Stitching Cats

TUSAL today

2012-01-23T20:34:00.002-05:00

That's right. Today is the next installment of the TUSAL. Not too much to show, but I have been working on Chinese Garden some.

I'll try to post an updated picture later this week.

Jessicas!

2012-01-17T18:31:00.002-05:00

I had hoped to get part 2 done over the long weekend, but those darn little leaves took me forever. So I am still working on the jessica stitches. Here is where I am now.

Hopefully I can get this part done this week.

I'm still waiting for my kit for Deep Blue Sea to come. I've dyed my material and it's all ready to go. Well, back to stitching. More jessicas to do.

By the way, thanks for all the wonderful comments about my Thirteen Colonies.

WIPocalypse - January 2012

2012-01-09T15:50:00.002-05:00

As you can see I have a separate page above for the 2012 WIPocalypse. It has my starting pictures. I'll list my updates here on my main page. So, here is Thirteen Colonies as of today.

I'm getting quite a lot done on the middle square. It is all solid stitching. Once it is done there are just the colony names and the bottom border. I may be switching to Chinese Garden by the weekend though. It is calling to me.

Thanks for stopping by.

Last finish of 2011

2011-12-30T17:29:00.000-05:00

March and I started this at the beginning of the year as our SAL piece. I finished mine Wednesday. It is Tavern Signs Too by Carriage House Samplings.

It is stitched with the called for NPIs and stitched over one on 28 ct. lugana that I tea and coffee dyed.

I hope everyone has a Happy and Blessed New Year!

December TUSAL & Holiday Wishes

2011-12-24T12:48:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I haven't posted for a month! I have been stitching a hardanger piece for my sister for Christmas as you can tell from all the white threads in my jar.

The other picture I have to share is I picked up my Celtic Garden by Chatelaine from In Stitches. Those ladies did a great job framing it.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and I will see you all next year.

TUSAL

2011-11-26T18:28:00.000-05:00

Here is my picture of this month's TUSAL. Lots of different colors. Black, blue, red, and whites. All of this from Chinese Garden.

One of the Greatest Sci-Fi Writers

2011-11-25T20:14:00.001-05:00

Anne McCaffrey passed away earlier this week. She was one of the first women to breach the pre-dominately male field of science fiction. I've read the Pern series several times. One of my other favorites is the Crystal singer series. I had the luck to meet her at a convention in New York many years ago. She had on a blue velvet outfit that she described as "harper blue". Anyone who has read the dragonrider books know what this is. We have truly lost a gifted storyteller.

Stitching Report

2011-11-20T21:34:00.000-05:00

I have some stitching I can show and some I can't. I have been making some Christmas ornaments for gifts, so I can't show them yet. I did stitch on CG today and I almost have part 1 done. There is just a little more back stitching and the beads.

I need to do the rice plants on the bottom, but I'm waiting for my silk perle to come in for that. We are going down to Roanoke for Thanksgiving, so I will not get to do much stitching the rest of the week.

We had our pot luck at work last Thursday and I had signed up to do stuffing, but one of the girls begged me to make my cookie pizza, so I made both. Here is a pic of the pizza.

It's a Pampered Chef recipe. One giant chocolate chip cookie with a white chocolate, cool whip, powdered sugar, and cream cheese mixture, topped with strawberries, mandarin oranges and blackberries. Then swizzle that melted chocolate. I'm happy to report that there were no leftovers.

Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving!

CG Update

2011-11-06T20:16:00.000-05:00

Well, I finished the regular cross stitches and started on the back stitching and specialty stitches. Part 1 is getting closer to being finished.

That's all I really have to show. I did some stitching on Bats, but no real piccies to show. I did make a great big ole heaping potful of beef stew in the crock pot today. It came out really well. I put up one container for DH to take for lunch tomorrow. The rest I'll be freezing for later in the winter.

Thanks for stopping by everyone and I hope you all had a good stitching weekend.

Sunday Stitching

2011-10-30T16:14:00.000-04:00

Well, I worked on CG some more today and once again I have to say "Rayon is a PITA!". I finished the outline of the border around the pagoda.

Now, I ask you, take a look at this close up and see if you can tell the difference between the black rayon and the black silk.

They look the same to me and I can see them in person! And trying to frog it is not something I want to repeat either. It leaves little black hairlike strings around. I have a few more things to cross stitch on this and then I can put in the specialty stitches and the beads. Maybe I can have this part done by next weekend. Maybe.

Hope everyone has had a good stitching weekend. Have a Happy Halloween tomorrow!

October TUSAL & Other Stuff

2011-10-26T18:54:00.001-04:00

Here is my offering for TUSAL

The top is full of orts from The Tavern Sign. I had to frog the scissors because they are not all the same size. I also charted and stitched my name.

