Old Point Loma Lighthouse - California

Built in 1854, Point Loma's light was the highest in the nation at 462 feet. Unfortunately, the light's lofty perch on the point meant it was often shrouded in fog, rendering it useless to mariners. In 1891, after only a few decades of service, the lighthouse was declared inactive, and a new metal tower light was constructed at the foot of Point Loma.

Sharon N. wanted this lighthouse for her sister. She says, "I requested the Old Point Loma Lighthouse design to use in a quilt or wall hanging for my sister and her husband in memory of their honeymoon. My sister had reminisced that shortly after her honeymoon, her husband gave her a charm bracelet with 5 charms representing special life-changing events in their relationship. One of the charms was Point Loma Lighthouse, representing their honeymoon in San Diego, CA. I know that my sister considers the bracelet one of her most cherished and sentimental gifts from her husband."

Sonja B. wrote in with a request of this distinctive striped lighthouse and included some interesting facts too. She explains, "West Quoddy Lighthouse is my favorite. I was born in Maine, but moved to Oklahoma at the age of three. However, my mother's family still lives close to this lighthouse. West Quoddy Lighthouse is the most eastern point of the United States. It was built in 1807 and rebuilt in 1858. The West Quoddy Head Light is most
 remembered by its bright bands of red and white (six of each). Its flashing white light every fifteen seconds would tell sea fairing men their location. West Quoddy Light got its "West" name from being west of East Quoddy Head Light (which is nearby in Canada)."

Located in Ottawa County, Michigan at the entrance of a channel connecting Lake Michigan
 with Lake Macatawa, the Holland Harbor Lighthouse (named Big Red for its bright crimson exterior) gives access to the city of Holland, Michigan. Carol C. and her family were introduced to 'Big Red' by their family doctor. An avid painter and photographer of the scarlet lighthouse, his interest eventually made a fan out of Carol. She has big plans for the design, including a framed wall-hanging, towels, an apron, shirt, and tote bag. She says, "I am looking forward to working with 'Big Red!'"

Within her request for a Biloxi Lighthouse design, Nia provided some fascinating facts about the
 first cast-iron lighthouse in the South. She says, "The lighthouse itself has some unique features -
 the only lighthouse to stand in the middle of a 4-lane highway, the first lighthouse to have a woman keeper, and most recently, withstanding Hurricane Katrina. An American flag has been draped over the railing as a tribute. I am anxious to use the Biloxi Lighthouse on a pillow and shirt for my daughter's birthday as she was born in Biloxi, Mississippi."

Round Island Lighthouse - Michigan

Both Alberta L. and Donna H. have had requests to embellish projects with realistic lighthouses. Wanting to use them to create nautical items and quilts, the Round Island Lighthouse design is a great choice! Built in1896, the Round Island Lighthouse marks the channel between Round Island and Mackinac Island - the shortest distance from northern Lake Huron to the Straits of Mackinac Island. Originally equipped with a Fourth Order Fresnel lens, a lens commonly used on the Great Lakes, the lamp showed steady white with a flash of red every twenty seconds. Because shipping ceased during the winter, this lighthouse was dark part of the year.

Joanne B., Andrea C., and Jean G., thought the French Chef needed an equally wonderful female counterpart. Whether wanting to stitch up aprons for themselves and granddaughters, or needing energetic, "professional" designs for clients in the business, these ladies had plans for female chef designs.  So here she is - the "saucy," stylish cook showcasing a variety of culinary talents! Mix this charming lady with chef coats, hats, and towels. Thank you for the delectable suggestion, ladies!

Using designs from the first Quick-Stitch Baby Character Design Pack, Elaine created a zoo-
themed baby quilt.  Since her quilt had 18 blocks, she repeated a few of the designs. Hoping
to create another zoo-themed quilt, she wanted it to have a total of 18 unique animals, and
requested a second series of quick-stitch characters.  She says, "I think that having more
animals in the same quick-stitch format would be great for making future quilts.  Not only is
the outline satin stitching fast, but the finished result is softer and more flexible perfect for
a baby quilt!"  Thank you for request, Elaine -- it's a great one!

Introducing some new, quick-stitch friends for baby and small tots!  Say hello to diminutive
dinosaurs, adorable animals and bugs, and vivid vehicles!  These jolly characters can't wait
to introduce themselves to you and your little ones, and make their home on blankets, bibs,
towels, burp cloths, and more!
 

The thought and imagery of a darling flower cart, overflowing with a bevy of blooms, can take you away to a cheerful and sunny place.

Alice, wanting to have this idea put into design form for porch chair pillows, requested the delightful cart below.  Full of bright blooms and greenery (and little goldfinch for additional zeal!), the rustic cart is the perfect residence for the flowers!  Thank you for the sweet suggestion, Alice!

Available in two sizes:
8.24"X5.87" and 6.81"X4.86"

Available in one size:
4" x 4"

Since coffee seems to be a universally loved beverage, it is safe to say that almost everyone has
family or friends who are avid coffee fans.  Cathy, Linda, and Terri all requested in-the-hoop coffee sleeves to make as gifts for friends, family, and co-workers.  Not only are they more fun than the disposable versions, but they also shield hands better. Says Terri,  "I have used the paper sleeves
in the convenience stores, and they just aren't protective enough."  Linda also notes that the individuality of the coffee drinker would be additionally recognized.  She says, "I think the coffee sleeves would make great gifts for co-workers as it would help everyone to recognize their own
 cup and show off their unique personalities with the different designs."

The following designs are chock full of