Hallett House consists of myself, Deirdre (aka DeDe or frankiquilts), my husband, John, and our son, Max; plus our menagerie of furry family members, all of whom don't understand why they have full run of the house EXCEPT my sewing room! We currently reside in Huntington Beach, California ... just one city South of Westminster where we both grew up. Of course, we took a very roundabout way of moving ... Westminster to Apple Valley and Victorville, to Italy and Germany, New Mexico, and finally home!
John and I both come from families that traveled to the West Coast by covered wagon. My family settle in California's Napa Valley, and John's family settled in Eastern Washington, where there is a historical brick home called Hallett House. Although I have never been to visit Hallett House, or the family's other major roots at Medical Lake, I have always been charmed by the thought of Hallett House, as well as by the photos I have seen. So, I decided that my business would be Hallett House (Quilts, Designs, Fiber Arts).
I've been quilting for about 16 years, beginning with the simple charm quilt I made for Max's first "big boy" bed when he was two. Since then, I have progressed quite a lot, and have won ribbons for my quilts at the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa, California. I've only received second and third place ribbons, but I'm sure a first place ribbon couldn't feel any more special!
Hallett House began with my quilting passion. Then I became enchanted with machine embroidery, so my site has branched out a bit. I have free quilt patterns and embroidery designs for your enjoyment. Be sure to check out my small quilt gallery ... unfortunately I've forgotten to take pictures of most of my quilts ... and the hints and tips sections. Be sure to submit your hints and tips!
Thank you so much for visiting us here at Hallett House!
John, DeDe and Max Hallett May 2008
As of this writing (May 6, 2009), John and I are living on the beautiful Grecian island of Crete, while Max finishes his last month of high school! A lot has changed, so I definitely need to update this page ... stay tuned for more about the Hallett family.
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These are my "boys", John and Max. John has been a firefighter since 1986, first for the Air Force, and then as a civilian, also for the Air Force. Since firefighters are known for having a lot of time off, it is only fitting that a lot of them have second jobs. John's second job is as a firefighter at Disneyland ... yes, they have their own department. When he isn't doing fire-dude stuff, he has written a book on hazardous materials (to be published soon, we hope) and occasionally still DJ's weddings.
Max is a normal teen, with one more year of high school. He belongs to his school band and choir, and also belongs to a jazz band that his previous Junior High music teacher put together. Between the three, and spending time with friends, he is rarely home. Be sure to note his pretty hair. He grows it out and then cuts it off. His goal is to grow it long enough that he can donate it to Locks of Love. Max is a great kid and his future goal is college, of course, to become a music director.
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Our fur babies, in order of age: Milo (12), Sid (8) shown with Izzy, Izzy (3), Jake (1½), Lizzie (9 mo), and her sister Dixie (9 mo).
Yes, we have a lot of animals. With the exception of Milo and Jake, all the rest were feral strays that needed a home and taming. We found Sid in our garage with no mama cat in sight. Izzy was born in the neighborhood and decided, at 6 months old, that he wanted to be an indoor kitty. The two girls were rescued by my brother-in-law from the oil refinery where he works. I meant to find homes for them, but they quickly found their way into our hearts and make great companions for my Busy Izzy.
Forgive me as I step onto my soapbox, but I wanted to issue a reminder that animals you own should be treated as valued members of your family. Even the largest dogs should be inside the house most of the time. Cats should never be put outdoors. If you cannot keep your animal friends inside, please find other homes for them. Okay, I'm off my soapbox now. If I've offended anyone, please know that I spend a couple hundred dollars a month taking care of stray animals ... food, bedding, vet care ... simply because their owners couldn't be bothered. It's heartbreaking to watch an animal, with unlimited love to give, suffer from want and neglect.
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