Cecilia's Samplers' Blog

Off we go to Nashville!!!

2012-02-17T13:33:00.000-08:00

Next week at this time we will be in Nashville for the wholesale Needlework Show!!! Holly, Jessie and I will be going. Pam, Cindy and Amy will be in Branson keeping Cecilia's running. Jessie will be updating our Facebook page with Nashville previews this week, so if you see anything that you would like us to pick up for you, just let us know. And on Monday February 27th we will have our Market Day at Cecilia's! The shop will be full with all kinds of new goodies to enhance your stashes. Drop by and check it out - we'll be looking forward to seeing you!

I've got a couple of quick pictures to show you. I am still working on The Petite Sampling Etui - a limited edition collaboration. It has been in my "rotation" for a while so i am happy to be getting it stitched. The colors are so much prettier that the picture.

For our friend, Carol in Illinois, I am including a picture of Pam's completed Witches Wheel. Pam really enjoyed stitching this piece - the solar fabric really makes it unique!!

And for all of you scissor people......we all know who we are ;-) ..........we received some new scissors into the shop today. They are made by Bohin of France. Beautifully made with a "stained glass" design on the handles. A wonderful addition to anyone's scissor collection or needlework bag!

I've got to get going , hope you all have a wonderful week. Enjoy your stitching time!

Take Care,

Margaret, Jessie,Amy, Pam, Holly, Cindy and Ann

the new yarns are here!!!

2012-02-04T12:23:00.001-08:00

Happy February!!!

It is Superbowl Weekend and the New England Patriots are in the game!! Life is GOOD!!!

I thought I would take a few minutes to update the blog in between customers in the shop. We are having a Superbowl Sale this weekend, so we have been really busy in the shop, on the phone and online.

Got some quick updates for you.........the new yarns are here!!! We have so many new colors and specialty yarns to choose from. Yes, we are all knitting and crocheting the "twirly" scarves. But for those of you that do not knit or crochet - we have a knotted scarf that can be made with scrap yarns ( Cindy modeled it for you!!). Pam will be starting Knitting classes - so come by and join in the fun!! We also hage 2 tubs of 50% discounted yarns........come in and check them out - we caught Cindy "playing in the yarn"!

We have also gotten alot of new Tatting supplies - shuttles, books and threads. We expanded the tatting section in the shop. Our Stamped cross stitch, crewel, needlepoint and embroidery has recieved ALOT of new kits, iron ons, quilt squares, doilies, quilt squares and baby items.......come by and check it out!

Pam has been knitting up a storm with all the new yarns, so we have new models in the yarn department. Jessie, Ann and I have been stitching - Ann finished her Man of the Month snowmen - they are all so cute - one for each month of the year. Jessie just finished and framed the new Lizzie Kate Valentine Kit - it is a quick stitch and looks so pretty with all the pastel spring colors. I have finished the new Little House Christmas Ornament ( first one for 2012)Blessed (it's an adorable angel) trimmed with Crescent Colors Chennille. And I am also working on a Petite Sampling Etui - a collaboration of Sampler designers charts that will be finished into a Etui (sewing box).

Holly has been busy putting the finishing touches on the Spring Retreat Weekends - it is a Mardi Gras theme - she has lots of fun games and goodies for the ladies attending. You won't be disappointed!!

I've got to get going.........more orders to fill and customers to help!! Enjoy the weekend!!

GO PATS!!!

We look forward to visiting with you all when you come by the shop!

Take Care,

Margaret, Jessica, Amy, Pam, Holly, Cindy and Ann

Upcoming events!

2012-01-21T12:02:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon!

We hope you are all well and enjoying the mostly mild winter that we are having so far. Less time to shovel snow, more time to stitch!!

I have a couple of things to let you know about...........We will be having trunk shows in the shop this year.......so far we have My Big Toe Designs coming in the beginning of April and Rosewood Manor in November!!! Both companies have wonderful deisgns, it will be great to see their models!!!

We still have a few openings for our second Spring Stitching Weekend Retreat (April 19th-22nd) - if you would like to come for a funfilled weekend of stitching, shopping, eating, and meeting new friends just call or email us - we look forward to hearing from you!! Holly does a fantastic job of organizing these weekends - she always makes it fun!!

The Nashville Needlework Market is coming up the end of February..........if you have anything you would like us to bring back for you just let us know. We are making our lists, and would be happy to bring back any goodies that you would like. The designers always have something special each year - they really make the shop owners feel welcomed!! Holly tells me that our Market Day will be Monday February 27th - the day after we get back from the Nashville Market - it will be a BLAST!!!

Be watching for our mid February (hint- around Valentine's Day) "We Love our Customers" SALE!!! Big discounts, surprises and free gifts!!!

Ann has been stitching like crazy in Florida........she finished the Lizzie Kate 6 Fat Men.......I added the buttons for her and I will include a picture......it looks so cute!!

The biggest thing around here lately has been the twirly scarves!!! Cindy was happy to model them for this picture. We can barely keep the yarn in stock. I am not a big knitter, but I have made 2, so far. Each scarf takes 1 skein of yarn and about 2-3 hours of knitting. It is really great for a beginning knitter or a super fast knitter like Pam. There are yarns that have so many colors, sparkles, sequins, chennille, lace patterns, solid colors...........you'll be creating beautiful, fun scarves in no time!!

I think that's all I've got for now..........tomorrow we are having 3 grandkids birthday parties at our home - Alice will have her first birthday, Tyler will be 14 and Andrew will be 13. Grandma (me!!!) has made their birthday cakes and an extra cake for Katelyn (her birthday is in March).

So we'll be partying tomorrow and watching the Patriots -hopefully the Pats will win and move on to the superbowl - YAY!!!

I will add the pictures and wish you all a great week! Keep Stitching - it is just too much fun!!!

take care,

Margaret, Jessie, Amy, Pam, Holly, Cindy and Ann

new fabrics! and Pine Mountain pillows!

2012-01-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon,

January 2012 !! Can you believe another year has gone by? We have this new year to look forward to - new things to stitch - new colors of floss and fabric to play with!! It's going to be a wonderful year!!

This is a quick update on a couple of new items that have come into the shop - Pine Mountain has a couple of new pillows featuring frosty little snowmen!! They are great take along projects - the pillows are finished for you - just stitch and fill with a pillow form and you're done!!

Zweigart fabrics arrived in the shop today. A really sparkly over dyed 16 count metallic called French Vanilla - very subtly shading. We also received a 32 count Lugana called Enchantment - different shades of blues and splotches of white (great for a sky background). The blues are not baby light blues, but darker and richer blues. And finally we got some 28 count cashel linen called peach orchard - mostly muted peach with soft greens blended in. Very pretty!!!

We all stitch the models for the shop, and about a year ago we asked Pam to stitch Rosewood Manors Quakers and Quilts for the shop. She is a fast stitcher and usually finishes the projects for the shop very quickly. Now that we have so many new yarns we have kept her busy knitting!! So i have been working on the last segment to the Quakers and Quilts chart......it is really fun and easy to stitch. i have never used the Valdani threads for crossstitch, just punchneedle. They are great to work with and the colors are just gorgeous!!! I am including

pictures for you all to see.

We look forward to seeing you in the shop and at our Spring Retreats in a couple of months!! We have moved some displays and shelving in the shop - change is good - as long as you keep the lights on. (my toes have already smashed into the rearranged shelves several times!! ouch!!).

I've got to get going. Hope you are all doing well and we wish you a blessed New Year!!!

Take Care,

Margaret, Jessie, Amy, Holly,Kacy, Pam, Cindy, and Ann

Happy New Year 2012!!

2011-12-29T13:35:00.000-08:00

All of us here at Cecilia's Samplers want to wish all or our customers and friends a Happy and Healthy New Year !! We wish the best for all of you!!!

The shop has been busy this week with our week long after Christmas Sale going on. Threads, fabrics, chaerts, kits - all going out of the shop as quickly as they arrive!! Are you planning your 2012 stitching projects? I always have a plan, well mostly,but if something new comes out, well, then the plan changes!! (hense the pile of full project bags by my stitching chair). The most important thing is we are having fun!!

We got some new reading glasses in the shop today - they are from Foster Grant and they have led lights on either side of the glasses, so the light and magnification is right where you are looking!!! Neat colors ,too!!

We also have these cute ducks that are tape measurers, too. We sold bunches before Christmas - great stocking stuffers -and they are finally back instock.

I have also finished the La-D-Da Margaret Cottam Mystery Sampler......it was fun to stitch and the colors are just wonderful!! We also have a really cute miniature footstool from Sudbury House that has come into the shop recently. I used a couple of motifs from a Blackbird Design book to make this cute pincushion. It also has a small storage area under the pincushion - great for needles or a small pair of scissors.

I've got to get going.............more ladies are heading into the shop and Pam needs help !!!

We hope you will always make some time for yourself to stitch, we are all so busy in our lives it is hard to find the time, but it is well worth it!! the benefits of doing anykind of hand needlework are great - good for the spirit, mind and body!!!

Take care and Happy 2012!!!

Margaret, Jessie,Amy, Holly, Pam,Cindy, Kacy and Ann

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-10T09:45:00.001-08:00

Ho, Ho, Ho!! Merry Christmas!!

Only 2 more weeks til the big day!! All of us at Cecilia's wish you a Blessed Holiday Season, and a Happy, Healthy New Year!! We want you to know that we appreciate your friendship, loyalty and business. We hope that we have helped to make your stitching time a peaceful and happy time for you.

We have busy weekend planned in our family. We will be setting up our Nativity, decorating our Christmas Tree, and constructing our gingerbread houses. I have lots of help - my 4 grandkids - Tyler, Andrew, Katelyn and Alice. It is something we do each year and have so much fun doing it!! They are all very imaginative and create very unique gingerbread homes!!

So what have we been up to in the shop??

I have been stitching the new La-D -Da mystery sampler - Margaret Cottam. It is fun to stitch and wonder what part 3 will look like..........I have just started part 2. Farms of Hawk Run Hollow will be my next adventure in the stitching world - I think.........there's just not enough time to stitch everything that I want to!!! Then i just finished Plum Street Samplers Salem Hornbook. The frame is just Great for this piece!!

Our good friends, Jennie from Just Jennifer and Mary from Ozarks Delights, have been busy creating some new item for our enjoyment!! Mary has added wool to her pins! She has an Angel, Cat and Heart shaped pins - they would make great stocking stuffers or small gift for a friend. She has many different colors to choose from.

Jennie has a new quilted vest pattern.........she is "famous" for her quilted sweatshirt jacket pattern and has added this new vest pattern for us to have fun with!! Both the vest and jacket are as unique as each person that creates it. We also have the fabric packs for them, too. No worring about matching colors, patterns, stripes, solids - Jennie does that all for us!! The fabric packs are enough to make a jacket or vest.

One of the neatest accessories that I have seen in a long time is our new "mug wrap" - it can be wrapped around a standard mug, has pockets inside and outside to help you organize all your stitching (quilting, sewing, scrapbooking, knitting, tatting, and possibly Hershey Kisses) goodies.

We have these "mug wraps" made in several different fabric colors and designs. After the New Year we will have more coming into the shop. They are so neat and handy to use!!

Pam has been knitting up a storm ..............we have some new yarn that is flying off the shelves. One skein makes one scarf............I made one, took about 4 hours. It is quick and easy, but looks really lacy and fancy!! Good for a novice knitter like me!

Holly has been planning and organizing for the next round of stitching weekends in April. She has finalized plans for our Summer weekend with our special guest from Cherry Wood Designs!! More to come later............

Jessie has been busy with Katelyn and Alice - and she also finds the time to get our orders in to our wholesalers and keep the website updated, too!!

Ann is in Florida for the Winter with her family. She'll be back in the Spring - we miss her and can't wait to see her again!!

Amy is still managing AJ's One Stop (next door), but she still helps out in the shop when we need her.

Cindy visits us on Saturday and should be back full time in the Spring.

Kacy will be home from College soon........(she helps me to make Baklava for Christmas!!). And she works in Cecilia's as often as we can have her here with us.

I think I got everyone included.............got to get going. Still have to find Santa and give him the grandkids wish lists!!!

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!!! (just in case I don't get to update before Christmas)

Enjoy your stitching time!!

Margaret, Jessie, Amy, Holly, Pam, Kacy, Cindy, and Ann

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-25T17:01:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!! We sure have ALOT to be thankful for in this wonderful United States of America!! I always think of the brave men and women in our military, far from home and loved ones, they are always protecting our freedom. I am so thankful for their sacrifices, please remember them, especially during the Holidays.

