The 2nd Cactus Bloom

Today was a happy/sad day.  Happy because this morning the cactus bloomed but sad because it is dying already.  I did get some beautiful photos of it right before the sun came up.  The sprinklers had left beautiful little water droplets all over the silky petals.  

The scorching heat has arrived in Tucson!  Hoping my fellow Arizonans stay cool stitching indoors!

Diane

June Releases!

June seemed to be a good month for a bit of farm life so we are releasing two designs with cows!  Maybe we'll start a cow revival.  The first one is "Bessie".  I am thinking she needs a companion so maybe next year I'll design one for her.

I have taken a fancy to her so she is sitting with my milk pitcher on my hutch.

The second cow comes from the design "The Farmer's Daughter" which is so much more than just a cow and a girl. . . . it's an entire farm.  Remember, I grew up in rural Indiana so this speaks to me.  My brother and I rode our bikes to the farm nearby to pick up fresh eggs for mom.  There was a bull on that farm that we were never allowed to get close to but there were also sweet cows and chickens.  This piece reminds me of those earlier days.

And last but not least is the sixth sheep in the virtue series, "Simplicity."  We kept it "simple" to remind us all of the little things we need to appreciate in our lives.  Some times it's just nice to take a deep breath and have an uncomplicated day surrounded by the basics.

Happy Summer Stitching!

Diane

The top of the Mystery Sampler!

The top section of your sampler is arriving in stores!  The birds are singing in the trees and the sun is shining brightly over this seasonal sampler.

10 Summer Stitching Ideas!

Summer is just different. . . . . . it's hot, kids and grandkids are out of school, it's hot (I know I already said that), . . . . . . well you get the idea.  So I came up with a list of ten ideas to revive your summer stitching.  Here they are:

1.  Stitch a surprise gift for a friend.  It isn't her birthday and Christmas is still far away.  These gifts are the best!

2.  Try stitching a pattern by a designer you have never tried before.

3.  Start 3-5 new projects and alternate them weekly.

4.  Add beads to a design that doesn't call for them.  Bling is good!

5.  Step outside your box and stitch a design just because it looks fun.  Not all stitching has to have a purpose.

6.  Add a fun or interesting fiber to a design.  Sheep can be made fuzzy, dragonflies can be made shiny.  Use your imagination!

7.  Stay cool the stitchy way by making your Christmas ornaments now.

8.  Remember waste canvas?  Why not use it to add some cute flowers or ladybugs to summer tank tops.

9.  If you aren't vacationing, why not stitch a beach scene?  I happen to know someone who has quite a few of these designs to choose from.  www.countrycottageneedleworks.com.  Nikki loves the beach!

10.  And last but not least, stitch with friends in comfort at your local shop.  You bring the lemonade and someone else can bring the iced tea!

Stay Cool!
Diane

Just one night. . . . . .

Ron and I have been waiting and watching for one of our newer cactus plants to "give birth".  We were both so excited when a little stub began to protrude from the plant. Day after day the appendage grew larger until suddenly there it was!  

It seemed like we had waited forever for it to bloom and then over night it just appeared!

Then the worst possible thing happened. . . . . .it started to wilt and shrivel throughout the day.  The gorgeous flower that we had waited and waited for simply ceased to exist.  After a little research on the internet I read that the flower blooms at night then dies.  and that is that.  All of that beauty here one hour and gone the next.  Like life. . . . . . .never take what you have for granted.

The good news. . . . . . .there is another bud.  We have one more chance to sit and marvel at the flower that lives for just a night!