Playing catch up !!

Hi All !!!!  Where has the late summer, early fall gone??  Can't believe we're in the middle of my favorite season, and I hardly feel like I've enjoyed any of it yet !!

I did manage to get the 2 latest installments of my clubs out in a timely manner and will give you a preview .......

The first design is for the old Mill Stitchery Club and would make a lovely place to park your work or display an unframed little piece.

This second design is for the  "Treasure box" for the "Chessie's Heirlooms" club for Tomorrow's Heirlooms.  The little pin pillow fits inside the box or can be used separately.

Now I'm off to pack for Shepherd's Bush Retreat in Park City.  I can tell you already.......it will be a FABULOUS time for all!!   Can't share that piece with you yet......nobody sees anything until the opening night .....but I will post pictures when I return !!  

Here are a few little fall bits I've put out this year.....I've become addicted to "Domes"...... they're so fun to fill !!!

My latest stitching addiction is Paulette's (Plum Street Designs) "Jack's Bash"........it's the perfect fall stitching project !!!!  I'm really loving all the colors she used and thoroughly enjoying every stitch !!!

Well, that's enough rambling for now......I must get packed and ready for tomorrow's travels.  
Until next time, I wish you all a wonderful new fall project to stitch.......busy fingers are happy fingers !!

First Design for Chessie Club for Old Mill Stitchery

Just a quick preview of the new design for the club I'm doing with Old Mill Stitchery


The piece is called "Friendship Garden" and is a fun summer design that I've mounted on form core to fit inside this adorable wooden tray.  You will get the tray with the first design and then the rest of the pieces can be popped in and out of the same tray when ever you wish.

I just spoke with Mary at Old Mill Stitchery, and she said she still has openings, so if you're interested, please contact her for more details.....816-792-3670.....or email her at oldmillstitchery@aol.com.  Hopefully I've tempted a few of you to join us ......these clubs have been fun to do and I've really enjoyed hearing your feedback.

When you finish a project, send me a picture, I'd love to see your results and post it on the blog !!!

I wish you a good week with time to stitch every day !

Tudor Rose Sampler Guild Workshop

It's finally SPRING in Wisconsin.....the Orioles, Grossbeaks, Finches, and Blue Buntings are all feasting in our feeders !!  I can barely keep a supply of oranges and grape jelly at the ready.  They all seem to be fighting over it this year......and of course the cats are glued to the windows watching the all commotion !!

I'm still basking in the glow of the wonderful weekend I spent teaching for the Tudor Rose Sampler Guild in Dallas.  All the ladies got right into painting and distressing boxes and seemed to have great fun .  In between drying time, everyone stitched and visited and all in all just enjoyed being together !

What a fun group !!!!  I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with each and every one of them.  Thank you ladies, for a most enjoyable weekend !!!


These are the two projects I designed for them .........the first is  "The Tudor Rose Stitch book"...........

..........and then on Sunday , the project was the "Rose & Crown Sampler".........

Special thanks to Ann and Lynn who were my hostesses .  After spending time in both their homes, I really didn't want to leave !!!  I was wined and dined royally, the entire weekend !!


However, when I did get home, I was thrilled to find all my Spring flowers in bloom, and now with all the birds here as well, hopefully Winter is finally behind us!!

Lastly, here's a little peek of the  first project of the year with the club I'm doing with Old Mill Stitchery in Liberty, MO.

The 4 projects will all fit into a wooden tray that you can swap out at your desire.   They've opened this year up for a few more members...........so if you're interested, check with them for details and prices.

I guess that's all for now, except to wish all of you stitching Moms , a wonderful day and a little time to stitch!!

Project and Teaching Updates

Wow !!!!!  Where did this month go ???
I guess I've really had my nose to the grindstone ever since I got back from Nashville.
After getting unpacked and filling more orders, I took a look at what lay ahead, and my only reaction was.....YIKES !!!!!
Sooooooo, I've been working on new stuff ever since.

I've finally got some things finalized and in the works, so thought it might be time to share.......

I'm thrilled to be doing 2 different Chessie Clubs this year... one will be the continuation of last year's club for Old Mill Stitchery with a few new twists and the second is a new club I'm staring for Tomorrow's Heirlooms in Glen Ellyn, IL.  I'm not sure how much they are letting out at this point, so just stay tuned and feel free to contact either shop about the details. 

My teaching schedule is pretty much set for the year as well and these are the ones I can tell you about at this point.

May 3-4........I'm teaching 2 projects especially designed for the Tudor Rose Sampler Guild in Dallas Texas and can give you a peek ............

The first project is the Tudor Rose Stitch Book and besides working on the stitched portions in class, we will paint and distress and line the little papier mache book box.

The second project is the Rose & Crown Sampler and since I'm still stitching it, this sneak peek will have to do.  It's stitched on 32ct Lakeside Linen using Gloriana silk threads.  Kits can be ordered or you can attend the classes ...they just ask that you join the Guild .........for info contact Ann Weissler at  weissler5@charter.net or check the Tudor Rose Sampler Guild Blog

I'm really looking forward  meeting all these lovely ladies and gentlemen and spending a little time in a warm state !!!!

