Summer Needlework Tour = Day 5 (Final Day)

 

On our 5th day, we were heading home, but made a stop at 3 Kittens Needlework in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.  What a wonderful shop!  I think it was my favorite!!!!  It was very brightly lit, and had lots and lots of fibres to choose from.  The staff was also very, very helpful in finding substitutes for discontinue threads.  Although smaller in area than Stitchville, everything is easy to find.  The other half of the store is yarn and knitting and crocheting.  I never made it to that side and managed to do quite a bit of damage to my credit card.  It is definitely a shop I would visit again.  

Summer Needlework Tour Day 4

 On Day 4 we went to Stitchville, USA!  This shop was on my bucket list and it did not disappoint!  What a wonderful selection of fibres, fabric and canvas!  Great displays, and very, very helpful people in the shop!  We spent quite a bit of time there and did a great deal of damage to the credit card.  We will be back!

Summer Needlework Tour - Part 3 even more!

 The main reason for our road trip was to visit the new location of Welcome Stitchery!  

I was a welcome site to walk in the door, even though things are different.

There are some new racks and displays.

The holiday room is there.

Lots of fibres to choose from.

Justine (the new owner) is busy surging fabric edges.  

Lee and Monica sent flowers for the Grand Opening.

And of course I couldn't leave without purchasing some wonderful things!

Summer Needlework Tour - Day 3 continued

 After leaving Osage Iowa, we headed to Blue Earth Minnesota. This fellow greeted us as we neared the city:

Summer Needlework Tour- Day 3

 We went to The Stitchery Nook in Osage Iowa bright and early on Tuesday morning.  We heard this was a great shop and it did not dissappoint!

One of the owners was there to greet us and was very welcoming and helpful!  Lots of wonder things to look at and fondle!

This shop also has a huge scrapbooking section, but I didn't venture into that part of the store.  I am told they also have a retreat space upstairs, so we may have to go back!

Summer Needlework Tour - Day 2 continued

After leaving Mount Horab, we headed to Spring Green to visit the Country Sampler. I had heard lots of great things about this shop and wanted to visit in person.

 Sadly, I was not impressed at all.  The shop is a mixture of fabric for quilting, cross stitch and home décor,  I think.  It is cramped and things are not displayed, but put in crates that you have to flip through.  The two ladies working there were not friendly at all.  One was on the phone the entire time we were there, and the other peeked out of a back room at some point and asked if we needed help.  Definitely not welcoming at all.  My shopping list had lots of perle cottons and Kreiniks listed.  The lady didn't know what Kreinik was at all.  They only carry 6 strand DMC, some overdyed fibres, and high count linen.  The charts are all privatives and samplers.  Although I do stitch those, they weren't  displayed well. Add to that the feeling of not being welcome, I left without purchasing anything.  I don't think this has ever happened to me before.  

Summer Needlework Tour - Day 2

The first shop we visited was Witchery Stitchery in Mount Horab, Wisconsin.  I had been to this shop before, but they moved right after I visited.  It is no longer on Main Street but still easy to find.  It is a bit smaller.  I remember the shop on Main Street have two distinct areas, one side for needlepoint and the other side for cross stitch.  The new whop is smaller and things are co mingled.  Still easy to find what you need.  Lots of great things!

When I entered the shop, there were other people shopping, and one of them immediately shouted:  "I know you, you are the lady that makes the wonderful jams!"  Since we were all wearing masks at the shop owners request, I didn't recognize her, but she recognized me!  We have stitched together a few times, both at Stitch Mania in Zion IL and at UFO Saturdays in Crystal Lake, IL.   Good to see Barb Stanke again!  What a small world!

 

Summer Needlework Tour 2021 - Day 1

My long time friend Marguerite and I embarked on our journey a little before noon on Sunday, with our first stop being Taliesan, in Spring Green Wisconsin.  This is Frank Lloyd Wright's home, studio and school.  It was a great tour, and we survived!  (we almost didn't, but that's what you get when you have two old ladies who can't walk too much!)  Unfortunately, my phone died and I had the charger in the trunk of the car, so I had to use my iPad to take a few picture.  

 

2021 Summer Needlework Tour practice session 2

 I had a $50 credit at Emily's Stitchery in Northbrook, so I headed there to pick up some things.  It is a great shop and Emily is very accommodating.

Summer Needlework Tour 2021 - the practice session 1

In preparation for our Summer Needlework Tour, I stopped in at Black Cat Stitchery.  So glad to be able to shop again, although they have been great at sending out what I needed during the pandemic.  

Black Cat Stitchery is a great shop and my my go-to since Welcome Stitchery has moved to Minnesota.  They had a great selection.   

 There were a number of things they were holding for me, and then of course I couldn't resist a new chart!

