I just got back to Iowa from my trip down to Mississippi and I have some personal stitching stuff I want to post before I do an SBQ, but never fear… hopefully I will have some time tomorrow to post the SBQ. 
Anyway, today I had my second happy dance of 2006 and the first one that I can share a picture of. Even though it is a gift for my sister I don’t think she reads this blog, so I am going to go ahead and post this picture of the baby sampler that I did for my nephew. It is a companion piece to the one I did for my niece in 2000 and once I present this one to my sister at her (late) baby shower on Friday, I will try and get a picture of the two samplers together.
While I was at Dawn’s, I did manage to get a little bit of stitching done… even though we talked and talked so much that I didn’t stitch at even close to the rate that I normally do! 
In Mississippi I decided to start on my square for Jo’s round robin. Her theme is “Spring Around the World” and I decided to stitch a Pam Kellogg freebie that can be found on the Kreinik site called “Keeping the Eggs Dry.” I stitched this pattern a couple of years ago for myself before I found a place that sells Kreiniks. When I did it then I just substituted some rayon thread and it is very cute, but this time around I have the Kreiniks and I think it is going to look even better.
And in addition to all that, I am sure you are all dying to know what I have picked up during my stash shopping the States, so here is a run down: 
- Magazines:
- The Cross Stitcher, February 2006
- Cross-Stitch and Needlework, March 2006
- Cross Country Stitching, Folk Art ABCs 2006, Spring Special 2006
- Charts
- Cat’s Eyes: Just-a-Chart, Janlynn
- Gift of Music: Just-a-Chart, Janlynn
- Home of a Needleworker: Little House Needleworks
- Britty Kitties I: Brittercup Designs
- Once Upon a Time: Butternut Road
- Shimmering Mermaid: Mirabilia
- Pins and Needles: Prairie Schooler
- Country Seasons: Prairie Schooler
- Tricky Treats: Calico Crossroads
- Summer’s Magic: Dragon Dreams
- Kits:
- Nature Patchwork: Stitcher’s Gallery
- Domestically Challenges: Dolly Mamas
- Fabric:
- One piece “Natural” 32 count linen
- Miscellaneous:
- 1 5” Hoop
- 1 6” Hoop
- 2 Bobbin Packs of 50
- 1 Set of 2” Rings
- 2 Packs of Needles (24s & 26s)
- 1 Large Bobbin Box
- 2 Small Bobbin Boxes
- 2 Bead Boxes
- 1 Pattern-a-Day 2006 Calendar
- 2 Yards of Finishing Fabrics and Notions
- Over 100 Skeins of DMC floss at 24-68 cents a skein!
Yeah, I’ve made out like a bandit, haven’t I? 
Annette says:
The baby sampler is adorable.
I stitched the Gift of Music (from a kit) a couple of years ago for my BIL. It is quick project. All your other goodies sound wonderful. It is fun to stash shop.
I am looking forward to upcoming Markey Day where many new items will be calling my name.
happy stitching,
Annette
9 February 2006 at 05:08
Leslie says:
i love the birth announcement you stitched for your sister. It has such great colors. I am sure she will love it!
Great stash too. Have fun stitching it all!!
9 February 2006 at 05:23
Vash says:
Wow, what a lot of stash - sound like you had fun. I hope you don’t have to pay excess baggage on it during your return to Germany!
9 February 2006 at 08:56
Chiara says:
Hi Renee,
the baby sampler is lovely”!!! I love the colour very much!!!
9 February 2006 at 09:10
Gosia says:
The sampler is adorable
and the birdie is soo cute.
Congratulations on the great haul, I can’t even imagine how you must feel to be able to visit a real LNS, and this with a stitching friend!
9 February 2006 at 13:43
Juanita says:
Congrats on your finish. What a terrific stash haul! I hope you enjoy all of it.
9 February 2006 at 14:07
Jo says:
I love the birth announcement Renee - I’m sure your sister will love it too. I can’t wait to see my RR, I love the design you chose
9 February 2006 at 14:34
Shannon L. (nacl4y) says:
Welcome back ! Adorable baby sampler
Love the colours ! And that Pam Kellog one has always been a favourite of mine. Congrats !
9 February 2006 at 15:45
Von says:
That’s a good stash list, Renee, but I think you left some things in the shop - you may need to go back! Lol! Just trying to enable you a little.
9 February 2006 at 17:17
Jenna says:
Beautiful job on the birth sampler, Renee! Your sister is going to love it.
And a nice stash haul; appropriately sized to your visit. In fact, I think you should squeeze a little bit more in! 
10 February 2006 at 02:17