Shepherd's Bush - Gifts received and given

I wanted to do a separate post to share with you my peep gifts from the retreat.  I have such a talented group of friends and I want to honor that talent here.  As my longtime blog readers know, my peeps and I have a tradition of giving each other little gifties when we travel somewhere.  Check out the sweet thoughtful gifts we exchanged this time!

The bag was made by Marsha!  I love the button and pins fabric.  It also has a pocket on the back side of it complete with a super cute red button.  You know how I love red!  Each of our bags were different and the ones we chose were so perfect for each of us.

Starting on the left, the pocket with the Shepherd's Bush sheep was made by Evie.  She included some cute mini gifts inside and tied it up with the string on the side of the handle with a JABCO initial button.  I couldn't resist attaching it to my handle.

The necklace in the middle was made by Patti.  She stitched a different crown for each of us and customized the bead/buttons she put inside so each was a little different.  She also put an initial charm on each of ours.  These garnered much attention at the retreat.  Everyone wanted to know where we got them.  I think Patti was so proud everyone liked them.

Last but absolutely not least is this really awesome clip pouch Linda gave me.  Before the retreat she asked us all what our favorite colors were.  Now I know why!  She and I share a love of red and this is just perfect for me.  All the little gifties she put inside had a special meaning and she explained this as we pulled things out.  So super thoughtful.

Thank you, peeps from the bottom of my heart.  You girls mean the world to me and I'm honored to call each one of you dear friends!

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So what did I give them, you ask?  Well, I've been squirreling away things since last Christmas!  I forgot to get pictures of the two things I gave them that I didn't make but I'll tell you what they were.

I found these funny little frog shopping sacks.  The bag squished up inside the little frog face and you could stow it in your purse.  The other thing was a silicone lily pad wine stopper because I knew there would be wine involved at some point on our trip.  LOL!

 Design: Turkey from Autumn Alphabet

Designer: Lizzie Kate

Fabric: 28 ct. natural

Floss: DMC as charted (subbed 3863 for 3864

Started:  9/21/14

Finished:  9/28/14

Completed:  10/4/14

Then I stitched them all one of these!  I just couldn't resist.  I had so much fun making my exchange pincushion that I just had to make the peeps each a version of it as well.  Yes, I made myself one this time too.  I rarely do that and always wish I had afterward, I know.

I had such a ball beading the edges of them.  I really think it gives them a little sparkle and I do like a little bling now and then dontcha know.  Aren't they just too dang cute up there?!  I just love stitching for others and especially something that is a souvenir memento from a wonderful trip.

Thank you again peeps for a memorable time spent together in a beautiful place.  Love ya all!

~*~*~*~

Well folks, I'm so glad you all have enjoyed these recap posts.  I enjoy writing them as much as you enjoy reading them.  I get to relive the trip all over along with you!  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.  Thank you so much for all your sweet comments.  I truly appreciate your visits.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Lizzie Kate Turkey

Last time I went to the Shepherd's Retreat in 2012, we did a philanthropy project through Heifer.org  This year we are doing the same.  Here's how it works...we each stitch a pincushion and bring $5 with us to the registration table.  The pincushions will be displayed at the banquet and we will receive our exchange that night as well.  The Shepherd's Bush girls match the money collected and we find out how many sheep our group will purchase this year.  Last time we were able to get 10 sheep!

Design: Turkey from Autumn Alphabet

Designer: Lizzie Kate

Fabric: 28 ct. natural

Floss: DMC as charted (subbed 3863 for 3864)

Started: 8/17/14

Finished: 8/17/14

Completed:  9/14/14

I took this picture on my bookshelf to give you an idea of size.  It's a little one.  The turkey part is about 2" square.  I am so inspired by Carol's finishes that I had to try to finish this one similarly.  After the fact, I wish I had put my city and state on it somewhere but done is done.  I'm pleased with the result. 

Here's a clearer picture so you can get a better idea of the true colors.  So if any of you are going to the retreat, you could be the lucky owner of this little cutie.  I'd love to know if any of my readers are going to be there!  Let me know in the comments.  Maybe we could meet up somehow.  Wouldn't that be fun?!

