A Different Kind of Gardening

Here is the kind of gardening I did this spring.  Unfortunately it took a long time for it to warm up and when it did it started to rain LOTS!  We have had nearly 9" or rain in the month of June and we are only mid way through.  So what do you do when it rains??  You stitch of course.  I stitched these for my dear friend Carol as part of an exchange.  It is a design that was published in The World of Cross Stitching Magazine January 2013.  It is designed by Belinda of Blue Ribbon Designs.  I stitched it on 30ct Parchment and used the recommended threads.  It is featured as a sampler but I chose bits and pieces and created a pincushion and scissor fob.

 

Near the stitching nest sit many WIPs.  I am tying to get some stitching time in but work and life are getting in the way.  I spent the weekend priming the deck for painting.  It is a long and tedious task but needs to be tended to.  The best thing was that the weather was perfect for it.  Sunny, dry and warm.  I hope you are all enjoy some time outdoors with a bit a stitching thrown in.  Thank you for stopping by and Happy Stitching!

Stitching Nest Thief

Well, what can I say.  This weekends stitching didn't amount to a whole lot.  I spent more time out of my stitching chair than in it and here is what happened each and every time I left my nest.  Miss Macy took my spot and it appears as if she truly loves the needlework I am working on. 

When asked to kindly move she just rolled over and cozied in.  Silly Kitty!!

The piece I am working on is a SAL with my stitching pal Carol!  She talked me into the Blue Ribbon Mystery sampler.  I had originally planned to start it on the blue jeans fabric by WDW but when Carol told me she wasn't happy that some of the colors weren't standing out we made the decision to switch to a neutral (a.k.a beige) fabric.  I chose 36ct Pecan Butter by Lakeside linens.  I am most of the way through Part 1 but at this rate the cat has spent more time with it than I have.

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Stitching!

Who knew blogging could be so difficult?

Well, we are well into the New Year and this is my first post.  I have attempted to update my blog many times but unfortunately I haven't been able to upload any photos.  I have figured a way around it and I am excited to share some finishes.  The first is the last finish of 2012.  I am so happy to have finished this WIP.  It was in the stitching basket for too long.

 

 

Blue Ribbon Designs Read between the Lines
40ct Lakeside linen Lentil
WDW thread

The  next is my first finish of 2013.  It was for an exchange ad I stitched it up rather quickly.  Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down.

 

With Thy Needle and Thread January Word Play
36ct R&R Abecadarian
Recommended Overdyed Floss

 

Here it is all finished up as a door hanger.  This was for an exchange with Carol my Stitching twin.  I used Wool felt for the back, velvet ribbon and jingle bells on the bottom.  Too Cute!

 

This is a beaded scissor fob I created for Carol.  She recently purchased a red leather Namaste Scissor/Sewing Case and  I wanted her to have a fob that matched.  I got the hand blown glass bead in the center from a charming bead store in Montpellier Vermont and have been holding on to it for just the right project.

 

Lastly,  the wonderful pin pillow that Carol created for me.  I LOVE it!!  Not only is it in my favorite color but it's perfect for my winter decor.  Thank you Carol!

 

Well,  I hope you have enjoyed visiting.  I love to hear your feedback and reading your blogs inspires me to venture onto new projects.  Tonight, I am going to settle into my stitching nest and watch the Patriots game with my boys.  I am currently working on block 2 of Shores.  It was my New Years start and I know it will be a long haul but I am happy with the progress I have made so far.  I will try to post and update on the project soon.  Happy Stitching!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WIPocalypse Update- April

Well, my attention span hasn't been great this month.  I have been jumping around from project to project and can't seem to stay focused on any of them.  I worked on these three WIPs this month.  None of it lead to a finish but maybe if I keep jumping around by the end of the year I might have them all finished. Yeah, right.  The first pic is Petit Etui - Block one is finished. The second picture is the appliqued part of the biscornu with some of the top stitched. The biggest challenge for me was attaching the applique. With that out of the way I can push forward with the rest of the stitching.  By the way, does anyone know what happened to this wonderful designer, Catherine Stickler??  She is an amazingly talented individual and I haven't seen her at Celebration in a couple of years.

This last photo has the most work done.  I finished 2 blocks and I am half way through the 3 block.  I love the colors and it has lots of springtime motifs so it has been enjoyable to work on.  I hope that by next months WIP check in it will be on the finish list.  Here's hoping.

