4th of July

We had a really nice time on 4th of july. The night before we attended the Lowes/YMCA fireworks. Took a shuttle bus to get there...didn't want to get stuck in all that traffic. Lots and lots of people there as always. The fireworks were wonderful.
We went to two parties, one was at the lake.
The food was great, but while we feasted on all things good, the
mosquitos feasted on me! arrggh! Glad I brought along some spray for that..
The weather was perfect, so glad it didn't rain.

Raggedy Stitches,
Louise

Happy 4th Of July!

Hope you all have a wonderful day today with family and friends.
I am baking as I type this, cupcakes , cookies and brownies for a big bbq down by the lake beach. We will be spending time with very dear friends today. It is always a fun time jet-skiing and relaxing while catching up with "what's new" with everyone! (I can't wait to catch some speed on a jet-ski!)
I saw this freebie posted, and thought I would put it on my blog in case anyone missed it. It is the cutest freebie I have ever seen of Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty!
I hope to find the time to stitch it one day.
Too CUTE!

The picture is at the top of this post..cute right? :)
The freebie is offered by Kreinik.com.
for the freebie, CLICK HERE!


God Bless you all this Fourth Of July,
but most of all,
GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Raggedy Stitches,
Louise

Drive down my Avenue!

My son was out and about somewhere in NC with his friend driving around.
He surprised me with a picture he took of an Avenue they spotted.
An Avenue with my name!
How neat is that?
(click on photo for larger image)

Raggedystitches,
Louise

RAINBOWS

I have always had a thing for rainbows..
They are so beautiful. I believe it is God's way of telling us, that although we will face the rains, the rainbows too will come our way.
There was a saying I found on a sticker after my daughter was born. After our daughter endured so much with her open heart surgery as an infant..we were so worried about her future...The sticker said just a few short words,
"After the Rain the Rainbow"
It's almost as if God promises us that it will all be ok after all.
I have always held tightly onto that saying in my heart, for it seems that each event that passes in my life that seems too difficult, eventually we do get through it.
After all..if you wait, the rainbow does appear after the rain. You just have to look for it!~

On our drive home from a long journey the past couple of days for the funeral of a very dear friend of ours..we drove through a bad storm. Then the skies opened up, and the sun peeked through. My son said from the back seat "Hey! Look out the window~" There to our surprise was a pretty rainbow.

Perhaps a promise that our dear friend is indeed in the arms of Jesus.

Raggedystitches,
Louise

Bunny Love :)

Captured a wonderful picture of our dear Peter Rabbit!
He is such a cutie:)

I know he missed us while we were away.
We missed him too.

Raggedystitches,
Louise

Our Girl!

We are so very proud of our daughter!
She had tried out for the treble choir at school and was so patiently waiting to hear if she made it into the class for next year. She was just beaming today when I picked her up from school. She made it!! Hooray for Christine! I just knew she would make it. Our daughter has the voice of an angel. She sings so pretty. We cannot wait to hear her sing in her school concerts next year.
What's even better is, when I checked her backpack, there was a certificate for Honor Roll for the school year!
We are VERY proud parents.
We are teaching our children to do their best, and to be all they can be.
Looks like she is doing a great job of it!

We love you Christine! xo

Raggedystitches,
Louise

Pillowcases with Roses

Well, I have been sewing all day today. I completed sewing four pillowcases for our bedroom. God Bless my dear husband Patrick,for he doesn't mind how I decorate in our home..when he goes up to sleep tonight..he will now be sleeping on pillowcases that have a rose print all over them! I also made pillowcases with a smaller flower design..but haven't taken a picture of them yet..
I put the white Metalasse coverlet on the bed and it looks very pretty.
Wasn't sure if I should get cream color or white, but now I am very happy I did go with the white!
I like the antique look of it.
I would like to get back to working on my lap quilts that I have started.
But for now I have to get dinner started for the family..
I will be grilling out back..hope it doesn't blow up in my face again..the last time I burned all the hair off my arm!

Can't believe tomorrow is Monday and I will be back to work again.
The weekend goes way too fast!

