Art at Heart - A visual collection of inspirational art, design, photography, craft and fashion

Red hot velvet cupcakes. Strawberry whoopie pies. S'more nut brownies. A tiny Brooklyn bakery is reimagining old standards into some of the most decadent retro desserts in America.

Gifts are always lovely to give and to receive, but gifts made by the hand from the heart are always extra special...

My goodness, where does the month go? I seem to always be posting my mantle when it is almost time to take it down :) My July mantle features my almost always present antique punched tin lanterns (the one on the far left has a punched star design ~ appropriate for the month), an antique eagle snowbird, an antique red iron barn star and Rowe pottery in patriotic designs. The bunting is a Maggie Bonanomi design (a Country Sampler Girls Club kit from several years ago) made of gauze and wool. On the hearth, antique bunting and aged flags. The graters contain timer candles that glow so pretty at night. Also on the hearth, a Maggie Bonanomi flag mat and a pillow that was also a Country Sampler club kit. Two more Maggie kits and assorted antiques. Hmmm, I'm realizing that July is my Maggie month. I did this one years ago, but still love it :) And a last Maggie design. 48 star antique gauze flags with Rowe pottery from their historical collection. Antiques with my latest piece of antique flag bunting along with my own Winding Vine Designs original velvet cherries. There is still time to enter my giveaway, just click here. "But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." ~1 Corinthians 12: 24-26 Blessings, Patti

I'm still studying like a mad woman, but I take a little break and my mind wanders to three things.... 1) CROCHET (Pillow from t...

When summer gathers up her robes of glory, And, like a dream, glides away. ~ Sarah Helen Whitman School starts tomorrow, so at Winding Vine summer has come to an end. The weather & temperature lets us know that the summer weather will be here for a while longer... I thought that I should hurry and complete a few final summer projects before moving on to autumn. "Star Spangled Banner" design by Maggie Bonanomi Country Sampler Club Kit I finished stitching this up while my oldest son was in Guatemala, but couldn't decide how to finish it ~ frame it, make a pillow? I finally decided this weekend to turn it into a bellpull, add some army blanket points, and back it with antique ticking. "Country Sampler Liberty 1776 Sewing Pouch" design by Stacy Nash I finished this club kit as well. I made the dog a little shorter and longer in honor of our new family member Orion :) I also substituted some antique ticking for the heart. and added an additional heart inside the flap for storing needles and pins. I think I'll move on to some early fall projects now... "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." ~Genesis 8:22 Blessings, Patti

I apologize for the delay in posting a winner. Yesterday was our once a month stitch club. Then I needed to finish up laundry. Somehow I managed to wash and dry a full load of laundry with a deck of playing cards. Needless to say - it was not a pretty sight. The laundry is now done and the boys are at their first day of school. I can't thank you enough for the tremendous response to my quandry and for all the kind words! They were most appreciated! I received 59 comments and emails. And Maggie Bonanomi herself was even kind enough to weigh in in the debate :) There was a heavy response in favor of keeping the projects separate and my decision was: to keep them separate. My decision was made once I realized that I have two more fall themed table mats waiting in the wings to be completed... :) I recently found a few yards of this great vintage fabric at an estate sale. I thought it was perfect for backing these projects. And this is where the pillows now live. I had so much fun with this that I decided to giveaway all three of the pillows. The winners are: 1. Paulette D. of Canada - she chose the red dianthus pillow 2. Susan L. of PA chose the purple conflower 3. Betty of primitivebettys unfortunately didn't get to choose, but she will be receiving the sunflower pillow. I'm thinking that this was so much fun that I should have a giveaway every month or so. It might not always be a handmade, but maybe a little antique that might need a new home or some stitching or wool supplies. I have a fun idea for a larger giveaway for the month of September, so stay tuned... I have one more hour until the boys get home, maybe I'll start one of those penny mats :) Blessings & Thanks, Patti

"American Beauties" design by Maggie Bonanomi for Quilters Station class The second I saw this piece I fell in love. The gorgeous red pops with the deep blue calicos, checks and tickings. Be still my heart. I called Quilters Station right away. In the meantime, I decorated my house for the 4th of July and realized that I have 7 large patriotic penny mats/runners. (Most designed by Maggie Bonanomi) They cover my kitchen table, dining room table, the couch backs (except the leather couch as it won't stay up lol) and my larger ottomans. Were would I put this one?! In true make do spirit, I realized that if I took 9 inches off the length, it would fit across the back of an upholstered chair. I fit all the motifs from the original one except for the initials. It is a bit "scrunched", but I think that it works :) I will be back on August 1st, which is creeping up on me way too quickly. I will have a few final late summer offerings partially inspired by the photo above. I am thrilled that my friends, the gold finches, have returned. Sunflowers and coneflowers are blooming and so they are happily eating the seeds. "Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures." ~John 10: 9 Blessings, Patti

