Holders of the stakes

Dear Holders of the Stakes,

I hope the start of 2011 finds you all happy, refreshed and ready for a big year ahead.

Unfortunately our sometimes employee, has definitely 'left the building' so to speak. Her Teenage Grumpiness can no longer be bribed cajoled or wheedled into folding patterns as she is no longer here at the warehouse, preferring , it would seem to share a new home with other fruity Lexia drinking people. We wish her well, whilst sniggering at the shock of 'real life'.

That of course means that an exciting career opportunity has opened up for the youngest member of Ric-Rac team. The terms and condition have been explained and the obvious benefits pointed out. The generous salary and frankly sumptuous conditions were offered in writing. The resulting two word response was a little surprising ....one of the words was "off"

2010 saw the hawking of my wares and talking the ears of anyone who would listen - mostly about blogging and crafting but occasionally about International Toilet Paper Month and my propensity to let a little bit of wee out if I get too excited. Apart from the Great Whooping cough debacle , 2010 was pretty great. (She says, conveniently forgetting the times she wanted to stab strangers in the head with her quick-unpick)

What can the holders of stakes expect to see in 2011.... new patterns, including Baxter and Milligan and maybe the Knights of the Sewing table ( undecided there). I also have a new friend who just needs some clothes, and some sweet little un-named girls at the bottom of this post.

I'll be flying to Sydney in June to have a chat the Australian sewing Guild. I'll be guest Designer at Daylesford Craft Experience also in June with Kristen and Melly.... (cannot wait for that but holding in the wee for now)

2011 will also see something a bit new - teaching !

I'll be teaching at Ballarat Patchwork, Drapers of Mt. Macedon , Amitie and also at the New swanky studio of Nicole Mallalieu, during 2011. I shall be teaching my soon-to-be-patented sewing method of close your eyes, move your fingers and ram it through the machine. Actually I'll be teaching Parsely and Beet at Ballarat Patchwork but no idea about the other places - any ideas ?

You know, Its all a little bit exciting from where I am sitting. Yep, its also scary and intimidating in parts - but I'm happy to take that as part of the deal.

So to every single holder of the stakes, whether you are an always-commenter, a sometimes-commenter or a never-commenter, If I really know you, blog know you, might meet you , or will never likely meet you, I just want to say thanks for popping in, joining in , and making all this happen.

You guys have a lot to answer for.....