We have had a busy month - 2 retreats at the beginning of November. We had a great time, met a whole bunch of stitchers - the ladies had a really fun weekend with us. We enjoyed seeing them all - some we met for the first time and we can finally put a face to the voice on the phone or the email writer. Jessie has the pictures on our facebook page.......you should check them out and see what a fun and crazy weekend we had!

We have a new Mystery sampler in the shop. It is by La-D-Da. Comes in 3 parts - it is a reproduction sampler with a La-D-Da twist!! I have already stitched part 1.......waiting for the next part to come in. It is fun to stitch - you start from the bottom and work your way up!! The thread colors are so pretty!!

We also have a really neat Limited Edition kit from JBW designs - Santa's Sleigh Ride. it was quick and easy to stitch. I added a red bead on the reindeer's nose. (Rudolph is my favorite reindeer!!).

Holly is taking sign ups for our 2012 Ornament club. She has some really cute designs picked out. It will get you a head start for your Christmas tree next year! Call or email the shop for more information on this fun monthly club!!

I am going to add some pictures..............ornament club, JBW Santa's Sleigh Ride, La-D-Da's Mystery Sampler and my family Thanksgiving picture. My camera had broken about a month ago.............so I had to get another one (I do not like change, so it took a bit to pick one out). These are pictures taken with the new camera.........I am still learning how to use all the buttons and levers!!

I will do my best to update the blog more often. I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving. Please take time to stitch during the Holiday Season..............it is very hectic and busy.........stitching helps to ease the stress. And as Holly reminded me today - only 30 days til Christmas!!!!

Take Care,

Margaret and all the "merry elves"at Cecilia's

It's Columbus Day!!

2011-10-10T15:30:00.001-07:00

Who let the Spooks out? This is a free chart (we have the button pack available to purchase, if you like)

Katey and Alice are getting ready for Halloween. Their matching shirts say "If you think I'm scary, you should see my sister!"

And not to be left out, Grandma (me) got a Halloween shirt that says"You can't scare me, I have Grandkids!"

We love Fall and Halloween.......it is a great time of year. Not too hot or cold, pretty fall leaves, and the anticipation of the Christmas season quickly approaching!! ( I know, only like 75 days til Christmas). Bet you're glad I reminded you ;-)

I just made this witch pin cushion form Just Another Button Company........it came out so cute! The buttons spell "boo". The kit comes complete with everything you need (except needle, scissors and thread) to make this adorable witch.

Holly is getting the last minute things done for our November retreats (yes, retreats). We have had such an overwhelming response that we added another weekend for Fall and Spring. Holly has been busy wrapping lots of goodies and planning fun activities for these weekends. We really look forward to these retreat weekends - we get to meet our new guests, see our returning guests and have alot of fun!!!

I've got to get going............just wanted to post a quick update and say Hi. Hope you are all well and enjoying the Fall season. Don't forget to carve out some time to stitch as often as you can. It is good for the body and soul.

Take care,

Margaret, Jessie, Amy, Pam ,Holly, Cindy and Ann

p.s. Ann will be back from Florida for a week or so in November (I think the second week), drop by and say hi, she misses seeing everyone. She has been stitching the pink ribbon afghan from Dutch Treat, she should have it done by time she gets here.

Happy Labor Day!!

2011-09-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Branson! Hope you are all well and enjoying your long weekend - maybe get some stitching time in?

We have a few new goodies to show you..........we don't highlight our yarn department alot, so I thought I would show you some of our new yarns. They are really neat and Pam has done a wonderful job knitting up some models for the shop. We also got our Breast Cancer Awareness Yarns in for the season. There are 4 free charts available for these yarns, also. Pam has also knitted a "snood" - a combination scarf/hat that will be sure to keep you warm this winter!

She also knitted 2 scarves - one from CurlyQ yarn - a stretchy fun multi color yarn - and another lacy/multicolor ribbon type of yarn - 1 skein makes a very generously long scarf. These yarns "do the work" for you with their textures and colors, with beautiful results!!

We have a very limited supply of the Just Nan Rudolph and matching frame. It is so cute and quick to stitch !! Sue Hillis has designed 2 candy corn charts for Halloween, and we have the "candy corn" fabric to stitch them on!!! It is a 28 count lugana fabric and really adds a unique look to the stitched piece!

We also have the JCS Halloween Ornament book AND the JCS Christmas Ornament book in the shop..........yes, we were switching back and forth from Halloween to Christmas as we looked through these two collections of holiday ornaments - what to stitch first??!!??

We have the cutest little "puppy snips" in all kinds of bright colors. They are a nice gift for a dog lover or needleworker. They come with a little chain that you can hook onto your needlework bag, lamp or even frame or hoop.

And one of the most anticipated release from Market this year - Farms of Hawk Run Hollow!!!Marty, with a little help from Kathy (she designed 2 1/2 squares), did a fantastic job on the Farms. I can't wait to get started!!

We have been really busy at the shop. New market items are coming in almost daily!! We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of another wonderful Mystery Sampler. This one is from La-D-Da. Jessie has put the info on the front page of the website. (yes we are taking reservations)I call it a "bottoms-up" sampler becasue we are to start stitching it from the bottom!!! The design was inspired by an antique sampler stitched by Margaret Cottam when she was 9 years old - can't wait to see it!!!

I have rambled on long enough..........sorry about the length of time between updates........sometimes the time just goes by so fast.

I will add some pictures ( I have not mastered the art of correct picture additions - they tend to have a will of their own as to where they show up on the page, so please bear with me - thanks)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.........thanks for visiting!!

Take Care,

Margaret, Jessie, Amy, Holly,Pam,Cindy, Ann

Where have we been???

2011-08-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

Sue Hillis design for our weekend!

The ladies enjoying themselves with Sue Hillis.

We raised over $400.00 for the Humane Society during the weekend retreat. Thanks Ladies!!!!

Enjoying the games and winning prizes!!!

Ann stitched this "tombstone"

Raise the Roof design stitched by Pam

Lizzie Kate design stitched by Holly

Sue Hillis Americana design stitched by Ann

Prairie Schooler Santa 2011 stitched by Margaret

Prairie Schooler Santa Kit 2011 stitched by Margaret

Farms of Hawk Run Hollow , almost all the blocks, by Carriage House Samplings - it will be stitched by Margaret!! Can't wait!!

Sorry I haven't posted any updates for such a long time.............it is still HOT here.......over 100 every day for over a month. And for someone who thinks that 75 is a heat, wave 100 is just way too hot!!!

We had our Summer Stitching Weekend last weekend. We had Sue Hillis as our special and honored guest. Sue is so much fun!!! She designed the cutest chart for our weekend - she named the lady Margaret (me?!?). She is really a neat lady and we are looking forward to seeing her in Branson again. We had such a fun group of stitchers for the weekend, we met quite a few new friends and enjoyed visiting with our old friends (should I say "old" or "long time" friends?)

I've got a few pictures to post..........we have been stitching - Pam, Ann, Holly and I have had our needles flying.

Any Hawk Run Hollow Fans out there??? Marty (Carriage House Samplings) is introducing the Farms of Hawk Run Hollow. She has been putting up each block on her blog. it really looks like it will be a fun and beautiful piece to stitch. I have been putting the blocks together (kind of like a puzzle) so I took a quick picture of it, still waiting for the final block..............if you want to reserve your copy, let us know. Kathy has designed 2 1/2 blocks and Marty is having a contest on her blog - www.carriagehousesamplings.blogspot.com/ - guess which blocks Kathy designed - and you could win the free chart and fabric to stitch your own Farms of Hawk Run Hollow !!!

Well, I am going to add the pictures to this blog and get going.........hope you are all enjoying the Summer. The Baltimore wholesale show is next weekend, so be looking for all the new goodies that we'll have in the shop soon.

Take care and hope you all are enjoying your stitching!!

Margaret, Jessie, Holly, Pam, Amy, Ann, Kacy, and Cindy

Mystery Sampler Part 3 and some finishes

2011-07-10T17:29:00.000-07:00

Is it hot enough for you?? We are at 106 , according to my car mirror thermometer. It is a good day to stay inside in the air conditioning and stitch! Hope you all had a nice 4th of July. And we at Cecilia's want to thank all of our armed forces for their service, so that we may enjoy our freedom!! Our military keeps us safe and protects us from harm, we are forever grateful to them!

Part 3 of the Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler should be in the shop this week!!! Can't wait to finish it! It is the first mystery sampler that I have ever done and I am so thrilled with the final part.

Got a couple of finishes to show you. Ann is back from Florida and she has been stitching up a storm...........we have to get her stitching framed, but I especially like the wording on this one about stitching. Ann is also stitching a monthly "All Flakes Welcome" - each month has a different snowperson. They are embellished with beads and buttons and cute little carrot noses. i can't wait to see it done!! Holly finished a cute patriotic design by Pat Carson - her designs are always so neat!!

Crescent Colors is coming out with some really neat dyed trims - rick rack in 4 different sizes, chennille cord, 1 inch cluny lace, and 1/2 inch binding tape. The colors are so very pretty - I can think of so many things to do with these beautiful trims!!!

Holly has been BUSY getting ready for our Summer Stitching weekend in 2 weeks. She is putting the finishing touches on all the goodies for the ladies. We will be welcoming Sue Hillis as our guest of honor for the weekend. I know our ladies will have a great time!!!

I am going to add some pictures and get going so I can stitch for a little bit. Hope you are all having a wonderful Summer............stay cool!!!

Take care,

Margaret, Jessie, Amy, Holly, Kacy, Pam, Cindy, and Ann

Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler Part 2

2011-06-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!!!

I am back..................not that I went anywhere, my Dad came to visit me from Boston, Massachusetts for my birthday!!! He was here for just about 3 weeks, the time went by so fast while he was here visiting. We got to play cribbage ( I skunked my Dad once!!! - usually he wins). He came to the shop with me every day, he is a huge help at the shops. And he also enjoys visiting with his 4 great grand kids, who are there with us every day.

I did have time to stitch in the evenings and finished part 2 of the Mystery Sampler. The colors are so pretty, especially the birds! Can't wait to see part 3 in a couple of weeks. Hawk Run Hollow fans - there is a new HRH coming out the end of August. It is called the Farms of HRH. Can't wait to see it!!! Have the last 2 blocks on Autumn to get done and that will complete my 5th HRH. Blackbirds Designs has some new goodies for us.............the Loose Feathers Club is starting next month - there will be 3 books in the series. There will also be a book in August where the Blackbird ladies combine different parts of old samplers to make new samplers. Should be interesting!!!

Holly is busy preparing for our Summer Stitching weekend next month. Sue Hillis will be our Special Guest.........it will be ALOT of fun!!!

Got to be going.......Jessie has updated face book and the website with the new goodies in the shop, be sure to check them out. Hope you all are having a great Summer so far, make time to stitch outside - the pure natural sunlight is the best stitching light you could have!!

Take Care,

Margaret, Jessie, Amy,Holly, Kacy, Pam,Cindy and Ann

Happy Memorial Day!! God Bless America!!

2011-05-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Hope you are all having a good Memorial Day!! Please take a few moments to remember all of those in the Military who have given their lives to protect us and keep us free!! God Bless America!!

Holly is on vacation for the next 2 weeks...........lets see what kind of "trouble" the rest of us can get into while she is gone!! ;-) Be watching your emails............you never know what we are going to do!! Stitch has decided to help out while Holly is gone. He really needs a booster seat when he sits at her desk. He did do a good job with shipping out orders today, except he forgot that there is no mail pick up today!! We'll have to get Stitch properly trained.

I am including a picture of my Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler, so far. I have the border done and we are waiting for part 2 - due in about June 10th. This is my first Mystery Sampler - I just love the colors, can't wait to see part 2!!

Got to get going...........hope you all have a good Memorial Day Weekend!!

Take care,

Margaret and the gals at Cecilia's

Mystery Sampler.........and LHN and HRH

2011-05-21T13:31:00.000-07:00

We hope you all are safe from all the rains and flooding that has been going on all over our country. We had a bit of flooding in the new section of the shop..........fortunately, it was confined to the rug on the floor. A shop vacuum (thanks to Howard! - Holly's husband) and a dehumidifier running for a week ( thanks to Kenny - my husband)has fixed us right up!! Although we had to keep reminding Holly that her seat could also be used as a flotation devise! ;-)

But we are all back to normal now, or as normal as we can be around here..............

