tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19207989133231759362024-01-22T08:09:10.033-05:00Country Fried Stitches...they're finger pricking good!Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.comBlogger432125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-46129709445301900252016-10-12T11:21:00.000-04:002016-10-12T11:21:05.043-04:00Retreat ReportGood Evening. I'm Marnie Graley and THIS is the RETREAT REPORT.... (I might be watching too much investigation reporting on teevee..)<br />
<br />
October 2016 has been as beautiful as ever here in Wild & Wonderful WV. I do my level best to embrace it in it's entirety because it is so fleeting. Making the annual drive into the heart of WV to enjoy three days of nearly uninterrupted stitching is part of my fall ritual of embracing nature in all her glory. Since the leaves turn first in Northern WV, a simple 90 minute drive can totally change the landscape. It was not the case this year, but the warm breezes, cool nights, brilliant blue skies and migrating geese sure did my soul a world of good. Not to mention spending three whole days with the gaggle of stitchers that are my tribe. While it was a smaller group than usual, that translated into more stitching less chatting, hence more progress by Sunday noon than normal.<br />
<br />
This year I took only two Christmas projects to work on; one small ornament and one medium needlepoint. Giving credit where credit is due, some genius stitcher on Needlepoint Nation (Facebook group) posted her version of a geometric needlepoint piece which ran in the Nov/Dec 2014 Needlepoint Now magazine. She took a solid blue circle and altered only the colors to make it a holiday wreath. Luckily for me I had the magazine and plenty of green fibers to pull from stash.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDLFsD7-dKNdIC3GBSXeKPa_Rc4zvm7J2JJOunHVNlS5vk9k24h-gpxR2210Scp-K0PkCyleiEeQ4RQ-fG8tmFfJR8fPo6Zu9DjyQPBmF2aZ8fT6Ckskv5-EApNhNevgXnVCeBQgIyigs/s1600/Green+wreath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDLFsD7-dKNdIC3GBSXeKPa_Rc4zvm7J2JJOunHVNlS5vk9k24h-gpxR2210Scp-K0PkCyleiEeQ4RQ-fG8tmFfJR8fPo6Zu9DjyQPBmF2aZ8fT6Ckskv5-EApNhNevgXnVCeBQgIyigs/s400/Green+wreath1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Winter Scenery" by Martina Dey of</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stickideen Von Der Wiehenburg</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Needlepoint Now Nov/Dec 2014 (pgs. 18-20)</div>
<br />
Ultimately, it will morph into a green wreath surrounded by a white background. The original design calls for six shades of blue in #8 perle cotton, one metallic and one variegated thread. I'm not sure I'll stick to that formula exactly but I'll have perle cottons, metallics and variegated threads in mine. The above represents about two days worth of stitching. It moves along quickly and I'm eager to see it completed!<br />
<br />
For the Annual Ornament Exchange at the guild Christmas party, I chose this cutie from My Big Toe Designs from the 2016 JCS Christmas magazine (pg. 80). Aren't her designs lovely? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicc8xSF8zEltOwkTZx-Z2pJKqjrNZWMYdNhyphenhyphen303GTzQOHABkB7J734RZYOP6hNwUBJETlKhhQw8rQBcgyU3XpHijH71NqnHfhaudJxQanC7-Pix0thCq9JCgSowBiXj_jjD0YApCA7e0Iz/s1600/IMG_5305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicc8xSF8zEltOwkTZx-Z2pJKqjrNZWMYdNhyphenhyphen303GTzQOHABkB7J734RZYOP6hNwUBJETlKhhQw8rQBcgyU3XpHijH71NqnHfhaudJxQanC7-Pix0thCq9JCgSowBiXj_jjD0YApCA7e0Iz/s320/IMG_5305.JPG" width="234" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJx5a_CJyq2Gl7WzaHd1OZtwZUPpCtLhlZWtbXClBxu-XRBr46qdJ3nSkyZrvO9molW5Rg9ty9IyB6F2EYD4u2KBYzz5WgEojArOhXypm3KoIJDe_x78ZWCGsLQ97t7o4DO0Tp2zL5_xv/s1600/IMG_5306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJx5a_CJyq2Gl7WzaHd1OZtwZUPpCtLhlZWtbXClBxu-XRBr46qdJ3nSkyZrvO9molW5Rg9ty9IyB6F2EYD4u2KBYzz5WgEojArOhXypm3KoIJDe_x78ZWCGsLQ97t7o4DO0Tp2zL5_xv/s320/IMG_5306.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So until next time friends, STITCH HAPPY!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSb8KvsUA25cMA09-jLzg2Y_1YlXD2erFbiXkPfxQ7Y0DIW3uo1mNMIpPRo6yvwDnhyphenhyphenE72EANNhAh0S6Jd5ZZGX_7hWvQXaw8sRy4s2yLWuBXRFskTSVmk6vhFBTS5PwFtuSnDlrZAHib3/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSb8KvsUA25cMA09-jLzg2Y_1YlXD2erFbiXkPfxQ7Y0DIW3uo1mNMIpPRo6yvwDnhyphenhyphenE72EANNhAh0S6Jd5ZZGX_7hWvQXaw8sRy4s2yLWuBXRFskTSVmk6vhFBTS5PwFtuSnDlrZAHib3/s1600/signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-69143543377598566262016-09-27T08:30:00.000-04:002016-09-27T08:30:10.268-04:00Beading Happy Dances!Ten years seems like a long time, right? Unless you are a stitcher, then it is generally understood that ten years is not really <i>that </i>long. True story - in 2006 I attended my first EGA National seminar in Richmond Virginia and fell in love with the whole experience. The beaded name tag below was designed specifically for the event. Knowing the limit of my abilities with beads, it was something I mentally back-burnered... for ten years... <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PoHflBDKADo9h3DSfaTdgHqHo35NjQB4UIWUDlAldhiObFMUZc2l4R3WTPE0AIJ9P_7orfBAsAiXgI83hqwkCRHnnBYgq-555ogrhpybrpNCvYQ9vsqcg7e5f8eIzLRFa4AkeLT-dSVJ/s1600/IMG_0079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PoHflBDKADo9h3DSfaTdgHqHo35NjQB4UIWUDlAldhiObFMUZc2l4R3WTPE0AIJ9P_7orfBAsAiXgI83hqwkCRHnnBYgq-555ogrhpybrpNCvYQ9vsqcg7e5f8eIzLRFa4AkeLT-dSVJ/s400/IMG_0079.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2006 EGA Gentle Pursuits name tag</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">design by Elizabeth Graff</span></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fast forward to 2016 (exactly one decade later), and I participated in a beaded bracelet class that offered me the skill and experience needed to tackle the name tag.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-Bf5gTFFfa1uUX6uAP36IflkRM008HH3qeU9fEtM0ochKmN4B6z6ZHOqIxlX9sr4XQfdman4eXRlIHqJiRGCzvStLL7Kpf9PMDun-ulunC_KGG7mXLBfOjot9KCzOPGcQcOLmbL6hQvZ/s1600/IMG_0081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-Bf5gTFFfa1uUX6uAP36IflkRM008HH3qeU9fEtM0ochKmN4B6z6ZHOqIxlX9sr4XQfdman4eXRlIHqJiRGCzvStLL7Kpf9PMDun-ulunC_KGG7mXLBfOjot9KCzOPGcQcOLmbL6hQvZ/s400/IMG_0081.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">EGA exclusive Designers Across America project</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Beaded links bracelet by Karla Gee</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, after baby sister stole this bracelet (directly off my wrist I might add), I made version 2.0 to keep for my own self. It was only after I completed the second bracelet that I mustered the courage to tackle the name tag (above). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not stopping there, I fell head over heels in love with this 'Prissy Peacock' fob and actually finished it in one day and an hour. Considering none of them have fallen to pieces (yet), I am a bit more than pleased with myself and feeling way more confident when confronted with a pile of loose beads and a beading needle. The moral of this story is Never Say Never.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKA4HYs_KnUvyBesHA6FMrqwnt86Yt_QhmCrfbDMWM8XyyGGB6AN6brq2QUtVY87ZtFGCao7w8psDOunb4T29Qnm0F9xhdYmwl6VUTxFZCaLN24UcVZka_K419aJNg6HlSdLoENAWQkxS/s1600/IMG_0080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKA4HYs_KnUvyBesHA6FMrqwnt86Yt_QhmCrfbDMWM8XyyGGB6AN6brq2QUtVY87ZtFGCao7w8psDOunb4T29Qnm0F9xhdYmwl6VUTxFZCaLN24UcVZka_K419aJNg6HlSdLoENAWQkxS/s400/IMG_0080.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prissy Peacock fob by</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Fern Ridge Collections</span></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And, that sums up Beading palooza 2016. <br />
<br />
Stitch Happy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbTruWlL7GNQA3zHkN0eExH70EhveocSGYSDxinqt5DuE0ZPqGDjscKF2mZ00AGbdNOUlj8GTEQQCBZX6KV5ObzEotwhdXfiMWBBizuQZ1-yebs-L3CkwxMcbRVJk5l4ApQABX-_xoNs4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbTruWlL7GNQA3zHkN0eExH70EhveocSGYSDxinqt5DuE0ZPqGDjscKF2mZ00AGbdNOUlj8GTEQQCBZX6KV5ObzEotwhdXfiMWBBizuQZ1-yebs-L3CkwxMcbRVJk5l4ApQABX-_xoNs4/s1600/signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-42927886550202843002016-09-20T16:00:00.000-04:002016-09-20T16:14:05.921-04:00SabbaticalIf I'm totally honest, I did not intend to take a 9 month sabbatical from blogging... It just happened. Then, I wondered, if I really want to call it a sabbatical, shouldn't I just go and take off a full year? After two seconds of consideration, I came to the conclusion that if I felt like blogging, I should blog.<br />
Sooooooo...... Hellllooooooooo! Life has been very full in 2016. Having a baby in the family has given all of us great joy even though she lives a full nine hour drive away. K1 (as I'll call her here) will be 14 months old tomorrow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU02LJiK73JNGVygeqSMytLG1XppT8Ceo3EvEuFjZMdz2DWmoZNxZc5nrFVYCdrvF-ULZ6WnKIWYO9V1AIKqSWzaZT5P8hhFQ09GOAnWbZHHGtUN1XSzxfVCtUevf7gdbVf73UxXUz0z8m/s1600/K1+collage600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU02LJiK73JNGVygeqSMytLG1XppT8Ceo3EvEuFjZMdz2DWmoZNxZc5nrFVYCdrvF-ULZ6WnKIWYO9V1AIKqSWzaZT5P8hhFQ09GOAnWbZHHGtUN1XSzxfVCtUevf7gdbVf73UxXUz0z8m/s1600/K1+collage600.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Luckily, hubby and I have gotten to visit her five time since she was born and are always planning our next visit. She's the sweetest thing. Ever.<br />
<br />
On the stitching front, I have actually logged many stitching and beading (!) hours since my last post. I won't try to catch up with this single post, but here is peek at my current WIP (a piano bench cover):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMhUsjSVVMrlkCjFfZyCxYOrHlj5BDSlaamUJSDtu4t8IQ83X3KcTWOWoHcw674jS-KDKRo76o6X-N3hYTYN4irvwy4YSTayb5x7wfMYz3S9A6sqEggsFf2ZlQlOy_aDcW9wl__eoHV9U/s1600/IMG_0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMhUsjSVVMrlkCjFfZyCxYOrHlj5BDSlaamUJSDtu4t8IQ83X3KcTWOWoHcw674jS-KDKRo76o6X-N3hYTYN4irvwy4YSTayb5x7wfMYz3S9A6sqEggsFf2ZlQlOy_aDcW9wl__eoHV9U/s400/IMG_0077.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ultimately, the bargello pattern will have five shades of red and four shades of grey, giving it a very OSU look. It's all Paternayan yarn (two strands) on 13/14 ct. monocanvas. This is the largest thing I've ever tried to stitch but it is very relaxing since the pattern is repetitious.<br />
<br />
Next time, I'll share some of the beading I have finished this year. Beading is NOT my 'thang' so to have three (actually four, but you'd have to ask my thieving sister about that) whole pieces completed within one year has me very chuffed. <br />
