Purple Pickle Designs by Vickie

It's fall time again

2011-10-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

Well, it is fall and what has happened around here that I have failed to keep up with. I have been sewing. Pictures, no I forgot. Just rest assured that the embroidery machine is busy on a less than I like frequency. My piano students started contacting me sooner this year and I am now up to twenty. Busy times. I go to their homes because it works into our schedule better. I think honestly it is so I don't have to clean house as much. Maybe that is a little too much information for the world to know. Forgive me.

I have started work on Christmas items and I will have to take pictures and post those at a later date. I don't want some of those who will be receiving them to see them before the big day.

I am also loosing weight. It was time and it is coming off. Slower than I would like but coming off just the same. I have lost 50 pounds and I feel so much better.

Finally I just want to warn you that life after children and being over 50 does not mean that life slows down. I thought by now I would be able to do all of the things that I thought I could be doing after the children are gone from home. Nope, it doesn't happen. My life is just as busy and more confusing than before. But, I must be honest and tell you that my life, aside from aches and pains and not doing quite what it did before, is better than ever. I love where I am at in my life and I truly enjoy each of my children and the wonderful Grandchildren. From the oldest grandchild (21 and on a mission for our church) down to the youngest who will be born in January, I love them all. This little bundle will be grandchild number 15, where has the time gone so quickly. Ramble is over I just feel so blessed today I just had to share, soon I will dash off to pick up a grandaughter from Kindergarten, her mommy had to work today. Life just doesn't get much better than this.

A Happy, slimmer, busy and enjoying it grandmother.

Summer in the Sun

2011-07-08T22:10:00.000-07:00

Well not the whole summer. Just took a week off with my youngest daughter. We took a road trip to see her siblings in Idaho, and their families. Weather has been terrific so far. We are enjoying our time together and with the families here. Could it be better? Only if my sweetheart was able to come too. Love being around my children and my grandchildren. The best of both worlds. When I go home I have several projects that are waiting for me to get around to them. Hmmm.... burprags, receiving blankets, I even have a denimn jacket calling my name. Yes, summer is here and so are the trips and the returning home blues and the fun that actually comes from getting back to work. My sweethearts surgery took less time than we thought but more time than I realized it would of mine. Am I looking forward to him being able to retire in just a year or two? YES, bring it on I love being around him twenty four seven. Sweetheart (Wayne) if you read this I am talking about you. You are the BEST.

Finally a picture!

2011-06-02T22:56:00.001-07:00

Life is busy and full of surprises. Another set done hopefully you like it baby Esther does.

well what have I forgotten this time

2011-04-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

Well it has been such a long time since I posted an update. Been making burp rags and receiving blankets, been watching grandchildren, I have taught piano lessons and been tending a husband with neck surgery. Is life ever slow around my house... no mostly it is not. I just haven't made the time to post or show pictures of things I have done. Keep watching I will do better. Hopefully by the end of May I will have my act together and pictures for you to see and more importantly a better update on happenings.

The slow moving Purple Pickle design team of one... Vickie

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year. I am thinking it is a year of adventures and happy times with friends and family. I am thinking good thoughts for time to accomplish all that needs to be done and having a great year. Wishing that for all of you too.

Christmas gifts

2010-12-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

This has been a fun month. Getting things made for gifts, giving gifts and just enjoying friends and family. These are tissue holders. You know those small plastic packages of tissue that get lost in your purse, or bag and you can't find them. Well here is your answer. Made from felt, then decorated with embroidery floss and buttons. What a fun way to spend an evening or two.

I am Thankful for this year

2010-11-23T11:52:00.000-08:00

This has been a great year. We have visited children and grandchildren several times out of state. We have had children and grandchildren stay with us several weeks this year. We have taken trips to the coast and saw the beauty and peace of the ocean.
I have learned many things this year about myself about the world and about how grateful I am for what I have. I am grateful that our eldest and her son were able to come over and go to the temple with us as he prepared to leave for his mission in the Arizona Tempe Mission. We are excited and happy with his choice to serve for two years.
I am grateful that Wayne (my husband) has a job and it pays our bills, allows us to pay our tithes and offerings, take trips, help children and do the things that we can.
I am grateful for birthday parties for grandchildren, trips to the coast, babysitting children that are here and so many things that I can't even remember now.
I am grateful that I was able to make composition books, burp rags and receiving blankets, embroider and make a dress for a cute little pixie. So many things to reflect on for this year.
I am grateful that I am happy and that I have felt true joy this year.

