Not so nice Renee - the Yorkie breeder

Bundle of cute Yorkie pups!

Can you believe how adorable these Yorkshire Terrier puppies are? I only wish they were all mine! I have been looking to purchase another Yorkie for quite some time and really thought that I had found one a few days ago. The only thing that I did find was an inconsiderate breeder, let’s call her Renee (because that is her name) and let’s say that Renee is from Missouri (because she is) and let’s say that her cell phone number is…okay I won’t go there, but if anyone is interested email me. I will say that she is in the 417 area code. “Not so nice Renee” placed an ad online stating that she would be in the Northeast, with an available puppy, on 12/13. Could I get any luckier, it was 12/13! I called her and she informed me that she had just checked into her hotel, let’s say in Providence, RI (because that is where she was) and YES, the adorable female puppy was available. We made plans to meet the next day at, let say Foxwood Casino in CT. The next morning I received a phone call from “not so nice Renee” letting me know that she had sold the puppy. CAN YOU BELIEVE???? She told me some story about how she had met some people at the airport the previous day who had expressed an interest in the dog, and that they were suppose to call her later. Late that night she received their phone call and she sold them the dog. Oh, she gushed about how terrible she felt but really now, should I believe her? No, she was not honest when she spoke with me at 3pm the day before when she knew of this buyer and failed to tell me. I am certain that she was stringing me along as her “back-up” plan. Had I know about the “potential” buyer I would not have felt nearly as bad. Trust me my entire family was disappointed, I was truly sad. :(

So, my wish for “not so nice Renee from Missouri” this holiday season: that you wake up to a stocking filled with coal - that's what happens when you're not nice!

And my Yorkie search continues….

For some happier news: My son submitted the very last college application today (he had 12), Yippee! My life will return to normal and I can get busy stitching.

Until next time...

Last Exchange for 2007 ~ Tissue Holder Pattern

During this busy time of year I am forced to limit the number of exchanges that I participate in however, there are a few that I can't resist. I recently sent out my last exchange for 2007, it was sent to Cathy. Having heard that she received it, I can now post pictures. I decided to stitch this stocking ornament for her.

USEBB: Ornament Exchange 2007

Designer: Nutmeg Needle

Design: Mini Stocking

USEBB: 2007 Ornament Exchange - Stitched for Cathy B.

Tissue Holder Pattern

If you are interested in making a Tissue Holder, like the one that I sent in my exchange to Cathy, you can get the instructions here. They are very easy to make and are a great way to use up those fabric scraps.

I have successfully completed 21 exchanges during 2007, most of them with USEBB, SBEBB, Seasonal Stitchers, and Fair & Square, . I have received so many gorgeous exchanges from Amber, Autumn, AmySC, Barbara, BeckyK, BeckySC, Carol, Carolynn, CathyB, Chris, Goldie, Heather, Helen, Isabelle, Juanita, Julianne, Katrina, Nicki, Paula, and Vonna. Let me again thank each of you for the time you spent stitching and finishing these beautiful pieces. I will forever treasure them!

A huge thank you to BeckySC for including me in the wonderful groups you manage. I look forward to participating in your 2008 exchanges!

A huge thank you to Vonna and Annemarie for including me in the Fair and Square Exchange. This is an amazing group of talented stitchers/friends!

During this extra busy time of year I know that it is difficult to find the time to read blogs. I truly appreciate your stopping by and commenting.

Until next time...

Ornament Exchange ~VoHRH~All about crafting

After a busy day, I arrived home to find a wonderful package waiting for me. Carol sent me a truly spectacular exchange! She stitched a design from my very favorite Prairie Schooler and did a beautiful job finishing it as a pinkeep Christmas Ornament. I promise you Carol, this ornament will be hung “front and center” on my Christmas tree for everyone to enjoy!

