Monday, May 26, 2014

A Fun Day Out and Blackbird SALing

Hello Everyone!  I hope you are enjoying the holiday weekend.

On Saturday my friend from Long Island visited for the day.  She took the ferry to Bridgeport and we started our day early.


We went shopping at a fantastic shop in Sandy Hook CT, the Country Mill.  I read about this shop on Lori Brechlin's blog Notforgotten Farm when she was visiting CT last fall.  I was surprised it was only a few miles from my home and knew my friend and I would enjoy a visit too.  


Lots of folksy and prim decorations.  Rooms and rooms to explore!  I was happy to find Lori's new book of needlework designs too, and of course, had to take it home with me!  Lots of great projects in this one.  Even some needle punch and rug hooking which I would like to take try at sometime.  


Our next stop was to Shakespeare's Garden in Brookfield CT.  It is a beautiful nursery with greenhouses and paths to walk through. 


Everything is in full bloom and bursting with color!  A feast for the senses!


 

Their Barn Shop is chock full of unique and interesting goodies!!  So many creative ideas!


After all that shopping we decided to take some time to relax by Candlewood Lake.  Even on a cloudy day it is a beautiful view.  


We also ventured to Ridgefield for more shopping and then found a great place to stop for dinner on the way back to the ferry where we could sit outside in Newtown called Pub 25. 

                 

I totally splurged on dinner having the Lobster Mac and Cheese... YUMM-O!!  It was such a wonderful day and great to spend so much time catching up with my friend for the whole day.  

In the last few days I stitched a bit on the Blackbird SAL, all of the 4-sided stitch portion.  I tried it first with 2 strands but on the 32 ct linen it seemed too bulky that they did not look like squares.  One thread seemed to be the right direction.  I think it gives a kind of lacy look.  


The next step will be the eyelet alphabet in Toasted Barley.  I have enjoyed seeing everyone's variations of color and style, all so pretty!!  

I wish you a wonderful week full of happy stitching! xxxx



Saturday, May 17, 2014

Saturday Stitching and Sunshine

Happy Weekend!

I have started the Blackbird Designs SAL, her sampler.   Loving it so far!  Has anyone else started yet?

Blackbird Designs her sampler SAL
32 ct R&R french vanilla with sampler threads
I decided to pull materials from my stash so I have switched out a few colors.  I am using Toasted Barley, Grecian Gold, and Brethren Blue as charted, but switched in Raspberry Parfait, Hyacinth and Red Grape for the copper, purple and pink.

I also got a bit further on my Scarlet Letter American Quaker Band Sampler.  

American Quaker Band Sampler
36 ct Examplar Lakeside Linen with dmc thread

I recently finished the book Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland and absolutely LOVED it!!  Definitely in my top list of favorites now.  Next up is The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier and it has grabbed me right from the go.  Love it when that happens!

It was an absolutely GORGEOUS day here in Connecticut!  Here is a pic I snapped this afternoon.....


Seems apropos since today was the Preakness Stakes!  I was jumping for joy for California Chrome!  

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!!  Happy stitching!  xxxxx