their cups. Now these will fit almost any cup. I've used them on Micky D's Coffee and even with sodas and coffee from any of the various mini marts. DH uses his on the 22 oz. coffee from Starbucks, so they do fit a variety of cups. You can see that they fit these clear cups
quite nicely. I am real pleased with this project and I
have many more coming down the road. Most have been
tested and its just a matter of getting them on the website.
Anyway this one is up and can be found here. Again your
imagination is limitless with this design. Oh yes, I did
use Insul Brite between the fabric layers. Keeps the coffee
warmer and the fingers burn free.

Happy Stitching Everyone

New Deck

2011-10-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

Its work on the deck this week. We built this deck extension to house a hot tub. It was really nice and we enjoyed it till the field mice seemed to enjoy it more. That was it. No matter what we tried we couldn't get rid of them. The area was warm since it was on most of the time so they wanted to make their nests there. They ate whatever was around including the cushions from our deck furniture. Enough is enough so we took that sucker out. It was time anyway. Danny took a sawsall and cut it in four pieces after disconnecting all the parts. Then they hauled it off to the dump. So now the hole must be fixed. Thats my eldest there lending a helping eye so it seems. He did help carry all the stuff in....the lumber was heavy. Anyway, we shall have it finished soon baring no rain.

Atlanta PIt Bull Rally

2011-10-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

Atlanta Pit Bull Rally

Today was the Atlanta Pit Bull Rally and my husband always volunteers. And I always make something for the raffle. This year tickets were $5.00 each and a jar is placed by the item and if you want that item you put your ticket in that jar. Well I made the shirt and donated it for the raffle. Hubby told me that my jar made $65.00 and the woman that won the shirt..........se her smiling face bought 10 tickets. Guess the odds were on her side. I got the design from Skeldale House and thought it would make a great shirt with three across. I put the words Pit Bull and Proud under the design and it really looked good. I hooped some heavy tearaway and sprayed it with spray adhesive. I layed a piece of batting on top of the hooped stabilizer and then sprayed it again and layed the shirt on top of that being real careful to center it . I used a gold thread and stitched the design which took close to an hour and half....it just seemed like it took a long time. This design from Skeldale House was a freebie and I want to thank the digitizer for it. I really had fun doing this shirt. Monies received go to offset the cost of the pavillion at the park.

I think the winner looks happy don't you?

Here is the link to last years rally and the shirts I did.

GIVEAWAY TIME

2011-10-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

I know I have talked about a give away and just didn't get around to it. Well here it is. Besides digitizing I love to quilt and do various crafts. One of the crafts that I have been learning is rope bowls. I made a wedding bowl for a mother to go wth the quilt that I sent to her daughter. It was really pretty and a nice gift to tie mom to the daughter to the quilt.....if that makes any sense.

So I made another bowl. I love it ! Of course the fact that its pink probably is the reason. As pink is my favorite color. Always has been and probably always will be. When DH and I married DH said no pink or green. So our bedroom was blue and it was nice and I loved it. About 10 years ago I needed a change from blues/whites and so one day he came home from work and the walls were pink and green. I love my bedroom.....

Anyway , back to the bowl. I made this bowl for the purpose of giving it away on my blog. Here are the requirements. You must be a member of the blog so join using google friends. It's easy. I did...yes....I joined my own blog just to see how difficult it is. You can join using your yahoo email and its so easy or gmail account. ............ Now after you join you must leave a comment after this blog post. That can be a bit more frustrating but I've done it on various blogs and I know you can do it. The number beside your blog post is your number. I will have a random drawing and the winner will get the bowl. Deadline for entering will be November 15th 2011. That gives you plenty of time to figure things out.....I know you can do it.

Please don't write me saying "I can't". I'm old and I learned so can you. I hear that so much with a "will you send it to me?" or "Will you do it for me?" Well I can't and I won't. You can do it ladies..............I know you can..............just be patient ...............as my DMIL used to say "one step at a time."

Halloween Freebie

2011-10-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. Don't you just love the young'uns as they go from house to house only knowing that they might get free candy? It's the oldsters that go that I'm just not too sure about. When I was young it was only the little ones that went trick or treating. When we got to Junior High or Middle School we went to parties instead of the houses begging for candy. And as adults we never dressed up. It's so different today. The adults are having just as much fun as the youngsters dressing up in lovely costumes. Their creativity is only as big as their imagination.

I wanted to do something for yall and I found this vintage freebie and love it. What says spooky halloween more than witches, bats, and a full moon.   So enjoy and tell your friends where you found it.
Tell your friends to come here and get it.

While you're at it tell them to join as a google follower so they don't miss out on anything themselves I used a ready made tote that I got from Michaels and removed the side seam so that the tote would lay flat.   Then after stitching just sewed up the side seam and wa la.....its done and so cute for the little ones. It's the perfect size. Now the zip file has both the 5x7 and 4x4 files in it. The 5x7 has the wording and design all in one file and the 4x4 has two separate files........one with wording and one with the design. Happy Stitching.

While you're grabbing this freebie why don't you go to Sapphire Stitches and check out all the Halloween designs.   There are pencil holders pencil holders and finger puppets in applique or stitch and they come with the cutest holder. There are also some over the finger , sucker and pencil slipovers . These are all quite reasonably priced and such fun to stitch out. Also....(one more) .....there is a set of tote bag decorations for the Halloween season that goes with your freebie in the 5x7 and 4x4 hoop. Please take a few minutes and check these awesome designs out.

"Crack Bread

2011-10-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

Cinnamon Pull Aparts

Remember Monkey Bread???? Thats still a favorite with kids. Well I found this recipe and tried it and absolutely fell in love with it. Modify it to fit your taste buds. It is divine. Gotta give credit where credit is due so here it is.. There is also a recipe for for cheddar bacon pull aparts that we had last nite and it was to die for. My DH would not stop eating it even after desert....... This stuff is so good and they are even calling it "crack" bread because it is so addictive.

Tribute to Steve Jobs

2011-10-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

I like my iPhone. I love surfing the web and talking at the same time. I love being able to take pictures and videos and send them to my buddies. I think I'm in love with my iPhone. My computer is a PC and I love that also but I'd love to have a Mac......maybe one day :)

Anyway I did this design when I saw everyone on facebook with it posted. I thought it was so cool. I want to offer it to you. Stitch it on an armband or something cool to honor this man with a vision. Now no sharing is allowed. Tell your friends to come here and get it. Thanks!

I don't know who drew this picture or I'd give them all the credit. I just thought it was neat.

WOW! Did you think I fell off the face of the Earth?

2011-10-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time but........(I know excuses here they come)........we have been plaqued with illnesses and surgeries. One more to go this week....surgery that is.....and we're done for a while........I so hope.

I have a freebie for you. Yall know I made the Chrismons.....they are Christian ornaments for your or your churches' tree. Well this week I made this one for my church....the United Methodist Church. I know you all aren't Methodist but maybe some of you are and would like this ornament for your church. So here it is for you to stitch out and enjoy. Tell your friends to come here and get it.
I promise to post more often. I really have a lot to say and show you all in blog land. Just getting my wagons in a circle and getting everything together. Oh yes and I do have a giveaway. You must be a follower of the blog and those already signed up as followers you have nothing to do . More on this later...

I'm selling my Featherweight!

2011-07-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

I sold this "baby" today. Thanks everyone!

Hey everyone, I have decided to sell my featherweight. This is a great little machine....very light and portable and sews a mean straight stitch. I have loved this machine but really have too many machines right now and I can only use one machine at a time. My studio is small and I share my quilting with my embroidery so I need to be mindful of space. If anyone in blogland is interested please contact me Sue@Sapphirestitches.com and I will give you the particulars. You will have to pay shipping costs but UPS is great. Here are some more pictures for you to check out. The case is green and latches well.

You can check the serial number and see where it was made and when.

The seal of authenticity.

A beautiful scroll type plate.

This machine comes with a quarter in and reqular foot. Also the foot pedal which works great.

Pillow Cases for Military Care Packages

2011-06-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

Our church sends out military care packages four times a year. It is a great ministry as these guys do miss home and whatever is sent to them reminds them of home. The church collects items that they think the guys and gals will like. This month, along with my friend Judy, I made pillowcases. Judy came over and serged the edges while I tugged, pulled and ironed. I was so pleased with these pillowcases. As you can see they are quite brite. The lady in charge of this project, Deb, said that the guys and gals would love it. So much of their environment is tan, brown, or green. I made sure that there was no drab military tan or green on these pillowcases. This was an awesome project and I had so much fun doing it. I want to thank Red Hen Fabrics for donating the fabric for this project. They were so generous and it is so appreciated.

Golden City Reunion

2011-06-08T15:41:00.000-07:00

Recently I was asked to make some embroidered tokens for a Naval Reunion. The ship's name is "Golden City". There is a group of guys that get together annually for a reunion in Branson. They get together with their spouses and/or children and laugh and have a great time. After some thought I came up with an embroidered tote bag, a patriotic chapstick holder, a luggage tag for the women and a luggage tag for the men, a koozie, a tissue holder that was personalized , a kool tie, and a zippered bag all personalized for the men and women. I think it all turned out great and I think the men and women liked everything too. You can tell by their smiles...don't you think?

My Grandbaby.....Titus

2011-05-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

My son and Becky decided that they wanted a puppy. So Shawn set about looking for the perfect breed. He wanted a large dog that had a great face and would be good around the kids. I think he found the perfect breed. Titus is a bloodhound. He is the cutest thing with eyes that just speak to you. At four months he is huge...a big baby. He loves to run and play and those ears just flop around. I even tied them above his head once.

Now you tell me. Is he not the cutest......his paws are huge....you know what that means.....he's going to be one big and I mean BIG pooch.

This One is for You....You know who you are!

