Saturday, January 31, 2009

New Starts

I really can't believe January is over. Where did the month go? Weather wise we have gone from having Winter cold to Spring like temps this week. With all the snow and ice so many in the East and Mid-West are having I guess I shouldn't complain about all the sunny, boring weather we have.

With the computer problems this wee and the time I spent shopping for a new one and getting it set up I didn't get as much stitching done. Here are the two projects I started.

This is a free design from Dragonfly Stitches for a needle roll. It is designed in shades of blue but since when do I do things as designed. This is the second time I'm doing this one, I did this chart for Deborah for her birthday and enjoyed it so much I wanted to do it for myself too. It's stitched on 28 count Cherub Lugana by Picture This Plus with Crescent Colours Prickly Pear and Meadow Grass. I had originally planned on doing it in just the pink but it looked like I had spilled a bottle of Pepto Bismol on it so I frogged a little and added the green. I like it much better now with the touch of green. I had to stop working on it when I ran out of the Pink thread but have ordered more and it will be here the first of the week and I can then finish it off.
Monopoly SAL....
I said I was not going to start any more BAPs but I just couldn't help myself. I have seen several others doing the Monopoly board and I haven't wanted to do one for many years but gave up when the chart went OOP. One of the ladies in my ILCS group got permission to copy and share the chart so she started a Yahoo group for those who wanted to stitch the board. I received the chart the same day my computer died so to cheer myself up I decided to start it.

This is truly a Big A$$ Project. The fabric is cut 28" x 28" and the border is only 2" on this one so the stitched area is 24" x 24". I'm stitching it on a 28 count Mint Green Monaco with the called for DMC colors. This is the bottom right corner and I should be able to "Pass GO and collect $200" soon.
That's about it for the stitching this week. I do plan on getting a lot done this weekend. I think I'll start the next 12 Days ornament on Sunday since there are no color changes with it I can stitch and watch the Super Bowl.
Until Next Time....Have a Great weekend with lots of stitching

Friday, January 30, 2009

Still More Birthday Gifts

After what could have been a terrible week it really has come to a great end. In today's mail I received still more Birthday Gifts from the ladies on my ILCS Birthday Exchange. Thank you so much Donna, Diane and Kathy. I also placed orders with 123 Stitch with the Gift Certificates from Linda and Deborah. Can't wait for those orders to arrive. My stash is increasing by leaps and bounds and I sure won't run out of things to stitch in this lifetime.

From Donna

From Diane



And last this adorable fob Kathy stitched for me. I just LOVE it. She dyed the fabric herself and then stitched me a Prince.




Fob from Kathy
I am one spoiled happy camper.
I will have a stitching update later tonight. Didn't get a lot of stitching done the past couple of days but will make up for it today and this weekend while watching the Super Bowl.
Until Next Time....Happy Stitching and have a good weekend




Thursday, January 29, 2009

I'm Back

Bet you didn't even miss me hehehe. I did have a major computer melt down and was off line for a day and a half. I had started going through withdrawals LOL. Today when Tracy got home from work and I could get my eyes open we went out computer shopping. Found a good deal at Circuit City and now I have a new computer. I did lose all my old files and pictures ;o( but hope we can find someone who can get them off the old hard drive. Of course this means no stash shopping as planned but with all I got for my birthday I think I'll be OK for several years.

I did get some stitching done while offline but still get to get the scanner hooked up so as soon as that is done I'll post updates on the two new starts.

Until Next Time....Happy Stitching

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

A LK Finish

Having a little drama in one of my Yahoo groups has kept me from getting to sleep tonight so I thought I'd post my latest finish.....

"February Stamp" by Lizzie Kate
Stitched on 28 count Lt Mocha Cashel
with WDW and GAST
This really didn't take long to do and I think it is really sweet. I'm going to back it with lavender fabric and use some ribbon that matches the border to hang it with (that is if I have some in my stash of ribbons). Can hardly wait to do the last four of these and then have the complete set done. I have enjoyed doing each and every one of them.
I started another new project also.....have to keep up my rep as "Queen of the Serial Starters". It's the same free design by "Dragonfly Stitches" that I did for Deborah Markhams birthday but this one is done in shades of pink. Yes, I'm off the purple for a bit and stitching pink for February. Not enough done to share a picture yet but will have one to share soon.
Until Next Time....Happy Stitching and good night

Monday, January 26, 2009

Weekend Update

I can't believe January is almost over and it will soon be time to change my Seasonal Shelf again. I had planned to do some finishing of projects already stitched BUT I really need to get the stitching done for the shelf so this is what I worked on.


