Hope You Had a Hoppy, Happy Easter!

 “Hoppy Ewe” from designer Annie Tuner of The Proper Stitcher is my latest cross stitch finish. The sheep display piece is from Paisley and Polka Dots . As I have mentioned previously, their displays come in pieces, and you must then paint and assemble them which is a fun process. This piece also includes a three layered star which I will paint and add if/when I display a patriotic piece.

I glue magnets to the display piece and put washers on the back of the cross stitch piece, so I will be able to easily switch out pieces. 

The daffodils are blooming, and once again I recreated a favorite Emma puppy shot.

My adorable Emma . . . March 2012

Thursday, April 17, 2025,  after a trip to the groomer . . .  If you look closely, you can see a tiny, puffy bunny on her collar courtesy of her groomer. 

I had written up to this point on Saturday. This morning we learned the news of the passing of Pope Francis. I attended parochial school, and many, many years ago I remember attending a Mass for our pastor’s mother who had gone home to God on Easter. Though only a child, I remember the pastor saying that his mom had lived a long life and that she had died on Easter, and how very special that was. Pope Francis blessed and greeted the crowd gathered at the Vatican on Easter morning, and later he, too, went home to God on this special day. Bless him. 

Last note … Saturday, April 19th, marked the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. While I have visited Lexington and Concord countless times, I have never attended the 5:00am reenactment on the Lexington Green. It’s one of those things I have always meant to do but have not. Maybe next year I’ll attend the rehearsal on the day before which is held at a much more civilized hour. :-)

Have a good week.

Imaginary Daffodils

 It had been my intent to post some photos of lovely clumps of daffodils, but Mother Nature did not cooperate. So, imagine if you will some bright, happy daffodils kissed by raindrops since the weather continues to be wet. Today’s springtime temperature is a balmy 37 degrees. :-(

I had planned to post yesterday to discuss all that I had worked on during the week. Big Finish! Late Saturday night I put in the last stitches on “Un Jour a Paris en Hiver” which I began back in March of 2024. Michael’s had a 70% off custom framing special. Yesterday was the last day of the sale, and I was determined to take advantage of it. It will be ready in two weeks.

The Joys of Home Ownership - Another chapter . . . a photo to strike fear in the heart of any homeowner. . . 

Yes, a few days ago,  I glanced up at my living room ceiling to see a yardstick length water stain right down the middle.  There was no water dripping, just the stain. The plumber came and was baffled as to where the water was coming from. I had had the roof replaced a year ago, so that wasn’t the problem. No problems in the attic or signs of trouble in the room above the stain. Finally, he found what he thinks is the problem, the dial in my tub/shower. Fingers crossed, he will be able to fix the problem without having to cut an access hole in the upstairs hallway behind the bathroom. If that’s not it, worse case scenario, he will have to open up the living room ceiling to see if there is a problem with a pipe. In any event, the living room and the ceiling will have to be painted. I’m hoping I’m on the plumber’s schedule for tomorrow which will mean missing a guild meeting.

So, what did I accomplish last week? I prepared the sleeve and binding for a quilt just back from the longarmer. I added borders to two quilt which will be donated when finished. I prepped four small quilts to work on later this month at a retreat,  and I stitched steadily on the cross stitch piece that was dropped off to be framed.

 I hope I’m as productive this week as I was last week, and I also hope that I don’t end up with any holes in my wall or ceiling!!!

Have a good week.

Retreat Time on Cape Cod

A week ago at this time, I was attending a quilt retreat at the Bayside Resort in West Yarmouth on Cape Cod. I was with forty lovely ladies from the Crosstown Quilters Guild. Sewing machines were humming, but because of a shoulder issue, I only brought cross stitching. (I am happy to report that after a magic cortisone shot and a few PT sessions, my shoulder is fine, but I wasn’t taking any chances and left my machine at home.)

Usually, I take photos of many of the quilts in process, but I only took a few this time.

Here’s a colorful quilt created by Joyce. 

 Mary D. made this piece for her granddaughter who likes Highland Cattle. Isn’t he a cutie!

So what did I stitch? Rascals by designer Barbie Tingley at Petal Pushers. It was finished on this bunny shaped backing board that I picked up at the Target dollar spot a number of years ago. This five dollar piece has been sitting in my stash waiting for the right cross stitch piece.

Let me leave you with a smile. This sweet sheep planter came home with me from the grocery store yesterday simply because it did make me smile! We are living in frightening times, and I’m all in for anything that makes me smile. :-) 

Stay positive and have a good week.