USEBB: Ornament Exchange

Design: ABC Santa Ornament

Designer: Prairie Schooler

Received from: Carol

Carol’s exchange package was filled with so many extras; adorable snowman coasters, scented candle wax melt, a ½ yard of very pretty red fabric, a much needed notepad and sticky notes, as well as a Mary Garry pattern, and the Vermont Hearts of America kit ~FANTASTIC!
Thanks so much Carol, your thoughtfulness brought much happiness into my day!!!

USEBB: 2007 Ornament Exchange

From: Carol

Although I did not meet the November 1st deadline for completing block #2, I was able to complete it by the December 1st date.

Village of Hawk Run Hollow Block #2
Carriage House Sampling

Rather than stitch "I-s-i-a-h" I made a few minor adjustments and I stitched it "I-s-a-i-a-h" ~ the correct spelling. It must be the perfectionist in me but this would have driven me nuts.

VoHRH Blocks #1 & 2

If anyone knows of errors/corrections on this chart I would appreciate it if you would let me know. Kathy, you had mentioned as error but I can't remember what it was. Will you email me or post it on your blog? Thanks!

ALL ABOUT CRAFTING

I have been tagged by Heather and as a result I will share with you some information on my life of crafting.

The rules are: Answer the following on your blog and then let five other bloggers know that you have tagged them to complete the meme.


1. When did you start to create and make craft?

Probably when I was about 8 or so. I can remember knitting a scarf for a very dear aunt who was moving from the Northeast to Florida…What was I thinking?

2. Why did you start creating?

It must be in my blood, I honestly do not know why. I certainly do not stem from a “crafty” family.

3. Why do you create?

Obsessive compulsive behavior perhaps(?) It makes me happy and content.

4. What do you create?

Quilts, all sorts of cross stitched items, redwork stitchery pillows, penny rugs, art dolls, and I have tackle the art of knitting socks.

5. Has this changed since you began crafting?

My interest in these different crafts changes with time. At present I would classify myself as an avid cross stitcher. A few years ago I was an avid quilter.

Now I need to tag some people for this meme. I will suggest a few names ~ If the urge overwhelms you feel free to play along: Donna, Jane, Kathy, Leena, and Pokua. Have fun!

A special thanks to the members of the Neighborhood RR that allowed me to jump in and join their group. I look forward to stitching with you. Thanks Vonna, for letting me kow about the available spot in this group!!! :)

Until next time...

Fall Exchange Received and Sent

I have been so bad about posting lately!!! However, I must share this Fall exchange with you.
I participated in the SBEBB Harvest Time Exchange and received a gorgeous exchange from Nicki~ She selected one of my favorite designers, Bent Creek and stitched the design over 1. Oh how I love over one! Nicki's stitching is gorgeous, I am so impressed. She finished into a darling pinkeep~I feel so lucky.

SBEBB: Harvest Time Exchange

Designer: Bent Creek

Stitched By: Nicki

She also surprised me with SIX very pretty specialty threads. Those silks feel amazing!In addition she sent my way a lovely piece of green hand dyed linen. I am so in need of a larger stash so THANKS!

Harvest Time Exchange from Nicki

Leena received my Seasonal stitcher's Fall exchange so I can share this picture with you. With the help of Vonna's tutorial I finished it off as a flat fold.

Seasonal stitcher's Fall Exchange

Designer: Homespun Elegance

Design: Wishing Thee Plenty

Stitched for: Leena

I just now packaged up my USEBB Ornament Exchange and it will be mailed out tomorrow. I will post pictures as soon as I hear that it has been received.

Block #2 of VoHRH is complete, Yahoo!!! I had planned to photograph it today but life got in the way. I will post a picture on or before the 12/1 deadline. I look forward to seeing everyones progress pictures, even if you did not complete the block be sure to share a photo.

Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday. I am still full!

Until next time...

Thanksgiving Recipe

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Each Thanksgiving I make homemade cranberry sauce using the recipe listed below. It has become a favorite at our table so I thought I would share it with you.