<br />
Stitch Happy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbTruWlL7GNQA3zHkN0eExH70EhveocSGYSDxinqt5DuE0ZPqGDjscKF2mZ00AGbdNOUlj8GTEQQCBZX6KV5ObzEotwhdXfiMWBBizuQZ1-yebs-L3CkwxMcbRVJk5l4ApQABX-_xoNs4/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbTruWlL7GNQA3zHkN0eExH70EhveocSGYSDxinqt5DuE0ZPqGDjscKF2mZ00AGbdNOUlj8GTEQQCBZX6KV5ObzEotwhdXfiMWBBizuQZ1-yebs-L3CkwxMcbRVJk5l4ApQABX-_xoNs4/s1600/signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-58885493525261750742015-12-10T09:57:00.000-05:002016-09-20T12:50:19.328-04:00The Wedding SamplerSilly me - I forgot to post a finished pic of the non-traditional wedding sampler I did for my stepson and his wife. Instead of full names, dates, etc., it only shows their married monogram. The border design is from My Big Toe "Wedding Sampler". I omitted the charted verse to make room for their monogram. Working such a fussy border with two shades of variegated purples was not my favorite thing in the world but their wedding colors were white, grey and shades of lavender so the grey linen and purple threads do remind me, and hopefully them, of their special day. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Li7P8hxcKHE7Pb4L9d9shZa-nlqNOJjw3-a00Ru8GD5Zq4apmM8xoCO8XWFzddsXY4TIgakLk-cN9xCUDedJIYwMQlizmSswK4NYJaBhPUpcCdiayWbqgygNfIIgjAyLICEF4NzWk_gt/s1600/Matt+Wes+sampler600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Li7P8hxcKHE7Pb4L9d9shZa-nlqNOJjw3-a00Ru8GD5Zq4apmM8xoCO8XWFzddsXY4TIgakLk-cN9xCUDedJIYwMQlizmSswK4NYJaBhPUpcCdiayWbqgygNfIIgjAyLICEF4NzWk_gt/s400/Matt+Wes+sampler600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The central G is my first attempt at freehand embroidery letters. It is far from perfect but at arms length I'll rate it a B+. Fingers crossed, I will be taking Canby Robertson's class on embroidered lettering next fall in Alexandria VA. Hope to learn the right way to do it then...<br />
<br />
Until next time, Stitch Happy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4SDsVPmOfB75FfFQSURpNxM3phpztXxGuDv4tpk0vFLMpW4CSt9SmvRy4qjdLIZodYqHo6cXapIj7D4DGrkvmaouzOPkCJ-WFCtWcURieFvtQCGJdzYRCRdAQA9RC8VV8rGs4EJPCjxD/s1600/winterbirds+nametag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4SDsVPmOfB75FfFQSURpNxM3phpztXxGuDv4tpk0vFLMpW4CSt9SmvRy4qjdLIZodYqHo6cXapIj7D4DGrkvmaouzOPkCJ-WFCtWcURieFvtQCGJdzYRCRdAQA9RC8VV8rGs4EJPCjxD/s320/winterbirds+nametag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-77188356580332517992015-12-02T11:24:00.000-05:002015-12-02T11:24:59.277-05:00Little thingsNothing beats a little instant gratification so like most of you, I need to keep a small thing going while I'm working on bigger projects. The side of my brain that craves efficiency hates it but the creative side of my brain revels in it, so here are a few small finishes from recent months...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT7LZxYUjEbDXtQmNjcIpGgD9thffUdyZpTs215Coyw6zOkYpDyeUElyjldXD6JprgX2wrbcEjJGuLw17cF-L-jIOp9gDTs_XK9YUqBjcqB4YSLNUzVORk_q2I0P-_1SppgKv5r-HVnz5/s1600/OES+lugg+tag1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT7LZxYUjEbDXtQmNjcIpGgD9thffUdyZpTs215Coyw6zOkYpDyeUElyjldXD6JprgX2wrbcEjJGuLw17cF-L-jIOp9gDTs_XK9YUqBjcqB4YSLNUzVORk_q2I0P-_1SppgKv5r-HVnz5/s320/OES+lugg+tag1.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Order of the Eastern Star bag tag</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Vineyard Silks and metallics on 18ct. canvas</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
charted by me from a Google image</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
gift for my sister</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGcPikGQ9Sd3L3Z5a4V3zW6VsxMZs2C8ZZyNMoytyIyCJW_VAqpwgZEMhqblps6y0kknYirGSzxdCr7HSTdFgpA7Hif5fnSrA3_hTtfcd_qesKOlIkW23zp235dcn6TPiwPyZcwAW_LUE/s1600/Ohio+orn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGcPikGQ9Sd3L3Z5a4V3zW6VsxMZs2C8ZZyNMoytyIyCJW_VAqpwgZEMhqblps6y0kknYirGSzxdCr7HSTdFgpA7Hif5fnSrA3_hTtfcd_qesKOlIkW23zp235dcn6TPiwPyZcwAW_LUE/s400/Ohio+orn1.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Victoria Sampler "Ohio" state ornament</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
gift for my Aunt D in Ohio</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzkFH3pkqJjUvue0PopvuyHmWNC4_9ak6471Dw3wgKclj0poIhY7iJ_9sMbgBcIpc0bbx4hJq3x4KLs48cjBBHpKNC0qivaS3PG3cfX91Ro6YYaUZzrMb6NXzcbf-8J33z4QXb-r4M3Uq/s1600/swedish+weaving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzkFH3pkqJjUvue0PopvuyHmWNC4_9ak6471Dw3wgKclj0poIhY7iJ_9sMbgBcIpc0bbx4hJq3x4KLs48cjBBHpKNC0qivaS3PG3cfX91Ro6YYaUZzrMb6NXzcbf-8J33z4QXb-r4M3Uq/s400/swedish+weaving.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Left: Huck Weaving coaster</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
assorted #5 Perle Cotton on huck fabric</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
EGA monthly education project</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right: Swedish Weaving bell ornament</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#5 Perle Cotton, DMC embroidery floss, metallics and beads on Aida cloth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
EGA Petite Project by Frieda Carnell</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4SDsVPmOfB75FfFQSURpNxM3phpztXxGuDv4tpk0vFLMpW4CSt9SmvRy4qjdLIZodYqHo6cXapIj7D4DGrkvmaouzOPkCJ-WFCtWcURieFvtQCGJdzYRCRdAQA9RC8VV8rGs4EJPCjxD/s1600/winterbirds+nametag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4SDsVPmOfB75FfFQSURpNxM3phpztXxGuDv4tpk0vFLMpW4CSt9SmvRy4qjdLIZodYqHo6cXapIj7D4DGrkvmaouzOPkCJ-WFCtWcURieFvtQCGJdzYRCRdAQA9RC8VV8rGs4EJPCjxD/s320/winterbirds+nametag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-19842557996054768152015-11-30T10:40:00.003-05:002015-11-30T10:40:46.306-05:002015 State Fair resultsBack in August, I must have been so spellbound by my new granddaughter that I forgot to post State Fair results. It had been several years since I had sent anything so I had plenty of work from which to select. Six of the seven things I entered won ribbons. It was a lot of fun and pretty shocking. My work isn't the most beautiful, elaborate or technically perfect, but the judges were kind anyway..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGtHCNaS__JVX7Vuqs5mXcQRrSxalO2n1VIDBKvwv-aa5S6oecj3-MfX89_LWRuYNqWKLkqHv-Zg_ihLShXdssPw13OwUCSPfyJS5M0Oh7-dRPA9308Ee4q7UU_tVObioPdIcT8AooAzd/s1600/State+Fair+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGtHCNaS__JVX7Vuqs5mXcQRrSxalO2n1VIDBKvwv-aa5S6oecj3-MfX89_LWRuYNqWKLkqHv-Zg_ihLShXdssPw13OwUCSPfyJS5M0Oh7-dRPA9308Ee4q7UU_tVObioPdIcT8AooAzd/s400/State+Fair+2015.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Back row: Ott light tote bag embellished with needlepoint panel & Ol' Glory project bag</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Middle row: Clover stumpwork oval, Tree of Life amulet necklace, Eagle framed needlepoint</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Front row: Needleworker cross stitch from Little House Needleworks </div>
<br />
Better pics: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXVUntGi96VU-z69PIUruFCxzgQLa_NsF7l6Z9kef1Ynw7rqw0qIlftdcgfuPVLGpeptVBBfR0rp42ijHztrr2PBC5UydWyfKmJkf9TnbxR256ktL3IwaQOvjoOroh_HxhkVsDihhNBD5/s1600/American+Eagle+framed1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXVUntGi96VU-z69PIUruFCxzgQLa_NsF7l6Z9kef1Ynw7rqw0qIlftdcgfuPVLGpeptVBBfR0rp42ijHztrr2PBC5UydWyfKmJkf9TnbxR256ktL3IwaQOvjoOroh_HxhkVsDihhNBD5/s400/American+Eagle+framed1.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y3iNcezyFXHDuvliun-bvYZhFAiJ9nkL_DYOTxK0DKxcA0T4Gp-HANfq-W1BAyh3calTUfXfaOYTK2mj6RZTkQfSvVa5MyBYdaYB4a4-1dwOeBi2s6GQsyiRDL2bb6rqYdcGcwTrz7Pp/s1600/Stumpwork+clover1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y3iNcezyFXHDuvliun-bvYZhFAiJ9nkL_DYOTxK0DKxcA0T4Gp-HANfq-W1BAyh3calTUfXfaOYTK2mj6RZTkQfSvVa5MyBYdaYB4a4-1dwOeBi2s6GQsyiRDL2bb6rqYdcGcwTrz7Pp/s400/Stumpwork+clover1.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RKVX7xXYaQWRIscCAH2HzSAdV3ZkgU_sPUzQwftWjLdwUen6MxA03QMgR6udSHXkH7RG0FP3qEiJqDDAef_7IX52rL0Qoe5N9Hr0j6-hKHDei-YKrLkPAOq63qt0ds1DFSB1fnP4Xirm/s1600/Needleworker600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RKVX7xXYaQWRIscCAH2HzSAdV3ZkgU_sPUzQwftWjLdwUen6MxA03QMgR6udSHXkH7RG0FP3qEiJqDDAef_7IX52rL0Qoe5N9Hr0j6-hKHDei-YKrLkPAOq63qt0ds1DFSB1fnP4Xirm/s400/Needleworker600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The ribbons are wonderful but the prize money paid for the two trips over and back to the fairgrounds. I think that tickled me more than the ribbons!<br />
<br />
Until next time, Stitch Happy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4SDsVPmOfB75FfFQSURpNxM3phpztXxGuDv4tpk0vFLMpW4CSt9SmvRy4qjdLIZodYqHo6cXapIj7D4DGrkvmaouzOPkCJ-WFCtWcURieFvtQCGJdzYRCRdAQA9RC8VV8rGs4EJPCjxD/s1600/winterbirds+nametag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4SDsVPmOfB75FfFQSURpNxM3phpztXxGuDv4tpk0vFLMpW4CSt9SmvRy4qjdLIZodYqHo6cXapIj7D4DGrkvmaouzOPkCJ-WFCtWcURieFvtQCGJdzYRCRdAQA9RC8VV8rGs4EJPCjxD/s320/winterbirds+nametag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-53230139476646469392015-11-29T16:58:00.000-05:002015-11-30T09:10:28.780-05:00Old UFOs, New Happy DancesHello friends, it is I, the (unapologetic) lazy blogger... I have rediscovered my stitching mojo and made the most of it this summer/fall. Having grown disgusted with the number of pieces I have "half-finished", I made a concerted effort to polish a few of them off before the ball drops on 2016. And, I'm happy to report that it has been a productive season.<br />
<br />
Primarily though, we are enjoying the newest edition to our family (granddaughter Kamrynn). She is almost 19 weeks old and changing so much. We are excited to visit her again in December for her first Christmas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxJZ5HtpjU1-zQ60JtHbTO4kLAoGPUrA2fxVICPre6-70iP-70RixG31x897pRui6w6ZVTHJc_cKvRzd7ylOSSGFq71mxsmW7bZVqDyU_hKeHCY_iYxcbt9RxRtJge74hmGiQ8r33Q01x/s1600/Kam+smile+5x7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxJZ5HtpjU1-zQ60JtHbTO4kLAoGPUrA2fxVICPre6-70iP-70RixG31x897pRui6w6ZVTHJc_cKvRzd7ylOSSGFq71mxsmW7bZVqDyU_hKeHCY_iYxcbt9RxRtJge74hmGiQ8r33Q01x/s400/Kam+smile+5x7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And, here are the stitching finishes I'm pleased as punch to share with you:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CPV170OtYi88vk0FB-q5F7Sh_h_zwGNJSiGqvuHWMD5vUcFWnFctBSW1wcAUOgdSIy0o0YU8qdgeTJv7dQsTOH_034GMjIRRTXj1kLsKFV8nJ70fg63sN0C7CL7HoyxdPmYoQTqhP23L/s1600/Irish+ministocking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CPV170OtYi88vk0FB-q5F7Sh_h_zwGNJSiGqvuHWMD5vUcFWnFctBSW1wcAUOgdSIy0o0YU8qdgeTJv7dQsTOH_034GMjIRRTXj1kLsKFV8nJ70fg63sN0C7CL7HoyxdPmYoQTqhP23L/s400/Irish+ministocking.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kelly Clark Needlepoint</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Irish mini stocking</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
