Photo of my Camp Project

I thought I would share a photo of the Biscornu project we did this weekend at Camp Stitchaway. This project included the Cobblestone stitch and unfortunately I have not been able to get a really clear photo showing the wonderful lacy-ness of this stitch. But maybe you can get the idea. The fabric is cream linen and the cobblestone stitch is done with cream pearl cotton. The cross stitch, herringbone stitch and backstitch/closing is done with Ginnie Thompson Flower Thread. And it has a wonderful Ladybug Button Bead in the center. It is so cute! I am making a matching needlebook to go with it!

Camp StitchAway!

I just returned from a wonderful stitching retreat at the Big Lynn Lodge in Little Switzerland, NC in the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This was the most wonderful setting for a retreat. The view was fantastic, the accommodations were enjoyable, the staff members were remarkable , the food was delicious, the campers were fun-tastic, the teacher was wonderful and our hosts (Peggy and Carol) were incredible! I arrived on Thursday afternoon and was welcomed as though by a family member and by the time I left today I felt like part of a family. Vicky and Hoyt (and of course Bailey--their adorable 5 year old!) were wonderful. They even brought Vicky's personal recliner from their home so that I would have a comfortable place to sleep. Meals were an adventure and the wait staff made it a totally enjoyable experience. Even provided seconds if we asked! They always included freshly baked bread still warm from the oven and the best food one could ask for. And all the desserts were freshly made by Vicky and Hoyt. Thursday evening was free time, but those of us that had arrived early gathered in the dining room and stitched and renewed friendships and caught up with everyone. There was much laughter and talking and sharing. On Friday morning we gathered for breakfast and then just stayed on to stitch. Since the lodge had opened for the season a week early just for us we had the entire place to ourselves. That evening everyone assembled and we had a lovely project to do and I actually finished my very first Camp Stitchaway project! It was a matchbox cover with a mountain view that certainly reminds us of the view out the windows there at the lodge. We were given a tea light candle and candle dish, some mini marshmallows and tooth picks so we could have our own personal marshmallow roast! Show and Tell was lots of fun and I enjoyed seeing all of the wonderful projects that everyone brought to share. Hopefully, next year, I will be able to bring some things to share as well. Then Saturday we had our class project--a lovely biscornu--designed as only our lovely Meg (Meg Thompson Shinall) could do. We learned the cobblestone stitch and I was actually able to finish mine while there. I plan to give this one away to a dear internet friend but I bought extra fabric so I can do another for myself. On Saturday afternoon, Kiki and Pat took June and me up to Spring Maid to show us the bunk house where camp has always been before. While I know everyone had fun there, I must confess that I am so glad that Peggy changed venue so that I can join in. I know I could never have made it in the bunkhouse. Saturday evening we finished our projects and Nancy had written a wonderful play for us. The actors were amazing and we all learned the origin of yodeling!

Today as we said our goodbyes, I was really sad to leave. I met some wonderful new friends, re-visited with some old friends and refreshed my soul. While my body is tired, I am relaxed and refreshed in mind and spirit. Thank you to all who made this weekend so lovely for all of us--but for me in particular. You know who you are! I cannot wait till next year.

Until next time....Happy Stitching!

Catching up!

It seems lately that each time I come to post I get side-tracked. I have been so busy getting the website up and running and keeping the selling blog updated that I have totally neglected this one. But hopefully that will change now. The new website is up. Please check it out at MadStitcher.com. The selling blog also is still open for special orders, consignment stitching orders and a few other things that we have planned. So don't forget to check there occasionally also-- The MadStitcher & Company And finally we have our Message Board open and would love to have you all join us there for lots of talking, sharing, learning, enabling, and maybe even some laughter! Forum

Now on to the personal side of things.

I had so much to share with you right after Christmas but now everything seems like old news. I have been getting a little stitching done. I did the Winter Mandala and the Spring Mandala for Ink Circles which have now been published in Just Cross Stitch Magazine. I have also finished two models for Examplars From the Heart.

Shy Philomena:


















and Walk Beside Me:















Now I am stitching another model but I am also in design mode and have two designs in progress right now. I am hoping to be able to share them with you soon.

Please check back often as I am hoping things will begin to even out a bit. Till next time...Happy Stitching!