Blooms 'n Things...

Last week was such a flurry of busyness that I can't even recall where the days went, but I loved the gorgeous sunny weather, and some of the flowers in my gardens were so beautiful that I just couldn't resist capturing them in a few photos. 

When I was a llittle girl, I absolutely loved daisies, just as much as I still do today.  In fact, one summer, when I was about 8 years old, I decided that, because  they grew in such abundance in the fields around our home, that I would dig up great bunches of the them and go door to door to sell them.  I put the plants into my little red wagon and knocked on all of the doors of the houses in our neighborhood, asking people if they would be interested in purchasing one of my beautiful little daisy plants for only 10 cents a plant.  Imagine how thrilled I was when, by days' end, I had sold all of my plants and went home with $2.00, quite a lot of money for an eight year old at that time.  

Over the weekend, making some color changes to my own choice of threads, I finally completed my "Jenny Bean Pin Tuffet".  I'm not terribly fond of a lot of black in my stitching projects, so I chose more golden and brown hues, more appealing to my choice of color palettes.  I need to find some cute Puntini-Puntini pins to go with it.

I am thinking of adding some twisted cording around the edges of the tuffet box.  It was a bit of a challenge gathering the linen up in two different rows underneath to fit over the matboard and then gluing it into place in the round box.  

When I purchased "Jenny Bean's Pin Tuffet", I also purchased "Jenny Bean's Humble Servant Sampler", and it is calling to me to be stitched very soon!  We'll see.... My husband, Bruce also has given me a lovely sampler with accompanying linen and fibers for my birthday, so I haven't quite made up my mind which one will be my first choice.  Oh, such difficult decisions.....

What a Joy!

Our Happy Little Grandson, Emerson with Daddy Kevin

Our son, Kevin, his wife, Gwen, and our 6 month old grandson, Emerson, came for a weekend visit from Pennsylvania over this past weekend.  This precious little boy is one of the happiest babies we have ever known.  He has the most wonderful disposition and just breaks out into smiles from ear to ear whenever anyone speaks to him.  He is a big boy too, and now weighs 17 & 1/2 lbs and is 27 & 1/2 inches long.  We think he will be a big boy for sure!  It was such a joy having them here.  They were headed off to a family vacation home in New Hampshire with Emery's other grandparents for a week of rest and fun on a beautiful lake.

It is those precious moments with our loved ones that rejuvenate and bless us as our live intertwine with one another.  Thank heaven for for such precious times as these...

I want to thank so many of you for taking time to read my blog and leave such wonderful and thoughtful, caring comments.  How blessed we are that our lives have crossed, and that we share so many common "threads" in this journey of life, with each other. 

Ella's Brown Bunny Name Sampler

Thank you to many of my dear stitching friends for your thoughtful well wishes and prayers.  It is very comforting to know that others are so kind and caring, and I appreciate your words more than you can know.

Recently I completed a special sampler for our new little granddaughter, called "Ella's Brown Bunny Name Sampler".  Why brown bunnies?  Well, our daughter, Carra loves bunnies and decided to decorate Ella's nursery in shades of antique pink, and wanted to incorporate a theme with little "brown bunnies"  She chose curtain fabric with pink and brown bunny "toile" etchings.  A close friend created a beautiful appliqued, "brown bunny" quilt, using some of  the "toile" curtain fabric.  (I will have to take a picture of it to post.)

So of course, Grandma Kathy just had to create something special for Ella's nursery to go with the "Brown Bunny" theme too.  Using an adorable alphabet bunnies booklet of designs,  making color adaptations and a few of my own little creative additions, I created "Ella's Brown Bunny Name Sampler".

These photos don't do justice to the true colors of this piece, because the actual colors are rose and shades of medium and light pink, although some of the photos make the colors look like more peachy tones.

Well, although I need to sharpen my photography skills, at least you can see each "Bunny Letter" a little more closely. 

The little pink rosebud vines and baby bunny holding a cabbage are my attempt at being creative.

"Consider the Lilies of the Field..."

