Last Post from Germany
As the title suggests, this will be my last post from Germany. In about 18 hours I will be boarding a plane in Munich and then approximately 8 hours after that, I will be entering the U.S. in Philadelphia and after clearing customs, running across the airport to make my connecting flight. I will be sure to wave to all my Pennsylvania stitching buddies (Cathy, Jenna, and Lynn) as I fly over on my way to Kansas City. 
I haven’t done too much stitching the last few days, but I did manage to stitch up my Crazy Cat Lady Exchange while watching Andre Agassi’s final match at the U.S. Open. I have been a huge fan of Agassi ever since he had hair and I was very sad to see him lose in the third round. I don’t cry very often, but when he made his farewell speech at Arthur Ashe tears were streaming down my face. He was quite a gift to the world of tennis and I have enjoyed watching him mature as an individual as much as I have loved watching him play tennis.
Today is the post day for the Needleroll Exchange and because I wanted to make sure that I had it out of the way before I left, I mailed mine last Friday. And what do you know? My partner received it yesterday! Well, it did only have to go to Sylvie in France after all. 
Above is M Design’s “Sun Needleroll” stitched by me for Sylvie. The needleroll is a bit short and fat because I apparently miscalculated which resulted in my fabric being wider than and not as long as necessary, but I think it adds to the charm of the design.
As you may remember, a good part of this design (i.e., the sun) was stitched over one and though it took me longer than I had planned to stitch it, it was a wonderful experience. The rest of the design had tons of specialty stitches and I made a slight modification on the top and bottom bands: Instead of adding beads (I had already packed them up) I free stitched our names and added a few single cross stitches.
I am quite pleased with the results because I think this is a design that really allowed me to take my stitching to a higher level and I will definitely be stitching it for myself sometime soon!
See you all on the other side! 
5 September 2006 at 18:57
It’s gorgeous! You stitch names so beautifully, I’m quite jealous. Have a safe trip, good luck in Philly, that airport is such a pain!
5 September 2006 at 19:26
Hi Renée! The needleroll you stitched for Sylvie is lovely, and yes, its “fatness” adds to the cute effect.
Have a good, safe trip back HOME!! I’ll be thinking of you
5 September 2006 at 19:36
I think that the short and fat finish really adds to the personality of the needleroll and suits the design quite well! I wouldn’t have known that you didn’t do it that way on purpose if you hadn’t told us.
Have a safe trip, dear lady! I’ll be thinking of you as you whip through the Philly airport.
5 September 2006 at 19:39
I really love my new needleroll, Renée, and you did a wonderful job on it. Thank you very much!and good luck for the future!
(((hugs)))
5 September 2006 at 22:18
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who was crying when Andre made is speach yesterday after he lost his match. I’m sure going to miss him.
Have a safe trip and I’ll look up and wave at you as you fly over CT.
5 September 2006 at 22:39
Hi Renee! What a beautiful needle roll!! I have never stitched one of those before, but I might make that pattern my first! LOL I do wish you safe travels over here to the US! Welcome! We are glad to have you!!
Will miss you while you are en route..but just think of this as a new beginning! 
*BIG HUGS*
X Stitch X
6 September 2006 at 00:03
I love the needle roll! And I wish you all the best in the US!
6 September 2006 at 02:35
good luck, Renee! Have a safe trip!
6 September 2006 at 05:47
Super cute needleroll!! Have a safe and uneventful trip home!
6 September 2006 at 07:36
What a wonderful needleroll! Safe travels to you. Your destination is not too far from where I live, and I have family near there too.
6 September 2006 at 09:02
Your sun neddle roll is very cute!!!
7 September 2006 at 01:24
Your needleroll turned our great, very cute. Have a safe trip.
7 September 2006 at 04:13
I hope you have a great trip!
7 September 2006 at 16:14
Your needleroll looks spectacular. Props on doing all that over one for the sun.
Hope you had a safe flight and are now getting settled in Iowa!
7 September 2006 at 16:14
Renee, have a safe trip home! and your little fattie needleroll is gorgeous! Sylvie will be very pleased.