Thistle Down Moon: Fresh Primitive Projects Inspired by an Old Quilt  Maggie Bonanomi –– Primitive artist Maggie Bonanomi has created an exciting new quilt, which inspired a pile of matching pillows. Her Thistle Down Moon mat and rug designs sprung from memories of summer nights riding bikes with her sister. She's also designed sewing accessories, a table runner, a cross-stitch sampler and penny-topped stools. There's even a multipurpose butcher's apron. Maggie's well never runs dry. Enjoy her latest creations, 19 in all. #16352  Kansas City Star Quilts  96p color  8.5 x 11  ISBN: 978-1-61169-138-2  KCSQ SKU: 20525 *Kansas City Star Quilts books ship from a separate warehouse and will be invoiced separately.

We just had a great 3 days with Maggie. Started with two days of class working on an appliqué piece that Maggie designed for us, learning a...

We just had a great 3 days with Maggie. Started with two days of class working on an appliqué piece that Maggie designed for us, learning a...

"Flowering Vine" design by Maggie Bonanomi A few weeks back, we moved our oldest son into his dorm for his first year of college. He seems to be adjusting well and enjoys his classes and new friends. I'm having a harder time adjusting, just like so many moms before me. It's hard to adjust to a new stage in life and I feel like a part of me is missing. I'm fortunate in that he is very close by and has been stopping by once a week, but I things just won't be the same anymore... Thank goodness for my needlework! It is such a stress reliever! It calms me, focus me, and helps me to realize that everything will be fine... "Dance under the Harvest Moon" design by Stacy Nash Now that it is Autumn, my favorite season of the year, my needle is certainly inspired! And now it is time for another giveaway: A few posts ago, I mentioned a gourd plant that just appeared in our alley. (You can read about it here.) This weekend it was time to harvest my gourds. For my giveaway, give me your guess as to how many gourds I harvested. The one who guesses the right number, or closest to it, will win the two corduroy pumpkins and one antique shirting quilt top pumpkin pictured above. As always, you can post a comment here or send an email to me at [email protected] with "Gourd Count" in the subject line. I'll be back next weekend with the winner! Blessings, Patti 

Pattern Only or Pattern with Wool Kit Choose "Pattern Only" or "Pattern with Wool Kit" from the drop down box and Add to Cart. If you choose the kit option, you will receive the pattern and all Blackberry Primitives Hand-dyed Linen/Wool, as well as the Cotton Fabric to complete the project. NOTE: Backing fabric not included in the kit. Designed by Maggie Bonanomi 14″ x 16″ when completed A quick stitch, this project is a perfect design for your fall decor'. This piece uses Stoneware Hand Dyed Linen for the background and a mix of hand-dyed wools and cotton fabrics to complete. Perfect to finish into a pillow, table mat or as a framed piece.

We just had a great 3 days with Maggie. Started with two days of class working on an appliqué piece that Maggie designed for us, learning a few of her tricks to make it a little easier. Then one day of just hooking and stitching. The pics will show everyone working away, Maggie's work she brought along to share, and of course show and tell. Lots of talented ladies in this group! Can't wait until she can join us again! Maggie's beautiful work :

We just had a great 3 days with Maggie. Started with two days of class working on an appliqué piece that Maggie designed for us, learning a few of her tricks to make it a little easier. Then one day of just hooking and stitching. The pics will show everyone working away, Maggie's work she brought along to share, and of course show and tell. Lots of talented ladies in this group! Can't wait until she can join us again! Maggie's beautiful work :

Happy Spring! Although like most of the country, in Chicago it feels more like July! Plants (& weeds) are busting out all over! I was so happy to putter in the garden on Sunday - the strawberry patch has been cleaned out and I planted 5 planters with pansies and pussy willow branches. To celebrate the first day of Spring, I am having a sale at my etsy shop. Through the end of the month I am offering free shipping on any purchase - just enter SPRING2012 in the coupon code. Don't have an etsy account? No worries, simply email me at [email protected] Coupon code is valid until March 31. “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these" ~Matthew 6:28-29 Blessings, Patti

The following patterns are designs by Maggie Bonanomi that were previously released. The kit prices include the pattern

Choose Pattern Only or Pattern w/Wool Kit, from the drop down menu. If you choose the kit options, you will receive the pattern and all Blackberry Primitives Hand-dyed Wool to complete the project. A wonderful primitive design by Maggie Bonanomi. Finished Wool Applique' measures 32" x 29". Note: International (outside the US) orders may require additional shipping costs. If so, we will notify you prior to shipping to give you the option to pay additional amount or cancel order.

