WOO HOO A Finish

I can't believe it, I did it! At the begining of the month I decided that July would be Christmas stitching and what better project to work on than Tracy's stocking I had started some time ago. I had hopes of getting a lot done on it but not in my wildest dreams did I think it would be finished. Well I did it. The stitching is done! I still have today and tomorrow to get the beading done and I'm sure I can do that. So here it is.....

This is the detail picture of the toe section. This section is also used for a ornament that I will stitch to go with the stocking. I still have to make the tag with his name but that shouldn't take long to do. I can't tell you how happy I am to have this almost ready for the finished pile.

Until Next Time....Happy Stitching

Good Eats

Several people have expressed a intrest in the Stovetop Smoker I talked about in yesterdays blog. Here is what I did for dinner tonight. One of our favorite things to eat in the summer is salad and a very good one is done by Applebee's. It's called the "California Salad" and this is my version of it. I smoked the shrimp in the Stovetope Smoker and just added it to the salad of Romaine, tiny tomatoes, sliced olives, avacados, green onion and a hard boiled egg. Believe me it was even better than it looks.

Wacky Weather.....

Last week was certainly a strange week for weather. It started out on Monday with our usual high of 110 and by Friday it was only 98. I know that is still hot for most people but for here at the end of July it was very pleasant. Wednesday most of the valley saw some rain (not here) but we did get a beautiful light show from Mother Nature on Thursday evening. Of course I had to go out to watch and feel the rain. I just LOVE thunderstorms.

Date Night again.....

Friday DH Tracy had a appointment with the heart doctor to get the results of his stress test. He must have studied hard (LOL) because he passed with flying colors. His BP is still at the bottom of the normal range, his blood sugar is OK and the blockage they found last year is no worse and no reason to worry about it. Of course with the good new we had to go out to celebrate.

Started our celebration with a early dinner at Applebee's (I was starving and couldn't wait to eat). After a yummy meal we headed for the strip to do some shopping. A couple of weeks ago we were watching a cooking show on PBS where they were using a stovetop smoker to cook some trout. We both love smoked salmon and other smoked meats so off we went to search for the cooker they used on the show. I had done some research on the web and knew that there was one cooking shop on the strip that carried them. We were both very excited to find just what we were looking for. More about it later.

Next of course we had to go to our favorite hang out....Fremont St. The pictures below show one of the displays they had to honor the landing on the moon.

This replica of the Space Module was used in the movie Apollo 13 with Tom Hanks.

This is a real space suit worn by the astronauts in the space program. Because of the rain off and on all day the rest of the display was covered so the electronics wouldn't get shorted out.

We had to have our Frappicino at Starbucks and do some people watching before doing some shopping for gifts I wanted for a RAK, birthdays and just for fun.

Cooking....

As I mentioned above we got a Camerons Stovetop Smoker. With Tracy's health problems I have tried to prepare healthy meals. This is one method I think will really help add some variety to our diet. With the smoker you don't have to add any oil or fat to cook and the flavors are just out of this world. So far we have done Salmon, Pork Chops and tonight was Shrimp. All of them turned out wonderful and so much better than frying in fat. I can't wait to do some chicken and turkey. You can even do vegetable and stem in it also. If you would like to check it out they do have a website www.cameronsproducts.com . It wasn't cheap but I think it is well worth the money spent.

Some Stitching....

I normally don't buy magazines except for the JCS Special issues for Christmas and Halloween. I look at them and think I may do some of the projects but probably not. This issue of Stoney Creek was a must have. I found at least 7 or 8 projects that I know I will do ASAP so I purchased it and recommend it to anyone who likes to stitch Christmas projects. In fact I have already stitched one of the ornaments.......

"Give" ornament from Stoney Creek

stitched on 32 count Opalescent Linen with

GAST "Cranberry"

This is one of four designs and is shown with 3 charms on it. I like the simple look without the charms but will wait til the other 3 are stitched before deciding about them

I'm still stitching away on Tracy's stocking and with a week left in July just may get the stitching done.

Close up of bottom of center and heel section

Top, Center and Heel done (sorry about the wrinkles LOL)

I'm starting on the toe section tonight then will do the name tag. I can hardly wait to get this finished so I can start on my stocking. It will also be a Just Nan design.

