New Year, New Ewe...fini

Design:  New Year, New Ewe

Designer:  The Sampler Girl

Fabric:  32 ct. Raw

Floss: DMC as charted

(substituted 3371 for 640 & 3865 for Ecru)

Started:  3/16/12

Finished:  3/17/12

Completed:  3/23/12

As promised here's the gift I sent to my friend for her birthday.  I got the sweetest email from her this afternoon saying she received it so I thought I'd share it with you today.

This one worked up so cute.  I stitched our initials, the year and "Happy Birthday" on the back for her.  I'm so glad she liked it and I could make her day even if it was a bit late getting to her.

I just love sharing my stitching with other stitchers because you know they appreciate the work and the thought.  I also love spoiling my peeps.  I guess it comes from having a birthday at a crummy time of the year.  LOL!

Well it's a short post today.  I hope everyone has a good weekend!  Thank you for visiting with me today.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

I've been Liebstered...x3!

I've been Liebstered twice three times since the weekend.  I hadn't heard of the Liebster so here's a little background on it:

Liebster is a German word, meaning favorite, dearest or beloved, and the Liebster is awarded by bloggers to other newer bloggers who have fewer than 200 followers, to spread the word and help the new(er) bloggers gain wider recognition.

The award comes with four conditions that each recipient is supposed to satisfy when accepting:

1.  Choose five up-and-coming blogs with fewer than 200 followers to give the Liebster award.

2.  Post the award on your blog. List the bloggers you are awarding with links to their blogs and leave them a comment letting them know you've awarded them. 

3.  Share five random facts about yourself that people don't know about you.

4.  Thank the blogger who gave it to you by linking back to their blog.

So there you are.  That's how this thing works.  It's hard to pick just five!  Here are mine:

1.  Marsha over at Everybody Loved Clark

2.  Christie over at Indigo Rain

3.  Lisa over at Lisa's Cross Stitch Paradise

4.  Hannah over at Stitching in the City

5.  Beka over at The Stitching Lion

Now for the five random things about me...hmmm...well, here goes:

1.  I get crabby if I can't stitch.  Yep, it's true.

2.  I'm addicted to yoga.  I crave it if I miss a class.

3.  I dearly love dark chocolate.  Milk chocolate will do in a pinch but the dark stuff is my fave!

4.  I love the sound of the ocean and just being around water in general. It stinks that I'm landlocked!

5.  I'm a travel nut...by car, plane, motorcycle it just doesn't really matter so long as I'm going somewhere!

Okay now to thank the three folks who awarded me:

Carrie over at Carrie's Cross Stitch

Stitching Cat over at Cat Tails & Needles

Beth over at Garden Grumbles and Cross Stitch Fumbles

You all have humbled me today.  Thank you for thinking of me!

If I've awarded you and you really don't want to participate, no worries on my part.  I thought it would be a fun thing to do so I played along.  However, I realize this may not be your thing and that's okay by me too.  Just sharing the love today!

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

ABC Samplers...Done!

What a productive weekend I had!  I attended the Tiara Club stitch-in on Saturday and actually finished two things while I was there.  I was actually afraid I hadn't brought enough to stitch!  Imagine that?!  It felt good to get some things done.

Design:  ABC Samplers

Designer:  Unknown

Fabric:  32 ct. Raw Linen

Floss:  DMC 221 & 841

Started:  1/29/12

Finished and Completed:  3/24/12

This is one of the things I finished while there.  I've had it in the works for a while now but a few things got pushed in front of it so I'm just now getting around to getting it done.  The fabric pictured behind it is from French General and is the fabric I used for the backing.  There's not a single cross stitch in it either.  It was a lot of fun to do and it's just too dang cute for words.

My buddy Donna gifted me with the pattern.  She had stitched several of these for her best peeps for Christmas presents and of course I fell in love with it when I saw it.  I just HAD to stitch it.  Know what I mean?!  LOL!

The second thing I finished is for an exchange so I can't show it right now.  However once it's received I'll be sure to share it.  It's for the Blackbird Designs Exchange and I can't wait to send it to my partner.  I need to do the finishing yet.  I'm hoping she likes it.  I may have to stitch this one again for myself.

The third thing I finished this weekend is a birthday present for a dear friend I don't see that often.  I want to wait to show that until after she receives it.  I popped it in the mail to her today so hopefully she'll get it before the end of the week.

Well folks that's it from this end today.  I want to extend a warm welcome to my new followers and thank you all for your visits.  I hope everyone is having a good week so far!

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

A Visit to The Crafty Ewe

If you are like me I love to visit stitch shops and quilt shops on my travels.  I always do an internet search before leaving to see if there are any interesting places I should visit along the way.

