Exchange Received ~ Exchange Sent

USEBB: Summer House Exchange

I participated in the USEBB Summer House Exchange and received this wonderful fabric basket from Chris. The Chessie & Me design was beautifully stitched over one! I absolutely love the look of designs stitched over one AND I truly appreciate the time that it takes! I have stitched a few designs over one and it takes FOREVER :-).

I had not seen this type of finish before, I just might try it myself. It is quite clever, when you tie the four corner ribbons it forms this great little fabric basket.

Chris also included three threads from Gentle Art and one from WDW. The colors are gorgeous and will work their way into a design soon. I also received a very pretty, and much needed, Notepad and Accessory gift set.

Thanks so much for everything, you made this such a special exchange!

For The Birds Exchange

I sent my USEBB "For The Birds Exchange" to Nancy and since it has been received I can share this photo with you. I selected a Prairie Schooler Design and stitched it on 40 count over one.

After seeing this on Annemarie's blog I immediately set out to purchase the chart. I just had to make one of her famous Floss FOB's. I knew when I signed up for this exchange that it would be perfect!

USEBB: For The Birds Exchange

PS Prairie Fairie

Thanks so much for stopping by and for all of your wonderful comments!

Until next time...

Second and Third!

In a previous post I showed a picture of one of the Art Dolls that I had made. I mentioned that I had entered two of my other Art Dolls into a local quilt show and both received ribbons...I was shocked, really I was! I had never entered anything, not even a quilt into a show.

Well, here are those two dolls:

Fairy of the Forest

Fairy of the Forest rests on a mushroom. A Bumblebee rests on her hand, and a dragon fly is getting ready to landing on her knee.

Thumbalina

Thumbalina is tiny, only about three inches tall! I love her hat, an acorn top.

If I had more time I would make more dolls...

So, what was I doing 20 years ago today???

I was in the Texas Woman's Hospital, holding a 9 pound~8 ounce baby boy!

Happy 2oth Birthday!!! :-)

~Time just zips by~

Until next time..

Two Wonderful Exchanges

I am smiling ear to ear over the two beautiful exchanges that I received from two simply wonderful stitching friends~ the first from Amy:

Lil Critter Exchange from Amy

I participated in the SBEBB "Lil Critter" Exchange and received this beautiful Scissor Case as well as a great assortment of treasures from Amy. As part of the exchange we were to select a "Critter" ~ I decided on a Rooster/Chicken. She stitched this design from Coq Au Pins by Twisted Oaks. No surprise Amy did a beautiful job on the stitching and finishing! I must point out that both sides of this are stitched! Such a generous heart Amy also included the adorable Rooster scissors, two buttons from Just Another Button Co., some specialty threads from Olde Willow Stitchery, a Rooster notepad, and a fabulous Twisted Oaks pattern titled: Roses and Rooster. My VT kitchen has a Rooster/Chicken decorating theme so I am very anxious to stitch this up and display it.


Lil Critter Scissor Case ~ Stitched by Amy

I am so very thankful to Amy for making this such a wonderful exchange and for the time that she spent stitching and finishing the beautiful Scissor Case...I treasure it!

The second exchange was received from Becky...

USEBB For The Birds Exchange from Becky

My mailbox was packed...Becky sent me a huge, and I mean HUGE, box which contained the USEBB For The Birds Exchange. I was not too sure if there was actually a bottom to this box. You see the items that I pulled out kept coming!!! Becky stitched not one but TWO items for me (not too sure why I was blessed in this way, but I am appreciative of all of her work :-D)!

USEBB For The Birds Exchange~Stitiched by: Becky

Inside of the Needlecase

The first is a gorgeous Needlecase. In an previous exchange she sent me an equally gorgeous Pinkeep that goes with this. They will look wonderful, side by side, in my display case. The second stitched item is this adorable Summer Bird Pinkeep. These seasonal bird designs are a real favorite of mine, I just love the long legs!

