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A little blog about my big loves; family, friends, stitching and yep, chocolate!

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Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Finishings, a Giveaway and Many Thanks!

Dear Friends,

Guess what? I've got a stitch finish to show you! Yeah!

Introducing the super fun to stitch, Sally Spencer sampler by Birds of a Feather (aren't all BOAF's fun to stitch!?), which I renamed the Texie sampler in honor of my paternal grandmother. All pics are clickable to enlarge and scrutinize ;-)


Texie had 5 kids (4 boys, one daughter) and all but one of the boys had the middle name Stuart. Her husband was Arthur Stuart Emery and my dad is James Stuart. My boys have the middle name Stuart as well which has a very long lineage which has been traced quite a long way back to Scotland. Anyone recognize the name Mary Stuart??? Anyway, I stitched my grandmother's name and birth year at the bottom and then Arthur's initials and all of Texie's kids initials over one in various places throughout the sampler. Since my dad is obviously a part of this sampler (JSE), and the main reason I stitched it, I added his wife's initials (yeah, she's my mom!) and those of their kids. That would be me, my brother and my sister.

Because I could, I included my initials in two places, once with my maiden name and then in the bottom left corner with my current initials. I think I will write all of the names the initials represent on the back of the sampler after I get her framed. I just happened to find the shoe mold in a store last weekend with Deb and Robin and thought, with the Stuart name on it, it was perfect to show with the sampler! Timing is everything!

This is stitched on 35 count, WDW linen; Mocha, with one thread over two. I made a few color substitutions but nothing too
drastic. I also added a couple of leaves/flowers in a few spots that were bare due to doing the initials over one. I can't wait to get it framed!

I have to show you the wonderful gift I got from my dear friend ANDREA!. This was a total surprise and I just couldn't love it more. Look at that sheep! How cute is he????

It is from a company called Cabin Craft by Cazan and I am now on the lookout for more of these. BTW, if you look at them on line - they're not nearly as cute as in person - trust me - they are darling!!!! I love him, Andrea!

She also sent the wonderful waxers that a friend of hers makes (and supplies to Elegant Stitch) ~ aren't they fabulous! I love them!!!

She also included an old fashioned pin book and two wonderful patterns by Beth Twist from Heartstrings Primitives. And I just had to save Andrea's perfect hang tag - how cute and appropriate is that? As it turns out, Andrea knows exactly what I like as I already had one of the patterns in my stash (My Home is Built on Glory). So, would you like to own this chart? If so, please leave a comment on my blog letting me know you'd like to stitch it. Oh, and here's the other thing you have to do - leave a comment on ANDREA'S BLOG thanking her for without her, you wouldn't have the opportunity! Makes sense, right? I will check to see if the person I draw has left comments in both places! If not, I'll draw again. If you're not a follower of Andrea's blog, go have a visit, and sign up to follow - she's a talented and wonderful woman that I am so glad to call a friend! What do you say we leave this open until this Friday, June 4th, at 9PM Eastern Standard Time? I'll draw a name then and post on Saturday or Sunday or whenever I get around to it, okay? Oh, and I'll find something extra to include for the winner that for now, shall be nameless! Yeah, you guessed it, no clue what that might be but it'll be a little somethin'!

Welcome to all of my new followers! I hope you'll come back time and again - I love doing this blogging thing even if I don't get around to posting as much as I'd like or have as much stitching to show as I'd like. Of course, I never promised this little piece of me would be ALL about stitching, did I?

And, a very special thanks to all of you who take an extra minute out of your day to leave me a comment on my blabberings. I really appreciate them and know that it takes time and isn't always easy to do. They really do mean a lot and they inspire me to keep on blogging and sharing my little piece of the world with you. What would be the point if nobody ever remarked on what you took the time to write? So here's what I'd ask of you; If you visit a blog out there with only a few comments, take a
second and leave one for them! I promise you, they do feel like "blog awards" every time you get a new note and the person you left the comment for will truly be thrilled (as I am with each and every one)!

Now for an apology.... many of you respond via email to every comment I make on your blogs and I appreciate it. Really, I do - it's wonderful to be acknowledged but, here's my problem... I just can't seem to find the time to respond to individual comments unless it's a specific question. I hope that doesn't seem rude to you, I don't mean for it to be. I don't know
how some of you do it - I know I'm not the only blogger that works full time, has kids, has a husband, piles of laundry, dirty carpets, piles of laundry, dust laden furniture, pets, a garden and more piles of laundry but I can't figure out how you all do it. I'd love to do that, but I just can't. I hope that my saying thank you here will suffice and that you know that I really, truly appreciate and look forward to every single comment! They are the best blogger awards!

