Bunny Tales

Super Squirrel!

2009-11-07T07:56:00.001-08:00

Ok, she’s not really a squirrel, but that’s our neighbor’s nick name for Chelsea. She’s about the right size, and I have to admit she’s beginning to look like she’s storing up for winter! Yes, I’m still trying to control her eating and I’ve added two walks a day. Walks as long as those little legs can go.

Both Chelsea & Bitsy are loving all the names coming in for the real Bunny Hill squirrel. Some clever names out there! I’ve received lots of emails with the cutest stories! Seems feeding squirrels is a popular past time. Amazing how many of you have them eating from your hand!

Here’s a handful of names so far: Calli, Olivia, Butternut, Muffin, Netty, Ginger, Clover, MiraBelle, Fleur, Hershey, Hazel Nut, Tillie, Sadyee Squirrel, Topher, Daisy, Miss Nellie, and on and on! This is so much fun! Thank you one and all. Keep them coming!

Remember, you have lots of time to think of a name. Thanksgiving is still a few weeks away. Yes, you can submit more than one name and it can be on any blog post through November 24th.

I’m sewing all weekend and finishing up my first “little” pattern for spring market! Hope your plans include some sewing time. Remember the holidays are coming! Think of the things you still have time to make! Here’s an idea of something to make; hop over and look at at Rebecka’s stocking using the bunny from “Rabbits Prefer Embroidery”! Really cute Rebecka!

And, if you’d like to know more about photographing your own dog, click on the link below, enjoy the pictures, then click on the “how to photograph pets” link. You’ll get some great tips! (Scroll down into the comment section and you'll see the cutest hot dog!)

25 Inspirational Dog Portrait Photos

Have a great weekend everyone!

Hugs,

Anne

It’s Tisket A Tasket Day!

2009-11-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Were you expecting a turkey in the basket? Well here’s the problem…I can’t appliqué a cute turkey. At least not inside a basket. Just can’t do it. You’d be asking each other “what happened at Bunny Hill?”.

So, because of my turkey problem, you get a squirrel in your basket! She’s a staple here at Bunny Hill. I’ve used her in several other patterns, and there’s no doubt you’ll be seeing her again. She’s got a bushy tail and she’s plump. Pleasingly plump! And the best thing is, she’s EASY to appliqué!

If you read my newsletter this morning, you already know about my contest. If you don’t get my newsletter (you can sign up on my blog), here’s the information on the contest:

Name this little squirrel, and you could win a Bunny Hill gift basket! Post a comment or email me with the name you love. If we choose your name, you’ll win this gift basket! (If you already have the pattern, you can choose another.) I’ll announce the winning name on November 26^th. You’ll be seeing my squirrel in future patterns, only next time she’ll have a name!

Good luck! Employees and family members of Bunny Hill Designs are not eligible to enter regardless of how brilliant the name might be.

And to see the beautiful wool version of A Tisket, A Tasket hop on over to Cottons ‘n wool!

Hugs,

Anne

Diversions

2009-11-03T11:10:00.001-08:00

November has arrived can you believe it? I’m a few days late, but I just turned over the calendar to November and let out a gasp. It’s a short month, made even shorter with Thanksgiving. Christmas is barreling at us full force! Are you ready?

When I get too busy with projects, I have a tendency to wander off for a bit and create diversions. A really bad habit, and I admit, part of my character. I was thinking about the newsletter I have to write, the projects I should be working on and instead, I picked up the camera and took few shots in the studio.

Here’s my first glitter house purchase for the season, right from EBay! Yes, it’s pink and it’s occupying a place in the studio right now!

How about this one? My jars of buttons on the studio work table. See the jar in front? It’s a vintage refrigerator jar and it’s filled with glass buttons (also an EBay purchase). I angled the camera not the table, don’t worry.

And then I thought, I wish you could see how beautiful the Cosmo Multi Work floss looks in my antique cabinet….so click went the camera.

It’s hard for me to even sell these! And to think we have three drawers like this! I love looking at them.

What do you do when you get “overwhelmed” with things? Are you the diversion type like me?

