A little bit of this, a little bit of that

Well, good morning everyone. It is another bright, sunny, hot day here on the lake! Summer has arrived early and I'm loving every minute of it.
My needles and sewing machine have been busy these last few days. I have stitched on another Friendship Sampler RR and sent it on it's way. I have chosen not to show it because all of our last names are stitched on it - about 16 and I prefer not to do that.


I pulled my Chatelaine - Desert Mandala out of the pile and gave it some love.  I will show you a before and after as it hasn't been seen in a while.

See, I did make some progress. The little coyote is stitched over 1 on 32 count. I put it aside after that!

I received a message from Clare that her personal exchange has arrived. Here is the little needlebook and fob I stitched for her. The design is from The Gift of Stitching magazine and is stitched on a piece of 32 count mystery fabric that is actually a pale green with one of Vikki Clayton's silks.

And here is a photo of the rest of the goodies I included. She assures me she loves it.

My fingers did a little shopping too. My friend Lynn told me about a new thread and fabric company called Ayrloom and they are Canadian. The company is on Ebay. They had a special  so I ordered a sample pack of their handpainted threads. They are absolutely wonderful. They apparently also sell hand dyed fabrics - Guess what I'm ordering next!!! I f anyone would like info please let me know and I will be happy to provide it. And thanks Lynn for the great tip.

I received my Mirabilia RR back from my BFF Beatrice too. She filled the last block by stitching "Lady of the Flag".

And here it is completed and ready for the framers.

I have just finished a flannel baby quilt and will be delivering it to the new owners today. I am working on finishing a sampler that was given to me last year into a pillow and have been working away on my next two exchanges. No photos yet but next time?

Thank you eveyone who tossed their name into the Tim Horton's Cup of Destiny. I was delighted to find that many people actually read what I write!

Until next time - happy stitching one and all.

And the winner is..........

from the Tim Horton's Cup of Destiny

drawn by my SIL -- Mare

Mare - please contact me at drewsgrands@hotmail.com

My thanks to everyone who entered the draw and left such wonderful comments. It was greatly appreciated.

Today is the day - Blogaversary #3

Here it is the big day. At Dani's insistence and my promise to start blogging once I finished Celtic Banner, I started my blog. It has been an incredible journey.
I have met a wonderful circle of fellow stitchers. I have made some wonderful friends. I have seen such incredible work. I have been introduced to a whole new world of designers, fabrics and threads. I have stitched and stitched and stitched with your encouragement the whole way.
I participated in a number of exchanges and round robins around the world. I loved every minute of it.
When my son was so ill, I received so many wonderful emails and letters, it helped me through a very difficult time.
To each and every one of you my heartfelt thanks for being part of my life. You have all enriched my life.

I will be doing a little blogaversary giveaway. You can leave a comment on this post or the one below and I will draw a name on May 23rd. Good luck everyone.

Blogaversary on May 17th - 3 years

I know I have been a lax blogger. Settling into home has taken a bit of time.

We have to give the mice their eviction notice, clean up after their winter's sojourn and establish ourselves as the rightful residents. Restocking the fridge and cupboards takes some time. Washing windows and general housecleaning ate up time.

We visited with our doctor - checking in - we're both fine, went to the dentist - gotta have pearly whites, need hair cuts - still working on that one - next week. We have made time to see our family and friends.

I have been spending some time with my BFF Beatrice as she adjusts to her new life alone. We have hung pictures, sorted boxes, had lunch, went on a day trip to Dani's (photos on her blog) and talked lots and stitched a little. 

This afternoon our youngest son arrived with the two grandsons for the weekend. He has gone hunting turkey with his brother and we are going to watch the two little guys. Mommy stayed at home getting some well deserved me time.

I have managed a small amount of stitching. I finished an exchange piece that I cannot show you until it is received.

I picked up my Friendship Sampler RR and filled in some of the blank parts. I think I stitched 9 hearts all told.
Beatrice took it for a day and she stitched one of the remaining 4 hearts. The other 3 are all spoken for so it won't be long until this is a finished finish!!! I am adding a before and after photo so you can see the progress.

Yesterday at stitching I received this wonderful gift from Judy (no blog). Judy is downsizing her home and amongst her treasures was this beauty. Since I am a nutcracker collector she knew I would give it a welcome new home. Isn't he grand.

I also took a quick peek into Ann's shop and walked out with this little purchase. Ann says it has been in the shop for a bit but I just never saw it. It had to come home with me. I love it so much that I have the fabric and threads pulled to start it asap not withstanding my long list of other WIP's that are more urgent.

And the best part - Monday will be my 3rd Blogaversary. What a joy it has been. I have met some of the most wonderful people and have made many new friends.

I will be offering a little gift from me to one lucky person to celebrate this grand occasion. So - leave a comment on this post and I will draw a name on May 23 at the end of the day.

To"yorkiewith needles" please contact me with an email address re the possible Mirabilia RR.

That's it for this round. Hope all your frogs have their walking papers LOL.