Goodbye 2009....

I can't believe how fast this year has gone by. They say as you get older time goes by faster and I sure agree with that. It has been a very good year for us and I hope 2010 is a good year for everyone.



For my last post of 2009 I thought I would leave you with some pictures (lots of pictures) of my favorite sight in Las Vegas during the Holiday Season....what else but the conservatory at the Belliago.....

These first pictures are of the display under construction. The complete display is done in about 24 hours. That means they take down the previous display and construct the new one...what a amazing job they do is such a short period of time. Now on to what it turned out like.....

View from side entrance

With the people in the picture you can see how massive the elements in the display are.

50 foot Mt Shasta Pine Tree with Toy Soldiers

Polar Bear Baby

Rocking Horse at Entrance

If you would like to see more pictures of the display check out my Webshots Album (link in side bar)



WIP Update....

"A Quaker Christmas"

I have become totally obsessed with this project! This is all I have worked on since the 24th. I may go blind working on the 36 count fabric before I'm done but I just LOVE it.




And to end the year with a smile.....

Maddie all dressed up for Christmas

While may people have set goals for 2010 my only goal is to continue to be able to spend as much time as possible with my sweet DH and get some stitching done for him.

Until Next Time....Have a safe and Happy New Years Eve with the ones you love and a great 2010

A Wonderful Christmas

Santa must need new glasses since he found my name on the "Nice" list. I thought the new camera, Ott Light and then the new xs stash was enough but Tracy didn't agree. My own special Santa just had to continue to spoil me with feel good things under the tree. As you know, I complain enough about it, that I have problems with my lower back. To help with this problem I found a Massage Cushion for my stitching/computer chair and boy does it help. I also have problems with my feet as a result from the diabetes so he got me a Home Spa. Like the massager it works wonders and I wish I had gotten one years ago. As if that wasn't enough he also got me some new clothes since I really didn't have anything that fit with my recent weight loss. I'm not sure what I did to deserve all this but I will be doubly nice to my Special Santa this year for sure.

To celebrate Christmas this year we continue with our new tradition of going out on Christmas Day. We started at the Christmas display at the Belliago. I couldn't believe how packed it was with tourist. I wanted to get some pictures to share with you but I forgot to check the battery in the camera and it was dead as a door nail so pictures will have to wait until we can get back there this week when the crowds should be smaller. We then headed downtown to Fremont St where the crowds were much smaller and it was easier to get around. We had a very YUMMMY dinner at our favorite buffet, we both ate too much but really enjoyed not having to cook or clean up. We then decided to put a few pennies in the slots and Santa was still with us since we both won enough to pay for our evening and come home with more than we left with. As always we ended our evening at Starbucks for a Cappichino and some people watching. While we really miss being with family at this time of year the day did make it a little easier. We are planning a very quiet New Years at home. The crowds here are just to crazy to be out in so will stay in and watch the festivies on TV.

I did start on my new project on Christmas eve and here is what I have gotten done so far....

"A Quaker Christmas"

This is about 1/4 of page 1. There are 6 pages to the chart so I hope to get at least 1 page done each month and should be finished by June or July, in plenty of time to have it framed on on the wall by next Christmas. I am doing this in Tracy's favorite colors and it will have his initials on it so guess it's sort of a gift for him.

Hope everyone had as wonderful Christmas as we did and look forward to a very Happy New Year with lots of stitching finishes.

Until Next Time.....Happy Stitching

Maddie and her stocking

Do you think she likes it?

This sure has brightened my day and will be smiling while missing the grandkids.

Meryy Christmas.

Santa Came Early

How many times have I said I have the most wonderful DH in the world and I thank my lucky stars he came into my life. Well he outdid himself today with a wonderful surprise. When he got home from work he woke me up and said to get dressed we were going out to breakfast at the new IHop just down the street. I never argue about being taken to breakfast and think I broke a world record for getting ready. While waiting for our order he asked what time the next bus would come, he had another surprise for me. I had to ask which bus and he said the one to the LNS "Stitchers Paradise". WHAT! He wants to go to the LNS.....I must back up here a bit to explain why the trip.....
Last week several ladies in my Christmas Stitching group on Yahoo were talking about stitching "A Quaker Christmas" in 2010 and I became curious and looked up the chart, I found it to be one I would love to do. Then the next day while Nancy and I were at the LNS for our day of stitching I saw the stitched model and one of the ladies was doing it. That was it...I had to have it. I was being a good girl that day and not spending money but when I got home I called and sure enough they had the chart in stock and would hold it for me until I could get back in. I showed it to Tracy and he thought it was pretty and I should do it. Now back to today.....He said we were going to go get the chart I had on hold.

