Spring Has Sprung!!!

"Spring Has Sprung" by Cheryl Haynes of Prairie Grove Peddler


"Cat Lessons For People" by Lizzie Kate to go with my "Dog Lessons For People" (now to get them framed alike)

Time For God!

with artifical lighting: this shows the fabric color better

with natural lighting: I like this because it shows the floss colors better.

Looks like I should've stood on a barstool instead of a chair and waited 'til morning for better light!! Photography is not my strong suit and I don't have a great camera.

This Lizzie Kate piece was stitched last year. I've been trying to sort out my sewing/stitching room and realized I had forgotten to photograph it. Think I'll take it with me to Portland next week-end to be framed.

Next week-end is our stitchig group's GTG. It rarely happens that Craft Warehouse is having a framing sale the same time we're having our GTG. I'll probably break the bank!

Finished Stitching!

Yea, finish number two!! I finished "Dog Lessons For People" by Lizzie Kate last week. Didn't get a chance to post it then as we had to take a short trip over to Portland. This was a fun stitch and while I was waiting for a re-supply of floss I started "Cat Lessons". Am about half done with that but find myself yearning to get on with other things. Oh man, not another UFO!

First 2011 Finish

Finally I have a finish to show!
I had started LK's Dog Lessons and had to order more floss (it has finally arrived). Then I started LK's Cat Lessons and found I was out of one of those flosses (more ordering). So... I started Waxing Moon Designs' Autumn Nap. Whew! I had all the flosses needed for this and have finished it today.

Too dark right now to get a great photo so this scan will have to do.

It's Back and A Finish

Well... yesterday the sun came out & melted all the snow away. This morning I awoke to this view from sewing room window...
I've finally finished both Florin and Guilder by Tracy Horner of Ink Circles. Stitched on 32ct Hand Dyed Silkweaver fabric of unnamed color. I changed the colors to better match this fabric which is a lavender/blue/purple. The threads are all GAST, Apricot Blush, Avacado, Black Raspberry Jam, Forest Glade, and Purple Iris. I have two skeins of Purple Iris. One is very dark and the other is very light. I used some of each on these.
Now I'm off to finish some housework. Ugh! Pay some bills. UGH!! Read my friends blogs. Yeah! And choose a new project to stitch. YEAH!!

OMG!!!!

So, I drop by to post a bit about my latest finish and see that last week's post disappeared! Where did it go? It's not even saved as a draft. Sheesh! Don't know if I have the energy to regroup & repeat it all.
It was about the Sisters Quilt Show, which was fabulous


There's a great little antique/junque mall in Sisters. I found these lovelies! More frogs for my growing collection. Isn't this porcelain one the most beautiful? In the white one I plan to make a pincushion (I know this wasn't originally made to be a frog but it will become one now). I couldn't wait to put a few scissors in them. Woo hoo! Now I get to buy more scissors!!!
And we took a few relaxing local rides. This is Elk Lake, about a half hour West of here. We took the dogs swimming at East Lake, about an hour East of here. The bugs were awful. Didn't stay there for long!

So, back to this week's business... I've been working on a birth announcement based on With My Needle's "A Child's Prayer". I've changed the font to a back-stitched one rather than the cross-stitched one mostly to make it a bit smaller. I'm liking it! Perhaps a photo next week. Also I finished one of the LHN monthly ornaments "All Dolled Up". The bird is charted to be white but it just didn't look 'right' to me. I took it out & redid it in red. Much better, a cardinal!
So I can add this one to my stack of over two dozen ornaments needing to be finished. Yes, I've stitched them but have a finishing deficiency. Do you suppose Vonna would give me a bulk rate?

Happy 4th & a small finish!

Happy 4th of July! Please have a safe celebration!

Guess I'm not a very good holiday person. I enjoy the deeper meaning of the holidays rather than the celebrations. Christmas has gotten out of hand with all the commercialization etc. But back to the 4th.. the fireworks terrify my Kelly dog. Won't know how Matty will respond but I doubt it will be a problem as his hearing is so impaired. Besides that, I firmly believe that children and fireworks are a very bad combination. Even most adults shouldn't be playing with fire. Leave it to the professionals please! Now I'll step down from my soapbox.. .

