little acorns

We’re moving!

Mon, 25 May 2009 23:20:08 -0700

To another blog site!
Yep. . . after several years of creating my blog through my wonderful iWeb. . . I have finally decided to take the leap & move the blog to another blogging service.
Unfortunately too many folks who have PC’s have not been able to open the blog page. . . (those darn PC’s that don’t place nice with Macs!)
So. . . please do come & visit! ( . . . & comment away!)
You can find us at: http://brendariddle.blogspot.com/
xo, Bren

Forget Me Not

Tue, 12 May 2009 07:20:35 -0700

Last spring, I was asked to be a part of something very special. Meg Hawkey (Crabapple Hill) had the idea of doing a quilt to raise funds for the Susan G. Koman For the Cure (breast cancer research) - shared it with her assistant Cyndy. . . & it was shared with some of the fabric companies at Quilt Market. . . & the dream began to become a reality . . .

The quilt will be on exhibit around the country for the next several months - & will make it’s debut at Spring Quilt Market. But you can see it now! Just click on the logo above & it will take you to the page with a lot more info & photos (& close ups of all the blocks!) - as well as how you can donate & gain chances to own this amazing quilt. How wonderful is that!?!. . . to get to give to a life giving & hope giving foundation & give yourself a chance to win this gift of love.
Here’s my block (it’s placed in the upper left corner in the quilt) . . . all beautifully quilted by Debbi Trevino of Village Quiltworks.

It is an honor to be a part of this quilt, this dream, & this act of love & hope. A big thank you to Meg Hawkey - for her heart & the idea to do something. . . & to Cyndy Pettersen - for her ‘get it done’ spirit & for bringing all the manufacturers on board. . . You both amaze me!

I’m headed out to Spring Quilt Market in Pittsburgh - so I’ll be on a bit of a blogging break. . . BUT!!!! I will be able to post (& will be posting) on Twitter! If you haven’t already joined. . . or aren’t following me yet - please do! It’s so much fun . . . & there are a lot more updates . . from me & so many other designers! Just click on the little ‘tweeter’ below & it will take to my twitter page & you can join & come to Market with me !

Retreat!

Mon, 11 May 2009 05:32:59 -0700

You might think that I’ve been on a very l - o - n - g retreat given the time between posts. . . but no, I can’t use that as an excuse. (But I am sorry for the lack of posting!) The retreat that I’m speaking of is the one that I had the pleasure of teaching at in Chelan, Washington. What a sweet town & what a wonderful quilt shop!
Woven Threads, owned & run by the sweet Rosie Buhl, is the quilt shop there & if ever you are in the area. . . be sure to stop in. It’s a wonderful shop! (. . . & has been voted one of the top ten shops!) Rosie has a wonderful selection of fabrics (something for everyone!), stitchery supplies (& will soon be carrying Lecien’s Cosmo embroidery floss! Yeaaa!), & the friendly atmosphere that makes you not want to leave!.
Each year, for the past 12 years, Rosie has done a retreat (where there is a waiting list to get in!) at one of the local resorts right on Lake Chelan. Seriously. . . I wish I would have come a few days earlier & could have stayed a few days longer. . . - I enjoyed it so much. (I’m now trying to figure out how to get on the list for future retreats!)
I took some photos of the wonderful group of women & their projects - but for some reason my photo card ‘ate’ the photos & wouldn’t let me download them! big :o( - So what photos I have - are the ones I took with my iPhone - mostly on my morning walks.
So . . . here’s my little tour of my trip to Chelan, Washington. (Oh by the way - Chelan is located on the east side of the Cascade Mountains - just east of Seattle.)

Coming soon . . .

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 09:14:03 -0700

. . . to a computer near you!
Sorry it’s been so long since my past post. . . I was out of town for part of the time - teaching & having a great time at a retreat (pictures coming soon!) & now I’m buried in the midst of the pre - Quilt Market busy-ness that happens, it seems, no matter how far in advance you start! I’m not even going to exhibit (have a booth) at this Spring Market (this year it’s in Pittsburgh) - but I feel as busy as ever!
I will be going to Market though - as I am going to give a presentation at Schoolhouse (it’s the day before the exhibits open - & is filled with mini - presentations & demos) - so there is that to prepare for, & then I will have a few of my designs/quilts displayed in a couple of other booths. This time - for me Market will be my chance to have a good look around & see what’s going on! I barely got out of my booth last fall - so I’m really looking forward to this Market!
I also wanted to give you a peek at what will soon be a free pattern! This is part of a little quilt that I was asked to design - using Lecien’s Durham Collection. It is one of my favorite Lecien collections (although - honestly - I find it really hard to pick a favorite line!

This Durham Collection has the classic Durham look, with the look of a faded vintage quilt. The flowers are so soft & this season the main floral had sweet little flower baskets on it - so I took that detail & ran with it.

