Stars Update and GaRon Stitchery Grand Opening

There isn’t much to show in the way of stitching or sewing this week.

I managed to decide on a layout for Gene’s Flying Stars. This will be a runner for the top of a couple of IKEA cabinets.

I’m going to add a narrow border using the same background fabric and then a scrappy binding.

Stitching and sewing took a backseat to baking last week.  I spent two nights baking cookies.

Yes, these sour cream cookies have green buttercream frosting. You’ll see why further down.

I also made, but didn’t get photos of, snickerdoodles and peanut butter cookies.

I took a whirlwind trip to Alabama last weekend. 

While there, I attended the grand opening of GaRon Stitchery’s brick and mortar store. I’ve shared with you before that Gary and Ronny’s website is my ‘go to’ for cross stitch supplies. You can imagine how excited I was to help them celebrate this achievement.

 

Since I arrived on Friday, Ronny invited me to their home for a visit before we went to dinner.

 

I got to meet and get puppy kisses from their girls.

Ginger demanded many pets

Princess Leia just demanded

Gary showed me the amazing Merman in Blue. He cross stitched this a few years ago and it is incredible. 

This is a chart by Tilton Crafts, which I believe is no longer in business. I teased and asked if it is a self-portrait. 😊 I mean, look at the hair!

The doors opened on Saturday. There was a parking lot full of people waiting to get in.

We were greeted by a table full of….you guessed it…cookies!

Gary enjoying a green cookie.

People came from Missouri, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and other states to show their support. There were also many local stitchers.

I met a couple of friends there. 

Ronny's Girls

Andrea (left) and Becky (right) drove over from Memphis. We’ve attended a few retreats together. I’ll see them next at StitchCon in June. (more on that later)

 

Of course I had to get a photo with Gary and Ronny before I left.

I would have gotten more photos of Ronny except that he was busy running around keeping customers happy. He is the epitome of the energizer bunny. He fixed me a nice cup of coffee for the road and I was home just as the sun was setting Saturday night.

You will get a better recap of the grand opening weekend on the GaRon YouTube here. They typically post videos on Friday. Please check them out and if you are inclined to leave a comment, let them know that I sent you.

Hubby and I took a nice walk around the lake on Sunday then enjoyed lunch downtown. As we were walking down main street, I spied something new in the niche beside the General Store.

It is a Little Library. 

Things I Love About My Hometown
Little Library -- Mast General Store

I can’t wait to donate a few books to it.

I think this may be a new feature on the blog…Things I Love About My Hometown.

We are off to Alexandria, VA this weekend for a wedding. I’ll recap my April stitching stats next week when I share about the trip.

I’m still working my way through my friends’ blog posts from the last week. I apologize ahead of time for the abundance of comments 😊

Enjoy your day!