… you gain MUCH excitement when a friend dumpster dives from the back of a retail store, and brings you display spinners…

I must really be in the business now. Several months ago I decided that I finally needed to make the jump and show in wholesale trade shows for needlework shops. I’ve taken part in the online Needlework Show , and have had a distributor who’s taken my models and designs to trade shows for me, but my time has come.

For Stitchin’spiration to get to the next level, I must buckle down and start getting out there myself. It’s come alive in my brain again, as just this week I received the first information package for the large show in February which I’m targeting for my first one.

Well, funny how things work… I was at work this morning when my phone rang. It was another designer friend of mine, Kathy, and she was running errands around town. Well, it just so happens that she noticed some merchandise spinners sitting next to a dumpster behind some retail shops. She checked them out, and wanted my permission for her to pick them up, and take them to my house for me……

Yes, you heard that, she wanted my permission “recycle” good quality display items – for me. She checked with the shop, and I think they were just happy to get rid of them. Look at these babies…..

Aren’t they just grand???!!!!??? Of course, I have NO idea where in the house they will park until February, but my mind’s already working on all the display possibilities…

I remember the day when I got excited chills looking at new threads and fabrics….. Now, show me new charting ideas, or talk to me about marketing ideas, and I am thrilled… Wow!!

Don’t I have a wonderful friend who’s not afraid of a dumpster???!!!??? Now that’s a priceless friendship… Stop by her website – Designs by Kathy – to see her work!!! I’m in awe of her architectural details, and her beautiful nature designs.

I do hope that everyone in the States has a wonderfully long Memorial Day weekend. Our office is closing early tomorrow at lunch, so a friend and I will be heading down to my favorite James River plantation – Brandon – for the afternoon. I’ll be sure to share some pics – especially since it was my inspiration for Brandon.

Isn’t it funny how creativity shows up in everyone in different ways?

I was reminded of this when an old friend of mine, Susan, nicely reminded me that I hadn’t e-mailed her back – oops! Sorry Susan!!!! Susan and I went to college together, and she’s currently a fiber artist, putting out wonderful art quilts.

If you want to see some truly creative and colorful fabric art pieces – stop in at her site Creative Chick. Susan’s use of texture and color are amazing, and I’m envious of how she works with all the different elements.

I’ve always had a more structured and ordered creativity. As a kid I’d sketch on my father’s engineering pads – with the different shapes of grids – of course keeping with the lines. Even in my profession – interior design – don’t ask me to do a freehand sketch of a square. It will come out somehow roundish and oblong – and definitely not to scale. But, get me on the computer with AutoCAD, and I’m all over it, and will get you 10 different ideas in as many minutes.

Back in college is when I realized that everyone was creative in different ways. Susan and I had a couple of other sorority sisters also in the arts, as well as a couple of big brothers, and each one was different. In my freshman year, I remember sitting in the studio of my first freehand sketching class, hanging out with the skull of a goat (think I named him George), struggling over it for hours. Then, one of our big brothers walked in, an art major, and immediately was able to quickly sketch what I still couldn’t after hours, and helped me figure it all out. I still have those pencil sketches, and I’m proud of them – since I really did sweat that class out. Somehow, my sketches of George ACTUALLY look like a goat!

In the business world, creativity might not show up as artsy, but it exists. Ever watch an executive mentally work through a problem, and effortlessly work through the logistics of a complicated deal? That’s amazing to me as well.

If you don’t think you’re creative – you are!!!! Go and find it… it’s a wonderful way to release yourself. If you know you’re creative – use it and stretch your creative muscles.

Want to exercise your creativity? Susan offers some great classes online that will get you playing in color, fabric, beads, and thread. Stop in at her Joggles Class Listing to see what she has to offer. MMMMMMMM, I might just need to finally try my hand at one this summer… How cool is this piece!?!

What might you find interesting to play with? Let me know, I’d love to hear!

