2009 Winding Down!

The countdown has begun! How will you spend your New Year's Eve? I, for one, will put on my 'party hat' and stitch the night away (at least until DH says he's had enough). We're in pretty much white-out conditions here with no end in sight. A foot of new snow today, so far. Luckily we have everything we need and no-place to go. The plow probably won't get up here 'til Saturday.

The dogs are having a great time whenever they venture out. Kelly's specialty is snow angels. Jessie does a fine high-step. What a riot to watch! Moses (the cat who owns us), on the other hand/paw is quite miffed. He cries to go out and two minutes later is scratching the screen on my window to come back in. I know I'm going to have to replace that screen. Dang! He hates the litter-box but hates the snow too. My new 2010 desk calendar is already damaged by wet cat laying on it & my keyboard.

As I've been AWOL since Christmas Eve morning, I will tell you that we had a safe trip both ways over the mountains and a fairly quiet Christmas (with two young boys NOT!). Again, I did not get one stitchy related gift. Next year I am being VERY specific. Obviously these guys won't buy me gift certificates. DH & I bought a Wii FIT for ourselves, exercise for me, games for him.

It's only fitting to mention here how I did on my goals for 2009:
STITCHING
finish 6 stitching UFOs before I can buy more stash (exceptions are auto ships and exchanges) Big uh oh! Really missed this one! I was worse than ever buying stash and only finished one UFO

complete at least one ornie per month yea! Stitched 14 and two starts. Unfortuantely, I only finished one. Need to work on my finishing techniques.

stitch a minimum of 6 charity pieces Well, I only stitched four blocks, but I did make three charity quilts.

begin a new BAP (this is difficult because I have so many I want to do and several in my UFOs to complete) completed one UFO and started two more

QUILTING
finish 5 quilting UFOs DONE still have at least this many more to finish Yikes!

take at least one class DONE

make two handbags or totes DONE

PERSONAL

practice Gratitude doing better but still needs work

be kinder to DH doing better but still needs work

drink, drink, drink water doing better but still needs work

excercise needs lots of work

eat healthier much better but still needs work

P.S. I did lose over 60 pounds this year!! Big Hooray!!

Tomorrow I'll fill you in on my new improved updated goals for 2010. Have a safe time if you celebrate tonight. Wishing you all a prosperous new year.

Merry Christmas!

Well, it's Christmas eve and I'm about as ready as I'll ever be. We're heading over the mountains to the 'wet side' in just a few moments. Leaving all our lovely snow behind. Ah well, it'll be a white Christmas here even if we're not.

I'm excited to see our two grandsons, Alex & Tyler. They're at that perfect age (5 & 10) where Christmas is still a wonder. Their dad is the worst, I think! He is soooo over the top about Christmas. Hoping to get some good photos this year. We need a new photo of DH & me. The last one of us together is quite a few years old and many pounds heavier, so I won't show it.

I've spent the past few days making Oregon Ducks stadium blankets. Our beloved Ducks are going to the Rose Bowl on January 1st. I made a blanket for our son and showed it to my friend Debra. This lead to making four more and I could've made dozens. I had to draw a line somewhere as I only had so much time and many Christmas activites yet to do on my list.

So, Dear Readers, it's time to get our sled on the road. (DH is tapping his foot) I want to wish each of you the Merriest Christmas. I do wish blessings on all of you and your loved ones. Stay safe, stay warm.

More Photos & Stash!

Isn't this wire basket lovely? I found it in a little shop near hear. I can just imagine fabric or a small quilt spilling out of it. Maybe I'll get it hung this week-end!

My friend, Jan (my long-arm quilter) brought me this darling tea cozy pattern from her latest trip. She's so sweet! Think I'll make one for each of us!

Tracy Horner of Ink Circles was at our last stitching get-together and brought copies of this year's and last year's ornaments for us. Aren't they beautiful? She's soooo talented! Sure wish I had more stitching time!

I'm joining in on the Prairie Schooler ABCs SAL next year. I got a great deal on these charts from Nancy in Florida. She was selling some of her stash and I was lucky enough to get a chance to get them all at once.

These two photos are of stash I purchased from my friend, Jeanie's shop. She was running a special, now who can resist a special? Besides, she gives a portion of each sale to charity.
I had to have these Prairie Schooler charts, Weather Wise and Farmer's Almanac. My Dad used to say these old saying all the time. They make me smile and think of him. A very good reason to stitch these for my home.