Thank you and Peace,
Terri

67 comments:

Anonymous said...

Terrific post, Terri! I always love to come and see if there is a new one! I love your blabberings as you called them!

Congratulations on your latest finish, Texie! I think you need to include all that you mentioned on the back or on a notecard that is attached to the back! Nice shoe form, too!

Have a super deluxe kind of week!

Robin

Marnie said...

Your sampler is awesome! And, yes, I think you should not just put the initials and names on the back, I think it would be cool if you wrote out the story and include it in an envelope, secured to the back of the piece. What a treasure! The shoe mold is fabulous too. How lucky are you? Great job!!!

basketsnprims said...

Terri,
love the finish on your sampler & the story. You should include it on the back. I'm now a follower of Andrea's blog ~ love those waxers she sent you.
hugs,
Pam

Sandra said...

This is my 1st visit to your blog. I am awed by your work and finishing skills. Presently I am still just cross-stitching but i must tell you how much you have inspired me to branch out.
Your drawing is like a carrot in front of my nose..I would love to try my hand at it. Thanks for the pleasure of the visit and for the drawing.,
happy Stitching...Ama

Loraine said...

Your sampler turned out wonderful!!! So special to have your Grandmother's name on there. The history makes it so special. Your little shoe is adorable. How appropriate with the Stuart name. That was quite a find.
I love the package from Andrea. You are so deserving. Please include me in your drawing. I don't have any of this designers patterns.
Take Care and many hugs dear friend.

Natasha said...

Great post, I love your BOAF finish. It looks fantastic. Andrea sent you some lovelies. Heartstring Primitives is fast becoming my favorite designer. I would love to be entered into the drawing for this design. It is really pretty.
Thank You

BeckySC said...

Teri, is my first visit to your blog but will NOT be my last. You do such lovely work :)
I LOVE your sampler-just gorgeous :)

Karen said...

What a great finish...I love what you did with the Sampler and so creative with the initals. Great new stash too!

I love the design but will pass for another lucky stitcher to have a chance!

Happy stitching...

Holly Hills Primitives said...

Hi Terri, looks like you've been a busy girl! You do such beautiful work, you should be so proud. Just wanted to let you know that the downtown Holly antique show is June 12th and it's generally a lot of fun! Hope to see you soon, Dawn

Ellen said...

Wow, your BOAF's sampler is gorgeous! Love samplers and would love a chance to stitch one of Beth Twist's designs. Please include my name in your draw.

Hugs,

Faye said...

Love this post Terri~~~ Especially the part about grandma....Andrea really fixed you up~~~ I have always wanted to do a pattern by Beth Twist so count me in please on the giveaway chart...Very nice and again, I just love the BOAF sampler~~

Laurie in Iowa said...

Love your BOAF sampler... how I wish BOAF was still designing cross stitch charts. Great gifts from Andrea... she's a peach, isn't she!

Kajsa said...

Great finish! I love the way you personalised the sampler, what a neat idea!

Nan ~ Threadwork Primitives said...

Terri, Your SS sampler came out so beautiful. Adding all the family initials was a great idea and what a
cherished piece it will always be. I recently purchased this pattern and hope to one day stitch it up.
BTW... I love shoe forms and I think it was just meant to be that you found one with the name Stuart on it. And those waxers are awesome. Great post, I really enjoyed reading it.
~Nan

Cari said...

Oh Terri, I love your Sally Spencer sampler and all the personal additions!! Good job!! Merry Cox always says to leave a little note in your sampler work. I haven't done it yet but I need too. My Mom saved all the cards that came with the samplers I had stitched for her. So when she passed and I got the needlework back, there was my card as well. It was special. I'd love to win your giveaway..and I'm dashing over to Andrea's blog right now to leave a note. Love the sheepie and the waxers too. I actually have a couple from Elegant Stitch! Yea!! Hugs

Catherine said...

Love this post!! I love even more how you made this sampler so personal! All three of my boys have the same middle name (and all three initials), as do their father, uncle and grandfather!!

Great package from Andrea! I'd love a chance at one of Beth's patterns! Thanks!

lynda said...

Those waxers are so cool! What a thoughtful gift. I would love a chance to win that design. I have several of Beth's designs, but not that one. Thanks for the chance!