Sometimes when the storm winds blow in our lives, it is difficult to see or understand why some things happen the way they do.  But, it is all part of life, that we will all travel the roads of life through the peaks and valleys, on sunny beautiful days and through the dark, and rainy days too.

Last week I learned that I will need to have some surgery to provide some relief from a medical issue with which I have been dealing for quite some time, without a great deal of success.  I wasn't prepared to deal with the potential outcomes from the surgery, because it will mean that I will have limitations that I am just not ready to face, but I have to come to terms with it and accept it.

I have prayed a great deal about it over the past week, cried, and at times have wanted to be left completely quiet and alone to come to a place of peace and acceptance.  Fortunately I have a very loving family and a few very close and caring friends, with whom I have sought counsel and prayer, and now I am at peace. 

Several years ago, I stitched this piece called "Consider the Lilies of the Field", when our oldest son was hospitalized with a serious illness.  It kept my mind and hands busy during the long hours of waiting and praying for his recovery.  Everyday,  this piece of needlework reminds me of how blessed we are that our son is stable and well, and it also reminds me that whatever trials life brings, we can find comfort, peace and beauty in all of God's creations.  

Our Sweet Little Ones

Our little grandchildren are growing so quickly.  A wise woman once said, "Children just grow up when we aren't looking."  Isn't it so true?  These precious little babies come into our lives, and are so small when they are first born, and then the months seem to pass by so quickly in that first year, and before we know it, they are walking and talking!

This is little Emerson, our 5 month old grandson, who lives in Pennsylvania. We can't wait until our son and daughter-in-law visit at the end of this month, so we can hug this cute little guy!  He is such a good natured baby.

Here is our little 3 month old granddaughter, Ella, who spent this past Sunday afternoon with us, while her Mommy and Daddy attended a wedding. 

I am loving this wonderful experience of being a grandmother!

"Random Thoughts"

Some of my stitching friends have seen my Drawn Thread piece, "Random Thoughts", of which I posted a photo on my June 6th blog post.  I just learned that in the July 8th, 2010 Traditional Stitches Newsletter they announced that they are having a "July Stitch Along" for anyone who would like to stitch "Random Thoughts".  It is totally on your own, but you can connect online with other stitchers who will also be stitching this really fabulous piece.  I had an absolutely wonderful time stitching it!  It was such fun stitching every new little element of it.  I just could not put it down until it was finished.

You can subscribe to the Traditional Stitches Newsletter if you go to their website at http://www.traditionalstitches.com, or email janice@traditionalstitches.com. 

"Hands to Work ...Hearts to God"

At long last,  I finished my sewing accessories to Blue Ribbon Designs, "Beauty in Simplicity", which was the  New England Stitcher's Retreat May project this year.  Since I was down with a bad cold and a fractured toe last week, I was pretty much off my feet, needing to rest, so it was a good opportunity to get some stitching done when I was up to it.  It feels good to have finished these little stitching accessories, since I have always shied away from small items, for fear of complicated finishing.  Belinda Karls-Nace's finishing photographs and instructions are so meticulous that it was not difficult or a bit scary at all to finish off any of them.  I feel so proud of myself :).

So here are my needlebook, pinkeep and scissor fob!  I designed the back of the needlebook a little bit different from Belinda's finished piece, but it seemed to suit my personality more this way.  Let me know what you think too!  I love the theme of "Hands to Work...Hearts to God" because it speaks to my heart about the scriptures that tell us to  "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)  I pray that all the works of my hands will reflect my love for God in all that I do and all that I create in my life.

 May others be blessed by all the works of your hands as a true reflection of your hearts deepest thoughts  and love of God in all that you do and in every way that your life touches the lives of others.

Sweet Land of Liberty!

"Our Country Tis of Thee, Sweet Land of Liberty
Of Thee I Sing!"

How blessed we are in America, that we can still sing of the incredible freedoms and liberties that we, as Americans, still enjoy in this beautiful country, home of nation of free people.  We are blessed by a nation, so rich in its' heritage of men and women who sacrificed so much, fighting in many wars, both here and abroad, to preserve our precious way of life here in the United States.

