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 !!

Past and Future

The summer is flying by again, so here's an update of where I've been and where I'm going..............

Last week was the Grand old Flag Gathering at the Country Sampler in Spring Green, WI and what a week it was !!!!!

We worked hard, laughed often, ate wonderful treats, and shopped alot!!!!  What more could you ask for?

Here are a few pics of just some of the fun........

              "The Group"  came from all over the USA...from California to Connecticut !!

Fabulous Giant Strawberry Shortcake !!!

Marie shared one of her finished projects !

Connie and Michelle (mother and daughter) and Teresa(below) often stitched well into the night and actually finished most of their projects during the week....amazing!!!

Roxie had never stitched on linen before.....by the end of the week , I had another convert!!!

More "Goodies".......believe me, no one went  home any  thinner that week !!

We all left feeling that we had shared a extraordinary experience together and vowed to return again next year, to hopefully do it all again !!!!

Carole Hopkins and I have even been thinking of new projects already !!

However, for me they are just ideas at this point.......I've got a huge list of upcoming designs to work on first.......you know the old saying ....."no rest for the wicked".

Here's a peek at the project I'm teaching for T0morrow's Heirlooms in Glen Ellyn, IL .....July  25th - 26th.

We'll be painting and lining the book box in class, so it will be ready to go when you finish your stitching.......it will be a little messy, and a whole lot of fun !!!

I talked to Pam yesterday, and she said she had room for 1 or 2 more students, so if you're interested give them a call.....630-790-1660 or email.......tomheir@aol.com

I guess that's all for now.......I've got several more projects to work on , so I need to get to it !!!!

Hope you all find time to get a little summer stitching done in your favorite spot....a front porch or back deck perhaps !!

Enjoy your summer!!

Grand Olde Flag Gathering Projects

Hi Stitchers, 

Just wanted to update you with the projects I've designed for The Grand Olde Flag Gathering in Spring Green, WI in a couple of weeks.  Jeanne says she'll make room for anyone that wants to come just for the cross stitch portion of the gathering.  Contact her by phone.....608-5882510 or her website.......sgcountrysampler.com for details and prices.

The first project is called "The Gentlewoman's Stitch Box"
You will learn how to cover, line and distress this 7" sewing box in class and then will start on the stitched pieces to go inside.  Since you won't have time to finish your stitching, we'll discuss and demonstrate finishing techniques as well.

The second project is a sampler (see unframed design above).  It's designed around a Civil War Era theme.  The house is my version of the Tallman House in Janesville, WI which was a part of the underground railroad and also a place that welcomed Abraham Lincoln on several occasions.

I'm really excited to share these projects with the "Gathering" stitchers and hope a few of you might be able to join us for the event.  Jeanne and her shop girls always put on a spectacular event.......I can promise, a good time will be had by all !!!!!  Hope to see you there !

That's all for now.....I've got to get started on my project for the class I'll be teaching for Tomorrow's Heirlooms in July.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Enjoy the beautiful weather and .......stitch, stitch, stitch !!

Update to Chessie's Heirlooms Club

I've had several inquiries about contact info for Tomorrow's Heirlooms.  Their website is www.tomheir.com, and their PH# is 630-790-1660,  email..tomheir@aol.com.

Pam and Kim will be happy to give you all the details and sign you up

Happy Stitching !!

Chessie's Heirlooms Club

Just a quickie in the midst of our kitchen redo project.  What started out as getting only new quartz counter tops , which someone else installs , has progressed to installing a new under the counter sink, all new plumbing and cutting out the back wall because I found an extra deep sink........ new faucets, ripping out our old tile backsplash, repairing the drywall, installing new tumbled marble tile backsplashs (all the steps take about 2 weeks) and refinishing the cabinets.

We're still in the process of sealing the backsplashs and finishing the cabinets, but the end is in sight !!!!!  I'm going to be really glad we did all this when it's done, but at this point, I still can't SEE my new counter tops and I'm far, far, behind on design time !!

In between all the mess, I have managed to finish the 1st club piece for the Chessie's Heirlooms club I'm doing with Tomorrow's Heirlooms and wanted to give you a peek.....

There will be 4 projects during the year and each one will come with a different handmade wooden piece.

This first one is a tool caddy and the kit will include the caddy, all the materials to make and assemble the panel for the caddy, the fob and needle book .  If you're interested, you can contact Tomorrow's Heirlooms for more details and prices.

All the stitched pieces are lined or backed in wool, which is also included in the kit.

Hope you enjoy.......I'm being called back to refinishing.......so until next time.......take a stitch for me!!

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 !!!!