Here is my second finish of the year…not saying much since it is already April. However, it was a fun project. The pattern is from french designer by the name of Isabelle Haccourt Vautier called “A Bicyclette.” I purchased the pattern from a little needlework shop in Colorado called Stitcher’s Garden. They have a section of their shop and webpage called “The French Quarter.” This section has this pattern and many other lovely French patterns. It is a really nice shop with fair prices and wonderful people! The sampler worked up quickly and was fun to do. It was done on 32 ct. Belgian Linen with Threadworx overdyed, slightly variegated thread, Woodlawn Green #1048. I have already prepared it for framing. It’s an odd size so I will probably have to mat and frame it myself…too expensive to have it done. Oh…and I really do love to ride my bicycle!
I’m working now on cleaning up my art room so that I can actually walk into the room and get to my sewing machine. I have a LOVELY art room, but sadly this winter I’ve just piled things into the room and can’t work in it anymore! Hopefully, it will be done before too long.
I took the day off last Friday and went to the International Quilt Show with two of my friends. Bought a tool I probably didn’t need and a pattern I think I already had, but the day was fun. On Saturday I went to a church luncheon and was thrilled to see so many people who have moved away, but returned to share the luncheon with us. There were over 100 women there and it was a beautiful day. On Sunday I went to a wedding shower luncheon for the young man who lives across the street from us (he has a lovely bride-to-be). It was especially fun because many neighbors attended and would you believe that it was the first time in 35 years that all of us neighbors had sat down together at the same time for a lovely lunch! Now we plan to make it a regular thing! What fun.
Happy Spring…Happy Easter to all. On Sunday, my daughter, son-in-law and their two children, and my son and his wife and their two children will be coming for dinner. I am happy to have them and have been already preparing for the day. It is good to be busy with things I love. 
My two days off were most enjoyable. I spent the first day with my two good friends, Joan and Pat. They are the kind of friends that support you…no matter what! We attended a workshop given by 
Just wanted to share with you a surprise gift from my friend Yvette, who lives in Switzerland. It came in the mail totally unexpected. She is such a lovely artist. She painted the beautiful handmade card and knit the lovely socks for me. She included a box of special sharp pins and a pretty calendar of gorgeous mountains. There were also two DELICIOUS chocolate bars (they were gone before I could take a photo.) Thank you again Yvette. What a delight!
I confess to spending a good part (actually MOST) of my weekend being depressed over the overwhelming busy-ness of my job. What was 2 half days per week for ten years, went quickly into three full days and now five full days. And actually I take a LOT of work home with me especially on the weekends. I retired fully ten years ago, was called back to work “just a little” and wonder how I got to be where I am today. I agreed to a special project last Fall…which is now finished, but five other projects have taken its place.!! I thought with the economy I’d just ride it out….but this weekend I began to wonder.
Averyclaire 