This is the chart.....

and then came the rest of the surprise....He said Merry Christmas now get the rest of the stuff you need to stitch it!

This is what I got....36 count Lambswool Linen and Crescent Colors threads. The chart calls for 28 or 32 count fabric but it is so big I decided I wanted it a little smaller but it still will be large, 18" wide and 12" high. While I'm not good at doing BAP's I think I'll be OK with this since I can look at each motif as a small finish and I'm sure that will keep me going. I did start on it as soon as we got home and even on the 36 count fabric it is going fairly fast and I should have a nice progress report on it this weekend.

I also made some great progress on "Christmas Biscornu"

Christmas Biscornu" by Just Nan

This is the top and I just have some more white smyrna crosses to do and then the bottom which I think will go a little faster.

And for finishing.....

Many of you may remember when I stitched the "12 Days" by The Cat's Whiskers earlier this year (think I finished them in June). They have been sitting in their bag waiting to be finished. I had the backing material but was missing the ribbon for the hanger and bow. On my last visit to JoAnn's I found just what I wanted to finish them. All 12 are now put together, 6 are on the tree and 6 are waiting for the hand stitching to close the opening for turning and stuffing (I'm going to finish that tomorrow) and all 12 will be on the tree before Christmas Day.

We are planning a fun Christmas Day again this year since it's just the two of us and no family here to be with. We will go see the decorations at the Belliago (will have lots of pictures to share) then out for dinner (YEA I don't have to cook or clean up) and a evening of playing tourist and people watching. We did this last year and had so much fun decided to do it again this year.

I'd like to take this time to wish everyone that celebrates a Very Merry Christmas and may all your Christmas dreams come true. I hope the stash fairy is as good to you as he was to me.

Until next time.....All the best to you and yours in this wonderful Holiday Season

Almost Christmas

I'm just sitting here at the computer stitching, listening to Christmas music and enjoying all my Christmas decorations and lights. Even without the little ones close I am really beginning to feel the joy of the season. No Bah-Humbug for me this year!

My ILCS yahoo group has again had a Holiday card exchange, my favorite of the year. I have received so many wonderful card, some with little gifts of floss or ornaments, even a frog or two. Today's mail brought this very special card from Gail A. (sorry the pic is a bit blurry). The Snowman is a wooden ornament and so cute. It will have a special place on my lil seasonal tree in January.

As you can see I have received many card and love each and every one of them. I use to put them on the door but since they tended to fall off this year I did something a little different. I put up a piece of snowman wrapping paper to attach the cards to and it's working great. Now the cards are next to the trees and I can enjoy both together.

I'm still stitching on the Christmas Biscornu but took a little break to do another Snowman ornie.....

"Gingerman Snow Charmer" by Mill Hill

I just love this little guy. This is one of a series of Snow Charmers and I know I will be doing at least 3 more of them.

I hope those of you who are getting snow and winter weather are keeping warm and safe. For everyone I hope you are having a stress free Holiday season.

Until Next Time....Have a Great weekend with some stitching time.

Snowmen, Snowmen everywhere

It's been a great week here so far. I've had some good stitching time, a day out with Nancy and lots of cards in the mail.

I finally finished the "Snowman Trio" and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. They were really cute when I finished stitching them but when I added the buttons it just took them over the top. I wanted to finish them as a "No Sew" cube but think they are just a little big for that so will try to do a flat fold with them and have them ready for the seasonal shelf next month.

"Snowman Trio" by Stitchy Kitty

stitched on 32 ct Belfast Linen by Silkweavers

with DMC and button by Just Another Button Co.

