Find it Friday ~ EGA National Seminar

Each Friday we will showcase a product, service, offering or event that is a MUST to check out!

Have you ever been to an EGA National Seminar? I haven't but that's about to change this weekend. I am flying out to Pittsburgh and excited to learn first hand what all the hub bub is about. I have been reading the EGA boards with interest and I watch the growing excitement of seminar attendees. The opportunity to surround myself with a group of stitchers who love needlework as much as I do ~ I can't wait to get there!

If you are attending National Seminar this weekend, we will be video taping short segments about why the EGA is important to you. If you are interested in participating, you can facebook me, e-mail me at Colleen@LooseThreadStitchers.com. We will be taping on Sunday, October 4th, from 2-7PM. Can't wait to see you there!!

The seminar site is Pittsburgh where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet at the Point and form the Ohio River within a few blocks of the OMNI William Penn Hotel. Pittsburgh will be particularly beautiful this time of year with all of the colorful changing leaves. The wide variety of classes, outstanding faculty, varied and interesting tours, exhibits, auctions, and merchandise
mart will provide you an incredible seminar experience. There will be something of interest for everyone, whether a first-time or a seasoned national seminar attendee. If you are in Pittsburgh, I urge you to join me for a life-enriching experience. Meet longtime friends and make new ones while talking embroidery for an entire week! We look forward to being your hosts as you enjoy Pittsburgh and EGA Seminar 2009.

Whip it Up Wednesday ~ Plaited Gobelin

Each Wednesday we will choose a stitch to explore and post stitch diagram(s) to help you practice and master each.

Plaited Gobelin ~ This stitch can also be called Gobelin Plait and can be completed in a single solid color or a variegated thread to create a different result each and every time.

Steps ~ Start in the lower left hand corner and come up through the fabric. Go up 2 threads and over 1 thread to the right and go down through the fabric. From behind the fabric go down 2 threads and come up through the fabric. Repeat as necessary for the completion of that row. From behind the fabric go down 3 threads and come up throught the fabric. Go up 2 threads and over 1 thread to the left and go down through the fabric. From behind the fabric go down 2 threads and come up throught the fabric. Repeat as necessary for the completion of that row. From behind the fabric go down 3 threads and come up through the fabric. Go up 2 threads and over 1 thread to the right and go down thorough the fabric. From behind the fabric go down 2 threads and come up through the fabric. Repeat as necessary for the completion of that row. Continue to work this stitch for as many rows as needed to cover the desired area.

Plaited Gobelin

Monday Munchies ~ Oreo Cookie Balls

Each Monday we will kick off the week with a Must have recipe to help get you out of the kitchen and back stitching ASAP!

My son is now in kindergarten at a real "grown up" school. He has been in school 2 weeks and I have had A LOT of homework. This week I have to make a dessert for Homecoming weekend. I know the standard easy treats are always cupcakes, brownies, etc. But I wanted to make something different. As I have said MANY times in this blog, I am NOT good in the kitchen! This recipe has 3 ingredients, no cooking time and is pretty quick to make. They come out amazing everytime I make them and people go wild! I have kept the recipe and the name under wraps for a few years now ever since a girlfriend gave it to me. Since I know none of our kids go to school together I feel safe sharing it with you. But be warned....these are addictive...terrribly addictive!

Oreo Cookie Balls

Ingredients

1 package Oreo Cookies, crushed

1 package Cream Cheese (8 ounces), soften

1 package melting chocolate (16 ounces), melted

Instructions

Combine crushed Oreo cookies with softened cream cheese. Roll mixture into small round balls and refrigerate for 1 hour till chill. Use a fork or a toothpick, dip cookie balls into melted chocolate and place on wax paper to dry. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate.