maude and mozart

Good Old Vera!

2012-02-01T16:18:00.000-08:00

Recently I went to the Vera Bradley outlet store. VB sent me a $20 gift card for my birthday! They are such a nice company. Anyway, I did not want to spend a lot more than $20.00 because I have been buying stash like a banshee and I really need to stop spending money, BUT, one does not let $20 in Vera money go to waste!

So, I was looking at the lower priced items with an eye towards using them for some kind of stitching purpose. Pictured above is the 17" laptop case. They have a 15" one too. At the VB outlet these are in the $25-$30 range. So, I bought the 17" size in Twirly Bird Pink and I am going to use it as a project bag!!! Won't it be just divine to travel with my project in such a nifty container??? So, if you have every Vera bag you want and you just have to spend more money there......here is a great idea!!!!

2012 Year of Smalls

2012-01-19T19:11:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to put this up on my "regular" blog.......This is the latest pick for our smalls project in the 2012 Year of Smalls. It is Garden of Love by Citrouille's Designs. This is the kitted up version from Inspired Needle. So cute! Here is a link to the 2012 Year of Smalls blog in case you want to see what it is all about!

Teresa's 12

2012-01-18T17:45:00.000-08:00

Here are Teresa's 12!!!!! First up is Holiday Rules by Lizzie Kate. I have loved this for so long! I really should do it sometime. The colors are just so very wonderful.

Here is the Abigail Moody pincushion. Teresa and I started a SAL on this project awhile ago (months? years?); but we are really going to stitch it this time!

All Hallow's Eve by Chessie and Me. Another fab pick!

Anniversaries of the Heart!!!!!!!! In true Teresa fashion she is planning on stitching one block a month. Which is totally doable. But we never do it, do we? I hope she does because I really want to do this one to and I need a leader!

At Home with Jane Austen by The Sampler Girl!!! I LOVE this! Definitely putting it on my to do list. Totally fab in every way.

Jardin Prive......wow! Talk about great colors!

December Cottage by Little House Needleworks.

Sergei by Plum Street Samplers.

Sleigh Bird by Little by Little. He is so dear!!

Here is a little snowman ornament from the current JCS Christmas ornament edition.

A Stitcher's Companion by BBD. Love, love, love this. I want to do it in exactly the same fabric and fibers. I do believe that Teresa told me that this is the called for thread too.

Count Your Blessings by La-D-Da.

These are all such great projects! Great picks T!!!!

Barb's 12

2012-01-13T15:14:00.000-08:00

Barb started her 12 project a little before the rest of and her challenge was to go back to older WIPs. She has some gems in this collection!!! First up is this darling BOAF snow man!!! On beautiful green linen.
Next we have a trio of Shepard's Bush charts that will be stitched up to perfection. Mistletoe, Pine and Juniper. I love those names!

Oh this is stunning!!! Quaker Diamond by Hillside Samplings.

How sweet!!! Gather Thy Roses by Chessie and Me. I love this one.

Angels Unawares by Twisted Threads. I love, love, love this one!

Here is a design by Diane Williams of Little House Needleworks that was in a magazine. The chart is called Joy in the Journey. Below is a picture of the magazine that this design is....get ready....go stash diving!

Another dear BOAF chart.......

This is Blackberie Sampler by Shepard's Bush.

Snow Child by Shepard's Bush.

This is Winter's Whisper Sampler by Saly Ann Designs. This takes me breath away. Such subtle beauty!!!!!!

As always, Barb is working on such gorgeous projects!!!! Gorgeous!

Pat's WIPs

2012-01-10T16:41:00.000-08:00

Here are Pat's WIPs!!!! You will note that there are only ten. Somehow we missed one! and the other one I did not display because it is an upcoming project for our year of smalls and I don't want to give away any surprises....you will have to wait for October for that one!!!

Above is a project that we called our Summer Project. Yes, as we dither over everything, we usually pick a project for each season. (In true fashion I have finished none of them!). Anyway, above is Basket of Flowers Pinkeep by Stacy Nash Primitives. I know Pat changed her colors. She is a queen of conversions. She actually gets a charge out of converting projects for us.

Here is Basket of Memories by BBD. I am in love with the Aged Pewter thread. The whole project is just so gorgeous.

Christmas Garden by BBD. Amazing.

I want to stitch this one!!!!! It is by Jardin Prive and the stitching with that thread color on that fabric is so sweet!!

I think this was our first group project pick. Pat is going to stitch her with Elegant Eggplant and it is going to be amazing!

Joyeux Noel by BBD.....we could have a stitch along with this one.......it is in my 12 too.

Summer, Autumn ,Winter Loose Feathers by BBD.

Pink Snowman by Shepard's Bush.

Queen Sheep by Shepard's Bush. Love!!!!!

Random Thoughts by The Drawn Thread.

Pat's projects are simply wonderful!!! Plus she quilts too!!! She is a total talent and the nicest girl!!!!!

Jayne's 12

2012-01-08T15:59:00.000-08:00

Here are Jayne's 12! First up is Peacock Cypher by Just Nan. I have included three pictures of this project because it is such a MASTERPIECE!! We have all told Jayne that she must finish it this year because everyone is in love with it!

Wow! Sigh! Ohhhh!

Next up is another masterpiece in the making!!! Baby Bug Ball by Shepard's Bush. Guess what??? Jayne has the frame that is pictured on the chart!!!! Barb gave it to her!!!!

Another Bloom!!!!!

Another Dutch Band Sampler! Karin, Jayne and Patti did not conference about their picks...we just have a lot of the same charts that we love.

Spring by Erica Michaels. Isn't that silk just gorgeous!???

We are counting this as one pick......Funky Flowers By the Bay Needleart. These are working their way into my heart too.

Gobble by Plum Street Samplers.

Homespun Elegance - You Make My Heart Happy. I have this one too. Love it! Jayne has some vintage lace and buttons to add to hers.

I love this choice too! I Will Stitch You in My Heart by Heartstring Samplery.

A New Beginning by Abbey Lane Designs.

Patch Red 19 (done in blue!). Gorgeous!!!

Spring Floral Sampler by Knotted Tree.

I think all of these picks are just totally fabulous!!!!! You could throw me in a room with any of them and I would be happy to stitch them.

Now, stitch Jayne stitch!!!!!!

Karin's 12

2012-01-07T19:20:00.000-08:00

There is just something about Karin's stitching and choices of projects that makes me swoon. I think part of it is that she is able to stitch with ease on 40 count. I think everything looks better on 40 count......but I just can't swing it.

Anyway, here are Karin's 12 picks from her stash to concentrate on this year. First up, above, is An Anonymous Sampler. Am I correct, the designer is Chartmakers? I am not familiar with them, but if this design is any indication I need to do some research on them.

Next up is Noel by BBD.

I am totally hepped up by this one. Dutch Tile 1 by The Needle's Content. Wow!!!!

Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler by With Thy Needle and Thread.

Bloom. I need to know the designer and what magazine this is in for someone who left a comment. Does anyone know? Karin is one of three of my friends who has this in her pile of 12. It is really a cool piece.

May I chime in again with my love for this project??? Wow! I bought the chart immediately after seeing Karin's project. 1881 Sampler Reproduction by Primitive Needleworks.

Dutch Band Sampler. This is another magazine chart.

Happy 4th from Threadwork Primitives. If you are not familiar with this designer please Google her. She has so many great designs!

Quaker Medallion Sampler by C Street Samplerworks.

The colors! The design! Amazing! Ruth Bacheler 1717. This is a going to be a masterpiece!!!!

Sampler Folk from Carriage House Samplings. I have always loved this chart! I have a start on it too. Isn't it fab??

Sweet Liberty by The Marking Sampler. Karin is going to do it on a piece of fabric that many of us have gone nuts over for patriotic pieces. It is called Heroic.

I can't wait to see the progress on these lovely picks!!! Aren't they amazing??

Patti's 12

2012-01-04T16:36:00.000-08:00

I took my camera to stitch night last night. I am going to try to take pics of each of my stitching buddies 12 WIPs to work on this year.

These 12 are Patti's picks. First up above is The Acorn Sampler. Patti and I saw Barb's finish of this piece and we both bought this chart. Patti is almost done!! It is a totally fab piece.

I think several of my buddies are stitching this Bloom pincushion. It is really darling.

Miss Belle Pepper is almost done too! She is so sweet!

This lovely piece is from a recent magazine. I started this on our retreat and need to get back to it. Patti has the right idea with this one!

This is the Spring Tuck Pillow from Primitive Betty.

Patti is almost done with this amazingly gorgeous OOP BBD called Garland Fair. I forgot the name of the thread that Patti is using. It is beyond words!

This is "Joy" from the most recent JCS ornament issue. Patti is using a great color combo of a black/brown and green.

Oh wow! This is so gorgeous!!! Quaker Moments.

Sorry about the blur! This is a very gorgeous Shepard's Bush piece.

One more blurry one - sorry! This is a seriously cute trio of Snow women!

Here is one of my all-time faves! Patti is almost done with Winter Sampler by Birds of a Feather.

Rounding out Patti's 12 is this dear bunny in Aunt Sarah's Garden.

Patti picked out 12 really great projects! Here is a link to her blog, Creative Cottage Dreamer, where you can see more of Patti's projects and read her beautiful poetry.

2012 WIPS

2012-01-02T13:43:00.000-08:00

So, my stitching group decided that we would each pick 12 WIPS (projects that were already started or ones that were just kitted up) and that we would concentrate on stitching on these throughout the year with the goal to finish them all.

I don't know if I will finish them all, but I like the idea of just having a few projects in my stitching bag and rotating through them. Once one is finished then another project can come out of the stash and join in the rotation.

