Let the Stitching Begin....

I took two days off of work to spend the time stitching with friends. We are all gathered at Mama Joan's house and our theme this year is "Under the Sea." Our stitching extravaganza started yesterday and will continue through Saturday. While I was off of work yesterday and today, tomorrow, I have to go back to work. :(

Each year we assemble gift bags for each other; we try to locate things that fit with the theme. Here is what I collected for the girls:



The bottom tray is like a three-part snack dish - it has "sea characters" on it (octopus, turtle, fish, etc.) Has anyone tried these smore flavored goldfish? In the middle section, a quilted pincushion that I made using fishy fabric, a mermaid scissor fob, and some threads (CC Shrimp Cocktail and CC Deep Blue Sea). On the right, some fish shaped soaps (need to keep my stitching buds smelling good, right?)



Here's a closer look at the fobs that I made - everyone has their special color! The "mermaid" is taken from a Country Cottage Needleworks pattern.



And here's a closer look at the quilted pincushions using fishy fabric:



I will post pictures of the gifts that the other girls brought after retreat.

Our task yesterday was to complete the "A Token of Friendship" booklets that we had been stitching for each other all year. We really underestimated the time that it would take to finish these books. Here's the group hard at work:



As of this morning, I have all of my blocks basted to the skirtex and all but two blocks have the lining fabric basted on the back. Today, I will continue with the assembly!



More updates on our retreat to follow in the next few days.

Before I go...check out the cute LHN ornament that I received from Joan from the LHN exchange a small group of us did. Isn't it sweet? The beaded edging is really cool! Thanks Joan!



Gotta run -- the girls are waiting for me!