Karin Moved to New York - The Cross-Stitch Gang is Very Sad

I don't know if you heard the seismic shift in the cosmos.......but there was a collective groan let out in Illinois this summer.  Our dearest best buddy Karin has moved to New York.  Her wonderful husband is now heading up the Midtown Manhattan Hilton and so the fabulous Dutch family has headed East.  But before Karin left we made sure to make the most of every minute we spent together....as we have been doing for the past many years that we have known each other.  

But before we get too, too sad, we definitely give thanks for the world we live in now where we can be connected at all times by texting, Facebook and e-mail!  We are also thankful that Karin will be able to come back at least a couple of times a year for our stitching weekends (that we absolutely live for!!!)

So, we had an official last get together recently at Pat's wonderful abode.  First of all, we had a surprise for Karin.  We stitched this fabulous BBD design with all of our initials on it and we are going to ask that Jill Rensel frame it so it will be extra over the top special!!!!!

 Our other gift to Karin was put together fabulously by Patti.....she got together the many pictures of our times together and made this fabulous memory book for Karin!!!  Above is the cover. 

 Here is Karin looking through the many pages of happy happy memories!!!

 Then, surprise!!!!!!  Patti had books made for each of us!  I could have just wept with joy to be able to look through this book over and over and over again!!!! How thoughtful.

We had a photo shoot so each gal could have their picture taken with the stitcher of the hour.  Here is Pat and Karin.  Note all the delightful pieces of stitching and quilting that Pat has around her lovely home.  Sigh......

 Karin and Brenda.

 Karin and Patti.

 Kellie and Karin.

 Karin and Teresa.

 Karin and Linda.

Karin and me. 

Here is what it looks like when we sit around the table.  There is show and tell of stitch projects in abdundance.  There are phone and ipads to look up new projects.  There are drinks and snacks.  There is love, joy, and so much friendship.  We are so blessed to have each other and to be able to share our passion of stitching together.  We have been through a lot together and we will be through a lot more in the future.  We are a united front and we will always love each other very much.  So, you see, even though Karin is going to live in another state.....we are still very much together.  Always and forever, amen. 

Speaking of show and tell....Karin had some of her pieces framed and ready to take to New York.

 Florry Hollands by Pineberry Lane. 

 A lovely older Prairie Schooler.

Krissy Nelson by La D Da.

There just could not be a post without some stitching right?

So, to sum it all up.  We are really, really, really sad that we can't see Karin at the drop of the hat....but that won't stop us from always being close in spirit and thought.

We love you Karin!  We wish you much joy in New York......we wish you lots of trips back to Illinois and here's to many more stitching memories!!!!