Monday, March 19, 2007

Basket Of Violets Cellphone Pouch

Back to stitching now, I completed the Basket Of Violets cellphone pouch the other day:

Basket Of Violets Cellphone Pouch

My plan for this week, now that my flooring is done, is to get my stitched pieces assembled and completed.

I have some chores and errands to run but I haven't decided what to stitch on next. Stop by tomorrow to see what I decide to do!

Sunday, March 18, 2007

A Lovely Day In Galena Illinois

As Sharon would say, grab a cuppa and relax while I share my St. Patrick's Day with you!

Yesterday morning, at 7 am, Scott and I hopped in our truck and drove 2 1/2 hours west to our favorite little get-away, Galena, Illinois.

It was a gorgeous, sunny day and the drive as usual, was scenic and breathtaking!

Once in town, it looks like a little village under a Christmas tree:



This of course, is not quite what it looks like at the moment. The trees are still bare but this photo will give you a good idea of the beauty and charm that we enjoy so much.

Galena was once the home to U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant:














You may remember this photo of me taken in September when we were there, standing in front of Grant's house.

Pam Grants 4

Galena's architecture is amazing.

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/SSPOD/superstock_2234-507916_b~Belvedere-House-Galena-Illinois-USA-Posters.jpg

Beautifully restored Victorians greet visitors as they drive through town to Historic Main St.

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/illinois/images/s/illinois-galena.jpg

Main Street in Galena is one mile long. The historical buildings are now filled with the most quaint little shops. Everything from unique craft stores to boutiques, eateries, home decor, gifts and specialty shops.

The first thing we always do is when we arrive is just walk Main Street from one end to the other and back again. We do get a lot of exercise when we go!

Galena Illinois has also had some very famous visitors!

Abraham Lincoln gave a speech from the balcony of this hotel:

http://www.galenadowntown.com/images/photos/Attractions/DeSoto_House_th.gif

The Desoto House Hotel opened it doors in 1855 and was beautifully restored in the late 1980's.
This is where Scott and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch yesterday. Grilled Chicken & Strawberry salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing!

So are you wondering what goodies I found? Well, I really didn't go with intention of buying much of anything other than a few beads at the Galena Bead Bar. We really just needed a break from our living room project and some fresh air and sunshine. I did buy a few beads but nothing terribly exciting.

What we did find was peacocks! Scott bought me these peacock salt & pepper shakers which will be for looking at and not using. I fell in love with the soft pastel colors!

Peacock 3

And then I found this:

Peacock 1

Peacock 2

I couldn't quite get his little head to sit up nicely but I think these photos will give you a good idea of my "prize turkey" so to speak!

They have a wonderful teddy bear and stuff animal store in Galena. We always go in because we enjoy seeing the unusual stuffed toys that they carry.

He's actually a puppet but I'll find some place to display him.

I'm not one to have too much in the way of do-dads sitting around. I'd rather be stitching or sewing than having to take the time to move a bunch of things in order to dust my furniture. But when I saw him, I just had have him. Isn't he gorgeous?!!!

And of course, I always feel sad when the time comes to leave this beautiful and peaceful place. We are though, planning a weekend trip for when it gets a bit warmer outside and I'm so looking forward that.

I hope you enjoyed today's post. If you live anywhere near Galena but have never been there, I'd like to encourage you pay that little historical town a visit. It is a visual feast and will most certainly become one of your favorite places to visit too!

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

If you been reading my blog for awhile, you probably know that I just love St. Patrick's Day. Don't ask me why. I really have no clue. I just do. Maybe I associate it with the beginning of Spring which is my favorite season!

Scott and I are going to drive up to Galena Illinois for the day. It's one of our favorite places to go. We enjoy seeing the beautiful restored Victorian houses and the gorgeous countryside, not to mention all the wonderful and unique shops on Main Street. I of course, just love that Bead shop!

It's a 2 1/2 hour drive so we'll be leaving in the hour or so.

Anyway, to celebrate St. Patrick's Day (and yes, I'm still celebrating the return of the robins), I worked up a cute little cross stitch pattern for you to use on your crazyquilts:

Motif Good Luck Robin

Click on the image to go to my Flickr site where you can download a larger version of the pattern. You can stitch this on your crazyquilt using 14 count waste canvas or stitch it on cross stitch fabric and sew it into your foundation.

I completed the Basket Of Violets pouch last night but I'll save sharing a photo of it for tomorrow.

In the meantime, have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day and enjoy this little project.

Friday, March 16, 2007

Basket Of Violets Cellphone Pouch

I'm sure some of you are eagerly awaiting to see what I used in the center of the black cellphone pouch. Well, here you go:

Black Cellphone Pouch

A little basket of violets! This was a Mill Hill beaded pin kit from a few years back. I made dozens and dozens of these little kits. I've given many of them as gifts but kept a few for myself which I never wore so I've decided to work them into my CQ's. I took the pin off of the back and then sewed it down onto the block using bead thread. Isn't this too cute? I have a few chores left to do but then I can get back to some stitching on this.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for a St. Patrick's Day gift!

Cross Stitch & Needlework May 2007 Issue

Just released:

Cross Stitch And Needlework May 2007

If you collect my designs, you can find one of my hummingbirds in this issue:

Cross Stitch And Needlework May 2007 Hummingbird

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