Happy Independance Day - 4th of July

 Hello Everyone! I want to welcome new friends that are now following my blog. Thank you!

Chris at "Always Smiling" blog is celebrating her 200th follower and is having a giveaway HERE. She made some beautiful gifts for her prizes. Please give her a visit. 

Congrats Chris!!

4th of July is a very special day for our family. My grandmother is turning 100 years old and there is going to be a huge party at her home tomorrow. It's also my sister's birthday too on July 4th. I'm looking forward to celebrating both birthdays tomorrow. The weather has been very hot here in the Bay Area in California. It's been over 100 degrees for the last 2 weeks - YUK! Some days are soo hot you hardly want to move or do anything. We have air but there have been days that it works soo hard that it can't keep up with the extreme heat. At times during the day its not very cool in the house.  But I have done my best to stitch some everyday.    Now take a look at the next picture.....

 

 

Do you think this is beautiful? I do -   swoon...

 Victoria Classics Magazine "Monograms"

When I saw this magazine at the grocery store, my heart raced and I couldn't believe what I found. The whole issue is dedicated to Monograms. It's not a regular issue of Victoria Magazine, it's a special issue (you can also tell by the price - lol). But this issue on Monograms, is Gorgeous. I wanted to share and inform you in case its something you want to look for and purchase. So far I had not seen this on anyone's blog. There are TONS of remarkable photos of different stunning examples of embroidered monograms. Here are a few photos from the magazine.You won't be disappointed.

 you can click on the photos:)

 The lace work speaks for itself.

 All photos are click-able.

 Victoria magazine really did a great job of taking close-ups of the details on the embroidered pieces. 

 Thought you would love to see some of these beauties:) Honestly this magazine is spectacular & full of different types of embroidered work - some by hand and by machine...
If you love examples of monogram embroidery take a look at this blog HERE. Her name is
Elisabetta and shes in Italy. You don't need to read Italian to appreciate her embroidery work.

 In the mail I  received a surprise. It was from Grace - Needles Pins and Dragonflies blog. I plan to stitch the little bunny & frame it and hang it next to another traveling bunny I have framed on a wall. Thank you so much Grace, I can't wait to start stitching this right after the 4th of July. Grace also sent to me "Purely Samplers" by Homespun Elegance chart - it's soo pretty. What a wonderful surprise! I am going to enjoy stitching these Grace - Thank you again.
.

 For EMS I participated in June's exchange called "Christmas in July". My partner was Bianca and shes in Germany. Look at all the goodies she sent me - some beautiful chocolate and pink linens, and some linen banding edged in lavender (so pretty) and a Damask Rose purse kit. I love everything you sent me Bianca - Thank you for making it Christmas in July for me.  And.........

 This wonderful tote bag which features her hometown in Germany. I got all teared up when I saw this - it's so nice of her to have sent me something from her hometown & all the way from Germany. I can not share what I sent to my partner for the exchange because she's not received hers yet. Which I've been concerned because its been since June 14th...but I know some packages going over seas take time.

 I worked on constructing the inside of Lady's Workebox by Ellen Chester. I'm still not completely done with the side panels. I wanted a proper home for the needlebook I completed in the class kit. I absolutely am loving this project. 

 Here is my completed needlebook. I have many other items yet to stitch but at least I'm well on my way getting thru the projects:)

Here is my update for "Fairy Hill"  - Bothy Threads SAL with Debbie and Linda. I worked on backstitching the last 2 Mondays.

 "Candy Shoppe Christmas Ornament kit" by Dimensions

I didn't use the adia fabric that came with the kit. I am using a soft yellow 14ct aida that I had 

in my stash. It was nice to pull a old wip waiting to get done.

I want to wish my USA friends - Happy Independence Day (it's celebrated here in the USA). And to everyone I wish you lots progress stitching and that no froggies visit you on your fabrics.

With Love and my Appreciation - Annette