2011-05-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

Our nephew has been coming down to visit us periodically for many years-----since he was about 18 or so. He lives in PA. Every time he visits I usually do a shirt or two for him. This year I just didn't have the time and to top things off my machine went on the fritz and I had to take it into the shop. I have to tell you that my shop is the best. In one day and I usually have it back the next. I love that kind of service. And to top things off....they are really nice to deal with. Anyway this is his shirt. It came out cool and Danny has one too. What do you think? Oh, the other picture is of the four of us at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. It is a great place with lots of educational and fun stuff. We especially liked the t-shirt with the four penguins walking across the street like the famed Beatle Album cover. Too bad they didn't have it in our sizes.

Happy Mothers Day to Me!

2011-05-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

First I want to pay my respect to my Mother. She was the one who gave me that gentle and strong push to get up and do something with my life whenever I got down. If things were bad she was there. If things were good she was there but in the background. She loved her children more than life itself. Mother lived to 91. She was beautiful inside and out. I love you Mother. Oh btw that is her wedding picture, taken sometime after the wedding. I have it framed along with my dads picture.

I received this from my eldest son. It is a

Steven Singer gilded rose . It is really

cool as its an actual rose that was

dipped in something clear like plastic

or glass and then the tips are coated

in 24 K gold. So awesome. The

card read something like now a rose

that will never die. Thanks Mike

for an awesome gift.

Then last nite we went out to eat

at the Marietta Fish Market. I love

that place . So much food. I had

fried oysters....its a real treat for

me.

Then my youngest son and his lady gave

me these beautiful roses. It was wonder-

ful to get these flowers. I really felt

loved and appreciated this Mothers

Day. Thank you Shawn and Becky. You made this lady feel very special on this day.

Customer Project from Jean I.

2011-05-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

I always love it when a customer....especially a new customer sends me pictures of their projects. I get to see their creativity. Jean purchased the appliqued alien finger puppets. She wanted to make them for her grandson. She did an AWESOME job. These were her first finger puppets and I'm so proud of the job she did. Thank you Jean for sharing your photos with me. You did a great job!

Latest Project from Sue E.

2011-04-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

This is another great project. I wish I could have posted it before Easter but could not.

Remember when I first posted about Sue E. and her project? Well Sue is up to it again. I love this lady's giving heart. From what I can see she gives with an a BIG Big open heart. And the kids receive wonderful finger puppets to help them spend some of their time in the hospital. Sue you amaze me. I love your giving spirit. Sue sent me some pictures and I want to share them with you. She sent them to me a couple weeks before Easter but I was so busy that I couldn't take the time to post them....but....I am now. Sue has a Babylock 6 needle so I'm sure they stitch quickly. I just love it when someone does good with the designs I make. Thanks Sue for sharing these pictures with everyone.

These are my EASTER FINGER PUPPETS plus a few others from my list of Finger Puppets. Please take a few moments and check out all my finger puppets on the Sapphire Stitches website.

Project from Clara H.

2011-04-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago someone was looking for this design on one of the search groups for embroidery designs. You know the ol saying..."I saw this design and should have bought it when.......now I really want it.......and I forgot where it was...... I answered that cry for help and they were looking for my design . Here is a picture of the first one that Clara did. She framed it and it is awesome. Then Clara got creative and wanted to do something different and that something different is so special and personal...all I can say is WOW

See how she added the names of the people she was presenting this picture....this framed piece of art . Here is what she said about the names..... I wanted to share with you two stitch outs that I made. The added part at the Bottom is with the Names of the parents. Both families lost a child at a very mature but young age. They really loved the pictures and said they would cherrish them always... I wanted to share these with you. I really liked the addition of the names at the bottom... I think these turned out beautifully. I asked her if she minded the fact that they do take a while to stitch and she said "THE BEAUTY OF THE DESIGN after stitching is well worth the time it takes to stitch out. I have many more to make and to keep on hand as it seems as if everyone now wants one..(grin) Wish there were more designs in this stitching They are very comforting also"

Thank you Clara for sending me the pictures. I love seeing what embroiders do with the designs I create. I made one myself and thought it was beautiful. You did an awesome job and I know that the recipients will cherish these.

New Project from Rose

2011-03-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

Rose sent this project to me a week ago and .....well......so to speak.....@*&^ had hit the fan and I just couldn't get it posted. Not only did we have to put Cracker down, but Danny's finger was crushed and we spent the day at the emergency room and many days in Doctors offices making sure that we can save that finger, we got ants in the house and had to have an exterminator who found all kind of insecty type critters. Also the wind blew shingles off the roof and a roofer has been called and his services scheduled. This has not been my week or even two.....

Any way back to the project.....Rose did this bib.... is it not the cutest? Oh my, I couldn't believe what a fantastic job she had done. She got the bib pattern (ITH) from another digitizers website (not mine) and used my free recruit design that I posted a couple of years ago for the IEC....International Embroidery Conference. She combined the two and walaa!!!! What a great project. This is what she told me. "I make these bibs and give them to the solders with babies." Rose that just pulls at my heart strings. Rose has also tested many designs for me. She is one crafty lady. Thank you so much for sharing.

RIP Cracker

2011-03-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

This is our Cracker......Meathead as we fondly called him. We had to put him down yesterday. It was a sad day for us. We knew his time was coming and that is part of dog ownership. You just have to know when. He had hip displasia and was on several meds plus injections every four days. Lately he had been having seizures. He couldn't stand on his paws but turned his feet....especially his back paws under so that the tops were on the ground.......it was really weird but that's just what he did.... He had started having seizures was 12 years old and at times was not a happy dog. He had the bully temperment which could be scarey at times. We loved this old guy.....he had such personality in that face that only a mother could love. I hope we see him again when we all are free of pain and I can watch him run in abandonment.

Quilt--1600

2011-03-11T08:14:00.000-08:00

Okay so most people know that I quilt and embroider. I have been quilting for over 10 years now. No I don't quilt for shows or anything like that. I quilt for me.....what I like.....and what I like is not always what judges will like. I firmly believe that no quilt should be perfect. Only one Entity is Perfect and that is not me...... So the other day I read this blog post and decided that I wanted to try it..... http://piecefulkwilter.blogspot.com/2011/03/1600-quilt.html So here is my 1600 quilt.

I used a small jellie with only 20 strips and added maybe 10 more strips. I cut all my strips in half since this was a baby quilt. I did the alternate light-dark placement and have decided that it wasn't necessary. See how the darks ended up on the sides and lights ended up in the middle? My solution is put all strips in a bag...shake it and pull out as you stitch. I really like this quilt as I did finish it in a day.....It could have been finished in four hours if I had worked continuously.

Check out Shannons blog above and you'll see her 1600 quilt top and several others.

Freebie Shamrock Notepad holder....

2011-03-06T06:42:00.000-08:00

I wanted to try something different for St. Patty's Day. It has always been a special day for me. Of course the month of March is special. My brother was born on the 2nd of March, my dad on the 17th (and he was Irish to boot), and I was born on the 16th. My family celebrated our Irish heritage. Poor Mom didn't have a chance....its not like they have a German heritage day. Anyway just a few days ago we found out that the last name of Gay is Irish.....I married an Irishman and didn't even know it. My dad is smiling down on us. So this year we will celebrate with green tea, a green cake and corned beef and cabbage. Hope it turns out good :o)

So to celebrate, I am giving you all the files to make this darling note pad holder. I put a couple of magnets on the backside...in fact....I cut up an old magnetic business card and used it. It is flat and worked out well. I used a fabric glue to adhere it to the notepad . It held real nice. Now you can add a pice of ribbon on the side to hold a pen or pencil. Place the ribbon on the front when you add the back to the notepad and trim with the felt and material. Just use a pin to hold the ribbon in place. Place the head of the pin towards the center of the notepad so you can pull it out before the needle stitches it. It will look real nice and you will have a pencil handy when you jot down those groceries you need or last minute instructions to the family. I hope you enjoy this freebie and remember don't share. It's free. Tell your friends to come here and get it. Thanks!

New Quilts to be quilted

2011-03-05T11:01:00.000-08:00

I got a package in the mail this week. I was so excited as this is not a common occurance. I was surprised. My niece in Texas likes antiques and every now and then she finds the bestest stuff. Knowing that she would not quilt these tops she sent them to me.......lucky, lucky me! Is this the luck of the Irish.....well yessssirrrreee! I love this first one. Its just a traditional 9 patch but each of the squares are different and the material used is so vintage and old. Nothing like using the same word twice *grin* Anyway , all these quilts are.....drum roll please....hand pieced with the most uniform stitches that I ever saw. The second quilt , the yellow one is a bit smaller than the 9 patch. The wind was blowing a bit when I took the picture and Danny can only hold his arms up so long......, so you don't get the full impact of all the different backgrounds. This yellow is really, really bright. Its not my favorite of colors but you know...it really is nice...again hand pieced and sewn with the most uniform of stitches ever.

Now this one looks to be the oldest of the three. There are a couple of stains but that's okay. I think the cream color, background might be feedsacks. It feels a bit rough. I love this one and its big....I mean really, big...

This pack of vintage quilt tops just made my day. I had been down...lacking that vitamin D from the sun. Doesn't the sun make you feel better with lots of energy?

Can you see that green....does that green speak "vintage " to you. It reminds me of the 40's or 50's ......1940 or 1950 that is.....There is a green border and a cream border around it. Danny was really getting tired and he is such a tall guy but even he was having trouble lifting it high....not that it was heavy...just big. I'm taking them all to the quilter on Friday . I hope she can do something to bring out the oldness (is that even a word?) of the quilt. I mean I don't want to take away from the fact that they are hand pieced.

This was indeed my lucky day....Thanks Angie for thinking of ME.

