Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Small Finishes and Fall Travels

Hello, my stitching friends! I'm in between trips here--just returned from our anniversary vacation to North Carolina this past weekend and will leave for New York to visit with my parents tomorrow. But, I wanted to pop in and say "hi" to everyone and share a few photos with you. Thank you all so much for your kind comments on my bowl of "squirrely" finishes in my last post. Whether you love the little guys or not, you have to admit they are very entertaining and (I think) rather cute. I also want to wish my new followers a big welcome--so happy to have you here and I hope you'll find something in my blog to make you smile.

I've stitched my first piece for my October bowl of smalls--the bottom scene from Prairie Schooler Book No. 132 "Autumn Leaves." Can anyone guess what my "theme" will be for this month? Here's a hint: it is something stitched in this little fall scene. I used the suggested DMC colors for this and stitched it on 40 ct. raw natural Newcastle Linen.


I love how the autumn "leaves" spell out numbers in the grass of this tiny sampler... Reminds me of how we used to play in the leaves when I was a young girl. We would rake them into straight lines to form the blueprint of a house and then "play house." Does anyone else remember doing that or was that just something my friends and I loved to do? I then turned the stitching into a small pillow using two coordinating fabrics, some orange ric-rak,  and a pair of buttons...I'm very pleased with how this one turned out!

 "Autumn Leaves" by Prairie Schooler 
(lower portion only)

I also stitched a little birthday gift for my friend, Valerie. Valerie loves Halloween so I thought this tiny pillow ("Boo Web" by X's and Oh's) would be perfect for her. This is the second time I've stitched this one and the second time I've given it away. Do you think it's time to stitch one for myself? I just love that grinning spider waiting for his next "victim" down in the lower right corner and how the web itself spells out "BOO!" I stitched it over one on 28ct. evenweave and combined two Halloweeny fabrics with yellow ric rak and black cording to finish it off. Valerie seemed very pleased with it and I'm happy to have added a little something to her Halloween display.

"Boo Web" by X's and Oh's




If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that our actual wedding anniversary (our 35th!!) took place back in July, but that my husband was 3183.11 miles away in Alaska at the time enjoying a bike trip with three friends. So, we celebrated a bit late by taking a road trip in early October. Covering six states (PA, MD, VA, TN, NC, and WV) plus the District of Columbia (where we stopped for a quick visit with our youngest son), we saw some wondrous sights. But, before we hit the road, we had a teeny-tiny problem to attend to! My husband had been packing the car while I made sure windows and doors were locked, heat was turned down, shades were pulled, etc. When we were just about ready to go, I walked into the kitchen and heard what sounded like a frantic chittering sound nearby. Figuring it was just two of those pesky squirrels fighting over an acorn, I peaked outside, but saw nothing. Then I heard the noise again--this time it sounded like it was coming from our sunroom adjacent to the kitchen.

Cautiously, I walked into the next room and immediately spotted a tiny bird perched on the ficus tree in the far corner! Oh, dear, what to do? Well, as every good blogger knows--the first thing you do is run for your camera, right? (thank goodness it hadn't been packed in the car already!)... The poor thing didn't want his photo taken and immediately began flying around and around the house in a circle between the sunroom, kitchen, and family room. He finally landed on our wicker couch where I snapped this photo. (Does anyone know what type of bird this is? I've never seen one like him before). By then, my husband had heard my cries for help (it's actually a bit scary when a bird, no matter what size, is flying straight at you!) and he came running. He had me open the double doors at the far end of the sunroom while he approached the scared little bird from the back. Finally, we were able to coax him out the door and outside into the fresh air. Now, I ask you, what would we have found if we hadn't heard his scared chirps just as we were leaving for vacation... He would have been loose in the house all week and who knows what mischief he might have gotten into!!

Crisis averted and we were soon on our way to the enchanting mountains in the Asheville, N.C. area... I'm planning on writing a longer post on all that we saw and experienced in the future, but for now, I want to share some of the highlights of our trip with you...

We visited The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.
A little touch of France in the Carolina countryside!
We hiked some gentle forest paths...

and also some steep, rocky terrain!

We marveled at the changing colors along 

And were awed by the view from Grandfather Mountain
 in northern North Carolina. (Yes, that's my husband 
being a daredevil--I held back a bit!!)

We admired some lovely West Virginia quilts...

and wondered at nature's beauty. 

