These are just a few of my favorite things....

In my garden of needlework are so many different pieces, each one which expresses many of my favorite things, and become the creations of my needle.  Each one is different, each one a unique expression of me, of the things that stir my heart, that draw me to stitch with eager anticipation, as I watch my needle paint each new design into another one of my favorite things.

This is a favorite banner called "Random Thoughts" by Drawn Thread.  Our youngest son, Nathan, purchased the materials and pattern for me for Christmas a few years ago.  I was so thrilled and amazed that my son knew my taste so well and went to my local needlework shop to make the purchases.  Needless to say, I sat down immediately after Christmas Day and began stitching it. 

This piece is called "Hearts and Flowers" by Carriage House Samplings.  My husband, Bruce selected this design for me as a gift, and  I stitched it for one of our wedding anniversaries.  I love the words, "When in love I do commence, may it be with a man of sense". 

    One of my favorite designs is this one, called "Summer Jubilee" by Blackbird Designs.  I especially love our beloved American flag, reminding us, that among the beauty of this world, our flag remains one of the most beautiful reminders of the freedom which we hold so dear in America.

Linens and laces, soft misty hues of color, interspersed with delicate rows of flowers.... Just Nan's "With My Needle, is a favorite piece, done in shades of light greens and delicate shades of pink.  "Roses & Pearls", a design by Indigo Rose, is stitched in soft mauves, pinks and pale greens on misty rose linens. 

If you haven't already guessed, I am very fond of tea and everything it expresses.....sitting down with a friend for a quiet cup of tea, some conversation and perhaps some stitching is absolutely one of my most favorite things to do!

Just a Few of My Favorite Things....

We are so blessed with our precious family.  Over the Memorial Day weekend, we attended the wedding of one of our nephews, and all of our dear children were able to travel, even with the wee little babies, to be with us for the happy event. 

Our 4 month old little grandson, Emerson (Emery) came with our son, Kevin and his wife Gwen.  He is such a happy little boy,and smiles every time someone says "hello" to him.  He has such a good natured disposition. Of course, Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Bruce couldn't miss any opportunity to hold him, since he lives almost 7 and 1/2 hours away from us!

Ella, our 8 week old little granddaughter, slept almost throughout the entire wedding and reception festivities, but woke up to eat once and we were able to capture this precious photo of her resting on her Daddy's shoulder.  She is such a sweet "little pea".  Doesn't she have the biggest deep blue eyes! 

Of course, we just have to show off our own precious "little baby" too.  Meggie is our surrogate baby, a little toy poodle, whom we spoil to pieces.  She is very much loved and adored, and doesn't she know it?  LOL!  Fortunately, she is very politely curious about the new babies that come to visit. Good thing that she knows her place around the grandbabies!

The past few days I have been spending time catching up on some much needed rest after such a happy, but very busy weekend.  When I've taken some time to relax with my needle, I have been working on a counted cross stitch piece for our little granddaugher, Ella.  Our daughter has decorated Ella's nursery in soft shades of pink, (very girlie indeed), and the curtains and a homemade quilt have a pink toile pattern of little brown bunnies.  So, to go along with the bunny theme, I am creating Ella's name with four large bunnies, all of whom are worked within the letters.  I will show the finished piece to you soon! 

New England Stitching Retreat - Musings of a Wonderful Weekend!

We couldn't have asked for a more wonderful stitching retreat experience than we all had at the first New England Stitcher's Retreat Spring 2010 weekend!  Belilnda Karls-Nace, of Blue Ribbon Designs, not only created a very special project for us, but included a meticulously organized notebook of all the charting and finishing instructions so that we would be able to finish every aspect of the project when we returned home.  I don't know about you, but I almost never finish my class project at a retreat, and thank heavens for great instructions so that I can finish it on my own later!

There were late hours of stitching, talking, laughing and giggling well into the night in the stitcher's lounge of the Great Stone Dwelling House, where we all experienced what it was like to stay in a 200 year old Shaker dwelling.

We all enjoyed wonderful meals too, with one delicious meal after the other, including wine with dinner and great desserts!  And of course, we can't forget about the "chocolate" for all of us "chocoholics"!  There was chocolate everywhere, even in the Stitcher's Lounge, just in case anyone needed a late night "chocolate fix"!

 

 On Friday night, after dinner, we all had fun enjoyed admiring everyone's personal needlework pieces, both finished and unfinished "works in progress".

My favorite part of the weekend was the Saturday afternoon trip to ABC Stitch Therapy for some shopping and an English style afternoon tea in a cozy section of the shop.  After we had explored every nook and cranny of this wonderful needlework shop, searching through rows and rows of charts, fibers, fabrics and other necessities of needlework, we happily sank into comfortable chairs and sofas, to sip on hot cups of tea and enjoy some delectable tea sandwiches and dessert.  Nothing could have been more perfect.  I was in stitching heaven, with my favorite cup of tea and having the time of my life with my new found stitching friends!

After resting from our exhilarating time of shopping, and some rest and relaxation, we returned to the Great Stone Dwelling House at the Enfield Shaker Museum, where we were once more treated to another great meal.  Then it was time for some doorprize! Yea!!!.  It was great fun seeing what everyone received!

Before we realized, it was already Sunday morning and time to say our "good-byes".  There were new friendships made amidst the old ones, and many said that they couldn't wait until the next time we would be together again for another great needlework retreat.  Belinda was one of our best new stitching friends, for sure, and we knew that we would never be the same for having come together to do what we enjoy doing best...needlework of course!

Now, I can't wait until the next New England Stitcher's Retreat, which will be with Thea Dueck of The Victoria Sampler, from October 8-11, 2010, again being held at the Enfield Shaker Museum and Great Stone Dwelling House, in Enfield, New Hampshire.  I can't wait!!