I was a really, really bad girl....but what fun it was!!!!

 First are all the Blackbird Designs.  I made mention in another post that these two ladies really outdid themselves for this market and here's the proof.  If you haven't considered purchasing the Stitcher's Journal, wait until you see it to make up your mind.  This book is just packed full of great designs and then to make matters worse, they came out with some individual designs that I couldn't pass up.  Now you can see why I am dedicating the month of April to nothing but Blackbird Designs.

 Next up are some miscellaneous pieces that I couldn't say no to.  I purchased two 18 x 18 pieces of 30ct. linen for an outstanding price and I'm going to dye these myself.  The other 3 items are an Eiffel Tower Needleminder, a pair of scissors I've had my eye on and some pins with sheep on them for Jenn.

 Next up are 3 designs that should take no time at all to stitch but are just adorable.  "Scissors" from Cherry Wood Designs, Bluebird Alphabet from Just Nan and Fresh from the Garden from Little House Needleworks.

 One of my favorite design company's is La D Da and I couldn't pass up these two new ones.  Also from Shakespeare's Peddler comes Sampler Roundy.  This comes in a round tin and has everything you need except the linen.  

 These three designs I just couldn't say no to no matter how hard I tried.  One is from the Stitching Parlor called Red Peacock and it comes with a wooden hornbook and an antique reproduction chart.  Then there's Quaker Pocket Needful from Primitive Traditions and last but not least is the Six Sided Box by a french company Dessins DHC.

And last up is the Thistle Sewing Set from Acorn House.  This has a matching needleminder and it looks like it's gonna be alot of fun to stitch.

So you can see I was quite naughty but sometimes you just have to be.  LOL  I hope each one of you had as much fun as I did looking at all the new designs from this year's Nashville Market.  

Oh I forgot to tell you....I also have some things on back order and they will be in later.  I almost fainted when Debbie informed me that I have more coming.  I wonder if I qualify for stimulus money from Obama?  LOL  I promise I won't get on that soapbox.  

Blessings as always,

Barbara

From Italy....

and Nicoletta Farrauto of Niky's Creations, comes this sweet little design.  I stitched this because I liked the design and I loved the primitive colors that she used.  I stitched mine using HDF silks on 32ct. cream Belfast linen. 

I have no connections to Italy but it has always been one of my dream countries to visit.  I am a history buff and I think I'd go crazy just gazing at all the ruins and imagining everything that went on there centuries ago.  I doubt that I will ever get to visit it this late in my life, but if we give up on our dreams, we will seize to exist in a lot of ways.  Dreams are what keep us alive and young.

Yesterday my LNS opened with all her goodies from the Nashville show and I of course went completely bonkers.  I will take some pics of what I was lucky enough to purchase later today or tomorrow.  I have decided on my theme for next month....Blackbird Designs.  Those two ladies came out with some of the most beautiful designs for this show that I don't think I could stitch them all in a month of sundays.  I am going to have a very hard time choosing which one to stitch first....but what fun trying.

My next international design shows a Russian tradition....can you guess?

Blessings as always,

A Pennsylvania Dutch (german) tradition....

A distelfink is a stylized goldfinch, probably based on the German variety.  It frequently appears in Pennsylvania Dutch folk art and they represent happiness and good fortune.  The Pennsylvania Dutch often used this feature in their hex signs.  

I thought of this as soon as I saw this design by Michelle Lutzen of Stitchy Kitty.  Growing up in Pennsylvania, I was quite familiar with these signs painted on local barns.  I always thought they made everything look so colorful and bright.  So even though this design is not from a german designer, it reminded me of a Pennsylvania Dutch custom.  For those that don't know, The Pennsylvania Dutch are the descendants of Germanic peoples who emigrated to the U.S. (primarily to Pennsylvania), from Southwestern Germany and Switzerland. The origin of the word 'Dutch' is a "folk-rendering" of the Pennsylvania Dutch's own self-designation Deitsch.  

I can proudly say I have roots in the Pennsylvania Dutch community and that this part of Pennsylvania will always be "home" to me.

 The Distelfink

A familiar site in Pennsylvania Dutch country.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

From England.....

from Tanya Haines of Thimble Cottage Designs, a design company based in the UK, comes this very sweet design that was in this past month's issue of Gift of Stitching.  Tanya had shown it made into a needle case, but my biscornu jar needed another one so that's how I decided to finish mine.  I also went very shabby chic with the fabric bow and twisted braid.  

