Let Me Introduce You...

Today, I'd like to introduce you to a new blogger I recently met. Her name is Abbey, and her blog is Abbey Rose Needleworks. She's going to tell you about herself in her own words.

"My name is Abigail Callaghan-Schafer. I was born and raised in Cork County, Ireland, and moved to the United States at age 24 when my husband was offered a teaching position within the History Department of a well-known east coast university. We currently reside in Boston, Massachusetts but my husband has been offered a new position which may mean relocating. I'm the mother of four children, three boys and one girl; all of whom are grown and on their own with the exception of my youngest daughter who is still in college and commuting from home. I've been sewing since I was a very young girl and over the years have developed a deep passion for historical samplers. I have also been stitching small keepsakes and folk art ornaments for over 15 years that I've sold at local charity craft events each year. But, now that my children are grown, I hope to devote more time to stitching historical reproduction samplers which I look forward to sharing on my blog."
This is the next sampler that Abbey is going to stitch. It's called the "Anne Grimshaw Sampler". Pretty dramatic in a single, dark color, don't you think? I'm going to be following her progress as she works on this beautiful piece. You do know that I love (and used to design) samplers, right? There will always be a special place in my heart for sampler stitchers/designers.

Please take a moment to visit Abbey at Abbey Rose Needleworks. Give her a warm Blogland welcome that we all do so well. Just click here to visit her brand new corner of our world.

Welcome, Abbey! See you again soon.

Hands Across The Water...

I'm giving you a break from my christening gown project

to share my most recent ATC arrivals with you.
Remember when I posted about the ATC swap I joined?
(Here's the link to that post.)
Well, I've started receiving cards from my swap
partners and they're all pretty awesome!

The first to arrive was Andrea's card. It's called "Water".
It really looks like it to me, with the beautiful threads and beads!
Andrea's blog is Indigo Blue. If you haven't visited her yet, please do.
(Andrea's card came all the way from Cornwall, England.)
Next to arrive is Pril's card. It's called "Purple Hearts #1".
It's a quilted fabric card with fabulous machine embellishing.
Beautiful! I love the card, Pril, and your colors are fabulous!
I don't know if she has a blog...Andrea, if you're reading this
please let me know so I can edit this to post a link!
(Pril's card also arrived from Cornwall, England.)
Last week, when I went to the mailbox, Bridget's card was
waiting for me. It's called "Foil Series" 3/15, and uses
a great glue and metal thread technique. Wonderful texture.
Bridget's blog is Stitchety Grub...a new place for you to visit!
(Her card came from Australia!)

Last, but not least...My dear friend, Dee Dee from Dee Dee's Craftspot
sent me this wonderful card with the words "Heaven Sent" on the front.
It has sweet angels, hearts (including one that dangles from the ribbon),
and lacey, doily trim. Just like a huge hug sent through the mail!
Dee Dee is in Texas, and has a great blog to visit.
Tell her I sent you if you haven't checked out her blog before.

Although this isn't an ATC, I had to show you the front of the greeting
card that protected Bridget's ATC all the way from Australia. She cut out
the flower shapes and attached them to her card, and then she added tiny
crocheted flowers to embellish the cut-outs. Isn't it pretty?

Thank you to all the artists who have or are participating in this swap.
I really appreciate all the playtime you spent creating your stunning cards.
(Here's the link to my ATC album featuring the cards I've received to date.)

There's still time to join in the fun if you'd like.
Just send me an email and let me know you want to play.
I'll get names and addresses to you right away!

I'm helping Handsome prepare for a rehearsal at our house tonight,
so I may not get that bonnet sewn today, but I'll be back tomorrow
to let you know what I managed to work on.

Til then,
"May all your days be creative...
and all your nights filled with sweet dreams."
(I made that up. Do you like it?)

There's a giveaway going on at Dolls, Etc. blog
She's celebrating her 100th follower!!!
You have until June 20th to enter.