Friends | Averyclaire

Family, Friends, Fun, Finishing!

08 Jun 2016 15 Comments

by averyclaire in Cross-Stitch, Family, Finishing, Flat Folds, Friends, Mother's Day, Needlework Tags: Cross-Stitch, Family, Finishing, Flat Folds, Friends, Needlework

I know :((…I haven’t posted for a LONG time. Where oh where did the month of May go?

There was Senior Prom for grandson, Noah, a quick trip to Minnesota, planting flowers at the cemetery, Mother’s Day, 8th grade dinner dance for Sophia, a retreat in Spring Green, WI, and a tour of Taliesin, graduations, dance recital, gardening, and, of course, finishing!

Senior Prom

Sophia 8th Grade Dance

A visit to the Mall of America, in Bloomington, MN for a few days with my DH. Very relaxing, fun and a sight to behold with 520 shop and 50 restaurants! And then on to Mother’s Day!

Me, Daughter-in-Law Heather, Granddaughter Haley (15) and Heather’s Mom Carol

Oh…and I mustn’t forget grandson, Max (12) and his band finale…he plays alto sax.

Max and friend

A Stitching Retreat at Country Sampler in Spring Green, WI with five other fun friends for three days. Country Sampler is a lovely Quilt/Needlework Shop. It is chock full of primitive patterns both quilting and needlework, bundles of wool, and beautiful civil war style quilts. Also did a tour of Taliesin (you can see photos on Southpaw Stitcher blog).

Pat sneaked a photo of me, so I sneaked a photo of her!!!

May was also for graduation. My grandson, Noah (18), graduated from Marian Catholic High School. His sister, my granddaughter, Sophia (14), graduated from 8th grade at Mother Theresa Catholic Academy. And my little granddaughter, Maya (4), graduated from pre-school in Boulder, CO! We are so proud of all of them! It was a marathon weekend.

Noah and Sophia Graduation Sophie Graduation

Nick, Daughter Kathleen, Sophia and Noah

Granddaughter Maya (almost 5)

Son Michael, Maya, DIL Michelle from Colorado

This was also the month for Sophia’s dance recital. She is a talented, graceful, lovely dancer in all forms of dancing with a strong stage presence in everything. She was in 9 different performances with 9 different dances and celebrated her 10th year of dancing. It was an amazing 3-1/2 hour performance!

Sophia the Ballerina with friends-2015--11147038_10206805162914044_4439362826344153845_n

Sophia in Center

The garden needed a lot of attention. After a walk in the wee-early morning hours, I tried to spend a couple of hours a day working outside. Hard on the old body, especially the knees (even with professional knee pads)!!!

And then there was the joy of FINISHING!

Pat L. stitched this beautiful Merry Christmas.

Tina stitched two Halloween pieces…what fun to have these ready for the Fall to come! I added a little spider and web to this first one and a bright orange ribbon to the second!

Pat L. also stitched two fun quite large pillows. Both are lovely, but I am awed by her bright pink pillow!

CSC_0826

Marcia T. stitched this special seasonal Prairie Schooler piece and chose a flat fold finish for easy storage. I hope one day to do one of these for myself. Love it!

The Southpaw Stitcher, my prolific stitching friend, quickly finished this lovely May piece and also chose a flat fold.

And Vivian loves to do primitive pieces and finished another pillow…this one for Halloween! She loves to antique her fabric before she stitches! Nice work!

And last but not least for the finishes that I am able to show this month is a special order from The Tinsmith’s Wife for some tea bag holders.

Whew….this was a long post!

Summer is finally arrived with crazy weather….cold, hot, cold, hot. But I do love the hot days of summer and love to sit with a cup of tea in my garden! Happy summer to all!