Katey, Jessie's 2 year old daughter, was in the hospital for 4 days with pneumonia. She was so brave as she battled a 104.3 temp and nasty cough. Jessie stayed at the hospital with her the whole time. Katey is home now and back to her cheery, fun self!!! Bob (Jessie's husband), took care of Alice -their 4 month old so Jessie didn't have to worry.

Pam and Holly's daughters both graduated from college this month. Last weekend Emily, Pam's daughter graduated . And this weekend Holly's daughter, Tiffani will graduate college. Then Holly's family is off to Disneyworld in a couple of weeks for Tiffani's wedding!!! Kacy, Holly's other daughter is home for the summer from college. You'll see her in the shop and next door at AJ's - she is a great young lady and we enjoy having her here for the summer!!

I have been working on 3 of my projects the past week. The Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler came in and I have been working on the border. The colors of the Weeks dye Works floss are so pretty!!! Can't wait to see part 2!! Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow is moving along well. I am going to be starting square 10 !!! Little House Needleworks has a four season mono color design - each season is a different color. We recieved Summer this past week.......it is a pretty blue Belle Soie thread. Each season is done in a different color silk.

Got to get going...........we have had a busy day in the shop and there are more ladies coming in the front door!!

Take care - enjoy your stitching!!

Margaret, Jessie, Pam, Holly, Kacy, Amy, Cindy and Ann

National Armed Forces Day

2011-05-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

We want to thank our Armed Forces and Veterans today for their service and sacrifices for our country. If it weren't for their service, and their families sacrifices as they wait at home, we would not be enjoying the freedoms that we have today!! God Bless our Armed Forces!!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hope you all are having a good weekend! It has been a while since our last post........time flies when you're having fun.
It took a few days to "recover" from our "wild and crazy" CSI Retreat.............it was so much fun to see our friends and meet new ones. The ladies had such beautiful stitching projects they were working on, they are a very talented group.
Jessie and Bob had Alice Christened, she wore the same Christening dress that Jessie had worn (and Katey had worn, too). It was a nice ceremony with Amy as Godmother and Josh (Bob's brother who was home on leave from Iraq) as Godfather.
Holly has been busy getting ready for our July Retreat with Sue Hillis as our special guest! Holly has alot of exciting surprises in store for the weekend. We look forward to welcoming Sue Hillis and all of our attendees to Branson for the weekend!! There is so much to do in Branson, there is something for everyone!
Pam has been knitting alot of quick projects, using 1 skein of yarn........hats, baby sweaters,bonnets...........we got a new book in the shop with projects that use 1 skein of yarn. Pam just loves the book, it has lots of neat knitting projects!! We have the Eros yarn back in stock. It is a beautiful ladder/trellis yarn that can be used for many different projects. Alot of our ladies are making some really pretty necklaces with the yard. We also got the rolls of mesh to crochet the "scruby pads" - it is an easy and quick project - takes about 20-30 minutes to crochet the scrubby!!
I have been working on Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow - I am working on block 9. It is so much more colorful than the picture shows on the pattern. Three and a half blocks to go and I will have completed the whole HRH series. They are easy to stitch, it is so awesome to see the squares progressing into a completed design.
We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler. It is supposed to be in the shop soon, maybe this week!!! It will use Weeks floss and fabric(your choice of 30, 35 or 40 count). I can't wait to see it!!! I will be stitching it as it comes into the shop (in 3 parts - May, June, July). Let us know if you'd like to join our automatic for this "mystery" project!!!
Got to get going...............hope you have a great Mother's Day!!! Enjoy your stitching!!
Take care,
Margaret, Jessie, Amy, Holly,Kacy,Pam, Cindy and Ann

A Wild and Crazy Weekend in Branson!!

2011-04-09T08:07:00.001-07:00

We are having our Spring Stitching Retreat this weekend............got some pictures to share .......the theme of our weekend is CSI Branson (Cecilia's Stitching in Branson). Holly has a wonderfully fun adventure planned for the ladies..............they have a mascot named "Suzie", she is a stitcher that gets herself into mischief during the weekend. The Branson Police Department graciously posed with our ladies as they investigated Suzie's misfortune!! The ladies also solved some crime mysteries, had lots of stitching time, good food and fun,fun,fun !!! Hope you are all having a good weekend!!

"The Branson CSI Group" at Cecilia's Samplers

NEW - Mystery Sampler!!!

2011-04-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick post about a new and exciting Mystery Sampler that we are taking now pre orders for. It is called Birds of a Feather by Brenda Gervais of Country Stitches/With Thy Needle and Thread. It will be exciting as it is a 3 part mystery sampler!! Part 1 will be in the shop approximately May 10th - followed by part 2 in June and part3 in July. You will have your choice of 30, 35 or 40 count Weeks Dye Works fabric to stitch your sampler. It is stitched in Weeks Dye works threads, also. I am including a little sneak peek of the sampler............that is all we have for now. Jessie has the ordering info and pricing on the website, call or email us if you'd like us to reserve a Mystery Sampler for you!

http://www.ceciliassamplers.com/charts/mystery.asp . Join us on this fun Mystery Sampler project!!! I will be stitching it and posting updates on the blog for you to see!!

Holly has the spring retreat this week. Starts Thursday (officially), but alot of our ladies are coming to Branson a day early. There are always so many fun things to do in Branson!!

Got to Go.............look forward to seeing your Mystery Samplers as we stitch it together!

Take care,

Margaret, Jessie,Amy, Holly,Pam, Cindy,Kacy, and Ann

we've been stitching!!

2011-03-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

We are back from our trip to Boston.............had a great visit with my Dad and the rest of my family. My family has 2 sandwich shops in South Boston, my brother had some sinus surgery and wasn't able to work, so I went to work to help my Dad. it was fun working there again(I had worked there for 20 years before I moved to Branson).

Then...........the FLU hit us!!!! It just knocks the stuffin' out of you. So that's why there haven't been any blog updates lately. We are feeling much better...........so we've been stitching some new things that we got at market. i have some pictures to show you . There is the Little House and Impie, Hattie and Bea needlebook and pincushion - fun, quick to stitch and easy to finish. Another Little House - four seasons - each season done in a different color - looks real pretty when they are all stitched together. Just Another Button company has the cutest pincushions!!! they are easy to stitch and assemble, like less that an hour from start to finish!!!! I did the strawberry. they also are relaeasing a new one each month..........Birds, Snowmen, Box of Candy, Carrot,........Holly is a fan of Just Nan and she just completed Minerva's Mouse - adorable mouse and owl set (the mouse can be placed inside the owl as it opens). We also have these really neat sheep - they are scissor holders - you just hook your scissors on the leash and no more searching the couch cushions for your scissors!!! They also have stylish little aprons that can be used to hold your needles. The sheep are weighted and will stay put as they hold your scissors for you. And finally my Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow WIP( that's my grandson Andrew helping his Grandma) - I have been stitching other projects, so I have not done too much on it. That's about all that is new here.

We are getting ready for our Spring weekend ................Holly has so many neat surprises and treats planned for our ladies!! It will be a FUN weekend!!!

Got to go............Spring seems to be just about here!!!!

take care,

Margaret and the gals at Cecilia's

a sad day ..........

2011-03-01T16:58:00.000-08:00

We learned today that one of our favorite designers, Lisa Roswell from The Primitive Needle, has died as her car was washed away in flooding in Ohio. We will surely miss her smiling face and unique designs. Her designs are very popular in our shop. She was a genuinely nice and wonderful person. Our hearts and prayers go out to Lisa and her family.

take care,

Margaret and everyone at Cecilia's

on the road again................

2011-02-27T06:52:00.001-08:00

Stitch enjoyed the FREE breakfast at the Hampton Inn this morning and was ready to go after brushing his teeth.

Before getting into the truck, Stitch decided to play in the snow, and also had to be reminded "not to eat the yellow snow"!! Mischievous little alien.................

We are in Pennsylvania and heading to Boston, we should arrive there this evening. you know when you leave for a trip, you think " did I forget something"? Well , we didn't think that until we got to the hotel last night and realized we left our "important" suitcase at home............no meds (and at our age it is mostly meds!), no toiletries, nothing!!! So...........after me whining ALOT, we got some toiletries from the hotel clerk and went to Walgreens this morning to get some things to tide us over til Jessie can overnight the bag to us. Other than that our trip is going well and we are looking forward to seeing Dad tonight.

got to go..............take care,

Margaret, Kenny and Stitch (Stitch wants to know "are we there yet?")

THE CONTINUING ADVENTURES OF STITCH

2011-02-26T19:12:00.001-08:00

Well Stitch has made it to Youngstown, Ohio and is dog tired from all the driving he did to get there.

He paid for his hotel room and is all tucked in for the night.

Tomorrow,

The adventure continues..............................................

ongoing adventures of "stitch"

2011-02-26T13:03:00.000-08:00

Made it to Indiana and stopped for fuel. Stitch got one look at the gas prices and fainted dead away. After being revived he just had to have some M&M's to calm his nerves, then off to Wendy's for a Bacon Burger.

Lunch over Stitch heads east toward his final destination..........Boston.

Who knows what Stitch will find on his way....................................

on the road with a stow-a-way!!!

2011-02-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

Goodmorning!!

just a quick update.........Kenny and i are heading to Boston to visit my Dad, Sister, Brother and their families for a week. Our first stop is usually at Krispy Kreme donuts in St Louis and we found "Stitch" had stowed away in our Suburban!! (he MUST have snuck into the Suburban, because Holly and I "wouldn't have forgot him in the truck".)He enjoyed his trip to Nashville with Holly and me so much - he wanted to go on another road trip. So I will be updating the blog with all of Stitch's adventures on his roadtrip with us!! I hope to get some stitching done on my trip. We'll see how much stitching time I get!!

Got to go.......my turn to drive!!

take care,

Margaret, Kenny and our traveling companion Stitch

We are home from Nashville!

2011-02-21T14:21:00.000-08:00

Stitch is all packed up at the hotel for our trip home. (trip #2 to the Suburban)We arrived in Branson on Sunday evening and got the shop all set up with the new goodies for you. Come by and visit us........check out all of the new charts, threads ,fabrics, scissors and other assorted needlework treasures. Jessie will be getting all of the new items on the website soon...........if you don't see it on the website, just email us and we will get it for you. We had a really FUN trip!! We want to say a special "Thank you" to all of the designers that went to Nashville. They were so very welcoming to us, their rooms were decorated with their displays - everything was great!!! If we don't have our designers.......what would we sell? Got to go..........shop has been busy today!
take care,
Margaret , Holly and Stitch

nashville update

2011-02-19T05:32:00.001-08:00

We have had our breakfast and are getting ready to shop!!!!! We saw this Little House Designs Masterpiece that had been stitched on a piece of fabric the size of a shower curtain!!! it is absolutely stunning!!! Just imagine the thought and work that was involved in creating it!!

Little House and impie, Hattie and Bea have done it again!!! They have created "Fresh from the Garden" a needlebook and pincushion set with an additional sampler to stitch and frame!!! The colors are a really nice deep green on the outside of the needlebook and gold on the inside. Crescent Colors threads are also included in the kit.

I am just going to add as many pictures as I can.............if you have any questions Jessis, Pam and Cindy are at the shop..............you can call or email them to reserve your goodies!!!

take care,

Margaret, Holly and Stitch

on the road to nashville.............

2011-02-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Holly and I are in Nashville at the TNNA needlework show. We have had a fun day so far......left Branson at 6 a.m. Holly brought along a "friend" named Stitch to travel along with us. As we drove to Nashville Stitch enjoyed a snack and the view. We stopped at Hancocks Fabrics in Paducah, KY to shop for fabric. Stitch enjoyed himself as he rode through the store. Then we ate at 5 Guys Burgers - the BEST fries!!!!

And finally we arrived at the hotel!!

We saw some absolutely beautiful stitched samplers,ornaments,limited edition kits and hardanger pieces this evening at the "meet and greet". I will be posting more pictures tomorrow morning. But for now we are going to sleep..........have a good night!!!

take care,

Margaret, Holly and Stitch

Nashville Preview

2011-02-11T14:02:00.001-08:00

Floor Stand Close Out!!! We have only 3 left. Nice oak floorstand, will slip under recliners!! Will hold scroll frames and q snaps. Regular price $150.00 - ****SALE PRICE $$25.00 each.****

Ann Grant Sampler by Shakespeares Peddler

Rosewood Manor's Past and Present (even has hardanger in it).---------Blackbird Designs -A Stitcher's Journey - 52 page book that includes their teaching projects from the past year.

