South Carolina State Fair

After watching the Tigers beat Maryland in Death Valley, with a tribute to CJ Spiller, we went to the South Carolina State Fair.  I love the State Fair.  I have been going since I was a child and try to never miss it!  This is year was special since I got a blue ribbon for a cross stitch piece that I had been working on for several years, yes years.  Side note I completed other projects in those years.  I have entered pieces in the Fair since 1997 and this is one of the few times I received a ribbon for in the adult division.  So here are some pictures from the State Fair.

I also love the flower show at the Fair, and Carter and Holmes Orchids in Newberry does a great job with their display.

Aren't they pretty? Will post pictures of my blanket as soon as I get some strips completed.

Happy Stitching!

Finishing Thoughts

I dropped off my entry for the State Fair today.  Fingers crossed the judges like my entry as much as I do.  Look for my piece when you go to the SC State Fair. 

My parents bought me a bookmark from Norway when they went in 2006.  I finally got to work on it one night will doing laundry.  It was an enjoyable little project, however I am not sure how to finish it.  The front of the package shows the ends unraveled, if you have worked on bookmarks help is appreciated!

And an update on Tinkerbell.
I am almost finished with Tinkerbell and not sure how to finish this one either.  I do mostly large projects and have them professionally framed.  So any suggestions and how-tos are appreciated!

Happy Stitching!

Norwegian Treasures

Back to reality!  I had an amazing time in Norway.  It is so pretty and the weather was amazing.  Did not see much wildlife, sheep mostly.  I think everyone should add Norway to their bucket list.  I still have not had much time to sort through all of the pictures, I took 740 photos, not to mention the ones my parents took.  So it will be hard to pick my favorites! Here are a few!

Top of Pulpit Rock

Boathouse built by my great great grandfather (the light brown one)

Geirangerfjord

The toll sheep

Highlander cow

Of course I couldn't not buy crafting supplies from Norway.  I have always been fascinated by Hardanger.  I actually traveled through the Hardanger region of Norway.  So I had to picked up a small piece to start on, but I am already checking out the JCS Ornament edition for more Hardanger designs.  Hopefully I can do Hardanger.
Vigdis, my wonderful hostess and guide, knits so I asked her where she buys her supplies, and picked up up some yarn and new needles as well.  I want to make a scarf out of the yarn, hopefully I can find a Norwegian pattern.  I got a deal on rose painting, as well.  Praying I bought enough yarn, 5 total.  I will be in a mess if I didn't!

Yarn in my new rose painting box

It feels amazing

Hardanger Bookmark

Leaving on a Jet Plane

I am leaving for vacation! Heading to the cooler climates of NORWAY!  I am super excited about this.  I will be traveling around with distant relatives, and my parents.  Will post my favorite pictures as soon as I get back.  Since I can't take needles on the plane, here are the latest pictures of my works in progress. 

Jumping on the Band Wagon

I have been thinking about starting a blog, for a long time. Today I finally decided to give it a try.  I really love making things.  My passion is definitely cross stitching!  I started when I was about 10 or so, and have not stopped since.  I am experimenting with knitting, working on a big afghan.  I like to dabble in everything so this blog will show my progress on various projects that I am working on. The pictures are of my most recent cross stitch project.  I finally got to finish it this year.  I am entering it in the State Fair, fingers crossed that the judges like it!