Fall ~ It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year!!!

In my book anyway!!! I got in the car early this morning and drove through the neighborhood enjoying some of the wonderful color that fall has to offer. The streets were still quiet so I could stop anytime I wanted and shoot through the windows! Sadly, some of the trees are bare already but there's still a lot of beauty to be seen. I hope you'll enjoy some of God's greatest work!

Burning Bush in my back yard. I loves these bushes. That red is so vibrant!
Almost like "Weeks" Garnet!!!

Some bittersweet down the road along a bridge. It's just covered with berries!!!

Beautiful Mums in the yard of a friend. Awesome!

I've recently released a couple new designs. "Igor McScott" was so fun to design and pretty quick to stitch. If you hurry you could get it done in time for Halloween!!! There is a story behind "Igor"; he's actually REAL. This little bat has lived under the backdoor eave of the Scott's home for several years. so they decided to give the little guy a name. He's no trouble at all and probably eats his weight in mosquito's and other unwanted bugs in their yard many times over. He's greeted daily by the family and the dogs don't mind his presence!!! "Hang" in there Igor, for many years to come!!!

"Igor McScott"

"Warm Christmas Wishes" is another quick stitch so you can have it ready for your Christmas decorating. It was stitched using The Gentle Arts "Simply Wool" fiber which stitches like a dream! You may use the same-named cotton threads if you prefer but you should at least try the wools. They're awesome. This is a great design to try them out since there are just a few colors required.

"Warm Christmas Wishes"

"Floral Scissor Keeper" was released early in the month. The chart includes both the front and back designs along with an upper case alphabet to personalize your very own scissor keeper. A very quick stitch and use some of your own antique buttons to embellish. I rushed (not sure of the correct spelling of this technique!)some pretty ribbon and stitched it on all around the edge then added a ribbon bow for some extra "fu-fu"!!! Finishing instructions and shape pattern are also included.

"Front View" of "Floral Scissor Keeper"




"Back View" of "Floral Scissor Keeper"

I have to take breaks after doing some designing so I stitch up some little pieces by other designers. I knew I had to stitch the "NEW" Blackbird "Waiting for the Harvest". I did change the color of both floss and linen. I used R&R "Witches Brew" and Gentle Arts "Wrought Iron". I'm stitching some other little Halloween items using these colors and wanted them all to coordinate. This photo depicts the fabric as beige but it is actually rather orange! How does this happen!!!

"Waiting for the Harvest" by Blackbird Designs

Below is a little piece I stitched last night. I needed a really quick project to get that "finally finished something" feeling!!! Again I used "Witches Brew" linen; still too light in the photo! This design is by Blue Ribbon Designs, "Afraid of the Dark". This chart has several "littles" pieces to make a pinkeep, scissor fob, needlebook and floss ring tag. I want to do them all but this will have to do for now!!! Love the bat designs these days!!!

"Afraid of the Dark" by Blue Ribbon Designs

Some evenings my eyes are just too tired to cross stitch so that's when I pick up a knitting project. I recently purchased this yummy yarn at "The Yarn Barn" in Lawrence. I've shopped there for years (since the mid 70's) and thoroughly enjoy each and every visit I make there!!! This yarn is a sport weight of 100% Alpaca Wool so it's sooooooo soft. Alpaca has become my favorite wool for items that wrap around my neck. No scratchy feeling! I hate scratchy!!! I chose a "Fern" pattern from my very old book of pattern designs. I used a size 9 needle so that it was a bit more airy and less dense. I like how it's coming out! I decided to make several narrow scarves to "liven" up a rather plain top for the winter. They will not only "jazz" up the wardrobe but also keep my neck warmer without much weight.

"Fern" patterned scarf ~ 100% Alpaca Yarn

Finished off the 2 Blackbird designs from a previous post. However, I didn't get a photo taken of the red version. Maybe next time!!! I sewed this together using some felted wool for the backing. Filled it with "lizard litter" for a really nice "squishy" feel! I then used a picot shell stitch to crochet around the edge adding a button in the picot as I went along. Turned out really cute! This "dresser pillow" was made for my aunt so hopefully I will get out to see her one of these days soon to deliver it!

"Dresser Pillow for my Aunt Rena"

I can't believe how much time it takes to do these blogs!!! Time just flies by. No wonder I don't do it more often!!! I really need to get something done around the house today, or not, so I will close with some extra special fall wishes to you all. Go outside, smell some mums in your neighbors yard and take a brisk walk and enjoy what's left of those gorgeous trees!

