Stitching weekend

It was a weekend retreat for me. The theme this month was flowers. I had gotten a pattern from Lori Rippey, a member of our online group AAPG. It was very generous of her to share her pattern with us. When I first saw it, I knew where I wanted to put it. It now hangs in my downstairs halfbath. I just love how it turned out. Couldn't get a head on shot because it's behind glass. I used praire cloth for the first time, and have to say that I really enjoyed working with it. It's a little stretchy, but I like the affect. This had a little bit of cross stiching and applique work. It's 5x7 when it's done, but I wanted it in an 8x10 frame. So I found some nice cotton fabric to attach it to. I just folded under the edges and then did very tine whip stitches to secure it to the fabric.

The next piece I did for a friend for her birthday. It isn't for a while yet, but now I'm done! Feels good to have one gift ready. This is a penny rug pattern by Ginger Sanchez . When I saw it, I thought of my friend. It was supposed to be a Christmas gift last year, but that never happened. And in all honesty, if I would have waited like I ususally do to start my gifts for the holidays, it never would have gotten done. This was a LOT of stitching, let alone all the cutting out of the pieces. My shoulder and neck were burning quite a bit. I did take breaks often today. I had no choice. My arm just wouldn't let me make too many stitches at one time. I had to have it on a flat surface and I was standing most of the time doing it to keep it even. It measures 14 1/2" around. Not the best picture. It's late and not much light in the house.

That's all I got done this weekend, but it sure felt good to just devote this time to making a couple items. One for me, and one for a gift. The weather was gorgeous yesterday and I did take a break to go help my mil with her shower. Windows were open and we had a real nice breeze.

Well, that's it for tonight. I'm shot, and I think I'll go watch a bit of tv before I call it a day.

I hope whatever you did this weekend, you got the most out of it!!