Hallowed Hill Primitives

Auf Wiedersehen

2010-01-12T18:47:00.000-08:00

This post, the 101st entry on the Hallowed Hill Primitives blog, will also be the last.

When Barb and I joined forces to sell on eBay several years ago, we decided to create a new entity, even though we both had our own businesses with perfectly good names. Barb's business (hand-dyed wool and whimsical woolen creatures) is thimblefolk. My business (rug hooking and needle punch supplies) is The Paisley Studio. On eBay we were Hallowed Hill Primitives. Three business and three blogs. It is just too much.

Not to worry -- we are still here. We will continue to sell on eBay under the name The Paisley Studio. I will write The Paisley Studio blog and Barb will write the thimblefolk blog. We'll both keep you up to date with what's going on -- listings on eBay, etsy, American Folk Art, and The Primitive Gathering -- as well as what shows we'll be doing. We're just getting rig of a not very appropriate name.

Click here to visit The Paisley Studio

Click here to visit thimblefolk

Country Parlor Holiday Home Show

2009-11-18T09:23:00.000-08:00

Check out the Country Parlor blog! Click here!

Country Parlor Holiday Home Show
Thanksgiving Weekend 2009
Friday, November 27 9 am to 3 pm
Saturday, November 28 9 am to 3 pm
Sunday, November 29 10 am to 2 pm

How to get there:
Route 58 Riverhead, New York to Northville Turnpike (3.5 miles east of Tanger Outlets)
Turn left onto Northville Turnpike to end at Sound Avenue
Turn right onto Sound Avenue and head east
Hallockville's Naugles Barn wil be approximately 2 miles east on the left

Simply the best Holiday Show on Long Island!

Christmas TEA

2009-11-08T07:13:00.000-08:00

The Eclectic Artisans Christmas Sale
Opening: Saturday November, 7, 2009
7 pm

We are excited to bring you the most splendid handmade folk art, primitives, early American, and whimsical style artwork. Stop by and shop and join in our scavenger hunt to win hand-crafted prizes!

New Offerings on The Primitive Gathering

2009-08-15T07:41:00.001-07:00

Check out Barb's Halloween creatures on The Primitive Gathering!

The Eclectic Artisans

2009-08-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Eclectic Artisans are having an other web show -- tonight! Join us at 7 pm Eastern time for a fine array of autumn inspired art.

Click on the button on the right ti get to the home page.

Quiet Corner Rug Show

2009-06-25T06:52:00.001-07:00

The Quiet Corner Rug Show is this weekend. Please stop in and see us if you can!

Quiet Corner Rug Show, Woodstock Fair Grounds, Route 169, South Woodstock, CT. Saturday, June 27, 2009 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
TRADITIONAL HAND-HOOKED RUGS; VENDORS; DOOR PRIZES & RUG RAFFLE

GUEST SPEAKER 1:00 ELIZABETH BLACK

INFORMATION: CALL 860-928-0162

The Eclectic Artisans

2009-06-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Eclectic Artisans are having another web show! Saturday, June 6 is the date - don't be late!

The Primitive Gathering Update! Here's a Peek . . .

2009-05-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

Skip on over to The Primitive Gathering to see what I have to offer this month!

It's the 15th already.......

2009-03-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

Visit The Primitive Gathering for new items...think spring!!!

Barb

When the Red,Red Robin .......

2009-03-05T09:52:00.001-08:00

comes bob,bob bobin along........you probably don't remember this song. The robins are bobin but the weather sure isn't cooperating. We want spring!!!!

Sarah and I will be at the 49th Annual Hooked Rug Exhibit in Fairfield on March 28th. Be sure to stop by and say hello if you are in the neighborhood.

Here are the details:

Fairfield Grace United Methodist Church
1089 Fairfield Woods Road
Fairfield, Ct. 06825

Saturday, March 28, 2009

9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
$5 Admission--Door Prizes

Guest speaker....Trish Becker, rug hooking supplies and accessories from vendors.
Bag Lunches, Beverages and Desserts available.

Hope to see you there!
Sarah and Barb

Valentine's Day Friends

2009-01-15T16:54:00.000-08:00

The Primitive Gathering is still on holiday so I've updated my album on Picture Trail. There are 4 new friends to meet, hope you'll take a peek. Just click on the Picture Trail link on the right side of the page.

Stay warm, stay healthy and stay happy!!!!
Barb

It's Christmastime!

2008-12-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

My rug hooking guild, The Peconic Ruggers, had their Christmas party last night. While we were missing 2 of our most active members due to illness (Barbara and Jenna feel better soon!), we had a really nice evening. We had lots of food -- I made a pumpkin roll cake with cream cheese icing, the remains of which you see here.

You can find the recipe here -- very easy and no fat in the cake! (The icing is a different story, however!).

We had a great Chinese auction, too -- I got rid of lots of gifts that I had never used (I've been cleaning out with fervor to get ready for our renovations). I donated a couple of new patterns, too. I was lucky enough to win a beautiful basket made by Barbara Blossey-Chuvalas(I put almost all my tickets in the bag to give me a better chance of winning), but I re-gifted it immediately to Andrea of its.all.about.the.wool. Andrea wanted that basket so much, I think she had her fingers, legs, arms, and eyes crossed when Judy drew the winning ticket. The look on Andrea's face when I passed it to her was a gift to me! (Of course, I forgot to bring my camera . . . )

I won a vintage framed picture of Little Miss Muffet -- don't know what I'll do with her, but she's cute.
We had a wonderful evening -- I didn't get home til 10:30!

Our guild is 12 years old now. It's had its ups and downs and it can be a lot of work, but its a wonderful thing to be able to get together with people who share your passion. Happy Holidays to my fellow guild members. Thanks for a dozen years of companionship.

Sarah

17th Annual Country Parlor Holiday Home Sale

2008-11-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

Today's the day! If you are out here on Long Island for Thanksgiving weekend, be sure to stop by!

Friday, November 28, 2008 9 AM to 3 PM
Saturday, November 29 9 AM to 3 PM
Sunday, November 30 10 AM to 2 PM

The Grange
Sound Avenue at Church Lane in Riverhead, New York

The Primitive Gathering Update

2008-11-19T11:00:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again.....the start of the holiday season. The website updated on the 15th so check it out. There will be more to come in the following weeks!

Barb

Hooked in the Mountains XIII

2008-11-11T10:51:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos from our trip up to the Shelburne Museum to see the Green Mountain Rug Hooking Guild's show.

Hooked in the Mountains XIII: "Expect the Unexpected"
featuring the Hooked Rug Art of Diane Kelly and Rae Harrell.

November 8 – 16, 2008
Round Barn, Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, Vermont.
Exhibit open 10 AM – 5 PM daily.
Opening reception 5 PM Friday evening, November 7.

2008-11-04T09:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

Wishing you a Happy Holiday!

Sarah & Barb

Peconic Ruggers Show 08

2008-10-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

Barbara, Judy, and Jennifer did a great job with our guild's rug show this year. It was in the Naugles barn at the Hallockville Museum Farm.

They had Viewers Choice Awards with cute ribbons made by Jennifer -- and guess who one 1st place? Jennifer! She got her own ribbon back.

