On the Bottom of the List: Update Blog

Every time I spend a weekend at the lake I find myself behind and trying to catch up. Don't get me wrong, I love those weekends - there's nothing like hearing the loons calling early in the morning and at dusk. It's so quiet and peaceful there...but then I come home and have to play "catch up" -- catch up the laundry and the housecleaning, pay the bills, and somewhere at the bottom of my list is "update blog." So hear you go -- put your seat belt on. It's going to be a long one.

While at the lake this weekend, I visited with an old friend. Remember my Gameboard Sampler from The Drawn Thread? I started this puppy on New Year's Day in 2006! Then about four months later (May 2006) I re-started it. I didn't like stitching on the 25 ct and decided to switch to a 36 ct linen. I worked on it on and off in 2006 and maybe a little bit in 2007, but sometime in 2007 I became disinterested in working on it...but now - here it is again. Over the weekend I stitched the three houses and the little birdie on the bottom row (the little birdie still needs a beak!) I think you'll see more of this one; it sure would be nice to finish it!


Can I show you my favorite tool that I use at the lake? It's a clamp on lamp with a magnifying lens! My eyes are not what they used to be and I find that my stitching is much more enjoyable when it is magnified. This little lamp is easy to transport and easily clamps on to the table which sits on the screened in porch overlooking the water!


Look at the lovely exchange that I received today from Olga for the HoE Quaker Exchange! Olga mounted her stitched Quaker design to the top of this wooden box. The inside of the box is finished too and included a matching thread/stitch counter some coordinated thread bobbins, a scissors with a stitched fob that was personalized with our initials and the year. Olga must have figured out that I also enjoy Hardanger - she included some pearl cotton, and finally she included some 32 count linen in an oyster color. I think she put a lot of thought and effort into putting this one together. Thanks so much Olga!


Finally, I received word that the Fair & Square blocks that I sent to Peg were received. Peg likes quaker designs so I stitched his freebie for her in some beautiful pink floss that Aniza had sent to me awhile ago.



Well, I think that's it. I have another piece that I stitched over the weekend, but it needs to be ironed and then I have some buttons to sew on - I'll save that for another day. I also mailed a few things today that I will post photos of later in the week. I'm still working on finishing my Quaker exchange piece - it needs to be mailed by Friday (stitching is done; just need to finish the finishing!)

If you made it to the bottom of this post - congratulations! And thanks for stopping by!