The first photo is of Mouse stitching away on the sofa; the second shows that everyone else at the class had wrought-iron chairs to sit on!   Even with cushions, our sofa was far more kind to the behind!   I'm shown with Jane in the fourth photo.

I showed Jane my Secret Garden Band Sampler; she was absolutely delighted with the finished project and made me pass it round so everyone else could see - I felt like a mini-celebrity!

We stitched all day, learning the trick of making the perfect folded hem.  The only interruptions were for lunch (scrummy home-made quiches, new potatoes, and salad!), tea (home-made sticky-toffee cake) or for shopping!  Bliss!   We were determined not to spend too much but Jane's stash-room is faaaaar too tempting, and we both spoiled ourselves with new fabrics, silk threads, and linen-bags.

The project was a pyramid-shaped necessaire with a garden theme; I finished mine today!  Here it is.

The whole thing is lined with linen (on which is embroidered the needle-sizes), and there is a piece of felt-lining in-between, so you can easily sort and store your needles.  The tiny pin-cushion is weighted with rice, and beneath it is a loop for a pair of etui scissors.  I chose to put my initials and the year on the reverse side of my pin-cushion.  I did think of making it up biscornu-style but I decided the square fitted the inner diamond-shape better.    Jane did teach us to make twisted cords to tie the necessaire; but mine came out slightly too thick to all go through the bead at the top, so I replaced it with ribbon, which I think works nicely.

I had SUCH a great time I am booked for the 2-day class in September, too!  I can't wait for that one, as Jane told us we will be using space-dyed threads and fabrics, my favourites!

One last thing to show you; Mouse had made me a little 'thank you' prezzie!  Here it is:-

As you can see, there is a little 'bee' and a 'mouse' in the heart at the bottom - and the wording, which hasn't shown up on the scan, is "Special Friends".   How cute is that?  I added the tassel myself and the sampler now hangs off a supporting beam just outside the guest room, so anyone staying can see it!  I was so touched at such a thoughtful gift - thank you, Mouse!    (I hope your computer problem is all sorted, now! )

That's it for now - I have plenty to be getting on with this month, several cards to make, a UFO to put the finishing touches to, and two RR's!  I shall be a very buzzzzzzzzzzy little bee! :-)

Happy stitching all! 
Bee