The quilt will be in Lecien’s booth at Market - & then you should be able to download it from the Lecien website - probably around the beginning of June. (I’m guessing here). (But - if you go now you can download free patterns from Elizabeth, Mary, & . . . Monica!!! There are also a couple of others. . . all really beautiful designs!)
This next week I will be starting one more quilt - to have ready for Market (it’s in 19 days!). . . (prayers & wishes for luck are appreciated!), & I will give you some peeks as I have them!
Hope you weekend is wonderful!

The Wee Ones

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:52:23 -0700

Today I’m getting ready to go to Chelan, Washington - to teach at a weekend retreat, & I’m am so happy to go - as it is coming at just the perfect time. . . & I just love to do weekend retreats! (even to teach!) It is just so much fun to spend a few days focusing on what you love. . . with people who love it too!
So, while I’m gone (I’ll be back Tuesday) - I thought I’d leave you with hopefully another little form of inspiration - & that is of the sweet little lovelies - (the hummingbirds & finches) that have been spending quite a bit of time in our backyard.
The first group of photos is of a little hummer - who was taking a bath on one of our fountains. (Honestly - the fountain is not the prettiest one that Dad has brought home. . . but the birds sure love it for their little baths!)
This little one had such a good time! . . first splashing, & then just a bit of sunbathing ( & getting little drinks!).

(Honestly. . . I think I took about 25 - 30 photos of this little one. . . I just couldn’t get enough!)
We have also been getting a lot of visitors of the finch variety. Last month, my friend (& long-arm quilter!), Nubin, gave me this finch feeder as a birthday present, & I have had so much fun watching them! She had been over one day & I got all excited when a couple of little finches were in the birdbath & I told her how I love it when the little birdies come to visit the best - but I don’t see them as often as the bigger birds. . . so she got me this finch feeder & sure enough. . . lots more of the little guys! ( . . . & a few of the desert wrens (the one on the right) who can barely hang on to the feeder - but manage to get a little bit too.)

So. . . hope you enjoyed your little dose of birdie cuteness!
Have a great weekend! I’ll be back next week!
xo, Bren

Happy Easter!

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:37:31 -0700

I don’t know about you - but I love this time of year. I know that as far as holidays - Halloween is becoming one of the most popular holidays (getting right up there with Christmas) - but Easter is one of my favorites.
Even if it doesn’t have the significance for you & your own personal faith - even just the celebration of new life that is all around us (in the northern hemisphere at least!) - with spring & all the trees budding & new flower blossoms popping up every day is like breathing fresh air!. . . I just love this time of year.

Also for me. . . this is a time of reflection for me - as this very special season is one - that because of where my faith is placed - this is a season of a bittersweet celebration of a Savior who loved me so much. . . that he died for me - so that I might live. So this celebration of new life is two-fold for me. . . & the sweetness of seeing all that creation brings forth from day to day - just adds to my joy this season.
May you have a sweet celebration with those you love this Easter!
xo, Bren

It’s My Party. . .

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 09:27:06 -0700

Yesterday was a very special day. . . it was Bailey’s birthday! The little ‘big boy’ turned 3 years old yesterday. . . & it seemed as though he knew it. . .
We had my brother & his wife (who are visiting from Minneapolis) over for an early dinner & when a cake was mentioned for a dessert. . . the birthday boy decided to hop up on a seat for himself. . . because, after all . . . it was his birthday!

Bailey & his ‘Grandpa’ had a little conversation about the whole thing. . . but with a face & pose like that. . . as you can imagine. . . he did get a bite of cake. (just one!) . . .
& yes. . . the birthday boy got to stay in his seat.

Apple Blossoms

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:11:08 -0700

A short little post here . . . one reason is because things are hoppin’ around the studio!!, (as well as the fact that when iWeb suddenly quit a minute or so ago - I lost a much longer version of this post. . . & can’t remember all I said!)
So. . .
Just to let you in on some of what’s up here. . . a few sneak-peeks at one of the latest designs coming out of Acorn Quilt & Gift Company. . . ‘Apple Blossoms’!

Im using the just released ‘Aviary’ line from Moda. ( I love this line!)
Okay. . . back to the studio!
xo, Bren

Sniffing. . .

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 08:25:51 -0700

Lately, on our morning walks. . . this is what is filling the air with such wonderful fragrance. . .

. . . Jasmine. (I love it’s light fresh scent!)
And then there’s also these . . .

. . . orange blossoms. . . keeping the little bees mighty busy these days!

Me?. . . I’ve been busy this week. . (in fact I can’t believe how fast it went by!) . . . but I don’t have too much in the way of new projects to show you. Hopefully that will change by Monday!
Until then. . . I hope you have a wonderful weekend . . .
. . . don’t forget to stop & smell the flowers!

