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Sunday, November 30, 2014

Been There, Done That, Won the Giveaway (Part 2)

Hello again everyone!  How was your Thanksgiving?  Ours was a classic - a brisk morning walk, a perfect turkey roasted all day on the Weber and a nearly disastrous apple pie.  I won't go into the details with that barely avoided catastrophe, but will just say  we are more than a little overdue for a new oven. Thank goodness the fire department wasn't necessary!

So to continue with the "been there, done that" theme, let me pick up where I left off on my last post.   As for Been There, the birthday celebration meandered all the way south for a few days of frolicking in Key West.  Greetings from Margaritaville!


And from the top of the Key West lighthouse......


....where the water and sky really are this brilliant. 

I love it during our adventures when I'm taken by surprise with an unexpected bit of needlework.  It happened this trip inside the lighthouse museum, where I found this little  piece of embroidery on a table cloth.  There was no information about it and I doubt if it's really even a piece that is original to the lighthouse, but it was charming just the same.



Jim took pictures the entire trip and I looked for interesting patterns that will eventually become  motifs for my dreamed of  Key West sampler.  This time we found inspiration in the San Carlos Institute, which is an old Cuban social club, similar to those we have in Tampa,  Today it houses a wonderful museum.




We also found some lovely patterns on the steps of the old Key West City Hall.



It was 4 days full of long walks, porches and churches with sky blue ceilings, vibrant music and time together.  As always, I came home already anticipating the next visit back.

And now for the Done That - Sarah Tuel, DONE!


I had a lot of ambivalence about Sarah.  Those flowers at times seemed really drab.


And to say the least, her townsfolk were a rather intimidating crew....


...but in the end, I love her wildness...


...and the details that appear to be identical at first are really very unique to a more observant eye.  Thank you Sarah - you were a meandering romp of a project!

So that brings me to the Won the Giveaway portion of the post... 

The lucky stitcher who wins my gently used copy of the chart for the Armchair Necessaire is Lisa, The Inspired Stitcher!  Lisa, if you will send me your mailing address, I'll get this little goody off to you within the next few days.

Whew, I feel like I've been composing this post all day!  And tomorrow is the return to reality, meaning the start of another work week.  Better go find something to stitch on and savor my waning moments of Thanksgiving vacation.  Thanks for stopping by!

                        
           

8 comments:

Margaret said...

Wow, what a lovely post! I love seeing those pics of the inspiration from Key West. That first pic of the stairs and rail is my favorite -- so beautiful! Love Sarah Tuel!!!! She is so beautiful! Congrats again on finishing her! Yay! Congrats to Lisa for winning too!

Margaret said...

Whoops! Forgot to say I'm glad the apple pie disaster wasn't severe enough to need a fire department stepping in. Yikes!

llknbillburg said...

Lovely pics from the Keys! I grew up in FL but never got down there. Your pics make me want to go explore! Great finish of Sarah! Wrapping up those long term projects is always extra special. I hope to finish off a couple of mine early in the new year!! Laura

llknbillburg said...

Forgot to say...I'm looking forward to seeing your Key West Sampler!! Laura

Carol said...

Mary, your newest finish is stunning--such great colors! And it looks like a wonderful time in Key West--wish I was there right now as I watch the snow fly outside :)

Maggee said...

Absolutely LOVED this post about the Cuban center in Key West for Pedro Panners. I have two 'cousins' who came here during that time from Matanzas. It was not easy for them... And they had to stay away until very recently. The Cuban tiles on the center walls are just beautiful! Now I know why I am attracted to mandalas and patterns like that, to stitch! In the blood! Someday I will travel around and see sights like this! Thanks for sharing!

Barb said...

Sarah is just beautiful. I so enjoy your trip photos. My DH and I spent a Christmas in Key West many years ago. I love all those patterns!

woolwoman said...

no one else mentioned the Sarah chart giveaway - did I misunderstand - anyway - I would like a chance if there is one - I think it is a gorgeous sampler. congrats on your BIG finish. What a great mini vacation in the keys - I have lived in NE Fl my whole life and have never been to the keys or the everglades. We always seem to go north on our vacations but I know it is charming to many. Hope you enjoy the holiday season Mel