Happy Halloween! An update...

"The Goode Stitching Witch" in progress

design by Stacy Nash

Wishing you a Happy Halloween 

filled with more treats than tricks!

I will be back tomorrow with my November offerings...

Just had to add a quick Halloween update!

Peanut was a bumblebee for Halloween.

And Leia was a spooky spider.

The problem was when we put them together...

Leia thought that Peanut had a toy on his head and back.

She ripped his hat off immediately.

Then she tried to get the "toy" off his back.

She tried her hardest until we rescued poor Peanut.

So much for dog costumes this year...

My youngest son finished his costume for a party tonight.

Can you guess what he is???

Did you get it?

A serial (cereal) killer! Too funny!

Blessings, Patti

October Finishes...

Buttermilk Basin's

"Year in Stitches Collection-October" 

Buttermilk Basin's

"Live Simply-October"

Buttermilk Basin's

"Basin Banner-October" 

Only two more months and these series will be complete!

Now my focus is on my November offerings... Let's see if I can get them completed on time!

Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest is still open, let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For indeed the good news came to us just as to them; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.

~Hebrews 4:1-2

Blessings, Patti

A Winner and a Few Fun Finds

Thank you so  much for your wonderful response to my giveaway! It was so much fun to hear what everyone is working on. Many are starting on Christmas already, but I am still working on Halloween projects :)

There were 54 entries in the giveaway. Using random.org, the lucky number was #38 Terri of Rosy Stitches Blog! Congratulations Terri! I will package up your little pinch pocket this weekend.

I wish that I had one for each of you. 

I am planning more giveaways - one in November and one in December, so please stay tuned!

In the meantime, I thought I would offer a little consolation prize of  20% off any purchase in my Etsy shop now through Friday, November 6. Simply use coupon code "FALL2015" when checking out. You can find my Etsy shop here. If you don't do Etsy, simply send me an email at pgagliardi9@hotmail.com

Recently my church had a rummage sale and I managed to find a few treasures. 

I wasn't sure if the pantry box was very old, but once I got it home I realized that square nails were used in its construction.

This sweet child's pewter cup called to me. I'm thinking that it might make a pretty make do pincushion.

My next find might be morbid to some.

It is a Victorian mourning ring. It is quite large - I assume for a man - and is braided with the hair of the dear departed. I imagine it could be his wife's hair? It's been treasured and kept for over a hundred years and I felt that someone should keep it that understands its significance. My husband and sons don't know that it is in our house (so don't tell them!). I'll just keep it tucked in my jewelry box and keep it safe for those who cherished it before me.

On the same day there were two estate sales in the same neighborhood as my church, so I thought I would take a peek.

There is something about antique button baby shoes that are just so sweet. Both pairs are well worn with spots where the leather is worn right through. The book on tinware was written in 1968. I would love to read it all the way through. It even includes information on specific tinsmiths, decorators and peddlers from different areas. It makes me want to collect more tin :)

At the final estate sale I found some amazing bargains!

This wonderful reproduction electrified lantern and pottery marked bbp. I tried to identify "bbp" and found both Bybee Pottery and Beaumont Brothers Pottery. Not sure which this is? Any ideas?

Well, on to another busy weekend! Don't forget my Etsy sale and watch for another giveaway next month!

"So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, 

for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. 

So then, whenever we have an opportunity, 

let us work for the good of all, 

and especially for those of the family of faith."

~Galatians 6:9-10

Blessings, Patti

Boxwood & Berries 2015

Last week was Boxwood & Berries at Country Sampler.

I could not attend this year :( as I was unable to get away.

When the photos started appearing on Facebook, I really started missing it. 

Three of the Bittersweet Stitching Sisters, Maggie Bonanomi and Stacy Nash were all fairly close to my house - 3.5 hours each way.

Finally I decided that I needed to make a quick trip up to Country Sampler just to say hello and Bittersweet Sister, Kim also came along :)

As you can see Maggie & Stacy's projects were awesome!

Above is the outside of a wonderful cash box lid by Stacy and here is the inside:

Wool & Velvet applique - gorgeous!

Stacy also designed a set of lovely sewing needfuls to keep in the box.

Maggie also taught this fantastic pomegranate pincushion.