Primitive Needle's Salem Village

Hi - Hope you all are having a good week. We are finally having some sunny days, so hopefully the snow will melt soon. Holly and I are getting packed for Nashville. Jessie is still out on maternity leave and hasn't been able to update the website, so I wanted to get a few of our favorites on the blog for you to see. We also have heard that Little House Needleworks is doing another collaboration with Impie, Hattie and Bea. We have no idea what it is, but I know we'll love it!!! They always do a fantastic project together. Little House is also doing a seasonal piece using Crescent Colors Silks..........again I know it will be beautiful!!!

If you have seen any "Nashville Releases" that you would like to preorder, just let us know. Amy, Pam and Cindy will be in the shop until Holly and I get back (Monday night). Watch the blog and your emails for the Market Day at the shop. We'll have all our Nashville goodies there for you to see!! Got to get going..........have a good week. Keep stitching..........it is healthy for you!(lowers stress!!)

Take Care,

Margaret, Amy, Jessie, Holly, Pam, Cindy, and Anne

it's snowing!!! (again!!!)

2011-02-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

Hawk Run Hollow progress.........

WIPS Holly's And to all a Good Night by Leisure Arts and mine a Limited Kit byPrimitive Needle called Halloween Garden

Alice enjoying her lunch!

Katey with her M&M's and post its!

One of the new prairie Schooler charts

Holly's Finish - Under the Sea by Elizabeth's Designs

Is there enough snow for you??? As I'm writing this it is snowing again in Branson, not anywhere near the amount of snow that my Dad has in Boston, but enough to cancel schools and deliveries.

Most people that we are talking to have pretty much had enough of the cold and snow and can't wait for warmer weather!! Spring will be here soon!! But before Spring gets here Holly and I will be heading to Nashville. (with a stop at 5 Guys Burgers on the way - LOVE their burgers and fries!!) Alot of the designers are putting sneak peeks of their new charts on their websites and blogs........check out your favorite deisgners and let us know what you would like! Holly and I will be happy to bring your favorites back from Nashville for you.

Jessie, Bob, Katey and Alice came by the shop for a visit.........the kids are so cute!! (in Grandma's opinion!!). Katey enjoyed the post it notes and getting into the M&M stash. Alice was interested in her lunch! And then back to sleep.

We got some really cute scissors in the shop - pretty stork scissors - winter, tropical, and spring colors. We also got Angel scissors in assorted colors. Really pretty and different to see! Prairie schooler charts are here, too. As usual they are wonderful!!

Got to get going..........hope you are all warm and snug!! Enjoy the cold weather - it gives us more inside time for stitching!!

Take Care,

Margaret, Jessie, Amy, Holly, Kacy, Pam, Cindy and Ann

P.S Be watching your email for our Super Bowl Sale this weekend!!!

Alice is here!!!

2011-01-28T12:23:00.000-08:00

Holly's 2 finishes and WIP

Hawk Run Hollow

Hi !!

We have had an exciting week!!! Jessie gave birth to Alice on Sunday Jan 23rd!!! Alice is a beautiful healthy baby!! Katey is a happy "big sister"!! I don't think she knows what to think about Alice, but she is enjoying all the excitement!

We have a couple of WIPs and finishes to show you. Holly has been stitching right along, getting projects done, I didn't get much done this week, got to spend time with my grandkids.

New in the shop - Country Cottage charts, Little House Needleworks charts and Lizzie Kate charts. We got the first 3 charts in for Halloween Rules ( in case you want to get an early start on that for Halloween)

Have you heard that Sue Hillis will be here in July?? It will be a fun weekend!!! She is designing a chart especially for our weekend, I have had a sneak peek and it is really a beautiful piece. We have a few openings left for our Spring retreat and Sue Hillis' weekend in July. Call to reserve your spot soon.

We are having a beautiful day here in Branson - sunny 65 degrees!!! Great weather for January - My Dad lives in Boston - his snowblower has not stopped!! He no sooner gets everything plowed out and it snows again! He'll be glad for warmer, sunnier weather!

Got to get going..........have some stitching to do. Hope you are all well and keeping warm.......enjoying your needlework!!

Take Care,

Margaret, Jessie, Holly, Amy, Pam, Cindy and Ann

Designs by Gloria and Pat - NEW CHARTS!

2011-01-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update.........we have just gotten these adorable Precious Moments Books in the shop!!

There are 4 new books by Designs by Gloria and Pat - each book contains 8 wonderful charts from Sweet Fairy Princesses, Blessed Friends, Love Blooms Throughout the Year and You Lift My Spirits - you'll find a design that is just right for you!!

Have a great weekend!! The gals at Cecilia's

cold + snow = more stitching time (yay!!)

2011-01-21T08:05:00.000-08:00

Juat Nan's Snowball!!

Holly' finish Hobb Nobb EEK , WIPS Lizzie Kate Spring things and Pine mountain Ho,HO,HO

above is another of Holly's finishes - Waxing Moon - More Mini Mittens

Hawk Run Hollow in progress....

Andrew, Tyler and Katey

Hi again!

We are just thawing out from a snowy day yesterday and 3 degree temps last night.......that kind of weather slows down any outside activities for me, so that means more time to stitch! Got some updates on our stitching and some new products in the shop.

We are still waiting for Alice to be born......due any time now!! Tyler and Andrew had their birthdays on Wednesday (both boys born on the same day). Grandma (me) made their birthday cake and we had pizza for our family birthday party. Katey enjoyed the cake, too!

Kacy (one of Holly's daughters) has headed back to college until spring break. She is enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi with a nursing career in her future. She is a huge help at Cecilia's and we always miss her when she leaves for school.

Holly has been keeping up with her 15 project challenge and is stitching every day to stay on schedule. We have some of her wips and finishes to show you. I am working on Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow, I have stitched the other 4 in the series, they are all so much fun to stitch. The colors look so much nicer than the pictures show.

We have gotten the Just Nan snowball in, it is really a unique piece to stitch and finish. And it looks so much prettier than the picture shows.

Jessie is out on maternity leave, so the website is not being updated, we will try to catch up when she gets back. She handles all of the website updates...........just wanted you to know why things are not updated. Pam has been out also, some minor surgery , we hope she is feeling better soon!!!

We also want to welcome Cindy to our shop as a new employee. She is new to cross stitching, but is catching on quickly. She has already stitched 2 shop models and is working on her 3rd model for the shop. We have some exciting new things in the planning stages for Cecilia's. We hope to make this a wonderful and exciting year for you!!

One of the new programs we are starting is helping Pat Carson ( Designs by Gloria and Pat ) with her "Sisters helping Sisters" charity. She works with young girls in the Phillipines, teaching them needlework so that they may support themselves. Pat is such a wonderful and caring person, she gives so freely of herself and her vast knowledge of needlework, we are excited to help her. We would like to ask all of our customers - if you are clearing out your stash, have any extra fabric, floss, scissors, anything needlework related - if you would remember Pat's girls. You can send the items to us, or drop them by the shop, and we will see to it that Pat will get the items for her girls. (we can give you Pat's shipping address, if you would like to ship directly to her) . It is really such a wonderful thing Pat is doing - she is passing on the history and knowledge of needlework, as well as helping these young girls be able to support themselves and their families!

Don't forget that the Nashville Market is only a month away!! Anything you need, just let us know and we will be happy to pick it up for you when we go to Nashville.

Got to get going..........hope you are all keeping warm and enjoying your stitching time!

Take Care,

Margaret, Jessie, Amy,Holly,Kacy, Pam, Cindy and Ann

WIPS and new designs !!! Betty Ring Sampler Books!!

2011-01-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

BETTY RING AMERICAN SCHOOLGIRL SAMPLER 2 BOOK SET - $225.00
These books are out of print and are a wonderful reference set for any stitcher interested in samplers. We only have this 1 set available. It is in good condition.

Little House Needleworks - Hillside Travellers

Sneak Peek - Jenny Bean Creation Sampler by Shakespeare's Peddler - a band sampler with specialty stitches!

Limited Edition kit by The Primative Needle - available in Nashville - choice of 30, 35 or 40 count fabric.

Good afternoon!

We are having a "heat wave" in Branson, temps almost 40 degrees!!!! Way better that 3 degrees temps that we had the past few days.

I will be posting pics of our wips........Holly has been working on a Precious Moments chart called Family Reunion, an adorable patriotic precious momeny design from our friends at designs by Gloria and Pat. And Holly has also been working on a Stoney Creek stand up called Relax. Holly has been working on the 15 project challenge - she is doing really great with it!

Jessie is still waiting for Alice to make her appearance into the world............she is due Jan 22nd and we all can't wait til she gets here!! It will be quite a change for Katey to have a little sister to play with.

The Nashville market is next month, Holly and I will be going to find TONS of neat goodies for you all............new designs, threads, fabrics and accessories. It is always so much fun for us to go to market, we get to visit with long time friends and meet new friends. It is so good to be able to meet the designers face to face - they are a great group of talented people who are always eager to hear from us about their products. if there is anything particular that you would like from Nashville, please call or email us and we will gladly track it down for you.

I am still working on Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow - I have heard that there are some corrections that will be posted on Carriage House's web site, so if you are stitching Autumn at HRH, you may want to check it out.

That's all for now, got to get back into the shop and visit with some of our stitchers. Hope you all are having a good week and have been able to stitch a bit.

Take Care,

Margaret, Holly, Jessie, Amy, Kacy,Pam and Ann

our WIPS and a couple of new items!!

2011-01-07T10:51:00.000-08:00

new from Shepherd's Bush (above) and Lizzie Kate (below)

new from Victoria Sampler

2 of Holly's finishes for 2011

I have started Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow - I just love stitching the series!!

Pam has been busy stitching and knitting socks - 2 at the same time!!!

my first biscornu - it was so much fun to stitch with the different techniques! (by Victoria Sampler)

Kacy has been home from college, so we kept her busy in the shop and stitching some models for the shop.

Holly is well on her way in her "15 project challenge" for 2011

Hi,

We have been busy stitching..........finally got some down time over the holidays! We are eagerly waiting for Alice (Jessie's baby) to be born - maybe another 2 weeks........you'll see pictures when she gets here!!! Well, I won't take up too much of your time. Got some pics to show you, hope you all enjoy them. If you have any questions about any of our WIPs or new items......email or call us, we'd be happy to help!

Take care and keep stitching!

Margaret and the gals at Cecilia's

Happy New Year 2011!!!

2010-12-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

Where have we been??? No, we weren't abducted by space aliens or on a long vacation - time just flies when you are having as much fun as we have been having!!!

We have exciting news!! Jessie is pregnant and having another baby girl...........Alice Mary.......due Jan 22nd. In just a few weeks we will have a new baby to love!!

Katey,Tyler and Andrew are all growing like weeds............the boys are doing well in school and are a huge help with Katey. They love to help with Katey and look forward to welcoming their new cousin in a few weeks. Katey is growing and changing every day. She had a fun Christmas this year -except for meeting Santa for a picture- she was not a happy camper! (she yelled so loud, I think she scared poor Santa!!)

Our Fall retreat was really alot of fun!! We had a sold out weekend - got to meet alot of new friends- ate way too much chocolate (is that even possible? too much chocolate?) - and got some stitching done . The highlight of the weekend was the Fuddruckers truck that came to cook our dinner at our location!! We also collected 450 pounds of dog and cat food for the local animal shelter!! Thanks to all of our ladies who brought the pet food!!!

We are having a special Summer retreat in July - Sue Hillis will be joining us as a fellow stitcher and has agreed to design a fun little piece for the weekend. We have a few places left, if you'd like to spend a weekend in Branson. Spring Retreat 2011 still has a few openings left, too.

Kacy made it through her first semester of college and is home for Winter break. She is doing great in school and is looking forward to graduating as a nurse in a couple of years.

Ann has gone back to Florida for the winter. She is still stitching and has already sent back 8 completed projects!!!

I will be attempting a New Years Resolution to update the blog weekly..........even if it is just a WIP picture..............so you know we are all still here!! Holly is doing the Crazy Cross Stitch Challenge for 2011 - Start 15 projects the first 15 days of the year and then rotate them until they are finished. The challenge encourages you to complete the 15 projects in 1 year. Sounds like fun !!!

We all want to thank you all for your friendship, patronage and enthusiasm this past year. We are planning a great year, full of sales, retreats and other fun things for you!!

We wish you all a Healthy and Happy New Year!!

I'm going to post a few pictures for you to enjoy!!

Take care and enjoy your needlework!!

Margaret, Jessie, Holly, Pam, Kacy, Ann, Amy and all the kids

2010-09-25T06:31:00.000-07:00

Where has the Summer gone??