One exception that I am making is for BBD Christmas Garden which I am going to kit up tomorrow. That will be #13.

Here are pics of my 12 picks. I hope to show you other group members 12 picks over the next several days. Let me know what you think! I see a definite patriotic and Christmas theme going here!!!!

First up, above, is Thirteen Colonies by LHN. Love, love, love it!

Poppy Stocking from the August BBD Stocking booklet.

Souvenir de France. A freebie from BBD.

Peony House from Country Cottage Needleworks. Not much left to do on this one.

Deck the Halls by The Sunflower Seed. So cute!

Vintage Pincushion by BBD. I am going to leave the year 1934 as that is the year my grandparents were married.

Joyeux Noel by BBD. Kitted up but not started.

Liberty House by Ewe and Eye and Friends. (OOP)

Abigail Moody Pincushion by Beehive Needleworks.

Joy to the World from the Songs of the Season leaflet by The Prairie Schooler.

Winter Wind by The Prairie Schooler. I started this last night. Love this one.

1854 Isabella Johnstone Sampler.

I am really torked about this idea. Usually I just proceed willy nilly into the new year...this year I feel like I have somewhat of a plan. The next project into the rotation will be a Christmas ornament. I want to get some of those done and off to a finisher.

........and away we go..................

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T11:02:00.001-08:00

It is time for the annual countdown to the best book I read this year!!!! Number 10 was Bossypants by Tina Fey.

9. The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli

8. The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta

7. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling

6. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

5. Half A Life by Darin Strauss

4. Thrift Store Saints by Jane Knuth

3. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

2. The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan

1. Room by Emma Donoghue

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T10:38:00.000-08:00

Candlelit Heart

Somewhere across the winter world tonight
You will be hearing chimes that fill the air;
Christmas extends its all-enfolding light
Across the distance...something we can share.

You will be singing, just the same as I,
These familiar songs we know so well,

And you will see these same stars in your sky
And wish upon that brightest one that fell.

I shall remember you and trim my tree,
One shining star upon the topmost bough;

I will hang wreaths of faith that all may see --
Tonight I glimpse beyond the hear and now.

And all the time that we must be apart
I keep a candle in my heart.

(Written by Mary E. Linton)

Finishes by Friends

2011-12-14T15:51:00.000-08:00

Had a stitching get together recently and my friends had some fabulous finishes!!! Above is Karin's BBD ornament with a beautiful chenille trim!!

Above is an ornament by Jeanette Douglas that was in this year's JCS ornament issue. As was the Joy ornament below. These are both stitched by Karin. Can you imagine how beautiful her Christmas tree is going to be????

Above and below are more ornaments stitched by Karin. I must, must, must stitch them both!!!! I love the color combo Karin used on the Faith, Peace and Hope ornament.

The picture below does not do justice to the fabulous colors in Turkey Love by Plum Street Sampler. Karin finished it and it is totally aces!

Pat finished these two fabulous projects!!! This BBD pin cushion is a true masterpiece!!! Love it!

The Shepard's Bush ornament is sheer perfection!!!!!!!

Guess what? Tomorrow is December 15th...that means that the first small will be announced!!!! Check the smalls blog tomorrow!!!

Sunday at Home

2011-12-04T10:59:00.000-08:00

I have been working on and loving Christmas Typography by Pine Mountain Designs. It it totally darling and the colors are so bright and cheerful.

I have also been thinking back to my Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow start (which was a long time ago). I started it on 32 count linen and then I thought I was going to start it again on 36 count linen because I liked the look of that better, but then I decided that stitching on 32 count linen is just so much easier, and therefore, more enjoyable that I will just keep going on it. So, I got it out today and was getting ready to pick it up again when I discovered that I love every single box of this pattern except for the last one!

Here it is pictured up close. I don't care for the reference to death. I just think it kind of brings the happiness factor down. I know I could just stitch nine of the designs, but I love every single other box except this one.

I am wondering....is there a box in Village of Hawk Run Hollow or Houses of Hawk Run Hollow that might be exchanged for this box? Are they even the same size? Let me know if you have any opinions. Thanks!

As I was bringing out the Christmas decorations I finally found this issue of Just Cross Stitch magazine......I am so excited. I have been thinking about this very design for months and wondered where my copy of the magazine was!!!!!!

So much to stitch!!! So little time!! I guess that is a good problem to have, right????

Hope you all have a great week......

Thankful

2011-11-23T20:09:00.000-08:00

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." Albert Schweitzer

Happy Thanksgiving to my dear friends.

Because we are stitching nerds

2011-11-22T18:37:00.000-08:00

A few of us "invaded" Inspired Needle tonight. Well, four of us........as per usual we laughed, stitched very little, and mostly looked at fabric and fiber combos.

Toward the end of the evening we came up with a new obsession....what new project are you going to start on Thanksgiving!!!!!! Oh goody! Stitchy stuff to obsess about!

Karin is starting the fantastic Turkey Love as pictured above.

Barb was running around with Autumn - Sampler of the Season by With Thy Needle and Thread in her stitching bag. She just needed fibers and fabric. She is ready for her start on Thursday (or will it be Wednesday???) What a gorgeous piece this will be!

I have two choices of new.....above is the most fabulous Christmas Typography. What fun colors!

Jayne is going to stitch Jingle all the way starting on Thursday. I might start that one too!! Both Jayne and I kitted it up with the called for fabric (Swamp) and the silks, Mahogany and Icing.

Karin is doing it in Kudzu and with Sister Scarlett and Icing. You can see her start on the left and our fabric and threads on the right.

What new project will you start on Thanksgiving? I think we just made a new tradition of starting a new project on all holidays. Can't wait for Arbor Day!!!

Recent Stitching Sessions

2011-11-20T10:23:00.000-08:00

I was lucky this week....stitching at the shop on Tuesday and Friday! Here are some of the fab sights I saw. First up is a fabulous sampler that Karin is stitching....I saw her progress on Tuesday and then on Friday I bought the chart myself. Could not get it out of my system!

Sorry about the jumble of days....Teresa was working on this PS November project on Friday night. I have LOVED this project for so long and have it in my stash...so I kitted it up on Friday night......

Back to Tuesday.....Barb is going to needlepoint this amazing canvas for her daughter. Her daughter saw it in a shop in Port Townsend, WA and Barb ordered it. That is so cool!!!!

Karin had a beautiful BBD finish!

We all went ape over this ornament from the current JCS Christmas ornament issue. I think it is called Joy. We are doing it with these threads and then some of us are stitching it again with Strawberry Shortcake and Icing Belle Soie silks!!

Masterpiece Alert.....This is the Turkey Sampler by Plum Street Samplings as stitched by Linda. Now you can see why it is in my short list. This is one amazing piece.

Karin did this darling ornament over 1 and over 2. Love it both ways!!

Pat received her ornament back from the finisher! Gorgeous! My picture does not do it justice.

Patti finished Merry Christmas by BBD. It is so very Gorgeous!

Here is a pic of Patti's progress on this BOAF design. This is such an amazing piece! I need to put this on my shortlist too. It is calling to me!

Candid shot of Friday night stitching. Sorry, Barb! I got you while you were sipping on root beer...but you still look cute!

Terry joined us all the way from Richmond, IL!!! That is far! She had two finishes that were framed and were stunning! Both by BBD!! Wow!!!!

The thread colors in both projects were just so pretty!!!!

It is now a bit past noon on Sunday....I wish there was a stitch store open somewhere! I want to go play with supplies again!

The Big Announcement

2011-11-14T19:26:00.000-08:00

Big Announcement: 2012 is the Year of Smalls!

I was daydreaming about having a basket of small pin cushions or little pillows like some of my friends have. Over the years they have stitched darling little pieces and those pieces reside together in baskets. Of course, some smalls lend themselves to a sweet little frame and that would be so pretty too!

There are so many cool "smalls" out there! I thought it would be fun to have a special small project each month of the year in 2012. It is kind of like having a book club with a new book every month. I love the anticipation of finding out what the next book is; so I thought we could do that with the small projects.

Here is a link to the blog: 2012 Year of Smalls

Each month on the 15th day the new small project will be announced. My stitching buddies each picked a project. On December 15th the January 2012 small project will be announced on the smalls blog. That way you will have enough time to gather up the chart and stitching supplies if you would like to stitch it too. If you like, you may order the chart, fabric and threads from the Inspired Needle. Cathy will kit up the whole project for you.

So, I hope you will join me on December 15th for the first project!

Green Bay

2011-11-13T18:17:00.000-08:00

Over the summer one of my best friends in the world moved from Illinois to Green Bay, WI. I was lucky enough to be able to drive up there this weekend and spend time with Lorie.

Now, usually when you go away to visit a friend you take a picture of you and your friend together....but no...we never thought to do that (possibly because we never felt like putting on real clothes and make-up!)...anyway, one of the most fun things we did was a visit to The Stitching Bee in Green Bay. What a great little cross-stitch shop this is!!!

There were tons of shop models!!! The washroom is totally dedicated to Halloween models! I am now officially obsessed with three of the charts in this post; the first being, 13 Owls!

Love this little acorn in this gorgeous little frame.

The woman who was working in the shop on Saturday was working on this Bent Creek beauty.

Above, is my #1 current obsession. I want to start this PS design ASAP!!!

A finished Village of Hawk Run Hollow! Stupendous! Also, see the little Autumn PS finish? I have that chart!! I can do that one too!

My third obsession is Tom Turkey by Notforgotten Farm. Love him!!!!

