Mini Sampler Swap

I haven't done a lot of swapping lately but when Linda from A Swap for All Seasons graciously invited me to be part of her Mini Sampler Swap I just couldn't say no. The way the swap works is we'll make and swap a mini sampler stitched piece each month so that at the end of the year we'll have several pieces to make into a beautiful hand stitched garland. Isn't that a great idea? I think so too. My January mini sampler was stitched by Becky and I just love it! Look at all the wonderful details. She sent along a fun tag and nestled the sampler in its own stamped bag. Thank you so much Becky!

My February sampler came from Sally and it's so pretty. I love the vintage images and the sweet spring colors. Sally slipped the sampler in a decorated envelope and also included a lovely handmade card.  Thank you Sally!

Here's my January sampler sent to Joyce in Delaware...

And for the February swap I got to return the favor to Becky and made this piece for her...

This has been so much fun. I love finding bits and pieces of things I have at home and working with them to create something new. Thanks Linda for dreaming up another wonderful swap!

I love the beginning of a new year

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

Natasha Bedingfield

A Sad Day

A sad day today...our Jack is gone. He was the sweetest, most big hearted dog I've known and I'll miss him dearly. He had a very peaceful passing with his tail wagging until the very end. Good boy!

Happy Halloween!

Being Quiet

Reading this....

(I love Jane's distinction between domesticity and domestication)

 ...inspired me to crochet this small rug

 

and make this my cozy quiet place.

Ready for Camp!

I'm taking a break from August Break since I've been getting ready to leave for camp this week. And what trip to camp would be complete without some friendship bracelets and camp journals? I can't wait for the fun to begin!

August Break Day 14 - Hands

Jack

August Break Day 13 - My Guilty Pleasure

Tilamook Oregon Strawberry Ice Cream

August Break Day 12 - On the Table

This is our big old table that sits between the kitchen and the living room. I love that Sal and Peppy look like they're peeking out of the tray. If you look at the window ledge between the chair back you can see a few of Q's collection of old Santas....they stay out all year long. This past year I gave the table top a coating of chalkboard paint. When everyone's together we have a great time drawing all over it!

August Break Day 11 - Handwriting

My daughters and I are heading to Women's Own Girl Scout Camp next week...I can't wait!

August Break Day 10 - Drink

The suggestion today was to "go outside and place your drink in a scene you love." So, this is my coffee among the geraniums on my front porch.

August Break Day 9 - In My Bag...

My everyday Maruca bag with wallet, glasses case, 2cents change purse, rolled up shopping bag, cinnamon Altoid smalls, a card from and old Hearts deck, my favorite Burt's Bees raisin lip gloss, an emery board, a pen, a loose quarter, a used ferry ticket and a heart shaped stone I picked up on a hike recently.

Not shown: various receipts and a used tissue

August Break Day 8 - Selfie

Ok...I have to admit this isn't really me but I'm a reluctant selfie poster.  I did add my actual selfie to the August Break Instagram site.

August Break Day 7 - Today is...

...all about my sewing table waiting patiently for me to decide on the fabric for the next Sonya Philip Dress No. 2

August Break Day 6 - Reflection

Downtown Seattle...seen on our way to a Mariner's game. They won!

August Break Day 5 - Three

Three ceramic cottages

August Break Day 4 - Orange

Old books...I love the smell.

August Break Day 3 - Window

 

bedroom looking at the trees

August Break Day 2 - Pattern

 

sun-dappled grate Centralia, WA

August Break Day 1- Lunch

In the car, on the run.