We saw a rainbow of gardens...

and hiked miles to see West Virginia's incredible 

And then we came home...ahhh...There is nothing like coming home again, is there? I am such a homebody and as much as I enjoy traveling different places and experiencing new things, I truly love my time spent at home. But, the road is calling again with another five hour drive tomorrow to visit my parents in New York. I'll do my best to catch up on everyone's blogs very soon. Until then, I hope each of you has a lovely week with many, many moments that make you smile. Bye for now...

114 comments:

Annie said...

Pretty fall stitching. Very creative way to finish that PS design. I can never bring myself to stitch a design twice. Too many out there that I haven't stitched. But yours is a good choice if you are going to do it.

You've made me tired even after a good night's sleep with all that traveling. Looks like a wonderful trip.

Hope your trip to NY goes well.

Gabriele said...

Beautiful autumn stitching and wonderful pictures.
Have a wonderful Time with your parents.
Hugs

Gabriele said...

Beautiful autumn stitching and wonderful pictures.
Have a wonderful Time with your parents.
Hugs

Annie said...

I love the finishing on both of your projects! XXX

Lily said...

I'm a new reader and be sure your blog does make one smile :) I like your thorough & 'themed' posts, many useful links and lovely photos. Thank you & have a nice week :)

PS. Oh, yes, I remember I loved 'playing house' =)
And the theme for this month... autumn leaves or black cats perhaps?

Hilda said...

Dear Carol,
welcome back home ;-)! Wonderful to read that you enjoyed your trip - the photographs are gorgeous!
I really can agree with you: Travelling is marvellous - but coming home is one of the best parts of all journeys ;-).

Your tiny little finish for your October bowl is sooo cute. I love it. And I guess your theme for October will be "Cats" - or better "Black Cats". Perfect for this month ...

I hope you will have a wonderful journey to New York and will have great days with your parents! Drive savely!

A big hug for you, my friend!
Hilda

Kathy A. said...

Love your travel photos. Lovely! I have a photo of my DH like that at the Grand Canyon. Give you heart failure theses fellas.

Shirlee said...

I'm so glad you enjoyed your trip to NC! I had no idea you were going to be in 5 other states as well! The bridge in WV is amazing, isn't it? I don't often make stops along the way when I'm traveling from one place to the next but on my last trip to Pittsburgh I passed over that bridge & just had to stop, get out & do a bit of hiking! They had quilts at the visitors center as I recall : ) I said it back in July but I'll say it again ... Happy Anniversary! Your stitching & finishing is gorgeous, as always : ) Thank goodness that bird made itself known before you walked out the door! I have no idea what kind of bird it is but I think I may see them out in the yard every now & then. I hope you have a safe & enjoyable trip to NY. I am like you ... it's nice to travel but I'm a real homebody at heart.

Clare-Aimetu said...

Oh wow what a beautiful place, I love the trees when they have their autumn colours.

Great stitching and finishes too :)

Stitching Cat said...

Hi Carol, your autumn stitching and finishes look great and your trip sounds wonderful! I think your little friend is in the nuthatch family. Safe travels to see your parents.

Lisa V said...

You sure have been a busy bee Carol, more beautiful stitched finishes and travelling, you lucky girl!!
Hugs

butterfly said...

How beautiful is NC,
Beautiful breath taking photo's .
Thanks for sharing.
Wow and wow again love your autumn stitching so warm and cozy.
Your birthday gift to your friend is lovely.I know she will be over the moon.
What a sweet darling bird , hugs.

Faye said...

From the mountains to the sea....You saw some of my states finest displays of beauty!! I enjoy the beaches but the breathe taking scenes from the Blue Ridge Mts of North Carolina are really something...So glad you had a wonderful time...Happy belated Anniversary! I am predicting your October bowl will have the theme of black cats...hmmmm....we will see! Neverless, your start for the October display is beautiful!! Safe travels to NY~~~ Always, Faye

Kate said...

I love both of those stitcheries and especially admire how you finished them!!! That's quite the story about the bird. I enjoyed seeing the pix and reading about your trip - the scenery is breath taking. Happy belated Anniversary!

Vickie said...

Wonderful pictures Carol. I always think of Andy Griffith when I think of North Carolina. ;) Love that show.
I do believe you are going with leaves for October.
I love, love, love the fabric on the bottom of the P.S. pillow.

Elizabeth Ann said...

I think you should go back and take pictures of the fall colors.... Have a safe trip! Love your October piece, I wonder how those Christmas ornaments are coming along.......