As you can see there is eye candy EVERYWHERE!!!! I was so overwhelmed I got giddy! This is definitely a shop to make a special trip for....and if you are near Green Bay; get yourself over there. The shop has a retreat in Door County which Lorie and I hope to go to next year!

That evening Lorie and I went through my stash. She found several projects that were about 20 stitches away from being finished. She told me to get busy right that instant! So, I have a finish!!! I would like to have this finished into a pin cushion to start a little collection.

All in all, we had a fabulous weekend full of laughing, crafting, brainstorming and wishing for lots more time together!!! Thanks Lorie!

BIG ANNOUCEMENT - COMING ON NOVEMBER 15, 2011

2011-11-09T07:24:00.000-08:00

These girls look like they have a secret!!!! They do!!!! We will all be in the know soon. The big announcement is coming on Tuesday, November 15th!!!! Stay tuned!!!

Tuesday Night Stitching at Inspired Needle

2011-11-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

The first and third Tuesdays of each month are stitch night at the Inspired Needle. Needless to say, they are some of my favorite days of the month. Last night was another fun gathering. Above are three versions of a Christmas design by BBD......I think there are about six of us all together stitching the same design; here you can see different levels of progress. It is such a gorgeous design! Last night I was thinking if I only had one designer to stitch forever (you know, if I was on a desert island), it would be BBD.

Barb had to make some adjustments to a stitching project and ended up making a little stitching project holder. So cute!!! I'll take ten!

Our group Winter project choice was the French Country Reindeer Stocking by JBW. This is Barb's progress. She is using Misty Rain linen and Evergreen Belle Soie. Stunning.

Cathy finished her Morning Star by BBD. There was a run on this chart last night! It is just so great.

Chris stopped by to pick up three finishes!!!! Above is a piece by LHN....it is gorgeous and the frame is perfectly perfect.

Above is another stunner!

Love the frame Chris picked for this piece! All three finishes are stupendous!!

Here is Karin's progress on Casting a Spell. I am sure she is done by now. Isn't it just totally amazing!!!! Swoon!!

Karin had a new stitch wallet from Natalia. These are works of art in and of themselves!

This piece was up at the counter. Debbie stitched this to be a shop model. Totally great.

Here is Patti's progress on her deer. This is one stunning piece and I must do it for sure next year!!!!!!!!

Saturday Night

2011-10-31T17:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are officially addicted to hanging out together and stitching!!! Saturday night found us at Jayne's house for a night of stitching and laughing....good for what ails ya!!! Aren't Jayne's decorations darling!!!! If I saw these in a store I think I would do a backflip!

Follow along for some of the sights of the evening........

Pat bought one of the beautiful stitch wallets from Natalia of Stitch 4 Joy. These are total works of art in and of themselves! So gorgeous!

Here are some of Jayne's finished Halloween pieces. Totally fab!!!!

Above is an ornament Jayne is working on. It is from the Just Cross Stitch Christmas ornament preview issue from this past summer.

Linda was kind enough to bring two newly framed pieces for show and tell! Wow on both counts!!!

Below is an amazingly gorgeous and beautiful and intricate piece of stitching that Barb did for Jayne's birthday. Absolutely stunning!

Below is an absolute charmer from With Thy Needle and Thread that Barb stitched and finished. Perfect in every way!

Below another of Jayne's Halloween ornaments......please note if the designers of Birds of a Feather are reading this (fat chance!); could you please, please, pretty please start designing again and release all of your old charts!!!!!!!!!!!

Above is Brenda's new Ott Lite!!! It is battery operated, very light and I love the design on it!!!

Carolyn brought some show and tell too!!!! Isn't this just amazing??? Gorgeous!

Cathy is working on this BBD piece (it is finished as I type this) for a class she is going to do where we will finish the box that goes with it. It is really great; I was not all hepped up about it until I saw the piece in person and now I am HEPPED UP!

As Halloween draws to a close........hope you had a day full of fun and treats!!!!

Lucky again

2011-10-25T17:42:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was another lucky day....impromptu stitching with friends! Here are some of the sights. Teresa and Barb both have these Gingher scissors which I love! They remind me of the styles of the early 1970's! I forgot the name of them....I am sure someone can chime in with that. Note that they have matching scissor fobs!!!

Above is Karin's work on the pieces of Casting a Spell by BBD. Love!

Pat needed a consultation regarding fib/fab for a sampler project she is about to embark on. This is a favorite group activity.

We gave Teresa a lot of guff and teasing about her meticulous arrangement of her class materials for the Dear Jane quilt. She admits that organizing the pattern was at least half the fun of the project!!! Click HERE for information about this quilt.

Karin has many amazing and breathtaking framed pieces of her stitching. This is one fine example of beautiful stitching by Karin and beautiful framing by Jill Rensel. This is a Carriage House Samplings chart.

Above is one of my thousands of works in progress. I am loving this stitch!!!!

Above is Linda's progress on the current BBD Loose Feathers chart, Summer. Gorgeous!

Patti is working on this amazing Birds of a Feather chart. I can't remember the name; but it is so cool. It is a reindeer sampler. I think I might have to hop on her bandwagon.

Sorry about the poor picture quality....but I still had to post this picture even though it did not really turn out that well. This is Karin's Mary Peacock sampler which hangs in her entryway. Can you imagine walking in the door to be greeted by this masterpiece on a daily basis! I would just go out and come in all day! This is one of the most beautiful samplers ever on the Planet Earth! And I am one of the luckiest people on the planet to have such wonderful stitching friends! Lucky again!!!

2011-10-19T17:20:00.000-07:00

Quick post here as with this change in weather I am just so tired! I did want to stop by to say thank you for all of the wonderful comments that you left on my last post. I was thrilled to read each one.

The picture of the Sajou bag above is borrowed from Ellen's With My Needle blog. She had the great fortune to visit the shop in France. Being a bag lover, I could not resist reposting this picture in hopes that Santa Claus reads my blog!

Have a good rest of the week everyone!

Inspired Neede Retreat 2011

2011-10-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some sights from the 2011 Inspired Needle Retreat which was this past weekend. I would really love to hire a photojournalist who could take great pictures and get great stories and remember everyone's name! Next year I am definitely going to remember everyone's name. There were close to 40 of us at the retreat and we all had such fun together. The top picture was taken at the start. You can see Katrina and Barb getting organized and ready to stitch. We stayed at the Farmstead Inn in Shipshewana, Indiana. The second picture shows how plain, simple, and calm it was outside our event. Quite the contrast between inside and outside!!! Shipshewana is a great place for the retreat because it is a quaint small town with lots of cool shops and places to eat. You can even walk everywhere if you like.

Above is a BBD finish by Pat. Gorgeous!

Rita was working on this gorgeous band sampler for her family.

I could not do these incredible stitches to save my life; but Rita is a whiz at it!!!

My stitching group has been picking a group project each season. Everyone then stitches it. I love, love, love this pick that we made at the retreat.

Patti finished this very cool little BBD Halloween design.

Here are Sharon and Sydney. I got to have a nice chat with them about the towns we live in and our love of needlework.

Here are Adana and Kathy. It is fun to look around at all of the stitching equipment in the background or foreground of these pictures! Below is the BBD project Adana was working on. Beautiful colors.

Our dear friend Jayne turned the big 65 last week. Throughout the past six months we have been working on a special birthday present for her.

Here she is opening it. She was totally surprised.

Each of us stitched a band on this sampler. Patti added all of our initials at the bottom. Cathy hemstitched it and put it together with the hardware for hanging. Above is a picture of our entire group. We were so lucky that we all were able to go to the retreat together!!!

Cindy showed us this beautiful quilt she was working on. She is primarily a quilter and does exquisite blackwork and redwork for her quilts. Here is one that is almost done.

Totally gorgeous!!!!

Many, many, many of us love Vera Bradley products. Above and below you can see that many of us have the Kiss and Make-Up bag that we use to carry our stitching supplies in. Everyone was kind enough to let me go through the room and scoop up each piece for a photo shoot! I heard they are discontinuing this model. I want more of them!!! (even though I don't need more of them, but still!)

Barb made a beautiful ornament for the ornament exchange. It is really a masterpiece. Can you believe this is her first finishing job!!!!!

Cathy very kindly brought a traveling boutique so that we could go up and shop every so often.

As we were going through some of my stash we came across this design from BBD. Instantly we were looking through fibers and fabric to come up with a conversion so that four of us could share a piece of 36 count Maple Sugar and start stitching it right away!

As you can see it is a very intense process and here is what we came up with!

Below are Debbie and Trudy. I interrupted some stitch talk but they were kind enough to let me do so!

Above are Teresa, Ranae and Brenda. Here is a really sweet story. Ranae went over to the antique shop and found these scissor frogs! She was showing them to Teresa and me. While listening to Teresa and I talk about how I had found some a while back but had not given one to Teresa, Ranae promptly gifted it to Teresa!!!! Then, when I mentioned that I was going to be looking for one for Brenda she ran right over and gave Brenda the other one!!!! Ranae has a very generous and giving nature!

Debbie S. started this amazing snowman!!! Can't wait to see that when it is done!

Kathy was working on this beautiful piece. Love the pumpkin patch!

Above are Kathy, Sheri and Lynn.

Laugh yourself into stitches!!! That is what we did all weekend!!

Above is one of Linda's new starts from With Thy Needle and Thread.

Above is Karen's Mouth of the Flower project.

Lynn was working on this darling ornament from the JCS 2010 magazine. It is a Christmas Robin from Victoria Sampler.

Above is Kerry Jo's Spring Alphabet by Lizzie Kate.

Below are Cathy's sisters, Mary and Nancy.

Karla was working on The Knitting Mouse and it was so adorable!!!

