Flower From Favorite Family Members

When I'm down in my basement sewing room, it's hard to hear the doorbell upstairs but when Emmie, my dog, barks like a maniac, I know it rang. A few days ago, she did just that so I ran up, peeked through the peep hole (had a hard time seeing who was there because my Christmas wreath is still up...oops) and saw a gentleman holding a beautiful basket of flowers. They were from my sweet sister-in-law, Corinne and her charming husband, Ken, in honor of me publishing my first book. Beautiful daisies -- so fitting for my business!! Thank you, guys!! You made my day!!

It's A Book!!!

I have been waiting nearly a year to be able to say these words: "It's a book!!" It's been a creative journey unlike any other and it's been a blast!

 

To see my book ready and available online is like no other feeling I've had before...except maybe when I had my kids! I know...a little weird. :) My passion is sewing and machine embroidery. For me, sharing that passion is as much fun as doing it. Being able to share it through a published book is amazing!!

 

Over the past few years, I've been a frequent contributor to Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine. Editor & publisher Eileen Roche, managing editor Denise Holguin, and acquisitions editor Christine Doyle saw enough value in my work to contract with me to be one of the first authors of their new series of creative machine embroidery books.

 

So... here it is:

"Sweet Stitches: Boutique-style Machine Embroidery for the Little Ones in Your Life"

 

 

 

From their website:

 

"Little girls have a unique affection for all things pretty, especially when that something pretty is made just for her. And the little girl in your life will giggle with delight when she sees what you've made for her from Sweet Stitches.

 

Inside this book by JoAnn Connolly, you'll learn to make eight oh-so pretty projects including a name banner for her room, a monogrammed pillow fit for a princess, and an embellished birthday crown for her special day. Watch her eyes light up when you give her the delightful flower headband, and see her jump up and down at the sight of her stylish new pajamas. Each project includes complete step-by-step instructions with photographs and all the embroidery design files you need—including one appliqué alphabet and one stitched alphabet!"

 

Happy stitching!!

Jo  :)

 

 

Backtracking A Bit

I had an article in the previous (Dec/Nov 2012) issue of Designs in Machine Magazine -- "Chic Chandeliers". The project was for glitzy, glimmery felt holiday decorations that look like-- you guessed it -- chandeliers. I hadn't seen my copy yet when I received an email congratulating me for having made the cover of the magazine. I was thrilled beyond belief and couldn't wait to see it myself.

 

Then...a few days later, I received a large, flat cardboard package and couldn't remember ordering anything big and flat. When I opened it, it was a "my" cover, blown up and mounted on art board, suitable for framing. My managing editor, Denise Holguin thought to do this and it was just the most fun, unexpected, amazing gift ever!

 

 

We've just started house hunting and my basement sewing room (2x4 studs and a cement floor) won't do it justice, so it is being "saved", to be the first decorating piece to go in my new studio. I can't wait to hang it up!!

 

Back To Blogging!

It's been nearly a year since I last posted. In that year, I've learned that I'm not great (good...but not great) at multi-tasking, so posting had to take a back seat to other endeavors. I do, however, have a few wonderful reasons for being away from the blog. For about 7 years now, I've been a contributing writer to

 Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine.

Starting with their current issue -- January/February 2013,

I actually have my own "column"  with them --

"4" x 4" & Fabulous!"!! In each issue, I'll present a project that will offer BIG results from one of your smallest hoops -- the 4" x 4" hoop. Just because your machine may not include the industry's biggest hoops doesn't mean you can't get a LOT of bang for your small-hoop buck!!

"Happy Hearts Pillow" is this month's project and you can get the embroidery files

**FREE** on the Designs web site.

"Happy Hearts Pillow"

4" x 4" & Fabulous!
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In addition, for a good part of the year, I was working on my first book (!). Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine has just begun their sewing/craft book division and contracted with me to be one of their first authors. My book is due out later this month and I couldn't be more excited!! It's a project-based machine embroidery book for stitchers who love to create boutique-style items for little girls. Here are a few hints at what's included:

 

 When I have more info about my book's launch, I'll post it here. I promise to try to be a good, consistent and informative blogger -- I just LOVE sharing my passion for sewing and embroidery!! So stay tuned!!

Happy Stitching!!

Jo  :)