The next finished design will be a tribute to Germany so stay tuned for that.  I should have it finished some time tomorrow and also....

starting on March 1st thru the 31st, I will have my birthday giveaway posted.  I don't have a picture yet, but so far I've come up with:

Glenshee Linen from Scotland

Dinky Dye silk from Australia

A french cross stitch magazine

Godiva Chocolate from Belgium

DMC floss from France

HDF silk from USA

and more....so stay tuned for updates.  I hope to have all this put together for a picture on March 1st.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

A Blackbird finish.............

called Rose Garden and I used some gorgeous fabrics to finish it into a pillow.  

As to what I have planned for myself in this upcoming month, I've decided to do some of these designs that I've collected from foreign countries and that's why I have a french background for my blog right now.  Most of the designs are french and I've been wanting to do these but have had others to do too so I feel this is a great way of concentrating my energies into them.  Some will be put in my store for sale and some I will be keeping for my personal collection but all of them will have a foreign feel to them.  I will be using some fibers from other countries and also some linens.  The giveaway I have planned for my birthday will definitely have a foreign feel about it....more about that later.  So I better get stitching and with each piece I finish, there will be a story about why this design was chosen.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

And the winner is.........

and I have emailed her to let her know she's won.  Congratulations Shar and I hope you continue to follow my blog.  I love all my followers and I have something very special planned for March .... which happens to be my birthday month.... so keep reading.

Blessings as always, Barbara

Peyton meets Vallie.....

and as you can see, it was love at first site.  Vallie was a little shy to begin with, but then we all knew she had accepted Peyton when she stole Peyton's sandals.  Fun was had by all.  LOL

I finally finished the Blackbird design called Rose Garden and I'm in the process of finishing it into a pillow.  I love how it's turned out so far and I hope to have a picture of the finished project tomorrow some time.  I've started a new design from this months issue of Gift of Stitching  called the Friendship Bird Floss Tag by Michelle Lutzen of Stitchy Kitty.  I thought of a new idea for myself and how I can get into stitching some of these designs I've had for so long.  Tomorrow evening I will be changing my blog and telling you all about it.  I hope I can stick to this idea and really get some fun things finished.  If not, I can at least say I tried.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway.  My hubby will be picking a name tomorrow evening so please enter asap.

I watched the Daytona 500 today and it made my heart happy to see a completely unknown 20 year old win the race.  His birthday was yesterday so what a gift he has received.  I'm pretty sure he'll be wearing a very large smile for at least a week.  My guy Dale Jr got wrecked out with a few laps to go but he gave a good showing all day so that's an improvement.  No one got hurt so I consider it a successful race.

Talk soon, as always, Barbara

President's Day Giveaway.....

I decided the giveaway for February would have a somewhat patriotic theme to it so since President's Day is next monday, that is when this giveaway will end.  I stitched up a project holder bag, which is approx 12 x 14 inches,  which is made of a cotton fabric printed with little red cherries.  The inside is lined with a coordinating fabric and it also has a pocket to hold those small items.  It is lined with Warm and Natural batting to give it body and the closure is two buttons which you wrap a twisted tie around.  At the end of the twisted tie is a butterfly charm to give it some weight.  Added to this are some really neat memo pads.  One is a to do list, a shopping list and the third has small labels and two post it note pads, all of which have cherries on them.  There is even a pen to go with all of them.

So if you would like a chance to receive this, please make sure you are a follower of mine.  If you would like your name entered twice in the drawing, link this giveaway to your blog and make note of it in the comment section of this post.  DH will draw a name next monday evening.

Good luck to all, 

As always, Barbara

A movie starring Vallie.....

This is the first time I used the video portion of my camera so let's see if it turns out okay.   She was in a very playful mood as you can see.

As always, Barbara

In remembrance....

I want to introduce you to someone.  This sweet lady's name is Taz and she went to heaven yesterday.  I know her owners are heart broken as I am.  Let me tell you some things about Taz.  When she was living down the street from us, my hubby and I would take walks every night and she would always come out to greet us.  She loved her treats and she hated squirrels.  At Christmas time, I would always bake her some doggie cookies when I was making everyone elses and she would have them delivered in a paper bag which was easy for her to open.  When Kathy and Denise moved away a few years ago, I think I missed Taz almost as much as I missed them.  She was a gentle soul who never found fault with anyone....well except the mailman.  Please add your prayers to mine for the two ladies who gave this lady a home and that their hearts heal quickly.  Thank you

As always, Barbara

Our new addition to the family....