As I look out my dining room window this is what I see in the fall. The plumes of this gorgeous grass turn amber in the fall and it truly does "wave" in the wind. I don't get to see the "waving" wheat fields of my childhood much anymore, but this does just fine for me!!! It's beautiful!

Neighbor's "Amber Waves"

My front door is ready for the many "Candy Creepers" that will soon line our sidewalks!!! Can't wait to see my little girls dressed in their costumes!!! Chloe will be a "princess" and Zoe will be a "mermaid" this year!!!

Happy Fall and Happy Halloween to All !!!~~~~~~~~~~~~Anita

Heading Toward the Holidays!!!!!

Another month has come and gone! I can't say that I hate to see summer ending! We've been WAY too hot here and I'm ready to welcome some cooler weather and get some added stitching energy rolling. Today was rather exciting as our ever smiling, "Cutie-Pie UPS Guy" brought us a heavy, heavy box! Was trying to remember what I might have ordered that was so heavy but as I slit the tape on the box and saw it was magazines I almost squeeled with joy!!! IT'S HERE, IT'S HERE !!! ~~ the 2010 Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament Edition!!! For those of you that signed up at the shop to reserve a copy, rush right in, pick your copy up and get busy planning those ornament gifts for the holidays!!! There's some REALLY great designs in here, you won't want to miss this issue!!! We have extras too so don't worry if you hadn't reserved a copy. "The Sunflower Seed" design is photographed on page 40. This is the second of a "new" series of ornaments for this magazine!!! Look closely at the beaded outer trim. I have to say it's pretty awesome!!! You'll have to come in to see the actual ornament when it is returned to us, probably very soon!

"2010 Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament Issue"

Okay, I think I've calmed down enough to go on now!!! I've recently released a few designs to the distributors and they're now available through the shop. My 2 daughter-in-laws were the inspiration for "Mothers Are". Seeing these 2 young mothers with their adorable little daughters, assures me that they truly will be the "Sunshine" their daughters will need to grow into bright, happy, children!!!

"Mothers Are"

Frame: Frame Warehouse

With Fall right around the corner comes, Thanksgiving . "A Harvest of Blessings" was very fun to design! I LOVE fall and everything about it. The earthy colors, the sounds and smells; everything! With this design you can almost feel the sunshine warming a cool breeze and hear the crickets croaking in the corn fields. Fresh pumpkins, squash and apples are spread on the table for the upcoming feast. You know these will be made into pies, casseroles and spicy apple butter to be lavishly spread upon fresh cornbread.........OH MY!!!...what could be better!!! These foods absolutely warm the soul! I hope you will enjoy this design as much as I did creating it!

"A Harvest of Blessings"
Frame: Frame Warehouse

"Sunflower Snow Woman" makes her debut as a companion to last seasons "Sunflower Santa"! She's one "spiffy" little gal decked out in her warm sunflower-adorned hat and matching jacket! She looks pretty warm and extremely happy in her little sunflower heaven!!!

"Sunflower Snow Woman"

Frame: East Side Mouldings

"Deck the Halls" is quite festive! You can almost hear some "waltzy" kind of music playing as these young ladies and lads are decorating their parlor trees for the holidays. Some pointsettias and snowflakes add to the ambiance of the season. There's nothing more beautiful than snowflakes on Christmas Eve!!!

"Deck the Halls"
Frame: East Side Mouldings

Here's a couple of pieces I've stitched lately. The blue version was made for my extremely amazing "Aunt Rena's" birthday. This woman taught me so much, needlework, cooking, and some valuable life lessons. She's truly the most amazing woman I've ever known. She is absolutely THE BEST!!! Happy Birthday E ~ Erina, L ~ Lorenzi, R ~ Ryan! This Blackbird design stitched up so quickly and I loved it so much that I immediately started one for myself, in red; Cranberry Belle Soie, yum!!! I love them both! The blue version is Thread Gatherer Finnigan's Fog.

OHHHHHH MAN!!!!.................. I just lost the photo with the totally finished gift for my Aunt. I guess I will just have to show it on the next post. Maybe by then I will also have mine "finished". I just HATE when that happens!



I've been busy framing lots of pieces for people at the shop recently. I wanted to show some of my customers great work and their frame choices. Here's the framed "Always and Forever" from my previous post commemorating our upcoming 25th wedding anniversary. Turned out great, I love it!!!

"Always and Forever" by Little House Needlworks

Frame: East Side Mouldings

This sweet little piece was stitched by Amanda, a very enthusiastic young stitcher. She's always excited about her stitching and is doing such a great job. She's a breath of fresh air confirming that there's some young women out there to continue on our love of stitching! Keep stitching Amanda, you're doing great!!!

"Sweet Land of Liberty" by Lizzie Kate

Frame: East Side Mouldings

"Battle Hymn of the Republic" was stitched by Nancy and we loved her choice of frame. This has been a really popular design here at our shop. The colors are soft and beautiful! Nancy has been stitching for many years and stitches very fast! Great job Nancy!

"Battle Hymn of The Republic" by Little House Needleworks

Frame: East Side Mouldings

Marcia stitched this beautiful La D Da design, "Bless This House". She stitched this on 40 Ct. linen and it's stunning! She stitches lots of 40 Ct. and is a pro at it!!! This photo (as most photos don't) does not do this piece justice. It's in a dark green frame and it's a luscious finished piece.

"Bless This House" by La D Da

Frame: East Side Mouldings

Last but not least is a little reminder that our Christmas stitching better be in the "works" by now!!! This little Santa is by Bent Creek. Kathy stitched it for a shop model on 7 ct. Sand Klostern. It's a quick stitch if you're needing a little "thank you" or "house warming" gift. Add a little rustic frame and you'll be a hit at the next Christmas dinner party!!!

"Littles ~ Santa" by Bent Creek

Frame: East Side Mouldings

That's it for this post! It's a lot, but it's all great!!! Thanks to all my wonderful friends and customers who stitch so beautifully! You'll be inspirational to all who read these blogs. You all inspire me! We're heading into a busy season of stitching so we need to get organized!!! Let us know if we can assist you with any of your stitching supplies; patterns, fabrics, fibers, frames, etc. Come by the shop any time or if you're not in our area, we do mail orders all over the country! Keep the stitch shops alive, support your local "brick and mortar" needlework shops.

Happy Fall and Happy Stitching............................Anita

Some "NEW" stuff and "UFO" update!!!

After all the excitement and distraction of welcoming our new granddaughter to the family it's been hard to get back to the realities of my business. It's a new balancing act of emotions but, I've actually made some progress recently! Hurrah!!! I've finished stitching a few small projects, framed a couple and designed, stitched and finished 3 "NEW" Kansas Ornaments. I'm feeling pretty good at the moment!!! Sometimes you just have to switch gears, do some smaller projects and actually finish them in order to continue on with those larger projects. It's a breath of fresh air!!!

"Always and Forever" by Little House Needleworks has been in my stash of projects to do but just recently called out to me! You know, there were other things that needed to be done first but "so what" !!! First I thought I would make it for Bill for Christmas but then "dah" realized that our 25th Wedding Anniversary would be 1-1-11!!! How cool is that????? So, I went to my studio and dug through my drawer of small fabric swatches and found this R&R 30 Ct. Apple Brown Bindy which was perfectly sized! I then went to my silk box and pulled "Finnigan's Fog" Silk 'n Colors from The Thread Gatherer and voila! it all came together. I'm going to frame it in East Side Mouldings Primitive Pearls - Black which I think has just arrived, I haven't completely unpacked a recent shipment of frames. I love how it turned out and will probably hang it in our bedroom as that's where our wedding sampler resides. This photo is a little fuzzy but when I get it framed maybe I can show a better photo. It stitched up very quickly which added to the excitement!!!

"Always & Forever" by Little House Needleworks

Below is "Celtic Alphabet" by The Courtney Collection that I recently finished and had framed. I again used some R&R 30 Ct. fabric (can't remember at the moment what it was) and again used some Thread Gatherer Silk 'n Colors, "Rusty Amber" that was in my silk box. Our wonderful "Frame Warehouse" did this beautiful frame job for me.

"Celtic Alphabet" by The Courtney Collection

Below is "Mr. Candy Cane Man" by Homespun Elegance. I started stitching this piece when the weather was still freezing and thought I better get it finished up for the upcoming holiday season. This was very fun to stitch! I added a brass snowflake in place of the bird that the designer used. I used R&R Creek Bed Brown 30 ct. linen and used the floss colors specified by the designer. I love how it turned out!

"Mr. Candy Cane Man" by Homespun Elegance

"NOW FOR SOME "NEW" DESIGNS BY THE SUNFLOWER SEED"

This year's addition to The Sunflower Seed's "Kansas Xmas Collection" is here and ready for you to stitch!!! This year features a happy little pig rooting around in the mud with the ever present rooster perched on the fence! You can almost hear him crowing!!! There will be only one more of these designs which will make a total of a 10 year collection!!! We have a stitcher who is making these into a wall quilt and hopefully we will have it to display in the shop someday!!! She is very anxious to get the last design and I have agreed to allow her to have it soon so she can finish up her quilt this year!!! Can't wait to see it Corrina!!!

"Kansas Xmas IX" by The Sunflower Seed

"Merry Topeka" was stitched on 30 ct. R&R Korty's Special Blend over 2 threads using 2 strands of The Gentle Art Sampler Threads; Pine, Cranberry and Gold Leaf. A very quick stitch to make for holiday gifts. I have also designed numerous other Kansas cities to fit into this design. I'll be happy to do "special requests" for you. I've already done one California city for someone! They're fun!!!

"Merry Topeka" by The Sunflower Seed

Next we have "Merry Kansas" featuring our well known agricultural commodity, wheat. I love how the wheat beards turned out. The photo is okay but you have to see it in person to really appreciate it's dimension. I stitched this design on the same fabric as the "Merry Topeka" however it's a different dye lot so it's a bit different in shade. Come on by the shop if you can and check it out. I added some organza and metallic ribbons along with a "jingle bell" for fun!

"Merry Kansas" by The Sunflower Seed

And ~~~ "The UFO Up-Date"!!! Below is the "Diminutive Dutch Sampler" from a previous post, finished and framed beautifully by our very own"Frame Warehouse" here in Topeka. They do such a beautiful job! I think I picked the perfect moulding for this piece. Right now it's in my home studio! Yummy!!!

"Diminutive Dutch Sampler" by Barrick Samplers

Last but not least is a bit of progress on my "Blessings Sampler" by Wild Heart Designs. It's coming along but just wish I had more time to work on it. It will be beautiful!!

"Blessings Sampler" by Wild Heart Designs

So, I think that's enough for now. It's been fun! And, sometimes frustrating with "Blogger", but I've been patient!!! The days have been very hot and humid here in Eastern Kansas. I for one don't spend much time out side these days. It's a good time to enjoy lots of iced tea and stay inside and stitch the week end afternoons away. I can't think on anything better, well, except maybe to hug and squeeze one of my beautiful granddaughters!!!

"Stay Cool ~~~ Stitch Lots!!!" .......................Anita

Happy "1-Month Birthday" Zoe !!!

June 29, 2010 was a most "spectacular" day for our family, the day "ZOE MARIE" made her long awaited debut!!! The family waiting room was filled with 2 sets of very anxious Grandparents, 1 Great Grandfather, 2 Great Grandmothers, an Uncle, an Aunt and a Cousin. After a long day of waiting; watching TV, knitting, reading magazines, eating lunch, taking turns in the birthing room to "check in" on the progress, my husband finally got a text that read: "Send in the Grandmas!!!!!" We grabbed our "pass" and sped down the hall choking back the tears of joy!!! What a beautiful sight!!! She was alert and looking around like, "where the heck am I now"!!! We took lots of pictures of her with "Mommy and Daddy" and got our first "hold" later that evening. It's truly amazing!!! We are so Blessed to have another healthy, beautiful little girl!

"The Birth of a Child Reaffirms

the Miracle of Life"

This Photo: 2 1/2 weeks old ~ 1st trip to our house!!!

"Happy 1-Month Birthday Zoe", can't wait to see you again soon!!!

A short post this time as many of you have been asking about our new "little one". It's back to work now, designing and running the shop, vacation's over; ~~~ boo...!!! I'll be designing Zoe's Birth Sampler soon so it can be ready for her "1st Birthday"! My next post should have some UFO updates and hopefully photos of some "NEW" designs that will be released very soon!!! I'm waiting on a couple frames and working on some usable photos. Sometimes that's a real challenge!

In the meantime....Happy Stitching!!!........................Anita

"Waiting on Zoe" !!!

It dawned on me a few weeks back that I had started this wonderful Grandmother design, "Blessings Sampler" by Wild-Heart Designs, when we were blessed with our darling granddaughter Chloe. It's about 1/2 done at this point. Now that the days are getting closer to the arrival of our second granddaughter, Zoe, I went to my studio and retrieved it from my UFO drawers, yes, drawers, and have been working on it again. I will hopefully finish it this year and will have a sweet, sweet memory of working on it while awaiting the birth of both sweet little girl cousins! The completed sampler will read, "The love and devotion I gave to my child I thought I could give to no other, But life held a lovely surprise for me the day I became a Grandmother!" Thank you Wild-Heart Designs!!! That says it all!!!

"Blessings Sampler" by Wild-Heart Designs

Stitch Count: 115 W x 341 H

I'm stitching this on 30 Ct. R&R Kansas City Blend Linen

so the design size will be: 14" x 29"

I'm using the called for fibers from Weeks Dye Works

I'm also working on "Zoe's" Christmas Stocking in between my other projects. Here's the progress so far. Jamie picked out this "Shepherd's Bush" design and I offered to make it for her. Sandy, Jamie's mom was going to stitch it but she had been helping with all the nursery items, curtains, crib canopy, painting, and decorating I thought she maybe needed a break! Since I don't live near them, this is how I can contribute. I hope Zoe will like it!!!

"Elizabeth's Stocking" by Shepherd's Bush

110 W x 170 H

18 Ct. Natural Linen

While rummaging through my UFO's I found this little piece that just needed the last two squares filled in. Why do I put something aside when it's nearly finished??? I do it all the time, do you??? Sometimes I think I'm loving this so much I don't want it to end. That wasn't the case with this piece though. I remember I had taken this to hockey practices (wow that WAS a long time ago!!!) and kept making mistakes on the little back stitch curly-q's on the "A". Guess this just wasn't the project for hockey!!! Annnny---whooooo, it has since been finished and I took it to the framer last week!!! TA-DAAAA!!! One down, several hundred to go!!!!

"A Diminutive Dutch Sampler" by Barrick Samplers

183 W x 35 H

I converted the DMC to GA Sampler Threads and stitched it on some

of my own "grungy" hand dyed 28 Ct. linen.

Below is another UFO that I started about a year ago. Not much progress but that's okay. However, I better get back to it since it's being stitched on 40 Ct. linen. The eyes aren't getting any younger! These sweet little designs are by "Little House Needleworks". I'm planning on doing 6 of these "Little Women Virtues" all together on this 40 Ct. Antique Cotton Linen from R&R. I'm leaving out the little rectangles where you can put someones name in. These designs come as thread packs with Crescent Colors Belle Soie Silk threads. The designers choice of colors are so beautiful and the designs are just so adorable I couldn't resist! My placement will be "Gentle & Kind", "Soft & Sweet", "Loving & Faithful", "Strong & Beautiful", Joyful & Caring", "Always & Forever".

Designs by "Little House Needleworks"

I'm using 40 Ct. Antique Cotton Linen from R&R

1 strand Belle Soie over 2 linen threads

Approximate finished design size will be: 9 1/2" H x 7 1/4" W

Below is a design by "The Scarlet Letter" that I started "several" years ago. I love it, and someday, I'll finish it. It comes out of hiding every once in a while and I stitch on it a couple evenings, then something else takes precedence. Such is life! I know plenty of you have the same issues as I, there just is not enough time in one lifetime to stitch everything we love! I will keep the faith, however, that it will get finished! I converted the fibers to Weeks Dye Works and the fabric is either 32 or 35 Ct. R&R Cappuccino Linen (I think! ~ I didn't write it down anywhere!!! ~ oops!!!)

"Amy Ball 1810" by The Scarlet Letter

Stitch Count: 305 W x 375 H

It appears that I had better get with the business of stitching doesn't it!!! I know I'm in very good company as far as projects go. It seems that all avid stitchers are in the same boat!!! We must keep paddling, paddling, paddling on.................It's what keeps us going isn't it??? There's always another piece that "needs" us to carry on!!! So...... Stitch-On!!!!!

Until next time! ~~~~~~~ANITA

This is what I call the "WOW" Factor !!!

I wanted to share this "absolutely awe inspiring" sampler that was recently completed by one of my "stitching pals". We have it on display at the shop right now so please come and see it in person!!! Photos NEVER do a piece justice. You really have got to see this one!!! Reita stitched this beauty on 28 Ct. Natural Cashel Linen using Crescent Colours "Sister Scarlet" Belle Soie Silk. The design area measures 21 3/4" x 22 3/4". She set a goal of one year to complete this project and she came in 2 weeks ahead of her deadline!!! If you happened to notice a slight "quiver" in the earths atmosphere the day of completion, never fear, it was just Reita jumping for joy and shouting a giant "TA-Dah" !!!

