Samplermakers Autumn Stitcher's Challenge

I am hosting a Stitcher's Challenge through Samplermakers, a wonderful group created by Lori Brechlin from Notforgotten Farm. If you're not a member yet but are interested in joining contact Lori at not4got@aol.com. It's a remarkable community of stitchers.

The Autumn Stitcher's Challenge starts on August 1st, when I'll be sending a message out to all members and ends October 1st. So if you'd like to join hurry up so you don't miss it. Those participating will recieve patterns for several motifs. You can create any size design, alter the designs, use all or some of the motifs, add your own designs, change the colors . . . the options are limitless. For those you who don't have access to a pay design program there's this wonderful program called KG Stitch you can download for free. I've had it on my laptop for years and never had any problems so no worries about viruses and the like. Of course you can also stitch without a pattern. Just start stitching and see where it takes you.

The only requirement of the challenge is that you share your work on Samplermakers. Discuss your design choices, ask for input from the other members, share inspiration, post pictures of your work . . .

If you're already a member or plan on becoming one just check your e-mail on August 1st for the pattern. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

xoxo

Jennie Lynn

To Every Season

Hectic? Chaotic? Disordered? There isn't a word to describe my house this past week. I've made it through the first week of Summer Recess and all I can say is "When does school start?" I always think I'm prepared but alas never am. I have a selective amnesia and somehow throughout the rest of year forget exactly how . . . tiring Summer can be. Oh how I long for Autumn. As you can see I've started some tiny samplers in the spirit of that season. I haven't picked up needle and thread in days. Every morning I tell myself I'll stitch that evening but once the kids are asleep for the night I'm never far behind. I'm hoping that eventually my body will adjust to the new schedule . . . .

In the meantime there's the pleasures of Summer to enjoy. There are many things about Summer Recess I forget, but the things I remember are the things I cherish. Picnics, trips to the beach, fireworks, carnivals, lazy mornings, strawberries, watermelon . . . . and dreams of my stitching spot.

I have been mucking about with blogger quite a bit. So much in fact I think I will have to "unplug" the next few days. I did manage to design my own blog background. That's quite an accomplishment for me given that I've been trying to figure it out for awhile now. What do you think?

I promise to get more stitching done, though. I've been blessed with a great deal of inspiration lately just not the time to accompany it. I have several new free patterns in the works along with a larger sampler and I promise I'll have something to share before the month is out so just be patient with me while I adjust to the madhouse I call home.

xoxo

Jennie Lynn