Susan said...

I like your posts. They are fun to read and no I don't expect a comment back.
Yes I would like to be included in the drawing as I have seen pics of it finished and it is lovely!
I'll visit Andrea's blog also and leave her a big Thank You in advance for me winning. WooHoo!

Stitching Cat said...

Love your Sally Spencer sampler! and so great that your family tree continues with it. Such nice gifts from Andrea. I love the waxers. Some day I'm going to learn how to make them. Really enjoy your blog and am happy that you follow mine.

Unknown said...

Terri, your finish is just beautiful - I love that you dubbed it Texie and that each initial is so personal - what a truly special piece. Great idea to write it all on the back!

Congrats on a lovely gift from Andrea (she is such a sweetie!). I would love to be entered in your drawing.

Enjoy your week, Terri!

Myra said...

Gosh Terri - you have to shorten these posts for this old woman. By the time I get here I forgot everything I saw and what I was going to say! LOL Just kidding (to an extent).

First of all, I love that sampler and the shoe mold?!? Guess what my last name is? Yep, and I spell it just that way. That thing is precious!

Second, what a wonderful thoughtful gift from Andrea. Both of those patterns are really nice. I am heading over to check out her blog now.

Andrea said...

Oh my gosh, your BOAF Sally Spencer (aka Texie) is just gorgeous! I love what you did with it! I stitched that one a while back, wasn't that happy with it, I think at the time I felt like it was "too big"...maybe it was the count that I did it on, who knows. In your honor, I'm going to go dig it out of the pile and have another look see at it. Maybe if I personalize it more, like you did with yours, it will speak to my heart more!

I'm so happy that my little box of treasures made you happy! You are the sweetest! Gosh, with you sending your readers over to my blog, I'll have to open another lane for incoming traffic! LOL!

Big hugs!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the opportunity to be included in the drawing. I would love to stitch the sampler.
Theresa
tbernad@comcast.net

Marjo said...

Love the sampler, cool that you found a shoe form with Stuart on it.
I love the idea of putting all the info re the initials on the back of the framed piece. Wonderful stitching as always.

Vinniey said...

Beautiful sampler, Terri. I love the way you stitched your grandmother's name onto the sampler making this sampler so special. Well done! :) I will definitely pay Andrea's blog a visit. The pattern by Beth Twist is awesome, please count me in for the draw. Thanks, Terri.

Have a nice day!

Brigitte said...

Oh so reat, the Texie sampler is finished. And it looks gorgeous. Congratulations!
The gift package you received from Angela is really reat, enjoy your new goodies.
I agree with you on answering to comments. I try to comment on other stitchers' blog entries whenever I can because I know from my own blog how joyful it is to get comments. But I can't answer to all the comments that my blogging friends leave on my blog. Just not enough time.

Hazel said...

Lovely post. I love what you did with the sampler in personalising it. Brilliant gift from Andrea. Guess what... I have that chart too! I am with you on the "I don't know how you all do it" thing. Snap snap lol. x

BronnyB said...

What a lovely sampler and such flattering colour choices too. I do like the personalisation you've done - you may need to write the story down and paste to the back of the frame for future generations to follow.
(no need to enter me into the competition although I will pop over to Andrea's blog too.)
Many hugs!

Bertie said...

The sampler is scrutinsed by me!! LOL and it looks terrific, I like the fact of your family names on it, Stuart!! how cool is that.

Your presents are divine, love that sheep, cute. Heartstrings patterns are great, she has some lovely stuff.

Annie said...

What a gorgeous sampler and such a great story to go with it.

And what treasures to receive... so unusual.

Margaret said...

Ok, so you're related to Mary Stuart, right? :D So cool to know your history like that! Lovely finish -- love how you personalized it! And that shoe mold -- so perfect with your history! Great present from Andrea too! Wow! Love everything -- those waxers and all! I already have that chart so no need to include me in the drawing. Hope that's not too confusing for the draw!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I just love your new sampler! Thanks for sharing a bit of family history with us. And what a great idea to document these names on the back of the framed piece. Blessings to you from Kentucky - kelley

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

How wonderful your finish is :) And what a delightful read to start my morning today!
Congratulations on your finish and that SUPER gift from Andrea...LOVELY!

Sherry said...

Sally came out stunning! I have that pattern in my stash. I love how you made it so personal. The sheep and waxers are wonderful too! How great that you got more Beth Twist patterns. I just love her work.