I just love Sue Hillis' Designs and this Spool Tree is just too fun! Erica Michaels has charted some beautiful sayings lately & this is one of my favorites. And, of course, Diane Williams of Little House Needleworks is one of my favorite designers ever. I'm taking part in a SAL for The Travelling Stitcher in January.

Lots of Photos!

I've finally got some photos to show you. I'm not too slow for you, am I? My camera's not the greatest for close ups so some of these aren't terribly clear.

This is the piece I completed the other day. The coloring doesn't show true here. It was a mystery on the German Marquoir group. It's done on a miscellaneous piece of linen in DMC flosses.

Here is the baseball quilt I made for my 10 y.o. grandson, Alex. I chose the diamond pattern to represent a baseball diamond. I think it's a little on the busy side.

Now the back I love, love, love! Notice I had a specially made label for the corner.

This is The Button Tree by The Drawn Thread that I'd mentioned in my last post. Isn't it too darling? I may even do one with colored buttons too.

These are the other three charts I got from Sonda besides The Button Tree.

Now I want to show you some goodies I recently aquired. These are antique spools. Aren't they lovely. I spent a bit more than I had planned to but I just HAD to have them. I wanted to buy just a few (how could I decide!!) but they wouldn't split the lot.


Well, DH says it's way past bedtime. Think I'll take the hint. More photos tomorrow! Don't worry, it will be tomorrow cuz' the photos have already been taken. Nighty night!

Out Of Touch! We Have A Winner!

So sorry I've been out of touch for so long again. I've caught 'the crud'. You know, the headachy, runny nose, congested, sore throat kind. Yup, and this mornin' I added another symptom we won't discuss here.

I have however finished a cross stitch piece and a quilt. No photos yet but hopefully I can get some this afternoon. Check back for my next post if you're interested.

I have some unfinished business to take care of too. Back on November 28th I offered up a giveaway. In the rush and stumble of my life I failed to announce the winner. Since there were only six entries I've had DH sing out a number. ONE, yes number one! That's Andie in New Zealand! Congratulations Andie!

The mailman has brought me several goodies lately.
I bought some charts from Sonda's For Sale list. I've met Sonda at our bi-monthly stitching get-togethers. She's a kick!
1. CCN Holly & Ivy Sampler
2. HIH 2009 Collector's Heart
3. Drawn Thread The Button Tree
and she sent me the JBW Designs Blessings chart for free

My name was on the list for several charts by Martina Dey of Stickideen von der Weihenburg. When it came down to my pocketbook I could only afford one right now. So I chose Rose Quaker. The mailman brought Christmas Quaker Bellpull. It's lovely and I'll keep it, but, I was so very disappointed. These charts come from Germany so it just wouldn't be cost effective to return it. I'll buy Rose Quaker later when I can rub two nickles together again.

I know there's more but my foggy mind just isn't working at full speed right now. I've been very generous with myself while I've been doing my Christmas shopping this year. Bought myself both Andrea Boclli's 'My Christmas' and Susan Boyle's 'I Dreamed A Dream' CDs. Also DVD's 'The Sisterhood ot the Traveling Pants' and 'Two Weeks Notice'. I'm really going to enjoy these while I stitch!

I belong to the PaperBackSwap . It's a really great group and I save lots of money on my books. I've recently received three of Monica Ferris' Needlecraft Mystery Series: 'A Stitch In Time', 'Framed In Lace', and 'Crewel World'. I also got Debbie macomber's 'Fairy Tale Weddings' and Clive Cussler's 'Arctic Drift'. The last two are new in paperback and I'm so excited!!!

Well, I'm going to go try to get those photos now. Plus all the other little things like laundry that need to get done whether I'm sick or not. Oh, BTW, it's been in the -20F degrees here and we were without water for several days. Hence the scurry to catch up on chores. At least we haven't lost power yet this season!

'Tis The Season Of Giving!

"Where Women Create" is having 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways! Each day starting December 1 to December 12 there will be a different giveaway.

And today also starts the SewMamaSew Giveaway. Giveaway Day kicks off a Season of Giving. There are so many lovely blogs to visit. These giveaways stay open through Sunday, December 6.

