Yikes, it’s February!

Welcome to what is turning out to be my “monthly” blog post! I shall try harder to post more frequently.

This has been a very busy month as I try to keep up with the five exchanges that are due in early March. So, did I tell you all that I was not going to participate in as many exchanges this year? Every December I declare to the world that I will limit my exchanges so that I can dedicate more of my time to stitching the many LARGE projects that I have been neglecting. However, by late January/early February I am busy sending out “sign me up” emails to the exchange moderators! A tally of my yearly exchanges is proof enough that I am not succeeding in lessening my exchange stitching… 2007 total 24, 2008 total 28, and 2009 total 33. On the flip side, I do have an abundance of gorgeous exchange pieces from so many talented stitchers.

I was able to do a bit of “me stitching” on my PS Alphabet SAL ~

Designer: Prairie Schooler
PS Alphabet SAL

I also found time to have one of my older samplers re-framed; yes, I did stitch this in 1985. It was in a frame that went nicely with one of the homes that I have lived in but the frame did not work well with my current Sampler Wall. Here it is newly framed:

It now resides on the Sampler Wall:

I shall leave you with a picture of the beautiful Valentine’s Day flowers that I received from two of the best sons in the entire world! They had these delivered to my door just days before Valentine’s Day, how sweet is that??? It would have been even SWEETER had they been at my front door, but that would have involved airline tickets, vacation days, and missed classes. Thank you both so very much! IL&IMY~

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...

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...