Meet Maggie

Here is the newest love of my life, Maggie.  She is only 8 months old but she stays right by my side on the sofa while I am stitching away. 

I take Maggie to work with me everyday.  I work with my oldest daughter, Mary, and she brings her pug, Sadie, to work.  It is so much fun to see the two of them playing - when they chase each other around the office, we call it the Pug 500.  

I am going to keep Sadie for two weeks while Mary is going sailing around the Virgin Islands.  I think I will actually be the one having the most fun!

I finished the Mary Hannah Gipson Sampler recently that was in the Winter 2010 issue of Sampler & Antique Needlework Quarterly.  I stitched it on an unknown scrap of 40 ct. linen with Needlepoint Silks.  I was happy how it turned out - very delicate.
It is now at the framer's and when I get it back it will be joining the rest of my reproductions if I can find room on the wall. 

I have been quite excited to start this blog and really appreciate everyone that has commented on my last post.  I will get this figured out eventually - I feel like I did when I first learned how to ride a bicycle!  

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to stop by and hope you have the opportunity to stitch a ton today (as my daughter says!).

Starting a new blog!

Hello there!  My name is Joanne and I have been a cross stitcher since 1974.  That almost tells you my age but we won't go into that today. I live in the beautiful city of Frederick in the heart of Maryland. 

A neighbor showed me this wonderful form of needlework, called counted cross stitch.  The moment I saw it I was hooked.  My very first piece was a sampler and they have been my passion ever since.  I have stitched for needlework shows, needlework shops, needlework designers as well as gifting family and friends with many pieces over the years.  And you should see my house - not a lot of wall space left.  But does that stop me?  Nooooo!!!!

Permin 1852 Blue Sampler

I also collect embroidery scissors.  Not much of a surprise there, huh?  My husband brought home a bottle of wine for me one day which I just had to save.  Nice, huh?

I am also the owner of a 7 month-old pug named Maggie May (after the Rod Stewart song).  My day would not be complete without pug kisses and stitching. 

My pictures aren't the greatest so I will work on that eventually.  Until then have a great day and hope you enjoy lots of stitching.

Joanne and Maggie