At The Hop!

Last week I went on a Quilt Shop Hop with some friends from my local stitching group. Even though I don't quilt (yet!), I had a great time and still managed to come away with some fun stuff! Here's a link to the site that shows all the shops in the hop. We went to 14 shops over 2 days, and I hit the 15th here in town on Saturday. If you complete your passport by visiting all the shops, your name goes into a drawing - and guess what? I won a $100 Gift Certificate to any of the shop in the hop! I was SOOOOO excited when I got the message. Now to decide which store and what to buy!



So, here's the stuff I bought over the two days. My favorite is this fantastic Zelda's Fancy Hat from Crabapple Hill Studio. At every store we went to, I was so drawn to this designer. I'm definately going to have to pick up more of her designs! I also got some wool appliqué stuff. One was a kit from Konfetti's called Hearts Journal Cover. The other is a book from Indigo Junction called Folk Art Jingle. I picked up wool kits for the Heart and Mistletoe ornaments. And I was actually able to find some yarn and knitting needles at two different stores. The yarn is Cascades Yarns Nikki which is made in Italy and hand spun. I got a scarf almost finished while we were driving around. The needles are really fun - they're Square Knitting Needles handmade form Forest Palm by Kollage Yarns. They're suppose to be less fatiguing to use, and hey, they were on sale too! I also got two leaflets for $1 each! Brightneedle The Lodge and Bent Creek Love. The last thing in the picture is a fat eighth I picked up for the back of an ornament for our Christmas in July exchange as well as a couple of fun old buttons. I actually bought three fat quarters too, but they somehow didn't make it into the picture. I think they're in with the witch's hat! LOL



In addition to all those quilt shops, we ran into a Provo Craft Outlet, where I hit the jackpot! I got 8 balls of yarn, 5 frames, 2 embroidery kits (with frames) and a bead book for under $25. I definately want to hit this store again!!









I've ready finished one of the kits and it's on my desk at work. I thought it was a great reminder! The frame had gaps in the corners, so I used my Stampin' Up Pretties Kit to cover them.

So, all in all it was a great trip and I'd love to go again next year!!





Now on to the Christmas in July Ornament Exchange. Saturday I got an ornament from Cheryl. It's from the cover of the current Just Cross Stitch issue and is designed by Country Cottage Needleworks, one of my favorite designers. Cheryl, knowing that I don't care much for blue, changed the colors to red and green and added the charms.



She also sent along a few extras - some Needlepaint and Carrie's threads, an ornament and two vintage reinstone buttons. Thanks for the lovely package Cheryl! I look forward to adding this ornament to my stitching tree this Christmas.









My ornament is on it's way to my partner, so I'll share a pic as soon as it's received.







And now for my "big news"! I am signing up to become an Independent Coordinator for Bead Retreat! I'm so excited!! The concept is fun and the jewelry is beautiful. I plan to have my business kit by the end of the month and I'll be off and running!!

I ordered myself two bracelet kits so I could see what they were like and I'm in love!! The first one is called Melange in Jet & Silver. I had enough beads left over that I was able to make matching earrings! And it goes with everything - I've been wearing all week!


And this is the bracelet I feel in love with as soon as I saw it on the cover of the catalog. It's called Family Tree in Green Quartz. My step-mom threatened to take it from me - LOL - she'll have to order her own! They are really SO pretty in person - I wish I could get a better picture of them!

I can't wait to get started!!