So lets have fun and start visiting. Surely there'll be something that catches your eye! I love to see what other people create. This is a great opportunity to get to know so many crafty people. There is inspriation abounding out there!

This isn't the first time I've told you about Geta's giveaways. She's got another stunning piece for this month! Check it out!

Post Thanksgiving and Another Giveaway!

I do hope all my readers in the US had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was special though very quiet as none of the grands was able to attend. My Cranberry Pecan Pie was a big hit. I've made my soup and a Shepherd's Pie, a must whenever I cook a turkey. Also, the Christmas decorating of the house was completed before everyone arrived. They were surprised but understood my crazy reasoning.

Our youngest & wife had to leave late Thanksgiving evening (she works retail). It was just going to be guys sitting around watching football the rest of the weekend. I took off Friday morning for Portland with some friends. No "Black Friday" shopping for us! Deb & Roy of Desert Rock & Gem invited me to be their guest at a Gem & Bead Show. Woo hoo! I was so overwhelmed! Next time I hope to have more spare cash and a list of goodies I NEED. We had sooo much fun!

I know what you're saying. Another giveaway! This one is very well worth your time checking out. Rebecca is giving away the most lovely Christmas pillow. Please take a moment to browse through her blog as it has so many lovely things to view particularly if you like vintage, romantic and PINK!

More Giveaways!

You've got to see this! Judith is giving away one of her most beautiful L&L finishes, Angel of Summer! Look at the fabric she's stitched on! She's gotta be outta her mind! Her stitching is soooo beautiful. And while you're checking that out look at all her gorgeous quilting. Such a talented lady!!!

Now, for my giveaway! Very small by comparison! I love this piece, Be True! I love Little House Needleworks! Just leave a comment on this post. As a special thanks to the followers of this blog you'll get an extra chance in the draw.

Thanksgiving Blessings To You All!

Happy Thanksgiving! May God's blessings be with you all.

I am so very thankful for so many people and things in my life. I am so blessed! I've been reflecting on this today as I have a quiet day before our "troops" arrive. It would take me pages and pages to write it all down. But, I would like to share a few thoughts here.

In the past I had my parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles. I still have many cousins and immediate family, though some of them are gone too. All are dear and have blessed me and influenced me to be the person I am today.

I've also had two wonderful mothers-in-law. My first husband and his family. All gone now but forever in my heart.

My dear husband, Jim, and his boys and step-mom have embraced me and made me one of their own. Even his cousins treat me like a sister. What more could I ask for?

God has blessed us with three beautiful grandchildren, Erica, Alex and Tyler. They delight me and I am so thankful for their health and exuberence. Shouldn't we be allowed to bottle some of that for when we grow older?

I've reflected upon my marriage vows today. For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness & health. These are important words to me! I meant them when I said them and they ring true today still!

I am so thankful for my faith and my friends. Yes, internet friends too! God has blessed me richly. I pray that I can be a good and faithful servant. A caring friend. I'm working on keeping a thankful spirit through joys and sorrows (mine and my friends').

God has given us a bounty of richness. I think of so many with so little in worldly goods yet they have such rich hearts. I think of all our service people, separated from their families. All their families preparing for the holidays without a loved one near. I pray for their safety and am thankful for their enduring service to our country.

I pray for our president and elected officials. May they serve the people of this country faithfully and reach out to God in prayer and conscience.

I wish all my dear readers a bountiful Thanksgiving celebration. And as my dad would say "keep it short, the food's getting cold".

BTW, my dried cranberries turned out delicious! Not as pretty as CRAISINS but so much more healthy. And thank you Tracy for the wonderful Cranberry-Pecan Pie recipe. I found it on-line.

Oh, She's Been Bitten!

I've been so busy! I've really been bitten by the holiday bug! Christmas spirit! Whatever you want ot call it.

