New England Stitching Retreat - The Stash

Let's talk about stitching! I think the most asked question when I returned from the retreat was "what stash did you bring home"?...I'm not sure why...seems there is a lot of interest in my purchases. First of all, I am a stitcher...I am just like all of you...I have stash accumulation beyond life expectancy....I am a needlework FAN (or probably more appropriate fanatic)...I still get giddy when I find a good needlework shop! Those days of being blessed in Des Moines with multiple needlework shops are gone, and I truly miss the ambiance of a specialty needlework store...there is just something about being able to see the charts in person and being able to see, touch, and feel the fabrics and fibers. When we visited ABC Stitch Therapy for a shopping spree and tea party, I felt like a little kid...it seemed I roamed the aisles for hours trying to decide what to bring home...and I am sure I was seen sitting on the floor slowing going through pegs and pegs of design charts. For those of you who are able to frequent this shop in person, I am so very green with envy...it was such a treat...a true candy store for the needlework enthusiast. I found it so organized and clean (which is a HUGE plus)...and there was fabulous natural lighting...and even comfortable chairs and sofas - with a fireplace - yep, you heard me correctly, a fireplace. I seriously would consider moving across the country to be near this shop....well, maybe that is extreme, but you get the idea!

I had to bring home several A Mon Ami Pierre charts - and it is a good thing needlework charts are a universal language, because the details for these charts are mostly written in French...I am such a fan of these designs and it was quite fun to have an assortment to choose from! I brought home "Porte Aiguille Angelots" and "Au Coeur De La Vigne". Also, being a huge lover of peacocks, I brought home Just Nan's "Keep A Little Secret" (this is a tiny tin...and for the inside, you stitch a peacock sampler and back it with wool to hold needles or pins)....and the Cottage Garden Peacock Stick Pin...and not pictured, I brought home the Daisy Needle Tweet, too.





Next...this was the hardest decision, EVER...I brought home only three packages of Puntini Puntini Pins....oh how I love these...and it was so very hard to choose the ones I wanted...I could have bought the entire rack (but I definitely would have needed a bigger suitcase!). It was a painstaking process to be good and narrow it down to these three choices....
















If you follow my blog, then you know I am a HUGE fan of Liberty Hill Boxes and I was thrilled to find this one from 2007 - it accompanied the Historic Stitches Pattern "Quaker Pynkeepe". And finally, from one of my most favorite designers, Maureen Appleton of The Heart's Content, "Splendor XIX A Colonial Coverlet ~ Treenware Sewing Box"...complete with the gorgeous treenware candle box. Over the years, I have collected quite an array of Maureen's kits...in fact, I have most of the "Splendor" designs. We all know I love tiny stitching, and this piece is stitched over-one on 40 count - WAHOO! I was super excited to bring this kit home...I wish I could make the time to start it right away...



So there you have it, a taste of what I brought home from the shopping spree. I know that seems like plenty, but there were several other patterns in my shopping cart - three from Carriage House Samplings, one from All Through The Night, and one from Homespun Elegance. Looks like I have plenty to keep me busy....

Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend, filled with sunshine, family, and good barbecue...

My New Favorite Thing

Today, I am feeling somewhat better, but still not the best...and definitely not well enough to venture out into the world...and to be honest, I am going completely stir crazy...I am not good at "resting" or "relaxing" (as many of you know). So, I thought I would occupy some time by doing a little blog update about my new favorite thing...

You all know how much I love Liberty Hill pieces...I think Carolyn is simply marvelous! Yesterday I received her newest masterpiece in the mail...every day I have been waiting for the doorbell to ring with this delivery. It is the "First Colony Tombstone Cupboard"...and it is to die for (pardon the pun)! Oh my gosh, it is SO cool. Found inside the cupboard: a black thread board, a scissor fob (seen in the photo with my favorite black Little Gems Scissors by Kelmscott Designs), a grey thread winder set, and a needle envelope....there are even places to hang the thread board and scissor fob...and a shelf. This is such a wonderful addition to my collection....and I can't wait to see what Carolyn comes up with next!

Smiles All Day...

Today has been a wonderful day! The weather is lovely - my printing proofs were perfect - I picked up a new design from my framer and it looks better than I could even imagine - and I am actually going to have some sewing time tonight - it really doesn't get much better....I have been smiling all day!

Today's photo is of "A Stitcher's Companion" - a BEAUTIFUL hand-painted set of needlework treasures by Liberty Hill - and using it just brightens my day! This special painted box contains a 3" starter square with wool pouch (I love the star shell button), a scissor fob, an adorable ruler, and a floss ring tag. Over the years, I have built quite a collection of Liberty Hill's amazing accessories...they just keep getting better and better (if that is possible). Take the time to admire some of your special keepsakes....