too many threads and beads to list</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(began in 2013)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRg_iZUeg9wLfbdszYAB7Ed-ugfKgVEBJB5acxAz-M31u0376xlIo1JcMfnARabFqFgeOrzwV_OXww_E7iJV8fzU4yCLXEdnqnseySQFVMeGMRHhVYWA4DvI-8DagqB05R0y13X7TnjXos/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRg_iZUeg9wLfbdszYAB7Ed-ugfKgVEBJB5acxAz-M31u0376xlIo1JcMfnARabFqFgeOrzwV_OXww_E7iJV8fzU4yCLXEdnqnseySQFVMeGMRHhVYWA4DvI-8DagqB05R0y13X7TnjXos/s400/IMG_0063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Turning Leaves" by Laura J. Perin</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
threads: Watercolours, #5 perle cotton, metallics and beads</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(began November 2013)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBQEmCos1k_cbP-_GaPeXHAozblazZeTAylOs6dkWrO7NXEi1kmc1yuFigVnJk0rt2jRufTEhYW3OyxmSYZy3u28iCqko6QKwNY4-Wefz6FMbt1evm3P0g7SvmYLBVgoIguk_I9A60GeZ/s1600/Pinecones+lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBQEmCos1k_cbP-_GaPeXHAozblazZeTAylOs6dkWrO7NXEi1kmc1yuFigVnJk0rt2jRufTEhYW3OyxmSYZy3u28iCqko6QKwNY4-Wefz6FMbt1evm3P0g7SvmYLBVgoIguk_I9A60GeZ/s400/Pinecones+lg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Gathering Pinecones" by Hillside Samplings</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://countryfriedstitches.blogspot.com/2011/03/no-good-deed-goes-unpunished.html" target="_blank">began Spring 2011</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In addition to these, I also finished Kamrynn's birth sampler, as well as two small huck weaving pieces taught during EGA monthly meetings. I'll show you those three next time. Until then,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stitch Happy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4SDsVPmOfB75FfFQSURpNxM3phpztXxGuDv4tpk0vFLMpW4CSt9SmvRy4qjdLIZodYqHo6cXapIj7D4DGrkvmaouzOPkCJ-WFCtWcURieFvtQCGJdzYRCRdAQA9RC8VV8rGs4EJPCjxD/s1600/winterbirds+nametag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4SDsVPmOfB75FfFQSURpNxM3phpztXxGuDv4tpk0vFLMpW4CSt9SmvRy4qjdLIZodYqHo6cXapIj7D4DGrkvmaouzOPkCJ-WFCtWcURieFvtQCGJdzYRCRdAQA9RC8VV8rGs4EJPCjxD/s320/winterbirds+nametag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-49644918452451294622015-06-07T16:36:00.000-04:002015-12-20T11:20:19.416-05:00Fish Lips (extra happy dance)Heeeeey, Fish Lips! <br />
<br />
Yeah... I'm talkin' to you....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAWTTmYy6Yae6AJm0piT1yX3BhZTdzGrpetmItHMVf8yaGrgjfBXDTKG3nUYz4h4Qe2mHnIdPEsgHWqI9xP9_wYSMy12QoIqGjKVeZvTGfvCJ5VL4QVQ5Ypf3UfYte-LLPmSgY2uVxZNK/s1600/Fishy+mobile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAWTTmYy6Yae6AJm0piT1yX3BhZTdzGrpetmItHMVf8yaGrgjfBXDTKG3nUYz4h4Qe2mHnIdPEsgHWqI9xP9_wYSMy12QoIqGjKVeZvTGfvCJ5VL4QVQ5Ypf3UfYte-LLPmSgY2uVxZNK/s1600/Fishy+mobile.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You're lookin' snappy today... Going anyplace special? Or just hangin' out?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7sYBV7WsdVQx25kUHB5b0lpQLKa_YNyWQepPBtd66ipmmhrv-HdAtmiDS6lFyFQrsSvBEIUQO4a_2OeBdhvnRmVNL9rk1K7qsqkYbEx7roLMjM-Pbze5xr5kilk8RvYgS-Rcm0TDHdDl/s1600/fish+mobile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7sYBV7WsdVQx25kUHB5b0lpQLKa_YNyWQepPBtd66ipmmhrv-HdAtmiDS6lFyFQrsSvBEIUQO4a_2OeBdhvnRmVNL9rk1K7qsqkYbEx7roLMjM-Pbze5xr5kilk8RvYgS-Rcm0TDHdDl/s1600/fish+mobile.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We're headed down south to a little speck on the map called Oak Island, to help greet the newest guppie to the Graley clan.<br />
<br />
It won't be long now.. <b><span style="color: red;">30 days and counting!!!</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Felt fish trivia:</b><br />
How many felt pieces does it take to make a five-fish mobile?<br />
10 body pieces + 20 eye pieces + 5 pair of lips + 5 upper fins + 5 lower fins + various gill and scale pieces = A BOATLOAD (pun intended)<br />
<br />
Fish mobile was inspired from Pinterest. All pieces were hand cut individually (no template), hand sewn with contrasting floche cotton thread, and stuffed with 100% cotton cotton balls.<br />
<br />
<br />
Happy happy joy joy...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn7t0ynmv4CAUQiIX1ZGjICcnLaP4AbJf8cJjlDJSG_fvLu6o500cylKlcMuYKNG0meoaWzB3DF8bEOJh-I5nQP26R0ps6kg1QzOkeH85QV_9cxs8hOxZvcbjArZF706_M2EGABBehDta/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn7t0ynmv4CAUQiIX1ZGjICcnLaP4AbJf8cJjlDJSG_fvLu6o500cylKlcMuYKNG0meoaWzB3DF8bEOJh-I5nQP26R0ps6kg1QzOkeH85QV_9cxs8hOxZvcbjArZF706_M2EGABBehDta/s1600/signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-91360851640510641142015-06-03T11:02:00.000-04:002015-06-03T11:02:09.628-04:00Extraordinary Japan (Part 1)<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2z2zB1Ui-FLM1cNnGi_IYwiUTCxbwiF4hP80_bvrABskb3ug9WK5TTE5_9I2Dvhd05ymnEVUGiWz0Yh7rCe69vSPGQ2_0IgaASacLp3x4WY2OQB8BeX7kRfsuCFWRTWiOzgWuqA8ZENOb/s1600/IMG_4160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2z2zB1Ui-FLM1cNnGi_IYwiUTCxbwiF4hP80_bvrABskb3ug9WK5TTE5_9I2Dvhd05ymnEVUGiWz0Yh7rCe69vSPGQ2_0IgaASacLp3x4WY2OQB8BeX7kRfsuCFWRTWiOzgWuqA8ZENOb/s400/IMG_4160.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Hubby and I are just back from a 15 day excursion to Japan... and what an excursion it was! I have delayed writing about the trip since I couldn't decide how many posts it would take to describe the experience we had. Knowing that I could probably write ten posts and not cover it all, I'm going to start here and see how far I get before lunch...<br />
<br />
Fun facts about Japan (aka 'stuff I learned'): <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Japan is <u style="font-weight: bold;">densely</u> populated (127+ million people) . It is about the size of the state of California, with roughly half the population of the U.S. So, if you took all the people age 16 and up in the US, and relocated them to California, you would emulate the population density of Japan - to compound the density, Japan has lots of green space like National Forest areas, so the population distribution is geared heavily toward major cities.</li>
<li>The capital city, Tokyo, is occupied by 13+ million people. For comparison, the population of NYC is about 8.5 million.</li>
<li>Japanese pride themselves on cleanliness, modesty, neatness and presentation. Not once did I see graffiti, smell cigarette smoke, see litter on the street, or smell any other offensive odor even on hot days on crowded subways. Seriously..</li>
<li>Beauty is big business in Japan - the Japanese women as a whole are truly the most beautiful I've ever seen anywhere.</li>
<li>As for food, Tokyo restaurants received more than double the number of Michelin stars than the cities of Paris and NYC combined!</li>
<li>The customer service I experienced in restaurants, hotels, cafes, department stores, train stations, etc. was beyond compare. I found myself wondering, do they really need all these people working here? The answer was yes. Everyone I saw working in public areas was decidedly busy helping customers, cleaning, re-shelving, organizing, demonstrating, etc. It was eye-opening. Profit margins might be a tad thinner due to the cost of labor, but their economy must be thriving with so many people employed. </li>
<li>Tokyo is hosting the Summer Olympics in 2020.</li>
</ul>
<div>
This trip opportunity came up rather unexpectedly and so I only had a short amount of time to do the preparation I typically do for a trip abroad. I didn't have time to learn the language, although I got a lot of practice saying, "Excuse me, I don't understand Japanese. I am lost. Can you help me find (place)?" in Japanese. The people were exceptionally helpful, even if they didn't know where something was, they tried to help anyway they could.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We started our trip in the city of Nagoya, which is a modern shipping and manufacturing center, approximately two and a half hours by high-speed train south-west of Tokyo. Considering the time we had spent traveling and the 13 hour time adjustment, my memory of the first couple of days is a little blurry. I did manage to find <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagoya_Station" target="_blank">Nagoya Station</a> (the largest train station in the world by floor area) and the most impressive Takashimaya department store attached to it. Wow is all I can say - just wow. Who do we need to petition to get a Tokyu Hands or Yuzawaya craft store here???</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the third day, we trained to picturesque Kyoto for sightseeing at the Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu Temple (not to mention the most amazing lunch at Shozan Resort restaurant). Kyoto was once the Imperial capital city of Japan and still holds itself in very high regard. Kyoto has a feeling of refinement and elitism (in the best possible meaning). The <a href="http://web-japan.org/factsheet/en/pdf/28TeaCeremony.pdf" target="_blank">tea ceremony</a>, now celebrated throughout Japan, was developed in Kyoto. Even the souvenirs found in Kyoto were of a slightly higher grade than those found elsewhere. It is also the place you are most likely to see geisha, geikos, and maikos going about their daily business, side-by-side with regular folk.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgRtOoBqQsWA9cAV9VS7zbtHgHjC6ed2wLU12KnHSzIa3zChABXe_nHn0DFFhjnpnqSlbETcOt4sxWjR6MMVEv_kOvn4gMI0haViCMWUXOptxIfetCFwIAVDMC_lHMYMGWWEz0TruD25_/s1600/Golden+Pav.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgRtOoBqQsWA9cAV9VS7zbtHgHjC6ed2wLU12KnHSzIa3zChABXe_nHn0DFFhjnpnqSlbETcOt4sxWjR6MMVEv_kOvn4gMI0haViCMWUXOptxIfetCFwIAVDMC_lHMYMGWWEz0TruD25_/s400/Golden+Pav.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kinkaku-ji, 'the Golden Pavilion', totally covered in gold leaf,<br />