I apologize for the delay in posting a winner. Yesterday was our once a month stitch club. Then I needed to finish up laundry. Somehow I managed to wash and dry a full load of laundry with a deck of playing cards. Needless to say - it was not a pretty sight. The laundry is now done and the boys are at their first day of school. I can't thank you enough for the tremendous response to my quandry and for all the kind words! They were most appreciated! I received 59 comments and emails. And Maggie Bonanomi herself was even kind enough to weigh in in the debate :) There was a heavy response in favor of keeping the projects separate and my decision was: to keep them separate. My decision was made once I realized that I have two more fall themed table mats waiting in the wings to be completed... :) I recently found a few yards of this great vintage fabric at an estate sale. I thought it was perfect for backing these projects. And this is where the pillows now live. I had so much fun with this that I decided to giveaway all three of the pillows. The winners are: 1. Paulette D. of Canada - she chose the red dianthus pillow 2. Susan L. of PA chose the purple conflower 3. Betty of primitivebettys unfortunately didn't get to choose, but she will be receiving the sunflower pillow. I'm thinking that this was so much fun that I should have a giveaway every month or so. It might not always be a handmade, but maybe a little antique that might need a new home or some stitching or wool supplies. I have a fun idea for a larger giveaway for the month of September, so stay tuned... I have one more hour until the boys get home, maybe I'll start one of those penny mats :) Blessings & Thanks, Patti

I love robins ~ they are my absolute favorite bird (although I have a soft spot for wild turkeys as well :) I'm not sure what it is about them ~ they seem like such a "homey" bird ~ sweet and motherly, not flashy. And I anxiously await them each spring. For the first time in the 15 years that we have lived in our home, a pair of robins have decided to make their home here as well. Their nest is right outside our mudroom window, although you need to crain and strain to get a glimpse out of the window... I don't know who was more startled to see who! Each spring I celebrate the robins return by decorating my home with images of robins... This lovely painting is by Suzanne Davis of Peartree Primitives. I love this old wooden breadbox painted by Chris Robinson. The sentiment states my thoughts perfectly... This spring, I've added to my collection: Isn't this robin family just amazing?!?! TDIPT sister, Audrey Baker of Bay Ray's Child created this incredible piece. The detail is just amazing. I expect Mama Robin to fly away at any moment... And those sweet little babies... Audrey also created these other robins a few years ago. Another new addition for me this spring is this incredible mohair robin perched on an antique victorian wire basket turned pincushion. It is the creation of Cathy Pendleton of The Cheswick Company. Some creations that I've created myself. The little nest pillow is based on a design by Maggie Bonanomi. Here's the original design: This was created in a Maggie Bonanomi class a few years back at the Country Sampler in Spring Green, WI. Another Maggie Bonanomi class creation from Spring Green. I can't recall what color the bird was supposed to be, but of course I had to make it a robin :) I never thought of adding pennies & patches to the bottom and the tongues, but loved the way it turned out. It's a busy piece, but I love the colors and pull it out every year when the robins return. It's time to add a new robin creation this year. We especially need to celebrate the robins making a nest right next to our "nest" :) Here it is in progress... not sure how I will finish, but I will be sure to share when I do! "When a robin cocks his head Sideways in a flower bed, Does he hear the tiny sound Of a worm beneath the ground?" ~Anonymous Blessings, Patti

