Back So Soon?

Did I make a second trip to Black Cat Stitchery soon after my first?

Why, yes I did lol.

I was up in the area and realized I needed more threads for another project.

But you can't simply walk in, grab your threads and leave, can you?!

There might be something new that you have to see!

In this case it was another trunk show!

From Shakespeare's Peddler!

So many lovely models.

And beautiful pincushions.

On the right is a lovely antique sampler that she has reproduced.

I purchased two patterns after seeing the models.

And this pattern too. Perfect for stitching this time of year.

And I didn't forget my threads! Even if I was a little sidetracked ;) LOL!

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.“

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

~Matthew7:1-5

Blessings, Patti

Silver Lining...

Time keeps flying by me!

Earlier this month, I took a business trip to:

Not my favorite city.

I don't gamble and the excess is a bit much for me.

But we did stay at a lovely hotel.

They had beautiful displays made from flowers.

They reminded me of the Rose Parade.

The tilework was exquisite!

Such talent.

My husband came with as the conference ended on our wedding anniversary.

We thought we would spend the day together before heading home.

My husband does enjoy Las Vegas.

He gambles within reason and enjoys their many golf courses.

On our day together we drove about 30 minutes away from The Strip to this:

Wow! Who knew?! 

Now Red Rock Canyon is my kind of trip!

So beautiful!

Gorgeous views around every bend!

I was excited when I saw this sign and hoped to see a tortoise,

but there were none to be found.

I think they were all taking a siesta.

Beautiful rock formations

Mountains as far as the eye could see.

Vegetation that I'm not familiar with.

We took a few short hikes.

It may be a dry heat, but it is HOT!!!

The hikes were a bit treacherous with the rocks and stones.

This little fellow popped up to say hi.

There were lots of fossils along the way...

I was excited to see the petroglyphs.

Amazing that they have lasted so long and are still here to enjoy.

Sad that so many have chosen to remove them.

On our way back to the hotel, we made a little  stop - 

Christmas Goose Quilt Shop.

A nice roomy shop with lots to see.

Some very pretty wool patterns that were new to me.

I tried to take as much in as I could knowing that my husband was waiting in the car ;)

They had a fabulous selection of threads

and wool too.

I was particularly interested in this great display of vintage textiles and trims.

Look at all of these lovelies!

The hexagons from old embroidered table cloths really caught my eye!

I found a few treasures that would fit in my carryon bag. 

I love how they tie bags closed with strips of fabric.

It was time to head home.

I enjoyed the sights from the plane.

I was so happy to head back to our sons and our pups.

There really was a silver lining to traveling to Las Vegas.

I found out that there is a cross stitch shop in Las Vegas too.

I may have to check it out if there is another business trip to Vegas in my future...

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 

~Matthew 7:24-25

Blessings, Patti

A Visit to Black Cat Stitchery

Last month I decided to take a ride and went to visit 

The Black Cat Stitchery in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois.

I was happy as soon as I walked in the door and saw the large display of threads!

This was just what I needed.

They have several rooms

and large displays of charts by many of my favorite designers.

where to look first?

So many charts to choose from!

I was so lucky as I happened to be there while Lori Markovic, of La D Da  was there teaching a class!

I've been lucky enough to take a few classes with Lori over the years :)

Oh and to see her trunk show in person! How wonderful!

"Virtue" really caught my eye! I love so much about it - from the bricks to the border and from the heart in hand to the wisp of smoke from the chimney...

And those sweet sampler bunnies! Who knew how precious and tiny they were! 

My plan was to come for some threads only, 

but now I needed to buy a chart or two.

Oh how to narrow it down?

Eventually I decided that these two needed to come home with me.

And I found all the threads I needed along with a pretty piece of linen.

and how could I resist this sweet set of pins?

I think this won't be my last visit ;)

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, 

that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost.

~Romans 15:13

Blessings, Patti