Tatkis said...

Beautiful finishes (I love the BOO design very much!) and you certainly had a wonderful trip!

Hugs,
Tatyana

lynda said...

Love this PS pillow! Where in NY are you going?That's my old stomping grounds...

Annette said...

I hope you have a wonderfull vacation!!
You stitching 2 beautifull Okotber pieces!!!
really wonderfull!!!
Great job on it.. I so love how you always use teh ricrac

YOu done a bid city strip.. I think you saw so many beautifull things..
Love th bird pic... he just wanne go.. go away with the camera..

I love al your pic's so beautifull!!! Really wonderfull.. You have had a wonderfull time...
I looks like that on the pics

I hope you have a wonderfull time at your parents..
Hugssss

Ann said...

Hi Carol,
You've been to some mighty beautifull places and there you go again! ;-)
As usual your finishes and chosen pieces are great!
Have a nice holiday!
Ann

Anonymous said...

Love your PS finish, Carol! The colors are fabulous. Hmmm...maybe black cats or black birds for the October bowl!

Thanks for sharing the pictures of your trip! What an awesome adventure you had!

Robin in Virginia

BrendaS said...

Carol --
I just LOVE your little PS autumn finish! What a cute way of finishing it too.

Very nice gift for Valerie. You definitely need to stitch one for yourself one day.

Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures from your anniversary trip. It looks like the weather was spectacular.

Have a good visit with your parents

Melody said...

Carol, It sounds like you had a great trip! I'm sure it was especially beautiful this time of year.

Your smalls are so cute. I agree, the grinning spider is great!!

I hope you have a good trip to NY, and I know what you mean about the joy of arriving home.

Heather said...

Hi Carol! It looks like you had a lovely trip! Your stitching and finishing looks lovely as always.

I think your bird is a Carolina Wren. Here is a link to a picture of one that came up when I typed in birds of Pennsylvania. http://pa.audubon.org/pa-bird-listserve

I hope you have a safe trip!

Love, Heather

Mavi. said...

Hi Carol:
That most beautiful works that well coordinated, that most impressive result. Like your photos.
She enjoys the holidays.
A loving hug.

Lesleyanne said...

Your stitching finishes are gorgeous Carol. Great photos from your vacation. I'm glad you managed to get the little birdie out before you left. I shudder to think what mess he would have made. Have a safe trip to see your parents.

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Ah Carol, I'm glad you had such a great trip. Looks like you saw some wonderful things. I can't wait to hear more about it. As for your theme this month, I'm going with black cats because I love them! They are festive this time of year dontcha know. Be well and be safe on your trip to NY! Hugs

barbara said...

That tail makes me think it's a nuthatch. I love watching them at my friend Sara's bird feeders. :) So glad you could save the little darling.

Your trip with your DH, late though it may have been for your anniversary, sounds so wonderful. Thanks for sharing the pictures and experience with us!

Giovanna said...

What lovely autumn/Halloween ornaments. And thanks for sharing the pics of your vacation - gorgeous!

Southpaw Stitcher said...

Your finishes are so creative and cute! Love them! I'm going to go with what I think is the obvious and guess that your October theme will be pumpkins. Beautiful photos of your trip! I agree with Barbara and Stitching Cat--your bird looks like a nuthatch to me. We see them at our feeder every now and then.

Elia said...

Wow Carol, this photos are fabulous!!!
Your finishes are so cute!!
I love all ^^

Thanks for this moments
A big hug for you from Spain

^^

Sue said...

Thank you for sharing your holiday with us the hotos are stunning. Love your stitching finishes.x

Margaret said...

Love your October pillow! Is the theme pumpkins perhaps? :D Or black cats. Love what you stitched for Valerie too -- very pretty! And your trip -- looks like such fun! Nice that you got to celebrate! Good thing you found that little bird before you left -- whew! Have a good trip to NY to see your parents!

Jennifer said...

What a WONDERFUL trip - well worth waiting a few extra weeks to celebrate!

Your little friend is definitely a Carolina Wren (how appropriate!). My husband is very interested in birdwatching, and that's one of his favorites. (I'm a woodpecker girl myself) We lived in an apartment a while back and once had a bird in there overnight. We didn't know it was in there at first, but I did see a present he left on our quilt. I figured it happened when I had the quilt out to dry on the line and just didn't notice it. When I got home from work later that day, I heard chirping in our second bedroom and went in to find our little friend trying to get out the window. He flipped out as well, until we managed to lure him outside. To this day, I can't figure out how the bird got in - and it's a VERY good thing you got him out before you left.

