IHSW update

I was able to get lots of stitching done this weekend, but unfortunately can't post a picture because it's for the Stitched with Love Favorite Things Exchange.  I was able to finish the stitching on the main part of the exchange and now I just need to do the finishing work. I say that as if I ever actually finish anything!  But this time I actually will have a completely finished piece sometime next weekend, which is another milestone thing since it will actually be finished at least a week before I have to mail it.  This is my first exchange and I'm pleased that it's pushing me into better habits :-) I'll post a picture after my exchange partner receives it.  Here's hoping she is as pleased with the stitched piece as I am. 

Next up is to start the stitching on my next exchange piece, and maybe I'll squeeze in a small project too.

May WIPocalypse update

I noticed on Friday that the WIPocalypse update was on the weekend and I realized that I hadn't worked on any of my WIP's for weeks :-(    Oh well, at least I managed to get a day of stitching in, and I made much better progress than I expected: 

This is Grandma's Garden Sewing Kit by Linda Duree.  It was a class I took last year at Celebration of Needlework.  The last time I worked on it I had to unstitch a few areas, but I finally finished that and was able to complete many of the flowers this weekend.  I was surprised at how quickly it went once I spent some time on it.  The stitching was fun and easy, and I have no idea why it's been sitting around waiting for attention for so long.  The siren call of new projects I guess.  I am determined to finish the stitching by next month's update.  Then I'm going to start looking for a 12-step program for those who finish stitching but never actually finish the projects themselves.

I also finished a couple of non-WIP projects while I was at Celebrations:

Gentle Touches by Shakespeare's Peddler

Quaker Pincushion by Jeannette Douglas

 

 

 

Celebration of Needlework

I just spent a fantastic weekend with my best stitching buddies at Celebration of Needlework in Nashua NH. We had a fabulous time stitching, laughing until it hurts, and shopping.  And shopping some more.  Since it's only 5 minutes from my home to the hotel I rationalized that meant I could use the money I would have spent on a hotel room for stash!!  I came home each night and emptied my shopping bag out on the dining room table so I could ogle and fondle all my wonderful new stuff.  I'm a very lucky, very greedy girl, so by Saturday night the table was covered.  Wanna see??

Lots of beautiful linens

embellishments

Pincushion stand from Olde Colonial

Lots of new charts, many with floss packs to go with them

a new oval hoop and some cute stitch starters in various sizes

adorable stitcher's companion and project pack

a wool applique project

Gazelle frame with Love is Patient project by Victoria Sampler, that I won at the secret auction to raise money for the fight against breast cancer.

I also took one class by Barbara Jackson called Williamsburg Tray.  I'll be adding this to my WIPocalypse list.  Which reminds me ... I was lucky enough to meet Melissa, the hostess of our 2012 WIPocalypse.  She was working on the most amazing orange overdyed fabric.  I can't wait to see her finished project.

When I look back at all these pictures I'm a little embarrassed at my greediness, but I only lose control like this once a year, so I'll probably get over it before next year's event.

After 3 days of stitching with my friends I certainly got my stitching mojo back.  I've wanted to do nothing but stitch since I got home.  But I already miss stitching with them, and hope we can all get together again very soon.