It's been so long since I've posted. I've got a new pattern out, Sophie. It's been so fun making it up in different fabrics.

It's almost July and I'm working on my fall trunk show. There are so many great fabrics, it's difficult to pick.

I have a Christmas pictoral in Sew Beautiful's November issue that features a boy's pants and double breasted shirt and a boy's blazer pattern. They will be available at the September wholesale market.

I just spent 2 days in designer heaven (or considering the lack of funds, the other place!) I was surrounded by fabrics, laces, and designers. Two new fabric designers I saw and loved were Monaluna's "Metro Market" and "Mingle," and Riley Blakes' "Just Dreamy." Monaluna is found on Robert Kaufman's web site. Riley Blake is working on getting her websit up and running. It's fun thinking about what I would like to do with the fabrics. Now I have to find out what shops have it.

I'm working on a list of classes to start teaching in the greater B'ham area. I'm going to teach an apron class at my church here in Moody next month. What a fun time to spend with my sisters.

Happy New Year

WOW! Is it a new year already? Where does the time go? For me, the year ended with the publishing of two new patterns, Elsa and Blair, in September and getting ready for and a Christmas pictoral for Sew Beautiful in December. Pictorals are a lot of work, but they are so much fun. All the really young children were scheduled for the morning. We were exhausted by lunch time but managed to get acceptable shots of all the outfits. The older kids were so easy to work with that we finished ahead of schedule. Now, all that's left for me is to look forward to the Christmas issue this year.

Wholesale market here in Birmingham is in a week and I'm working on having two spring trunk shows to send around to shops.

Have a blessed year!
Maja

Refreshing get-away

WOW it's good to be home. My family and I had the privledge of spending the week end in a friend's "cabin" in the north Georgia mtns. The weather was perfect, the colors were divine, the kids were pretty co-operative (I mean they're mostly teens, so I have realistic expectations). We hiked, and shopped, and played board games (no TV, yeah!) and I got to do a little embroidery. It was so good to get away from the house and the sewing room (that is in desperate need of cleaning. Oh the house too). I think we all need a break from things, even the things we love, to adjust out perspective. My list includes my family, kids, and sewing. A break from them gives me a freshness to see things more clearly.
Thank you Lord for the "retreat."

It all started at 40

"What started?" you ask.

The darkness.

It began with an innocent 1.25. But as the years progressed I had to have more. I am now 48 years old and use 3.25 strength reading glasses for my embroidery. I have so much to be greatful for though. I have reading glasses and don't have to give up what I love. After I turned 40 I began wearing a "granny chain" to keep my glasses where I could easily get to them (and not loose them because with the sight went the memory). It's humbling to have to pull out my glasses to answer my phone, check a price, tell the time, etc... I appreciate my "elders" so much more.
"The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness." Proverbs 16:31

Look at Me!!!

OK, so I have a degree in Electrical Engineering and I am giddy about finnaly making my own blog site. I really think it's ScreenPhobia that I have. I shy away from screens because of their effect on me: nothing outside of the screen matters.
I have just returned from SAGA convention in Atl and have found out that I can enhance my website through a blog spot. Well I'm trying it on my own and will get help from a vetran blogger when we can get together.
SAGA conv. was incredible. I get so much inspiration and encouragement. I had Vaune Pierce for the first time and loved her. Laura Jenkins Thompson was amazing as usual and I actually finished the project. Lillie McAnge was delightful with her easy pace, yet gently pushing us to improve our stitches. I had a couple of "oh yea" moments in Judeth Adams' class. The only seemingly negative thing was that my van was broken into and about half of my ready-to-smock garments were taken. I say "seemingly negative" because it was a great opportunity to proclaim the gospel. My hope is not in fabric and thread (which is all the garments are) but in God who provided and provides for me. He has provided payment for my debt that my sins have accrued for me and perfect righteousness that is required to stand in His presence. He is providing hope for me. This world is not my home and in it I will find tribulation. I am able to forgive because I have been forgiven much. The man (I know it was a man because the chocolate that was in the van was not taken) who broke in has only the hope he can steal and that is no hope. God offers hope at no cost to us through faith in Christ, the only path to God. I pray for this man that he might find hope in Christ.
"And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." John 17:3

Maja