Here are the winning rugs.

Jennifer's:

Andrea's:

June's

And here's a pic with the mermaid raffle rug in it. It was designed by Jennifer and will be raffled off at our Christmas party in December. If you are interested in buying a raffle ticket, email me at: sarah@thepaisleystudio.com. They are $5 per ticket or 6 for $20.

Back from Rhinebeck

2008-10-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

It was another glorious, glittering autumn weekend in the Hudson Valley. My car windows were frosted both mornings . . . the perfect temperature for indulging in all things wool.

The crowds at the New York Sheep and Wool Festival were absolutely amazing on Saturday. We had lots of returning customers mixed in with the new and we met some online friends, too. I was pleased to see Naomi of Ravens Gate Primitives again. We first met at the Fairfield rug show back in the spring. My friend Christine Henson, owner of Now and Zen Yarns in Greenport, checked in with her husband Charlie Thorp (Charlie built my studio several years ago.) A whole passel of Peconic Ruggers showed up -- they all rode up on the bus with the local spinners' guild: Ron, Barbara, Judy, Jennifer, Sally, Sue all looked exhausted by the end of the day. As always, Abby Vakay -- who was palling with Tracy Jamar -- had boundless energy. It was great to see them all. And Barb and I really enjoy chatting with Toni from The Fold, who sells Socks That Rock yarn. Her booth always has the longest line of customers . . . One of these days I'm going to visit her in Marengo, Illinois and take her silver Audi TT out for a spin . . .

The biggest thrill of the weekend: I was interviewed about rug hooking live on WKZE, the local radio station. The woman who interviewed me was named Sally, who hooks rugs herself, and the owner and manager of the station is named Barb -- which is kind of funny, since my sister's name is Barb and my family calls me Sally . . . Anyway -- I'm glad I didn't hear myself, because I was awfully nervous.

We were so busy I didn't get around much. I did step outside to watch the sheepdog trials for awhile. The dogs were absolutely amazing. I checked out a few of the other vendors, too, and bought some yarn for more socks. I wanted to buy a "Llamas for Obama" pin, but never got around to it. . . they were selling like hot cakes.

So now it's time to get ready for next year's Festival, to be held on October 17 & 18, 2009. Barb and I already have a theme for our booth and I've started drawing sketches for new rugs . . . Hope to see you there!

Sarah

(My apologies for posting the same post on both this blog and The Paisley Studio -- I know there will be some crossover, but I am too tired to write two posts! Thanks, Sarah)

We're heading to Rhinebeck......

2008-10-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

The New York State Sheep and Wool Festival is this weekend. We will be vendors there again for the 3rd year.Our booth is A29...same as before.

It is a great weekend for leaf peeping in the Hudson Valley and there is so much to do at the Fairgrounds it will take a full weekend to see it all. We hope you stop by to say Hello.

New York State Sheep and Wool Festival
October 18th and 19th
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
Rhinebeck, New York
Saturday 9-6 Sunday 10-5

There is also an update on the Primitive Gathering October 15th....be sure to take a peak at all the new creations.

Barb and Sarah

Newtown Rug Show & Hallockville Fall Festival

2008-10-02T09:06:00.001-07:00

There was a stiff wind blowing from the west this morning as Cairo and I walked the beach. Fall is here at last and that means that Barb and I are gearing up for our big show season.

Our first 2 shows are this weekend. The Newtown Rug Show is Saturday, October 4, 2008,9:30 to 3 pm, 3 Trades Lane, Newtown CT 06470, (203) 270-8293. June Myles will be speaking and Trish Becker will be leading a workshop. For more information, go to http://www.newtownhookedrugshow.com/

Our second show is the Hallockville Fall Festival, Saturday and Sunday, October 4 & 5, 2008, 10 am to 5 pm, 6038 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901. As well as craft vendors you;lll find live music, a tractor pull, cows, sheep & chickens, children's activities, and museum tours. For more information, go to http://www.hallockville.com/fall_festival.html

Barb and I hope to see you this weekend!

Fall is in the air

2008-09-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

and that means it is pumpkin picking time! Here are some pumpkin pops that I've been working on for our upcoming shows.

You can stick them in a potted plant or nestle them in a wreath or wall pocket. Thanks for your interest in my pumpkin pops! The 5 pictured above have been sold.

Oh -- and don;t forget to check out Barb's new creations on The Primitive Gathering, which was just updated. Click here: The Primitive Gathering.

Enjoy your day!
Sarah

Primitive Gathering Update.......

2008-08-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

.....new creations for Fall 2008 can be found on the website.Be sure to have a look!!!

http://www.theprimitivegathering.com/hallowedhills.htm

Enjoy your visit!
Barb

Waiting for falling leaves................

2008-08-01T10:16:00.001-07:00

Here I go again. I said I wouldn't complain about the weather this summer....I guess it was sort of like a New Years resolution. I never kept them when I made them.

It has been so beastly this year.....the humidity really does me in. I have Air Conditioning but it's been on so long I feel like I live in a cave. I want to have the windows open, crisp blue skies and goosebumps from that nip in the air.

I'm tripping over supplies for new Halloween and Fall and I have a September deadline for new Christmas...I'm starting to panic but I work best under pressure. Sarah and I have shows just about every weekend in October and of course, I have an update on The Primitive Gathering the 15th of August.I will debut some of my 2008 designs so stay tuned............and stay cool!!!

Barb

Happy 4th of July !!

2008-07-04T07:53:00.001-07:00

Same dye recipe.....different wool.

2008-07-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

I dyed the first batch of colors over Dorr natural....rich, vibrant and new for me.I decided to try the same recipe over a different wool, my new Treasure Chest Gold. The result a much softer, muted shade. I've listed them in our Ebay store today.....something new. I've been a bit distracted with the summer weather but now that the humidity is here combined with high temps, I really don't want to be outside.

I'll be starting to work on inventory for our fall shows......they'll be here before you know it.

Stay cool!!
Barb

Happy Flag Day !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-14T05:08:00.001-07:00

The Stars and Stripes Forever Lyrics
by John Philip Sousa - 1897

Let martial note in triumph float
And liberty extend its mighty hand
A flag appears 'mid thunderous cheers,
The banner of the Western land.
The emblem of the brave and true
Its folds protect no tyrant crew;
The red and white and starry blue
Is freedom's shield and hope.
Other nations may deem their flags the best
And cheer them with fervid elation
But the flag of the North and South and West
Is the flag of flags, the flag of Freedom's nation.

Hurrah for the flag of the free!
May it wave as our standard forever,
The gem of the land and the sea,
The banner of the right.
Let despots remember the day
When our fathers with mighty endeavor
Proclaimed as they marched to the fray
That by their might and by their right
It waves forever.

Let eagle shriek from lofty peak
The never-ending watchword of our land;
Let summer breeze waft through the trees
The echo of the chorus grand.
Sing out for liberty and light,
Sing out for freedom and the right.
Sing out for Union and its might,
O patriotic sons.
Other nations may deem their flags the best
And cheer them with fervid elation,
But the flag of the North and South and West
Is the flag of flags, the flag of Freedom's nation.

