Two Exchange Updates

Despite my hectic schedule, I have managed to do some stitching. But first, let me share with you an exchange that I received over the weekend. Sylvie sent me this delightful little pinkeep, stitched over one, for the ABC Exchange on the SBEBB. isn't it cute? Along with the pinkeep, she sent a french pattern and some Vicki Clayton silks. What a great exchange from Sylvie!




Today, I received word that Marie received the needleroll that I sent to her for the Potting Shed Exchange. As Marie said in one of her posts, it's an "oversized" needleroll. The design is from Lizzie Kate.



Lots of rain here tonight complete with thunder and lightening. Hopefully the grass and other plants and trees will benefit from this spring storm!

I'm Baa....aaack!

Hello dear stitching friends! Wow, it's been a long time since I last posted. After three weeks of entertaining visitors, traveling for work, and attending a needlework retreat, I'm finally back at home and slowly trying to get back into my stitching routine. It's probably going to take me a little bit; lots of laundry and house cleaning to catch up on. I've slowly been starting to visit some of your blogs - WOW, you've been busy!

Just after Easter we had a nice visit from some very dear family members - they drove all the way from Prince George, British Columbia. It was so good to see them, we enjoyed visiting with them.

As soon as they left (literally within two hours), I was on a plane for Minot, ND. Did some work there for three days, came home, did laundry (I'm always doing laundry), caught up with my family and then headed out for Fargo, ND to the Nordic Needle Retreat. After the four day retreat I was back in Minot for four days. It's good to be home!

I'm sure you'd enjoy hearing more about the relatives and would probably like to know what in the world I was doing in Minot, but I think I'll share more information about the Nordic Needle retreat instead. :) My sister-in-law went with me and we had tons of fun! There were about 60 stitchers at the retreat, two from as far away as New Zealand, one from Israel, and three from Bermuda. The remainder came from various parts of the United States. The retreat started on Thursday and ended on Sunday (four glorious days). The staff at the Nordic Needle is the friendliest bunch of people I have ever met; they are so accommodating - truly special people!

Made lots of stash purchases at the Nordic Needle - here are two of my favorite. I discovered a new (new to me) brand of overdyed perle cotton. It's called Leah's Threads, and they come in #3, #5, #8, and #12. Look at all the yummy colors I brought home with me. I'll be using these for Hardanger
projects.


My other favorite purchase was a kit that I have been pining for ever since it came out. The retreat attendees received a coupon for 30% off the purchase of one kit - I used mine to purchase "O Beautiful" from Shepherd's Bush. This will make a great summer project!


I have many more stories to tell, but I think I will save them for another day.

Have you visited Becky's blog recently? Check out her finish for Quaker Sampling from With My Needle. Isn't it gorgeous?

Greetings from the Mostly Absent Stitcher (and Blogger)

Hello! Hope you enjoyed your Easter weekend. I'm sorry for being mostly absent lately - life just seems to be getting in the way of my hobbies. Fortunately, all is good. I started a new job two weeks ago (which I am thrilled about!), we're expecting a visit this week from some relatives we haven't seen for years (they live in British Columbia), the Nordic Needle retreat is less than two weeks away (can't wait), and then I'll be doing some traveling for work this month. To say that I am "busy" would be an understatement, but like I said - these are all good things to be busy with. Needless to say, I will probably not be blogging much over the next two to three weeks. I'll try to keep up as I can!

Several exchange updates for you today!

I received this lovely needleroll from Katrina - the whole package had a patriotic theme (love it!) Katrina spoiled me good. I especially like the wooden thimble and laying tool - she said that a friend made several of these for her. I'm touched that she is sharing a set with me!



Chris received this needleroll from me - it's a design from Heart in Hand. I went with a bunny theme for my package - sent her a kitchen towel, some DMC fibers, and some Lindt chocolates shaped like carrots.



Finally, I recently received this spring quaker from Julianne. She stitched the Quaker Rabbit from The Workbasket and mounted it on this box. The inside is lined with coordinating fabric and it was filled with goodies!




Later this week I should be able to share with you a picture of the Spring Quaker piece I am sending out today. Other than that, I have no other updates to share!

Thanks for stopping by!