Today, July 4th, may we celebrate our Declaration of Independence, signed 343 years ago by our founding fathers, declaring  our independence from Great Britain, and establishing our country as a free nation of men and women, to live, under God, with liberty, freedom and justice for all people!

I was inspired to pull out an "Americana" needleroll pattern, from my Shepherd's Bush stash.

It has been a really hot day here in Massachusetts, reaching 93 degrees in Boston, where the Boston Pops is getting ready to start up the 4th of July celebration at the historic "Hatshell" with a great celebration of music right now.  We have stayed indoors most of the day where it is cool.  I baked a rhubarb crisp for us all to enjoy tonight while we enjoy watching the festivities together at home.  Yum...can't wait to taste it.  It is an old recipe from Bruce's mother, and she was an incredible cook.....mmmmm. wonder if my attempt to recreate it will be a good one.  We'll see...

God Bless You...wherever you may be spending this 4th of July, and God Bless America!

A Little Piece of Heaven Away From Home

My husband, Bruce and I decided that we needed a little overnight getaway on Saturday, to one of our favorite B&B's, the Shaker Hill B&B, in Enfield, New Hampshire.  It was a lovely, sunny day in the high 70's, when we left home, after my husband finished working, and what a perfect day for the drive there.

When we arrived around 5:00 p.m. it had just rained in Enfield, and it was cool with a slight breeze.  The gardens at the B&B were all in bloom and all so beautiful that we just had to walk all around the grounds and take some pictures. Talk about peace and tranquility......it was like a "little piece of heaven" away from home.

You can imagine that it was not easy to leave on Sunday.  We would have loved to spend hours rocking peacefully away on this porch, taking in all of the beauty and simplicity of this very peaceful and tranquil setting.

Our Precious Little Granddaughter

Last night our daughter, Carra, came over with our 3 month old granddaughter, Ella, while Carra's husband was helping some friends move.

Ella is so adorable with her big blue eyes, that just seem to glow with delight as she takes everything in around her.  She was especially fascinated with a little brown bear, and fell asleep in her little infant seat, with her hands resting on the bear.  Too adorable for words!

                                           Carra and Ella

                                              

My Latest "Works In Progress"

Do you ever feel like you have so many exciting pieces in your stash, just calling out to you, "stitch me", that you just have to start something new, and sometimes have a few pieces going all at the same time? 

For the most part, I am a fairly disciplined, organized person, who needs to finish one project before starting something new.  I often choose detailed needlework projects, which usually take a fairly long time to complete, and sometimes it feels good to be able to work on a smaller, less complicated piece, to relieve the stress of my larger project.

 In May I completed a wonderful design, from Belinda Karls-Nace, of Blue Ribbon Designs, who was our guest designer and instructor at The New England Stitcher's Retreat at the Enfield Shaker Museum in Enfield New Hampshire.  Currently, I am working on finishing up retreat project pieces and hopefully will be able to show them to you soon. 

                                                           "A Sampling in The Square".   

I loved stitching this piece because of the unique designs in each square.  The colors blend beautifully and it was a lot of fun to stitch too!

When our little granddaughter, Ella, was born this spring, our daughter asked me if I could create Ella's name in cross-stitch, with "little brown bunnies" because the nursery theme surrounds a quilt and matching curtains in a pale pink with little "toile" brown bunnies.  Years ago, I had saved a "Bunny Alphabet" cross-stitch book, from which I drafted Ella's name with a different bunny for each letter in her name.  I think that it came out really cute, and I will post a picture of it as soon as it returns from the framer.

This is a recently finished piece, "School of Needlework" from Little House Needleworks.  As you can see, I just couldn't resist changing "Mrs. Ross' School of Needlework", to Mrs. Roseen's School of Needlework!

One of my "works in progress" has been a favorite piece, called "WILLKOMMEN" from Rosewood Manor.  It is on my roller bars and awaiting the beginning of the 4th panel. 

Alas, there just aren't enough hours in the day to stitch!

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!!