Needlework Exhibit

This past weekend I went with three other stitching ladies to Woodlawn Plantation in Alexandria, VA to take in the 49th Needlework Exhibit.  It was SO awesome.  600 pieces of needlework were on view in this gorgeous old house. No photos as cameras aren't allowed.   And of course, In Stitches ( a local needlework shop) was only 1/4 mile down the road. We went there twice!!  Everyone was super helpful and nice.  The shop was a madhouse with all of these women from the needlework show, being inspired by the work they saw buying all kinds of good stuff.

I saw a lot of samplers and decided I would work on one.  I haven't decided what it will be yet but I gave myself a couple of choices.

Samplers and other thoughts on a Friday

I'd like to know why stitching samplers is such a big deal?  There is  no end to the number of sampler charts available for purchase, old samplers sell for millions of dollars, and I belong to a FB group which is exclusively about samplers.  Don't get me wrong, I think they're beautiful and I can certainly appreciate an antique sampler stitched hundreds of years ago by an 8 year old.  Her skills far outshine my own. But I don't have that urge to stitch every sampler I see.  My other question is why do samplers call for 30 - 40 count fabric?  I don't want to stitch on anything over 28 count even weave linen.

I hope someone can answer my questions.  Until then -- it's stitch night at the Panera in the Galleria!  Mary is bringing me my hardanger instruction books  - oh joy!  And tomorrow is a stitch retreat, I am so excited. We have such a good time. I haven't done any stitching all week and I'd like to get a lot more done on the "Leaping Cat."

This question is from my friend, Lake Stitcher: Our Stitching Bloggers Question is all about May Flowers. *What's your favorite floral piece that you've stitched? Do you prefer your flowers as the centerpiece of the design or as an accent?* 


I don't think I've ever stitched a floral piece! Oh yes I did! Several years ago I stitched a whole row of tulips in various colors.  It was an ambitious project for me and I was really happy at the way it turned out.  I'll try to find a picture and post it here. I  have some patterns in my stash which have flowers in them so I'm thinking I should stitch some flowers.  It is spring, after all!

I am very proud of myself for finishing my name tag for EGA - so at the next meeting I will be  wearing it.  I just gave myself a pat on the back. Ha Ha.

Book talking & stitching

So this past Friday night we're stitching away and my friend,CB, says she's reading, "50 Shades of Gray".  and then she says, "I'm sure you've already read it, Denise." And I'm like, "No I haven't". but as soon as I got home that night I downloaded it on to my Nook and I read it all weekend and finsihed Monday late afternoon.  It is not and I repeat, the book is not well written and I think the author should have stuck with fan fiction.  I have no idea how it got published.  and you know what is really sad?  she ends the book making you feel like you NEED to read the second volume.  Ick! So I put it on reserve at my public library. This is the piece I am currently working on.  I guess it counts as a Sampler!!

More time for stitching

It appears that there will be lots more time for stitching since the Penguins probably won't make it through the 1st round of the NHL playoffs.  Very sad.  But hey, there's always next year. I'm almost finished with my sister-in-law's birthday gift and my next project is Prairie Moon's "Three Amigas."  I am anxious  to start and will have an excellent opportunity this weekend when I go to Turtle Bay for a 4 day stitching retreat. How much fun is that!!?

And I am appalled that the Pulitzer committee did NOT select any book for the fiction award. What a bunch of snobs. 

Show & Tell tonight

Stitch Night at Panera today and I've got "show & tell".  Had two Halloween pieces framed last month.

 I haven't had time to do much stitching lately.  Spending too much time with the Penguins and major league baseball. Go Pens!

Trick or Treat by Heinzit

Jolly Jack by All Through the Night

Country Bunny for Mauricio

I finished the Country Bunny for my great-nephew, Mauricio. I'm really happy with the stitching and  I have some definite ideas on how I want it matted and framed.