Primitive Gatherings and more!

Yeah! I had my prayers answered and got to Wisconsin and some really amazing shops!

What an awesome state Wisconsin is-quilters heaven would be an underestimate and as for the prim shops to visit.....they simply have it all and I was totally jealous of the huge choice and range of goodies available. My only problem (apart from running out of money, ha!) was the weight restrictions for the plane.....hubs was getting worried and bought a set of fish scales from Walmart, to weigh my bags, before going to the airport-it's always good to have a sensible head about!lol!

We travelled over last Monday and I got to my favourite on-line quilt shop on Tuesday, oh, I was so like a child, I think hubs thought I had lost the plot altogether-my eyes just could not take in the amount of yumminess; wools, fabrics, threads and kits GALORE! Where does a girl start, when faced with that??

Firstly, hubs was gently encouraged to go for a wee drive and not to rush back (he hired a nice car for himself), so he was easily persuaded!lol!

The girls in the shop are just as I imagined-very helpful, friendly and talented. Some of them design patterns too and the samples around the walls were just stunning.
Lisa (the owner) unfortunately, I didn't get to meet, as they were at a quilt show, but she ought to be proud of her girls-we had great fun, as my baskets got higher and higher!!

Anyway, it's the pics I'm sure you want to see, so here are a few-they don't do it justice, as I would have needed to take the samples individually, but you will get a taste.









These two pics, show some of the yummy wools-they also had big baths full of wool bundles-I would so loved to have one of every colour......






This was part of their red, white and blue area (not a great pic) but they had penny mats and the most beaut needle punch samples-see the basket on the wall, with the needle punch on it?



This was part of their Christmas area-just look at all the kits, sitting about-I know I am not doing it justice, but EVERY free space was covered, with samples or wool kits packaged or rows of patterns.



This bed, was up the front of the shop and on it you can see the Americana runner-just one of their summer kits. All the kits and samples to do with their summer book are all on display here.

The next two pics are on they way down the stairs, where all the Autumn Gatherings, samples and kits are. Then downstairs (I didn't get a pic) has all the wool rug hooking stuff and sale fabrics/patterns and an area for classes.











One bag of scrummy goodness! (Want the secret? I went back the next day, for bag number 2...hush!)

Ok, are you bored yet? You might just have needed to have been there, but for those not bored yet, I will show you one more amazing shop in Spring Green, called The Country Sampler Quilt Shop. Wow, but this shop had class.

The displays were amazing and they had such a range of beautiful muted colours of flannels, checks and plaids and yes, yummy wools. They also had loads of punch needle patterns, like Country Stitches and lots of prim cross stitch samplers. I didn't like to take too many pics as I wasn't supposed to-I asked after paying for my stuff and I think, she couldn't really refuse!lol!




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What do you think? Stunning? That wasn't even half the displays. Look at how they wrap purchases so beautifully-I don't want to unpack them yet, as they look so good in the bags!lol!





Thought I better show you the main reason for our trip, just in case you thought it was all for me! ha! No, hubs was going to the Renewable Energy Fair at Custer and VERY kindly took me along, since he knows, I would have died if he hadn't!!! Thank you hubs, from the bottom of my heart-you were sooooo patient and tolerant and thank you for turning a blind eye to all the bags.....

That's all for now,thanks for stopping by and I will be back with some prim pics and some goodies soon,

Blessings, Shazy x

Pressie and stitching!

Today was a lovely sunny day-a little blowy, but definitely better than the rain we received on Saturday! It is just so pleasurable to have sunshine coming in through the windows, even if it reveals my lack of cleaning!LOL!

Last week was one of those weeks-2 steps forward and about 10 steps back!!! Most evenings and afternoons (school finished early) were spent revising-this was my son's end of first year exams and until now, they have never been taught how to revise, so it was intense to say the least. Lets just hope he has learnt from the experience!!

