And so it begins...

 

The marching band played!

The children cheered!

 



 

The King and Queen even made an appearance!

 

The Bittersweet Sisters arrived in Osage, Iowa!

(Arriving during the Homecoming Parade was so appropriate :) 

 

We took up residence above The Stitchery Nook.

A wonderful and very large shop, perfect for picking up needed supplies and the first two items in the giveaway gift bag - the Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue and the cutest little snail measuring tape that you ever did see. 

 

The retreat center above the shop is the newest and roomiest that I have ever stayed in. After staying for several days, I never want to leave!

 

We stopped in a new bakery "Taste" for a little snack, yum!

 

This cute little shoe store has the most perfect shoes for a needleworker and I just couldn't resist: 

A pair of boiled wool slippers with applique that are oh so comfy and a pair of clogs with wonderful and unique buttons - I was so glad that they had my size!

 



 

Then it was on to The Flower Gallery!

We loved this shop last year, a feast for the eyes and the nose.

We couldn't wait to see what artist, Carol Herman had created this year!

 

 

There were lovely items displayed inside and out.

And here is the treasure that I purchased this year:

 

I just loved the red barn board and the Indian corn.

 

The most wonderful surprise came later that evening, when Bittersweet Sister, Nicki gifted each of us with a custom made piece by Carol Herman!

 

Bittersweet vines painted on shaker boxes - each unique.

Be still my heart!

I will treasure it always...

 

I guess that I should end for now before I bore you, but I have so much more to share :)

Blessings, Patti

Bittersweet Sisters Day 2

I'm back with Day 2 :)

First stop was The Flower Gallery right on Main Street in Osage.

This is not your ordinary floral shop, this shop is beautiful inside and out!

 



 

In addition to flowers, this shop was chockful of wonderful unique art and home decor items.

You had to just stand still and take it all in.

 

 

Be sure to look up! You might miss something special!

You can reach The Flower Gallery by clicking here.

 

And here is my purchase from The Flower Gallery:

(o.k. ignore my sons' room on the right - I should have closed the door!)

This incredible "Autumn Harvest" pine board was painted by artist Carol Herman.

The Flower Gallery carries a wonderful array of Carol's work from painted wine bottles to incredible painted antique doors. I wish that I would have purchased much more!

 

In the afternoon, we had a wonderful opportunity to tour a 150 year old home.

 

 

Although a lovely home, this grey house wasn't the right one.

But eventually we sorted things out and found the right house ;)

(Imagine peeking through your curtains and finding a gaggle of women on your doorstep taking photos - I would have run and hidden for sure lol)

 

Now here is the right house:

 Isn't this side entrance so warm and inviting?

Unfortunately somehow I forgot to take a photo of the front.

 

 

This wonderful home is on the National Register of Historic Places.

And here is a portrait of Mr. Deering:

 

Annette Ashbach, the homeowner, was ever so gracious inviting us in, sharing the history, allowing us to wander throughout her family's home.

 Isn't this piece gorgeous? I was so struck by it and Annette shared that she found it at a garage sale for $150! What a steal!

 

The details throughout the home were wonderful. You certainly don't see radiators with this level of detail anymore.

 

Annette is also a longarm quilter extraordinaire!

 

Longarm quilting is Annette's business and the quilt above is one of her own. I don't recall the design or designer, but the tiny piecework was absolutely amazing. This quilt is Sylvia's Bridal Sampler consisting of 140 - 6.5 inch blocks - WOW!

 This little quilt really caught my eye as well.

Being such a lovely hostess, Annette even invited us into her sewing room.

 

 

Where we saw these lovely projects in process.

Then after our tour was done, Annette even served us homemade scones and tea! Yum!

 

 

What a lovely way to spend an autumn afternoon!

Thank you Annette for your wonderful hospitality!

 

And there is still more to come...

Blessings, Patti