It's beginning to feel a lot like........

Greetings Stitchers!

     We're having another fun day here at the shop.  The holiday spirit is definitely buzzing around here! Though we NEVER want to skip past Thanksgiving.....I think with Thanksgiving coming so late this year...the Christmas spirit is popping up.  Maybe it's a time of thanks and blessings of heart and soul. My pumpkins and autumn goodies are still out, but I must admit...I put my candles in my windows!  It's so nice, with the nights getting darker earlier...to come from one of the boy's practices, to my home glowing with candlelight.  I may keep them up all winter :-)  My family is beyond excited today, because our immediate family from Boston is on their way to Pennsylvania, as I type! Jimmy has literally been counting the hours.  They have helped get things ready for their cousins and planned outings with everyone.  My mother in law's birthday was on Monday, so we will be celebrating that this weekend.  We have a new trampoline park (skyzone....the place ROCKS), that my boys LOVE...so they decided the BEST way to celebrate Nana's birthday would be to take her to Skyzone!!!  I love the sentiment....but I'm not sure we'll be fighting the young'ns to bounce!

This was taken a summer ago :-) ... on our favorite place...

Cape Cod

 

     What are you stitching on?  If you are frantically finishing something up for Christmas finishing and framing....you still have a few more days.  The Framing and Finishing Deadline is November 23rd!!  Get those needles flying..you can DO IT!  There's nothing like giving something that you've created from your heart and your hands.  It doesn't have to be big..sometimes a little something means the world!  And if not...there's always next year! I have been working on some of the Little House designs...they are quick stitches and fun to do.  I also have My To Do List stitched for Christmas giving. Whatever you are giving....the truth is, it IS the thought that matters. Whether it is something hand made...or the special something that you saw in Walgreens...whether it's in a big box, or no box at all....whether it's something that can be seen or something that is felt.....if it comes from your heart...it is the best gift of all. 

 

 

a few Thanksgiving goodies.....

 

 

This is SO ADORABLE. Those of us here in Pennsylvania, love the stone on the farmhouse...it is often seen in our parts. 

Christmas stars

 

 

 

I love this idea...Thanksgiving stockings.  And these are so cute with the pilgrims on them!

His and Hers Thanksgiving Stockings

 

Have you seen these new Shaker boxes?  We are in LOVE with them!

Give Thanks Sewing Box

 

 

love this! How cute is the turkey??

Thankful for Thee

 

the 11th in the Little Sheep Virtues series..

Gratitude...a daily need.

 

 

 

 

a few Christmas ideas...for WHICH Christmas, we didn't say



 

Many of us are still stitching for Christmas giving..but some of us are just stitching...and LOTS of us like to stitch holiday items at holiday times.  It's like a little gift when the next holiday rolls around...

So here are a few quick stitching things..and just some favorites :-)

 

KEEPER!

Now THIS would be easy to stitch up quickly as a last minute Christmas gift.  The framed piece comes as the Wondrous Linen Kit and includes everything but the floss.

The Wondrous Pillow includes 14ct fabric, the pillow and the floss. SO CUTE.

 

 

We love nativity scenes....this is kinda like one!

Holy Night

 

Ya gotta BELIEVE!
I'm putting this in my pile, for SURE!

I Believe in Santa

 

Don't ya love the thought?

Sleigh Rides and Snowflakes (I'm always a fan of the alliteration too)

Sleigh Rides

 

New from one of our FAVES, Lizzie Kate.

Stitch it up now and you'll having something warm and cozy on your walls for wintertime!

Little Snow

(this kit comes with 28ct linen and the embellishments)

 

 

this is a darling little sampler! I like the YULE at the end

A Christmas Sampler

 

IS this GREAT? Love the way it is finished.

Believe Collage

 

 

I'm just thinking these would be great for a Cape Cod Christmas!

Seaside Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

GREAT Stitcher's Gifts...to give or RECEIVE. And no stitching required

 

A gift certificate...nothing says I love you like ..here, go buy something for yourself!!!

 

We have a TRUNK SHOW from My BIG TOE, of accessories.

They have been SO POPULAR, and they are exquisite.

 

 

Needlethreader with or without clasp.

(though I think it would be best with a clasp...as you could clip it on your scissors and it wouldn't get lost.)

 

The Stitch Picker....face it you do that more than you'd like.

 

Marking Pins.

I think these are just gorgeous on the pincushion!

 

GREAT Petite Scissors.  These are LOVELY.

