Friday, November 30, 2012

~*Lots of New*~

Hello Dear Friends!  I didn't have a post for ~*Friday Finishes*~ for you... but I do have lots to share with you!

My offering page on Early Work Mercantile has been updated.  I have stitches and hooked pieces to offer.  Just simple little ditties...
I


I'm very happy to tell you too... that I have TWO NEW PATTERNS AVAILABLE!


~*Peacock Keys*~
  
~*Pearl R. Price*~ Schoolhouse Sampler ... third in my schoolhouse sampler series
These patterns have been added to my Etsy Shoppe... or may be purchased directly from me with Paypal, check or MO.  These are paper patterns only... as I still do not know how to work up an epattern.  I'm filling orders for my distributors.  The patterns will be available at your local needlework shop soon.  These patterns are $10.00... and like my other patterns, mailing is free.

I had hoped to have three new patterns, but the third model just didn't work up as I had hoped.  I need to re~stitch it... and then if I"m happy with it... I will offer it to you as well.

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It is hard to believe that tomorrow is December 1st!  Boy does time fly fast!  It seems like we just celebrated Christmas... and here we are preparing for another one.  We went to the annual Emporia Christmas parade this past Tuesday... and Trinity is looking forward to being in our Americus Christmas parade tomorrow evening.  I'll share a picture or two with you.  The weather has been up and down... and we are currently enjoying the ups.  The expected temperature this weekend will be in or close to the 70s.  It will be a great time for another parade... and to finish putting up those lights!

I hope you have great weekend plans!  Fill it with lots of warm smiles...

Betty

Thursday, November 29, 2012

~*New Patterns SOON!*~

Hello Dear Friends!  I hope you are all doing well!  This is just a quick post... those of you on Facebook are well aware... but the rest of you may not know yet.  (seems I'm always posting a picture, news, and gibber~gabber there!)  I AM working on new patterns!  I had hoped to have three, but was unhappy with one of them after I had it all stitched up.  (I stitch my own models... no ones fault but my own)  So... my goal now is to release TWO NEW PATTERNS ON DECEMBER 1ST!  I'm putting the final details for the patterns together today... and hope to print them up tomorrow!

So... come Saturday, December 1st... there will be an update on Early Work Mercantile... and TWO new ~*primitivebettys*~ patterns available!  Lots of exciting things put together for you!

I've been hooking and stitching... but not punching this month.  Anyway... look for some finished wares available on Early Work Mercantile... and finished patterns here on my blog or in my Etsy Shoppe!

Wishing you all warm smiles...

Betty

Monday, November 26, 2012

~*Holiday Cheer Time*~

Hello Dear Friends... and Happy Belated Thanksgiving wishes to you and yours!  I do hope you had a blessed holiday with loved ones... that you filled your bellies and your hearts.  We did!  *smile*

Now we all know that Christmas is quickly approaching... and things will get busier and busier from here on out!  Did you go Black Friday or Super Saturday shopping?  I tried the whole Black Friday thing a few years ago... and vowed to never do it again!  I'm not much for hanging out in crowds.  When they are grumpy and frantic... I hate it even more.  It scares me!  I wanted to visit some shops on Saturday... but I was busy in my own and didn't make it out.  I do plan to stop by a few of my favs this week though... for sure!

We had a nice Thanksgiving holiday.  My Sweet StepDad is out of the hospital and home.  He was released on Wednesday.  He and my Mom are very happy to be home.  It seems much easier to rest and relax while home instead of at the hospital..  He is feeling well and enjoying some walks around the neighborhood.  I was very worried about him navigating the stairs and steep driveway, but he is doing really good.  He is still sore, but it is calming.  He hasn't had much of an appetite yet, but that will gradually come back to him.  He is eating some... more and  more each day.  The doctor is very happy with the surgery results.  We are all thankful for his healthy recovery!  Thank you again for all your thoughts and prayers on his behalf.  *smile*

We enjoyed Thanksgiving at my in~laws Thursday.  I was so craving turkey... and I think 50% of my plate was filled with it  *smile*  My Sweet SIL, Robin, even made a gluten~free pumpkin dump cake... that I gladly devoured!  YUM!

