Last Weekend's Classes

Last weekend I had a four day weekend!  I took off Friday and Monday.  I drove a friend and I up to Michigan to take classes with Barbara Jackson of Tristan Brooks Designs fame.  We decided to drive up on Friday and take our time getting there. 

We'd planned stops at a couple shops along the way.  First up was a stop to Tapestry Angel in Piqua, OH.  Unfortunately, they didn't open until noon.  Since we needed to be on the road before then, we traveled to the next stop just a street over in the downtown area.

I had run across a wool shop called In The Patch Designs at the big quilt show in the city weekend before last and turns out it was in Piqua too.  We hit the jackpot there!  They had wool, flannels, homespun and even some dupioni silk! Look at that sweet leather acorn fob I found there too!

My buddy had shown me the current issue of JCS and I fell in love with the cover project!  I had it in mind when we found the wool.  I'm thinking of using one of the silks for the lining instead of the called for calico!  What a score In The Patch Designs was for us.  The good part is it's not terribly far from home so I can easily go back there again.

Downtown Farmington, MI

After we had our first shopping fix, we hopped on the highway again and on to Michigan we went...next stop Farmington!  The wind was fierce and the car was tossed around like a toy all the way up there.  Now I know how those NASCAR drivers feel sometimes. 

 Here's where our next shopping fix came from at the The Rocking Horse in downtown Farmington.  This was my first time to visit this shop.  My travel buddy had been there before but she didn't tell me that until later.

Here's what greeted us in the Rocking Horse's window.  Can you even stand it?!  The inside was just as packed with models too.  They told us they do all their own framing.  It was heaven.

I fell in love with that floss wall.  Oh yes I did!  As you can see below, I was powerless to resist it.

Here's the haul from that stop.  I picked up some floss for a couple projects as well as the floss I didn't have for the JCS project.  Now I just have to find the lavender linen!

Photo snagged from Yelp

We ventured on to find the class location just up the road.  I wanted to make sure we knew where we were going in the morning so we wouldn't be late.  Then it was on to our hotel where we settled in before heading out to dinner.

We happened onto Lulu's Coney Island via a five star Yelp recommendation.  I had the best Greek salad of my entire life!!!  Seriously, it was the absolute best ever!  If I find myself in the area again, I'll definitely be going back there and if you live in the area, you need to get there!  Yes, it's that good!

***

The next morning we woke to a frigid 17 degrees and snow flurries!  Yes, on Thursday it was 80 degrees at home...and we wonder why folks get sick this time of year.  Umm...yeah.

This is where we had class!  The Spicer House at Heritage Park.  Isn't it the cutest house?!  I'm told it was built in the 1920's.  It reminded me of an English cottage (not that I've ever seen one in person).

Here's the classroom full of happy stitchers!  If I counted correctly, I think there were 20 of us in attendance.  This was one of the nicest rooms for class.  I loved all the windows and the view of the woods just outside was so pretty.

Our project for the day was the "Looking for Lunch" strawberry.  I just love strawberries!  Barbara wanted to make sure everyone got the basting done, a mosaic stitch bird done and at least one queen stitch strawberry completed.

Here's my progress as of the end of class.

I have to say this guild really knows how to spoil it's members!  Just look at this sweet gift we were given.  I love the strawberry theme!  Wonder what's in that strawberry box?

Wonder what's inside that paper strawberry container?

There it is!  A strawberry shaped waxer!  Now isn't that too dang cute?!

After class, there were several of us that caravaned to the local Olive Garden for dinner.  It was so nice to get to visit with my new friends and get to know each other better.  It was the perfect way to top off a perfect class!

My travel buddy and I went back to the hotel to stitch some more before turning in for the night.  We had another big day on Sunday!

***

The next morning we checked out of the hotel and headed back to the Spicer House for our second class.  When we got there one of the ladies had made a run to the local Barnes and Noble for these super cute bags!  We were all drooling over the one she had with her on Saturday.  Isn't it so pretty?!

This is Sunday's class piece.  It's called "Sweet Heart of Mine." I fell in love with that bargello heart on this project the instant I saw it!  I've not stitched bargello before.  I'm looking forward to it!

For this class there was more basting which was essential to getting the placement of things correct.  Barbara wanted us to make sure we had that in correctly and then we could start stitching the greenery and get the first row of the bargello counted in right.  I managed to get both done and started on the crown before class ended.

Scissor Case

Needlebook

There are the two sweet companion smalls that go along with the purse.  I like that Barbara gave us separate pieces of linen to stitch them on rather than trying to fit them onto one big piece.  I think they should stitch up quickly and the finishing sounds easy enough too.

