Monday, September 13, 2010

Oh my goodness, Mia! (And All State!!!!!)

Ok, so this post isn't just about Mia.  But I've been wanting to use that for the title of a post for a while now.  After all, I keep finding myself saying it to Mia.  lol!

Ok, first off, I finished the Family Sampler.  It's on silk gauze over one with Belle Soie silks.


I included all of the family's initials at the bottom and the year of our wedding.  Mia's initial is in the upper left hand corner.  :D

I'm going to be taking the Richmond Sampler (Anne Maria Clarke) online class from the Essamplaire.  The online class starts September 15, but I couldn't resist starting it just a tad.  I asked for 40ct fabric, so I'm using everything provided by the class.


This is what the piece will look like.


So gorgeous!!

In other news, we took the girl child back to college on Saturday.  All in all, it was a pretty smooth drop off.  The girl child managed to forget her pillows this time so I just sent them off to her this morning.  (Last time it was the blankets -- and some underwear.)   We forgot the camera yet again, so no pics of her dorm room.

It was weird as it always is to leave the girl child behind.  But it sounds like she's having a good time before classes start.  She's a junior -- unbelievable!

And another piece of news.  I can't believe I forgot to mention it here before now!  When we got back from vacation, a nice big envelope was waiting for the boy child.  He got into the All State Symphony Orchestra!  It's such a huge honor and I'm so proud of him.  He will be performing at the Area All State concert first, and then he will perform in the All State Orchestra in December.  Up in Rochester!  Never been there before, and neither has he!  It will be an adventure!  Of course, the boy child will be all orchestra-ed out by the end of that particular week.  The day after his All State concert, he will have his last non-school orchestra rehearsal, and the day after that (a Tuesday!!) is the actual concert.  Argh!  So he will have a busy time!

I'm actually a bit worried about the boy child's schedule this year.  Not only does he have his class work, his non-school orchestra, Area All State, All State, and his bass guitar lessons.  He also has the EMS Youth Corps (which he joined this summer), and he's auditioning for the bassist for the school's jazz ensemble (which is really good!).  Oh, and he's in a band that he's formed with 2 other kids from school (as the bass player).  Ahem.  I hope he can handle all that!  Of course since he's a junior, there's also the little matter of tests like the PSAT, the SAT, the ACT, the SAT subject tests, -- can you tell I'm worrying?  lol!   Ok, I'll stop now.

Now for the pictures you've probably been waiting for.  No?  Well you'll have to suffer through a couple anyway.  :D


Here's Mia with the girl child before she left for college.  I think Mia is going to miss the girl child very much.  As will we all.


And here's Mia in her favorite place.  Too bad the weather won't allow for the window to be open all the time.

BTW, third year in a row -- US Open men's finals postponed till today, Monday, cause of rain.  Can't wait!  I know I shouldn't say this, but it's rather a relief not to have to sit through a Federer/Nadal match.  :D  I know, sacrilege coming from a Federer fan.  But I can't take the stress.  lol!  I missed most of the semifinal where Federer lost.

Quickly -- forgot to say that the sampler in my header pic is Charlotte Clayton, released by the Northwest Sampler Guild.  I got my chart from Attic Needlework in Mesa, Arizona.   I think they still have the chart available there.

Thanks as always for stopping by and saying hi.  I always enjoy reading your comments and visiting with you.  Have a great week!

49 comments:

BeckySC said...

The family sampler is so gorgeous, Margaret and the verse is spot on for many of us!! HOW pretty :) AND, WOW!!! Your next project is amazing! I look forward to watching it progress :)
Have a most lovely week, friend :)

Sylvia said...

I love the way your family sampler turned out, & of course you had to put Mia's initial on there!!

Your Richmond sampler start is beautiful and it will be a gorgeous sampler.

Congrats to you son on his achievement! I am sure he will handle all that is coming towards him well.

KarenV said...

Your family sampler is beautiful Margaret and I love how you did the personalisation :) Mia is so cute, I love the way she likes to lie on people. Maisie does that, but on our fronts, not our backs.

Congratulations to your DS - that's a great achievement! I hope he manages to fit everything in this year OK.

Berit said...

OMG you always show the most amazing stitching! :o

Mia is looking too adorable, and growing so fast!

And, congrats to your son, too. :)

Edgar said...

The sampler finish is just gorgeous!!! I love the framed pieces form the previous post also -such perfect choices! The RS will be beautiful.

valerie said...

Congrats on your family sampler finish. It's gorgeous! And great start on your Richmond Sampler!

Great news on your son's achievement!

Marjorie said...

I love the way your sampler turned out, it's beautiful! I wish I had some of your speed, haven't accomplished anything in weeks... Your DS's schedule sounds a lot like my musician nephew's--busy, busy busy!

Annie said...

Love the sampler. What a beauty!

Congrats to your son and glad you have Mia to keep you company with your daughter away.

marylin & poussy said...

oh very beautiful !!! I love your blog ! my freind
marylin

Sherry said...

Congratulations to the boy child! What a great achievement for me! I love the Family Sampler and the Richmond Sampler will be beautiful!

Melissa said...

