Crossroads of My Mind: August 2007

Monday, August 27, 2007

Fantastic Shop in "The Prettiest Village"

As you drive north on US 1 into Wiscasset, Maine, you see this sign.

And, if you go real slow and bear to the left before the bridge, you will find the Stitcher's Corner.

Owned by Janet Palen, the Stitcher's Corner is the ultimate treasure trove for cross-stitchers and other needleworkers. My mom and dad rode up with me, but left me to browse to my heart's content, and gab away with Janet and Brenda. Framed on the wall were G & P's New England Sampler, C Stitch's Lighthouses of the World, and Cedar Hill's Animal Rhymes. Awe-inspiring, to say the least!

It was a shear delight to visit with the ladies there. The little plastic card got a little ventilation as well. I will definitely be back!!

And here's a tip: If you're looking for New England Sampler, give them a call. I heard that Janet bought all of Ginger's remaining stock, and has convinced her to release more.

Back from God's Country

Well, I've been back a while, but have been very busy. Back home, we call it being "right out straight." Love those localisms ! Maine was/is absolutely lovely. 30 degrees cooler than stinky SW Ohio. Unbelievable !

Of course, I have to report on a couple of shops I visited during the week. Some of you may get the mail order catalog from Keepsakes Needlearts, in Centre Harbor, NH. I thought I would check it out, since I was so close. Mom and I drove up Rt. 25, through cute little towns like Limington, Cornish, and Kezar Falls, into NH, toward Lake Winnepesaukee (yup, just like the American Express commercial with Ellen DeGeneres, folks.)

After a two hour drive, we arrived at the large Keepsakes establishment. Much to my disappointment, and the relief of my wallet, there was not much cross-stitch there, and what was there was all kits (which I do not need). Their emphasis was clearly quilting and other needle arts. I did manage for find some sea gull fabric (just to give my credit card some air!), which I can use on stand-ups at some point.

We drove on to Meredith, for lunch at Hart's Turkey Farm Restaurant (Thanksgiving Dinner in August - you can't beat that!), and then headed on down the road.

It was a fun day with Mom, but I was so looking forward to the next day, when we were to head down the coast on US 1, to Wiscasset, and the Stitcher's Corner!