"Stitchers Showcase"

I have received an email from Ann telling me all about her new website on the internet that her and her husband had set up for us stitchers! They have sent me a special invite and I have decided to join.
It is called "Stitchers Showcase" and it is just for us stitchers to showcase our talents.
I have already been to the site, and it is truly wonderful!
You can set up a profile, put pictures of your works of art, post to other members and more.
It really is a special place full of nice people who enjoy our love of needlework, and we can share our common interests.
I think it is worth the trip for you to venture on over to this wonderful site!

Just click on the link , you won't be disappointed!
Stitchers Showcase

Hope to see you there!
RaggedyStitches,
Louise

Heartinhand Needlework Finish

I received this chart yesterday as a gift,and just couldn't wait to stitch it up!
This is called "Valentine Bird" By Heartinhand.
Here it is completed. I stitched this on 25 count cream Lugana with DMC threads.
It was a quick fun stitch!
Wishing you all a Blessed Sunday,
With Raggedystitches,
Louise

Valentines Surprise!

What a wonderful surprise I received in the post today!
I just couldn't believe my eyes!
The mailman walked up to my door with a special box just for me.
I was so excited, and couldn't wait to open it!
You see, this surprise is from a very dear friend. Her name is Jackie, and I was paired up with her some years ago in a secret pal exchange. How blessed I was the day that happened! She has sent me the most beautiful "Souvenir Of Friendship Keepsake" that I will treasure forever. It is filled with beautiful sayings, ribbons, cards, pretty buttons, and treasures. There is even a picture of Raggedy Ann and Andy inside!
I can see how much work She put into this treasure, and it will always be very special to me. Jackie also sent me three wonderful Heart In Hand Valentine Charts.
I love them Jackie!
Thank you so much for being my sweet Friend.
You made my Valentines Day extra special.
Lucky am I to have a friend in you!
There was a little passage tucked inside one of the pages...a saying that I have always loved "Are we going to be friends forever?" Asked Piglet....
"Even Longer" Pooh Answered.....

RaggedyStitches,
Louise

Valentines Day Sweets!

This is what I have been up to this morning...
The kids are still asleep, and thought I would surprise them with some fresh baked Valentine cookies from the oven!
(I am surprised the heavenly smell hasn't woken them up yet...but I guess teenagers can sleep through anything!) ;)

This is a wonderful recipe for Butter Cookies.
They are absolutely delicious. I have made this recipe before, and it is a winner!

Butter Cookies:
Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees
Ingredients:
2 Cups of Flour
3/4 Cup Sugar
1/2 lb. Butter (2 Sticks)
1/2 Teaspoon baking soda
1 Teaspoon Vanilla

Beat together butter and sugar.
Add flour and baking soda.
Use mixer or knead by hand to mix. (I used an electric standing counter mixer)
Add vanilla last.

Roll into balls approximately 1" in diameter.
Place on buttered (not sprayed) cookie tin (I used aluminum cookie sheets)
Flatten balls with a fork dipped in flour.
I then put a tiny heart shaped cookie cutter in the middle of each cookie and pressed down slightly (not all the way through!) to add red sugar crystals in the center of the cookie cutter, then lifted the cookie cutter off the cookie.

Bake cookies until edges are only lightly browned...depending on the heat of your oven, I baked mine for a full 12 minutes.

My daughter just woke up and was smiling when she came downstairs!
She knew I was up to something.
Of course she had to have a cookie before breakfast :)

Happy Valentines Day ,
with RaggedyStitches,
Louise

Hugs and Kisses Pincushion

A little something I have recently stitched up.
I used polka dotted fabric for the backing.

Friendship Heart Scissor Fob

I found this freebie Friendship Heart Scissor Fob on the internet, and thought it was quite pretty! I stitched it up and decided to put white seed beads
along the seam.
I made my own twisted cording to attach the scissors.
This is stitched on 28 count Evenweave with DMC threads.
What a pretty design just in time for Valentines Day!
Raggedy Stitches,
Louise

Valentines Day Table Topper

I am already thinking red, white and hearts!
I used Charm pack fabric squares.
This line of fabric (which I absolutely fell in love with) is called "Flirtations" by Moda.
This will be a table topper for Valentines Day ..hoping to get it finished in time!
Nine patch squares were made, bordered by heart fabric. Red, white, and brown striped fabric will make up the binding.
I have decided to hand quilt hearts! :)

Here is my work in progress.
I know I should really finish other things I have started, but...
there is nothing like starting something new! ;)
I have enough to keep me busy I guess.

Raggedy Stitches,
Louise