Added to that was ANOTHER visit to the Dr's with him, for ANOTHER round of antibiotics-they know us on first name terms now..HA! AND we were back again today with cherub number 3....I'm beginning to feel a little uncomfortable, in case they think I have an obsession with the surgery, or worse still, with someone in the surgery:( It's going to have to be vitamins all round for the next month, to help us stay out of that place!

I did get the most lovely surprise in the midst of one of my power cleaning mornings......Yep, Postie came again:)) Oh, I so love postie when he brings me parcels, especially ones that have been put together especially for me, catering to my tastes. Just check out what my lovely friend Wendy from 'The Quiet Room' sent...




Is that amazing or what? The photo doesn't show the lovely pillow properly. It has a little prayer and smells delish! Look at those bobbins (I am going to pinch a few for makedo's) and the lovely rusty goods and paddle and candles....

Thank you soooo much Wendy, I just love them all:))

Wendy does the most beautiful stitching and uses her blog as a journal. Not only is she a great friend but she is so inspirational, fun and so down to earth with it! Thanks again buddy:))

I never got to show you this boy I made recently. I like how he turned out with his wool penny rug, but I'm not sure if he would look better without his ears-what do you think?



Because of the nature of last week, I only got to snatch a bit of stitching here and there-purely for therapy, so it had to be something not very brain taxing and relaxing:)



I know it's not Fall yet, but I just needed these comforting colours....the bigger pillow is a chestnut junction pattern and the smaller I think, came from Homeberries.
I hope I am giving credit appropriately, as it has been a while since I got the smaller one.





The close ups are to show you the lovely fabrics I made them up with - Memes Quilts, but I don't remember which range. The stitcheries are darker than the pic shows, as they were stained.

Thanks to all who visit and to those who leave comments, I greatly appreciate each and every one.

I mightn't get much blogging in, for the next few weeks as I have a major clean to do, for going away Monday week-(my MIL will be staying here) but we will see, I might get round it quicker than I think :)

Hope you all have a great week,
Blessings,
Shazy x

The Primitive Shelf and Fantastic Giveaway!

A quick post to update you all on a few places you will want to know about;

Check out this new blog shop-Christine (Preferably Prim)has recently started selling her lovely prim goodies at the Primitive Shelf



Secondly, check out this amazing giveaway! Not only is it very generous but you will also love to get to know Tanya and her lovely blog at Friendship Crossing



Blogland is just the best to meet new friends-it never ceases to amaze me, the generosity and inspiration of some people:) Enjoy, both these visits!

Blessings, Shazy x

Pressies and purchases!

Good Monday morning!

I don't know about you, but I have heard some people say they suffer from the 'Monday blues'-I'm delighted to say, I can't relate to this one, as I LOVE Mondays.
In fact, I was so anxious for morning to come, that last night, I could hardly sleep!

No, it wasn't the house work that I was dying to get up and do!LOL! Surely you know me by now....I had a multiplicity of projects in my head, so up I got at 6am and up to my sewing room! You see, I couldn't go downstairs and start housework as I would have to turn the security alarm off and the whole house would be awake!! So, it had to be to the sewing room-even if the only project I got finished was taking up my sons trousers for school (yes, I had to spend £26 on new trousers and there is only about 6 wks of term left-that did go against the grain just a little)

Why do I love Mondays?
Because, its the start of a new week and this week, well, this Monday, I don't have any kids off sick:))
Over the last while (it seems forever) there was always one or other of my two oldest cherubs off! So hopefully the tide has turned AND it is sunny outside,
so all in all, things are looking good:)

Last week I had a couple of lovely surprises amidst all of the sickness.
First off, I got a lovely package from guess where? Yea, USA!!



I thought it was something I'd forgotten I had ordered!(what does that tell you?),I was so pleasantly surprised, to find a parcel of yummy goodies from the lovely Tanya from 'Friendships Crossing' blog.
Just look at it all-Mays edition of Country Sampler (I have practically ate it Tanya), some lovely stitchery and cross-stitch patterns, a little cross-stitch Americana kit and some really really gorgeous over-dyed floss (going to save it for a while:))
Thank you sooo much Tanya-how thoughtful and generous, it really brightened up my day:)



On Friday, Christine and I met for coffee and a visit to a quilt shop (the only local one we have and its about 1hr drive)
Christine surprised me with these two lovely pears, made by her own fair hands and I just sooo love them. I couldn't believe it, as I had just recently got a folk art pear pattern.

