I was completely shocked and excited to find that my project made the cover of Creative Machine Embroidery! For all the juicy tips on how to turn a turtleneck sweater into this trendy little number make sure to pick up the March/April 2010 issue of the magazine for the full directions! The Hooping Knits in the video section of the site may be a good one to watch as you sit down for this quick make-over. This is a great issue to have as they are celebrating Earth Day and will have some green (eco-friendly) crafting projects as well.

I'm currently finishing up the next book. We've added some projects I know you guys will love and I am excited to get it out to you all. Hope you're staying warm!

Summer is rushing by and fall is eeking its way in. I can't believe it is going to be August this weekend! To usher in the fall we have this cute little guy modeling my latest project from Creative Machine Embroidery...and it comes with a bonuse you'll fall head over heels for!

A free embroidery design! Pick up your copy of the September/October issue of CME for the direction and download the design.

The VP3 and VIP formats are available on my site in the Free Project Download section. Make sure you follow the directions at the top of the page to download the designs. For additional formats visit www.cmemag.com. Not only does this make an adorable treat bag but the design can be used to decorate pillows, lanturns or even a t-shirt. Visit the How to Videos section for tips and hints on embroidering on knits!

Just when you don't think you can handle anymore surprises in life you get another one, right?! I have to admit this is an amazing surprise and I am delighted and honored to have the cover story in the current issue of Creative Machine Embroidery! There are some cute ideas and projects in this issue so make sure you pick it up. While you're at it hop on over to Ellen's blog and see what else is new in the world of embroidery. I'm off to Janome Convention to work with my friends at Iris Embroidery Threads for the rest of the week and will bring any fun updates as soon as I am back!

I seriously can't believe March is gone. Easter is right around the corner and this article I wrote for Creative Machine Embroidery brought back all sorts of childhood memories.

When I was little, maybe 5 or 6 years old I remember decorating easter eggs with my Nana. She would take a safety pin, put a tiny whole in each end and then it was my job to gently blow out the insides of the egg. I remember being terrified about getting that guck on me so I blew super gentle, just like Nana said, so I wouldn't break the egg and make a mess. Once the insides were out, I would get to put the decorative plastic wrappers around the egg and Nana would hold it in place and pour the hot water on top. Magically, the plastic would shrink to just the right size and encase the middle of the egg in beautiful design. I also remember the coloring eggs with my mom. Watching those little disks of dye dissolve in the vinegar and being the designer of a perfect half-colored egg, learning how purple and yellow make a yucky looking color...these were creative experiences that I'll never forget.

So I'm reminding you. This year make a tradition. It doesn't have to be for a holiday. Maybe it is as simple as making everyone's favorite dinner the same day every month. Maybe you'll grab this magazine, use the project instructions to create these eggs with or for friends and family as a tradition for spring! At the risk of sounding cheesy...make a memory.

Make sure you check out the latest issue of Creative Machine Embroidery!This issue contains my first ad for Iris Embroidery Thread as well as a special contest. Remember to check out the Project Downloads and download the T-shirt Tote directions that go along with the ad! You can even watch the how-to video at the same time. You can enter to the free thread drawing right here on the site for the Iris Embroidery thread top 50 color pack. That's a whole lot of embroidery fantastic-ness! Five winners will be drawn in October so sign up and keep your eyes on the site for even more fun.