Need Your Input on Marking Sampler

Hi Again!

2nd post in one afternoon, what in the

world could that mean?

Well, what it means is I don't know what

to do and I need your input~

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is my progress on the

"Marking Sampler "

reproduction.

So many of you have been asking

about its progress and I'm sorry

I've neglected to post some

pictures.

Well, believe it or not, I am almost

finished, with the exception of

the simple, dreaded border

situation.  As you can see

in the picture of the original,

the stitcher obviously meant to

fill in a lot more area with more

wonderful somethings.

Well, she didn't, so my question

to you is do you want me to graph

it with the entire area bordered in.

My thinking right now is that I

am not going to stitch the

sampler leaving the space blank.

I will just stitch that border 

that is at the bottom under the last

stitched line.  Once again, though

you may disagree with me

and I want to know what do you think.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Note that the last line of short

letters was not completed, so I

am going to add my initials,

date, and a repeat of some of

the unique motifs that were 

used in the sampler.  Some of

you, I know are more of a 

purist and will probably leave

it blank.  I have pondered this

dilemma too, and I'm leaning

on stitching my name.  Of course,

that could change, who knows.

At my age I seem to have

a problem with making a 

decision.

~~~~~~~~~~~

I love this sampler and it has

been a long time coming, I know.

Hope it was worth the wait.

Of course, I still have to graph it

and print it.  Any volunteers on

the graphing?  HaHa  It is the least

favorite part of the designing 

process.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here goes~

My progress~

Showing the unfinished area and the space left 

for possible personalizing~

 Some of the wonderful motifs~

Another close up~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please let me know what you think.  I

will be waiting to hear from you.

"Many Happy Sampler Stitches",

Sandra

Open House Pictures

Hi Everyone!

I just received a newsletter from 

QUILTING ADVENTURES.

Remember~I went there a few

Saturdays ago to do an

Open House

with

Sue Hillis.

It was so much fun getting to talk

with Sue and the other

wonderful cross stitchers that

came to visit us.  Not to mention

the more than nice staff and owner

of this delightful shop.  If you

live in the surrounding area,

please go by and see them.  They

are trying really hard to make

cross stitch a big part of their

shoppe.  We so need every shoppe

we can get.  Richmond, the

capital of Virginia, hasn't had a

shoppe in many years, so this

is a real blessing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Before I show you the pictures, I

must defend myself.  I had to fuss

at Sue.  She lives in the Richmond

area, so was able to come in the

day before and spent more

than a few hours setting up a

wonderful display.  NOT FAIR!

Faye and I had one hour Saturday

(9-10) to set up my display.

Somehow we managed to get

it done, but we were hustling.

Please go here to see all the

pictures.

This was not my whole display, just a

few shots.  We had three large tables 

filled with the designs.

If you click on here in the paragraph above the

pictures, you can see Sue's beautiful display.

Enjoy!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Many Happy Stitches,

Sandra

Much Loved Bunny

Hi Everyone!

Just had to share, since it is that 
"Bunny Time"

 of the year.

I have had this little treasure for

many years.  He has been loved and

abused.  If you look closely you will see

all the pin marks, saw dust coming
out, and other damage,

but he is still priceless to me.

Would love to make a pattern
so all of us could love him.

Anyway, just though you might enjoy
a much loved treasure from long ago.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
"Many Happy Stitches",
Sandra

A Little Glimpse

Merry Spring Morning!

Believe it or not, I am actually doing something

a little ahead of time for a change.  Don't get used to

it, for it will probably never happen again.

My

"Seasonal Needle Case" 

series will have it's summer/patriotic theme

design available fairly soon.

Here is a little

"glimpse"

of

"UNCLE SAM CROW"

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Remember, this is a series of six needle cases,

the first one being,

"SHAMROCK BUNNY".

~~~~~~~~~~~~

You can join this series through your 

favorite shoppe, or you can do it

with me.

Each one is $12.50, but that includes whatever

embellishments I decide to use.  The first

one includes the five buttons on the front, a

tiny brass carrot charm, and a ladybug brass

charm which is inside

Note the scissor fob with the wool shamrock.

Each one will have a scissor fob as well.

If you get it from me, it will be $14.00, 

because of the shipping.  Don't you

hate that.  It is also listed in my ETSY shoppe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have a wonderful day and I'll be

back soon.

