Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Last Post

for the year.  Can you believe it?   I think we all say the same thing, each and every year.  Well, too bad it hasn't slowed down for any of us!
I havent stitched much the later part of the year, I just havent felt like it.  In the last couple of weeks, I did manage to take time and I made 2 quilts.   I am excited about them and looking forward to making more.  In fact, I just pulled out 3 I have 'kitted' up.  Do you say that for quilting-- kitted?  Either way, I am looking forward to those.
First up, I know that alot of you have had posted a year in review and I think that is so wonderful to go back and look at the amazing progress that was accomplished this year.  I have completed several beautiful samplers-- coming to mind of course is Dutch Beauty and Elizabeth Mears.
 
 
Those among other fillers are 2 favorites I think I have done in all time, but then I look back at last year, and see a few others.
 
As promised in the last post, I took pics of the last 2 pieces I picked up from the framer.  Above is Plum Street Samplers- Love Thy Neighbor, stitched on 40ct with called for cotton, framed in a burl frame-I actually picked this frame out, before I stitched this piece.  I think it is similar to the one on the cover of the pattern-- but not the same.  Burl wood has such a great texture and depth to it, it is its own work of art next to the sampler! 
Below, is La D Da- Peace House.  I LOVE this frame on this sampler.  It is 2 3/4" wide on this super cute I think 5 x 7-- 40ct piece.  Where oh where to hang them?!!!!

This coming year, I am not sure what will be accomplished on the stitching front, I have a start picked out for tomorrow, but I don't know if I will start it tomorrow, or in the next little bit.   I am still plugging away on Jane Tindall, and finally starting the animals on the bottom.  It seems like I have been stitching on her for years.  But slow and steady right?  Maybe she will be my first finish?  I have to pull out my stash and play with it for a bit, perhaps I will get the bug back.
Until then, my desire for beautiful fabrics for gorgeous quilts continues :)  There are sooo many options and I want to quilt them all!!  LOL.
In the beginning of November you might remember I had made a quilt with my mom.  We both used the same fabric grouping and each made something different.  I had mine quilted over Thanksgiving and I finished the binding last week.  It is amazing the difference of when you finish it.  It is the equal to framing your sampler right?
 
 I decided that a navy stitching on the back would be nice and the top is a neutral.
Above, is the 1st of 2 quilts I have made in the last couple of weeks.  This one is made of flannel, a request by my husband, for my husband.  It feels so nice, I cant wait to get it back from the quilter and snuggle under it!  I bought this kit over the summer and needed some cold days to work on it, well, cold is here!!!  LOL.
The 2nd quilt I bought also as a kit from a shop that was having an end of year inventory sale and I was thrilled to be able to participate.  I bought this of course among other things-- kitted up a few other quilts.  I am trying to be brave and piece the fabrics together.  I have no issue changing the colors on my cross stitch, so quilting shouldnt be that hard right?  It really has to do with how much fabric, like I mentioned before in a previous post.
A Christmas quilt, using 3 sisters Wintergreen fabric.  I am crazy about the black in this quilt too :)  It was a nice easy one to sew while watching some great Christmas movies!!!  In a few weeks I will have them back from the quilter and hopefully will have more to bring.  I am going to help my niece make a quilt for her room this week, we went to the quilt shop, she chose the colors she likes and we are going to make the same pattern as the above flannel one.  Nice and easy for both of us, and also so we get it done before she goes back to school next week.  I will take pics and share those with you next year :)

Until next time, enjoy the rest of 2013, and Happy New Year to all of you!!!!!!