I finished stitching the Heart and now have the border 1/2 done. I'm not sure why it takes me so much longer to finish a project stitched 1 over 1 with the overdyed threads but it sure seems like it takes twice as long. I will get this finished in the next couple of days then I'll have to find some fabric for the back. Not sure what color I want to use for that so will take the stitching with me and see what looks best.



"February Stamp" by Lizzie Kate
I started the LK Stamp late Saturday night and stitched on it all day on Sunday. All that is left to do now is fill in the letters and that won't take long to do. I love the colors in this one. Looks like February will be a month of stitching with "Pink". I plan on doing a Valentines day themed Needleroll and Biscornu both on Pink fabric with Pink overdyed threads. It's beginning to look like a commerical for Pepto-Bismol in my stitching area.
This weeks stitching will continue to be things for the shelf and then I will do some finishing of other projects stitched during the month. I think this year I will use the last week of the month doing finishing so it's not all left for the end of the year.
Until Next time.....Have a Great Week with lot of Stitching

Friday, January 23, 2009

More Presents

Since my last post I have received more gifts. Boy has this been a great Birthday or what? Thank goodness Debbie Jo emailed me that I had missed one of the packages in the box. I am so glad I was lazy and hadn't taken the box to the trash. This is what I missed and it is just too cute for words.

More from Debbie Jo
Then in the mail there were two packages from 123 Stitch. These are the threads I ordered with the Gift Certificate from Cynthia.


This was the second package....

From Danni
I also received 2 more Gift Certificates, one from Linda B and one from Deborah M.
It was a wonderful day.....DH took me to lunch and then we had coffee at my favorite Starbucks. When we got home I took a little nap and then got up to a yummy dinner of Steak, Baked Potato, Peas and Green Salad that Tracy had cooked. Now I get to spend the evening just relaxing and stitching away. It has been the perfect day.
I also want to Thank each and everyone of you for the Birthday Wishes....that means so much to me and what a great online family I have.
Until Next Time....Happy Stitching

My Birthday Gifts

My ILCS group has a sub group for a Birthday Exchange. This is what I received and opened.


From Vicky

From Rhonda

From Debbie Jo


From Heidi



From Kathy




From Val
and no picture but a 123 Stitch Gift Certificate from Cynthia
Boy do these ladies know me well or what. This will be a week long birthday celebration since DH isn't giving me my gift until we go out next week to celebrate (he has to work tonight so have to postpone our party). I am one spoiled Birthday Girl.






Thursday, January 22, 2009

More on "Feathers"

I stitched for several hours on "Feathers today and was really surprised at how much I got done. I should be to the half way point by the end of next month.



I'm going to the lighter side tonight and put some more stitches in "Love". Trying to make the time go faster so I can stay awake to open my birthday gifts from my Birthday Club. Can't wait to see what everyone sent and since my birthday is official at 12:05 am I only have a few more hours to wait.


Until next time with a Birthday update....Happy Stitching

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

"snow"

No, not the white fluffy kind. In fact Mother Nature is teasing us with Spring type weather, it was 70 degrees here today. The "snow" I blogging about is the Tin Topper set by Just Nan. The top still needs the Red jewel added to the center but I'll do that after I iron on the interfacing to the back. I'll probably not get it all together until the weekend since I need to get some stitches in on "Feathers" tomorrow and then with any luck DH will take me out to lunch for my birthday on Friday.



"snow" Tin Top

"snow" needle mitten
by Just Nan
Stitched on 30 count "Sky" by Dinky Dyes
with DMC

No new starts this week but who knows what will come next week.
Until Next Time....Happy Stitching


Monday, January 19, 2009

Confessions of a Serial Starter

I had a great stitching week!!! Not only did I make progress on "Feathers" and "The Lady" (sorry put her away before taking a picture so you'll have to wait until next week to see the right side border) but I had 4 starts with 2 being finished. I already shared the 2 finishes and here are the other two starts.



As you can see I did change this up a little. I'm doing it for my Seasonal Shelf and since the LK Stamp has pinks in it instead of red I wanted this to match. It is being stitched on a pink 28 count Evenweave I had in my stash with Crescent Colours and Dinky Dyes. I'm stitching it 1 over 1.






