Hi everyone, I am Joanie

Hi all, my name is Joanie and I live in Upstate NY with my DH and a menagerie of animals. I am 51 years old and cross stitch has been my passion for at least 25+ years. I enjoy all types of designs and designers, some of my favorites (right now) are Mary Garry (if you can find her patterns), Drawn Thread, Blackbird Designs, La-D-Da...and I love Quaker samplers (I have many in my stash), school girl samplers, alphabets and well, just about anything for the seasons.

Thanks to Hazel for allowing me to join this SAL.

I began this sampler when the pattern was initially released and I've stitched on it sporadically since I received it. This is my progress to date. (The picture is dark (sorry) and the quality isn't too great cause my camera is not the best quality either.)

I am stitching it on 32ct Antique White linen with AVAS 4612 (the silks that are recommended). I run hot and cold over the silk color, it's a beatiful shade of burnt orange. Sometime I like it (like today) and other times I think that it's too bright. As I sit and look at it right now, I feel that it looks wonderful. Must be the phase of the moon that's dictating whether I like the color or not.

I will not be working on this until the SAL officially begins because I am now in Christmas present mode. Many things to stitch and create for Santa to deliver on Christmas Eve. I am looking forward to the encouragement this group will provide because I want to finish Bea up and start on her companion piece.

Have a good weekend all!