is reported to contain relics of Buddha</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG53Qp1wj87cpEhQrc0Zw6aKabks2fEw3RvjUiNtb34NxzIdiFJY2zBUMTrpO56h26xWuX-TYP9JfvBCa1DVO0nN2RC4NxSJ-Xtn19oZf5GdKnW8lEJsqMyVYlhwSDbCm6zmg1ClYAb4mj/s1600/Kyoto+temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG53Qp1wj87cpEhQrc0Zw6aKabks2fEw3RvjUiNtb34NxzIdiFJY2zBUMTrpO56h26xWuX-TYP9JfvBCa1DVO0nN2RC4NxSJ-Xtn19oZf5GdKnW8lEJsqMyVYlhwSDbCm6zmg1ClYAb4mj/s400/Kyoto+temple.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkR2up88zZwn_uLUJGq2N9XEPFXQW0geXsSWjdLKkBfzvfLFFtJrZoxqTu6cpcp52DLFO3oWl5q_tsAvTgFbN7GgJgyEu19UN02tf2B9XD3cYQ8Z7R2aBBJvDey4HnULOVGMLaP-gjFsj0/s1600/Kimonos+and+Hello+Kitty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkR2up88zZwn_uLUJGq2N9XEPFXQW0geXsSWjdLKkBfzvfLFFtJrZoxqTu6cpcp52DLFO3oWl5q_tsAvTgFbN7GgJgyEu19UN02tf2B9XD3cYQ8Z7R2aBBJvDey4HnULOVGMLaP-gjFsj0/s400/Kimonos+and+Hello+Kitty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kimonos and Hello Kitty in Kyoto</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Stay tuned for Part 2: from Nagoya to Tokyo, by way of Hakone and Lake Ashi. </div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5TP1DstZRe_OONEz8jmxaiPdwFx75fvm3aAyEiI3t3f8aemYDBc3jmhwsOKWv3mRFEnm8_RZ2UCUQPd6Sh-H45MqdK9SrhSBhdrYULG0c61Dc9z3VOqHGvyT5_ruVsTWOjlRLlofcB1t/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5TP1DstZRe_OONEz8jmxaiPdwFx75fvm3aAyEiI3t3f8aemYDBc3jmhwsOKWv3mRFEnm8_RZ2UCUQPd6Sh-H45MqdK9SrhSBhdrYULG0c61Dc9z3VOqHGvyT5_ruVsTWOjlRLlofcB1t/s1600/signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-2574652848611862222015-05-04T12:44:00.000-04:002015-05-04T12:44:33.410-04:00The 2015 Spring Retreat Report (photo heavy)As soon as the weather begins to break, all the ladies of my embroiderers' guild start to itch for retreat weekend. It seems like this three day, semi-annual retreat is not only blessed from above but also a blessing to each and every one of us who are able to attend. The fellowship, fun and creativity permeates the air like the perfume from the lilacs in bloom. If you belong to a creative group that doesn't have a short retreat of some kind at least annually, you should consider starting one. There is nothing like being with your own tribe for 48 or 50 straight hours to revive the spirit, especially after a long, cold winter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWR8-xdzwtP-wNyYybrJdj7Gj1sW1Y9hWyL48hmEZ10dzGI-ugPhTnKZAEE0OcX5S7W6wwjUg1kUhzFEX3ZwP_PVRQ8S_7U_-YBJTCR_zv7HiFq9XzvDN_H3Az5I3XRSDT_d4MBZpBNtQ/s1600/CLR+reflect1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWR8-xdzwtP-wNyYybrJdj7Gj1sW1Y9hWyL48hmEZ10dzGI-ugPhTnKZAEE0OcX5S7W6wwjUg1kUhzFEX3ZwP_PVRQ8S_7U_-YBJTCR_zv7HiFq9XzvDN_H3Az5I3XRSDT_d4MBZpBNtQ/s1600/CLR+reflect1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sometimes I go to retreat with only one project and a clear cut goal - Make.Progress. This wasn't that kind of retreat. I had project ADD and took at least eight projects to either work on, rip out and re-do, think about, or analyze with a focus group. Here's a glimpse of what went on...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQeCg5YxxUvFsvHOVbNYNFuEz4MSLsx7R5QtD7jdqnsViMZ0x7epgRwjYmCxdjfLc3p41O3-ows4cCM4TM4pGEXZsgNx5E6fnfYjIxvMzmtRARoxheJzKbi5tuANzkYkBIqZvYhFRCQjz/s1600/IMG_3944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQeCg5YxxUvFsvHOVbNYNFuEz4MSLsx7R5QtD7jdqnsViMZ0x7epgRwjYmCxdjfLc3p41O3-ows4cCM4TM4pGEXZsgNx5E6fnfYjIxvMzmtRARoxheJzKbi5tuANzkYkBIqZvYhFRCQjz/s400/IMG_3944.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Japanese kogin ornament</b><br />
Monthly education project from like 87 years ago<br />
Total re-do. Originally looked like I had stitched it in the dark with my left foot. New and improved stitching put in. Might finish it as a needlebook or fob. Not sure. Moved on...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIeC480f0psKzIA7-DHZEWmhY21-RRMv_erzk85qqwlk4MUxVKvNrIyDyQqxZycxmBDjjt1N9G45Whxz39XOwDF2HZY5heEmeyq7acH0b-Z4pRcfUyQy5BqrwKaKqZVBbLWXasQJkerjD/s1600/IMG_3945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIeC480f0psKzIA7-DHZEWmhY21-RRMv_erzk85qqwlk4MUxVKvNrIyDyQqxZycxmBDjjt1N9G45Whxz39XOwDF2HZY5heEmeyq7acH0b-Z4pRcfUyQy5BqrwKaKqZVBbLWXasQJkerjD/s400/IMG_3945.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Aztec stitch bookmark</b><br />
Monthly education project from like 187 years ago<br />
Re-read instructions, begged for friend to finish mine, got nowhere with her, had a glass of wine, worked six rows of woven bars, felt good about it, set aside for another day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHutJnr26gHTABhbIqsu2uy_llM4r7siPwMGrhi1e_8VbzPIQ_FpIp8e3oZdfXqpftw3Tp8lGHutczhPtDogdn9XOpP_T_68gCKwUfnV5a0Wl8aeY97qzz_H6-3j9GcnHCwfm2rcOp3fk/s1600/IMG_3951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHutJnr26gHTABhbIqsu2uy_llM4r7siPwMGrhi1e_8VbzPIQ_FpIp8e3oZdfXqpftw3Tp8lGHutczhPtDogdn9XOpP_T_68gCKwUfnV5a0Wl8aeY97qzz_H6-3j9GcnHCwfm2rcOp3fk/s320/IMG_3951.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Hardanger cross bookmark (for sister)</b><br />
Tried to clear cobwebs out of the brain and remember how to travel around the woven bars, thought I remembered, needleweaved for about 30 minutes, took out 30 minutes worth of needleweaving. Set aside.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMgpuBdKzZg3zvXJiFfDsXkmnvDyGG_XauAA0LxyZAIYTe3U_C_uJoan_TLrAxUFMm7mKQrIo-6KVPNZIHw1Bs_oh7ImLAZgRBZimeNaQxLd1b5VgrPhGQdeNp-p53aqH_KItDp7N0J9X/s1600/IMG_3948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMgpuBdKzZg3zvXJiFfDsXkmnvDyGG_XauAA0LxyZAIYTe3U_C_uJoan_TLrAxUFMm7mKQrIo-6KVPNZIHw1Bs_oh7ImLAZgRBZimeNaQxLd1b5VgrPhGQdeNp-p53aqH_KItDp7N0J9X/s400/IMG_3948.JPG" width="383" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Adam and Eve by Homespun Elegance (Snippets of Olde)</b><br />
Called for a focus group discussion. Evaluated where I went wrong with the colors. Tried to decide how to selectively rip and re-do in order to make skin less pink, serpent more green, sun brighter, grass lighter, etc. Decided I really didn't want to spend all day frogging. Set aside.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzFASBhFq6dj2m4CqAkmlc2WX0Abs328JNV1jMmLPkbFWfM3XBndkJyzQn5VzhQyArFkz6Kyq2wHTKJLSPFODP7yDCI3E6uxA6zpv_wyHfbDXZ7eg0O60cJDBsWtWlcJuUPMYmM2pov7Z/s1600/IMG_3942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzFASBhFq6dj2m4CqAkmlc2WX0Abs328JNV1jMmLPkbFWfM3XBndkJyzQn5VzhQyArFkz6Kyq2wHTKJLSPFODP7yDCI3E6uxA6zpv_wyHfbDXZ7eg0O60cJDBsWtWlcJuUPMYmM2pov7Z/s400/IMG_3942.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Tudor Rose luggage tag (3" round needlepoint)</b><br />
Need to couch down gold outlining around petals and work light background stitches. Acknowledged those facts. Set aside.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4_tYwZabveLX9NG4lFw45HhJb-vvAJ2uQpUWK84aa7RZfenV285P32pO2tFAvtxs8jH4itfG_CYIHq6Wg4STv-Wx1kPuVaf1QtyaQiMRPt59ED_C8zno6a2jbaeShbDlm_Pr5Rw4AmGx/s1600/IMG_3947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4_tYwZabveLX9NG4lFw45HhJb-vvAJ2uQpUWK84aa7RZfenV285P32pO2tFAvtxs8jH4itfG_CYIHq6Wg4STv-Wx1kPuVaf1QtyaQiMRPt59ED_C8zno6a2jbaeShbDlm_Pr5Rw4AmGx/s400/IMG_3947.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Granddaughter's jeans jacket</b><br />
Finally decided on motif and basted the general outline for floral heart.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiwlz42oa65JQk7PwpXsPtD6lovpXsLUP5lNJDrNFnT5n1NOYmxetq7YMXSpdcETsY1FvyQIUbAgV-85C5JRWwHKXjrURAn6Y16tQvc9jN9FZE7LYURa421o2TqNGUlzS6FH6G1VobGgG/s1600/IMG_3939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiwlz42oa65JQk7PwpXsPtD6lovpXsLUP5lNJDrNFnT5n1NOYmxetq7YMXSpdcETsY1FvyQIUbAgV-85C5JRWwHKXjrURAn6Y16tQvc9jN9FZE7LYURa421o2TqNGUlzS6FH6G1VobGgG/s400/IMG_3939.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Granddaughter's felt fish mobile </b><br />
<b>a.k.a. the God Complex fish</b>, as in, LOOK AT THE FISH I HAVE CREATED! I DECLARE THEY ARE GOOD FISH!<br />
selected color combos, cut out fish, fins, eyes, lips, stripes, etc. Attached most elements.<br />
Ready for stuffing, ribbon and assembly.<br />
<br />
<br />
And just before we had to pack up and depart, I selected several special motifs for a nightmare-proof pillowcase (for me, not the grandbaby. that would be weird. trust me). Stay tuned for more on the Extra Super Special pillowcase...<br />
<br />
In non-stitchy related news, many participated in the first ever Hummingbird Aerobics class that was held on Saturday afternoon. Ultimately the hummingbird was liberated and the liberators were jubilant. Friend and fellow stitcher Zella celebrated her 82nd birthday. There were no seam ripper incidents or injuries to report. The Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge welcomed Princess Charlotte into the world. And finally, a three-year-old bay colt named American Pharoah (not Pharaoh), riden by Victor Espinoza, won the Kentucky Derby.<br />
<br />
Until next time friends, STITCH HAPPY!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn7t0ynmv4CAUQiIX1ZGjICcnLaP4AbJf8cJjlDJSG_fvLu6o500cylKlcMuYKNG0meoaWzB3DF8bEOJh-I5nQP26R0ps6kg1QzOkeH85QV_9cxs8hOxZvcbjArZF706_M2EGABBehDta/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn7t0ynmv4CAUQiIX1ZGjICcnLaP4AbJf8cJjlDJSG_fvLu6o500cylKlcMuYKNG0meoaWzB3DF8bEOJh-I5nQP26R0ps6kg1QzOkeH85QV_9cxs8hOxZvcbjArZF706_M2EGABBehDta/s1600/signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-57947627152802594172015-05-03T20:26:00.000-04:002015-05-03T20:26:12.248-04:00Happy Dance x 3<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As the temps have risen above freezing, I have felt my brain slowly reawaken from its winter stupor. Now that I'm full alert and feeling like a human again, it is time to address the ever-growing "To Do" list. First on the list was to spend the $50 gift card I won last Christmas at the annual guild luncheon. Framing for Needleworker took care of that "To Do" item:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjGikJxK-x_0dXmgg3F4pN5cXHQQZvCOAX-SL9Z-Qu_9jf0UbVB2bMTj7QQJdXr5BcUJ6Eo1aNth44FsTTvWEIqLYGIroZeZOkG45IShlWr66UBytTtHSp8qsaywtliWTUbdFBwtxSJyH/s1600/Needleworker600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjGikJxK-x_0dXmgg3F4pN5cXHQQZvCOAX-SL9Z-Qu_9jf0UbVB2bMTj7QQJdXr5BcUJ6Eo1aNth44FsTTvWEIqLYGIroZeZOkG45IShlWr66UBytTtHSp8qsaywtliWTUbdFBwtxSJyH/s1600/Needleworker600.jpg" height="181" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Needleworker by</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Little House Needleworks</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Second up was to finish a few things in the WIP/UFO/Monthly Education basket. Since this little cutie had me at Hello, it moved to the top of the list for finishing and framing:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecpkXXDhcmp4ZMeT1pPPiP5FNoddOQWUPaaiBsa8svXCf__Rg6lgB6zmh_xtP3zf13G2fg1vxhLKxxuCjmv4IgmTkx3u84L2oxrxRl6l9X_Wco9gQaVS822yF9rEo5LYorysbWP90gS17/s1600/Stumpwork+clover1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecpkXXDhcmp4ZMeT1pPPiP5FNoddOQWUPaaiBsa8svXCf__Rg6lgB6zmh_xtP3zf13G2fg1vxhLKxxuCjmv4IgmTkx3u84L2oxrxRl6l9X_Wco9gQaVS822yF9rEo5LYorysbWP90gS17/s1600/Stumpwork+clover1.jpg" height="400" width="318" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clover from Stumpwork Flowers book by</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sachiko Morimoto</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And finally, my tiny little Contemporary Forest necklace from the Catherine Jordan class my guild hosted in March. What a fun piece and outstanding designer/instructor. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIBC6uo_4D2YiQeu2DqA4tdgfak7gz6_CldZ4O0cuOUl3Viekf9bcgmCsyoQnLaqC_rXRrfxgUHD_LlsIhKJA0d8HfpgRyh-Wz7ml6P6M9daY0oKeI-PJqG_ZJfw3Zv3gegIZSSvzNl2y/s1600/CJ+forest+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIBC6uo_4D2YiQeu2DqA4tdgfak7gz6_CldZ4O0cuOUl3Viekf9bcgmCsyoQnLaqC_rXRrfxgUHD_LlsIhKJA0d8HfpgRyh-Wz7ml6P6M9daY0oKeI-PJqG_ZJfw3Zv3gegIZSSvzNl2y/s1600/CJ+forest+necklace.jpg" height="236" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Reversible pendant (front on left, reverse on right)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's all the news that is fit to report for now.. Until next time, STITCH HAPPY!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBeqUt15Oxofe5FCqYNQa2IJQ_xrkwrxNnRhdpvrxnwe7urw1s_DJuzhnYiJXwg0Oke30Q5ulNlTUy05vdV357MdwhhoqXTWsOF78OIytpTA9wNx6Bbuc8jvkAomYkISoxdSXbsdxYHRp/s1600/lilacs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBeqUt15Oxofe5FCqYNQa2IJQ_xrkwrxNnRhdpvrxnwe7urw1s_DJuzhnYiJXwg0Oke30Q5ulNlTUy05vdV357MdwhhoqXTWsOF78OIytpTA9wNx6Bbuc8jvkAomYkISoxdSXbsdxYHRp/s1600/lilacs1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SOvh3d3WmZF99gff4eJc2EosXmw2RKaOa2H77n207B8zSBqk_chgkfuhy4yd_qP8_HSue5TVj67T_is3k1bkPW0TlWSDEd87XbEbKjTpdSnOMFHv01QHTEBn7BtgHPXT1Myr0albl3OW/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SOvh3d3WmZF99gff4eJc2EosXmw2RKaOa2H77n207B8zSBqk_chgkfuhy4yd_qP8_HSue5TVj67T_is3k1bkPW0TlWSDEd87XbEbKjTpdSnOMFHv01QHTEBn7BtgHPXT1Myr0albl3OW/s1600/signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-72509489436770162482015-04-03T10:08:00.001-04:002015-04-03T10:41:36.886-04:00Easter Blessings<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">***</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Popping in quickly to wish everyone a very Happy Easter. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">***</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLck1fUwdQEbGHjkDHwRAVvHYvZ9R0akWYyZC-H77Rqk0cTcyAYBhLZwwN5lQQbOjWREcPpGyTamg3L-eM0DV1LAV3B5cgJsXBjMz5r5p_zxJjwETuKbF1zgOqdrr4YyU-qO1ZgLh4XaY/s1600/barg+egg+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLck1fUwdQEbGHjkDHwRAVvHYvZ9R0akWYyZC-H77Rqk0cTcyAYBhLZwwN5lQQbOjWREcPpGyTamg3L-eM0DV1LAV3B5cgJsXBjMz5r5p_zxJjwETuKbF1zgOqdrr4YyU-qO1ZgLh4XaY/s1600/barg+egg+600.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.rainbowgallery.com/images/egg.pdf" target="_blank">Porcelain Egg</a><br />
freebie from Rainbow Gallery<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">May your hearts (and baskets) runneth over...</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1588103849"></span><span id="goog_1588103850"></span><br /></div>
Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-51545867751468358332015-02-19T12:52:00.001-05:002015-02-19T12:52:33.083-05:00Snowmageddon 2015<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I feel like a cry baby when it comes to nasty weather since I see folks who have it so much worse on the evening news every night, but... today makes Day 5 that hubby and I have been snowed in. Thank goodness I bought extra supplies at the grocery before it hit. I normally think the warnings are excessive and consequently tend not to stock up like it's the end of the world. Glad I did this time. Thankfully, we have several more days worth of real food before I have to make shoelace soup.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcTKEKxAavCMYbwCk-Jj79aK_3wWSaHIBVAY4meSNU9SBl1PyOqOlu48k2KfPak_0kubPBLOLQjHjOKkvjy15xOcgAS9xm50N9EK7OOx0q4DIoSiHWEyaVOtkr1gesj3PsJde_COZDeMB/s1600/garden+ball600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcTKEKxAavCMYbwCk-Jj79aK_3wWSaHIBVAY4meSNU9SBl1PyOqOlu48k2KfPak_0kubPBLOLQjHjOKkvjy15xOcgAS9xm50N9EK7OOx0q4DIoSiHWEyaVOtkr1gesj3PsJde_COZDeMB/s1600/garden+ball600.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With record low temps and snow deeper than the top of my boots, I'm staying put for yet another day...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And, even though I thought I had updated everything yesterday, I found a few things I forgot to share:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fresh finish from last night.. seasonal <a href="http://www.rainbowgallery.com/freechartdownloads.cfm?ID=11" target="_blank">freebie</a> (so hard to resist, aren't they?) </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdJDmFN3FeYCKDeeGJXYgONjRjsOSX3SRiAfg3WZI8EM3_XFlbUksLEPoW-urr5RJ6rKdx1MvrDGW7_KbNrZstAnc1WaqeJP8mU_8Cju12DUTTuuY3MpoaxaJcQUUF8jA7bZ62YrzJNGe/s1600/V+is+for.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdJDmFN3FeYCKDeeGJXYgONjRjsOSX3SRiAfg3WZI8EM3_XFlbUksLEPoW-urr5RJ6rKdx1MvrDGW7_KbNrZstAnc1WaqeJP8mU_8Cju12DUTTuuY3MpoaxaJcQUUF8jA7bZ62YrzJNGe/s1600/V+is+for.jpg" height="336" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My new favorite scissors sheath, on the right:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIr1bUC1leMfY19gECedtGY-HeopJTj7SVEOCAjHJBNXobVMi-V0K4Vcpz5UNIN09ytTHS6A61qtOLFaVcLcQLoz6IGSp_VqHrUSFVQLASc0BlNwb6SHKW2YkQoULglkhfwPJsahTtcZz/s1600/Tin+topper+set600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIr1bUC1leMfY19gECedtGY-HeopJTj7SVEOCAjHJBNXobVMi-V0K4Vcpz5UNIN09ytTHS6A61qtOLFaVcLcQLoz6IGSp_VqHrUSFVQLASc0BlNwb6SHKW2YkQoULglkhfwPJsahTtcZz/s1600/Tin+topper+set600.jpg" height="342" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The tin topper and scissors fob were completed by me eleven years ago (much to my dismay). It is hard to believe it has been that long. I always thought they needed a third piece to complete the set. Two things hardly constitute a set, right? But, the chart was only for the tin topper and fob. So, a few weeks ago while browsing at the Stitch Niche in Lexington, I saw the ultrasuede scissors sheath (with plain white 18 ct. monocanvas insert). The color of the suede immediately reminded me of my little bargello set. I adapted the pattern to fit the sheath, and I'm totally pleased with the outcome. Now it looks like a "set", yes? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Speaking of sets... once upon a time, I bought this Fern Ridge "<a href="http://www.fernridgecollections.com/Store/proddetail.php?prod=shearhospitality" target="_blank">shear hospitality</a>" felt pineapple kit. Nearing the end of the blanket stitching around the fronds, I ran out of thread. So with a good amount of mumbling, it was tucked away, out of sight... for years... Truthfully, I'm making an effort to finish a few UFOs from "way back", and this little guy was so close to being finished, it was one of my first UFO finishes of the year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRGdXZJtvHKm7CnV1k8K0utjyTuosQHhgVMVD7lCxdkLsTXizWdDk2YE9jof_J84yv_iQjfeoy1SeY4aQOqZrpeTTcYsQYTTWL0gbGMoOfADE5vIa46sZuCgumruICpc2V7b8TUZiEpHG/s1600/Hospitality+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRGdXZJtvHKm7CnV1k8K0utjyTuosQHhgVMVD7lCxdkLsTXizWdDk2YE9jof_J84yv_iQjfeoy1SeY4aQOqZrpeTTcYsQYTTWL0gbGMoOfADE5vIa46sZuCgumruICpc2V7b8TUZiEpHG/s1600/Hospitality+collage.jpg" height="201" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">File this under "Just for Fun":</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4qDZ6jMQlYt3itclBRlT7RbJLThQ2iqNa1d4Sj7goXzG2oOmmFqs0rQI-jUewxWxL1c3ub0z95Xk9_zXVd-XLwANEwcJOmO22fFwpoBponrfMuezOG-7dG2UfZnHFVBGAXNASZFGs-Qs/s1600/pumk+pinkeep600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4qDZ6jMQlYt3itclBRlT7RbJLThQ2iqNa1d4Sj7goXzG2oOmmFqs0rQI-jUewxWxL1c3ub0z95Xk9_zXVd-XLwANEwcJOmO22fFwpoBponrfMuezOG-7dG2UfZnHFVBGAXNASZFGs-Qs/s1600/pumk+pinkeep600.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Pumpkin pinkeep</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">tiny felt ball mounted on oversized wooden button</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And lastly, I'm just remembering to share the final finished pics of the Blackwork Band </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sampler class I facilitated for my EGA chapter last fall. Because I love color so much, it is hard for me to stick to black thread only for blackwork. The design itself inspired the colors I selected. Because I'm running out of wall space, I finished mine as a combination teabag/marking pin wallet. This band sampler is part of the Petite Projects series from the </span><a href="http://www.egausa.org/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Embroiderers' Guild of America</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> which provides members with free small educational projects in varied techniques. The </span><a href="http://www.countryfriedstitches.blogspot.com/2015/02/time-for-update.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">cutwork nametag</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I shared yesterday is also an EGA Petite Project. If memory serves me, I've completed four of the petite projects and am always glad I did. You can learn a lot about a new-to-you technique in even a small project.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAs9PhkC1k3ZuT3233DVKyl-lECRHIJzjIl4jCbGP8w5_jeCOZJiPk_MoiGGd0EXqPlqZg5P5SAidqfmiu1NULsk6PKbLe2e9dNYkkEn9ltbNhDdsE7yvM4ArKwClNunTvUsrbMBeIeVr/s1600/blkwrk+band+sampler+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAs9PhkC1k3ZuT3233DVKyl-lECRHIJzjIl4jCbGP8w5_jeCOZJiPk_MoiGGd0EXqPlqZg5P5SAidqfmiu1NULsk6PKbLe2e9dNYkkEn9ltbNhDdsE7yvM4ArKwClNunTvUsrbMBeIeVr/s1600/blkwrk+band+sampler+collage.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Blackwork Band Sampler</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">by </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Julie Fera</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">for </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">The Embroiderers' Guild of America</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And that's a wrap for this frigid Thursday friends. Until next time, Stitch Happy!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4SDsVPmOfB75FfFQSURpNxM3phpztXxGuDv4tpk0vFLMpW4CSt9SmvRy4qjdLIZodYqHo6cXapIj7D4DGrkvmaouzOPkCJ-WFCtWcURieFvtQCGJdzYRCRdAQA9RC8VV8rGs4EJPCjxD/s1600/winterbirds+nametag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4SDsVPmOfB75FfFQSURpNxM3phpztXxGuDv4tpk0vFLMpW4CSt9SmvRy4qjdLIZodYqHo6cXapIj7D4DGrkvmaouzOPkCJ-WFCtWcURieFvtQCGJdzYRCRdAQA9RC8VV8rGs4EJPCjxD/s1600/winterbirds+nametag.