The pumpkin pie recipe is so easy, very fast, and delicious!

Apple Orange Cranberry Sauce
Yields: 4 cups

1/2 of an orange
2 cups water
1 granny smith apple
3 cups fresh cranberries
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves

PREPARATION:
Squeeze the juice from the orange half and set the juice aside. Remove the membrane from the inside of the orange shell and discard. Cut the shell into very small pieces and put these into a small saucepan with the 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and cook 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Peel, core, and chop apple into small pieces. Place in a saucepan. Sort the cranberries, discard soft ones and add to the apples. Add the reserved diced orange peel, the reserved orange juice, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and partially cover. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the cranberries burst~ 10-15 minutes.

Transfer to a bowl and let cool before serving or cover and refrigerate; bring to room temperature before serving.

Double Layer Pumpkin Pie

4 oz cream cheese
1 cup plus 1 Tbsp milk, divided
1 Tbsp sugar
8 oz tub cool whip, thawed, divided
6 oz Honey Maid Graham Pie Crust
15 oz can pumpkin
2 pkg (4-serving size each) Jello Vanilla Instant Pudding
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground cloves

PREPARATION:
MIX: cream cheese, 1 Tbsp milk and the sugar in a large bowl until well blended.
Gently stir in half of the whipped topping. Spread onto bottom of crust.
POUR: 1 cup milk into a large bowl. Add pumpkin, dry pudding mixes and spices.
Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or until well blended. (Mixture will be thick)
Spread over cream cheese layer.
Refrigerate 4 hours or until set. Dollop with remaining whip topping.
Store in refrigerator.

I have not yet tried the recipe listed below but with all of the delicious Vermont Maple Syrup I have, this is one recipe that I must try.

Maple Cranberry Sauce

Yield: 4 cups

1 (12 ounces) package fresh cranberries, washed and picked over
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup cranberry-raspberry juice
1/2 cup fruity red Zinfandel wine
Grated zest of 1 orange
1 cup walnut halves, coarsely chopped

PREPARATION:
Place cranberries, maple syrup, juice, wine, and orange zest in a heavy saucepan.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes, until cranberries begin to pop. Skim off any foam that rises to the top. Remove from heat and gently smash a bit to open the cranberries, but do not mash. Stir in walnuts. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until

ready to serve. You'll probably want to double this delicious cranberry sauce recipe. May be made up to a week in advance and kept refrigerated.

Cranberry Sauce leftovers ????

Yes you can make desserts using leftovers! For the best muffins you've ever tasted use leftover cranberry sauce as the filling. Buy a regular muffin mix, spoon the cranberry sauce into the middle and bake as directed. For a real treat use orange muffin mix!

Until next time...

Fair & Square~ Stitching Tips

My stitching partner for Fair and Square round #3 was Paula C. She told me that she plans on finishing her blocks as Ornaments (great idea), so I decided to stitch her a Christmas design from one of her favorite designers; Prairie Schooler.

Fair & Square round #3

Prairie Schooler book #48

A Christmas Visit

Fair & Square Exchange for Paula C.

Last week I received a wonderful gift in the mail. A very good friend of mine surprised me with this Twisted Oaks kit. It is absolutely gorgeous!!! While in Vermont I drove to The Whistling Duck, a great needlework shop in Williston, VT. I was able to purchase the fabric for this, but I will need to purchase the Dinky Dyes online before I can begin stitching.

Twisted Oaks Design: Honor Thy Needle-Pyramid Etui

If you are in search of Needle Necessities floss, which is no longer in business, I know that the Whistling Duck has some in stock. they do not have a website but you can phone them and place an order. The shop owners are so nice and extremely helpful.

