Golly, tomorrow’s August already! It’s been a busy summer. My DH and I traveled to southern Indiana with our RV for a week to the NMRLA June festival and then again in the RV we spent four days in Shipshewana, IN in July. I won’t bore you with photos, but we had VERY relaxing trips. A good part of my days this summer have been spent preparing for a class that I and my friend, Elizabeth, will be teaching for the Great Lakes Region of the EGA in September. More about that in a future post.
In the last few months I have also done a LOT of dog sitting. It’s funny that now my grandchildren are growing up and have no need of “babysitting”…I now am requested for “dog” sitting. I was just beginning to fall in love with “Ollie” the King German Shepherd and alas, he passed away suddenly last week. Previously I didn’t understand what grief was in losing a pet, but I sure do now! Rest in peace my friend….
There have been LOTS of finishes gone through my studio, but since I haven’t posted for so long, I will show them just a few at a time.
Marcia stitched this lovely patriotic piece (from With Thy Needle and Thread designed by Brenda Gervais) and I added a little ribbon with a rusty pin and some buttons on the back.
Candice was busy with these beautiful pieces from the Plum Street Serial Bowl Collection. On the first flat fold I added some little buttons across the bottom and on the second flat fold some french knots did the trick. It’s so nice to have flat folds that can be folded up and put away so you can change up your cross-stitch displays often.
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Pat requested more pillows and provided fabric for me. The first is a stunning Patriotic theme by Shepherd’s Bush to which I added three large buttons on the back. The second one is a lovely sentiment from Victoria Samplers by Cathy Jean’s Designs. I found the perfect little secret heart charm to add!
There are LOTS more finishes to post, but that is all for now! Thanks to everyone for your faithful following! Love hearing from everyone!
Amities, Averyclaire
Averyclaire 
artbjc@aol.com
Jul 31, 2016 @ 17:30:17
Very nice post with more of your talents showing Thanks for sharing, I do enjoy it.
averyclaire
Jul 31, 2016 @ 18:17:12
Thank YOU for taking the time to read and comment. It makes my day!!! Hugs!
Anne Leonas
Jul 31, 2016 @ 19:44:05
Beautiful finishes, Karen! You have some talented clients, too.
So sorry about your grandpup.
averyclaire
Jul 31, 2016 @ 19:48:59
Thank you for your condolences. Ollie was a sweet dog. Yes, my clients do exquisite work and it is an honor to finish for them…including your lovely work!
Alice C.
Jul 31, 2016 @ 21:05:02
Lovely finishes! I love seeing them.
averyclaire
Jul 31, 2016 @ 21:05:45
TY Alice. Your kind words mean a lot to me!
Cheryl
Jul 31, 2016 @ 21:50:59
Lovely finishes – just perfectly coordinated!
So very sorry to hear about Ollie- losing a family friend is so hard.
averyclaire
Aug 01, 2016 @ 02:44:46
Thank you Cheryl. I was delighted to work on these pieces. And yes, Ollie was a great loss to my daughter’s family and to all who came to love him, including my DH and myself.
Annie
Aug 01, 2016 @ 06:00:04
Beautiful finishes! Love the thought you put in to them with the added buttons and charms. Each one is very special.
Sorry about Ollie. Easy to get very attached to a dog like that!
averyclaire
Aug 01, 2016 @ 07:00:34
Thanks so much Annie. I love adding special little touches. Yes I loved Ollie,but more than that… Ollie loved ME. He always gave his “Nana” a special welcome!
KerryCan
Aug 01, 2016 @ 06:17:28
What a gorgeous dog! I’m so sorry he’s gone and I do understand the depth of loss one can feel when a pet dies. On a happier note, your finishes are beautiful and the needlework of your clients is inspiring!
averyclaire
Aug 01, 2016 @ 07:03:23
Thanks Kerry. Ollie was a grandma’s delight!! I have to truly enjoy my clients work because since I began finishing I find no time to do my own stitching or quilting!
Jackie
Aug 01, 2016 @ 10:12:51
Ollie looks like a handsome guy! So sorry to hear of his passing. We lost our Cody this year and it’s very hard.
Your finishes are gorgeous as always!
averyclaire
Aug 01, 2016 @ 10:14:00
So sorry to hear about Cody. It is devastating! Hope you retreat was super!
Marlene Bush
Aug 01, 2016 @ 10:17:05
Always you show us such beautiful things! I’m so sorry for your loss – pets are part of our families and we grieve them when they’re gone. blessings, marlene
averyclaire
Aug 01, 2016 @ 10:19:02
Thanks Marlene. I think your own work is just as lovely! We all miss Ollie very much!
Margaret
Aug 01, 2016 @ 15:49:00
Beautiful work! As always. I’m sorry that Ollie died. It’s never easy to lose a furry friend, even if he’s not your own.
averyclaire
Aug 01, 2016 @ 17:29:31
Thanks Margaret. Everyone learned to love Ollie. The house is empty without him. He has a special place in our hearts.
Carol
Aug 07, 2016 @ 12:38:07
Your finishes just keep getting better and better, Karen! I love each and every one… I’m not surprised that you’ll be teaching a class–I’m sure the attendees will be thrilled to get some of your finishing tips 🙂
So sorry about Ollie–the death of a pet leaves a hole in our hearts for a long, long time. I still miss my old cat, Shadow, and it’s been 8 years!
Wishing you a lovely August with lots of stitching time 🙂
Brigitte
Aug 20, 2016 @ 11:40:32
Such beautiful finishing that you were doing. I particularly love the flat folds.
Looking forward to reading more about the class you will teach.
averyclaire
Aug 20, 2016 @ 13:57:17
Hi Brigitte…thanks for your kind words. I will be posting about the class soon. It is a French boutis needle case I am teaching for the Great Lakes Region of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America. I have also designed three French Boutis Christmas ornaments which will come out at the end of September.