Composition books

2010-07-27T15:27:00.000-07:00

These work well for Gratitude books, journals, keeping notes or track of things you need to do. Lots of fun to make and very functional too.

Busy summer! I am having lots of fun!

2010-07-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

Updates: Niece had baby boy, he was 2 pounds 6 ounces. Mom and baby doing fine. Today I believe the cute little boy is about 4 pounds 9 ounces. Not bad for about four weeks old. Mommy delivered at 29 weeks 2 days I think.

We have had 1 vacation with another coming up this week, we have had 3 of our older Idaho grandchildren over. The last one our 12 year old granddaughter has kept Wayne and I very busy. She loves to shop and go go go all the time. She wakes in the morning jumps up and says "where are we going and what are we doing today?" Makes one very tired. One of our daughters (not the teens mom) is coming over this weekend to spend a couple of weeks and when she goes home she will take the teen with her. I am missing them all already. I have been doing some crocheting and will post the pictures for you. Mostly I have just made burp rags this time. The other projects - sorry no pictures.

I am still keeping busy with church activities. This August our Mom and Daughter night. We will have a dinner, and crafts. One of which is covering Composition books for whatever you want to use it for. They turn out so cute and so different from anyone elses. Pretty and functional too. Might even have to put in a picture of these too. Hmm, my sister (Cindy) made some the other day I will post one or two of her pictures to give you an idea. She is very creative and fun to

Well, I guess I had better say something about not saying anything.

2010-05-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

Life happens quickly. Life brings changes and busy days. I feel like this year I have went from one crisis to another. I have embroidered things and made things but, so far most of them have made it to their new owners without being photographed and put on the blog. Now I am finishing up with the piano lessons for the summer. I have lessons to give on Mon, Tues, Wed and next Mon. Then I am done for the summer. I have about 5 projects started and several projects finished. I will post pictures of those as soon as possible.

I can promise that it will take a little time, right now I try to keep alot of time open to go visit my niece who is stuck in the hospital for an extended amount of time. She is 27 weeks and counting trying very hard to keep calm, cool and collected to keep from having her precious cargo to soon. So you will have to forgive me if picture posting takes second, third or fourth place to the being on call to visit my niece.

I pray that your days are smooth sailing and your dreams and projects are being completed at record speed.

New Year and much I want to do.

2010-01-02T21:26:00.000-08:00

The New Year has come and my goal for this year is make lots of things. I want to make so many things, lots of projects. My sister and I would even like to sell things at a Bazaar this year. So, I am hoping to get many things done. It has been a very busy Christmas and New Year already. We welcomed a brand new Grandson (he is more than just cute, but I might be prejudiced on that). Visited with 4 of our 5 children and their families. Eaten out more than I care to remember (that's because for a good week I was feeling to crummy to cook) and had a great time. I didn't finish all of my projects... I will get them done this year. I need to get copies of some of my projects and put them online (some of the gifts were given before I took pictures) So... those I will have to beg pictures from the owners. But, life is good. Talking with one of my sisters I was reminded how blessed I was this year. My husband is working, we have a home and a car (it was paid off this month) and so many things to be greatful for. So many have no homes, no jobs, and feel that all is hopeless. Let me tell you world it is not hopeless there is hope and there is a God and he knows and loves each and every one of us. If you doubt it, just look at our world and see the beauty of it. Look at a baby and listen to it's laughter and see the delight of a mother holding her precious new born. Yes, I have a whole list of wonderful things to feel greatful for. May your New Year be filled with hope, love and a greater understanding of all that you do have in your life.

Busy times are fun times

2009-10-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

Well life is getting more busy all the time. My piano students have started up their lessons again. I had a friend come out to visit and we did alot of things with embroidery (she couldn't be left out of the embroidery field when she saw how much fun I was having) so I was busy showing her tips and fun things to do. I learned how to do a project on crosstitch fabric and boy was I impressed at how well it turned out. I am going to finish my Halloween projects and get them off in the mail this week. So the pictures for that I hope to have up on the blog before Friday. I have been doing my favorite projects too. So here are a couple of pictures for you to see and I will get the others on the blog soon.

Summer is over!

