The Toronto Sampler

While having breakfast this morning I was flipping through some of my regular tv channels, and one thing caught my eye on "Property Virgins".  I love home renovation shows, but I only watch this program when nothing better is on, and such was the case this morning.

On "Property Virgins" a couple, ready to purchase their first home, is shown 3 houses/condos.  From these they are then assisted in the purchase of their preferred property.  In this morning's episode, as the couple was viewing the 3rd house I spied a bell pull hanging on the entrance wall.  It was Jeannette Douglas' Toronto Sampler.  How awesome is that?

What made it even more thrilling for me is that chances are pretty good that the sampler may have been purchased at Gitta's.  The stitcher may even have taken the workshop at Gitta's.   We have had Jeannette Douglas teaching twice at the shop, once for the Toronto Sampler and once for the Mississauga Sampler.  She will also be our Designer of the Month this October.

Designer of the Month - Maria Gollek

This month's designer is Maria Gollek of Marnic Designs.  Maria's first original designs were her Mother & Child series, designing mothers with their children from many countries. Each pair reflects images that identify their heritage, my favourite being her Inuit Mother & Child.

Many of the models Maria has brought to Gitta's to be displayed for August are from her Welcome Series, the newest in this collection being her Loon Welcome.  With so many to choose from you can hang a "stitched welcome" for every holiday, season, and occasion.

Whether dropping by the shop or purchasing one of Maria's designs through Gitta's website don't forget to ask for Maria's free design for the Designer Collaboration Sampler.

I'll miss you mom

This past June, my mom lost her battle with cancer.

I feel lost without her, and found going back to the shop extremely difficult.  As long as I can remember, my mom & I have shared a love of stitching, and Gitta's was our shared expression of this love.
She was my best friend and there will never be a day that she won't be on my mind.
I have many wonderful memories that I hold dear to my heart, and this one is one of my favourite photos of the 2 of us.  It was taken in 1978 during a family outing on the 30,000 Island boat tour in Parry Sound, Ontario.

I love you mom, and miss you every day.