Saturday, December 21, 2013

Frames to share


I seem to remember the comment I made in the last post or so (or perhaps it was just in my head) was to share a few pieces I had framed a few months ago.
Without wasting anymore time, and leaving you all in suspense since last time, here we go!
Primitive Betties- With My Needle.  I will have to do my best in remembering the linen, but I know it was 40ct Lakeside linen, perhaps maritime white?  With the called for cotton overdyed threads.  I finished this in 2010.
Also Primitive Betties- Live, Laugh, Love.  Vintage Pearled Barley 40ct Lakeside Linens with the called for overdyed cottons.  Yes, you have read correct on both, cotton.  Sometimes its just easy with these small ones.  But then again............ LOL.  Also 2010.
Carriage House Samplings- Maria P. Oliver.  Stitched on 40ct R & R something with my conversion to Belle Soie silks.  Completed in 2009.
Willow Hill Samplings- Eleanor Jaegler.  This is one of my favorite pieces.  I stitched this on 48ct Lt Examplar from Lakeside.  Yes, 48ct.  The size is fantastic and I know exactly the silk overdyed thread I used-- I see it in my mind, but I cant remember the name.  Japanese something, comes on a card similar to splendor cards.  If you know what it is, just let me know too :)  It is such fine silk, very comparable to the Tudor Silk from Gloriana.  But at that time, Tudor didn't exist.  This was also done in 2009.

Last but not least, is Queenstown Samplers- Elizabeth J Mears.  The minute I saw this sampler, it was a must stitch.  With a silk conversion to overdyes, and the need to start it NOW, the shop didnt have any 45ct and I wasnt able to get my hands on a piece of Vintage pecan butter that minute, I decided to start it on a piece of Vintage Pecan 40ct with the silks.  Finishing this sampler this year, I couldnt wait to choose a frame and see it in all its glory.  I LOVE the house, the alphabet, the flowers--- well I just love it all!! 
I am so pleased as usual with my pieces and just have to find the perfect place to hang them now. 

I have a couple more just picked up but I dont have pics of those just yet.  I will share them with you shortly.  Hopefully I can get my stitching bug back and share some beautiful WIPs I have going.  But in the mean time..... thank you for visiting my blog.

I hope each and everyone of you has a Merry Christmas!  It is such a wonderful time of year, of course after you get past all of the hustle and bustle.  Relaxing, enjoying your families and remembering the real reason for the season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Where oh where?

No where really.  Its been so long since my last post, I almost forgot my login information!  I suppose the only reason is just plain being busy.  Or perhaps my lack of stitching motivation?  I want to stitch, but no time.  I havent really done much the last 6 weeks, other then work, visiting with friends and family, and then more work.    Not much to share in the way of pics, but I did stitch up the 2 very expensive BBD market kits- Oct 31st and the other one, the stocking, cant remember the name this second.   Cute, but really not worth it. 

I dont seem to have a picture of the Oct 31st handy, but you know what it looks like.  I dont know how soon I will be "finish" them......
I did complete some time ago Plum Street Samplers "Love Thy Neighbor" but I didnt take a finished pic of it, or if I did, I cant find it!!  So here is one almost to the end.....
I love the colors in this one, and it was a fast one to stitch up.  I know, I am supposed to be working on WIPs, but I have really given up on that idea.  Who cares?  That is my current thought.  It is what it is!  Ha!  The comfort is, I am not the only one :)
I did go to one place I had on my bucket list sometime ago, and while on the latest trip to LA, I managed to find an hour to go to French General.
This is their retail location where a lot of great fun things take place.  Classes to make the most beautiful jewelry, where items are resold from trips to France antique markets-- ie all antique linens, buttons, papers, pictures, lace, nightgowns, books, etc., etc., etc.  I really needed a few hours, but from what I saw, I will definitely find time to go back!
Of course, they had there most beautiful antique quilts on display, and also their cotton fabrics, inspired from said quilts.  Here is one pic for you to drool over
I did come home with a few things, and of course some fabric!!!!  How could I not take any home?????  I highly recommend this great stop, the gals are always super friendly (I have ordered from them online) and very helpful.  For all things French General, this is it!!!
I want to make like at least a dozen quilts now!!!  LOL. 
I did make something fun with my Mom a bit ago, we both started with this box of strips from Moda- Adoring by Sandy Gervais. (pics borrowed from Moda-thanks)