Hopefully I’ll be back on Thursday with block number 11 (just kidding on the hopefully part). I’m going back to work. Right now. I promise! Ok, I’m going!

Hugs,

Anne

Orange toenails

2009-10-31T10:36:00.001-07:00

Roxie is our neighbor’s dog. She’s a love. Even Chelsea thinks so. Chelsea watches from the studio window and not once has Chelsea barked at Roxie. Roxie passes all the “Chelsea” tests.

Roxie also has orange toenails…

and a “bad dog” hat.

Chelsea wanted one too when she saw Roxies’s hat.

She gave us the “look” we can’t resist.

So Ross went on the hunt to find her a bad dog hat. Well, when he got there, the cupboards were bare, and so the poor dog had…

…A spider collar? We’re kidding right?

Nope!

I promised next year we’d get her the “Bad Dog” hat or I’d even make her a “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” costume . This made her a little bit happier.

As for the treats? Chelsea and Bitsy both got treats in the mail this week from our friend Christine.

It’s going to be a good Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone! May you have lots of treats and NO tricks!

Hugs,

Anne

Gift of Words

2009-10-29T15:25:00.001-07:00

If, as wee babes, we could each select our own special attributes, I would have chosen the gift of words. The ability to write what we want to say with eloquent, flowing words. Priceless!

Now, please don’t get me wrong, I don’t think I’m “horrible” at writing, but I really have to work at it. I write and then re-write everything. And, then sometimes I go back and write it again! If you have a blog you probably know what I mean. It’s not easy. Unless you have the “gift”.

As I read the article written by Patience Brewster, in the current issue of “Where Women Create”, I realized she has the gift of words. I read her article three times and each time I was inspired or moved by something that she wrote and how she said it. If you haven’t seen this issue of the magazine go to Barnes and Noble right away!

Patience is featured on the cover of the magazine and her studio and artwork are simply beautiful.

Jo Packham, the editor of “Where Women Create” also has the “gift”. I read every editorial she writes, and I love her style. She always says something that inspires me to keep on creating. And, now she has a blog of her own! You can find Jo, and more pictures from the photo shoot with Patience here!

And, in case this isn’t enough excitement for the day, click here and you will be at the new web site for Yoko Saito in ENGLISH! You can order her books and products online from this site!

Today is a good day. Get inspired by these wonderful artists!

Anne

Studio Stage One

2009-10-27T06:27:00.000-07:00

Often when you change one thing it has a tornado effect.

While I was at quilt market my husband, Ross, built IKEA cubby shelves in the studio closet. Building shelves in a closet = chaos. Everything has to come out. Everything!

Remember that built in ironing board I had in the closet? It’s now sitting in the center of the studio. Hard to iron when it folds down to the floor.

And the cabinets that were calling the closet home? They made their grand entrance into the studio and are now sitting in front of the bookshelves. No reading for us!

At first I was going to give these cabinets away, and then I thought, if I can only make them look a bit more shabby chic, I can use them in the addition.

Having an obsession with knobs, I ordered these from Anthropology…

And settled on this one…

Soon it will be replacing these wood knobs for a bit of shabbiness…

Do NOT call or email my husband to tell him what these knobs cost. He would NEVER understand about pink knobs, and chances are he won’t even notice when the wood knobs are gone.

And the new Ikea shelves? I love them! They let us SEE what we have. A novel concept to see what you have in a closet, don’t you think?

And when we don’t want to see, we can close the closet door and it’s bye bye cubbies!

Yes, Ross painted the panels on the doors to match the room. His special touch!

Brigette and I are having a great time working around the extra cabinets in the room. We’ll have to live with them in front of the closet until the addition is built. Something tells me this is the easy part.

If you have an Ikea near you, the shelves with the cubbies are wonderful. You can store a LOT of fabric in them and see it all! I think they cost less than the knobs. Slight exaggeration! Maybe.

Back soon,

Anne

I must be nuts!

2009-10-25T06:02:00.000-07:00

I swear I must be nuts. I hate change, I need quiet in order to work, and I hate clutter around me.

