Easter Weekend, 2012
Dear Friends,
It's Easter weekend and what a perfect spring weekend it is here in Utah. If Easter is a symbol of re-birth, our corner of the universe has truly taken it to heart. Only a few days ago, we woke up to a blizzard. I thought Bob was joking when he looked out the window, but-- not so much. I practically had to carry Lindbergh to the door and push him out. He needs tiny boots for his delicate paws. My sister had to shovel her deck to get ready for the annual Richards family Easter cookout, and then overnight the temperature rose almost 40 degrees. Happy Spring--at least until Wednesday. Teri was busy making her white chocolate popcorn to take to all her friends and neighbors, so she took some pictures to share with you. (She might be gunning for a show on the Food Network--Teri's Treats)
Popcorn Delight
(catchy name?--she may have to work on that)
In a very, very, very large bowl mix 3 bags of popped (hard kernels sorted out) microwave popcorn. We like Orville Redenbacher's Natural Butter flavor--3.3 oz bags. Now you must whip around your kitchen adding hundreds of kinds of candy. Seasonal candy corn, shaped marshmallows, jelly beans or anything that you like. Chocolate candies like M & Ms might melt and hard candies like runts might cause a few dental issues. Be creative and see what is around, or don't add candy at all. My kids like it that way the best.
In a microwave safe bowl, melt 2 12 oz bags of white chocolate chips. Stir every 30 seconds until the mixture is soft and creamy--not necessarily super hot. Pour over the popcorn mixture and gently stir until everything is well coated.
Let it sit for an hour or so until it has cooled and hardened. It won't be sticky at this point. Serve in a bowl or put in fun containers and give away to your dear friends. Yum!!!
Besides being a holiday week these past few days, we have been busy at the shop with our Shepherd's Retreat registration. After many long hours, and much cleverness on Teri's part, we posted the brochure this past Monday--April 2nd. We are all terribly excited and already hot into our preparations. We have been happy to see so many friends who are going to join us as well a a lot of new people who will be coming for the first time. I promise that we will all have a great time. Actually we have been overwhelmed by the quick response and have filled our B track already. We still have a little room in the A track, so if you are just thinking about having the best weekend of your year--get your registration form filled out and send it in. No matter which track you are in, we will have so much together time filled with laughter and stitching that you won't want to miss out. Come on...you know you want to join us.
Tweet
Tweet is a darling new pattern for Just Another Button Co. Teri stitched it on hand-dyed purple check fabric and it is very sweet. The really fun part is that the pattern is free with the purchase of the little set of buttons.
The Proper Stitch
by Darlene O'Steen
Well, finally after years of being out of print and many rumors about its possible return to the market, The Proper Stitch is back for a limited time. This is just one of those books that every stitcher has to have in her library whether she makes one of the samplers or not. It is filled with wonderful illustrations and explanations of tons of 17 century stitches and also includes several gorgeous samplers. Her instructions a very good and the finished samplers would make the most lovely heirlooms. In fact, I started one of her samplers after I got back from Nashville and I have stitched on it like a maniac for a solid month. It really is very beautiful. So...if you are a fan, don't wait until this wonderful book is gone for good.
Purple/White and Green/White
by Bent Creek
These two sweet pieces are the beginning of a fun new series by Bent Creek. We have stitched them with Gentle Art's Simply Wool and have left the white portion blank. These are March and April, and January--Snowman and February--heart, are equally as darling. We have framed them in these sweet bubble frames from Crescent Colours and I think they are quite adorable. Can't wait to see May and June. Teri is hoping for a bee!
Purple Thread Designs
These are a series of new designs by a friend of ours--Sharon Verbos. She has been working very hard on her launch, and we are thrilled to have them in the shop. They are lovely and sweet and each one echoes of nostalgia and remembrance of days gone by. They all come as kits complete with threads and fabric as well as patterns. Above are two of the kits: a little strawberry pin cushion and a matching needle case. They are so sweet would be a perfect and quick gift for a mom or a friend.
Here is a charming little black and white tile scissor fob which has been designed to match the stork scissors. How fun is that?
And below is a little paper, cigar type box with a kit to make a group of very dear sewing implements. They are just beautiful and would make the perfect project for your spring and summer stitching.
Hey--have a great week and enjoy the rain or the shine--whichever comes your way.
Ever fondly, Tina