 

I am still here!

 I received a few messages concerning my lack of posts in the last few months.  Thank you for checking up on me and for your concern!  The truth is, I needed to iron a few finishes before I attached buttons, and then posted the finishes, and it was just too painful to go downstairs to the basement where the iron is!  

I was set to begin the x-rays, etc., leading up to a knee replacement when COVID hit, so it was put off.  A little over a week ago, I finally saw the surgeon, who decided that I needed some therapy before the surgery to strengthen some muscles, so he gave me a cortisone shot in each knee.  What a miracle!  The pain was immediately lessened and I have been able to walk, to climb all over the sailboat, and to move around with out as much pain!  Being able to move has resulted in a 5 lb weight loss in just over a week!  

I still haven't ironed those 4 pieces, but will do so soon!

Ugly Sweater #12 Finish

 

Blue Heart Finish

 

June Progress and July Goas

 

June 2021

WISPS:
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II

 In Progress
Merry Bells #1
Diamond City Lights
Walking on Water’s Edge  worked on it

 Maynia Starts 2019

 1         Stocking for Eleanor
2         Fine Wine

 Maynia Starts 2020
    Hardanger runner  

 Future New starts
Blue banner finished
Pink heart finished
Blue heart
Leaf Or Nue`
Cozy cabin
Ugly sweater #9 finished
June Flower of the month
1^st lightbulb
2^nd lightbulb
3^rd lightbulb
4^th lightbulb
5^th lightbulb
6^th lightbulb
2^nd blue tree
Large Bargello Ball #2
Small Bargello Ball #2
Winds of Grace (6 of them)
Towmater x 2
Lightning McQueen x2
Cupcake ornaments:
                Logan
                Natalie
                Owen
                Peter
                Justin
                Nathan
Summer
Winter
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Carnival
Ambrosia Honey
Scissors case
July flower of the month
French alphabet page
Hardanger ornament
Snowman Heart
Marnee Ritter Heart
Marnee Ritter Gold Heart
Gingerbread heart
Pretty Little Chicago
A Stitcher by Cherrywood designs
Twisted Band Sampler

Tree of Ornaments
Redwork heart
Flower patch
Hex Symbol 

Ugly Sweater #9 Finish

 

Pink Heart Finish

 

Holiday Banner Finish

 

May Progress, June Goals

 

WISPS:
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II

In Progress
Merry Bells #1
Diamond City Lights
Walking on Water’s Edge 

Maynia Starts 2019
    1         Stocking for Eleanor
    2         Fine Wine

Maynia Starts 2020
    Hardanger runner  

Future New starts
The Old and the New finished
Altar Cloth finished
Sunflower finished
Leaf Or Nue`
Cozy cabin
Ugly sweater #8 finished
Ugly sweater #9 worked on it
June Flower of the month
1^st lightbulb
2^nd lightbulb
3^rd lightbulb
4^th lightbulb
5^th lightbulb
6^th lightbulb
2^nd blue tree
Large Bargello Ball #2
Small Bargello Ball #2
Winds of Grace (6 of them)
Towmater x 2
Lightning McQueen x2
Cupcake ornaments
                Logan
                Natalie
                Owen
                Peter
                Justin
                Nathan
Summer
Winter
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Carnival
Ambrosia Honey
Scissors case
July flower of the month
French alphabet page
Hardanger ornament
Snowman Heart
Marnee Ritter Heart
Marnee Ritter Gold Heart
Gingerbread heart
Pretty Little Chicago
A Stitcher by Cherrywood designs
Twisted Band Sampler
Tree of Ornaments
Redwork heart
Flower patch
Hex Symbol 

Ugly Sweater #8 Finish

 

Sunflower Finish

This lovely sunflower was designed by Eileen Gurak of Handblessings Designs.  It was a gift at our recent ANG Luncheon.  It stitched up quickly.  I understand Eileen will be doing more flowers in a series.

 

Altar Cloth Finish

 

Our EGA Chapter meets at a Lutheran Church, and we always try to help the church if we are able.  From time to time they ask us to embroider on new altar linens.  I had the privilege of stitching on the altar cloth.  It wasn't as easy as you think.  I did a bunch of research and visited other Lutheran Churches to look at their altar cloths.  This is the design I came up with.  It was placed in each corner and in the center.  I think they liked it.  

