From the Farmhouse Show

Yesterday was so awesome.  The From the Farmhouse Antique and Handmades show was super and I did end up getting a few great pieces.  I got the most beautiful Mennonite quilt and one of those mason jars that I collect.  Also some handmade hornbooks from my buddies, Susan and Dorrie, a washboard and an old wooden butter churn keg... Best of all was seeing all my friends...(We missed having Pat and Cindy there:( We laughed and really never shut up...hahaha..... After the show we all went to Woody's Crab House for a delicious lunch, which has now become our tradition. The day went by all too fast again.

From a private collection out of Lancaster PA

Very large "Mason" only jar

Hope to add some stitcheries to these

Old butter churn keg

Next show is Oct. 17th.....mark your calendars.  This event is not to be missed.  
Smiles, ~Nan

My WIP

I thought I'd share my progress on my WIP, 1861 Antique Sampler by Blackbird Designs.   I've changed most of the called for colors, as I love the photograph of the original sampler in the book so much, that I want my piece to resemble the photo as much as possible.

I still have a ways to go, but this is turning out to be a lovely stitch and I am enjoying my time with it.

x x x x

I am heading to Elkton MD tomorrow to meet up with friends.  We all going to the "from the Farmhouse Show.  It's such great event and we try not to miss it.

Hope you all have a fun weekend planned too.

Smiles, Nan

Another Finish

I may just be hooked on this whole wool applique ~ cross stitch combo thing.

Another finish that will be making it's way to the Prim Stitchers Society at the end of the month.  

I used my Bluebird Sampler design for the inspiration!

Now, it's time to do some chores around the house.....LOL

Smiles, ~Nan

Playing with Wool

I thought I'd try my hand at some wool applique....

I love all the overdyed wools that are available to us and have collected quite a bit of it over the last few years.   I usually add a piece of wool here or there to my cross stitch creations, but have not worked on a full wool project.

I love ditty bags too, so I drew up a design and cut out the pieces in a few different shades of wool.  Used some overdyed floss and also some perle cotton to attach the wool to some wonderful chocolate prairie cloth.

I wanted to also add some cross stitch....of course, right?

So, I added a few little do dads and a date with some more overdyed floss.  I really like the combo of the two.  I constructed a fully lined ditty bag.  I like to add interest and also use up some of my fabric scraps, by using two and sometimes three different fabrics for the binding and strap.  I love the look it gives....very make do.

Hope you're having a creative day too.....

Smiles, ~Nan

Stitching and Finishing

A few days ago I stitched up these motifs from my "Quaker Friends" pattern.

One on 32ct and one on 40ct.  Both were stitched with the most wonderful color silk.... Chocolate Caramel from The Thread Gatherer.  I love this color.  So much variegation and a very soothing palette.  I also dyed some vintage chenille I had.  I tried to get a few different shades so that I would have a choice for trimming my finish.

I made the larger motif into a sawdust stuffed pinkeep.  I left lots of blank space for pins and I love the simplicity of the finish.  I find simple always to be more pleasing.  To my eye, anyway.   I have an interesting finish in mind for the smaller motif and will work on that in the next few days.

Wishing you a wonderful week!
Smiles, ~Nan

A Wonderful Day

Happy Easter! I enjoyed a peaceful day with my honey. It was sunny, and almost warm. The windows were open, the birds were chirping and we had the music on....I've decided to make Sundays "a stitch for keeps" day...when I stitch on something that I've been wanting to have and keep. I fell in love with this design, "1861 Antique Sampler"' the moment I opened the book, In Friendship's Way by Blackbird Designs. I'm stitching this on 32ct Lakeside Vtg. Pear and using most of the called for floss....with a few changes. 

I hope your day was filled with peace and surrounded by those you love.
Smiles, Nan

Happy Easter

Wishing you all a very happy and blessed Easter!