"By the Bay Needlearts" Fall Sal & New Stash

 Free Fall Sal,  By the Bay Needleart - click here for info.

32 ct Belgium Linen - Hand Dyed by Me:) lt grey

Threads: Variegated DMC 4130 for leaves & The Thread Gatherer Silk - Carmel Chocolate

rest of threads used were the recommended.

Since I enjoyed "By the Bay Needlearts" Summer SAL, I couldn't wait to begin to stitch Donna's Fall SAL. This is part 1. Parts 2 & 3 have come out but I'm a bit behind. I've been working on several projects and completed one (a birthday gift) today. Donna recommended a light grey for the fabric and I didn't have any grey in my stash. So I Googled "What colors to use to get light grey by Rit?" and found it on line, then did it.  I am pleased with how the fabric coloring turned out for this project.

I also decided to incorporate Rhodes stitches as Donna suggests in the pdf download of part 1.
I treated myself and finally went in person to "Needle in a Haystack" store in Alameda, about 50minutes from me where I live. I took my camera and I didn't take 1 photo - Yes it was in my handbag to. Oh my goodness I haven't stepped in a cross stitch store for at least 8 or 9 years.
I know right? I can't tell you how wonderful it was to see all the different lines of threads in person. Needle in a Haystack is a HUGE store and has tons of our type of pretties:)  The ladies who work there are all so very nice. Well with birthday money in hand here is some stash I brought home with me.

 I had seen this pattern "Gingerbread Street" by Sue Hillis Designs on line. Thought "Oh that's cute". But didn't order it (I have always ordered my supplies on line). Well.....the photo lets you know what happened.

  The fabrics are what caught my eye. They are so pretty (pink - yes I thought of you Vickie).
I tried to photograph the sparkles in the variegated pinks fabric. I will enjoy stitching this one.

 Now this book is by Monica Ferris (she writes A Needlework Mystery series) I had checked out the library. Included in the book (towards the end) is a cross stitch chart. I'm not going to explain about the design - because it would be a spoiler (there is no photo of the design to show you - till I stitch it). Now mind you, part of the pleasure going to a cross stitch store in person, is you get help and the ladies that work there and are so knowledgeable with colors and brands. The threads in the above photo are all silks. Yes even the gold ones on the spools (which I had never seen, brand Kreinik). Even though a few threads that I needed were not in stock (only 2) of the recommended for the chart - the lady suggested a different color but very close to what was listed - Perfect.

 Trebizond Silks: Gillyflower & Garnet

 These are Trebizond Silks. Have you been to Mary Corbert's blog - Needle N' Thread? This is were I learned of this silk. Had to pick up a few of them to tryout  & play with (some time in the near future).

I did walk in to the store with a list of supplies I needed. I was very good girl. And I did get all items expect a few. Mostly I picked up fabric and threads. It was sure Fantastic to get to go to Needle in a Haystack. And it feels good to get to share photos with you.
The weather here in the Bay Area has been warm (in the high 80's). Some days hot and we had to turn on our AC. Really weird weather this time of year here.  I wish you all a wonderful weekend - I will be stitching!
Always with Love and Appreciation - Annette