Your Family Sampler is so pretty and you're so clever to include everyone's initials.

I love the Richmond sampler and will look forward to seeing your progress! I just looked and guess I missed the deadline.

Congrats to the boy child! Such accomplishments and you get to enjoy all those wonderful concerts!

Mia is so sweet.

Bertie said...

Gorgeous sampler Margaret, and it looks so good on the gauze, minute stitches!

Well trust you to do this ginormeous sampler, it will be a masterpiece yet again :))

Looks like Mia lives a dog's life lol, she is lovely, btw love the quilt your child is lying on.

Wow how wonderful for your son, you must be so proud of him. Did you manage to see the BBC proms on Saturday night in the USA?? you would love it, there was an American opera singer in the Albert Hall and Neil Sedaka in the Park (Hyde park), fantastic.

Nicole said...

Wow Mia has really grown!! She's so adorable. Congrats on finishing Family Sampler. It turned out so pretty. Love your start on the Richmond Sampler - it's going to be gorgeous!!

Sampler Lover said...

Hi Margaret, wow, your Family Sampler is really lovely. Congratulations on finishing it.
I'm so glad that you got the Richmond Sampler. Isn't it a stunner. It is one of those samplers that grabs you by the heart strings.
Sorry I haven't been in touch recently. Have had a lot of illness in the family. On the good news front. I finished Sophia last night. Yay lol. - Sandra.

Caroline said...

The family sampler is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Wonderful finish and I love that you put the little M for your kitty :-)

We're watching the Open final tonight - recording as we speak, and avoiding all news sources. I also love Federer - such a gentleman. So - looking forward to my stitchy time tonight.

In my real life, I'm also a musician (flute/ piano) and I remember those busy days of youth orchestra, festival competitions, auditions, not to mention the practicing! Your son will do just fine - he's lucky to have a mum who cares so much. My parents never took an interest and I was own my own to sort out scheduling etc. - so good for you!

Michelle said...

COngrats on your beautiful Family Sampler. How perfect you put Mia's initial on there too. And your Richmond Sampler is going to be gorgeous on the 40ct. How fun that you've already started it. Congrats to the boy child on his accomplishment!! WOW!

Jules said...

Love the family sampler! I think it's great that you included Mia's initial as she is part of the family. She is a cute little thing!!!

That new WIP looks like it's going to be HUGE! Good luck and have fun...

Congrats to the Boy child on making All-State! I remember those tryouts from my band days and it can be grueling!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Your Family Sampler is lovely and featured in The Attic Newsletter too...GO MARGARET! And GO GIRL CHILD for a successful junior year in college! And GO BOY CHILD for a successful year in the All State Orchestra and many happy congratulations on being chosen! What an honor! (as I listen to my girl child squeak on her clarinet)...
What a cutie patooty Miss Mia is :)

Liz said...

What a great post Margaret, where to start..? First for me is the photo of Mia and the girl child, love, love it. Classic beauties both of them..
The family sampler is of course fabulous and the new stitching looks amazing. How wonderful that your boy child is achieving so much, busy, busy time for him, it will help him grow and stretch his not inconsiderable talent I imagine..
Have a great week..
Lizzie
xxx

Loretta a/k/a Mrs. Pom said...

Congratulations to the son. That kitty is too cute to be believed!

Cari said...

What a beautiful post Margaret. I love your family sampler...so great that you added the family initials. And that Richmond sampler...what can I say except it is STUNNING! I know you're so very proud of your children and I'm glad you share their accomplishments with us. Then there's sweet Mia...what a darling cat. My heart is happy every time I see a pic of her!! Have a great week my friend!

Laurie in Iowa said...

The Family Sampler is gorgeous. Of course you had to add Mia's initial, she's a member of the family too. I'm looking forward to watching your progress on the Richmond Sampler and all those lovely queen stitches.
Love the quilt the girl child is laying upon... did you make it?

Katrina said...

Gorgeous finish and I love the Richmond Sampler.

Congrats to your DS! Cute pictures of Mia, especially the one of her with her big sister :-).

Kajsa said...

Beautiful finish and new start too!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Your Family Sampler is gorgeous! I'm really drawn to the blue and yellow band at the bottom. I'm glad Mia was included. Your Richmond Sampler looks HUGE! How large does it finish at?

Congratulations to the Boy Child!!! Is he stoked? Don't think about how much he has going on, it will all work out and he probably won't be doing it all at once. He'll probably enjoy every second. You're the one that will be the basket case! :)

Conny said...

You're family sampler is really lovely! I admire all your patience for stitching the big samplers.

Siobhán said...

Congrats on the finish, Margaret! And to the boy child for his accomplishments. Best of luck to the girl child this year, too. :) I can't wait to see your progress on the Richmond Sampler!

Carol said...

Richmond Sampler has always been one of my favorites, Margaret, so I know I will love following your journey as you stitch it!

Love how you included sweet Mia's initial :) And congratulations to your son--I know that is a real honor and the result of years of hard work on his part...

Love to Stitch said...

