Hi there!

Well, I had the most wonderful birthday yesterday and.... I finished my "Within an Inch of My Life" project!

If you are on Facebook, you can go to my page The Raspberry Rabbits and see a little video I did.

Here's my final inch representing 365 days of stitching. I never missed a day and truly enjoyed every step on this journey.

I received this quote this morning. It's from Lynne Moncrieff of Somerset Studio
"The hear of it is... going with the flow, and not being weighed down with any potential pressure of thoughts of a finished project." This quote describes exactly how I felt on this year long journey. I was free to just stitch what I wanted without writing instructions, or worrying about a finished product. It was simply a creative journey for myself to mark my 50th year.

You can see on the left side of the photo that it ended a little wonky. Well, I came up with a great idea to finish off so it is even all the way around. I will share that in a future post once I get it stitched.

Here is an inch I did for a new Slow Stitching Club I joined.

Each month we will have a small challenge project to make. Our first challenge was to make a wonky name tag. Having unfinished edges is about as wonky as I can do. LOL! The hare was hand painted on linen by my dear Jules. I was excited to use it in this project. I added some wings for some wonkiness. ;)

Then, I did an inch for our annual community yard sale. David and I both declared that we are done with yard sales. Good gracious they are dreadful to do. It's not like we had that much stuff, but people are ridiculous and rude when you won't take 50 cents for something you are asking $5 for! We're done. We will donate things to those in need and smile.

David did another Liberty puzzle. We are passing them around with his family. He said this one was pretty challenging.

Of course, I spotted this piece right away. ;) It's so cool how they put little creatures and characters into the puzzle that only show up from the back side.

I'll close for now as I have to go finish packing for my trip to St. Simons Island in Georgia tomorrow. I'm teaching for the Coastal Georgia Quilt Guild. I'm really looking forward to fun and creative time with them.

Sabrina knows I'm getting ready to leave. She's always follows me around when my class trunks come out of the closet. She's a Mama's girl for sure.

Hugs and see ya next week!
Michelle

Lattes, Puzzles, Friends and Inchies

Hi ya and happy first day of Spring! It's still chilly here, but that's ok because it makes my latte lunch break extra cozy. There is a new coffee roaster cafe that opened up near my neighborhood. I've been a Starbucks snob forever, but.... I will admit, this latte from Casa Blanca is waaaaaaay better!! Oh my gosh! Plus, who doesn't love a little love in their cup? ;)

My sis-n-laws came for a visit last week. They brought this incredible puzzle!

It's made in the USA and is actual cut wood!

I will admit, we were addicted to putting it together. It was a true challenge and so much fun.

This is what the back looks like. Can you see all the other shapes in it like the octopus, starfish, turtle and sailboat? Isn't that cool? I highly recommend this company if you like to do puzzles. We are going to pass them around through David's family and then to our friends. I already have my eye on one to get David for his birthday in May.

I only have one week left of my "Within an Inch of my Life" project. I can't believe it is coming to an end. I've had so much fun!

Here's a few more of my inchies. I did one for the puzzle.

Then I did one for our sick little cottage. Our foundation was falling and we had to spend $10k to have steel peers put under the house. Of course, insurance won't cover it unless it actually falls down and you can't live in it. Don't get me started on that.

The right end of our house was then leveled as that had fallen the most. It was crazy watching the 2" plus gap under the baseboards go away as they lifted the house. I would much rather have spent that money on enclosing our screened porch! Poo!

This next inch was for International Women's Day.

I'm proud to be a strong, independent woman. Me at age 9. Hated dresses then, hate them now.

This is a note my friend, Janet Melanson, left on my Facebook business page.
"On this, International Women's Day..you are a great example of an awesome internet/blog personality..who champions independent design, caring for bunnies and all wildlife, and being an example of one of the best women of our time.. well done you!"

I will admit, she brought me to tears with that note. Sometimes people just don't know how much kind words can mean to someone. That was a huge hug for me that day when I needed it.

From Friday to Tuesday morning, I got to spend time with a new forever friend, Kelly Ashton. Kelly was in town for several quilting classes and lectures including one for my guild. She stayed with us and we immediately clicked. Isn't it funny how that happens? Kelly is a kind, loving and beautiful soul who also happens to be an amazing teacher and quilter. If your guild is looking for a teacher that can give a class on mastering points and "Y" seams, you need to contact Kelly. Her lecture and trunk show is also incredible! You can reach Kelly HERE. Tell her the bunnies and I said Hi!

Speaking of traveling and meeting friends, my passport finally arrived! I'll be going to England in October to see Sallieann and to finally meet Jules in person!! My best friend, Beth, is going on this adventure with me. We're sooooooooo excited!!!

Well, that's it for this week. I'll see you back here next Thursday instead of Wednesday. Have a relaxing weekend!

Light, love and hugs,
Michelle

Sneaky Peeky and Podcast Link

Hi my friend!  I hope you have been having a good week and a good March so far. The weather has been absolutely nuts around here. One day it is almost 80 the next day it's 40! Mother Nature is certainly not happy.

This week I want to share a little sneaky peeky of something new that I will be debuting either late April or early May. It's called "The Shell Collector."

This new design will be part of a whole new rabbit hole I am hopping down and I'm really excited to share it with you. I will have lots to tell in the coming months and look forward to having you join me on this new adventure.

Also, I was delighted to be a guest on Pat Sloan's podcast. It was six years ago the last time I was guest. Good gracious time has flown by!

If you would like to listen, you can hop on over HERE. I'm the fourth guest on the show. The other guests were wonderful to listen to as well. It's always love hearing a person's story and all about their creative journey.

Have a relaxing weekend and I'll see ya back here next week!

Hugs and friends,
Michelle and the fuzzy ones

American Patchwork and Quilting Radio

Hi ya!

Just a quick hop in to invite you to listen in on Monday, March 11 at 4:45. The show starts at 4 and I will be the 4th guest of the day.

You can listen HERE.

Hugs and friends,
Michelle and the Bunnies