I’m guaranteed to have complete chaos in my life for the next several months. I’m walking into the lion’s den and I’m doing it willingly! We’ve decided to enlarge the studio!

We’re going right through my design wall and into the attic space! At the top of the stairs, where you see the “Arnie” quilt, will be the future French doors leading into the new addition.

The trouble with additions is everything; from the architect, structural engineer, permits, construction and the noise. Oh no not noise!

I’m taking it one day at a time. I’ll be showing you progress along the way. The actually “destruction” should start in about five weeks. In the meantime Brigette and I are working in chaos already. She calls it the transition stage. I don’t have words for it yet, and I haven’t told Bitsy and Chelsea although I think they suspect something is up.

Anne

Craft Iron

2009-10-24T09:35:00.001-07:00

Good news! While I was at market I spoke to the people at Cl0ver asking why they discontinued their craft iron. I love my Clover craft iron and the thought of going without isn’t appealing.

Apparently some of the irons are making a buzzing sound. They didn’t say what the buzzing sound means. I guess the moral of the story is don’t ever trust an iron that buzzes! My iron seems to be fine, but I’ll be extra careful not to leave it on all day.

The good news is that Clover is replacing the iron with a new model that should be available by next market! They promise the same type of iron with that wonderful pointed tip. New and improved, coming in about 6 months. Hope it comes in colors don’t you?

Have a great weekend everyone! I’m sewing some little “Allie” dogs for my Christmas tree! Pink dogs!

Back soon!

Anne

You are amazing!

2009-10-22T07:22:00.001-07:00

Oh my, I never really expected so many comments! Thank you one and all. If I win the lottery I’ll buy each and every one of you a fat quarter bundle, rent a hotel and host big sewing party! How’s that for dreaming?

So let’s get on with the drawing!!! I did one drawing last night and one this morning so that even people posting late (after bed time) would have a chance.

Martinique, by Three Sisters, Moda Fabrics

The winner of the fat quarter bundle is:

Donna of Brynwood Needleworks! She wrote on Monday, October 19,

“What a lovely post of gratitude. Moda is my favorite fabric company, and sadly, our LQS is dropping it from their lines. I'll be needing to find an online source for my Moda fixes!
Please enter me in your drawing. I'd love to own some of the new line.
Blessings,
Donna”

Congratulations Donna! Email me your address and this wonderful bundle will come your way. You will love it!

And the winner of the Layer Cake/Jelly Roll is:

Kathleen, who left this comment on October 19th!

“Such delicious fabric! Thank you for designing such lovely things and bringing such inspiration into our lives. I signed in to look at little patterns to make a special Christmas gift for my daughter. So fun to sneak in some surprise sewing”

Kathleen, email me your address and you’ll be sewing for your daughter very soon! Congratulations!

Thank you to everyone who entered. If you didn’t win just remember, this fabric ships in March! It’s not that far off!

Hugs,

Anne

Thank You!

2009-10-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

I believe in serendipity. Opportunities, that may seem accidental, but never really are. One thing leads to another and before you know it you’re reaching for a dream and touching it!

This post is to say “thank you” to all of you who have helped me on my serendipitous travels! Thank you to all of you who read my blog, purchase my patterns, or visit my web site. Thank you to all the shops who buy my patterns, have become friends and support me over and over again. And a special thank you to two shops who helped me get started:

Thank You Thimble Creek!

This is the shop where so many designers began their journey; Joanna Figueroa, Verna Mosquera, Sandy Klop, Denise Sheehan, and myself of course. Many others have followed including the shop’s owner Joe Wood! Sandy and I were talking about it at market, and we’re still amazed at how many came from that shop! Thank you Joe and Roxie for all the support you’ve given all of us!

Thank you Fat Quarter Shop!

Kimberly Jolly of the Fat Quarter Shop not only purchased my first patterns for her shop, but she hand carried them to Moda. Hand carried! She took a chance on a newbie!

We’ve been good friends ever since. And today she’s still helping new designers get started! Her support and friendship made it so much easier for me in the design world.

