Celebration of Needlework--Early May

I hope everyone is doing well.  I am finally able to sneak onto the computer now that school has ended.  It seems like the last two weeks have been a blur with all of the last minute concerts, presentations, award ceremonies and playoffs. I have enjoy every minute of them but I certainly am looking forward to some relaxation and down time this summer.  

I wanted to share with you the classes that I took at Celebrations.  These are pics of the models and I am slowly working my way through my own stitched versions.  Slow being the operative word of course.

The first is Jeannette Douglass' Bird Box. If you haven't taken a class with Jeannette you must.  She is a HOOT.  She also has lots of little helpful finishing techniques that make you think, Now why didn't I think of that.

Next is Busy Bee Pouch.  If the title is incorrect I apologize.  It is a darling felted wool pouch with a needlebook and strawberry pincushion that tucks safely inside your pouch.  Barbara Jackson was the instructor/designer on this sweet piece and she was lots of fun.

Next I took two classes with Jackie Du Plessis.  The Unplayed Piano Etui and The Secret Garden.  I have admired these on several blogs and decided to take them both as I couldn't decide which to take. Jackie is lovely and I enjoyed both of the classes.  The construction of the piano will be a challenge but that is what I love about classes.  Working outside of your comfort zone.

The Secret Garden is COMPLETELY STITCHED.  There isn't something on it that isn't stitched.  I am slowly working on this one but I do find the stitching very rhythmic and soothing.  This is a very special piece to Jackie and I am so happy she shared it with us.

Lastly,  This is a special stitching companion designed by Pam Reed of Olde Colonial Designs.  She taught it at the Dyeing to stitch retreat last year but I was on the opposite track so when she offered it again at Celebrations I HAD to take it. I have finished most of the stitching. Just need to add charms and finish constructing it.  I love Pam's designs for their simplicity.  She uses specialty stitches to add dimension and texture and it produces a wonderful piece.

I also took a Sewing Clamp class with Maureen Appleton.  Anyone know her??  Miss Stitch Over 1 on 40ct herself.  Well I couldn't resist this fabulous sewing clamp that she was offering and wanted to know just how she does it--Stitching over 1 on 40ct.  I enjoyed the class but do find that over 1 on 40 does strain the eyes a bit so I am saving this project for sunny days and lots of natural lighting.

So,  I know many of you are saying "Wow, that's alot of classes!"  Well, my intention was that it would keep me out of the shopping mall which I always lose control in but ladies it did NOT work. I found lots of fabulous goodies in the mall too!!  I get caught up in the excitement of being surrounded by all the stitching goodies and I also have friends a.k.a. enablers who point things out just in case I missed them. 

My next post I will share my wonderful purchases and a puppy update.  Until then, Happy Stitching!

A small finish after a busy weekend

My small finish is a shop model for ABC Stitch.  It is LHN Baked Goods ornament.  I loved the colors of this one.  The one thing I loves about the holidays was the baking.  My mom and I would cook up hundreds of cookies and breads to share with family and friends.  I never realized the reason we handmade things such as bakegoods is because we couldn't afford gifts for all of those that touched our lives.  As a child I always thought that handmade items meant more.  It required time and love. I still have the same mentality about handmade/homemade items but I am more reserved in who I give them to.  I want what I make by hand to be appreciated and there are some in my life that don't appreciate what I can create.  So, most stitching stays close to home.

Here is a pic of the SAL that I started with Carol at my last stitching day and I finished it over the weekend.  I am gearing up for a finishing day once the children go back to school and I will post a finish of the box once I assemble it.

The next few pictures were taken last weekend.  We ventured on a road trip to Coastal Maine.  The first pic is of Nubble Light in York.  It was a hazy, hot and humid day but we still enjoyed the view. Our destination was to get the coveted Lobster Roll that my hubby has to have each summer.

This is it!  Red's Eats in Wiscasset Maine.  It is a beautiful little town that has many antique shops and little shops.  While hubby waited in line, (about 45min) I got to visit Stitchers Corner.  It's a quaint little shop and yes I did manage to do a little stash enhancement. 

The Lobsta Roll!!!  Couldn't drive all that way and eat just one could he?

Wiscasset ME

Our last stop, to stretch our legs, and let those boys run about, was Old Orchard Beach. I love the pier and boardwalk. It has changed alot since I was a kid but I do love to reminisce.  We had a great day and I am glad we got to squeeze this last road trip in before school began.  We have already started the sports routine and next week will add the schedule of school and religious school.  Busy Busy but Happy.

Thanks for visiting and Happy Stitching!

Celebrations. . . Classes

AAAAhhhhhh!  Finally caught up with all of the musts.  Now onto the good stuff.  I can't believe another Celebration of Needlework has come and gone.  I had a great time catching up with friends and had lots of laughs.  I was able to take 2 classes and do way tooo much shopping. 

The first class was Grandma's Garden Sewing Kit.  It was taught by Linda Duree of Stitching Treasures.  She has very unique designs all based on antique needlework smalls that she has in her personal collection.  The colors are beautiful and it has the cutest little elastic pocket inside.  I am looking forward to stitching this one up.  I really thought I could finish the stitching over the course of the weekend.  HAAAA!  It could have happened if I stopped the shopping.

The next class was Glastonbury Garden Portfolio.  I absolutely LOVE the colors.  They have a very seaside feel to them and I just love the ocean.  I didn't make alot of progress on this one.  The cover is covered in overlapping circles which are stem stitched.  When the piece is opened there are beautiful pockets and a lovely garden of specialty stitches. You can see a pic of the finished product here.  This class was taught by Lauren Sauer of Forget me not in stitches. 

Lastly,  this class was offered by Pam Reed of Olde Colonial Designs.  I wasn't able to take the class because it was offered before I got to Celebrations.  I was able to purchase the extra kit and I just love it.  I already stitched up the pin cushion which is teeny tiny.  This is Stitchers Tool Box.  It has a beautifully hand painted box that will be lined with a green silk fabric and has a stitched needlebook, pin cushion, and wooden thread keep to tuck inside.  Love this piece.  Even if I never finish it the box is beautiful.

I think I will leave you with that for today and will follow with my stash post tomorrow.  Happy Stitching!!