Tony enjoyed the warmer days and began the lighting decorations outside.  I try to get involved and help him... but this is really is 'thing' and he doesn't want my input.  He does a wonderful job!  This year, he did more decorating on the 'little house'... my studio/shop house.  Actually, so far he has only decorated it ~ hopefully he will be putting lights on our house today.  He put lights around the store sign...
 and used old-fashioned fat, multi~colored lights all around the house too..
 He has added candle lights in the windows too... but that was after the picture was taken.  It is very charming... and very much a Gingerbread~looking house!

We picked up one of these vintage Santas at an auction... and the other at a garage sale.  They are faded and worn... but fun!

 I know I haven't posted a blog update in over a week.  I've been meaning to.  Those of you that like Primitivebettys on Facebook know what I've been doing.  Here are some sneak peeks for new pattern releases that will be out VERY SOON!  Well, actually... two of the three will be.  One of them I need to re~do...

 ... this one is too 'lost' on the fabric.  I love the gingham, but my thread choices didn't show as they should.  I'm going to re~stitch it...
 Also... this coming Saturday is the update for Early Work Mercantile.  I'm working up a few small items to offer...

 I have a few hooked pieces started too.  Lots to keep me busy.  The shop will be open most afternoons this week... and my fingers will be stitching and hooking!

On another note... I found this on Facebook... and thought it was important to share...
Wishing you all warm smiles...

Betty

Friday, November 16, 2012

~*Friday Finishes*~

Hello Friends & Happy Friday to ya!  I do hope your week has been well... and that you have big, happy plans for the weekend to come.

My StepDad is doing well.  He has been moved to a regular room and is getting great medical care.  He has been a bit grumpy, but I'm sure that is to be expected.  The doctors seem pleased with his progress... and I'm sure he will be out before we know it... and telling us his great stories, planning his searches for gold digging, and giving us many more warm smiles.  *smile*

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I tried to give blood today.  Friends, this is something I have wanted to do for the longest time... and, sadly, have never done it before.  Today, I finally worked up the courage.  I walked in with my head held high and a smile on my face.  I signed in at the front and was directed to speak with a nurse towards the back.  My questionnaire was filled out & I must have passed the test.  The nurse then said she had to test my red blood cells.  Oops... first attempt said I was anemic.  They tested again on a finger on my other hand.  I just made it!  Good to know!  (I need to eat some steak dinners!) Then, they directed me to a bed and another medical person gave me a heart shaped ball & wrapped a band around my arm.  "Pump three times & hold it", she said.  Uh-oh... they can't locate a good enough vein.  She tried my other arm.  Same thing.  She called someone else over to check... then someone else.  Sadly... I was turned away.  They said my veins weren't good enough... they might collapse.  I was so disappointed.  I apologized for not being able to give any.  However... I did make an appointment for the next blood drive & was told to drink lots of water the several days before.  So... I'll stay strong & go back!

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Hey... it is Friday!  That means it is time for ~*Friday Finishes*~.  Let me do that now...

This lovely sampler was worked by Marsha ... t's one of my freebie designs.  She stitched her maiden name and had it beautifully framed.  Oh... it is just so very lovely!  You can grab the freebie pattern by clicking the link on the sidebar.  *smile*
 Next, a darling little needlepoint sheep made by Jennifer of Brush Creek Creations... from my pattern ~*Symple ~ Herb filled sheep ornie*~... available from your local needlework shop, from me via email... or in my Etsy shoppe.  Jennifer does lovely work... and has her finished wares offered on Early Work Mercantile.
My warm thanks to both ladies for stitching and sharing!  I do love to see & share finishes!   *smile*

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One more thing before I sign off on this post.  Becky from Patchwork Posse has my freebie doodle posted for the Wool Challenge.  It is very simple... but makes a cute lil' rug.  Pop on over to get your copy!  And remember... I love to see & share finishes!

Wishing you all warm smiles...

Betty

Thursday, November 15, 2012

~*Primitive Handmades Mercantile*~

Hello Dear Friends!  Just a quick note to let you know, my offering page on Primitive Handmades Mercantile has been updated!  Swing on over if you get a chance.  *smile*

Here are my wares...

Some of my 'hickety~pickety' rugs...

 ... These candy cane rugs are mug rugs!

... this dandy... ~*1882 Father Christmas*~... is made from a freebie pattern offered as a challenge from the loveable Robin, of Bird In the Hand Primitives...
I want to give you all a HEADS UP too!  Are you on the list for the newsletter for Primitive Handmades Mercantile?  You need to be!  We are giving away a gift certificate to one of our newsletter customers!  A $75 gift certificate!  Also, the doodle of Robin's ~*Father Christmas*~ is included in the newsletter too!  So be sure to sign up!