Mom and I had our first class with Rebekah L. Smith. Everything she does has that distinct Rebekah look! Even her supplies including this basket of ribbon are gorgeous! We had homework to do ahead of time for her Wooly Box class. I chose to use my favorite ~ Rustic Wool Moire Thread on mine. I switched the sunflower and flag on mine and changed up some of the embroidery stitches. Rebekah's finished sample on top and my piece ready for class in the bottom. With Rebekah's thorough and gentle teaching we were done in no time! Here we are - me, Rebekah and Mom with finished boxes! So much fun!!! Mom and I are both so pleased with how our boxes turned out! I've decided that my House Box is perfect for storing my growing collection of Rustic Wool Moire Threads! And here is our entire class with all of our boxes. Rebekah's next book, Seasons of Wool Applique Folk Art, is coming out this summer and will contain the instructions for making your own Wooly Box! While Mom and I were working on our Wooly Boxes, my Bittersweet Sister, Linda was taking a full day class with Lori Ann Corelis to make a fabulous jointed mohair bunny! Of course I had to take a peek. I loved seeing the feather weight machines humming away... But this was way beyond my abilities, I will just admire from afar ;) I have to give a big shout out to Marly of Samplers and Santas! I've loved and followed her blog for years. Earlier this year, she had a giveaway for two of her wonderful paper mache boxes that I have been coveting for quite some time ~ one box to keep and one to give away. I won! And Mom was the recipient of the second. The boxes were perfect for our classes. Mine fit my 5 spools of Rustic Wool Moire thread that I use for Rebekah projects, a pair of stork scissors and a tin of pins perfectly! Thank you ever so much Marly for your generosity! We love our treasured boxes! On the second day, Mom and I took another class with Rebekah ~ Wooly Sewing Basket (complete with matching scissor holster) To add to the fun, this class was also taken with Julie Kursave of the wonderful Wool Applique and Bits and Bobs groups on Facebook! Such fun to meet an online friend in person! We didn't finish our Wooly Sewing Baskets in class, but finished them soon after. Here is Mom's: I love how she added buttons - perfect! And here is mine: I had a lot of fun with the embroidery stitches. I should have added the scissors for the picture. Two projects finished from the retreat! Always a good feeling! I also took a class with Stacy Nash, but realized that I haven't taken a picture of my finished project... That will have to be in my next post... Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. ~Ephesians 4:32 Blessings, Patti

(Thanks for your patience in waiting for more Boxwood & Berries. This past weekend I had a flu shot and think that I had a reaction to it ~ a 101.9 fever, aches and yuckiness. But I am definitely on the mend.) Day 3 was Maggie's Day and the long anticipated heart shaped box! We were all so eager to get started on this project. Then discovered that the box would be completely hand made from flat cardboard. I knew then that I was leaving my comfort zone! But we took it one slow step at a time and were beginning to see some progress. Here is a view of the inside. The underside of the lid has a sweet red velvet pincushion. After lunch, Kim, Taffra (CA) and I decided that we needed a little break. So we took a ride along the lovely countryside in Spring Green WI. We stopped at an antique store down the road where we each found a treasure. The textures and colors everywhere were so inspiring! The colors along the Wisconsin River were at their peak. We returned back to class and our heart boxes. Then went back to our rooms and worked on our boxes some more. The result... We were able to complete our boxes! Another completed project to take home and enjoy. Going into the retreat I thought that they would make lovely gifts for my mom and sister for Christmas. I don't think that I will make another (sorry Mom & Pam!), but I will treasure this heartfelt box always!!! Blessings, Patti p.s Stay tuned... just one more day and this adventure will be complete :)

"Pomegranates & More" by Maggie Bonanomi Class project at Wheaten Woolens Mom and I were so thrilled with our class project with Maggie! And look at the darling name tags that Beth Anne made for each of us! Sew sweet! We were so lucky to have nice weather. Time to enjoy the lovely grounds of the shop and Beth Anne's home. Lovely sights at every turn and the flowers all abloom. Mom and I were so glad that it was a two day class. More time to visit with Maggie and make progress on our class project. And more time to shop :) And we got to meet my friend Pam for dinner! So much fun to catch up on Country Sampler's Stitch Camp which I missed this year. And we made an extra stop on the way home. The Little Red Hen must be seen to be believed! Wheaten Woolens, a class with Maggie and The Little Red Hen - a perfect road trip! By the word of the Lord the heavens were made; all the heavenly bodies by the breath of his mouth. He gathered the oceans into a single place; he put the deep water into storehouses. ~Psalm 33:6-7 Blessings, Patti

Stay tuned... I'm finishing up my offerings for the TDIPT Mercantile update and will be sharing soon. And my next giveaway will be coming up as well. Blessings, Patti

This is the only list you need to make sure you experience the best waterfall hikes in Kentucky. Lace up your hiking boots!

