So Summer, So Busy!

I'm really surprised that I'd have anything to blog about.  I fully expected to be in summer mode but things just keep happening.  Fiber Art Now magazine is on the stands in Saskatoon now which is great.  I'm going to pick up a few more copies (they had the call for entry that I made it into).  The very next day, Embroidery Canada magazine came out with the article I wrote last year for it.  What a surprise!  It's the magazine for the National guild... the same way CQA has their own publication.  (Sorry - not available in stores...)

Exploring the Prairies in Thread, Embroidery Canada magazine, Summer 2013 (3 pages)

Thanks so much to the members who have sent in emails to say hello!  That is so exciting - no one has ever done that before.  It was very kind of you to take the time to send a message.  : )

My lovely assistant Kari has now spent four days helping me out this summer.  It's been SO great to have her.  She put together embroidery kits for future classes, helped out my son with his projects, and did a few hours of slicing wool for me.  I bought all these rug hooking supplies from the Manitoba Craft Museum Stash Sale when I was in WInnipeg.  I look at the wool and think, 'oh if only it was sliced and ready to go so I can just make something!'.  Enter Kari...

Kari in the Kitchen

She worked on the counter because it was a good height.  It sure looked like she was making noodles!  ; )  So that's what I told the kids... When she was done, I had bags and bags of noodles sorted by color.  Oh wow - that was SO worth it.

courtesy of My Sweet Prairie's Kari ; )

I even got to run out to the dollar store for bags and pick up some take out lunch for the kids too.  I tell you, hiring someone to help me in the studio instead of hiring a babysitter or housekeeper makes so much sense.  Things are getting done and I feel like I have more free time for my children.  The children come first...

My oldest has his fist summer job.  My girl is enthralled with catching bugs and coloring.  My middle boy has dove full force into leatherworking.  He is so great at it!  He stamps and stains them, buffs and sews the leather, and then attaches the hardware like buckles and snaps all on his own.  Super!

Today, Kari agreed to help me do some taping for video tutorials.  (I'm caving to your pressure!)   Oh MAN was that hard!  We will keep working on it... but in the mean time, please enjoy these out takes.  It's the best we have to offer at this point.  lol  It's only 2 minutes and all unusable.  There's about 17 more minutes of unusable, but this is all you get for now.  : )

Have a fabulous weekend
...and stay away from those mosquitoes!

Come for Tea & Stitch with Me (Winnipeg!)

Winnipeg is coming soon.  There's good news, and there's bad news.  The bad news first?  I'm not there for long, and I am completely booked with public speaking events and running workshops for various groups.  There are still several people I would love to get together with!  So here's my plan.  I'm going to have a little party.  You are invited.

On Sunday May 5th, it's my birthday.  I'll be away from home and family at that time, and that sucks.  So I have decided to make the best of it.  From 11:30 to 1 pm, 4 pm to 6 pm feel free to join me for lunch at the Grant Park Prairie Ink Restaurant in Winnipeg.  (Please note this change of time.) They have a good SUPER looking menu with a host of gluten free options (yes - including sandwiches, pastas, and cake too!)  So - Ellen, Kate, Tara & daughters, Prairie Peasant, and friends, please come by if you are in town and we an visit over a meal.  Doesn't that sound fun?  Unfortunately, my artwork won't be on display until the next day, May 6 to June 2.  You'll have to come back Monday night for the reception if you can.

That's the 'bad news'... not really bad is it!?  The good news is that I am going offer a beginner hand stitching class in the Community Classrooms that same day.  Here's the ad... COME FOR TEA AND STITCH WITH ME

You can also learn more about how to register for any of their classes here at their website.

I look forward to this so much!  It will be like "Saturday Stitches", but in person.  See you then!

p.s. Don't forget your teacup! ; )