A birthday...a finish...Happy Thanksgiving ;-)

 Ta-Da!  Here she is...Elizabeth Mary Gandey.  I finished her last week.  Haven't smoothed out the wrinkles yet, so excuse them.  This is one of Shakespeare's Peddlers samplers.

 Done with Belle Soie silks - beautiful, if I may say so myself.  Don't you just love the color pattern of the steps; and the pink doggie is growing on me.  Unfortunately it will have to wait for the framer until after the first of the year.

I have put my name or initials on the reproduction samplers I have completed...but I  needed some thing else where Elizabeth's age was located.  I decided to put the current year and her initials.  I have started to write on the back of framed pieces a bit of history or something about the piece so on this one, once framed, I will be sure to note that very thing.  Sorry for the shadow.

A couple weeks ago the group of friends I stitch with and hang with gathered for the (usually) bi-monthly lunch and stitching.  It was my birthday earlier this month and some of us participate in a gift exchange.  This year we did a yard of fabric each.  This was my stash addition.  What did I pick?  Well if you are a regular to this blog, batiks is no surprise!!

Aren't they lovely....hmmm, the wheels are churning on what to do, what to do - with these beautiful fabrics. Thanks to all  my friends who gave me these luscious fabrics. 

While there, Pam's husband came over to talk with another friend about a wood chest he is building.  He is the one who built my cabinet a couple Christmas' ago (I will post a picture sometime - it's phenomenal!!).  Yes, I have a Bill original.  Anyway, he stopped by and we were all visiting and it came up in conversation that he reads my blog.  So - hi Bill!! 

My postman delivered a package from the Attic (in Arizona) that I was desperately waiting for.  Don't they do a great presentation - this is what I pulled out of the envelop.

And this is what I pulled out of the beautiful tissue...

 A Maryland Inspiration by Heart's Ease Examplar Workes and the silks.  Can you say BEAUTIFUL!!  This sampler is going to be a fun stitch and a stunning finish.  Now I thought I had some linen in my stash that would work - but it's about 6-7 inches short on one side - bummer!! 

Stacy Nash Primitives have this beautiful Pears & Strawberries Sampler Sewing Bag that is so sweet. I had to have that one for sure - maybe I will kit that up for the holidays.   And finally, my friend Paulette had this JBW Birds and Berries.  I wouldn't have even looked at this one until I saw Paulette's version - the thread she used was sooo pretty.  This should be a quick stitch.

Look at this - wow!

 My mom is a snickers nut - pun intended.  I saw this the other day and knew I had to put it with her Christmas gift.  Too funny.

Speaking of Mom, here she is, surrounded by her daughters.  We went to a play together a couple weeks ago and then grabbed some drinks and appetizers after.  It was great to spend some time with my sisters and mom -  no kids, no medical crap - just hanging out.  She is slowly recouping from her March illness.  Don't we look all pretty and dolled up. 

Well that's it for today.  My husband is up north with my 95 year old grandpa, deer hunting - so I took advantage of that and invited my friends over for some stitching time.  I didn't even toil over what to have for lunch - can you say Costco chicken noodle soup, some salad and bread and a quick no-bake pie.... Yum...Now to get a shower and get out my needle and thread! 

Oh yeah - forgot, I read a book by Deborah Harkness A Discovery of Witches - tore through that puppy in about three days - part of a series and I am waiting for the second at the library.  I can't recommend it enough!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all - I love reading about my blogging world friends on their blogs and enjoy the comments left on mine.  May you all have much to be thankful for this year and many more to come!! 

Take time to do something that makes you happy!!

Hugs :0)
Sherry