I also had another finish but can't share that with you yet. When we had our bookmark exchange in the ILCS Yahoo Group Kelly wasn't able to take part and she really missed doing it so I agreed to do a exchange just between the two of us. I really don't need another bookmark so she is stitching on I will send on to my DD Manda. I finished Kelly's bookmark and it is now in the mail to her. As soon as she receives it I'll post a picture of what I did just for her.

Guess you are probably bored to tears now with all my rambling so I'll get back to my stitching now.

Until Next Time....Have a great week with LOTS of stitching time.

Maddie All Dressed Up

I can't believe Maddie is 3 months old already. On Saturday they attended a Wedding and I think she must have out shined the bride. My DD said the photographer for the wedding took as many pictures of Maddie as he did the bride. This proud Granny just had to share this picture with you. Isn't she a doll?

End of Week

No finishes this week, not even close to one. I did work on Monopoly on Monday but found a booboo that will require some froggin. I stitched the inner and outer border on the last side and it's 1 stitch off. Since I have no idea where the mistake is I'll just fudge the last corner and make it fit. Also worked a little on the heel of Tracy's stocking but not ready for another picture.

Most of the week was spent on a new project.

"Sugar and Lace Ornament" by Victoria Sampler

from the 2007 JCS Ornament Issue

Stitched on 28count Natural Linen

with DMC Perle Cotton and will have Gold Petite Treasure Braid

I have loved this design and wanted to stitch it every since I got the magazine. With the Hardanger class going so well I thought what better time to do this. It's been slow going but I really love how it's coming out. It will probably take at least another week to get it done but I don't see me putting it down until finished.

It's been 10 degrees hotter than Hades these past few days so I'm staying put in my stitching chair and venturing out only to check the mail. It was already 100 degrees at 10 am so here I sit reading emails and stitching.

Until Next Time....Have a Great Weekend with lots of good stitching time

Weekend Update

It's been a good week of stitching here, even with the heat and having to spend most of Friday afternoon sitting and waiting while Tracy had his annual Stress Test. He said he studied for the test hehehe and we get the results in two weeks. While sitting and waiting I got a little done on the Monopoly Board border but not enough to take a picture of.

WIP's....

"Christmas Soldiers"

I really love working on this still and at the rate it's progressing it just may be finished by the end of the month. There is another long band of the leaves to the left to do and then just the heel and toe. I have started the heel and am about 1/3 done with it. It's going to be fun shopping for the fabric to finish this into a stocking. I think I know what I want, just have to find it and then see if I can find a pro to put it together.

Of course I had to start another ornament.....

"Red Birds for Peace" by Blue Ribbon Designs

This is another freebie that goes with the NOEL ornament I have already stitched. I'm using the same fabric and threads that I did NOEL with. All that is left to do is the Red Birds and Smyrna Cross snowflakes. The birds are stitched 1 over 1 so will work on them in the mornings when my eyes aren't tired.

Finishes....

"Baby's 1sr Christmas" Freebie by Victoria Sampler

Stitched on 28 count White Opalescent Cashel

with DMC, Kreink, Petite Treasure Braid, Mill Hill Beads

As you can tell by the name this is for our newest member of the family. I stitched this once before a couple of years ago and loved it then so thought it would be the perfect ornie for Maddie. Now to find the perfect designs to do for the boys. Can't leave them out this year.

"Gingerbread Cookie Ornament" by Victoria Sampler

I loved this even before I made it into a ornament and now it's on the top of my list to do again. I'm going to use this one for the ILCS ornament exchange and want one for my tree too. I thought since I'm doing the Hardanger class it would be appropriate to do a Hardanger ornament for the exchange.

Well that's it for my update. Tomorrow I'll work on Monopoly again and then back to the stocking.

Until Next Time....Have a great week with LOTS of stitching time.

Surprise Package

What a wonderful surprise I had when I got the mail today. I received a package from a very dear online friend, Vikki. She had read here in my blog about my mishap and sore tushie and thought she would cheer me up and boy did she.

Both charts have everything (including thread) except fabric to complete the design.

The box included so many things, fabric in all sizes, counts and colors. Vikki knows how I like to do small designs and she send some really neat colors. There is a lot of really pretty cotton fabrics to do the backs of ornies. The plastic bag has some really cool buttons she made, needles, thread rings, and gold tassels. There also is a nice tuck pillow and a bookmark that a picture can be put in. I am going to have a great time playing with all my new stash. THANK YOU Vikki!

I've really had some good stitching progress and I'll update on that tomorrow.