"Many Happy Stitches",

Sandra

Offerings!

Merry Spring Everyone!

I need to say that quickly because the weathermen

are saying that we may have another snow storm

early next week.  Will it ever end!!!!!

Just think, last year Easter was in March.

So glad it is the latter part of April this year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was looking for something else this AM

and came across two more of my journals.

They are blank now, but I can stamp

"Stitching Journal"

or

"House Journal"

on them for you, or leave them plain.

~*~SOLD~*~

~*~SOLD~*~

Thank You!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

They measure 8 1/4" X 6" with approximately

50 pages that are lined kraft paper brown.

I love these journals.

$12.00 

(which includes the shipping - US only)

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I take Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, and checks/

money orders.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Many Happy Spring Stitches,

Sandra

Merry Spring Morning

Merry Morning!

This is a very "Merry Spring Morning" indeed.  We awoke to a 

sweet little voice yelling "Grammie" - "Papa".  Hollis and Avery 

are up for a weekend visit, so I tried to get some Spring-Easter 

decorating done.  Hope you have as wonderful a weekend 

as we plan to have.  I do hope to add my new publications

 to ETSY today-bunnies and Easter eggs if I can drag myself away-

A lazy Spring Morning with little Avery

"Merry Spring"

Sandra

Quilting Adventures Open House

Hi Everyone!

Faye and I had a great time yesterday at the Open House

at Quilting Adventures in Richmond, Virginia.

Sue Hillis was there too.  I had a great time

reconnecting with Sue.  Since I haven't been to

a trade show in a few years, I have missed 

seeing her.

Quilt Adventures is mainly a quilt shoppe

but Joyce, the owner, has decided to include

cross stitch.  As cross stitch designers, we should all

be thrilled to hear this news.  There hasn't been a

cross stitch shop in Richmond for years.

There was a nice turnout, but we have to get the

word out to everyone in Richmond and those

who travel through Richmond.  It is very easy to

get to.  The link above will carry you to their

facebook page.

I was so annoyed with myself yesterday.  When

we were almost finished tearing down the

show, I remembered that I was supposed to

take pictures to show you, hence, there is only

one to post and that was taken by

someone at the shoppe.  

Sometimes I am amazed at how forgetful

I am.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you to everyone who came and to Joyce

and her staff for a lovely day.  Always so much

fun to visit with stitchers.

"Many Happy Stitches"'

Sandra

OOPS! A MISTAKE IN "LOVE YOU SO"

Hi Everyone!

I hate to admit this, but I have made a mistake

in proof reading.

 for

"LOVE YOU SO".

This just drives me crazy.  How can you make

a mistake when you read and read and read,

but it happens, rarely, thank goodness!

I am so sorry, but here is the correction -

it is in the COLOR CODE.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Many Happy Stitches",

Sandra

New "Goodies" Almost Ready

Hi Everyone!

Spring is coming believe it or not, even though

we had new snow and ice all day yesterday.

So much so that my appointment with the ENT

for my ear pain, had to be postponed.  

Wouldn't be such a big deal except for the

fact that I have waited 3 1/2 weeks to get it.

Now I have to wait another two weeks for

a new appointment.  Hope this ear thing

doesn't get even worse.  So over this

winter.  I know my area hasn't had it

as badly as other areas, but when it comes, it 

always manages to mess up something important.

Faye wasn't able to come to work today because

of the road conditions, so we are even more behind.