New designers remember, when she offers her hand, she wants to help. She is an amazing woman both professionally and personally, and I thank her from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you Lissa Alexander and Debbie Outlaw from Moda!

Without you we’d all be lost. Thank you for providing the fabric that makes it possible for designers to do what they do! Without the two of you, it would never be the same.

Thank you to all of you! Let’s have a giveaway!

At market I purchased a fat pack of the new Three Sisters “Martinique” from Moda Fabrics. When I got home I found an extra Jelly Roll/Layer Cake combo. Soooo, two of you are going to be lucky winners. One will win the fat quarter bundle the one will win the Jelly Roll/Layer Cake! !

Look at this fabric! It’s beautiful. I think it may be my favorite line from fall market.

I’ll do a drawing on Thursday so be sure to leave a comment.

See you Thursday!

Hugs,

Anne

Goodbye Fall Market 2009!

2009-10-18T05:52:00.000-07:00

The Bunny Hill staff had so much fun at market! It’s like coming to a party after all the hard work getting everything ready. So many friends, memories, laughs, tears, and exciting things happen.

Brigette and Nancy were on a mission to find a Michael Miller Nome tote bag. As always, when they combine energy, success follows. Here they are in front of the Nome at the Michael Miller booth. I’m really surprised this guy wasn’t on the airplane with us on the way home!

This market was also a bit sad for me. I said goodbye to Henry Glass Fabrics. My last line of fabric with Henry Glass, “Petite Maison” will be in the shops soon. It’s a sweet line, and the little houses on the main print were all adapted from my Autumn House quilt.

As we close one door, another opens. I have a line of fabric, premiering at spring market, with a new fabric company. More on this as we get closer to market.

Walking the aisles reminded me I never tire of market. Never. There were fewer exhibitors this time. Sad to see, but the ones who were there, put their hearts into everything they did. The booths were amazing!

Kaari Meng from The French General, came by to see the block of the month I designed with her fabric. I heard she was out visiting all the designers who used her fabric. Isn’t that sweet?

She named her newest fabric line “Rural Jardin” and my quilt is Le Jardin. A complete coincidence I swear! She left me with a beautiful flower made from her new fabric! It’s now on my inspiration wall in the studio! Thank you Kaari!

We flew out of Houston Tuesday morning, with suitcases filled with so many things. When we got to the airport I was frisked. Yes, me! They said it was random, but pleeeeease. My iPhone was around my neck when I went through security and it set off the alarm! I was doomed.

While I was being frisked, Brigette (who, I might mention, had rice vinegar in her carry on and it went right through security), was dancing around taking my picture.

And so we said goodbye to Fall market 2009. It’s good to be home after market. The exhaustion sets in for a few days, and then the planning for the next market begins.

I bought a treat at sample spree for one of you. I’ll be giving it away soon so stay posted.

And if you’re in the “market” for wool, all of our Weeks Dye Works wool is on sale at 25% off on the web site. I’m streamlining and making some changes. You benefit, but quantities are limited.

Back soon,

Hugs,

Anne

Yoko Saito Visits the Bunny Hill Booth!

2009-10-16T19:49:00.001-07:00

So, I’m in the Bunny Hill Booth, and two lovely Japanese women walk in. They start talking and smiling to each other about my Scottie dog quilt. I leaned over to get them a pattern and when I came up I saw the name tag; Yoko Saito.

First came a gasp, then tears, and then the bowing started. Back and forth we went, bowing over and over. I wasn’t sure when it was polite to stop, so I just kept going and so did she! I felt so graced just to have her visit my booth! She is, in my humble opinion, the best appliqué designer ever.

There she was, this fashionable lady, dressed so nicely with a beautiful scarf around her neck (note to self; get a scarf for market and try to remember to wear it.)

A picture was called for, in front of the Scottie dog quilt of course! Note to self; think about red glasses too.

For those of you who are not familiar with her work, I’ll share some close-ups with you. Think itty, bitty tiny pieces of fabric, appliquéd, and then hand quilted with rows of quilting 1/8” to 1/4” wide. It is amazing to look at her work!

