Okay...is it winter..or spring...I'm confused!!!

And so are my daffodils that are popping up!!! This past weekend in OCMD we experienced snow...the last few days have hit 70 here in the Richmond area....please Mother Nature MAKE UP YOUR MIND!!!! I guess we're never happy with the weather and since we have no control over it, I'm moving on!

There were approximately 16 ladies who traveled to Salty Yarns for their annual Super Bowl sale.   As I mentioned, we had about 2 inches of snow in Ocean City, which lead to an unusual site...a snowman on the beach!!! Happily, we were all tucked warm and toasty in the shop and/or our apartments stitching.

 

I had a lovely time, as usual, and enjoyed experiencing some beautiful show and tell and seeing  everyone's current projects....lots of eye candy and inspiration!!! Here's a quick run down of the weekend:
I drove up Thursday and arrived around 2:00pm.  Friday a group of us went out to lunch and I had the best grilled cheese sandwich....it was called an "adult" grilled cheese and was brie with bacon, topped with an onion/garlic jam--yummy!!! This is when the snow started!!! The owner, Sara, had a reception Friday evening for us die- hards with an array of delicious appetizers. Saturday was spent in the shop ( I did jump in and help to cut fabric), visiting the ladies in their apartments and stitching. Saturday evening, a group of us got together for a pot luck dinner and I made my Cincinnati style chili. All the food was delish and the camaraderie abundant. Sunday was spent in the shop again and stitching. Early Monday I left for home and back to reality!!! Always a wonderful time and can't wait to go back the end of March for two Catherine Theron classes.

I did stitch every night and managed to get the Black Sampler Band SAL piece completed. I did change the letters at the bottom to reflect my initials rather than the charted ABC. I love that last alphabet..so pretty! Now to attach to my spool!

After that, I got back to work on Merry Christmas by Blackbird Designs and got  the top of the drum all stitched. I had to figure out the '9' on the fly..how did I do? Next up is the band that goes around the drum. I just joined a FB SAL page for this piece and hope to get hints for the finishing.

Of course I did some stash enhancement....hard not to with the great sale. So RJ, here is what I succumbed to.
I thought the mermaid bag would be a nice companion for the Siren's Tart. I had seen the Nebby Needle chart on FB and thought it would make an adorable Christmas ornament/gift. The Hands on Design, Oh Say Can You Sea was a last minute addition. One of the ladies had gifted her small group this chart and supplies to work on for the weekend. A number of the ladies finished the stitching on theirs but one lady had stitched the drum over one!!!!  I've had my eyes on this chart for awhile since I'm from Baltimore and love the beach...perfect combination for the saying! It was so tiny and precious; I couldn't resist and want to give it a try (sure wish I'd taken a photo!!!).

Another lady there had stitched a Merry Cox piece from an old JCS magazine and attached it to a pre-made pouch. As luck would have it, there was one in the shop and I snagged it since I have that magazine in my stash--surprise, surprise!!! I bought the rings for my ever growing fiber collection and what I would call the world's smallest hornbook.

My hubby and I just joined Planet Fitness and I thought this would be a great water bottle....and, since the Lankford is for sale, a nice remembrance.

And then I bought this chart and the supplies to make it... stitched on 35 count WDW Gunmetal with an assortment of GAST, WDW and CC fibers. I must have really liked it because I already had the chart!!! So be on the lookout in the future as I will have a giveaway of the duplicate chart. 

 
Whew, I hope I haven't bored you to tears!!! In closing I would like to say that I am so blessed to have the opportunity to attend wonderful classes and retreats and wish that for all of you. I always learn something new from fellow stitchers... be it a new designer, a good read or a yummy recipe. There are FB  pages with lists of stitch retreats, your local or national EGA/Sampler groups and LNS classes. Check them out and see if one is doable...you won't regret it!

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

My fellow Hogwarts devotee

 

 

A couple finishes and Stitch Stroll Additions......(493-494)

A quick swing by to share two recent finishes. The first I thought you still might have time to stitch by Valentine's Day. It is a freebie from Twisted Threads called Itty Bitty Love. I stitched it as called for, over one, and finished it in a Twisted Threads square tin necklace....easy peasy!!! The silver charm is also from Twisted Threads. It's hard to read but I stitched Rich and Stasi 2019 at the bottom. Here is a link to the freebie chart: Itty Bitty Love 

  
My next finish is Siren's Tart by Plum Street Samplers. This was a shop exclusive kit from Down Sunshine Lane. I swapped out the fabric, the one in the kit was a darker green. It was stitched over two on a 36 count mystery blue fabric from my stash with supplied fibers. The tart pan came with the kit and made for another easy finish. I added the fun fish pins!