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-78119505666107739502015-02-18T15:08:00.000-05:002015-12-20T11:23:11.117-05:00Time for an Update<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Two months in between posts is probably too long, but honestly, I didn't plan it that way. You see at Thanksgiving, the hubby and I found out we are going to be grandparents for the first time and I think our brains exploded. We are thrilled beyond words and have been busy getting our lives ready for the new edition. The parents-to-be live a full days drive away from us, so you know, we've had to kill our cats, sell our house and find new jobs in NC. DON'T PANIC.. We haven't really killed the cats, sold our house nor moved to NC, but trust me, we thought about it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the parents request, hubby made a crib from gorgeous maple wood he selected from Ohio Amish country. It is packed up and ready for us to deliver, so no pics for now. Rest assured there will be plenty of pics later, when it has something beautiful inside it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've been pinning (Pinterest) baby things like a crazed grandmom-to-be, and have occasionally taken a break from pinning to actually make a few baby things like talc-free powder and adorable onesies. We soon find out the gender of the baby and I expect to go into total Freak Out mode at that point.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Since December, my Embroiderers' Guild chapter has also been participating in a group correspondence class on bead fringes. It's been quite the challenge so I'm pleased to be finished with mine ahead of schedule:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDkcBR3pahuKkwgaeNNf41ih6nHVLcD5N2AxBjwInbbdCuzEN8FuEoC2s6DAo-txCvtecWiUdssiHVwxObplbFsFfxXu5eFL-YHkClOZpcUnwcu4LGvR-T3iP98eaiEMTr57jZEZI92vV/s1600/beaded+fringe+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDkcBR3pahuKkwgaeNNf41ih6nHVLcD5N2AxBjwInbbdCuzEN8FuEoC2s6DAo-txCvtecWiUdssiHVwxObplbFsFfxXu5eFL-YHkClOZpcUnwcu4LGvR-T3iP98eaiEMTr57jZEZI92vV/s1600/beaded+fringe+finished.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">"Frenzy of Fringes"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Group Correspondence Course for members of</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">The Embroiderers' Guild of America</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here is a peek at the other stitching finishes I've managed these past few months:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnpV04DykEjGjTre7TdbhT3ic0LLEmFtDAI-1RPDEM0JatgfQjbx9bgijg4VHmee36OzU35XWBAYrxGFxHZhETPA-bFvwWFIZ10VxPNOkcShHpC_sdNQlsRxBs1HVil5Z2aW3AEAFZWLP/s1600/Oak+Island+orn600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnpV04DykEjGjTre7TdbhT3ic0LLEmFtDAI-1RPDEM0JatgfQjbx9bgijg4VHmee36OzU35XWBAYrxGFxHZhETPA-bFvwWFIZ10VxPNOkcShHpC_sdNQlsRxBs1HVil5Z2aW3AEAFZWLP/s1600/Oak+Island+orn600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Oak Island needlepoint oval ornament (gift)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Wp4WEr1ySNUGE1d_h1U3uX80Ybop8eFLjxIUbUVKoLxP2DZoJ9xW1A2jptXYbz_a_tLnT9M-thw1kxLLW8Z3nvDCmiYdbePQwxWnffYZwYFSAz6H-RJVOaHpJrPn2Nth4tYbvXKPwQfG/s1600/bargello+bulb600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Wp4WEr1ySNUGE1d_h1U3uX80Ybop8eFLjxIUbUVKoLxP2DZoJ9xW1A2jptXYbz_a_tLnT9M-thw1kxLLW8Z3nvDCmiYdbePQwxWnffYZwYFSAz6H-RJVOaHpJrPn2Nth4tYbvXKPwQfG/s1600/bargello+bulb600.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">EGA chapter monthly education programs (above and below)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Bargello bulb & Cutwork nametag)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCuzXyPtOPwu0mn219GxZmd3hoh0ZNxbSl6qf14iGGvrMZWF9q2BuiGzvkXVsiWILkim4Kr2b6enZe4AiiG9B_obt_7TdokJAfv5dQAZQH8uxvUc-SCkkkp-nxmqWHOTc1gQKKqxxxCnu/s1600/cutwork+nametag600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCuzXyPtOPwu0mn219GxZmd3hoh0ZNxbSl6qf14iGGvrMZWF9q2BuiGzvkXVsiWILkim4Kr2b6enZe4AiiG9B_obt_7TdokJAfv5dQAZQH8uxvUc-SCkkkp-nxmqWHOTc1gQKKqxxxCnu/s1600/cutwork+nametag600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another luggage tag gift for my real-life Sis (and Eastern Star sister)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9qzWvATpd6KjLgdvu4v84qo1MTGheV3s2V0GM9pw7RTEmhoPPTP9n8gBkjGuSIoY0QqakkruqK-bUYSky-Wt3rCafeMwuccgXeLzbhmqocRBD7zdX0CM1XqNqPKNE57gv8C0c57P2bzh/s1600/OES+lugg+tag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9qzWvATpd6KjLgdvu4v84qo1MTGheV3s2V0GM9pw7RTEmhoPPTP9n8gBkjGuSIoY0QqakkruqK-bUYSky-Wt3rCafeMwuccgXeLzbhmqocRBD7zdX0CM1XqNqPKNE57gv8C0c57P2bzh/s1600/OES+lugg+tag.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I could not find any Eastern Star painted canvases on the internets, so I used a Google image and transferred the image from paper to canvas. It wasn't as hard as I expected it to be, but it wasn't a piece of cake either. I give Janet Perry of <a href="http://napaneedlepoint.com/index.html" target="_blank">Napa Needlepoint</a> and <a href="http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/" target="_blank">Nuts About Needlepoint</a> credit for giving me the confidence to try my hand at this. I participated in her Create Your Own Stitch Guide cyber-class last year and learned a ton about needlepoint. Her e-classes are very affordable and she gives you a boatload of information. It was a great way for me to try to understand more about needlepoint. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The WIP of the Month is the Wedding square I hope to have finished and framed before May:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IS5_woYd8PtqbWSJ-Uusd4hjvtFrGrp-kABnht_1AAAujBcfjezt4Sn-pbcAzqbpPbo3wda_dgn-_MYgQv7elEtn7NCLqfcVk8oQSSqK2TgZdDaqXRyp7iPkTTD3POxfog8EhM4d1i5I/s1600/Matt+Wes+wip1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IS5_woYd8PtqbWSJ-Uusd4hjvtFrGrp-kABnht_1AAAujBcfjezt4Sn-pbcAzqbpPbo3wda_dgn-_MYgQv7elEtn7NCLqfcVk8oQSSqK2TgZdDaqXRyp7iPkTTD3POxfog8EhM4d1i5I/s1600/Matt+Wes+wip1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.......and I'll get right on that after I finish the Small of the Month (a freebie from Rainbow Gallery and Erica Michaels) "<a href="http://www.rainbowgallery.com/freechartdownloads.cfm?ID=11" target="_blank">V is for Valentine</a>".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, until next time friends, I certainly hope you all are warm and safe, wherever you are!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4SDsVPmOfB75FfFQSURpNxM3phpztXxGuDv4tpk0vFLMpW4CSt9SmvRy4qjdLIZodYqHo6cXapIj7D4DGrkvmaouzOPkCJ-WFCtWcURieFvtQCGJdzYRCRdAQA9RC8VV8rGs4EJPCjxD/s1600/winterbirds+nametag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4SDsVPmOfB75FfFQSURpNxM3phpztXxGuDv4tpk0vFLMpW4CSt9SmvRy4qjdLIZodYqHo6cXapIj7D4DGrkvmaouzOPkCJ-WFCtWcURieFvtQCGJdzYRCRdAQA9RC8VV8rGs4EJPCjxD/s1600/winterbirds+nametag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-5734568677035366002014-12-16T20:26:00.000-05:002014-12-16T20:26:10.877-05:00Happy dance Happy dance...<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
Have you ever hunted for a pattern for, like, ever???... and then, after multiple failed attempts to obtain it, luck shines down upon your face, and suddenly, you have it in your hot little hands? YES, your heart sings... And then, after many a family drama involving a stray kitten and/or an 18 day hospital stay, you find time to stitch it? And then, there is that feeling of unbridled joy when you finish the finishing? Yes, it feels like a Christmas miracle.. My little Italian Christmas sewing set is complete and I couldn't be happier. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BLVBjzN26hmE5Oc8mcGpCA1KwXHluCwoCpSEgOfEz__Sy4gT9I6SawlSOweiBsLDjJq0ZEcKLqUW5QoGiulkPdw7LMmin6H2EKl3dNhPGe8T6frh9l_ymedscW_ziW8YLDBpvjPY4xbk/s1600/Biscornu+and+all600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BLVBjzN26hmE5Oc8mcGpCA1KwXHluCwoCpSEgOfEz__Sy4gT9I6SawlSOweiBsLDjJq0ZEcKLqUW5QoGiulkPdw7LMmin6H2EKl3dNhPGe8T6frh9l_ymedscW_ziW8YLDBpvjPY4xbk/s1600/Biscornu+and+all600.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Design: Christmas Sewing Set</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Designer: Guilia Manfredini of <a href="http://www.puntiantichi.com/" target="_blank">GPA Designs</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stitched with Belle Soie silks (Cranberry and Steamed Broccoli)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on 35 ct. "parchment" linen</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Now I'm off to bask in the glow of biscornu. :-)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn7t0ynmv4CAUQiIX1ZGjICcnLaP4AbJf8cJjlDJSG_fvLu6o500cylKlcMuYKNG0meoaWzB3DF8bEOJh-I5nQP26R0ps6kg1QzOkeH85QV_9cxs8hOxZvcbjArZF706_M2EGABBehDta/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn7t0ynmv4CAUQiIX1ZGjICcnLaP4AbJf8cJjlDJSG_fvLu6o500cylKlcMuYKNG0meoaWzB3DF8bEOJh-I5nQP26R0ps6kg1QzOkeH85QV_9cxs8hOxZvcbjArZF706_M2EGABBehDta/s1600/signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-80723892731642605722014-12-04T15:17:00.003-05:002014-12-04T15:17:39.122-05:00With three weeks to go...Sharing two more ornaments today, as we roll this holiday train closer and closer to Station 12-25...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxRNkhuYyvD6il1or6Hbsj6VKF0oALQTyn0alhJeIcO0utCcAkC2m2eJlzXQMFVvPp1Z0BECNdOyh9lZTslaLpLXm-2E_MrgH20d2pE_ee35cLtX368HfiQmop5dbD1KDv0_hO9IlPo9Y/s1600/9+snowmen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxRNkhuYyvD6il1or6Hbsj6VKF0oALQTyn0alhJeIcO0utCcAkC2m2eJlzXQMFVvPp1Z0BECNdOyh9lZTslaLpLXm-2E_MrgH20d2pE_ee35cLtX368HfiQmop5dbD1KDv0_hO9IlPo9Y/s1600/9+snowmen.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nine Happy Snowmen (well, three happy, six undecided)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
inspiration from Pinterest (no pattern)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsJ1fyjrixwlLr7OJSVMYHItz6S0Vfih-ksenCSNMb9rDs3sbdVhYoFTe1wmva_Nuad7xkwlsUKxsn9o0nPbcOYCsD5VdRxyTMzqQxoj4_RdCYK2nEVn0ufyK-0noj_tHON1X0VvQRcEX/s1600/Mondrian+orn600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsJ1fyjrixwlLr7OJSVMYHItz6S0Vfih-ksenCSNMb9rDs3sbdVhYoFTe1wmva_Nuad7xkwlsUKxsn9o0nPbcOYCsD5VdRxyTMzqQxoj4_RdCYK2nEVn0ufyK-0noj_tHON1X0VvQRcEX/s1600/Mondrian+orn600.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My interpretation of Piet Mondrian in needlepoint</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Adaptation from Google image</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's wishing you a happy, healthy holiday season!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stitch Happy,</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF5E0cESAITNbtGJQb2ixAa_cNkR1Tx_9unoJzYnzKnAIjkB_BEhLzOUjp_gun3x0bTX1QElRBtNAjpXxWxEc2ZHFaW9X9P5Zt6j0of1drElHfRFBfRrXXOXDfxBo7H74gj9pfUyxJeH7/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF5E0cESAITNbtGJQb2ixAa_cNkR1Tx_9unoJzYnzKnAIjkB_BEhLzOUjp_gun3x0bTX1QElRBtNAjpXxWxEc2ZHFaW9X9P5Zt6j0of1drElHfRFBfRrXXOXDfxBo7H74gj9pfUyxJeH7/s1600/signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-37045788576712522272014-10-24T10:53:00.000-04:002014-10-24T10:54:45.169-04:00World Food Day<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">October 24th - World Food Day</span></div>
<br />