Revere Sugar Refinery, a Red Hook landmark for decades, was demolished in 2007. “It’s hot in the poor places tonight.” SO SAYS Jeff Tweedy on Wilco’s 2002 LP Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. I thought…

Shipshewana is filled with shops. One of my favorites - A Thankful Heart. I love the name and this sweet shop is filled with primitives and handmades. There are also several nice antique shops Rebecca Haarer Arts & Antiques and Fisher's Antiques Don't you just love their sign?! This item caught my eye in a glass case. I wasn't sure what it was, but knew that I had to find out. So glad that I asked to see it! It's a needle case! The outside is a super soft leather that you see at the top. There is a little place for your thimble and the two ends are velvet pincushions. I'm so pleased with my treasure and found a bone stiletto and crochet hook as well. I also bought this 1858 Mason jar - I love the bubbly, wavy blue glass. And this Bennington, Vermont jug. It's been cracked and glued in many, many places, but the price was definitely right. The painted crocks like this are usually out of my price range and I really appreciate the effort that someone took to save it... Soon after we were married, my husband and I took a long road trip to Bennington :) My final purchase has a story... Last year at a primitives show, I found this incredible piece. I was mezmerized as I had never seen anything like it. It was out of my price range, but I admired it for quite some time. They called it stumpwork. It reminded me of punch needle, except that the loops are sheared off and sculpted. Fast forward to Shipshewana, where I found this: Here is some of the detail. All done with wool thread. The edges have three layers of tongues and the backing is solid red. I am so happy with all of my treasures, especially my stumpwork coverlet! I'll have one more post of Amish Country Fun... "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal." ~Isaiah 26:4 Blessings, Patti

Before we headed down to Mom's I knew that I needed a small wool project for the legs of the car ride that I wasn't driving ;) I dug through craft corner and found this all prepped and ready to go. But it wasn't what I was in the mood to work on. Then I found this - oh so close to being finished. Nope, wasn't in the mood for that either. Another new project was speaking to me and begging to be started. I pulled out Rebekah L. Smith's book, "Wool Applique Folk Art" and turned to the project that was calling me... "Creatures of Habit ~ Rabbit Pillow" Growing up we had several pet rabbits, but lately I have been thinking of our Chocolate Dutch Rabbit, Louie. I decided to tweak it to look like him. I quickly prepped it the night before we left. My new Attic stitching bag was perfect for the car! The lid flips up and keeps everything safely contained in case of sudden stops or swerves. It was a quick project and in no time, Louie was watching me cheerfully while I stitched him up. And here he is all done! I love how he looks with this cabbage and cabbage leaves by Schneeman Folk Art. I used my new favorite thread - Rustic Wool Moire from Wooly Red Rug - a joy to stitch with! I added some stitched to the side scallops/cabbage leaf edge. So happy to have Louie to keep me company once again this Spring. Maybe I should think about finishing up those other two springtime projects... I also had to share this finish by my Mom. It appeared on a Pennies from Heaven post before, but when I saw it draped over a chair it's beauty really resonated with me. I didn't think that anyone would mind if I shared it again :) There is still time to enter my Arizona trip giveaway. You can find all the information here. I'll pick a winner on Monday. Wishing you a lovely spring weekend and a wonderful Palm Sunday! They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” ~John 12:13 Blessings, Patti

Four months ago, I visited my mom and shared her beautiful penny rug creations. (You can read about them here.) Well, you won't believe what Mom accomplished in four months! Isn't this one a beauty?! I can't get over the work in all of those tiny pieces! After this, Mom decided to move on to some seasonal penny rugs: The oranges of the pumpkins pop so beautifully against the black. Such lovely work. And just look at this one: This design is by Shawn Williams of Threads that Bind. So lovely! I love the cutwork! So Mom moved on to the next holiday and created this large Christmas mat. The addition of the silver snowflake buttons were such a clever idea! And this holly mat is so pretty as well. Mom has a great eye for color :) My sister and I put our "orders" in for the next penny rug! Isn't it great?! Perfect for Valentine's Day! So simple and simply perfect! We return back to Mom and Dad's for Thanksgiving on Thursday ~ 3 weeks from our last visit. We teased Mom that we want to see what she can create in those 3 weeks :) We have a lot of talent in our family and that includes my sister, Pam! Pam knitted and felted these wonderful slippers for my mom and me! Aren't we lucky! They are beautiful, comfortable and oh so warm! Aren't we lucky?! She also made a pair for her daughter, Angela. Pam, now you need to make a pair for yourself so that all the women of the family can wear matching slippers! I mentioned that I would be saving mine for special occassions :) I think that Thanksgiving Day qualifies for a special occassion! "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." ~Colossians 3:15 Blessings, Patti

