Productive Weekend

Happy Monday! Today is a holiday in the U.S. - Labor Day. Here in Minnesota the sun is still shining and we're expecting a beautiful day. Today is the last day of the great Minnesota get-together - the Minnesota State Fair. Tomorrow, most kids will start another school year (although my two kids have been back in school for two weeks already!) I've accomplished many things this weekend and hope to relax and fully enjoy today before I return to work tomorrow.

As I mentioned in my last post, Friday night I finished up two gifts, these are the PIF's for Joan and Nic. Both were mailed on Saturday, so as soon as they are received I will have pictures for you. Diana, if you are reading this, the BOAF Friendship Sampler pattern is on its way to you too.

I was going to start up another sampler and then decided to take a little detour. In-between laundry and vacuuming/dusting on Saturday I started this:

I didn't think it would take too long to stitch and I was right; I finished the stitching on Sunday morning!

You see, the other three seasons are all stitched and finished into pillows (they have been for quite sometime!) but for some reason I never stitched Autumn. Later in the day yesterday I did the finishing. Here's the finished pillow:

LHN Season of Plenty
28ct misc fabric from stash
DMC Fibers

And here is the whole set - aren't they adorable?



Last night I started a new sampler, there are quite a few other bloggers out there who have stitched it or are currently stitching it - it's This is the Day from Hands to Work. I'll post a photo later or in a few days when I have more to show! I may do some more finishing today too, we'll see.

Whatever your plans are, I hope you have a relaxing day filled with stitching! Thanks for stopping by!

A Beautiful Saturday and Buyer Beware!

Here in the U.S. it is a holiday weekend (Labor Day) and so for most workers, it's a three day weekend. In Minnesota, we are enjoying some beautiful weather with temperatures in the high 70's. The sun is shining - it's a gorgeous day outside!

My DH went fishing, and my DS is off at a gathering for remote control car racers. My DD is home with me, but she has plans to get together with friends later. Needless to say, I am enjoying a quiet day at home (and I love it!) I'm working on laundry and some cleaning this morning but will settle into my stitching chair later this afternoon and enjoy several hours of stitching bliss.

BUYER BEWARE
I received something in the mail this week that has me a bit concerned - it was a renewal notice for my subscription to Just Cross Stitch Magazine. This renewal form didn't come from Just Cross Stitch, it came from National Magazine Services. The cost of the renewal immediately caught my attention - it only indicated that I could renew for two years at a rate of $65.95! Those of you who regularly subscribe to Just Cross Stitch know that a two-year subscription only runs about $40.

I've sent a note to Just Cross Stitch customer service asking them about this renewal form and will be sure to let you know what they say when they respond....BUT.... if like me, you do a quick google of "National Magazine Services" it would appear as though there are complaints filed by others who have received fake / unauthorized renewals for other magazines. So be careful about sending your money/renewal to this company.

No pictures to share today. I finished up two gifts last night and will post photos of them once they are received.

Have a great day and happy stitching!

Two Finishes ---

Yes, I'm dancing today and itching to start something new. I stitched until late in the evening last night and then a couple more hours this morning and now it is finished. Here it is:

BOAF Friendship Sampler
Sampler/WDW/DMC Threads
36 ct Picture This Plus Legacy Fabric

Isn't it beautiful? When I was finished, I took time to restitch some of the letters with a darker shade of ST Cornflower. In some places, the thread was too light and I just wasn't satisfied. I'm happy with it now! This pattern will be making its way to my friend Diane next week.

Here is a picture of Traveling Stitcher. I finished this last weekend but didn't take time to iron and shoot a picture until today. I still need to attach it to the project keeper and needlebook.

LHN Traveling Stitcher
Crescent Color Threads
32 ct Lambswool

Well that's it for me. Off to play in my stash!

On the Home Stretch

Just a quick update as it's late and I need to get to bed! Almost finished with BOAF Friendship Sampler...

Oh Sister Mary Spinster Stitcher!

The picture below is for Coni at Spinster Stitcher. If you read her post from yesterday, you will understand why I had to share this picture with her.



Now the nun on the left shall remain nameless, however, the nun on the right is moi, aka Sister Mary Catherine. Just for the record, that is apple juice in our glasses. Several years ago a group of us did a "Sister Act" routine at our church's fall festival. I'll include a picture of the "Sister Act" part too (yes, that is a male nun to the right of me; our "order" was very liberal!)