Above and below are two of Nancy's projects. Love them both! The bulldog has got to be a very difficult stitch with all of subtle color changes. The By the Bay design below makes me really want to stitch one of their designs soon!

Pam and Grace were sharing a laugh.

Pat is almost finished with her Quaker Diamonds project.

This design in the current Just Cross Stitch magazine was very popular. Jayne, Patti and I all are going to stitch it.

Here is Ranae's progress on Halloween Rules. She came with her friend Anna who is from Wisconsin. I don't have a picture of Anna! Like I said, next year I am going to be organized!!

Janet was working on this beautiful Hinzeit Reindeer project.

Sharon and Debbie were stitching away! I think they got a lot done.

Here is the spinner where we spent a lot of time browsing and playing with silk colors.

Sydney had this totally cool thread keeper!!! Perfect for this time of year.

Teresa is working on the PS ABC's on one piece of linen. We got a kick out of how big it is!

Brenda started this awesomely fabulous PS chart.

Debbie worked on this huge counted thread piece. Gorgeous.

I took this picture too early! Cathy finished all the little touches later; but you get the idea of this cool Hinzeit chart.

Teresa has since finished Fancey Blackett by Pineberry Lane. Totally great!

Jayne and Linda were involved in some high level stitching negotiations here!

Brenda gave us a punch needle lesson. So cool! I would love to give this a try.

I am having a hard time coming back to earth after the euphoria of the weekend! Cathy did a fabulous job and every detail was perfect. 364 more days until the next one!!!!! Can't wait!!!

All of you stitchers and crafters out there no how uplifting it is to spend time with others who share your passion. It is a real lift to the spirit. Thanks to all of you at the Inspired Needle retreat for such a great time!!!

Primitive Witches

2011-10-02T18:30:00.000-07:00

I finished something!!!! Worked on this great free chart from Joie de Vivre. Isn't it darling!! I had a blast stitching it and absolutely enjoyed it.

Sorry that the picture is not that great but I just finished it and have not posted in so long I had to just go with this picture.

I will spend the week getting ready for this Friday when we leave for the Inspired Needle retreat in Shipshewana. I am so excited! As you can imagine, I will spend the days before the retreat picking out what to bring! That is so much fun!

Waiting - Fall 2011

2011-09-12T16:01:00.001-07:00

These are the books coming out over the next couple of months that I am most excited about. Can't wait to read each one of them! What new books about to be published are you excited about?

Stamping Again....

2011-09-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

It has been a really long time since I stamped! Last weekend my Mom came over and helped me (again!) straighten up my stamp room. I discovered that I have way too many things in there. Imagine that.......so I paired down some of my supplies (and still have too much). I have way more stamping stuff than I do stitching stuff (now I would rather have more stitching stuff! Never happy!) Anyway, going through all of the many delightful stamps and paper that I have I got the itch to put rubber to paper and here are some of the results.

I used some blank cardstock that I had. I love the size of this card and the quality of the stock. It is Italian and called Fabriano Medioevalis. I used up all that I have left so I do need some more of that. I like the fact that just stamping and embossing a design looks fabulous without anything else being done. The stamp above is by Sandra Evertson and is called Party Hat.

Do you know of the stamping site called Splitcoaststampers? It is a great site for paper arts. Lots of galleries and forums. Each week they have different kinds of challenges. I am going to try to do the "Clean and Simple" challenge each week. This means that they give you a theme (this week is shoes, boots, etc.) and then you make a card that is "clean and simple." I duly declare that this is going to be my new style of stamping. I am always attracted to simple and graphic styles.

Above is a darling little Halloween stamp by Stamping Up.

Here I was playing with my Copic markers and using a stamp by My Favorite Things. So cute!

Here is one of the Stamping Up Halloween images colored with Copic markers and one just stamped and embossed.

This is my usual style....vintage image, stamp a saying on one of the ladies and use paper behind the image and then a contrasting paper as a "tie down." I love vintage images so much!

Hoping that I work in my stamp room a little bit each week. Stitching has certainly become my main love now; but making cards is really fun and relaxing. It is a good thing to do with a bunch of girlfriends.....have to keep my room in order so my pals can come over and get inky!

Saturday Stitching

2011-08-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

Had a great stitching night last weekend. I don't have too many pictures because I actually sat and stitched! I will have to show you my project soon.....I never seem to stick with one project for very long though. Above is one of Barb's current projects. As you can see it is a chart from an issue of Sampler and Antique Needlework Quarterly. It is really gorgeous!

Jayne recently obtained this cool La-D-Da chart and is going to do it in this great thread color - GA Otter Creek! So gorgeous.

And now what would definitely be a prize winner at any county fair! Pat stitched this BBD Loose Feathers flower with the called for silks. It is so stunning. She took it up a notch by finding the most perfect frame for it!!! (at Joanne Fabrics!).

Pat, our hats are off to you! You did a wonderful job dear!

The Twisted Stem

2011-08-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

On a recent August Saturday there was one place on the planet to be and it was The Twisted Stem in Crystal Lake, Illinois where floral artist John Regan was at work in his beautiful new shop. He started the shop with his sister Dorothy. Lucky me! I am friends with them! My Mom and I paid our first visit to the store; and even luckier, Carolyn was in town from Bremerton, WA.

You see, my Mom, Dorothy and Carolyn have been friends for years. They all used to teach together in the mid 1970's. Lucky for me, as I got older, I had the pleasure of being included in their escapades and now I think I am a full fledged member of the trio.

So as you see above, John was hard at work getting flowers ready for a wedding. The rest of us were goofing around and looking at every nook and cranny of the shop.

I love zinnias!!!!

My Mom found this must have tea cup which she will use as a planter on her front porch with mums.

Here we are in front of the store. Left to right: my Mom, Nancy, Carolyn, me and Dorothy. I can't tell you how great it is to spend time with these women. We laugh, remember and always have a ton of fun. I look like a weirdo in this picture because I could not open my eyes all the way. Too sunny!

Here are the gals having a confab over some of the beautiful items in the store.

John is a very creative florist. He really thinks outside of the box and the results are magical.

Flowers are everywhere!

I loved this arrangement at the front desk.

Loved these canvas posters!!!

These hand woven baskets are gorgeous, sturdy and hand made in Africa.

Isn't this table arrangement inviting!!! I love the little blue "egg cup" that you can float one flower in. Brilliant.

We had a fabulous day together....of course we did lunch too. There are some very precious people in the world....and these three are in my top echelon.

Today's Obsessions

2011-08-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

I cannot wait to get these two publications!!!!!!!

I am hepped up and torked up and just waiting!!!!

I am sure they will both be worth the wait!

My Mom's Birthday!

2011-08-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

My Mom turned 70 on August 15th. I cannot believe she is 70; thank goodness she is still the same as ever and no signs of aging are evident! We spent the weekend together. The time started with lunch last Friday. Above are my Mom and I.

Here are my Mom and my brother, Todd. We really have been through life together....together!

My Mom really pays attention to the little things in life that enhance experiences. Her table setting was gorgeous!!!

My Mom wanted my friend Diane to come over too. We planned to stitch and hang out after lunch. You can see my Vera bags ready to go in the corner. Diane and I have been friends since were kids and we are still having lots of fun together!

This is a strawberry pie my Mom made. I thought it looked gorgeous on the plate! It tasted good too. I should have taken a picture of the chicken salad my Mom made. It was the best I ever had in my entire life.

My Mom and I used to collect vintage postcards. We still would be collecting them too if we had any disposable income!!! This is a special card as it is my Mom's grandma's name. They shared the same birthday too!

I love mums!!!

This is the card that Diane made for my Mom. Love it!!!!

I know this photo does not go with the others; it did not turn out very clear either. But, this is my Mom's project bag area. Yes, each bag has a project!!! I thought you all could relate to this scenario and maybe you can hang up all your bags in the basement too!

Happy Birthday to my Mom!!! I love you so!

Kathryn

2011-08-11T16:34:00.000-07:00

I know a lovely young lady by the name of Kathryn. This summer she required surgery and was housebound for the whole summer! Being the sunny young lady that she is she spent her time having fun with family, books and cross-stitch!!! Oh yes, there is some rug hooking, ornament making and crocheting too! Above is the towel that she cross-stitched for her Mom's birthday!!! Please note the bottom right hand of the towel where Kathryn cross-stitched a special message to her Mom. What a sweet message.

Kathryn's grandma is my friend Lorie. Kathryn's Mom, Susan, is my friend. Actually, Lorie is my husband's aunt and Susan is his cousin. But we all really love spending time together so we are friends first!

Lorie taught Kathryn to cross-stitch and they are working on this bag together; each cross-stitching one side of the bag. They will pass the bag back and forth.

Doesn't that stitching "To Grandma" just melt your heart???

Darling Christmas ornament!

These little Salt and Sugar projects are so dear!!!

And now for the shocking part.....Kathryn is only 10 years old!!!! She will be 11 in December! I think she is displaying some amazing talent! Perhaps she will be designing cross-stitch projects for us all in a couple of years!!!!

Kathryn, thank you for sharing your work with us! I know your Mom and Grandma are so proud of you! I am too! I am so happy that you are enjoying the needle arts! You are a very special girl!

2011-08-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was stitch night at Inspired Needle. Cathy has a trunk show of the most beautiful works! The designer is Milady's Needle. One piece is more beautiful than the next. My current obsession is with this sampler Sarah Brown.

Look at those birdies!!! The colors are just gorgeous!

I am lucky enough to have Margaret Brown in my stash. But now I feel that these two must be stitched and then framed to sit together on the wall. I better get stitching!