It's time to share my Buttermilk Basin April finishes! First is April from the "Year in Stitches Collection" This is April from The Live Simply BOM bound in blush velvet And my most recent finish - April from Basin Banners Thru the Year bound in tea dyed blush velvet with black snaps for the chicks eyes. I love those chicks! And do you remember this wonderful mat? My mom had made it for my sister for Christmas Well, I decided to make my sister a little Easter present to go with it. It's not very "Eastery", but I made her a little wool box out of the same color family of wool. It has an antique shoe button and old key closure. And inside a star to match her mat. I think she liked it :) "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." ~Hebrew 1:3 Blessings, Patti

"Flowers for the Table" designed by Rebekah L. Smith kitted by Wheaten Woolens using Rustic Moire Wool Threads I am so excited about this finish! I am thrilled with how it turned out. (Although now I see that I should have made sure all the tongues were laying nice before I snapped the picture.) Beth Anne did a lovely job kitting it. My favorite part? She used hand dyed velvet for the tan background! I love the combination of textures, it adds so much. And I continue to enjoy using the Rustic Moire Wool Threads. Another wonderful rememberance of Rebekah, Beth Anne, and the wonderful times at Wheaten Woolens. You can find this kit and more here. So you know that I had to immediately start something new: "Autumn's Choice" design by Maggie Bonanomi for Country Sampler Girls Club 2016 What a perfect design for September as Summer turns to Autumn. I don't think that I will finish it in September with only two days left... I've finished a few more diamonds for my Temecula Quilt Co Insta-sew-along. They are going quickly! And I don't think that I will be able to sleep at all tonight! Tomorrow morning it is time to hit the road and meet the Bittersweet Stitching Sisters! It has been an entire year since we have been together. I am sure that I will be back with much to share about our adventures. Several of the sisters have already started their adventure and I can't wait to hear all about it! If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. ~1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Blessings, Patti

Before we headed down to Mom's I knew that I needed a small wool project for the legs of the car ride that I wasn't driving ;) I d...

Gosh, I have visited Mom twice since my last Pennies from Heaven post and Mom has so many finishes to share! Mom received this wonderful silver tray from my sister for Christmas and got started right away making mats for it. This one contains excerpts from Primitive Gathering's Flower Garden Crazy Table Mat Such a wonderful variety of flowers! Mom created this one using shamrock's from my own Winding Vine Design's March Mat This one is an excerpt from My Red Door Design's Love Pillow. I bet that Mom will have one for every month before the year is over ;) Mom has also completed all the kits from Country Sampler's Maggie Club for 2017. Yikes! I haven't even started one! I better get going on mine. This is Spring. Country Sampler's Maggie Club Summer 2017 Country Sampler's Maggie Club Autumn 2017 and Country Sampler's Maggie Club Winter 2017 I love them all and really don't know why I didn't get mine done. So much to stitch and so little time! And believe me that Mom has more finishes to come... Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. ~Romans 13:8 Blessings, Patti

It’s been a long time and I’m not sure if anyone is still following blogs, but I had something so fun that I wanted to share. Earlier this month I was blessed with the opportunity to visit upstate New York to attend the Primitive Needlearts Primer Retreat at Hobby House Needleworks and Hobby House Wool Works. The lovely shops are located along the beautiful Erie Canal. The weather was nice and warm with the leaves just starting to change colors. Just visiting the shops was special in itself, but I also attended two wonderful classes. My first class was with the talented mother daughter duo of Kathy Barrick and Liz Matthews. Kathy presented a lovely new sampler. Of course it was kitted beautifully. We also had a wonderful in class project inspired by her Pinstuck Pincushions pattern. You can see Kathy’s example in the bottom right of the pattern. And here is my finish: I was so thrilled with the final pincushion! It is stuffed with sawdust and it is hard to tell from the photo, but the handle is a string of antique black mother of pearl buttons! I had so much fun with this that it definitely won’t be my last pinstuck pincushion. My second class was with the legendary Maggie Bonanomi. It was so good to see Maggie and Harold in person! It’s been some years since I have done so. And the class piece was lovely! I have two wool projects that I really need to finish, but I think this will help me to finish them up so I can get started on this lovely kit! I have much more to share about this wonderful retreat and hope to be back soon with more. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ~Jeremiah 29:11-13 Blessings, Patti