Not only is she known for intricate work, she is also known for her light hearted whimsical style! Just look at her little appliqué tote that was on display at market!

I am fortunate enough to have almost all of her books in my personal collection. A very special friend has given me one of her books for almost every birthday. To have met Yoko, and own her books, is a dream come true.

Have a safe trip back to Japan Yoko. I loved meeting you!

Next post I’ll wrap up my market pictures.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Hugs,

Anne

We loved it!

2009-10-14T22:00:00.001-07:00

We arrived home yesterday, landing in a huge storm. The passengers all clapped after landing. It was bumpy, rocky and the pilot flew right through the thick clouds on a wing and a prayer. I’m so glad to be home!

If you have fun, meet a lot of new people, and laugh a lot, it’s a successful market! We had a great market! Here’s a few of my “cutie” pictures from market.

We ran into the APQ girls the first day, wearing PAJAMAS! They had a kick off going that was clever and creative. Slippers too, oh my how cute is that?

And remember that cute trailer with the red dots I showed you in the Michael Miller booth? Look at the finished version! The back is open and filled with water bottles! It’s surrounded by large trees and I swear you’d think you were camping. It was darling!

I ran into Pat Sloan in the hallway. She’s as cute as ever. Don’t know how she does it!

Then Mark Lipinski came along. I’m sure he’s been called cute way too often! Must be the eyes. Looking good there Mark!

And speaking of cute, just look at my friend Kimberly , owner of The Fat Quarter Shop! She is just so dang cute and can you believe she just had twins?

And Jennifer from Shabby Fabrics! She’s another friend and a “cutie”.

Here we are packed up and ready to leave. Anne B ran over and addded the pumpkin. Cute!

And just before we left Anne Bryson handed me this birthday card…

Chelsesa’s not so sure how cute it is!

Next post I’ll share the one person who I admire so much I cried when I met her!

Hugs to everyone!

Anne

Sample Spree and Day 1

2009-10-10T20:56:00.001-07:00

Quilt Market is the treat after all the hard work. It’s just so much fun to see everyone and you can’t imagine the creativity and production that goes into making all this happen.

We spent the day trying to assemble our booth. Brigette and Nancy were in charge of putting up the bed.

And remember the chandelier with the missing candles? We tossed the candles and added jelly strip bows.

And slowly our booth came together.

Lynette Anderson came by with the cutest Keds ever! Did you know you can have shoes made out of your own photos or fabric? This is from one of her fabric lines! She promised to send me a link to the site. I’ll share when I get it.

Then it was off to sample spree…

Here are my bunny helpers setting up our table! And see the crates of boxes at the end of the room?

That’s Moda fabrics and bundles just waiting to be unpacked.

Fabric…

and more fabric…

and then the tables were empty,

because of a certain person who shall remain nameless, but she did come to market with me and we do have the same name.

She’s helping the economy!

Hugs,

Anne

We are here!

2009-10-09T05:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! We’re in Houston and happy to be here!

I have two rooms at the Hilton. Here’s the view from one room…

The convention center…

Downtown Houston….

And here’s the view from the other room…

Top of the Toyota Center and the air conditioning/ducts.

Guess what view I have? This one! The good news is we don’t spend much time in the room.

Here’s the walkway from the hotel to the convention center.

And then of course once you get inside the convention center, you see lots and lots of crates and boxes….

And we just happen to be right across from the Moda booth…fun to watch the set up…

And the Moda Home booth…

And all over market you can see the most amazing props being set up.

Walls are being painted!…

And at our own booth, we have so many things to do! We brought this chandelier to hang, but only 5 candles, so now we have to figure out how to make it work. Candles are impossible to find right now.

And this little gal is going to fit right in our booth. Isn’t that the cutest bow?

We’re waiting for boxes to arrive at our booth so we can finish set up.

More to come from market as soon as I get a chance to post. Sample Spree tonight!

Wish you were here!

Hugs,

Anne

I Loved Designing This Quilt!

