The Author

The Author
Brian Haggard

My Dyslexia

Having the skill to write, spell, and punctuate has never been my strong suit. Growing up as a young child I was always nurtured to be creative and artistic which came naturally to me but I could never quite grasp written language. I now know that it's a learning disabilty with a name: DYSLEXIA.



I write from the heart and I make my best effort to get the words on the page properly but as you'll see I don't always succeed. I ask you to enjoy what I write and post but to be understanding and kind. Brian

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Sunday, July 29, 2012

The Gift of Family

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
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Granddaughter's gift from grandma

Hello dear friends.  This is a piece that I made as a gift from a grandma to her granddaughter.
This is a piece for one of my dear friends in the Indianapolis Button Club. I received a call from my friend Betty who was looking for a very special gift for her granddaughter's birthday.  She had a wedding invitation, a set of wedding rings and a hand written note from the inside of the invitation from her grandparents wedding. Betty asked me if I could make something to put it all together so I went to work.  I made the tie for the rings to be able to come undone so her granddaughter would be able to take them of and wear them but she said that the pillow meant so much to her that she would never change it in any way. What a nice thing to say!  The small hand bag was a gift for Betty's friend make of the scraps.  Well friends, until we meet here again, I bid you good stitches. Brian

B.A.M. (Brian's Aging Mist)

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
Sunday, July 15, 2012

Think COOL



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

Threads of Timeless Memories Retreat

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.

Your kit will include a personal photo fabric transfer, lace, hand-dyed bias tape and buttons.  You will be embroidering with pearl cotton and learning a lot of techniques.

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.
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