I had to take pictures of more of the trunk show. I am sorry that I don't know the names of each piece. If you see something you want to order; please call Cathy at the Inspired Needle. She will be able to set you all up!!!

I adore this Christmas ornament.

I love the parasol ladies on this piece, but I am afraid that I don't like the negative message. I want to stitch those gals though!

Another amazing sampler from Milady's Needle.

Work from friends!!! Above is Patti's rendition of our summer project designed by Stacy Nash. Patti used the called for colors and they are gorgeous!!!!

Barb had another finish!! She stitched this darling With Thy Needle and Thread Christmas ornament!!! It is totally perfect in every way.

There was talk at the table about what our Autumn project will be. It is so much fun to dream about projects isn't it???

New Blog!

2011-07-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

My friend Linda has a new blog!!!
I have been lucky enough to stitch with her over the past year.
Her projects are totally gorgeous and perfectly stitched.
We have become good friends and she has enriched my life so very much.
So, I am very happy to let you know that we have another
wonderful stitcher in the blogging community.
Please visit Keeper of the Crowes and see for yourself.
Click here for transport!

You Just Can't Beat It! Stitching with Friends

2011-07-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

Hear are some sights I have been lucky enough to see this weekend. Above is the finished and framed Frances F. (thanks PJ!!) by Sheepish Designs as stitched by Pat. Isn't it just gorgeous???
And speaking of Gorgeous??? Pat finished this BBD Loose Feathers design last night. She stitched on pear linen with the called for silks. It is really just amazing! It is on my must do list!
Linda finished and framed this great design by Stacy Nash. This was our summer group stitch along project. Linda and Karin (see below) picked some unorthodox colors to stitch with and it really paid off!!!!
Here is Linda's current project. Part one of the BBD Loose Feathers design. I need to get on this bandwagon stat!!!!! So lovely!
My friend Teresa really had a whirlwind day. She flew home from her California vacation in the morning and was stitching with us in the evening! Now that is dedication. She was nice enough to bring by her newly framed Button Button by CCN. I LOVE that yellow frame! I want to buy it and then figure out what to stitch in it!!!!
Linda M. brought some finishes for us to see. This is a project that she finished some years ago. She did not remember the designer. Karin thought it was a British designer. It is really so lovely.
Here is Karin's rendition of the Stacy Nash project. She was trying out different frames. Love her colors.
My friend Jayne was showing us this framed piece she did a long time ago. Darling Lizzie Kate design!!
Linda M. brought this beautiful counted thread piece for us to see! Wow!
Oh that Barb! She stitched this entire stocking within one week! It is on 40 count linen. The design is by With Thy Needle and Thread. It is just so so darling.
I had to show you a close-up of the bottom of the stocking. Can't wait to stitch this myself!
I bought these scissors last week. I love them! So much fun to snip, snip, snip threads now.
Jayne showed us this piece that she framed herself. Love it!!! Also, this design by LHN is a total classic!!! I stitched it too and it was so much fun!

Wishing everyone a good week!

I'm Back!!!

2011-07-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long absence....I was having some technical difficulties (which means I really need to read the manual for my camera!) I am getting ready to go to stitch night at my friend's house and I wanted to get these photos logged on before taking a ton more tonight! Above is one of my WIP's. It is Needle and Thread by Little House Needleworks. I could not resist the cuteness and the love of stitchiness that this chart provided.
You know how you go along and go along not spending money "frivolously?" Well, all of a sudden I just went nuts and bought another needle minder. I can see how these can get totally collectible! Next up on the to buy list is the Christmas candy cane needle minder for my Christmas stitching.
Karin finished this beauty by Hinzeit and got it framed. Can't wait to see it in her house!
Remember our Bring Three, Pick One project back in January? It is where everyone brought three charts from their stash and we all voted on which one they should finish by the end of the year? Debbie finished!!! And this is one of the most gorgeous pieces ever!!! I must add it to my short list! It is Hornbook Alphabet Noir by A Mon Ami Pierre done with Bell Soie Fallen Leaves.
Close up!! I love that little girl!
Karin finished the companion piece to the one above and had it framed. What a great little grouping this will be!!
Barb had her Drawn Thread piece framed and it is stunning!
Barb finished the August and September Drawn Thread monthly checkbook covers. Look at the amazing work she did on the leaves and the flower petals!!!!! Wow!
Barb had another framed piece to pick up. This is Elizabeth's Garden by Kathy Barrick.
The aforementioned September.
This is Dutch Tulips by Carriage House Samplings as stiched by Barb. Now, I have this chart, I have started this project, and now when I see it started by Barb I am in a frenzy of love for the whole thing!!! Lucky me!!!

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend full of fun times, family, friends, stitching, reading and just all around happiness! See you soon!

Another Sunday at Inspired Needle

2011-06-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Sunday stitching at Inspired Needle. As always, it was completely fun and totally relaxing. My friend Lorie was able to go with me this time. She is a long-time stitcher who is getting back into the swing of things. As has happened to many of us in our mid-life she found that she needed a bit of magnification unlike the good old days when we could stitch with just our plain old eyes!

So, armed with some glasses and a magnifier she is back on track. This was her first visit to Inspired Needle; so of course she was overwhelmed with all of the great products that Cathy has. I bossed her around and told her to find one great little project that she could get all excited about to start with. She found the lovely piece pictured above called Deck the Halls by Little House Needleworks. I love this project; especially the peppermint tree. Putting this one on my to do list also.

Our usual group was spread out to the four corners of the Earth! Gals were in Colorado, California, Michigan and home with family. So it was a much more laid back day than usual. Usually we are bouncing off the walls and being very loud about what we must stitch right that instant!

Above and below are two great pieces that Linda C. finished. They are both by With Thy Needle and Thread. We are very lucky she brought them with her so that we could feast our eyes upon them!!!

The piece above with the bunny riding the crow is Linda's favorite piece that she has stitched. I can see why! It is so cute and the frame that it is in is perfect!!!

Below is Flag Day. I have the chart for Flag Day and I had better get going on it. Love both of these pieces!

Brenda came, which is always a treat. I love, love, love her enthusiasm about stitching. Look at the beauty she finished recently. So gorgeous! This is a detail of Mary's Best Handwork by With Thy Needle and Thread (sense a bit of a theme here?). See a couple of pics below for the whole work (Blogger is not putting these pictures in the order that I would like them in and you may have noticed, that the font sizes are not cooperating either!).

Here is Bloom by Linda C. This was a chart in a recent Just Cross-Stitch issue. It is so cool!
Linda M. completed Three Faces of Eve by Prairie Moon. This is a very gorgeous piece.
Here is the entire Mary's Best Handwork designed by With Thy Needle and Thread and worked by Brenda.

Another perfect day was had!!!

2012 Year of Smalls

2011-06-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

Confession: Most of my days are spent daydreaming about stitching. What I am stitching now. What to stitch next. What my friends are stitching. What is new from the designers. What is the next chart I want to buy. It is pretty obsessive really. I am counting on the rest of you to back me up that this is not completely weird behavior, right?

So, there I was at work....it was kind of slow so I had a few minutes to think to myself and I was reminiscing with myself about my current WIPs (all of them big projects) and thinking how I really need to do some Christmas ornaments and how I want a basket of darling small stitched items like my friend Karin has; and then all of a sudden........
.....it came to me! Great idea....I can combine my obsessing about new charts with combing through my stash to find lots of "smalls" to stitch. Then, just to up the obsessive ante up a bit, I thought I could declare next year the year of smalls!

That way I could spend all the rest of this year planning, obsessing, looking at and looking for new smalls to stitch. I thought the whole thing was quite brilliant really.
Of course, I rarely stick to my own rules; but this sounds like a fun rule. I could pick one big project to work on a bit between smalls. Pictured in this post are some charts that I would like to add into the mix next year.........Anyone else in with me???

Calling All Cars

2011-06-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

I was very innocently blog hopping today and I came across this amazing beauty on Lisa's Cross Stitch Paradise - it is called American Girl and it is an OOP Brightneedle chart from a book called Small Samplings.

Everything about this design speaks to me. The colors! The girl! The flag! Her hat!

I am wondering if any of you might have this chart and might be willing to lend it to me? I promise, if you agree to lend it, I will guard it with my life!!!! I know this is an extreme favor....most of the time I can get these OOP images out of my head, but not this one!!!!

EDITED TO ADD: I found it!!!!!!!! Thanks everyone!!!!

Secret Ops

2011-06-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

I busted into my friend Jayne's house last week so I could see some of her gorgeous stitched pieces and sneak a peak at some of her stitching stash!!!! Let's just say, a good time was had by all! Above is one of her finished BBD pieces. Love it!!!!
Here is another totally fab BBD piece. I think I definitely have to stitch this some day. If it also talked about needing to read before the day is complete it would fit me to a T! Isn't the stitching and the framing on this piece just gorgeous??
We found this little number in Jayne's stash and I immediately commanded her to finish it! So cool!!!!
Here is another almost finished beauty! Can you imagine having this up and framed around February 14???
Here is one of my all time favorite BBD charts! I have it. I need to get going!
Here is a new addition to the Jayne stash.
Sorry that these pictures are out of order; I can't figure out Blogger's photo order right now. Above is one darling little piece that I covet!
I am totally ape over Flax Fields by Carriage House Samplings!
Look what I got!!!! My friend Barb went hunting for this out of print chart and found one for me!!!! I am so excited. It looks like such a fun and relaxing stitch.
Here is a new addition to Jayne's stash. Love him! Love Primitive Needleworks too.
As you can see, I was perusing everything!!! Love Jayne's scissor fob and scissors!
I will have to go back when it is really sunny so I can take another picture of this fabulous wall of stitchy goodness at Jayne's house!!!!!
Barb finished the June and July Drawn Thread checkbook covers. The fireworks on July are amazing!!!!
Love the leaves on the trees on the June piece.
Isn't this little gal darling? She is in the current issue of The Gift of Stitching which is an on-line stitching magazine.
Makes you want to pop up some corn and turn on a movie doesn't it???
Here is a Barrick Samplers chart which was in Jayne's stash. Love it!
This is our group summer stitch project, A Basket of Flowers by Stacy Nash. Some of the girls picked really vibrant summer colors for this piece. Can't wait to see how they turn out.
Here is a chart that both Jayne and I have....I love it!! Have to stitch it soon.
This is Sachi. It is an old chart by La D Da. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE him!!! I think this might send me into an elephant frenzy!!!