I had a bit of a mishap with the finishing of one of my PIF's (pay it forward). I stitched part of an AMAP design, on white linen using red silk, with plans to finish it as a scissor holder. I am not sure where my head was, but I placed the piece (wrong side up) on my ironing board to press out any wrinkles. For some reason I got "wacky" with the spray bottle and almost drown the piece. After pressing it, mounting it onto cardboard, and preparing the back piece, I sandwiched it together and placed it under some heavy books. The next day I returned to my sewing room ready to stitch on the cording. To my shock I saw that the red from the thread had migrated onto the white linen UGH!!! With a Q-tip in hand I thought that maybe I could blot it out...no such luck. What would I do now? I know, I will wet it and try to get the thread to bleed all over the fabric. Would it look like hand-dyed fabric? I wish, but NO it looked worse. What would I do now? Throw it out! Yup, that's what I did. Sadly, someone out there would have been receiving their PIF, but must now wait until I stitch up a new one.

Some helpful hints for cross stitch can be found at The Caron Collection, Jay's Stitching Hints , and Bonnie's Cross Stitch Zone, Needlework FAQ's.

Thanks for stopping by. It is always so nice to read your comments and to see that someone new has visited!

Until next time...

Must Have Gadget

Kreinik Custom Corder

The Custom Corder by Kreinik ($15.95) is by far one of my very favorite gadgets for cross stitch. This handy tool allows you to create your own cording, in the color(s) and fiber that you prefer. It is fast, easy to use, and produces a professional looking trim in seconds! It can be used with a number of threads including DMC, silk, metallic, rayon, pearl cotton, and fine yarns.

It is best to purchase a weight to use with the corder. I bought mine at a LNS for about $3.00, when I arrived home my son informed me that he could have supplied me with fishing weight. The weight makes for a more uniform twist to your cording.

You can purchase the custom corder from the Kreinik website, some LNS and craft shops, and I have listed additional websites that do carry it.. I included the retail price from each, but this does not include shipping.

Sewing Super Store $8.74

AC Moore $10.49
Craft Town hobby Land USA $13.09
Scrapbook Memories $9.99
Sew and So (in the UK) L ll.99
Tandem Cottage Needlework (in the UK) L 10.99
Amazon $12.49
Marilyn's Online Needlework $11.95
The Sewing Place $14.49
Addicted to Crafts $10.29

Micheal.com gives instructions for making cording without the use of the Custom Corder.

For those that make their own cording I have a helpful tip to share:

I usually have a small piece of cording left over, rather than discard it I "label" it. I get out my Label Gadget (oh yes, another gadget) and I make a label identifying the fiber used and the number of strands. When I have a project in need of cording, but am not sure of how thick the cording should be, I can use this collection of "samples" to determine what would work best. Having the label on the sample lets me know immediately how many strands I need to use.

I absolutely love gadgets and find that, in most cases, they are time savers! If you have any cross stitch or quilting gadgets that you can't live without please share them in your comments!
There are far more quilting gadget, someday I must share those.

Until next time...

Fair & Square Exchange ~ VoHRH SAL

I must say that I was spoiled by Paula C. today! I opened her Fair & Square Exchange box and was so surprised to find some wonderful treasures inside. Her blocks are gorgeous, and so nicely stitched:

Fair & Square round #3

Stitched by: Paula C.

In addition she included an amazing "strawberry" FOB~the design reminds me of a quilt! She included some of the BEST candies(by See's!), a pattern from one of my favorite designers: La-D-Da, and some very nice "Coffee" note cards. Paula, words just can't express my gratitude! Thank you so very much for the amazing exchange

Fair & Square Exchange #3

At present Paula does not have a blog that I can direct you to, but she is planning on starting one. I do hope that she does, as she is obviously quite talented, and I would love for her to share more of her beautiful work!

The Fair and Square Exchange group has such a collection of talented stitchers. For those that are not familiar with this group you might want to check it out, here are the exchange guidelines. A huge thank you to Vonna and Annemarie for coordinating the activities within this group.