Hurrah for the flag of the free.
May it wave as our standard forever
The gem of the land and the sea,
The banner of the right.
Let despots remember the day
When our fathers with might endeavor
Proclaimed as they marched to the fray,
That by their might and by their right
It waves forever.

The Eclectic Artisans Webshow

2008-06-06T17:34:00.001-07:00

JUNE 9, 5 PM. BE THERE OR BE SQUARE

Have a Great Memorial Day!!!!

2008-05-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the weekend, the parades and tributes and the picnics!!

Barb and Sarah

A Rug to Be Raffled . . .

2008-05-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

Our rug hooking group, the Peconic Ruggers, designs, hooks, and raffles off a rug each year. This year's rug features a mermaid, and was designed by one of our members who wishes to remain anonymous.

I've just finished doing my part -- which was difficult, because I find rug warp just too tight a weave to hook through these days. I have a sore wrist to show for my efforts. . . But I'm sure that other members will take their turn at hooking and the rug will be finished well before the raffle date in December.

Raffle tickets will be $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. If you are interested, contact me and I will make arrangements to get some tickets to you.

On The Primitive Gathering

2008-05-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

How handsome is this fellow? He is one of Barb's new offerings on The Primitive Gathering this month. She is having her own little sheep and wool festival. Go check it out!

The Eclectic Artisans Giveaway Launch on Ebay

2008-04-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in a launch with my favorite Ebay forum: The Eclectic Artisans. That's my entry above -- a needle punched Lady Liberty box. The idea of the launch is to offer the person who is the highest bidder and bids with the first 24 hours of the auction a prize. I am offering a box of my antique rug note cards.

There are several great things listed -- just search TheEA on ebay.

Victory Mills

2008-04-22T04:16:00.000-07:00

Although Barb and I took a rather circuitous route to the rug show in Victory Mills, we finally made it! We were warmly greeted by Dick Labarge and George Kahnle who remembered us from their Dye and Design class at the Shelburne Museum about 5 years ago!

The show was in the Victory Mills Community Center, a nice, old brick building newly refurbished. One of the show's honorees, Milly Shaw, told us about going to school in the building many years ago. When she graduated from the lower grades to the upper, she moved across the room . . . Here are Dick and Milly chatting.

Here is one of Milly's beautiful rugs.

Dick and George each have a distinctive style. George's patterns have a whimsical flair that is always recognizable, and Dick's colors are like nobody eles's. You can see their influence in their student's rugs as well. Here's a selection for you to drool over. . . .

This is one of George's patterns. I love the way the hooker used the color of patinaed copper for the deer.

Dick told us this rug had been accepted into Rug Hooking Magazine's Celebrations.

This is Dick's Pineapple rug. Barb wanted to take it home with her. . .

This was my favorite rug. . . It is very subdued and exquisitely hooked.

Rug Hooking Road Trip

2008-04-17T04:02:00.000-07:00

Barb and I are hitting the road again tomorrow. We are heading up to Victory Mills, New York to see a rug show featuring the work of Dick LaBarge and his students. We took a Dye and Design class with Dick and his partner George Kahnle at the Shelburne Museum several years again that was a blast. We actually called it "Fun with Dick and George."

I searched for a picture of Victory Mills and all I came up with was the pic of a knitting machine being installed in the 1930s. Isn't it wild? I could knit socks really fast on that thing . . . We'll take and post pics when we are there.

We're spending the night in Saratoga Springs, just west of Victory Mills. We'll have dinner with my daughter Clara and check out all the great art work she is doing this semester at Skidmore . So stay tuned for some rug show pics. . .

A Pattern for Sale . . . Wool

2008-04-08T05:19:00.000-07:00

I listed the pattern for this sweet little mat on ebay last night. Go take a look if you are interested. Our ebay id is hallowedhillprimitives. We are opening an ebay store so our offerings will be available more regularly.

The version of the mat shown in the picture above and in the ebay listing was hooked by our friend Kathy Blake Parker, a talented rug hooker. Thanks, Kathy, for giving my pattern so much color and life!

Sarah

Visit Primitivebetty's for a Giveaway!

2008-04-05T16:33:00.000-07:00

Our friend Betty out on the prairie in Kansas is having another give away. This is her year of giving, and , so far, she is excelling at it! visit her blog to see waht she is giving away now.

primitivebettys

Home from the Show . . .

2008-03-30T14:42:00.001-07:00

Barb and I are home from the Fairfield-Grace Rug Show. That's our booth pictured above. We were pleased with the way it looked. Barb debuted some new spring colors which are just delicious. We are thinking up some new and interesting ways to use them and offer them to our customers.

Our booth was right next to Woolen Whimsies, the lovely Linda Repasky's business. I discovered she is not only the Queen of Needle Punch, but she is also the Queen of Canvas Tote Bags! She carries her inventory in tote bags because they are easy to carry and easy to fit in her car, but, man, she has a lot of them! She also has some of the loveliest wool thread and finished needle punch products I've ever seen. Barb and I enjoyed spending time with her, as always. You can visit Linda here.

Here's a few more photos of our booth.

Have a great week.

Sarah

48th Fairfield-Grace Rug Show

2008-03-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! The Fairfield-Grace Rug Show is one of our favorites and we are pleased to be vendors there again this year. If you're in the area, please come and say hello.

Here's the information you need:

Saturday March 29th 2008

48th Annual Fairfield-Grace United Methodist Church Rug Show
Fairfield Grace United Methodist Church
1089 Fairfield Woods Road
Fairfield, CT 06825
(203) 374-6528

Here's a new pattern that I'm trying to get hooked in time for the show.

Prices are going up . . . .

2008-03-18T03:57:00.000-07:00

Barb and I took a trip to the Dorr Mill Store a few weeks ago to replenish our supplies before our new season of shows start. It is always a treat to touch and feel all that wool and to talk to Terry Dorr about business. We bought lots of stuff, but we should have bought more! Barb received a letter from Terry yesterday announcing an increase in their prices. Primitive linen is going up the most, if I remember correctly, not only because of the exchange rate, but because last year's linen crop was bad. So be prepared, all you rug hookers -- prices are going up and there's not much we can do about it.

The Eclectic Artisans Webshow

2008-03-04T14:54:00.000-08:00

We are proud members of a small but select group of artists called The Eclectic Artisans. Under the direction of Wendy Meagher of Whendi's Bears, we will be participating in a grand webshow beginning on April 1, 2008.

Our members' talents span many categories: hooked rugs, penny rugs, beeswax ornaments & candles, painting, paper creations, teddy bears, dolls of every kind, and much more. Here are the participating artists:

* Blue Jean Primitives
* Cabin Creek Farm
* Chickadee Primitives
* Country Rustic Primitives
* Daughternature Folk Art
* Diamond K Folk Art
* FootHill Primitives
* Hallowed Hill Primitives
* Honeysuckle Lane
* Make Me A Memory
* Pear Tree Primitives
* PieCake Primitives
* Primitive Bettys
* TFC Folk Art
* Whendi's Bears
* Wings & Paws Primitives

So mark your calenders! The Eclectic Artisans Webshow is less than a month away!

A Successful Hook In!

