Episode 314 Silver Needle Retreat SD 480p

FO: Seven Swans by Erica Michaels
Start and Finish:
Redwork Pears by Annie Beez Folk Art
Back of Needlebook Design by Stacy Nash (Retreat Exclusive)
New Start: Rudolph's Tree Farm
WIPs: Christmas Parade by Cottage Garden Samplings
Stitchers Days of Christmas by Sue Hillis
Email: [e-mail]
Instagram: Halfstitch2017

[@lindacraig5056]

Dena you are looking fantastic. It was good to see Donna with you again and glad you had fun at retreat.Glad you had fun with your finishing classes. I love them all but that Christmas one was awesome. Hope you have a great trip ad have fun at your next retreat. Donnas dog is so cute and boy oh boy Cocoa was so excited and cute. Hurry up Dad and get out. LOL Thanks for sharing

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Linda, you can tell my and Donna's dogs are spoiled can't you? LOL. Now Donna and I want to share our finishing knowledge with the Saturday Stitching Group. I hope they are interested. Dena

[@ninahobbysite]

So many beautiful FFO. Its so great to see the for me new ideas how to finish something. Cocoa is so excited, so happy. Happy stitching

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Thanks Nina for stopping by to visit with me again. So happy you liked the new finishing ideas. I love them and hope to replicate them soon. Dena

[@ginmol53]

As always, thanks for sharing Cocoa and now Harley!!!!! 🙂

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Harley is such a love. He truly loves everyone! Cocoa is so shy it takes her a long time to warm up. She loves Donna and now she lets Julianna pet her as well. Dena

[@elaineshultz9544]

I had a pug that was so excited to be in the car she sounded just like Coco. Your husband’s face said it all! Your stitching is so beautiful.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Elaine, thanks so much for the compliment on my stitching. Yes, my husband says he has to put down the windows well before they reach the driveway because she is so loud in the enclosed truck cab otherwise. LOL. Dena

[@domiesheart9366]

Everything so beautiful!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Thank you very much for the compliment. Dena

[@the614stitcher]

I'm so pleased that you had a great time at Silver Needle. I love all the great finishes. Don't you just love Mrs. Mona, she's a great finisher. Have a great time at the Alabama retreat.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Kanday, had a great time in Alabama at retreat. Unfortunately several came home with Covid (so far I'm not one of them). Fingers crossed I do not develop symptoms. Now I am planning a small get away with a few stitchers and some fun at the Saturday stitch ins. See I have one of your videos to watch so I'll see you later. Dena

[@dianeperkins7229]

Great little small finishes. Thanks for sharing them. Enjoyed your story about how you got Donna’s small exchange gift. I think that was meant to be! How cute to see Cocoa pushing her Dad out of the car!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Diane, it was so funny seeing Cocoa push Tommy out of the truck. She was so excited to see Fred and Muddy. She missed us I know because some of her pictures looked a touch sad to me but that could be my imagination. Dena

[@cheryl9353]

Glad to see you had such a good time in Tulsa! Love all the finishes and really like the idea that the smalls were to be of one use. Never like the stealing that goes on. Cocoa….priceless!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Cheryl, I don't like the stealing thing either. Hurts feelings in many ways. you said it right, Cocoa is priceless. LOL. Dena

[@zook717]

So lovely to see you and your friend Donna! 😂 Sounds like you two got into all the mischief I would expect! So glad you had a great time!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Carolyn, remind us to tell you the light story when we see you in September. We are still laughing about it. Dena

[@nickieharman5752]

Dena, I'm so thrilled that you've been able to attend several retreats. It was great fun to see your friend Donna again. I loved seeing your new finishes. I have 2 retreats planned myself and cannot wait to go to them. I wish you and your husband safe travels.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Nickie, thanks for being happy for me that I have been able to attend a few retreats this year. I am excited that you are going to a couple yourself. My only one remaining at this time is Stitching in the Wild in September. Dena

[@stitcharella27]

Wow what awesome finishing work! That seemed to be an amazing retreat for you two! I have to say I love seeing Donna pop in on your videos every once in a while…. Hey DONNA 👋and I agree Harley is just the best little pup.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Natasha, thanks so much for stopping in to visit. Donna says hi! Harley is so precious. The other night I called Donna on a video call to discuss something and Harley heard my voice from just outside the back door. Donna said he came running in and jumped in her lap to look at the laptop to see me. We both laughed hard over that one. Dena

[@stitcharella27]

@@halfstitchcrossstitch2456 that’s so cute. Yeah when I used to go to Mary’s for weekends, Donna would bring Harley and it was so much fun to hang out with him because he was such a sweet boy.