2009-10-08T04:43:00.000-07:00

Every time I start a new appliqué quilt I’m in heaven. I love the process, feel of the fabric, drawing, re-drawing, the prep work and finally seeing it come together. It’s a labor of love and one I can’t live without. Pure joy for those of us who love appliqué!

“Le Jardin” was especially fun. I love the fabrics with their vintage look, the faded reds (or pinks as I call them) next to the bright reds, the gray tones, the beiges, and the creams. “Rouenneries” is a wonderful line. I dare say these colors will look good in almost any room! I have a pale pink dining room that’s calling for “Le Jardin”!

So which block is my favorite? Should I tell? Ok, it’s block seven, the cottage. If I lived in a French garden, it would be in this house, with heart topiaries in my front yard and a rabbit weather vane of course!

If you’re reading post this today (Thursday) we’re probably hanging this quilt in our booth right now! It’s set up day and that means working till you feel like you can’t work another minute! I’ll take pictures I promise!

You can find the pattern here on our web site. You will love it! The drawings are full size and each block has a large color photo inside the pattern. You can see EVERY fabric I used.

Miss you all! Wish you were here! I’ll try and post from market for you!

Hugs,

Anne

Happy Birthday Bitsy!

2009-10-07T04:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Bitsy Button! She turns 14 today!

Did you know she’s a Libra? I knew it from the minute I saw her. She has all the characteristics!

Friendly, warm and gentle

Good decorator, great with color and style

Well balanced

Hates conflict and always worries about hurting other’s feelings

Very intuitive

Can’t say no, and tries to make everyone happy

She’s a Libra for sure! LOL!

I’m leaving for Houston today, so all I can do is give her a big birthday hug.

Frankly, I think she’d rather skip this birthday and not have a big deal made of it…

She’s a simple girl, happy with just a few throws of her favorite toys…

She knew I was leaving the minute I got out the suitcases yesterday. Both her and Chelsea were so sad this morning! I’ll have to call later and sing a few rounds of Happy Birthday. I’m not so sure it will help.

I know both doggies will have happy smiles when I return next week. Nothing like coming home after a trip.

It was really hard to leave this morning, but I promised them lots of pictures. Chelsea requested photos of dogs can you believe it?

Happy Birthday Bitsy Button! We LOVE you!

Hugs,

Anne

A Tisket, A Tasket, It’s October’s Basket!

2009-10-05T01:16:00.000-07:00

It’s October, the month of black cats and trick or treats!

I have two little black cats that live at Bunny Hill, and you’ll find one in the basket this month!

Meet Topsy & Turvy !

Topsy & Turvy are rescue cats. A horrible man dumped them in a shopping mall parking lot and drove off. We saw it happening. They were only kittens but they panicked, we panicked, and after a lot of running, stress, and more running, we all ended up in the same car together. Ross and I rescued them. It was a miracle of sorts. We’ve had them about 4 or 5 years now and they are our very own little Halloween treats! It was just before Halloween that they were dumped!

So let’s go trick or treating together! You’ll find this free pattern here on my web site, along with all the NEW patterns from Bunny Hill here!

And the wool version of October’s block? It’s over at Cottons ‘n Wool of course!

And look at what just arrived from Moda! It’s the French General Notebooks! They are beautiful! We only have a few to sell, so if you’d like one click here!

Have fun with the new block for October everyone! Trick or Treat!

Hugs,

Anne

Dogs at Market?

2009-10-03T15:26:00.001-07:00

They allow dogs at market! Can you believe it? Who knew? No food or children allowed, but dogs are fine! As long as they’re stuffed!

Meet Allie, the newest addition to Bunny Hill! Isn’t she sweet? She’s from our new line of patterns called “Petites”. The patterns are tiny in size (they fit into a greeting card) and so much fun! Small projects you can make in a day!

We have lots of these little dogs we’re taking to market. They’ll be decorating our booth and we’ll be selling samples at sample spree!

Lots….

and lots…

and lots of dogs!