Lastly, I attended the lock in at In Stitches this past Sunday and I was lucky enough to win one of the door prizes. I won this lovely sampler, fabric, and silks for it. Also a pack of Bohin needles. We had a great time and I will definitely try to get into the next one.

Thanks for stopping by.

October Stitch & Bitch

2011-10-16T14:30:00.002-04:00

We had our monthly Stitch & Bitch at March's yesterday. March & I both stitched on our SAL piece. I finished the scissors across the top. We decided that we would chart our names and have them stitched before we meet next month.

After that I stitched on Bats some. I got a little more done on the side.

I didn't get as much done on this because a new piece was calling to me. I started Chatelaine's Chinese Garden Mandala on Saturday. Martina has put out seven parts to this so far. I hope to catch up eventually.

I love working with the silks on this one. However, she calls for two Edmar rayons and I really don't like working with them. They are clunky and twirl around too much. Hopefully they won't be used too much. Really dislike them!

Thanks for stopping by.

Bats in the Belfry

2011-10-09T20:43:00.000-04:00

I started AAN's Bat Banner last Saturday. I had a few good days of stitching. I estimate I'm about half way done.

I just have the swirls on the sides and the big bat at the bottom. I've made a few changes. It calls for it to be stitched on orange with just three colors - black, gray, and white. I decided to do it on the same fabric as the Spider. One of the ladies at In Stitches suggested using the orange from the Spider on the disks to tie them together. I think it took me as long to back stitch the two little bats as to stitch the other parts.

And now I'll leave you with the latest picture of my kitty. He's lounging on his daddy's flannel jammies.

Finally Arrived

2011-09-30T16:09:00.000-04:00

My second Seasonal Exchange piece finally made it to Conny in the Netherlands. I don't know if the first one ever made it, but I'm going to post the pictures here.

It's a adaptation of Chatelaine's summer freebie. It made a cute little pinkeep. Up next the replacement.

I stitched this Glory Bee summer freebie. Instead of stitching the bees I attached two little bee charms. I think the fabric for the back is really cute.

As you can see, making pillow is a new finish for me. I think it turned out okay, but I need a lot more practice.

Thanks for stopping by and have a good stitching weekend.

September TUSAL

2011-09-27T18:30:00.000-04:00

It's that time again. Here is my TUSAL. I have some additions on the top from finishing the Celtic Garden.

I put a little more on the Thirteen Colonies. The light is really bad here so the picture is not that great.

Thanks for all the wonderful comments for the Celtic Garden.

Holy Cow!

2011-09-25T14:50:00.000-04:00

I started this in January 2008 when it was the mystery of the year. I kept up with it every month until around the 11th month then I just petered out. Well, I got the bug to stitch a new Chatelaine and I told myself I couldn't start it until I finished this one. So, now here it is in all it's glory. The Celtic Garden Mandala.

I finished the last of the beading yesterday and this morning I put in the final piece in the center. I didn't really like the crystal heart that was designed for the middle and came with the bead kit. I had thought about doing a glass blob with a celtic design in the middle in my glass kiln, but looking at it I decided it was too small for that. So I took a run to Michael's this morning and found a nice brass like charm/button. I think it looks more celtic .

DH says I can get this one framed, so at the next Stitch Night I'm going to take it down to In Stitches and pick out a frame.

I'm still getting the fibers together for the next Chatelaine I want to start (maybe this one won't take me 2 years!) so I'm stitching other things in between. I'm working on the "Thirteen Colonies" again. I also picked up the new Alessandra Adelaide "Bats" which I might start on this week.

Thanks for stopping by!

September Stitch n' Bitch

2011-09-17T19:16:00.000-04:00

We had our monthly Stitch n' Bitch today at March's. Started with breakfast as usual and then on to her house for stitching. First we stitched on The Tavern Sign together. I put in some of the top border and two of the scissors.

I think I'll be able to finish this by the end of the year. Next I pulled out the Thirteen Colonies and finished the basket on the right side and started two of the leaves on the left side. I was really tired today so I didn't get too much done.

I came home and took a nap. Now that I have rested some, I'm going to stitch on the Celtic Mandala Garden. I only have five more medallions to finish and some beading and it will be done. I am really trying to get it finished so I can start the Chinese Garden.

Now off to stitch. Have a good stitching weekend.

TOS is Done!

2011-09-10T10:38:00.000-04:00

I finished Tree of Stitches last night. I took a picture outside this morning, now that the rains and flooding has stopped.

I really enjoyed stitching this. Abi did a great job designing this. The new one starts soon. It is called The Great Escape.