I finally was able to finish a Christmas Alphabet locket for me (this was the project for my Guild Christmas lunch and designed by a member).....the first I did as a gift and had to order another locket. It turned out so sweet!

To close out, I'm showing myself in full "geek-out" mode!!! My daughter surprised me with a Hogwarts robe that she made for me... I am officially a Hufflepuff!!!

Please stay safe and warm if you are being affected by this frigid weather and thanks for stopping by and your "twisted threads" of friendship!

Stasi

 

Back to Reality and a Stitch Stroll Addition ....(492)

Greetings all! I am back from my weekend in OCMD helping with the EGA Camp Wannastitch event. There were approximately 175 attendees, most of whom make a trip to Salty Yarns, for supplies and/or stash enhancement. I am on fabric cutting duty and have to say I cut a LOT of fabric. And I so enjoy it...I get to see what exciting projects these stitchers are working on and play a small part in their selection process. I did have a bit of an anxiety producing moment when my oil light came on as I started my drive home (flashback to last year's traumatic episode---https://beemusedandbeestitching.blogspot.com/2018/01/a-stressful-end-to-otherwise-wonderful.html) but I returned to have Vernon check it out, stopped at Advance Auto parts for some oil and was on my merry way without further ado..... big shout out to Vernon--thanks!!!!

I'll start off with a little bit of stash enhancement of my own; I tried to hold it to a minimum as I'll be going back to Salty Yarns for Super Bowl weekend and their big sale. 

I also got the fabric for Hands on Design, A Year of Celebrations, which I'm going to do on a larger count fabric..more on that to come later.

I also received some birthday/Christmas gifts ( we try to wait until we are together in person to exchange). I received this Longaberger basket and the "fillings" from Deb. I've always wanted to try those Bombas socks, especially since they have a 'bee' on them! There is also some wonderful fabric, a bee needle minder, sweet notebook and a box of  Invisifil thread...I feel very spoiled!!!!

Here is the fabric.....I think I see a project bag in my future!!!! Thanks Debbie!!!

Then I received this from Sara..... a circle template which will come in very handy, a vintage needle collection from Colonial Needle and an adorable stitched thread keep! Love, love, love!!! Thanks to you Sara!

One of the ladies in my stitch group had made us all this sweet ort container...can you believe it was made from a Pringles can??? You just twist the fabric and the bottom fits up into the tube....then just pop out to use. Thanks to Joey!

Now on to some stitching. Since my friend has finally received her birthday gift, I can officially add it to my Stitch Stroll. It was a joy to stitch and I can't wait to do one for myself. This was a teaching piece by Indigo Rose called Sampler Bead Blanket. One of the members of my Guild had brought it to share and offered to sell me the chart. It had some leftover threads and beads, so I matched as best I could from my stash. The edge is beaded and was not difficult at all. There is a piece of a Vellux type fabric tacked on the inside to hold your beads in place....hopefully!!! :)

I finished the stitching on my Siren's Tart by Plum Street Samplers; it will be FFO'd in a small tart pan. I used a piece of scrap fabric I had on hand (I liked the color better) and may have to sew a band around it so I can gather it up correctly. The ladies at stitch group yesterday think she has a big nose!!! :)

 Then, I've been playing catch up on the Black Sampler Band SAL; I have weeks 27, 28 and the bonus to do. I'm trying to crank it out so I'm ready to start the new one in February.

And I got a bit more done on Merry Christmas.

 We've been in a roller coaster ride with the weather...50's one day...20's the next... 30's today and 60 tomorrow!!! I've got the essential oils in overdrive trying to stay healthy!!! Stay warm and safe for those of you in the path of the next winter storm......thanks for stopping by and your "twisted threads" of friendship!

Stasi

Home Again, Home Again........

Greetings from a chilly, dreary Richmond, VA!!! After a week in warm, sunny Florida, we came home to freezing temps and ice...but we made it home and were happy about that. It didn't freeze on the streets but made for some lovely tree imagery.

 Our Disney trip was magical!!! For those who don't know, my daughter adopted two children from Sierra Leone Africa who arrived, after almost 4 years of red tape, in December 2017. It has been a very difficult year of adjustments for everyone including my two biological grandchildren. My daughter applied to an organization called Adventure is Out There and was one of three families selected for a weeks all expense paid trip to Disney. The group aims to help with the family bonding of first time adoptees and what better setting than the "happiest place  on earth"!!! Everyone enjoyed riding the rides, watching shows, swimming and just chillin' together. There were many shared experiences which will create positive memories for these newly formed families. Rich and I were able to tag along and witness the new growth and were very grateful. I can't say enough positive things about AIOT and their team..they are the most kind and caring people and we were blessed to cross their paths. Here are some highlight photos:

We all got matching tee shirts the first day

On the Toy Story Ride (photo by AIOT)

Lunch at the Prime Time 50's Cafe

 

Our Jedi in training..great way to end the trip

There are so many wonderful photos, but I don't want to bore you and I don't want to share the other families photos without their permission. But, if you are interested in learning more about this organization you can visit their FB page Adventure is Out There (non profit).