Here are some snaps I took while visiting The Crafty Ewe on the way to the Blue Ribbon Sewing Box Class a couple weekends ago.

Lots of tempting goodies by the checkout stand!

New stash just in from Market!

 Just look at all those wonderful mouldings for framing!

This was my favorite corner, the fabric corner!

This is a really nice shop and it was very well stocked with all the latest "must haves!"  If you find yourself near Broadview Heights (near Cleveland, Ohio) you must pay this shop a visit.  You will add to the stash for sure!

Speaking of stash enhancement, here's what I just couldn't live without!  I collect hornbooks so of course that one had to come home with me.  I also found two Valentine's Day charts I've been looking for too.

The Polka Dot Heart kit was the best deal of the day.  It was missing the scissors so it was marked way down.  Lucky me!  You know how I love my polka dots.  Even have a polka dot dog dontcha know.  LOL!

Well that's it from here today.  I just thought I'd share a great shop with you all.  I hope you are having a good weekend so far!

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Mailbox Surprises!

Don't you just love it when you go to the mailbox and you find surprises there?  I do!  Today was a really great mail day at my house.  First let's start with this one.  I want to save the best for last!

My latest find from the "bay of evil" as Edgar puts it.

So true Edgar, so true!

I'm a fan of Eileen Bennett's designs aka The Sampler House so I'm always on the look out for them.  I also happen to love acorns!  Imagine how happy I was when I spotted this one.  So I bid on it and won!  It came in the mail this afternoon.

Well, I was actually more surprised than ever when I pulled it out of the envelope.  I thought I was bidding on just a chart.  It turns out it is a complete unopened kit!  The best part is I paid under $5.00 and that included the shipping!  I can't believe my luck.  How about that?!  Squeals!

***

The best thing the mailman brought today needs some back story first...it's what really made my day.

When I went to Sherri Jones' class a couple weekends ago I made some project bags to take as thank you gifts and as a souvenir to remember the weekend.  I really enjoy making them and giving them.

 

 My project bag...one of four I made.

I always have the recipient in mind when I go shopping for fabric.  So when I found this fabric I knew it was perfect.  It just screamed Sherri when I saw it.  It has Sherri's favorite colors and it has rabbits on it.  I just HAD to get it.  I also fell in love with the companion polka dot fabric I used for the lining.

Last weekend I got the sweetest email ever from Sherri telling me she already had a traveling project in her bag.  She also said she wanted to share something with me.

This is what she sent!  Isn't that the cutest little bag?!  I love the vintage print on it and the card is just wonderful too with a sweet hand written message.  But that's not all!

Look at the sweetness tucked inside the bag!  Beautiful little cards with ribbons.  Sherri said in her note that she punches holes in them to hold her threads.  Isn't that just the neatest idea?!  I just love this kind of thing.  They are just so me!

Thank you so much Sherri!  You are truly a kindred spirit. Your thoughtfulness really touched me today...so much that I just had to share.  This truly made my day!

***

I hope you all have a great weekend and get some stitching done.  I plan to go to the Tiara Club's all day stitch-in tomorrow.  It's always a good time spent with my peeps.  Happy weekend everyone!

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

TUSAL & a stitch-in

Yep, it's TUSAL time again!  This month I'm pleased to say I have a modest nest of ORTs (Old Ratty Threads) to add to the jar.   Yay!

So let's see, I had to go ferret ORTs out of two traveling ORT bags and my main ORT container that sits in my nest.  I'd say that's a good sign that I've been stitching more this month.  Go me!

I've gotten really creative with my stitching time beyond my lunch hours.  I'm really thankful the weather's been warm so I can take Miss Shelby out to the backyard for a romp while I sit on the patio and stitch.  I think that's a win-win for both of us!

***

Last night was the monthly guild stitch-in.  This month we had some really great show and tell.  I just had to take a few snaps and share the goodness with you today!

Just look at all those wonderful finishes!

Love the lavender set and that pumpkin fairy is so cute.

Great prim style bag!

Sue's beautiful pink version of the My First Sewing Box and Scissor Fob by The Stitching Parlor

Paula's St. Nick

This Santa blew me away!  I have to brag a little on my very talented buddy Paula who stitched and finished this guy!  Isn't he just amazing?!  This is one of Sherri Jones' teaching designs called "A Visit from St. Nick" gift container.  I told Paula she should send Sherri a picture of him.  He is just fantastic!  I'm so glad she brought him to share.  Paula is one of the most talented and generous stitchers you will ever meet!  Thanks again, Paula, for bringing him last night.

***

Last night was such a great night for getting out.  The temperature was in the mid 80s and there was a nice breeze.  I rode to and from the stitch-in with all the windows and the sunroof open.  I still just can not believe this is March weather!  I even wore a dress to work today without tights or hose.  Now that is just crazy for this time of year!  I love it!  I'm such a warm weather girl.  I hope it is warm and springlike where you are too. 