It is good to bust down your friend's doors to get in there and see what they have isn't it??? Very inspiring!! Thanks Jayne!!

Happy Hearts on a Friday Night

2011-06-04T20:16:00.000-07:00

I crashed the newly formed With Thy Needle Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler stitch night at Inspired Needle. I say crashed because I am not stitching that project (although by the end I will be crying into my DMC because it is going to be gorgeous!) No pictures of the samplers; because everyone is still working on the border (part one). There were some beautiful finishes to be seen though.

Above is a very dear piece by Jardin Prive that Barb did. Below you can see how it will be finished as the top of a box. Please note her beautiful stitches. That is talent people!

Here is Linda's finished and framed Red, White and Bloom. Sigh. Perfection. It screams summer! It really is a happy piece.
Above is Barb's finished Forget Me Not sampler by Drawn Thread. Wow! Look at the roof. Amazing.
This little birdie is by Shakespeare's Peddler. It was stitched beautifully by Linda and Cathy (owner of Inspired Needle) framed it for her!!!! I covet this.
Above and below are two more finishes by Barb. Lovely Christmas sentiment and a beautiful Quaker sampler.

Here is an update on Linda's BBD Land of the Free. Stunning!!!! Those girls are always designing the coolest stuff!

Happy Weekend! I am currently stitching on my current obsession, Thirteen Colonies by Little House Needlework. Pictures soon.

What Else? Stitching!!!

2011-05-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

Last night was a special Saturday Night edition of stitching with the gals. As always, it was inspiring and revelatory. I became enraptured with Karin's Sajou embroidery scissors. Above is her Eiffel Tower pair.

(Blogger did not comply with my order of pictures so things are kind of out of alignment here for storytelling purposes!)
Above is Pat's progress on her current work, Frances F. Sampler by Sheepish Antiques. As a group we are currently having a Sheepish Antiques love fest.
Okay, here are the Sajou scissors I really, really, really want (either these or the Mother of Pearl handled pair). Some women want diamond necklaces or Coach purses......(well, I want those too, but you know what I mean), but I really want these scissors. I can't explain it. I know they are expensive and no one needs expensive scissors. I guess it is like a fancy watch. It just feels luxurious. I am in talks with Santa about these scissors.

Nancy is working on this fabulous Lizzie Kate piece! She is almost done.
Marcia is stitching this Lizzie Kate for her daughter. What a wonderful gift!
Linda is doing this BBD from the current issue of Cross Stitch and Needlework magazine. Another must stitch to add to the list.
Linda M. is doing this really cool and very different Three Faces of Eve by Prairie Moon. Can't wait to see the whole piece done. Very arty!
Karin had a finish last night!!!!! This is simply stunning!
See what I mean about out of order pictures? Here is a detail of Nancy's WIP. I love, love, love Mr. Turkey!
Carolyn continues to work on her Autumn Cross. Words cannot convey how beautiful this is. Another one I hope to see in its final stage.
Barb brought this eye candy to show us. That frame!!! The stitching! The design! Yikes, this is just dandy!!!! It is by Courtney Collection.
Here is one of Barb's current WIPs. Very cool.
Above is a finish....by me!!!!! I purchased this chart last Saturday and had it finished by the next Friday night!!!!! It was so much fun to stitch. It is by Notforgotten Farms. My color guru, Pat, did a thread change because I was not a fan of the colors as called for. I stitched it on 36 count Edinborough Ivory which is now high, high, high on my list of fabric. It was just perfect to work with. I love it so much I want to marry it. Yes, it has me downright giddy and acting like a 6 year old!!!!
Jon Lee was working on Patriotic Landscape by Homespun Elegance. She told me that they are her favorite designers. I love to know someone else's favorite designer.

Another Chapter in the Stitching Book

2011-05-23T16:29:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a stitching Sunday at Inspired Needle. It is great to run over there on a Sunday afternoon to stitch with fellow stitching maniacs!!!! Above is the beautiful new With Thy Needle Mystery Birds of a Feather Sampler which is being stitched by many, but this beautiful work belongs to the lovely and talented Teresa.
Remember our group project, Spring Tuck Pillow by Primitive Betty? Here is another finish. Pat finished her stitching and framed her little beauty. Gorgeous! I forgot the name of the thread she used; if you need to know tell me and I will find out from her.
Guess what? Yesterday was the meeting of two bloggers!!!!!! The famous and lovely Brenda came to join us. We had a great time. A number of us have been stalking Brenda's blog of absolute stunning stitching so it was good to meet her in person. Now she does not have to think we are a bunch of crazy stalkers! (even though we really are!) Here is a link to Brenda's blog......LINK.......... This is our second famous blogger to come to Inspired Needle's Sunday stitch. Ranae has also come before and will be back again! Here is a link to her blog.......LINK......(we stalk her too!)
Above is the completed May by The Drawn Thread. I love her flower bouquet!!! Barb stitched this. Her stitching is so beautiful.
Linda's current project is up next. This is Tending the Tulip by Notforgotten Farm. I love this chart so much!!!!!!!! I hope to stitch it in the not too distant future.
Debbie finished this masterpiece while we were at stitching!!!!!! This is Quaker Floral Sampler by The Sweetheart Tree. I need to add this to my list too. It is s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g!!!!!!!
Barb was working on Elizabeth's Garden. Very cool!
Pat recently started this Frances F. Sampler by Sheepish Antiques. Great thread colors!
Recently I was able to spend a day with my friend Trish. She is a fabulous Mary Kay consultant and needed a fancy dress for an upcoming MK shindig. We happened upon a fancy dress store in Ottawa, IL!!!! She found this gorgeous and amazing dress. It looks so good on her. She will be the bell of the ball!!!

Inspired Needles!!!!

2011-05-18T19:09:00.001-07:00

We had stitch night again last night! It was quite the extravaganza of projects. Above are Linda's finished La D Da hearts. She sent them away for finishing to The Artistic Needle. They are beautiful (to say the least!!!)
Here is Linda's pear by With Thy Needle (also finished by The Artistic Needle). I am speechless!
Here is a perfect little number from the La D Da trunk show at the Inspired Needle. Add it to the list of must do projects!!
I finally decided to get serious and just take down the La D Da trunk show framed pieces and put them down on the table for better photography. Here is Yellow Bird by La D Da. I believe it is stitched over one on 40 count. (yikes)
Here is another of Linda's masterpieces.....charted by With Thy Needle. I love this little birdie heart on a spool so much!!!!! I must do it semi-immediately!!!! This is another finish by The Artistic Needle.
This is a gorgeous La D Da chart that was stitched by our very own Barb.
S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G!!!!! I am going to lead a cheer about this piece!
La D Da Christmas ornament......!!!
Here is a Christmas ornament from Shakespeare's Peddler, stitched by Barb and finished by The Artistic Needle.
Another darling La D Da piece.
A lovely finish by Karin.
Last Thursday Karin bought this La D Da chart, the frame, the thread and the fabric. By Tuesday she was done stitching it!!!! I love, love, love this frame and birdie!!!
Barb is working on the three part chart from Jardin Prive. She always starts in the upper right corner.
Okay, seriously La D Da you are killing me!!!!! Every one of their charts is a masterpiece!!!!!!!
This is a shop model that Barb lent to Cathy. It started a run on the chart. I think almost everyone bought a copy last night!!!!
This is May by The Drawn Thread (part of a really cool series!) stitched by Barb.
Here is an amazingly beautiful ornament that Barb did (I think it is on 50 count!). It is a chart by Jardin Prive. I don't think you can get it. It was a fundraising chart for Unicef. The ornament is beautifully finished by Sew Inspired. This is the first time Barb used the services of Sew Inspired and she does wonderful work. Highly recommended. I am going to stitch an ornament soon so I can try it out too! I also want to send something to Artistic Needle as her work is completely top notch also. Hmmmm, I think I really need to finish stitching a few projects so I will have something exciting to show!!!
Tiny little darling floss tag by Barb.

BBD ornament stitched by Barb and finished by The Artistic Needle.
Barb's current progress on Beatrix Potter stitched with Belle Soie Teddy Bear. This is a stunning piece that is always in the back of my mind.
Close up of Beatrix.

Barb's finish of a Jeanette Douglas design.
Barb's finish of a darling Drawn Thread chart.
Action shot!!! Here are a few stitchers comparing thread colors near the door in order to get natural light. We love to opine on color and fabric choices for each other.

I am the luckiest stitcher in the world!!!!

Recent Stitch Night

2011-05-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

Here are the sights from a recent stitch night at Inspired Needle. They are in no particular order because I had to hurry today. Trying to be domestic!!!