Well today we were adopted by a little Maltese female puppy.  I had gone up to my LNS and we were talking about puppies and one of the ladies there made a comment about Maltese puppies.  She knew a breeder and when I got home, I gave her a call and an hour later we were goners.  I haven't decided on a name yet....several are going thru my mind but any suggestions would be appreciated.  I will try to take a better picture of her later....right now she's sound asleep here beside me.

As always, Barbara

PS. SHE'S BEEN NAMED -----  VALLIE IN HONOR OF VALENTINES DAY.
You have to admit it....she is a lovey!!

Update on Buttercup....

I was very upset after meeting with this sweet little dog.  The people at Petsmart who take care of adopting out these dogs after they have been taken care of by them, know absolutely nothing.  When I got there, this little dog was sitting in the corner of the cage.  She didn't stand up, no tail wagging, nothing.  They took her out of the cage and put us in a room to become acquainted with each other.  Now most dogs would of come over and investigated you.  Not this dog.  She was terrified.  I could tell when I went to pet her she had been abused because she tried to back away from me and she started to breath really heavy and shutter.  I was afraid the poor thing was going to have a heart attack.  Well I went back to the people and asked if she had been abused.  Their reply was "we don't know".  I then asked if she was leash trained.  "We don't know".  I asked my final question before leaving the store...."do you know anything about these dogs you are adopting out?"  Needless to say, she wasn't happy with me but I don't care.  I'm tempted to report them to the authorities.  So I'm still looking for a little furball and I won't give up yet.  Our grand daughter is helping us search for one so we'll see if she can help.  I will keep you informed if anything happens.

As always, Barbara

Disappointed.....but.....

Well I was told today that the people who called about Oliver first will probably adopt him.  I was very disappointed until they sent me this picture of Buttercup who is a Shih Tzu.  Look at those eyes!!!  Who could resist them!!  Well I meet Buttercup (not sure if I'm keeping the name) on friday afternoon at 2:00 so please wish me luck.  Our grand daughter, Peyton, has already volunteered to be our babysitter if we need one so she will have a very doting aunt (?).  I will be sure to let you know on friday how it went and if she comes home with me (which I'm just about 98% sure of) I will have some more pics of her.

As far as stitching goes, I'm still working on the Blackbird Design Rose Garden.  I'm about 1/2 way done with it and I'm anxious to finish it.  I don't know about the rest of you, but the older I get the less time I want to devote to just one design.  I have some absolutely beautiful sampler patterns but because of the size of them, I truly doubt if they will ever be stitched.  One of them is the American Sampler in the out of print Treasure Magazine.  Remember them?  They only came out with about 5 or 6 issues but they really had some great patterns in them.  Well I have the 4 that have the different samplers in and I would love to stitch all of them for one of the walls in my living room.  I sincerely doubt if this will ever happen.  Just wondered if there are others out there like me.

As always, Barbara

We are trying to adopt.....

Oliver

Isn't he adorable?  He's a 4 year old West Highland Terrier and I just fell in love as soon as I saw his sweet face.  We are trying to adopt him from the Little Dog Rescue here in Orlando and we should know within the next few days if Oliver will be coming to live with us.  

=^..^=

(I'm going to change my cat to a dog but how?)

As always, Barbara

PS.  Update on Oliver.  I just found out that another couple put in for his adoption before I did so I'm not too sure if we will get him.  I'll keep you updated.

Some new threads....

 I mentioned a few days ago that I had ordered some new threads.  Well they came today and I am so anxious to get my little needle into them.  First was more of Vikki's HDF silks.  I ordered two minis of Primitive Black, one of Rum Cherry and one of Old Maid of the Vineyard.  These will be going in to stitching some quakers I have in mind.

Below is the picture of the threads I bought from Nina.  This is the first time I purchased some, but I assure you it won't be the last.  These are such yummy colors!!!  They are Cherry Cola, Rose Tea, Old Berry, Hackberry and Spring Passion.  I haven't decided what design these are going to be used for but I know I'm gonna love stitching with them.  If you haven't checked out these hand dyed fibers of Nina, you might want to take a glance....you won't be sorry.

As always,

=^..^=

Barbara

A chuckle.....

How can you argue with the truth. LOL

=^..^=

As always, Barbara

My next project.....