Amities, Averyclaire

Update on the Past Few Months

16 Feb 2012 10 Comments

by averyclaire in Applique, Family, Friends, Quilting, Quilts for Kids Tags: Applique, Friends, Quilting, Quilts for Kids

My days are empty without your blogs and our friendships. So while I cannot promise to blog often, I am back. To all who have written lovely notes I cannot thank you enough. You brighten my day. I am still fighting whatever it is that plagues me, but I am managing better. There are still no answers, nor any cures. I watch my food intake very carefully as there are a lot of foods that will trigger attacks. My DH and I continue to walk most days (except for the bad weather or bitter cold) and the exercise helps. A good portion of my time is taken up with research online and in books learning more and more about my symptoms and how to relieve them. Half my days are good, half my days are not good. So I will share with you my good days and hopefully my spirits will stay up as well.

Unfortunately, there is not much in the way of “Needlearts” to share with you. However, I have recently finished making four “Quilts for Kids” from my stash. Such a good feeling…not just in helping children with cancer, but also a relief to shorten the stash even by a little. And even better, there was a great camaraderie with my fellow quilters in doing this. Here are some photos:

I helped at the Stitch in Public Day with my Needleartisans Group at the beginning of this month. Several of us assisted in teaching women and children to learn cross-stitch and whatever else we could help them with. My granddaughter, Sophia (10 years old), was an immense help as well. I taught her to embroider, stitch, and sew last summer. She was thrilled to be a part of our group. (Photos can be seen at Southpaw Stitcher entry of Feb. 4th.) I have also taken the job of treasurer for this group. It’s not a lot of work and I truly enjoy the new friends I have met and work with each month.

I completed the dining room renovation for my daughter….her draperies are now hung. You can’t see the draperies…but here is a photo of Sophia and her Dad in the dining room getting ready for the “Daddy/Daughter Dance.”

At home here after the holidays I worked very hard at de-junking everywhere I could (especially my studio). Still have lots of work to do…but so satisfying. I have lost three sizes during my illness and many of my clothes need to be packed up and taken to the resale shop. Lots more to do.

There are no new needlework projects to show, but I have been working diligently to finish some old ones. I am very sad that I have not done anything wonderful in the needlearts area. One does not feel much like creating when one does not feel well. However, my unfinished applique quilt is coming along quite nicely. I have completed 11 blocks, am in the middle of 12…and have four more after this. Then I will have three quilts in my possession simply waiting to be quilted. I had BETTER GET BUSY..!! Here are photos of the three additional blocks I have finished.

My new granddaughter, Maya, is growing quickly. She is 7 months old already! I miss her so much. They were here in Chicago for a week during the holidays. But my DS and DIL keep my inbox filled regularly with photos. Don’t you just LOVE technology?! Hope to see her for her birthday in Boulder, CO sometime this summer.

Well I think that is enough news for now. Wish I had accomplished more during these past few months…alas…tomorrow’s another day. For now I am happy to be back and will spend some time catching up on all of your blogs as soon as I can. Thank you again for your kind notes.

Amities, Averyclaire

It’s My Birthday…Yesterday!

04 Nov 2011 9 Comments

by averyclaire in Birthdays, Friendship, Gifts, Gratitude, Thank You, Uncategorized Tags: Birthday, Friends, Gifts, Gratitude, Thank You

When one gets to be an “older” woman….one prefers to pretend one’s birthday is just another day. However, secretly I am deeply grateful to my friends and family who went out of their way to make this a very special day.

I received some lovely emails today from some dear friends all the way from France and Belgium, a lovely note from my son and his wife, some from my nieces, many from needlework and quilting friends, other long-time friends, and sisters, Barb & Bonnie, Barb even sent me a some special internet gifts. And there were lots of special phone calls too and a video message from my new 4 month old granddaughter, Maya. I am SO humbled and grateful. Thank you to each of you.

I share with you some photos of other gifts I received in addition to the beautiful Eiffel Tower scissors and books I showed you last post. The other gifts must remain anonymous! Shhhhhh…I’ll never tell….Smile.

