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 !!

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!!

The kitchen is done !!!

The kitchen is finally finished !!!!  Several of you have asked to see finished pictures, so here they are.......

I ended up refinishing the cabinets in a little darker shade, which really looks nice with the tumbled marble back splash we chose.

Between leaning over the counters to install and grout the back splash, applying 3 coats (and polishing between each coat) of sealer, and then 4 days of  refinishing all the cabinets........I could barely lift my arms.  John laughed at me one night as I was making a futile attempt at taking a few stitches.  I guess I did look kind of pitiful.

One last little picture of some of the edible birds I made for the Easter dinner we attended.......they were really fun and easy to do.  The only problem was finding storage room for all 50 of them to cool and set.  Thank goodness for extra fridges in the basement !!

Well, I've taken up enough of your time......back to designing mode for me !  May you all take a stitch when you can !!

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 !!!!