(edited: . . . Yes! All these photos came form my backyard. (& we’re being very careful about the bees!))

It’s a comin’ . . . !

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:04:55 -0700

I have to admit something. . . Envy.
Yep, all fall & winter - I have been a bit envious of all the lovely pictures form the blogs of people who live in parts that actually have real seasons. . . the pretty fall colors. . . the silent beauty of the snow (that has fallen in record amounts it seems everywhere but here!)
So. . .
As I have been running inside to get my camera for over a week - because of all the fun stuff that is happening in ‘the yards’ - I kept thinking, “oh - maybe I shouldn’t post that yet. . . there are a lot of people who aren’t having the warmer temps & the pretty spring-y things that it brings.” . . .
But. . .
I’ve changed my mind. I mean - this is what is surrounding me these days & I’m just going to enjoy it for all it’s worth! (& to be honest. . . here in the southwest - these wonderful spring temperatures are way too short lived. . . & we’ll be in the 90’s & above - way too soon!)
So - I give you . . . the start of spring ! (courtesy of Oro Valley, AZ!)

We may be a few days ahead of the calendar . . . but spring has definitely arrived here!

#1 On My Book List!

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 07:23:47 -0700

Just recently, I started a list of books that I want to check out & read (as reading more is definitely something I want to do more of this year) - & I keep changing the order of what books I want to order. . .
. . . & then - over the past few days - I have seen peeks of this amazing new book by Joanna Figueroa (Fig Tree & Co.) called ‘Fresh Vintage Sewing’. And now. . . even though it’s not a novel. . . this is the book that has gone to #1 on my list of must reads!

Have you seen it? Camille gave a little peek here, & I think I figured that it would come out for Spring Market (about 8 weeks away). But then yesterday I saw more peeks on Joanna’s blog. . . (& you must go see - if you haven’t already!) . . & I found out that the book will be here this week! In fact - Joanna is going to have signed copies available on her website in the next few days!
So . . . (now only if you like beautiful things!) . . . Go. . . ! See for yourself!
So see! This IS a lucky day!

Oh how I wish. . .

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:05:00 -0700

. . . but this isn’t how I’ve been able so spend my days!
We have been having some wonderful weather - just perfect for doing what Bailey & Dad are indulging in. (Actually - they had just finished some trimming & also picking lemons.)
It was also time to get some photos of my boy back here on the blog. Bailey let me know. . . that it had been way too long. . . & he was afraid that you might forget what he looks like. (Oh no!)

One thing that I have been up to (besides the new designs that are & will be posted on the website & newsletter page) - is that I joined ‘twitter’! I had a few friends who were on it & I didn’t take the time then . . . but when Kimberly (FQS) took the plunge (in fact - check out her blog! - the FQS blog is having a giveaway if you start to follow them on ‘twitter’!) . . . well - I decided to jump in too (!)
I have to admit - it’s been fun. . . but I’m determined not to get addicted. . . I don’t have the time! But . . that’s the great thing about it - it’s short & sweet (. . . it’s just a “tweet”!) So it keeps it under control. So. . . if your are a ‘twitterer’ (or as I like to put it. . . a ‘twit’ (!)) look me up! (Not that my days & ‘twitters’ are all that exciting! . . . but I can update there much easier than a blog post.) (. . .& I will keep doing the blog!) I have a little link on my blog cover page (the little flying birdie) - of you’d like to check it out!
Oh yes. . . since this post was really supposed to be about Bailey. . . I thought I’d leave you with my favorite new photo of ‘the boy’ . . . It’s a little fuzzy as it was taken with my iPhone. . . (we were hanging out - working on catching up on e-mails). . . but I think the cuteness still comes through!

. . . ahh, yes . . . my fluffybump.

A Little Introduction . . .

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:50:58 -0700

It took a little while longer than I thought. . . (new projects, weddings. trips. . . ) - but it was ‘always in the works’ . . . this little boy version of ‘Betsy’s Closet’ . . .
And, finally. It’s done.
Applique, piecing, quilting, binding. . . done.
And now “he’s” off to the printer.
May I introduce, our latest design, celebrating little boys & their toys (& the little things they give homes to in their pockets!) . . . ‘Benji’s Pockets.

Even though we won’t have the patterns to ship until next week - we’ve gone ahead & have put it up on the website & are taking pre-orders for it. (. . . & wow (!) - Thank you for the orders already . . before I even blogged about it being on the website - some of you are really fast!)
Here’s a few more shots from the photo shoot. (. . . without unfortunately . . . the good lighting)

I mostly used fabrics from the Moda line - ‘Snippets’ by Sandy Klop (American Jane). When I saw the line at Fall Market - that was it . . . I knew. . . it was the line I wanted to use.
(Oh - & yes, those are real pockets in the border corners - just waiting to be filled with your own pocket treasures!)
So there we are. Welcome ‘Benji’. . . I know your sis, ‘Betsy’, has been waiting for you to get here!