Check out the cute gifts we got during this class!  A pretty container, two sweet bird shaped waxers and a custom made needle book to commemorate the class!  Thank you to the creator of these thoughtful souvenirs.

Barbara teaching on Saturday

It was a really nice weekend and I would absolutely take class from Barbara again.  She's the most laid back teacher I've ever encountered!  I enjoyed her Memphis accent too.  She's such a sweet person.

The Kindred Spirits Sampler Guild definitely knows how to make a newbie feel welcomed and they are such wonderful ladies.  I felt like a saturated sponge full of all the new things I learned not only in class but from all the sharing that was going on in the room too!

Thank you to all the ladies that had a hand in planning and pulling off a wonderful set of classes.  Everything was perfect...the room, the food, the teacher, absolutely everything!

Our trip home was uneventful and the sun was shining all the way.  It was a long drive back and I arrived home tired but it was a good kind of tired.  I can't wait until my next trip up there.  Too bad I live so far away.

Now I've got plenty of stitching to do and I can't wait to settle in with it!  I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy every stitch.  I'm looking forward to this weekend too.  I hope everyone had a great week!  Thanks for stopping by to visit with me today.


Until Next Time,


The Inspired Stitcher

Secret Stitcher

I decided to take Monday off to get caught up on house chores that didn't get done over the weekend.  While I was puttering around in my studio I saw the mail carrier out the window drop a package in the mailbox.  Here's what was inside!

I knew I hadn't ordered anything so I wasn't expecting a package.  When I opened it, this is what was inside!  A super cute card, some floss, a chart, a little Beanie Dalmatian and some microfiber gloves to dry a wet pup off.  With the weather we are having today, those are going to come in handy!

Here's a closer look at the little Beanie!  I apologise for the blurry picture.  Isn't it cute?

She also sent me a Lizzie*Kate and two Crescent Colors in Rainy Day and Cottage Garden.

I have a suspicion that my Secret Stitcher is a dog person.  Just sayin'!  LOL!  Thank you so much Secret Stitcher.  It was nice to get a surprise in the mail.

I'll have more to share tomorrow about my grand adventure this past weekend!  It's going to take some doing to write it up and sort the pictures.  So stay tuned for a long post soon.  Thanks for stopping by for a visit.


More later,

The Inspired Stitcher

Sarah Seifer DONE!

Folks, I'm so pleased to be able to share my finish today.  Sarah Seifer is officially done!!!  Yep, I'm Snoopy dancing again.  Check her out!

Design: Sarah Siefer 1826

Designer:  Goode Huswife

Fabric:  36 ct. Vintage Fawn

Floss:  DMC as charted

Started:  3/20/13

Finished: 4/16/13

To be framed

I am just so pleased with how she turned out!  I decided to "sign" this one with my initials stitched in the blue color. There's only a small bit of it in the people's clothes.  I'd like to put the date on there somewhere but haven't decided where yet.

As I mentioned before, this one has been in the stash since my Aida days.  It's very special to me.  I always said when I could stitch on linen I'd get this one out and stitch it.  Once she's framed I'll have my start on my Adam and Eve wall!

I've had several people ask about the chart.  Since she is so special to me I intend to put the chart along with my stitching notes in a pocket on the back of the frame.  My friend, Ellen, gave me that idea.  So unfortunately, I won't be selling or giving this chart away.  I do hope you understand.  As Edgar says, there's always the bay of evil aka eBay.  I've found a lot of out of print things there.  You just have to be patient and wait for it.

Thanks for stopping by to share my joy today.  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.  I'm really looking forward to mine.  I'll have tales to tell first of the week.  Until then I'm going to keep you in suspense.  Enjoy the weekend!


More next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Gift stitching

Now that I know the recipient has received her gift, I can share with you what I made for my friend Evie.  She had asked me to do some craft sewing for her and as a surprise I made her a little something for her birthday too. 

I normally don't do sewing for people but since Evie is a friend, I agreed.  She provided the fabric and zippers and I made the bags for her.  I've made so many of these bags for gifts, I've lost count at this point.  Needless to say the investment in the pattern is now in the negative.  Can you see the birthday gift?

Design: "E" from Summer Alphabet Sampler

Designer:  Lizzie Kate

Fabric:  36 ct. R&R Abecedarian scrap

Floss:  DMC 500 & 3777

Started:  4/4/13

Finished:  4/4/13

Completed:  4/4/13

 

This is another chart that is probably in the negative investment-wise.  I've gotten more use out of these Lizzie Kate sampler alphabet charts.  They just make the cutest gifts and they whip up in no time flat.