Reason #734 to adore October: <a href="http://www.foodday.org/" target="_blank">World Food Day</a>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCRy8du-pI8hMrmHwPuxp7FFG6pEXQeowmqVj5nEeJNyNQxF1RhooluGMip_P0Vv1jG56MDI6C9HW2I3Twjn-GyMZFE8myXfUTGprAC94ZC9gyTIoZC72OZMofETa0RSlMnLE59AjCLAS/s1600/food+day+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCRy8du-pI8hMrmHwPuxp7FFG6pEXQeowmqVj5nEeJNyNQxF1RhooluGMip_P0Vv1jG56MDI6C9HW2I3Twjn-GyMZFE8myXfUTGprAC94ZC9gyTIoZC72OZMofETa0RSlMnLE59AjCLAS/s1600/food+day+collage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Help feed a family this year...Donate to your local food pantry today!Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-59333974111623044332014-10-13T13:59:00.001-04:002014-10-13T13:59:43.823-04:00Two Totally Unrelated Yet Awesome Recipes<a href="http://www.cookingclassy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/pumpkin-scones2+srgb...jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cookingclassy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/pumpkin-scones2+srgb...jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now that it is officially Fall, I am free to bust out the canned pumpkin and bake <u><i><b>everything</b></i></u> I've been pinning to my Fall Pinterest board! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
YAAAAAY FALL!!! </div>
<br />
Only because I've been dreaming of these, I tried Cooking Classy's twice iced (yes, hello...Twice.Iced.) Starbuck's copycat recipe for <a href="http://www.cookingclassy.com/2014/08/pumpkin-scones-starbucks-copycat/" target="_blank">pumpkin scones</a> first. (THANK YOU <a href="http://cookingclassy.com/">cookingclassy.com</a>!).<br />
<br />
If I'm being honest, I'll tell you I have never had a good scone at Starbuck's, but they looked delicious on Pinterest and I love pumpkin....sooooo...I decided 8 scones per batch was too few, so I cut my dough to produce 16 smaller, yet still generously sized, scones.<br />
<br />
Can I just saw, WOW. Super terrific good.. and if you don't believe me, I have about twenty friends who will testify.<br />
<br />
Up next, homemade ketchup. I know - sounds insane, right? I mean, who in their right mind MAKES KETCHUP when Heinz does such a bang up job? Well, for reasons my hubby thinks I should keep to myself, I have made the executive decision to make my own ketchup. After picking an <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Homemade-Ketchup-353658" target="_blank">easy recipe</a> from Epicurious I decided there was no time like the present. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.motherearthliving.com/~/media/Images/MEL/Editorial/Articles/Magazine%20Articles/2014/05-01/Homemade%20Ketchup%20Recipe/Homemade-Ketchup%20jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.motherearthliving.com/~/media/Images/MEL/Editorial/Articles/Magazine%20Articles/2014/05-01/Homemade%20Ketchup%20Recipe/Homemade-Ketchup%20jpg.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Man o man, am I glad I tried this. This ketchup tastes like ketchup, only better. I know, I know, everything is better when made from scratch, but I wasn't expecting ketchup to knock my socks off! In fairness, I did alter the recipe slightly. I reduced the brown sugar by half, doubled the tomato paste, and added 1-2 T. of corn syrup into the final puree. I will definitely be making this on a regular basis.<br />
<br />
Until next time, hope you are finding the delicious side of life!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF5E0cESAITNbtGJQb2ixAa_cNkR1Tx_9unoJzYnzKnAIjkB_BEhLzOUjp_gun3x0bTX1QElRBtNAjpXxWxEc2ZHFaW9X9P5Zt6j0of1drElHfRFBfRrXXOXDfxBo7H74gj9pfUyxJeH7/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF5E0cESAITNbtGJQb2ixAa_cNkR1Tx_9unoJzYnzKnAIjkB_BEhLzOUjp_gun3x0bTX1QElRBtNAjpXxWxEc2ZHFaW9X9P5Zt6j0of1drElHfRFBfRrXXOXDfxBo7H74gj9pfUyxJeH7/s1600/signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-27489717376559916712014-10-10T18:27:00.000-04:002014-10-10T18:40:25.243-04:00I left my heart in San Francisco...Greetings from cold, damp WV, friends...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hubby and I are fresh back from a fairly long (but not nearly long enough) trek to the West coast. I love "The City" by the Bay more now that I did before but not as much as I will next time around. There is so much to see and do, it's impossible to talk about it all without making your ears bleed, so to summarize...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uLGhogy4UUNF9tKlE9qoPSZMJyvuZv90Brm2HipkN7cQuoMGPOj9yHq1LeiPOlEkH8tUE6tdkq7XNi4KKHj1074UPaj4mNuOsIfakDyQ4LYwXTZz4c9f-AY0FU6dva8KbkYIHkwQzVgw/s1600/Under+the+bridge+5x7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uLGhogy4UUNF9tKlE9qoPSZMJyvuZv90Brm2HipkN7cQuoMGPOj9yHq1LeiPOlEkH8tUE6tdkq7XNi4KKHj1074UPaj4mNuOsIfakDyQ4LYwXTZz4c9f-AY0FU6dva8KbkYIHkwQzVgw/s1600/Under+the+bridge+5x7.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There's the Bridge(s), the wharf, the trolleys, the Piers, the Farmers Market, the cable cars, the hills, the parks, the sea lions, the chowder, the tea, the fog, the Rock (Alcatraz), Sausalito, the art and artists, the Painted Ladies, the parrots, the history, the tragedies (fire and earthquake), the romance, the food, the wine, the bread(!), the chocolate, the Bay, the sunset, the 49ers, Chinatown, did I mention the food?, the carousel, the Red Trolley ale, the Presidio, and the people... All EXTRAORDINARY... Add one five-star-blow-your-mind-and-hold-on-to-your-VISA-card needlepoint store (<a href="http://needlepointinc.com/" target="_blank">Needlepoint, Inc.</a>) on top of all that and hey, what more could a girl ask for (besides more money and one more week)? I do believe <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/california/san-francisco/" target="_blank">SFCA</a> has something for everyone. I also firmly believe everyone should go see it before it drops off into the Pacific Ocean... Seriously..</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Enjoy a few pics while I go try to telepathically convince my pathetic avocados to taste more like fresh, ripe Californian avocados...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7fqU65xKO8eHuaBmeo6UNyPQuMYakdCSlbI_OWd_04hhE6kZCfLAYruNbO0nIcjMrfLXHkVvxsI7_jDkAa23DYur16uirfhr_0yt01i0smt7cAX7krRItY0Ztkrv_-Bvhh-nPk3-LIBd/s1600/San+Francisco+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7fqU65xKO8eHuaBmeo6UNyPQuMYakdCSlbI_OWd_04hhE6kZCfLAYruNbO0nIcjMrfLXHkVvxsI7_jDkAa23DYur16uirfhr_0yt01i0smt7cAX7krRItY0Ztkrv_-Bvhh-nPk3-LIBd/s1600/San+Francisco+Collage.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From the <a href="http://japaneseteagardensf.com/" target="_blank">Japanese Tea Garden at the Golden Gate Park</a>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQYrcrUoXkOisOGGAq738q_PkdMGpUJ2d32lfSXjt5ItlAEACNheROAg3RQTo8z5UJQXyIPhCxF_qEP0Evr-PY8ZbNhpFySNWvNGYYekj__aTNP2IXdUuvBlgF4RD4MkeSpPAl-ZvtXnt/s1600/Tea+Garden+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQYrcrUoXkOisOGGAq738q_PkdMGpUJ2d32lfSXjt5ItlAEACNheROAg3RQTo8z5UJQXyIPhCxF_qEP0Evr-PY8ZbNhpFySNWvNGYYekj__aTNP2IXdUuvBlgF4RD4MkeSpPAl-ZvtXnt/s1600/Tea+Garden+Collage.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From the <a href="http://legionofhonor.famsf.org/" target="_blank">Legion of Honor Fine Art Museum</a>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oCeIumHRazWROzW7hHzLCdZ2dutJ1CKKEXy_GI_u6AA82Hy-w0YWqE2tg6oO2yJfCJYNIiZ_A9Ejp7gVK9r8NTATr_M8krW3frodGPP3V3mVcGUHHE5x1fncvlW65kB8Tg_0Q-mcNv8u/s1600/Legion+of+Honor+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oCeIumHRazWROzW7hHzLCdZ2dutJ1CKKEXy_GI_u6AA82Hy-w0YWqE2tg6oO2yJfCJYNIiZ_A9Ejp7gVK9r8NTATr_M8krW3frodGPP3V3mVcGUHHE5x1fncvlW65kB8Tg_0Q-mcNv8u/s1600/Legion+of+Honor+Collage.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pics from the Redwood National Forest and Oregon next post...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5TP1DstZRe_OONEz8jmxaiPdwFx75fvm3aAyEiI3t3f8aemYDBc3jmhwsOKWv3mRFEnm8_RZ2UCUQPd6Sh-H45MqdK9SrhSBhdrYULG0c61Dc9z3VOqHGvyT5_ruVsTWOjlRLlofcB1t/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5TP1DstZRe_OONEz8jmxaiPdwFx75fvm3aAyEiI3t3f8aemYDBc3jmhwsOKWv3mRFEnm8_RZ2UCUQPd6Sh-H45MqdK9SrhSBhdrYULG0c61Dc9z3VOqHGvyT5_ruVsTWOjlRLlofcB1t/s1600/signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-37055662392788965012014-09-14T14:44:00.002-04:002015-12-20T11:25:14.223-05:00Baby Sampler finished!Good Sunday friends. In my neck of the woods, today is one of the finest weather days we've seen for awhile. I adore the months of September and October! Hope everyone is enjoying the same and kind get outside to enjoy it (while it lasts!).<br />
<br />
I know it is small but that did not damper my excitement to finish this baby sampler from JBW Designs: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseNayz_7hiBUwbe27soK0g8q0cGOaOImHp6u7qy_Gts9V-rDNrLqE9qgTIThq6DC9At_pUSIqVwdROys7VMPPkEFQDc3dxaIwdw3_JaJ8cy9UbSKjmufXi3Q3l_oSF3xefDta9HSx4gZ2/s1600/Lilliana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseNayz_7hiBUwbe27soK0g8q0cGOaOImHp6u7qy_Gts9V-rDNrLqE9qgTIThq6DC9At_pUSIqVwdROys7VMPPkEFQDc3dxaIwdw3_JaJ8cy9UbSKjmufXi3Q3l_oSF3xefDta9HSx4gZ2/s1600/Lilliana.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">JBW Designs Birth Sampler</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">28 ct. lavender sparkle fabric from stash</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">DMC floche (2 strands) in color 552</span></div>
<br />
<br />
I hope she sees something different every time she looks at it... Hugs, sweet girl! Now... back to that wedding sampler I keep misplacing...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5TP1DstZRe_OONEz8jmxaiPdwFx75fvm3aAyEiI3t3f8aemYDBc3jmhwsOKWv3mRFEnm8_RZ2UCUQPd6Sh-H45MqdK9SrhSBhdrYULG0c61Dc9z3VOqHGvyT5_ruVsTWOjlRLlofcB1t/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5TP1DstZRe_OONEz8jmxaiPdwFx75fvm3aAyEiI3t3f8aemYDBc3jmhwsOKWv3mRFEnm8_RZ2UCUQPd6Sh-H45MqdK9SrhSBhdrYULG0c61Dc9z3VOqHGvyT5_ruVsTWOjlRLlofcB1t/s1600/signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1637222422"></span><span id="goog_1637222423"></span><br />Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-24805431259232697782014-08-30T19:48:00.001-04:002014-08-30T19:48:38.617-04:00Vacay pics, a WIP and a finish (picture heavy)Happy weekend friends! It's Labor Day weekend here in the States and I'm again looking back at the summer wondering what I have to show for it..<br />
<br />
