The Creative World of the Crazy Haberdasher

Me, Mom and Dad

Well, where to start?   I am a very lucky person to have the family I have been given.   First and foremost the creativity that I have been given comes to me in a double dose from both parents. My Mom was always there to give me a nudge in the right direction when it came to my artistsic endeavors. If I went shopping with her and I said if we could get this and I could make that. She would try to help give me anything that would spark an interest in a new concept. From apple head dolls and sculpy clay to painting and sewing, she was always there. As for my dad, the idea of building and constructing was always fun.  We made some things in the wood shop and I have a few items we built that I will try to post for you here someday. We had great Christmases growing up.  One of the best was the year my dad went down to the store and got my big brother and I our very own Rubbermaid tote and filled it to top with art supplies from stapler, pens, pencils, paper, paint, canvas. . .you name it. . .one of my greatest memories!  So I have run on long enough but sometimes you just need to share the gift you have been given in life. As we know we none of have any idea how long we have on this earth and we need to thank the ones that we were given as a gift.  SO MOM AND DAD THANKS. It sometimes does not seem enough, but it's all I have to give aside from my gift to create. Its that one way I have to give back. Until next time good friends remember to share the gifts you have been given to the world and to others.
Best stitches, Brian

Hello dear friends.  This is a piece that I made as a gift from a grandma to her granddaughter.

Oh my gosh its finally here and it's doing what I had wanted all along. If you have a desire to make new things look old--here it is! I have created a dye based system to make an aged color and it stays fast unlike tea or coffee. The dye was created with a mist pump to make the aging more apparant  each time you add anouther layer.
If you desire to give just a slight hint of color you can do that or if you want a bold statement you can create that. It comes as two bottles: the dye B.A.M. and and the activator bottle. You put one part rubbing alcohol and two parts water in the activator bottle.  The alcohol will make the stain set in quicker and it also helps the hot iron make it work quicker. I have had a few people testing this with me and I am so please to see they are having great results. We are shipping to your door so if you have a need to create those one-of-a-kind aged pieces, let us know and we can get that in the mail to you today. Order it right here: http://store.brianhaggard.com/  Until we see each other again, best stitches. Brian

You know it was not that long ago we all were thinking we could use some heat. Well as Momma always said be careful what you wish for--you may just get it. Damn, if she wasn't right! As always!

I wished for some warm days and sun on my face.  Now I'm wishing for 100 grand in the bank, a trip to England, a cruise ship full of just my family and friends and a Mini Cooper with the Union Jack on top.  I'll keep you updated on where this wishing goes, LOL.   Until next time, keep stitching.  Brian

Well, the sample is ready!  We are ready for all of you to join in and make one right along with us.
Threads of Time, the fabulous quilt store in Danville IL is hosting us for a wonderful retreat on September 4th, 5th and 6th 2012 and I have created a piece that will be giving you a lot of new ideas to work into your crazy quilt world. Please join us for fun and friends, laughs and if you care, a glass of wine.  There will be lots of women and, heck, I may even sing a song.
If you have not sewn with a group a of people you might be wondering "will I fit in?"  I say you sure will--it will probably take you about 15 minutes to feel like old friends..
The Place is Threads of Time Creative Sewing and Retreat Center in Danville IL.  There will be people from all over and space is limited so do register as soon as possible to hold your place.


On Tuesday the 4th we will start with a trunk show in the evening and then on the 5th we will start our two day class by piecing and staining fabric and finish with about a day and a half of hand embroidery.


Registration details and pricing are available on the Threads of Time website at Threads of Time Class

Hope to see you all there!  Until then this is Brian wishing you best stitches.