2010-08-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!!

I can't believe that Labor Day weekend is in 2 weeks - what happened to summer? I finally figured out how late in the Summer it is when my Grandkids went back to school last week. The Summer just flew by!!

We had all 3 kids here with us in the shop all summer......it was fun to get to spend so much time with them. Tyler and Andrew are back in school , Tyler in Junior High and Andrew in 6th grade. Katey has learned to walk and run as fast as her little feet can go. She is almost 18 months old and is talking - just a few words - she has mastered the word "oh-oh!" She is really very smart and entertaining!! (that is Grandma's unbiased opinion).

The shop has been busy all summer, Branson gets lots of visitors and alot of them do needlework!! Ann is back from Florida and you can find her sitting in her glider chair, stitching and smiling as she greets customers!! Drop by and say "hi" , she will enjoy meeting you! She has already finished 4 pieces since she got back. 2 Lizzie Kates, Patriotic Tabletopper, and a Raise the Roof Clean and Green St Patricks Day clothesline.

Jessie has started a new "limited" page on the website. There will be GREAT prices on some very limited items that we carry in the shop. Be sure to check it out, you never know what she will be posting on the Limited page.

My Dad, sister and her family came to visit us last month. In their travels my sister found a bunch of Whitman tins - pink, green and yellow..........so anyone looking for tins, we have them!!

We have only about 50 left, so if you want one contact us soon!!

Holly and I are getting ready for Market next month. If there is anything that you would like , let us know and we will bring it back for you. Of course, we will have all sorts of new goodies from market. This market is always very exciting, with lots of new Fall and Christmas items to stitch. We will have market day.........Holly will figure it all out and I'll let you know.

We have the new Fall Lizzie Kate Scissor Fob Kit in the shop - I'm sure Holly will have it stitched up really soon!! Pam has been stitching a couple of Blackbird Designs, they are really nice, prettier than the pictures on the chart.

I've got to get going..........hope you all had a great Summer. We'll be glad when it cools down a bit (100 is just TOO HOT!!!). Check out our "What's New" page to see the new goodies we have in the shop. Take care,

Keep Stitching!!

Margaret, Jessie, Amy,Holly, Pam and Ann

It's Summertime!!!

2010-07-10T12:07:00.000-07:00

Hello!!

Sorry it has been so long since my last update.............Summer is here and the grandkids are out of school, so we have been having fun and the time just flew by!

We have lots of new things to stitch at the shop.........Blackbird Designs has a really neat "purse" to stitch and finish - it will make a great project bag for a small project. It is done over 2 on 20 count Weeks Dye Works linen - really quick to stitch.

We finally got our Sue Hillis pirate finished and framed..........we love the saying!!(maybe we should adopt that saying as our shop motto?)

Our Fall stitching Retreat is sold out and Spring 2011 is sold out, too!!(waiting lists are available ,in case of cancellations) For Fall of 2011 and all of 2012 we have added extra stitching

retreat weekends - so check our website for the dates if you are interested in attending. We will now be offering 2 Spring Retreats and 2 Fall Retreats - we hope this will allow us to not have to leave anyone out that wants to attend.

My Hawk Run Hollow projects are getting done, in between a couple of quick projects that I have stitched. Christmas @ HRH is at the framers and should be back to the shop by Tuesday. Stop by to see it, the colors are so bright - it really stitched up beautifully. The Shores is about half done and Autumn is just started. They are really fun and easy to stitch!!

Pat Carson ( Designs by Gloria and Pat) came by to visit us last month. She very generously has let us offer to our customers her new chart.........It is a really cute, quick to stitch Patriotic chart. You can add beads and use DMC satin floss for the flag to add dimension and texture to the design. We always enjoy it when Pat stops by to visit us. She is a wonderful, caring and giving person and we are blessed to have her in our lives!!

Our friend and "table topper Queen", Ann, will be back from Florida next week. She spends the Winter in Florida and is usually back in April, so we are eager to see her get back here with us!!

When you are in the shop, you'll see many, many of her stitched peices hanging on the walls. She does great work and is eager to visit with our customers when they come into the shop.Ann is our official "shop greeter"!

Got to get going...........have some stitching to do!! Hope you are all enjoying the nice Summer weather!! If you are in Branson, come by the shop to visit, we would love to meet you!!

Take care,

Margaret, Jessie, Amy, Holly , Kacy, Pam and Ann

Here comes Summer!!!

2010-05-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!!

Summer is almost here............Memorial Day weekend is coming up this week..........I always think of that as the beginning of the Summer season. Hope you are all enjoying the beautiful weather that we have been getting recently - no more snow!!

We have been busy at the shop, adding new goodies to stitch!! I am still working on Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow (started block 11 last night). Of course that isn't the only project I have going in my "rotation" - but it is the one I am focusing on for now. Libertyville by Raise the Roof is one of my "in process" pieces, and I managed to finish Cape Cod Girls and Cape Cod Boys last week.

Holly has been busy with planning our weekend retreats.............they are just about sold out for Fall and Spring ...........so call to register before we run out of spaces!!

We have an exciting class that we are trying to put together for sometime in October.........that's all I can say about it right now........as soon as I get the details I will let you know!!

Jessie has been continually updating the website and face book ( she is our computer genius!).........Katie and the computer keep her busy all day!!

Pam has been stitching a Long Dog chart using the new Sullivans floss that we are carring in the shop. She really likes it, it doesn't knot up as much as other flosses. Stop by to check out her progress on this beautiful sampler.

I've got to get going.............have to get grocery shopping done so I can get back to work on HRH.

Hope you are all making time to stitch !!! Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!!

Take care,

Margaret, Jessie, Amy, Holly, Pam and Ann

Happy May Day!!!

2010-05-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

Hello to All!!

The month of April flew by so fast!!! We finally have some warmer weather and our flowers are blooming!! We had our Spring Stitching weekend the beginning of April.......it was so much fun!!!

We got a beautiful boquet of flowers from Sherry, Sue, Teresa and Judy - they are just so sweet to do that for us!! Our theme was the beach - we had a Pirate "pillage and plunder night " that was really fun - lots of laughs, prizes, and surprises. Holly did a fantastic job in planning this weekend for us - she really works very hard so all of our guests have a great time when they're here with us for the weekend.

I finally got the Jenny Bean tuffett finished.......really did not take a long time, and it looks really neat! Holly and I got these new kits into the shop for a small hornbook. It actually can measure 1", 2", and 3"...........it's a cute way to be able to measure for starting a project to get your border spacing. As you can see by the pictures, I did mine with Lupine fabric and black silk, and Holly did hers in a teal color fabric. Jessie is making hers in Twilight colors (go team Edward!!). Each person can choose their fabric and thread colors, so no 2 would be alike!

Thought you'd like to see one of my WIPs - It is a 4 part series by Raise the Roof called Libertyville. Comes with chart,threads, and buttons - you add the fabric!! I have part 1 and 2 done, waiting for parts 3 and 4 to get here. In the meantime I am working on the Hawk Run Hollow Series - almost have Christmas done - 3 more blocks to go!!

For fans of The Traveling Stitcher by Little House Needleworks - Impie, Hattie and Bea have released the 3rd edition of the Traveling Stitcher Project pouch and needlebook. It is very similar in color to the 1st Edition (coral red color print). The second edition was green, so we hope that anyone who wanted the red color will be able to get it with the 3rd edition. It should be in the shop this week!!

Got to get going. Hope you all are having a good Spring, now we can stitch outdoors in the warm sunlight!!

Take care,

Margaret, Jessie, Amy, Holly, Pam and Ann

Happy Easter ( a little late!!)

2010-04-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here!! Hope you all had a great Easter!! We have been really busy here in the shop - getting ready for our Spring Stitching weekend - it starts Thursday......we are all so excited!!! It will be so much fun to see old friends and meet new ones, too!! Holly has a really fun weekend planned for us..........lots of stitching,chocolate, food, chocolate, games, oh, did I mention chocolate?

Last week was Katey's (Jessie's baby) First Birthday!! We had so much fun watching her enjoy her birthday cake!! She loves chocolate!!!

I suppose that most of you have heard that Carriage House Samplings is closing their design company. Kathy will have charts for sale until July 1, 2010..........so if you want any of her charts - the Hawk Run Hollow series is a Carriage House design- -let us know before they are no longer available. Above is my Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow - almost done!!

I've got to be going..........getting ready for Thursday!!! Hope you all have a wonderful week!! Enjoy your stitching!!!

Take care,

Margaret and the Cecilia's crew

p.s. the top pic is my grandkids and me!!! Tyler (12 yrs old), Andrew (11 yrs old) and Katey (1 year old)

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-12T19:46:00.000-08:00

We wish you "the luck of the Irish" at St. Patrick's day approaches!!

Hope you are all enjoying some warmer weather and lots of time to stitch. We have so many new charts in the shop from the Nashville show, we are all trying to decide what we would like to stitch first. Our stitching project "rotations" have increased dramatically since Nashville.

Our Spring Retreat is coming up soon.........about a month away. Holly is working so very hard to make another wonderful weekend for our guests. She does such a great job with all the projects, games and surprises for our stitchers. The Spring weekend has been sold out for several months, I think we still have a few spots left for the Fall Weekend. If you are thinking about the Fall weekend.......don't wait too long to sign up, space is limited. And you won't want to miss all the fun!!!

Got a new Little House chart for you.......Robin Hood!!! I just love all the different Robin Hood movies and the book, too! Another project for my "rotation"!!

Got to go set my clock ahead an hour, so I don't forget. Hope you are all having a good weekend. We look forward to seeing you at the shop, or hearing from you through the internet!!!

Take care,

Margaret, Jessica, Amy, Holly, Kacy, Pam and Ann

Back from Nashville!

2010-02-28T19:14:00.000-08:00

Hello!!
Jessie, Holly and I made it back from Nashville safe and sound!! We had a fantastic time at the wholesale show - we got to see alot of old friends, new products, and new designs. We had a computer malfunction at the show, so we couldn't get the blog updated. Jessie has been updating facebook almost daily with new goodies.
We are bringing a new floss line into the shop - Sullivans Floss - it has a really nice look to it, comes in just about as many colors as DMC (even has the corresponding DMC number on the label of each skein), and is very nice to stitch with. Watch for our introductory sale as soon as we get the floss and spinner rack delivered.
Blackbird designs is presenting a year of houses, a new design each month - you can stitch each individually or stitch them on one large piece of fabric for an impressive sampler. Each house will be released monthly and the ladies from Blakcbird designs will also add bonus charts, too.
We will also be taking pre orders on a special item from Sue Hillis. She will be releasing it in about another month and it is absolutely beautiful!!! Jessie will have a picture on the website this week! Hint: You will need an empty Whitmans candy tin!!
The shop is packed with so many new items!!! Unique scissors!! New floss colors!! Wonderful hand - dyed fabrics and lots of cross stitch charts - Hawk Run Hollow from Carriage House, Wicked from Primative Needle, Pirates from Sue Hillis,Little House Needle and Thread kit, new Lizzie Kates, Bent Creek,La-d-da, Olde Colonial Designs,Blackbird designs.........and so many more ............come by and see it all soon!!
We look forward to seeing you!!! Now I have to get back to stitching Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow..............hope you had a great weekend, and now that March is just about here, hope we all have some better weather........it has been a long winter!!
Take care,
Margaret, Jessie, Amy, Holly, Kacy, Pam and Ann

Nashville - Here we come!!!

2010-02-17T14:31:00.000-08:00

Hi All!

Just a quick post to let you know we are leaving Friday for Nashville........our bags are packed and the M&M's bag is full!!! We will be on the road Friday morning - Jessie, Holly and I are going. Pam, Amy and Howard ( Holly's husband) will stay behind to run the shop. Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow (pictured here) is just one of the new and beautiful items we will be bringing back with us. Little House Needleworks and Impie, Hattie and Bea have another new item - we don't have any info on it yet - but if it is anything like their past collaborations - it will be gorgeous and useful. Primitave Needle also has some really neat samplers she is releaseing - Lisa's theme for Nashville is "Wicked"!! If you are a Halloween or Witch fan - these samplers will really appeal to you. ( one of Lisa's new samplers is pictured above)

We will have our camera and laptop to update the blog as often as we can, Jessie may even update face book, if she can, too.

Got to get my stitching bag packed............we will post updates as often as we can!!

We look forward to seeing you at Cecilia's for our Market Days - Feb 26th and 27th. There will be LOTS of new needlework items, charts, kits, fabric, floss, and notions for you to fall in love with !!