2008-02-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

We had a great day at the Peconic Ruggers hook in on Saturday. It was a full house -- we were packed to the gills! Members from LIGRA joined us, as did many of our own members who hadn't shown their faces for quite a while. Barbara and Judy did a tremendous job running their first group gathering, with the help of Jennifer, who supplied us with lots of sweet treats.

I have to thank Judy, Barbara, Jennifer and the entire guild for the very generous gift certificate to Rebecca Erb's The Wool Studio. If you don't know Rebecca's wool - lots of textures and tweeds, designed by her and made in Europe -- you really need to take a look. Like candy, they are hard to resist! Thank you, ladies!

I thoroughly enjoyed my first hook in as a non-board member -- although, as ususal, I talked a lot and hardly hooked. I sold some patterns and Barb sold some wool. I won a great Southern Living Cookbook as a door prize, too. All in all, a profitable day!

Hippity,hoppity Easter's on it's way..........

2008-02-12T07:41:00.000-08:00

Here's a glimpse of what's to come on The Primitive Gathering which will be updating on Friday the 15th. Be sure to stop by early and take a look at all the wonderful offerings this month.

Now it's back to the dye pots for the Hookin on Saturday.

Have a great day!!!
Barb

Peconic Ruggers Hook In

2008-02-11T05:02:00.001-08:00

The Peconic Ruggers (my guild here on the East End of Long Island) is having their annual hook in this Saturday, February 16, 2008, 10 Am to 3 PM, at The Grange, Sound Avenue, Riverhead. Our sister guild from up the island (that's East End Speak for anything west of Riverhead) LIGRA (Long Island Guild of Rug Hooking Artists) have been invited. Several members will be selling their wares: Judy Lambros (who is the guild's new co-president with Barbara Blossey-Chuvalas) of 3 Bags Full, Jennifer of Bumble Bee Primitives will have fabulous frames and kits, and, of course, Barb and I will be their with Barb's hand-dyed wool and my patterns. Come and visit!

It's a cold day here in Greenport. The wind has been blowing fiercely since last night and the thermometer has plunged . . . Stay warm and cozy today!

Sarah

A Fresh Crop of Hand-Dyed Wool

2008-02-07T17:19:00.000-08:00

Barb has been hard at work dyeing wool. Check out her listings on ebay under Hallowed Hill Primitives and on etsy under Thimblefolk.

She'll also have some new creations on The Primitive Gathering come February 15. Be sure to check it out.

I have nothing to share. I'm doing my tax stuff. Yuck.

Sarah

VOTE!

2008-02-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

It's Super Tuesday -- lots of primaries going on today all over the country. If there is one in your state, get out and vote! Like they say -- if you don;t vote, you cant complain!

Fairfield-Grace Church Rug SHow

2008-01-28T12:16:00.001-08:00

We have a rug show coming up at the end of March - our first of the year. We're actually try to plan out our tables this year and have been hard at work on some patriotic themed patterns.

Here's the information so you can mark your calendars:

Fairfield-Grace United Methodist Church 48th Rug Exhibit
Saturday, March 29, 2008
9 AM to 3 PM
1089 Fairfield Woods Road
Fairfield, CT 06825

Be sure to stop by and say hello!

Bbbrrrr!!!!!

2008-01-20T17:18:00.000-08:00

It is cold here in the Northeast today -- not as bad as the upper Midwest, but bad enough. Even though the light is changing and the days are getting longer, I am still longing for spring. So I bought myself some tulips!

Stay warm!

Sarah

Another Giveaway! Painter of the Past

2008-01-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

January is turning into the month for giveaways -- and good thing, too -- since it is so cold and dreary. My talented friend Suzanne, Painter of the Past, is nearing her 100th post on her blog and is giving away a bunch of nice treats. Go here to leave a comment and be added to the drawing: Painter of the Past.

Suzanne also has a website to visit: Peartree Primitives

Tell her Sarah sent you!

The Eclectic Artisans Valentine Launch

2008-01-11T20:16:00.000-08:00

Starting this Sunday, January 13th, The Eclectic Artisans (a small but select group of the finest artists on ebay) will be hosting a Valentine launch on Ebay. Look for a variety of items inspired by the most romantic holiday of the year! Search TheEA - and search often!

Another Giveaway! Sylvia Anderson

2008-01-10T12:56:00.000-08:00

The very talented Sylvia Anderson is having Valentine's Day giveaway on her blog. Go to Sylvia Anderson to enter and to see some of Sylvia's amazing work.

Honeysuckle Lane Giveaway

2008-01-09T04:31:00.000-08:00

Our lovely friend Lana at Honeysuckle Lane is having a giveaway to celebrate her 100th post on her blog! Go take a look and sign up for one of her beautiful handcrafted treats. Go here to enter: Honeysuckle Lane

Etsy Shops

2008-01-04T07:44:00.000-08:00

Barb and I have both opened etsy shops under our other names (Hallowed Hill Primitives is our joint online identity -- we both had our own things going before we started HHP) -- Thimblefolk and The Paisley Studio. We've both just listed a couple of new things over there if you'd like to visit.

It is cold here in the northeast. I am stoking the woodstove in my studio and spending the day hooking on my laptap case. (See my start here: http://paisleystudio.blogspot.com/ ).

Stay warm!
Sarah

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T05:49:00.001-08:00

I'm just finishing my baking..........

2007-12-29T12:02:00.000-08:00

....as with everything else this year, I'm behind schedule by about a week. I'm finishing my baking today so I can get it packed up and shipped. This little cookie is my favorite........Scandinavian Pepparkakor. While I was rolling them this morning I remembered the year my cats got into a bit of trouble. Molly and Willy were only about 5 months old, I was making triple batches back then to give to my staff and coworkers. I make my cookies miniature, this guy is 2 inches tall. I used to make hearts and stars also and I frosted them the traditional way with an icing that was made with gelatin. It was almost like working with marshmallow except it got stickier as it dried and when it is completely dried it is hard.

........Well, I was using the dining room table to dry them.......hundreds on racks. Molly was chasing Willy (the little black one) all over the house and all of the sudden I heard this clacking noise.......oh, dear..........there was Willy covered in sticky cookies starting at her front paws with a few hanging from her tail. When I finally caught her, she was terrified, I tried to pull them off and of course it was like they were crazy glued to her little body. Needless to say..........she had a bath. She was never quite the same after that night. She's gone now but this picture from that Christmas is in my kitchen.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.........and I wish you a peaceful New Year.

Barb

Merry Christmas One and All!

2007-12-22T18:34:00.000-08:00

We've been so busy getting ready for the holidays, we've been neglecting our blog. So, we'll wish you all happy holidays and make a resolution to be more chatty in the new year -- which is not so far away . . .

That's Sarah's Christmas tree pictured above -- the tree that undecorates itself. For every ten ornaments I put on, one falls off. It is a fraser fir and the branches are a little on the limp side. Next year, I'll get one that is sturdier.

Here's a close up of some ornies. That sweet charm of my dog Cairo was made by the very talented Lana Manis of Honeysuckle Lane (if you don't know her work, visit her at http://honeysucklelane.blogspot.com/ and http://www.honeysucklelane.com/). The angel behind and to the right of the charm was made by Rachael Kinnison of the Lady's Repository Museum (http://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/) and Diamond K Folk Art (http://www.tdiptmercantile.com/artists/diamondk.html), who also makes the most amazing reproduction dolls I have ever seen.

