“Happiness is in the quiet ordinary things.  A table, a chair, a book with a paper-knife stuck between the pages. And the petal falling from the rose, and the light flickering as we sit silent.” 

Virginia Woolf, "The Waves" 

If you have followed me for any length of time you know that I have a deep affection for Sarah Orne Jewett’s stories and characters, and in particular the character of Mrs. Todd.  I recently read, for at least the thousandth time, “The Queen’s Twin” in which Mrs. Todd pays a visit to a dear friend - a quaint old woman by the name of Abby Martin, who lives on the rural coast of Maine. The following excerpt from the story was the inspiration for the design “Home Sweet Home” ~ a customer favorite. 

 “Presently I saw a low gray house standing on a grassy bank close to the road.  The door was at the side, facing us, and a tangle of snowberry bushes and cinnamon roses grew to the level of the window-sill.  On the doorstep stood a bent-shouldered, little old woman; there was an air of welcome and of unmistakable dignity about her.”

 And so, with this delightful story rolling ‘round in my head, I’ve decided to list Home Sweet Home at a special price for the remainder of the month of May. You will find convenient links to the pattern pages below under “Featured”.

In the Works...

Lest you think I spend all my time idly reading, I thought I would share a sneak peek at a new design I started stitching - a reproduction of one of the antique samplers in my collection.  My favorite thing about this small sampler is that it is simply overflowing with motifs: butterflies, baskets, fruiting trees, crowns, flowers, birds and dogs!  I hope to have it ready in time for next month’s update.

I cannot let the month of May pass without sharing my favorite Mother’s Day Benediction:

"May the blessings of thy God wait upon thee and the sun of Glory shine around thy head;

May the gates of plenty, honor, and happiness be always open to thee and thine.

May no strife disturb thy days, nor sorrow distress thy nights,

And may the pillow of Peace kiss thy cheek, and pleasures of imagination attend thy dreams!"

Happiest of Mother’s Days, my friends!  Happy month of May!

As Ever ~ Wendy

Instant Download & Free Pattern Reminders

• After purchasing an instant download from my web site, you will find your e-pattern under My Account > Downloads.  
• Free patterns are only available as instant downloads. Go to the item page and click on the link in the item description.  No need to put them in your cart or create an account.  Happy stitching!