April Progress, May Goals

 WISPS:
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II

 In Progress
Merry Bells #1 
Diamond City Lights
Walking on Water’s Edge 

Maynia Starts 2019
    1         Stocking for Eleanor
    2         Fine Wine worked on it

Maynia Starts 2020
        Hardanger runner  

Future New starts
North Pole Party Pics finished
Christmas Banner finished
The Old and the New worked on it
Leaf Or Nue`
Cozy cabin
Ugly sweater #8
Ugly sweater #9
June Flower of the month
1^st lightbulb
2^nd lightbulb
3^rd lightbulb
4^th lightbulb
5^th lightbulb
6^th lightbulb
2^nd blue tree
Large Bargello Ball #2
Small Bargello Ball #2
Winds of Grace (6 of them)
Towmater x 2
Lightning McQueen x2
Cupcake ornaments:
                Logan
                Natalie
                Owen
                Peter
                Justin
                Nathan
Summer
Winter
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Carnival
Ambrosia Honey
Scissors case
July flower of the month
French alphabet page
Hardanger ornament
Snowman Heart
Marnee Ritter Heart
Marnee Ritter Gold Heart
Gingerbread heart
Pretty Little Chicago
A Stitcher by Cherrywood designs
Twisted Band Sampler
Tree of Ornaments
Redwork heart
Flower patch
Hex Symbol 

Christmas Banner Finish

 
 I finished the Christmas Banner by Nancy Cucci today.  It was fun to stitch!  I don't know how I will "finish" it, I have other banners that also need to be finished....it will go on the finishing pile

 

March Progress, April Goals

 WISPS:
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II

In Progress
Merry Bells #1 
Diamond City Lights
Walking on Water’s Edge

Maynia Starts 2019
    1         Stocking for Eleanor  worked on it
    2         Fine Wine

Maynia Starts 2020
    Hardanger runner  worked on it

Future New starts
Christmas Banner worked on it
Broderie a Paris worked on it
Pilgrim Pals finished
Leaf Or Nue`
Cozy cabin
Ugly sweater #8
Ugly sweater #9
June Flower of the month
1^st lightbulb
2^nd lightbulb
3^rd lightbulb
4^th lightbulb
5^th lightbulb
6^th lightbulb
2^nd blue tree
Large Bargello Ball #2
Small Bargello Ball #2
Winds of Grace (6 of them)
Towmater x 2
Lightning McQueen x2
Cupcake ornaments:
                Logan
                Natalie
                Owen
                Peter
                Justin
                Nathan
Summer
Winter
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Carnival
Ambrosia Honey
Scissors case
July flower of the month
French alphabet page
Hardanger ornament
Snowman Heart
Marnee Ritter Heart
Marnee Ritter Gold Heart
Gingerbread heart
Pretty Little Chicago
A Stitcher by Cherrywood designs
Twisted Band Sampler
Tree of Ornaments
Redwork heart
Flower patch
Hex Symbol 

 

WIP Wednesday 3-31-2021

 

First up is Christmas Banner by Nancy Cucci.  This is a project we are doing for our ANG chapter and it is almost finished.  

I also have been working on a stocking.  This one is by Stoney Creek.  the tree itself has a gazillion shades of green.  I hope to have it finished by Christmas....not saying which year though....

Two silly boys and their hats

Here is Owen wearing his new hat with a very silly sister behind him.  He loves green

 And here is Justin being very silly with his new hat!  

February Progress, March Goals

 

WISPS:
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II

In Progress
Merry Bells #1
Diamond City Lights
Walking on Water’s Edge 

Maynia Starts 2019
    1              Stocking for Eleanor
    2              Fine Wine worked on it

Maynia Starts 2020
        Hardanger runner  

Future New starts
Blue Ornament finished
Logan’s Hat finished
Justin’s Hat finished
Owen’s Hat finished
Broderie a` Paris worked on it
Pilgrim Pals worked on it
Leaf Or Nue`
Cozy cabin
Ugly sweater #8
Ugly sweater #9
June Flower of the month
1^st lightbulb
2^nd lightbulb
3^rd lightbulb
4^th lightbulb
5^th lightbulb
6^th lightbulb
2^nd blue tree
Large Bargello Ball #2
Small Bargello Ball #2
Winds of Grace (6 of them)
Towmater x 2
Lightning McQueen x2
Cupcake ornaments:
                Logan
                Natalie
                Owen
                Peter
                Justin
                Nathan
Summer
Winter
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Carnival
Ambrosia Honey
Scissors case
July flower of the month
French alphabet page
Hardanger ornament
Snowman Heart
Marnee Ritter Heart
Marnee Ritter Gold Heart
Gingerbread heart
Pretty Little Chicago
A Stitcher by Cherrywood designs
Twisted Band Sampler
Tree of Ornaments
Redwork heart
Flower patch
Hex Symbol 

Owen's Hat is Finished!

 I finished Owen's hat today! That's all 5 grandchildren!  They all have a hat now!  

Back to my regularly scheduled stitching!

WIP Wednesday 2-24-2021

 

Making good progress on Owen's hat.  This is the last one that I am making for the grandchildren, well, for this year anyway....