Carol B said...

Adorable finishes! Thank goodness you were able to get the cute little Carolina Wren out before you left!

SilverCuteDwarf said...

Carol there are very nice new small pillows, especially "Boo",a lovely small birdie and wonderful photos. Thanks!

Jenny said...

Hi Carol,
Your autumn stitching is beautiful and I love the autumn leaves pillow! That is a favorite sampler of mine...grins...your pictures look wonderful and I am so happy that you had a wonderful trip! Safe travels as you drive to visit your parents! I too am a home body and no matter where we go it is always wonderful to return home...I just have to tell you that I have loved all of your "smalls" this year and hope to stitch a few myself. Happy stitching!

AdelaidesCorner said...

Your stitching is beautiful. I love the Boo design. That is adorable.
Barb

Beth said...

Carol - You had a Nuthatch come visit you. They generally are seen on large conifers working the bugs on the sides of the trees. I think your new theme will be pumpkins! What a great trip you had - very memorable I'm sure.

cucki said...

Hi dear.. It looks like you had a lovely trip! Your stitching and finishing looks lovely..
I think your bird is a Carolina Wren,,,
big hugs cucki xxx

Kathy Ellen said...

Could your fall theme be "autumn leaves"? My favorite time of year! Wonderful little pillows, so perfectly finished!

Thank you for taking us along with you on a wonderful photo trip of all the beautiful and interesting places you visited. The Biltmore Estate looks incredible, like something out of a victorian movie.

As Dorothy once said, "there is no place like home". So happy for you and your DH to have had such a memorable anniversary trip.

Blessings!

Rachel S-H said...

Lovely pics! I am thinking you are either going to do leaves or black cats!

Shari said...

welcome HOME...........well, for a day!!
My guess for your bowl is leaves...
Love autumn colors of every shade...
you stitching looks great as always.
LOVE the pictures you took on your trip....lovely!! And the colors are really popping...I was surprised...I didn't expect them to be so colorful yet!

Daffycat said...

Wonderful little finishes, Carol! Hummm...is it pumpkins, black cats or autumn leaves??? LOL

How fortunate you spotted the wren before you left! Birds can't go very long without food so it's a good thing he "said" something, isn't it?

It looks like you had an awesome trip. Such beautiful photos!

Julie said...

Spectacular pictures of your trip Carol, how lovely. Super ornaments too, I'm guessing your bowl this month is pumpkin filled.
Best wishes to your parents, I hope dad is well
Much love xxx

AnaCristina said...

There is nothing like home,,, I agree!!!kisses

Lainey said...

Beautiful Autumn and Halloween stitches Carol. Your finishes just make me drool..lol.
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful trip with us I look forward to hearing more.
Have a lovely time with your dear parents and thank you for the sweet comments. Hugs!

Deb said...

It looks and sounds like you had a wonderful time away! And your two finishes are so pretty. I like how you finished them off.

Kathy H said...

Looks like you had a fun trip. I love your stitching and how you finished them. I never know how to finish my pieces.

Barb said...

As usual Carol, beautiful finishes. I love the PS and have never thought of doing just part of a design. I loved to play in the leaves when I was young. We made leaf houses. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures of your trip! Have a safe journey to NY.

Myra said...

I am happy to see you enjoyed my fair state Carol. I love your October finish and I am guessing black cats will be your theme. :o) Wishing you a safe trip to NY.

Berit said...

Gorgeous--my favorites are the PS piece (When I saw it, I said in my mind, "That's my favorite PS Piece!! I stitched that too! Gosh, I'm jealous you finished yours. I wonder if I am ready to decide how to finish mine." I didn't know I had a favorite! lol!), and the nature vignette with the mushrooms and acorns.

Safe travels for your journey to see your mom!

Berit said...

Oh, P.S. I never realized that the numbers could be seen as being written out in autumn leaves--what a great thought! I just loved them for their colors!

OOh...and Theme--hmnn, is it "Crows"?

Or "Autumn Leaves"? (Two guesses is cheating! ~_^)

Wanda said...

What a great trip! Happy belated anniversary! I love your ornament - what a wonderful finish...I am guessing that your October theme is black cats (for Halloween and perhaps in honour of Shadow?)Enjoy your visit with your parents and thanks, as always, for sharing your beautiful work.

marly said...

