Blackbird Weekend and some Finishes!

Hello --

This past weekend I traveled with my daughter to the Silver Needle in Tulsa to attend the Blackbird Designs weekend.  It was absolutely FANTASTIC!!!  Barb and Alma were so much fun and the Silver Needle put on  a wonderful weekend for us.  I did LOTS of shopping and got got so inspired by all the wonderful models that were on display in the shop.  A feast for the eyes!  I also met some fellow bloggers -- CathyB, Joan, Karen and Michelle.  If you ever have a chance to take a class from Barb and Alma you really must.  Here are just a few pictures of some of the items they brought with them. 

This last picture is a sampler they found in France that was the idea for their latest Christmas book put out in 2009.

This pincushion was an extra design that they kitted up for us, complete with thread, linen, buttons and rick-rack.   I didn't take a picture of the class projects but you can see them over on Cathy's or Joan's blog.

I did manage to have 2 additional finishes this past weekend.  A punch needle design by Lizzie Kate and Windows Sampler by Prairie Schooler.

Thanks for stopping by and all your wonderful comments.  I truly appreciate them.  Enjoy your week and get lots of stitching in.

BrendaS

More of the Same

Hello --
I finished a couple more of the Blackbird Halloween stockings.  Are you tired of seeing them?  I have really enjoyed stitching them and then doing the finishing.

I also worked a little more on PS Windows Sampler.  Again, I am really loving this piece.  Plain old DMC on Lakeside Linen.  LOVE IT!

I also finished 2 more of the Just Nan ornmanets.  I am so grateful to Vonna that she showed us this on her tutorials!  THANK YOU VONNA!

Well that's about it for this past week.  This Thursday, I leave to go to Tulsa.  I can hardly wait!  I signed up for a bonus finishing class that is being taught by Mona Bost on Friday.  I will take lots of pictures and share them with you when I return.

Have a great week and get lots of stitching in. 

Thanks so much for all your wonderful comments.  They make my day!

I almost forgot -- Deb has a wonderful give-a-way on her blog.  Go check it out!

BrendaS

Happy 4th of July!

Hello Everyone --
It's another hot day in Chicagoland so I'm trying to think about cooler weather and what better way than to stitch some Halloween/Fall designs. 

These are 2 of the Halloween stockings by Blackbird Designs.  The fabric that they are laying on is the background for one of the stockings.  I hope to make a few more and than hang them from a black feather-type tree.

Speaking of Blackbird Designs in less than 2 weeks I will be going to the Silver Needle's Blackbird Designs weekend!.  I can hardly wait.  It's been 2 years since I've been to Tulsa and I am very excited.

I also made a start on this Prairie Schooler Design.  I think it's called Welcome Sampler and is in the "November" chart.  I'm stitching this on my new favorite linen -- Lakeside!!!  If you've never stitched on this before it's HEAVEN.

Nothing exciting planned for the rest of the weekend.  I'm not sure if we will go to the fireworks or not.  We haven't been in a few years.  I always say I'm going to go and when it rolls around I'm usually too hot or too tired to go.

Here is a picture of my two Scottie's.  The black one is Bailee and the Wheaton one is Fiona.  Their 1st birthdays are next week so we will celebrate on the 7th.

One of my husband's hobbies is gardening.  I will leave you with a couple of my favorite pictures from our yards that were taken a month of so ago. 

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July!

BrendaS