Blackbird's Cross-Stitch & Needlework

Do you subscribe to this magazine?  I believe I started my subscription when one of Nora Corbett's(Mirabilia) fairies appeared in it.   After the first year I was reluctant to keep the subscription, but then another Mirabilia pattern appeared. 

Now, lo and behold, my favorite designer duo, Barb Adams & Alma Allen have appeared in the latest issue!



Just look at this beauty!  It is full of Belle Soie (my favorite)!  What two better things than Blackbird Designs and Belle Soie?

And, I even get to learn a new stitch!  Have you ever attempted the chain stitch before? 

As if I don't have enough in my work in progress basket........UGH!

Happy Stitching!

RAK'in Robin

Earlier this year Robin (no blog) gifted me with not one, but three OOP Blackbird/Loose Feathers charts that have been on my wish list.  (See here and here.)  She was more than generous and I felt the need to repay her kindness.

So, needle in hand I created this:

And after a quick lesson on my sewing machine I turned that into this:

Rose Garden by Blackbird Designs

Robin sent me the sweetest thank you note.  I've already put it in my 2011 stitching journal to remind me of the generosity and camaraderie of fellow stitchers.

Happy Stitching!

Create

Ahhhhh, yes......that's exactly what I'm trying to do.  You know, create a finish.  However, between exchange stitching and catching up on some "hubby time", I haven't been able to cross that ever elusive finish line.

Hubby works tomorrow night, so my needle and I should be able to have some time together.  That is, as long as my sewing machine stays quiet!

I'm An Emotional Wreck (or "Why My Mom Made Me Cry")

Let me just preface this post by saying this:  I LOVE MY MOM!  She is not just my mother, but my very best friend.

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to share some quality time alone with my mother.  We talked about a host of things from childhood friends to the health of my stepfather.  The next thing I know my mom is telling me that she had something special for me.  She jumps up and runs off into the other room only to come back with a small white box.

Perplexed, I opened it up.  It contained a pair of silver hoop earrings from Pandora.  I looked at her with a quizzical look on my face and said "What is this all about?".  She said "Happy Mother's Day" and the tears just welled up in my eyes and fell freely (just like they are doing right now).  She went on to say that she knew that May would be a hard month for me since Mother's Day was the 9th and since our little angel's "birth" day would have been the 25th (the same day as our Wedding anniversary.)  She wanted me to know how much she loved me, that she was thinking of me and that she didn't forget our angel. 

I haven't been "right" since I opended that gift.  Still.....

I LOVE YOU MOM!

Happy Stitching!

In Pictures: Best Lack of Stitching Excuse Ever!

I Love To Read and Other Excuses

I know, you thought that I would be posting more now that tax season is over.  Well, I did too.  However I find myself enthralled each morning by my Nook instead of by my needle.  Then, when I come home each night, I find that Hubby has things that he wants to do together......like take the dog for a walk or make a trip to Lowes for some tomato plants.  Of course, there is also my constant struggle with the normal cleaning of the kitchen and the washing of clothes.  Its a wonder I have even made it to work some days!

I admit, that while I've made plenty of excuses, I have managed to get a needle in.  However, I can't show my finish quite yet.  First of all it is not "finished" and second of all it is for my BBD exchange.  I need to hurry up and get moving since I have to send it off by Saturday.

Hey.......wait.......listen.......do you hear that?  My Nook is calling my name again!

Until next time, Happy Stitching!

Oops, I Did It Again!

Yes, I'm feeling a little like Brittany Spears today because "I did it again".  What did I do you ask?

Well, as if I don't have enough to do this year with the Crazy January Challenge and my various exchanges, I've gone and joined another club.......

"Birds of a Feather" Mystery Sampler Club

 (Maggee, it was all your fault....I wasn't going to join until you said that you joined.  I mean really, I have to blame it on someone!)

Oh, yes, I caved.  I joined in on the With Thy Needle & Thread summer stitch-a-long.........check it out here if you haven't seen it already.  It was way too easy.  I just called my favorite shop, The Attic, and placed my order.  I hate it when things are that easy!

Happy Stitching!