On the kitten front, we have found homes for 2 out of 3.  Jewel and Eva went to their forever homes yesterday and poor little Rio meowed ALL night long and most of today.  I feel really bad so I have been keeping her close and trying to reassure her that everything is okay.  She is a love and I am sure we will have her placed in a forever home soon.  Thanks for stopping by and I wish all of you a Happy Passover and Happy Easter or just plain Happy Spring.  Whatever you have planned for the weekend I hope you enjoy yourselves.

Little Treasures and a Holiday Treat

My mail lady has been busy stuffing my mailbox with wonderful little gifts.  I am always so surprised to find packages just for me.  Not bills, not advertisements, not magazines but little treasures just for me. 

I received this wonderful note and Heart Sampler Fob from Cynthia at The Drawn Thread.  I immediately attached it to my mini primitive stork scissors and love it.  You can snatch one of these fobs up on her website just hit the link.  I LOVE IT, Thanks Cynthia! 

A day later, I got a wonderful little box in the mail.  I wasn't expecting anything, I have been to busy shopping for everyone else and hadn't ordered any new stash.  Hhmmm!  What could it be!  Well, imagine my delight when I opened it up and found that my wonderfully talented friend Belinda  from Blue Ribbon Designs sent me one of her handmade pincushions, the cutest little pins-- check out the snowflake one--, a little pouch of yummy treats, and the absolute most stunning embroidered snowflake.  I cannot tell you how gorgeous it is.  Pictures and words do not do it justice.  THANK YOU BELINDA!  You are the kindest soul I know.

I received another package of goodies that I just have to share.  I have a friend/penpal that I met through blogging.  She is from France and we share the same name, Nathalie.  She sent me some holiday goodies.  These most darling ornaments and a beautifully stitched piece which I will make into a pillow.  She also shared some charts that she thought I might enjoy.  I love having worldwide friends!  To think that a computer has provided me a way to share my hobby with so many people from around the world astounds me.

Thank you for thinking of me Nathalie, I wish you and your family a Very Merry Christmas.

Isn't he the cutest santa you have ever seen!

The last thing I will share with you is a quick treat we made for my son's teachers.  He has 6 teachers in the middle school and wanted to bring them a gift.  Unfortunately, that can add up to a huge expense so we decided to make them some special treats.  He loves to be in the kitchen and here is what he created with a little help from mom.

The ingredients: pretzel snaps, Candy melting discs, m&m or candy of your choice

Place pretzels on baking sheet and add candy disc to each.
Place in 300' oven until melted.

Remove from oven, add m&m to each and let cool

Package in a lovely container with ribbon and tags. (That's where I came in)
And Voila, a sweet salty snack for all to enjoy!

That's all for today.  I hope everyone enjoys their Friday night.  I plan to relax and enjoy a little stitch therapy tonight.  I need it after spending the day at the schools volunteering.  I did a pancake breakfast at the middle school and then hopped over to the elementary school to assist with the holiday craft party.  Right up my alley!  Happy Friday and Happy Stitching!

Beauty in Simplicity

I have made it home after a very long stretch of being away.  It was soooooo good to see my boys (hubby included) and furbabies.  The retreats went well and I enjoyed meeting so many fellow stitchers.  I hope I was able to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable at the retreat.  The foliage was beautiful most of the week.  These first couple of pictures were taken from across the lake of the Enfield Shaker museum.  We only had a couple of days of rain.  I have also included a picture of the project that Belinda of Blue Ribbon Designs created for the May 2010 retreat.  I stitched this one twice.  Once for me and once for the shop.  I think she captured the essence of the museum and surroundings in her piece.

I am off to catch up on household things and will be back soon.  I have so many things to share with you but it will have to come after I take care of the house.  Happy Stitching!!

Count down to New England Stitcher's Retreat

Final preparations are underway but it's not too late!  We have a couple of spaces left at our October retreats. See website for details about this all-inclusive event. New England Stitcher's Retreat This is sure to be a wonderful event.  We have Belinda from Blue Ribbon Designs and Thea from Victoria Sampler.  These lovely ladies have created two shaker inspired projects and they are beautiful.  Here are the pics!

If you have any questions about the retreat please feel free to email me.  I would be happy to help!  Happy Stitching everyone.