 

Of course, you know me, I had to personalize the back too.  It's hard to see but I used the two colors to make the twisted cord.  I think I'll do that again.  I like how it turned out.  Even though the gift was belated, Evie liked it just the same. 

***

I have an exciting finish to share with you tomorrow.  It deserves it's own post.  You guys are going to love this one!  Hope you have a great day and are looking forward to the weekend.  I know I am!


More later,

The Inspired Stitcher

Stitched With Love Exchange

Now that I know the Stitched With Love Exchange Gallery has been posted, I can show you what I sent to my partner Silvia in Austria (no blog).  This round was called Hop Into Spring.  This was  my first time participating in this exchange.  We had our choice of sending either a spring or Easter themed package to our partner according the their preference.  My perference was spring and so was my partner's.

Design: Think Spring

Designer: Lizzie*Kate

Fabric: 28 ct. mint greet

Floss: DMC as charted

Started:  2/19/13

Finished:  2/24/13

Completed:  3/9/13

Part of the requirements were that you had to send your partner a stitched piece that was no smaller than 4 inches square.  If you did, you had to send two stitched pieces.  Luckily my door hanger finished off close to eight inches long by four inches wide so I was okay.  I love that little peep holding the umbrella.  You just can't go wrong with a cute Lizzie*Kate design.  It also happened to be one of Silvia's favorite designers too.

 

Here are the rest of the things I sent to her.  Part of this exchange's rules were that you had to send six extras.  If you sent more than one of the same thing it still counted as one of the six.  So the thread, charts, fabric and chocolates counted as one each.  The yellow fabric in the background is what I used on the back of the stitched piece.

 

Here's the box that I received.  It winged its way across the pond from the UK!  Don't you just love that handmade bee card?!  I do!

 

Look at all the goodies just jam packed inside that box!!!  There were trims, lace, ribbons, floss, charms, fabrics, scissors, buttons, fun owl socks and the richest dark chocolate I've ever had.  The best part was the stitched piece.  We have to look at that closer!  Oh yes we do!

 

My partner knew my love of Blackbird Designs and she stitched this up for me.  It's called "Tulip House Stitching Companion" from the book A Stitcher's Journey.  Can you even stand it?!  I know, it was hard for me to sit on this and not post until the gallery was up...but now I can!

 

I love the ric rack trim and the pearl pins she used.  The box is made of the smoothest wood too!

 

She even lined the inside of the box with the same beautiful fabric as the outside.  What's that in there?  I think it's a clue as to who my partner was!  Let's have a closer look!

My partner was Mouse from Tales of A Stitching Mouse!!!!  I can not lie, this was so hard to sit on and not share.  I kid you not!  Thank you so very, very, very, much Mouse!!  I absolutely love everything in that box.  You made my day and I'm still on top of the world.  I can truly say I was totally spoiled!

Thanks also go to Lainey and Lisa V who stepped in when Lainey needed some extra help.  This was a fun exchange to participate in and I look forward to participating again.  I'm so glad I am finally able to share this fun with you today.  Thanks for stopping by for a visit.


Until Next Time,

The Inspired Stitcher

 

Clover Pincushion

Last week when I did the ORT report I noticed I'd not shown my clover pincushion finish.  So I went looking for it over the weekend and there it was in need of finishing.   I also did some craft sewing but I'll show you that another day.

Design:  Clover Pincushion freebie

Designer: Lynn B of Happiness is Cross Stitching blog

Fabric:  28 ct. mint green

Floss:  DMC 367 & Ecru

Started:  3/17/13

Finished: 3/25/13

Completed:  4/14/13

I ended up changing the clover center colors about three different times before I struck on the Ecru as my final choice.  The mint green just seemed to swallow up the greens I kept trying.

I decided to put "Good Luck" instead of "St. Patrick's Day" on the back of it.  I like to at least put my initials and a date on things.  I'm thinking I should have stitched this over one but it's too late now.  It's done and I'm moving on!

I also liked the way Lynn did the beaded edge on hers so I decided to do the same.  I think it would look cute done with tiny pearls too but I didn't have any.  I like the green.

So there you have it folks!  A finish I forgot about.  I started it to be festive on St. Patty's Day.  I guess it's better late than never on the completion part.  LOL!

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope everyone has a good week!


Until Next Time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Hornbook Bestiary milestone

Okay folks, I couldn't wait to share the news.  I've hit a milestone!  Yes, I finished the angel aka pinecone aka the flying monkey.  I couldn't be happier with it.  I feel like doing the Snoopy Dance.  Just look at all those teeny tiny over one stitches! Whew!