Happy Valentines Day @ Sapphire Stitches

2011-02-06T13:53:00.000-08:00

I know I've been real quiet lately. I think its just getting used to Danny being retired and at home all the time. We no longer have a real schedule and I can sleep in as late as I want. No , I don't sleep all day but some days I'd sure like to do so. Danny has lots to do to keep himself busy so that is not a problem....it's just weird....but a nice kind of weird. I kind of like having my best friend at home with me.

So I've been working on a new set for Valentines Day and these are the cutest little "LOVE" Monkeys that I've ever seen. They have the cutest faces. I hope you will like them also.

I like this one for some reason.

Mischievious looking isn't he?

(Isn't he adorable)

If you go to http://www.sapphirestitches.com/DesignGroup.aspx?EmbroideryDesignGroupId=136

you can see the entire set. There is a lot more designs than just what I've shown you here. I've got borders and lots of cute words like "I'm a little Love Monkey" and Love Monkey and just the word Love with lots of little hearts all around it. I really like this set.

What's even better is that I've included two sizes of every design except for one and that one is "I'm a little Love Monkey" . The reason being that it was just too many words to stitch out in such a small place. But I think you will have the sizes you want most in the rest of the designs.

I have stitched these designs out and well......they are so cute. Here is a picture of a size 18mo. shirt with one of the Love Monkeys on it.

Yes its hard to believe that this is an 18 month little girls shirt that I picked up at Wally World. I used the very small monkey on this shirt and it stitched so nice. Get this.....it only took me 10 minutes and most of that time was hooping it. I really liked this cute little monkey.

This one is the regular sized monkey which is about 3 1/2" high and was stitched on a size 3 Toddler shirt. It turned out really cute and since I can't really give a boy pink......I thought this would be cool for a boy. I have some other things I want to try. The little designs are perfect for little girls cami tops and undies. They are so inexpensive when bought at Wally World (WalMart) and can be decorated for the season with just a little time at your machine.

These designs are found on the home page of http://www.sapphirestitches.com/ under "What's New" . Just click on "View Details" under the design and see a stitch out of the design. I stitched these on a light brown/yellow material and took the picture with my camera so the pictures didn't come out as clear as I'd have liked them to, but they stitch really nice. Just take a look at the shirts and see for yourself.

I love these designs and I hope you do also. Thanks for looking and Keep stitchin' instead of just a wishin'!

Project from Linda from Maryland

2011-01-14T07:47:00.000-08:00

Linda is new to my website and was excited to find horse finger puppets. You see her adorable grandson Kaiden loves horseys. What's cool about this is the horses were drawn by Trina from DigiScrap Kits and she also loves horses. Anyway, Kaiden was coming for a visit and Linda wanted to stitch these for him. He loves them. Can you tell? Look at that face, isn't he adorable.

I know a lot of people just don't realize how much fun kids have with these finger puppets. We're all into electronic toys and interest only lasts for a few minutes but with finger puppets.......well you are only hindered by your lack of imagination. Kids have so much going thru their little noggins......and well.....they can think of a lot to keep them busy. Now everytime Kaiden comes to visit Grandma Linda will have a horsey for him to play with and he loves his horsies!

Santa Zippered Bags

2010-12-15T06:42:00.000-08:00

I just love zippered bags. These little purses are so cute for little ones. My Santa Bag stitches in about 30 minutes and the zipper is done in the hoop.

People tell me that the first one is a bit confusing but after that they are so much fun to make and the kids just love them.

Vickie did these....she embellished them with stars, bells and snowflakes. I think she did an excellent job. She is making some for her granddaughters as stocking stuffers. I think that would be so cute......add a ribbon on the zipper pull for little hands to easily grab the zipper. Maybe ad some lettered beads on the end of the ribbon to dangle. I see so many ways to embellish....ribbons, bows, jewels, fancy buttons......

Keep in mind that my designs are reasonably priced and easy to stitch out. This design can be found here on the website http://www.sapphirestitches.com/Design.aspx?EmbroideryDesignId=861

Animal Antics Widget - petcentric by Purina

2010-12-07T08:34:00.000-08:00

Animal Antics Widget - petcentric by Purina: "When the camera starts rolling on these pets, you’ll be rolling with laughter. These hilarious animal videos include comedy, bloopers and more."

Christmas Pencil Holders

2010-11-30T11:18:00.000-08:00

I just love the holidays with children. I love their wide eyed innocense....the looks of love and surprise. Our son, his girlfriend and her children will be joining us for Christmas this year.

We are excited to have them for our Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. If you're not familiar with the celebration check out this site

http://www.sevenfishesblog.com/ We have made a date with Danny's brother and wife to attend next year the feast in Fairmont , WV. Doesn't it sound cool. Of course you have to love all kinds of fish and be willing to taste everything.

Now back to the pencil holders. I love this set for Christmas. It is perfect for school parties. They stitch in just a few minutes and you can add a pencil or candy cane for the kids.

Here is the package....I just used felt with these but you can add material if you'd like. Each one is done so you can add material before the designs are stitched out in their entirety

Wouldn't the bells look great with pretty material? Be sure and cut out that area between the bells. I made them so you can add a bow and pom pom for the ringer. I used a jewel for a little bling.You could add a little bling on the snowflake also. It has fringe. I think it is really cute.

These designs are on sale right now with intro pricing. They can be found here

http://www.sapphirestitches.com/DesignGroup.aspx?EmbroideryDesignGroupId=133 While you're there please check out my other designs.

Opera Company of Philadelphia "Hallelujah!" Random Act of Culture

2010-11-12T07:11:00.000-08:00

Autumn/Fall Monograms

2010-11-12T06:06:00.000-08:00

I wanted to make a change to my font and I came up with this to announce my newest set......Autumn/Fall Monograms. Now I really like this set as its not only great for Thanksgiving, but any fall dinner where you want to put your best out for your dinner companions. Notice I said companions.....this could be for just you and your hubby or friend. This set of monograms come with 26 separate files. One file for each letter.

I love the way this set turned out. Cindy did just a fantastic job with the stitching. She gave me wonderful suggestions and pointed out areas that needed more attention.

Now let me tell you that there are only 4 colors in this design but there are 12 color stops. Please DO NOT

do a color sort with this design. There are very few jumps in this design which makes the stitching so smooth and easy. I personally would rather change threads than have jumps to trim.

Here is the monogram stitched without the falling leaves. I designed this set so that different sections could be stitched or added as you like them.

The order of stitching is makes for the versatility. First you stitch the corner. You could put this corner anywhere it would look appropriate. Then the monogram is stitched and lastly is the falling leaves. You could stop your machine at any point.

I am really pleased with this set. Watch for the Autumn Sheep set coming next week. It is a great compliment to this set of monograms.

Now here is the best part. This set of monograms is on special intro pricing of .......drum roll, please.....of only $10.00.

After Thanksgiving this set goes back to its regular pricing of $17.00. Even that is a great deal. Now if you just want one monogram ...well you can email me with your letter and I will invoice you thru paypal for the letter you desire.

Do the math.....26 letters....times $1.50 equals a lot more than $10.00 or more than $17.00. This set is a real bargain but I can assure you that the quality is not.

You can find this set http://www.sapphirestitches.com/DesignGroup.aspx?EmbroideryDesignGroupId=131

Customer project from Sonya G.

2010-11-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

I love customer projects. It's like an affirmation that your work is liked or appreciated. When I see the pictures....well....its like when my kids were young and I was making stuff for their parties. I had so much fun and the teachers thought I was extremely creative. Of course, we didn't have embroidery machines then. Everything we did was totally by hand, and it took forever. Sonya G. made these from my Halloween Pencil Holders and they are so cute. She did an awesome job. Look at those witches hats. I love the black and yellow one.

And the orange witches hat. Check that one out. Its got a spider on the hat....cool. Sonya told me that she did these for her grand kids Halloween Parties. I think these make a great treat ..............sugar free. Here is what Sonya, wrote....

Hello Sue...here are pic's of some of the pencil holders...I did about 13 more after they were taken so imagine those on top of pile. These were so fun to do, I did 54 in all. The last 10 or so I did the tack down or outline stitch on top of satin stitching...it gave them a diff look some what...after doing this I thought that I should have asked your permission, I know some of designers ask that you do not alter the designs...am so sorry that I didn't ask first, please let me know how you feel about this. I also used diff fabric on some of them instead of felt, mainly on the witches hat..didn't know how the silky fabric would work but it did great, it had fuzzy embossed spiders on it....they are my favorite, I lovvvvvvvvvve witches and spiders...teehee..can't wait to see what you will come up with next. Thank you for all your responses....Sonya, you did ask....I appreciate you letting me know and so happy you sent the pictures. Thanks

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Sonya

Pit Bull Rally in Atlanta

2010-10-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that my husband is a dog advocate. Right now the "bad" dogs are pits. Everyone it seems want them banned from homes that are loving stable homes. Pit Bulls or Staffordshire Terriors as they are also known as, are great dogs who just want to do whatever you want them to do. They want to be whatever you want them to be. They are people pleasers. Our neice and nephew have pits and kids and they are big babies. Here is a picture of Max.... He's sitting at our dinner table having a soda while we talk. He is a sweetheart. ( I do admit that while our other dogs will climb into a chair and sleep no other dog has joined us at the dinner table like Maxwell)

This past weekend was the Pit Bull Rally in Atlanta. This breed of dog is so misunderstood....just ask Cesar Milan. He lost Daddy this past year. And we all have seen on tv how well trained Daddy was. Which just goes to show you that if you train them correctly they will be wonderful, loyal pets. Remember who the adult is in this relationshp. Here are some pictures of the rally. This is the vendors area and "NO" I wasn't a vendor. I wasn't able to attend. Danny went and just enjoyed being with the dogs. Looks really neat doesn't it?