 After much debating, I changed my mind about several things of my next project.  I'm going to stitch "Rose Garden" by Blackbird Designs and finish it into a pillow.  I have a chair that is in much need of a new pillow and I think this one will suit it just fine.  I'm also changing the fibers.  I was going to use the 3 in the picture below, but since rose garden is a monotone design, I'm going with a hand dyed silk from HDF called "Old Maid of the Heart".  It matches the fabrics perfectly and will show off the design beautifully.

So I have my fabric in my frame, a new gold needle, I'm in my favorite chair and all is well with the world.  I will show you pics in a few days to show how far I've gotten.  

I'm also still in the knitting mood and I'm trying to decide what to work on next.  Too many projects....not enough hours.  Just think how much more we could get done on our stitching if we didn't have to...

clean,

cook,

bathe,

sleep,

or go to the bathroom.

=^..^=

As always, Barbara

The memory box....

 About a week ago, I was contacted by a friend of mine who needed a Memory Box for a couple that she knew who had lost their daughter.  Well I put my two brain cells together and this is what I came up with.  I was told she loved the color pink and was very girly.  The design is a Cherished Stitches pattern called "Forget Me Not".  What could be more perfect?  All of the stitching was done with silk on cream Belfast linen.  The saying in the center was stitched over 1 thread and on the inside lid, I also stitched her sweet name.  (I placed a piece of paper there to protect her parents.)  All of the ribbons and bows are silk/satin and on the lid instead of beads, I sewed 4 very tiny pink buttons at the four corners of the design.  This turned out very sweet but I really didn't enjoy stitching this one.  Like I told my friend, with every stitch I made, I thought of how much her parents must of loved her and how empty their lives will now be without her.

As always, Barbara

Just some stash additions.....

 The other night while talking with my best bud Thellie on the phone, her and I decided to get into some trouble.  Well we started out at The Quilted Castle.  While there I bought some Blackbird Designs fabric.  I have plans on stitching the Anniversaries of the Hearts all on one large piece of fabric and possibly making a fabric mat out of the charm squares.  We'll have to wait and see how that plan goes.  I could change my mind numerous times before I even start the project.

 I have been wanting some of the Blackbird Designs sampler fabric for quite awhile and was thrilled when I saw they still have some.  Everywhere I've looked, it's out of stock.  

 Then we went to the Fat Quarter Shop.  Well I love pink and when I saw this french fat quarter packet, I just knew it had to be mine.  It didn't take any trouble at all to jump that sucker right into my cart.  :o)

 These last three pictures are of fabs I bought at my local quilt shop.  The one above was just so clean and springy looking I couldn't resist.  I have a feeling that one is going to end up in a giveaway somehow.

 Next are the cherries.  This one I debated over but after all was said and done, it came home with me.

The above one is my favorite.  I fell in love with the red and then when I saw all the coordinating fabrics, I just couldn't resist.  I have the pattern planned for this one but if you notice, I'm going to be using some unusual threads.  I found at Joann a crochet cotton that matched perfectly.  The entire design is going to be fancy stitches but I haven't decided what yet.  I'm leaning towards some queen stitches mixed in with some spider webs and smyrna crosses.  This will be my next project as soon as I'm finished with the commissioned piece I am working on.  Hopefully that will be tomorrow so I can get it off to it's new owner.  I will post pics when I'm finished.

I also have some fibers coming from Nina which I am very excited about and I also have ordered some new minis from Vikki at HDF.  I will share pics of them with you when I receive them.

As always, Barbara

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow............

I was watching the weather channel and I just want to give a shout out to all my readers who are getting bombarded by this latest blizzard in the midwest and the north.  Coming from Pennsylvania, I know what it's like to have feet of snow and ice dumped on you, but this one looks particularly nasty.  I was talking with my oldest brother last nite who still lives in Pa. and they were getting ready for some severe icing on the roads.  That I don't miss at all!!!  The last time I talked with our daughter, Jenn, who lives outside Denver, the high for the day was going to be 5 degrees.  OUCH!!!  I just wanted to say please stay safe and warm and if you don't have to venture out, stay inside and stitch.  That's always a great way to spend the day.  

Also, I might not say it enough but I want to thank everyone for their wonderful comments about my stitched items.  I know we all enjoy looking at other peoples work, and I am no exception.  I still want to try to get a SAL together.  I would love to hear some suggestions of what everyone would like to stitch.  Maybe we should start out with something small.  I'm thinking of maybe a Blackbird design.  Let me know your thoughts on this and let's see if we can't get something together.

As always, Barbara