Raggedystitches,
Louise

Hydrangeas

My neighbors hydrangeas are in full bloom now. While visiting with Peter Rabbit today I decided to take my camera outside and snap some photos. The flowers are the prettiest shades of Blue!


I have been inspired with all the pretty flowers blooming. I am going to make some new pillowcases for my bedroom with pretty roses on them. I picked up a new white metalasse coverlet for our bedroom and think it will lighten up the room for the summertime.
I will post pictures of the finished pillowcases when I am done sewing them up!
Raggedystitches,
Louise
p.s. also a picture of the property that is between us and our neighbors..it is so park-like! :)

Busy Baking and Framing...

I finally survived the terrible migraine that I suffered this past weekend. It lasted two and a half days. I just hate migraines so much! I was recently switched from my name brand medication to generic (which is not as expensive)..but for some reason since switching I have been getting multiple migraines a week. I had to call into work today, something I don't often do. I spent the whole day in bed, but thank goodness, I am feeling much better tonight.
I should really be asleep right now, have to get up early tomorrow..but It feels so good to feel good again, that I have been doing some things tonight.
I baked a vanilla cake with fresh whipped cream and strawberries (YUM!), and I also framed the cross stitched piece I recently just posted. (Black Needles).
I found the most perfect frame for it at Michaels craft store tonight.
My sweet daughter is so nervous, she will be trying out for the treble choir tomorrow in school for next year. She wants to make it so badly. She does have a beautiful voice, and I just hope the teacher thinks so too!
I received a phone call today from one of her teachers. She will be receiving an award at a ceremony for being one of the top students. She is a very smart girl, and we are very proud of her!
We are very blessed,

Raggedystitches,
Louise

Time Flies...

As I look at my children, I wonder where the time went?
It seems like only yesterday that I was holding them as infants.
I cherished every moment with them while they were little.
So many memories! We just celebrated our sons 19th birthday. I cannot believe he is now a grown man. Sometimes I look at pictures and truly wished that I could go back, if only for a moment.
But, I do enjoy every present moment too, just in a different way.
They don't seem to want me squeezing them as much now, although I try to get in as many hugs as I can!
I think God knew his plan for me.
He knew I needed to be a Mom. For I love my children, and it is the greatest joy in my life. I am so thankful to God for giving me my beautiful children, Patrick and Christine.

RaggedyStitches,
Louise

Black Needles

I saw this freebie design today on a blog and fell in love with it immediately!
I quickly gathered up my DMC #310 black and stitched this design on 25 count cream Lugana.
It really stitched up rather quickly.
If interested in this freebie, you can find it here:

BlackNeedles

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

RaggedyStitches,
Louise

Tiny Treasure Tins

I made these over the past couple of days. I found the cutest little mini Altoid tins at the grocery store yesterday! I decided after making the regular sized tin, to make a miniature treasure tin for myself..of course, had to stitch a bunny on it :)
You can put anything you like in these tins..buttons, treasures, needles.
I put a magnet inside the lid to hold needles, pins. I put sticky back felt on the bottom to give it a nice look.
If you need a tutorial on how to make these adorable tins..you can check this site out..although I did it a bit differently (I used a hot glue gun!) I have no patience (LOL)...
This is a GREAT tutorial and a wonderful blog I have found on the web:
TheTwistedStitcher

I am on a roll..and I think I want to make more of these. They stitch up quickly, and are so much fun, and make wonderful gifts!

Raggedystitches,
Louise

Picking Peonies!

I sat outside with my neighbor next door for a little while tonight...
we picked some peonies from her plant in front of her house. They are absolutely gorgeous!
As I walked past her garage, I laid eyes on a basket she had sitting in there.
I mentioned how I liked the basket (thinking how perfect a sewing basket this would be!)...she asked me if I wanted it!
WOOHOO!!
So, I traveled home (next door) lol with my basket of flowers.
I was so happy :)
My little outing was indeed a sweet treat tonight!

Raggedy stitches,
Louise

My Birthday, and Updates...