I hope everyone has a wonderful fall weekend!  I'm going to kick mine off with dinner and stitching with some of my peeps.  Several of whom are going with me to the retreat!  Fun will be had by all tonight.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Whole lotta stitchin' goin' on...

I hope everyone had a good long holiday weekend.  My needle saw lots of action.  I did some craft sewing over the holiday weekend.  I'm almost finished with that but I'll wait to share once it's completely done.  The tea lovers out there will like this one.  Here's a sneak peek!

Design:  "Tea"

Designer:  Me

Fabric: 40ct. osnaburg

Floss: DMC 632 (1 over 2)

Started:  5/20/13

Finished: 5/20/13

Completed:  Soon!

I decided to try stitching on osnaburg.  I wanted to get the look of an actual tea bag.  This is side one of two.  I really enjoyed the "hand" of this new-to-me fabric option.  Stay tuned for the finished piece!

Design: Heart to Heart

Designer:  By The Bay Needleart

Fabric: 28ct. cream evenweave

Floss:  WDW confetti (1 over 1)

Started:  5/20/13

Finished:  5/24/13

Completed:  At the retreat!

I got my pre-stitching homework done for the upcoming annual Russellville retreat. Belinda sent us the chart from By The Bay Needleart along with the fabric and her signature WDW confetti. I like how it turned out! I always enjoy stitching with the over-dyes. This one is especially fun!  I can't wait to see what she has us do with it.

Design:  Dragonfly fob freebie

Designer:  xstitchhappy.com

Fabric: 36ct. opalescent white

Floss: DMC as called for

Beads: Mill Hill 03055

Started: 5/24/13

Finished: 5/25/13

Completed: 5/28/13

This is one that's been on my "to stitch" list for quite sometime!  I decided I needed a quick little stitch for some instant gratification.  I really like how this one turned out with the sparkly fabric, beads, and the Light Effects floss.  If you've not tried the Light Effects, I recommend it.  I actually like it a bit better than Kreinik.  It seems more pliable.  I wish I could capture the sparkle better it's really blingy!  Love that!

Design:  Strawberry

Designer:  Lizzie Kate

Fabric: 28ct. WDW grey/straw gingham

Floss: as kitted

Beads: as kitted

Started:  5/25/13

Finished:  5/26/13

Completed: To be framed with the kitted frame

Speaking of quick stitches from the "to stitch" list, I also finished this one over the weekend.  I received this one two years ago at the Keepsakes retreat.  I just hadn't gotten around to stitching it yet.  This was the first time I'd used the gingham linen and I really enjoyed stitching on it.  I just love strawberries.  I'm really in the mood to stitch some more.  Sounds like I might need to go stash diving!

Well folks, I think we are all caught up for now.  I still have a couple things percolating on the burner to share.  I'll be back with more later.  I hope everyone has a good rest of the week.


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

 

Finishes x2

Well friends, I made it out of the woods!  I'm sorting out pictures and collecting my thoughts.  It was a whirlwind weekend.  Funny how you look forward to something for so long and then poof, it's over!  I'll do a separate post of the weekend's festivities later.  In the mean time, I want to show you a couple of gifts I was able to give this weekend.

Design:  Friends freebie

Designer: Cosmic Handmade

Fabric: 28 ct. Lambswool

Floss: DMC

Started: 10/25/12

Finished:  1/6/13

Completed:  1/17/13

 

I made this for my peep, Christie's birthday which is actually this coming weekend.  I wanted to give it to her early since I knew I might not see her before her special day.  The fabric in the background is what I used for the backing.

 

I changed the placement of the colors on this one by switching the dress and hair colors around.  No particular reason really.  I just thought I'd have fun with it.  For some reason I had a total mental block on the thread part of this design.  I guess the frog just wanted to visit with me or something.

