Bittersweet Sisters 2019 ~ Part 1

The Bittersweet Stitching Sisters returned to Osage, Iowa for a week in October.

Home of the amazing Stitchery Nook.

It is definitely not just a "nook" ;)

It is a large shop with an excellent assortment of threads

linens

and patterns.

It is amazing that this town of about 3,600 people 

has not just a great cross stitch shop, but a quilt shop and 

an amazing wool shop too!

What more could a needleworker ask for?!

We spent an amazing morning at Ewe & Eye

and were so happy that our friend Barb met us there too. :)

It's become a Bittersweet Sisters tradition to have our picture taken 

in front of this lovely wall of wool. 

Ewe & Eye also has a wonderful selection of Stacy Nash patterns 

with many models by the talented Barb.

There is a sweet new coffee shop at the seminary

and so many great restaurants too.

It snowed for the first two days,

but then it cleared up.

This trip was just want I needed

rest and relaxation

peace and fellowship

and plenty of inspiration.

and there is so much more to share.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

    for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

~Matthew 5:9-10

Blessings, Patti

Pennies from Heaven ~ Volume 19a

Early in December Mom and I did another stitch along.

This time we made

Rebekah L. Smith's "Merry Mittens"

This is Mom's beautiful work.

She used wool that she had on hand. I love her red plaid.

This is my finish.

I used a wool kit by Ewe and Eye Woolens and Such 

that I purchased on my trip to Osage, Iowa this past fall.

It is such fun to see how subtle changes make them look so different!

And it is fun to work on them together, even if long distance.

I love checking in and seeing where we each are...

And here are Mom's on display.

I think this is such a great display in her front entryway!

Mom had a lot more finishes to share.

I'll post those soon!

Though you have not seen him, you love him. And even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

~1 Peter 1:8-9

Blessings, Patti

Osage 2017 ~ Part 4

So with a week at the wonderful retreat center at The Stitchery Nook,

What did we work on?

My focus was working on Maggie Bonanomi's "Bountiful"

from the 2016 Country Sampler Boxwood & Berries event.

I didn't finish it, but I did make a lot of progress!

Still hoping for a finish before Thanksgiving.

I also made some progress on Maggie Bonanomi's "Autumn' Choice"

from Country Sampler's Girls Club 2016.

I decided to add veins to the leaves using Rustic Moire Wool Thread so it is taking a bit longer.

Nicki shared her progress on this wonderful hooked rug - design by Ewe and Eye.

And another Ewe and Eye design in progress and hooked by Nicki.

Linda is working on this stunner!

Where the Cows Come Home

design by The Cottage at Cardiff Farms

and kitted by Calico Hutch Quilt Shop

WOW!!! Is all I can say and it is even more stunning in person.

I have to share close ups of some of my favorites.

Who am I kidding?! They are all favorites! 

The fabrics and wools are all so perfect for the design.

Most aren't stitched by Linda yet, but merely fused and they are already gorgeous!

*sigh* You just want to walk into the scene.

Don't you love those teeny tiny sheep?!

And wait until you see what one single Bittersweet Stitching Sister accomplished in less that a full week!

Kim put the binding on this gorgeous 1930's style feedsack fabric quilt.

Here is Kim with her sweet Halloween quilt that she also put the binding on.

Just in time to enjoy this Halloween!

These cute needle punch designs are now all uniquely mounted and ready for Kim to hang up.

And would you believe that Kim also finished all of these sweet pinkeeps and pouch?!

Way to go Kim!!!

I think that you have set a new Bittersweet Stitching Sisters record of most finishes at a single retreat!!!

Congratulations and enjoy all of your wonderful new finishes!

I think I have a post or two left from out trip and then my traditional trip giveaway...

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

~Ephesians 5:1-2

Blessings, Patti

Osage 2017 ~ Part 2

Whenever we visit Osage, we always look forward to our day at Ewe and Eye.

The happiness begins as we pull in the driveway.

You feel at home immediately.

Especially when you are greeted by this fella on the door.

He made me smile :)

Then the inspiration really begins.

Where to look first?

Maybe the wool

And there's even more wool on this wall.

Or the rug hooking designs

Or finally the cross stitch

Can I just say that the large sampler bag stitched with wool thread was absolutely stunning!

How many times did I look at that kit trying to decide...

And the fellowship was wonderful! Catching up and sharing what we are working on... 

I think Marge and Beth liked the little boxes that we gave them.

All too soon our wonderful day was over, but first the garden beckoned...

I just had to say hello to the scarecrow lady and her ginormous pet crow who never bothers her garden.

Thank you Marge & Beth for a treasured visit.

I'll have to settle for following you on Facebook until we meet again.

It is impossible to leave their shop without any wool lol!

And the hand dyed velvets - oh my!

They had Rebekah's Merry Mittens kitted so that was a must have.

And I loved these patterns too.

I couldn't decide between the two wools for the bunnies, so I bought them both ;) I'll decide later...

Next I need to share a new adventure that we took one day...

My salvation and my honor depend on God;

    he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Trust in him at all times, you people;

    pour out your hearts to him,

    for God is our refuge.

~Psalm 62:7-8

Blessings, Patti