We'll be having Thanksgiving here this year (a first). A small crowd and that's just fine by me. This is the first year I've been home for Thanksgiving. Traditionally I spend this time visiting my grand-daughter, Erica. Well, I went to Erica's in October this year. Hence, I'm home and that means I'm here early enough to bother putting up a tree (haven't done that in eons 'cause we're never here). Soooo, guess who's already put up her small tree? Yep! I'm excited! Got that spirit! I have a four-foot pre-lit table-top. Not much room for more but I have enough ornaments to do two trees. Some of my ornaments are kept in boxes prewraped to look like presents. That way it looks like I have lots of gifts under the tree already. I also found a perfect two-foot, wrought iron, tree-shaped ornament holder. I put most of the smaller ornaments on it & placed it in our bedroom. Sooooo, I'm all decorated except for changing out the art on the walls. I have some beautiful prints that I hang. Gotta get under the bed for those today! Yes, I've already put boughs along my porch railing and a wreath on the door. My neighbors know!

While in Alabama I shipped home LOTS of fresh pecans. I love them for snacking and baking. Soooo, I've made candied pecans. Yummy! Wish I could share some with you.

At last week's Hero Quilters' get-together one of the girls brought TONS of fresh cranberries. I brought A LOT home. Today I have been a-cranberrying (is that a word?). Frozen cranberries for later. Dried cranberries (these are great snacks). Cranberry sauce for our turkey dinner. I still have a batch in the sink with a yet to be determined use. I want to make cranberry pecan muffins. Maybe take some of those to Jim's step-mom (she's in assisted living). Aren't these beauties?

Geta's Quilting Studio

I meant to post about this for you earlier but, of course, I was distracted. Check this out! Geta is having the most beautiful giveaway and it would look perfect on my table. She has such a great blog with tutorials and "ahem" a monthly giveaway.

Did You Miss Me?

Yes, I've been out of touch all week but not because I was having loads of fun. My computer caught a virus! I doubt it was H1N1, but who knows! So, we're back in business now and rarin' to go.

Last week-end was the Northwest Stitchers get-together in Portland. Oh Oh Oh we had soooo much fun! A stunning display of finishes! Wonderful food (thank you Vicki, Donna & Randy). Loads of laughter! Stash buying and of course, lots of stitching. I have a standing bed reservation with Vicki. Ten of us spent the night and be sure, not everyone got beds.

Tracy of Ink Circles was there & I got her new ornament "Reindeer Games" as well as last year's ornament. Tracy's daughter, Hannah, and her mom, Cindy were there too. Such fun gals!

I stitched a bit on my Heritage Sampler, my Herz von Inge from Marquoir, and another reindeer ornament. Will I ever finish anything? I'm the Queen Of Starts!

I've been working a bit each evening on the Heritage Sampler. You'd think I'd want to finish some of these ornaments. Nope! I shall remain ornament finishing challenged this year. I'd better start learning and experimenting soon. I've joined two ornament groups for next year. The Bride's Tree and The Little House Needleworks. Yikes!

Well folks, this posting is going to remain photoless. I'm too tired to bother. Have been on here most of the day trying to catch up, etc. Hope you're all getting ready for Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for. Bye for now...

I'm Outta Here! Again!

Just a quick note before I'm out the door. DH says "AGAIN"! Yes, this is my stitching week-end in Portland with the NWcrossstitchers Yahoo group. We gather for stitching, sharing, shopping, eating and of course, laughter, lots of laughter, about every other month. I so look forward to these GTGs.
I'm driving over with my friend Pat. She's got studded tires on her car! Good girl! It's been snowing all morning on our mountain. She's a bit lower & hasn't any snow today but we both got it yesterday. I'm certain we'll see plenty in the pass. I'll say a little prayer before we go.
On the stitching front... nothing to show. I've been working on a baseball quilt for my eldest grandson, Alex (10), for Christmas. I need to get this to the quilter sooooon! And wouldn't you know it! I've run short on the backing fabric. Miscalculation seems to be my lot lately. Hopefully we'll have time to hit a fabric store this week-end.
TTFN (ta ta for now)

A Finish Finish!

Yep! I actually finished an ornie! And, I made my first biscornu!

TaDa! Here it is! Now, since it's my first biscornu and the thing is only an inch & an half in size, I think I did pretty good. It's a freebie I showed you
earlier by Sharon Manspeaker of xstitchhappy.com . It will go into my Christmas goodie box that I send to my grand daughter, Erica, every year.

Another Ornie!

I finished the beading on the ornies I showed you earlier. The tree on red fabric is stunning. Unfortunately the photo doesn't do it justice. Will try for another shot when the lighting is better.

Also finished this one, JOY, a freebie by VeeandCo. Another lousy photo, but what the heck! Seems to be my lot today!