I have some other fabulous hand-made ornies that I'll try to take pics of and post soon. In the meantime, drink a lot of eggnog and eat a lot of cookies! Life is short. Indulge a little.

Best wishes,
Sarah

Barb's Been at It Again!

2007-12-01T06:13:00.000-08:00

Here is her newest creation featured on The Primitive Gathering, which was just updated.( http://www.theprimitivegathering.com/ )

How fun is he? I think he is charming with his sweetly cocked head and all his vintage trims. Barb's got other treasures listed, as well -- some wee winter wabbits (see previous post), some snowmen and other charmers, too. Go take a look and do some Christmas shopping -- after all, it is December 1 -- only 24 shopping days left!

Stay warm!
Sarah

Wee Wynter Wabbit Invasion..........

2007-11-25T09:47:00.000-08:00

......everyone will be updating on December 1st on The Primitive Gathering website, that will be it until January 15th. I will have another large piece and some smalls and ornaments. Here's a sneak peek.

Hope you will all stop by to see all the wonderful new creations.
Barb

Country Parlor Holiday Sale

2007-11-19T04:04:00.000-08:00

The fabulous Country Parlor Holiday sale is coming up this weekend -- as always -- the three days following Thanksgiving. So get yourself over to the Grange at the intersection of Sound Avenue and Church Lane in Riverhead! Doors open at 9 am on Friday! It is the best holiday sale on Long Island and is more than worth the trip!

Barbara transforms the grange into a magical wonderland of handmade treasures -- dolls, ornaments, baskets, rugs, embroidery, weaving, jewelry -- I can't remember everything! It is fabulous, and you should come if you can! Barb and I will have our stuff there once again this year, as will more than 30 other artisans.

If we don't see you again before Thursday, have a great Thanksgiving!

Sarah

Barb's Latest Offering on The Primitive Gathering

2007-11-17T02:38:00.000-08:00

Barb has been hard at work on wintertime goodies. Here.s her newest creation: Mr. Beau Jingles and his dog Shivers. How cute is that? You can find him for sale on The Primitive Gathering: http://www.theprimitivegathering.com/

LIGRA RUG SHOW, Melville, NY

2007-10-30T05:03:00.000-07:00

Barb and I will be vending at this show here on Long Island this weekend. Come and visit.

The Long Island Guild of Rug Hooking Artists (LIGRA) is having a rug show this Saturday, November 3, 2007, 10 am to 5 pm, at the Presbyterian Church of Sweet Hollow in Melville N.Y. from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. please come and enjoy this great show with over 100 rugs, 13 vendors and four workshops. Featured are Carrie Martin: How to Hook a Doll, Lucille Festa, Hooking a Wide Cut
Primitive Rug, and Jon Ciemiewicz, Hooking a Macaw's Head. Jeannine Happe will teach a rug hooking 101 class.

There will be door prizes, a raffle rug, baskets and punch needle .

Admission is $5 dollars Beverages and desserts will be available for
purchase.

New York Sheep and Wool Festival

2007-10-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

Barb and I are just back from our second year as vendors at the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival. What a fiber fantasy! What a long weekend! What a great show for vendors and buyers alike! Once again we shared our spot in Building A with our friend Susan Borger of Lavender Trifles. We were happy to see repeat customers and old friends as well as new customers and new friends.

Here's a couple of shots of our booth.

This festival has something for every fiber fanatic -- from alpaca yarn to hand-dyed roving, from clothing to sheep's milk yogurt! I enjoyed every aspect of the weekend, but I grew particularly fond of these two llamas -- Biscotti Chip and Irish Cream.

I also loved all the sheep, goats and alpacas as well.

I've got more pics, but Blogspot isn't letting me upload them. Maybe I'll post some more tomorrow. At any rate, the moral of this story is: Come visit us at the 2008 New York State Sheep & Wool Festival! You won't regreat it!

Sarah

Happy 50th Birthday to Me!

2007-10-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

When I was speaking to my friend Jean in Kentucky about my birthday yesterday, she said, “Uh, oh – you’re going to get black balloons and black icing on the cake, and all that gloom and doom stuff!” And, I said, “No, I don’t think so. I’m going to make it sparkle.” And I told her this story.

About ten years ago, when my mother was dying from emphysema and lung cancer (yes, she was a heavy smoker, and yes, you need to quit RIGHT NOW if you smoke!), I was traveling back and forth to Connecticut from Long Island by ferry on a weekly basis. On one particularly sad trip home, when I was facing the fact that my mother was indeed going to die, I parked my car next to a fire engine red Volvo station wagon. It was driven by a gray-haired woman of about 50, wearing jeans and a beautiful Pendelton wool shirt (which I would have loved to have used in a hooked rug), and a gorgeous diamond bracelet. She was playing with 2 dogs that she obviously adored, and who adored her right back. She looked completely at ease in her life, and she looked completely happy. I decided right then – sitting in my car feeling sorry for myself – that I was going to be like her when I turned 50. I wanted a trusty dog by my side, a red Volvo wagon, and a diamond bracelet to wear with jeans. Of course, what I really wanted was to reach middle age happy and at ease in my life.

When I arrived home, I told my husband Peter about my decision. He smiled and listened with half an ear and went back to work. I told my dear friend Paula about it too, and she got it immediately. Of course – why should I be surprised? Paula really listens, and she is gracious, generous, smart, kind, and she lives her life with more integrity than anyone I know. She has dealt with more loss and adversity in the past several years than any woman should have to, but every day she faces the world with warmth and curiosity and makes it shine. When people ask me what I want to be when I grow up (no, I haven’t quite grown up yet), I always say, “A writer.” When people ask me who I’d like to be when I grow up, I always say, “Paula.” So, I fused the image of the woman on the ferry with Paula’s fine qualities and filed the picture away in the part of my brain that wasn’t still refusing to face the fact that I would someday reach the half-century mark.

And here I am. Fifty years old. Have I become the fictional woman I created 10 years ago?

I have a wonderful little Jack Russell named Cairo who makes me smile everyday – even when he has to go out at 3 in the morning.

I have a red Volvo wagon – garnet red, not fire engine, but it’s close enough. It’s a dream to drive and is about as safe a car as there is.

And, yes, while on vacation last spring, I bought myself a diamond bracelet. I couldn’t bring myself to buy a big fancy shmancy one – you could feed a third world country on what a tennis bracelet costs, but I did get a little bit of bling.

But this is all just stuff. It’s not what really matters, is it? This is what matters: I have a wonderful family -- my slightly eccentric, artistic, and handsome husband Peter, who works hard and plays hard and let me get the Volvo, my absolutely gorgeous, smart, kind-hearted daughter Clara who has made the sun come up everyday since she was born 19 ½ years ago, and my talented sister, friend and business partner Barby (I’m the only one allowed to call her that – you have to call her Barb or Barbara or watch out!) who can turn a piece of wool and a strand of thread into a cunning little creature that probably comes alive when no one is looking. I’m pleased to say that Paula has moved back home to Greenport after an exciting and adventurous year in Manhattan, so I can follow her wonderful example first hand again. And I have many friends in the actual world and the cyber world who inform and energize my life on not just a daily or hourly basis, but minute by minute. That’s what matters.

