Stitching, Cooking, and Sewing

Hello Friends!  I hope you are enjoying a lovely August weekend in your neck of the woods.  Ours here in NC has been absolutely glorious.  Not too warm, low humidity, and a nice breeze blowing.  Sure wish it would last more than a couple of days.

Earlier this week I received an early birthday present from dear Chris.

 

It's the latest in the Season's of Chessie series from Old Mill Stitchery!  It is a fabulous kit that includes everything I need to finish the hornbook.  Do you see the cute acorn cut out on the handle?  This is going to be another fun stitch but I have decided to wait until closer to my actual birthday to start it.  Thank you so much Chris - you are the best!

 

One of the reasons I am waiting to start the Chessie kit is because the minute I saw this one my fingers couldn't click over to Etsy fast enough.

 

What a great design.  I would probably be nearly finished with it if I could decide on the floss color for the pumpkin.  The linen I chose is a little lighter, therefore the Ecru gets lost.  I have tried 2 other colors thus far and ended up frogging both of those.  I have my DMC out and since they say the 3rd times the charm, I am hoping the next floss I choose will be the perfect one.

 

Now for the cooking.  Have you seen these packets?

 

 

I stopped by the farm stand and selected these gorgeous Roma tomatoes and this seemed the perfect dish for them.  I wasn't wrong....it was delicious.

 

It doesn't make for a very pretty dish as the balsamic vinegar turns everything a brown color but the flavors were fabulous.

I have been sewing a bit over the past two weeks.  I received my Label Crew package from Sweetwater and couldn't wait to get started.  This month's project was a Halloween Treat basket.
I started out with this simple more rustic looking version.

 

Then I found this word fabric in my stash.

 

And finally, I made a very festive one following the pattern and adding the pointy bits around the top as well as the tag.

 

Now, my problem is that I can't decide which one I like best.   So, I am going to let you help me decide.  Leave me a comment telling me which one is your favorite - rustic, wordy, or festive - and why you like that particular one.  I will draw a name on Monday, September 2nd (That's Labor Day here in the US) and that person will receive their choice in the mail with plenty of time to add it to your Halloween decor.

Remember, you can only choose one and don't forget to tell me why it is your favorite.  :o)

 

I had a different photography assistant today. 

 

And this is the reason she isn't allowed to assist me very often.

(Yes, she still has that ratty rubber football.  I don't have the heart to throw it away, it is her favorite.)

 

Arrrghhh!   She barks at me nonstop because I am busy taking pictures and won't play ball with her.

 

Well, if you have made it this far please know I appreciate each and every one of you.  You are all so encouraging and inspiring.  Here's hoping we all have a wonderful week ahead!