Freebie Finish

This took a little longer than I thought it would but I really didn't stitch much yesterday. I was busy on the computer getting the Hardanger Class lesson out. I am so pleased with the results of the first lesson. So far almost a third of the class has finished the first lesson with just a few problems. I can't tell you how nervous I was about teaching a online class. Meari does such a excellent job with her classes I wasn't sure I could live up to her standards. Well I did get some good stitching time in today and finished this.....

"Stars n' Stripes Needleroll" from Silkweavers

Stitched on 28 count Lt Mocha Cashel

with WDW, GAST, Petite Treasure Braid, DMC and Mill Hill beads

Finished into a Needleroll ties with Gold Ribbons

I'll be working on Tracy's stocking for the rest of the week unless the bug hits me to start something else new 8o). On Friday Tracy has to go to for his yearly stress test so that means at least 2 hours in the waiting room for me. I'm not really comfortable stitching away from home but think I'll take the Monopoly Board and finish doing just the borders on the last side. Since there are only two colors in the border and it's just careful counting and not really having to check the chart it should be a easy project to work on.

Probably won't have another update until after the appointment on Friday so....

Until Next Time....Have a Great Week with lots of stitching time.

Holiday Stitching

It's been fun stitching for the holidays this weekend. First I saw this design on Marjorie's blog and just had to stitch it since I LOVE Quaker designs. It was a really quick stitch and I think I'll do it again next year on a t-shirt.

"4th of July - Quaker Style"

free design by AuryTM

stitched on 28 count cream Evenweave

with GAST, WDW and DMC

And what would the weekend be if I didn't do another "No Sew Cube" LOL Since I really wanted this one to be all about the design I just used plain muslin for the back and sides and am really pleased with the outcome. I also want to learn to do different types of bows so all the cubes won't look the same.

Still in the 4th of July theme there is .....

"Stars and Stripes" by Silkweavers

stitched on 28 count Lt Mocha Cashel

with GAST, WDW, DMC and Petite Treasure Braid

The colors I'm using for this are completely different from the chart! I still have the middle section of fireworks to do and am pondering different ideas for them. One thing for sure....they will be something sparkly and different. I should be able to get this finished today and made into a needleroll.

Christmas in July stitching.....

"Christmas Soldiers Stocking"

I have made some really good progress on the stocking for Tracy. If you want to see the details just click on the photo for a better view. It is really difficult to put this one down. I don't remember enjoying a project as much as I have this one. As soon as the needleroll is done I'll get back to it and the rest of the WIP's will just have to wait a while.

It's going to be a busy week on the computer between the Hardanger Class and getting the new BINGO game going on my ILCS yahoo group. Still I hope to get lots more stitching done to keep out of the heat. Even Mother Nature had to celebrate the 4th by giving us a temp of 104 on Saturday and Sunday. Is it almost Winter? I can't tell you how much I HATE the heat.

Until Next Time....Happy Stitching

Is It Really July

It is hard to believe that the year is almost half over. Boy time does fly when you are having fun.
I did have one more finish for June.

"A Star On Top" by Blue Ribbon Designs

stitched on 28 count Lt Mocha Cashel with GAST

This is a freebie found at www.blueribbondesigns.com It is a really easy fun stitch and I will also be doing other free designs from this site.

Christmas in July....

I am sure you have guessed by now I LOVE Christmas stitching, especially ornaments. I think the bulk of my stash is Christmas and there just isn't enough time to stitch all of them so I'm making the focus of my stitching in July Christmas designs. I will still stitch on Monopoly on Mondays and also work on Maddie's Birth Sampler and the BOO Club project but most of my time will be spent on Ornaments and other Christmas stuff.

To start off July I pulled out a older WIP that I started for Tracy (I think he really deserves this)

"Christmas Soldiers" Stocking by Just Nan

I can't remember when I started this but now it will be a finish, maybe even this month. This design is full of speciality stitches and lots of really rich colors and I really Love it. After I finish the stitching I'm going to check with the LNS to see if they know of any professional finishers in the area that can make it into the finished stocking. My sewing skills are a little rusty and I do want this to be perfect for Tracy.

I also want to start the month off with a clean and organized stitching area so will spend part of the afternoon working on that. I found some baskets (I LOVE baskets) that are perfect for the desk and with a little re-organizing everything will be at my fingertips. I do have lots of threads, fabrics and charts that need to be put away so it will probably take a couple of days (if not weeks) to get everything like I want it but if I spend 15-30 minutes at a time at it I'm sure I can get it done.

Until Next Time....Happy Stitching