We just had a great 3 days with Maggie. Started with two days of class working on an appliqué piece that Maggie designed for us, learning a few of her tricks to make it a little easier. Then one day of just hooking and stitching. The pics will show everyone working away, Maggie's work she brought along to share, and of course show and tell. Lots of talented ladies in this group! Can't wait until she can join us again! Maggie's beautiful work :

Primitive Traditions for the American Home...

I never did share photos of our last second Tuesday Hook-in! So many wonderful things were shared including this hand-decorated vest that Holly was wearing! Maggie Bonanomi made this for her back in 1994! It is signed and dated...how cool is that! I took photos of this all around and as you can see it is so awesome! The back.... And the signature and date just under the arm. That Holly... she is always full of surprises! And what about her crow necklaces!! She doesn't remember where she got them but at a folk art show she thinks!! So fun! Nancy shows her newest project... a turkey pillow... the design is by Buttermilk Basin I believe. I LOVE those colors! Great finish Nancy! Rhonda was just starting this cute wool appliqué... I hope she brings it in November so I can share more info. on the design! It sure is a fun piece so far... don't you think? Lisa is working on this wool applique runner from Rebekah Smith's new book. She has adapted the design to have two deer, the pattern has one deer. Lisa is new to wool applique and is very brave to take on a bigger runner! But did you ever know Lisa to fear taking on a bigger project? We had a special guest as this month's gathering! Carol from Lodi, WI. She travels to Rice Lake frequently to help out her elderly dad. She has wanted to stop forever... and finally she did! What a delight she is and she brought her rug from Lori Brechlin's challenge a while back. What a treat to see it in person! Yummy wools and fabulous hooking! Carol is a wonderful quilter as well. She brought this fabulous one with the tiniest postage stamp size squares to show us. Look at it close up.... I just LOVE her colors! I have been wanting to try a little quilting myself but I think I will start with a something a little easier! Life has been busy here to the extreme... I keep thinking I'll have more time as each day passes and all I do is get further behind. But hopefully I will be able to post again soon. I did finish this rug for a client... my Home Sweet Home design. I have to sew on a label and send it off soon. Are you ready for the weather to change? We are expecting snow in the next couple of days... so we've been busy buttoning up around here! SO many things to do before we settle in for that loooonnnnng winter's nap!! LOL!! What is a nap anyway? LOL! I think I need one!! Cathy G

"Nest" Primitive Gatherings Well, the real baby robins haven't hatched yet, but the needlework ones have :) "Nest" Primitive Gatherings I loved this design so much that I had to create it twice. After doing it full size, I wondered how it would look if I shrunk the pattern and used a different background fabric. I'm happy with both results. Chicago has been in a heat wave this week and the strawberry patch is ripening early. I love everything about my little patch and it brightens my heart. Each morning as I leave for work, I take a peek and see how everything is progressing. Last year's crop from my little patch weighed in at 13 pounds 9 ounces. Judging by how things are progressing so far I think we might beat that harvest this year. I've pulled out my red velvets and red wools and have gotten busy creating. My TDIPT offerings for June 1st will all have a strawberry theme. I'm thinking some really aged and worn primitive strawberry emeries... Maybe even a few green unripe berries as well... Before you know it, we will be having our strawberry smoothies each night after dinner... Blessings, Patti

Designed by Maggie Bonanomi Approx. 3″ x 9″, Pattern Only Maggie used “Independence” Hand Dyed Linen for the background and scraps of antique indigo & new fabrics for the inside and outside bits, along with Pear and Faded Indigo Wool. Consider other color schemes for your piece, and if antique fabrics are not available, there are a myriad of new fabrics that would be just as wonderful for this project.

Wool appliqué pattern called "Botanical" created by Maggie Bonanomi. A design from the Butternut House This is a 48" x 11" appliqué runner. New Unused Copy from our Shop. Patterns Are Not Returnable.

