TUSAL- Post #10

It's that time again- the start of a new moon and therefore a new TUSAL update.

I now have some new fall-like colours added to the jar after having quite a pile of purple threads from To Laugh Often.

Off to enjoy a beautiful sunshiney fall day!!  :^)

Tracey

Progress on Falling Leaves

I was just sitting down to stitch, so I thought I'd share my progress on Falling Leaves.  I started this almost three weeks ago, and I'm really loving the colours.

Even though it seems like this pattern would be a straight-forward simple stitch, believe it or not I've had to do my share of frogging on this one :^)

Hope everyone is enjoying their last weekend of September 2011!

Tracey

The Reveal

I started this cross stitch pattern back in February 2011, and finally finished it this past week!  I was dying to share my progress as I went along, but since this was a surprise graduation gift for my daughter Chantelle (who follows our blog) I  had to keep it under wraps. 

"To Laugh Often" stitched on 32ct Belfast Linen "Mountain Rose Expressions" by Silkweaver

Stitched using Vikki Clayton silk variegated hand dyed fibers in "Bemused" and "Maid of the Vineyard"

I had yet to frame it, so when Chantelle decided to come home to visit for a couple of days we headed to the Thread & Eye to pick out a frame.  We just kept it simple and decided a on basic black frame because there was already so much going on with the fabric and variegated floss.  Can't wait to see the finished product!

Since we were already in the city, we stopped by HomeSense for a look around.  When we walked in and started checking things out, I came to the realization that this was Chantelle's first ever visit to this amazing store!  They had a lot of neat Halloween stuff on display, so that's where we started shopping.  Owls seem to be all the rage this year, so I just had to share a picture of the cute items she purchased--

 We both squealed when we spotted this cute little fella at the bottom of the mug  :^)

What fun we had!  When we got back home, it didn't take long for Chantelle to get online and start searching for the closest store location to where she lives.  I can guarantee this first visit to HomeSense won't be her last!!  :^)

Tracey 

Inspiration

Fall is my favourite season.  I just love the crispness in the air, and all the beauty that surrounds you when you look outside at the ever changing colours in the landscape.

I was getting the urge to stitch something autumn related, so I had a look through my patterns.  I came across this free chart from DMC called Falling Leaves that I have always loved, and thought it would be the perfect choice.

 

When I looked at the colours that were recommended for the pattern, I just knew I had to change them.  Even though the leaves aren't true "maple" leaves, those maple leave colours are what I envisioned when  I first saw this pattern.

So outside I went, to the maple tree in our front yard and chose this leaf as my inspiration...

Gentle Art Sampler Threads: Avocado, Burnt Orange and Gold Leaf

It has been a fun, quick stitch so far, and when it's complete I will have a little piece of autumn inside with me year round.

Tracey

9.10.11 - Unique Wedding

I just got home from my friends very unique wedding and I couldn't wait to download the pictures.  Brook wanted to be married on this day so she could say she was married on 9.10.11.  When she told me, I said "Why stop there... why not get married at 12:13."  We got a little chuckle over that. 

The wedding was held at the Warwick Conservation Area.   It was a beautiful setting and the weather was picture perfect.  Canada geese covered the lake in the background and the trees made a beautiful canopy.  The sun peaked through the tree tops and it glistened off the lake in the background.  After the ceremony, guests were entertained by a wagon ride throughout the conservation area while the wedding party had their photos taken.

Ok... let's get on the with picture show.   Let's start with the Wedding Itinerary that doubles as a fan to cool yourself while watching the ceremony.  Fantastic idea !!

While waiting for the ceremony to begin... there was so much to look at, you almost didn't know where to begin.  This unique display shows you how to find your table seating.  You may have to click on the picture to read the instructions.

 

Inside the tent every single table was set differently.  Each plate was different at every setting.  All the linens were unique to each table, the water jugs, silverware - everything.  And the teapots and pails served as the centerpieces for the flower arrangements.

 Now onto the Registry Table.  I Love this look.... you know me and the Victorian style.... 

 My Table Marker and Napkin - so pretty.

 

Now here's the part I really LOVE.  The bride made all the bouquets herself.  She made them out of brooches.  Some of the brooches in her bouquet had belonged to her grandmother.  I picked up the bouquet to take a picture of it and man... was it Heavy! 

 

 Let's top off that bling bouquet with a little bling footware. 

Her daughter, the Jr. Maid of Honour carried a  slightly different version to suit her style. Doesn't she look just like her mother?  Very pretty Brennah!

This is the Maid of Honour's bouquet.  I love how unique this is. Amanda looks so happy in the picture below.  Brook knew right away this is what she wanted for the bouquets for her wedding.  She should be a wedding planner, she has some very unique ideas.

The Dinner Menu was propped up against a tree and written on a chalk board and sitting on a wash tub.  Oh my goodness, the meal was fantastic!   

The meal was topped off with a cake made by the bride's mother and her daughter, and several varieties of homemade pies made by the grooms mom.  It was really hard to decide just what to have for dessert.

Wait a second... is that what I think it is.... ?  Oh my goodness, look at the table favours.

 

 Chocolate / Caramel covered candy apples.  Yum!!   All of the invitations, thank you cards, table markers etc were made by the bride. 

 Best Wishes to the Happy Couple.  Brook and Tim Wiles. 

Bonnie

That Fall Feeling

This past Wednesday night was our monthly cross stitch meeting.  It was Anita's turn to host, and we had the special treat of spending the evening in the darling log cabin that they have on their property.

The cabin is equipped with all the necessities you would need to spend a few days there, and Anita has decorated the interior to make it feel all warm and inviting. 

Anita is one talented lady!  Not only does she cross stitch, she quilts, sews, knits and crochets among other things!!  One of the things that catches your eye when you first walk in, is this beautiful, colourful quilt that Anita custom made to fit above the sofa.  The leaf motif fits in perfectly with the woods surrounding the cabin, and gives the room that wonderful fall feeling.

She also made these cute little curtains with some of the same fabric along with a co-ordinating runner for the table.  

Notice how the little bowls match the colours in the fabric??... Perfect!  :^)

It was another great night spent together with laughter, yummy food, stitching and most of all friendship.  Thanks again to Anita for being such a gracious hostess!

Tracey

Lucky Me!

A little over a month ago, I was over at Rose Tinted Enchantments visiting Jon Lee's blog.  She had posted about having purchased two of the same kit of The Magic Forest by Elsa Williams.  Since she only needed the one, she said that if someone was interested in having the other one, all they had to do was be the first person to make a comment and ask for it.  Well it turned out I was that lucky person!!

 

Now along with the kit, Jon Lee said she would also include some fabric, patterns and a few other surprises.  WOW... was I SURPRISED!! 

When my package arrived, it was chock full of goodies...

Four pieces of fabric (love the yummy colours)...

Five patterns (2 of these even included the threads - most of them silk - to stitch with)...

Thanks again to Jon Lee for adding a bright spot to my day with her generosity!!

Tracey