Stocking Stitchin'

Christmas is starting to bear down on us and I wanted to get the two adoptive grandchildren's stockings done. Sadly, it's not looking like we'll have them for Christmas but I thought if my daughter could hang their stockings, a little piece of them would be with us. I'm not allowed to share their names but here is what I have so far. 

For the little girl, I did Anna's Stocking by Shepherds Bush. I used embellishments I had on hand ---a lot of JABCO buttons---these were fresh on my mind after the recent class with them.

For the little boy, I'm stitching Oliver's Stocking by Shepherds Bush. I've switched out some fibers and am using some pretty Tweedies from Rainbow Gallery. You can't see the "tweediness" in the photo (the green in his jacket), but it is there and gives a "wool" effect.  Here is what I've accomplished so far.

A trip is in the works to Discount Fabrics in Thurmont, MD soon to pick out the backing fabrics for these. It helps they're having a  25% off sale starting Nov. 2nd! They sell decorator fabrics that I like to use for the backing...... a little more substance than cotton quilt fabric. It doesn't hurt that they sell Dupioni silk too, so I always take a gander at that.

Up until I started working on the stockings, I had been moving along nicely on the Needlewoman's Pocketbook by Amy Mitten. Here's my status on that--sorry it's a little subdued but I was trying to get all of it in one shot.

And now....drum roll please..... a fabulous find I got at an online auction!!! We live down the street from a lovely historic home (circa 1762) and it recently went on the market. Fortunately my husband was asked to do the home inspection for the buyer and I offered to help him (definitely had ulterior motives). It was an amazing place!!! They built a "new" house around the original 3 story log home --totally encapsulated it. Old, original flooring, beams, fireplaces, etc. in the living room, dining room and 4 bedrooms. Even had a long hallway running down the entire length of the "log" home  so you could see the actual exterior logs. New master bedroom, bath, kitchen and family room but blended very nicely. It was truly something out of Homes and Gardens magazine!!! Well, while doing my inspecting, I noticed a lovely old sewing stand that I had to bid on and won!!! I am thrilled with it...can't find any info on it... such as age   ( I googled and came up empty handed) but I love it and have never seen one shaped like this. I have to say these on line auctions are pretty cool and I may have to start checking more out. So, without further ado, here is the stand!

Last, but not least, is a shot of the grand kids in some Halloween PJ's I found for them at Target.

As always, thanks for stopping by and your "twisted Threads" of friendship! I do appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my blog and let me share my loves!

Stasi

Jammin' at Jamboree

No..not the musical kind of jammin'...but the fruit variety..mainly pears!!! That was the theme of our classes this past weekend at Salty Yarns and even though no actual "jam" was made, we did create some wonderful "pear" treats. 

I was able to travel down a day early, peruse Salty Yarns, enjoy dinner with friends  then settle in for an evening of stitching in the lobby with the other early birds. Upon arrival, we received our "goodie" bucket and boy were they full of "goodies". Lots of fun stuff including a kit from Jackie DuPlessis.We got scissors/sheath, Bohin needles, a purple "thang" , walnut shells for stuffing, JABCO pins, lotion, a Salty Yarns gift card and more. 

Sally also designed a couple pieces for us, a "shoe" pincushion and a "spool" scissor keeper kit. Thanks Sal!!!

Friday morning I awoke to this beautiful scene....

...then an early walk on the boardwalk before the "cruisers" parade started.

So, with the "cruisers"  in town,  every morning we were treated to an hour and a half  parade of cars down the boardwalk. Engines revved, horns blew and music blasted as the "boys (and some gals) with their toys" preened their way down the boardwalk.

Friday evening the festivities officially began with a homemade lasagne dinner followed by an hors d'oeuvres and dessert reception. We met the teachers and found out what out what our projects would be. More stitching in the lobby that evening.

Saturday morning my first class was A Perfect Pairing with Cathy from Hands On Design. We took our pre-stitching and made a needlebook. Cathy was a fantastic teacher and took us step by step through the process. Most ladies left the weekend with a finished piece. Here's mine:

A delicious lunch awaited us, then it was on to the afternoon class with Rachel from JABCO. Rachel taught us how to make a 3-D pear out of felted wool  and I think everyone left class with theirs completed. It's adorable and sits on my mantle. We got the little bee tag and "gather" pin as part of the class. We also had a special visitor to class, Rachel's 4 month old baby, who was good as gold throughout the whole weekend!

Do you like the beach back drop?

Saturday evening we were on our own for dinner so a group of us went to Panera's for dinner. It was a chilly/dreary day and everyone was in the mood for soup! I had a craving for potato soup but had to settle for creamy tomato. Then back to the Lankford for a dessert bar and lobby stitching.

Sunday morning was my last class and it was with Cecile from JABCO. We learned how they make their fabulous buttons and I definitely have a new appreciation for them.We were given cubes of clay and Cecile walked us through making pear buttons. There were also instructions on how to make a variety of different shaped buttons and the makings for two cute little projects--a tag for a basket and a ribbon stating "I made buttons".  I gave it the good ole college try, but this is definitely NOT for me. I'm not a 3-D person and even though I can shape a single button, making the canes of dough and pulling them out to make millions of tiny buttons was beyond me. I enjoyed the experience and stretching (pun intended) myself, but will definitely leave the button making process to the professionals! I did leave with some buttons however!!!

I helped with cutting fabric during the down times from class and I so enjoy talking to everyone, seeing their projects and helping them with their fabric selection. It takes me back to my old TT days!!!

This was such a great weekend. Thanks to Cathy, Cecile and Rachel for the fabulous classes and a special thanks to Sara, Sally, Mary and gang for taking such good care of us and providing us with this wonderful opportunity.  It is always so nice to hook up with old friends, meet new friends (shout out to Robin) and share our passion. Needle and thread truly binds us!

 So, sadly I had to leave Monday morning but with a lovely memory to tide me until the next time.

Thanks for stopping by and your "twisted threads" of friendship!
Stasi

Progress Report before I'm Off............

I am in the throes of preparing to travel to Salty Yarns in  Ocean City, MD for their annual Jamboree-- a weekend of classes and fun with fellow stitch addicts. Trying to decide on what to take to stitch (notice that's first on the list), class supplies, what to wear (weather is looking very nice), what food to bring ( think I'll wing that one this trip--- I never go hungry), etc.. The lists are flying!!!! I'll try to post while I'm there, but I never seem to get around to it once I start gabbiing with the ladies or shopping in Salty Yarns. So, if I don't, look for something when I get home.

As for my progress report, I have been working diligently on A Needleworkers Pocketbook by Amy Mitten. These are my colors and I'm loving it!!!
Here is what I've done so far:

This is my first foray into Amy Mitten territory and so far.... so good.
Amy's instructions for the stitching are wonderful and I'm assuming they will also be for the finishing. Will keep you posted!

Thanks for stopping by and your "twisted threads" of friendship!

Stasi