West Town School and Strawberry Sampler

I had a wonderful day yesterday visiting West Town School with my Sampler Guild. My mom who is not a member was a trooper and went with me. We began the morning with a lecture and then we divided into two groups. We took turns visiting the archives where the majority of the samplers are hung and then upstairs visiting the various rooms where samplers are displayed throughout the school. I was able to take pictures, but we had to agree not publish them they are for our personal use only. After we finished with the West Town portion of the visit there was a second lecture by Carol - I apologize I do not know her last name and I will have to find out. She talked about Sarah Boone and the history of Oley Valley, which was very interesting. We left early I believe the second portion of her discussion was going to be focusing on Quaker Samplers. I hurt my back several months ago and I just can't sit very long or walk for very long so it was time for us to head back home since it is a little bit of a drive for me. After West Town my mom and I found Strawberry Sampler which is an adorable store with some very nice ladies working there. The models they had were absolutely gorgeous. I love going to different stores just for that reason to see the different models and to be inspired! I picked up the May, June and July Blackbird Designs Stocking Series so I am now up to date I believe August isn't in the stores yet. I may be wrong so don't quote me. We stopped by Applebee's for lunch and then headed home. Once I got home I was able to take my medicine and put ice on my back. Boy who knew ice could feel so good!!!!

Crazy week so far....

This week has been extremely busy at work, which is a good thing. However, it lives very little time to stitch. I am looking forward to my trip this Saturday, hopefully the storm in the Atlantic Ocean stays over the ocean and doesn't come up the East coast too closely. Oh, well I will make sure to tak an umbrella and to dress appropriately.

Where does the time go?

This week has went by very fast! I am continuing to make progress on Brett and I have to admit it is somewhat refreshing to intersperse with the Long Dog Sampler I am working on. I have included a partial photo of the Long Dog Sampler below. I am working it on 36ct Edinburgh Cream linen and using Gloriana Threads - Cranberry.


Next week I am going with my sampler guild to West Town School in Pennsylvania. The link I have included will take you to the information they have on their site in regards to their sampler collection. Our Guild Program Chair has arranged for us to have a tour next Saturday morning. I am looking forward to the trip and learning about the samplers they have in their collection. After our tour we are planning to stop by The Strawberry Sampler. I have never been to either location so I am looking forward to the trip.

Plugging along

I am making quite a bit of progress on Brett. I will add a current photo of my progress a little later today. This is such a quick stitch compared to the Long Dog Sampler I am working on which I will add a photo of as well. I can't believe we are in the middle of August already. The boys will be back in school before I know it. Where in the world does the time go??? Oh well, off to get my hair done.

Sampler Guild Retreat

This past weekend I attended my sampler guilds annual retreat. It was so peaceful and such a great time to spend with others whom enjoy stitching as much as I do. My summer has been insanely busy since my son graduated, my brother and his family moving to Minnesota, traveling for work. It was so nice to get away and truly relax. The location is a quiet hotel that does not have T.V's, telephones and my cell phone doesn't work. Can you say pure bliss!

I began my husband's christmas stocking which is Shepherd Bush's Brett Stocking which I included a photo of below.

I have already finished the stockings for our boys and I have pictures of them below and how I display them at Christmas time.