 

Design: "L" from Autumn Alphabet Sampler

Designer: Lizzie Kate

Fabric: 28 ct. Lambswool

Floss:  DMC 115 & 221

Started:  1/18/13

Finished: 1/19/13

Completed: 1/19/13

 

I found out on Thursday that my peep, Linda's birthday is the same day as Christie's!  For some reason I don't think I knew that or if I did it didn't register with me.  Linda is one of the peeps that went to Shepherd's Bush with me. 

 

I had to stitch something for that girlie.  I couldn't let her special day pass without doing something.  I decided when I went home for the night on Thursday that I'd pull out my trusty Lizzie Kate alphabet charts and see what I could whip up for her. 

 

I know Linda loves red.  This combination of DMC's colors has always been a favorite of mine so I went with it!  Linda seemed to really like it.  I think it turned out cute.

 

I'm lucky enough to have a couple pieces stitched by Linda. She was my secret stitcher a couple years ago. It was fun to have the opportunity to stitch for her this time.  I love how the over one turned out on the back.

 

I've used these same alphabets for several Ott-lite fobs this past year. They work great! Who knew when I bought them that I'd get so much mileage out of them. Definitely a good purchase for sure!

 

***

 

Well folks, it's a quick post today.  I've got plenty to show you when I get the pictures ready to go.  I got surprised with several belated birthday gifts of my own and yep, there was stash enhancement too.  Overall it was a fun time.

 

Thanks for visiting with me and welcome to my new followers.  I hope you find something interesting here and will come back again to visit.  Happy Wednesday everyone!  Gotta love the short week.

 

 

More later,

 

The Inspired Stitcher

 

Another Ott-lite fob

I almost forgot to show you my last finish for 2012.  Now that I know the recipient has received her birthday gift, I can show you what I stitched for my peep, Patti.

She's the one that sent me the cute stuffed Dalmatian for my birthday.  She has a birthday close to a winter holiday too so we commiserate with each other.  Want to see what I stitched her?

Designer:  Lizzie Kate & Stitchy Kitty

Design:  "P" from Winter Alphabet; Frog face from No Frogging Allowed

Fabric:  28 ct. random scrap of white

Floss:  DMC

Started:  Letter "P" 3/4/12; Frog 12/28/12

Finished: 12/28/12

Completed: 12/28/12

Patti commented a couple times last year that she really liked my Ott-lite fob.  So I decided to make her one with the unused "P" from my first attempt to make my own way back in March last year.  I just knew it would get put to good use at some point.  I actually like her fob better than mine.  LOL!  Isn't that frog just too dang cute?!

I always enjoy stitching for my friends and I know they appreciate my efforts too.  That's the thing about stitching for other stitchers, they totally "get it" and appreciate the time it takes to make something.  I also like to give something personalized too.  Patti loves frogs!  So there you have it, my last finish for 2012!

That's all I've got for now.  I'll be back with my first TUSAL post on Friday.  If you aren't sure what that is, stay tuned.  I'll tell you all about it then.  Have a great day and thanks for visiting with me!


More later,

The Inspired Stitcher

Russellville Retreat - day 3

On Saturday we spent the morning and afternoon happily stitching away on our retreat projects.  I got a good start on mine and mid-afternoon I switched to a WIP I'd brought along to work on since I was so close to finishing it.

Design:  Seasonal Mementos III - Uncle Sam

Designer:  Mary Garry's Sewing Cabin

Fabric:  28 ct. natural

Floss: DMC as charted

Started: 6/29/12

Finished: 7/14/12

I'm pleased to say I got it done!  Since I've been in an Americana mood lately I started on this just before the holiday!  I plan to make this into a pin keep.  I just love Mary Garry's designs.  I wish they weren't so hard to find.

After dinner, we did our exchange.  I wonder what's inside all the pretty packages?  Let's see shall we...

Would you like to see what I was lucky enough to receive and what I made for the exchange?

Here is the mirror I received!  Isn't it just so pretty?!  The colors are simply amazing and that black fabric just makes them pop!  I am one lucky girl to have gotten this one.  Thank you so much Kathy!!! 