It was lovely to see Deb's show and tell!

and some of Maggie's own projects from this year.

Classes that she has taught across the country.

The weather was beautiful and it is always wonderful to visit Spring Green in the autumn.

A stop at the farmers market was in order.

I was so happy to take the quick trip, but wish I would have attended.

You can be sure that I registered for Boxwood & Berries 2016 before I left!

I'm not going to miss it again ;)

And such a happy day to be with my Bittersweet Stitching Sisters again after less that a month. Unfortunately Wendy was back home in Maine and not with us. We made a toast to her, but it just wasn't the same without her! We missed you Wendy!

I'll be back shortly with the winner of the giveaway...

 "Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Galatians 6:2

Blessings, Patti

A Few Fun Finishes

 

"Spell of the Moon"

design by Blackbird Designs

(Man in the Moon carved by Anthony Costanza)

 

After seeing my friend, Susan's completed stitching on this design and after watching the beautiful lunar eclipse last month, I had to pull this out of my stash and stitch it right away!

 

It is such a sweet design and a fairly quick stitch.

 

 

I added a little ticking tag on the back to bring back memories when I look at this...

watching the eclipse in the backyard with our family and pups.

Enjoying our evening dessert while enjoying nature at its best...

 

 

"A Merry Christmas"

design by Maggie Bonanomi

class project for Boxwood & Berries 2015

 

I finished the applique on this while in Iowa with the Bittersweet Stitching Sisters.

 

But I couldn't consider it finished until it was backed and labeled.

 

I love the colors and organic vines.

 

But then again , I love all that Maggie designs :)

 

 

Another tag to remind me that I started and finished it in different cities and states with the Bittersweet Stitching Sisters :)

 

 

"Peacock in the Pumpkin Patch Pinkeep"

design by Stacy Nash

 

I finished this one up this weekend.

 

The backing fabric is so sweet and reminded me of peacock tails, so... 

 

I had to add a strip on the front. :)

I also had to add my standard two dachshunds lol.

 

 

There are still a few days left to join in my giveaway...

Click here to see the post.

 

One thing I ask from the Lord,
    this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
    and to seek him in his temple.

~Psalm 27:4

 

Blessings, Patti

Bittersweet Sisters Trip~The End & A Giveaway

While on our trip, we did a few joint projects.

Nicki led this project - decorating bittersweet orange mugs!

We each signed them all, noted the occasion, and decorated with a little bittersweet, of course.

What a great souvenir that will generate wonderful memories each and every time we use them!

Carla led this project bag tutorial.

Carla and Wendy completed theirs ~ just perfect!

I led a tutorial on pinch pockets using vintage fabrics from my stash.

Carla also created this sweet patriotic multimedia art for each of us along with a strawberry made of antique wool paisley ~ LOVE!

We were so lucky that Nicki enjoys cooking and cooked many of our meals. My intent was to photograph each wonderful meal, but, overcome by the delightful aromas, the idea of photographs were never even a thought in my head lol.

After a lovely Sri Lankan dinner, I remembered, but our plates were all empty :) so here are the pots.

Each and every dessert was also incredible, but again I only managed to photograph this caramel crunch ice cream cake after the fact. It was so delightful that I made it for my family the day I came home. We enjoyed it while watching the lunar eclipse and it was gone in a flash!

I also made a few stops on my way there and back...

Plaza Antiques in Dyersville, Iowa and 

Willows in Dubuque, Iowa.

My purchases:

A shallow graniteware pan, an interesting old storage jar, a leather collar box dated 1879, a souvenir abalone antique dip pen in the original box, a tarnished silver serving tray from The Palmer House hotel in Chicago and a velvet pillow.

I loved all the colors of velvet and the embroidery between the squares.

Well, thank you for joining me on my journey!

Since you have been so kind with your comments, I thought I would host a little giveaway...

A little pinch pocket made of vintage fabric and lined with the wool of an antique army blanket.

I made this while having my little tutorial and thought someone might like it as a souvenir of "joining us" on our trip.

This giveaway is open to all. Simply leave a comment on this post or email me at pgagliardi9@hotmail.com with "Bittersweet Giveaway" in the subject line.

And tell me, what are you working on right now?

One random winner will be selected on Friday, October 23rd.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect."

~Romans 12:2

Blessings, Patti