Meeting Blogging friends face to face!

Only a few years ago, I thought people were NUTS for arranging to meet someone in person after they had been communicating on the Internet. But since then, I have met many ladies whose mutual interest in stitching has brought us together, and I have made friends who I would otherwise never have met. At first, Ken and other family and friends were horrified when I planned to meet people at craft shows, or at their homes, and I had trouble convincing them that these people were middle-aged ladies like myself who shared my interests. But now he doesn't bat an eyelid, and has even met (and liked) many of my new friends!
Today was yet another pleasurable experience, and I hope the start of a long friendship. I met Anne (Feather Stitching) and her delightful Mum at Sharon's (Blank Page) home. Anne and I brought a few items for 'show and tell' and for me, to see Anne's work on her blog is one thing, but the reality is absolutely gorgeous. As well as being a brilliant stitcher, she is a lot of fun. Sharon and Anne will no doubt write up their own thoughts about today on their blogs, so I will not write at length, except to thank Sharon again for opening her home to us until late in the afternoon, providing a delicious lunch, and being her usual cheerful and amusing self. Hope we can do it again sometime soon!

Three pictures..in the wrong order!

Now why did Picassa do that? I downloaded the two pictures of the teacosy - a recent eBay win, and followed that with my latest completed cross stitch project....which landed in between the other two pics! Oh well, it't not that important - just irritating. Isn't this teacosy sweet? Teapot on one side and teacup on the other, very neat stitching, and hand crocheted edge.
The cross stitch of the flowers with teapot and cup took me about a month. My friend Helen had her kitchen renovated last year and I offered to stitch something to hang on a wall, and she said 'yes please!' So I hope she is happy with the result. This was actually done using a kit that another friend gave me, and there was enough floss left over for me to do another of the same for myself if I want to.

Tea cosy - other side.
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This is for a friend's birthday. She has just had her kitchen renovated, so I am hoping it will fit in with her new decor!
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Tea cosy - front.
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Unfinished apron.
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Australia Day, 26th January, 2006.
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Scottie dog apron.

Another eBay win. There is not much to do to finish this apron; just the dog's eye and some flowers on the right hand side. Then the material has to be cut and sewn up into an apron. Just like the other 30 aprons I have in my stash...

I don't usually buy machine embroidered work, as it is not my area of expertise or interest. But the lady who had the other cloth on eBay also had this one listed, and I just couldn't resist bidding for it...well for $12.50, wouldn't you?
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And here is the matching napkin. Aren't they sweet?
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This is one of a set of four napkins I found on eBay a few months ago. I had forgotten to scan them, until I got them out to use at a dinner party where the girls ooed and ahhed over them! Wouldn't they go well with the Crinoline lady cloth? Anyone for afternoon tea?
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The last corner is the mauve lady. But wait - have another look! I have scanned the back of it this time, just to give you an idea of how perfect the stitching is!
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Here is the pink version. How many stitches can you find? The detail on this cloth is extraordinary.
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And the yellow corner.
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This is one corner of my prized Crinoline lady cloth. They are all the same design, but she is in a different colour in each corner.
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More exciting stuff today from eBay!

...but too tired to scan and post, so you will just have to wait - sorry!

Such a pity the whole thing wouldn't fit on the scanner. Underneath the lady, it says "It seems they like my kitchen best". So cute!
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Yup...another peacock. Whenever another one arrives, I have an awful feeling that it is the same design as a previous ebay win. But no, they are all different.
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Part of crinoline lady table centre/runner. One lady at each end of this charming item.
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Some more eye candy..

Thursday was a very hot day here in Melbourne. It was also a very sad day for me, and the hundred or so people at my late friend's funeral. But to make things a little more bearable, Australia Post delivered two little packets from the U.S.A. in record time. One lady emailed me last week to say she had received my payment on the 13th January. Lo and behold, her parcel arrived on the 19th! Must be a record! Here are pictures of what I received - two table runners and a teatowel/tray cloth.