Cross Stitch and Wedding Dress Shopping

I worked a half day on Friday and then drove to Milwaukee because Katy and I were going to go wedding dress shopping at Vera's House of Bridal in Milwaukee.  Her good friend and man of honor, Bobby was meeting us.  

I fully finished Heart to Hand Tom Turkey to bring to her and hang on a door knob.  

It's a little wonky but, I liked how it turned out.  

On my way down, I stopped at the Stitching Bee.  Kendra had ordered Brenda Gervais, Snow Ball.  She had Word Play February, I didn't have that one.  I also have been seeing Plum Street Sampler The Gather Inn being done on Instagram and thought it would go well with Cinnamon Stars.  

It was just a quick stop and then back in the car and headed south.  

We got going Saturday pretty early.  Her appointment  was for 11;30.  

So we had time to stop a Lynn's of Madison.  

Interesting store:  there have some pretty extensive selection of patterns and supplies, framing and art supplies especially painting.  

Some of the samples of stitchery on the back wall.  

You really get the full impact of a design when you see it stitched up.  

It is not a very big space but, well organized.  

There was a large selection of Scarlet Letter  and many other designers  

Thread organization:  Weeks, GAST, Classic Colorworks, NPI and Rainbow Gallery  I was looking for more Black Splendor for my black sampler.  I did get some black and red NPI, just in case.  

Huge wall of fabric, very neatly stacked.  

I picked up La D Da Three Lilies and Lucy Beam Love in Stitches Elizabeth Nichols 1824 a very sweet sampler.  

We were there probably 50 minutes.  Vera's Bridal was only a couple of miles further, maybe five minutes.  

Vera's has been around for 50-60 years and Vera still there and turning 92 this year.  They have 600 dresses of all varieties and styles.  

Vera's House of Bridal

She had a list of dresses she wanted to try after we looked at the websites of designers and the Instagram page.

Her consultant Bridget was phenomenal.  

Unlike the other places Katy had been, I felt like Bridget listen to her, brought her things she asked for and was able to find gowns that the aesthetic Katy was looking for.  

Ultimately, she found her gown and the accessories other than the shoes.  

She'll be a beautiful bride but, I'm not posting pictures at this time.  

We had lunch at Bonefish Grill and that was really tasty  

I would have had a glass of wine but, I had to drive back to Milwaukee.  

It was a really great day and I was so glad to be part of it!

I had cooked some Italian sausage before I went to Milwaukee because I thought by the time we got home, we would be too tired to cook much.  I only had re-heat it in the sauce, make a salad and cook the penne. 

So happy I did that!.  

Then next day, I got this text message from Bob.  Yikes! About two inches of snow  That set off the anxiety level.  Thankfully the roads were only wet.  

I was able to pick up some stuff at Trader Joe's and stop at Starbucks for a coffee.  

If you do have a chance, try the Sous Vide Egg Bites at Starbucks.  OMG, amazing.  

We have a sous vide and I found the recipe on line.  I ordered my 4 oz jars.  Guess what we are having when I get the jars.  

When I got home, my piece of Brea 40 count linen from Rachel at Needle and Flax was there.  

Beautiful linen and will be amazing with a sampler.  

I can't wait to try it!

I'm back working on Emily Harben 1824 by Whilst Iris Naps.  

I am loving this stitch and further along from when I took this picture yesterday.  

I have this week off.  Tomorrow, we get back in the car and head back to Milwaukee for Bob's second cataract surgery.  The first one went well and am hoping this one will do just as well.  

I think by the end of the week I will have driven a thousand miles.  

I deserve the week off! :)

Hope you have had a great weekend and it wasn't too snowy where you are.  

Have a wonderful week. 

Stay safe, be cautious!

Monica

 

Black Sampler November

After I watched Brenda and The Serial Starter and Laura was discussing Black Sampler November, I decided I had to participate.  

I thought about Harriet Gobey from HATS or Anna  Beata Eve 1862 or the Black Sampler 2021 from Whilst Iris Naps.  

Instead from Whilst Iris Naps I found Emma Harben 1824.  I fell in love with all the little crowns and loved the history that Christina included.  I watch her Flosstube channel often.  

It really isn't a black sampler but, on the website it looked that way except for the flowers in the border.  I decided I would do it in black.  I'm using Splendor sild for most of it but, the area of alphabet in the four side stitch, I will use 100/3 because the Splendor is a little too much coverage for that and I won't be able to see the detail.  

I am using 40 count Old Book from Nicholas Flammel Designs.  

I have a start on the border but, then started another project (squirrel) that I can't show just yet....next post.  

I have made some progress on Stacy Nash's Pumpken Hill Pinkeep.  

I can only work on this during the day because by evening my eyes are too tired and the fabric is really quite dark, making it a little more difficult to stitch on in the evening.  

Started watching my first Hallmark Christmas movie and thinking about decorating.  

This is my favorite table scape this fall.  

The pocket watch was my father-in-laws while he worked for the railroad.  

North Georgia vase my sister-in-law gifted me and a Yankee candle holder.  

Bob's first cataract surgery went well.  It was a long two days with the travel to Milwaukee.  I think we made a good choice.  He has the second one on the 16th.  I am taking the whole week off so that will be good.  I did have a day to recover before working on Friday.  

This weekend, I will be headed to Milwaukee to go Wedding dress shopping with Katy.  She is feeling a crunch.  I am sure we will find a lovely dress.  I was included this past weekend of Face time with the shopping on Saturday afternoon.  Even on the sidelines it was hard work.  

We have had a really beautiful fall weekend.  It was 62 today and gorgeous.  The time change has thrown the boys for a loop.  Buster was barking for his dinner at 4:30 and Henry was saying, "Yeah, listen to the little guy and feed us!

One more thing,  I have found a new Flosstuber I have really enjoyed, Needle and Flax and a fellow Michigander albeit a troll...below the bridge.  Very easy to watch when I'm on my exercise bike.  

Hope your week and weekend was filled with stitchy goodness!

Stay safe, please consider getting vaccinated if you haven't .  

Time to move forward.  

Keep Stitching

Monica

 

Another Successful Retreat Weekend

Another successful year at the Stitching Bee Retreat.  

Last year was cancelled because of Covid.  This year it was on with the caveat of vaccination. 

Katy went with me this year.  We met in Green Bay and she parked her car at the Stitching Bee.  

She brought all kinds of things to work on:  knitting, stitching and Halloween Costumes.

She was going as a Pumpkin Spice Latter and Steve a can of PBR.  

I haven't gotten a picture yet otherwise I would have posted it.  

We parked her car before the shop opened and made a quick trip to JoAnn's for a few things.  

I want to try some of the Anchor floss on the spools.  

I got a PDF of Annie Morris and thought that might be a good project for the Anchor. 

I thought I might also get some reds for some redwork samplers.  

Don't have anything in mind yet but, I'll be ready!

Good to have stash.  

We made a stop at Panera for drinks and some snacks for the road.  

Then we made another stop at the Stitching Bee.  
I needed some floss and I had ordered the re-releases of the Blackbird Designs

There are some great designs in these.  

So much to do but, so little time! 

Katy and me with one of the vintage murals.  

These just crack me up.  

It really hasn't changed much since the last time I was there.  

The rooms now have refriderators, so a place to keep the wine cold.  

On the way through Door County, we stopped and did some wine tasting at Pennisula Winery and walked out with a case of wine.  

We had lunch at a coffee shop in Carlsville.  

The sandwiches were amazing as was the pumpkin soup.  

We were ready then to get to the Retreat

The bar at the resort wasn't opened but, you could order a glass with dinner.  

We had hors d'ouevers in our room and brought wine in travel cups back to the stitching room  

I worked on Threadwork Primitives October Sampler.  

I brought enough projects to last a year I'm sure. 

I absolutely loved this stitch.  It really didn't take me that long and turned out beautiful.  

I'll show you a bit later.  

Some of the trinkets we got in our bags.  

Everyone was asked to bring 48 of something.  

I made floss drops, Katy brought little tomato pin cushions. 

It could be anything.  

We then put them on table and everyone picked up our trick or treat bags.  

Ended up with candy, pens, post it, spider rings, floss and beads etc.  

It was a really cute idea.  

A view of the lake and Rowley's Bay.

The weather was absolutely perfect. 

We have had a warm fall.  

It was so much fun spending time with Katy.  

She has always been my little buddy.  

We have done lots of girls day out over the years and this one was very special.  

Next year at this time she'll be married and its not as easy to do this sort of thing 

My feeble attempt at a selfie.  

The hallway in the building we were in had these squirrel lamps.

I was ready to take this one home with me.  

This guy was on the second floor.  

I should have checked out the third floor.  

Kendra had a Heart to Hand trunk show and I picked up a few and  Shepard's Bush Fear Not kit  

Some wood snow flakes for ornaments and a wood tray made out of a measuring stick.  

Will come in handy next to my chair in the sewing room.  

Just dropped everything sewing room and finally got around to sorting through it and putting it away.  

Looks like a bomb went off, doesn't it?

I finished the sampler this week.  Now I just have to decide how to finish it.  I think I will try and find a frame.  

I started Stacy Nash House on Pumpkin Hill Pinkeep. 

I'm using the called for thread and 36 count Weeks Twilight.  

Not as easy as it looks on this dark fabric. 

Put it is fun.  

I'm going to follow it up with Jack's House Pinkeep.  

Going to be a weird week.  

I work on Monday and Friday because Bob has his first cataract surgery. 

He has his second surgery on November 16. I'm going to take the whole wee't k off.  

I need to use up some PTO and will still have probably well over 100 hours left.  

I'm hoping to do some finishing that week. 

My little Buster seems to be getting blinder every day too.  Was wondering if he could have surgery on his cataracts with Bob but, I don't think that will happen.  

He is having a hard time finding the crumbs and treats on the floor.  

He can't see anything in the dark and I'm afraid I will step on him since he isn't as good getting out of the way.  

Hope you are having a great Halloween.

I've been watching creepy movies all weekend, old and new.  

Have a great week and stay safe

Keep on Stitching

Monica

 
 

Getting Ready For Retreat

The Stitching Bee Retreat is coming up this weekend.  

The one requirement is that you are vaccinated.  

I'm just fine with that since I'm fully vaccinated for all kinds of things.  

I did just get the Shingles vaccine on Friday....that was a punch in the arm.  

It slowed me down just a little but, the arm is still tender but, fine.  

One of the things we need to do to prep for the weekend is bring 48 of something....maybe for trick or treat...not exactly sure.  I could have just gotten some candy or extra floss but, I decided to make some floss drops .  I had all the supplies:  card stock scrapbooking paper, punches and Katy ordered me some rings from Amazon since she gets two day delivery.  We are going to retreat together.  

At first I was going to make the fancier topped tag but, it was going to be extra steps.  

The darker one was extra cuts with the paper cutter but, the punch cut and punched the top of the tag.  

I figured 10 floss drops, I needed to make 480, didn't sound like much and I have a week to make them. Then I thought, it might be a busy week, get it done this weekend.  

I got all the strips cut and as of Saturday I had about 300 blanks cut and about 50 punched.  

I got them all done, just need to put them on the rings but, they are all sorted and ready to go on the rings.  I'm using stitch holders for knitting separated by stitch markers. 

My little dog, Buster kept up with me all day, keeping on eye on me, chuffing at me periodically because I didn't sit long enough for him to take a nap.  

When I did finally sit down about 8 pm, he was exhausted and fell asleep on the couch.  

Around 10 pm every night the boys are ready for a treat.  Usually, Buster is the instigator but, Saturday night he slept.  

I went and did it out of habit and Henry was ready.  Once you start dumping food in bowls, they come running, Buster slept through it.  

I had to poke him to make sure he was still alive and left the bowl on the couch for him...spoiled dog.  

In his defense, he is my little grandpa dog.  

I have been working on Threadwork Primitives October Sampler.  

I love this little stitch and it is going pretty quick  

I did finish all the flowers in the border last night.  

 Some Stash

I ordered some more fabric from Nicholas Flammel Designs and indy dyer from Hungary.  

It is 36 count Antique Sampler  collection.  They are darker in person but, love them.  

I can't wait to find the right thing to try them on.  

I tried to post last night but, the pictures I took yesterday just wouldn't load until today.  

Like I said getting ready for retreat and am really excited about going and it will be a lot of fun going with Katy.  

The weather looks like it is finally going to be fall like.  Tomorrow it will still be 70 but then Wednesday the high will only be 55.  

Hope you have had a good week, even better weekend and a really very much better tomorrow.  

Stay safe!

Keep on Stitching

Monica

 

Starting the Day Off Right

I had an old box of Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix in the cabinet that had a recipe for Cinnamon Rolls on the side of the box.  The mix was still good but, the yeast, in a separate package was old.  I used some fresh yeast and made these for breakfast yesterday.  They turned out terrific.  While we were partaking, Ed called to see if we wanted to see the new James Bond movie yesterday.  We had plans to take the dogs out to camp for a run so we told him we would go on Sunday.  I did tell him, he needed to come over for an emergency.....homemade Cinnamon Rolls.....I did have to do a lot to make them.  

I have to order some more of the roll mix.  I think I got it from Amazon because the local stores don't carry it.  

We loaded up the boys, Henry really didn't want to share the back seat with Buster, but, he did. 

We stopped at Jimmy Johns and picked up subs and chips, brought drinks  and headed out of town.  

Took a few pictures on the journey.

The ridge in the middle of the picture is a beaver dam and a long one.  

We found the puppy bell to put on Buster's collar.  Last time he wore Henry's and it is too big, it drags along the ground and slows a guy up.  

I think he is honestly smiling.  

You can't take pictures easily of Henry out here because he flies by.  

Got his little button nose on the scent of something.  

Henry likes to help navigate on the way.  He knows exactly where he is going.  

Most of the reds are gone and the oranges are fading.  

It still was a pretty drive. 

We walked the trail around the property, checked the bench for rocks by the river, had lunch and came home  

Henry was ready to go as ready as he is to get there. 

I finished my La-D-Da A Murder of Crows.  

I was going to sew this afternoon and make them into pillows but, we went to the James Bond movie in stead.  There were only five other people in the movie theater so social distancing was very do-able. 

I ordered from Threadwork Primitives October Sampler and Tombstone Pinkeep and received a freebie, October Bloom.  I stitched that up quick Friday night/Saturday morning.

I will turn it into a pillow too.  

Super cute little stitch?

Henry was totally wiped out after dinner last night as was Buster.  

I did start October Sampler last night and will show it sometime soon or on my Instagram.  

Hope you are staying safe.  We have had an influx of the Delta Virus here and our little local hospital is full not a good position.  Not everyone has Covid but, there are patients technically Covid recovered but, not place to go and they can't go home.  

People still refuse to get vaccinated or wear a mask.  

I believe that vaccines work but, I understand everyone has a right to refuse but, then do the right thing and wear a mask and socially distance.  Mitigation helps!

Stepping off the soap box.  

Again stay safe, respect others and Keep on Stitching

Monica