What we both decided to do is remove the turquoise strips, and Mom chose to remove the navy also, I kept mine in.  The strips were 4 1/2" wide by 42" or so long.  Not really knowing the size of our projects would be, we just started with a small table top item, or display piece and went at it.  We chose 2 different patterns and I can't be more thrilled with the outcome.  Of course, I want to now sew hers!  (Thank goodness there is another package!  LOL).  Starting around 10am, we spent the day cutting, organizing, sewing,  laughing, pressing, cutting, pressing and sewing, and this is what we ended with at 6pm.  Just in time for supper.
What do you think?!  She ended up with a fabulous table runner on the right, (it is longer in the picture, but who really wants to see my crazy pants and socks on the left??!!) and I a wall hanging or small lap quilt.  She finished the top to the back, the edges bond etc., etc.  Me, I chose to wait on the finish and I ended up ordering some more of the navy for the back and some extra for the binding and will have that taken care of in the next few weeks.  I just am thrilled with the difference of the 2 pieces, using the exact same fabric box.   I am really scratching the surface of quilting, so I really don't know how much fabric is needed to give you the something in a different shape.  Like these strips, sewing them together, and in different shapes, is really something else!!!  I am always amazed.  Like how you can get a quilt top out of 1 jelly roll.  REALLY??!!!!  I tend to want mine bigger, so 2 always is best for me :)  AND, Thats why I always get yardage!!  LOL..  If it calls for 1, I better get 3.  If it calls for 2, I better get 5.  I don't want to run out, and I think that this comes from stitching, and when the pattern calls for 1 skein, and I run out, I am not only annoyed I have run out, but livid that the next skein doesn't match.....  Especially when you have WIPs or don't start it for a year.  It is always better to get extra, and if you like it, definitely get extra! 

So, there is a short and sweet update on what has been going on, I have more to share with you, via framing that I have had done this summer, along with a few other hot spots I have been to.  But for now, its back to work!!
Have a great day, and thanks for your patience on my posts :)

Monday, September 30, 2013

Weep Not

I could hardly wait to get the iron out this morning to share with all of you one of my latest favorite finishes.  Although finished this past Friday, things took up my time that took priority then posting to the blog.  So, here is Weep Not from Notforgotten Farm
 
I couldnt be more pleased with this little finish!!!  Changing the DMC to Weeks Dye Works and Gentle Arts and using 40ct Vintage Cedar Plank from Lakeside, this gem is a winner!
WOW!!!!  I LOVE this!!!  Isn't it fabulous????
I changed the way the eyes were done on the poor lost sister and changed up the dress colors a bit.  Using the over-dyed threads really makes it pop--if it can for this subject.  As you can see there is some 'flow' to the lost sister's dress, to me its more of a draped feel.  I changed the hair color and well, just about changed everything!  LOL.  I used the colors as a guide and really went all out with the adjustments.  So, no, there can be no conversion list to give simply because I couldn't duplicate it myself :)
I found these awesome antique bobbins at an antique store this summer and thought they were the perfect addition to all things black that I collect :)  I love going to those kind of shops however the sewing supplies are usually very limited.  When you do find them, it is always fun to look.
Almost October already.  The weather for most of you has started to change, getting cooler, and the leaves are changing.  I love the change in the leaves, the vibrant reds, golds and oranges are just amazing.  Fall is a great time of year!! 
Its also a great stitching time :)  Heck, isn't anytime great for stitching??!!!  Lol.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Poor Jack

This weekend was a busy one-- of course how many weekends arent?  Fun was had all around and I finished up Poor Jack on Saturday night!
 Finished on 40ct BOF Sparrow with cottons :)  Cross it off the list!!!!  Another WIP done under the belt.  Get er done!!!!!!  LOL.
Next I picked up Weep Not from Notforgotten Farm.  Like I mentioned in earlier posts, I changed the DMC to WDW and GA threads for more of a murky, drab feel.  After all, this topic is not supposed to be bright and cheery!!!!!! I chose Lakeside Linen Vintage Cedar Plank-- Which BTW is one of my new top favorite colors!!!!  On 40ct this piece is stinkin cute.  I'm looking forward to finishing this one this week also.
Who knows what will be after this!!  So many WIP options.  Stay tuned until next time.
Can you believe it is fall already?  A friend of mine told me a couple days ago that Christmas is only 3 months away.  WOWZA~!!  I cant believe where this year has gone.  Time to step into high gear!!  LOL
I hope all of you have a great week :)

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

WIP it out already!

