Yes we are! and it’s not a bead party either…well what’s the party all about? In case you haven’t noticed, mostlyneedlepoint.com 2nd blogoversary came and went! Do you think I forgot all about it? Of course I didn’t and its never too late to have a party. And you get the presents! First we have…

Thank you to Sundance Designs for giving me their new Roll~N~Go Bead tray. It is cleverly made from beading mat material, a little bling added on the corners and a cleverly sewn in ribbon that ties it all together. Place your beads on the mat and bead away. Do you know that the best way to pick up the leftover beads from the mat and get them back in the tube? You just use the cover from the beading tube and slide it along, pour the beads back into the tube and repeat until all the beads are picked up. Or if you still have some more beading to do and don’t want to put your beads away, just roll it up and tie it with the ribbon! Too clever. I must add that this really works best if you work at a table rather than at your stand. I just need to keep the cats from walking through my pile of my beads!

Beads are not included and there is one for the lucky winner and the other one is for me!

The next gift I have for you is an exclusive magnet made for Kirk & Hamilton Designs to co~ordinate with that darling Polar Bear Canvas of theirs. The magnet is not even on the market yet and will only be available from 1 shop! Thanks to Jeremy of Kirk and Hamilton for giving me the magnet…which I promptly lost and then to Needlepoint Now who came to the rescue and quickly replaced it for us. Long story.

How about a Bead Buddie? Meredith is sending me some more…so you would get a brand new one! No beads included…

How about a set of Oli Clips? These are magnetic and slip onto the edge of your canvas!

Last but not least is this project bag from Access Commodities which is great to hold your extra beads, needles or whatever for your project. Along with a needle ID card and a pad of sticky notes.

I want to thank everybody who reads my blog, and those who read faithfully everyday, those who comment and especially those who mention when I don’t include pictures of Sylvester and AlleyCat! Originally when I started the blog, I was going to occasionally add a picture of them, but after so many of you would ask “where are the cats today?” well the rest is history! I love it when someone mentions “hey I read your blog everyday!” and I thank you. AlleyCat and Sylvester thank you too.

So these 5 presents are for you…leave me a comment to be entered in the giveaway and if you really want one thing or the other over another mention that too. I will use some sort of random generator to select the winners. The Bead~N~Go tray, the Polar Bear Magnet, the OliClips, Bead Buddie or the project bag is what you have to choose from. Sorry AlleyCat is not included in the giveaways! I will leave this open until next Wednesday March 6th and announce the winners on Friday March 8th.

Speaking of having a party…AlleyCat is having way too much fun. I was going through my stretcher bars when she got ahold of one and was having her own party. She never ceases to amaze me and entertain me! and until next time…keep on stitching

What a great stitching day! Beautiful blue skies, a purr~fect stitch that Meredith gave me at The Blue Bonnet Studio Time Needle Arts Retreat, spring training baseball on the air and then the Oscars! I though what could be better than that? Well I must admit that I was VERY disappointed with the Oscars and sooner or later I did have to switch the channel…plus by that time I was not in a good zen of stitching, so everything needed to be changed!

I have learned this week that bluebonnet is the Texas state flower and is spelled all in 1 word. But for this stitching getaway that is named after this gorgeous bloom, it is spelled with 2 words. Now why when I lived in Texas a few times and many years ago, that I never noticed the bluebonnets? Maybe I was too young to stop and smell the flowers. Thanks to those that took the time to tell me yesterday that the tree in question on the blog was a Texas Mountian Laurel. Thank you!

This was the spring training facilities in Arizona last week that maybe turned into winter traning instead? Well the snow is gone, the sun is out and the crack of the bat is music to my ears!

It’s finished! The basckground stitch really did go quickly and was quite enjoyable! I love the way it came out…now do I want to have this put on a bag? or do I just want to get it framed? I could start a little area on my walls of Keep Calm canvases now that I have this one and my Keep Calm and Love Cats.

Then wait to you see the next Keep Calm and Love _____ canvas that I have started. You won’t believe it! I can tell you that it has a red background and…well just stay tuned. I am working on this for a model for Unique New Zealand for the Dallas Market.

I also need to get busy for NeedleDeeva and work my class piece for Destination Dallas Market. It is one of her new 3~D birds that will be seen in the next Needlepoint Now. A stitch guide for Raymond and new magazine work has come across my desk. So no more stitching time for me, myself and I. But when I do have a little time again this is what I will be working on again…

This has been in my stash for awhile and have had a million ideas, but never started it. So I am beading the letters with these perfect brown beads and of course using my Bead Buddie from the ELizabeth Turner Collection. Meredith and I sorted through the many colors of bead that I had added to my stash for this.