I’m going to wear my sparkly bracelet everyday from now on – or until I lose it (I have a history of losing good jewelry in weird ways – I lost a watch Pete gave me for our 5th anniversary in a porto-potty, and on a boat ride last year, Clara’s friend Lea lost her balance and accidentally ripped a beautiful earring (another gift from Pete) out of my ear and sent it overboard. I still have dreams about sitting in a beachfront restaurant in the Caribbean, ordering a whole grilled grouper and finding my earring inside . . .). I'm going to wear it not to show off, but because it is a symbol of how life can sparkle.

When I finish here, I am going to make a donation in Paula's name to OPLC (One Laptop per Child, (http://www.xogiving.org/) a group that provides laptops that only cost $100 to children in developing countries, enabling them to have access to a good education), to pay tribute to her, to the stranger on the ferry who inspired me, and to the many friends I have made online through my magical Macbook Pro (and to alleviate the guilt I feel for wearing diamonds that probably aren’t free trade). Then I am going to get back to work.

So what have I learned in 50 years? It’s not youth or jewelry that make life dazzling – it’s the way you choose to live it.

6th Annual Newtown Rug Show

2007-10-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

Barb and I will be at the Newtown show this Saturday, selling our wares! I will be debuting the pattern for Juggling Jack O'Lantern. Come and visit!

Newtown Hooked Rug Show
Reed Intermediate School
3 Trades Lane
Newtown, Connecticut 06470
203-270-8293

Show Date: Saturday, October 13, 2007 9:30-3 PM
Speaker: Meg Little
Meg Little, nationally-recognized textile artist, will speak on "Developing Design Ideas" and "My Philosophical View of Making the Every Day Special" . She will also show the commercial aspects of her technique, and tell us how she combines education, experience and her own designs to create customized art rugs for sale.

Workshop: Susan Feller
Susan Feller, artist/teacher/author, will lead a 3-hour workshop entitled “Manipulating Fibers for Dimensional Effects.” Ever thought your design could “come to life” if only you knew how to make it happen? Jump out of your box and learn to work in 3-D! Susan will show you how to use a variety of materials and techniques to create exciting new work. Register for this exciting workshop!

The 2007 Newtown Hooked Rug Show will be presented in the cafetorium of the Reed Intermediate School--where everything will be in one convenient location. Rug displays, vendors, speaker, workshop and lunch will be under one roof, with plenty of on-site free parking for vendors and shoppers.

Yup, it's gone!

2007-10-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

I'm having a BIG birthday tomorrow, and deleting the post is a gift to myself. I am moving forward, toward positive things! Hope everyone else is, too.

Thanks to everyone for all their support.

Sarah

BOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

...........Boo left to move in with Jane and her Yorkshire Terrier (whose nickname is Boo!) last week. I do miss him sitting on the sewing table.

Sarah and I are getting ready for the Newtown Rug Show next week. I have lots of dyeing that needs to be done and still more sewing...... the following weekend we are off to the Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool festival.......this has been a busy month.

6th Annual Newtown Hooked Rug Show
Saturday, Oct. 13,2007; 9:30 AM to 3 PM
Reed Intermediate School
3 Trades Lane, Newtown, Connecticut

NYS Sheep and Wool Family Festival
Saturday and Sunday October 20 & 21, 2007
Saturday 9-6 Sunday 10-5
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
Rhinebeck, New York

Try to stop by and see us if you're in the Hudson Valley leaf peeping!!!

Barb

Happy October 1st!

2007-10-01T04:49:00.000-07:00

Today is the day -- new updates on The Primitive Gathering -- and the beginning of the October Gift away! Check it out!

The First Day of Autumn

2007-09-23T05:17:00.000-07:00

....should have been today.......we woke to a bright ,sunny day with a chill in the air. It will be warming back up this week but at least the mornings will be cool.

Our first show is this weekend, the 27th Annual Fall Festival and Craft Show at the Hallockville Museum Farm. It's a great old place on Long Island. I will be a vendor and Sarah will be with her Rug Hooking Guild selling and demonstrating. There will be tractor pulls, pumpkin picking, horses and other farm animals, music, food and a corn maze. There is a winery across the street that has wine tasting and hayrides. All in all it's a fun weekend for the whole family.

I need to get back to the sewing machine..........maybe we'll see you there???

Hallockville 6038 Sound Avenue Riverhead, New York Saturday and Sunday 10 to 5.

Happy Fall!!!
Barb

The Primitive Gathering Update

2007-09-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

is today! Check out all the new great offerings. Lots of Halloween & fall goodies abound.

Here's a peek at one of my listings, Ezra, the green gourd goblin:

And here are some of Barb's offerings:

Go take a look!

Thanks for stopping by . . .
Sarah

Happy Halloween........coming soon

2007-09-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

Well, we've been so busy getting ready for our show season we've neglected our blog a bit. I always think I have so much time and all of the sudden it's September and I'm in a panic. My first show is on Long Island at the Hallockville Museum Farm. They have been doing the show for 27 years, there are all kinds of activities besides the Craft Show. This year they will have pumpkin picking, a corn maze and a larger demonstration area for traditional craft demonstrations. They have tractor pulls using antique tractors, cows and sheep and just alot of fun. It falls on September 29th and 30th this year. Sarah's rug hooking Guild will be there , too. They will have a sale tent as well as demonstrations...........maybe we will see you there?????

This little fellow is currently on Ebay looking for a home, thought you might like to see him.

Barb

The Middle Name Game Continued . . .

2007-08-29T05:41:00.000-07:00

Can I just copy Barb's in a different order? My middle name is Jane, so that would work! Also, I introduced Barb to Java chip, so I should lay claim to that! I am not good at this stuff . . . but here goes.

J for Jack Russell lover -- I've had 3: Milo, Ruby and Cairo

A for Arty -- I love to mke and create all sorts of stuff, especialy hooked rugs

N for Needle puncher

E for Easy Going, at least most of the time

Here's who we tag:

Lana from Honeysuckle Lane, Annie from Chickadee Primitives, Jackie fro TFC Folk Art, and Whendi from Whendi's Bears.

Sarah Jane
who doesn't use her middle much at all . . .

The Middle Name Game

2007-08-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

...........we were tagged by Sweet Lorraine of Piecake Primitives............my name is Barbara Jean so here goes............
J- Java Chip Junkie.......best coffee icecream, thankyou Starbucks!!!
E- Ebay seller...........thimblefolk and hallowedhillprimitives.
A- Artist.....born that way, runs in the family.
N- Needlework tool and pincushion collector....(to name a few LOL)

I'll wait for Sarah before we decide who to tag.......................

and the seasons....they go round and round....

2007-08-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

It's been delightfully chilly here in New England since this Friday past. Today it is cloudy and showers threaten, feels more like the end of September. I'm a good one for wishing away the summer. While I love the fresh fruits and vegetables and flowers I loathe the heat and humidity.

