Back in the stitch of things

Back from Hawaii, and coming from Phoenix, the 80-90 degree weather was a pleasant and and welcome break from the heat! Phoenix reached record breaking highs while we were gone, yuck. Here is one of my favorite pics, first time at the beach, playing in the sand :) It took a little while for the Howard Hughes Syndrome to wear off when he would come over every time sand got on his hands, and ask to be wiped off. By the end of the trip he was trying to bury himself in it!


On to more crafty things. I didn't bring anything to work on this vacation, and about 2/3 of the way through, my fingers were getting itchy... So the first thing I picked up when we got home was an abandoned cross stitch...

Eventually this will be stalks of lavender tied with a bow. I am embarrassed to say this has been sitting gathering dust since 2007... In digging this relic up, I also found a finished cross stitch project, a Scottish Highland Cow. He is about 3" square, and I have no idea what to do with him. I was thinking of maybe creating a patchwork pillow with the cow in the center...or maybe putting him in a frame?
Once I finish my lavender stalks, I want to try my hand at some embroidery, as well as working with felt. Anna Maria Horner has some cute patters of and owl and a table scarf, as well as the Purl Bee's Apple Coasters.

I have my current quilt all laid out, I'm hoping to finish piecing the top this week, and quilt it over the weekend :) I'll post pics as soon as I'm finished with it.

Happy sewing,

Janice