That little "uppity" tail is usually on a wren. They are the only birds that actually know enough to fly out an opening. Any other bird trapped in our garage will continue to fly into the ceiling instead of out the large door! As usual, a real delight seeing your finishes. Congrats on the anniversary. Enjoyed the vacation photos, too.

Judy said...

What a lovely trip. I imagine the weather was much nicer than the hot summer. Your finishes are as cute as ever! Enjoy NY.

Thanks for sharing

Judy heartland stitcher

Christina said...

Nice stitching and lovely vacation photos.

Veronica said...

Welcome home, Carol. That sure sounds like a wonderful trip you've had. The photos are gorgeous and my, does the Biltmore Estate look impressive indeed.

Yep, you should definitely stitch Boo Web for yourself next time. Sure is a cute design.

Hugs,
Veronica.

Anne said...

Hi Carol: Wonderful Autumn Leaves and your Boo is cool. I really enjoyed your writing and I hope you have a great visit. Nice to be able to travel, but I know what you mean. I love to come home too!! :)

Annette-California said...

Lovely post, I sure enjoyed seeing all the pretty photos of you trip. I absolutely am drawn to the colors, design and your finish of "Autumn Leaves". Oh so pretty. The grinning spider cracks me up. That you for sharing.
love Annette

Mary said...

Carol, the fabric you've chosen for your little PS small is delightful! I'm always left anticipating what you'll do next month.

Loved seeing all your travel photos!

Chris said...

Hey Carol!!
I loce the PS finish. Esp. the little black cat :)
It looks like you had a wonderful trip to NC and that you had great weather. What a perfect time to visit.
Have a great time in NY. The leaves should be at their peak!

Sally said...

Beautiful stitching Carol.

Gorgeous photos from your trip:)

Dona said...

Your fall stitching is so cute! I love the PS Autumn Leaves.

What a great anniversary trip! I visited the Biltmore and it is amazing. Hope you enjoyed your NY trip.

passionfruitprincess said...

Very cute finishes, Carol! Yes, you need make one of the Halloween ornaments for you! I love the fabrics
and trims you used.
Lovely vacation pictures you shared.
What a beautiful castle! As always, I also loved your "yard tale".
Enjoy your visit with your parents.
Have a wonderful day!
Ana Paula.

Anonymous said...

Love the finish on this piece, Care. The leaves/letters are adorable. I continue to be in awe of your talent. Thanks for sharing your NC adventure-beautiful. Have a good visit with Mom and Dad.

Anonymous said...

Love the finish on this piece, Care. The leaves/letters are adorable. As always--in awe of your talent. Thanks for sharing your trip--beautiful area. Have a good visit with mom and dad.

Giovi's Creations said...

I have enjoyed (so much!) your post :) Very nice mini pillows, amazing trip and photos! (I really love the bird picture!)Thanks for sharing your experiences with us :) Giovi

Solstitches said...

What a lovely picture show Carol.
It looks as though you enjoyed a wonderful anniversary trip.
I love the way you finished the PS piece - just beautiful!
Hugs,
Margaret

Michelle said...

Oh my beautiful stitching and stunning photos x

Barbi said...

Oh Carol! You took a dream vacation! I absolutely love road trips! In fact hubby and I are planning to take a road trip up to Alaska in the summer. Fingers crossed. The spots that you encountered were beautiful! LOL at the bird! Yup..you're a good little blogger..nice photography! LOL Have a good visit with your parents. see you when you get home :)

Friendship Crossing said...

wow! LOVE how your autumn pillow turned out Carol! It's darling!

I'm guessing black cats for Oct! Seems fitting~ha.

Tanya

Cindy's Stitching said...

very nice finishes carol. your vacation looked beautiful. thank you for sharing with us. have a safe trip to see your parents.

Jackie's Stitches said...

I love that area of the country - it's stunningly beautiful. What trails did you feature in this post?

Thankfully the bird was rescued! It would not have been a nice homecoming.

Marsha said...

Looks like a little house wren to me. They are always trying to spend the night in our garage and sneak in to our sunroom when we leave the sliders open. They also like to try and nest in unusual places (wreaths on doors, hanging plants and planters, boots etc.) silly ,funny birds.

Love the Biltmore and those mountains. I'm going to guess pumpkins for Oct. stitching.

Lois said...

