Country at Heart

This summer Mom and I went on a trip to

Country at Heart Quilt & Gift Shop

in Rock Falls, Illinois

 to shop and to take a class with...

Rebekah L. Smith!

We were so lucky as it was the day after her new book came out and we got to see all the models!

But that is another post for another day ;)

Mom and I stayed for two days and took two different classes

Our first class was 

Sungold Sewing Caddy

and our second class was

Partridge Purse

Of course we shopped at Country at Heart

I loved it before I even walked in the door!

And its name is so appropriate with this peaceful view across the road.

Mom and I both found "must have" items as we walked in the door!

one wing of the large shop is a gift shop and the other wing is a quilt shop.

I loved this great wagon full of wool

and the great wooly models

plenty of quilt fabics

and these lovely antique half dolls with vintage hankie bodies - so sweet!

the complete collection of DMC too

I loved their unique colorways for some of Rebekah's patterns.

and the great selection of Valdani

They offer some lovely large projects and block of the month projects

Including this amazing fall quilt BOM that Jan unveiled at our class! WOW!

We enjoyed dinner with Rebekah at this local landmark.

If you get to visit Country at Heart, be sure to have dinner at Candlelight Inn 

and have their signature dish, Chicken George - YUM!

They've been serving it for over 50 years :)

And stop to enjoy the tranquil koi pond in front of the restaurant.

If you find yourself on I-88 driving through Illinois - be sure to stop at Country at Heart!

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, 
in order to bring praise to God.
~Romans 15:7

Blessings, Patti

The Old Red Barn

We interrupt the catch up summer posts to bring you a finish...

The Old Red Barn

by Little House Needleworks

I finished stitching this just about a year ago. 

I was inspired by the finish of Priscilla and Chelsea that I found here.

I switched mine up a bit - I switched out the pumpkins for apples and changed the colors to those shown.

Then I was stuck. I really loved the antique barnwood that Priscilla and Chelsea used and was searching for some red barn wood.

Earlier this month, my husband and I took a ride to Lake County Barnwood.

It is only 20 minutes from my Mother-in-law's home.

Even my husband was intrigued and wanted to go in...

I was thrilled with the barnwood that I found.

And my husband found this great tray. 

They even include an informational postcard detailing where the wood came from and the barn's history!

And now for the unveiling...

I am thrilled with my finish! 

It has been "Priscillafied"!

Thank you so much Priscilla and Chelsea for the inspiration!

Be sure to follow them on Floss Tube - The Real Housewives of Cross Stitch!

You would think that it is easy to take still life photos,

but this is what I encounter every time I try to take a picture...

My favorite little photo bomber - Peanut!

He  is so hard to resist and push away...

If only he could just back up a few inches... ;)

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

~Romans 15:5-6

Blessings, Patti

Views from Pebble Beach

Our final stop on our California trip was Pebble Beach.

While sitting in the lobby, I saw my husband on the nearest green and had to take pictures. 

The caddy told him after his shot that someone was taking pictures of him. 

He said, "Oh that's my wife, she's always taking pictures" :)

Each evening, a bag piper closed the course.

We could hear the lovely music in our room.

This is the Lodge at Pebble Beach

and the iconic 18th green.

I took pictures of him there too ;)

This friend kept me company while I waited for him to come in.

While he golfed, I went on many long hikes to enjoy the scenery.

The vegetation here is so different than the Midwest.

I really enjoyed taking the time to take it all in

so lovely

I loved the boardwalks that preserved the seascapes

and the art left behind by others

and the sound of the crashing waves as I walked

so peaceful

a new view at every bend

I made a few friends

along the way

that kept me company as I walked

can you see the sea lion at the peak of the rock?

and others playing in the ocean?

a few hermit crabs brought in with the tides

this tree has seen better days, but it is still beautiful.

the iconic lone cypress is still barely holding on,

but is amazing that it does from its precarious perch

I also met these new friends along the way

The community brings in goats for vegetation management

A much cuter and I would imagine more economical and environmentally friendly method than mowing.

Every day or two, they were moved to a new location and I would go hunt for my friends ;)

It was a lovely trip,

but I was oh so happy to see this sight from the plane

Sweet Home Chicago!

Thank you so much for letting me share my trip.

I promise that I will share some stitching in my next post...

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

~Romans 15:4

Blessings, Patti