VOHRH SAL End Of The Month Block Status

Well, I am true to my word...I was unable to complete block #2 by Nov. 1st. Not to worry, I already see much more free "stitching" time on the horizon. If I can rid myself of this nasty headache I will sit down this evening for some serious stitching.

For your viewing pleasure here is as far as I got on Block #2 during the month of October....

Village of Hawk Run Hollow ~ Block #2

October 31, 2007

VoHRH Blocks 1 & 2

Did you know:

-There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with orange, the color of pumpkin.

-Samhainophobia is an intense fear of Halloween.

-A pumpkin is a berry in the cucurbitaceae family, which also includes melons, cucumbers, squash and gourds. All these plants are native to the Americas.

POPCORN BALLS
Ingredients : 2 ½ quarts popped popcorn

1 14-oz package light caramels

1/4 cup light corn syrup

2 tablespoons water

Preparation :
Keep popcorn warm in a 200 degree oven. Melt caramels in top of double boiler over simmering water. Add corn syrup and water and mix until smooth. Slowly pour over popcorn in a large bowl. Stir to mix well. With greased hands, shape into balls about the size of softballs. Let cool completely before wrapping with plastic wrap.

Wishing you all a very Happy Halloween!

Until next time...

Did you know....

Donna tagged me!

So I will now share 7 things about myself:


1) I have lived in MA, NH, VA, TX, MD, NJ, CT.

2) While living in NJ I played on a ladies 30+ soccer team (most of us were closer to 40) and loved it!

3) My dog of choice: Yorkshire Terrier.

4) Hate to dress up~ I wear jeans everyday...got married in a pair of jeans!

5) Love the mountains, do not care for the beach.

6) I am a night owl.

7) Graduated college in 1982...worked until 1987, and as my husband says: I have been on
"maternity leave" for 2o years :-D

For those in need of an idea for a quick "blog post"....consider yourself tagged! :-D

Until next time...

Halloween Exchange

I participated in the SBEBB Halloween Exchange and was treated to a wonderful package from Isabelle. It is always so exciting to receive mail from another country, this arrived from France.

SBEBB Halloween Exchange

How very pleased I was when I saw the beautiful Needleroll that Isabelle stitched for me. I adore the design with the many beads, beautiful lace, and gorgeous stitching! Isabelle, you did a perfect job stitching and finishing this. It has been placed in my display case with my, small but growing, collection of Needlerolls.


Isabelle also included the cutest fat quarter, a collection of decorative Halloween buttons, and some purple ribbon. Thanks you so very much, I adore all that you sent!

Halloween Exchange from Isabelle

I was able to stitch a little on the VoHRH, but NOT nearly as much as I would have liked to! With only a few days left in October I doubt that I will complete block #2 by November 1st. I know that Kathy, Wanda, and Mindi may be in the same boat with me, so we can all rest a little easy and shoot for the December 1st date. I do however look forward to seeing progress pictures, and will post one of mine soon. I know that Katrina is working to meet the deadline and look forward seeing pictures of any completed blocks!


I was able to spend this past weekend in Vermont. It was so nice that I stayed up there a few extra days to enjoy the fall foliage. The weather was a wee bit warm so although it looked like Fall, it certainly did not feel that way. I will leave you with a picture of why I absolutely love it in Vermont…

Vermont October 2007

So many of us are very busy these days~please know that I appreciate your taking the time to stop by!

Until next time...

Seasonal Stitchers Autumn Exchange

Yesterday was made brighter by the arrival of an amazing exchange box from Julianne. She is stitching for me in the Seasonal Exchange. This year long exchange involves stitching separate exchanges (summer, fall, winter, and spring) for the same person. For the summer exchange Julianne stitched me a gorgeous wallhanging using a design from one of my favorite designers~Prairie Schooler. She amazed me once again with this beautiful Autumn Exchange, another Prairie Schooler design, creatively finished into a wonderful pumpkin pillow. You can not imagine my delight when I opened her box and pulled this out.