We thank you all for your support as we had a great 2009 and look forward to a fun and wonderful 2010 with you all!!!!

Take care,

Margaret , Jessie, Amy, Holly, Kacy, Pam, and Ann

Coming Soon (from Nashville!)...

2010-02-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

Carriage House has released a couple pictures of their new design...Autumn At Hawk Run Hollow! This is block 1 to the left...

...and this is block 11 to the right.

Looking great so far! We can't wait to see the rest!

The Nashville Market is just around the corner and we're so excited! Lizzie Kate has a few cute things releasing at market. A couple are even limited edition!

Spring Fab Fob Kit (Limited Edition) is a big dose of spring colors, motifs and the cutest little scissors you’ve ever seen! Kelmscott made some custom L*K scissors with pink and aqua handles AND they’re airline approved! The kit includes sunshine yellow Jazlyn fabric, custom scissors, chartreuse and pink/orange beads and pattern.

Chicks Rule Kit (Limited Edition) is just what it sounds like...3 little chicks who look like they’re in charge! Kit includes 30 ct. cream linen, 3 custom orange beak buttons and pattern.

ABC’s of Aging Artfully What does this mean? It’s the L*K way of saying we’re not getting older, we’re getting more interesting! These ABC’s turn convention upside down and are sure to put a smile on your face while you stitch. Kit includes a vibrant palette of Crescent Colours, Weeks Dye Works and DMC to make your stitchery ageless!

If there is anything you would like us to bring back from Nashville, we are taking special orders. You can call us at 417-336-5016 or go to our website at http://www.ceciliassamplers.com/ to email us.

Happy New Year 2010 !!

2010-01-01T16:24:00.000-08:00

To all of our stitching friends,
As a new year is starting, we just wanted to take a moment to say a HUGE "Thank you" to you all for helping to make 2009 such a great year for us at Cecilia's Samplers!! We look forward to another great year in 2010!! We appreciate all of our customers, we have made so many new friends since opening the shop 7 years ago. We love to visit with you when you come to the shop, call the shop, or email us. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help make your stitching experience with us more enjoyable. We wish you a healthy and happy New Year with lots of time for stitching!!
We thank you very much for supporting our family owned needlework shop!!!
Sincerely,
Margaret, Jessica, Amy, Holly, Kacy, Pam and Ann

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-22T12:22:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas from all of us at Cecilia's Samplers!! I have been having so much fun with my grandkids, Tyler, Andrew, and Katelyn, preparing for Christmas - we decorated out tree, set up our Nativity, made a gingerbread house and had "supper with Santa"!!! I finally got a chance to update the blog today.

I have been stitching Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow, the colors are beautiful - it is in the shop most days -come by to see it. I've got to get it done because Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow will be out in February (we will pick it up in Nashville). Kathy does a wonderful job designing the Hawk Run Hollow series - can't wait to see the new one!

We have a very limited Christmas Snowman Quilt in the shop - only have 12 - hoping to get more. The chart is by Stoney Creek and the quilt top is all pieced - you just stitch and add a backing! (stitching is easy 10 count tula). We have just 1 of the Just Nan Noella Christmas Berry bird left, in case anyone is looking for one. Holly did a great job stitching and finishing hers.

Dont' forget our "end of the year - the more we sell the less we have to count" SALE is going on this week and next week. 25% off everything in the shop!! Some of our suppliers have told us there will be price increases next year - so take advantage of our sale!!

We hope you all had a great 2009 and are looking forward to a great 2010!!! We have had alot of fun here in the shop and have big things planned for next year. We hope you give yourself the gift of stitching time during the upcoming year - it lowers your stress and makes you feel so much more relaxed!! (even 15 minutes a day makes a big difference!!) And think of the UFO's that will get done!!

From all of us at Cecilia's, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Take Care,

Margaret, Jessica, Amy, Holly, Pam, Kacy, Emily and Ann

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

Hi!!

Sorry it has been so long since I've updated the blog..........we have been swamped here at the shop. Getting ready for our Fall Stitching Weekend, it was the beginning of November, and we had such a wonderful, fun weekend. Jessie is putting the pictures up on the website soon.

I have been working on Christmas at Hawn Run Hollow, almost done with square #2 - It is really neat to stitch, a bit more colorful than the other Hawk Run Hollow pieces. And I heard that Fall at Hawk Run Hollow will be coming out in Nashvill this February!!! Can't wait to see it!!! We are already taking pre orders on it, if you want to get on the list.

I just got a shipment in from Pam Reed at Olde Colonial Designs, and she has designed the cutest little Gingerbread Christmas ornament/needlebook. It would make a really nice,quick to stitch, gift for a stitching friend(Stitching time took me about 3 hours). The kit includes everything you need to stitch and finish (finishing took me 5 minutes!!!) this adorable Christmas needlebook/ornament.(one side has a gingerbread man and the other a Christmas tree)

Holly's husband Howard has been busy decorating the outside of the shop for Christmas. I will post a picture when the lights are all finished. We have santa,reindeer, snowmen and thousands of twinkling lights!!!

Just a quick note: Our Spring Stitching weekend , Beach party bash -Bring your own stash, is filling up fast, only 4 spots left, so call or email if you want to reserve your space!!

All of us at the shop want to wish you all a great Thanksgiving!!! We look forward to seeing you visit us in Branson........the shop is Full of new charts, threads, yarns and all kinds of needlework goodies!!

take care,

Margaret, Jessie, Holly, Pam, Amy, Kacy, and Ann

new Little House Needleworks Design!!

2009-10-09T15:22:00.000-07:00

Good evening,

We have been having a very busy week with all of our new market goodies in the shop and more coming in every day!! I have started Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow - the colors are just beautiful - square 1 is almost done!! Fall is truly here as the weather has gotten cooler and we need sweaters and jackets now!! We are looking forward to Halloween - it is one of our favorite Holidays of the year ( and not just for all the chocolate we get!!!). So if you are in Branson, stop by the shop and say "hi" and visit with us for a bit. We are all decorated for Fall - with scarecrows, witches, cornstalke and hay bales - thanks to Holly's efforts and decorating ability.

Our Fall stitching weekend is coming up in about 4 weeks..........we are full to capacity and Holly has so many fun things planned and I have peeked at the projects - they are just wonderful!!

We are taking reservations for the Spring weekend............I believe it is a "beach bash, bring your stash " kind of weekend!! it will be lots of fun!!

I found a new Little House chart that will be coming out this month, just in time for Christmas. It looks quick to stitch and finish, too!

Have a great weekend..........make sure you are signed up for our emails - there are some great sales coming up before the end of the year. ( can you believe 2009 is almost over?)

take care,

Margaret, Jessica, Amy, Pam, Holly,Kacy and Ann

St Charles Market

2009-09-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

Good Evening!!
Holly and I arrived home this afternoon with a car full of so many neat things from market. We got to see our designer friends and visit with them a little. We shopped Friday, Saturday and this morning.......then drove home to set up the shop for Monday morning!!! Come by to see all the new goodies we got from market - Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow - Shepherds Bush limited edition box and kit - a lovely Christmas quilt from Stoney Creek - lots and lots of new charts -new Sampler and Weeks threads - new Kelmscott needleminders and scissors- new Gingher scissors -Lizzie Kate - Primitive Needle -Blackbird Designs new Christmas book -and much, much more!!!
We look forward to seeing you!!
Take care,
Margaret and Holly (the market weary travelers!!)

St Charles update

2009-09-27T14:13:00.001-07:00

more new goodies from St Charles!!

2009-09-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

Come by the shop on Monday to see everything we are bringing back from market!!!

another St Charles update!!

2009-09-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

a few more really neat things (the Stoney Creek quilt is very limited - we only have 2 quilts to sell!!)

more goodies!!

2009-09-26T06:42:00.001-07:00

St Charles Market !!!

2009-09-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!!

Holly and I made it to St Charles yesterday and did alot of shopping last night!! LOTS of BEAUTIFUL goodies!!! Here are a few...........more to come as time allows today............

Margaret and Holly

The Library from Little House Needleworks!!

2009-09-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

Hi All!!!

Got a quick update for you today!!! LittleHouse Needlework's newest design - The Library - coming to our shop very soon!!! It can be stitched as one large design or it can be stitched as several smaller individual pieces!!

Carriage House Samplings has been giving us sneak peeks of her new design Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow - we have been piecing it together on the website - check it out, it is absolutely beautiful!!! Kathy also hinted that there may be a Fall at Hawk Run Hollow coming in the future - maybe there will be some Halloween designs on it!!

Holly and I will be going to Market in St Charles in less than 2 weeks......we will be posting on the blog to keep you updated on all the new goodies we will be finding to enhance your stash!! If there is something in particular that you would like, let us know and we will do our best to find it for you!!

Also, one more thing..........(I know this was supposed to be a quick update......but once I get going..............) Pat Carson - Designs by Gloria and Pat - is selling some of her collection of needlework books that she has collected from all over the world during the past 30 years - many are out of print - we have them in the shop if you'd like to come by and take a peek at them. They are such neat books with lots of information, history and many unique designs - once they are sold, that is it - don't miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of needlework history!

Got to get going......... hope you all are having a good weekend.

Take Care,

Margaret, Jessie, Amy, Pam, Holly, Emily, Kacy and Ann

Sneak peeks!!

2009-09-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

Hi again!!

Hope you are all having a great Labor Day weekend!! We have been keeping busy in the shop........Holly and I are getting ready for market at the end of this month. We plan on bringing back lots and lots of new goodies for your stash enhancement.........Kathy at Carriage House Samplings has let us have a sneak peek at her new design , Christmas At Hawk Run Hollow........it is just beautiful!! We have the charts reverved and will be bringing them home from market..........we have the floss ordered and fabric in the shop , so we are all ready to stitch!! I have added the pictures to the blog for you to see!!

Please let me or Holly know if there is anything specific that you would like us to bring back for you from market, we would be happy to fulfill your list of goodies!

On a more serious note...........we had a "vandal" in the shop recently, and I have been taking some time to figure out how to handle this situation. One of our stitched models had a chunk of fabric hacked out of it by the "vandal"............what kind of person would do such a thing??? Well, because of the scope of our businesses that we own, we have outside and inside surveillance systems. So we know who the "vandal" is and know the car and licence plate number. We also have a picture that I am seriously considering hanging up in the shop. Or should I file a police report and let the police handle it. I will give the "vandal" until the end of September to contact me about this...........then we will take legal action against the "vandal".

Got to go............shop is busy this weekend!! Hope you all have a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend!!!

Take Care,

Margaret, Jessie, Holly, Pam, Amy, Kacy, Emily,and Ann

Winter Thread Pouch!!!

2009-07-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hi All!!

Just a quick update........hope July has been a good month for you with lots of stitching time in the warm sun!!

We have a new goodie coming in the beginning of next week............it is a Winter Thread Pouch with a Little House Winter scene on it, with the cutest little snowman!! We will have them kitted up for you soon!!

The 2009 Prairie Schooler Santa Kit - Must Be Santa- should be in the shop next week, too!! Jessie has the picture on the website.

Join our new Fun Fabric Club - let us know what you like to stitch, fabric counts and let us do the rest!! Each month you'll recieve a minimum of $35.00 worth of fabrics for only $20.00 (plus shipping - shipping will not exceed $5.00). It is a fun way to try new fabrics and build your stash!!!

Got to get going!! Have a great evening!!

Take care,

Margaret, Jessie, Amy, Holly, Kacy, Pam, Emily and Ann

Christmas in July!!

2009-07-10T17:33:00.001-07:00

Hi ,
Hope you all had a great 4th of July!!! We are gearing up for our Christmas in July sale.....keep watching your emails for daily sales for the 12 days of Christmas in July!
I am so looking forward to going to market in September!!!There will be a new Hawk Run Hollow!!! Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow!! I have my 32 count Exampler linen all set, waiting for the thread list and will be ready to start stitching!!
While I am waiting for that.................I found the neatest Halloween chart (it is a free chart) from JABC called The boys are back in town. It is a cute, quick to stitch chart with all the scary halloween guys - the mummy, frankenstein and dracula - a fun design for Halloween. We have the free chart when you purchase the button packs.
Holly has been re arranging the shop and cleaning out boxes and boxes of goodies.....and putting alot of items on sale......lots of threads, pearle cottons. Come by the shop to see for yourself !!
We are happy to have LOTS of books from Pat Carson's(Designs by Gloria and Pat) private collection - they are all out of print books......very hard to find and collectable. Pat has collected these books over the last 30 years from all over the world. We are selling them - first come first serve - these books are filled with beautiful needlework designs and techniques. Definately a fantastic addition to your needlework collection.
Got to go and get some stitching done.........hope you all have a good weekend and have time to stitch!!
take care,
Margaret and the gals at Cecilia's

2009-07-10T17:33:00.000-07:00

July 4th Sale and Celebration!!!

