Howdy Do's and How Do You's??

Many moons ago - about 18 years of moons - I bought my first counted cross stitch pattern. Of course, being me, I didn't pick out the one that is for beginners, I chose one with a lot of colors and very complicated graphics. Two years later, I finished my project and had it professionally framed. Whew!

After that I had to have another project and off to the store to buy another project, this time a Prairie Schooler sampler pattern. It was a daunting sampler, but I loved making it. My oldest son, then 8 years old, would sit by me in the evenings and would sometimes help me pull the thread through the hole. I told him that this would be his sampler to have someday - of course he ain't gettin' it till he has his own home. ;)

Now that I made one for my oldest son, I had to make one for my youngest...must not leave him out!! At that time his room was decorated in a Warren Kimble pattern of sailboats, lighthouses and flags. I found the perfect pattern for him with flags, houses and boats. And...it was also the perfect size to fit in a victorian criss cross frame that I already had.

My goal was to make a sampler each year - an unrealistic goal it ended up being with working full time in a new career. Of course, I managed to stretch it out and completed some projects over the years, but not what I exactly had intended to do. I buy most of my kits at a wonderful shop, Elegant Stitch, which happens to be right here in town. How perfect is that? I have come to know Lois and Annie over the years and they are just the sweetest ladies. Lois owns the shop and will go the extra mile to ship you just what you need for your projects. My favorite patterns are Blackbird Designs, which she sells at her shop.

Lately I have come across some truely talented cross stitching ladies who have inspired me to get out some of my projects. I asked myself, "How do they find the time to stitch so much?" Tina just finished another little pretty project and when you are done visiting Tina, stop over to Heidi's blog to see her wonderful pincushions and pinkeeps. I asked Heidi if I could post photos of her pincushions and she said yes!! The ghost and the witch's hat a just a few of her original patterns. Too cute!! Oh, and OUCH! I added the photo of her bird and cherry pinkeep that she cross stitched. Now, tootle over to Nancy's and Jaimie's to see all of the wonderful projects they have made. Amazing!!!

There are two friends from Germany, Anja and Patricia, who have been bitten by the creative bug big time! Anja creates the most gorgeous dresses with lovely embellishments. Check out how Patricia "pimped" her jacket and her recent posts on the pincushion and pillow that she made. Too cute!

Ok, this post is getting quite lengthy..apologies..but before I end, there are four new blogging friends to introduce! Stop over to visit Jen, Michelle, Brenda and Vintage Twist to wish them a Howdy Do!!! Best wishes to all of them and welcome to our little cyber world of friendships. Wink and a nod to y'all!!!