Shorttakes

DISCLAIMER: Once again, Beth is trying to send the email (Ab's words) - sorry for the first time with no pics! 

Still learning!

Greetings Stitchers,

     I believe it is safe to say that spring is here and summer might be close behind!  We are enjoying a warm and sunny day here in Chadds Ford - with the back door open, the sun shining in and all kinds of stitching ideas in our heads!!  (sounds like the night before Christmas or something - but in this case, it's just another wacky Wednesday - and you know how we LOVE THEM!!!)  I have been splitting my time between my sons' baseball games and stitching (well, pop in there work, house, helping out at school and a few other things......) - it's not a bad way to spend the days and nights!  My son Christopher, was just picked to be on his Rookie League All Star Team. Chris is my youngest - my fiery redhead - and every day is an adventure with him. Because he and my oldest son are only 13 months apart - Chris has spent most of his life always trying to be on the same playing field as Jimmy!  My heart grew about 3 sizes when Jimmy was the first to cheer Chris on and be psyched for his brother's accomplishments....there are some moments where you feel like some of what you've said has finally sunk in!! 

This is my boy, Christopher, in action! 

      It is hard to believe - but I am anxiously trying to finish up my Lizzie Kate Double Flip It's Christmas bell pull!   It's going to be so cute.....but I'm ready to finish it up.  I really want to get started on something summery.....and there are many fun things to choose from! Find something fun to stitch this summer!

    This weekend is Memorial Day.  Take some time to remember the men & women who lost their lives so that we can continue to freely live in a country full of opportunities. We become complacent & comfortable with our freedoms.  But there are still millions who can't even conceive of running water & shelter, much less the "worries" that go along with college, mortgages, traffic & all the other aggravations of our daily lives.  On Memorial Day, remember those who have fought, & the families who let them go. 

Freedom ISN'T free - it is the ultimate price to pay.

                        

 

HUGS AND STITCHES

Abby and the Girls

  

      

A Few Things for Summer

       

Nothing says summer like a relaxing happy hour and your favorite pair of flip flops!

Because it is always...Five O'Clock SOMEWHERE!

  

Golfing and Tennis - two great summer sports - enjoy!!

    

August Teacup and She Sells Seashells ....... because summer is all about the seashore......

See these and more in our Summer Things! section.

 

        

 

DID YOU KNOW???

We are BLOGGING!!

It's true - the surprises just keep on coming!!!!  We girls here at The Strawberry Sampler are just so techno-savvy that it's sometimes SCARY - just downright SCARY!! 

Molly and Ruth Ellen each have their own blogs now - where they update you frequently on the goings on here at the shop ..... and in life too! They are great!

There are many of you who have shared that you loved Ruth Ellen's column from ... way back in the Farmhouse Shops.....you'll enjoy this updated version! 

Check out Molly's Blog, The Patch and Ruth Ellen's Two Cents

 

        

New Stuff!

Molly & Beth have been finding new stuff left, right & center (Baseball terminology overload - can you tell how I spend my time?).  We can barely keep up with adding to our "have to have" stash!! 

                                                  

Right now, Molly is hooked on the ideas from "Country Stitches" (& conveniently, the designer has been feeding her addiction!).

            

 

Beth is loving the new, more contemporary geometric looking designs (several from Europe). 

Of course, Beth is a little schizo - she's also oohing & drooling over several new punchneedle designs!

      

 

Make sure to check out the "New Goodies" page - we add to that regularly.  Below is our "Spotlight Item" (who remembers the "Spotlight Dance" from American Bandstand?)

 

Aaahhh...it looks so sweet....but look more closely.....hang this right beside your stitching "spot" as a warning!!!

 

        

   

A little something for all the Sisters out there......

 

Time Passes
Life Happens
Distance Separates
Children Grow UP.

Jobs come and go. Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break. Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors. Careers end.

BUT...Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you....Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, Daughters, GrandDaughters, Daughters in law, Sisters, Sisters in Law, Mothers, GrandMothers, Aunties, Nieces, Cousins, extended family - and yup....GIRLFRIENDS....all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had NO idea of the incredible joys and sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other. Every day, we need each other still....always will

God Bless - Much Love, Much Laughter, Much Good Health and Happiness - I love you all - you make this journey a possible one - Abby

 

HUGS AND STITCHES!!

Talk to ya soon!

Abby and the girls