2009-07-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

God Bless America!!! Happy 4th of July!!

Katie (Jessie's baby) is hanging out in the shop with us as we plan lots of sales and freebies for this weekend - July 3rd-5th.

We have Gloriana silks - 6 yard skeins $3.00 each (reg $6.20)

#3 DMC Pearle cotton - $1.00 a skein

All in stoch frames 50% off reg price

40% off Jeannette Douglas "My Stitching Album" patterns

25% off in stock yarns

30% off Serendipity Knitting Needles

Used DMC floss drawers $25.00 each

and MUCH MORE!!!!

Each day we will also feature different designers charts at 20% off.

We will also have balloons to pop -win a prize or additional discounts!!! (balloon discounts do not apply to already discounted merchandise)

Look forward to seeing you this weekend!!!

Ann is back from Florida and will be in the shop, stop by to say "HI" - she is looking forward to seeing all of her friends from Cecilia's!!

Have a great weekend!!!

The gang at Cecilia's - Margaret, Jessica, Amy,Holly, Kacy, Pam, Emily, Ann

shop photos

2009-06-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

July 4th Sale and Celebration!!!

2009-06-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

Hi !!
We have been working feverishly to get the new addition to the shop filled with all sorts of needlework goodies for you!! (when I say "we", I really mean Holly - she has been working very hard to get the shop ready for your visit!!)
July 3rd, 4th, and 5th we will be having a sale and celebration for the official Grand Opening of the new addition. There will be sales, door prizes, lots of goodies!!! Pop a balloon and win!! Prizes, discounts, free gifts.........hope to see you there!!!
I will include some new photos of the shop for your enjoyment........and I will get back to work. It is about 95 and sunny outside.........way too hot for me!!! So I guess it's good to be working indoors. Hope you are having a good day and have a few moments to stitch!!
Take care,
Margaret, Jessica, Amy,Holly,Pam, Ann, Kacy, Emily

Pat Carson's visit and new shop addition!!

2009-06-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hello!!!

We have had a jam packed week here at Cecilia's..........Pat Carson spent the day with us last Friday.........what a fun day it was!!! Pat is so generous with all of her needlework knowledge - she is always eager to teach us something new!! Pat and Katie (Jessie's new baby) got to spend a few moments together, too.

Now we have some very exciting news.......Pat has brought her collection of needlework books from the past 30 years that she has collected from all over the world. Many are out of print, some are in different languages, but all are wonderful books about different types of needlework. Some are full of charts, some techniques and some history!! We will be offering them, a few at a time, on the website for you to purchase. It will be "first come, first serve" on these books as we only have 1 of each book.

Holly has been working harder than ever this past week setting up our new "vignettes" in the addition. It is finally finished and we have more room to add more products for your shopping enjoyment!! I will include some photos..........we still have more to finish, but we are well on our way to getting the shop back to being organized again. Holly is moving the Fall and Christmas areas and also planning a seating area for "wayward husbands", who will be waiting patiently as you shop!!

Hawk Run Hollow fan alert!!!! Kathy has assured me that we will be getting a picture of Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow as soon as she gets it done!!! Can't wait to see it!!!

Got to be going. Hope you are having a good week, take some time to stitch!!

Take care,

Margaret and the gals at Cecilia's

new Country Cottage - Winter Wonderland!!

2009-06-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Just a quick update.........Country Cottage has a new 5 piece chart called Winter Wonderland!!! It is SO PRETTY!!! Each of the 5 parts comes with a silk threadpack - really nice pastel wintery colors!! I will put a picture on here for you to see.

We have broken through the wall to access the new shop addition!!! The inspection will be tomorrow and Holly will start filling up the new space!! Can't wait to see what goodies she puts in our new space!!!

Got to go.........have a good evening!!

Take care,

Margaret and the gals at Cecilia's

June 5, 2009

2009-06-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hello again!!!

We have been having a busy month here at Cecilia's!! Our shop expansion is still underway......they are supposed to be taking the wall down this weekend. And hopefully be done by the end of next week.........then Holly can start playing and arranging her vignettes! We are all so excited to see what wonderful ideas she has twirling around in her head!!

My Dad has been visiting from Boston this past week. He is having a good time watching all the changes happening here at the shop (which is named after his Mom). We also added "Ethel and Andy's Soft Serve Ice Cream"( named after my Mom and Dad) at AJ's One Stop next door to us. We create all sorts of ice cream treats, sundaes, malts and 'noreasters (kind of an ice cream mixed up with your choice of candy). So Dad has been making ice cream cones and having a great visit!!

My Dad also got to meet his 3rd great grandchild - Katie ( Jessie's baby) and got to see her Christened last Saturday. It was a really nice service, Katie wore the same Christening dress that her Mom (Jessie) wore - she looked so cute!!!

We have new items heading into the shop for Christmas!! Lizzie Kate's Merry Christmas by the Letter is a new double flip it with a Christmas theme..........really cute and so colorful -too!! Check out our deal that we have for you if you sign up for the automatic!!

Any Hawk Run Hollow fans out there??? Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow will be in the shop the end of September!! (Holly and I will be going to market in September - YAY!!!) Reserve your charts now!! We are also taking orders for the Exampler linen that it will be stitched on - we are using 32 count (easier on the eyes!!)

Don't forget about Pat Carson visiting us next Friday - June 12th!! Pat will be spending the day with us, teaching FREE mini classes, giving helpful hints and signing autographs. We will have door prizes, and Pat is bringing her private collection of OUT OF PRINT Sampler books and charts that will be for sale - over 30 years of needlework history!!! We would love to see you come by to say Hi to Pat !!! We are truly blessed to have her spending the day with us and sharing her vast knowledge of needlework with us!!!

We are down to less than 2 dozen of the Little House Rose Sampler Thread Pouches (limited edition of only 250)........so don't wait too long!!!

I am going to add some pictures to this and get it "published". Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!! ?Look forward to seeing you soon!!

Take care,

Margaret and the rest of the gang at Cecilia's

shop addition and porch sale!!

2009-05-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

Our shop addition is moving along pretty well........so now we need to think about moving items in the shop and rearranging things for our new addition...........which brings us to our "porch sale"!!! Saturday and Sunday (May 23rd and 24th) we will be having a porch sale - we will be selling shop models (really good deals!!), inventory (fabric ,charts, threads,yarns, kits), some displays (shelves, racks, maybe floss boxes), and don't forget to check our "buck bucket"!!! We even plan to have a "stuff your bag with fabric pieces" sale!!! (we supply the bag, you stuff it - it has to be able to close - all for 99 cents). The more we sell, the less we have to move in the shop.........we are very motivated to sell , so prices will be awesome!!!

Pat Carson (Designs by Gloria & Pat) visit!!

2009-05-16T13:07:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon!!
We have a wonderful and exciting announcement about Pat Carson's upcoming visit to our shop on June 12th!! Pat has decided to start selling her private collection of out of print sampler books and other goodies from her lifetime of collecting needlework memorabelia!! We can't wait to see all the one of a kind items that she will be bringing to sell!! It will certainly be a trip through needlework history with Pat!! If you are a collector, sampler fanatic, or just interested in needlework history , you won't want to miss this!! Pat will have doorprizes, unique one of a kind scissor fobs, and LOTS of needlework information to teach us!! Pat will also be selling the kit for her gorgeous 30th Anniversary Precious Moments Sampler. (call ahead to reserve your kit)Bring your needlework for Pat to critique for you, ask questions, and enjoy the wealth of information that Pat has to offer to us!! She is truly a needlework treasure and we are blessed to have her with us for the day!! Hope to see you there!!!

Rose Thread Pouch

2009-05-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

The Rose Thread Pouch

Limited edition of only 250

Uses Little House Needleworks Rose Sampler Chart, 28 count linen and DMC floss

Call now to reserve yours!!!

Pouch $23.00 ,Chart $6.00

Complete kit with floss and linen $34.99

Have a great weekend!!

Margaret and her band of "merry needleworkers" at Cecilias

May 7, 2009

2009-05-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Just wanted to show you some pictures of the new shop expansion that we started a few days ago...........Holly is planning great and wonderful things for our new shop space!! Keep watching and I will do my best to keep you updated with all of our happenings around here.

Pat Carson (Designs by Gloria & Pat) will be here for the Day on June 12th..........she will be giving free mini cross stitch classes and pointers, signing autographs, door prizes, and just having a great time with you all!! That will be an event that you won't want to miss.

Got to get going.........have a good evening from all of us at Cecilia's -

Margaret,Jessie & Katie, Amy, Holly, Kacy, Pam, Emily,Melinda, Shevera, and Ann

May 6 , 2009

2009-05-06T12:03:00.000-07:00

We have a new addition at the shop!! Welcome Katelyn Cecilia!!!Birthday March 30th !!!

Both Jessie and Katie are doing great and at the shop with us Monday - Friday!!

Look for weekly specials in your emails (sign up for emails if not on our list!)

Hope you are having a good spring!!!

Shop expansion has started - watch for pictures coming soon!!

2009-02-07T19:07:00.000-08:00

We are packing up and getting ready to go home tomorrow morning.............we found so many neat things here from beautiful new colors of threads and fabrics to stitching accessories and of course - new charts and kits!!! Too many to list here........I will add a few more pictures - pleaase excuse the glare (it's late and lighting is not good in the hotel room) . Please call us or email with any questions you may have................thanks!! Hope you enjoyed the Nashville sneak peeks we have been able to show you!!

Margaret and Holly

Live from Nashville!!

2009-02-07T04:21:00.000-08:00

Here is the new Little House Needleworks kit..............it is just so pretty!!!

Be back this evening..................Margaret and Holly

Nashville Update!!

2009-02-06T18:00:00.001-08:00

Hi all!!

Holly and I have made it to Nashville - we had a beautiful day for traveling and made it here in record time. We have seen lots of old friends and have had fun catching up!! There are SO MANY new and exciting treasures here......we have had a chance to get a few pictures and taken some notes to share with you and we will also try to do an update tomorrow evening, too.

Sue Hillis has some fun pirate designs and a beautiful Stitchers Days of Christmas chart, based on the Twelve Days of Christmas, but using a stitchers theme. Glendon Place has several new Autumn themed designs that are absolutely stunning!! Stitchworks has designed a really unique Welcome chart, that has interchangable heart shapes, one for each month!! Little House Needleworks has an awesome kit called the Traveling Stitcher........""Wherever I go, whatever I do, I am never alone, my stitching comes, too." We will post the photo tomorrow. I will add photos to this post.......please forgive the quality...........hope you enjoy them!! Just Nan has a georgous biscornu, it is something to see!! Cupcake pincushions by The Cat's Whiskers Design Studio are so yummy, they look like real cupcakes!! And neatest thing we have seen to separate floss are puffins!! They are adorned with handmade brass, copper and nickel designs. We've got all the styles ordered for the shop!! Can't wait to get them!!!

Got to go.........more tomorrow!!!

take care,

Margaret and Holly

January 31, 2009

2009-01-31T14:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!!

Happy New Year!! (a month late, but hope it is happy!! We are starting off our New Year with exciting news!! Our good friend Lisa Cowell has designed a sampler just for us, in memory of my Grandma Cecilia. It was Ann's idea, she worked with Lisa and Jessie to get info about Grandma Cecilia so Lisa could design the chart just for us! They kept it a secret for just about a year, Lisa did a fantastic design and I finally got to see it this week. The verse says "Blessed are those that can give without remembering, and recieve without forgetting."

Jessie is about 7 months pregnant, having a girl, Katelyn Cecilia..........the doc moved her due date to March 27th. We are anxiously awaiting little Katie's arrival!!

Friday, Holly and I will be heading to Nashville for the wholesale show. We plan to post the new stitching treasures that we find there on the blog - so keep checking in for the latest updates from Nashville.

I've got to get going. Hope you are all having a good start for the new year, we hope 2009 will be a happy and healthy year for you all.

Be back soon!!

Take Care,

Margaret, Jessie, Amy, Pam, Holly, Ann, Melinda and Shevera

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-24T13:27:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to wish all of our friends, customers and family a Merry Christmas!!! We wish a wonderful New Year for you, too!!! Full with health ,happiness and many Blessings!!
We thank you for your patronage and look forward to helping you next year!! (and what an exciting 2009 we are going to have!!!)
Sincerely,
Margaret, Jessica, Amy, Pam, Ann, Holly, Shevera, and Melinda

November 20, 2008 sneak peek of Summer Projects!!