My fourth start of the week is the new tin set by Just Nan. This arrived in the mail on Saturday and I just couldn't wait to start it. This is what I got done on Sunday and I hope to have the stitching done today. It is stitched on WDW 30 count Sky (the fabric is a PITA to stitch on) with DMC and there will be some beads added last. I will be doing two sets of these, one for Deborah M and one for myself. I just love the Cardinals and use to watch them all Winter while living in Arkansas but they aren't here in the desert and I do miss seeing them. This project will bring back many happy memories.
Until Next Time....Happy Stitching


Friday, January 16, 2009

Blog Award


Donna gave me the great honor of awarding me this blog award. Thank you Donna!
I am supposed to list 5 of my addictions and name 5 bloggers who I think are "Fabby". So here are my 5 addictions:
1. My Dear Sweet Husband Tracy
2. Cross Stitching
3. Coffee
4. Chocolate
5. My wonderful Husband Tracy
And my nominations are:
Kelly
Meari
Debbie Jo
Sadie
Lou in Scotland

"On The Twelfth Day..." Day 2

These ornaments really stitch up quick. I now have the first two done and am looking forward to the rest of them. I think Day 2 with it's two Turtle Doves would also make a great ornament for Valentines Day so will probably finish it and use it for my Feb Seasonal Shelf.

"On The Twelfth Day..." Day 2 by The Cats Whiskers
Since I don't have anything stitched for the Feb Seasonal Shelf and I have to order the threads for the LK Stamp I decided to do the JBW Designs "French Country ~ Love". I'm changing the colors and stitching it 1 over 1 on a piece of 28 count Evenweave. Don't have enough done yet to share a picture.
Until Next Time....Happy Stitching

Thursday, January 15, 2009

"Feathers" Update

Didn't get as much done this week as I would have liked but every stitch counts. In a month or so we should start to see the outline of the indian.

Gift of the Eagle Feather 1-14
Now I can finish Day 2 of "On The Twelfth Day..." and then maybe start something new or pull a different WIP out of the basket before getting back to "The Lady" on Saturday.
Until Next Time....Happy Stitching

January Seasonal Shelf

I totally forgot to share the shelf with you this month. This shelf is special, not only because it's Snowmen but it has things I have received in exchanges. The Snowman in the middle and the little smore snowman I received in the 12 Days exchange this year. The two tins on the ends are part of the ones my sweet Tracy got for me and the little banner ornament on the left was stitched for me by Viv in a ornament exchange a couple of years ago.



This is a larger picture of "Heartfelt Harvey" who has the honor of being in the middle this month. I just love the way he came out. It's great when what you see in your mind works with the fabric in the end.
Now to start stitching and gathering things for the Feb Shelf.
Until next time...Happy Stitching

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

"On The Twelfth Day..." Day 1

I was so excited when the chart and fabric arrived for "On The Twelfth Day" I just had to start on them. Day 1 is now ready to be finished and I have the perfect fabric for the back and ribbon in my stash. I have started on Day 2 and will have it finished before the weekend.





Until Next Time....Happy Stitching

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Update on the "Lady" and new WIP

I have finally finished the stitching on the left border. As soon as I get the extensions for my Q's I'll do the beading, until then I'm going to start on the border on the right side.

Celtic Spring AKA "The Lady" progress as of 1-12
New Project.....

On The Twelfth Day.....
by The Cats Whiskers

Fabric and Floss for Twelfth Day
32 count "Summer Khaki" Belfast Linen
DMC 4210

I am going to be doing these as ornaments. Tracy picked the color of the floss I'm using and I think he made a good choice. I would like to get 2 of these done each month so I don't have that rush to finish in December.
Until Next Time....Happy Stitching


Sunday, January 11, 2009

Mini Biscornu Ornament

This is what I worked on this weekend (along with Celtic Spring) and finished it. It's now ready for the tree next year. I'm going to add a nice red ribbon to hang it with.
Holly Berries Mini Biscornu
Design by Cherished Stitches from the 2008 JCS Ornament Issue. Stitched on 32 count Opalecent Raw Linen with Crescent Colours "Cupid", Carries "Bullfrog" and Mill Hill beads. Finished size is 2 1/2 inches across.


Will have more of a update tomorrow....it's late and I still want to get more x's done on "The Lady".