2009-09-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

Summer is over and boy have I had a great summer. I was lucky enough to go and visit my daughters and their families. I have some pretty great kids all 5 of them. I was lucky enough to have a new grandaughter born in June... 10 pounds 3 oz. She is a big girl, healthy, happy and beautiful. I start teaching piano again next week and I have been doing some embroidery work too. This week our oldest grandson is spending the week with us... I have received hugs and kisses what a big treat. Since he is a big guy now, 6'2" and handsome to boot. I think I like having them come and spend time with me like this. Maybe next summer the next in age will get to come for a week. They grow so fast and then they are gone starting their own life... nope I am not going to get maudlin I am happy to have the time with each one of my children and grandchildren I am blessed truly blessed.

Hallowed Moon Pictures

2009-06-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

Well promised to show the pictures for the Hallowed Moon book. Jacket and bag.

Busy days and nights

2009-06-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I am going to be busy for the next several weeks. So as I find a moment or two I will try to add the things that are finished. If I can't do them that fast, I will be posting lots and lots later. I will just have to catch you up on everything then. Have fun and be safe and enjoy your summer, just don't forget to check back in by July. I know I will have things to show you by then.

Newest baby set

2009-06-07T21:22:00.000-07:00

I know you have been waiting for the newest set for baby, but the newest one is much the same as one of the others. Lady bugs are still popular.

not embroidery

2009-06-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

This isn't an embroidery project, but it turned out so cute I just had to put it on line to show off. It's even cuter on the sweet little girl it was made for.

2009-05-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

I made this burprag set (blanket and burprags) and the set is on it's way to its proud family. Baby will be here before too much longer.
The other picture is our flower bed, as you can see the sun has come out alittle and Papa is taking advantage of the sun and the helpers to clean up the flower beds. I am not allowed in the flower beds or the gardens (okay, so I did make a few mistakes and took out things I thought were weeds, let us forgive and forget), so I take pictures and watch the grandchildren and keep the water and soda's coming.

I have been having a great time.

2009-05-11T23:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been having a great time doing Embroidery. I co-designed a picture with the Author of the book "Hallowed Moon" ... We designed the picture and put it on a bag, and a denim jacket. I will at least take a picture of the design and put it on the site.

I finished a logo for a salon and spa in our neighborhood and embroidered some robes for the spa.

I am working on several sets of burprags and receiving blankets (always it seems I am designing several sets of those), I still think that they are my favorite thing to do. I just love babies.

I know I need to get the pictures up and show you them. That is on the list of things to do this week. I hope to have them on the site no later than Thursday of this week. Hope all of you Mom's had a great Mother's Day. I know that I did.

Hearts and more hearts

2009-03-30T09:04:00.001-07:00

If you enlarge the picture you can see the several different layers of hearts in white and then the lavender hearts on the outside. For a baby that is very loved!

If I only had more time!

2009-03-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

Well March is half over and I am still sewing and embroidering projects. This last week a friend of ours had a baby shower. I had made her a set of burprags and receiving blanket (the lady bugs with the white edge) and my daughter (who likes Amber too) decided she wanted to make some too. So I did the sewing (she only did part of the sewing that is too stressful)and she crocheted around them. I was so impressed that she did them (she did them very well too), she made two sets for Amber and 2 sets for her sister, Plus she wanted to tie two baby quilts so we did (again I did the sewing she did the tieing). Then, I wasn't sewing fast enough so she made two baby blankets (crocheted we know an easy quick pattern) for on the carseat.

Well, I am getting into the groove now so I am making some very simple burprags (spit happens, little princess, happy baby) no crocheted edges, and a small receiving blanket for each one. These are for the Headstart program in our community. Our women's organization (Relief Society) makes things for different groups off and on all year long. They are making flannel boards with animals, magnetic boards with shapes and numbers, little books for counting and lots of other things too. Someone in our church noticed that I had been playing the piano in the Children's organization (Primary) for several years now (over 4 this time) so they moved me to the Relief Society and decided I needed to be the 2nd coun. over Enrichment meeting. So, I am now going to be making alot more things- which is good, I have decided keeping very busy makes me happy, keeps me young, and keeps me out of trouble. Keep watching, I will add some new pictures soon. Vickie :)

Learning more ways to have fun with embroidery.

2009-03-02T21:27:00.000-08:00

I am having alot of fun! This is for the Bride to be (my sister Cindy) I thought it turned out pretty cute and now have ideas for all kinds of sayings on T-shirts, onsies, camisoles and more.

