Stitching with a Younger Set

Thank you so much for your kind wishes for my speedy recovery. I appreciate all your comments and messages.

On Friday, I had packed my lunch to go to old lady stitching at the library (we have lunch together on first Fridays). While I was at the hairdresser, Catherine called. As soon as I was out of the chair, I returned her call. She and some of our friends from Chadds Ford stitching were getting together. Would I like to join them?

We had a delightful lunch of peppery chicken salad made by Brett. (You remember Brett--the one who brought all her charts with her when we met at Strawberry Sampler?) Delish. We also had chips and potato salad and some of Catherine's mother's pickles. Yum...homemade pickles.

Small House, by Brown House Studio
JCS, April 2003

After we ate, we settled down to stitching. Catherine was working on Cinnamon Heart's (remember them?) Strawberry Sampler. She was doing the single strawberry. I didn't even know I owned the chart she was stitching until she showed it to me. (I never recognize the "secondary chart" some designers include. Good thing someone does!) Brett was stitching a Sampler Girl chart that I didn't immediately recognize. I can't tell you what Eileen was working on, mostly because I have a mind like a sieve but also because she was on the other side of the table from me. I worked some on the dude's anniversary present, but as it turns out, my hand does have some limitations*. I can hold the fabric, just not for long. 

I was a little out of it anyway. I think I was fighting off an infection. I had a slight fever (not high enough to warrant a doctor visit) and I've been pretty sleepy since Wednesday. (I am getting better, though, and even my temperature is back to normal.)

Catherine, who must have very high standards, told me that I couldn't tell you about the dust and vacuuming she says she neglected, but I couldn't tell you if I wanted to. I was ogling her walls. This is a very clever ploy used by many stitchers. You decorate with all of your masterpieces, and whenever other stitchers come over, you don't have to vacuum because they are too busy checking out your stitching. Catherine is one of these. She has tons of stitching on her walls (even in the bathroom) and little vignettes of smalls.  It took all of my good manners not to beg to be taken on a tour of her stitching house. (But if I get to go next time, I'll bring my spy camera and show you all. Or maybe we can just get her to give a tour on her blog.) Thanks again, Catherine!

*I also keep forgetting that I am injured and pressing down with my hand. D'oh.