What wonderful photographs already from your trip Carol. So glad you'd a nice time and so glad you found your visitor before you left! Love your PS finish from the stitching and the finishing! Hope you have a good visit with your parents.

priscilla said...

Love your two finishes Carol ! I am going to guess pumpkins for your theme, but it will most likely be something else like cats or crows ! :) Your vacation photos look wonderful ! Can't wait to see the rest of your "bowl" ! Hope your visit to your parents is a good one !

♥ Nia said...

Hahahahahahah I love that! Bloggers first rule = run for your camera! Hahahahahahah when something happens, we know what to do ;) LOL :D
Ohhh you were lucky! I was reading and thinking about it! What if you hadn't seen the bird before you leave? What would you have waiting for you on the return? Ufff! Good thing you found the little guy just in time :p
Love both your finishes! Both so pretty, great colors :D what will the next theme be? Pumpkins? Heheheh :)
Wonderful photos! :D very peculiar mushrooms!
Hugs&smiles

valerie said...

Thank you so much for the spooky pinpillow Carol! I love it! I have it out and displayed near my tv where I can see it. Will have to take a photo soon to post. Love your PS finish too. You whipped that one up fast. Love the trim combo. I am so glad you had a wonderful trip in NC. Your photos are great and the Biltmore Estate...wow! I am glad you heard that bird before you left. Can you imagine what could have happened. Poor house and poor birdie! Safe travels to NY dear friend!

Ellen said...

Gorgeous stitching and finishing! I love PS's design and autumn. two of my favorite things!

Thanks for sharing your travel photos. they are so beautiful! I just got back from Taiwan myself, it's always great to be home!

Hugs.

Девушка с пяльцами said...

Dear Carol,

Your autumn stitching are adorable, and the pictures are so nice! Love them!

Shirley said...

Hi Carol,
Autumn Leaves is beautiful - your finishes are always so pretty and unique. Happy anniversary.
kind regards,
Shirley

Mindi said...

Lovely finishes, I like how you only used a portion of the PS chart to stitch a small. Your traveling pictures look like you had a lot of fun and had some beautiful scenery.

Catherine said...

You've certainly been on the go, Carol! I love the Biltmore Estate and the surrounding areas. So glad you found that little bird before you left!
Love your finishes!!

Angela said...

I only travelled through a small portion of North Carolina but it was beautiful and I would love to have explored some more. It looks like you had a lovely time :)

I REALLY, really love your Autumn Leaves finish! My guess is your theme is Black Cats????

Unknown said...

I like your works !
Pat

Brigitte said...

Such nice fall stitching - and finishing! For me, Prairie Schooler has some of the most beautiful fall patterns, all of them worth stitching.
And oh, your trip must have been awesome. Thanks for sharing all the beautiful pictures. I just love doing some armchair travelling when I can't travel myself, lol.
Hmmm, your October theme could be crows, or fall leaves? No matter what you choose, it will be eye candy to see your new little pillows.

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Hum... will the bowl be filled with beautiful, colored leaves? Great beginning. I'm so glad you had a nice anniversary and safe travels. Hope the visit in NY is going well, too. Thanks for sharing the photos. Some wonderful sights to see. Be well.

Kate said...

Beautiful stitching. Love the holiday snaps.

Edit said...

Carol, your PS finish is absolutely beautiful. I am in love with this design, so colourful, so much autumn. Ohhh :)

Your holiday photos are also beautiful, seems like you had a wonderful time. Here we are finally getting some cold, I was really looking forward to it as this summer was way too hot and long.

Best wishes, Edit

Dani - tkdchick said...

Oh I bet your October bowl will be filled with black cats to chase away those pesky squirrels!

Looks like you had a fantastic anniversary trip!

Meari said...

Beautiful vacation photos, Carol. Looks like you had a great time!

I'm so glad you found the little birdie before you left.

Wonderful stitching as always. I'm going to have to try the ric-rac. I have a bunch in my sewing stash. How do you get your pillows stuffed so perfectly?

Parsley said...

Love all the pics. and especially love the stitched pieces. My fingers are not as fast as my wish list grows.

Terry said...

Your finishing really sets off your stitching! Thank you for being kind to newcomers, and being positive in general!

Michelle said...

Lovely stitching and finishing - I love Autumn Leaves! Such beautiful pics - thanks for sharing!

Lynn said...