The Bead Buddie has a magnet on either side that attaches to your canvas and holds it to your canvas. It is lined with a sticky paper, not too sticky now, but just right…and that paper keeps the beads from rolling away. When you are finished, just close the lid and the beads stay in place. I am also beading the lotus flower in a combination of beading stitches and the rest, oh well we shall see!

AlleyCat is working on her suntan! Now how they can search out the smallest area of sunshine is beyond me. and until next time…keep on stitching

One of my favorite nights of the year! Watching the Oscars…no one really does it like Billy Crystal, but I am hopeful for a wonderful show anyway. A great night for stitching and I have my projects lined up and ready to go! How about you, what will you be stitching on tonight?

The gowns, the tuxes, the shoes, the hair, the bags and ooh the jewelry…Hollywood’s finest tonight. If you weren’t lucky to get a seat there and to see them all walk down the red carpet, why not have your own Oscar themed party?

Celebrate the Academy Awards with menus inspired by the Best Picture Nominees…

Start off the morning with an Amour-inspired breakfast of a frisée and wild mushroom salad with poached egg.

Inspired by Les Miserables; Food for the Revolution with a Pot-Au-Feu

Can’t forget a cocktail! Many of these are made without spirits.

Inspired by Life of Pi is A Floating Indian Feast starring Spiced Sturgeon with Mint & Yogurt Sauce.

A menu inspired by Lincoln including President Lincoln’s favorites with Bacon Wrapped Quail.

A fresh Coconut Layer Cake inspired by Django Unchained.

Argo inspires American meets Canadian meets Persian featuring the different cultures from the film. This Peanut Brittle and Carmel Crunch Ice Cream Pie looks delicious!

And of course my Oscar goes to my cats, who never cease to entertain and amaze me!

and until next time…keep on stitching

Well in more ways than one! I have fallen in love with these beautiful flowers right along with The Blue Bonnet Studio Stitching Retreat.

Mary Alice, standing in the middle…she really knows how to throw a party! Too much fun…Texas sized fun was packed into my 3 days. Thank you Mary Alice and your husband John too, for all of your hard work. I had a wonderful time.

Meredith was demonstrating Or Nue’ or nuance of gold. It is a beautiful effect! I have used that stitch since you have taught me to do that a class or two ago.

If you can’t find the right thread color…paint it! Using a Sharpie, the absolutely perfect color was created. Yes I will admit you need to be brave, but just like a stitch that you aren’t happy with, you can always take it out and try again.

Meredith is brushing up this duck to make it extra fuzzy. So cute! A woven picot will be added to create the beak. Now why didn’t I think of that?

Beautiful flowering tree that we saw walking back from lunch. I meant to ask what it is? Can you see the butterfly that stopped there much to our delight?

Meredith was creating a beaded snowflake in hand to add to a Christmas stocking.

Meet Dakota, the steer brought to pose with us by Sandra Maag Reddell and her husband. A little entertainment for us before our banquet. A wonderful evening that was capped off by a Texas story teller…and she told some very tall tales!

Time to go home came all to fast, but as much as I love getting away…I love coming home just as much.

I did remember to hide this from AlleyCat before I left…as it seems to get kidnapped when I leave town. It needs a little help which I will try to accomplish with the felting needles.

yes I am talking about you AlleyCat. and until next time…keep on stitching

A beautiful sunny morning at The Blue Bonnet stitching getaway. Notice that I was able to spot a cat!

Meredith was working with Sue on her selected Terry Enfield piece “The Feet.” I recognzied this canvas right away being that I have stitched it in both sizes and ooh too long ago! It is an oldie but goodie as I noticed the artist signature. I then realized that the lady stitching this is Sue, an avid student of Brenda Hart’s. I have been hearing about and seeing her gorgeous stitching for years and so glad that I finally got to meet her. We had fun stitching together and also texted Brenda a few times…of course giving Brenda a hard time!

Meredith imparting some of her wonderful wisdom with us! Such a great class.

Lost Pines is a resort and with that comes allot of amenetities. Ride a horse, rent a bike, swim, hike, golf and enjoy a ride around in the covered wagon. There are lots of activities for the little ones going on too. And a dog friendly hotel too as I saw many 4 legged friends.

A picture of the photographer taking a picture of the teachers!

Meredith was giving us a beading lesson on the Keep Calm and Love Martini’s canvas.

I was praying to Meredith to please find me a purr~fect stitch for the background of my canvas

I think my prayers were answered on this one as I love, love, love this! I did have to purchase a little more quantity of my threads as I continue to work this fun stitch.

Now it was Meredith’s turn to hope and pray…”Oh please love my stitches that I give you!”

Now if I have peaked your interest with The Blue Bonnet Needle Arts Retreat and would like to join in on all the fun…follow the link to see next years classes. I have mine selected already! Studio time with Brenda Hart. Come back tomorrow to see the fun night time activities that we had.

Yes Palma, AlleyCat is still sleeping in the closet. This time she snoozed in the lower accomodations, instead of going uptop. and until next time…keep on stitching

Nestled in the edges of Austin in Lost Pines, Texas and among the blooming blue bonnets, the 3rd annual Blue Bonnet Studio Times Needle Arts Retreat was held last weekend.

I had heard rave reviews of it last year when Brenda Hart was part of the teaching staff. So of course I had to add it to my must do list! A quick weekend getaway with 2 days of classes and ooh so much fun. An official name tag and a gift of a Blue Bonnet magnet awaited us as we registered.

It did not disappoint! 100 ladies from all over the US attended in about a dozen classes. All the big name teachers along with a Japanese embroidery master led us through either 2 or 4 days of blissful learning.

The weekend started off with a trip to The Needle Works in Austin, Texas for a little stash enhancement. Colleen sure has a beautiful store and there was plenty of candy to tempt a stitcher! I showed a little restraint as I just bought a few threads and a couple new project bags. I like to collect the bags with the different shops name on them! My collection sure is growing.

The hotel was absolutely charming! This is the coffee shop, where you can get a Starbucks, a sandwhich, some sweets or an ice cream cone. The food in the hotel was superb, the beverages just grand, the service and the friendliness of the staff was above and beyond the call of duty, the rooms…oh well I think you get the idea.

The class was the best! two days of studio time with Meredith, my sistah in black cats. In this shot you can see her working on a Charlie Harper “Biodiversity in the Burbs.” She was demonstrating Turkey Work with a punch needle on the squirrel’s tail. I always learn so much from her. Meredith just oozes with her Southern charm and at the same time such a character and makes you laugh allot!

There were a few ladies that attended the Fab Four classes in San Antonio, Columbus and Philadelphia and will be headed to Southern California for the class again in August. It was great seeing everybody again and as always making new friends.

I started off with this canvas and begun with beading the letters. I am modeling the new Bead Buddies and Scissors Bling by Elizabeth Turner Collection.

A magnet on each side holds the bead buddie to your canvas. There is a slight stick to the paper that is within the box that holds the beads in place. I love it! Right now my bead buddie box is on its way to the studios of Needlepoint Now for its photo shoot. Hope I can survive without it.

Now you say, only 100 in attendance? well this retreat is in it’s infancy and is just starting to blossom! I will most definitely go back…and I have lots more to share with you about it. I want to take you all with me too.

Okay Sylvester, why are sleeping on a paper bag? There are blankets and quilts and all kinds of warm stuff, but a paper bag? Go figure! and until next time…keep on stitching

Inquiring minds are wondering…so where the h*** have I been doing with myself lately? Have I just been “Out of Africa?” as it looks like here?

No I haven’t been to Africa, but Lani sure has! Wow look at these wonderful new canvases that she debuted at market this year.

Just beautiful and look at these amazing colors!

I love these and I could easily add each and every one of them to my stash with the hopes of stitching them in my lifetime!

Too I can’t help but think of Wendy, God rest her soul each and every time I look at these canvases. I remember fondly the beautiful pictures that she took when she would visit her daughter Amanda in Africa. And the stories Wendy would tell us…

Okay, okay all these beautiful canvases from market, but still haven’t answered that question… “So where have I been?”

Well I was at the Blue Bonnet Retreat in Austin Texas. That’s where I was! and what a wonderful time was had by all. Beautiful facilities, the food and adult beverages were wonderful, the friendships made and renewed, the camaraderie among our family of stitchers special and of course 2 days with Meredith absolutely amazing! I know I am going back next year…but what classes do I want to take?

I have lots of fun stuff to show and tell you from my weekend at Blue Bonnet, I just need to get the pictures onto my computer. We still have a blogoversary to celebrate and I still have more from market to share with you. And oh BTW (by the way) what have I been stitching lately? Stay tuned!