Here are some pictures of bullies for adoption from the local Pit Bull Rescue. Don't they look sweet? I am such a dog lover. You know I have five dogs. Cracker is an America Bull with severe hip dysplasia and is about 11 years old. Toaster is a golden retriever and is about 10 years old. Maggie is a Black Lab and Chow mix. She is the Momma of the group. Every morning after the coffee pot goes off she licks my hand just to remind me to get up. Sadie is our German Shepherd which, by the way, did you know is also a dog that is banned in many places and Crosby the youngest of the group who is only 2 years old and our hyper child.

Here are some pit lovers who are chatting about their dogs....I bet. I just love eavesdropping on conversations....lol..... Did I tell you that I made some T-Shirts for the Rally? They have a raffle drawing of lots of goodies from dog lovers all over the Atlanta area. They range from Christmas ornaments (which Danny won) to T-Shirts to spa treatments for dogs. Cool huh? Well here are some pictures of the vendors table including ......drum roll......my shirts. I did three of them. Its best just to describe them by saying I digitized and embroidered the black, green and blue one. I doubt if you can read the writing but they were aimed and breed specific legislation.

Here is a group picture of all the workers. Danny is in the back row second from the right. I think he turned his hat backwards so the bill wouldn't cover his face.

I thought this was cool. This gentleman won the first drawing of the raffle and he got his choice from the entire table. And no this wasn't a "Yankee Swap".....and it was my shirt. I don't know why I was so surprised. It was a cool shirt. Danny and I had debated on whether to leave the last word on it but then did.. It says "If you ain't got Pit ....You ain't got shit....." Danny and I had a long discussion about whether it would offend someone and we didn't want to do that. In the end he said....stitch it.....so I did! It was the first choice! So much debate on being politically correct and it was the first choice. Okay so maybe he took it because it was the only size that would fit him...I don't know.

In honor of all dogs that are banned because people don't know how to train them correctly...I have designed this for a T-Shirt. It is for you here.

New Set at Sapphire Stitches Page Protectors

2010-10-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

I had been toying with the idea of developing some page protectors for some time. Its just finding the time to design, stitch, perfect, and restitch and test again.. I finally got these done and was really pleased with the outcome. My tester did these and ....WOW....... I see so many different ideas by just looking at them. First look at the orange and black ones....yes....Halloween. What a unique and calorie/sugar free idea for treats. Now I did include a blank one for those who'd like to stitch blank ones to give away at parties. But also look....at the red and white one....Ohio State...Yes, they could be done in school colors. These are awsome. I just love the way they turned out. Cindy did a terrific job. These are applique so there are not that many stitches in them. I think the color stops that allow for manipulation of the design with felt and material take the longest time and that really doesn't count. I think everyone loves to do applique once they figure it out. I was so pleased with Cindy's work . I asked her to pick several initials and stitch them out. Here are a couple of close ups:

I don't know how "Ohio" (It's really a letter D) got turned catywampus but it did and well....stupid me....can't seem to rotate it now. I do like the color and Ohio State is a favorite school of mine.....Go Big O......!

I also have some pictures of the backs. The backs are made with folded material that matches the front....this is just so easy peasy. I've included complete instructions with the set. Cindy told me that the first one she goofed on but after that they were so easy and fast. I hope you can see the folded material on the back.. Its like looking at black on black I know but the fold is right along the edge of the scallops. I hope you enjoy these as much as I have. Included in the set is a plain one to decorate as you want or leave plain. Oh yes, because of the quilting, I found that using colors that show as solid work best...just my humble opinion.

Almost forgot the most important thing. They can be found here http://www.sapphirestitches.com/Design.aspx?EmbroideryDesignId=836

on my website for sale. Thanks

Halloween Pencil Holders at Sapphire Stitche

2010-10-09T17:43:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love Halloween. Everyone gets dressed up and all the kids....big and little....love playing at being someone else. The young ones have parties at school and everyone brings something to share. I remember when my boys were young that we all made cupcakes or bought candy. As they got a little older and schools were afraid of home made food....(there are some real freaks out there) we started making little keepsakes for the kids. We would purchase little toys at Halloween and at Christmas it was always a homemade ornament. I remember making the cutest reindeer out of a peanut for every student in two classes (I had two boys in elementary school at the same time). Teachers loved them and so did the kids. I still smile when I drag the ornaments out each year and it is still there. A bit worn as my oldest is 31 years old. I love making things for little ones. I hope you like these new Halloween Pencil Holders. I made them in applique so they will stitch up quickly with a very low stitch count. You can change thread color or stitch them in one color. I give you that option. Here are some more pictures and if you like them you can purchase them on my website at http://www.sapphirestitches.com/ Right now they are on an introductory special pricing. It won't last long so now is the time to get them. Please take a moment and go check them out. http://www.sapphirestitches.com/DesignGroup.aspx?EmbroideryDesignGroupId=129 This is the direct link to the set. Its always cheaper to buy the set instead of individually. Just thought I'd tell you that.

There are several I like better than others. I adore Frankie. He is so cute and the ghost is just adorable. The cat has personality and the bat .....well....I don't know what there is to love about a bat but he is cute.I tried to make them for all ages and I know some will be more appropriate for older kids and some more appropriate for younger children. I hope you like them as much as I did making them.

Freebie Pumpkin Table Topper

2010-10-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

Its Halloween and time for a Pumpkin Table Topper Freebie. I know I have been lax on digitizing and stitching lately but we have had a lot.....and I mean a lot.......of illness in the family. I think we are getting better and its holiday time. I love this time of year. Its the Fall Season with Halloween and Thanksgiving and then its Christmas, New Years, Valentines Day and Easter. Our plates are full this time of year busy making gifts and decorations and baking our favorites for the season. This pumpkin uses the 5x7 hoop and is so easy to make. I've included a pdf file with the instructions to make this topper. Be sure and read all the instructions before beginning to stitch. This is important. Also match top and bobbin threads . One more thing and this is extremely important ....... use two (2) layers of heavy tearaway stabilizer for best results. You can find this cutie here.

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. These are fun to make and look so cute.

Customer Project from Sue E.

2010-09-15T05:23:00.000-07:00

I love it when people send me pictures or notes about what they are doing with my designs. Today was one of those days.

Sue E. had been ordering designs from me and I was curious what she was doing. I had asked her several times for pictures and last nite she surprised .....(.I absolutely love surprises like this).......me with lots of pictures and she gave me permission to share them with you.

Isn't this cute....She did such a terrific job with the firetruck holder. I know some people are afraid to try the holders but I do try to do step by step instructions. Sue did a fantastic job and don't these finger puppets look cute? She did firetrucks with two finger puppets in each one....a dog (of course) and the fireman. I just love it. But wait

she ordered more than just these three items........

Look at all these finger puppets so nicely packaged but wait.....There's more.

Sue, you outdid yourself.... You have been a woman on a mission and we all know that a woman on a mission is unstopable.

These look so nice . Now you think...oh she is going to a craft fair and selling them...Nooooooo

Meet Dr. Andy...Here are Sue's words...

This is the third and last email with pictures of fingerpuppets done so far.

I completed 133 finger puppets & five fire engines w/two fingerpuppets each as well

as a few personals ones. I will continue to make more!

Sunday was the Nautica Marathon Race in Malibu CA for LA Childrens Hospital. I wasn't feeling great so had my

friend deliver for me to our friend..............LCDR Andrew Baldwin, Doctor US NAVY.

Andy is a Navy doctor health/fitness advocate, ultramarathoner, support of military families, humantarian

and founder of Got Your Back Network.

I have been a fan and support of Andy ever since he did the show Bachelor 10, Officer & A Gentleman.

I have meet Andy, supported Andy for over three years. He is presently doing his rescendency at the

Navy Hospital at Camp Pendleton. The fingerpuppets are for him to use for the military kids at the hosptial,

or for Got Your Back....as he see the need!

I made a tote for the fingerpuppets......the picture of Andy does not show the fingerpuppets, because my friend put them down inside so she wouldn't loose any, but you can see them in the picture I took before giving her.........

I encourage others to support Andys Got Your Back Network at Got Your Back Network.org..............

Sue

Sue, that is so cool. I am so pleased that what I create is going for such a worthwhile cause and to children who need to laugh and smile....Thank you for sharing this with me and my readers.... You inspire me to come up with new ideas and give more of myself.

Here are a few more pictures for you to look at.

Now if you all don't go check out Got Your Back Network.org

something is wrong . I mean, I was curious and check them out. What a worthwhile cause. Take a minute and copy and paste this into your search bar and check them out. Thanks Sue

2010-09-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

So my newest set of finger puppets is called

FRUITIES

These are so cute and were so much fun to ~~play~~ ~~with~~ stitch. I have had so much fun with these and I know you will like them also/

Aren't they cute? And because they are applique they stitch up quickly. They can be found here http://www.sapphirestitches.com

Tatted Cross 4

2010-09-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

I have added the tatted cross 4 to the website of http://www.sapphirestitches.com/ It is found under Tatted Designs on the right hand side of the page. This is a beautiful, delicate tatted cross. I used two layers of wss fabric type stabilizer and hooped it tightly. Then I made sure that the same color thread was in the bobbin and then just stitched away. Fifteen minutes later I had washed the stabilizer out and away and I had this beautiful cross. Please take a few minutes and check it out. I know you'll love it a much as I do.

I've been lazy posting

2010-09-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

I've been so lazy posting anything new. I'm sorry but I've been really , really busy. First thought I want to tell you about my newest tatted cross. This one took forever to do, but finally, I got it right and it is pretty. The coolest thing about this cross is that it was laying on my kitchen counter when a couple came to the house wanting to make me a salad for supper. (now who does something like that???) Well they are promoting a new cookware and wanted to sign me up to cook dinner for my family. Long story short....I got conned into having 3 couples for dinner. I think it was just because I didn't want to cook and it would be homemade.