One thing that alot of us have a hard time with is WIPs.  I know there are some very disciplined stitchers out there who work on only 1-3 at a time but that is not my case.  I used to be that way and over the years have picked up some bad habits!!  LOL.  I LOVE to start projects, but I also LOVE to finish them.  I love bringing them to the framer and enjoying the fruits of my labor.  I decided that my list of WIPs was really out of control, well its beyond out of control and that a few of them I have going I havent even put on the list because I thought I could get them done faster.  Obviously we all know how that goes also :(.   Not like I haven't done anything the last couple of weeks-- finishing  up the quilt top shown last week;  I also stitched up a model for the LNS of  With Thy Needle and Thread Ltd edition kit from St Charles 2013.  I chose a great Lakeside Linen and used the called for WDW colors. 
I am going to make some adjustments for my own Ltd sampler-- of course revisions are always fun-- different count linen and change some of the colors.  But I am not ready to stitch it again just yet.
I wanted to get a few things out of the way as I mentioned earlier.  First up is a finish of the new BBD LF series Wild Berries.  I finished this up yesterday morning.  I added the date 1928 for the birth year of my fathers mother.  I think personalizing each one is a great idea, makes you think about which one will fit for each person.  Since there are 12 in the series, there is amble designs for all of my family :)
I used 40ct Vintage Pecan Butter Lakeside and weighed stitching it in silk but since it is such a small project, the idea of changing it to silk made me tired.  There are 13 colors in this little guy!!!!!!  No thanks, I chose again to use the called for cottons.  For little designs going forward,  I am going to weigh my options before I choose the silks.  I have made the decision already to stitch the BBD LF series in cottons.  I know already I will stick to silks for the Hollyberry Farm series.  I know I am just rambling now, but I am kind of over it.  HA!!!  I know I know.  I am not going to give up my silk snob status, but for every 20+ silk projects, a cotton one wont kill me :), just makes me twitch a bit!!!  HA HA!!!!!! Joking :) 
Next up is a project started a bit ago and I want put it to bed also.  These projects laying all over the place next to my stitching chair are starting to really get to me. 

This one is called Poor Jack from Birds of a Feather.  Totally OOP, but a classic and a staple for the Halloween collection.  I have wanted to stitch this forever, and I have finally gotten my wish.  Thank you very much :)  Using mostly the called for colors, I did add a color for his pants and using BOF Sparrow Linen I can hardly stand it.  I just LOVE IT.  The colors almost glow they are soo bright.  The center of the design stitched up in 2 days, however the border is taking forever, clearly, it isn't done yet.  Maybe I need to either start stitching earlier in the night, or stay up later to make some serious progress, or quit my job...... the last isn't going to happen!  I only finished 5 1/2 squares last night.  Bummer!  But by the end of the week hopefully. 
Next up after this in the pile I don't know, but I will keep you all posted shortly :)
Hope everyone is have a great week so far!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013


Being productive

My last post on August 20th I mentioned that I would share Peace House by La D Da with you and well, I completely forgot!
Here it is,
Sorry for the wonky picture!  I used the called for WDW colors along with 40ct Pecan Butter from Lakeside.  It was a fast and relaxing stitch.
The time continues to fly by but almost 2 weeks ago my friend and I went to one of the best quilt shops in town and decided to do a quilt together.  Great idea!  She suggested we each pick out the needed charm pack and build our quilt from there.  OK!  Off we went to select our favorite colors and this is what I came up with
 