2008-11-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

Pat Carson's Sampler - full photo will be on our website after Nov. 29th Susan Greening Davis - Pieces of Eight and Ozark Basket

Eileen Bennett - Crown of Pearls Sampler

November 20, 2008

2008-11-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

Ann and Margaret before Ann's trip to Florida!!

Hi and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

We have been having a busy November!! Jessie is just about 5 months pregnant!!! With a girl!!! She is feeling better than in the past few months - less morning sickness that seemed to last all day! (that is great for those of us working with her!!!)

We had our Fall Stitching Festival a couple of weeks ago.... we had 50 stitchers and a fantastic time with them all!!! Our theme was "Santa's Workshop" - all the projects that were included in the weekend were able to be finished too!! Holly,Our Event Co-Ordinator, did such a wonderful job with this weekend. She works so hard, with months of preparation,to make these weekends such an enjoyable time for our stitchers. We really appreciate all that Holly does for us!!!

The ladies learned the nun stitch,were introduced to table toppers, shopped ALOT, and met new friends to stitch with!!

The stitchers had a "dime toss" for door prizes and all donated their dimes to the Salvation Army.......they raised $109.00 and Cecilia's will match that for a total doantion of $218.00 to the Salvation Army. Thanks to all of our participants for their kindness and generosity!!!!

We have announced our "Summer Triple Feature and it is AWESOME!!! June -we are welcoming Pat Carson from Designs by Gloria & Pat. Pat will be teaching a beautiful Precious Moments Sampler that she designed to celebrate her 30th Anniversary as a Precious Moments Licensee. July - we will welcome Susan Greening Davis for 2 adorable projects and lots of giggles!!! If you know Susan you know you are in for a treat!! August - we are pleased to welcome Eileen Bennett who will be teaching a white work sampler called Crown of Pearls, it is a masterpiece of pulled threadwork!! We will have more details on our website and pictures of the projects, also.

November 29th we are honored to have Pat Carson, from Designs by Gloria and Pat, to be spending the day with us at Cecilia's Samplers. Pat will be unveiling her 30th Anniversary Precious Moments Sampler (the same sampler that she will be teaching for us in June). Pat will also be here to offer helpful tips and answer your needlework questions. Please drop by the shop to welcome Pat - she is truly a needlework legend !!!

Our " Official Greeter and Table Topper Queen" Ann left for Florida last week. She spends the winter in Florida with her family and will be back to see us in April. Ann is a HUGE help for us in the shop and we will miss her !!!!

I will try to add some photos to this post ( I am new at this, so keep your fingers crossed!!). I may add them to subsequent posts ,if I can't get it to work on this post. Thanks in advance for your patience!!

Hope you and your family have a Blessed Thanksgiving !!!!

Take Care,

Margaret, Jessica, Amy, Pam, Ann, Holly, Melinda, Shevera, and Liz

October 22, 2008 - Blessings and surprises!!

2008-10-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

We're baaaaaack!!! I know, I know........there have been rumors...............we had closed the shop............we were retired and sunning ourselves in the Bahamas.............we had been abducted by space aliens and taken to another planet to teach needlework....................all not true ;-)........
The truth is we have been keeping several secrets and now we can let you all in on our exciting news!!
The biggest, most exciting secret is that Jessie is having a baby!!!!! We found out today that she is having a girl!!!!! We are so very happy and excited to be welcoming this precious little baby into our family. Jessie's due date is around March 29th.............we are very thankful to God for sending us this beautiful baby!!
We hope that you will forgive our "distractions" over the past few months - Jessie has had "all day" morning sickness and we have all been trying to help her with the ordering - placing wholesale orders and filling customers orders - so if we made errors or took longer than we should have in filling your requests we are truly sorry for the inconvenience it may have caused for you.
Jessie is teaching Amy (my other daughter/ Jessie's sister) to update the website, so hopefully we will be able to stay caught up with that.
More exciting news!!!! Holly, our special event co-ordinator, and I have been planning, plotting,arranging and rearranging to make 2009 a very exciting year at Cecilia's shop. As I am usually running in several different directions with our other businesses, I could not do this without Holly's generous help and major organizational skills...................so here goes..........so far we have a special meet and greet day next month with Pat Carson (Designs by Gloria and Pat) at Cecilia's shop.........Pat will be unveiling her special, absolutely georgous 30th anniversary Precious Moments sampler and announcing the class that she will be teaching for us in June...........we are honored to have this expert needlework legend to be teaching this class for us!! April we will be having our Spring stitching weekend - UFO's will be the theme.............come join us for a fun ,relaxing weekend of stitching and surprises!!! July we will be welcoming Susan Greening Davis for the 2nd year - her class was such a hit last July, the attendees requested another class this year!!! Susan has been seen on HG television as an expert in the needlework industry.............she is lots of FUN!! Susan will be teaching 2 fantastic projects for us this July. There are always lots of giggles, fellowship and fun when Susan is in Branson!!! August we will be offering an awesome class with Eileen Bennett !! Our plans are in the works with Eileen for the class project ( our choices are so beautiful, we just haven't been able to make up our minds, yet)and maybe even one of Eileen's informative lectures may be included. Eileen's historical sampler research is well known, and her books of sampler stitches are something a needleworker just can't live without!!! I have taken classes from all of these wonderful needleworkers, they are all very informative, fun, and really neat ladies - you won't be disappointed!!!! September - we are working on getting arrangements finalized with another designer.............we are waiting for dates, but we already have the project picked out - it is just way too pretty!!! And then we have our Fall Stitching weekend in November............a great time for stitching, Christmas shopping and lots of fun!!!!
Our website will be updated with all of the class and weekend information as it becomes available. The classes are limited, so call early to reserve your spot!!! Our weekends have been selling out, too........so sign up early for these fun events!!!
I thank you for your patience with us. We appreciate your patronage and look forward to seeing you at the shop, classes or weekends. If we can help with any of your needlework needs or questions, please call us or email us - we will be happy to help!!!
I will update again soon (really!!!)
Take care,
Margaret and the gals at Cecilia's-
Jessie, Amy, Ann, Pam, Holly, Melinda and Shevera

June 7,2008

2008-06-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

Hello from Columbus!!!

Jessie and I made it here late last night. It was about a 12 hour drive when you figure in traffic congestion, time change and road construction. But we are happy to be here!!!

Today we spent the day in the convention hall surrounded by so many new and beautiful needlework products it would make your head spin!! We found some awesome new yarns from Plymouth Yarn Company. They have these adorable kits for babies' sweaters that come complete with buttons and a free pattern, all you do is knit the sweater!! We also got a great yarn called Confusion - you've got to see it to believe it!!! This yarn has so many textures and colors all in one skein, it is really a unique yarn. We also got a yarn called Baby Alpaca Lace - it makes the most delicate lace knitted shawls we've ever seen!

Dutch treat has 2 new Table toppers that we just loved!! One is a piano theme and the other is reading and book themes. Really neat!!

We had a fun visit with Theresa Layman, she had here elegant gingerbread house on display with several of her miniature knotted rugs inside. She has several new cute designs that we ordered and can't wait to get into the shop for you to see.

Hoffman has the next Prairie Schooler Santa kit, complete with threads and 28 count linen. Nora Corbett has 3 alphabet fairies, each chart has a letter of the alphabet with a different fairy for each letter, very pretty !!!

Little House needleworks and Crescent Colors have teamed up again for another series.........the first one is about quilting..........threads are included!!

So much more, from Weeks Dye works and Sampler threads to beautiful scissors of all types and colors, I could be typing most of the evening. This was an order only market, so we will have to wait for our items to be shipped to us. Jessie will get them on the website as soon as they come in!!!

Got to get going..............time to have dinner and put our feet up for a bit. Have a great weekend!!

Take care,

Margaret and Jessie in Columbus!!!

May 29, 2008

2008-05-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

Hi Fellow Stitchers,
Hope you all had a good Memorial Day weekend! It is always nice to take time to remember and honor our loved ones and our Veterans that have passed on. And to Thank God for our blessings!!
We are planning an exciting Summer here at the shop!! Jessie and I will be going to Columbus in June (6th - 9th) for the TNNA Needlework wholesale show - we plan to order lots of new goodies for you all !!! The shop will still be open - Pam, Amy and Shevera will be here to help you with your stitching needs 'til we get back.
We are still waiting for Ann to get back from Florida. Ann is our "table topper queen " and our official greeter -Ann has stitched almost all of the Dutch Treat tabletoppers and several other shop models (that is why our walls are so full!!!). She Winters in Florida and is usually back here by now - hopefully she will be back in another week or two!!
Susan Greening Davis will be here in July for a really neat class and her "Gadget Gal" presentation. We are expecting a really fun and exciting weekend, there are still a few spots left in the class, so if you are thinking about it, now is the time to sign up!!
I have been working on the Jeannette Douglas Stitching Treasures Accessories - Have them just about all stitched - now I need to finish them into a needlebook, scissor fob, alphabet banding, scissor case and pin wheelie. They were really easy and quick to stitch. For those of you that have the box, Jeannette suggests using the left over threads from the thread pack, but I am going to put together a thread pack for the accessories as soon as I get them all done and see exactly what we need. The whole set really looks so beautiful together with the box.
Got to be going.............have a wonderful weekend............maybe sneak in an ice cream cone for yourself!! My Mom always loved ice cream, it makes everything fun!!!
Take Care,
Margaret

May 16, 2008

2008-05-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I am back again............I am going to try to put a picture of our new knitting needles onto this page, they are so cute........wish me luck!!! Have a wonderful day!!

Margaret

May 15,2008

2008-05-15T17:02:00.000-07:00

Hi fellow needleworkers!!

Hope you are all enjoying our wonderful, yet sometimes rainy, spring weather!! We have chosen a name for our blog - Ethel's W.O.W. Blog ( Ethel being my Mom and W.O.W. being "words of wisdom"). I have included a photo of my Mom, Dad and me taken a couple of years ago. (Mom went home to be with Our Lord 2 years ago, Dad is still here with us). My Mom and Dad have taught me just about everything I know. I have truly been blessed by having such great parents!Hopefully, I can pass on some of their wisdom, lots of needlework news, some fun tid bits and maybe even a few yummy recipes.

We are having a really busy year at Cecilia's .......we have added many new classes that have been so much fun!!! We have a beginners knitting class the 3rd Saturday of each month. Knitting is a needlework that I had done as a teen, but found slow and a bit boring..............but now, WOW!!! We have so many fun and unique yarns to choose from!! Some of the yarns do the work for you by self striping and patterning (is that a word?) as you knit. And the knitting needles are so varied and fun, from light up needles to hand made wooden needles with a variety of decorative tops, to the classic pretty colored metal needles I remember from my childhood - there is a knitting needle for every need and want!!

In addition to our Stitching Weekend retreats, we are also inviting some expert needleworkers to our shop to teach classes. We have Susan Greening Davis coming to Branson in July. She is such a fun person and will be teaching a beautiful project for us. It will be a zippered needlework bag, the front panel being stitched with a variety of stitches in pretty colors to compliment the fabric on the bag. Susan will also be treating us to her "Gadget Gal" presentation, which is very informative and so much fun!!!

We had a very special treat this past Fall when we got a visit from Pat Carson!!!! (Owner of Designs by Gloria and Pat).She is one of my "needlework heros", Pat has spent years teaching and passing on her love of needlework to so many of us. She has graciously allowed us to exclusively reproduce her 17th Century Band Sampler Chart that had been out of print for several years. It is such a neat chart to have!!! The sampler itself is just gorgeous, and the reference material included in this chart would be a great addition to anyone's stitching collection. We are happy to be able to donate 25% of the sale price of the chart to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation, we thank Pat for her generosity in allowing us this opportunity.

Watch for another announcement coming soon about a special event with Pat Carson!!!!

We are already planning 2009's classes ..................and it will be GREAT!!!

I've got to be going. I am working on Jeannette Douglas' New Stitching Treasures Accessories and I've got to get stitching!!! Hope you enjoy each and every day!!Be back soon....
Take Care,
Margaret

May 6, 2008

2008-05-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

This is my first post to our new blog!! We hope to use this blog to keep you updated with the newest items and news in the shop as well as some extra goodies!! We thank you for your continuing support that allows us to be able to have our shop and share our love of needlework with you. We hope you enjoy reading this !! Will be back soon.

Take care,

Margaret