Catherine and I met for lunch today and exchanged our gifts.
This was a wonderful experience. Catherine and I have a mutual friend; however, I have not seen our friend in a number of years. We think that the three of us might have to get together. Even if the three of us do not get together, Catherine and I plan to again.
Our paths crossed in the early to mid 1990's when Spirit of Cross Stitch was held in Des Moines, IA. One of the local needlework shops sponsored a bus from St. Paul to Des Moines and had group accommodations in a nearby motel. I went with a friend for two times and Catherine went to all of the Des Moines Spirit of Cross Stitch events. I remember that one of the times I went, the group went to dinner at a Machine Shed. I had never heard of it and little did I know at the time that one would eventually open near my home.
Now I suppose that you might want to know what I gave Catherine.
As you can see, I stitched Woodland Berries. I painted, distressed, and finished the box just the way Alma showed us. I also included some small gifts, not pictured here. For the picture I just used some things that I have to add interest. Catherine has a promise for some thread winders that I will make just the way Alma showed us. :-)
Following lunch, we went across the highway to see the newly opened Jo-Ann Fabrics store. I must admit that I only went out of curiosity and to show Catherine where the pins are in the store like the ones I gave her to use as counting pins. I also must sadly admit that I left before Catherine had finished shopping, Catherine thinks that I will get home and post before she can even though I had to drive an hour or so to get home.
Now I will add a picture of what Catherine made for me. It is a charming sewing book. As you can see, it goes very well with my old plate.