Okay let me get back to the story, this cross along with others were sitting on my counter and the lady goes...."oh you tat?" "It's beautiful". Hehe.....I told her that it was done by machine embroidery.....was she familiar with machine embroidery. Well she used to teach free motion machine embroidery about 10 years ago in ........Beaver Falls, Pa., and Ellwoood City, Pa., which just so happens to be my husbands old stomping grounds when he was a kid. Talk about old home week. Anyway, I was so thrilled that she thought it looked like real tatting. Can you believe it????? A stranger with so much in common. Now I have to get three couples together...........

I will have this cross up on the website tomorrow for sale. It takes about 15 minutes to stitch. I want to stitch a couple more tomorrow just to be sure, but they did come out awful nice. I am really proud of it.

Cute little joke

2010-08-30T06:41:00.000-07:00

I don't usually post jokes but I liked this one and thought it might be cute to start your week.

Here is a cute one to start your day.

_______________________________

A pastor concluded that his church was getting into very serious
financial troubles While checking the church storeroom, he discovered
several cartons of new bibles that had never been opened and
distributed.

So at his Sunday sermon, he asked for three volunteers from the
congregation who would be willing to sell the bibles door-to-door for
$10 each to raise the desperately needed money for the church.

Jack, Paul and Louie all raised their hands to volunteer for the task.

The minister knew that Jack and Paul earned their living as salesmen
and were likely capable of selling some bibles. But he had serious
doubts about Louie who was a local farmer, who had always kept to
himself because he was embarrassed by his speech impediment. Poor

Louie stuttered badly. But, NOT WANTING TO discourage Louie, the
minister decided to let him try anyway.

He sent the three of them away with the back seat of their cars
stacked with bibles. He asked them to meet with him and report the
results of their door-to-door selling efforts the following Sunday.

Anxious to find out how successful they were, the minister
immediately asked Jack, "Well, Jack, how did you make out selling our
bibles last week?"

Proudly handing the reverend an envelope, Jack replied, "Using my
sales prowess, I was able to sell 20 bibles, and here's the $200 I
collected on behalf of the church."

"Fine job, Jack!", the minister said, vigorously shaking his hand.
"You are indeed a fine salesman and the Church is indebted to you."

Turning to Paul, "And Paul, how many bibles did you sell for the
Church last week?"

Paul, smiling and sticking out his chest, confidently replied, "I am
a professional salesman.. I sold 28 bibles on behalf of the church,
and here's $280 I collected."

The minister responded, "That's absolutely splendid, Paul. You are
truly a professional salesman and the church is indebted to you."

Apprehensively, the minister turned to Louie and said, "And Louie,
did you manage to sell any bibles last week?" Louie silently offered
the minister a large envelope. The minister opened it and counted the
contents. "What is this?. Louie, there's $3200 in here! Are you
suggesting that you sold 320 bibles for the church, door to door, in
just one week?"

Louie just nodded. That's impossible!" both Jack and Paul said in
unison. "We are professional salesmen, yet you claim to have sold 10
times as many bibles as we could." "Yes, this does seem unlikely,"
the minister! agreed. "I think you'd better explain how you managed
to accomplish this, Louie."

Louie shrugged. "I-I-I re-re-really do-do-don't kn-kn-know f-f-f-for
sh-sh-sh-sure," he stammered.

Impatiently, Peter interrupted. "For crying out loud, Louie, just
tell us what you said to them when they answered the door!"

"A-a-a-all I-I-I s-s-said wa-wa-was," Louis replied, "W-w-w-w-would y-
y-y-you l-l-l-l-l-like t-t-to b-b-b-buy th-th-th-this b-b-b-b-bible f-
f-for t-t-ten b-b-b-bucks ------o-o-o-or-------- wo-wo-would yo-you j-
j-j-just l-like m-m-me t-t-to st-st-stand h-h-here and r-r-r-r-r-read
it t-to y-y-you??"

Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones?
They still are!

A cheerful heart is good medicine...
May you always have Love to Share, Health to Spare And Friends that Care.

Let Me Introduce Cookie

2010-08-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce to you Cookie Gaynor of Cookies Creations. She is the inventor of the Sock Easy which has been around for a while now....but most of you have never used yours because you thought it was too hard. I for one received mine in an embroidery swap many years ago and never used it til recently. Well Cookie is one all around gal from riding motorcycles to stitching in her sewing room, cooking great meals, entertaining and creating some really neat projects for us to stitch. I originally met her at the AEC in Atlanta and took one of her purse classes. I still use the purse and I for one think that is how she recognizes me every year. I still have that denim bag ......which I absolutely love (even though it has permanent ink stains on the bottom). It is just the right size. Everything about it is perfect. Anyway......I got off track here....I had her write something and I want to put it here. Here's Cooooookiiiee!

Hi, I'm Cookie Gaynor. I have been sewing for over 35 years. I have taught software and sewing at Brother Back to School, the ASG National Conferences, AEC, IEC and dealers throughout the US.....Let me show you how to embroider socks and other creative project ideas.

You can find her here http://cookiescreations.com/ and be sure and follow her blog http://blog.cookiescreations.com/ here.

This is one nice lady and its so hard to believe that she is going to be a GRANDMA....Congrats!

I FOUND THEM!!! YEA

2010-07-25T17:35:00.000-07:00

I said I'd show them if I was able to find them and I did......yea.......can you tell which one is Linda.....okay rule out the ladies with hair first.....then try and figure it out ....Okay so I am in blue....and my hair is short so the lady with the other blue hat is not me.....she has beautiful red hair....Linda is in pink....remember I told you that pink was her favorite color...We all donned the hats as a show of support for Linda who had gone without hair for about 3 years. She was okay with it....she was alive and it was only hair. What a great attitude.

I show you these pictures because I have a design coming in about two weeks......I can't wait to show it to you, but it will have to wait till I get it done and done right! Linda loved these hats as it reminded her of hair....most were fuzzy and she wore a different one every day. The lady that made them for her did such a fantastic job.....she's the very same tatting lady that I spoke of.....

I am so pleased that these pictures were found....thanks Terri.

Customer project from Robin in Arizona

2010-07-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

Robin sent me this photo of the tatted cross she did. It's pink....my favorite color. What a great cross to send to those with breast cancer or a little girl in the hospital. I can think of many reasons to stitch this one in colors to send to people. Just think pink for girls, blue for boys or pick the color of the ribbon for various cancers and send to someone in need.

Won't you please sign up as a follower and stitch this for someone that you know needs a prayer. You'll feel real good afterwards. It fits in the small hoop (4x4) and stitches in less than 9 minutes depending on your machine.

Thanks Robin, for sending it.

2010-07-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a lot of thinking about my friend Linda. She passed in October of 2005 of metastatic breast cancer. I don't know what brought on all the memories other than the fact that I have been digitizing a very unique design for breast cancer awareness and....yes there is more than one side to me.....piecing a quilt in pinks for someone with breast cancer. Linda loved the color pink and pastels. She also loved scrappy quilts. This quilt is also scrappy with many different pinks and yellows. I am extremely pleased with the way this quilt is coming out and hope the recipient will also love it.

When Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer we all wanted to do a quilt for her but she said no. She informed us that that was what she did.....make quilts....and she didn't feel that sick yet. She endured chemo for 5 years. Every Friday she went for treatment. If she couldn't get treatment because counts were down she was extremely upset....She thought of chemo as what was keeping her alive.....her lifeline.

While getting her weekly chemo treatments she would minister to other ladies who were also in the same boat as she was. She would talk to them about hopes, and dreams and would encourage them to live the best life that they could. One day before chemo she and I sat in my hot tub and ate chocolate covered strawberries and laughed. Our skin was still red by the time we got to the infusion center. We laughed the whole time.

Here is a quilt wall hanging we did in honor of Linda. She gave it to the infusion center where she received chemo. I don't know if it still hangs there, but it did for the longest time. Can you tell its a pink ribbon watercolor. We all took turns working on it. One person would put the squares in place and someone else would come along and rearrange them. Someone picked out the borders..someone stitched it in place and someone quilted it. It was truly a labor of love

These pictures of Linda were taken at the beginning of round two of breast cancer. She had her hair. The last 3 years of her life she had no hair and wore fuzzy hats. If I can find the picture I'll post it here.

New Finger Puppets at Sapphire Stitches

2010-07-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

I just finished uploading my newest set to my website http://www.sapphirestitches.com/ I think this is such a cute set of fingerpuppets. I can see the dinner table after a great ball game with these scattered about. Use each one as a name place with a piece of paper thru the hole and that persons name on the paper. Or just scatter on the table to help keep the young un's occupied while the adults prepare dinner or have adult conversation. It's a lot better than constantly saying "Shhhhh.....adult talk honey." This way you can talk and they can have fun. I just love them. The football looks like he's running and the baseball....well his hands and arms are up in joy of a home run.

I just love these finger puppets and hope you do too. Please visit Sapphire Stitches. They can be found under the "What's New" or under the heading of Finger Puppets 2010.

OOh OOh Followers......Yea

2010-07-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

We have followers....I'm so excited.   Thank you and please send me an email. Go to the Sapphire Stitches . com website and under "contact me"......contact me.   I will send you the tatted cross for free.

I'm so excited. I took the cross to my quilting class and showed one of the ladies that does tatting and she liked it........she really liked it.   I was blown away by that.   She does tatting and does awesome work. Of course she knitts, sews, crochets....I don't know what she doesn't do.....and its all beautiful.   For her to like my tatted cross was a wonderful compliment.    We talked about adding a string with tassel at the end to use as a book mark instead of the ribbon .....also embroidery floss would work. She had some great ideas.

Now I have a reason that I'm asking for followers. I am going to do a giveaway with just my blog followers as I do with just my yahoo group.   I want to give everyone a chance at winning something. Don't we all like to win something? I won $100.00 once at a grocery store giveaway.   I was 16 at the time and my mom and I were so excited. I can't remember winning anything since then....I don't play the lottery or anything.   So please continue to sign up and email me with your name and email address and I will send you the tatted cross.

