And old finish

First off I want to thank everyone who entered my last giveaway and was sweet enough to leave comments about what stitching has meant to you.  I loved all of your answers and wasn't surprised to find out that they mirrored mine.  For years it was like I was a closet stitcher because no one else in my family stitched and none of my friends did either.  I felt very alone but not discouraged.  Now it seems that the needlework world has opened up and all of us closet stitchers no longer have to stitch alone.  We can go to our LNS or open up our computer and there is always someone there just waiting to talk with you about what you're working on.  For myself, it has given me the chance to try new things that I would of never seen or done otherwise.  Who knew there was such a thing as a Quaker sampler that you could stitch in one color....or all the different types and colors of threads.....or that there was such a thing as hand dyed linen that has more than one color in it.  I am still amazed about how our world has grown when it comes to needlework.

I'm working on Fallen Roses but I thought I would share something with you that I stitched more than 20 years ago.  It is a Carol Costello design called Shalimar and it is stitched on moss green 18ct. needlepoint canvas using a multitude of different fibers.  For example, I used DMC pearl cotton in all the fancy stitches in cream but the center square has silk, wool and cotton.  I have all of Carol's books and I'm not sure if they are still in print but if you ever get a chance to try one of her designs, you will love it.  

 Below is a close up of the center square and some of the specialty stitches used in the design.

Now I've said that sweet Vallie was going to a different groomer.....well today was the day.  She's a little put out with me as you can tell from the photos but she sure looks better.

I think in the above picture, she shows that she's really not back to feeling 100% better.  It's been raining here for days and we haven't been able to take as many walks as she would like so maybe that's got her a little depressed.  

I will post pictures of Fallen Roses soon and show you what I have gotten done.  I'm also working on a cowl for my daughter, Jenn which is just beautiful.  I love the yarn I'm using.  Also, yesterday I discovered a new yarn shop here in Orlando and I went nuts.  I will post pictures of the beautiful silks and wools I purchased.  

So many projects.....not enough time......

Blessings as always,

Barbara