Anyway, the first year we did it, my friend and I were approached by a younger couple. They started sharing with us that a family member was very sick with cancer and asked us to keep them in our prayers. It was at that moment that we realized that they thought they were talking to real nuns! (we weren't drinking apple juice at that very moment either!) We didn't have the heart to tell them we weren't real and figured we could pray for them just as hard as anyone else (nun or otherwise.) They they went to their car in the parking lot. The two of us started to giggle and were feeling bad about pretending to be real nuns! All of sudden, the couple headed back toward us and asked, "Are you sisters waiting for a ride; can we take you somewhere?" Oh gosh, we had all we could do to keep a straight face when we thanked them and told them we had our own car!

The next morning we shared our story with the "real" nuns at our church (and they don't dress like this!) We asked them to also pray for this couple and their friend. I don't think we'll ever forget that story!

Here's my message for Coni: Paper Warehouse or any other costume store; you can get one for about $20! We added the belt (white cording)!

You'll Want to Check This Out!

Trust me, you'll want to check this out! This is a new blog to me and wow, was I glad to find it. Jan is one talented lady -- she just designed her own chart and is offering it as a giveway. Please stop by her blog and have a look!

Belfonte Notes

Snowmen in Summer

Week before last was the annual stitching retreat with the Friday night stitching group. We haven't been stitching on Friday nights since Joan moved to Aberdeen, but the retreat went on as planned! Joan was home for the week and joining her were Jill, Lori, Jackie, and me! While I wasn't able to take time off from work to be there during the day, I joined them on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.

These ladies have been doing this every year for the past four or five years. Each year they pick a theme and then they put together little gift bags for each other. Last year was the first year I attended and at the time I didn't even realize they did the gift bags. This year, I had my gift bag ready but man, oh man - these ladies took this year's theme very seriously! Here's a snap of just some of the goodies I came home with!

The pillow case for the pillow in the back was made by Joan (pillow was provided by Jackie last year) - moving clockwise - the slippers were made by Jill's mom, snowman pinkeep from Joan, project bags from Joan and Lori, felt snowman ornament from Jill, at the very bottom of picture is also a snowman stitch marker from Jill, in the tin cover is a tiny little scissors with a snowman beaded fob made by Lori, the snowman project in the baggie is from Jackie, the Frosty Friends scissors fob was from Joan and the pincushion on top of the small canning jar was made by Joan. There are a few other ornies from the girls in the picture too (click on the picture to enlarge so that you can see everything.) These ladies took their theme seriously this year!

I made each of us a snowman ornie for our Christmas trees. The design is from Plum Pudding Needlearts. Along with their ornie I provided a collection of beverages for them to enjoy - assorted hot chocolates, cappucinos, and teas. Just the thing I enjoy sitting down with when I'm ready to stitch in the wintertime!


Next year's theme is "Under the Sea" - I better start thinking about it now so that I can keep up with these creative ladies!

Join in the Fun!

I'm making my way around blog world today reading posts and leaving comments. Here's a giveaway you might be interested in (over 218 other bloggers have already signed up!) Mel is celebrating her blogiversary!

The Daily Mel

And she's giving away this:

New Stitching Blog

Friends, please visit a new stitching blog when you have a minute. Irma took the plunge and joined the world of blogging. You must see the picture of the Blackbird Design's Loose Feathers design she stitched - it's #3 Evening Shades the Garden and it is gorgeous!

Pretty Little Corners blog

Summer Exchange from Gaby

Yesterday I was able to share with you the summer exchange I sent to Gaby. Today I can show you the summer exchange that Gaby sent to me!

I received a wonderful package from her. The two of us apparently were on the same wavelength because look how she finished her exchange - a wallhanging, with a cute wire hanger that has three hearts in it. Now look at yesterday's post to see how I finished my exchange for her (a wallhanging with a wire hanger in the shape of heart!) What a coincidence!

Gaby's design is from a German designer by the name of Ulrike Blotzheim and it's called "Sommerkinder" (or Summer Children). Gaby sent the pattern to me so that I can stitch the other little girl that is part of this design. Isn't she cute? Gaby did a great job with her finishing too!

In addition to the stitched item, Gaby also sent this wonderful bag which she knit and then felted in her washing machine. I love it! The colors are so pretty! I look forward to using this bag! Finally, Gaby also sent a piece of fabby and some beutiful rose colored floss (not pictured). Thanks for everything Gaby.
Our last seasonal exchange will happen in October. It's been fun getting to stitch for and exchange with these four different German friends!

As promised, here's an update on BOAF Friendship Sampler - see, I'm making progress! (I took the picture outside; it looks a little washed out!)

And, last week I was working on LHN's Traveling Stitcher - I can stitch on this one without a magnifier or light, so it's easier to travel with! (We'll take a better picture of this one next time too!)

That's it for tonight. Thanks again for stopping by!

Finally A Stitchy Picture!