I guess you could say Bunny Hill is going to the dogs! Tee hee! Oh, and the last little dog with the pink bow? She’s not for sale. She’s going to be hanging on my Christmas tree this year.

Hugs,

Anne

And Now Some Fun!

2009-10-01T21:27:00.001-07:00

I just looked up the weather in Houston…it’s awful! Hot, humid and raining… but not on our parade! Houston weather

I may never leave the hotel. We’re staying at the Hilton and it connects to the convention center. Hotel to booth without going outside! It’s the little things that make me happy!

Our weather!

Here at Bunny Hill it’s been a lot of work, but I can see the finish line. New patterns coming, along with LOTS of new blog posts and so many fun things to share with you all! I am really excited about this market!

Everything has a photo, the patterns are written and I’m waiting on the final proofs and brochures.

So how about a week of show and tell! Are you ready?

Here’s a new quilt from Bunny Hill called,

Bitsy Button & Friends

Here’s Bitsy…

She’s feeling so “young” and frisky! And the words on the fabric fit my little dog perfectly!

Bitsy has lots of friends on her quilt!

Just after last market, one of my blog readers emailed and asked me to design a dog quilt. Carolyn had just lost her sweet little dog named Rosebud and she sent me Rosebud’s picture. There was something in Rosebud’s eyes, just like Bisty’s eyes, and I couldn’t get Rosebud out of my mind. I knew a dog quilt was in order.

So Bitsy, and Rosebud, this quilt is for the two of you! From me, to Bitsy and Rosebud, in Rosebud’s memory. I know special dogs when I see them. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this little dog.

My Bitsy turns 14 on October 7th. and Carolyn now has a new rescue dog named Shellie. I’m sure Shellie’s on this quilt along with Chelsea too!

I hope all you dog lovers out there love Bitsy Button & Friends. The pattern will be available by Monday!

Lots more to come…

Hugs,

Anne

To Market, To Market

2009-09-29T11:39:00.001-07:00

Things are a twitter around here. Well, maybe I shouldn’t say “a twitter” because I haven’t been doing much of that. If you haven’t received a new blog post, if I haven’t answered your email, sent your order, returned your phone calls etc. it’s because we are in MARKET MODE! I’m so overwhelmed, that Brigette offered to help write this post!

The good news is that this stack of boxes you see in the above photo just arrived in HOUSTON! Thank you Mr. Brown trunk!

The bad news is that I just figured out the patterns have to ship to Houston on Monday, but we're still writing them and the pictures still have to be taken. I’m so happy about this! 6 photos to be done tomorrow, uploaded to the printer, and turned into pattern fronts and shipped to market by Monday! Sure, we can do it!

Nancy Ritter just informed Brigette that she can't bring her cute pink flowered luggage to market because she has to bring Large, sensible luggage. Her fantasy about everyone pointing at her in the airport and sighing, while they secretly wished they were her, has been smashed to bits. Thanks Nancy. (Brigette wrote this part).

I made about fifteen prototypes of the new bitty pincushion, and then everyone talked me into going with the first one I made… numero uno as Brigette would say.

The newsletter comes out on the 5th., along with the free pattern. I’m working on it I promise. AND then it’s off to the web site to load the new patterns.

I’m striving for perfection. Maybe next market.

New patterns and market pictures coming soon. Maybe after the photo shoot.

Hugs,

Anne

The dreaded writing…

2009-09-20T20:33:00.001-07:00

I have yo-yo brain from writing patterns. No posts for a week? Now you know why. I’m up every morning going over what I’ve written, changing and re-wording, trying to make sure EVERYONE can understand my directions. Oh my, it’s not an easy job.

Thanks to my graphic designer Sue, you’ll find these little paw prints in one of my new patterns!

All the last minute little things keep me so busy! Things like a catalog for market, order forms, designing the booth, quilt labels, fireproofing drapes, packing, packing and more packing.

I’ve been so busy these past few weeks that Bitsy and Chelsea are feeling a bit neglected. It was such a sweet surprise when treats arrived in the mail for them! Presents for the girls, can you believe it? Please, whoever sent these wonderful treats, email me so I can thank you! In all the craziness I lost the card! All I have is what you see! I don’t know who sent the treats, but the girls LOVE THEM! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Chelsea REALLY wants those treats!