Progress as of lunchtime 4/10/13

I made it my mission during my lunch hour yesterday to get it finished and I'm pleased to say I did.  It was super hard to go back to work afterward.  I really wanted to keep stitching and start the "A" box.  I've used the angel as my motivation to get to stitch the letters.

A is for Ape

When I got home last night and couldn't stop thinking about this project.  I just had to start the "A" block!  I'm not quite finished with this cute little monkey or I should say ape.  It went a lot faster compared to the angel.  I worked on it some more at lunch today.

I'm so thrilled to be starting the letters now!  I'm even more motivated than ever to keep going on this one.  I'm thinking I've found another one I'll have a hard time putting down.

I just had to share my excitement with you all today.  It was hard not to spill the beans yesterday.  I'm hoping to get a couple more projects finished soon.  That is if I can tear myself away from this one now.  LOL!

Thanks for stopping by and sharing my excitement today.  I can't wait to post another update on this one.

Until Next Time,

The Inspired Stitcher

TUSAL April

Click the picture to learn more

Wow, another month has passed already!  You know what that means, it's time for the TUSAL/ORT Report!  Here's a look at the ORT pile.  As you can tell from the size, there's been a whole lot of stitching going on around here as well as a self-imposed frog visit!  That pink was my first choice for John Foster's flowers.  LOL!

I'm pleased to say that this month the daffodil is real!  Spring has finally decided to come our way after all.  I really enjoy pulling into the driveway every night and seeing their sweet yellow goodness.  They are one of my very favorite flowers.  Okay, enough rambling about flowers, lets get on with the ORT report.  LOL!

This month's contributors were:

"Quaker Motif Scissor Pocket" by Barbara Bernard (DONE!)
"Clover Pincushion" freebie from Happiness is cross stitching blog (Needs completed)
"Sara Seifer 1826" by The Goode Huswife (In progress...so close)
April's installment of the John Foster group project (In progress)
"Hornbook Bestiary Sampler” by The Scarlet Letter (In progress)
Gift yet to be given (DONE!)

I've been spending my lunch hours with Sara Seifer.  She's almost finished.  I got a good go on that one over the Easter weekend.  Sara and I watched seasons 1 & 2 of Downton Abbey.  Yes, I'm hooked now!  Thanks to my peep, Linda for loaning me her DVDs.  Now I must find season 3!  Is anyone else smitten with this series?!

John Foster is progressing nicely too.  I'm loving all the color in it as well as my recent changes.  It's finally starting to look like something.  I also have exciting news to share on the Hornbook Bestiary!  I'm about to bust but it will have to wait until next time.  It deserves its own post.  Stay tuned!

Thank you to everyone for their kind comments on the Quaker Motif Scissor Pocket.  You humble me.  I must admit I am really thrilled with the finish.  It exceeded my expectations.  I also know Barbara is pleased you like her design too.  She's told me several of you have contacted her about it.  I'm so glad I've inspired you enough to get in touch with her.

I hope everyone is having a good week so far.  Thank you so much for your continued visits, comments, and emails.  You truly make my day with each one.  I always enjoy them.


Can't wait until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

John Foster progress

I didn't mean to go missing last week.  I've been busy stitching!  One project is almost done and another is a gift yet to be given.  I also did some crafty sewing for a friend.  I'm not able to share yet.  However, I can share my John Foster progress!

Progress as of 4/8/13

Here's the progress made as of today.  I'm finished with the April installment and have a jump on a future installment too.  This month we were to work on the left side but I also worked a bit on the right but there's a reason for that.  It wasn't randomness.  LOL!

You see, I started out stitching the dovecote on the right in one color and thought it to be too light.  So I waited until the stitch-in last Friday to get a darker version as seen on the right.  See, I told you it wasn't randomness.  The change is a little dustier but it's also a tiny bit darker and that made all the difference.  I like the new color much better than my first pick.

Did you notice the other change I made? Here's last month's picture to help jog your memory.  Do you see it now?  Yep, I changed the floss color for the flowers too.  I liked the original pink but once I saw some of the peeps had used an over-dye I couldn't shake it from my mind.  I wanted my flowers to be variegated too!

I really like this change and I'm glad I made it.  That's the fun of doing your own conversion, you get to suit yourself and what looks appealing to your eye!  This is a really fun sampler to stitch and it's even more fun to do it with a group of peeps who inspire you.

If you want to see some other versions, go visit Marsha and Christie's blogs.  There are actually nine of us in the group but just three of us that blog.  I'll try to get a picture of the different versions next time we all get together.

I hope your week is off to a splendid start so far.  Thanks for stopping by today.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher