Thoughts, Happenings, Projects, Stitching, Fair, Books!

OH MY GOODNESS!  I'm surprised I didn't receive an email from someone to see if I was still alive!  I can't believe it has been so long since my last post.  So long I think I will have to figure out a way to condense the last month so as not to put you to sleep.

THOUGHTS!

I wanted to share a link regarding copyright infringement.    I'm posting a link here to Kathy Barwick's February 2013 post about copyright infringement http://addictedtoplasticcanvas.com/ezine/feb2013_issue34.html.   It is an interview with someone in the plastic canvas genre who was sued for copyright infringement.  It isn't just cross stitch designers who are dealing with this problem.   I encourage all of you to read this interview and share.  Let's help are designers protect their copyright so they can stay in business.   

I noticed lately on Pinterest there have been some copyrighted designs being pinned.  I know I'm very careful to verify any cross stitch design that I Pin truly are "free designs" provided by the designer and encourage you all to do the same.  It may take a few minutes to track down where the original came from but so worth it not to be contributing to the problem.  

HAPPENINGS!

It is Spring time here but has been an anything but normal Spring.  

We've had a lot of cloudy days with chillier than normal temps!

We've experienced a few thunderstorms when the warm days we finally get are followed through by a cold front! 

I've had a few trips to the garden center to purchase some plants - well let's be honest lots of plants.

 The mess on the left results in a lot of pots on the right with a few extra annuals to add to our perennial flowerbeds.  In the end the pots end up at the front porch to create a wonderfully relaxing place to sit and read a book or visit with neighbors as well as making the back deck our own personal relaxing retreat.

Bill has also taken the time to freshen up the bark in the shade garden out back. 

 PROJECTS!

I've been on a fabric box making mission lately.  My son was desperate for me to make one for him to store his remotes, etc. in.  I ended up making this one in navy blue for him.  He just loves it and has filled it to the brim already.

My dear friend, Harriet, returned from wintering in Arizona and I recently enjoyed a day of catching up, lunch and laughter.  I gifted her a fabric box.  I used the same interior fabric as on Keith's but changed the outside fabric and added lace to hers.  Here she is enjoying her new box!

 My BFF, Allison celebrated a birthday yesterday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN!) and she managed to wait until her actual birthday to open her birthday box.  I actually think this is a first for her - LOL!  Inside was a fabric box I made using some of the leftover fabrics from the placemats and table runner I made her for previous gifts.  I found a lovely brown lace to edge it with!

I'm pretty proud of the "challenge" pillow that I made for Allison.  You may remember that she sent me some left over t-shirt logos as well as leftover fabric from a t-shirt quilt her dear friend made for her a couple of years ago.  My challenge was to take her leftovers and make a pillow to go with her quilt.  Just to put things in context I am not what you would consider accomplished at sewing.  I decide (or in this case Allison) what I want and then figure out some way to make it and hope for the best.  This is the finished pillow.  I decided to make it a zippered pillow so she can remove the insert and wash it as needed.  I will admit that the front piece with the t-shirt logos took three attempts to get something to look just right when trying to cover the t-shirt edges.  My seam ripper was my best friend that evening.  As always, I learned a few things while making this and IF I ever make one again it will go much more smoothly.

STITCHING!

There has not been a lot going on in the stitching department.  It seems like whenever I sit down to stitch I get about 6 stitches in and then get interrupted.  Kind of explains why I bought new nail polish 3 weeks ago and have yet to polish my nails.

I did find time to stitch up Farm Fresh Eggs by Nathalie (TheBlueAttic).  I'm trying to decide how I want to finish it as want to display in my kitchen.  I'm considering trying my first flat fold.

Currently am working on another design by Nathalie called A Good Laugh......  It will be a quick stitch.  I'm using a scrap piece of Lakeside Linen in 32 count that has more blue in it than this picture conveys.  The colors look great on the fabric.  It is my go to stitch to unwind at the end of the day!  

Just an added note that Nathalie's designs on Etsy are instant download now so no waiting once you pay!

FAIR!

I am also still plugging away on the Mystery Sampler by With Thy Needle!  Really hoping to have it done for entry into the Fair this year.  I see I need a new photo of this project as I am actually much further along than this photo.   I've finished the alphabet, bird and have made much progress on the tree.  

I have also taken the step and paid my entry fee for 10 projects in the Iowa State Fair and am awaiting my tags right now.  They added a new class this year and I happen to have something to enter into it as well.  Decided to order my discounted entry tickets at the same time.  It is so easy and they mail them as well.  Thank goodness I have until July 26 (the date they have to be delivered to the fairgrounds for judging) to finish my projects!

BOOKS!

Last Friday was my book clubs meeting to pick the 2014-2015 books for discussion as well as potluck.  I did not get a photo a the potluck spread this year.  I do have a photo of it from my friend, Harriet but have not yet asked permission to use it so just imagine lots of beautiful foods!  Quiches, salads, crackers, dips, desserts.  I will just say it was DELICIOUS!

Here is a list of the books we have picked for discussion.  You might find something of interest yourself.

2014-2015 Books

Me Before You - JoJo Moyes

The Aviator's Wife - Melanie Benjamin

Caleb's Crossing - Geraldine Brooks

Blind Your Ponies - Stanley Gordon West

Orphan Train - Christina Baker Klein

Citizens of London - Lynn Olson

5 Days at Memorial - Sherry Fink

Empty Mansions - Bill Dedman & Paul Clark Newell, Jr.

I think this catches us up for the most part.  I will not let so much time pass between posts again!