Carol said...

Your newest sampler is just lovely, Terri. The way you personalized it is so special! How neat to have found that shoe form with the name "Stuart" on it, too!

Your gift from Andrea is truly heartwarming--stitchers really are the nicest people, aren't they?

Not entering your drawing, but I'm sure the lucky winner will be delighted...

Patty C. said...

Please include me in your draw -
I can't comment long because I have to go peak at Andrea's blog :)

Rachel S-H said...

What a great way to personalize that sampler! Congratulations! What a lovely gift you were sent! Enjoy!

Julie M said...

Hello Terri!

Great post! I love how you personalized your sampler and what a coincidence to find the shoe mold with the name Stuart on it! Good idea to put the full names on there after you get it framed.

I love comments as much as you do but I don't get nearly as many as you do. I rarely get an email response and I can't imagine trying to respond to all of them. I think people will understand.

staci said...

Gorgeous sampler finish Terri, and I just love how you personalized it~~a true heirloom to treasure!

Those are some wonderfully thoughtful goodies you've received, I can't think of a nicer recipient :)

And I've often wondered about the return-comment thing. As there are some who do respond everytime I leave a comment on their blog...I just don't how they keep up on it. And I hope too that people aren't offended that I don't do the same thing. I admit though that I don't expect a return email when I comment on blogs, except maybe if I'm asking a specific question. Which, when I receive those I do reply (if there is an address attached.)

Happy Stitching!

Deb said...

The sampler turned out great Terri. I just love the colors of it - they always look so much different than the chart pictures, don't they. And that's such a great idea to personalize it like you did.

That shoe mold must have had your name on it from the get go. I picked it up and put it down and Robin, I think was lusting after it also. I don't think that neither of us knew that it had your family name on it! So obviously it was waiting for just the right person to take it home.

Katrina said...

Love your personalization on Sallie Spencer, aka Texie :-). It's so nice you made the sampler your own. And gorgeous gift!!!!

Cathy Lloyd said...

Congrats on a fabulous finish Terri! As always, love reading about your life! Had to chuckle when I saw the picture of the very fine table lamp! Oh my goodness! I absolutely love those waxers! What talent!

Susimac said...

I like your blabberings and I too just never get the chance to respod to comments with emails although I would love too.

I love your sampler finish its lovely.

Littlebit said...

Beautiful sampler, Terri! Love the "Stuart" tradition. And we love sheep, too! How cute is that?

JOLENE said...

Texie is T-E-R-R-I-F-I-C! Beautiful job and love that shoe, I have a collection of these, too. SO neat to find one with a special meaning to you. Congrats on a lovely finish. Smiles....

DonnaTN said...

Congratulations on finishing your very personalized Texie sampler. How wonderful that you found a sampler you could turn into such a neat tribute to your family!

Sherry :o) said...

You are so generous TErri...and so is Andrea. I love her blog! Texie is so cute - so you'll have to bring it to K.S. Love the sheep and the waxers (along with the patterns) you were gifted. Just found Heartstring Primitives by blogging recently - don't have any yet - so please enter me inyour giveaway. See you soon!

Sherry :o) said...

Oh yeah - and I love your "blabberings"...I hope you know how much people enjoy reading your blog!

Anonymous said...

Hi Terri,
I've been visiting your blog for months and months. I'd like to sign up to be a follower but do not know how. I even have you on my Favorites Bar so I can simply click and peek every day.

I love your stitching, your garden, your 'blabberings' and always feel encouraged and movitated after visiting.

Your latest finish, Texie, is just gorgeous. The story of the family name and how you added them to this sampler is very special. I love the idea of adding the full family name story on the back of the picture.

I'd love to be entered into the drawing. Does it matter if I don't have a blog? I will also visit Andrea's blog. She's another favorite of mine. I just think the gifts she sent you are darling and so thoughtful.

You're blessed to have such special friends.

Thanks for sharing the chart, but most importantly to me, for sharing your stitching and all your 'blabberings' in your wonderful posts.

Bobbie :)

Mylene said...

Great post, Terri. I always enjoyed my visit here...
WOW! The sampler looks gorgeous and a very special one!

A lovely package from Andrea. Will sure go and visit her blog.

Lois said...

I love your BOAF finish and really enjoyed reading how you personalised it and some of your family history.

What a nice package of goodies to receive from Andrea. Stitchers are the nicest people.

Giovanna said...