Thanks everyone who commented on my last post; I usually keep to just "stitchy" topics but I thought you might enjoy my story about Elisabeth. I also appreciate all of your suggestions for samplers. I think that I've picked out the design that I am going to use; it's from Blackbird Designs and it is called "Special Delivery Girl's Birth Sampler." I'm thinking I will stitch her birth and death dates under her name. What do you think?


Now, here's a finish I am really excited to share with you. It was so hard to send this away; I'll just have to make another one for myself. A small group of eight of us have been doing seasonal exchanges this year, and for summer, it was my turn to mail to Gaby. I stitched "Sunflower Sampler" from Country Cottage Needleworks and finished it up as a wallhanging with coordinating sunflower fabrics. I also sent her the cute hanger for it. Gaby received it recently and said that she likes it!


Maybe later this week I will snap an update photo of BOAF Friendship Sampler; I've been working on the border. I've also been working on LHN Traveling Stitcher so I'll try to snap a picture of that too. You'll just have to stop back again later in the week! Thanks for your visit!

Baby Elisabeth

No stitchy pictures for you; I'm working on the border for BOAF Friendship Sampler, but you'll have to wait for a photo update later in the week. (If you are only interested in stitching updates, then you probably don't want to read any further. Just come back and visit me another day!)

On Saturday morning, before it got humid, sticky, and hot, my mother and I went to an old cemetary in St. Paul. We went to visit my mother's sister's grave. My mother is the youngest of 10 children; there were 23 years between the oldest and my mom, she is the only sibling still living. In 1913, my grandparents welcomed their fourth child, a girl, and they named her Elisabeth. Exactly eight months later, she died. When she died, my grandmother was already pregnant with child #5. (An interesting little side note is that child #7, born in 1918, was a girl and they named her Elizabeth too --with a "z" instead of an "s"-- we always thought this was kind of interesting.) Anyway, no one really knew much about this baby that died, no one remembered her exact date of birth or exactly when she died or why she died.

One of my cousins and I dabble in geneaology (actually, I am the one who dabbles, she's serious about her dabbling!) Two years ago, we were determined to find out more about baby Elisabeth. We were pretty sure that she was at one of the older cemetaries in St. Paul as this is where many other family members are buried. A short visit to the cemetary office confirmed that she was there! They provided us with a map and told us how to find her burial spot; the only problem was that there was no stone to mark the grave; we would have to use other markers to find her.

We weren't surprised that her grave was unmarked because the family certainly didn't have the means in 1914 to buy a stone. This didn't sit right with us. The two of us agreed that one day we would purchase a stone to mark her grave.

Fast forward to 2009 - my cousin was in town visiting this spring and we decided to pursue this a little bit more. We needed to locate birth and death certificates so that we had correct dates and we wanted to know how/why she died. Even though I had been unsuccessful before, I went to the MN Historical Society website to locate either a birth or death certificate. This time I managed to find her birth certificate; the last name was misspelled on the birth certificate which would explain why I hadn't found it before. To our surprise, the date of her death was also noted on the birth certificate (perhaps the birth certificate was first filed when she died?) We couldn't locate a copy of the death certificate online, but a trip to the Vital Statistics office and the work of a clerk who knew her way around the older records yielded a death certificate for us. Baby Elisabeth had died from tubercular meningitis. How sad it must have been for my grandparents; how lucky they were that their other children did not get sick.

Now that we had the information we needed, we knew exactly what we wanted to do. Her grave is now marked so that future generations will be able to find her; baby Elisabeth will never be forgotten.



My mom thought that it was a silly thing to spend money on, but I think that after visiting the grave with me on Saturday she feels differently.

I think now that I would like to select a special sampler to stitch and perhaps stitch Elisabeth's initials or her name in it as a remembrance...any suggestions?

The Weekend is Here!

Yes, the weekend is here and I am long overdue for an update! Unfortunately, I don't have much to show! There hasn't been a lot of stitching going on here; and the stitching that I have worked on, I'm not able to share....yet.

It's going to be hot, hot, hot, and sticky here in the lower third of MN today. We've had a relatively cool summer; it's actually seemed more like spring or fall all summer. I like it that way, but there are a lot of others who have been disappointed. They will get their fix of hot for the next seven days or so.

Today I have a couple of stitchy gifts that I need to finish up, then I hope to get back to working on BOAF Friendship Sampler. Did you by any chance see Melissa's finish this week? It is gorgeous!

The only photos I have for you is a quaker fob that I stitched for Carol a couple weeks ago. Carol celebrated her birthday recently and I wanted to send her a little something.



That's it for now! Thanks for stopping by!

It's Finished!

My weekend was productive - I finished up a summer exchange that needs to be mailed this week (it's really cute, but you'll have to wait to see a picture!) and I put the final stitches in LHN Heart of America this morning!