Well, got up this morning, and realized that we get an extra hour of sleep this weekend!!! Whoo-whooo!!! Sleep’s been at a premium lately, with so much going on, so I’m looking forward to those extra 60 minutes.

The sky’s finally clearing this morning in Richmond, after having rain all day yesterday and this morning. A last little thunderstorm came rumbling through about an hour ago, and now I’m already seeing blue skies. What a beautiful fall this has been. Yesterday, as I sat in my car talking on the phone (imagine that!), noticed that with the falling rain, and the vibrant fall colors on the stand of trees I was facing, it was almost like an oil painting which continually changed. It was just amazing!!!!!

This past week has seen quite a flurry of stitching activity here in Richmond. The EGA National seminar was here. I, unfortunately, wasn’t able to sneak away from work to take some of their classes, but I did get an opportunity to go down to the Emporium and shop a bit. It was all about temptation – I’m telling you. Threads – charts – stitching accessories – handmade boxes, bags, ornaments – books galore. I somehow didn’t go overboard, but picked up some threads to play with, as well as a few charts for fun. But….. I had an opportunity to meet Marion Scoular! She and I have e-mailed in the past a bit, but what a neat lady she is in person. She introduced me to the DMC floche. If you haven’t seen it, you must find some. It’s got a beautiful sheen to it, and feels like it will be a smooth stitch. It’s a product not found readily in the States, but is available from some vendors. Also, the website says there are only 20 colors, but Marion carries it in 168 colors. I picked up quite a few skeins, and plan on using it in some upcoming models. Also picked up some Prescencia threads as well, in some beautiful colors. I can’t wait to play around with these… Next year’s seminar is in Chicago, so I might just be tempted to head up to the Windy City to play some…

This week for me has been the week of organizing myself. As I’ve moaned and groaned in my few posts, my big challenge in embarking into Stitchin’spiration has been keeping up with all that needs to be done. Well, I’ve always been a “list” person, who gains much joy in crossing off something because it’s been completed. I’ve now gone off the deep end, and have literally “task listed” everything that must be done. Yes, you might be wondering, “posting to the blog” is on that list. Anyways, I’m hoping it will keep my head a little more clear, and a little more focused on what needs to be done. I’ve also gained much inspiration from how software development teams work at the company we work for, and am getting ready to streamline it all as well. Just call me a complete geek, but if it keeps me up-to-date and sane – then a geek I am.

Well, I’m being called to the backyard. Jack’s having a “chuck-it” withdrawal. If you haven’t heard of a “Chuck-it”, and have active dogs, you MUST get one. No more nasty hands from the nasty balls he bring back for me to throw. Off to the back yard…..

Yet another task completed….. ha-ha!

Hello there,

Yes, amazingly, it’s only been 2 days. Something must be in the air…

Busy, busy week it’s been. The Needlework Show opened up tonight, and I’m having to hold myself back from wanting to go and see what the traffic is. I’m looking forward to seeing what other designers are showing – as much as you guys. Not that I EVER have time to stitch any more.

Tonight’s a night of getting caught up and ready to head out of town tomorrow night immediately after work. It’s fun not only packing up myself, my husband, and my dog, but also Stitchin’spiration. With the show on, I’ll be keeping close to the computer to answer questions, etc. Good thing, though, all this getting ready has put me in the designing mood. Sat down last night and finalized the special Needlework Building Blocks which are hidden from my store product pages. I’m pleased, and hope you enjoy them also – when you find them. The juices are flowing, so I’m hoping to be able to get some designs finalized. Maybe, just maybe I’ll share some if they come to life. There’s a series I’ve been waiting to finalize, and I do believe it will be my first patient… ha-ha-ha! Anyone feel like hidden messages in knotwork? There’s my little hint….

It’s really felt like fall today. I had quite a few buildings to go to on the campus today, so decided to take in some fresh air. I probably walked at least 1-1/2 miles or so during the trek, and boy does that make you feel good. Parking’s getting ready to be a hastle since they’re going to be putting in a new parking deck, so I’d better get used to walking. My sneakers are in my desk right now, and might not ever return to the house, as they’ll probably get worn out over the next long while.