Now, speaking of rain and flooding. What the heck is going on?! First the earthquake, then hurricane Irene, and then the flooding. One of the ladies at work was at classes Thursday night and came out to water up to the window of her Jeep Cherokee. She showed me pictures and the inside is completely ruined. Hopefully her insurance will cover everything.

Thanks everyone for you comments about the Spider. I was especially surprised that Alessandra Adelaide left a comment. I just saw her new companion for it, Bat Banner, and the new Smiling Pumpkin. Darnit! Now I have to get those.

Well, now that we have a nice day I'm going to enjoy it. Everyone have a nice weekend stitching.

Tree of Stitches

2011-09-05T13:31:00.000-04:00

I started TOS yesterday. I'm stitching it on 36 count Lakeside linen Strawflower using SNC 184 Acorn Woods. I used DMC 920 for the french knots. I completed parts 1 though 6 yesterday and am going on to part 7 after I post this.

The picture is a little washed out because of the flash. Hopefully the next picture will be a little brighter.

Hope everyone is having a lovely holiday today.

Smokin'

2011-09-04T09:45:00.000-04:00

My needles were smokin' yesterday. Even after going to breakfast and stash shopping at In Stitches with March, cleaning the bathroom, doing dishes, supervising the DH in cleaning the gutters (that is wife speak for he was on the ladder and I was on the ground talking to him) I still managed to finish the Spider Banner! So here it is in all it's glory (still need to iron it though).

I find I like her designs. I may have to get some more. She has a nice pumpkin I might get. I haven't taken pictures of the new stash, so I'll just list them here. BRD's Moonlit Midnight, Praiseworthy Stitches Ravenmoon Hall, some 36 ct and 32 count Lakeside linen, and some fibers I'm collecting for the next Chatelaine I want to start.

Now, off to get together the stuff for the next piece I want to start this weekend. YAY!

The Itsy Bitsy Spiderr

2011-09-03T08:33:00.001-04:00

I have really been zooming on the spider. All I have left are the orange swirls at the bottom, some french knots, and some backstitching. I think I can finish it this weekend (especially since we have the long weekend).

I had to stop and stitch something new for my exchange partner for the Seasonal Exchange because the first one never made it to the Netherlands. It's had 4 weeks to get there, so I stitched up something new and will finish it off and then I can mail it on Tuesday. I wonder where the other one ended up?

Everyone enjoy stitching this weekend.

Oh, and Gray thanks everyone for the comments. I think his head swelled a little bit after I read them to him.

TUSAL & My Helper

2011-08-29T18:02:00.000-04:00

Here is my August TUSAL. I had some black and gray from having to frog on the Spider Banner.

And here is my laundry helper. I had all these shirts hanging to dry in the bathroom and when I brought them into the bedroom, he decided that he needed to suck any additional dampness out of them.

Look Mom! My eyes are glowing!

What I Did During Irene

2011-08-28T18:52:00.000-04:00

I went into work in the morning/early afternoon before the bad weather began, but afterwards I spent the rest of the day stitching. That is until we lost our power around 9pm. There's not much to do during a hurricane without electricity. Luckily my Kindle was fully charged so I could read for an hour, then we went to bed. Everything came back on at 2am. Anyhoo, here is the picture of the Spider Banner.

I have all the web done and I'm starting on the spider. Should be finished soon and then on to something new (or old depending on the mood).
Everyone have a good week stitching.

It was about 50 years ago

2011-08-23T18:05:00.000-04:00

That we had our last major earthquake. You don't think about Virginia having earthquakes, but it happens. We occasionally have tremors that no one really feels, but today the office shook and all the drawers in my desk came open. Yep, it was a 5.9 according to the USGS seismologists. We're about 80 miles north of the epicenter. I talked to one of my co-workers in Pennsylvania and they felt it too. Not too much damage luckily. My stitching stand didn't even move!

Stash & Stitch

2011-08-20T11:38:00.000-04:00

Wednesday night was our stitching night at In Stitches. They had new patterns from the Baltimore show, so of course I had to buy some. First up is Ink Circles Celtic Beasties: Halloween or Knot and Blackbird Designs Casting a Spell.

Next up is my absolute favorite. The shop had the model there and it is so colorful. It is Prairie Moon Bone Cheeks.

After my shopping time in the shop, I got down to stitching. Actually, I got down to frogging out the middle web. Oh, well, it had to be done, so where better than the stitch night? Lots of people to talk to while doing that chore. So here is the latest piccie of Spider Banner.

Well, I must go on to my Saturday chores.

Have a good stitching weekend.

