This week, I started my little grand daughter, Olivia's, birth sampler. Now don't laugh...Olivia is going to be three years old, so to say I am a little behind is an understatement! But Olivia has a little sister, Isabel, who was born last July...haven't started that sampler and then we had a another baby girl, Charlotte, who was born last month...haven't started that one either...so I figured I had better get on the ball. There just doesn't seem to be enough hours in a day..I try to get in about an hour of stitching or rug hooking every evening..but I am so tired after work, I usually fall asleep in my stitching chair around 8 pm. Boy am I getting old!

I am using motif's from the new booklet by Blackbird Designs, "Honeysuckle Manor". I love the colors in the sampler and I thought it would be a nice one for the girls. As you can see...I have the dreaded "hoop" marks on my fabric, but I have to use a hoop..can't help it! I am also using 14 count aida....which is so much easier on my eyes..and I find I can stitch a heck of a lot faster. I only wish I had purchased all of the hand-dyed floss that was listed. I used mostly DMC floss with the color conversion...but I did purchase 3 Gentle Arts skeins and the colors are so soft and the variations in the thread is just beautiful. Well...I'd better get back to the sampler...I've got lots of stitchin' to do!

A TOWNSEND...IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING!

I know, I know it's been like forever since I last posted...almost three weeks to be exact! I have had a rough couple of weeks...busy at work, busy at home, yard work, inside work, then to top it off, I experienced a horrible case of "viral gastroenteritis" last week..in other words...I ate something that was contaminated by someone not washing their hands properly or at all or the food, itself, was contaminated. Either way...it cost me a trip to the emergency room last Tuesday morning and then three days of misery! Yuck...I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy! All this while my new Townsend sat in my hooking room....UNTOUCHED! I finally was able to use it this past weekend and what a joy it was! I think my hooking even looks better...my strips are even, no fraying, and it cuts like butter!! I purchased it from Ault's Rug Hooking Store while they were up here at the hook-in in Saline. Larry gave me a trade in allowance for my Fraser so the decision was easy..especially since all my hooking friends think this machine is the best invention since sliced bread!

A FUN FILLED WEEKEND AHEAD!

I have been so anxiously waiting for this weekend in April!! First of all...I am going to a dinner on Friday evening, celebrating 25 years of service with the hospital..now this isn't a dinner just for me...it is a celebration for over 200 people that have been employed with this hospital system for 25 years and over. Can you imagine...25 years or more?? It has really flown by, and for the most part..I have really enjoyed my time at this hospital. I have made really good friends, have had patients that have made a lasting and meaningful impression upon my life, and I hope, I have touched some of their lives as well. This has been my one and only place of employment since graduating from nursing school back in the 80's. Anyway...it promises to be a wonderful evening..good food and good company!

Now...the second part of this wonderful weekend...is the Ann Arbor/Saline Hook-In on Saturday at the Washtenaw Country Fairground. This is an annual event and I can't wait!!! There are so many vendors Kris Miller, Larry and Gloria Ault and several others..can't wait!! You know..you can never have enough wool..or hooking patterns! I am actually thinking of biting the bullet and purchasing a Townsend...I have been saving my pennies! But just can't seem to make a decision...

then...the third and final chapter to my weekend...is going to the first antique show in Allegan Michigan of the season. This is an event that even my husband enjoys! Two of my friends from work are going with us....it will be their first time. It is acres and acres of antiques---primitives, vintage, etc, etc...all kinds of goodies! The prices are very reasonable and the dealers are friendly and always willing to make a deal! I am only hoping the weather will cooperate...it's supposed to be a little chilly..

Posted below is a little rug that I finished up this weekend for our "Little Quilt Retreat". It is a design from Kindred Spirits that I purchased in 2003 when I first started hooking.

LITTLE QUILT WEEKEND RETREAT

This weekend was our "Little Quilt Weekend Retreat" for the ebay group, AAPG (An American Primitive Gathering). I am not a quilter...tried it...didn't like it..but my good friend Lori, from Homespun Prims by Lori, makes the most amazing quilts among other handmades, including the wonderful pincushion also seen in the picture. So....I took my little quilts, made by her, and framed them. I think they are deserving to be treated as works of art...which they are! Pictures do not do them justice, but at least by framing them, they are front and center and they really dress up my living room wall. They were easy to frame, but I want to change the background from the stark white, acid free paper, to a soft tan. Lori's blog and picturetrail are listed on the sidebar to see even more of her amazing hand-mades & her beautiful home.

The game board was purchased from a wonderful folk artist from Maine who happened to be one of the vendors at the Malabar Farm show last September. And of course..as you can see...I don't have one particular style of decor that I cater too...I have a mix of everything. Notice the ironstone pitcher with the flowers?? That pitcher has traveled to more places and tabletops in my home than a container of Orange Glo!

Anyway...I hope everyone is have a nice Sunday...it's still a bit chilly here in Michigan..but at least we don't have snow!

NEW BABY IN THE FAMILY

This morniing we were so blessed with the arrival of another grandchild, Charlotte Ann! Our son Shane and his wife Jennifer have two beautiful little boys, but were so hoping for a girl...and this morning...she arrived!

I finished my Maggie B. rug...finally! I don't think I will ever hook a rug that big again..it turned out really nice and I can't wait to hang it...but first I have to paint my kitchen...when will I ever get the time to do that?? When I have a day or two off from work...I sure don't feel like painting!! Anyway...I am now hooking a small rug..one I purchased from Kindred Spirits designs about 7 years ago..it's a cute little rug..6 1/2 x 24. I needed something small. Next rug will be my Mr. Hempenstall, from Maria Barton of Star Rug company..it is adorable! I already have my wool picked out and will be bringing it to the Saline hook in on April 24th.