Above, Pat is almost finished with Quaker Diamonds.
Linda finished Red, White and Bloom and brought it in for framing. She selected a red frame. Another must do! Isn't it just gorgeous!
Cathy has a La D Da trunk show. Above is a definite must do! and that frame!!!
Here is Pat's Ann Trump sampler. Those colors!!!!
La D Da trunk show. The more I look at this the more it is screaming to be done. Love it!

Trunk show bunny
Karin's spring Vera Bradley bag and accessories. Sigh!!!!! Gorgeous!
My almost done La-D-Da
This is the inside lining of Karin's Vera bag. Love it!
I entitle this picture, "A Common Sight." This is what the front counter looks like as each of us picks out fabric and pay for our treasures. It is definitely a hot spot!
This is Chris' Mary Peacock. She is doing it on Navy Bean. I am seriously considering using this fabric. So pretty!
Another La-D-Da trunk show beauty.
Barb finished her Spring Tuck pillow! She did the finishing herself and it is just beautiful! She even did the little strawberry. I better get done stitching mine!
Here is another must do!!! It was not on my radar until I saw the thread colors!!!!! Elegant and understated!!!!

I need to learn how to stitch faster! There are so many great charts out there!!!!

Thrift Store Saints

2011-05-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

I found out about this book from my blog friend Jeanie. She wrote such a fantastic review of the book that I tracked it down at the library. I had to order it via inter-library loan. Which is just to say that I recommend that if you have to go to all of that trouble, you should!

In brief, this is a book written about volunteering at a thrift store by, Jane Knuth, a woman who did not plan on doing so. But she did, and she had such wonderful and uplifting experiences! The thrift store is run by the St. Vincent De Paul Society and is in Kalamazoo, Michigan and the book is all about her volunteer experience and really how the clients taught her about life and kindness.

I am a terrible book reviewer. When I find a book that I want everyone to read I simply say, "I loved it!!!!!!" This is a book I want everyone to read! I loved it!!!!

Here is a link to Jeanie's beautiful review about this book and here is a link to an article about the author. Here is a link to the book on Amazon if you don't have the patience to track it down through the library or if you would like to support the author.

Out of Print

2011-05-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you do this too??? When we all get together to stitch we obsess over out of print charts (OOP)........oh, if only we could go back in time to a shop that no longer exists to thumb through all of those charts we should have bought when our tastes were less developed!!!

We came upon some Sheepish Design samplers (thanks to our resident Ipad owners) and the one on top just spoke to me (very loudly!). By some miracle we found it available on an Etsy site, The Pampered Stitcher. Here is a link (although between us we might have depleted the Sheepish Design stock).... CLICK HERE!

I ordered the minute I got home on Saturday and they arrived on Wednesday!!!! Lucky me!!! Can't wait to get started!

Top Design is: Meet Me at the Field
Bottom Design is: Be Unto You

Return to Stitchville

2011-05-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

It was stitch night at my friend Jayne's house last night. It was so good to be back among my merry band of stitchers!!!! Here is Jenny holding her Red House Sampler by Brenda Keyes. My eyes nearly popped out of my head!!!! It is stunning! The house, the people and the border!!!! I would trade all of my stash to just work on this project (just kidding! but if it was a real situation, I probably would!). Needles to say, I am now fixated on this beauty.
Above is one of Karin's Hinzeit projects. Beautiful!
This is one of Jayne's current projects. She has the jewelry box as shown in the picture of the completed project. Instant heirloom!
Jayne has her bunnies by Danybrod framed in her entryway. Perfection!
Here is Karin's progress on the C Street Samplerwork's project.
Here is Karin's collection of project bags which are handmade. Natalia at Stitching 4 Joy makes them. Here is a link to her site....click here!!! Sorry this is blurry. The project bags are completely gorgeous and meticulously made!!! They are works of art in and of themselves!!!
Here is another must do project!!!! Linda was working on Red, White and Bloom from Country Cottage Needleworks. It looks fabulous!!!
Jayne had party favors for us!!!! Darling teacup gift cards.
One of Karin's WIPs. Can't wait to see it when the red starts getting added!
This is one of Patti's current works. Love this bunny!!
Vera Update: Pat has the new Eloise bag in one of the new summer prints!!!!! I had to put it on and walk around the room.
Patti has a friend who went to the big Vera Bradley sale in Fort Wayne. She came back with this very unique bag for Patti. It is a very cool shape!
Another pitter-pat project! This is Teresa's Jardin Prive project. Can't remember the name of this one but it is contained in two or three charts. This blue flower is just amazing!
Here is an on deck project of Teresa's.
Here is my new Vera!!!!!! When I flew to LA to see my BFF, Noreen, she had this waiting for me in the front seat and inside there was a cold Tab!!!!!!!! Does she know me or what???? It was so exciting.

Jayne's entryway is always a magical place! Here is a darling bunny to welcome us all!!!! As always, we had a total blast and I can't wait until the next stitching gathering.

2011-04-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

Home from Vacation

Still trying to adjust back to the regular routine......one last vacation-y thing to do. Mike and I took the day off of work tomorrow so we could stay up all night watching the Royal Wedding.

I am trying to maintain the zen mode of life I adopted on vacation. I saw some people who are pretty darn important in my life. I saw places of such beauty. I felt in touch with the essence of my spirit.

I also read some good books and found a few stitch-y things. Worked some more on my book project (maybe some of those will come to fruition soon!)

Listening to this CD keeps those feelings close.

And now I continue on with my Midwest life.........which is such a blessed life. Time with Mom and brother, girlfriends, stitching buddies (who are girlfriends that stitch and just "get" me!), trips to the library, watching the big screen with Mike Duet (Go Bulls!), more books, more stitching outings, just more of all that I love.

These Russian people really make one stop and think.....

Vacation

2011-04-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I am leaving for vacation!!! First stop is my BFF's house. Noreen lives in Hermosa Bach, CA. While not a big fan of southern California, I am a big fan of Noreen. We have known each other since I was 16 and we always have a great time together.

I am also going to visit my cousin Bill while out there. He and his wife just bought a house in Canoga Park, CA. It will be exciting to visit them.

Then I am off to one of my most favorite places on Earth - Bainbridge Island, WA. My Dad is going to be 70! I will be riding this lovely ferry over from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. I cannot tell you how much I love to ride the ferry. It is a zen experience for sure! Mike is going to meet me there later in the week. I will be away for a good amount of time. Not returning to the Land of Lincoln until April 24th!

I will miss you all but will be checking in from time to time on my Iphone! Thank goodness for that great technology! Will report back here upon my return!

p.s. There are no cross stitch shops (that I know of) in L.A. or Seattle!!!!! Let me know if I am wrong.... would love to visit one!!!!!

EDITED TO ADD: Thank you so much for all of the suggestions!!!!!!! I am going to try to get to the shop in Garden Grove and I would love to go to the shop in Ana Cortes. Have to see how far from my Dad's that is. Woooop! I will let you all know if I get anywhere! Thank you for all of your well wishes too!!!!

Stitching Tuesday

2011-04-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

These pictures are kind of out of order! Rats! But I am sure you can follow along! Above is my FIRST 40 count finish!!!!!! I was working on 36 and it was going pretty well; so I decided that I wanted to try and conquer 40 count. I asked my friend Barb if she had a small piece of 40 count to donate to my cause. She gave me Tarnished Silver by Lakeside Linens and I LOVE it!!!!!! I put the dime in the picture so you could really gauge the size. I am on the hunt for other "easy" 40 count fabric. I am awaiting delivery of 40 count Lambswool which I think will be really fun!

Now on to the sights of this Tuesday's stitch night at Inspired Needle.
This is a really gorgeous Shepard's Bush piece stitched by Jean. I don't know its name but oh my, it is just beautiful!
In my 40 count frenzy I wanted to try another project. I am testing out Park City 40 county by R&R with this totally great La De Da chart!!!
Here is the Shepard's Bush Pink Snowman by Jean. Love her!!!
Another shot of my first 40 count project with a picture of the cool chart that it is from. Love these little projects!!!
Rita had a finish!!! A big, big, big finish on this 25th Wedding Anniversary Sampler by Victoria's Sampler. I am so mad that the top picture did not turn out better! This is an amazing piece! I would not even know where to begin to stitch this. Difficult!!!
My favorite part was the top with the silk ribbon stitching. Wow!!!!!
The lovely and talented Miss Pat was stitching a bit on this gorgeous BBD design. I had not seen this stitched in person and it is so pretty!
Jean was working on this Shepard's Bush project, Wave, on Tuesday night. Love it intensely!!!
Okay, talk about intense!!!!! Above is a piece that I stitched for a special birthday present....then my friend Teresa quilted it for me into a little mat!!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe it?? What a friend to take all the time to do this AND pick out the perfect material to quilt it with!!!! I can never thank you enough Miss T!!!! (funny! Tea and Miss T!!!)
Here is Teresa's progress on our second group project, Spring Tuck Pillow by Primitive Betty. Love the fabric and floss choice!
My friend Patti is working on Spring by Danybrod. She is doing it all in white as you can see and it is turning out so wonderfully!!!!
My buddy Barb picked up her finished first group project. It looks so amazing in its beautiful frame!!!!!!! Stunning.

I missed taking pictures of all of the projects on Tuesday. So many great things were going. I did not want to bother every person there, but someday I will!!!!!

Happy Stitching!

2011-04-03T18:07:00.000-07:00

There is a new website that is addicting to say the least. It is called Pinterest.
Once you join you can take any image from the internet and put it on your own personal pinboard.
This is like having a bulletin board only it is a virtual version. You can create many different categories, name them what you like and then start putting pictures in each category. It is great to have all the images you love in one place on the internet. For example, I have a cross-stitch category so that I can remember what projects I may want to purchase in the future!!! Love that enabling!
The next great thing about Pinterest is that you can share images with others and see what others are posting. Scattered throughout this post are some of the images on my Pinterest bulletin board.
In case anyone needs a cool cake idea!!!

