Oh my. WHAT a week. Finally done. So nice. I'll stop talking about it now, really. Everything is now shipped. Thank you thank you thank you again. My dream is that people really just enjoy making these samplers. I really hope you have a wonderful and relaxing time with them.
Me, I've forgotten how to write. Or relax. But I'd like to re-learn both. My sister had a wonderful 4th-of-July party on Monday that was so relaxing and fun. The weather here is finally cooperating. These days are so beautiful — sunny, warm, dappled, everything smells good. We are really looking forward to just chilling out. Including Clover Meadow, who hates fireworks and tries to run up the length of your body to sit, quivering and wild-eyed, on your head every time she hears one. Poor sweetheart. We're so happy it's the 6th.
Happy July Sixth!
Posted by: Natalie VV | July 06, 2011 at 08:08 AM
I too am relieved it's the sixth. The fireworks at 11 p.m. at night got old fast. I did get a lot of knitting done though, so it's good for something..but I'm exhausted after not getting enough sleep. I'm going away someplace super quiet for the fourth through the fifth next year.
Posted by: MB@YarnUiPhoneappv1.5 | July 06, 2011 at 08:10 AM
Poor Clover!!
Welcome back, and I love your patriotic photos!
Posted by: Sarah | July 06, 2011 at 08:30 AM
Love the red, white and blue! :)
Poor Clover though, fireworks are definitely no fun for animals.
Posted by: greenrabbitdesigns | July 06, 2011 at 08:44 AM
enjoy your summer now xoxo
Posted by: leanne | July 06, 2011 at 08:51 AM
Poor Miss Clover. I lost my fireworks hating dog earlier this year and whenever they go off I think of him. I'll never be able to enjoy them again because I'll always feel sorry for all the scaredy dogs out there.
Posted by: Laura A. | July 06, 2011 at 09:15 AM
Yes, my Boston agrees...thank goodness it's the 6th! We're hoping all of our neighbors have blown up the rest of their stashes. :)
Posted by: Sharon | July 06, 2011 at 09:24 AM
Looks like Sissy made a Sour Cream Apple Pie! Yummy! Glad you had a wonderful holiday!
Posted by: Catherine | July 06, 2011 at 09:28 AM
I hate fireworks too. They upset animals so much; one of my cats is OK but the other can never find a good enough place to hide and is petrified. I always worry about the little birdies, foxes and other wildlife too - how frightened and bewildered must they be? Apparently birds can die from the shock. We are so selfish!
It's a great design with beautiful colours - people will love stitching them.
Posted by: Siobhan | July 06, 2011 at 09:31 AM
Alicia. Just got the sampler kit. I really love it and just finished 'A'. Thank you. And thank you for your blog. I've been reading for at least 5 years now. My fiance and I are from Chicago but we love portland and we see ourselves moving out there in the next five years. My Mike reminds me a bit of your Andy. HUGE Bears fan and totally a sweet heart. Anyways, it sort of hit me last night when i got your package how much your blog and your presence in my life means to me, even though you don't know me at all. So thank you. And I guess, just know that there are folks scattered around the world who love you very much.
your friend,
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Birkett | July 06, 2011 at 09:32 AM
AWESOME pics!! :)
Posted by: Alicia | July 06, 2011 at 09:45 AM
What a picture! I can almost see it in a Berkley Breathed kind of sketch...
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 06, 2011 at 09:54 AM
I just wanted to say that I got my sampler a few days ago and I'm LOVING it. I've never embroidered or done anything like it before, but I'm hooked! So thank you so much and I hope you have a lovely remainder of your week!
Posted by: Shannon | July 06, 2011 at 10:12 AM
Wonderful 4th photos! I worked on "e" on the Fourth waiting for it to be dark enough to go out to the fireworks. Today I'm finishing "F" and will get to "G" I hope. It is so much fun!!!
Posted by: Vicki K | July 06, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Our Corgi Maddi doesn't like fireworks either! This was the first year that they could be legally sold in the state of KY, so there were way more than usual. Fireworks are beautiful, but definitely way too loud!
Posted by: Kimberly Jones | July 06, 2011 at 10:44 AM
fifi has developed a sudden and intense dislike to thunder and displays a most pathetic hang dog appearance each and everytime we have a storm....hides under the bed making herself very small amongst the christmas boxes....if i didn't feel so sorry for her, i would be quite amused...there is something funny about an overweight doggie wedging herself in between plastic boxes.
Posted by: sharon from farm and fru fru | July 06, 2011 at 11:01 AM
our pups passed away a couple of years ago, but i still get nervous around the 4th, anticipating their freaking out from the fireworks. guess it takes awhile to stop feeling like a dog mama. :)
also, i looooooooove my sampler!! to the point that i haven't even started it because i don't want to mess it up! hehe. but i can't wait...
Posted by: hilary | July 06, 2011 at 11:56 AM
I'm working on the "C". I have a 4 month old, and this is my first return to crafts since her birth. Can't tell you how it nourishes my soul! Having a GREAT time. I am in LOVE with this kit. I'm working each stitch with great love, anticipating that this will be passed down to my great great grandkids one day =). You are a talented woman. Can't wait to see what you come up with next. <3
Posted by: Julie | July 06, 2011 at 12:13 PM
Congratulations! Don't you feel a mix of drained and elated after a big project like that is out the door? You and Andy deserve fireworks set off in your honor.
My Mom and I lit sparklers and some really cool little tank firework things. The dogs stood in the front window looking out at us, barking their heads off. Riotous fun.
Posted by: Amy Kortuem | July 06, 2011 at 12:13 PM
Mmm strawberries. Must pencil in another trip to the farm this week - summer is too good to miss, isn't it?
Posted by: Debbie Qalballah | July 06, 2011 at 12:27 PM
I'm on C also! I felt like I was standing on the edge of an abyss when I was ready to start. I didn't want to mess it up!~ But it's lovely, going well, and so meditative to work on. Thanks, and looking forward to more kits in the future!
Posted by: Margaret | July 06, 2011 at 01:38 PM
Sometime, tell us how many kits you sold. Just curious. I wish I'd bought 2 or 3 just for gifts.
Posted by: Lisa | July 06, 2011 at 01:46 PM
Here in Houston and most of Texas there was a BAN on fireworks because of the drought. There were a few organized displays authorized by the city, so we didn't entirely go without some Sparkles in the sky.
I've received my "Sampler" and it was even better than I thought it would be. The fabric (great color) and the yarn are all colors I love. My job has kept me so busy.....I'm saving it for this weekend.....for a real treat. Lots of Love to you and Andy for working so hard to get them all finished. I also got my pattern for the "paper birdies". Now I see how you got them to stand. Judy
Posted by: Judy Sandras | July 06, 2011 at 02:09 PM
I'm in the UK so no fireworks on the 4th. Luckily all six of our dogs are not bothered by fireworks at all as I adore them, and I feel like I missed out on all the lights and the bangs Stateside, and maybe on the cute sampler too!
Posted by: Annie | July 06, 2011 at 02:48 PM
I am so glad the fourth has passed as well. Our poor sweet dog goes absolutely bananas so last year I tried sedating him and it worked so well we did it again this year. He gets his pill and spends the evening in his kennel covered with blankets (except the door) so he is nice and cozy. Then he listens to the Food Network until all the shenanigans are over. I am loving the sampler too!!
Posted by: mo | July 06, 2011 at 04:13 PM