Road Trip - Day Four

Today we had a full day of classes and projects from outstanding designers. Our day started with Kathy Barrick. My first class ever with Kathy was back in 2007 at a retreat that I attended in Strasburg,VA. It was fun to take another class with her, 15 years later! Her project was titled “I Give You My Hand” and it incorporated cross stitch, wool applique and paper crafting. Fun, fun!

Liz Matthews was the afternoon teacher. Her project incorporated motifs from an antique “vanity” sampler that she had acquired. Why is it called a vanity sampler you might ask? Look closely at the picture of the sampler. The stitcher cut out her name and any evidence of her age! We received the chart for the sampler. For the project, we stitched small motifs and supplies to make a small pillow!

Bonus! There was a late afternoon surprise. Lois from Lady Dot flew in to meet with us. After years of working with her trims on velveteen, and years before that, purchasing her breast cancer fundraiser kits, it was so nice to finally meet her. What a hoot! Not only was she a surprise guest but she brought a surprise kit for us - the supplies to make a black velveteen pumpkin! We enjoyed our Q&A with her.

We rounded out the day with dinner, stitching, and lots of laughter with needlework friends. One more day of fun ahead.

Road Trip - Day Three

We started out the morning with a trip to C.C. and Company, a needlework shop in Blue Springs, MO. 

After making a few purchases there, we headed to Quilter’s Station.

The highlight of the day was the afternoon when Linda of Chessie and Me kicked off the retreat with a lovely fall-themed Huswife.

Road Trip - Day Two

Today we stopped in Lexington, MO and then in Greenwood, MO. In Lexington, we visited Maggie Bonanami’s shop - The Purple Turnip.

In Greenwood, MO, we visited the many antique shops in search of treasures.

Headed to our final destination and stitched the evening away. More adventures in store tomorrow.

Road Trip - Day One

We set out yesterday in another road trip. My PIC is with me along with two PICs “in training”. We traveled south to Albert Lea and visited Granny’s Legacy. They have lovely wool appliqué projects.

Our next stop was the Stitchery Nook in Osage, Iowa. Had fun shopping and stashing. We had a great lunch in Osage and continued further south to Story City.

Our stop in Story City was at Antiques Iowa. This sampler was available for sale. It’s just waiting for you to add your name to it!

The journey continues on tomorrow’s post.

Recent Finishes

Don’t fall off your chair; I’m back with another post! Since returning from guild retreat, I’ve finished a couple of projects.

First up is “Germany”. This is a design from Amy Mitten and it’s from her Around the World series. Stitched on 40ct cream Zweigart with Amy’s silk.

My second finish is a Stacy Nash design called Tribute to Summer Sampler. This piece was started by my stitching friend, Sue, who passed away last year. It was in her stash, and I picked it up and decided to finish it. Some of the colors in the design were changed by Sue. It’s stitched on 40 ct WDW Cocoa. 

More finishes on the horizon. Stay tuned!

What Happened to August?

The month of August just flew by! It’s hard to believe that September is just days away.

The most notable needlework event in August was the Needlework Guild of Minnesota retreat in early August. This is the first time our group has gathered for our annual retreat since 2019; both the 2020 and 2021 retreats were canceled due to covid. It was wonderful to see everyone again!

The view of the lake was just as beautiful as ever!

One of my favorite parts of retreat is the Show and Tell event. I didn’t take many pictures, but I did grab some snapshots of this display of Amy Mitten samplers. All of these samplers are from her Around the World series. My partner in crime (PIC) stitched these. I think she has finished about 18 of them. My hero!

Check out these needlework bags. Someone was smart enough to save their bags throughout the years. Many of these shops are closed.

We also had a vendor night this year. A handful of vendors were there with their wares. Look who had a table - the Mad Tatter! Many thanks to my sister in law for driving with her this year.

Last photo - this is the Needlework Guild of Minnesota banner. Our guild is celebrating 50 years this year. Many members stitched the various leaves and flowers using a variety of different stitches.

Thank you for visiting. Will post again later. Have two finishes to share! 

24 Hours of Cross Stitch

My PIC and I were off again this weekend; back to Blue Earth to celebrate 24 Hours of Cross Stitch. The weekend was organized by Welcome Stitchery.

Blue Earth is not only the home of Welcome Stitchery, but also the home of the Jolly Green Giant and We could not resist a photo. He was appropriately dressed for the heat and humidity!

After a brief stop at Welcome Stitchery, we headed further south to Elmore, MN, where the retreat was held. Unbeknownst to us, Elmore is just a stone’s throw away from Iowa. Elmore is also the boyhood home of Walter Mondale!

Despite the heat and humidity, we had a great weekend of stitching and met old friends and made new friends. One of the events during the retreat was a lovely presentation on pillow finishing. We were treated to a lovely display of many finished items and I forgot to take pictures. I’m sorry!

On Saturday afternoon we had to “behave” while the Welcome Stitchery gals made their flosstube. It was fun to watch the process.

During our stay, we decided to take in some of the local sights, including:

The Blue Earth Municipal Airport (dubbed the most beautiful airport in Minnesota - literally surrounded by corn fields!)

The Iowa border…

Welcome to Elmore…

Nothing but rich farm land all around us! 

Last, but not least, check out this exclusive design that Cathy from Hands on Design designed exclusively for Welcome Stitchery’s first anniversary in Blue Earth! Call the shop if you would like to purchase the pattern and a kit!