We settled on this pattern and I chose Blackbird Designs Field Notes.  This is my 4th quilt and I am not always sure what the terms are.  Like what is sashing?  LOL.   It was great fun to pick and choose and walk around the shop looking around for the perfect charm pack.  I felt the hunt was on!!  In record speed we both came up with gorgeous fabrics and I am looking forward to seeing her progress soon.  I couldnt wait however I wanted to start right away, but I had a few other priorities to get out of the way first.  I was so eager to start it!!!!!
After coming home and showing my husband what I had chose, we both agreed this quilt would be perfect for our bed.  But, with only 1 charm pack, it would be too small.  So darn it, we had to go back to the quilt shop!!!  With record speed, I went back Friday morning.  This past week Tuesday, I cut the sashing, squares and sewed them together. Wednesday the strips were sewn together and I realized even with the 2nd charm pack, I was still short 9 squares to make the size I wanted.  So, I went stash diving and chose another pattern that worked perfectly and ta-da!  Friday I sewed all the strips together and now I had 1 piece to move around instead of all the rows, numbered and organized.  I added the 1 inch border on Saturday afternoon and this past Monday night, added the final floral border.
I am so excited with the way it turned out, and I am interested in adding another border just to make it a tad bigger to drape more on the bed, but I have to choose the color.  Perhaps the same as the 1 inch, the grey color.  We shall see!  As for now, it is folded and ready to go to the quilter.  I have even chosen the backing already.
Whats next?!
I started working on Notforgotten Farm Weep Not.  I love these 3 Lori came out with and they are all a must-- but I had to make some adjustments from DMC.  I think the colors needed to be more murky and dirty and drab for the content of the piece, after all she is in a coffin!!!!!!  LOL.  I chose some awesome WDW threads and a lakeside linen.  I have the top floral done and I have to take a picture for you all to see how fantastic it is!!!
Until next time,

Happy Stitching!!

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Few more to share with you!!

What another fast summer we are having! Why do they go so fast, and winters so slow?  The weather has been great and I have been enjoying each and every day.  All sorts of fun activities have been going on.
I have a few more framed pieces to share with you that I havent had time to post.
First is Sarah Brown from Milady's Needle:

and her sister Margaret Brown:

Close up of the frame, which has a similar feel to the sampler border


I chose to stitch both samplers of Vintage Pear with silk threads, choosing similar colors to the originals.  I just love the subtle differences and no, I didn't find it tedious stitching both of them.  I found them relaxing to stitch on and was a bit sad when they were complete.   Don't you just love how delicate they are? 

Next up is a classic Goode Huswife piece- The Flowers of Lebanon (OOP):

 I chose the same frame for flowers as The Black Forest (OOP) piece I did of hers a few years back.  I added the below pic for a refresher, but I didnt have the framed one handy.

The colors on the black!!!!  LOVE!!!  Both stitched on 32ct burlap linen with NPI.  Both funky in their own ways :)

Last but not least- the piece de resistance:


Stitching my Dutch Beauty in record time on 45ct lakeside Maritime White with overdyed silks I am OVER THE MOON WITH EXCITEMENT.  Looking at it, its hard to believe its even mine!!!  It is by far the largest sampler I have ever stitched and each and every time I look at it, I find something else I just love.   Countless hours were spent on choosing the color placement just perfectly.  WOW, what a piece of work!!!! 

 A close up of the frame I chose to use a dark teal blue fillet to offset the color in the sampler.  Just a hint of color, but nothing too bright.  I cant wait to find the perfect place to hang it.  An accomplishment like no other for me.  I love the larger samplers, I might complain a bit in the middle, but this one is a masterpiece.

I finished Peace House from La D Da, which I will share with you later this week.  What is next to pick up and work on?  I have to get BBD Wild Berries done, I started it with such a bang, but got distracted.  HaHa!  That is not something new is it?!!  Speaking of new, anyone see some must haves for St. Charles market?  I love the new BBD and the Plum Street pieces shown so far, I have been soooo excited for Yuletide since she teased showed us last year from the retreat at Shepherds Bush.  But I cant wait to see the others!  Of course the With thy Needle and Thread Ltd. Kit.  What else so far am I missing?!!!!!  LOL.