My daughter and I did sneak away on our "off" day to Universal and Harry Potter World. This was on my bucket list and I figured this my be my best opportunity. OMG, I loved it, it was so realistic that you felt you were in the books. If you are a HP fan, this is a MUST!!! Here are a few shots:

Entrance to Hogsmeade

Hogwarts Express

Goblins hard at work at Gringotts

Dragon on top of Gringotts Bank--he would "blow" every 10 minutes

Now on to some stitching....Before I left I got a little more done on my Merry Christmas by Blackbird. I love the soft colors on this.

While on the plane I started a set of four snowman on black perforated paper. Robin in VA had sent these to me last year as a new project for traveling. It worked great and I managed to get one completed and a second started. The chart is Snow Pennies by Thistles; I plan to do all four and they may be the grands ornaments for next year. I'll have to figure out a cute way to finish them. Thanks Robin!!!

Then on my arrival home, I had this new Plum Street Samplers kit waiting for me. This was a shop exclusive for Down Sunshine Lane but I was able to get one on FB. Here is the chart......

and here is what I've done so far.....

 I swapped out the 36 ct. WDW Dolphin for a bluer 36 ct. mystery fabric. I thought the colors just didn't show up on the darker fabric but am pleased with the lighter one.

I will be traveling again...leaving Thursday for OCMD. I'll be helping to cut fabric all weekend for the approximate 175 ladies who attend the Mid-Atlanic EGA Camp Wannastitch and stop by Salty Yarns for some stash enhancement. It's always a lot of fun to see what everyone is working on and "chat" with fellow stitchers. If you are attending, be sure to say "hi"!

I'm going to close now and get some packing done; it takes forever to decide what needlework to take....and I always take way more than is needed. But who knows...they are calling for a winter storm again this weekend....maybe I'll get stuck there!!! What better place!!!

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

Stasi

 
 
 

My First FFO of 2019 and Stitch Stroll Addition (491)

Greetings... and I hope a Happy New Year was had by all! We did usher in the new year with a night hike and it was quite enjoyable. We met at 11:00PM at the state park and started  an approx. 1 1/2 mile hike through the woods; it was so neat to see a procession of 45 headlamps marching through the woods. Sadly, there was no moon but some stars did break through right after 12:00 for a short time. We celebrated with marshmallows and sparkling cider at midnight, rested awhile, then started the trek back. It ended around 1:00am and by the time we drove home and unwound, it was around 2:00AM. I hate to admit I haven't been up that late in a long while!! We contemplated a visit to the Waffle House...but passed!!! :)

On to some stitching.....I completed my first FFO of 2019...yes... stitched and finished. But in all fairness, it was a very quick project. Here is An AaBbCc Spool by Needlework Press. It was a mini kit that came with the chart, spool and banding (28 ct.). It was stitched over two and I supplied the fiber, Glorianna Pomegranate, that was leftover from a class I took. I had a pair of star buttons in my stash that worked perfectly on the top/bottom of the spool, which I stained. I stuck a JABCO button in the end to hold it closed.

 My next start is a Christmas piece, so I'll be way ahead of the game for next year, but I just fell in love with this the moment I saw it and luck came my way. This was the latest kit from the Ladies Prim Society hosted by Dyeing to Stitch. I was not a member but a friend of mine was and saw a post I had made about it on FB. She contacted me and offered to sell me her kit.....well I jumped on it!!! Call it fate or being in the right place at the right time, I am very thankful to her!!!  And she didn't sell it to me for the $199 price tag someone was trying to get on Ebay!!!! So, here is my start on Merry Christmas by Blackbird Designs. The colors are lovely, a combo of Classic Colorworks, GAST and WDW, and it's done on 36 count over two.

So, in the past, I've always kept track of the hours put in on a piece, but not the day started /finished. I stumbled across these cute little books in the clearance section at TJ Maxx and thought they'd be perfect to keep a record of pertinent info on my projects. The cover is heavy cardboard, very sturdy, and there are 100 pages. Do you think it's crazy that I got 4???? I figure these could take my through  the remainder of my stitching career!!! LOL

I've been pondering posting my Stitch Stroll on IG, a finished project a day, and decided to go for it!  So, if you missed it the first time around here on the blog, please check it out. My IG name is bee_stitcher.

Thanks for hanging with me and for your "twisted threads" of friendship!

Stasi 
PS  We're off to Disney on Sunday...wish me luck!!