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Dena...thanks for all that you and Donna shared...the Silver Needle retreat sounded so enjoyable...Cocoa is adorable even though she hurried Tommy out of the truck...so funny...your finishes were lovely...Donna's small exchange was awesome.,.praying for safe travels...looking forward to seeing you soon...best wishes ❤❤

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Loretta, we had a wonderful trip and a great retreat. Now I am working on putting together the clips about the most recent retreat in Huntsville, Alabama. See you soon with that one. Dena

[@ginmol53]

You are always so organized!!!! I really need to get busy on that train, LOL!!!!! 🙂

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

You can do it! Just buckle down, make your time and do a little at a time if that helps. Dena

[@carolinet.4621]

Hey Dena! So much fun!!! I loved everything you talked about and showed! Sweet little Harley and darling Cocoa! They are just precious ❤The Silver Needle is on my Bucket List, so it was wonderful to hear all about it. Your finishes are so beautiful! See you soon! 😘

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at HRH meet up! Dena

[@kathyn4267]

So happy you had a good time. A lot has happened in the last week. So grateful for floss tubes to take out mind off all of it. Coco is cute. Glad your not flying.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Kathyn, lots of stitching for me in the last week. I will share the results in my next video, but I am now down to 16 WIPs due to all the finishes. LOL. Dena

[@CrystalSypolt-pi2tb]

Hi Dena. Thank you for sharing all about your retreats. I know you had a lot of fun. Harley and Cocoa are precious. I bet your doctor was so pleased with your weight loss. You look wonderful. I was going to have a piece of apple pie but decided a bowl of cereal after seeing how lovely you look. You are a good inspiration for me. Thank you for sharing. Take care.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Crystal, thanks so much for your lovely comments! My doctor was very pleased with my progress and all the wonderful good benefits. Proud of you for resisting the apple pie. Dena

[@margocarpenter37]

Hi Dena! How fun to "meet" Donna! I'm so happy you two had a good trip! Thanks for another great video. ❤

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Margo, we do travel well together. So glad you liked the video. I am very happy we have our time scheduled to stitch together next week. until then, happy stitching. Dena

[@kellypruitt3860]

Enjoyed meeting you and Donna at the Silver Needle Retreat. Its was a busy time. I wish I had more time to spend with you both. Can’t believe that you got Donna’s small. It was very nice. Coco was so funny on that truck ride. Hope your doctor appt. goes well. I will be watching for your next flosstube.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Kelly, it was so fun to meet you and your sister. I too wish we could have talked more and gotten to know each other better. Are you planning any more retreats this year? Dena

[@empm1330]

Hi Dena love seeing the progress on your cross stitching and love seeing your smalls you did at the retreat. Donna did a beautiful job of the pillow she made and the funny part was you got that at her pillow at the retreat. What are the odds that happen I LOL. I went this week to Stitchery X-Press and all I can say is WQW!!! This store is amazing and I am only 5 minutes away from my home. This was the first time I went into the store and they have one room full of material and patterns everywhere from a to z. I'm loving it. I have been working on my Christmas projects all this month and at the end of the month I will send you pictures of my progress. Saturday I may go back to Stitchery X-Press because every Saturday they have come stitch or shop and it will be my birthday and I can see and meet people who stitch. This will be a lot of fun. I LOL when I saw Cocoa was pushing your hubby out of the car. My dog Heidi started to bark because she heard Cocoa. It was hilarious. I' m happy you and Donna had a great time at the retreat. In the meantime Happy Stitching and be safe and kind. God bless Pat

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Pat, let me wish you an early Happy Birthday. I cannot think of a better gift for you than to go and stitch at the Stitchery X-Press. How wonderful you have that shop so close to your home. Can't wait to see your progress at month's end. Heidi was just sharing in Cocoa's excitement. Isn't that funny? Dena

[@maryhint21]

Hi Dena! I loved revisiting the Silver Needle Retreat with you. You described everything so well. I agree that the finishing classes were well worth the time invested. But the best part was sharing a table with you and Donna! Can't wait to hear about your Alabama retreat..

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Mary, it was so good to get to see you and Reed again! Donna loved meeting you guys. I am looking forward to our chat tomorrow. Dena

[@PeeDeeStitcher]

Dena - How fun that you were able to get Donna's small exchange piece! I definitely think Cocoa was telling Tommy that he was taking WAY too long to get out of the car. Happy stitching! - TaMara

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

TaMara, yes indeed, Tommy was way too slow for Cocoa! LOL. I am so excited to have received Donna's exchange piece. It was an unexpected treat. Dena.

[@marysamelanson4654]

Hi Dena! Wow, so nice to see you and Dona having a great time at the retreat. Your finishes are amazing. Lol, Tommy can through hike over mountains and state lines but couldn't get out of the truck fast enough for Coco! Living vicariously through you! Have a good time on your next adventure.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Marysa, so true about Tommy....couldn't move fast enough for Cocoa. He picked her up from Fred's today and she was so happy to see us. I missed her very much. Dena

[@elainesutton2063]

Deena, i was so very sorry I was unable to be in Tulsa to drop by the Silver Needle while you were there. We took an unplanned trip to Kansas to visit friends at their request. I would so love to meet you and Donna one day as you both seem to have so much fun together. I hope you enjoyed Tulsa, as my hometown is Broken Arrow a suburb of Tulsa. Love your videos and your stitching. You have done much to get me back into stitching on a regular basis. God bless!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Elaine, oh I am sorry to have missed meeting you! I know your friends were happy you came to visit. Donna and I do have a wonderful time together. I am so blessed to call her my friend. Dena

[@sandiefortenberry8035]

Sounds like a lot of fun. Maybe one day I’ll be able to go to a retreat. Hope so. Anyway glad you included us as to what went on, etc. Happy Stitching!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Sandie, I hope you can attend a retreat some day just for the experience of stitching with others. It is so fun and exciting. Dena

[@susanradford9503]

Thank you for sharing your retreat with us. Your finished pieces were beautiful. I would love to take a finishing class in person. I have followed instructions on line but I’m sure I could do better if I had someone breathing down my neck! Enjoy your next retreat and I just loved seeing Cocoa. Certainly must put your mind at rest leaving her there knowing she is so happy. Happy stitching.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Susan, it was so much easier to do the finishing with a person helping show you and watching what you were doing so they could correct anything they needed to correct. Cocoa was actually sad to leave there this time because he little friend Muddy was there playing. She whined a little, then got excited to be with us. Dena

[@neilstephen6761]

Hello Dena I love the orange fabric. The small pear is so cute cannot wait to see your Christmas ornament. I would like to stitch the chicken when the chart is available. I so enjoy seeing your progress and finishes. Pleased you enjoyed the retreat and thank you for sharing.Happy stitching

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Neil, thanks so much for continuing to support me through commenting. I appreciate it so much. Happy stitching to you as well. Dena

[@devrakline4967]

Cocoa!!! We love you!!!! So glad you and Donna and friends had a good time!!!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Thanks so much for the Cocoa love! Donna and I did have a wonderful time. Dena

[@sharonwilliamson2279]

What a great stitching time I had today watching your latest . You and Donna had a great stitching retreat, ooh what a delight, stitching finishing ,learning new techniques and enjoyable company…. Hope you enjoy your next retreat.x

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Sharon, thanks so very much. I have done so much traveling this year it has really affected my stitching. I have had to take along things I could travel with so I had to add in some small starts throughout the year. But I am very pleased with all the stitching. Dena

[@sharonwilliamson2279]

@@halfstitchcrossstitch2456 you are definitely trying out new systems to keep up with your goals with some lovely smaller projects put in here and there which has produced some lovely smaller finishes along with the beautiful larger projects so far , such as by the bay. Wrap up of your year will be busy I foresee, not that I am wishing summer ending yet😂

[@lindaryan4148]

Omgoodness coco just made me laugh out loud at work. Too cute! Loved hearing about the retreat and seeing all the goodies and your stitching!!!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Thanks Linda! I appreciate your sharing in my adventures (and Cocoa's). Dena

[@jeannieleitner3582]

So glad to hear you had a great time at your retreat. Safe travels with Tom. Enjoy your Xmas stitching this week. My monogamous July working on Beach Combers Bounty is working out nicely. My first HAED and currently at 7%. Happy stitching 😊

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Jeannie, it takes so much to move even 1% on a full coverage so I am happy you are making such good progress on your HAED. I have been enjoying stitching on Santa's House and today will reward myself with a new start of a Christmas gift. Dena

[@SewManyThings]

Oh my goodness! Cocoa really did push your husband out of the truck to go see Fred!!! Hilarious😂

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Cocoa is hilarious! She is one of the biggest joys in my life. Our son is coming for a visit this weekend, so she will go crazy happy to see him. Can't wait! Dena

[@jennharts1]

What a great video!!!! Thank you for taking us along on your adventure. I am so excited you got Donna's small exchange, what a special gift!!!!!! Such great stitching by everyone. I am stitching a sampler by Teresa Kogut and I think I frog every motif at least once! I would love for you to show how you keep your place on the charts. I know you can't show a pattern, but if it could be done with a madeup chart and you could show your process I would be so grateful. I know I must stitch each pattern at least twice!!!! Hope you have a great retreat in Alabama!!!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Jenn, I will come up with a small design (pretend one) and show how I mark my place as I stitch. Great idea so thank you. Dena

[@jennharts1]

@@halfstitchcrossstitch2456 You are the greatest!!!! I appreciate you more than you know! Thank you.

[@inezharrell4339]

❤❤❤

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Inez, thanks for viewing. Dena

[@maryjoobrienmoulding6298]

Fun video Dena,I will just send you a few(dozen) 😂😂😂of my stitched things so you can “practice you new finishing skills!😊If you saw how many in fully finished things I have you’d just sigh and say Oh No MaryJo!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

MaryJo, probably looks a lot like my box of not fully finished items. LOL. Dena

[@lindaskinner5887]

Thank you for a wonderful video. I’m glad you had fun at the retreats. I enjoyed impatient Cocoa 😂. Is husband alright? 😂 Cocoa was saying “Get out of my way “ in doggy language. lol . Donna’s sweet baby is adorable. Thanks for sharing all the fun.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Linda, my husband survived being pushed from the truck. LOL. He was so tickled when he got home and could show me what she did. So glad you enjoyed the video. Dena

[@sandrasnyder6722]

Oh. My. Goodness. Lady. You look so good! Congratulations 🎉. I love your tops. Do you purchase them at a boutique or a department store? I always enjoy hearing about your stitching retreats. I love all of the items that you learned to finish. And your stitching is beautiful. Coco is a trip pushing your husband out the door. That was so funny. Happy stitching to you. Sandy

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Sandy, thanks so much for the compliment on my weight loss. I get my tops from various places. First, a friend gifted me several of her tops as she in on medication now that has her putting on a little weight and the tops were too tight for her comfort. Then I purchased some new tops from on-line shops. Most recently my hubby purchased me some new tops while we were on our cruise to Canada. Those were boutique style shops (the top I wore when Donna and I filmed in Tulsa was one of those from the Canadian shop). Dena

[@sandrasnyder6722]

@@halfstitchcrossstitch2456 thank you. You look lovely in them!!

[@sandrasnyder6722]

@@halfstitchcrossstitch2456 thank you. You look lovely in them!!

[@yvonnevigil7489]

Retreat sounds like great fun. How was Coco when Mom got home ❤. Your projects look good . Wondering what chart Donna used on exchange. Take care Dena thank you

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Yvonne, retreat was great fun. Donna used a Stacy Nash pin keep pattern. I'll try to get the name for you. Dena

[@yvonnevigil7489]

Dena found it thanks​@@halfstitchcrossstitch2456

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Great I was just about to type in the name A Walk Through the Garden Pinkeep Stack. Glad you found it. Dena

[@tamarabrown4570]

How many people were at the retreat?

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

At Tulsa, OK there were 120 people I think. Dena

[@domiesheart9366]

Wish i could find beginner classes. I used you tube but rhe stitching never comes out right

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Domie, check with your local library and see if there is a group of stitchers that meet there. If so, they would be happy to teach you. We do at our meet ups. Dena

[@domiesheart9366]

@@halfstitchcrossstitch2456 thankyou I will.

[@DeeAZstitcher]

Cocoa lol

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Isn't she funny!? Love her to pieces. Dena

[@nerdystitcher]

Hey

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Thanks for checking in and seeing what we've been up to. Dena