It's Time for a New Giveaway

2010-07-17T09:01:00.000-07:00

It's time for a giveaway.....and I want to do something different for this giveaway. I'd like to know who actually reads my blog. So if you are a reader of my blog please sign up as a follower. If you sign up as a follower and send me an email letting me know that you signed up and who you are.....I will check you know...I will send you free the files for the lovely tatted cross. I worked very hard to create this design. I am really proud of it and hope you would be also. So sign up as a followerer to my blog, send me an email with your name and name on google follower and I will send you the files. Send your request to the Sapphirestitches.com address and put Tatted Cross in the Subject so I will know its not spam. This cross fits in the 4x4 hoop and takes only 9 minutes to stitch out with about 8600 stitches....I really forgot the exact number. I am really pleased with this cross.

Rag Bowl

2010-07-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

I made a rag bowl....it came out great and I even did handles. Okay so the handles are small....but they are there.....can you see it on the left??? I was so pleased with it and I learned a lot doing it. I want to do more and have a great idea for the next one. This one is scrappy to go with the quilt that I just made. And by the way the quilt is finished . I will show pictures after I was it and design the label. Yes the label is so important and I want it to be perfect. Here are some more pictures of the bowl.

These bowls are so nice. They are light and soft but sturdy. You can do them on any machine with a nice zig zag stitch. I like it cause I can put them on my furniture and not get scratches from the bottom.....no doily necessary and I'm not really a doily person. Cool aren't they?

2010-07-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

I've added another freebie and this time it is on my group Sapphire Stitches. I t can be found here and you must be a member to get the freebies. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SapphireStitches/ I did this because these nice people have been with me since I started my group and digitizing. Some of them have my very first giveaways....though please don't tell anyone what you got or how it stitched out. I've improved....really I have. Anyway, you can join my group and get this free. Know that if you leave the group for any reason without sending an email to me, I will ban you. I don't ban those who let me know. Anyway if you liked the soccer puppet...you'll love this apple. Since he's applique , he stitches up in less than 15 minutes depending on your machine. I hope everyone will enjoy him....the little ones have so much fun with them. If you're already a part of my group don't forget what your momma taught you. Thanks mean a lot.

Angels for Nikkie

2010-06-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

Many know that I have been asking for those so inclined to send angels to Nikkie, a 29 year old single mom to Zach (7) who was injured in a car accident and is paralyzed from the waist down. She is a lovely young lady who is full of spunk. She was injured right before graduation and missed walking for that cherished diploma. You can follow her story at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nicolasay

I digitized this angel and put it on organza for those who are interested in sending Nikkie an angel. It is free on my yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SapphireStitches/ You have to be a member to get it but it is free and in the files. You can stitch it on organza, sateen, felt....anything you like and it is gorgeous. If you'd like her address just email me ( sue0316@comcast.net )and I will send it to you. She looks forward to the mail and cherishes the angels she has received thus far. This young lady was a friend of my youngest son all thru school and church.

New Freebie

2010-06-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

Its time for a freebie again. This one is available to everyone. I though this would be appropriate since today USA plays in the World Cup. He's cute isn't it. This is so easy to make and young-uns of all ages enjoy them. Put it on your snack table for all to enjoy while watching the games. Change the color of the outline to signify your favorite team. So many things you can do with this one. Directions are included in the zip file and please remember sharing is not allowed. You can send all your friends here to get theirs but please do not share your copy. Leave a comment in the comment box. I love hearing from you. You can find your cutie here.

Quilt Top is Done

2010-06-23T06:03:00.000-07:00

The quilt top is done. Isn't it beautiful.....so vintage looking. I was given this ufo to finish and I thought it would make a great top. But during the process I didn't like the unfinished webs or half circles....so I decided to finish them....took forever but its done and I'm delighted with it. I was assured that there was enough material but I had to purchase more beautiful cream colored Kona Cotton for the borders. I'm putting the same as the backing. I want it to look vintage and that's what old quilts had was muslin on the back. It was not hard to make but just took lots of time. When I received it , the pieces were all cut out. I only had to get more Kona to make more blocks and such. Thanks Shannon. This is going to make a beautiful quilt. You can see Shannons work at http://www.piecefulkwilter.blogspot.com/

Progress...

2010-06-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

Okay so this quilt top is coming along. I have the top and bottom row completed and now must work on the right and left sides finishing up the spider webs. Then I will ad a neutral border and another border and then it will go the the longarmers for quilting. I can't wait. This is one cool quilt . It's new but looks old and I love it.

A New Project.

2010-06-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

I was asked to do some embroidering on a wall hanging. Okay, I wasn't asked, I volunteered. They were going to hand embroider and applique everything. The Lions Head, I was told would take 3 weeks of continuous stitching. The letters would take forever......so they thought. So I volunteered and found Lions Head that perfect.....I think....I'm not sure.....but it came from Paws and Claws. I did not digitize the head myself as it would take too long. I did stitch it out and digitized all the lettering. I think this turned out great. The lady who received this wall hanging was retiring from Piedmont College and they wanted it to be special. From me it went to be tied and then it went to someone else to be bound with hanging strips . I hope this dear friend of a dear friend of mine loves it as much as I loved doing the embroidery.

Coming Along

2010-06-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love it when a project starts to take shape? It took me a while to figure out how to add the finishing (of the octagons) border. But I did.....and I am beginning to like this quilt a lot more. It is taking some time but I think its going to be beautiful. I concerned about the center of the octagons and they seem a bit bulky but I'm sure my longarmer will know what to do. She probably won't stitch over it. I am so pleased with this now that its beginning to take shape.Stay tuned as I complete more of it.

Free Standing Lace Cross 5

2010-06-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

This is the 5th fsl cross in this series. It comes in two tone or one color and 5x7 or 4x4. I just love this cross as it is very light and open. Please take a few minutes and stop by http://www.sapphirestitches.com/ It can be found under Free Standing Lace. Just look for Cross 5.

I love to quilt too....

2010-06-06T15:30:00.000-07:00

I have always loved to quilt. My favorite type of quilt is a scrappy quilt. I am working on one called a Spiders Web. It is vintage looking and I really like it. This is the trimmings after I have trimmed up the squares. This is foundation piecing and I really like that also.

These are my two piles of strips for the foundation piecing. One is on the floor and the other next to my machine. When I am being creative I make a mess....I mean, if the choice is creative or clean which one would you pick. Well, I 'd pick creative any day. The room is still messy because tomorrow I start to do more squares. This quilt is a wedding quilt and I can't wait til the top is finished and I can take it to the quilter.

Here are the squares stitched together. As you can see they do look very vintage. Don't you just love it!

Don't you think this will be pretty?

2010-05-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

I have just uploaded my newest cross design to the Sapphire Stitches website. It is such a beautiful cross with intricate designs on the inside. I stitched these in various colors . The gold ones are the two tone ones and they are just beautiful. I hope you will enjoy these. Right now they are on intro pricing til the 27th of May. After that they will go up. You can find these crosses
http://www.sapphirestitches.com/DesignGroup.aspx?EmbroideryDesignGroupId=124

New Set Patriotic Pencil/Whatever Holders

2010-05-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

This is my newest set. I think it's really cute and useful, especially if you're having a party. And who doesn't like a patriotic party? I have an Uncle Sam Hat, a Smilie Face , a Fire Cracker and two Flags with different sayings ad each styled differently. These are so appropriate for school parties, pool parties, or 4th of July parties. Each slitted holder will hold almost anything that is or can be made into something long and slender. I've put a golf tee, crayon, rolled up dollar bill, pencil and lollipop in mine. What can you ad to yours. Email me with pictures of what you did with yours and I'll post them here.

Okay so this is going to be long as I'm going to show each photo so you can see the stitching. I'm proud of it so you get to see it. This set is available and can be puchased at the Sapphire Stitches website. You can see it here

http://www.sapphirestitches.com/DesignGroup.aspx?EmbroideryDesignGroupId=123

2010-05-12T05:17:00.000-07:00

I talk a lot , if not here, but a lot about my Italian family. This is my brother in law. He is the true Italian with father and mother both Italian. Danny on the left.....my man......is Italian but only on his mothers side. Can you tell. Danny is tall and Norman is a bit shorter and has that beautiful olive skin tones. Danny is pale by comparison. Both though have the Italian nose and we do tease them a lot about it. Both are really good sports but then that is who they physically are. Norman has some window cleaner that he is cleaning our headlights with. (I know never end a sentence with a preposition, but....sometimes its almost inevitable....) These two are a fearless twosome and have shown their families that brothers can be close friends besides brothers. It's been nice to watch their relationship evolve over the years. While there was separation it was due to the fact that both were busy raising families and providing for them. Now that the families are grown they can spend time talking and visiting with each other. I look forward to calls from Dot, Normans wife and call regularly myself. Danny though not a talker does enjoy calls from Norman and always feels good afterwards. Viva Italiano!

Customer Project in 2008 Oh Baby Set

2010-05-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

Now you say 2008????Why did you wait so long to show these pictures. Well yahoo can sometimes be the pits. I can't allow pictures to go thru.....even ads --because someone put thru a respectable ad with a signature line that was not so respectable. I didn't catch it but did catch all those who were upset. So I don't allow pictures on my yahoo group. I was putting an ad thru on the "Daily News" and saw these pictures . They are so sweet and worthy of being shared. I apologize for not having the person's name to tell you who stitched these items. If you send me your name I will see that its published in a future blog writing. I just loved this set. It was a challange for me to digitize and get the features realistic. I love the way it turned out. I see so many possibilities with this set.I hope you will take a few minutes and check this set out. If you know someone who is expecting this spring or summer or even fall or winter, then this would be an appropriate set to stitch something pretty for them. You can find this set here http://www.sapphirestitches.com/DesignGroup.aspx?EmbroideryDesignGroupId=29 It's not on sale but it is reasonable priced as all my designs. Remember that I take great care to manually digitize all my designs and test thoroughly. I hope you will check them out.