Looking forward to a great week, and I hope all of you have one as well!!  Happy stitching :)

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

2 Things

A while ago I dropped off and picked up some pieces at the framers and I wanted to share 2 of them with you today.
I am thrilled of course with the results (as always) and feel like each frame fits each piece.
First up is Lizzie Kate -Green, this was my Olympic project from last year, and it is not a typical piece I would do, which I think is great.  I am trying to peek my head out of the box, and look around, but mostly feel most comfortable on the bottom of it.  LOL.  I am not the only one I am sure :)
The simple frame chosen is mossy brown, hint of green and perfect to accent the piece.  I stitched this Green piece on Vintage Pear, I know, you can hardly tell, but you will just have to take my word for it!  Haha.  The trouble with getting the shading right, sometimes it is and sometimes it isnt.
The next piece up is Little House Needleworks - Nantucket.
I couldn't be more pleased with the look of this frame with this design!!  I love the weathered look and the bead with both the brown and black coloring.  It really pops the colors I chose with the Vintage Meadow Rue.

Until next post with a few more pics to share.  I am hoping to finish La D Da Peace House, with fingers crossed, maybe tonight.
Thanks for stopping by and have a super day :)

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

A small start

Another great weekend was had and I wanted to share my small start.   Sunday afternoon I began La D Da Peace House, with the called for cotton-- yes :)  but I did switch the linen.  I was really excited about how dark the colors were when I saw over at Maude and Mozart, if you go to her great blog, you will see that she has it all done and framed in a fantastic frame.  I saw it originally on her blog sometime ago when she was sharing her stash enhancement she got from a wonderful stitching weekend.  So, at that time I ordered it from my LNS.  I have had it now in the stash for a bit, but when seeing her finish, I had to get going on it!
I didnt really get far the first day, because something about counting with a bunch of people around you chatting, doesnt really go hand in hand, so I opted to wait.  Yesterday I got quite far and I am still excited with the colors.   Weeks dye Works are the cottons used and I chose Lakeside Linen 40ct Pecan.  I debated whether to use 45ct since it would be sooo stinkin cute finished stitch size 4" x 6 ", but I like the color of the 40ct linen better.  So Peace House will still be very cute 5" x 7" :)  I know, crazy.........
I am still working on the other multitude of WIPs, but at this point, have nothing further to update you on, it is sad right?  Well, maybe in a few days.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Monday, July 22, 2013

Its going to fast

My adorable nephew is already a month old and today the announcement of the royal baby, along with so many exciting things happening.  Well, the cross country trip went off without a hitch and we saw a tremendous amount of great things.  So many things have taken place over the last month, it is almost too much for me to think about.  (This post is picture heavy!)
Starting out in NY, ending in OR.
 
Vanderbilt mansion in Hyde Park, NY.  One of several mansions owned by the Vanderbilt family.  I have been on a tour in this magnificent home on the Hudson river years ago but this time, we passed.  It is well worth it if you have time.
 We stopped at the Heart of Ohio Antique Mall, which I believe is the largest in the country.... being 116,000 square feet (yes, there are that many zeros!) and I was afraid we might have to spend a week there.  But, we often antique, so we know what we are looking for, and know how to look fast.  There are 8 wings if you will to this massive compound, and all but 1 was good, being antique items.  The 1 that wasnt, was all that crap--repros, or yankee candle booths, etc., etc., etc.  VHS tapes are not antiques, and neither are things made in China last year.  It does bother me that these dealers are allowed in these places.  If you want that crap, go to a flea market.  I did run into this scale, no, I didnt buy it, but I thought it was hilarious.  My husband said those were popular in the 70s.  I wonder how many of you had one!!!!  LOL... and did they come in different colors??!!!!  This dealer wanted 50 bucks for it :)