Saturday Stitching

2011-08-13T20:34:00.000-04:00

Today was our monthly Stitch 'n Bitch at March's. First we worked on our joint piece. I put in the "plain & fan" letters and part of the scissors on the top.

Then I worked the spider some more. If I stitch on it some more tomorrow I might get the top part done.

Thanks for stopping by.

Spider Update

2011-08-10T22:50:00.000-04:00

I've been able to put a few hours of stitching in the last couple of nights. I counted up from where I started to the upper left corner and have put a lot of white in. There are only 4 colors in this.

I am so happy to have my stitching mojo in place again. After the last three weeks at work, almost all 12 hour days and some weekend hours, I really need to stitch as my stress relief. We've been re-aligned from the Philly office to the New York office and they want everything their way. They took my billing position, moved it to NY and made me the Accounts Payable person. There were 5 people in Philly doing this job. Now, there's just me. See the problem with the math there? I am swamped and overwhelmed every single day. Yesterday my supervisor comes running in and and drops another "rush" job on my desk. After she left I was cussing under my breath. I mean, when am I suppose to do my work if I'm doing special projects. ARGH! It is so frustrating! Oh well, enough venting. Time for bed.

Thanks for stopping by.

Mojo Came Home!

2011-08-06T20:54:00.000-04:00

Yes, I have my mojo back! On Wednesday we had stitch night at In Stitches and I went shopping. I bought an Alessandra Adelaide and all the materials for it and started it right there. Here is where I was on Wednesday night.

Here is where I ended about an hour ago. I am stitching it on Lakeside Antique Tarnished Silver.

I'm enjoying it and very happy to be stitching again.

Thanks for stopping by.

TUSAL Late Again

2011-08-01T22:18:00.000-04:00

I need to stop going away on the new moon! We went to Roanoke for my dad's 88th birthday. The whole family was there. So, here is my picture. Not much change since last month since the stitching has taken a vacation.

While we were down for dad's b-day we went to see my brother-in-law's band. They play blues. I have a picture. It's a little dark but you can see him playing.

Thanks for stopping by.

Mojo, Here Mojo...

2011-07-29T18:59:00.000-04:00

Where are you? I have lost my stitching mojo. I don't know if it's the heat or what, but I just can't get motivated. The only thing I have stitched has been my Summer Exchange for the Seasonal Exchange group. The stitching group at In Stitches starts up again next week and hopefully I can get my butt in gear and start stitching again.

Okay, enough whining. I'll try to start stitching again this week.

Late TUSAL!

2011-07-09T19:35:00.000-04:00

**Warning Heavy Picture Post**
I'm really late with this, but I have a good excuse. We went to Nova Scotia. So first, here is my TUSAL photo.

Now on to some really cool pictures!

Inn we stayed at in Lunenburg

Historic building in Lunenburg


3 Churches at Mahone Bay

Two whales breaching

Whale tail


More whale tail

Whale watching was the highlight of our trip. It was such a great day. Not a cloud in the sky. Our captain even said it was a great day. We had about 30 whales around or boat. Nova Scotia is a beautiful place to visit. We definitely want to go again. We only did the south end of the island. Next time, we'll go to the north.

Got Some Stitching Done

2011-06-05T21:57:00.000-04:00

I was able to get most of the left side of the inner border done Wednesday night at Stitch Night at In Stitches. The rest, the title, birds, etc. I put in this weekend. Hopefully I can keep this pace up and not zone out of it again.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving all those wonderful comments. Happy Stitching!

June TUSAL

2011-06-01T21:25:00.000-04:00

Here is my jar for the month. There's some lovely green on top.

A Finish

2011-05-29T10:18:00.001-04:00

Last weekend in Roanoke I started Val's Stuff A Teenie Weenie Halloweenie. I only stitched about three letters. Yesterday was our monthly Stitch & Bitch at March's and I was able to finish all the words and one of the swirls. When I got home, I finished the rest of the stitching and attached the buttons. Quite a fast little piece to stitch. So here it is.

Ellen at In Stitches had warned me that stitching on the gray squares would be hard and boy was she right. It takes a little more concentration than when you are stitching on a regular even weave. It is so cute though. I think I am going to make it into a small pillow.

Thanks everyone for you wonderful comments and thanks for stopping by.

Trying to get my mojo back

2011-05-19T17:30:00.000-04:00

I've been a little lax in my stitching lately, but last night was Stitch Night at In Stitches and I hope it's jump started me again. I worked on Thirteen Colonies and finished three of the stars in the border.

At least now I am assured that I have enough fabric and will not have to start again.