While I was chatting with a friend this morning, my gaze was on the hydrangea bushes on the other side of the driveway. I had picked a large bunch from these bushes in late June. When I brought them home I just threw them in a pot with some water and had to run back out. I thought they looked so beautiful, I took a picture and sent it to Sarah. My intention was to divide them up in my white McCoy vases and scatter them around the house, she thought they looked so pretty I should leave them....and I did. They lasted 3 full weeks and I was sad when they had to be tossed. So, this morning as I said goodbye to Irene I picked another armful and couldn't help but think of how the summer was almost gone.I brought them home and put them in the same pot and thought I would share with you today....and for some reason Joni Mitchell started singing in my head and hasn't stopped.............and the painted ponies go up and down......we're captive on a carousel of time......we can't return, we can only look, behind from where we came......and go round and round and round in the circle game..................have a happy day. Barb

Something new . . .

2007-08-13T17:13:00.000-07:00

Here's something new I am working on that relates to my new listing on The Primitive Gathering. (New updates will appear on August 15th.) Barb thinks we should coordinate our booth better at shows by having similar items in different mediums. So look for a relative of this happy jack o'lantern on the Primitive Gathering in a couple of days.

I'll have this guy ready to go soon, too -- I may list him on ebay after I fill in al the holidays and mount him on something ot the other . . .

Sarah

PS: He's really much nicer looking in real life . . .

The PGKS Bird Swap

2007-08-06T06:22:00.000-07:00

I was part of a small swap among members of The Primitive Gathering of Kindred Spirits, an eBay discussion forum, last month. The theme was birds -- just about Deena's (our moderator and creator of the swap) most favorite critter. We had 3 weeks to create something birdy. I, of course, was late finishing mine! The due date was the day we left New York for Wisconsin to celebrate my father-in-law's 90th birthday, so I was preoccupied. But I got my finished project in the mail the day I got back.

Of course, I hooked a mat, since that is what I do. My swap partner was Jenny of Country Rustic. She makes fabulous birdhouses. (View them here: http://www.picturetrail.com/country_rustic) So I hooked one of her birdhouses -- minus a bit of detail. I included her business name as well a couple of birds and a star. I think she liked it . . . .

My swap package was waiting for me upon my return from the midwest. Deena made me a beautiful blue box topped by a nest and a graceful blue bird with a paper tail, a cd of soothing piano music and a small, grubby candle.

Swaps can be great fun . . .

Just a little more than a week til the midmonth update on The Primitive Gathering. Be sure to visit on the morning of August 15th!

Enjoy the day,
Sarah

New Stuff for Sale!!

2007-08-01T04:33:00.000-07:00

It's the first of the month, which means The Primitive Gathering has new merchandise for you to purchase! Go to www.theprimitivegathering.com/ to see all the new and exciting stuff our friends have made. And check back on the 15th to see our new offerings!

Happy August!
Barb & Sarah

Black Cows

2007-07-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's been hot and sticky here in Greenport the last week or so, and I have been dreaming of Black Cows. When we were little, my six siblings and I loved this sweet treat our father made for us on sultry summer nights. They're called root beer floats in other parts of the country, but in Connecticut in the 1960s, we called them Black Cows. I haven't had one in years, so today I gave in to my craving. I got out one of my favorite Block Optic Depression glass tumblers and filled it with vanilla ice cream and root beer. I added a straw and a beautiful silver spoon then sat on my porch swing to enjoy it.

It was every bit as delicious as I remembered . . . . . . .

Let me introduce you to.................

2007-07-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

Mr. Whipstitch, my personnal assistant. He is also Mayor of the Thimblefolk...................I made him for the opening page of my website which has yet to happen. Sarah and I have our own business names and mine is Thimblefolk. I had originally sketched him several years ago as sort of an elf but as I started working on him he took his own personality and presented himself as a distinquished gentlemen from the 1800's.

I found his thimble hat after many months of searching, it is actually a pewter shot glass that is about 2 inches long. I decided in keeping with my love of wool to needlefelt his head and his clothes (except his linen shirt and silk cravat) and the pincushion are all made from wool. He measures about 12 inches tall. He sits on my table in front of a giant pair of scissors and smiles at me all day long....................although he may just stick me with that needle if I don't get busy and start sewing again.

Have a happy day, Barb

Here's where I create...........

2007-07-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

...............I used to eat my meals at this table, now I am lucky if I can find it under the piles of fabric, patterns and tools. My quilts, hooked rugs and most of my vintage sewing collectibles are in this room so I am always surrounded by my favorite things.

I live in a tiny 3 room cottage just a short stroll from Long Island Sound so there's a limit to what I can do. This is the only clothes closet in the house and it was turned into a sewing room (that was until the wool took over).

That's Clo Pin (her real name, she's a vintage piece and her arms and legs are clothespins) sitting on the pile of wool.............she's saying "if she puts one more piece of wool in this closet.........

Enough for today.........I need to make a mess again. Barb

Angels for Brianna Ends Tomorrow!!!

2007-07-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

Get your bids in!

http://angelsforbrianna.blogspot.com/

Here are the stats we just received:

Check this out....

$13,560.97

We had 661 visits yesterday, 10291 hits altogether, and 4599 unique visitors.

News from the Auction

2007-07-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

We just received some statistics about the auction. It's really exciting to see how much has been raised and who is visiting the site.

Visitors from Iceland, Germany, Sweden, UK, Australia, Norway, Canada, US.

We are getting a ton of referrals from artists blogs - hope they update them with our fixed status and Money raised.....

Stats were way down on Tuesday. I am hoping that the artists will email their mailing lists/groups and let people know the site is up and perfectly operational.

Funds raised total: $ 11,164.00

including donations of $2,670

Stats are:

3334 unique visitors

7800 hits from all over the world.

Angels for Brianna Auction -- Wow!

2007-07-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

The auction for the angels is in full swing now! It is great to see all the interest and all the money being made in Brianna's memory. If you haven't bid yet, get busy!

Angels for Brianna Auction

2007-07-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

Well, here is a sneak peak of my "angel"................I can't wait until tomorrow to see the rest.

Barb

Angels for Brianna Auction

2007-07-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

Sarah and I have been busy making our angels for the auction. It will start Sunday, July 8th @ 10 a.m. PST and end Saturday, July 14th @ 6:30 p.m. PST. This is where to go to view and participate..............angelsforbrianna.blogspot.com.........there are over 50 artists participating, all of whom have created an angel in Brianna's memory. If you wish to know more about Brianna, visit iva-and-family.blogspot.com.

Happy 4th of July!

2007-07-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

It's only July 1, but the fireworks have already started! We have beautiful weather here in the Northeast. I'm hoping it will last through the holiday.

It's been a week since the Quiet Corner Rug Show -- a long time without a post, but I was hoping Barb would take up the slack this week. No such luck! She'll do anything to avoid writing.

We did okay at the show. We enjoyed the day, which started really early (we got up around 5:30 and left at 6:15). We were greeted by a whole passel of men who carried everything for us! Thank Bob, and Son-of-Bob (whose name is actually Kevin). We talked to several friends -- Barbara of Basket Garden Farm and Judy of 3 Bags Full had a booth -- and made some new friends, too. We had several repeat customers who remembered us from the Fairfield Grace show in April and the Newtown show in October. Lori Brechlin of Notforgotten Farm stopped by with her daughter and her sister. (Lori had a hooking group that Barb was a member.) And Barb's current rug group -- Kathy, Carol, Judy, Mary and Colleen came and bought, too!