While reading a blog I had seen some gorgeous "Marking Pins" and was surprised when I read that Becky had made them. At first I thought that I read it wrong, but I had not. I emailed Becky to comment on these beautiful pins! Well, am I the lucky one...Becky sent me two set of these beauties :-). I am hoping to design some type of "Marking Pin Case" so that they will never get lost!!!

Becky's Handmade "Marking Pins"

Becky truly spoiled me with this exchange I can't thank her enough for all that she sent and for the time and effort she spent creating these treasures!!!

PIF UPDATE: Thanks Heather for joining the group. I now have the required five participants and am looking forward to stitching each of you something special! I believe that I just need to get Jen's address.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week!

Until next time...

Recipes

I have been out of touch due to some computer trouble. I am still in Vermont and had to get my DH to overnight another laptop up here from CT. Needless to say this laptop does not have my pics on it so I have nothing to show you. I have decided to post a few recipes as they do not require photographs.


First let me thank Brenda, Donna, Jen, and Pokua for participating in the PIF (pay it forward). I really do look forward to stitching something wonderful for each of you! I have started on the first but am also quite busy with upcoming exchanges so it may be a while. I have one more slot for a PIF participant, if you are interested just send me an email.

Now for those recipes...

For those that enjoy a good cookie here is a recipe for:

Snickerdoodles

1/2 C butter or margerine
1/2 C Butter flavored crisco shortening
1 1/2 C sugar
2 eggs
2 3/4 C flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp cinnamon

Preheat oven 400. Mix butter, shortening, 1 1/2 c sugar, and eggs thoroughly. Measure flour by sifting method. Blend flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Add to butter mixture. Shape dough into 1" balls. Roll in mixture of 3 tbsp sugar and cinnamon. Place 2" apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes. These cookies puff and then flatten out.

Yield: 6 dozen

For those that enjoy the "other white meat" here is a recipe for:

Pork Tenderloin

1 T Olive Oil
1 Clove garlic,minced
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp pepper

Mix all ingredients and coat pork - roast 375 for 35 minutes (use a meat thermometer ~ internal temp should read 160). Broil on top rack 5 minutes to brown, let stand 5 minutes before slicing.

For an easy and tasty breakfast dish:

Omelet for two

1/4 pound good thick-cut bacon
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup medium-diced Yukon Gold potato
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1 T minced jalapeno pepper
5 extra-large eggs
2 T milk or cream
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly groud pepper
1/4 cup chopped scallions, white and green parts
4 oz extra sharp ceddar, diced, plus grated for garnish

Preheat 350. Cut bacon crosswide in 1" pieces. Cook bacon in 8" ovenproof saute pan over medium-low heat 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Drain the bacon on paper towels and discard fat from pan. Add butter to pan, then add yellow onion and potato. Cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the onion starts to brown and the potato is tender but firm. Add the jalapeno pepper and cook for 30 seconds.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl beat the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together with a fork. Stir in the scallions and diced cheese. When the potato is cooked, add the bacon to the pan and pour over the egg mixture. Place the pan in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the omelet puffs and the eggs are almost cooked in the center. Sprinkle with a handful of grated cheese and bake another minute. Serve hot directly from the pan.

Until next time...

Join me in the PIF Exchange

I recently took Julie up on a PIF Exchange and am inviting you to join me. Here is how it works:

I will send a handmade gift (I am very crafty ;-}) to the first 5 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I have no idea what that gift will be and only promise that you will receive it within the next 365 days (certainly sooner than later). The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog (or - in your life - if you happen to be blog-less). I hope you will join me in this exchange. All I need is 5 interested stitchers!

Dollmaking

Woodland Fairy

Speaking of crafty this is a good time to show a few pictures of another craft I like to do: Dollmaking. I have made five of these Woodland FairyDolls. One of them (not this one) I entered into a doll exhibit/contest at a local Quilt Show and she was awarded a second place ribbon. I had never entered a doll into a show so I was very excited to see the ribbon placed next to her. I will post pictures of her soon.