Bitsy can barely stand it. She’s trying to look like she doesn't care…

Ha! Chelsea gave up and Bitsy’s ready! She’s eyeing those cookie treats!

My sweet little girls are very happy! The love their treats!

And somehow while I work, fun things are still happening around me! My oldest grand-daughter Michaela, is taking sewing lessons (no, not from me, we’ve hired a sewing teacher)! She’s here once a week to teach her how to sew. She’s learning all the basics; how to thread the machine, wind a bobbin, sew hand stitches, sew a straight stitch on the machine etc. Her assignment this week was to bring an old pair of jeans. Just look at what she made! A jean purse! Success is so sweet!

I hope you all have a great week! Wishing you lots of happy times, even if you’re working hard like me!

Hugs,

Anne

I promised you a sneak peek!

2009-09-16T21:12:00.001-07:00

Le Jardin, A French Garden Quilt…

My new block of the month has a French garden theme. Oh I hope you love this fabric as much as I do! It was wonderful to work with AND so much fun! I have to say, this quilt should be hanging on my dining room wall! Instead it will be traveling to shops and shows for a year or two, so all of you can see it! By the time she comes home I will finally be able to enjoy it! I will never tire of this beautiful fabric! Vintage & French, it’s just wonderful.

The French General and Moda are the perfect combination. I can’t wait to see what everyone has done with the Roueneries fabric at market!

If any of of you are shops and would like a fabric guide for Le Jardin, I’d be delighted to email it to you. Just sent me an email and let me know you are interested. I designed the entire quilt using this fabric line.

I can’t wait to show it to you. Only a few more weeks to go!

Have a great week!

Hugs,

Anne

Cosmo Floss Pre-market Sale!

2009-09-14T14:27:00.001-07:00

By now you’ve heard about the new Lecien Cosmo floss. If you haven’t you’re in for a treat. It’s imported from Japan and feels like silk. It’s 100% cotton, silky smooth, and colorfast. We love it so much here at Bunny Hill that we had our favorite colors packaged especially for us. We offer 5 packages of floss in an assortment of colors; spring, summer, fall, winter, and vintage Christmas.

Well, this past week we found another product from Cosmo that we love equally as well. It’s the 2 strand floss on the spool! 88M of 2 ply floss that’s ready to use! Just unwind from the spool, and thread your needle!

You’ll find it on our web site under Floss and Thread.

Here’s the best news…we’re putting our pre-packaged floss on sale at 40% off! In the future we’ll be offering the spools only. So if you’ve been waiting to try this floss now is the time! Cosmo Floss Packages, 12 skeins for $7.80 while our supply lasts. Order five packages and we’ll charge you $35.00 for 60 skeins of floss. That’s a savings of $4.00 off our sale price. You will love it, I promise!

And right around the corner, new patterns are coming. I’ll be back in a few days with a sneak peek at our newest block of the month, “Le Jardin”!

Hugs,

Anne

Go Into The Garden with Camera!

2009-09-12T12:31:00.001-07:00

Don’t talk about the weather. Isn’t that some kind of rule? Not in a blog. It’s kind of like what you had for lunch, or when you ask someone “how’s the weather”? But you have to see this iphone photo I took on our walk this AM. It was 101 here yesterday and today look at it today!

Cool with a few rain drops off and on. Chelsea wasn’t impressed at all. Too busy sniffing the dirt. Bitsy stayed home to work on her birthday list. She turns 14 on October 7th.

Since I’m working in the studio all day, dreaming of being outside, I thought I’d share some of my backyard photos. I follow a photography site and the challenge for the day was “go outside and photograph your backyard”. So I did! Try it. Go into your own backyard with your camera in hand!

And below is a the garden bed from my old house. I want it back. Really. Not the house, just the bed.

And all day today I’m dreaming of lambs. Wish these were in my garden. Maybe soon LOL!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Hugs,

Anne