Well, I’d better stop procrastinating, and get things ready for the trip. Laundry’s in, husband’s doing dishes (whoo-whoo), so I’d better get my Stitch stuff packed. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll get another entry in this weekend from Columbia!

Thanks to everyone for saying hello!!!! Didn’t know if anyone realized I’d disappeared for a while….

Well, a common topic here seems to be “not enough time or brain cells”. Think I’ve covered that enough, so I’ll stop at that. It’s not a New Year, but I’m hoping to get a New Year’s resolution going to keep up more with this blog, with the Stitchin’board, and with other things which just seem to keep slipping away from me.

Boy, when this little hobby started getting it’s own life, I never envisioned I’d be here today. I also never envisioned what work it would take as well. I constantly seem to be in a time management development stage. With my real career also busy, it makes for some very interesting juggling. I’m probably preaching to the choir here, as everyone seems to juggle more than they can. It just seems to unfortunately be the norm here in the States. Just today, I even saw an article about a study that was done which proves that children need to have plain old “play time” for themselves. In this world where every second seems to be orchestrated into organized calendars, events, etc. – isn’t it amazing we have to prove through studies that we just need to “schedule” in some unscheduled time…

Have you seen the new designs and notecards? I’m really excited to introduce the other 2 members of the Windowpanes in Knotwork series. I’ve had this series on my design board from my Ebay days, but had never quite finalized them to my liking – until earlier this year. It’s exciting to work at getting designs just to my liking, and getting them out to you stitchers. It’s really what makes all my “juggling” worth it. I’ve been doing quite a bit of planning lately as to what’s coming down the pike – and I KNOW that you’ll be excited about them.

Tomorrow night, I’m going to sit down and give some more attention to my Needlework Building Blocks. I have some many sketches and ideas, and I just need to finalize them – getting them ready for release to you. I’m getting ready to begin working at finalizing some of the retired ones – readying them for sale in shops. Tomorrow though, I’ll be designing and playing – the fun part of it all!!!!! MMMMMMM – what types of freebie blocks would you like to find throughout the Needlework Show????

Speaking of the show – the online Needlework Show opens it’s “doors” on Wednesday night (October 11), and is open until Monday night (October 16).

How great is it to shop in your jammies! Here in Richmond, they will be flannel jammies since the weather’s cooling down quite a bit. We’ll then be heading down to South Carolina for a long weekend at my childhood home with my mom. Have no fear – the computer will never be far away.

Well, I’d better head along. I’ve got a large black lab staring at me with that “it’s time for bed” stare. Imagine that – a dog who keeps a strict bedtime schedule – but cannot do so unless one of his humans is on the same one. Who runs this household you ask?????

Truly, I promise to try to get on here more…

Happy Stitchin’!

What a long week this has been!!!! Work’s had me hopping, but unfortunately I don’t seem to be making much progress. Getting ready for the Needlework Show also has had me busy. Then, my mother extended her trip with us as well. We’ve had a great time, but when everything’s moving so fast, it’s hard to get it all done.

Today’s my sister’s birthday – HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUBDA!!!!!!!

Speaking of my family, I’ve now successfully irritated my mother by posting my favorite picture of her on a Kodak photo contest. Stop in at www.kodakgallery.com/life. Do a search for the picture with the e-mail sally @ stitchinspiration . com (remove the extra spaces). The little girl looking at the camera through her knees – well that’s my mother!!!!! Please-please vote for it…… it’s to win the bet we unofficially have about the picture. It’s my favorite picture of her, and well, as you can guess, she’s not a fan of it. She really didn’t appreciate it when we put it on her birthday cake last year, and now I’ve taken it national!!!

OK, she’s watching me type and is now proofreading as I write……. please vote – and vote daily!!!