This was my “Mom why are you disturbing my sleep?” look from AlleyCat as I left the house on Friday morning. What a brat as she wouldn’t even come down to give me a proper goodbye! Just a little meow and she went right back to sleep. What’s a mother to do? and until next time…keep on stitching

Valentine’s Day…a day to celebrate with champagne, chocolates and roses and whatever else thrills you! I usually treat myself to some flowers…well life is too short not to? But since I am headed out of town, I will save it for when I get back. Maybe a new orchid?

Mutts is here to help us celebrate too!

This arrangement is absolutely purr~fect! Look at those 2 kitty faces created by the flowers. I would like to credit Pugh’s Flowers in Memphis TN for this great arrangement.

Mooch is stopping by to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day!

One of my most favorite Valentine’s Day canvases by Alice Peterson called “Happy Hearts” and no this is not in my stash!

AlleyCat is sleeping on my clothes, maybe as her way of saying “I am not letting you leave me again!” I will be back soon and until next time…keep on stitching

A step into Zecca’s booth! I love her canvases and would like to stitch just about each and every one of them. Like I said too many canvases and not enough time…This canvas was inspired by her larger Buddha collage.

This is another one on my bucket list. Bead the words or stitch them in French knots or write with Memory Wire or whatever thrills you! Rather than look at everything that is going on in the border, just work on a little area of it at a time…or what I would say compartmentalize it. Have fun with it! Let your hair down.

What about this one? This is purr~fect!

or this one?

Where would we be without our wonderful thread companies? ThreadworX has grown so much and has expanded its line to include overdying Kreinik, Soie d’Alger, Vineyard Silk, Bella Lusso and so much more!

Rainbow Gallery too! With all the new colors in Neon Rays Plus, Silk Lame` Braid in Petite & Regular Sizes, Glow in the Dark and so much more. I still haven’t had a chance to go through them yet…soon! soon! Thank you for my threads Sally…you take such good care of us!

So long for now Long Beach with lots of great memories and sooooooooooooo many wonderful new canvases, threads and accessories to add to our stash. I have so much more to share with you from market, like I said too many canvases, not enough time! But I will need to interrupt the regularly scheduled market report with a celebration of hearts and rose for Valentine’s Day! and then…

Then I am headed to Austin for the weekend for the Blue Bonnet Retreat. Just a 2 day canvas enhancement class with my sistah in black cats, Meredith! A trip to Needleworks in Austin is also on my to do list. So I will be taking the weekend off and then…

Then we have a blogoversary to celebrate! Two years and where has the time gone? And our special day falls right in the middle while I am gone…the nerve of it all! I was going to try and look for some giveaways at market, but I was so busy that I didn’t get to do that much. I have a few things already in mind, but lets see what I can find while at Blue Bonnet.

AlleyCat is giving me some ‘tude already…you know as in attitude? I will only be gone a few days! I better remember to put her (well it was supposed to be mine, but she has other ideas) purple felted cat away before I leave this time. and until next time…keep on stitching

Let the Good Times Roll! Today is Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras is a season of Parades, Masquerade Balls and King Cake Parties. Today is the final day of Mardi Gras, the day before Ash Wednesday which will then start the 6 weeks of Lent, leading into the Easter holiday. It is has been celebrated in Louisiana since the 17th century. In the Catholic religion, Lent begins the season of fasting or sacrificing by giving up one of your favorite foods. Say such as chocolate…ooh shudder that thought! or your favorite glass of wine.

“The King Cake is a New Orleans tradition that involves a pastry, a small plastic baby, and a party. The King Cake is baked with a baby hidden inside, the person who gets the slice with baby in it hosts the next party!”

The weeks leading up to Mardi Gras in New Orleans is quite the place to be. I have been to New Orleans a few times, but never during Mardi Gras. This is definitely on my bucket list! San Diego celebrates Mardi Gras tonight, but nothing like this.

This is “Bouef Gras” which I believe translates to Fat Beef. This is a float in the Rex Parade. Yes I would love to be there! More parades and crowds of revelers.

Well you just knew that there would be a cat in this somewhere, somehow!

The traditional colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. (not quite right on this cat, but work with me here) These colors are said to have been chosen by Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovitch Romanoff of Russia during a visit to New Orleans This was reaffirmed in 1892, when the Rex Parade theme “Symbolism of Colors” gave the colors their meanings of justice, power and faith.

While going through threads today looking for just that purr~fect Mardi Gras colors, look what I found! AlleyCat is posing for us against purple, green and gold! and until next time…keep on stitching