The highlights of my summer were visiting Niagara Falls for the first time; Stratford Ontario for some Shakespeare (King Lear); and swinging through Frankenmuth MI for some German food and Christmas shopping. Here are a couple of the best pics:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimG0sMISDykb1jflo-CTWtDSwJJ0ezjU40sppTy5_nQd0CmU0fgpAog2ObeD_9l4gu84yCKoHeMiMqybrdsqOUybQ_AHFoSCL1Nor6qOrrM-AJsJINnx6pbcWEqDFLdg0ibqBUmDj0dvR0/s1600/Martin+house+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimG0sMISDykb1jflo-CTWtDSwJJ0ezjU40sppTy5_nQd0CmU0fgpAog2ObeD_9l4gu84yCKoHeMiMqybrdsqOUybQ_AHFoSCL1Nor6qOrrM-AJsJINnx6pbcWEqDFLdg0ibqBUmDj0dvR0/s1600/Martin+house+600.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We stayed in Buffalo NY while visiting Niagara. Hubby and I both enjoy seeing Frank Lloyd Wright homes/buildings when convenient to our other travel plans and so we spent one afternoon touring the Darwin Martin complex in Buffalo. Spectacular! Highly recommend. Also highly recommend Caramici's Bakery and Bisto down in the Little Italy part of town. We had dinner on a Saturday evening there and both agree that it was lick-the-plate good!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLWnwUpKrhaHm2R3ZJX2gCqkl-5J-RFEuSC-5-WthN2dIECdYVe41fwfIyJTVLaXucxuO7OrV49Y_bvWt4GoJvB_KsIIhDbCqH1QeBdLmAbYWYvprJFU25ph9iTScwbBFZM2_LZ0Qoz9H/s1600/Falls+w+flag+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLWnwUpKrhaHm2R3ZJX2gCqkl-5J-RFEuSC-5-WthN2dIECdYVe41fwfIyJTVLaXucxuO7OrV49Y_bvWt4GoJvB_KsIIhDbCqH1QeBdLmAbYWYvprJFU25ph9iTScwbBFZM2_LZ0Qoz9H/s1600/Falls+w+flag+600.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Horseshoe Falls (Canada)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the largest waterfall in North America</div>
<br />
After being awe-struck at the Falls, we headed westward to calmer water in Stratford, Ontario to catch King Lear. The place where we lodged had a beautiful lake on the premises and some of the biggest mosquitoes you've ever seen in your entire life. I loved the place, but would have died of dehydration (of the blood) if I hadn't bathed in Deep Woods OFF. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRkGM4KroISTkgpzX7mzKaLbLZwpzEFyJ3dlPBR3tRuhVZ7JJx4ZZLJO4lX03EYOn80G2MS5hZyHx5htamMQb05jnQivduWsEyBAqGKfm7dUvceH5GLhNybyMmAkXuG_LRd2wYnDIFdVJ/s1600/Stratford+pond+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRkGM4KroISTkgpzX7mzKaLbLZwpzEFyJ3dlPBR3tRuhVZ7JJx4ZZLJO4lX03EYOn80G2MS5hZyHx5htamMQb05jnQivduWsEyBAqGKfm7dUvceH5GLhNybyMmAkXuG_LRd2wYnDIFdVJ/s1600/Stratford+pond+600.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
so peaceful...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmdQhB1XTVBPSsuU3m8EEsTKZyOLymX7iidTAihQSZOKkMHUP3Atp6sB87gB4HD7TVeiyT2rha5D_6MWHmhoSvBggGLDdlRUuzrwDaBGDTeOK0l6Kd6_1-rXxTeIADw8nsgVEgBfZ8Km5/s1600/Strat+swan+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmdQhB1XTVBPSsuU3m8EEsTKZyOLymX7iidTAihQSZOKkMHUP3Atp6sB87gB4HD7TVeiyT2rha5D_6MWHmhoSvBggGLDdlRUuzrwDaBGDTeOK0l6Kd6_1-rXxTeIADw8nsgVEgBfZ8Km5/s1600/Strat+swan+600.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
so serene...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Everything about Stratford, Ontario (and <a href="http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/" target="_blank">King Lear</a>) gave me warm and fuzzy flashbacks to those precious days I spent at Oxford studying Shakespeake and British history. I've been lucky enough to see Shakespeake on stage in Stratford, England twice and now Stratford, Ontario once. Here's hoping hubby can tolerate a few more Shakespeare plays in his future. I hear <a href="http://www.bard.org/" target="_blank">Utah</a> has a killer Shakespeare festival! :-D</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While he drove us from point to point, I worked on the JBW baby sampler for a friend from work. I actually took two WIPs to stitch on the road because I was sure I'd be done with the baby sampler before our return home. <strong>How. Ever.....</strong>it kept getting bigger with each passing mile. When did 8"x 4" get sooooo big??? I'm in the home stretch now though. Don'tcha just love all the sweet mini motifs in the JBW Designs? I know I do...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguI9jpzorZGk2UjFr9BY-10NLAMam4HDYdmyTpVgP94ZVS-scRT-3reZ-0EqPj8oEnQVTgclHdKSdQJZd6xtkOWigJmhK125bPTlL_HvdBKLcgXlmMBApUNyLcRpve6QbqCWcc4dvTqcVz/s1600/Liliana+baby+WIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguI9jpzorZGk2UjFr9BY-10NLAMam4HDYdmyTpVgP94ZVS-scRT-3reZ-0EqPj8oEnQVTgclHdKSdQJZd6xtkOWigJmhK125bPTlL_HvdBKLcgXlmMBApUNyLcRpve6QbqCWcc4dvTqcVz/s1600/Liliana+baby+WIP.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To Do: chart "Lilliana" for the center area</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(color is much prettier in real life)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally, another Christmas ornament finish to share. Prairie Schooler this time. Again, I'm not in love with the finish, so it will be easy to give away!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzKPri8at4M4_olsXCllQDgv4ZFjFiU7k6In4vyr1AT9vMwwyTPRg3LW-EDNpPL-Ys0Xsk447pOcYeAt8-K5L90EpHdRMBUN2CZstCWvnHyVCFlkY9B4Z-l5gKyg6eGs7cgDADKgdlDqr/s1600/PS+tiny+Santa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzKPri8at4M4_olsXCllQDgv4ZFjFiU7k6In4vyr1AT9vMwwyTPRg3LW-EDNpPL-Ys0Xsk447pOcYeAt8-K5L90EpHdRMBUN2CZstCWvnHyVCFlkY9B4Z-l5gKyg6eGs7cgDADKgdlDqr/s1600/PS+tiny+Santa2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have you started your Christmas stitching yet?????? Stitch Happy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5TP1DstZRe_OONEz8jmxaiPdwFx75fvm3aAyEiI3t3f8aemYDBc3jmhwsOKWv3mRFEnm8_RZ2UCUQPd6Sh-H45MqdK9SrhSBhdrYULG0c61Dc9z3VOqHGvyT5_ruVsTWOjlRLlofcB1t/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5TP1DstZRe_OONEz8jmxaiPdwFx75fvm3aAyEiI3t3f8aemYDBc3jmhwsOKWv3mRFEnm8_RZ2UCUQPd6Sh-H45MqdK9SrhSBhdrYULG0c61Dc9z3VOqHGvyT5_ruVsTWOjlRLlofcB1t/s1600/signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-8099103809671858382014-08-23T20:11:00.000-04:002014-08-23T20:11:09.397-04:00Cardinal ornament finishI really love the simple yet elegant art of <a href="https://www.charleyharperprints.com/" target="_blank">Charley Harper</a>. Not only was he a West Virginian but also a bird/nature lover which he expressed in his creations. While I only own one CH canvas, I've been itching to make a couple of Harper inspired Christmas ornaments. This one is mainly felt with just a few stitches for wings and such. The shapes are so simple that I didn't bother with drawing them first. I grabbed some felt, denim and scissors, and started with the birdbath. The rest was super easy..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yo8FJP5wdHzdp2yfDCSqj63iuUcTpaVOFfBS5voKZkT7FMK1LzLqdvUvs6TUQ0tVJiS77x6ak40D3vu82to3qok6fLAqUJS_QpaEi0X_MhZuRJ8Vgqsxp5sx1uZ8wCIxvGffy2k7EhTD/s1600/Charley+Cardinal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yo8FJP5wdHzdp2yfDCSqj63iuUcTpaVOFfBS5voKZkT7FMK1LzLqdvUvs6TUQ0tVJiS77x6ak40D3vu82to3qok6fLAqUJS_QpaEi0X_MhZuRJ8Vgqsxp5sx1uZ8wCIxvGffy2k7EhTD/s1600/Charley+Cardinal.JPG" height="400" width="363" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_270255672"></span><span id="goog_270255673"></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
120 days til Christmas!</div>
Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-77578871089856220302014-08-13T19:57:00.001-04:002014-08-13T19:57:50.531-04:00Prelude to AutumnWith all the 'below normal' temps this week, I'd swear it's autumn already! But, we haven't had the Dog Days or Indian Summer yet so I know Mother Nature is just fooling around. Fooling around or not, the cool mornings have triggered my Fall Spirit! Since I'm leading a little blackwork workshop in a couple of months, I decided the time was right to whip up this little tissue cover (and continue ignoring my wedding sampler WIP). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfxyfEDCz2UnGcKjgg0IonoYZC-Qv4-r-uh8h2AToK5Qpe_e_a8itdGSRgmoqQRp6bS12fDbUOIkwBQAmtrHHZCLPaWNNCJza8t8uiWeJPv53B6xxXXiUOw-Bpd6dH_DlCCF7mowsRHT5/s1600/acorn+tissue+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfxyfEDCz2UnGcKjgg0IonoYZC-Qv4-r-uh8h2AToK5Qpe_e_a8itdGSRgmoqQRp6bS12fDbUOIkwBQAmtrHHZCLPaWNNCJza8t8uiWeJPv53B6xxXXiUOw-Bpd6dH_DlCCF7mowsRHT5/s1600/acorn+tissue+cover.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Liz Skinner leaf and acorn design</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marion Scoular tissue cover instructions</div>
<br />
Here's hoping you all are having a great week! Stitch happy,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn7t0ynmv4CAUQiIX1ZGjICcnLaP4AbJf8cJjlDJSG_fvLu6o500cylKlcMuYKNG0meoaWzB3DF8bEOJh-I5nQP26R0ps6kg1QzOkeH85QV_9cxs8hOxZvcbjArZF706_M2EGABBehDta/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn7t0ynmv4CAUQiIX1ZGjICcnLaP4AbJf8cJjlDJSG_fvLu6o500cylKlcMuYKNG0meoaWzB3DF8bEOJh-I5nQP26R0ps6kg1QzOkeH85QV_9cxs8hOxZvcbjArZF706_M2EGABBehDta/s1600/signature.jpg" /></a></div>
Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-74296075448308058702014-08-11T18:04:00.000-04:002014-08-11T18:04:43.006-04:00Fun, fast Olympic style finishMeet Sochi. Isn't she sweet???? A clever stitcher friend (hi Becky!) charted this matryoshka doll to stitch in honor of the Sochi Olympics back when the games were actually being played. I thought she was just 'totes ma-goats' adorbs... So even though the 2014 Olympics are a distant memory, here's hoping my Sochi will enjoy hanging with me for years to come. Anyone designing anything fun to stitch for the RIO games?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttyuDbHJImKo2uZfdhbFRENL0obRsyVt4lq9FauaDHa9x2ty8p6amQjEoDCLCTD2baxitejO-g61AWLoAIVHXkRpRUUq5kQUjsLJqVW1pv_3guzOgyPYZoxyhNgY07LOxqEjkpJVCTMm_/s1600/Sochi+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttyuDbHJImKo2uZfdhbFRENL0obRsyVt4lq9FauaDHa9x2ty8p6amQjEoDCLCTD2baxitejO-g61AWLoAIVHXkRpRUUq5kQUjsLJqVW1pv_3guzOgyPYZoxyhNgY07LOxqEjkpJVCTMm_/s1600/Sochi+Collage.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1920798913323175936.post-68998636529993453072014-08-06T20:40:00.000-04:002014-08-11T18:05:14.297-04:00Christmas Ornament finishWho is feeling ahead of the game? Me! That's who! Christmas ornament #1 (2014) done and finished (cording, tassel, etc.). I'm not sure I'm in love with it, but hey, it's a start to the ten I am aiming to complete before December 1.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGqq6MeX3o82QSXGK9lxzYv3uKrO_SL-E5FpQF0grRVYyz1mPDOjDa66w_kOpYZ1AW2wdOxcIbwb7uBEbNACyMMTvzG1AxWsptzevWKUhu5bNxdj4D2uRr40orfchqYRL4ycRPLRSuekF/s1600/Fleur+ornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGqq6MeX3o82QSXGK9lxzYv3uKrO_SL-E5FpQF0grRVYyz1mPDOjDa66w_kOpYZ1AW2wdOxcIbwb7uBEbNACyMMTvzG1AxWsptzevWKUhu5bNxdj4D2uRr40orfchqYRL4ycRPLRSuekF/s1600/Fleur+ornament.jpg" height="640" width="380" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
design from Gift of Stitching magazine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
corner motif from larger design</div>
<br />
<br />Marniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00314779394140189885noreply@blogger.com2