Pattern of the Week - Autumn Thyme

 Hello Everyone,

Summer may have just begun, but it’s never too early to let a little autumn charm sneak into your stitching. Embrace those warm hues and harvest-inspired patterns now, and you’ll be ahead of the curve when the crisp fall days arrive.

This whimsical design blends the rich texture of wool with the touch of cotton, measuring 38" by 10". It is made from my Hearthstone fabric collection for Marcus Fabrics, it radiates a rustic warmth that feels right at home in any cozy setting.

Of course, I have a plaid flange around each of the blocks!

I'm offering Autumn Thyme as my featured pattern of the week at a reduced price of 10% off. The pattern is available HERE in my Etsy shop.

You certainly do not have to use wool in the design.  It would also look great in cotton fabric.

The pumpkins have little 9-patch windows looking out at the world.

On the home front, I’m still hitting the pool most mornings by 7 a.m.—though there are definitely days when my to-do list wins out and I opt to stay home and tackle it one task at a time.

I'm still volunteering four hours a week setting up for the massive flea market in August, working in the Craft/Sewing/Linens room. As I sort through bags and boxes of donations, I can’t help but think of my own sewing room. It’s a gentle reminder (more like a full-fledge shaking) that I really need to get things in order at home... before my treasures end up at the flea market for 50¢.

We had a delightful summer thunderstorm roll through on Monday. Dark clouds gathered over the mountain, and for nearly an hour, thunder rumbled off in the distance like an old engine revving up. I sat out on the deck with my book, soaking in the calm before the rain. When the drops finally came, they brought that sweet, earthy scent I love which is called petrichor.  There’s something about a summer rain—it not only soothes the soul but also offers a little relief from the looming threat of fire season.....my least favorite time of the year.

I'm off to the flea market this morning, then home to my sewing room.  I started stitching the rows together for my Christmas quilt.  When I get tired of sewing, I work on the pattern.

I hope all of you are enjoying your Summer so far.

Soon,

Lynn

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Growing Pains

 Hello Everyone,

I recently realized that I hadn't posted my Autumn Thyme table topper in my Etsy shop.  

The topper is a combination of cotton and wool applique. 

I LOVE the slow process of applique and I love combining cotton and wool together.

It's so relaxing to add more detail to each of the elements in the table topper.

I'm using my Hearthstone fabric line in this pattern along with Lanacot wool and Lanacot Textures by Marcus Fabrics.

The table runner measures 10" x 38".  I loved having it on display last Autumn on my table.   It just makes me smile!  I also love the plaid flange and binding which really sets it off.

Sew'n Wild Oaks has been experiencing some growing pains.  I found I was spending a great deal of time filing Etsy orders which gave me less time to design quilts and fabric.  I saw a post on FaceBook which really made me stop, think, then act. 

We do not have mail service at the cabin, which means we have to go to our little local post office to mail my Etsy orders and pick up our mail at our post office box.  The staff at our little post office is absolutely wonderful.  They know your name; they have memorized your post office box number, and they are so friendly.  For the past six years, Sam (Samantha) has waited on us at the counter.  She had a baby recently and we've missed her friendly face.  Sam posted on FB that she was looking for work from home.  A giant bell went off in my brain and I thought who better to fill my Etsy orders than someone who has worked at the post office for ten years?  It was work that could be done from home, she's local so I could keep her supplied with patterns, envelopes, and mailing labels.  Sam will process the orders and take them to the post office three days a week.  She is also working on a database for me, as I'm also working out the details with Constant Comment to send email blasts.  

Sam is now filling the majority of my orders with little Anderson by her side.  They have become part of the Sew'n Wild Oaks quilting family.  So, it's up to you to keep Sam busy!  I'll be working on marketing, and she will be filing the majority of the orders.  It's a win-win for both of us.

Now I can focus more on designing fabric and patterns.  I feel FREE and I've been so productive in the past two weeks.  I'm quilting and designing up a storm! 

My sister has been tasked to pattern testing and I mailed her a box of fabric and directions this week.  So, she's been busy reviewing a pattern while testing it out.  With my new fabric lines coming down the pike, she is going to be very busy! 

I had a ZOOM call with the wonderful women at Marcus Fabrics on Thursday.  The graphic artist is working on two lines for me along with a line of wool.  Each of the lines require a new pattern or two.  I will also be offering a FREE pattern with each of the lines.  See why my sister is going to be busy?  It is all sew exciting!

Speaking of storms, my little town has been under a Blizzard Warning for days. My phone kept dinging a blizzard warning hourly prior and during the blizzard.  It started snowing early this morning and should continue for a couple of days.  Prior to that, we had buckets of rain and hail which was accompanied by wind.  It is supposed to snow all day long, into the evening and beyond.  Our shovels and snowblower are at the ready.  We have a fridge and freezer full of food, a generator in case the power goes out, and we are fully stocked with wine......the essentials to get us through the blizzard in relative comfort.  We moved a lot of firewood to the front porch......so bring it on Mother Nature!  If you don't hear from me for a few days, that means we have no Internet......one of the downfalls of mountain life. On second thought, maybe not.  

I have a lot of applique blocks ready to be stitched, so I'll be working by the fire.  Sigh....it's all good. 

Soon,

Lynn