Attention all blurfers ( blog surfers) you may have noticed down in the links column that I have started a blog, thistledownblog.blogspot.com I guess I had too much time on my hands, I wish. I hope you’ll get a chance to stop by and see what I am up to.

Like me, you are most likely gearing up for the upcoming holidays and just in case you are running out of projects, I’ve drawn up a couple of little seasonal redwork illustrations to share with you. They are easy enough that you can stitch them up in no time at all. Stitch and make into little sachets, stitch them onto towels or breadcloths or put them into a small picture frame. Resize them if needed. These downloads are for your personal use and not for commercial use or distribution.

Watch for my new quilt pattern coming soon after Thanksgiving that uses a fun, easy, and unique technique.

acorn and leaves

pumpkin patch

Enjoy the season,

Linda Zokan

Our new designer this week is Arlene Ward of Designs by Arlene.  She has two popular series of redwork that focus on things that grandchildren do with their grandparents: “Me and Grandma” and “Me and Grandpa.”  

Me and Grandma Baking is one of the redwork blocks. 

There’s also Me and Grandma At the Fair, Baking, Churning, Feeding the Chickens, Going to Church, Having a Tea Party, In the Garden, Trimming the Tree (we are very busy, Grandma and me). We’re also Quilting, Sewing, Shopping for Fabric (we are kindred spirits!). Make one and frame it or use it as the focal point of a quilt. Make a few of your favorites and frame them for a grouping or use them to make a small quilt for your grandchild. Make all of them and create a beautiful quilt.

Can’t forget Grandpa – Here’s Me and Grandpa Fishin’

Look for Me and Grandpa Building Together, Camping, Playing Ball, Picking Apples, and Sailing.  A quilt made of these would make a great gift for your grandchild and for Grandpa too.

Arlene does not restrict herself to redwork; she has other projects also. If you have any energy left after all those activities with the grandkids, try this beautiful Fall Festival Table Runner.

And for Christmas, Peppermint Pinwheels is a 16″ X 40″ table runner.  Also included in the pattern are instructions for placemats.  These would make a great gift or keep them for yourself!  Change the fabric and you’ll have Pink Pinwheels, or Posie Pinwheels, or . . .

Have fun with all of Arlene’s designs and when you are finished, check out the rest of the quilt patterns at QuiltersWarehouse.com.