My goodness, where does the month go? I seem to always be posting my mantle when it is almost time to take it down :) My July mantle features my almost always present antique punched tin lanterns (the one on the far left has a punched star design ~ appropriate for the month), an antique eagle snowbird, an antique red iron barn star and Rowe pottery in patriotic designs. The bunting is a Maggie Bonanomi design (a Country Sampler Girls Club kit from several years ago) made of gauze and wool. On the hearth, antique bunting and aged flags. The graters contain timer candles that glow so pretty at night. Also on the hearth, a Maggie Bonanomi flag mat and a pillow that was also a Country Sampler club kit. Two more Maggie kits and assorted antiques. Hmmm, I'm realizing that July is my Maggie month. I did this one years ago, but still love it :) And a last Maggie design. 48 star antique gauze flags with Rowe pottery from their historical collection. Antiques with my latest piece of antique flag bunting along with my own Winding Vine Designs original velvet cherries. There is still time to enter my giveaway, just click here. "But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." ~1 Corinthians 12: 24-26 Blessings, Patti

Revere Sugar Refinery, a Red Hook landmark for decades, was demolished in 2007. “It’s hot in the poor places tonight.” SO SAYS Jeff Tweedy on Wilco’s 2002 LP Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. I thought…

"It's a Grand Olde Flag Pillow Cover" design by Maggie Bonanomi My favorite shop, Country Sampler in Spring Green, Wisconsin had a Grand Olde Flag Gathering in June. I wasn't able to attend due to the double graduations of both my sons, but I was absolutely thrilled to be able to get the kits. My finish is an abbreviated version of Maggie's design as I was in a hurry to complete it and put it out this summer :) I elected to use an old white wool blanket that I already had. I loved the cotton edging on the blanket and the way it "finished" the left side of the flag. I tweaked the blue star field as well.  Aren't the fabrics that Maggie picked absolutely fantastic?! I just love this piece! "Star Pin Keep" design by Maggie Bonanomi I also finished up her little pinkeep. I love the pieced green army blanket - just adds a bit of "makedo". I had the subtle striped wool and substituted it for solid cream. There are red x's around the edges that you can't really see. The little silk flag pin is so sweet. I think these are my last patriotic finishes of the season - next I'm thinking sunflowers... although there is the Stacy Nash kit from the Gathering yet. *sigh* so many projects, so little time! "Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare." ~Psalms 40:4-5 Blessings, Patti

"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

Note to the kosher crowd: Sheila is a seafood restaurant but the dish could be replicated at home without the shellfish and be completely kosher. As many of you know, Sheila is one of my favorite restaurants in Israel. If you haven't caught the article at The Washington Post, you can read it here. In addition to the recipes that appeared in The Washington Post, I was fortunate enough that Sharon, Chef Cohen that is, shared with me, one of my all time favorite restaurant dishes, his green risotto recipe. Here, I am happy to share it with you. It's absolutely phenomenal. Sheila 182 Ben Yehuda St., Tel Aviv. 03-522-1224 Daily Catch: Red Drum Fish Fillet on Green Basil and Spinach Risotto Recipe by Chef Sharon Cohen, Sheila Restaurant, Tel Aviv 4 servings (30 min prep time) ½ kg (1.012lbs) Arborio rice 100 gr (3.527oz) butter 1 cup good white wine Approximately 1 ½ liters (6 cups) hot fish stock* 5 fresh sage leaves 5 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced 1 medium onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced (half moons) ½ cup grated parmesan Salt to taste 4 tablespoons mascarpone cheese 10 blanched asparagus, halved and sliced into half lengthwise 20 blanched string beans, sliced lengthwise 100 grams (3.527oz) mussels (optional) 200 grams (7.054oz) calamari, sliced into rings (optional) 2 tablespoons lemon 4 tablespoons of basil and spinach puree ingredients: Small bunch of basil, leaves only 70 grams (approx 2.5oz) fresh spinach leaves Basil spinach puree directions: In boiling water blanch basil and spinach leaves for 1-2 minutes, drain and puree to a smooth consistency Asparagus and beans directions: Blanch asparagus and beans in boiling water for two minutes and remove to an ice bath. Risotto Directions: (entire process shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes) In a wide pot with a heavy base, melt the butter on medium heat and sauté onions until soft but do not caramelize onions and butter. Add the sliced garlic and sage leaves and continue sweating for a couple more minutes. Add the rice and mix with a wooden spoon until rice is translucent. Make sure the rice does not caramelize and get crispy. Add a cup of wine while constantly mixing. When the wine reduces, add gradually the stock while mixing and reduce. Cook the rice at all times on medium and make sure there is always liquid in it bubbling on a gentle bubble. 2-3 minutes before the risotto is done, add the calamari and mussels. 1 minute before the risotto is done, cover the pot with a lid to allow the mussels to open. Keep covered for a minute, take lid off, make sure all mussels are open and then add the mascarpone, basil/spinach puree, asparagus and beans and mix. Take off the heat, add lemon and parmesan and mix. The green risotto popping into the mussels looks beautiful. Taste and adjust for salt. Fish: Ingredients: 4 6 oz fish fillets with skin on, Red Drum or other firm white fish Salt to taste Fresh thyme leaves Black pepper to taste 20 gr (0.705oz) butter Directions: Coat the fish fillet well with salt, pepper and a few thyme leaves. Heat up a heavy frying pan, melt the butter and warm up butter on high heat until it turns golden. Add the fish fillets skin side down and sear for 20 seconds until golden on high heat. Turn down heat to low and continue cooking skin side down for another minute. Turn fish to flesh side down and sear on high heat for 20 seconds until golden. Remove from pan into a plate. If fish isn’t cooked through put in a preheated 400F oven for 2-4 minutes. Note: The basil/spinach puree, blanching the asparagus and beans and cooking the fish fillet can be done while the risotto is cooking. The total cooking time is 30 minutes if working simultaneously on different components of the dish. Plating Red Drum fish fillet on Green Basil and Spinach Risotto In four separate plates, scoop the seafood risotto evenly. Place a fish fillet on the risotto and serve. *Fish stock can be made in advance by adding fish bones, heads and tails to boiling water with celery, carrots, onions, garlic, thyme. parsley and salt. Sharon of Sheila Restaurant also adds some grated tomatoes to the stock. Sharon’s tip: do not cook the stock longer than 40 minutes. You could also find excellent ready-made fish stock in your market aisles.

