When Sisters Work Together

I have a story I want to share…

A lady came into Thomas Sewing Center, a place where my sister works part time. This lady told my sister about her sister who had breast cancer and is not doing well at all and asked if my sister would make her sister a pillow. Without catching her name or telephone number, or her sister’s name, my sister created the pillow immediately, and took it back up to the store. It was a good while before the lady came back in to pick it up. When she did, she brought in two pieces of fabric ~ although Thomas’s has lovely fine high quality fabrics ~ she purchased her fabric elsewhere! She asked if my sister would make her sister a quilt. My sister then found out her name ~ Brenda ~ but not her sister’s name.

My sister assured her it would get done for her sister.

My sister called me.

She told me the story and asked if I would make it.

Of course, I told my sister.

While in town last week, my sister gave me the fabric…

One piece was 1.5 yards and the other piece was 2 yards.

They didn’t match.

When Mother & I went to Thomas’s to shop for a new sewing machine, I gave momma the mission to find three pieces of fabric that would match nicely with the 1.5 yard piece – a light, a medium, and a dark. I had already decided to use the 2 yard piece Brenda provided as its backing.

Momma did a great job!

I had an idea how I wanted to make the quilt, but it changed after looking through Nancy’s Notions most recent catalog! It was there I saw this quilt kit:

Then I brought out the graph paper and coloring pencils and modified the pattern to fit my colors:

When I got back from the Dallas trip, I put the sewing table together, then figured out how to operate the new Janome 8900, with my sister’s help via telephone!

This “A Sister’s Quilt” is the first project done on the new machine!

It goes into the quilting frame today! I need to get it done and in the mail back to my sister as soon as possible. My sister will then get it to Brenda’s sister…

We are sisters working together...

Fifth Day of Christmas - Beaded Bookmarks

Several years ago, my step-daughter gave me a lovely beaded bookmark. Since then I’ve kept it in my favorite Bible, the New Living Translation that Mother and Daddy gave me for Christmas 2007. Once I saw the idea, I, too, have created numerous beaded bookmarks with waxed linen thread and varying pendants with either beads of gemstone, semi-precious stones, and/or glass. Touches of gold or silver are usually added for an extra touch. I love the simple elegance of beaded bookmarks and will always create them at Lanetta's Creations.

Over time, the pendants I’ve used have had far ranging themes. To name a few, I’ve used crosses, crucifixes, angels, fairies, rainbows, inspirational words, arrow heads, sunflowers, tree of life, hearts, and either pink or gold ribbons! There are so many lovely pendants available! Here are a few I've used:

I think everyone knows the pink ribbon represents Breast Cancer Awareness. I’ve made several, inspired by family and friends who are Breast Cancer Survivors, and in honor of those who were called home while courageously fighting the battle.

I did not know, until a dear friend shared with me, the gold ribbon is for Childhood Cancer Awareness. She asked if I would consider making some beaded bookmarks using the gold ribbon. Well, certainly!

The gold ribbons aren’t something offered at my primary pendant resource and that’s A-Okay because I’m pleased to find them at a place where 100% of the proceeds are used to help fund their programs and services. Formerly Candlelighter’s Childhood Cancer Foundation, the American Childhood Cancer Organization, was there when my friend, and her son, and family, needed help and support.

A couple of years ago, a client asked me to create individualized beaded bookmarks for her Bible Study group. She wanted to give them as Christmas gifts that year and gave me plenty of time to handcraft each one. The only thing the 15 beaded bookmarks had in common – each had a cross pendant. I used at least five different cross designs like the ones pictured below. Details with the use and arrangement of different beads, spacers, and added silver or gold attributes made each a unique, one-of-a-kind handmade gift for her to give!

I love making custom orders! They are always welcome utilizing any theme!

Until January 6^th, use coupon code 5thday at checkout and receive 20% off a Handmade in Texas Beaded Bookmark by Lanetta’s Creations! (one coupon per customer) Free Shipping & Handling, too!