Gold Scissors

 

Petite Scissors - Silver

 

Petite Scissors - Copper

 

 

 

and another little idea....

 

 

 

WE LOVE THIS SAMPLER!

And lots of you have too.

Somebody asking what you want for Christmas? We can kit this up for your little elf to give.

The verse reads,

"all my scattering moments are taken up with my needle"

Needleworker's Sampler

 

 

until the next bloggeroo...Happy Stitching

Abby

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Hello Stitchers,
     If you're anywhere near us or above the Mason Dixon line, or God forbid live somewhere near Notre Dame like my sweet friend, Alayna (where it SNOWED yesterday), I hope that you're reading this with a warm cup of cocoa or Beth's favorite, chai tea.  Yes, it is getting cold!  And, we have a baseball tournament this weekend...YIKES!  I already have blankets packed in my car.  Unlike summer, when many of us are out in our yards or gardens (or pools or baseball fields), the cold weather is great stitching weather.  There's nothing better. 
   We've had some great visits this week at the shop.  Melba Cherico was in and she said 2 things that really stuck with me.  She, like me, is back to stitching in recent years after some busy times in her life..  She said of stitching, "When I'm stitching, all is right with the world".  And my favorite, in reference to stitching, "I'm back home".  THAT is SO TRUE.  The rhythm of stitching, the projects we're working on, the projects we intend to work on, pieces that hold such memory for us...it's like being home.  I loved that Melba!  A group of stitching friends came in, who had not visited our store before, and one dear lady said, "oh, this is like heaven".  I'm not sure if Saint Peter would agree with THAT...but I sure thought that was cool! And today, Barbara stopped in for a visit and brought us lunch!! It was so nice to sit and chat and have a nice hot lunch.  THANKS BARBARA!!!!  We love seeing all of our stitching friends - getting a chance to catch up on life and projects - thank you so much to all of you who include us in your journey.  And it's not only the people we see in the store..it's emails, it's fb, it's instagram...what a blessing to be able to connect. 
     My mind has been turning to Christmas lately.  I don't want to push through the Autumnal season, but as a stitcher...you do have to think ahead a bit.  I have had so much fun stitching the Little House ornaments for gifts.  They are really quick to stitch, and you can frame them or hang them...either one is great.  I stitched my last one on 25ct lugana over one, and it was a lot of fun.  I love the look of things stitched over one...but it's harder and harder on my eyes.  25ct is a great option.  If you've wanted to try an "over one" project...there are great little projects to work on.

 

Remember from my last blog...a little bit of green that was stitched?  This is it! 

Little House's, Joy and Peace...stitched over one on 25ct lugana....give it a try!

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=8639

 

 

 

Another friend was in this week, Pat Perry - who I've talked about in my blog before - and she treated us to a peak at the Halloween ornaments she's stitched and finished.  THEY ARE ADORABLE!!!  We love to see Pat stitching again..and Pat and I are on the same page..as we're both sticking to small, "finishable" projects these days. She also taught me how to train my eye differently..to see ornaments or projects in many different designs.  I have "seen" so much since she taught me that!  Now, one of the things we LOVE SO MUCH about Pat's goodies (and her mom had the same talent) is the way she finishes things. THEY ARE ADORABLE.  We have asked Pat if she would teach a class on creative finishing and she said she would.  We're so excited!  This is at the Halloween ornaments she stitched and finished.... Enjoy!

 

I know you love them!!!  I love the whole group..but I wanted to show you the creativity that Pat uses.  Instead of leaving the back "blank"...she stitches something clever on the back, with the year and her initials :-)  THEN, LOOK at the fun way she's finished these! Love the beads and cord. 

THANKS PAT!

 

 

     Remember the To Do List that I was stitching on and finished...it's all framed. 

 

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=12313

 This has really struck a note in so many people...I'm so glad.  I just absolutely love it, and felt like it "spoke" to me with each stitch I put in.  Here's another idea from Melba....she's stitching this one as a companion piece to the To Do List..and I loved the idea.  It's now in my "to do pile" ;)

 



http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=12982

 

 

a quick blog today....I don't know where the time goes?!?!  Be sure to check out the new goodies online at



http://www.strawberrysampler.com/results.cfm?SubCategory=577

THERE ARE A LOT of GREAT NEW DESIGNS OUT!

 

Happy Stitching...and

LET'S GO RED SOX!!!!!

 

Hugs...

