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 In the white one I plan to make a pincushion (I know this wasn't originally made to be a frog but it will become one now).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?

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).

Friday Night Sew-in

Friday, as it turns out, was a very very productive day! A little incentive was the Friday Night Sew-in and the drawing this week-end for the participants.

Started early by working on my QOV for a few hours. I'm ready to put on the first border. My back was aching pretty bad and I didn't think it would help to keep working in the sewing room. (sorry, photos looked awful so I will not post them)

In the evening I chose to cross stitch & watch TV. I'm making good time in my LHN SAL "The Library". The center portion, the door, is another quite boring section. Lots of solid spaces. It makes for easy stitching while watching the Olympics.

In todays mail I received a package from Anita's. The 3rd ornament in the LHN Ornament SAL "Snowy Pines" and the design #1 of the SYHO SAL "A Life Lived For Others" by Glendon Place.

We had our taxes DONE today. Words cannot say what I feel. We must pay again. I thought I had really figured our deductions close enough that we should break even. Not even close! I'm about to pull my hair out!!! I hate to end on a downer, sorry.

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!

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)

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.

It's a Birthday Party!

WOW! I have never ever received so many birthday cards! It was soooo fun to open all these cards, most of them from my friends at the BBI Yahoo Group. We have been having a Birthday Floss Exchange and this was my month to be on the receiving end. You ladies are all so wonderful! The floss colors you chose for me are beautiful. Thank you all!

The Good, More Good, The Bad and The...

THE OLD POOP, BLOGGER, WON'T LET ME UPLOAD ANY PHOTOS RIGHT NOW!

THE GOOD:
A while back I granted a wish for Trish off the San-Man board. Today I received a package from Trish granting a wish for me! Look at all these beautiful flosses! I've been wanting to try out some different varigated flosses. And... Trish made me a beautiful fob as well! I feel so lucky today! Thank you Trish!

MORE GOOD:
I also received in today's mail a package from Lee @ Uniquelee Yours. These are some charts I've been eyeing and figured I should get before the new stuff comes out on the On-Line Stitching Show. From La-D-Da Mares Eat Oats and Bushel & A Peck, From The Prairie Schooler Country Wise and the 2009 Santa, and as always, Lee includes a gift from her, Lizzie Kate's Fall Squared.

THE BAD:
I ran out of the blue floss (The Gentle Art Sampler Threads Purple Iris) on my Rememberance piece. Lee sent me what she had in stock but it's obvious that dye lot will be an issue. Unfortunately, the labels don't indicate dye lot so it's going to be real difficult to fix this. Dang!! Way too much purple (but what could I expect for a color named Purple Iris)!

THE ...:
Today is my 2nd Blogversary! Now, I want to do a give-away but this is my problem... I don't know what since this is both a stitching & quilting blog! Sooooo...(can you tell I like those dots?) I'm going to let you choose your own gift. I'll give the winner a $20 gift certificate/credit to their favorite LNS/ONS or LQS/OQS. And the rules are really simple (no having to reference your blog back here although I would love your blog addy so I can check it out), just leave a comment on this post with you e-mail addy between now and the 13th (my ##th birthday). How easy is that?

Exciting Mail Today!

Oh, looky! See what I received from Anita's Little Stitches today? The yummiest Waterlily 28 ct Jobelan, La-D-Da's Quaker Alphabet, Home of a Needleworker by LHN, Heartstruck Quakers by Midnight Stitching and a freebie from Midnight Stitches, the companion piece, Snowman's Quaker Christmas. Whatever did I do to deserve these goodies, you say? Nothing! Absolutely nothing! I "needed" the fabric and the charts just hopped in my shopping cart. Call it an early birthday present from me to me!

New Stash Photos!

I promised! There's a lot! Not all acquired in the same shop, of course!

First, fabulous fabbies! Some linen and some 18 ct. aida. (and a couple of small pieces of canvas I want to try) Such beautiful colors and so many to choose from. These and the next batch of pics are from Loving Stitch in Surrey, B.C., Canada. (all photos are clickable for a closer look)




Oops! The Seattle Space Needle chart was a freebie I got at the Portland GTG.

These are nine separate little charts given as freebies by Linda Keske of Keslyns.com at our Portland GTG. Aren't they beautiful? I've seen them all stitched one over one, and several of them stitched over two. Linda is always so generous giving us charts and inspiration.

Next are two pieces I bought from Dee Childers of Sweetbriar Needle Designs. She also gave us some totally awesome charts of some of our goofiness at a previous GTG.(ie: Fabric Floozy and Silk Snob) No photo as they didn't show up printed on plain paper. Dee is such a wonderful lady. I love sitting beside her and watching her stitch.

