Spring inspires lots of stitching here. Some days, it's just pulling all the pieces out to see what I have finished. Other times, it's looking at the unfinished stack. There are always ideas for new designs. The brighter colors of the season outside make me want to pull out the thread. Or the pen.

It's true. I love birds and flowers. Do you?

.... and getaways.

I was lucky enough to be invited out to LA to teach at Kim Caldwell's Downton Affaire at the Biltmore Hotel. My class was a stitchable sampler themed to Downton Abbey.

The class kits included Cosmo thread which I adore and so do my students! Such glorious colors and texture in this outstanding collection of Egyptian cotton floss.

The event was one of the best I've ever attended. Kim did an amazing job with every thoughtful detail. Her attendees and teachers were treated royally start to finish. Mine was the first class of the first day and the ladies had to start stitching at 9 a.m. Although I feared there would be some concern about the stitchwork ahead first thing after breakfast, they actually found it relaxing and enjoyed stitching while getting to know each other. Just what we hoped for!

While out in California, I connected with friends and added a few days to the trip. So much fun and such great weather.

Back home again, the spring colors are even brighter. Everything is blooming and the sky changes color and mood all day long. The thistle feeder looks like a candy dish full of lemon drop goldfinches. It's grey skies cozy here today with soft rain. Good day for stitching or baking.

Wishing you all a very happy Mother's Day. It's my favorite day of the year. xo