Seasonal Stitchers Autumn Exchange

Prairie Schooler Pumpkin

Beautifully stitched By Julianne

Long ago I had purchased this PS Pumpkins leaflet but I have not stitched any of the designs in it. I am so happy that Julianne did the stitching for me, and did it so perfectly!

I also received some beautifully scented Jasmine soap, in an absolutely adorable box. Oh how I love Mary Engelbreit artwork! Along with the cross stitch fabric and fat quarter I received a very pretty sampler pattern designed by Eileen Bennett. I am so blessed to have Julianne as a partner and I can not thank her enough~ THANKS Julianne, you are so very sweet!

Seasonal Exchange: Autumn

I am happy to say that I have completed the stitching portion of my Autumn Exchange but sadly I am struggling with how to finish this piece. I best end now so that I can work on figuring this out~

Until next time....

Halloween Exchange Sent

I read that Michelle received the SBEBB: Halloween Exchange that I sent out so I am able to post pictures. I used a design from Trail Creek Farm and finished it as a decorative holiday hanger. When I saw the "BEWARE" hanger I immediately knew that it would work quite well with this design. I found some great little clips that I used to attach the stitched piece to the metal hanger.

Becky's exchange partner email stated the I should not send any candy to Michelle. I was a bit puzzled as to why I should not include candy with a Halloween Exchange. I visited Michelle's blog and quickly realized why...she was pregnant and had gestational diabetes. I too dealt with this (twice) and found it dreadful not to be able to eat sweets! So, sorry Michelle for the lack of candy in my Halloween box!
So, did Michelle have a girl or a boy? I am not telling :-D. She shares some beautiful pictures on her blog~check it out. Congratulations Michelle!

SBEBB: Halloween Exchange

Stitched for: Michelle

Front view Back View

Village/Houses of Hawk Run Hollow SAL

We have another member to our growing group: Welcome Kajsa, so glad that you are joining our "stress-free" SAL. To prove how "stress free" we really are just read on...

Okay, so I am almost certain that I will not, yes will not, complete block #2 of the VoHRH SAL by November 1st~anyone up for extending this until December 1st? :-) I know that I am not alone when I say that this time of year is busy, busy, busy and it only gets worse! Things in my life are complicated by the fact that I have a son who is in the midst of the "college search/application process" and another son who is in the midst of trying to secure off-campus housing for the fall of 2008 (senior year). Stitching has taken a back seat lately.

Thanks for your kind comments on my quilts. To answer your question Heather: the lady is hand appliqued on the wall quilt. I use to DREAD and avoid doing hand applique, but it has grown on me and I actually like doing it. To Vonna: don't you know if there were more hours in a day I would stitch you a quilt!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Until next time...

Stitching on VoHRH SAL and Flannel Quilt

I recently attended CATS (Consumer Arts and Teaching Show) in Hershey, PA and had a great time. I need to take a picture of the many items that I purchased! I had the opportunity to speak with a vendor at the show who confirmed that CATS will no longer be held at the Hershey, PA location. Apparently the show sponsorship has dwindled down to a mere 2, leaving them unable to support the show... such a shame.

It looks like we have a new member to our "stress free" VoHRH SAL group: Wanda. Welcome to the groups Wanda, I have added you to my SAL sidebar.


I was able to complete the VoHRH block #1 by the Oct 1st date, and was able to start on block #2. I hope that I will be able to complete the second block by Nov 1st~My sewing machine has taken me away from cross stitch lately. I have been working on a flannel quilt as well as some holiday card holders. I like the way the card holder is turning out and will post a picture of it later.

Village of Hawk Run Hollow - Block #1

Village of Hawk Run Hollow - Block #2

Deadline to complete: November 1

When I am in Vermont I work on the flannel quilt pictured below. A few years ago I made a quilt like this for my son, using homespun cotton fabrics, to take to college. I liked the quick and easy pattern so I decided to make a flannel one for our Vermont home. I am making it a king size because winters are cold in VT and I must stay very warm! Hopefully I will complete it soon and can hand it off to the machine quilting service.

In progress Flannel Quilt

What cross stitching I am working on is for exchanges so I do not have any other pictures to share. I did mail off my Halloween Exchange and will post a picture once I know that it has been received. For now I will leave you with a photo of the wall quilt that I made for our Vermont home. This one hangs in our bedroom.

I have visited a few new wonderful blogs (thanks Vonna for directing me there :-D)~they have been added to my sidebar. A special thank you to Wanda for sending me this great link for Biscornu finishing. ~I still have a phobia about giving this a try!

For all those that stop by...thanks! and for those that take the time to comment...thanks so much! :-)

Until next time...

Tin Topper Exchange for Goldie

I participated in the USEBB: Tin Topper Exchange and stitched this design for Goldie. Just weeks before I sent my Redwork Exchange to Goldie as well! With the assistance of Vonna's fabulous tutorial I was successful in finishing off the inside~thanks Vonna!

Designer: Samplers & Such

Design: ABC Sampler

Fabric: 40 Ct R & R Antique Linen

Floss: DMC

Finishing: Tin Topper

USEBB Tin Topper Exchange

My Halloween Exchange is now complete and am getting it ready to mail off. I have been so good about limiting the number of exchanges I sign up for, I only have 2 exchanges left (Harvest and Christmas Ornament). Starting in January I will once again be signing up for many exchanges.

I also completed the stitching on one PIF and hope to complete the finishing by the end of the month.

Although I do not have a picture to post, I did complete the first block in the Village of Hawk Run Hollow SAL. The first block is not a favorite of mine so I was glad to complete it. For those that have not yet completed their block you still have 5 days left! Block two will run from Oct 1-31st ~ I got a jump start and have a tiny bit stitched.

Friday I will be heading to Hershey, PA for the cross stitch show (CATS). I attended last year and really enjoyed it. I will also spend a day in Lancaster visiting the many, many fabric shops. My first stop in PA will be at Wawa's for a huge cup of their great coffee...can't wait!

Thank you so much for stopping by and for your many kind words!

Until next time...

Seasonal Stitchers Exchange

I received my Seasonal Stitchers "Summer" Exchange from Julianne. As you can see it is truly wonderful. She stitched a design from one of my very favorite designer, Prairie Schooler. I love that she finished it as a wallhanging. She even personalized it with a block on the back. I must tell you Julianne does beautiful work, and I am so excited that she will be stitching for me three more times.

Seasonal Stitchers Exchange

Season: Summer

Received from: Julianne

Designer: Prairie Schooler

Finish: Wallhanging

Julianne sent so many wonderful gift: Specialty thread by Impressions and The Thread Gather Silk 'N Colors ~ the colors are perfect, Silkweaver fabric ~ I can sure use that, Homespun Elegance "Alphabet Sampler" pattern ~ another of my favorite designers, some Crabtree & Evelyn soap and some Lavender lotion ~ both smell so good! I was spoiled :-D.

Thanks Julianne, I love all that you sent and will treasure my new wallhanging.

As a participant is the Seasonal Stitchers group I will be stitching for Leena. I stitched her a design from Prairie Schooler "Friends" and finished it as a Pinkeep. Soon I will be stitching a "Fall" exchange for her. There are so many wonderful fall designs that I am not quite sure what to stitch.

Seasonal Stitchers Exchange

Season: Summer

Stitched for: Leena

Designer: Prairie Schooler

Design: Friends

Finish: Pinkeep

Village of Hawk Run Hollow

With the addition of Katrina and Mindi, we now have 5 stitchers participating in our SAL. It will be fun to see the posted pictures of our monthly progress.

Here is my progress thus far. Given that we have until 9/30 to complete a block, I am certain that I will meet this months goal.