 This thimble display would be perfect for my friend, but with a firm price of $1895.00 it isnt that perfect for her--- Sorry!! But it is very cool to see.
Love this gorgeous coverlet, and I am not sure if it is a good price at 1200.00, (too much for me) but it was near mint.  Rich navy and creme and love the bird detail around the border.
We did run into an amazing amount of storms and watching the front come in on this one was awesome.  Feeling the wind pick up, and the dust blowing, then an amazing amount of water streaming down the streets.  Before you know it, it is over and dried up.  Love summer storms, you almost dont believe they exist!
 Stopping in Watertown, WI and had to see the famous Octagon House.  I think there is something like 57 rooms in this place.  8 sided, 5 floors built in the 1850s of solid brick.  I am not sure how long it would take to clean this place, but it would be a fun place to stitch right??!!! No, we didnt tour this either, just the grounds because the last tour had just started.  So much for timing!! 
If you look close at the above pic, there are 2 racoons peeking their heads out of the tree.  Not sure if this was a good thing or bad thing to see them during the day, but I thought it was great fun anyway.
What do you think of this gorgeous rooster??  Stunning red and shades of grey make this bird very handsome :)  Friends of ours own him and 2 hens...... Free range eggs are delicious!!!!!
 

There were 2 stops planned for Minnesota, one being the Mall of America, which is beyond me in size for a mall and this amusement park in the center of it, but more importantly,
Stitchville USA!


This is the newest location for Stitchville USA and wowza is all I can say.  It is a must stop for anyone who loves stitching and needlepoint.  So many things to look at you might need a week just to look at all the stash on hand!!!! 
Have you ever seen or been to the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota??  Each and every year the entire palace made of corn is stripped of its shell and replaced with fresh corn.  It is a famous place, however one would be surprised to find inside the palace, a gymnasium?!  I sure was!!

Driving out and about in the middle of no where, is very peaceful.  Growing up in a cement city as I am told often, it is hard to imagine the beauty that does exist in our country.  Although, you are often enamored by things you dont see everyday, so seeing cows grazing next to wind turbines is pretty cool!  I am often told I do not get out much :)  I have been more appreciative of the things we see in life, as you get older, things you thought were once corny when you were 15, are pretty cool at ??.  LOL.
It is hard to imagine this is Sturgis, South Dakota.  Being famous for its annual motorcycle rally and to see no one on main street is strange.  But, its only a matter of time before this small town is hopping with bikers from all around the world, cruising the streets with their motorcycles.






My hope is not to bore you with these scenic pictures that I have posted here, but only to give you a better sense of what we saw for miles and miles.  Amazing beauty was to be seen everywhere.  I love the contrast of the bright blue sky to the bright reddish rock, to the sharp edges of the mountain.  To the beautiful lakes.
My last trip pic to share is of Multnomah Falls in OR.  One of the highlights on the Columbia river drive.
The 620 foot cascade of water is the 5th highest waterfall in the US.  Impressive right?  There is a bridge near the bottom you can stand on and of course, take more pics, but to see it from afar is also amazing.  It was definitely worth the stop.

So all good things must come to an end :)  My grandfather would always say, "Home again James".

And by now I hope you know that there wasn't much time for stitching on this road trip I was on!!  LOL.. Nope, you guessed it.  Not much took place but I did work a bit on Jane's border.....
  I have started the words as well on the top right.  Stopping at another great stitching shop in Portland, called Acorns and Threads---also an amazing cross stitch shop and a must stop for any stitcher!!!!  Super friendly staff too!!! Sorry, no pics but I did get the newest Blackbird designs Wild Berries and here is my progress

And, I chose to stitch this series in the called for cottons.  Yes, pick yourself up from the floor.  Close your mouth that has hit the desk.  YES, cottons.  LOL!!!!!  After talking with a few of the ladies, converting these small beauties into silk wasn't a practical option.  I did change the linen, choosing a 40ct Lakeside Linen makes this Wild Berry a mere 4" square.  Super cute right?  I think choosing a different color linen for each piece is going to be my agenda for this Loose Feathers collection.  I am also thinking these are great fill in pieces in between my samplers, and no, I will not hang them all together.  Terrific pieces overall though!!

So, enough of a novel today, but better going to see about stitching more BBD tonight.  Thank you for going on my cross country trip and I hope you enjoyed it :)

Enjoy your week, and happy stitching!!!!