What are you stitching?

This is the kit that Linda (Lizzie Kate) brought for us to stitch.

This is the needle book that Laurie (La D Da) brought for us to stitch.  Actually, we stitched on a piece of wool with waste canvas and then we stuck it to a already made pocket to slip the needle book inside. (right)  Never thought I would stitch with waste canvas again.

The piece that I won in one of many drawings.  Jan, host of the retreat, stitched it and it was the theme of the retreat.  It is sitting on a self in my kitchen.

I was lucky enough and Linda signed my piece. So nice of her.

This is an updated pic of my snowmen.

I have been busy over the last weeks.  I had an absolutely awesome time at the Retreat in Syracuse.  I met Linda of Lizzie Kate and Laurie of La D Da. I cannot forget to mention my new stitching buddy, Margie.  We hit it off immediately.  It was such a relaxing and exhilarating weekend in a long time.  Both of those ladies are very down to earth and someone you can relate to and they become your friend in the small amount of time you are with them.  Heard stories about the stitching biz.  How one designer started and the other taught us how to make this amazing needle book.  There were drawings all weekend long leading up to the big one to see who would get the stitched piece by Jan.  Store owner and host.  I usually never win at drawings.  I won 2 of the 12 extra drawings.  Wow.  Guess I am going back next year. 

Laurie and I.

Linda

Some of the "goodies".

I have also been reading away.  In the last couple of months I have read "11/22/63' by Stephen King, the newest trilogy from Tami Hoag, "Deeper than the Dead", "Secrets to the Grave", and "Down the Darkest Road".  I love Jodi Pioult.  Almost finished "House Rules".  All of them great reads.
School front --  Passed one test but have to take another one.  Working on the checking off the skills list.  Not sure if I will start in August or January.  Either one will be good.
Family -- Boys are doing well.
Happy Stitching Everyone