I have them displayed in this little cart, for the meantime



This next pic, shows the lovely fabric better. Once again, thank you so so much, Christine for your thoughtfulness:)
Blogging buddies are just the best:)



What did I buy?
Well, I took this pattern with me, to look for background fabrics.
I got the pattern a while back and just noticed recently that PG are running this as a BOM, starting in July and they are using some yummy Japanese fabrics....maybe I should have waited?



The fabric in the next pic is not very clear, but it is a deep red woolies flannel, which I am hoping to use as the background for the Christmas Sampler quilt,designed by Cheri. Another Christmas project-it's not hard to work out my favourite decorating season:))



I'm afraid this is another Christmas pic. This is a little kit I got from PG and just HAD to have it.Just look at those gorgeous wools and those delicious gingers, who could resist such yumminess? Not me anyway:))



Talking of PG (Primitive Gatherings).This day 4 wks hubs and I should be winging our way to Wisconsin and PG here I come!!! Only, I am getting a big bit scared.....this ash cloud is causing major havoc and all flights are currently cancelled-it is getting a little close for comfort (my knees are nearly calloused from praying-I
MUST MUST get to PG)

On the sewing front, I have been sewing little bits here and there. I did get the blocks prepped for stitching, of the 'bundling board'. I found this challenging enough to do, as I find it difficult not to try to co-ordinate the fabrics and this pattern calls very much for randomness-is that a word??


That's all I think I have to share at the minute. The sun is shining and I need to get outside, so have a great week and hopefully I will get back again soon,
Please say hello, if you have visited-I love to hear from you all:)

Until then,
Blessings,
Shazy x

Finished project and other things!

Hello again,
I hope everyone has had a good start to May. It is hard to believe how quickly the months are flying by, but I sure am looking forward to some good sunny weather. This last few days here have been quite cool ( we still have to put the heat on) and worse still, I am wearing my winter boots!! Sorry but, I like my comforts and there aint much worse than cold feet! Ha!

Thank you all for your lovely thoughts and kind wishes regarding my daughter and her sore leg. Thankfully the cast is now off and they do not want to do any further scans at present. So hopefully everything has settled down again. The whole experience seems to have knocked her confidence and produced new fears-one being, that she won't go to sleep on her own; she seems to need someone with her ALL the time. We sure are hoping, that this soon settles!!

I thought you might like to see a quick little needle punch. This is one of Robins patterns from Bird in the Hand blog. I had previously got the bit of wood from a charity shop, thinking I would make a wall sconce, but when I was looking for something to mount this needle punch onto, this seemed to fit the job!!







This is where it is for now, but I'm not sure it is staying here (there was an existing nail)

Over the last few days, I have been taking a couple of pics of a few things that have made my heart SING:) I hope you all have such moments. Obviously it goes without saying, that my family makes my heart sing, but this blog is primarily about my hobbies and crafts and I don't really like putting my family on such a public place, as you can understand.



What makes my heart sing....
What can be more joyful than the colours and details of nature?


What makes my heart sing?.....the back broke on a HUGE maintenance job! (I'm painting this timber black)


.......Postie bringing an international parcel (that means something crafty from USA-yea!)


.......getting stuck into a new project. This is an all wool penny rug table runner and so far I am enjoying prepping it for hand stitching-I so love having hand stitching to do in the evenings.


There is a window just above my cutting table, which is making these colours look brighter than they really are-they are more muted.


This is what the finished job should look like:)

Oh, did I not put in a photo of what postie brought? Oh dear! Well I'm going to have to save that for another post, but I think it might have been some yummy fabrics...

Have a great week,
Blessings , Shazy x

Stitching show, needle punch and painting project!

Well, Is life as busy in your pad as it is here? This has been another hectic week but I know by reading some of your blogs, you are finding it to be the same-so many jobs, so little time....