Thank you for letting me share with you... wishing you all warm smiles...

Betty

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

~*Mid~Week Update*~

Hello Dear Friends!  I do hope you are having a wonderful week so far!

My StepDad's surgery went very well yesterday.  I want to thank you all again for the thoughts and prayers.  The surgery lasted about 5 hours.  When we visited with the doctor afterward, he seemed very calm and happy with the outcome.  While he was working on the aneurysm, he noticed a few other things that needed attention... and fixed John up in those spots too.  My Sister laughed and commented that the repairs were like "tuning up a car".  John will be able to go for many more miles now!  He is healing in ICU and expected to be in the hospital for about 10 days.  He can't eat for 4-5 days... so I imagine he will be very uncomfortable for awhile.  We are all very thankful... and we are praying that he continues to heal well... and quickly.  *smile*

I wasn't on the computer much yesterday... and didn't see this until just this morning... but Becky of Patchwork Posse posted the interview of me... little, ol' me... and I'm blushing!  Sometimes I really just... well... talk too much!  ha ha ha  Thank you, Becky, for posting up & sharing about me.  :-)

She will be posting my doodle for the snowman rug on Friday with a quick tid bit on how to hook him up.  I'm worried that I didn't give enough rug hooking instructions for beginning hookers... but I am usually available to answer questions.  Hopefully, if someone needs more information they will contact me... or another rug hooker.  You know, one thing I have learned is that rug hookers (and most crafters really!) are always excited and happy to share the knowledge that they have.  I just love that, don't you?!

I'm off to work on the booth this morning... and then will be home in the shop this afternoon.  

Wishing you all warm smiles...

Betty

Monday, November 12, 2012

~*Wool Challenge Update*~

Hello Dear Friends!  I hope you have celebrated the holiday weekend with loving family and friends.  We enjoyed some quiet days at home this weekend... visited the parade on Saturday... I crafted in the shop & meet some wonderful gals who came to visit... and today Tony & I had lunch together at our favorite burger joint.  

We love Freddy's and had a chance to meet Freddy himself today.  He is a WWII Veteran... we enjoyed hearing his stories from those days... and, as always, enjoyed our burgers.  We were even treated to free custard's for dessert today!  (My husband, Tony, is an Army Veteran.)  Freddy is a very kind, personable man... and greets everyone with a hug.  He is such a sweetheart!

 Trinity always salutes the military in the parade.
 Everyone and their dog celebrates here!

Tomorrow is my stepDad's surgery.  He and my Mom are taking care of blood work orders today... and visiting with my stepSister, Laurie.  He also had to get a tooth pulled early this morning.  Yes, I about freaked when my Mom told me about that... but then she said it wasn't anything really because the tooth was about to fall out on its own.  Good grief!  I'm thinking he is already going through enough... right?  Well, I'll be headed to Topeka after I drop Trinity off at school in the morning... so I can be with my family in the waiting room... visiting, praying, and cheering him to good health again.  Thank you again for continued prayers for him.  We really appreciate it.

I wanted to give you a quick reminder about the Wool Challenge that Patchwork Posse is hosting.  It is off to a great start... with interviews, tips, instructions, and patterns already.  This morning, I filled out my interview questions.  I sent them to Becky along with the doodle pattern for the snowman rug above... she said she will work on writing up my challenge info and have it up by Friday.  I'm worried I wrote her too much of a life story... but I do have a passion for crafting... and sometimes you just can't shut me up when I'm on a craft~talk~role!

Well... on that note... I have some needlepunching to get back to.  Wishing you all warm smiles...

Betty





Sunday, November 11, 2012

~*Veterans Day*~

Thank you Veterans... those that have served, are serving, and will serve!  Bless You all!

Friday, November 9, 2012

~*Friday Finishes*~

Hello Dear Friends & Happy Friday!  I do hope this post finds you doing well.  I've been busy creating in the shop... and in the living room in the evening.  *grin* hooking, sewing, and stitching...  I finished up a couple more velvet pears.  These are made with a cotton velvet... and I do just love 'em!  One was taken down to our booth at Ellie Lou's... and the other is here in the shop...

 These are about 11" tall (give or take)... and made from inspiration from a pattern by Sassafras Hill Primitives.  They are rag filled... and trimmed with vintage skeleton keys.

And some wonderful finishes from other dear friends...