Here's a shot of our booth:

And a shot of Barbara and Judy's both:

All in all, it was a lovely day. We'll be vendors next time, too. This will be a biennial show, to give members time to hook more rugs.

Quiet Corner Rug Show, Woodstock, CT

2007-06-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

Barb and I are off to the Quiet Corner Rug Show at the fairgrounds in Woodstock, CT. We'll have lots of rug hooking patterns, wool, needle punch supples, Barb's woolly whimseys and other stuff, so if you are in the neighborhood, come see us.

I am currently in show overdrive, trying to do in one week what normally takes a month. No matter how much or how soon I start to prepare, I never get everything finished. So wish us luck!

This is one of my new patterns:

Here are the particulars:

Quiet Corner Hooked Rug Show
Woodstock Fairgrounds
Rte 169 & Rte 171
Woodstock, CT 06281

Saturday, June 23, 2007
9 AM to 3 PM

Many hooked rugs will be on exhibit. Vendors, demonstrations, food, and raffles. Linda Repasky, teacher of punch needle, will be lecturing and demonstrating. Parking is on site and free. Entrance fee: $5. For more information, call (508)476-3727.

Hope to see you there!

Sarah

New Updates on the Primitive Gathering

2007-06-15T08:56:00.001-07:00

Today is update day on The Primitive Gathering website. Want to see and purchase some fabulous stuff? Go to http://www.theprimitivegathering.com/ and enjoy!

Here are some pictures of our stuff for this month. These are mine:

I love this needle punch box. I saw an antique weathervane and immediately thought of Emma Lazarus' famous poem, The New Colossus with the line, "I lift my lamp beside the golden door."

Here's the inside.

Here are Barb's updates. As always, her attention to detail is amazing!

Percy and Polly Puddleduck are so cute -- even their backsides are adorable! To see those pics, visit http://www.picturetrail.com/hallowedhillprimitives

Barb and I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July!

Enjoy these sweet summer days!

Sarah

Wool

2007-06-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

I started selling my rug designs a couple of years ago. It is always so satisfying when someone makes a purchase -- and it is really fun to see your design hooked by someone else. Barb has a friend -- well, I guess she's my friend now, too! -- named Kathy Blake Parker who hooks like a speed demon. She recently agreed to help me by hooking up some of my new patterns so I can use them as displays at shows. I give her the pattern, she hooks it anyway she wants, and then I get to borrow it back. It is really nice for me, because I can't possibly hook them all up myself.

So here is our first collaboration. I think she did an absolutely fabulous job on it. I love the dark sheep and the contrast of the dark background and the light foreground. And the word "wool" really sparkles.

And here is my version.

Kathy's rug makes a much more dramatic impact!

Now I'm off to pull weeds! Enjoy the day.

Sarah

Christmas in June

2007-06-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

I was taking some photos for a friend's craft show in November recently. I was using a variety of handmade items, including several of Barb's ornaments. To keep them together, I stuck them all in a little basket and thought they looked awfully cute.

The basket was made by my friend Barbara Blossey-Chuvalas, who also hosts the aforementioned show. Barbara makes all sorts of baskets for quilters and rug hookers and just plain old folks. They are all beautiful, but my personal favorites are her little tiny ones, like the one she gave me for Christmas this year. (Aren't I lucky?)

The body of the basket is only about 2 inches tall!

Here's another I bought awhile ago . . .

I'm trying to convince Barbara to make more tiny baskets -- I think there's a market out there (starting with me!). So we shall see. Barbara also teaches basketmaking and sells basket making supplies. So if you are in the market for a basket, a class, or would like to know more about her Country Parlor Craft sale in Riverhead, New York this November, contact her at RBChuvalas@aol.com and tell her Sarah sent you!

Needless to say, if you are interested in one of my sister Barb's Christmas ornaments, you can contact her here!

New Peony Pics

2007-06-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

I deleted the pics from my desktop the yesterday and POOF! They are gone in my post, too. So here they are again and I hope they stay put!

Peonies

2007-06-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

June is the best month in my garden -- there are lots of showy flowers and not too many weeds. (August is another story . . . ugh!) Here are some pics I took of my peonies. They are my favorite flower -- fancy and so sweet smelling.

Sadly, we're having heavy rain here today on the Atlantic coast, and the peonies are taking a beating. I'm hoping to get another bouquet or two before they're gone for the year.

I love flowers -- I especially love to have them in the house. The problem is, I am a reluctant gardener at best. I want the results without the work! I hate getting dirty and sweaty -- and boy, do I get dirty and sweaty! I don't know how some people can spend hours in the yard and look like they've just stepped out of the shower. My dream is to be a checkbook gardener -- have someone else do the work and I just sign the check! But I don't think that will happen anytime soon . . .

Sarah

Memorial Day 2007

2007-05-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day never meant much to me until my daughter Clara became a Daisy and I attended our village's tribute to the armed forces. Every year all the Greenport Scouts -- Daisys, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts & Boy Scouts -- and the members of the American Legion march from our War Memorial to the village dock. They carry wreathes and bouquets of flowers along with the flag.

At the dock, where family and friends have gathered, the Pledge of Allegiance is said, followed by a verse of My Country, Tis of Thee. After the chaplain delivers an address and a prayer, the scouts sing "Nearer My God to Thee" while they solemnly cast their flowers into the water. When they are finished, a boy scout plays Taps on his trumpet, and, finally, another scout plays an echo of Taps from across the harbor.

This is the most beautiful and moving tribute to fallen soldiers I have ever witnessed. There's something about the song, sung by such sweet young voices, and the flowers floating out to sea, that always bring tears to my eyes.

Nearer My God to Thee by Sarah F. Adams

This song is said to have been played by the orchestra on board the Titantic as it was sinking.

1. Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!
E'en tho' it be a cross
That raiseth me;
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!

2. If, like the wanderer,
The sun gone down,
Darkness be over me,
My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I'd be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!

3. There let the way appear,
Steps unto heav'n;
All that Thou sendest me,
In mercy giv'n;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!

4. Then with my waking tho'ts
Bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I'll raise;
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!

5. Or if, on joyful wing
Cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot,
Upward I fly,
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!

So we've joined them.....................

2007-05-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

My sister Sarah, the writer, got this started so now it's my turn to write. It's a beautiful day here in the Northeast and I am trying to decide which project to tackle. I really want to be outside working in the garden, however, there is wool to dye and much sewing to do. We are vendors at the Rug Show in Woodstock, Connecticut the end of June so we've lots to accomplish between now and then..............

Enjoy the day!!!!!!!!!
Barb

We're having trouble . . .

2007-05-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

Or, rather, Barb, is having trouble posting, so I am doing a test to see if this will show up. We'll be posting something of interest soon . . . I hope . . .

If you can't beat them . . .

2007-05-14T05:50:00.000-07:00

Join them! All our pals at The Primnitive Gathering of Kindred Spirits have created blogs recently, so we have decided to follow suit. I don't know how we will find the time to post regularly, but we will try!