Monday, October 12, 2015

Indian Summer


Indian Summer, 2015

Dear Friends,
I love a good, long Indian Summer.  I am not sure whether mid-October can really still be considered part of summer in any way, but in Utah it is still warm and beautiful and full of falling leaves.  This is the time of year that makes me yearn for the season to never change.  I used to look forward to winter and all that snow and cold, but the older I get, the more I dread it.  We have to hear about El Nino and  harsh winter predictions, and I just close my eyes and enjoy the moment.  The garden is flourishing valiantly--well at least some of it is.  By now, the herbs and the tomatoes are most exuberant, and I dread that soon to come unexpected hard frost that will knock them out.  There are still so many green ones coming on, and the basil has grown to large bushes.  What will we eat, when they are gone?  
Teri and I spent Sunday making our Nana Lula's Red Sauce.  I think it is a sort of chili sauce that was her special recipe, and along with her fried red tomatoes, these are things that our mom learned how to cook, then taught us, and we eat them all summer long.  The Red Sauce is odd--a bit like salsa, but with the warm, exotic overtones of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice--and we still use the old recipe in our mom's handwriting.  The only thing that we have changed over the years is cutting the sugar down to about a fourth.  I wish I could just send you a glimmer of the delicious smell that comes out of the pot as it simmers away all afternoon.  Yumm!  



Slater's Stocking
Available October 19th--I sincerely hope!
Leaflet:  $8.00


Finally...our 2015 stocking is almost ready.  I have no idea why this has taken me so long this year.  Just busy I guess, but it is finally at the printer and we are hoping to have it in the shop by next Monday.  Keep your fingers crossed.  As always, there is a darling charm pack to go with it filled with little charms, trinkets, beads and buttons.  I think you will love it.  

2015 Shepherd's Bush Ornament
Card:  $5.00
Moon button:  $8.00
Also available as a complete kit.


We didn't get our ornament done for the magazine this year, so we have decided to do a little card each year with the ornament on it.  It is going to be very fun.  You will see that this one is another Christmas carol and goes along with the last few we have done.  Hopefully it will be arriving with the stocking book.  



Garden Club  
by Blackbird Designs
Part 1 chart: $ 9.00
Complete kits available


This is a wonderful new series that Barb and Alma are introducing.  I just love it because it is a bit smaller making it very do-able.  Teri has gathered great linens for this piece and as you can see the next 2 installments--coming in the next few months--will attach to this one.  How fun is that?  If you would like us to include you in the Garden Club--just give us a call.

Bittersweet September 
Chart: $8.00


Patchwork Pumpkin
chart: $8.00


These are 2 new Rewards of Merit charts by Blackbird Designs.  Just the perfect little project for the Fall.

And Heaven and Nature Sing 
by Kathy Barrack
chart:  $14.00


This is a wonderful new chart by Kathy Barrick and we have had a hard time keeping it in stock.  One day last week, we sold every copy we had in one afternoon.  As each person was getting hers put together, the next one through the door said:  Well, I want that as well.  Teri had a great time choosing the perfect linens and threads for each person.  It was funny--and fun!   But it is a very dear little design and such fun to work on for the coming season.  

Crazy Tiny Scissors:  $ 2.80 


These silly scissors just arrived and everyone loves them.  I guess I need to wander to the front of the shop and give them a try.  They are very small, but quite sharp.  I wonder if they would get on a plane.  Hmmm... will have to try that.


Year in Chalk 
October by Hands On Designs
chart $5.00


The year is quickly moving along on this little chalkboard series.  October is very fun.

New charts by Not Forgotten Farm
Hallowe'en Sweet Bag $12.00- chart
House that Jack Built $10.00 - Chart


Witches in the Air $10.00 - chart
Olde Mustarde Moone $10.00 -chart



Happy Haunting Kids Kit 
by Shepherd's Bush 
Kit: $15.00


Here is a new kids kit just perfect for Halloween.  Our kid's kits sell like crazy and this new little one should be a lot of fun.  Kit comes with 6 count fabric--already marked--and perle cotton in darling bright colors.  


Witching Hour 
by Prairie Schooler
Chart: $9.00


Erin Just sent back the newest Prairie Schooler Halloween project.  It is great on a soft gray purple fabric.  I know the photo looks tan, but any way you stitch it, it will be spookily fabulous.  

Garden Update- note from Teri
We have enjoyed our little urban garden this summer, and I am already planning for next year.  What is going where...and for sure no zucchini.  The purple cherries are so fun in our tomato salads.  We have red, yellow, orange and purple tomatoes... It make a colorful dish with a little basil, a cucumber and lunch is served.  I will be so sad to see everything die back, but hope some of the herbs will last through the winter.  Our winter squash are about the size of a plum..... hummm maybe not the best choice.  The beans just keep growing.  We have talked Bob into making a french vinaigrette  and eat them lightly steamed and drizzled with his yummy vinaigrette.  I hope your gardens are all still going strong.  Happy eating and Happy Fall.