In Stitches is also having a sale. 20% off all Halloween patterns, fabric, fibers, etc. Well, you know me, I can't pass up a sale! There were two models up front and I fell in love with them. The first is Val's Stuff Teenie Weenie Halloweenie. I got the fabric and buttons to go along with it.

Now, the next one I would never have bought if I were to go by the picture on the pattern, but one of the customers had stitched it over one on I think 36 count and it looks great! It is A Mon Ami Pierre's Greetings Halloween. The fabric I purchased is not what they call for; it is 32 count. I plan to do it over one also.

I also picked up this fabric for Sleepy Hollow by Cross-Eyed Cricket (which I bought years ago). Once again, not what is called for, but the model in the shop was stitched on this and it looks fabulous.

If you want to see the models for all of these go here to the In Stitches blog. They have several others pictured also.
Okay, not on to laundry and some stitching!

It Finally Made It

2011-05-13T20:19:00.000-04:00

The piece I did for the Seasonal Exchange finally made it to Mexico. I was beginning to worry, but Laura just posted that she received it. So, here it is.

It is a Danybrod pattern. I put Laura's initials on it. I have some more of her patterns. I would like to stitch them and I would like to do one of the bunny for me also.

Have a good stitching weekend.

TUSAL for May

2011-05-03T19:12:00.000-04:00

Here is my offering this month. Quite a bit added. Must have been all that frogging!

Seasonal Exchange - Spring

2011-05-02T17:22:00.000-04:00

I had a notice in the mail yesterday for the Post Office. I received my exchange from Laura for the Seasonal Exchange. It is absolutely adorable. I love the way she did the ribbon. I have yet to learn that technique. It is stitched so beautifully.

She also has a cute label attached to the back.

Now, as some of you read in my last post, I have re-started LHN'S Thirteen Colonies. Since I had to re-start I picked 40 ct. Lakeside linen Attic Lace. I like it better and I'm glad I had to re-start.

Thanks to everyone for the supportive comments.

Ah Man!

2011-04-30T22:51:00.000-04:00

I have to start Thirteen Colonies all over. H E DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS! Somehow, I messed up the measurement and my fabric is a good four inches too short. I am so mad at myself right now. I've already decided to go to In Stitches tomorrow and buy a new piece of fabric. Since I have to restart I'm going to get a 40 ct. Now, if I could just go to sleep. It's hard when I'm mad like this. I'm petting Gray the cat as I know his purring will calm me down. Oh, well, enough ranting.

Okay Okay I'll Post!

2011-04-26T19:55:00.000-04:00

I have done a little stitching. A couple weekends ago, we had the Stitch n Bitch at March's and we both stitched on the Tavern Sign. I finished the "Needlewoman" and started on the border.

I've also been working on LHN's Thirteen Colonies. I am really loving the colors on this. One of the other ladies at the stitch night at In Stitches is working on it also. I'm doing it on 32 ct. and she is doing it on 36 ct. It's coming out a little larger than I realized. If I were to start it again (NOT!) I think I would do it on 40 ct.

Well, that's all stitch fans. I need to go rustle up some dinner. Hubby is feeling a little off, so I'm on my own. PB&J sounds like it might be good tonight. Thanks for visiting.

Startitis

2011-04-10T15:29:00.000-04:00

I've been having that feeling that I want to start something new. Last Wednesday at stitch night at In Stitches I picked up the new LHN "Thirteen Colonies". I purchased the specialty threads I needed while I was there also. I started it yesterday, but because, dopey me, used the wrong color on the border, I had to pick out all of the brown and re-do it with the right color today. Still, I like the look of it so far.

I'll stitch some more on it later today. Right now I'm taking a break between loads of laundry.

Thanks for dropping by.

A Day Late - TUSAL

2011-04-04T17:29:00.000-04:00

We were out of town until last night, so I didn't get to post my TUSAL until now. Not a lot added, but some more.

I have been doing some stitching. I finished the stitching on an exchange piece, I just need to put it together. I haven't finished the whole page, but I feel like I need to post my progress on The Astronomer.

We've had so much going on, I haven't had as much time to stitch. Hopefully I can get some more done this week.

Thanks for stopping by.

March

2011-03-20T11:44:00.002-04:00

There has been so much going on here lately. First, my DH and I are re-doing part of our kitchen. Here you can see part of the new laminate counter-top he has put on. He has put on the other side since this picture was taken and re-mounted the sink. When he was putting the sink back in he found a huge hole in the drain, so off to the hardware store for new PVC plumbing pipes. After he finishes the counter, we are putting up new backsplash and painting the back walls. We plan on replacing all the cabinet doors. I am designing stained glass inserts for them. They will probably be our fall project. I told my husband no pressure. We'll just do a little at a time.