"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

Well, my day started out with a text message while on the train that an emergency meeting was taking place and I should get to work as soon as I could. Ended up attending four meetings, so I wasn't able to even start working on my own responsibilities until about 4:00 pm. Worked a 12 hour day and finished at 9:00 pm. Picked up dinner at the train station food court and ate it on my lap on the train. Got to my car at 10:00 pm only to realize that someone had hit my car while I was at work. Dented in the rear corner of the bumper several inches. Did not leave a note. Dragged myself home ready to unwind for an hour and head to bed to get up in a few short hours and do it all over again. Everything changed when I walked in my kitchen! On the island sat a beautiful manila envelope from my Mom and Dad! I had an inkling that something wonderful was packaged inside. I momentarily entertained the notion of saving it for the weekend... or maybe Valentine's Day ;) and then I quickly opened it up! Be still my heart! Am I not the luckiest daughter in the world?! I love Love LOVE my gorgeous Valentine's Day mat! Thank you ever so much Mom for spending your time making such an incredible treasure for me! (And I am sure that she spent her time making an identical one for my sister ;) I will treasure it always! Suddenly my awful day turned into a wonderful day! What a difference a package can make! It's going on my table just as soon as I decide I can take it off my lap :) Aren't Mom's stitches just perfect? And the wools that she chose are so beautiful! I'm such a very lucky gal! "I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." ~Ephesians 4:1-3 Blessings, Patti

1 Magens Bay Beach If you’re visiting for a few days be sure to leave yourself at least a half day for relaxing and sunbathing on Magens Bay Beach. Noted as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches by both Conde Nast and National Geographic it is a must see. Lots of things to do…

My goodness, where does the month go? I seem to always be posting my mantle when it is almost time to take it down :) My July mantle features my almost always present antique punched tin lanterns (the one on the far left has a punched star design ~ appropriate for the month), an antique eagle snowbird, an antique red iron barn star and Rowe pottery in patriotic designs. The bunting is a Maggie Bonanomi design (a Country Sampler Girls Club kit from several years ago) made of gauze and wool. On the hearth, antique bunting and aged flags. The graters contain timer candles that glow so pretty at night. Also on the hearth, a Maggie Bonanomi flag mat and a pillow that was also a Country Sampler club kit. Two more Maggie kits and assorted antiques. Hmmm, I'm realizing that July is my Maggie month. I did this one years ago, but still love it :) And a last Maggie design. 48 star antique gauze flags with Rowe pottery from their historical collection. Antiques with my latest piece of antique flag bunting along with my own Winding Vine Designs original velvet cherries. There is still time to enter my giveaway, just click here. "But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." ~1 Corinthians 12: 24-26 Blessings, Patti