We just had a great 3 days with Maggie. Started with two days of class working on an appliqué piece that Maggie designed for us, learning a few of her tricks to make it a little easier. Then one day of just hooking and stitching. The pics will show everyone working away, Maggie's work she brought along to share, and of course show and tell. Lots of talented ladies in this group! Can't wait until she can join us again! Maggie's beautiful work :

"Turkey Turkey" design by Maggie Bonanomi Over the river and through the wood to Grandfather's house we go... I know that most people have moved on to the beginning of the Advent Season, but I had to share one last turkey finish! We visited my parents' home for the Thanksgiving holiday and I am so thankful to have found the time for this happy dance finish! Our oldest son is getting his driver's ed hours in and drove down and back! He's a great driver and it gave me over 6 hours of stitching time!! I also picked this piece up from the framers... Another Boxwood & Berries finish - design by Blackbird Designs. I abbreviated the pattern and stitched my favorite parts. I added the name of my town and year as this piece now commemorates our home winning the town beautification award this summer for our landscaping and curb appeal :) - I was just thrilled! And our dear sweet Orion joined us on our family Thanksgiving trip :) He was a perfect traveling companion, but is not too fond of hotels. I think that our entire extended family fell in love with him ;) Well, now I will begin my Christmas decorating and will be back to share soon... Blessings, Patti

Pattern Only or Pattern with Wool Kit Choose "Pattern Only" or "Pattern with Wool Kit" from the drop down box and Add to Cart. If you choose the kit options, you will receive the pattern and all Blackberry Primitives Hand-dyed Wool to complete the project. A wonderful, primitive wool applique table runner pattern designed by Maggie Bonanomi, "Homestead Bouquet" measures 16" x 28" when complete. Nobody does primitive quite like Maggie.

I AM Slow Stitching And it Doesn’t Matter What Kind of Stitching I’m Doing By Maggie Bonanomi For me, I can’t think of a better topic to address than Slow Stitching! We all…

We just had a great 3 days with Maggie. Started with two days of class working on an appliqué piece that Maggie designed for us, learning a...

Wool pattern called "Perched" by Maggie Bonanomi 15″ x 17″ Wool Applique New Unread Copy from our Shop. Pattern is Not Returnable.

What an incredible, wonderful weekend! Spring Green, Wisconsin is located in Central Southern Wisconsin in a lovely valley. The Wisconsin River runs through it. Spring Green is home to Taliesin, home of Frank Lloyd Wright and his school. The autumn colors were at their peak and it was lovely to behold. Spring Green is also home to my absolute favorite quilt/cross stitch/wool/home decor shop - Country Sampler. The Second Story is where our classes were held and where I stayed with five other kindred spirits. Four days and three nights spent working on fantastic projects created by two extremely talented designers. What more could a person ask for? Great food and shopping? we had that too :) Jeanne, owner of Country Sampler, thinks of every detail including an inspiring trunk show.It was delightful to hear Maggie describe the inspiration for her projects. Our projects for the gathering were just incredible. We started with Maggie Bonanomi's 1835 Bed cover - the largest project that I have ever attempted. It will definitely take me quite some time to complete. This is in Maggie's stellar first book - "With these hands". Maggie's second project was also from her book - a reproduction puzzle ball. (It's on the far right.) I have always wanted an antique one, but couldn't afford the ones that I found. I'm so thrilled to create my own. This is also in progress, but not completed... yet. Stacy Nash also brought phenomenal projects - an exclusive Country Sampler 1883 Sewing Roll, matching peacock pinkeep and a surprise companion peacock scissor pouch. (Isn't her little sewing box sweet as well?) It was so fun to see her aging and distressing techniques in person. We all learned so much!The best surprise was Stacy's debut book - A Simply Early Christmas. Wow! I'm going to be busy trying to make all my favorite pieces from Maggie and Stacys' books! Each and every person at the gathering was so caring and fun. The fellowship of kindred spirits from across the states was uplifting. Thank you Jeanne, Maggie, Stacy and all the ladies for such an inspirational gathering. All I can say is WOW! Can you tell that I am still on cloud nine? "Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." -Romans 14:19 "Trust in the Lord forever, for in Lord God you have an everlasting rock." - Isaiah 26:4 Blessings, Patti

I AM Slow Stitching And it Doesn’t Matter What Kind of Stitching I’m Doing By Maggie Bonanomi For me, I can’t think of a better topic to address than Slow Stitching! We all…

