Hot, Hot, Hot!!!

Yes, it is HOT here in Branson, Missouri!! Temperatures in the high 90's today and for most of the week. Summer is officially here!

Cecilia's has been busy during the past month. We were honored to get a visit from Pat Carson ( Designs by Gloria and Pat, Inc). Pat is a dear friend to us and is always ready to help us with her vast knowledge of the needlework industry. We had a wonderful visit and dinner together. And Pat went on to the Precious Moment Chapel in Carthage where she was teaching a class. If you ever get a chance to take a class with Pat - don't miss the opportunity. She is a fantastic teacher and an expert needleworker - you will learn so much from Pat!

My Dad came to visit for 2 weeks in June. We had such a great time with him while he was here. He will be 86 this year and was a World War 2 Tin Can Sailor ! He still works everyday and helped Kenny finish the deck we were building onto our house. And he beat all of us in cribbage, too!

The end of June we had our Summer Retreat - Happy Campers!! We were happy to have Tracy from Ink Circles Designs and Cathy from Hands on Designs at our retreat.The ladies enjoyed visiting with both designers. Cathy and tracy both designed neat charts for our retreat and also brought their newest design models for us all to see! Cathy taught a really awesome finishing class, too!!

Next Summer we will be having a formal class for our Summer Retreat. "History in the Making" is our theme. We will be having Pam Reed from Olde Colonial Designs presenting a Limited Edition hand painted needlework tool box. We will learn how to line the box and stitch smalls to go inside. The box is just georgous! AND we will also be having Susan Greening Davis presenting the history of Antique Handkerchiefs (really facinating information) and she will also be teaching a make it, take it class. Susan will bring her "Boutique" with her - she offers these special items only at her classes. Very unique items that you
won't find anywhere else! The class is limited to only 30 people - so if this interests you, sign up soon!

Part 2 of the Little House Mystery Sampler should be in the shop this week. I have part 1 stitched and am eagerly awaiting part 2 to arrive.Can't wait to see it all together and done!
Lizzie Kate will be offering a Christmas Mystery Sampler soon. You just know it will be adorable just like other Lizzie Kate designs. And Blackbird Designs Loose Feathers will be coming to Cecilia's very soon, too. So much to stitch............so little time!!!

That's about all the news that has happened lately. We hope you are all "keeping cool" this summer. Have a great July and enjoy your needlework!!

Margaret, Jessica, Amy, Pam,Cecilia, Krista and Ann

p.s. Christmas is coming !!! Pre order your JCS ornament magazine now!!