2010-05-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

This is my newest cross. It was the last one to get approval of my tester. I test in pes and she tests in hus so those formats stitch nicely. I love this cross. I showcased them while at the AEC and it got rave reviews. Well the small one is complete and both are for sale. One of my customers told me that they prefer the 4x4 size so as to include them in cards of all kinds. Isn't that a nice personal touch? I just love it when people tell me what they use my designs for or how much they like them. It really makes my day. Anyway (back to business), this cross is on the website http://www.sapphirestitches.com/ for sale. Right now it is on intro pricing. There is a time limit so you best get it while you can at the best purchase price. I want to thank everyone for your support.

Part of My Family

2010-05-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

So I've had people ask about my family. Here is part of them. We have masters, son Mike and hubby Danny with Crosby the Catahoula, Sadie the German Shephard and Maggie the black lab/chow mix. They went for a walk at the local dog/walking park and I was able to get this pictures. Aren't they a handsome motley crew?

Embroidery Deduper

2010-04-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

From my perspective the Embroidery Deduper is a great product. Is your hard drive getting full with multiples of the same design?........do you have partial files and don't want them any more? or just want to clean things up? How about multiples of freebies.....you'd be surprised how many times you downloaded the same freebie and have fogotten the first time. It recognizes the file and not the name ....puts it on your screen in a folder and allows you to select those to delete. It can do this with picture files ( do you have duplicates of the same picture on your hard drive? and /or music files. This is a great program to help keep you organized. Now I'm not getting anything for this and won't get a commission or anything. This is just my blog and my opinion....Thanks

Embroidery Deduper

2010-04-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce you to Clay....he is the creator of the embroidery deduper. He is going to explain what it is and what it does.. Clay over to you.

Hi Everyone,

I'm Clay, the developer of the Embroidery Deduper software. After selecting your embroidery folder(s) and setting your preferences, the Embroidery Deduper helps you clean up your embroidery design collection by doing several things for you:

1.) It automatically detects and removes duplicate files. It will identify exact duplicates even if the filenames are different. It allows you to keep duplicates across category folders. so if you want your lace ornament design in the "lace" folder and the "Christmas" folder you can do that.

2.) It automatically keeps your most preferred embroidery file format for each design and eliminates the less preferred formats.

3.) It automatically unzips your zip files (it also supports RAR files). It even handles nested archives of unlimited depth. You can have your Zip and RAR files saved to another location, such as a portable hard drive, keeping your file and the zips in separate locations as a safety precaution in case of computer failure.

Preference settings such as Duplicate Detection Level, duplicate preservation, quarantine location and preferred format settings are fully customizable and can be saved as defaults or on a per-project basis.

It's fast! The Embroidery Deduper can process thousands of files in a matter of seconds. Speeds exceeding 200 files per second are not uncommon, depending on your computer system configuration.

It's affordable! The Embroidery Deduper is only $39.95 USD for a single computer license. To purchase or to find more information, please visit us at http://www.gransworkroom.com/software.php .

Thanks and have a great day!

Clay

Embroidery Designers Group

2010-04-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

There is a group of digitizers that are doing their best to protect all of us from people who trade or resell our designs as their own. It's really disheartening to work for hours on a design....sell a few of them...and then find that someone is selling our design as their own and making money on it. I mean that is money that should be going in our ..the digitizers..pockets. Each and everyone of us digitizers put a lot of time and money into our designs. We spend hours digitizing, and testing. Some of us own three or more different branded machines just so we can test in various formats so you the purchaser can enjoy a design that stitches out nicely. Anyway Glenn Harris of Outback Embroidery has assembled a group of digitizers and put together a CD of various designs in various formats. It is priced quite reasonable and if you'd like to try stitching someone elses designs to see how they stitch please go here http://www.embroiderydesignersgroup.com/id45.htm and purchase the CD. I think Glenn has done a fantastic job.

File Placement....ME Design

2010-04-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder why when I show you a picture of the design it looks catywampus in the hoop? Well there is a reason. I want you to see what you will see when you look at the design in your machine embroidery software. This way you are not surprised at what you're seeing. Cool huh????

New FSL Cross Posted

2010-04-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

So today I uploaded a new fsl cross to the website. This one is so pretty and doesn't take long to stitch out. I love it because it is just one continuous line of stitching. I wonder how long the line would be for 22000 stitches. Anyone care to guess??? Anyway I love the way it turned out. Only took two stitchouts to correct errors....I must be getting better...but don't tell anyone. I don't want to jinx it. I did this cross in two sizes. One for the 5x7 hoop and one for the 4x4 hoop. I like the smaller one to put in cards like get well or sympathy cards. They fit just right. The larger ones look good hanging on the window so the sun can shine through. Anyway I hope you like it. It can be found http://www.sapphirestitches.com/Design.aspx?EmbroideryDesignId=784

You can also purchase the same cross done in two tones. Now don't think you can get one and just change the threads yourself. I digitized the two tone one a bit different so the cut thread won't accidentally ravel. Stitching lace should be one continuous thread . Everytime thread is cut it is a weak point where unravelling might occur. I just love the two colored cross and it also comes in two different sizes. One for the 5x7 hoop and one for the 4x4 hoop. The two toned cross can be found http://www.sapphirestitches.com/Design.aspx?EmbroideryDesignId=786 Now if you look on the homepage of http://www.sapphirestitches.com/ under "What's New" You will see the computer generated picture of all four of the crosses. Click on each one where it says View Details and you will see the stitched version. I like the stitched version best...don't you.

Feel Good Day

2010-04-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

Isn't he sweet??? My youngest fur baby...Crosby the Catahoula. I took him for a walk today and halfway around the park (its a mile walk around) he started pulling on me to take him into the dog park. I was so excited. In the past when we take him to the dog park he gets nervous and afraid....won't leave our side and froths at the mouth (nerves). But today he pulled me to the gate and jumped up on it like "Momma take me inside." Well we went in and he played with some other dogs that were smaller than him and after a half hour we started back. Now he is tuckered out for the afternoon....on my bed....on my quilt (I love red). We had quite a morning.

I love to walk. I can get several things done while walking. First the exercise for me. Then its exercise for my Crosby. While walking I listen to my music on my ipod....Bocelli and Susan Boyle....she really did a great job with her album....and fourth its my morning prayer time. Who said women can't multi task?

Customer Project from Vickie in Ohio

2010-04-09T06:24:00.000-07:00

I received another photo from Vickie in Ohio. She stitched the cross using a varigated thread.....just beautiful and such a different look. Vickie ....I just love the look. You did a terrific job. This gets me going.....gotta do more crosses.....now......! Keep in mind that this is the first cross in a set that will be released soon. Thanks Vickie for sharing this photo with us.

Mylar and Embroidery

2010-04-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

I've had a lot of people ask about mylar, what it is and how do you use it? Well I didn't know either so I did a google search and came up with this informative blog. http://thesewbox.blogspot.com/2010/04/mylar-opal-iridescent-film-for.html I did find out that you can wash it and it stays the same...just fine. Use designs that have see thrus....so you get the effect of the mylar.....but not applique, as there is a difference. Check out this blog. Its very informative on the subject of mylar. Also check this out. http://www.heirloomsbysharon.com/whatismylar.htm

Customer Project from Edith in Dallas,TX

2010-04-07T05:45:00.000-07:00

Edith sent me this picture of her cross. She was not happy with the picture but loves the cross stitched in a pastel green. Green is my favorite color so I love it and think the picture turned out perfectly. This one would look great hanging from my bathrom window. It's so pretty. Thank you Edith for sharing your project with us.

I really love it when you send me pictures. It lets me know that the hours of hard work are appreciated. Thank you so much.

Customer Project from Robin in MO.

2010-04-07T04:22:00.000-07:00

Robin stitched out the 5x7 cross and put silver mylar behind it. Itsn't it beautiful. I just love this. If anyone knows how to use mylar please post it to me. I've never used it and just don't know....This cross is just so beautiful.... Here is a close up of it. It just looks so awesome...Thank you Robin...for sharing this beautiful cross with us.

Customer Project from Robin in MO.

2010-04-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

Robin from Missouri sent me this picture of her cross that she stitched with blue mylar behind the cross. Isn't this awesome! U guys have such great ideas and I love seeing them. This is so pretty and what a beautiful sun catcher this will be. I just love it. Thank you Robin for sharing your creation with me. Don't you just love it when a design stitches out right.....me too.

FSL Cross to fit te 4x4 hoop

2010-04-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

I was feeling bad that those who only have the 4x4 stitching capabilities could not stitch this beautiful cross so I resized it and restitched it. It came out great. Remember my files are not to be shared or distributed with any other files. This is for you. If you want to send others to my blog please feel free to do so. This cross can now be found on my website. Thanks..

Project from Debbie E.

2010-04-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

Debbie E. from Ohio wrote me and wanted me post this picture of how she used my fsl cross. She is donating two squares for a prayer quilt for a friend in need of love and prayers. Isn't it beautiful? OMGosh, I love it. I wouldn't have thought to do that and its looks so good. The colors match perfectly. Thank you, Debbie, for sharing this with me and all of us.....I know the recipient of this quilt with just love it. Now I wonder is blue the main color or will it be scrappy. I personally love scrappy quilts. This is exactly how I wanted this cross to be used......to show others that you care. Thank you again.

Happy Easter

2010-04-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

So I've been working on this cross for three days. I have wanted to do fsl and in my head knew how to do it. Knowing how and doing it are two different things. lol Anyway after four stitchouts I finally figured it out and am quite pleased with the end result. I hope you enjoy it also. This cross is now on my website for sale. This is only for 5x7 hoops . I stitched it on vilene which is a cloth like water soluble stabilizer. I'm not sure about the clear plastic like wss since there are a lot of stitches. Anyway I do hope you enjoy this cross. Stitch it out for family and friends and put it in cards or send to those in need of a little love. As usual my design files cannot be sold or distributed in any manner.

