More Black Belt Stitching Wizard Stuff

Sunday, August 14, 2011

My GPS Made Me Do It...

I had a lovely couple of days visiting and stitching with Ann of Knowledge and Needles.  I also had a great Thursday afternoon with the Thursday Stitchers then the same again the next day with the Friday Stitchers.  I don't have any pictures from my visit, it just didn't seem to be one of those ones where you're taking pics.

Next Saturday there will be LOTS of pictures Ann is hosting her Annual Open House and any and all stitchers a welcome and non-stitchers too.  There's going to be food galore, as visitors are asked to bring something for the potluck lunch/snacks/dinner... really we eat all day!  There is also a huge and wonderful array of stitching on display as we all bring with us everything we've finished during the last year!  There's lots of visiting, laughing, hugs, and some stitching going on as well.  Oh yeah, and there's shopping too.  Buying stuff at Ann's shop Knowledge and Needles isn't a requirement but its a nice bonus, if you're a stash collector.  Ann mentioned to me that her kits (Michael Powell and more) and Victoria Sampler charts/charpacks will be going on sale.  She is also thinking about putting Jeannette Douglas items on sale too, but hasn't decided yet.  I can also tell you that she's got a huge variety of fabrics, colours, counts pre-cut and in stock!

Speaking of stash, it was a little hard to leave Ann's on Saturday without buying some myself.  I also know that next Saturday will be a busy day and I'll be helping Ann in the shop so I may not get a chance to shop and well I got a pick of the good stuff ahead of the crowd ;-)  I bought some charts, some threads and a piece of fabric I just couldn't let get nabbed up by someone else... what I'll do with it I don't have a clue (as usual)?

Zeus as usual must check out all recent acquisitions

Carrie's Threads, the blues are for a wedding sampler I will start next week

Rosewood Manor's Spring Quakers with Valdani Threads needed

 Its probably hard to see but this fabric has a gorgeous, subtle swirl to it.
32ct Vintage Belfast in Stormy Cloud.  This actually could work quite nicely for Spring Quakers

Two of the latest JBW's I just love having these in my stash!

After a productive couple of days stitching for both Ann and I, I packed up my stuff and started to make my way home.  Todd and I recently purchased a GPS to share (we'll see how long that lasts) and though I knew how to get home I let the "Bitch In The Box" (as we kindly call her) guide me.  I have to say she took me on a route I never expected, it was gorgeous, past many lakes and through hilly/curvy roads (which I just love... would of been a blast in Dan's Corvette or on a motorcycle!).  It took me through the very picturesque Merrickville (which I've never been to before), if the town hadn't been so busy with tourists/day trippers I might have stopped, and through Perth.  It was in Perth where I blame my GPS for this part of the day, it happened to take me right past the Naturalizer Shoe Factory Outlet Store.  I just couldn't drive past!  Once upon a time Naturalizer shoes where considered quited homely/dowdy old lady and nurse shoes.  Today they're sexy and oh so comfortable!  I came home with THREE new pairs of shoes, all for $90 normally these would of cost me over $200!

I had spotted these at another Naturalizer Store a few weeks ago but they didn't have my size!

These will be great for work and a change from my usual black shoes!

Must have red shoes!

I think I'm going to have to take this route again, but take the time to stop and take pictures along the way its very picturesque!

Sadly tomorrow is my LAST day of my summer vacation!  I'll have to face the hard reality on Tuesday morning that I can't sleep in to 8:30 am anymore and stitch all day!

Poor Hunter was feeling left out from the photo shoot so he showed up in time for some solo shots!

20 comments:

Teresa said...

I love how Zeus checks out all your new stash. Nice shoes by the way.
Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches

Kathy A. said...

Love your little trip report. Glad you had such fun. You have a short work week silly. Won't I be seeing you on Friday?
hugs

Christine said...

Love the pic of Zeus inspecting your stash!
A sat nav that finds shoe sales, I could do with one of those...

Annette said...

Love the red shoes!!

Lisa said...

Love your new stash and the shoes!

Jenny said...

I need red shoes too, but haven't been real lucky finding any. I am also a high-heel girl, so the design has to be a bit conservative, so that it's not over the top, if that makes sense?
Mmmm, shoes - second only after XS stash.

Kate said...

Great report on your trip - I didn't realise that a GPS could be so useful!

Unknown said...

Love the new stash, how could you pass it up and its always fun getting the stash and then working out the project to go with it.
Totally love the red shoes... a girl needs several pairs in my opinion...can you tell I've sevaral pairs of red shoes lol :D

Jan said...

Love the stash and the shoes.
We refer to the voice as "Mother", like the computer in Alien.

Gabi said...

Lovely new stash. All of it. Love it also how your cat checks out everything. Too cute.
The shoes are great too especially the red ones.

Lesleyanne said...

Great new shoes and stash. What more could a girl want????

Bekca said...

Shoes! My greatest love, even stitching stash comes second :) You got some lovely bargains there and a great new stash haul. Enjoy!

Lynn said...

I'm still hoping to make it to Ann's. We now have unexpected house guests arriving this weekend and I'm not sure of their ETA. What time does all the fun begin?

I can't believe you've never been to Merrickville! I'm heading there myself tomorrow since my sister is visiting this week. I'm going to take her on a little tour of the village and have a nice lunch.

Love your new stash and the new shoes too! The red ones are so cute!

Bette said...

How I envy your stitchy get togethers And new stash to boot. Love the red shoes!

Sally said...

Fantastic new stash Dani. Sounds like you had a fantastic time. I LOVE that swirly fabric. it is gorgeous.

Nice new shoes too!

Karen said...

I borrow my dad's GPS every now and then, but sadly, I think my 65 year old father is more tech-savvy than myself lol. I usually resort to an old-fashion map in the end lol.

In any case, it sounds like you had a very nice drive home. LOVE those sandals and your new red shoes! And you managed to come home with some beautiful new stash! Spring Quaker is so pretty. I'm anxiously waiting for my copy to arrive in the mail.

Lana said...

Your stash is wonderful!! Love the shoes too!! I really like the spring Quaker sampler...that really is gorgeous! and I love the fabric with the swirls to work it on!

Casa Pearl said...

Wow, great stash and great shoes - what a wonderful trip you had! Sorry about having to go back to school but I hope you enjoy the open house weekend. Patti

Melanie said...

Oh! Oh! Anything remotely Mary Jane-ish is an obsession of mine. Loooooove the shoes!!!

Aussie Stitcher said...

Nice new stash there Dani, LOL at Zeus, cats are such sticky beaks. Sounds like you had a great detour thanks to the bitch in the box LOL, and I love your shoes.