Design:  Friendship Grows freebie

Designer:  Lizzie Kate

Fabric:  40 ct. cream (1 over 2)

Floss:  DMC as charted

Started:  5/9/12

Finished:  5/11/12

Completed:  5/28/12

This is what I made for the exchange.  It's what I was working on at my "one woman retreat" that I couldn't show you!  Now does it make sense from the front?  LOL!

I think it's so funny that my floss tag had that row of flowers on it and our retreat project is all about rows of flowers.  Maybe I'll add a row of these just because I can.  I love serendipity!

Here's the recipient!  I think she loved it as much as I loved making it for her.  I also included some of my homemade thread drops for her too.

Well this looks like a good stopping point for tonight.  I still need to share the show and tell with you and some random pics too.  Welcome to my new followers too!  I appreciate your visit and your lovely comments.


Even more later,

The Inspired Stitcher

Russellville Retreat - day 1

I finally got all the pictures sorted and ready to go!  Whew, that was an undertaking.  LOL!  I'll warn you, you are in for a long post today and probably again tomorrow too.  Here we go!

Here's the gang packed and ready to shove off.  It was a beautiful sunny day and hot as usual.

We headed south and took the ferry across the river to Kentucky.  That's the landing on the Kentucky side you see there in front of us!  We are on the ferry in this picture.  I just love the ferry!  I get all giddy when I ride it.  The girls think I'm nuts.  Yeah, maybe I am.

Here's the view from the middle of the river.  Just look at the calm water that day!  I love how the sun is sparkling on the water.  Once on the other side we were on the road for several hours before getting into Russellville.

Here we are at the hotel.  My roommates are totally addicted to their iPads!  They stayed up into the wee hours playing with these things.  I don't have one myself so I'm not sure what all the hype is about.  Maybe if I had one I'd know.  LOL!

A while back I alluded to doing a lot of gift stitching that I couldn't yet show.  Well, you've already seen two of the things I've been working on in my last couple posts (here and here).  Now I can show you the rest of it!  I gave my roomies their gifts before we headed out for dinner.

I stitched us all ORTs buckets!!!  I saw these buckets at Michael's when I was there looking for something else and knew right away what I wanted to do with them!  I always forget my ORTs container but not this time!  Don't you just love the little washers on their twisted cord?!

Design:  Summer Alphabet (just the flops)

 & Initials from stitchpoint.com "Madrid" font

Designer:  Lizzie Kate & Stitchpoint

Fabric:  40 ct. Antique White (1 over 2)

Floss: "C" = DMC 52 + 907
"P" = 113 + 742
"L" = 107 + 912

Started:  6/23/12

Finished and completed all three: 6/24/12

You'll notice in the picture above that two of the containers have something in them.  I also included homemade thread drops made by yours truly!  I felt the containers needed something in them.  These are so fun to make and super easy too!

Design:  Queen Bee

Desinger:  JBW Designs

Fabric: 40 ct. Antique White (1 over 2)

Floss:  WDW Confetti

Started & Finished:  6/22/12

Completed:  6/28/12

Next up, I made this for a very special person I only see at this retreat.  I just wanted to make a little something as a thank you to show my appreciation for all the special things she does.  Besides, this one just screamed her name to me when I saw it.  I think it turned out super cute!  It's only the second time I've attempted this finish and this one is pretty tiny, only 2 1/2 inches square!  Love it!

After the gift giving we headed out to meet the group and head over to the restaurant for dinner.  Here's some of the group chatting it up while we waited for everyone to arrive.

I forgot to get a picture of our humongous pizzas we had for dinner but I did get a picture of dessert.  This one's for you, Patti!  She affectionately called these "moose balls" and dared me to say that on the blog!

There were two of them but I ate one before getting my picture.  They were chocolate mousse in a chocolate cup with homemade whipped cream and a drizzle of raspberry topped with mint leaves!  Oh yes, they were to die for!!!

After dinner we all headed back to the Breathitt House to drop off more stuff and arrange the room for the next day's stitching.  Then we all headed back to the hotel to rest up for a day of stitching and fun!

Stay tuned!  We are just getting started with all the fun and festivities.  Thanks for stopping by and reading clear to the bottom here.


More to come...

The Inspired Stitcher