As promised here they are!

2009-02-26T10:16:00.000-08:00

I still have several more to add to the collection but, a few at a time is good right? If you have questions or orders don't be afraid to contact me either in a comment here or at my email account listed on the right. Hope to hear from you soon with your reviews.

February is a busy month!

2009-02-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

Well I have been busy this month having a great time. The pictures will start to come for you within the week. I have several done I just need to take the pictures and post them. Hope you enjoy!

Lady bugs

2009-01-28T12:25:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while since I have added anything new, I have done things just too lazy to take and post pictures. I will get better once again.

2008-11-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

2008-10-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a new book out that I am going to read. You might find it interesting too. It is by a new author, my daughter, naw I am not a proud parent. Check it out. Book is available on line at several sites: PublishAmerica.com; Barnes and Nobel; and Amazon.com. I know it is at those sites

flowers and butterflies

2008-10-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

Thought it might be fun!

2008-10-15T23:12:00.000-07:00

I thought it might be fun to see who comes to the site regularly. To see maybe what people are interested in and to see if they have thoughts or ideas perhaps about embroidery or items I crochet. We will see, if you sign up as a follower. Give it a try. Thanks

Lions and Frogs

2008-10-05T12:35:00.001-07:00

I am having a great time making unique items for sale. It is exciting to be able to put together ideas and designs and have them turn out to be new and different each time. I enjoy making new and different sets everytime, it never seems to get old and boring, it is fresh and new each time. Hope you enjoy seeing the pictures of my new creations as much as I enjoy making them.

Airplane

2008-09-24T10:10:00.001-07:00

All ready for take off!

Fall is nearly here!

2008-09-10T22:45:00.000-07:00

Well fall is nearly here and I am not ready for the cooler weather! I must admit that lots of things are trying to get into the way of my embroidery projects! I just am not going to let it happen any longer! Monday I was able to get one of my newest projects done and took a picture - well the camera let me get one picture and not the best before it decided it needed to charge. Well, my husband is in charge of the camera and he still hasn't plugged it in. But I will post the one I have for now and change it to a better one or add a better one later. Hope the weather is to your liking in your neck of the woods and you are keeping up with your many activities and challenges.

Jam's and jellies

2008-08-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

Well,Rebecca and I, we made some fig jam, fig/strawberry and fig/blueberry jams. Tasty!. Then Wayne and I got some peaches, Danica so kindly picked for us, and I dried bananas and then peaches. Also made peach jam. I want to pick up a few frozen berries and make a batch or two and call it GOOD.

Haven't even touched the sewing machine or embroidery machine since we got home from the trip. Seems like I have just hung out and did things that have been put off. Now I want to get myself back into the grove and do more on the embroidery machine. I have several ideas in my head of things I want to do and designs I am itching to try out. So, as soon as I get the next free day off, to the embroidery sweet to work on my projects. I will post as soon as the next projects are done.

Vacation is over (sadness and tears)

2008-08-08T18:06:00.001-07:00

Well the vaction is over and we are back at the grind. We enjoyed spending time with the children and grandchildren. Now we are back at work and trying to get things done before the fall is here and we are out of time for outdoor activities. The picture is one of Miss Purple Pickle trouble herself. She is the reason for the Whole Purple Pickle Designs in the first place. Another story for another day. Oh, just a note she is wearing an embroidery design by me of course. Her mother wanted a cute little piece to add to a creation she made for the little lady in question.

cowboy

2008-07-21T14:52:00.000-07:00

Too busy to do anything!

2008-07-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

It seems like I get too busy to do anything, I have been making more of the same things, burprags and receiving blankets. I am finishing another jacket up for another lucky little boy. I will put that on as soon as I get it done. The rest of my time is spent with house work and teaching piano lessons. I am about done with the piano lessons for the summer and then it all starts over again in September. I enjoy it all so I can't complain and will keep adding things as time permits.

The 4th of July

2008-07-07T14:34:00.000-07:00

Well we made it through another year of fireworks. Watching the grandchildren with sparklers is enough to put me on STRESS OVERLOAD. It isn't that they do anything wrong- they just wave them around, twist in circles and get way to close to each other. Uncle Vern jumped up and put a sparkler out with his hand to prevent one of the littlest ones from burning two other ones. I was surprised at how fast he could jump up out of the chair and move. He thought it was just too bad that we didn't drink beer because he felt he could have used at least one. The barbeque was great, the food was great, desserts too. We enjoyed the time we spent with our children, their spouses and the grandchildren. It was a wonderful day.

