2017 Smalls Stitch A Long - March

This year I plan to stitch the calendar cats (free charts at Happiness is Cross Stitching).  One small ornament per month, so this month is March.  I will wait to finish them all at the same time in December so that they will be the same size and somehow coordinate.

I'm linking up with Heather, at Stitching Lotus, the hostess of this stitch a long.

The Dinner Party

I attended a fun dinner party with great company and delicious food.  I didn't take photos of the people because I couldn't ask permission of everyone to post their pictures on my blog.  There were some people I had met before and some new.  It didn't matter that we didn't understand each other's words completely.  Everyone was so very kind to me and I appreciate being included in this great get-together.

Work In Progress Wednesday and 17 in 2017 March Report

I think I did pretty well this week and this month.  

This week I worked on Mary, Queen of Scots.  I need to do a little unstitching of the gold in at least one place.  Maybe I will be able to finish her before the April report. 

I put a few more rows in my Kogin Bag project. It's hard to tell, but I did.

I stitched the pearl beads to the Blue Toolies and picked out this white rose fabric for the backing.

In addition, this month I finished one of my 17 in 2017 projects - the Rose Afghan!  

I also finished the March cat ornament.   Check this Friday's post to see it!

To see all of my 17 in 2017 projects, check out this page.  To see the progress other participants have made, check it out here.

Sue Hiro - Seaman's Inn at Jirocho's Port Museum

I knew about this free museum in my town, but had never visited it.  I was out for a walk and decided to stop in.  I'm so glad I did!  A woman working there spoke some English and explained some of the exhibits, plus she gave me some information on other nearby places to visit. There was also some signage in English.   

Jirocho Shimizu (1820-1893) was well known  in this area during his lifetime. He is said to have opened Japan's first English school in 1874. This museum is a restored version of the seamen's inn that Jirocho Shimizu opened in 1886.

This is the entrance to the museum. 

Inside were many exhibits, including this ceremonial robe from the Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu.

Some of the materials in this building came from the time of the original building.  

This was the downstairs.  

Upstairs were more exhibits including the English school.  Notice how the students all sit in seiza, while the teacher sits on a box.

the end

Monday Morning Star Count - More Tree Progress

The pieces are coming together.  I'm beginning to think about the background and embellishments to decorate the tree.

Linking up with Anthea at Hibiscus Stitches.

Thank You, Brigitte!

Yesterday I received this beautiful pattern in the mail - a gift from Brigitte, who blogs at "At Brigitte's Place".  Thank you for this great gift!  

I think it will be wonderful, stitched up in blue. I can't have enough little toolie things.

Small Shrines In My Neighborhood

There are several small shrines in my neighborhood that I see when I am out walking.  I love living in Japan!

This one is on a roof!