I also got another quick little snowman done for the little tree. Like the one before this it's from the "Snowmen Gathering" chart and is just finished with felt on the back.

New Start.....

"Christmas Biscornu" by Just Nan

I have been trying to help Rae from my ILCS group learn to stitch on Linen/Evenweave fabric. She is such a quick learner and a very talented stitcher. Since she wanted to do a Biscornu and we both had this chart we decided to do it as a SAL so I could help her over any bumps in the road and to learn a couple of speciality stitches. Since taking this picture I do have another tree at the top done and have started down the right side. I'll have another update on this project real soon.

I'll leave you with another picture of Maddie. Doesn't she look like the perfect Christmas gift under the tree? The sweet little girl really has us all fooled.....Manda said as soon as she snapped the picture Maddie turned around and started chewing on the packages. The joys of a teething child, everything goes in the mouth.

Until Next Time.....Happy Stitching

Goals Achieved

I set 3 goals for myself to achieve this week and I am happy to announce I made it. Yep all three goals acheived.

Goal 1.....

"Naughty" ornament by Mill Hill

Stitched on Perforated Paper with DMC and beads

I finished "Naughty" for myself to go with "Nice" I did for Tracy. I really love these Mill Hill kits and plan on doing lots more of them in the coming year.

Goal 2....

"Sugar Plum Fairy" Stocking

Kit by Bucillia

Yes "Sugar" and her friends are finally finished (even lined the stocking) and now ready to take her trip to Arkansas. This really was a joy and challange to do. I now have another year to do stockings for the boys and know I will enjoy doing theirs just as much.

Goal 3.....

My third goal was to finally get the tree up and some decorating done. With the help of Tracy our tiny apartment is begining to look a lot like Christmas. I love getting out all my stitched ornies and putting them on the tree. As I take each one out of the box I remember who stitched it for me in a exchange or what I was doing with the ones I stitched. In another year I should have enough to have the tree totally done in just stitched ornies. I don't know if you can see all the "No Sew" cubes under the tree but they will be our packages until we shop for gifts at the last minute. We usually do our shopping for each other on the 22nd or 23rd so under the tree would be bare until then.

This little tree is one that Nancy R gave to me when she and her bf moved. It is still a work in progress but will be up all year and decorated to match my Seasonal Shelf.

We can have Christmas here without the froggies hehehe......This is our coffee table and the frogs on it sing and dance.

That is what I did this week and now to stitch some more snowmen so the little tree can be decorated with them in January.

Hope everyone is having a stress free Holiday Season and keeping safe and warm.

Until Next Time.....Merry Christmas and Happy Stitching

Exchange Received

I have to send a big THANK YOU to Heidi of my ILCS group for sending me this great package. We had a "Sock It To Me Santa" exchange and the idea of the exchange was to get a pair of socks and put some stitching goodies in them.


Heidi sent me this really warm and fuzzy socks (I love the fuzzy socks) and she put the goodies inside. She included a ruler (I always need to use one and can never find mine), a picture frame with a magnet (already have the grands picture in that and it's on my file cabinet next to the computer), a really nice piece of blue fabric (I see more snowmen being stitched on it) and a wonderful kit for a Magnetic Needle Nanny with a Cardinal to be stitched on it (I did one of these as a gift and really wanted to do one for myself, now I can). I was really spoiled with this exchange.

A Visit with Santa

Manda took the kids to see Santa and give him their Christmas wish list. As you can see the boys were really happy to see him BUT Maddie wasn't thrilled.

Finally a Update

I have really neglected my blog these past couple of weeks. Guess I've spent all my time trying to get some things finished. I promise to do better in the new year.

Finishes....

"Lil Snowman" from "Snowmen Gathering" by Imaginating

Stitched on 18 ct Navy Aida with DMC #8 Perle Cotton

I need a bunch more little snowmen ornaments for my little tree in January (Decorating it to match the seasonal shelf). I got the "Snowmen Gathering" chart on my last visit to the LNS and thought I could do the snowmen from it separately as ornaments and I think it worked out well. The finish was very easy, just fringed the edges and put felt on the back.

