Happy 2014 - First Post for Year

Happy 2014....

Stitching has been moving along but not as fast as I see others have done.  I got a UFO project done early last month as part of a challenge project for the Lake Michigan Sampler guild.  We had to sign up for a UFO project that we would get completed by year end.  I had hoped to take it in to have framed before the next meeting but I did not get that accomplished.  So, here is a shot of my wrinkled La-D-Da Margaret Cottam project.

I had stashed it away somewhere in the middle of Part 2.  The challenge really helped me push to getting it done.  Now I cannot wait to have it framed.

On Thanksgiving weekend I started Hibernation Day by Heartstring Samplery.  I cannot put this one down and have been working on it as much as I could during the holiday.  I really love the colors on this one.

I am getting close to the bottom and past the longest stitching area - the houses.  I did not use the color fabric called for and did find something else to substitute with.  Pictures just cannot show you the true color affect.

During 2013 I took three more classes from Ellen Chester.  So, now I have three more class projects to add to my stash.  The Lady's Worke Box project from 2012 is all stitched.  Now I need to sit down and do the finishing.....  I have been meeting monthly with the other class attendees so that we can keep pushing each other along.  This has been very helpful.  Just hope the snow stops so that I can make the January meeting.

Here is another project that I added to my stash from Ellen's class.

This is a limited edition called A Petit Sampling Etui.  She got together with a few other designers to create this project.  There is another one that was from a prior year called A Noble Pursuit.  I do have that one also and really should do it first since I have it kitted.

I went to Inspired Needle's retreat this past October and need to show you a few pictures that I took.

Kim - Rita and I missed not seeing you.  We did keep you around..... (Kim is the stick figure)

Here is Anna with her finish.  Guess what, the Designer - Jan Alexander was here also.  What a great way to celebrate a finish.

Here are a couple more projects that ladies got done and even finished at the retreat. 

Hope your holidays were safe and warm.  Enjoy the rest of the winter stitching.  

Busy Stitcher's Life

Happy Sunday,

Wow, since my last blog I have had a crazy life and sorry that has totally prevented me from doing my most favorite things.  Stitching time has started to get back on track so I had to find time to update my blog.  I really don't know how some of you get time to do as many updates as you do and still get on with life.  You guys are my hero's and help to keep me motivated to at least have a blog.

It is a quiet Sunday here at home and the kids (Brinkley and Josie) are keeping cool close to the air vents so that they can slumber peacefully.

It is so much fun to have a quiet and peaceful Sunday.  At least that provides me with some good stitching time.  I am currently working on Little House Needleworks "Brave Hearts".

I saw this done back in June in the home of Jan Alexander and just had to run home and pull it out of my stash to work on.  Course, when you look at your stash you always find many others that you just have to get moving on.  I hope to have this one done in the next week and will also stitch up "Battle Hymn of the Republic" by LHN on the same fabric.  The fabric is from Tree of Life Linens (Jan Alexander) called Roasted Hickory Nut - 32 count.  The picture just doesn't give you a true view of the colors.  Maybe after it is finished and framed you will be able to see it better.

Back in June I attended Jan's retreat.  I had a great time stitching with old and new friends.  I got a few finishes done that we stitched up prior to the retreat.

It really felt good to come home with a finished project.  Here is Jan with Ellen and myself.

I still need to keep working on the sampler project.  I really don't have much done to show you so stay tuned.  Course, I need to get off of my patriotic mood of stitching.  My buddies would say that that would be mission impossible since that is my most favorite stitching theme.

Once I got home from TOLS retreat I found that my first ever adventure in the world of Ebay auctions had arrived.  Here is a Clark's Spool cabinet from the 1800's.

It is amazing.  It will need a bit cleaning done on it since it was found in an old sewing store's storage.  It has not been touched which will make it even more valuable to me.  I have been wanting one of these for years course if I ever find one that has John Clark(e) on it I will need to have to add it to my collection since that is part of my family name for many generations.  So if you ever see one please let me know about it.

This weekend I did attend another retreat in Downer's Grove by Tomorrow's Heirlooms.  We had Lori from La D Da and Linda from Chessie N Me as our teachers.  The event was great and the projects are amazing. 
 

Well, I have had lots of fun lately and you can see why I got behind in my blogging.  For those of you reading this and don't have a blog (you know I know who you are Cindy or Pat) leave me a note to tell me you at least read this blog update.

Lastly, I think you might remember that I started ABC Prairie School stitching with a group of friends.  Well, only one has been providing me with updates and I have really let mine slip away and need to pick it back up.  But for Ellen I really needed to show you her amazing progress. 



Ellen has finished her third letter.  Way to GO.....  I am still on my first. Darn, I need to find a way to add this into my monthly rotation.

Well, the kids are starting to rise and I think I have provided you with enough to see what has been going on.  Take care and enjoy your week.