Abby

Dear Stitchers :-)
      Another beautiful day.  No, the sun isn't shining and it's a bit muggy for October...but it's all in your perspective, isn't it?  I have to say...being back at the shop with these wonderful girls and our great customers gives me a great perspective!  I feel really blessed to work in a place where laughter IS the best medicine. Well....along with stitching!  We are corny and cracked, to say the least...but we're ok with that.  I would bet that my sister Beth would say....we're beyond cracked and that it has gotten to a new level since my return!!!  My mom, Ruth Ellen, has been on a hiatus at the shore, but she popped back up for a few days to do some things at the shop (and for her dog to see my dog!) So, this is a look at us yesterday......

And for those of you who have wondered what Beth looks like..there she is in the center.  Each day she has to put up with the wacko on the left!  There's a spot in heaven for her ;) Yup...just another day at work..up to no good (I know those firms on Wall Street don't get to work like this.....that's why they are all STRESSED OUT).

I am happy to say, my needle has been flying recently!  It's so great!!  I have finished a few things (nothing too big, I don't do big these days!)  I am having so much fun.  Last Saturday, I had some errands to run..and I popped into the shop to "find a new project".  I had such a nice time being a customer!!!  I looked through racks, looked through the fabrics, decided on which fibers to use...talked to the girls.  It was awesome! I rather liked being a customer ;)  It's funny, I really hadn't stitched for awhile..and it's like being back with an old friend.  I am definitely in the "one more stitch" mode, and have to have a project on the ready before I finish my current project!  And, SHOCK of all SHOCKS..I am even thinking about some little trinkets as Christmas gifts!  And it's EARLY for me!!!  I have to say...I haven't felt such a kindred for a project, nor have I seen a piece capture as much affection as a piece I just finished.....

 

Lizzie Kate's To Do List

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=12313

 

 

 

It definitely struck a chord in many people.  My non stitching friends wanted a picture that they could use as their screen saver on their phones! I think it speaks to what a lot of us want and NEED...to slow down a bit and focus on some of the important things in life! 

 

(you'll notice with most stitching pictures a link.  You can click the link and go to the page in our online catalog to see it and order it if you'd like :-)

 

I also finished stitching this cute little free design that is the freebie that is being sent out in our mail order packages right now...it's a cutie.....

 

Reindeer Kiss!

He was so fun to stitch...

(look for it at the shop, it's free with a purchase...or look for it in your mail order packages :-)

 

 

Little House Needleworks is a favorite of ours around the shop (and from the looks of what I send out it's the favorite of many of yours!).  As I have been pondering Christmas goodies...Little House has many designs that are quick stitches that are great for stitching for quick projects..for giving or for keeping or for decorating!  This is what I am stitching on now......

 

 

 

Doesn't it look lovely??? bahahaha!  It doesn't look like much, but when you're stitching over one..IT SURE IS!!  There was a time when I stitched a LOT over one, I haven't in recent years...but I decided to give it a try.  In fact...looking at things for Throwback Thursday (If you haven't checked that fun little diddy, it's on our facebook page.  We've been updating that daily...you NEVER know what you'll find there! You can find us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Strawberry-Sampler/125376960843400?ref=hl. ) Before I go on...I have to show y'all this one....

 

 

Who remembers THESE?  YES, I stitched them OVER ONE...and that's A LOT of stitching.  It was back in 1994....my eyes were MUCH stronger! 

 

As usual....I digress.  I was talking about Little House Needleworks.  She has 2 new designs coming out..and they are as adorable as ever!

 

Home is Where the Sunflower Grows

 

Little Sheep Virtues, Kindess, #11

If you haven't seen this series, it is ADORABLE. One Virtue for each month... Here are a few from that series.  (if you are interested you can purchase the entire 12, if you pay for all 12 at once, our gift to you, is that you only have to pay for 10...2 for free!)

 

 

Little Sheep Virtues, #2 .. Love (Feb)

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=11633

 

 

Little Sheep Virtues, #1 .. Hope (Jan)
http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=11963

 

 

Little Sheep Virtues, Simplicity
http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=12383

 

There are many more!  I just had time for a few.  I just think these are great, quick little projects!

 

Some other favorite quickies from Little House....

 

Baked Goods
http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=8164

 

Peace on Earth



http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=8164

 

Hometown Holiday - My House

(Hometown Holiday is another darling series!)

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=11629

 

Joy and Peace

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=8639

 

We hope you enjoyed these as much as I am! 