"Have A Very Merry Winter" by JBW Designs

Stitched on 28 ct Hand Dyed Joblean

with GAST, Crescent Colors, WDW, Carrie's Creation

and DMC #8 Perle Cotton

I just love JBW's designs and how she works the wording into the designs. Not sure how I'm going to finish this one off but think I'll do a small flat fold. Still need to find the perfect fabric for finishing.

ALMOST FINISHED.....

"Sugar Plum Fairy" Stocking

Yep, it's almost done and in plenty of time for Santa to fill this year. All that is left to do now that "Sugar" has her head is put the back on, line and do the cupcake with Maddie's name on it. This will be finally done sometime this week and off to Arkansas it will go.

It's Beginning to look alot like Christmas.....

While we were on the strip for the NASCAR Parade of Champions last Thursday we had a little time to spare and decided to check to see if the Christmas display was up at the Belliago. The Elfs (Belliago workers) were very busy getting it up and the pictures are a preview of what's to come. It's going to be very nice again this year and I can't wait to go back and see it. Of course I'll take LOTS of pictures to share.

Weather.....

It has really turned cold (for here anyway). We have had several mornings with below freezing temps and the highs have been 10-15 degrees below normal. We even got a very nice slow steady rain yesterday. The mountains are now all covered with snow and it is sooooo pretty

Time to fill the coffee cup and get back to stitching so I'll have more ornies for the tree. I hope to get Mill Hill's "naughty" done in the next couple of days and then I have a really cute snowman one to do.

Until Next Time.....Happy Stitching and stay warm

Is It Really December

I really can't believe the year is almost over and we are starting on our 10th year here in Las Vegas. It seems like just yesterday I was driving the moving van across Hoover Dam

We had a very quiet Thanksgiving. Just Tracy and I with the Turkey and all the trimmings. Someday I will learn how to prepare a holiday meal for just two. After dinner we both went to bed VERY early since we had plans to get up VERY VERY early to get one of the camera's on sale at 5am at WalFart (have I told you how much I hate that store). What a disorganized mess! After looking for someone to help us and then waiting in line for 1/2 hour in the electronics dept (isn't that the logical place for a camera?) we were told they were up front and sold out. Tracy still hadn't made it to the register so he got out of line and we left without spending a penny and believe me I was beyond pi$$ed off.

Next on our plans for "Black Friday" was to go to JoAnn's but before we left Tracy suggested I check the ads again to see if I could find another camera that suited my needs. I did find some good deals at Best Buy and since it's in the same center as JoAnn's we decided to check it out. WOO HOO they had just what I wanted and there were even people there to help. Now to find the end of the check-out line. The line twisted and turned all the way around the appliance section and we were told we got there at a good time since the line took 1 1/2 hours earlier, we had to wait a little over 1/2 hour which wasn't bad.

Then off to JoAnn's we went. I found everything on my list very quickly and then we checked out the fabric. They didn't have just what I wanted so I decided it wasn't worth my time to wait in line for something I really didn't want. Now that was a good choice since I heard the waiting time to get fabric cut was 1 1/2 hours. I saw women with carts full of fabric so guess that was the reason for the long wait. Then to my surprise I looked in our basket and what did I see....A OTT LIGHT. I have mentioned that I wanted to try one several times but always said no, they are too expensive. We were there early enough to get the Door Buster price so instead of paying $54.99 it was $19.99.

Between the Door Busters and coupons I got everything I wanted and we saved over $100. Then as a special treat we went to the LNS Stitchers Paradise to pick up a few things for a exchange and to get some of the supplies I need for my first venture in Needlepoint in about 35 years. Nancy R meet us there so I could meet her friend that she lived with in NM. Jeanie is a really lovely lady and I'm so glad we got to meet.

That was it for shopping so we headed home for leftovers and a nap so we could go out later that evening.

Sam's Town, a local casino, has a really lovely park like setting in the lobby area. It is complete with a mountain, waterfall and lots of little critters. They do a really nice fountain show with laser lights. It's all decked out for Christmas now and is sooooooo pretty and peaceful. There is a 80 foot Christmas tree and lots of little displays with polar bears that move. Here are a few pics of the bears, the rest of the pictures were really too dark to see anything (was learning to use the new camera).