Now how can I possibly thank all of those men and women who gave their lives for this wonderful freedom we have. I feel like they deserve way more than they are getting. The seperation from their families, friends and country. The loss of arms, legs, eyes, organs and lives we just don't recognize and honor them enough. I am truly greatful to the wonderful parents of those children, they loved, honored, taught, respected and loved their children just as I do mine.

Thanks isn't enough but it is all I can give you right now, Thank you and may God bless you and yours until we meet again in a far better place than here.

here are some more ideas

2008-06-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

2008-06-09T14:43:00.000-07:00

Bee and the Butterfly

2008-06-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

Busy times

2008-06-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

Well life has been busy around my house. I have been doing some embroidery, no I didn't get pictures of everything. I will post the pictures as I have time. I am enjoying getting to do all of the embroidery. I have made several cute jackets for grandchildren and other burprags and receiving blankets. I enjoy making so many different things on the embroidery machines. Hope you aren't giving up on seeing those pictures.

I am also hoping for some warmer weather, I am getting very tired of the cool weather here in the Pacific Northwest. I know that cool weather and rain keep the beautiful green in our area, but we are now fighting the jungle in our back yard. So, trying to get to mow the yard while the grass is dry is getting to be a challenge and since I am challenged enough trying to do yard work (I don't enjoy yard work and seem to pull the wrong things out of the flower beds, does keep me out of most of them by my husband) but I do enjoy going out and talking to him while he is working and like to take out my handwork when possible. But, this cool, wet weather is keeping me indoors.

I am hoping that you are finding this summer a pleasure and time to get everything done that you need to get done. Have a wonderful summer and I will try to get back soon with pictures and ideas for summer.

Have you heard?

2008-05-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

I just heard of a site that says to help fight world hunger 20 grains of rice at a time. Go to www.freerice.com then see how well you do at knowing words, check your vocabulary. It is fun, and hopefully we can feed the world 20 grains of rice at a time!

Learning more everyday

2008-04-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

I seem to be learning more everyday. Not just about embroidery, and skills like that, but about life itself. I have learned that life is a journey - yes I know you know that, so did I - but it is a journey of many things to learn, about ones self, about family, friends and a whole world of fun things like crafts, religion, music (I have started giving piano lessons again, and I find I am loving it more than the first few times I did it), books movies and life in general. So, it isn't enough that I am making and selling embroidery and crochet items, I am teaching children to love and enjoy music (at least I am hoping that comes through in the lessons)I hope that these children - young adults are enjoying the learning too. I am greatful that I can continue to learn everyday and find out more about myself, my family, friends and others! Hope you have fun on your journey through life and learn all that you can and enjoy each and every day while you are on your way!

denim dress

2008-04-10T10:37:00.001-07:00

Change the look of some of your older yet favorite clothes by adding an embroidery design

Denim Jackets

2008-04-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

Dragonfly, flowers and a pretty smile.

Whether it is a simple one color design or multicolored design, embroidery adds to your clothing and makes it one of a kind. Even boys and men enjoy having something new and different on their clothes.

2008-03-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Cowboys are fun to have around. This is another burprag. The receiving blanket has the cowboy in the corner same as this one.

2008-03-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

Special order - Personalized receiving blanket and matching burp cloth.

Embroidery designs

2008-03-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

My children have been encouraging me to start showing my designs and projects to more people. You know how that goes when your children think you are great (to be honest just how often does that happen). So they encouraged me to go on line and at least start to blog about my designs.

Well, here goes! I have been embroidering and crocheting things for several years. I first started out embroidering by hand and making hand crocheted edges. Well, I found out about embroidery machines and I was hooked. So now I spend several hours each week on the embroidery machine creating beautiful projects. I love doing it and have a great time too. I hope you enjoy looking at my creations and feel free to contact me, I do take special orders.

Check back often because I will be adding different things as I do them.

Vickie

Embroidery

2008-03-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

Jeans with a dragon on the outside leg.

I make matching receiving blankets and burp clothes.

Twin Flannel Blanket. Has Curious George and some animal pairs around the outside.
**Special Order*

Denim Jacket with a design on the back.

Crochet Items

2008-03-05T14:25:00.001-08:00

These are some little girls booties.

These are some of the headbands I can create.