Will it ever end~

~~~~~~~~~~~

Hoping to get these new designs shipped next

week, so I wanted to let you know about them.

If you are interested please let your shoppe

owner know.  If you can't get them, just let

me know.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Delivering Yummy Goodness"

The finishing is not done yet, of

course, but at least you can see

the finished design.  The rick rack

is from R & R Reproductions and

the embellishments are from me.

"Spring Eggs IV"

Three adorable little eggs with sweet sampler

borders and adorable Easter/Spring motifs.

The "Nubby" trim and embellishments are

available from me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

*~*~*Needle Case Series*~*~*

Some of you have asked if you can get the series

through your Shoppes.  Of course you can as long

as they are willing to take orders for the series.

The designs will be available to shoppes as the

design only, which they order from distributors and 

me, but if you want it with my embellishments included,

you must sign up for the series.

Hope this make sense to everyone~

Please let me know if you have any questions.  I 

am really tickled with the response so far.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Many Happy Stitches"

Sandra

The Winner Is . . . . .

Hi Everyone!

The winner of my 

"SHAMROCK BUNNY" 

Needlecase and Fob 

is

 *~*~*~*~*~*

Barb!!!!!!

Barb, I have just sent you an email and all I need

is your mailing address.

*~*~*~*~*~*

A question for everyone!

How would you feel about a series

of six needlecases and fobs.  The

six would include the

"SHAMROCK BUNNY"

needlecase & fob.

I would start the series with this

one.  The next one would be for

the 4th of July.  If you sign up for

the series, each design sent to

you would include whatever

embellishments are featured.

Because of that, the price 

might change a little bit each

time.  Just thinking about it ~

please let me know if you are 

interested.

*~*~*~*~*~*

"Many Happy Stitches",

Sandra

A Drawing For a St. Patrick's Day Goodie

Hi Everyone!

It seems that all I do is apologize these days for

not posting, not finishing designs, etc.  So, to

make amends for that, I want to have a drawing for

a "Give Away" that you might enjoy ~

"SHAMROCK BUNNY"

NEEDLE CASE

You should have plenty of time to get this ready 

to display for this special time of the year.

You will receive the pattern, the five "Amber

Pearl buttons, and the "Ladybug" and "Small Carrot" 

brass charms.

All you have to do is be a follower on my Blog

and make a comment on the Blog.  

The drawing will be Friday evening.

Good Luck!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you love it and don't want to take a chance on

the drawing, just go to my ETSY SHOPPE,

and you can purchase it there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'll be back soon!

"Many Happy Stitches",

Sandra

Celebrating George

Hi Everyone!

Are you celebrating George Washington

today.  I hope so.  In remembering him, I

thought I would mention the sampler I designed

for the George Washington Foundation

a few years ago.  Part of the proceeds go

toward the ongoing work at the site of

his boyhood home~Ferry Farm~ 
in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia.

"FERRY FARM CHERRY"

 SAMPLER

I am giving you 20% off until

Friday.  Please mention this

special when you get in touch

with me.  If you want to go through

ETSY, I will send you a Request

for the Special Price.

$10.40 + $1.75 s/h

If you would like to read about this project, what

it was inspired by, etc. please go here.

 Hopefully, you will be able to

visit our area one day and visit the site.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are lucky enough to have the day off today ~

good for you.  Hope you can spend it stitching

the day away.

  I'm doing a little bit of everything.  Tonight I'm going to

be working on scissor fobs.  These are time-

consuming little things to do.  

Not complaining ~ thank you for the many orders.

These are my two new ones.  

$11.50 each + shipping.

They go with my two new designs, "Snowman 

Extraordinaire" and "Spring Frolic".  Both are shown

in the left column.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Many Happy Stitches",

Sandra

Valentine Wishes

~HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY~

I hope you are all having a wonderful Valentine's Day.

Mine is getting better now that I am back from

another DR's appointment.  Will it ever end!

Wanted to share a few things with you, first

some pictures of my meager Valentine's Day

decorations.  

Love this olde heart-shaped basket and that wonderful

old velvet pincushion fits it perfectly.  I used vintage

pins to make the heart.  I know you are going to

covet my sheep, but you can't have him.

This heart-shaped basket is filled almost entirely with

family Valentines that my Grandma Rose kept.

She kept every card and letter she ever got.

I know I got that gene from her, and it is haunting me.

I need to start getting rid of stuff, but not this

wonderful reminder of my Grandma.

 Beautiful flowers from Lehmer, Hollis, Paul

and Avery!

 I do love chocolate, but one of my favorite food

groups is really, really good jelly beans, so I got

lots and lots of cherry jelly beans.  YUM!

I'm really excited about that big, beautiful

sugar cookie with the great icing.

Thank you Lehmer!

~~~~~~~~~~~

I wish you all a wonderful Valentine's Day

and I hope it is filled with a few

"Sweet Stitches",

Sandra

New Designs

Hi Everyone!

Just a quick update to let you know what will be

shown at the Nashville Show.  I wasn't able to

finish everything, but that is OK.  I'm just

thankful I could get these done.  I hope you find

something you like.