If you're interested in getting started on some of them....Friday thru Sunday would be a good time to get your projects ready, because.....

 

The Moon is full

So Round out your stash

Look through your projects

then make a mad dash...

 

If fabrics and floss

are the items you seek

then give us your order

by the end of the week!!!

 

 

 

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN??

Well, it means we have FULL MOON FEVER!

Starting on Friday, October 18...ending on Sunday, October 20.

Place your orders, and when ordering fibers and floss for a project or to complete a project you have on hand...

Get 20% OFF of the FIBERS and FLOSS

(DO NOTE, THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE DMC THREADS)

 

There will be a newsletter coming out on Friday that will also have some new goodies...

 

Full Moon Fever, Baby.

 

Huge Hugs,

Abby

(Just Breathe)

 

Dear Stitchers, 
     I'm BAAAACK :-)  I have to say, I'm liking this blogging thing.  Modern technology is something else, huh?  I was blessed by so many people reaching out to me, asking me about Jimmy and asking me about me!  Thank you so much.  I have to say....one thing brought tears to my eyes, and that was a visit from Pat Perry.  You see Pat and her mother Rhody have been fixtures in the shop since Day 1.  .  They have been on MANY of our early trips to Pawleys Island....and they were at every Stitcher's Retreat at the shop.  In fact, shortly after my son Jimmy was born, we had a Retreat, and there is a photo of Rhody holding my sweet baby boy.  They are beautiful, beautiful stitchers...and more importantly, beautiful people.  Several years ago, Rhody passed away, and though no death is ever an easy thing to process.....it was very hard to let go of this wonderful lady, as her daughter Pat will attest to.  Pat and Rhody knew me from the time I was "knee high to a grasshopper" to seeing me become a mother.  So, on Tuesday, when Pat popped in the shop and swallowed me in a big bear hug with a big smile...that was really special.  Somebody taking the time out to come say Hi, I'm glad things are going well, that was a blessing to me.  It hasn't always been easy for Pat to come back into the shop...where she and her mom had shared so much.  You'll never know, Pat...just how much that meant to me :-)  THANK YOU!  I know your mom was with us...and she was smiling.  
     That made me think about friendships.  There's nothing like them.  I was singing that song..."make new friends, but keep the old...one is silver and the other's gold".  I can remember wondering WHAT DID THAT MEAN!?!?!  Fortunately, I've had time to figure that one out!  We share so many things here at the shop...the joy of counting and stitching is certainly one...but so are the bonds of friendship that we form.  It is a special thing to be able to share our burdens ...... share our joys...with one another.  It is truly a blessing.  I have a handful of "new" friends who I treasure...and I have a handful of "old" friends that I treasure.  Those friendships have gotten me through many a "gray" day...and rejoiced with me through many a happy day.  One of the things that I think is so amazing...sometimes you don't have to say ANYTHING..just a smile, a hug, a look..that's the gift of friendship.  

Here's to FRIENDSHIP <3 b="">

(I've included the "page" you'll find these models in our online catalog.  Just click on it and it will take you to the page)

 

Hope of the Heart

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=12973

 

Life is Woven

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=12978

Desert Rosi

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=12232

Best Friends

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=10066

Friends and Family

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=4381

Friendship Endures

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=3934

Priceless Friend

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=5893

Tea Crazy

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=3630

Devoted Friend

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=12129

Old Friends

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=1419

Friends & Coffee

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=8141

Friends Sampler

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=4098

Shell Sampler

http://www.strawberrysampler.com/detail.cfm?ID=5885

So...Be a Friend..or Be Friendly...Little gestures go a looooong way :-)