I finished this small piece designed by Aury . She does such beautiful designs. I have last year's piece also in my finish drawer. Decided this would fit nicely as a quilt block in one of my Quilts Of Valor. Not sure I'm liking the fabric, I may change it to a solid color.


I've been quilting this week. No photo yet but I'm making a QOV with some signature squares. It felt like a good patriotic way to spend the week.

This week begins the Sisters Quilt Show activites. I'll be volunteering at our local quilt store as we get an amazing amout of traffic even though we are an hour away from Sisters. Friday night I'll be staying in Sisters with Madeline, my cousin-in-law from Alaska. Two days of wild fun with M at the quilt show! You'll be hearing more about that!!!

Today my two grandsons, Alex (10) and Tyler (6) are arriving. There will be no stitching or quilting goin on! We call them the terrorists. It usually takes Pops and I a week to recover from them. I'm hoping they'll want to attend our local festivites and rodeo. I want to!

Have a safe and fun 4th celebration!

Happy Dancin'

Everybody, get out your dancin' shoes! I have finished stitching the Wiehenburg Contest Sampler. And I love it! I used SilkWeaver's Tranquility 28ct Lugana and Sulky Threads 12wt Peacock Plume. It's turned out so lovely and I bet you can't even find my MAJOR foo-paw. Yep! I found one last night just as I was finishing and I've decided not to rip it out. Can you see where I personalized it? Along with my initials, which are both B, I added a bee and a butterfly. Both of these have crowns above them so I'm calling them Queen Bee and Monarch Butterfly. (BTW, that white mark in the upper right is NOT on the fabric!)

Have decided I need to work on some smalls for a bit. Maybe try some finishing techniques as I have at this count 27 ornaments sitting in my 'little drawer of finishes'. And, I'm still not caught up on my LHN monthly ornaments or the Bride's Tree ornaments. So many goodies calling my name plus the ever-growing stash acquisitions. What's a girl to do? Where does all my time go? Whew!

Thanks for stopping by & sharing in my dancin'.

Bride's Tree SAL

March's theme for the Bride's Tree SAL is "FLower or Flower Basket" - good wishes, beauty in the home. I stitched this from Aury's design using up a scrap of misc fabric. It doesn't look very Christmasy to me. I think I'll restitch it making all of the flowers red. They look a lot like poinsettias to me.

It's March???

Where on earth did January & February go? Before we know it Christmas will be here again! OH NO! Don't even think that! Hush my mouth!

Besides running in and out of town for doctor's appointments our lives have been pretty dull lately. Perhaps it's just the let-down after my fabulous stitching week-end in Portland. Ah well, I've had plenty of time to stitch. If I could only tear myself away from this blasted computer.

Have any of you had experience with rechargable batteries? A few years ago DH bought me a lovely little pink camera. We purchased rechargable batteries and a charger. Lately the batts aren't holding the charge. Soooo... I'm using regular old 1.5 V batts. This camera is sucking the juice outta these babies like a kid with a juicebox. Any ideas? Do I need to buy new rechargables? Do I need a new charger? Do these things have a limited life span? I'm flumoxed!

Quilty Stuff:
Somebody cut some fabric a bit on the skinny side! (Who?) Then she thought she could fudge it and go on. (HA!) The squares weren't too bad. (double HA!) Once the body of the quilt top started to go together it looked wonky. (really bad!!) Frustration set in. Had to fold this puppy up and put it away for deconstruction at a later date or I was going to toss it in the dust bin. (now that would be a total waste of some beautiful fabric)

I'm praying my quilting mojo will come back soon as I really want to get on with the Postage Stamp Quilt.

Stitchy Stash: (didn't somebody say I was on a diet?)
e-Bay
Yes, I'm bad! Just coudn't pass up "Patchwork Puzzle Balls" by Jinny Beyer. These have intriguesd me and I HAVE to try them.
Also, I've won
S.P.Ink "Jesus Loves Me"
Stoney Creek "Home Repairs"
Waxing Moon Designs "My Needle And My Floss"

stitching GTG
Brightneedle Charted Designs "Key West Sampler"
Rosewood Manor a XS card chart without a name
Sweetbriar Needle Design "A Friend Knows"
Val's Stitchin' Stuff "here A Cat, There A Cat"
Waxing Moon Designs "Autumn Nap"

Acorns & Threads in Portland, OR
Little House Needleworks "Schoolgirl Lessons"
Simple Stitches "Don't Cross Me When I'm Stitchin'"
Simple Stitches "Just One More Stitch"
Sisters and Best Friends "Hollyhock Sampler - Strength"

Stitchy Stuff
It's repaired! We can open the door! I frogged a section of the door and placed the doorknob thingy on LHN's "The Library". Also the door arch is finished and I'm ready to stitch the birds.