You are so creative Carol! I never would have thought of using the two fabrics as you did to finish the pillow. It looks amazing!
The little Boo finish is a favourite of mine and I can speak from experience since I'm the other recipient of this stitch! It was one of my first giveaway wins.

Looks like you and your hubby had a wonderful trip. Such beautiful scenery.

Karoline said...

Your Autumn finishes are lovely, I really like how you finished the PS pillow.

That was quite a start to your trip, I'm glad you found the bird before you went. Your photo's are gorgeous, I'm looking forward to hearing more about your trip.

Vinniey said...

Beautiful finished for your autumn stitching! The fabrics and ric rac you've chosen are very well combination. Always love your finishing, Carol! Thanks for sharing all those beautiful pictures of your anniversary vacation. Very nice scenery! Wish you have a wonderful time with your parents and look forward to see more of your autumn finishing. {{{hugs}}}

Nicky said...

As ever Carol, your stitching finishes are beautiful, lovely to see your autumn themed stitched pieces.
Your travel photos are beautiful, 'one day' I am going to visit your wonderful country..... and I hope you are having a lovely time with your parents.

Valma said...

ho my ! I can't believe I'm so late in my blogs readings :-/
sorry sweetie
it seems you had a great trip and you shared with us fantastic pictures
the castle is amazing, and indeed, it looks like a French castle
we visited Blois during our vacations and there's the very same stairs outside !!
I know, I have to post pictures of this ....
I love your little pillow
as always each detail is perfect
is Pumpkin the theme for the new bowl ?? =)
have a great weekend
big big hugs
xxxxxxxx

Anne said...

Love your PS finish Carol! It's adorable...and yes I used to jump in the leaves too!! So much fun! Great little gift you made for Valerie! Those photos are gorgeous of your trip!! Grandfather mountain is amazing. My hubby and I would've loved hiking it too :D

Hugs!!

Kay said...

All of your finishes through the months are so very beautiful as always! The photos are amazing, I always enjoy looking through what you share!

Alissa said...

Thanks for sharing these photos, Carol. They're wonderful!

As always, your finishes are perfect. Your blog is still my favorite!

Anonymous said...

Hello

I found your blog through visiting Cucki.
Your finishes are lovely.
Your photos are stunning, thank you for sharing. Love the little birdy!

Bekca said...

What gorgeous photos! I can't wait to here all about your road trip. Travelling across America is something I really want to do one day :)
Beautiful stitching too. I'm going to take a guess and say your theme for October will be black cats? I know you have a soft spot for them :)
Have a wonderful time in New York, best wishes.

BARBARA said...

Carol, I love that you take motifs from a wide selection and make them your own....all your finishes are wonderful once again. I have searched for Boo Web but it must be OOP...would you ever lend it out for a short while? When you come to see your parents, you should give Maureen and me a call and we would love to take you to lunch..

Patty C. said...

Your smalls are always so lovely - This blog is definitely one of my favorite stops :)

Jackie said...

Carol,
Am I ever always late to the party. LOL. What a lovely post you have again. Loving all the beautiful finishes and your travel photos. I especially love the Biltmore Estate photo.
Gosh what story telling of the bird. Glad you came to it's recue before heading out.
Hummmm...monthly theme? Cats!!!
I will look forward to your post to see if I guess correctly.
Take care,
Jackie

Marianne said...

I don't now if you reading this after so many beuatifulle comments, but I wil tell you I LOVE your stiches !

Quiltsmiles said...

Welcome Home. Glad you had a nice trip and even more glad that you found that little bird inside before you left.
I just can't imagine what might have been, not pretty that's for sure. Your stitchings are pretty as usual and love that acorn tassel you thought of and made, too cute. Jane

liefdevoortextiel said...

This blog is beautiful!

Nancy M said...

OMG, I'm almost a month behind! All you finishes are wonderful, as always. We visited the Biltmore years ago....probably around 20. I still remember it and the locusts that were hatching! We also white water rafted under the bridge you took a picture of! We've done that 2 times actually! Off to check out your latest post now.

Nancy M said...

OMG, I'm almost a month behind! All you finishes are wonderful, as always. We visited the Biltmore years ago....probably around 20. I still remember it and the locusts that were hatching! We also white water rafted under the bridge you took a picture of! We've done that 2 times actually! Off to check out your latest post now.

Kay said...

Lovely finishes!! Thanks for sharing the photos of the beautiful scenery. I love the estate that you visited, very breathtaking