Huge HUGS

Abby

Greetings Stitchers, 
     It's Abby :-) It's been quite some time since I've done an email...and I must say, this is my first OFFICIAL Blog.  Some would say I've been blogging since birth! This past year has taken me on quite a journey.  Some of it has been amazing, some of it was amazingly difficult.  I'll give you a brief account! In August of 2012, my oldest son Jimmy, was diagnosed with severe ulcerative colitis.  As difficult as that diagnosis was, it was only the beginning.  Here's the REAL SHORT story...after 6 PAINFUL months, we transferred his care to CHOP (if you live in the Philadelphia area and your child has ANY issue...Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia is THE place to go).  He started to receive very proactive care and we are thrilled to say that he is back to being "Jimmy".  He still has some distance to cover, but he is healthy and happy and active.  
     As these things happen...the stress and worry over Jimmy definitely took a toll on our family, and especially myself.  I have had a walk in faith over these last 6 months.  It has been very eye opening and quite freeing, actually.   I wouldn't have told you that several months ago, but each day is a gift and I am enjoying the beauty that life has to offer...the good, the bad and the ugly.  No, every day isn't peaceful....no, every day isn't easy...but it's all in my ATTITUDE...and these days I like to have an Attitude of Gratitude!  And one of the things I am most grateful for...is being back at the shop. YAYAYAY!  Yup, I'm back at the shop most every day from M-F. (Saturdays and Sundays you'll find me running with my boys).  I LOVE being back at the shop...seeing all of your beautiful faces, being inspired by the amazing creations you all share with us, laughing .... and sometimes crying, learning the new computer system, sending out LOTS and LOTS of Mail Order....and being blessed by what each day holds!  So, be warned...if you happen to get a package .... that might be missing this or that...or the tissue paper isn't folded as nicely as Beth and Molly do it....IT WAS ME!!  I'm hoping that there isn't much missing...but I don't hold out much hope for the tissue paper trick!!
     I look forward to "seeing" all of you....whether it's through the internet or at the shop.  You bless me...and I hope to share those blessings back...because it's all about love and service, baby!

On My Journey....

I've been looking a lot lately at the inspirational projects...so I thought I'd share a few with you.

This time I'm focusing on Lizzie Kate...I hope you enjoy them :-)

I KNOW GOD

Boxer

A quote from Mother Teresa

(BOY! is this one true...can I have an Amen!)

MY TO DO LIST

Chart Pack

I'm stitching this right now...I'm debating on giving it away or keeping it for myelf...we shall see!

DANCE IN THE RAIN

Boxer

I have always loved this sentiment!!  

THINK DEEPLY

Chart Pack

I wish we could have this in every school room around the country.....

PROMISE ME

Chart Pack

Back to Back....another one that every child should hear...but really, that every person should hear :-)

WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT

Chart Pack

This one is for my sister, Beth, who would wear sweatpants to class..and I NEVER UNDERSTOOD THAT!  (I also would like the less drama with girls...and less confusion with boys!!!)

And....WHAT, have I been stitching on?  I just finished a....BASEBALL picture.  Many of you have heard about my boys and their love for baseball.  This love was fostered by their Antie (Beth) and their Daddy (my guy).  I can't take any initial credit for it...but I love it as much as they do.  I have seen these boys grow in so many ways on and off the field.  We have made friendships to last a lifetime....and won and lost.  This summer, my younger son, Chris...hit 4 homerun in a tournament.  He was the youngest one on the team...and using a regular bat (for you baseball know it alls...not a big barrel bat, that all the boys like to use!!) He was SO psyched....so, this is for Chris (aka Chutchie, C, CC.....my ginger)

HOMERUN SLUGGER

Chart Pack from Little House Needleworks

Look for this finished in ADORABLE fashion...SOON.

And here's my Homerun Slugger....pitching...

as the post season begins....let me just show where my heart is....

OK...I'm going to try and post this and see if it works!!

Then I will be an OFFICIAL BLOGGER!

HUGS!

Abby

Busy, busy, busy...

My boys have returned to school and that means I can get some days in over at the shop.  I had my first day back last Wednesday ~ I can't tell you how I have missed my girls over there! 

 

I walked back in to find that you all have been busy ordering the new goodies from market.  Beth and Molly have been busy reordering everything, as it has been flying out the doors as fast as it comes in.  To add to the craziness, everyone at the shop is getting acclimated to the new computers and updated software ~ I was a touch intimidated at first, but will say that the new system will make filling all of your orders so much easier! 
That being said, thank you all for your orders and for your patience as we work hard to get your orders out to you as soon as possible!

 

This is one of Jacki's finishes.  Isn't this adorable!?!

 

Here are a couple of cuties from the latest newsletter...

 

It is hard to imagine, as the heat and humidity have made a comeback in our area, but it is, gulp, only 15 weeks until Christmas!  Since these sleds made their debut at the spring market, they have been flying out the doors as soon as we get them in, so please let us know if you are going to need some!

In addition to being wonderful ornaments, they would make great teacher's gifts! 

 

Here is another one of Jacki's beauties!

 

One last thing to note, the dreaded deadline....November 23rd will be this year's deadline for getting your framing and finishing orders in to the shop if you want to get them in time for Christmas! 

So, check out all the newest holiday items on the latest newsletter and have fun stitching!