Outstanding Finish Margaret!! It is simply gorgeous. Looking forward to the Richmond sampler, I cant wait to see more. You asked about the Hank-i-licious, and they come in 40yds of fabulous silk :)!!!! Congrats on your son making All State, it is truly an honor!!!!!

Littlebit said...

Oh Margaret, Margaret..you've done it again. Your Family Sampler is stunning..and that class you are taking--be still my heart!!!! You will get an A+ and we all know it. :) Congrats to your son! What an honor, and I know how proud you are!! That kitty is too cute curled up there on your daughter's back..like--how dare she turn her back on me? LOL! And by the way--I have my iPad now! :)

Mary said...

Another wonderful finish Margaret. Congratulations to your Son on a great achievement. Stop worrying it's good that he has so many interests to keep him occupied. I can imagine how much you must miss your Daughter - I would hate that. Mia is just the sweetest little thing.
Mary

The French Bear said...

Wow, love the sampler, can't wait to see what you do in class....I didn't know you could take classes for stitching, I will have to check it out!!!!
Mia is so sweet, she is still so little!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Cathy Lloyd said...

Oh, oh, oh, LOVE that new sampler online class you are taking. And fabulous, fabulous finish! That little Mia is just darling!

Lois said...

The family sampler is lovely! Like others have said, I love how you included all the initials. Your Richmond Sampler is going to be wonderful! I look forward to watching your progress.

Glad to hear your daughter is safely back to college (they always leave something behind!). Sounds like your son is going to be very busy this year but congrats to him on his fantastic achievement.

Mia is such a sweetheart!

Madre in TN said...

Your work is so beautiful. I ordered Charlotte Clayton from The Attic and started it several weeks ago because I was inspired by your sampler. I love it. And Mia is adorable. Thanks for sharing.

Alice said...

Your family sampler looks great Margaret and I love the way you personalised it. That Richmond sampler sure is a beauty and you are the perfect person to stitch it to perfection. Congratulations on your son's acceptance in the orchestra. What an achievement!! There is no doubt that he is talented and motivated. Give that puddytat a big hug from me. She is a little darling.
Alice
xxx

Melanie said...

Ooo, the kitty is getting BIG!!
Love the family sampler. It came out great. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness you are SO quick with your stitching. It's a beautiful finish Margaret and I just love you upcoming new project. Gorgeous!

One of our older girl's was ALWAYS leaving something behind everwhere she went. LOL!

WOW! Congratulations to your son. He must be one talented young man to have achieved all that he has. Way to go boy child!!

Giovanna said...

Congrats on the gorgeous finish! Great start on the new sampler, I'll greatly enjoy watching this one.

Anonymous said...

The family sampler is just gorgeous! I can't wait to see your progress on the new project- what a beauty!

Jennifer H said...

Ha! By the time I looked at your new sampler from The Essamplaire, I was thinking "That's gorgeous!" and then I scrolled down to read the same thing! LOL

It really is going to be quite stunning! And thank you for the information for Charlotte Clayton! Will have to head on over and find out what it'll cost and all...I have come to a determination that you are one dangerous enabler! Between this one and the Richmond sampler...Ye gods!

Congrats to your DS! How exciting is that, and I can well understand your concerns of him possibly having too much on his plate...you may want to mention it to him, and see what he says, he might surprise you and admit it is all overwhelming and doesn't want to let people down etc. The pressure to fit in or to do extremely well can be such a burden for today's kids, at least it seems that way to me.

Hugs and Love,
Jennifer

woolwoman said...

Hi Margaret - just catching up on blog reading after vacation - LOve your family sampler finish - congrats on making the Attic newsletter - YGG - and OMG that Richmond sampler is exquisite - Just love it ! Thank goodness the registration had closed or I'd be falling on that one - Hopefully it will be available for retail sale after the class. I too have been enchanted by your Charlotte - I have the chart and am going to pick up the linen this weekend. A girl in our local sampler guild is working it too - it is WAY more impressive than when I saw it a year or two ago on Attic news. congrats on your DS appointment to All State - he must be very musically gifted - two have such a fine family is a blessing. Little girl Mia is soooo cute! Can't wait to hear more about the Richmond. Enjoy it ! Melody

Sherry :o) said...

congrats on getting your daughter to school and your son's success with orchestra....the company I work for has a branch in Rochester - although I've never been there.

Love your new on-line course...can't wait to see the progress. Love your family sampler!

Susan said...

Great finish on the family sampler! (That's a LOT of background stitching on silk gauze!!) And a big congratulations to your son!!! He must be really talented and isn't it great to see all the practicing and the lessons pay off?

Karoline said...

Family Sampler is gorgeous, congratulations and a lovely new start

Jules said...

Thanks for you compliment on my Christmas SAL piece. And YES you could do something like that! Just look at what you are working on now and just finished!!! Way more impressive than my lil ole Christmas piece...LOL!

;D

Hazel said...

Just gorgeous!!! I love it. Your next one is going to be great too. xx

Solstitches said...

The family sampler is so lovely and you are already making great progress on your latest start which promises to be stunning.
Congrats to your son. What a proud mom you must be.
Margaret

Karen said...

The Family Sampler is beautiful. You get so much stitching done.