Weekend before last was my parents 65th wedding anniversary, so we went down to Roanoke where they are living with my oldest sister. Here is a pic of my dad and my husband, Sam. This is their apartment down in the basement. It is very nice. My sister even had one of those stair chairs put in so dad can ride it to the upstairs.

On our way back we took one of the side roads instead of the interstate because it was packed with tractor trailers. We saw a sign for a covered bridge and took a little side trip to see it. It is at Weems Bottom. Great name huh? It is the only covered bridge in Virginia that still has vehicular traffic going across it.

Next up, the flowers. Sam decided since he was working so hard on the kitchen, he deserved a reward. Said reward is a new Gibson guitar. Said reward has a price tag four digits long! He knew he was in the doghouse so he sent me these flowers. They are just too funny and everyone in the office has gotten a good laugh out of them.

Yes, they do look like a puppy.
Finally, on to the stitching. Yes, I have done some. On Wednesday at InStitches, I completed the red square and snowflake.

Yesterday at March's for our monthly Stitch n Bitch I completed the yellow square. I had started the one below it and had the outline done, when I noticed that I used the wrong color red. DUH! So I ended up frogging that. Before I worked on this March and I worked on the SAL piece we chose for this year. It is Carriage House Samplings Tavern Signs Too. We actually started last month but I forgot to post it. So here is where I ended yesterday.

Well, that's it, stitching fans. I have done a little on the Astronomer, but no picture of that. Now I am off to do laundry and then hopefully a little more stitching.

Thanks for dropping by.

TUSAL for March

2011-03-03T19:25:00.000-05:00

Here is my TUSAL for March. Had some added since last time.

Here is page 5 of The Astronomer. It took me a little longer to finish as there was a fair amount of confetti stitching.

Thanks for looking.

Lock In

2011-02-28T18:56:00.000-05:00

Our LNS In Stitches had a lock in Saturday night. It was a lot of fun. They had 25 people attending, so lots of new stitchers to meet. Dinner was from Macaroni Grill. Good food! Since this followed Nashville Market, there were lots of new charts and Ellen had made up raffle bags. I did not win one, but my stitching buddy March did. So, lots of market purchases. Here is what I bought.

LHN'S "Bringing Home the Tree" and "Fresh from the Garden"

Blackbird Designs "Wild Lilies"

Homespun Elegance "A Halloween Year - March- Bits of Halloween"

Blackberry Lane Designs "Rest Ye Pins"

Homespun Elegance "Sampler Bunny"

Blackbird Designs "A Stitcher's Journey"

The "A Stitcher's Journey" was the hot property of the night and I got one of the last ones available. These's nothing quite like new stash. Ahhhhh.

Exchanges!

2011-02-19T18:45:00.000-05:00

Grace has received the pinkeep I stitched for her for the Seasonal Exchange - Winter, so now I can post it here. It is part of the CCN Snowflake Serenade. I like how it turned out. I even made the twisted cord.

Next, is the exchange piece I received from Angela. Isn't this a darling little pillow?

Here is a close up of the button. It's a partridge!

I have been fortunate in my blogging life to have received stitched pieces from Angela in the past. She does really exceptional stitching and I value them greatly. Thanks Angela, I love it!

What I Got for Valentine's Day

2011-02-15T21:11:00.000-05:00

My DH had these delivered to the office yesterday. I just love them. There are orchids in the middle, two different color roses, and some type of berries. He done good!

Page 4 Done

2011-02-08T20:46:00.000-05:00

I finished page 4 this past weekend and yes, I have started page 5.

I really have been enjoying this one. I don't know if I will be able to finish this page as fast as I have the last two, but I'll give it a good try.
I made some great cookies this weekend. I made White Chocolate Chip and Cranberry cookies. Mmmmm. The first batch was a little dry, so I added some milk to the rest of the batter and that took care of the problem. I've been munching on them all weekend. Maybe I'll try something else this weekend. I've been bitten by the baking bug. Could be worse, huh?

2nd TUSAL of 2011

2011-02-03T16:57:00.000-05:00

Here is my for the TUSAL this month. A little more since last month.

I also have some stitching to show. I almost finished page 4. I haven't really stitched on anything else but this. Last night at Stitch Night at In Stitches I frogged a whole block on BRD's "Peppermint Twist" that was a row off. I put it down several months ago because I was frustrated with it. Maybe I'll work on it a little more now that I have that block out.

Thanks for stopping by.

This Weekend

2011-01-23T22:48:00.000-05:00

A little more done on The Astronomer. I put in a little over 2000 stitches, which is almost a third of a page. I hope I can come close to completing this page by the end of next weekend.

I probably would have gone a bit farther, but I was talked into making chocolate chip cupcakes for the office and that took time away from stitching.

I am really liking this the more I work on it. It's really becoming my focus piece so far this year. The odd thing is when I'm stitching on it I do not notice what it looks like until I step back from it, then it looks like the picture.

Thanks for stopping by.

Page 3 Done

2011-01-16T12:52:00.000-05:00

I finished page 3 of the Astronomer today. This is going much faster than usual. It took two weeks to finish this page. In the past it has taken a month to finish a page, so I feel pretty good about getting it done so speedy.

Yesterday was our monthly Stitch 'n Bitch at March's. I worked on my Seasonal Exchange, so know piccies of that right now. We had a good time as usual and after lunch we went shopping at In Stitches. My sister had given me a $25 gift certificate. I purchased the fabric to do Carriage House Alphabet Sampler. I got a neutral 25 count lugana. I am going to do it over 1. So I'll have to start gathering the fibers I want to use. I think I'll mainly use DMC, but I might have a few other types thrown in. I also purchased CH's Tavern Signs. This is going to be the piece March and I will do as our mini-SAL. I have until next month to get everything together for it.
Well, I have to go do a few chores and then, back to stitching!

Return to HAED

2011-01-05T21:46:00.001-05:00

I haven't stitched on The Astronomer since last July. Here is where I was when I picked it up on January 1.

This is where I am as of last night.

I really want to concentrate on working on my bigger pieces this year, so I don't think I will be doing exchanges this year. I may not get one of the HAEDs done this year, but I will hopefully get close.

Thanks for stopping by.

TUSAL

2011-01-04T17:51:00.000-05:00

Yes, I've joined the ranks of the TUSAL. Daffycat is now hosting it, so I had to do it. Hope I can remember to post it all year. I use a little candle jar from Partylite. It's nice and small and sits on the arm of the couch.
Now, I have to go stitch. Enjoy the new moon everyone.

Last Post of 2010

2010-12-31T21:02:00.000-05:00

I just finished putting the stitches in LHN's Hen Party. I had to do this one because whenever I get together with my friends to stitch, my DH calls it a Hen Party. So this was very appropriate.

Next year, tomorrow, I plan to go back to one of my HAEDs. I have been neglecting them.

Here's wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

Our Tree

2010-12-21T19:35:00.000-05:00

As many of my regular visitors know, I've been stitching all the LHN's ornament series this year. I now have them all stitched and finished off as ornies. Here is the whole group.

I'm very happy with how they all turned out. Now, our house is very tiny, cottage style, so the DH has made us a wooden tree for them to hang on. He painted most of it with an antique milk paint.

A couple different views. We even have presents under it! It's going to be very busy from here on out, so if I don't get to tell everyone later,

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Stitch Night

2010-12-02T17:57:00.004-05:00

Last night was the last night for our Stitch Night at In Stitches for the year. We will resume in January. We had lots of really great food. Deborah had been collecting recipes from all of us through the year and presented us with a cookbook she put together. There are some really great recipes I want to try. Ellen, the owner of the shop, gifted us with a "make it and take it". In the bag was a small red baking dish, two rubberbands,three strips of red, green, and/or cream wool in various combinations, and a ornamental pin. Once you put it together, you get this:

Connie, Helen, and I put ours together immediately using the fabric cutting table. Isn't this a cute pincushion? I don't know where she got the idea from, but it's great. It was really sweet of her to gift us with these. We all had a great time and I'll miss getting together with the other stitchers. Come on January!

Stitching over the holiday

2010-11-29T17:12:00.003-05:00

I did do some stitching over the holiday. The company I work for gives us Friday as a holiday in addition to Thursday, so, I finished stitching this LHN ornament,

finished these three off into ornaments

and started this one. I'm almost caught up on stitching the LHN ornaments. I want to try to finish most of them off in different style ornaments this coming weekend.

DH is making me a wooden tree to hand them on, so I have to get them all done since he's been working so hard on it for me.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T19:18:00.004-05:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving here in the States.

This is what I've been doing in my spare time. I have the next ornament started and I plan to finish it after all the cooking and cleaning up.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your holiday.

Another Finish

2010-11-18T18:33:00.005-05:00

I finished stitching Cricket Collections The Master and the Macabre Tuesday night. I'm very happy with it.

Of course that means starting something new. I'm a little behind on stitching the LHN ornaments, so I started Under the Tree at the Stitching Night at In Stitches last night. Hopefully I can get most of it done this weekend.

Of course, one cannot go to the LNS without making a few purchases.