Thank you all so much for the lovely comments and emails about my Blue Ribbon Box.  It is so fun to be able to share my finishes with such a supportive community of stitchers.  You all are just the best!

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

 

Blue Ribbon Sewing Box DONE!!!!!!

I am so excited to share my latest finish with you all!  I got the Blue Ribbon Sewing Box done a lot sooner than I thought I would.  I'm just so pleased!

Here's the outside of the box!  I've decided not to attach the scrim I bought for the front yet.  I want the cherry wood to age a little first.  I really love the look of aged cherry and I am patient enough to wait for it!

Here is the inside!

Here's another view of the inside so you can see underneath the mattress pin pillow.  I love these pink scissors and just knew they were the perfect ones for my box!  They are from DMC's special Breast Cancer edition set that came out last year.  I also splurged and bought all the special scrims that were available.  What tiny works of art!

Here are the smalls that go inside my box! I just love the pin keep. It's my very favorite piece from this set. I will say that putting together the mattress pin cushion was first for me. I can see myself making more of these!

Design:  Blue Ribbon Sewing Box

Designer:  Patrick's Woods (Sherri Jones)

Fabric:  32 ct. as kitted

Floss:  Silk as kitted

Started: 12/29/11

Finished: 3/16/12

Thank you to Sherri for designing a joy to stitch and for a wonderful class.  Time spent with you is always most enjoyable and now a fond memory!

Thanks also to our Hostess who opened her home for our class.  You couldn't have made me feel any more welcomed.  You really know how to spoil a person.  You are so appreciated!

I'm so pleased with how this turned out. It is sitting in a place of honor in my home and it makes me smile everytime I look at it.  Thanks for visiting and sharing my joy today!

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Secret Stitcher

Just look what landed in my mailbox yesterday!  What a sweet package of fun my Secret Stitcher sent me.  She sent me a "March" note pad with the cutest frogs on it, a super cute card, and a fun little bag full of green floss!  Just look at those paw prints on that bag.  Too cute!  Even Ms. Shelby made out.

Here she is checking out her gift from Secret Stitcher!  Yes, she loved them!!!  OMG, I could hardly keep those paws off the table once she had a nibble.  I can see these going to puppy school with us...if they last that long.  LOL!

Thank you so much Secret Stitcher for all the St. Patty's goodies and for remembering Shelby.  It really brightened my day to come home to such thoughtfulness.

***

 Crocuses and Daffodils in March!!!

Here are some other things that brightened my day when I got home.  Just look at those happy colors!  We are having a rare eary spring around here and my flowers are all blooming and looking lovely.  Daffodils are my most favorite flowers in the whole world.  I love them even more than roses.  I'm so glad to see them again!

***

I hope everyone has a great weekend and I hope it's nice where you are.  I plan to spend some time outdoors if the weather cooperates.  The yard really needs some attention with all the sitcks laying around.  Best to pick them up before they get flung out the side of the mower.  We'll be getting it out soon at the rate the grass is growing!

I also still want to do a post about last weekend's classes. But I'll save it for another day. There's a lot I want to share with you and I've not had the time this week to do a proper post. Soon!

Thank you so much for stopping by and for all your lovely comments. 

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Why yes, she does stitch!

Ever just have to stitch something like right this minute now?! Yep, that was me this past weekend. I guess I've been working on big projects for so long that I just needed a quick stitch. It made me feel good to accomplish something from start to finish!

Design(s):  Letter "L" from Winter Alphabet & Heart from Spring Alphabet

Desiger: Lizzie Kate

Fabric:  28ct. random cream scrap

Floss:  DMC 309 & 962

Started: 3/2/12

Finished: 3/3/12

My original intention was to make this fob for my Ott-lite.  I'm shamelessly copying Diane's idea.  I admired her light's fob at Stitchaway back in January and couldn't quit thinking about it.

I thought it was a really neat idea since we all have basically the same light so the fob would identify mine from everyone elses! I know some folks put stickers on theirs or write their name on them but I just don't like to do that.  It's kinda like writing in books.  Just can't do it.  I know, it's a me thing.

Anyway, after I got this one stitched up I decided it was just too cute to put on my light.  I'd rather it go on a pair of scissors instead.  So what to do?!

Stitch another one of course!  Okay, now get yourselves up off that floor and stop that giggling.  Yes, I know, I haven't finished anything since last year.  You don't have to remind me!  So to make up for it I finished two fobs...so there!  LOL!

Once I got it stitched I wasn't sure I really liked the letter "P."  So I improvised and made up my own letter "P" using the same border as the "L."

