A New Finish

I learned that Janet received the HOE Friendship Exchange that I sent out so I am free to post pictures...

Designer: Cosmic Handmade

Design: Friends (freebie)

Fabric: 32ct over one

Finish: Wooden Jar and Scissor FOB

Stitched for: Janet B.

Jar Lid

I tucked this little

Scissor FOB

inside

When it comes to cross stitch finishing I am always interested in trying something new.  There is a wood shop here in town that has some useful finishing items, like this round wooden box. It was unfinished so I sealed it, painted it, and varnished it before attaching the cross stitch piece. If I were skilled at decorative painting I would have painted something on the outside...but I am not, so I stitched a fabric band for the outside.  I like the way that it turned out.

My next exchange piece will be a Halloween one! I love Halloween stitching!!! Hmmm....What to stitch???

Sign ups for the HOE Halloween Exchange close at midnight tonight so if you wanted to participate be sure to sign up today.

Why do I love Vermont?

People are so creative ~ I snapped a picture 

of this during our blueberry picking 

adventure.

I love his corn kernel teeth!

Thanks for stopping by ~ Enjoy your day!

Until next time...

He's Just Batty

Look what showed up in my Mailbox...

Designer: Flowers 2 Flowers

Design: Bat Buddy

2013 JCS Halloween Issue

Stitched by: Carol S.

So adorable and such an unexpected surprise from my dear friend Carol S.  Knowing that my Halloween tree was in need of some decorations, she stitched this up for me.  Could this tiny little Bat be any cuter?  Thanks again Carol, you are the BEST and I truly value the friendship we share! 

After stitching four of the Prairie Schooler designs from the O Christmas Tree leaflet I managed to find time to do the finishing on these little gems...

Designer: Prairie Schooler

Design: O Christmas Tree

Finish: Tree Ornament

And how will I hang them? I have NO idea.  Oops, I just realized that I have not put the hanging cord on them! Well, I know what I will be doing this weekend...completing the finishing.

Rather than use a branch for the tree trunk I cut a wooden dowel and wrapped it in strips of brown fabric. The wool felt that I used is actually forest green, not sure why it looks black (my stitching skills are far better than my photography).  I love the way they turned out and look forward to completing all of the designs.

A few weeks ago I picked up the 2013 JCS Halloween magazine and am busy stitching a cute design for the HOE Halloween Exchange.  If you are interested in joining in you can read the details HERE, but you need to sign up before August 21st.

Why Do I Love Vermont?

Great blueberries right off the bush ~ 
Not to mention that gorgeous view!

From Oven

To Table

Delicious, simply delicious!

Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe:

• 1 cup butter, softened                1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups white sugar                     1 cup fresh blueberries
• 2 eggs                                      
• 1 cup sour cream                       1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract                    1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 5/8 cups all-purpose flour       1/2 cup chopped pecans 
• 1 tsp baking powder                   1 Tbsp confectioners'
•                                                         sugar

                                                                         

Directions:

1) Preheat oven 350 degrees.  Grease and flour a 9" Bundt pan.

2) In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla.  Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the batter just until blended. Fold in blueberries.

3) Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan.  In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans.  Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the pan.  Spoon remaining batter over the top, and then sprinkle the remaining pecan mixture over. Use a knife or thin spatula to swirl the sugar layer into the cake.

4) Bake for 55-60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the crown of the cake comes out clean.  Cool in the pan over a wire rack. Invert onto a serving plate, and tap firmly to remove from the pan. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.

Thanks for stopping by ~ Have a wonderful weekend!

Until next time...

I Won The Lottery

Not really, but it certainly feels that way!

I headed off to the post office today wondering if my Friendship Exchange would be waiting (I always get excited about getting "fun" mail vs junk or bills).  When I popped open my box I saw that special little yellow card instructing me to go to the window for a pick up.  Y-E-S, my exchange would be waiting, I was certain.

I did not even leave the post office before I opened Janet's package and gazed upon my lottery winnings: A beautiful stitcher's caddy...

2013 HOE Friendship

Designer: Homespun Elegance

Design: Friendship and Blossoms

Stitched by: Janet B.

Little french knots used for the ladybug spots and on the flowers, and a little charm ~ so cute.

And inside...

How happy was I?  

Well, I just wanted to do a little happy dance right there in the post office but I live in this town and I don't want to be pegged: "the crazy lady".  Seriously, the minute I saw this my heart smiled.  I was on my way to the gym and felt like  skipping that and heading back home to sit and enjoy this beauty...okay, I hate going to the gym so I was probably just looking for any excuse not to go ~ I was good, I did head to the gym.

Once home my husband sorted through the mail and quickly asked, "What's this?" I informed him that was my GORGEOUS exchange.  He was so impressed that he actually suggested that we hang it up, display it for all to see.  Nope, I needed this and am going to use it.  Keeping my many WIPs organized is a challenge so this is exactly what I needed.

Thank you again Janet.  Your work is impeccable, your thoughtfulness is immense, and my appreciation for that is most certainly sincere!

What did I send out to my partner Mylene?

2013 HOE Friendship

Designer: Cosmic Handmade

Design: Friends (Freebie)

Finish: Scissor Holder

Fabric: 32ct Evenweave over one

Stitched for: Mylene B.

With my finger healed from the rotary cutting incident I have resumed work on my Fun and Done quilt and can share a progress picture with you....

All of the 100 blocks are complete and I have started the process of stitching them into rows.

I am off to draft a HOE Post for another exchange...A Halloween Exchange, so keep an eye out.

Why do I love Vermont?

 double rainbow 

Thanks for stopping by ~ Have a great week!

Until next time...