More Stash Enhancement!!!

These are the previously mentioned Santa charts I was gifted by Glenda. Aren't they fun?
Four new charts by Little House Needleworks. I want all of Diane's charts!!! The Library includes the flosses.

Jeanette Douglas Designs Sunshine State Sampler

I can't go to a LNS without buying some linens. Isn't that red stunning? Not a Christmas red at all!

And then some basics I picked up just to pad the stash. Two linens and two Monacos.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow...

As you can tell, I didn't get back "tomorrow". Life gets in the way, as usual. I had a doctor's appointment which turned into a grocery/errands day. Saturday was a total waste. Maybe not, I laid in bed 'til noon reading. Then I spent hours getting caught up on emails and blogs. Today I was sorting a bit in the sewing room.

***** Warning ******* Warning ******* Warning *****

This next section will be photo heavy!

First, stitching I did while away. None of them are finished. Some are true WIPs. A few still need beads.


Quaker-Style Scissors Fob by Sharon Manspeaker. A freebie on xstitchhappy.com. This will become an ornament for my grand daughter's tree.

This little freebie tree was found at ricamoletueidee.it. Lots of beading will make it stunning.



This reindeer freebie from DaffyCat Designs needs a few beads around his neck.

A freebie from Kreinik for Tokens & Trifles




From Our House To Yours a freebie by Tokens & Trifles.

Dare To Dream a freebie by Tokens & Trifles.


I started this ages ago & finally finished it with a few changes to my liking. It's by San-Man Originals.



This little guy is from a page out of a DMC Favourites magazine. No idea of the issue or by whom!! But he'll make a cute ornament.



This is my Spanish Sampler Mystery by Periphaeria Designs. I'm way behind but I did finish section 3A and start section 3B.


Next is some sewing I did just before leaving town.


This is a tote I made especially to carry my stitching that is on a frame, my largest frame (barely fits in my suitcase). Now I need to make some smaller sizes.





These 3 photos are of a large stitching tote in progress. It has big pockets left & right that can hold q-snaps and charts. There are small pockets for acessories too.










That's all for tonight! Whew, are you as tired as I am? Next post (I won't say "tomorrow" again) I'll show some of my new stash.

Whew! I'm Home!

Oh my! Where do I start? I haven't got any photos ready to show you so I'll try to keep this short & add pics tomorrow.

Unpacking. Check. Linens changed. Check. Laundry. Check. Plants watered. Check. Some cleaning. Check. I'm exhausted! There's always so much to do when DH has been on his own for three weeks.

My stitching room looks like a disaster area. I did manage to acquire some stash and a few special goodies. I also managed to stitch a few small pieces and worked on one BAP. Tomorrow I'm going to attempt to spend some time in there.

The mail has been sorted (DH doesn't do anything but pile it on my desk while I'm gone. Bill paying phobia I think!) There were several surprises for me. My last Quilt of Valor returned from the quilter. A wish from my wishlist was granted. I was gifted some really cute Santa charts.

I had also mailed home several boxes to myself. (so much cheaper than paying for another suitcase) I went a bit overboard shopping for new clothes. Some of you may know that I have lost over 50 pounds this year. The clothes were a necessity and there were so many wonderful shopping opportunities.

Now, this is a great story: After I had checked my bag at the airport a thought occurred to me. I could hardly lift that bag! Thank heavens it has wheels! ZAP!! I had lost more weight than that bag weighed. I was happy dancing all over the place! I can't imagine how I had ever carried all that extra weight on my bones.

On that note, I'm going to say good night. Time to go sit with DH & stitch while he watches the tube. Photos and more tomorrow...

Lots of Giveaways!!

I'm a lover and collector of designer teddy bears. Ginger @ bearbits is haveing a Silver Anniversary giveaway. Please go meet Miss Noelle Kringle (but she's mine!).

You'll love this by Jolene at Dip Diddly Designs

April at Itching 2 Stitch has this wonderful giveaway.

Becky Bee's Stitching Hive has the most delicious hand-dyed fabrics and a giveaway.

Now, if you like embroidery you'll love Robin's giveaway.

Check out the amazing quilting and a giveaway at Geta's blog.

Calling All Quilters!!!

Man, you gotta see the awesome giveaway at Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilt Shoppe!