I also entered a very tiny doll into this contest and she was awarded a third place ribbon. Stop back as I will be posting pictures of her as well.

I anxiously await 5 Stitchers to join me in the PIF Exchange so that I can start crafting something special for you!

Until next time...

Fair and Square Exchange Blocks

I joined a great exchange called Fair and Square. With each rotation we are partnered with a different person and we exchange 3" designs stitched on a 7 x 7 piece of 32 ct linen. In addition we send a "signature" square. What each person does with these squares is up to them. Some may make a "Friendship Quilt" while others may use the blocks and make individual treasures: Pinkeeps, Tin Toppers, Pin Cushions, etc. I know of one participant who is going to showcase her squares by constructing a Friendship Book, much like the Sampler Book designed by Erica Michaels.

Rotation #1 is now coming to a close and it will not be long before we begin the 2nd Rotation. You are not required to commit to each and every rotation but I am almost certain that I will. I have signed on for Rotation #2 and am anxious to learn who my next partner will be.

Fair and Square Exchange

Rotation #1

Stitched by: Vonna

I was so excited to be partnered with Vonna for Rotation 1 (she and Annemarie were instrumental in getting this exciting exchange up and running). As many know she is a very kind, helpful, and thoughtful individual who, through blogging, has become a person that I can call friend! I only wish that she lived closer so that I could meet her in person. Well, we exchanged Friendship Blocks and I must say that I absolutely adore the square that Vonna stitched. I love the fact that the design includes the word "Friendship" ~ when I think of Vonna I really do think of friendship. Thank you so very much Vonna for the wonderful block.

I forgot to take a picture of the block that I sent to Vonna but she has it on her blog. I used a section from Victoria's Quaker by A Mon Ami Pierre.

You may want to check out Fair and Square Friendship Exchange to see more of what we are doing.

Sale, Sale, Sale: I happened onto Elegant Stitch Too where there are 4 pages of patterns on sale for 50% off.

I hope that the week ahead is filled with hours of peaceful stitching.

Until next time...

USEBB: 4th Of July Exchange

USEBB: 4TH OF JULY EXCHANGE

Ewe& Eye& Friends Liberty House

From: Katrina

I was so excited when I opened a package from Katrina that contained the 4th of July Exchange that she stitched for me. Truly my eyes lit up when I saw this wonderful pincushion. Katrina's stitching is absolutely beautiful! The design that she selected is perfect, my first thought was "this is so me" ~ GREAT job Katrina!
In addition Katrina spoiled me with all of the wonderful treasures pictured plus some of my favorite candy: Jelly Belly's that I ate before taking this picture!
Many thanks Katrina for making this such a wonderful exchange!

I was very excited to be stitching for Heather for the 4th Of July Exchange. Heather sent me a wonderful wall hanging for a Valentine's exchange and I was glad to be able to stitch something special for her. I used a design from Birds Of A Feather and finished it as a Tin Topper. I filled the tin and included an Americana Pin that I stitched.

Birds Of A Feather: Liberty

32 Ct Linen over 1

Stitched for:Heather

The Goode Huswife: America

40 Ct linen over 2

Poison Ivy Update: I am absolutely bewildered over the fact that it has been one month and I still have a touch of poison ivy. Fortunately I feel comfortable that I finally am on the road to recovery. NEVER would I have guessed that my day of yard work would result in such a horrendous case of Poison Ivy. After my ER visit I ended up going to a dermatologist where I was seen by all three doctors at once~I guess they do not often see such a nasty case of PI.

A huge thank you to all those that expressed concern over my situation and for those that offered suggestions on how deal with Poison Ivy. I really appreciated your comments!

I have not done any stitching in over a week. My friends from Texas were visiting and we kept quite busy touring around Vermont. We even spent one day in Canada enjoying the landscape and finding great treasures! Sadly my friends left today but I have plans to visit them in early November during International Quilt Festival in Houston. I will find time tonight to continue my exchange stitching.

I appreciate you stopping by and enjoy your comments!

Until next time...