Congrats on the lovely finish! And what a great package from Andrea!

Jane said...

Congrats on your finish, Terri!! It looks super.

DovilÄ— said...

sampler is gorgeous!

SiobhĂ¡n said...

I just LOOOOOVE your finish! What a fantastic tribute to Texie and her family. I love it. I'm looking at my Sally Spencer up on the wall and wishing I'd thought I'd thought of personalizing it more. That is just so neat.

Love love love the gift from Andrea! Ginger Cazan is one of my favorite artists. I'll pass on the giveaway, but thanks anyway for the chance!

marylin & poussy said...

Hello my friend and good you are still very bad what becomes moldy all these presents! Your embroidery is magnificent which talent I kiss(embrace) you with all my friendship
mary

Peonies & Magnolias said...

Your sampler is so beautiful and love that shoe mold. Have a great weekend.

Sandy

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Girl,
One day I want to be just like you and stitch like that! I want to learn so badly. I see all of this inspiration and I just NEED to take the time and learn how. I am so missing out! :)

And finally, an AMEN to your last sentiment. I have NO idea how some bloggers can leave everyone a comment or respond to each one. They sure deserve a crown or a cape as I am like you...I cannot do that. When I have the time to sit and visit, I enjoy visiting but LIFE does call me 90% of the time :)
Don't even get me started on the laundry...
;)
Have a wonderful weekend Terri :)
I loved this post!

Isabelle said...

How could I miss your post, Terri : what a shame and I so love reading your adventures ....your sampler turned out very nice : I love it a lot :-))
I also saw the pictures of your trip with Robin and Deb : you must have been spent a lovely time there purchasing antic finds : what lucky gilrs you are !!
I wish you a nice week-end ,
hugs,
Isa

Karoline said...

Your Texie sampler is gorgeous Terri, congratulations.

What a lovely gift from Andrea

Alice said...

How original to call it the "Texie" sampler. I love the way your brought your family into this sampler. It's a real heirloom. It might be fun to write a letter and frame it with the letter sealed in at the back for future generations to discover. That SHOE with the Stuart name, YES, it really was perfect timing. Great idea the way you displayed the scissors in it. Now I also want one of those. : ) I think one must be ignorant if you don't know Mary Stuart. Cool ancestors!!; ) I adore Andrea so it comes as no surprise that she send you such wonderful goodies. Don't you just LOVE her handwriting? Its like poetry in motion. I adore this chart and its the first time I see it so please enter me for the draw. I am going to slide right over to Andrea after this.
Alice
xxx

MyLifesAStitch said...

Texie is perfect! I just love the way you personalized it. It will be a wonderful little bit of family history for years to come, I'm sure. And the shoe! How perfect! Now I'm really glad I didn't wrestle you to the ground to take it. ;)

Andrea is so kind! Love the little sheep and those waxers! How cute are they??

I'll bow out of the running for the chart since I just got some lovelies from you. Hope you're having a great weekend!

Tammy said...

Oh Terri, first of all, your sampler is spectacular. What a special and beautiful piece-gosh I love it! Oh and I not only DON'T have time for thank you's for comments, I feel like a schmuck because I can't even keep up with all the sweet people who follow my blog! It's so hard to find the several hours I need to sit down and visit everyone. How'd that happen??!!

My Colonial Home said...

Teri your stitcheries are always so beautiful and I loved hearing about the 'names', very interesting. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Your gifts are wonderful....very interesting looking wax bowl fillers...love them...and the sheep, well, you know me with sheep...LOVE THEM.

Hugs, Karen

Pumpkin said...

Fantastic finish and I loved how you personalized it :o)

Drat! I missed it :o(

Listen, I don't work, I don't have kids so I have lots of time ;o) There are times when I get behind but I go on the assumption that people understand that life happens and I'll get back to them when I can. Case in point, I'm behind in my Blog reading! LOL!

Michelle said...

Congrats on a beautiful finish. What an amazing tribute!

frifri said...

bonjour , je suis arrivĂ©e chez vous par hasard et votre blog est sympa, vos creations sont tres jolies, et j'aime voir et apprĂ©ciĂ©e le travail des autres , mĂªme si je ne fais pas du tout la mĂªme chose que vous! vos crĂ©as sont minutieuses et tres belles en tout cas, si cela vous dit passez me faire un petit coucou et laissez moi un com , cela fait toujours plaisir!

amicalement frifri

www.frifricreations.canalblog.com