Warning: Pinterest is addicting!!!!!!! Let me know if you join!

Saturday Night Stitch

2011-03-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

I think I am the luckiest stitcher in the world because I have a group of friends who are as obsessed with stitching as I am. Even better, they all like to get together and get all torked about stitching together. Last night was stitching night at Jayne's house. She has a group of us over about once a month and it is always an amazing night. By the way, "tork" is a local stitching term for getting all crazy and excited about stitching. The term was coined by Jayne.

Here are some pics of some of the many projects that were worked on. Above and below is Barb's progress on Garden Fair by Courtney Designs. I decided last night that I am definitely getting this chart and doing this design. I have been looking at it since it cam out at market and then to see it in all of its beginning glory; well, that was it. I am in!!!!
Another one of Barb's WIPS is Rose Quaker. This is simply stunning in every way possible. Another definite must stitch!!! The colors! The motifs!
Below is one of Jayne's counted thread pieces! Talk about gorgeous colors!!!!!
Carolyn is stitching this beautiful fall cross. She did a spring cross also. This is a breathtaking piece. It is beyond description! Amazing!
Jayne finished stitching this spring bunny piece by Danybroad. Darling!
Jayne gave us a treat by showing us some of her WIPs. The colors on this Priscilla Eddington pinkeep are so pretty!!! Add this project to my wish list!
Jon Lee finished the Skating Party by The Sampler Girl on Saturday night. I took a picture before the exciting moment was achieved. I LOVE this piece!!!! Jon Lee personalized it by putting in her grandmother's name.
I could not get my stitching groove on last night. I worked on a couple of things, one of which is It's Berry Time by BBD (those geniuses!).
Below is a true representation of the times we get together and stitch. Frenzy, pure glee, and unadulterated passion.
Here is Teresa's progress on a gorgeous sampler from the SANQ magazine. Totally fab colors!!!!!
Cathy is working on this majorly great sampler by Mary Garry. Love it!!!!
Cathy finished this poinsettia candle mat. I believe she is having a class at the Inspired Needle about finishing these.
Nancy worked on this really cool lighthouse candle mat. Makes me want to go to Cape Hatteras right this second!
Pat was working on one of our group projects, Primitive Betty's Spring Tuck Pillow. Gorgeous silk threads with great variation!!
Patti finished our first group project last night! My picture of her finished work did not turn out as well as this progress picture earlier in the evening. Absolutely gorgeous color choices by Miss Patti!
Marcia worked on smoking this dress. Wow! I have never seen smocking done before and it looks very intensive. Aren't smocked dresses for little girls just one of the dearest things on this planet????
Barb finished this dear design from Jardin Prive. I think it was a fund raising design and is no longer available. Okay, besides the design being so cut and the thread choice so gorgeous, Barb stitched this on 50 (five-oh!) linen!!!!!!
See below for a good representation of the size. We covered the whole design with a 3" square Inspired Needle corner gauge!!!!
I want to thank all of my stitching friends for a lovely evening and to Jayne for being such a wonderful hostess! What an oasis stitching is in our crazy lives!!!

Also, may I also sincerely thank you all for your comments! They make me so very happy to read! I mean really, my stomach does a little jump when I see what you have to say. I get really torked!!!!!!!!! Thank you.

In No Particular Order (except for the first pic!!!)

2011-03-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

A masterpiece was completed this past week. Karin picked up her framed Mary Peacock sampler!!!!! It is breathtaking!!!!!! Congratulations to Karin!!! There are several others of us who are stitching this but we are nowhere near done (well Pat might be but she is the closest). We all fell in love with this sampler while Karin was doing it and the conversion she has from Shepard's Bush is extra special!!!
File this under "We are Crazy!" A few of us picked out another group project for everyone. I don't think everyone even knows about it yet! Primitive Betty's Spring Pillow Tuck is next up. I have recently fallen in love with the fabric Lentil by Lakeside Linen and I will be using that linen (36 count!!! I am getting really comfortable with it now!!!) and my thread is called Clay Pot.
Above is Pat's Quaker auf Clef's combo. Highly gorgeous!
Above is Linda's finished (and gorgeous) Quaker auf Clefs.
Above is a little piece I stitched over the weekend for an April birthday present. The chart is by The Sampler Girl and is so wonderful. Please note that I did it on Lentil and this is where I came to love this fabric!!!
Above is one of Jayne's current WIPs.....love it!!!!! I have this in my stash too!!
Here is a chart we were ogling at the shop. I love it very much; but then I looked at the chart and thought that it was a bit too much for my skill (patience) level. It is truly a masterpiece though.
On a total whim I purchased this chart from Danybrod who is a genius of color and style!!!! Check out her website!!!
Above is Barb's finished Quaker auf Clef's and below is her progress on the most beautiful Quaker Housewife.
I may have misnamed things and not spelled everything correctly in this post. I am pooped and I want to go work on my Spring Pillow Tuck.....and watch more of Bleak House which I have been thoroughly enjoying! Happy Stitching to all!!!!!!

Praying for the People of Japan

2011-03-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

Prayer in Response to Natural Disaster
Sir Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth

Sovereign of the universe,

We join our prayers to the prayers of others throughout the world, for the victims of the earthquake which this week has brought destruction and disaster to many lives.

Almighty God, we pray You, send healing to the injured, comfort to the bereaved, and news to those who sit and wait. May You be with those who even now are engaged in the work of rescue. May You send Your strength to those who are striving to heal the injured, give shelter to the homeless, and bring food and water to those in need. May You bless the work of their hands, and may they merit to save lives.

Almighty God, we recognize how small we are, and how powerless in the face of nature when its full power is unleashed. Therefore, open our hearts in prayer and our hands in generosity, so that our words may bring comfort and our gifts bring aid. Be with us now and with all humanity as we strive to mend what has been injured and rebuild what has been destroyed.

May it be Your will, and let us say Amen.

So Much Fun!

2011-03-09T17:13:00.000-08:00

We gathered round the stitching shop again last night for a fun-filled evening of crazy stitching time. Karin, Barb and Linda all stitched Quaker a' l' oiseau by Jardin Prive. I think they all had them stitched and framed within two weeks! Each one of them is so gorgeous!!!!!
Linda found the PERFECT frame for her new BBD finish!!!
Okay, if you have seen the new BBD Stitcher's Journey book you will appreciate this next story. Karin brought some of the boxes that are pictured in the book for us. She found them at a local craft store, Hobby Lobby. I think they should be in most craft stores though. Maybe in the wood working section? You will note there is a mother of pearl thread keep pictured in one of the boxes divisions. See below for what happened next.

Yes, a frenzy occurred. Hence the blurry shot. Barb brought over the entire Inspired Needle supply of Kelmscott thread keeps (not even sure if this is the correct terminology) from a corner we had not scoured in the previous several months and a right then and there commerce occurred!
Barb picked up a newly framed Drawn Thread piece (I think it is called Big Brown Cabin). It is so cool!
Note the crane on the roof!!! He is stitched over one. I love, love, love this crane!
For more show and tell Barb brought in the recently stitched April by The Drawn Thread. Note those Easter eggs in the trees. They are stitched!!!! Wow.
The silk thread colors in this Quaker Pocket Needfuls are STUNNING! This is Barb's progress so far. I have another of the charts that is similar to this one and I am saving my pennies for the silk threads so that I can start it soon. The colors look good in this picture; but they are even more awe inspiring in person!
Here is something Barb stitched a while ago. It is now doing duty as a shop model in Cathy's Inspired Needle. Love the piece and the frame!! It is A Quaker Floral by Midnight Stitching.
Karin finished this hot off the press Just Nan design, Bluebird Alphabet. She also happened to find a totally perfect frame! Highly gorgeous. I would like to do the same piece and get the same frame. Stat please!!!!
Karin finished this BBD piece which she started at the Shepard's Bush retreat last fall. The good news is that this chart is in the new BBD book so we can all stitch it!
Did I mention that I am in love with Apple Brown Bindy? It is a linen color that I used on the BBD Remember Me piece I did a little while ago. I am about to stitch everything using this fabric!! Here I started on this free BBD chart with the ABB (that is Apple Brown Bindy for those of you not in the know!!) I am using Plush Plum Belle Soie silk thread to stitch it.
Oh yes, the real purpose of the gathering yesterday was for everyone to get their supplies and start on our little group project of stitching Jardin Prive's Quaker auf Clefs; each with a different fabric/thread combo. I will put each person's name under their choices. When we are all done we plan on taking a big group picture of everyone and their finished piece.
Jayne
Karin
Linda
Patti
Teresa (sorry about the blurriness T!)
Laura (that's me!) The thread I am using is Puritan Blue by Belle Soie and the fabric is from my stash so I don't know what it is called.

Pat was in Florida so she still has to get her supplies. I forgot to ask Cathy if she is stitching this with us. I also think our friend Linda M. is going to participate. If anyone else wants to join in that would be fab!!!!

Patti's Birthday

2011-03-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

My stitching, stamping and blogging buddy Patti has a birthday this month....the big five-oh!!!! Our stitching group wanted to do something very special for Patti because of the momentous occasion and because she is such a very special person.

We each stitched a motif on this new Shepard's Bush design and then Cathy put it in the lovely round box you see here. The amazing thing is that all eight of us were able to pass it around and stitch it up in one week! Patti was surprised, she loved it and she cried; so we felt our gift went over very well. Happy Birthday Patti!!!!!!! Love you girl!