remember that amazing vintage sewing box that i found last month? here it is all filled with floss and supplies. isn't she a beauty? i still have a few (at least) random baskets and boxes of floss and other assorted bits & bobs to sort through. it's kind of amazing how many half-finished hoops i've discoverd, how many stacks of random fabrics and patterns, the scribbled notes and sketches... it's a good problem to have, i suppose.

here's a link to our summer reading list! i'll be adding to it as i get new suggestions, so keep them coming and i'll post updates to the list here as well. thank you to everyone who sent in recommendations!

my current reads: i just finished "the wife, the maid, and the mistress," and just started "the missing ones," and "the soul of money."

a couple weeks ago i bought an instant pot and i'm in love! every day i'm discovering new things that i can make in my IP... i've tried popcorn, HB eggs, chili, creamy soups, poached chicken, carnitas verde, and rice. it's so easy to use, and everything has turned out delicious. one thing i love about using it is that, since it's such a fun new toy, i'm feeling more motivated and adventurous with my cooking... i'm getting out of that old dinner rut. do you have any favorite IP recipes that i should try?

in an upcoming newsletter, i'll be talking all about what to do with finished embroidery projects. ways to display them, how to frame and hang, things to use them in/on/with. there are so many possibilities and i love sharing my suggestions. i know you guys are doing creative things with your hoops too, so i'd love to get your input as well.

comment below: what do YOU do with your finished embroidery projects?

i'm lucky to live just a few miles from the biltmore estate. i keep a yearly pass, and i go there a few times a week to walk/run/hike. every year i look forward to the mile of sunflowers at biltmore. it's always so cheerful and pretty, and it just makes me really happy.