Look What I Did!!

This is from one of the classes I took at the PAL's Stitch Retreat last weekend in Myrtle Beach. The stitching was really fun to do and I really enjoyed using the fibers the designer used. I'm waiting to hear back from the Mary of M--Designs to find out what the brand was....I forgot what she told us in class.

I'm really proud of myself for actually finishing this into the pouch, I didn't think I could pull it off. BTW, Focus on Finishing has some really good directions - but they were in French! The pictures helped me get the concept down. I will definately being doing more of these - they would make great gifts for someone who's a stitcher or someone who really appreciates what goes into stitching!

I completed this ornament when I was in Myrtle Beach too. It's the Eiffel Tower from the 2007 JCS Ornament issues. I plan to finish it as a pinkeep using the same blue for the backing as used in the words, with a black ribbon and most likely silver head pins.

Thanks for looking!

Cross Stitch PAL's Retreat - What a BLAST!

I went to the Cross Stitch PAL's Retreat this past weekend and had a Blast! It was so nice to finally meet everyone - put faces with names. I came in as a newbie and left with some great friends. I arrived in Myrtle Beach on Thursday afternoon and promptly went to the Hospitality House to check-in. I was told everyone had just left to visit Mary's "shop". Mary of M--Designs is the designer who taught all 3 classes at the retreat. She set up a really nice mobile stitching shop. If you needed it, she had it!

That evening was the dessert buffet - I've never seen so many desserts in one room in all my life! Everything was great! Got to talk with the ladies and do some stitching.

The 1st class was held Friday Morning. It was a Halloween/Fall Treat Bag. Once I finish it I'll post some pictures. It's a really nice Halloween/fall design you can switch out on the bag. Bag works just like a tuck pillow. Very well made!

That afternoon the Stitcher's Pouch class was held! The design for this class is sooo cute! I can't wait to finish this one! It's traditional style stitching with a poem; including some really nice fibers and coordinating fabric to finish the bag. I'll probably have this one done anytime now and when I do I'll post pictures :)

The 1st of 2 PALs parties was held that evening. Boy these ladies now how to party! I'm not a night owl so I had a hard time keeping up! Next year I'll remember to bring my toothpicks to keep my eyes open - LOL!!! We had the Stitching Grab Bag exchange and the Ornament exchange. I left with some really nice stash and 3 beautiful Christmas ornaments that I can't wait to add to my tree!

We had the last class Saturday morning. It was an Ornament finishing class. Everyone had some really great ideas! I can't wait to use them :)

Saturday evening was so much fun! We had the last PALs party. Got to present 5 pieces at the Stitcher's Showcase. I received 2nd place in it's category and the Best in Show for The Kiss and 3rd place for my unframed Oak Island. The gift exchange was also held that night. I had fun watching these ladies steal from each other and open presents. I walked away with a nice Vera Bradley change purse and make-up bag!

The whole event was wonderful! I want to thank Amy of Down Sunshine Lane for hosting this event - it was the 10th anniversary. I can't even begin to imagine how much work she puts into making these events happen! They really know how to make a girl feel welcome! Can't wait to see everyone again next year!

Biscornu Exchange

Hi, well this is my first blog ever. I never thought I'd actually start one myself. Hopefully this will be a place of writing inspiration for me.

Last month I joined the Biscornu Exchange on the NTBB. My exchange partner was Dani (a.k.a TKDchick). I've seen a lot of Dani's stitching projects through the last couple of years and they are just beautiful. I was thrilled to find out that she would be my exchange partner. So last night I was excited to see her package waiting for me at home last night. Here's some pics of the biscornu. She also included some DMC floss with the package - Thank you Dani!