News, Organizing, Treats, Surprises and Awards!

It has been a while, dear friends since I've chatted with you. I've missed you - life has just been busy - way too busy. I haven't had needle and thread to fabric in a good two weeks but I have been busy with other things. First, I want to share some news. I am really excited because the good folks from the DMC BLOG contacted me and asked if I'd like to be featured on their blog where they'll be showing craft rooms, organization tips, etc from different people (around the world, I presume). Now, I haven't sent my pics in yet so I may end up on the cutting room floor but I hope they'll like what I send. The feature is going to run from April 19th - April 23rd. Even if I do end up on the cutting room floor, I'm sure there will be lots of inspirational rooms, organizational tips and project ideas for you to enjoy. Be sure to check back with them on those dates. And, just so that all of you that have seen my "studio" before wouldn't be bored to death, I had to make some small changes so you would want to check it out. Mark your calendars, this is going to be fun and I'm so excited!!!

I sliced my thumb a few days ago and it hasn't stopped bleeding yet - probably should have gone for stitches; that's what I get for sharpening my knives. Anyway, haven't stitched much so thought I'd show you a few other goodies.

Now, this isn't my idea but Julie doesn't have a blog so I asked her if I could post it. Get your ebay typing finger ready 'cause you're going to want one of these little cases. When she and I were shopping last weekend she found this and thought it would be a great way to organize her DMC floss. I agreed and she was right! It's perfect, wouldn't you agree?



The suitcase is a small slide holder made by Barnett and Jaffe. Isn't it wonderful!? What a great way to find a new use for an obsolete item. The cards to wind your floss on fit in perfectly and, had I not already organized my floss in another way, I'd be all over this solution. There are a couple of different varieties on ebay so if you're a person who likes drawer styles to match, look closely. Julie's has little hanging handles but there are some that look more like the card catalog type handle. How cute would these be sitting on a table alongside another vintage suitcase?

Our Easter celebration was spent quietly - church of course, and then a traditional Easter dinner. We all get Easter baskets and mine was put together by Rob and had a wonderful surprise. He had in it a movie for my room and this syrup holder (among a few other things as well). How cute is that? I love the tall pitcher and had never seen one. We were together a few weeks ago when I saw it but wouldn't buy it but he went back and got it for me. He had to go to a few stores before he hit on the right one and then had to have someone help him find it. I was thrilled when I saw it! He even filled it with Dove Chocolate eggs. Mmmmmm... want to come over for a pancake breakfast? I'll have plenty of syrup 'cause this baby stands about 9 inches tall!

I have to tell you that I won a giveaway from LISA'S BLOG. If you haven't checked it out before - you have to go have a look. She does fabulous crafty, creative, inspired and beautiful projects. Look what I won:

She made this fabulous bag out of her vintage lace collection and I just love it. I carried it all weekend and I must say, I looked pretty darn cute. I just forgot to have Rob take a picture of my sassy self! I got lots of compliments on it and at least one woman wanted a closer look so she could go home and make one of her own with her own lace collection. It has a super long handle so you can carry it across your body and it won't bang into things when you're shopping (I've tested it)! She also included the new Flea Market Style magazine which is just a great read and is the first edition so you better get yours, before they're gone. Thank you so much Lisa! I just love the purse and will use it a lot, I know!

I found a cute jar of buttons at the SA the other day and Gracie had to check them out. The jar was full of navy and other shades of blue buttons which was kind of fun. Nothing terribly special in the jar, but pretty just the same.


And finally, for pics, here's my latest cross stitch WIP. It is the Sally Spencer sampler by Birds of a Feather. I am working it on 35 count Weeks Dye Works fabric called Mocha with one thread over two. I've made some color substitutions but they're close to the called for fibers. I think it'll be really pretty when done. After this, I'm going to start on Be Kind and Be True because Dear Melissa was kind enough to send me her chart after she finished it. I also have to thank Sweet Loaraine for the chart she sent me ~ CHS Autumn in HRH! I don't know when I'll get motivated enough to start that one but it's going on the list! Thank you, both of you!


Finally tonight, just a bit of news about Tyler - he's doing well and although he's not too happy about wearing glasses, he's doing just fine. And, he made the high school golf team! They only carry 14 boys and a lot were cut so he is thrilled.

Okay, one more last thing - I have been given a couple of awards by Cath and Vinniey and Marilyn and Mary, too. I am so tickled and honored by them that I am a bit overwhelmed. I have made lots of friends, have visited many beautiful and inspiring blogs and so appreciate all of you!! But, here's the thing - I find it so hard to pass these on to only a few blogs I read. And, it's much too hard and time consuming to really take the time to type in every blog on my list. Believe me, if you're on my blog roll, I love your blog. If you're not on my blog roll, I probably haven't found you yet. So, oh gosh, please don't be offended, but I'm going to make my blog an "award free zone" blog (as soon as I find one of those button thingies). I really appreciate that you all like my blog - where would I be without you? I hope you'll understand. I don't really like the cop out excuse of "I nominate all of you on my side bar" because nobody ever really feels like they got it legitimately, when we do that and they don't accept it. The best way to leave someone an award, in my opinion, is to take a moment to comment on a post. Seeing your comment count go up is the best feeling and knowing that someone took the time to do that, is all the award I need. I hope you'll understand.

And, yes DEB, I do read each and every comment and did see yours "way down there"!

I've gotten a couple of emails about my "new" header picture. It's the Noah Stocking by Carriage House Samplings. I moved everything at the turn of the toe to the right to make it a straight sampler. I also added a few more bunnies at the bottom as well. If you like it, better buy it quick as Kathy has announced she'll no longer be selling and/or designing after this summer.

Cheryl, you asked about my Elizabeth Saville Sampler. I clicked on your name but didn't link to an email address - please send me a note with your question so I can explain, okay!?

I hope your week is filled with lots of good surprises! Thank you so much for all the comments on my last post and for all of you that sent me emails wondering where I was, I greatly appreciate that. I have made some great friends through blogging and am just amazed at the kindness and loving spirit of all I've come to call friends!


Peace,
Terri