Weekend Retreat

This past weekend I spent a wonderful weekend away in Shipshewana Indiana at a retreat by "Inspired Needle".  It is a wonderful weekend of lots of stitching and shopping. The weather was great and the decorations around the hotel were amazing.  Here are some gourds that were outside of the entrance.

If you want to see more pictures from the retreat take a look at Laura's blog: 

http://maudeandmozart.blogspot.com/

She did a great job of walking around and capturing what everyone was working on.  I was late getting to the retreat on Friday and missed out on the ornament exchange.  No problem.  I loved what I made and now this is mine......

We got time on Saturday to do a bit of shopping around town.  I happened to be in a home store and ran across an item that I thought would make a great holder for my stitching patterns and look nice sitting on my end table.  I think it is a recipe or photo holder.

Here is what it looks like holding my pattern.

On Friday night I worked on Prairie Moon Pattern that I have been progressing on.  Well, now I am busy removing all of the stitches I put in last week while watching Grey's Anatomy.  UGH.....

I did start a new project over the weekend.  I am glad I purchased a new light that was stronger than the one I took.  This is Fall's Gifts by Carriage House Samplings.  I bought it several years ago while on vacation visitning local cross stitch stores.  Look up this pattern, it is amazing.

I bought a really pretty magnet from Puffin & Company.  I had to use it now for October.  Isn't this cute.

We got to work on a really neat pin cushion from "Just Another Button Company".  The best part was we got the ice cream to eat first. Yummy

Since I got home the only project that I have had a chance to work on is Mardi Gras by Laura Perin.  I just love working on this one.

Finally, here is the progress update for the "ABC Girl Club".  First up is Ellen:

She has gotten her first letter block done.  Congrats Ellen....  You are doing Great....

Well, as for Terry or myself we have more work to do to finish up a letter.  My pumpkin has not changed since last week and I know Terry is still trying to work on hers.  Hopefully we will have better progress updates next month and get a chance to head off Ellen.

Happy Stitching New Blog Buddies.....

First Finish - LJP Design

Hurray, I finally finished my first Laura J Perin Design.  It is called Sunflower Star.  When I selected and started this one a long time ago I selected colors to match the sunflower design in my kitchen.  This is so funny.  I finally get this done and guess what, we are in the process of painting and changing the kitchen.  It will no longer be sunflowers.  Oh well, I still love this design and will find another place for it in my home.  As to how to finish it is still a mystery.  I truly enjoy Laura's designs and have a couple others to do.  I have been good, I haven't purchased any new ones until I finish the two I have kitted and ready to go.

Here is my finish.....  Whooo Hooo!!!!!

I am still working on my halloween cross stitch project by Prairie Moon.  My progress is going slow on it but what else it new.  This truly is the time of year that I love to sit and stitch all day. That means nothing else gets done around the house.  In fact, the dogs continue to watch me and hope that I will stop at anytime and play with them.  Don't worry, they still get lots of attention. 

I leave you to continue my stitchy fun.... 

Halloween Feeling and Giveaway

Isn't it amazing all of the new Halloween patterns that are coming out and what fun it is to see everyone busy working on them.  I found the following Giveaway that you just have to go over and look at:

http://countrycreationsbydenise.blogspot.com/

This is so adorable.  It will be given away on Sept 1st.  Good luck everyone but I hope I win it.

I spent some time working on Prairie Moon halloween pattern.  I noticed an error in the pattern and by following the picture I put the missing items in.  I hope they look okay.  It is around the skull head.  The line above it was not on the pattern or the crosses.

I cannot wait to stitch the new Blackbird Design Halloween Eve.  I think this one will be close to the size of the one I did of theirs a few years ago. 

Good luck on your projects.