My SIL Judy, and friend, Kay, sent me this lovely teacup bouquet to brighten my day. Thanks again, Judy and Kay.

And what a surprise when Southpaw Stitcher made this lovely pincushion for me. It really says a LOT! Thank you so much Pat…yes, friendship DOES grow.

And My friend Jodi equally surprised me when she presented me with this lovely pincushion (filled with sand) handmade by a friend of hers. This one came all the way to me from Washington state. And isn’t this a beautiful card. Thank you Jodi…how kind and thoughtful to think of me while you were away!

I still do some computer work at home for the Augustinian priests and brothers and my boss, Fr. Mike, thoughtfully, sent me this plant with lovely lavender flowers along with a promise of prayers and Mass celebrated in my honor. Thanks so much…I miss all of you.

So you see…..amidst all the “to do” that one really doesn’t want to remember that one is ANOTHER year older…..it is really nice to be remembered. I SO appreciate all of the good wishes and prayers and gifts.

And I plan to keep on celebrating my birthday all month long. After all it comes only once a year….so celebrating for one full month is certainly in order!

Gratefully, Averyclaire

Gifts

28 Jan 2010 4 Comments

by averyclaire in Friends, Gifts, Thank You Tags: Friends, Gifts, Moroccan slippers, Thank You

I had a birthday in November and wanted to show you a couple of very special gifts I received from my good friend, Maggy, who lives 4,000 miles away from me. She spent several months living in Morocco with her husband on an extended holiday. They sent me this beautiful little treasure…lovely, pale lilac, Moroccan slippers. I was thrilled when they arrived. Aren’t they the best? So unusual…at least where I live they are!!! The leather is so soft and pliable and the color so delicate. Maggy sent me quite a few other lovely gifts as well…too many to show at this time. I will never catch up on showing all the beautiful things I have received from my friends. I love them ALL, Maggy, thank you again.

And as another special surprise she had French designer, Marie Therese St. Aubin, send me one of her patterns that I simply adore….It is called “L’Adieu.”

There is even a lovely note to me signed by Marie Therese herself. I was delighted beyond anything when I opened the package. It is so special I couldn’t believe it!

So then of course, I immediately ordered some delicate silk thread for this beautiful pattern. It will surely take me quite some time to complete as there are never enough hours in the day. And here I sit playing on my computer, posting, and surfing blogs!!! I must remember…less computer…more sewing!!!

And last but NEVER least….I received the most wonderful gift from another friend, Nicole. She also lives 4,000 miles away and is a lovely and talented artist. Her designs are more and more beautiful each time I see one. She created for me this lovely notebook cover for Christmas. Thank you again, Nicole, I love the batiks and your art is exquisite!!

All of us have the most wonderful friends. We must remember how fortunate we are. I am grateful. Thank you to ALL of my good friends out there. I couldn’t live my life without your friendship and support. Averyclaire

Happy Thanksgiving

26 Nov 2009 2 Comments

by averyclaire in Family, Friendship, Gratitude, Thank You Tags: Family, Friends, Gratitude, Thank You

For all of my blogging friends I am grateful on this special day.

For my family…my husband, my children, my grandchildren, our extended families and ALL of our friends, we are grateful. We are grateful to be alive and well right now and happy. And we are grateful for our times of trial and illness which help us to see our days in a different light. I am even grateful for the job I sometimes wish I did not have, as so many people today have no job and desperately need one. I am grateful for the men and women who are serving in foreign countries to try to keep our world a safe place for all of us.

But most of all, I am grateful to God for the gifts of love and friendship he has given to each one of us.