I didn't get much stitching done on Thursday and none on Friday but did get a little done over the weekend.

Milly is almost to the point of being finished. Just have to finish the border, snowflakes and her name now. She is back in the WIP basket now so I can get back to Maddie's stocking, poor "Sugar" really needs her head.

I made this little scissor fob for the same exchange I shopped for. You really can't tell from the picture (unless you click on it to make it bigger) but the black beads make a hat and the pearls make the body of a snowman. I think I'll have to make one for myself now.



I did have a new start and finish! I was really itching for a quick finish and wanted to do something small. I had received this chart as a RAK and thought it would be perfect for this years tree and then for the little snowman theme tree in January.

"The Red Thread Snowman" by Bent Creek

Stitched on Cream Evenweave

with WDW, GAST and DMC

Back of "The Red Thread Snowman"

Well that's about it for me for now. I will be stitching all day tomorrow on Maddie's stocking or on ornaments for the boys, just can't make up my mind. Thursday is going to be a fun day out again. NASCAR is having their awards ceremony this year here in Vegas and all the cars that were in the chase will be in a parade down the strip. You know where I'll be, taking pictures and yelling for my favorites. If the crowds aren't too bad we'll probably hit a few of the resorts to check out their Christmas decorations too. I've practiced with the new camera so hope my pictures come out better.

Until Next Time....Happy Stitching

Snowman Trio - Milly

I started working on Milly over the weekend and haven't been able to put her down. I think the colors in this one are my favorite, love the pinks and purple. I want to get her scarf finished before she gets put back in the WIP basket and I go back to the stocking.

"Snowman Trio - Milly)

Hi folks, I finally made it home.

I got very lost on my way to find Sherk's swamp where I wanted to visit my cousin "Gingy". On the way home some kids started to chase me and they wanted to eat me so I ran and ran and ran all the way home. If Rene would put those silly snowmen away she could finish me and I could join my sister "Gingerbread Girl" and my friend "Sugar Plum Fairy" on the stocking for that sweet little girl Maddie. I sure hope she gets back to us real soon and "Sugar" can finally find her head. Hope to see you again real soon....Hint, hint Rene.

As you can see the gingerbread man finally turned up LOL. I had knocked my mouse off the desk and when I got down on the floor to retrieve it there he was. I know I looked in the place I found him but I guess I didn't look well enough or didn't have my glasses on. Now to get him to shut up so I can get to my goal on the snowmen.

Until Next Time....Happy Stitching

Thank You Gifts

I just received two "Thank You" gifts in the mail.....

Rae Ann, a new member of my ILCS group, sent me these adorable socks as a Thank You for helping her with her questions about Cross Stitch. I just love them and will save them to wear when we go shopping on Black Friday.

And from Lee M, also of my ILCS group, I received this beautiful ornament as a Thank You for teaching the Hardanger class. She said this was her first ornament of this type and she did a wonderful job on it. I just LOVE it and it's already on my little tree just waiting for us to put up the big tree and it will have a place of honor on it.

Thank You so much Rae Ann and Lee. I really appreciate your thinking of me and your kind words with the gifts and cards.

Until Next Time....Happy Stitching

Grandkids and Stocking

I am such a proud Granny I just had to share this picture of the grandkids with you.


I think this would make a great Christmas card. The only thing missing is the little elf hats LOL.



My very own "Sugar Plum Fairy". When I sent Manda (my DD) the picture of the stocking she dressed Maddie up in her tutu and sent me this picture.

I can't believe I'm so close to being finished with the stocking. After 4 days of stitching all that is left to do is the Fairy's face and hair, her wand and the cupcake with Maddy's name on it. I really shouldn't say all that's left because there are a ton of pieces that go into making her face and hair with flowers in it. I'm taking a short break from it over the weekend and working on the "Snowman Trio".

The weather is finally cooling down here with the highs in the low 70's and getting down to the 40's at night. Last night was the first night I had to put another blanket on the bed. I just love this weather.

Until Next Time....Happy Stitching and have a great weekend