This is a freebie finish from Carla that was posted on Facebook.... so sweet & it is about turkey time!
 This dandy is from Dora, the sweet that sent me yummy fudge *smile*... her finish of ~*Helga Watts*~...
Dora used Garden Gate Sampler Thread (by The Gentle Art) that I used on the model.  She stitched on 36 count Legacy from Picture This Plus.  In the corners, she added four mismatched antique buttons... and did a blanket stitch around the edges.  

Both finishes are just DARLING!  Thank you so much, Ladies, for stitching and sharing!  I love to see & share finishes!!!

With Veteran's Day this Sunday... we may head into Emporia for the parade tomorrow morning.  Did you know Emporia is the founding city for Veteran's Day.  It is kind of a big deal ~ as is very well should be! ~ and the whole town is a buzz with activity celebrating our veterans.  Thank you for serving!  Afterwards, I plan to be in the shop with the open sign out... swing by & see me!

Wishing you warm smiles...

Betty

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

~*Shop Opening*~

Hello Dear Friends!  Thank you again for all your encouragement & support on my new venture!  I opened the shop this past Saturday... and it was wonderful!  I didn't expect to be 'busy' with a huge crowd, but I am thrilled that I was able to meet and greet many kind folk!  Thank you to all those who stopped out... and I do hope to see you again.

My sweet SIL, Robin, spent the day with me.  We crafted between customer visits.  My beloved, Tony, picked up a pizza (gluten free!) for lunch.  (We sat around my work table and devoured it when there was a break between customers.)  And... my Mom & StepDad came down (they live an hour away) to see & wish me the best.  It truly was a GREAT day!

 Until I'm able to set my regular hours, I've been popping over & opening up the shop at random.  We live on a busy road, so the sign is very noticeable to passers~by.

Tony snapped a few photos of us while we were all visiting.  I'm not sure what my StepDad was talking about at the time... but he always has a good story to tell.  I am so glad he & my Mom came down for a visit.  He is doing well.  He has quit smoking his pipe (finally!) and is much more energetic.  His surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday.  
(my mom June, Robin, and stepdad John)
 
Spending more time in the studio has given me more time to craft on things.  My supplies have been mostly over there since the inside was re~done a few years back.  Up until the shop opening, I was toting things back and forth from the house to the studio... and wasn't getting much accomplished.  But now... I am!

I started hooking on this yesterday...
 And finished the hooking on it today.  There is another one started too that didn't get photographed today.
 I've also been stitching.  I made a small 'wrap' for this old bottle.  Just a simple 'prim'...
 I also stitched up a few smalls from a Stacy Nash booklet.  The stain is a tad too dark maybe?  Still prim goodies...
I'm enjoying the shop... and enjoying the time spent in my studio.  It is a dream come true!

Wishing you warm smiles...

Betty


Friday, November 2, 2012

~*Friday Finishes*~

Hello Dear Friends & Happy Friday to ya!  I do hope you are all doing well.  My friends on the East coast... I do pray you are safe!  I am so sorry for your struggles, sufferings, and losses.  My prayers are with you!

Tomorrow is my big 'Quiet' Opening day... from 10am to 4pm.  I'm nervous, worried, excited, and happy.  A whole lot of  mixed emotions!  The 'Quiet' Opening is just a simple thing... I'm just opening the door and greeting anyone who happens to stop by.  The 'Grand' opening will have refreshments and door prizes.  Tomorrow, my sweet SIL, Robin, is going to be with me.  We plan to craft the day away in the studio... and hopefully visit with customers.  *smile*

I only have a few things to finish getting ready... mainly sweeping the floor.  I moved my Boston Ferns into the shop a few weeks back when the temperatures began to drop... and now their leaves are sprinkling on the floor.  

Today is Friday... and I'm happy to share a finish with you.  This is a simple finish using a freebie of mine called ~*Best Friends*~.  It has been made by AnaCristina.  She has been busily stitching away and has many finishes to share on her blog post.  Each one is a treasure!
  
Very charming, AnaCristina!  Thank you for stitching and sharing!

The update for Early Work Mercantile was yesterday.  You may have noticed I had to put a banner up explaining I was taking a break.  I'm not really 'taking a break'... I'm just very over~extended right now.  Next month, I do have plans to be back on track!  I also have plans to get busy stitching away on the patterns I REALLY WANT TO RELEASE!  Really I do!

Wising you warm smiles...

Betty