I have quite a few things to post about..
I had a lovely time today for my birthday. I cannot believe another year has gone by!
I did work today, and when I went into the quilt shop, Pat had surprised me with the most delicious cake that she had baked for me! It was absolutely yummie :)
I came home to many birthday messages on my answering machine, made me smile! My daughter wasn't feeling too good, was about to take her to the doctor, but she decided she didn't want to go. I hope she doesn't get any worse, I am hoping it is just a cold that has come on, and that she will get better soon.
I received a bunch of cards in the mail, and also in email! thank you to those of you that sent cards and are perhaps reading this right now. I also received so many sweet goodies:) There are some things I received not so long ago that I haven't had time to take pictures of and post as of yet, but I am going to post them now.

My Dear Sweet Husband , Patrick arrived home tonight with purple flowers for me and a big chocolate cake, Chocolate Haagen-Dazs ice cream, and two bars of turtle chocolate..he told me this is for a chocolate "overload"!! Gotta love this man!
We went out to dinner at the "Captain's Galley" restaurant..one of my favorite places to eat.
I am now waiting on my son to get home to have the candles lit on my chocolate cake..the night cannot end without the family singing happy birthday!

I received some really special things for my birthday. Sarah at work made me the neatest sewing pouch. (I have been hinting that I wanted one for the longest time)!
She is so very talented at sewing :)
I opened up my mailbox today and found a special package from my dear friend Jackie in PA. She sent me some stash! What a wonderful surprise to see a Little House Needleworks chartpack "The Traveling Stitcher", with fabric and Crescent Colors Threads. I just LOVE this!! :) (I just noticed that one of the threads are named "Ladybug" SWEET!)
One of my dear friends, Elaine in NY does beading, she made me the sweetest bracelet with hearts and also sent me candles with ladybugs on them. I also received a sweet angel pin from Michelle, snoopy notepads from my dear friend Lasandra, and Pat at work made me an initial embroidered tag . Love it!

As I sat here, My son came home from work..he handed me a card and a box of candy. I was brought to tears! He wrote the most beautiful things inside the card. I am so very blessed. This I know.

These are some wonderful things I have received recently from some of my dear stitching friends....
Mady sent me Raggedy Ann and Andy Cross Stitch charts! I couldn't believe my eyes when I pulled these from my mailbox that day! Thank you again so much Mady!

Katie sent me Raggedy Ann and Andy Dolls! How sweet they are! Thank you again Katie :)

I have been sewing charm squares together of Mary Englebreit fabric..not sure what I am making with it..but just couldn't resist the designs! these strips are not sewn together as of yet...but perhaps I will make a lap quilt..yes, yes, I know, I know..yet ANOTHER pieced together top, that will probably go UNFINISHED! HA HA,,,just like me ...always starting something new and never finishing it..always the way of a quilter, stitcher, sewer, NO?
(click image to see fabrics in larger view)



Happy Birthday to me!

Blessings to you,
with Raggedy Stitches,
Louise

Babies have arrived!

I have been watching a nest of Cardinals outside my window for a little while now...
It is so sweet to see both Momma and Daddy bird feeding and taking care of their new babies after they hatched from the eggs.
The little ones have finally left the nest today...
Momma and Daddy are close by, still taking care of the little ones, making sure they are safe..
not long before they spread their wings and fly....


Raggedystitches,
Louise

Trip to Gastonia North Carolina

I took a trip with my husband Patrick to Gastonia North Carolina this past weekend.
What a nice day trip it was. We first stopped in to see the grounds of the Belmont Abbey College and beautiful Catholic Church that is there. I was able to get some really pretty photos. Our daughter was with us, and we had a really nice time there. The weather was just perfect for walking around the campus, we decided to stay there to have lunch. We also stopped in the Gift shop on campus and picked up some rosary rings for our pockets :)
After our visit there, we drove further down the road and ventured into Mary Jo's Cloth Store , also in Gastonia. This is more like a Warehouse of fabrics. Lots to look at, and you definitely need a lot of time on your hands to be able to look around.
I picked up some things there, like a pair of scissors that I just couldn't resist!
They are the cutest Mundial rooster embroidery scissors. I have been wanting a pair of these for quite some time. I also picked up a couple of pieces of fabric I really liked too. Designs with Ants, ladybugs, and paper dolls too! I also purchased some short beading needles. I never seem to have enough of these for my needlework.
Although it was a long drive away, it was a nice day to take the trip. I like venturing out every once in a while to see other craft or fabric stores that are in North Carolina.



