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

Amanda Lawford’s beautiful booth! Wonderful new designs of her own, plus she has bought and reworked the designs that were once Needlepoint Broad… has some new abstracts that are amazing… a new limited edition piece that was quite popular and some new cat pieces by Mariko King. Not ornament sized pieces as before but small squares, maybe 5″ x 5″ that would be a quick stitch. I could have ordered all of them! Can’t forget to talk about her son’s line of canvases called DC Designs. I love his work as they are all something I would want to stitch…and at a great price point!

And I love this canvas! By the Point of It All and Hyla just might be twisting my arm to stitch this for her…

Keeping with the Keep Calm craze, this one is by Barbara Elmore…

Liz is making progress on her new Santa soon to be in the Tapestry Tent/Susan Roberts line!

What about a new bag? There is so much more to stash enhancement than canvases!

The small bag on the top shelf front and center with the red trim was calling my name. It is a new fabric, so it has to be ordered. Yes I did get a new bag for Sylvester and I will need to take pictures of them…but for now here is in my other Atenti bag. Look for these wonderful bags in your favorite needlepoint shop! Sylvester not included…

Palma, AlleyCat and Sylvester both thank you for missing them yesterday!

and until next time…keep on stitching

Very early morning and ooh so peaceful! If I don’t have classes, I like to get in early and get the booth ready and then walk the floor. On the right is The Red Thread and to your left is Raymond Crawford’s booth.

NeedleDeeva is ready for show time, so it is time to look and see how I can enhance my own stash!

I absolutely love, love, love…did I say love this canvas? It is on 13 mesh and is probably 60″ long by allot of inches wide. I walked by this canvas at least 2x a day thinking and envisioning my stitches, my threads and what it would like look when it was hanging on my wall. No I never did order this canvas!

But I did order this one. Brand new canvas by Joy Juarez. This is more my size of canvas.

One of Mindy’s newer canvases that just might be working its way home to me! Really more my size and I could do some beading, a little basketweave and with some wonderful silks.

Liz of Tapestry Tent/Susan Roberts is painting her newest stocking on the show floor. Maybe it will be finished by the time we leave on Monday? It was so wonderful having her back on the show floor as it has been a few years since she joined us. I got to meet her daughter Ashley, you know her as the artist of the Halloween March, Christmas March, etc, etc. The apple sure doesn’t fall far from the tree!

A new book is on the way! I know how much I loved their first book, you can bet I will add this one to my stitching library. It should be ready by the Dallas Market at the end of April, so ask your shop to get one for you!

A show stopping red orchid, canvas by Kirk & Hamilton. I need a canvas for my Fab 4 class in August…so was it going to be this one?

or this one? I went with the red orchid!

In honor of Chinese New Year, a new canvas by Amanda Lawford “Gung Hay Fat Choy” may prosperity be with you. This is the year of the snake or as they say the little dragon.

and until next time…keep on stitching