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

When this you see, Remember me...

When I found this wonderful freebie by Lori Markovic of La~D~Da here, I knew that I had to stitch it right away. 

I chose 28 count Farmhouse Linen by Notforgotten Farm (found here) and GAST threads in Garden Gate and Mulberry. It stitched up quickly. 

Some finishes I am happy with and some I love.

This one I love <3 nbsp="" p="">

I made it into a thread board using cardboard as a center and edged it with brick rick rack. I added mother of pearl thread holders on the bottom.

Would you like to see the back?

On the back I added wool applique motifs to mirror the front. The wools are a pretty good match to the threads. Not that you can see both sides at once lol.

I've been fortunate enough to take two classes with Lori and she is such an incredibly patient and supportive teacher. She really tries to make sure that each of us are successful and enjoying ourselves.

Thank you so much Lori for sharing your talents with us and in generously sharing some beautiful freebies. I have my eye on her "tiny sampler" freebie next...

"For the word of the Lord is right and true;

    he is faithful in all he does.

The Lord loves righteousness and justice;

    the earth is full of his unfailing love."

~Psalm 33:4-5

Blessings, Patti

The Star Party begins...

 

And so we arrived at my absolute favorite store, The Country Sampler in Spring Green Wisconsin!

As we walked up, others were taking their pictures in front of the mecca and so Bittersweet Sister, Kim and I joined in.

 

 

The Star Party was a big group and we were split into two classes - our first day was spent at the pretty White Schoolhouse.

 

I loved the old details and high ceilings and the huge windows let in plenty of natural light.

 

And we had pretty views as well.

 

Our first class was with Lori Markovic of La D Da.

If you ever have an opportunity to take a class with Lori, be sure to do it!

She is so kind and always wants to help to be sure that you go home with a finished project.

She brought with a trunk show of her designs.

Each piece lovelier than the next...



 

Inspiring to look at while we stitched away.

 

Lori is a kind soul and such fun.

I hope that Lori didn't mind that the rebels from Chicago had to change things up...

 

Kim and I aren't so good at following directions and had to make ours unique ;)

 

One class done and one project finished!

 

"Trouble and distress have come upon me,

but your commands give me delight."

~Psalm 119:143

 

Blessings, Patti