Interview with my Stitching Buddy Patti!

Over on the small's blog we have an interview with Patti who chose this month's project.  Here it is:

This month's small was selected by Patti.  When I think of Patti one of the things I think about is a lake in Michigan.  You see, Patti and her family have a little get-away place there.....above is a picture she took of the lake.  Isn't that just the best place to imagine spending some time to recharge your batteries and read and stitch??  Definitely!

On to the interview!

Q:   When did you start cross-stitching?  Did someone teach you?

A:  I  started cross stitching when I was in my early 20's.  My Dad was into  all kinds of needlework; needlepoint, cross-stitch, embroidery, sewing,  crewel, and he inspired me to try.  I also belonged to a Crafts  Group that got together and my friend Nancy's mom liked to cross stitch.   I did it for a few years and then stopped.  I got back into it when I  met YOU!  (side-note:  Patti and I were lucky enough to meet through our blogs!  We noticed that we did not live that far from each other and we decided to meet at a stitch shop not far from our homes.  We met for lunch and shopping and the rest is history!!)

Q:  When and where is your favorite time to stitch?

A:  At night when everything else is done, as well as anytime with my Stitching Buddies!



Q:   Who are some of your favorite designers?

A:  I LOVE  Pineberry Lane, Sampler Girl, Stacy Nash, Brenda Gervais, Little House Needleworks,   Notforgotten Farm,  Blackbird Designs,  Primitive Betty's, Prairie Schooler, Shepherd's Bush and  everything else my friends stitch that I "have to HAVE!!!"
 

Q:  Can you share one of your favorite "cross-stitch memories" with us?

A:   Having  some cross- stitched pieces that my Dad made around the house makes me  very happy. Also spending time stitching with friends, laughing and  chatting- the fellowship that brings; as well as some time alone,  especially, in Michigan, when I get uninterrupted time to stitch is so  rewarding.  The retreats we have all gone to have produced some good memories as well!
 

Q:  Can you tell us about one of your favorite pieces that you have stitched?  \

A:  I love them all- especially the finished ones!!!! I think I am partial to the holiday/seasonal ones.

Q:   What would constitute the perfect stitching day?

A.  Stitching with my Stitching Buddies ANYTIME!!! And a cozy fall or winter day!!!

Thanks Patti!!!! (by the way, the picture of your finished smalls is making me hyperventilate (in a good way!))

Cathy's Birthday

August was Cathy's big 5-0 birthday!  Her sister Nancy planned a surprise party at the shop on our regular Sunday stitching afternoon.  Above is a beautiful cake for the party and below is the moment of surprise!  And yes, Cathy was actually surprised.  She had no idea! 

Here are Cathy and her sister, Nancy, party planner extraordinaire!  It was a lovely party with lots of friends, presents, food and treats.  Oh, and then, of course we stitched!!!

Trudy stitched this very very gorgeous name tag for Cathy to use when she is at trade shows and retreats!  Simply stunning!

Here are some of the show and tell items.  Above, Barb finished one of her 12 WIPS that she picked out at the beginning of the year.  She is the only one of us that is still on task on this one.  This is a very cool Chessie & Me chart. 

Nancy was working on this Christmas mantlepiece by Bent Creek.  It is now finished!

Nancy also stitched this shop model of a LHN ornament.  Cathy has it kitted up with silks at the shop. 

Here is another finish by Barb.  This is a really pretty Shepard's Bush patriotic piece.  Love it!

Here is stitcher Cathy with her fabulous finish!!!  This is 99 by Ink Circles.  I can't believe she already finished it and it is framed!  So cool!

Here is Vintage Stars by Jeanette Douglas.  This was stitched by Barb and is being readied for framing.  I love this piece and bought the chart myself after seeing it stitched by Barb with the called for silks on Strawflower linen.   More on that later...

Here is a stunning piece that I must stitch someday!!!  It is stitched by Debbie and the design is by The Sweetheart Tree.  I have loved this for years....better get going on it.

Okay, remember the Vintage Stars.....Barb did it on 36 or 40f count.  I plan on using 32 count and will buy the thread pack from Cathy, but was afraid I might not have enough since I am doing it on a bigger count.  Barb gave me her leftover silks and she had the chart symbols labeled and threads attached accordingly on this piece of cardboard.  I was just thrilled with that!!!! 

I was stitching on America by Threadwork Primitives.  Jayne said that she liked the way I had arranged my Q-snaps with Mary Englebreit fabric to give it more tension and my little doggie pin keep.  As we all know, it is the whole process that we get so excited about.  It all matters, right?

Sorry about this last picture.  It does not do the piece justice, but I wanted you to see the frame my Mom and I chose for the needlepoint piece discussed in the previous post.  I did not want to take it out of the wrapping as she had to transport it to her house.  I will get a picture of it hanging at my Mom's house soon and post that.  

I have been stitching like a true obsessive later.  Plan to take some pics today and will post again soon.  Hope everyone has a chance to labor over their stitching today on Labor Day!!!!