Until next time....Have a great week with lots of stitching time

Friday, January 9, 2009

Another Snowman

This was a fun and quick stitch. The best part it was a free design and I had the fabric and floss for it in my stash. I'm not sure about the finish for him but thinking he would be a cute pin keep with white pins and trim. Thank you Sadie for the link to him.

http://be-stitched.blogspot.com/2008/12/one-more-thing.html





"Silly Snowquake" Free Design

Stitched on 28 count Cashel by Silkweavers

with DMC B5200



It was a beautiful day here in the desert Southwest. It got up to a nice 60F and it was good to go out and be in the fresh air. DH Tracy had a check-up with his primary care doctor and everything is good . He still needs to get his blood sugar down but it's going in the right direction.
I also spent a little time cleaning and organizing my stitching area and will put some more time in on it getting floss filed away where it belongs.
Until Next Time....Happy Stitching

Thursday, January 8, 2009

"Feathers" Update

Believe it or not I pulled out "Gift of the Eagle Feather" and made some progress on it. The first picture is where I started today and the second picture shows my progress.


For those who have not seen this before it is a kit by Dimensions that I have been working on for the last year. It is going to be for my DH when I get it finished. It has a zillion colors, most of which are blended and is stitched on 18 count Adia with 3 and 4 strands of floss. I have promised myself that I will work on it every Wednesday so we'll see how long that lasts.
Until Next Time....Happy Stitching

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

RAK Received

I received this adorable froggie from Trecie. Her husband made the frying pan he is mounted on. Isn't this the cutest little guy. He will be perfect for my kitchen. THANK YOU Trecie, I just love him.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Celtic Spring Update

I spent two days working on "The Lady" as I've been calling her. I should be done with stitching on the left side border soon then will start on the right side. I still have the beads to add but am waiting until I can get the 17" extensions for my Q-Snap.




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

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Snowman Mania

As promised here are a couple of pictures of the snowmen Tracy got for me. This isn't all of them but you get the idea of how crazy the sweet ol man is. I'll have a big smile on my face all month every time I look at them.

The two larger tins in the back were filled with yummy sugar cookies and the two little round ones in the front have OK Chocolate Chip cookies in them. The needle Roll in the large plate is one I stitched last year and is a design with snowmen by M Designs.


This set all matches and sit on top my TV Hutch. I love the stacked boxes that are all tied together with a ribbon. The big guy in the middle sings and dances. He turns around and wiggles his butt. It is just too cute.


Even the kitchen isn't left out. I now have towels, oven mitt and pot holders for there.
I'm still getting the Seasonal Shelf done for January and will have a picture of it to share soon.
Putting some stitches in "Celtic Spring". I was going to work on "Snowflake" today but the Lady cried out for more work to be done on her so I will continue the rest of today with her and have a update later tonight or tomorrow on her.
Until Next Time....Happy Stitching

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Another Finish

I'm off to a good start in 2009 with another finish. As soon as I find some fabric to match this will be a flat fold.

"Happiest Holidays" by Sue Hillis Designs
from the Aug 2008 Issue of JCS
stitched on 28 count Linen with WDW Blue Bonnet
Now I can get back to my SAL stitching schedule and Celtic Spring is out of the basket and waiting for her turn tomorrow.
Until Next Time....Happy Stitching

Thursday, January 1, 2009

2009's First Finish

Off to a good start for 2009. I was a real party animal last night. At the stroke of midnight, I was watching the New Year come in on TV while enjoying a ham sandwich, cup of coffee (I did spike it with a little Bailey's Irish Creme) and stitching on Harvey. Tracy was at work so I was alone safe at home.
"Heartfelt Harvey" by Imaginating
2008 JCS Ornament Issue
stitched on 28 count Opalecent Linen with DMC 321
Today I'm working on "Happiest of Holidays" and with any luck it will be finished before the end of the weekend. I will resume working on my SAL's starting on Sunday and fill in the other days of the week with some of my WIP's and a new start or two. I also plan on getting some things into their finished form this month.
I wish everyone well with their 2009 Goals and Stash Diets neither which I could attempt at this time, I just have no will power and soon will be time for my annual Birthday trip to the LNS and sure couldn't do that if I was on a diet could I. I wouldn't want to deprive my dear sweet enabler of a DH to joy of taking me shopping (believe me he really enjoys doing it)
In the next couple of days I will post a picture of the snowman Mania going on here. Tracy has really gone nuts getting me snowman tins. He went to WalFart today for just a bag of oranges and came home with two more bags of snowmen stuff (not that I'm complaining) and now I have to find spots for all of it. I'm so spoiled the fruit flies will be flying around my head soon <:o)
Back to watching the Monk marathon and stitching so....
Until Next Time....Happy Stitching and have a great weekend