In June.......I'm soooo excited to be asked back to teach for the GRAND OLDE FLAG Gathering in Spring Green Wisconsin, for The Country Sampler.  Check Jeanne's website for all the particulars  (sgcountrysampler.com) Last year was just a blast and I'm looking forward to reconnecting with all the ladies !!  Those projects are still in the beginning stages.......I'll share sneak peeks when I can.

July 25 - 26 ........ I've been asked to teach for Tomorrow's Heirlooms in Glen Ellyn Illinois and I couldn't be happier !!!!

I'm designing another stitch book (they've become VERY popular) and this one will be a patriotic themed design.  We'll do all the finishing of the book box in class, so that when you finish you stitching, you'll be all set to assemble your project!!

Check their website (tomorrowsheirlooms.com) for more details.......if you can make it ,I know a good time will be had by all !!

That's all the projects I can share at this time.  As I finish the designs, I'll try to get you little peeks.  If you get a chance to take a class this summer , I'd be thrilled to be a part of your schedule.  There's something so satisfying in spending time with fellow stitchers.  We're all of a like mind and it's good to get away.....relax, share our projects, enjoy great food, laugh, and most of all inspire each other !!!!

Liberty Weekend !!

Just got back from teaching in Liberty, MO for Old Mill Stitchery and as usual I think everyone had a GREAT time !!!

It really is like coming home for me......there are so many loyal stitchers that come back again and again to take my classes at the Old Mill and I am forever grateful to you all !!!

Every year I try to come up with something a little different just to get them out of their comfort zone and each time, they seem willing to follow along and give the project a try.


This time we not only painted the book boxes but I had them do some stenciling and then we lined the inside as well........lots of painting and gluing for these stitcher ladies !!!!

They got very serious about fitting the journal paper for the lining of the book.

Here's a peek of the finished project from Friday's class.  I'ts called "Queen Bee Stitch Book" and will be released next year.

During "Show & Tell".......Shelly and Diane both showed off their finished "Seasons of Chessie" Club pieces and discovered they had mounted them in the opposite directions on their horn books.  Both looked great !!

The most amazing piece at "Show & Tell" was stitched and finished by Jeanie Bundy.........I believe it's another fabulous design from Sherri Jones of Patrick's Woods.

Saturday's project was the spring version of "Where Stitching Leads", Breath of Autumn", and Thoughts of Christmas" called "Hope of Spring".

Mary, Barb and Denise worked tirelessly (as usual) to make the whole weekend  very special and we shared many laughs and fun stories and ate WAY too much good food !!!

Now I'm back home staring at the cats and wishing we were still all together..........there's nothing that renews my soul, like spending time with my stitching "friends"........and if you've never taken a class or stitch retreat, I highly recommend it........it's just so rewarding to be in the company of people who understand your passion for stitching !!!!

May you all continue to find time to take a stitch each day !

The Cat Ate my homework???

Can you believe it.......I was ready to put together my new little design for the Old Mill Stitchery weekend (Oct 25 -27) and I couldn't find the stitched pieces.
After much searching, I was able to locate 2 of them, but the inner lid panel is no where in sight.......and little Miss Chessa's not talking !!!!  In fact she seems rather put out that I found the other two pieces.

So, while I'm restitching, I'll give you a peek of what's left of the Friday night project........

Hope to see you there..................

Happy Fall !!!!

Another Sneak Peek !!!!

Gosh, I thought I had sooooooo much time until I started traveling to my October teaching assignments, but actually they are just around the corner !!!

October 11th-13th 2013, I'll be in Ocean City,Md at Salty Yarns, and that piece is actually done and framed....YEA !!!!!

Since I'm a fall lover, I couldn't resist doing a little Halloween piece........it's called "Tombstone Mansion".

Can't wait to get to the big old front porch of the hotel, put my butt in a rocking chair and stitch as I'm looking out at the ocean....it just doesn't get any better than that !!!


Yesterday, I finished the main piece for my annual trek to Old Mill Stitchery in Liberty, Mo.  I'll be there October 25th-27th, 2013........we're hoping some of Chessie's Club members will be able to join us there.......it's always a fun weekend !!  Mary and Barb manage to come up with new ideas every year, and I really look forward to seeing everyone and just enjoying time spent with "Stitching Peeps" !!!  (wow, it's soooooo nice to NOT have to explain why I'm obsessed with linen and thread and samplers)

Below are a couple of peeks at "Hope of Spring"   which is one of the pieces for the Liberty Retreat............

There will be another piece as well.......but it's still in the works !!

We're finally getting some "Fall" weather and as usual the babies are taking full advantage of it .......it's cuddle time again!!

Have a great day........hope it include stitching , cuddling or both !!

Farewell Heartland Stitch Camp

Just returned from a wonderful weekend in Excelsior Springs, MO , where the Heartland Stitch Camp held their 20th and last gathering.  It was bittersweet, but they definitely went out with a bang!!!!!  This is the third year it was held at The Elms Resort and Spa which has been newly renovated and as you can see, Spring seemed to be FINALLY in the air!!

