YES I DO STILL STITCH

Here's small proof that I do still stitch ! Finally a finish - This is Garden of Love by  I had not heard of this designer before - I think they are from Canada.

I am participating in a fun blog 2012 Year of Smalls - every month a new "small" is announced and that's how I was introduced to this lovely designer.  I had such a fun time stitching the garden - the Belle Soie colors used are so fresh and bright and it was a much needed break coming out of winter.  I'm not sure what I will do with the design but I am thinking maybe a cube or some type of flat finish.  I'll be sure and show you what I do with it.  So if you need a break from time to time from stitching your large sampler projects - think about joining this "smalls" blog.  A nice group of stitchers over there and Cathy of Inspired Needle provides kits or supplies needed for all the "smalls" blog projects.  Cathy is a pleasure to deal with if you've never tried her shop before - I would highly recommend her.

My local sampler guild (Azalea Sampler Guild) is doing Ann Dale as a SAL.  here is a close up shot of my Ann - I changed the color of the linen to a treasured piece of BOAF Barn Owl I had stashed away for a special project.  I have also changed some of the colors.

Here is my progress so far - it doesn't look like much but considering Ann is on a full 1/2 yard piece of linen - I am about 1/2 way across the top border.  If you check our guild blog - you will see the other WIP's and see that some have more done than I do and some have less - it's not a race after all - I am glad to be participating but it has to be at my own pace.  Some people are dedicated to one project - one craft and some don't work so I never feel bad about my seeming lack of progress.  At best I have maybe 2 hours a night to stitch and if I am too tired from work then I get -0- done. 

another sweet project that has captured my attention lately is the With my Needle hornbook project.  I only have one of the half medallions left to go and the initial to personalize and of course the affixing to the wooden hornbook.

I am using Belle Soie Rosebud for the fiber.

While it is not much progress - that is about all I have in the stitching dept.

Is everyone excited about market releases?  I tried to keep steady on the course and my nose off the trail of new market purchases.  I have ordered a few things - a must have for me was Jane Pattison by Theresa Venette - Theresa has been keeping us all in the poorhouse lately with very good designs.  Another one that caught my eye was Mary Roe by Tanya over at the Scarlett House.  Tanya is also putting out some great designs.  Had to have me of of them bunnies from Brenda Gervais - With Thy Needle and Thread - they were precious!  The April word play and Peter and Peep - just darling.  So what did you bring home from market?

March roared into NE FL like a lion over the weekend.  I feel so bad for the people whose lives were affected forever by the devastating tornados and storms.  Thankfully we did not have a lot of damage in our area just strong winds and some rain.