Well, I also wanted to remind you about the Needlework Show which is now open. There’s a great variety of needlework vendors shown. I’ve only made it through a few, but look forward to adding to my wish list sometime this weekend!

This weekend, expect to find me very tired. Jim and I will be heading over to the church tomorrow afternoon for our Senior High lock-in. The kids are threatening midnight football, although we’re expecting bad storms. We’ll see how it goes – but count on the fact that we won’t be getting much rest and relaxation tomorrow night! It wil be a lot of fun, and hopefully a special time for the group. Two are getting ready to head out for the Marines and the Air Force, so this will be one of our last times all together.

Have a wonderful evening! Talk with you sometime this weekend!!!

Well, the Needlework Show begins tomorrow evening at 6PM, and I’m in the final stages of getting ready for it. Are you!!??!!!!

For the stitcher, it’s a great opportunity to find lots of new designs to tempt you, and if you don’t have a local needlework shop nearby – a great opportunity to purchase through one of the many shops who offer special orders for these shows. You’ll definitely want to stop by our showroom each day, as I’ve hidden Needlework Building Blocks away, which will be changed daily!

Outside of the excitement for me about the Needlework Show, it’s been a crazy week / weekend (and it’s only Tuesday!!! Ugh) We’ve really had a nice visit with my mother, who got here last week. Since she’s retired, she enjoys coming early, and staying late. We weren’t able to take Thursday or this week off from work, but she’s had a long list of things to do. Funny, sometimes I think she knows Richmond even better than I do. Every visit she has certain places she wants to stop by to shop and play, and always has her city map ready to go. There’s no stopping her! She has gotten an eye-opening experience watching me prepare for this show. It was under her guidance that I learned to stitch, so I love having her see all that it takes behind the scenes to pull things together.

Well, I must jump away to finish pulling together everything for the show. Don’t forget to stop in, and if you find something you just can’t live without, please do contact one of the many shops who will special order. Also, don’t forget about our daily freebies!!!! Now, off to finish getting those babies ready to release.

PS – Wren Birdnest update – No eggs laid yet, but they’re still working on the nest. Jack the lab has picked up on their proximity, and seems to check them out himself whenever he comes into the office!

Ever have a time when your head’s filled with ideas, lists, and things to do, but you just can’t get moving? Well, I’ve been in that mode for a while now, and am finally getting moving along. Things with Stitchin’spiration really moved much faster than originally planned, so I felt the tug of many-many-many ideas pulling me different ways.

Well, finally I’ve pulled together the list, and am starting to work through it in good order.

Today, you’ll notice that I’ve cleaned up the website design some. Hopefully, with these changes, pages will pull up easier for you surfers. Next step, to get the Needlework Building Blocks pages updated and cleaned up. Designs are currently in the wings, waiting to come to life. Updates will hopefully be made during the week of April 3, with the Stitchin’sight and Stitchin’board also being updated.

Big plans are in the works for April for other reason as well. From April 19 to April 24, we’ll be taking place again in The Needlework Show. How’d you like to shop for needlework in your jammies? Well, here’s your chance. Don’t have a needlework shop nearby to purchase for you? Well, there will be many shops available who’ll take special orders for any designs you find as you search through the many-many vendors.

Be sure to stop in at the Stitchin’spiration booth often, as we have plans in works for offering a freebie (or more) to stitchers and shops during the show. Also, we’ll be introducing you to more exciting designs from Stitchin’spiration. Come and see what the class of April, 2006 looks like!!!!!

Even with all the work happening on the computer all day, I somehow managed to make it out into a gorgeous Virginia spring day. Pollen hasn’t hit full throttle yet, so we could still enjoy the great weather and gentle breezes without seeing the yellow clouds. The wrens building the nest near our office window seemed to be trying to finish things up. Maybe someday soon we’ll have some babies to watch through the spring.

Well, since time’s changing tonight, and we’re losing an hour, I’d better run along. Happy evening!!!