Serenade . . . (or Hometown. . . finale)

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 16:06:31 -0700

Jeepers. . . ! I’d better get this posted or else it will be a week since my last post! (But before I forget - be sure to read to the end of this post . . . for a very important event!)
Okay . . . where were we. . . Oh yes.
San Diego.
So, we’ve been walking around Balboa Park & the museums, & the botanical garden all morning. . . & we’ve gotten really quite hungry & are ready to sit for a spell. Where to go?
Old Town!
Nestled not to far from the bay & from downtown is San Diego’s Old Town. It is pretty much a touristy spot - but there is still plenty of San Diego’s history on display, & there are definitely some really good Mexican restaurants there. So - after a little errand to get Dad’s tux for the wedding - (oh yea!. . . that’s why we are all back here!) - we (my Dad, brother, sister-in-law & niece, & I) head for Old Town & one of our favorite places to eat - an outdoor restaurant (which for the life of me - I can’t remember the name of!) where you can enjoy the wonderful weather that San Diego has pretty much year round.
While the boys were, um. . . ‘washing their hands’ - we watched the mariachis serenading some other tables. . .

. . . & just before the guys got back - they spotted an easy target. . . we three girls. . . having way too much fun.

These guys were really fun &. . . lively! They had us all laughing & you can imagine the looks on my brother & Dad’s face as they returned to their table with so much commotion going on! (. . . & just in time to tip the mariachis! - good timing guys!)
After lunch (& now needing to walk a little of it off!), we walked around some of the surrounding shops - where Nikki, my niece, tried on a hat sure to provide the sunscreen she would need (coming from Minnesota!)

Even though we assured her that she looked cute in it. . . no sale.
But the real reason we were all back in San Diego was for my niece, Katie’s wedding. I only got a few photos - as I had taken so many at the park - my battery was giving out!
Here’s the sweet bride -

Oh. . . & the guy we got the tux for? . . . Here’s Dad - looking as dapper as always. Dad was the ‘ring-bearer’ (in the truest sense of the word. . . but that’s a story for later!)

And so that’s the end (finally!) of my trip to San Diego. It’s hard to imagine that I grew up there. So much has changed. . . & it has grown so much. . . much of it the town I grew up in is hard to recognize. But it is still a beautiful ‘city by the bay’.

Okay . . . what’s the special ‘event’ I mentioned at the start of this post? Well . . . it’s this . . .
Many of you have shopped online at Fat Quarter Shop.com. And, if you have - you know that they are famous for taking care of their customers & putting us first. Well . . . this Saturday - March 7 - is Kimberly’s birthday (!) - so please go over to their blog (The Jolly Jabber) & leave a comment to wish Kimberly a Happy Birthday! (By the way - in case you haven’t heard yet . . . Kimberly & Kevin are also expecting. . . twins! It’s a great opportunity to send our well wishes to someone who works so hard for us!
Well . . . whew! I’m pooped after going back to San Diego - again! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

. . . back to the left coast. . .

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:51:05 -0700

Okay. . . I’m over my sadness about the golf tournament.(actually by yesterday - pretty much all the top names in the tournament were gone. . . ! This will be the year for a lower ranked golfer to win a boatload! . . & that’s fun too!)
Anyway - I’ve been really. . . really busy! On Thursday I got three big wool orders. . . & I had no stock of dyed wool - so getting out the dye pots was thrown into the mix. . . I’ve also been working on this - finally! I just have the outer border to finish. . . & hopefully I will be paying more attention when I sew this border together (!). . . Yesterday I think I ripped out more seams than I have. . . well. . . in a very long time. (Took me twice as long as it should have!)
So for a little break. . . (& because the photos will be ancient if I don’t get them posted!) - here’s the some more of my photos from my San Diego trip. . . Ready to go somewhere sunny?
While there - I was taken, not only with the architecture, but also with the flowers & plants that were. . . everywhere as we walked around.

Then my brother Scott & his wife Jodi & their daugher #2 - Nicole met us, (daughter #1 - Angela is in law school & couldn’t come) They were there from Minnesota. . . & were loving the temps! We spent some (a lot) of time at the botanical pavilion. . . The plants & orchids were incredible! There was a lot of photo taking going on in there!

. . . then there was this little sign . .

The ‘boys’ got a little tired of all the flower photo-taking & I found them catching up on a bench outside. (Definitely father & son!)

Thankfully I had my wits about me to gather everyone for a photo. . .

Well. . . this post is getting a little photo heavy. . . (I just couldn’t edit them down any further!) . . . So we will finish the trip next time. . . (wonderful Mexican food & all!)
It’s time for a break. . . & in the kitchen I’ve got one of these. . .

. . . calling my name.