LHN Heart of America
30ct R&R Bed Creek Brown
Crescent Colors Threads

Hope you had a great weekend!

No Stitching, Just a Tip

No stitching to share, still working on that exchange. Readers who are here in the U.S. - check your local Walgreen's ad. Tonight I was at my local Walgreen's and they had three different sizes of Scotch brand padded mailing envelopes for 59 cents each. If you are mailing frequently (exchanges, round robins, etc.) this is a steal of a deal!

Yippee skippee tomorrow is Friday!

My Favorite Corner

Well, no current WIP pictures tonight; I'm working on an exchange that needs to be mailed by next week. Instead, I will share some photos of "my favorite corner."

This past March, my DD decided to move into the room that we were using for storage guests. Her former bedroom is now fixed up as an extra bedroom / library (it's not really a library, but it sounds impressive, don't you think?) Anyway, I think it's also going to be a "gallery" of sorts for my stitching pieces (as soon as I get them all framed!) Please allow me to share with you some pictures of my favorite corner in this room since I have no other pictures to share with you!

Above the bed I have this quilted piece in patriotic colors. Wish I could tell you that I made it, but I didn't. I bought it a few years ago at a craft boutique. To the left, you see one of the bookshelves.

These are two pieces I stitched a few years ago - I'm sure you will recognize them, LHN Gameboard Sampler and La D Da Little School House.

It's raining here, so I had to use a flash. It kind of washed out the LHN piece on top of the bookshelf - ABC123.

Above that, hanging on the wall is a Lizzie Kate design that was finished into a quilted wallhanging by Marie for me as part of a summer exchange we both participated in a few years ago. (Visit Marie's blog; she currently has a picture of this in her header.) I treasure this gift from Marie! In the Longaberger basket are lots of pinkeeps - I'll take a picture of those another time.

Finally, the doll sitting on this shelf is a treasure that I brought back from the Cayman Islands, oh about 12 or 13 years ago. It was handmade by a local woman. Does anyone here like the Bobbsey Twins books? I've got about 8 of them; they were my mother's favorite books when she was young. I need to take time to read them one of these days.

That's it for tonight. Guess I better get moving to my stitching chair if I want to finish that exchange piece! Thanks for visiting!

Update on Heart of America

As you can see, LHN Heart of America is coming along nicely! This has been an easy project to work on; no need for magnification! I'm stitching on 30ct R&R Bed Creek Brown fabric. Almost finished!

I have to share another beautiful finish with you, but it's not mine. Please visit Siobhan's blog to see a picture of her finished and framed Alphabet Sampler from Carriage House Samplings. Isn't it beautiful?

Another fun project can be found at the Blackbird Designs' blog. Alma and Barb are so creative; they just blow me away! Alma made a magnetic needle holder to add to her floss ring and personalized it with a copy of a design that she had stitched and then copied. Oh, you'll have to visit their blog to see exactly what I mean.

Well, I'd love to visit with you more but I'm going to go sit in my chair and stitch! Thanks for stopping by!

Blog Giveaway

Jolene is a fairly new blogger, posting just since May of 2009. She's been working on some really pretty projects; please stop by her blog for a visit. If you are interested she is offering a great giveaway too!

Dip Diddly Designs

I'll try to post a stitchy update soon. I had to make an unexpected trip out of town for work this week and now I'm playing catch up...

Making Progress

Here's an update on the BOAF Friendship Sampler -- I think I'm going to work on finishing up the border next. (Fabric color isn't quite right, it's dark here; we're expecting rain!)


Here are two fobs I stitched and sent to friends recently -- first up is a colorful hardanger fob with a "V" for Vonna who celebrated a birthday last Sunday.



And second, a fob for my BFF Joan who recently moved to Aberdeen, SD. Miss you!

That's all for now. Thanks to those who stop by for a visit; wish I had more time to leave comments on your blogs too!

Stitching Update

Just a quick update for you on this week's stitching progress. I was traveling for work this week and needed a project that I could see easily without good light and magnification. I pulled out this design; it's been in my stash now since 2008 all kitted up and ready to go. It seemed perfect for the Independence Day holiday that we just celebrated. Most of the stitching was done this weekend while relaxing at the lake!

Heart of America
Little House Needleworks
30ct R&R Creek Bed Brown Linen
Crescent Threads

I will probably continue to work on this one when traveling or at the lake since it's easy to work on without dragging along all of my "gear!"

Here's an update on BOAF Friendship Sampler - I last stitched on this one last Sunday, but will pull it out again tonight while watching the "Next Food Network Star!" I love this piece and can't wait to finish it!

Well, that's it for me tonight. Have a good week!