Stitching with Jane Austen

Tomorrow, Mike's sister, Karen, and husband, Dave, are flying in to spend the rest of the week with us and celebrate America's birthday in the city where it all began. We are planning on spoiling them all week with fun and relaxing activities. I'm so happy to have a break from work to look forward to, also!

Speaking of a break from work, I took the day off today partly due to car trouble (the brakes on our Jeep started making a horrible grinding noise this weekend and I wanted to get that fixed right away) and partly because I wanted to spend the day cleaning. Well, what do you think I found myself doing instead of cleaning? (What would any true needleworker do with a day off? Clean ... or Stitch??) I happened to have the 2007 Northanger Abbey at home on Netflix, so I watched that this morning and worked on Blackbird Design's "Where my Heart Blooms." I read NA a few months ago and it quickly became one of my favorites. I really enjoyed this adaptation, especially the gorgeous costumes and the handsome Mr. Tilney.

I had a slow start with the BBD project: owing to a small error, I ended up stitching most of the border and then having to frog and re-do it. I made yet another error the second time, but left it in as I don't think it makes a huge difference.

This weekend we also did some housesitting and pet-care for some good friends and I watched Pride and Prejudice whilst working on the same project. So it truly has been a weekend to stitch with Jane. I ordered Monique's lovely little threadkeeper with the same theme, and she was kind enough to include some pretty red silk with the order. Thanks, Monique! I was happy that these purchases were able to go to such a good cause.



Also pictured are some recent stash acquisitions, including the fabric and fibers for Rites of Spring and a few Belle Soie to add to my small collection. Also I just fell in love with "A Child's Prayer" by With My Needle, a new favorite.

Next time I return I'll share some photos of our vacation week. For those Americans who are celebrating, I hope you all have something special planned for your Fourth of July!