Wedding Anniversary Gifts - Quaker motif stitching practice

A finish - a Freebie I got from the blog Needleprint Society (which has posts about the Mary Wigham Sampler and others from the Ackworth School - and different Quaker Motifs). While waiting for my fabric to come in from NiaH, on which I will be stitching the Mary Wigham Sampler, I found several wonderful freebies - thought it would be good to practice stitching some of these motifs before working on the sampler. One "freebie" was this heart, which was perfect for wedding anniversary gifts for my sisters. I have 2 sisters and both of them had their weddings in August. For each of there wedding ceremonies, I designed and stitched a ring pillow. To finish off the pillow, I used scraps from my bride's maid dress for ruffles - which make nice keepsakes. My younger sister's wedding color was Navy and the sister in the middle (I am the oldest) used a lavendar. Pictured is one "finished" stitched motif using DMC varigated blues - stitched 1 over 1 on 28ct evenweave. I need to come up with a fun Finish - thinking about mounting it on a wooden box or something. I am going to use the same pattern for my other sister, stitching it in DMC vaigated purple.

As I stitched this, I came to realize that I will need to take my time and really pay attention when I stitch the MW Sampler. But I am looking forward to it. And the timing was good, as I heard from NiaH and my fabic came in yesterday - because I don't see a visit there in the near future, they are kind enough to send it to me. So I should receive this within the next couple of days.

This has been a nice relaxing week for the family. DH and I have been taking our little walks in the morning, enjoying the morning cool foggy mornings before he heads off to work. During the morning the boys have been enjoying a leisurely breakfast picnic in the computer/exercise room while I spin on the stationary bike. Afternoons bring work/camp. We have been void of hockey in the evenings - which means that we come home after work (for me) and camp (for the boys), eat dinner and "veg out". I have been using that time in the evening to get a little more exercise, as well as "sit & stitch". A perfect summer week...however, things will change tomorrow - Friday Robert (olderson) starts tryouts over for the AAs and Matthew (youngerson) starts a hockey clinic...at least both are at the same rink!

May today bring you much smiles and laughter! And give you ample time to put in a stitch in your WIP! Take care, Lisa