This is what I'm trying to match.  It's the wine bag I keep my light in.  That's why I chose black and white this time around.  I really like the second letter "P" much more than the first one I stitched.

Design(s):  Border and letter "L" from Winter Alphabet.  Letter "P" improvised by moi.

Designer:  Lizzie Kate

Fabric:  28ct. random white scrap

Floss:  DMC 310

Started: 3/4/12

Finished: 3/6/12

So there you go!  I really haven't forgotten how to actually stitch something and finish it.  Seriously though, it really did feel good to actually be productive.  Both of these were extremely quick to stitch and the finishing was a snap too!

I'm on the countdown for my grand adventure.  I can't even tell you how excited I am to get out of town and stitch the weekend away.  I just know we are going to have a blast!

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

What a weekend...

I want to start this post today by saying my heart goes out to all those effected by the tornadoes and storms Friday night.  I am just amazed by the power of the wind.  I just can't imagine how scared those folks where.  Luckily we escaped it but I can't stop thinking about those who were not so lucky.  In fact, it breaks my heart.

Needless to say since the weather turned scary I did not make it to the stitch-in as planned.  I stayed home with the pup.  I was glued to the TV with a bag packed in case we needed to seek shelter in the neighbor's basement.

Our house only has a crawl space and I DO NOT DO SPIDERS!!!!  So even in an emergency you will not get me down there.  I'd go to the hallway bath tub if I couldn't make it next door.  Thankfully we didn't need to go anywhere.  Whew!

***

Inside the museum

Saturday I did go to the Lebanon Quilt Show after my annual mammo-smoosh.  I figured I'd treat myself to an outing of fun after getting the "have to" event of the day out of the way.  It really wasn't that bad.  Thank goodness for digital technology!

Tulip kit quilt

So anyway, back to the quilt show.  I got there fairly early and the place was already packed with happy quilters and I even saw a few supportive dudes trailing behind their ladies.  I love that!  Yes, if mine hadn't been working he'd have gone with me.  He's supportive like that too.  His buddies have a field day with it though.  LOL!

Pomegranate and Rose Quilt c. 1850-60

I took a few pictures of my favorite quilts and of course there was new stash to be had!  I bought a couple fat quarters, some mini buttons, a bodkin, and some John James needles.

New Stash!

I also found a vendor that sold individual collectible buttons!  I decided I couldn't show up to our button book class with Sherri Jones on Sunday without a few buttons. It would be like showing up to a cookie exchange with store bought Fig Newtons or Oreos. Not the same! So I can now feel like I have something to show.

This vendor said she goes to button auctions and buys bagged lots.  She said once she gets them home she separates them out by kind.  She and her husband are retirees and they do shows for fun.  Love that!

We had a super nice visit and I promised I'd come see them at a local antiques fair this summer.  I hope to bring my button brag book with me to show them.  I think they were getting a kick out of me being so excited over their buttons.

Kind of craptastic picture of the glass ones I bought.

***

Speaking of, I'm really looking forward to my weekend with Sherri.  I just know Jenny and I are going to have a ball.  It will be good to get away to spend time with other stitchers and one of my best peeps!

Of course she and I will have tales to tell when we get back.  You can count on pictures and most likely a blog post from both of us.  I bet Jenny will even finish her piece.  She's a diligent focused stitcher like that.  Me, well who knows!

***

I hope everyone's week is off to a roaring start.  I have a finish to show you but I'll save it for another post.  Yep, pick yourselves up off the floor.  I really did stitch something from start to finish this weekend.  I know, shock of the world isn't it?!  LOL!  Thanks for stopping by today.


More later,

The Inspired Stitcher

I've been RAK'd

Look what came in the mail yesterday!  A very sweet RAK from BeckySC.  I love that card.  It just makes me smile.  I just love that little bee!  Mary Engelbreit is one of my favorite illustrators too.

A while back Becky posted on her blog that she was destashing and wanted to know if anyone was looking for anything particular.  So I left a comment hoping to find what I was looking for.  I live by the philosophy "don't ask, don't get."  Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you have to wait a bit longer.

Unfortunately, Becky didn't have any of the charts I'm looking for but I was blessed with plenty of good things anyway.  Just look at all this stitchy goodness!

I've known Becky for a while now and she has the sweetest most giving spirit ever!  She knows I love bees and she totally set me up with bee charts.  Just look at all those cuties.  A bunch of them even had charms and beads with them.  There was even a chart with acorns thrown in just for good measure.

Thank you so much dear friend!  You certainly know how to make a person's day.  I appreciate your kindness and generosity.  I love everything you sent.   I am just blown away!

I'm looking forward to the weekend.  I plan to kick it off at the LNS for our monthly stitch-in tomorrow night and Saturday I'm going to try to make it to the quilt show.  I hope everyone has a good weekend.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher