Tuesday, July 29, 2008

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!

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a lovely box from Olga! She did a great job :)

Love the Quaker squares and it's nice to see your gameboard again too!

Melissa said...

Everything is so pretty! Olga did a beautiful job on that box. I'm sure you were thrilled. Your gameboard looks great. That's one on my list to stitch someday. Can't wait to see an update on it. Great job!

JillMN said...

Cathy, I, too, love being up at the lake. There is nothing that compares. Especially the early morning and at dusk. Hope you can come and stitch with us soon. You are missed.

Kim B said...

The exchange you received it beautiful! And your Game Board Sampler looks great! Hope you get this one finished up so I can see!!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Well HEY HO! Look at that Gameboard Sampler :)
It's looking lovely Cathy :) I think it is stunning all finished...good luck!
And your tool looks like one I may have to soon invest in ;(
AND I love your box and fair square exchanges...you've been a lucky recipient!

Petra said...

I like the piece you stitched for Peg, the thread color is very pretty! Gameboard looks great. Great lamp, I bet it's so serene at the lake. Must be lovely to stitch and see the water.

Carol R said...

I like Gameboard Sampler. Whenever I see one of these I want to stitch it. I have the fabric and the threads and the pattern ... one day!

A lovely box from Olga.

mainely stitching said...

Wow, what great pictures. Love that little clamp-on - wonder if they exist in the stores here? Though given the choice between the clamp on and the place on the lake, I'd chose the latter. LOL!

Hazel said...

Love the drawn thread checkerboard. It would be worth finishing that one. Great little finishes too. xx

Katrina said...

I put my SGB away, not sure when it will come out again :-). Yours is gorgeous.

Love the exchanges too!

Lennu said...

Oh you have so many beautiful photos again in your blog! It was great to come for a visit here :) Oh I know what you mean, I've been playing catch up for the whole summer too. We're having a lovely summer and lots to do, but everytime I come back from somewhere I'm so behind. Eventually I'm sure we'll catch up with everything :)

Connie B said...

Cathy, I have nominated you for the Brilliant Webblog award. Please stop by my blog to pick up your award.

Dani - tkdchick said...

Great progress on your gameboard!

What a beautiful box to recevie.

The squares you sent out are lovely.

Kathy said...

Good progress on the Game Board. It looks great.

I know what you mean about playing catch up. It is so hard to keep up with all the blogs and still get stitching done.

Sharon said...

Gorgeous exchange from Olga! Those squares are quite lovely as is your Quaker gameboard!