New sampler pattern, Measuring Notions & BD flowers

JAL 1834 Reproduction SamplerThe Sampler House GF CiCi won this pattern available thru designer Eileen Bennett (when we attended a workshop in October.) On Friday, I got a call from Sharon at House of Stitches that the pattern is in stock & ready for purchase! And thx to my Mom for the HOS Gift Certificate -- I will use it on the sampler pattern & supplies.
A couple weeks ago, SueD, LindaH, DebL & I visited House of Stitches in LaPorte, Indiana.After our purchases were rung up, each of us received a customer appreciation bag with a magnetic ruler & measureing tape!! So much fun.
My birthday flowers from DH & kidzThe flowers still look great -- They brighten up the whole room!

North Star Quilt Block

North Star (WIP)The Legend of the Underground Quiltsc. 2008 Eileen J. Bennett

Thank you to Sharon H & the members of the Sycamore Ridge EGA Chapter. On Nov 15th, they sponsored Eileen Bennett, The Sampler House to present her class on The Legend of the Underground Railroad Quilts.

I had not taken a class from Ms. Bennett & it was interesting to learn new stitching tips like: try a size 24 needle (which to me, was like using a toothpick), paying attention to thread lengths, using an away waste know (I couldn't get it -- but fun to try), and seeing the difference on the front of our projects in ending threads. I tried a couple pieces of linen, 2 & 3 strands of floss. Eventually, I managed stitching one of 10 quilt blocks in the sampler. When I came home, I found a size 24 Petite needle & was better able to stitch with a shorter needle -- still tough to end threads with such a large needle (IMO), good to try new things.

I had a great time riding along with Karol blogging at Rosebud's Stitching. I know Karol as we are in the same EGA chaper; however, riding there & back was fun chatting away & getting better acquainted!! Our table mates were equally delightful. We were joined by two more NANI members: Sue D (w/o Blog, but needs one) & CiCi blogging at Stash Queen. I wished our table had room for one more NANI stitcher, Terry T (w/o Blog, but needs one)!! Terry recently moved & I think needs to blog for sharing her projects! What fun to sit next to our speaker during lunch. She is a gracious and patient teacher : ) If you get the opportunity, sign up, don't pass on any of her classes.

I'm in the process of buying a sewing machine & stitching a sampler for the 2009 State Day Project (no photos yet). Stay tuned : )

Mark Your Calendars!!!

On November 15thSycamore Ridge Chapter of EGA Eileen Bennett (Peru, Indiana)Project: The Legend of the Underground Railroad Quilts(I think Sharon said 10am to 3pm)
More Information on The Sampler House Web Page - HERE Or Contact Sharon Henderson via e-mail: hendson at home dot ffni dot com