Spring Teases and Stitching

An absolutely beautiful day here today...heading up to about 70 degrees with wall to wall sunshine and some breezes.  That is perfect in my book.  All the spring plants and trees are behind this year, but that's OK.  There is plenty of time for the hot weather.  Here is a picture of the little violas I have outside my front door in a rusty basket.  Do any of you call these Johnny Jump Ups?

I've had these out there for about a month now.  They, like me, like the cooler weather.

I have a couple of photos to share of two of Rose's finishes that gathered a boat load of ribbons at the recent Medina Needlework Show. A photo of a piece that Carol stitched. And a photo of my progress on Ann Bowers.

Anniversary Roses, or Briar Roses - Lauren Sauer.
This extra long sampler is absolutely beautiful,
and Rose's stitching of it is superb.
Obviously the judges thought so, too.

Blue Ribbon - I think that's the name of it - from Sherrie Jones - Patrick's Woods.
An amazing piece also finished superbly by Rose and
rewarded appropriately by the judges.

A really gorgeous biscornu stitched by Carol.
The pine cones were stitched for her by Rose in
detached buttonholes.
This one brought home one ribbon.

Here is my progress on Ann Bowers, the 2013 SAL from
Attic Needlework.  I am right on with the published stitching schedule.
A real victory for me.
I have a few more stitches to add and one correction,
and then I will move Ann up on the frame and
start work on an almost clean slate.
I'll miss seeing this,
but the colorful little wording and dividing lines
coming next really look fun.

This weekend I went up to Michigan with three stitching buddies and took Barbara Jackson's Looking for Lunch class, which is one of her pretty little stitched strawberries.  We had so much fun meeting up with other stitching friends for various activities over the weekend.

I did terrible in class, which is my usual M.O.  Worked on the berry yesterday, in the quiet of my own mind, and was able to do better and get things going properly.  Lots of Queen stitches, though.  They are not my strong suite, but I will get them in there one way or another!

Happy stitching, everyone.  Enjoy this day.

Bobbi