VoHRH SAL

Progress as of: Sept 7, 2007

Thanks for taking the time to stop by.

Until next time...

Exchanges sent...

I spent the last six days in Vermont busy stitching on my Village of Hawk Run Hollow. I have made great progress and will most certainly reach our "one block per month" goal. A few people were interested in joining our Stitch A Long (SAL). I did not have your email but if you send me an email I will add you to our group. Take comfort in knowing that we are not in a "stitching marathon" to complete this rather large design. We merely want to motivate one another in an effort to eventually complete the design. If you have already started either the Village or Houses of Hawk Run Hollow and want to join in, feel free. Some have mentioned that they started the design but have put it aside and would love to finish it...here is your chance!

Now that I am home I have had the chance to play "computer catch up" and have seen that the exchanges that I sent off have reached their destination. Here are two of those..

Redwork Exchange for Goldie

USEBB: Redwork Exchange

Designer: Martina Dey

Design: from Tsunami Sampler

Fabric: 32 Ct Sand Linen

Floss: Needle Necessities

While in Vermont I stopped at a local woodworkers shop where I found this wonderful hand mirror. It was just perfect for this design! I loved how it turned out so I went back to the shop and picked up about 3 more...What do you bet that someone will almost certainly be receiving a hand mirror in a future exchange???

What's The Buzz Exchange for Chris

SBEBB: What's The Buzz

Designer: First Love Designs

Design: The Beehive

Finish: Floss Caddy

What's the Buzz Exchange ~ Inside of Floss Caddy

I put my sewing/quilting skills to use and created this Floss Caddy.

I will need to post my Tin Topper Exchange at a later date. The pictures are in my camera and I do not have time to load them onto the computer.

Thanks for taking the time to visit. I am honored that you stop by!

Until next time...

Redwork and Tin Topper Exchange

Oh what a day.... I was so surprised and excited when I picked up my mail and opened two exchanges!

The 1st is a beautiful Redwork Exchange that I received from Goldie.

USEBB: Redwork Exchange

Received from: Goldie

It is hard to believe that this is the very first tie-on pillow she has made. I have yet to make one, may need lessons from you Goldie!

The design is titled Alphabet Tree; by Blue Ribbon ~ I just love it! Goldie stitched this using Gloriana over dyed Cranberry Silk, simply beautiful. Thanks for personalizing it with our initials.
She also included a half yard of pretty red fabric (a quilters dream), small red buttons, "M" notepad, and DMC 115. I love working with that color. If you have not tried it I highly recommend it!

Thank you so much Goldie for the beautiful pillow and wonderful extras~ I love everything that you sent!

The second beautiful exchange was received from Becky K.

Front view - - - - - - - - - - - - Back view/inside of tin

She stitched three beautiful items:

A gorgeous Tin Topper, stitched in the most perfect shade of green (matches the walls in my family room ).

A stunning tiny FOB, stitched perfectly on such small count!

She also included a very pretty Christmas ornament. I had admired this on her blog. I love the shape of the tree.

Becky spoiled me with so many wonderful treats: Coffee (she must have read this blog), Tea, scented stones, some small round magnets that I can use when finishing a needle minder, dark chocolate Altoids-yum!

USEBB Specific Finish Exchange: Tin Topper

Deigner: Hillside Samplings

Received from: Becky K.

Thanks so much Becky K. for all that you sent. Please know that I will treasure your beautifully stitched gifts!

Village of Hawk Run Hollow SAL...

I was able to get some fabric for Village of Hawk Run Hollow and have joined in on the SAL with Kathy and Jane. Things are really busy now so this will not be a stitching marathon, we have a goal of stitching one block per month. We welcome others to join in, this is a great way to actually finish those projects! Visit our blogs where we will post pictures of our progress!


Wishing all Blog readers a very relaxing and enjoyable Labor Day Weekend~Safe travels!


Until next time...