While we were in Jackson Hole Wyoming, we celebrated my birthday at a yummy Mexican restaurant called The Merry Piglets. Although being on vacation was celebration enough :) Sometimes I wonder why I am so blessed. Sure I've had my share of trials and grief, but somehow the blessings always seem to outweigh them over time. God is good all the time! Just look at the lovely gifts I received from my sister-in-law, Joy! Wow! The skeleton keys and tomato pincushion are both great additions to my collections. She bought the little vintage sack on vacation and stamped "blessings" on it for me. And that sweet heart is made of vintage feedsack. I was admiring a feed sack on her dry sink, another vacation purchase. When low and behold, guess what was in my birthday gift?! My very own feedsack! Isn't it great? Even the patches are patched! I really admire living in a culture when things were patched again and again rather than throwing it into the garbage and buying something new... The intentions are to use it for future projects, but it will be awfully hard to cut something up when someone worked so hard to keep it together! Joy and I were teased quite a bit by our husbands and sons who couldn't quite see the beauty that we saw, but she and I share the same vision of treasures :) This is another very special treasure - my Mother-in-law's pincushion from when she was a little girl. Isn't it sweet?! I'll treasure it always! And look at this amazing treasure! A papercutting by the awe-inspiring talent of Beth Twist of Heartstring Primitives. I absolutely love her papercuttings, they have such a wonderful antique feel perfectly set off by vintage frames. And her cross stitch designs are awfully special as well :) My husband and sons spoiled me as well - a new audio book. It's been downloaded to my ipod and will be perfect for listening to while I stitch on my commute to work... And a piece of jewelry that I've been drooling over for some time: I love it's simplicity and I love skeleton keys. I think of all that it can represent - key to my heart, key to my faith and a reminder of all the "keys" that I have made for TDIPT this year... I hope that each of you have blessings that outweigh your trials and grief, too. Blessings, Patti

Our Brooklyn itinerary lists all the best things to do in one day in Brooklyn. Which neighborhoods to visit and what to do in a day in Brooklyn, New York.

The amazing booths continue with Laurie Lausen of LJ Fibers at The Wooly Red Rug . I was so excited to meet Laurie after placing man...

I apologize for the delay in posting a winner. Yesterday was our once a month stitch club. Then I needed to finish up laundry. Somehow I managed to wash and dry a full load of laundry with a deck of playing cards. Needless to say - it was not a pretty sight. The laundry is now done and the boys are at their first day of school. I can't thank you enough for the tremendous response to my quandry and for all the kind words! They were most appreciated! I received 59 comments and emails. And Maggie Bonanomi herself was even kind enough to weigh in in the debate :) There was a heavy response in favor of keeping the projects separate and my decision was: to keep them separate. My decision was made once I realized that I have two more fall themed table mats waiting in the wings to be completed... :) I recently found a few yards of this great vintage fabric at an estate sale. I thought it was perfect for backing these projects. And this is where the pillows now live. I had so much fun with this that I decided to giveaway all three of the pillows. The winners are: 1. Paulette D. of Canada - she chose the red dianthus pillow 2. Susan L. of PA chose the purple conflower 3. Betty of primitivebettys unfortunately didn't get to choose, but she will be receiving the sunflower pillow. I'm thinking that this was so much fun that I should have a giveaway every month or so. It might not always be a handmade, but maybe a little antique that might need a new home or some stitching or wool supplies. I have a fun idea for a larger giveaway for the month of September, so stay tuned... I have one more hour until the boys get home, maybe I'll start one of those penny mats :) Blessings & Thanks, Patti

When summer gathers up her robes of glory, And, like a dream, glides away. ~ Sarah Helen Whitman School starts tomorrow, so at Winding Vine summer has come to an end. The weather & temperature lets us know that the summer weather will be here for a while longer... I thought that I should hurry and complete a few final summer projects before moving on to autumn. "Star Spangled Banner" design by Maggie Bonanomi Country Sampler Club Kit I finished stitching this up while my oldest son was in Guatemala, but couldn't decide how to finish it ~ frame it, make a pillow? I finally decided this weekend to turn it into a bellpull, add some army blanket points, and back it with antique ticking. "Country Sampler Liberty 1776 Sewing Pouch" design by Stacy Nash I finished this club kit as well. I made the dog a little shorter and longer in honor of our new family member Orion :) I also substituted some antique ticking for the heart. and added an additional heart inside the flap for storing needles and pins. I think I'll move on to some early fall projects now... "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." ~Genesis 8:22 Blessings, Patti