"Scarlet Ribands" by Long Dog Samplers

Some new pattern arrivals in the shop follow below. We just got a new shipment from "European Cross Stitch" If you would like any of these designs or others you may see on their web site; http://www.europeanxs.com/ just let us know. We're happy to do special ordering, we can't have everything here in the shop!!! Where's that winning lottery ticket anyway!

"Scarlet Ribands" by Long Dog Samplers

314 x 321 stitches

"Midnight in the Garden" by Sampler Cove
185 x 297 stitches

"Our Anniversary" by Sampler Cove
185 x 275 stitches


"Kaleidoscope Flower" by Sampler Cove
187 x 187 stitches

"Foursome Reel" by Long Dog Samplers

108 x 276 stitches, 104 x 132 stitches, 246 x 134 stitches

"Zucca" by Alessandra Adelaide Needleworks

201 x 190 stitches

"Cardinal Christmas Ball" by Alessandra Adelaide Needleworks

243 x 159 stitches

"Wedding Cake" by Alessandra Adelaide Needleworks

141 x 197 stitches

The remaining two designs are not from European Cross Stitch but of similar looks. Both are equally lovely!

"Alphabet Sampler I" by Lila's Studio

136 x 204 stitches

"Turkish Delight" by Ink Circles

195 x 139 stitches

I hope you've enjoyed the latest edition of "The Sunflower Seed" Blog! It's so much fun doing these and letting you in on some of the "new stuff" here at the shop. Until later, ENJOY!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~Anita

A Tribute to Kris

I wanted to share with you a special tribute series of charts that are in progress in the memory of Kris Stott. Kris and Dave Stott built Norden Crafts which is one of the finest distributors of needlework supplies and accessories for the cross stitch industry. "She was a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, businesswoman, artist, quilter, gardener and protector of all creatures in the animal kingdom, both large and small." This was taken from the back of the chart word for word because it describes Kris perfectly. Her daughter wanted to pay tribute in some way and asked designers to submit designs of specific dimensions, using a chosen fabric and color palette. The submissions were overwhelming, which shows just how much she was valued in this industry. So, seven charts will be published in her honor. A portion of the proceeds is being donated to various animal protection organizations in Kris's name. Also, on the back of the charts are "Remembrances of Kris" from the designers who contributed the portions of each chart.

Chart #1: "From the Heart"

Designs by: Katy Stott Fong, The Needle's Content, Amy Bruecken Designs, Twisted Threads, SamSarah Designs, With My Needle, Bent Creek and JBWDesigns

Chart #2 is called "Lady of the House" and is, of course, my favorite since it includes my design portion!!! In my design, Kris is standing there with a heart that fills her bodice, overflowing with love for all the things she stood for. The hearts growing on the plant represent Kris and Dave and the family that blossomed, son Matt, daughter Katy and their grandchildren. The yellow flowers in the border represent, of course, Sunflowers!

Chart #2 "Lady of the House"

Designers: Rosewood Manor, Heart in Hand, Glory Bee, GPA Designs, The Cricket Collection, Homespun Elegance, The Sunflower Seed, Little House Needleworks and Waxing Moon Designs

I stitched and framed my portion of the design before submitting the pattern to Katy. I wanted to make sure I had my charting correct. The initials are KS, 09; Kris Stott and the year of her passing.

Design by "The Sunflower Seed"

Because Kris loved ALL animals so much I will close with a photo of our "Sweet Betsy". Even though she barks and growls at just about everyone that comes through the door here at the shop, once she knows you she is the sweetest "old girl" ever! She spends most of her days napping but around 4:30 every afternoon I get a little "1 hour warning". She comes to me wagging her tail and "warbling"!!! I'm sure she's telling me to get things cleaned up and put away, pack your bag and get ready to go home cause I'm gett'in hungry!!!

Betsy's bed under my desk!

Please let me know if you are interested in either, or both, of "Kris's Stitches" charts. I will be more than happy to gather up the supplies and mail them to you wherever you may be. They are delightful designs and if you're an animal lover you'll be helping many less fortunate, plus getting a beautiful stitched project to enjoy for many years to come! Stay tuned for additions to this series.

Happy Stitching ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Anita