In Gratitude….Thank you my friends, Averyclaire

PIF Gifts Mailed to Recipients

07 Nov 2009 7 Comments

by averyclaire in Award, Cross-Stitch, Embroidery, Friendship, Gifts, Quilting Tags: Cross-Stitch, Friends, Gifts, Needlework, Quilting

Here are two gifts I made and finally completed for a Pay It Forward. Last Fall I received a Pay It Forward award (a lovely temari ball) from Jane at World Embroideries and now after eleven months, I have finally sent my Pay It Forward awards to the two people who won them on my blog. For Anne at Nanouanne, I made a needlework biscornu. I forgot to take a photo of the biscornu I made, but Anne took a lovely photo of it and she is letting me use her photo for my blog.

biscornu

And for Karol at Rosebud’s Stitching I made a small Amish Friendship Basket Wall Hanging. I forgot to take a photo of Karol’s finished gift as well, but here is a photo of one exactly the same as I made for Karol…only Karol’s had a different binding. AmishBaskets

Both items were made in friendship. I chose a quilted piece for Karol because she is an expert needleworker and is not a quilter that I know of. And for Anne who does lovely quilting and is an artist in many areas including Art Trading Cards, I thought to make a cross-stitched piece because I don’t think she does cross-stitching. I just wanted their gifts to be different. It was a fun thing to do to send a surprise in the mail. Amities, Averyclaire

Good News

17 Aug 2009 9 Comments

by averyclaire in Family, Friendship, Gratitude, Hope Tags: Family, Friends, Gratitude, Hope

It was a long week, but the news is good. They have removed all of the cancer present at this time. Perhaps there were angels watching over us. My DH will begin chemotherapy in September. It will last for seven weeks and then once a month for a year. It is a long road to complete recovery. And always looming over one’s head is the possibility of a reoccurence. But we are grateful for today and are hopeful for the future.

I confess to having a meltdown this week. I think I cried for five days straight. The emotions of the past months finally came out and wouldn’t stop. But I am fine now. And we are planning a two week vacation for ourselves soon. I need to be away from work and we both need to be away from doctors and hospitals.

Life is different now. It is what it is, but it does not mean that we cannot enjoy life and each other. I look forward to our time out west for a bit of rest and relaxation.

Thanks for all your notes and emails. I am grateful for your friendship. Averyclaire

Happy Spring…Happy Easter

11 Apr 2009 9 Comments

by averyclaire in Family, Friendship Tags: Family, Friends

Girl with Umbrella 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.

Fabric Box 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 Barb Pelowski on making small boxes from fabric. The boxes are made with mat board inside and out. The mat board is covered with thin batting and fabric. The box was easy and fun to make. And best of all, it was simply fun to be with Joan and Pat all day long. I know now that I need more time with my friends and will have to fit it into my schedule somehow.
Fabric Box Inside

Cute little box…yes? Perhaps for jewelry, a sewing box, little desk items, etc.

Yvette gifts 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!

Can’t help but take a moment today to reflect on how important friendship is in people’s lives. I know I cannot do without my friends and I treasure them and their friendship. A special thank you to all my friends. I am so LUCKY. Amicalement, Averyclaire

Busy Weekend

10 Nov 2008 4 Comments

by averyclaire in Christmas, Friends, Gifts, Quilting Tags: Boutique, Friends, Wedding

It was a bit busy this weekend, but fun. Friday my husband and I attended a beautiful wedding of the daughter of a long time friend. It’s so nice to be together with good friends. And what a special occasion to share with one another. I recall the weddings of my three like yesterday. Here’s a little collage of the day. I feel like I renew my own vows every time I attend someone’s wedding. How romantic! I have been married for 41 years now. And I think we’ll make it for at least another 20.

Also this weekend was our quilting Holiday Boutique. It is similar to a craft fair, but everything is set up like you were in a large department store…without any vendors. Everything is marked and counted before and after the sale. As I mentioned, part of the proceeds support our quilting group…but more than anything else, it is an all day affair where we get to know one another better, have a good time, laugh and share a bit of ourselves. Everyone who attends says its the best sale of its kind anywhere.

And this lovely lady was made by a dear friend of mine who does absolutely exquisite work. She is a talented artist in all sorts of mediums. Her latest project will be a crazy quilt and I can’t wait to see it.