Seasonal Stitchers Exchange

I sent off my last exchange for the 2007-2008 Seasonal Stitchers Exchange. Leena posted that it arrived so I am free to share pictures.

Designer: Workbasket

Design: Quaker Cat and Mouse

Our final exchange was suppose to be a “Spring” exchange but knowing how much Leena loves cats, I wanted to stitch her this design. I did ask her in advance if she would mind if I stitched something without a “spring” theme and was glad that she did not object. I love this design but once I completed the stitching I had no idea how to finish it. I had already sent Leena a pinkeep, flat fold, and stitcher’s caddy. I visited quite a few blogs in hopes of seeing a picture that would help me with a finishing idea. To my surprise I saw this same design finished as a tote bag (sorry, I can't remember the blog) and I loved it. Being a quilter I have done quite a bit of sewing, and have a huge stash of fabric! Although I have made tote bags before, I have never used the fancy tote bag handles and was lucky to find a pair that coordinated so well.

Seasonal Stitchers Exchange

For Leena

The ’07-08 rotation of the Seasonal Stitchers Exchange is over and I must say that stitching for Leena has been a true pleasure! Leena, I am glad that I have had the opportunity to get to know you and I am so happy to have you as an online friend, you are very sweet!

Fortunately, Becky has been kind enough to run this exchange again and I am truly excited. I have been paired with Vonna who I consider my very 1st blogging friend! I am thrilled and honored to stitch for you Vonna and look forward to mailing out a Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer exchange to you!

PLANTING PROGRESS

I have been saving my coffee grounds and sprinkling them on my plants. Surprisingly the plants are looking good however saving my coffee grounds makes me realize that I drink much too much coffee! Oh well the plants need it! I was surprised at how many people commented that they too feed their plants coffee grounds, tea bags, even eggshells…I am a stitcher, quilter, crafter, but not a very good gardener so this is all new to me. Here are a few pictures of my plants, remember now I do NOT have a green thumb!

I would list the plants in this container but I can't remember what they are! When I went to the local garden center I had a worker pick out the plants for me...I think she did a great job! :)

Thanks for taking the time to drop by, I enjoy and appreciate each and every comment!

Until next time...

Did You Know? ~ Neighborhood RR ~ New Floss

Did you know that coffee grounds are great for the garden??? As an avid coffee drinker, I discard pounds of these grounds, almost daily. :D After learning that they can be recycled in the garden I will start sprinkling them on my plants to see if there is a noticeable difference. While at my local Border Books today, I noticed that the Seattle Café was offering free bags of their used coffee grounds.

Here is a bit of information that I found at a website called Sustainable Enterprise:

Coffee and Gardening

Every day across America, Asia and Europe, millions of pots of coffee and tea are brewed, and the millions of pounds of wet grounds, filters and bags thrown in the trash. This is both wasteful and foolish.

Coffee by-products can be used in the garden and farm as follows:

• Sprinkle used grounds around plants before rain or watering, for a slow-release nitrogen.
• Add to compost piles to increase nitrogen balance. Coffee filters and tea bags break down rapidly during composting.
• Dilute with water for a gentle, fast-acting liquid fertilizer. Use about a half-pound can of wet grounds in a five-gallon bucket of water; let sit outdoors to achieve ambient temperature.
• Mix into soil for houseplants or new vegetable beds.
• Encircle the base of the plant with a coffee and eggshell barrier to repel pests.
• If you are into vermi-posting, feed a little bit to your worms.

Now for some stitching news....

I completed my block for Carol's Neighborhood Round Robin. I always seem to struggle to capture a good picture of the items that I stitch, this is the best that I could get. Maybe I should take a class in photography, then again maybe I should try reading the camera manual (oh, how I hate reading manuals!).

My addition to Carol's neighborhood

Carol's Neighborhood Round Robin

While reading Wanda's blog I learned of an online eBay store called Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe, which offers a great selection of hand-dyed floss. Each skein is a generous 20 yards and sells for $2.00. When you purchase four skeins, she includes a FREE skein to cover shipping it cannot get better than that! Well, I placed my order and within a few short days I received this:

Victorian Motto Hand-Dyed Floss

I am looking forward to using this floss, the colors are wonderful and the service was excellent! Last night I purchased even more, I can't wait until it arrives. Wanda learned of this store from Staci's blog so thanks to both of you for the post!

I guess it is time now to end this post so that I can Sit and Stitch for a while, I signed up for a few more exchanges so I must get a move on. Thanks for visiting and I do hope that you have a wonderful week.

Until next time...