Hubs was meant to be in the States this week, but due to the air problems, his flight was cancelled, so all my plans to run the roads had to be put on hold! No, I'm only joking-I'm actually glad he is here this week to help with our three year old. She had to have a full leg plaster of paris on since Sunday because of a limp, so it is great to have an extra pair of hands as she cannot weight bear. We hope to get it off on Monday and hopefully the limp will have disappeared (there is no fracture etc)

As you can imagine, I have spent my week reading and playing!! I did get the odd little break:))

Last week, we had a stitching and craft show-nothing like in the States, but I did manage to dig for a few little goodies:)

I got a few patterns-I know this is one of the older books of Primitive Gatherings, but I didn't have it and was glad to get my hands on it. The small pattern is a Primitive Gathering needle punch.



Being a Christmas person, I couldn't resist this wire hanging and some rustie goodies.



I also got some lovely woven Japanese fabrics that I took a liking too-possibly a little bit different for me, but I thought this bag would be nice to make sometime.



I did get a little more needle punch done and I must say, this is a very enjoyable craft and am looking forward to trying a proper pattern next time (don't look too close-since completing them, I have learned that I have probably punched my rows too close together, but I'm pretty pleased for a first attempt)
I'm not sure where it will hang yet, so it's on the settee meantime!



Now, I want your opinions on this next project-your very honest opinions please!

This shelf started out pine once upon a time.
I painted it cream over black and then stained it after distressing, but I'm not sure about the finished colour-Should I have left it unstained? (I am trying for a few occasional pieces in a lighter colour)



Thanks for visiting and hopefully I will get you posted on my outside-it's still a work in progress!

Have a great weekend and don't forget to say you visited as I enjoy the company:)

Blessings,
Shazy x

Easter break

Hello blogging friends!

I'm beginning to think that this is how blogging and I are going to be-'as and when'
At the minute, that doesn't seem to be too often, so I thought I better pop in and say hello, incase you forget who I am!!

Lets just say, life is very busy and snatching a few minutes to catch up on a few of your blogs is a luxury these days, but I am hoping to catch you up soon:))

The children have been off school this past two weeks-just back today, so this past two weeks has been family time. We had a lovely little break of five days to Spain, which we really enjoyed. I think we enjoyed it even more when we realised home was having snow storms and hurricanes!!!! Our weather in Spain was just lovely-not too hot, yet hot enough to get out and about and do plenty of activities which the kids wanted to do.

We found this lovely pool which was 36 degrees-needless to say, we spent two afternoons there



The boys had a competition at this and had to go back a second night to decide who really won....Boys!!


We spent a very enjoyable afternoon at this place-there were all sorts of activities from water-sking, quading, rock-climbing and treking etc. Leah got to do an Easter egg hunt-do you see her little basket?


Meanwhile, I relived my youth, by attempting pony treking-I forgot how hard it is to stretch ones leg away up there!


Safely back from an hours trek-can't understand how they knew we were foreign-it couldn't have been the white bodies, could it?


Back to porridge and the outside which was annoying me before I went, was waiting for me when I came home....nothing else for it, but to get stuck in!!


Needless to say, there has been very little crafting going on, but I think I would be in despair if I couldn't fit a wee bit in.

Needle-punch and rug-hooking have been tempting me over the last while, so.....I ordered a needle for needle-punch and used a couple of Primitive Gatherings patterns that I had which were for pin cushions-just plain and simple to get me going.


I'm not sure yet how to finish them off-I haven't researched that yet, as I was too impatient to get started:)
I am going to show my inexperience now by asking what you will probably think to be a silly question, but,for you experienced needle-punchers out there; can you use calico or is it necessary to have weavers cloth?

There will hopefully be a set of three, the third being a sheep. (the markings will be covered with stitches, I didn't want to waste the fabric:))


Thats about all from my neck of the woods, just to say, that I hope this lovely weather continues and hopefully I will have a nicer outside to show you.

Have a great week,
Blessings,
Shazy x