Project from Marlene C.

2010-03-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

Marlene just sent me pictures of her Easter Finger puppets. They turned out so cute and she finished them in time for mailing them. She also lined the eggs......they are so much nicer when lined and its easy to do. Marlene used the finger puppets from the original Easter Set http://www.sapphirestitches.com/DesignGroup.aspx?EmbroideryDesignGroupId=62 and then used the lamb from the nursery rhyme set http://www.sapphirestitches.com/Design.aspx?EmbroideryDesignId=78 and then she got the egg holder from the Spunky Easter Set http://www.sapphirestitches.com/Design.aspx?EmbroideryDesignId=780 So many of the finger puppets can be mixed and matched to make YOUR ideal set and Marlene did just that. This is one reason why I sell my designs indivually instead of always in a group. I like to give you the option to do either.

Marlene also made my Easter Softies. These are sew cute. They stitch quickly and you can either hand stitch or glue (with a fabric glue) the opening after stuffing.

Thank you Marlene for sharing your project with us. I love the pictures. You did a terrific job. I know some little ones are going to be real excited to get a special box for Easter.

Project from Sara Byman

2010-03-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

This is a project done by Sara Byman for her grand kids for Easter. She ordered the holder from the Spunky Easter finger puppet set http://www.sapphirestitches.com/DesignGroup.aspx?EmbroideryDesignGroupId=118 and my original Easter finger puppet set http://www.sapphirestitches.com/DesignGroup.aspx?EmbroideryDesignGroupId=62 and combined the two sets to make this fantastic set for each of her grand kids. I was so impressed when she said that she figured out how to line the eggs to give the set a "finished" look. Aren't these the cutest sets you ever saw?

what young little one wouldn't be excited to get this set on Easter morning. Thank you Sara for taking the time to send me pictures so I can share with others.

Easter Basket

2010-03-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

So I wanted to do something different . I had been wanting to make a basket. I played around with an idea and this is what I've come up with. My newest set includes a tutorial on how to make this really cute tote. It is soft and can be quilted if you like and is fully lined. Now I admit that the first one took me about 3 hours but the second one only took one hour including the little applique chickie. Then I decided to stitch the little chick on a onesie. I've never stitched on them before and I bought the 3 month size. Now that is really small, but I found that the chick and bunny both stitched on the onesie and looked really cute and size appropriate. Then I wanted a larger one to stitch on a t shirt for an older child. So I increased the size to a 5x7 and it stitched really nicely. Then.....oh I know there seems to be a lot of "thens"........my tester suggested a softie so I made a softie and it turned out so cute. So take a few moments and enjoy the pictures. Note that the set includes both the bunny and chick. If you want just one then there is a separate price for just the bunny or just the chick. But for each you will get three different sizes and the softie also. Now that I've explained all that please take a few minutes and check out the pictures.

I think it would be real cute to make the basket and a shirt , a softie and add the finger puppets too. Now wouldn't that be just darling for a new little one. These designs are ready
for purchase and can be found on the home page of http://www.sapphirestitches.com/

Michael Flatleys Lord of the Dance

2010-03-11T06:15:00.000-08:00

It was absolutely the bestest nite ever. I have, for many years wanted to see this dance group. Every year they come and every year I mention how cool the ads are and I'd really like to see them. Of course I never got to go .........til last nite. It was so cool.   Danny got the tickets to celebrate my .....our anibirthday.   Yes our anniversary is the 22nd......35 years this year and my birthday on the 16th.   I'm not going to tell you how old I am , just take my word.....I'm old.

The dancers tell a story....the oldest one around.....good versus evil.   Of course, I couldn't figure it out till I got the program. I picked out a pixie who played a flute and I knew there was a story as the Irish are all about weaving that tale. We sat next to a couple who had seen them 3 times.   They really loved them.   I have to admit that at first I thought it was all canned. You know the clicking of the clogs, violin music, etc. then I saw the mics hanging down from their waists to catch the noise of their dancing. Way too cool.
I am now in the mood to celebrate St. Patricks Day.   It will be beef and potatoes and Irish soda bread for us. And maybe I'll split a Guinness with my guys. (A few swallows of beer and I want to go to bed to sleep) Danny always said I was cheap drunk (if I ever drank anything). Happy St. Patty's day....yall!

Spunky Easter Finger Puppet Set @ Sapphire Stitches

2010-03-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

I wanted to do another set of finger puppets for Easter and this set is just so cute and "spunky". The eyes of the puppets have character and the eggs can be as creative as your scraps of material.This is a small set of only three finger puppets and the egg holder is just as cute as can be.

First comes the bunny ready to hop into your heart on Easter morn. Stitch him in brown, pink or white and make the bow any color you'd like. She's a cutie just waiting for you to take her home and stitch her out. The eggs can be any color you like. Make them to match the Easter outfit you just made for your little one or use up those scraps from that quilt you just made. Whatever colors you chose this bunny is hoping to hop into your heart.

Next come this adorable duck with so much spunk that she makes you smile. She has three eggs that can be stitched with any color of scraps you 'd like. Each egg is appliqued separately and the instructions are clear( at least I hope they are) and I am just an email away for questions.

Last is the lamb and I really like this lamp. He has a vest and a single egg. Notice on all the finger puppets how clean the edges are around the outside and the fingerholes. I've included directions so yours can be that clean also. This is really a darling set for even the youngest child.Finally is the egg holder that holds all the finger puppets together for easy storage and safe keeping. Directions are included and again, I am just an email away from helping your understand the steps if my written directions do not explain it the way you need. I had so much fun putting this set together and I hope you will enjoy stitching it.

I've had customers email me with ideas or ways they've used the finger puppets. One lady put a ribbon through the finger holes and used them as napkin rings on their Easter Dinner Table. One lady makes them and puts them on her dinner table so all the guests can occupy themselves while dinner is being served. Young'uns and Oldies alike have fun playing with them. Another customer told me that she ties the finger puppets in bows of presents for people. There are so many ways you can use these adorable finger puppets. Won't you let me know how you use them?

This set is ready and on the website for sale. You can find them on the front page under "What's New" and http://www.sapphirestitches.com/DesignGroup.aspx?EmbroideryDesignGroupId=118

Happy St. Patty's Day....

2010-03-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

So I always give a freebie on St. Patricks Day. I thought of a potato but nah........didn't think that would go over well with fellow Irishmen. I thought of a snake but that's not very pleasing to the eye. Then I thought of a rainbow......ahh.....yes, the Christian sign that life will not end....and what's at the end of the rainbow.....according to Irish tradition......a pot of gold. Well the Irish are known for tale spinning and we continually search for that pot of brite shining gold. Here are some little known facts about St. Patrick.

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity's most widely known figures. But for all his celebrity, his life remains somewhat of a mystery. Many of the stories traditionally associated with St. Patrick, including the famous account of his banishing all the snakes from Ireland, are false, the products of hundreds of years of exaggerated storytelling.

It is known that St. Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents near the end of the fourth century. He is believed to have died on March 17, around 460 A.D. Although his father was a Christian deacon, it has been suggested that he probably took on the role because of tax incentives and there is no evidence that Patrick came from a particularly religious family. At the age of sixteen, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family's estate. They transported him to Ireland where he spent six years in captivity. (There is some dispute over where this captivity took place. Although many believe he was taken to live in Mount Slemish in County Antrim, it is more likely that he was held in County Mayo near Killala.) During this time, he worked as a shepherd, outdoors and away from people. Lonely and afraid, he turned to his religion for solace, becoming a devout Christian. (It is also believed that Patrick first began to dream of converting the Irish people to Christianity during his captivity.)

After more than six years as a prisoner, Patrick escaped. According to his writing, a voice-which he believed to be God's-spoke to him in a dream, telling him it was time to leave Ireland.
After his ordination as a priest, he was sent to Ireland with a dual mission-to minister to Christians already living in Ireland and to begin to convert the Irish. (Interestingly, this mission contradicts the widely held notion that Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland.)

Familiar with the Irish language and culture, Patrick chose to incorporate traditional ritual into his lessons of Christianity instead of attempting to eradicate native Irish beliefs. For instance, he used bonfires to celebrate Easter since the Irish were used to honoring their gods with fire. He also superimposed a sun, a powerful Irish symbol, onto the Christian cross to create what is now called a Celtic cross, so that veneration of the symbol would seem more natural to the Irish. (Although there were a small number of Christians on the island when Patrick arrived, most Irish practiced a nature-based religion. The Irish culture centered around a rich tradition of oral legend and myth. When this is considered, it is no surprise that the story of Patrick's life became exaggerated over the centuries-spinning exciting tales to remember history has always been a part of the Irish way of life.

St. Patrick was a cool dude and we celebrate this holiday everyday with green beer; parades; and lots of partying and story telling. We eat corned beef, cabbage and potatoes with Irish soda bread. On this one day in March even the non Irish turn out and celebrate with Irishmen everywhere.

My dad was Irish and always invited to NY to march in the St. Patricks Day Parade. In fact he was born on St. Patricks Day. Ireland has a cow named after the Galloways.....isn't that cool. He was also invited to go to Ireland and kiss the blarney stone. Did you know you had to stand on your head to kiss this stone.....not me....no ways! I am part Irish and born on the 16th. Gotta be the 17th somewhere in the world...right? So for all you Irish and Irish wannabe's celebrate with caution and stitch out my rainbow and wear with pride.

To make this rainbow stitch on vilene or any water soluable stabilizer. This will fit in a 4x4 hoop. Rinse the stabilizer leaving just a bit to keep it somewhat stiff. When dry add a pin to the back with glue. Wear with pride on the 17th of March.....and may the wind be forever at your back.

Enter a lower limit:
Enter an upper limit:

Random Number: