Hot, hot, hot

It's hot weather, it's hot in my kitchen, and the food I'm canning is hot. I just finished canning jalapenos. We start with the washing,

and then the slicing (note to self, buy a mandolin for slicing; 51 peppers are a lot)

then the boiling (that's what really heats up my kitchen) and the final result.

Nine half pints of pickled jalapeno peppers. Now my DH doesn't have to buy any. He even said it's really cool that we grew these and canned them ourselves. I even put four small bags in the freezer. Now I'm standing in front of the fan and letting it cool me down. Then I'm off to do something simple, like laundry.

Rainy day stuff

Couldn't think of a better title LOL!

So, I finished page 3 of CtS yesterday. I've already got some of page 4 started. The colors on this are so vibrant. It is moving along fast. Here is the piccie.

I love my new Needlework System 4 stand. I've just switched CtS to my 17 inch QSnaps and it is really helping. It's so cool!

Now, my next rave goes out to ABC Stitch. I ordered the new Mirabilia Shakespeare's Fairies. Not only does it come fast, but they always put the patterns in a plastic sleeve. It's been pouring rain here today, but I didn't worry about it getting wet sitting in the mailbox because of the way they package. This is such a beautiful pattern. My only beef is the treasures needed for it. I figured out they would cost $50.00 by themselves. That does not include the other beads. I'm going to adopt Missy's plan and substitute Swarovskis and others for the Mill Hill treasures.
There is a new bead shop in Old Town Alexandria that I will probably run into and check out and see what I can use in place. I don't know when I'll start this. I need to find fabric, fibers, ect. I have obligation stitching to do first. I'll get to it one of these days. It just really called to me.

Well, everyone have a good stitching weekend.

Stitching and Stuff

First the stitchey stuff. March hosted our Stitch and Bitch this weekend. First we meet for breakfast at IHOP and then go to her home. We work on LHN's Home of a Needleworker, Too together for the first few hours. Here is my progress. I put the "T" in the door and the chimneys and then started on the plant on the side. I also worked on BRD's Peppermint Twist, but ended up frogging most of what I put in. Didn't make much headway on it. Maybe next month.

I have made great progress on page 3 of CtS. I have one column to finish and then on to page 4. I already have some stitches done on page 4. I try to do this to keep from getting a break line in the stitches. It works pretty good this way.




And finally, look at what is holding my QSnap! Yes, it is a new Needlework System 4 floor stand. After 4 months of saving I was able to buy this. I went with the QSnap holder first. Now I'm putting away for either the chart holder or the large scoll attachment. I really love this. It is so adjustable. My only problem is that no instructions came with it. Just a small piece of paper telling you to screw the T-bar on.

Now for non-stitchey stuff. I was just offered a permanent position at work. I have been working as a temp for a year and three months. I'm going to accept it. It is more money, has benefits, and paid holidays. It will take a little getting used to. I have gotten used to a certain amount of freedom and flexibility with my hours. Now I have to work 40 hours a week. It will cut into my stitching time!
Well, gotta go. Have fun stitching!

She Did Get It

The moderator of the Lizzie*Kate Exchange let me know that my partner did receive the piece I sent. So, now I can post it. Here it is. This is my very first pinkeep. Now that I've made one, I want to make a lot for me! LOL! The ladybug ribbon at the top was too thick to do more than one bow. I'll pick thinner ribbon from not on. The pattern is the August Flip-it. It stitched up really fast. Only took me one weekend. Now I'm going to go sign up for the next round.

Look What I Got!

I received my Lizzie*Kate exchange from Karen. She made me a needle case. I don't have one of these. She said it's her first one. I think she did a great job. She even put two needles in it and she made the card that came with it. Isn't it adorable?!




The thing I'm worried about is that my exchange that I sent to Pennsylvania has not reached it's location yet. I sent it over a week ago. I've emailed the moderator to have her check as the person doesn't have a blog. Hopefully she has received it and just hasn't posted it to the LKExchange blog.

Well, back to stitching and watching Leverage!