While I was bummed about the frog's visit I pulled out a UFO and finished it! Here's Prairie Schooler's "Country Wise". This one I'm going to hang over my cutting board (check back at the quilty stuff).

Ornaments And Updates...

Finished stitching 'Pear Tree' Thursday night. Just plain lazy at photographing & posting. Really enjoyed this second in the series of ornaments by Diane Williams of Little House Needleworks. Had started it over one on linen. That was a major mistake! So, here it is on a miscellaneous piece of 16ct off-white aida.

Yesterday the mailman brought me the third of Diane's ornaments, 'He's A Flake'. Last night I waded through my fabrics to find an appropriate green. I hadn't really wanted to start purchasing more fabrics when I decided to stitch both the LHN Ornament SAL and the Bride's Tree Ornament SAL. So far the only one that looks good is an aida again. I really don't mind stitching on aida, particularly the higher counts. I am also searching for an appropriate chart to stitch for the second Bride's Tree ornament. February's theme is "Heart, true love, love of family".

A little update on my LHN "The Library". It's been a bit ignored while I've stitched ornaments.

Several quilting magazines have arrived in my mailbox lately. I read them, drooling over the new fabrics that have come out and it makes me itch to start a new project. Like cross stitching, I must resist the new while I try to finish my WIPs and UFOs. I envy those with boundless energy and ability.

Complimentary LHN Chart & Bride's Tree SAL Finish

Yesterday Diane Williams of Little House Needleworks released a complimentary chart to the members of the Little House Yahoo group. I took many liberties with her design but, here's my finished piece. It will become a Christmas ornament. I'm using it as my "House" ornament for the Bride's Tree SAL

Another Finish!

Lookie, lookie!! I finished a SAL! The main chart of the Traveling Stitcher is completed. There's a small chart included and I'll probably stitch it up to use on a needlebook. I don't have the pattern to make the travel pouch shown in the photo on the chart. I could easily make one up myself but I'm not sure that's how I want to complete this piece. The pouch is cute and all, it's just that I don't think I would ever use it. It would get stuck in a drawer or given away, and since I really like this pattern I want it out where I can see it. Maybe a pillow or frame it! Any ideas?

Oopsie!

Today's mail brought my 2nd ornament, "Pear Tree", in the LHN Monthly Ornament SAL. Then it struck me that I hadn't even posted the first one here. I did remember to post my finish of "Fa-La-La", the first ornament, on the SAL site. Here it is:
I finished stitching my Fa La La yesterday. Well, except, I may pull the googly eyes out & redo them. I hate French knots! No two ever look the same. Hence the googly eyes! Haven't decided on how to finish it yet. Try something new maybe? (Now, don't look too close or you'll see that I miscounted and the right side is taller than the left. Oops! My bad!)

Week One

I've been a busy little stitcher so far this year!! Pardon my poor photographs and wrinkly fabrics. Here's the charity square I finished for CSFC on New Year's Day. Now just to wash & press it then off in the mail it goes.

The Library by LHN was my chosen chart to start the year. It's on 32ct Jobelyn Lambswool done one-over-one using the design's flosses. It's going to be teensy!! This is the first time I've worked one-over-one. Not bad as long as you don't have to 'frog'.

My old eyes grew weary quite quickly doing one-over-one. Soooo, I started Traveling Stitcher also by LHN. Both of these charts are being done as on-line SALs beginning the first of the year. Traveler is being done on 32ct Belfast Platinum using the design's provided floss two-over-two. Just in photographing it I've found two errors! Yikes!!

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!

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!

Third and Final!

This is the third and final of my Quaker Snowmen. The second Heartstruck Quaker chart by Midnight Stitches (the first was a freebie). I think they're all so cute and may stitch them again but not right away.

I have so many projects and can't seem to quit gathering them in. My plan this week is to try to make a rotation I can stick with. Yeah! Like that's ever happened before!