I saw the little sheep fob from Ewe and Eye on the counter done up as a model. I instantly fell in love. Patricia helped me scour the racks for it. Later someone was talking about the guild and Marie Driskill being a member. Patricia brought in a couple of her patters from the racks. Once again, a pattern called (more like screamed) to me. So I told her to leave The Three Wise Men with me. Now, if you have never seen this, it is something else. It is stitched on 40 ct over 1 and uses 55 DMC colors! That is going to be really intense. Don't ask me when I'll be starting it, probably next year some time. It'll probably take me a year to finish stitching it. It is beautiful, though.

Thanks for stopping by and have a happy stitching weekend.

Finally Done

2010-11-15T17:59:00.006-05:00

March and I have been stitching on LHN's Home of a Needleworker Too for over a year. We would do a couple hours every month during our monthly Stitch and Bitch. I finally finished mine this weekend.
Now all I need it to find a frame I like for it.

When I got home I had a surprise in the mail. I received my piece for the Seasonal Exchange from Lisa V. today. All the way from Australia. It is so great. She stitched Quaker Acorn from The Workbasket. I love the little leaf she put on it. Thank you Lisa!

Michele Got it

2010-11-05T17:36:00.002-04:00

The piece I stitched for the Autumn portion of the Seasonal Exchange arrived at Michele's house yesterday. I stitched this from The Prairie Schooler's October leaflet. I had an Altoids tin, so I used that to finish it. For anyone who wishes to know, I used Vonna's instructions. She has the best finishing tutorials.
Thanks for looking everyone.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2010-10-31T09:34:00.005-04:00

Happy Halloween everyone. I've got the candy all ready to go for when the ghosts and goblins come. I was going to decorate more this year, but I strained my neck a few days ago and haven't been able to move it around too much. That put a crimp into my stitching too, but I did get some done before. I finished the moon and the words around it.

Then I went to the bottom part of the house. I was stitching at a pretty good pace until I hurt myself. I'm hoping to be able to stitch a little today. We'll see if it feels like I'm crippling myself.

Lastly, I bought myself a Halloween gift at the last stitch in. I love the pumpkin beads fob. The scissors are okay. I don't think they cut as great as some of my others, but they make a nice addition to my collection.

I also finished my Seasonal Exchange and put it in the mail yesterday, but of course I can't show that until it gets to it's new home.

So now dear readers, I leave you with this little ditty.

Trick or treat
Smell my feet
Give me something good to eat!

Stitch n B*tch

2010-10-18T21:21:00.003-04:00

We had our monthly Stitch n B*tch this past Saturday at March's. As usual we started with breakfast, then we went for stash enhancement at In Stitches, then over to March's for stitching and b*tching. We had a new addition, Tracy, a friend of March's. She hasn't been stitching for a while, but she seemed to enjoy herself. Sharliena has started a HAED piece. I'm so proud of her! Before we started stitching, March presented me with this cute little pinkeep. She knows how much I like Halloween.

I stitched on my piece. I had to fix the moon some, but then I was able to stitch down to the eyes.

Sunday, the DH and I went to see the movie "Red". Great movie. It was cute and witty. Bruce Willis was great as was Helen Mirren. I love her line, "I kill people dear". Hearing that in her aristocratic voice was funny. I think, though, that John Malkovich steals the movie. He was so wacky and funny. I've never been a big fan of his, but he did a fabulous job. Oh and Karl Urban. The more I see of him on the big screen the more I like him.

And finally, what kind of position do you call this!?

By command

2010-10-07T06:41:00.003-04:00

Ellen from In Stitches commanded me to make a new post, so here it is. We had a great time at the Stitch In last night. Everyone was stitching on so many different projects and of course, there was fabulous food. Debra made Paula Dean's Ooey Gooey cake and boy was it good. I did figure out that what I stitched last night, I have to take out because it's WRONG! So, I'll show a picture of my stash enhancement from last night instead.

I bought JBW Scardey Cats and fibers for it, another Tacky Bob, BRD Blessed Beyond Measure, SP Sampler Roundy, and NN 2010 Hardanger book. Some great stash there huh?

Thanks for looking.

Pumpkin Kiss

2010-10-03T14:54:00.002-04:00

I finally finished this as an ornament. I even did my own twisted cord.

Thanks for looking.

31 Days of Halloween

2010-10-01T16:09:00.001-04:00

Have you been to Annette's yet today. She and Missy are doing giveaways all month. Go now!

Pinkeeps

2010-09-29T18:20:00.003-04:00

I finished two of the pumpkin designs into pinkeeps today.

Here's a top shot of the ribbon. I love these polka dots.

Haven't really done any stitching this week. It's been less than a great week at work and I've just been wiped out when I came home. Only two more days to the weekend!