I had left Wisconsin, driving thru wind, rain and sleet to get there, and the "change in season " by the time I arrived was unbelievable !!!! 

 This time I got to come as a guest and just "play and stitch" all weekend. We all had such a good time catching up, sharing stories and showing off projects.......and of course, a few tears, as  soon as anyone would mention this being the last camp.....but for the most part it was a truly joyful weekend!!!

Mary and Barb from Old Mill Stitchery in Liberty, MO, set up a wonderful boutique and when we weren't stitching , visiting, or eating, we were shopping!!!!!  Who could ask for  more ??

These are some of the pieces that were brought for "show and tell".............................

......................each one better than the next............

       ..........and the next................................

        ..................and the next!!!!!!!


The rest of these pictures are peeks at the camp projects from the past 20 years................

As usual, the weekend went way too fast............and before I knew it, I was making my way back to Wisconsin, where it's still trying to hold on to winter.........RATS!!!!!!!

My sweet Johnny did have a few daffodils that had managed to poke their heads up in the woods around the house , picked and waiting for me , because he was afraid they might freeze overnight...........and just those few "bright yellow faces" brought the promise of spring into the house......finally!!

Thanks again to all of the wonderful women of Heartland Stitch Camp, for letting me share your final gathering......it truly was a soul soothing weekend!!!

FYI.......I just talked to Jeanne Horton from The Country Sampler in Spring Green, WI............I will be teaching a pair of projects for her "Grande Olde Flag Gathering" there this June........and she mentioned that although the event is filled, she would be willing to fit in a few more people who are interested in the cross stitch only portion of the weekend.
Contact her shop or website for details (sgcountrysampler.com)

Can Spring finally be here?????

  Today the sun is out and the snow is finally starting to melt.....I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this time Spring has decided to stay.
My poor daffodils don't know what to do!  Every time they pop their little heads out, we get hit with another snow storm!!

I'm packing up to teach for Stitchville USA at a wonderful conference center outside of Minneapolis, Mn. and am hoping the snow will be gone by the time I get there...fingers crossed!!!!!  I'll share all the details when I get back.

In the mean time I have to share my progress on "Lucy Redd"..............I've been wanting to stitch her for years and then last year when Jean Lea of Attic Needlework came up with a silk color palette for her....it sent me over the edge!!!

I just love the soft colors....it's actually soothing to stitch.

I've been enjoying discovering all the little idiosyncrasies within her sampler.........apparently she didn't mind going outside of the borders to fit in a word or two or add one above if she missed it in the verse........she has provided me with many giggles in our journey together thus far!!

I'm hoping once I finish the alphabet and three dividing bands, all done in Algerian eye, it should be smooth sailing because I'll be getting close to my favorite part.......houses!!!


Now for some fun news........I'm starting up another "Club".....
.........this time with one of my favorite shops.......Old Mill Stitchery in Liberty Mo.  We're calling it "Seasons of Chessie"
and it will consist of 4 designs within a year, starting in May 2013.  Here's a little peek at the first one.  If you're interested in joining , you can contact Old Mill Stitchery and they can give you all the details.......

..........I always love to stitch on designs that match the season and this club should offer you that same incentive.  And of course, "Chessie" will make an appearance in each design.
Hope some of you will join us for this seasonal journey!!  It should be fun.

Until next time....enjoy your Easter holiday and may you find time everyday to take a stitch!!!

Last Retreat of the year

Soooooooo....... I just got back from teaching at my last retreat of the year.......and what a great way to end !!!!!!

I taught for Old Mill Stitchery in Liberty, MO again and it always feels like "going home" for me.  Mary and Barb invite me back every year and for the most part, the same wonderful group of ladies show up to share another class with me !!!!

We decided on a Christmas theme this year ...here's a peek at the two pieces I taught.  On Friday night we started with the smaller piece which could be used as a little pin keep or finished as an ornament.

Just had to share these serious stitchers with all their lights.  It looked like they were all stitching in a cave.

Two new gals from Colorado joined us this time...Judy and Theresa.......and they brought the project they've been jointly working on lately........."Ann Dale" from Shakespeare's Peddler......and we were all in awe of the progress they had made !!!!

Theresa's is on 36ct and she's stitching it in silk........

.........and Judy's is on 40ct using cotton floss.  Both are absolutely stunning !!!!!! 

Saturday , we worked on the main project...the larger sampler in the previous picture, and everyone seemed  to enjoy the piece.  

Everyone looks so serious.........which was hardly the case.......there was lots of teasing and telling tales on each other.....in between all the "stitching".

The next couple of pictures are of my favorite part....."show and tell".  

It's always so interesting to see what everyone is stitching and to see how they have finished them.  It  inspires me to see the amount of projects these ladies actually accomplish!!!!

We had a great, although much too short weekend...........lots of food , laughter, stitching and of course GREAT shopping!!!!!!  Mary and Barb always fill the shop with tempting treasures.  Can't wait till next fall !!

I've returned home with a renewed spirit and eager to start working on new projects!!!!  

Thanks again ladies, from the bottom of my heart, for your continued support, it really means the world to me!!!