Maggie Bonanomi taught a class Thursday and Friday. You had your choice of hooking the project or doing it in applique. Both choices were wonderful. I am so sorry I did not sign up for the class. Saturday, Melinda and I attended the hook in, hosted by Ali Strebel along with Maggie. It's so ironic. I can go to an event here at home and not know a single person. I go to a hook in 200 miles from home, and know 8 or 10 people. I believe a fun time was had by all. Pictures from the throw down. I can't believe I missed taking a picture of one of my favorite rugs. I hope you enjoy the show. First some of the hooked pieces. I think this is my favorite Maggie pattern. So many examples of Maggie's applique patterns were displayed, done by many talented hands. This pattern came home with me, along with some of Ali's chunky wool yarn that is the best for whipping an edge and a couple pieces of her hand dyed linen to use as the base for applique projects (in my dreams . . . lol). I spotted these wonderful rusty pots in front of the salvage store just down the street from the hook in. The middle one in the back row came home with me and the one to the right went home with Melinda. I think the two of us could get in lots of trouble together :) Thanks so much for stopping by. Pug hugs :) Lauren

Last week I attended the Ohio Rug Camp at Punderson State Park. I was excited to be a student of Maggie Bonanomi! She has written 5 wonde...

I'm almost done with the long runner I showed a couple of weeks ago and have also been working on a couple of Valentine's Day projects. I haven't had the opportunity to do much sewing lately, however, Last week I put in a lot of overtime as part of the team preparing for our church's weekend MLK luncheon celebration which included a performance by our local treasures, The McFadden Brothers and a keynote address by author Clifton Anderson on Living Dr. King's dream. This morning members and staff gathered at the church to sign up for a variety of serving events in the community, including picking up trash in the inner city, serving meals at soup kitchens, playing games with kids at a children's shelter, stocking shelves at a food pantry, organizing clothing in a thrift store whose proceeds benefit charities, writing notes of encouragement and assembling snack bags for students taking assessment testing and making Valentines with seniors. We are honored that our senior pastor, Adam Hamilton, has been invited to deliver a sermon tomorrow at the National Prayer Service. DH and I visited the National Cathedral last March. I was impressed by its size and grandeur (and, of course, especially appreciated the beautifully handcrafted needlework prayer stools and stolls on display). I can't imagine what it would be like to give a sermon in such a majestic church, let alone before the president and other high ranking officials. We're all praying for him and if you wouldn't mind saying a prayer for him, too, that would be great!

Designed by Maggie Bonanomi Approx. 4.5″ x 10.5″, Pattern Only As did the 18th and 19th century huswif, this pattern is for a compact sewing kit which contains pockets that will hold your sewing tools and accoutrements safely in their place. This huswif sewing kit was made from fabric scraps of linen, wool and cottons. Maggie used “Salem” Hand Dyed Linen for the background and scraps of antique & new fabrics for the inside bits. Have fun creating your Huswif!

"Autumn Blooms" design by Maggie Bonanomi My intention when working on this piece was to create a bellpull style wall hanging for my living room. "Bittersweet Flowers" design by Maggie Bonanomi I used the same wools for these as well. I planned to create two pillows for the two chairs in the bay window of my living room. When I laid them down to get ready to press them I realized... that the three pieces fit together perfectly! Hmmmm... should I change my mind and piece them together as a table mat for my dining room table? Well, I have agonized over this for several days now and simply can't make a decision. So, I am seeking your opinion. Should they be a separate wall hanging and pillows? Or should they be combined as a table mat? To entice you and to let you know that I truly value your opinion, I'm having a mini giveaway. Simply post a comment here with your opinion. Or if you are not comfortable with that, you may send me an email at [email protected] with "My Opinion" in the subject line (so I know that they are not spam ;) On Sunday, I will draw a name for a winner. In trying to think of a prize, I remembered that I had a few little pillows that I hadn't listed on Etsy yet. So the winner will have their choice of one of the following pillows: (I have plans for another giveaway in the near future.) Thanks for your help! I truly value your opinion! "May you run and not be weary. May your heart be filled with song. And may the love of God continue to give you hope and keep you strong. And may you run and not be weary. May your life be filled with joy! And may the road you travel, always lead you home." ~"The Faith We Sing" Hymnal #2281 Blessings, Patti

We just had a great 3 days with Maggie. Started with two days of class working on an appliqué piece that Maggie designed for us, learning a few of her tricks to make it a little easier. Then one day of just hooking and stitching. The pics will show everyone working away, Maggie's work she brought along to share, and of course show and tell. Lots of talented ladies in this group! Can't wait until she can join us again! Maggie's beautiful work :