Here is a (slightly crooked--sorry) update of my Beardie Designs "Elegant Accessories" needlcase. I have most of the back stitched (still need to add the rest of the smyrnas in the border), and am now working on the front. I am really enjoying stitching this. I tend to always want to pick this one up, but this weekend I need to concentrate on my exchange project. I have decided that it is probably best to keep working on what I already started in terms of the biscornu exchange. I still have a few rows to stitch, so I think it will turn out larger than I think. It is silly to pull out more supplies and start all over again!
I found out that there is a small needlework store here in town. There used to be a store not far from my home (not very large, but they had overdyed floss and some different charts, etc). Unfortunately she closed (I found out one day as I went to shop there and the place was empty). I have since discovered that she moved into a store a few storefronts down from her--a mystery bookstore. Both ladies are friends and stitchers. Yesterday I called the bookstore to see if what I had heard was true. As it turns out the lady who owned the needlework store has (very sadly) passed away. But the bookstore owner is still selling her stock. I am not entirely sure what this means. I want to stop by there today, but I am not sure I can fit it in with my other errands. I would just be happy to find a place I can get small things to put in with gifts. It gets expensive when I have to keep ordering even small items as it costs to pay postage. Plus it is nice to look myself and choose colors or charts. Fingers crossed there will be a nice (even if small) selection!