Raggedystitches,
Louise

A New Hutch for Peter Rabbit

My husband Patrick is so very talented!
Peter Rabbit needed a new hutch, as his was growing too small for him..or was he
growing too big? lol
The hutch he was living in was given to us by a dear friend..and it helped and was useful for a little while..but was definitely not big enough for our dear Peter!
My sweet husband worked so hard all this weekend to make a wonderful new home for our pet bunny....
and here it is!

Mighty fancy don't you think?
Peter Rabbit seems very happy ..and we are very happy for him!

Raggedystitches,
Louise

Love's Joy Sampler

My latest finish is called Love's Joy Sampler. You can get the free chart for this design here! Love's Joy Sampler
This is a piece designed by Linda Culp Calhoun.
I found this design in a book titled "Love, Life & Laughter". I just love this book! It is filled with the most beautiful designs.
I stitched this on lugana evenweave, and used blue moon beads I found at Michaels craft store. I am so in love with blue moon beads! They are petite, and very similar to Mill Hill beads.
I shall frame this piece.
thanks for looking,
Raggedystitches,
Louise

23 Years of Friendship and Love

What a wonderful Weekend we had. The weather was absolutely beautiful~!
We did some planting in our yard and had a big get together with family and friends.
It was a perfect celebration. The kids had fun coloring eggs, and Peter Rabbit was given lots of extra greens, apples and goodies to munch on for treats. :)
Patrick and I are now married 23 years. These past 23 years have been the best years of our lives. We are very blessed for the bond that we share. I remember the first time I laid eyes on my husband to be, he was the one for me. To me, he is the greatest man in the world. Couldn't have thought of a better way to celebrate than to be with our dear friends and family yesterday. We had a barbeque out back, and there were lots of delicious desserts too. I made a bunny cake and chocolate dipped strawberries!
Looking forward to all the rest of the many years together with my dear husband Patrick. :)



~Our children, Patrick and Christine~

Raggedystitches,
Louise

Peter Rabbit Grazing Out Back!

What a beautiful day it is here today in North Carolina!
I decided to bake an apple pie for my husband, and also whip up my favorite new treat, yellow squash in the oven. I was starting to organize some of my fabric and getting some laundry done. Because I am always doing a million things at once, nothing ever fully gets finished. :) But, I guess it is good I am keeping busy.
I spent a bunch of time today with my little furry friend Peter outside.
I put him in his grazing cage so he could get lots and lots of sunshine and roaming room. He just loves it in there, I can tell! I took a bunch of pictures of him and got some really good candid shots.


I thought I might put a note here on how I make my yellow squash..I really like how it comes out. It is my own made up recipe..and there really isn't any measurements for the ingredients..you just put in how much you want of each item (but I will put an approximate on measurements for you!) It really tastes good. I was experimenting one day and I threw together a bunch of stuff, and I really surprised myself with how good this came out. Hope you like it too!

RaggedyStitchers Yellow Squash Recipe:
I chopped up Yellow Squash into 1/2 inch pieces
placed the squash into a buttered baking dish
put in chopped onions
sprinkled with garlic powder
Sprinkled 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs over Squash
Sprinkled 1/4 cup parmesan or romano cheese over top
drizzled 1/2 cup melted butter

Cover with foil and Bake at 350 degrees till the squash is tender..I think I did it for about an hour..

Now, you can change the measurements if you would like to more or less of each ingredient to your own taste..or add something else if you would like, or take something out...

It really is DELICIOUS!
here is a picture of the finished product..I made this today!


Enjoy,
RaggedyStitches,
Louise