These are two of the freebies Marc Saastad of The Silver Lining sent for our GTG. Such a generous man! I've never met him, several of the gals have, but he just sent a box of charts for us.

The Bandon Lighthouse is another freebie from Marc. Love Letters and the floss rings were my Christmas In July present.

Come With Thankful Hearts was given to me by Hannah Horner (Tracy's 15 y.o. daughter. That's Tracy of Ink Circles fame) as she didn't think she would ever stitch it. It was part of her Christmas In July present. I need to find a great cat chart for her as a thanks. The other two charts I bought at Acorns & Threads.

OK, you've got to look at this pic up close! These are all silk threads from Carrie of carriesthreads.com. She was sharing with us a bunch of her newest trial & errors limited edition hand-dyed flosses. I couldn't resist! I bought tons! Such a great price she gave us. I wanted them all!

Now, if all that stash doesn't blow your mind, I don't know what will. It sure blew a hole in my budget. But oh, so worth it! And I still can't believe how much I got free this time.
BTW, for those Ink Circles fans, we got a sneak preview of Tracy's two newest, yet to be released designs. To die for!

Stitcher's Week-end

Let me start by saying that I pay dearly for having such a good time. It's Thursday and I'm just getting to tell of my wild week-end. First mistake, I forgot my camera! I do want to thank Vicki for opening her home to us. And to all the new friends I've made, you're wonderful and inspiring!
Oh what fun! I left home at O-dark-thirty to get to Pat's at 7a.m. We drove to Portland and arrived at a bulging Acorn's & Threads. Tracy Horner of Ink Circles had a nice display of her finished works and lots of charts for sale. What a thrill to meet Tracy! I've been stitching her almost-year-long freebie, BOINK.
After much oohing & aahing and touching & buying we left for Sweet Tomato's for a delicious lunch. (with much restraint I spent less that $100 which was my self-imposed limit(and against my new year's desire to resist buying stash and work only UFOs)).
Vicki's was our final stop and location of the Northwest Stitcher's GTG. I claimed a spot at the dining table although stitching sites were set up all over her house with ample lighting all around. It's guestimated 30 people were in attendance each day. Some, like my friend Rita, were only able to be there one day or the other. Food and drink were abundant all week-end. Thanks Vicki and Randy!
Oh my, there were some gorgeous pieces being worked on in this group! I only took along some smalls to complete, the SanMan freebie alphabet "It's All Square" and a Christmas Ornie. That doesn't mean I came away without a ton of inspiration and some freebies!

I'll should show off some of my stash so you can all be soooo jealous:
First are my A&T purchases. The threads are for the IC's "Cirque des Carreaux". Notice the A&T shoppiing bag?

Next are my Ink Circles purchases, "Bloomers" and "Cirque des Carreaux". Tracy and her DD Hannah entertained us all week-end. What a pair of jewels and so talented!

Then a freebie from Tracy, an Oregon ornament chart, "She Sells Seashells" by Country Cottage Needleworks and a Stoney Creek magazine from Vicki with the chart for the beautiful rooster on front. She has this hung in her kitchen and I fell in love with it.

These are freebies given out by Lynda Keske of Keslyns. She was with us all week-end and is quite a character.

Adelia "Dee" Childers of Sweetbriar Needle Design sat next to me all week-end and is such a delightful woman. She had quite a few freebies in limited quantities so I only got these two. Am planning to order several more for sure.


All in all a terrific bunch of ladies! We talked & laughed and sat & atitched and ate & ate 'til we were sore. I can hardly wait for the next GTG in May!

Pat & I left in time to make a stop at Fabric Depot (and spent less than $10 each). We arrived at her place well after dark. By the time I got home I was on my last breath. Right to bed and I slept for most of the next 36 hours. I have just now unpacked my stitching to take photos. Obviously I haven't been getting much stitchig done this week. Man, it takes me a long time to recover!

Stash Enhancement

I know! I know! I said I was on a stash diet this year. But I had already signed up for this years "tins" by Just Nan with Lee @ Uniquelee Yours. This is the first of the set of four this year. Lee is so wonderful! She always sends along the fabric for these at no additional expense (blue fabbie). And two freebie charts! The lighter fabric I ordered for the Kustom Krafts Mystery SAL. Now, back on the stash diet!

A New Year & I'm A Winner!

Happy New Year everyone! Yesterday I received a package from my dear friend Pirjo in Finland. I had won a drawing on her blog a while back. These are the lovely things she sent to me: a dainty, pink, knit stocking ornament; a lovely, stitched, puffy tree ornament backed with green felt: a sweet kit of three Christmas themed card/oronaments; and two chocolate bars. Now, I love European chocolate! They're gone already! Thank you Pirjo! What a wonderful way to end my year