Here is the information about each one~

COUNTRY SPIRITS COLLECTION

"Snowman Extraordinaire"

CS-84

~Includes the "Carrot" brass charm

Retail $7.50

This was stitched on 30 Count "Dolphin" by

Weeks Dye Works, using a variety of fibers.

The "Dirty White" chenille is available

from me.

The decoupaged wooden scissor fob is made

from one of my little paintings.  It is 

available from me.

Retail $11.50

~~~~~~~~~~~

COUNTRY SPIRITS COLLECTION

"Spring Frolic"

CS-85

~Includes the "Dove" brass charm

Retail $7.50

This was also stitched on 30 Count "Dolphin" by

Weeks Dye Works, using a variety of fibers.

The "Soft Orange" chenille is available

from me.

The decoupaged wooden scissor fob is made

from one of my little paintings.  It is

available from me.

Retail $11.50

~~~~~~~~~~~~

HOMESPUN WEE ONES

"Love You So"

WO-03

All three designs are stitched on 30 Count

"Cream" linen, from Norden Crafts, using a variety

of fibers.   The "White" chenille trim is available 

from me.

$8.50

 ~~~~~~~~~~~

All of the AUTOs will be shipped by

tomorrow.  The Distributors will have them

in time for the show this coming weekend.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
A special thank you to Pat Matejcek for stitching
many of these designs.

I'll be back soon!

"Many Happy Stitches",

Sandra

Charming Finish

Good Evening!

Just had to share this charming finish of my

"SNOW TIRED" 
design.

A wonderful shoppe in 

San Antonio, Texas~

"Stitches From The Heart"

shared this with me a few

days ago and I just knew you

would love to see it.

So much wonderful creativity in our

stitching world.  I remember years ago

when stitchers wanted to finish their

pieces just like the designers.  Well,

those days are over.  Often the stitchers

are much more creative in their 

finishing than I could ever be.

I know you will love this.

By the way, I have added 
"SNOW TIRED"
to my ETSY shoppe.
Just click on ETSY above if you are interested.
I also have some 10 Count fabric that will be
perfect, since the fabric it was stitched on is no
longer available.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm assuming many of you are watching
the Super Bowl.  Not me, too much work
to do.  I did see a few good commercials.
Hope you are stitching while watching.
"Many Happy Stitches",
Sandra

Nashville Preview

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to share with you the designs that

I think might be ready for Nashville.

I'm sick and tired of talking about being sick,

but even sicker of being sick.  Hence, the

reason for not being on the Blog for awhile

and for not having my stuff in better shape

for the upcoming show.  This is a really

big working weekend.  Must move

mountains, but before I return to graphing

and finishing, I would like to tell

you a little about each

design in case you are interested.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"DELIVERING YUMMY 

GOODNESS"

What could be better than a cart full

of foil-covered chocolate eggs and

if you use your imagination, those

carrots could be foil covered 

chocolate too~I choose to think

they are.  Needless to say this

design has a way to go, but you can

see the potential, I hope.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"SNOWMAN EXTRAORDINAIRE"

Continuing my heart series, this design is also

based on one of my little paintings.  A wooden

scissor fob with the painting decoupaged on

it, will be available as well.

Notice my "Dirty Chenille" trim off to the side~

it will be available too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"SPRING FROLIC"

Once again, another design based on one of

my little paintings, resulting in this design

and another wooden scissor fob.

The "Soft Orange" chenille trim will be 

available as well.  It is way too orange in

this picture.  Really much softer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"LOVE YOU SO"

Avery is at it again~influencing my designing.  

One of his first words

was "whooo".  He loved owls and still

does.  The theme for his lst birthday party

was owls.  So I give you, my little tribute

to our adorable Avery.  I think this must

prove that Avery is going to be a trend 

setter.  He was all about owls when they

first became popular.  

I'll be using my "Soft Orange" chenille to

finish one of the models.  My "Heartlet"

brass charm is available.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"A COUNTRY WELCOME"

Please forgive the crooked picture.  I do so love

this new design.  It has many of my favorite things,

sheep, willow trees (there was the most beautiful

willow tree in my back yard where I grew up),

and pineapples.  The "Pineapple" brass charm is

mine and the wonderful new "Teal" rick rack

from Dames of The Needle will be featured.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

That's it!  I really need to finish stitching

"Delivering Yummy Goodness".

Please let me know what you think of

my new designs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wishing you "Many

Wonderful Stitches",

Sandra