Finally Finished

I did it.....I finished "When Witches Go Riding"! Now all I have to do is find the perfect frame for it. I also have "Pumpkin Patch" that I stitched last year and I want to frame them to match.

"When Witches Go Riding" by Prairie Schooler

Stitched on 28 count Dk Tan Jobelan by Silkweavers

with DMC

To celebrate the finish I thought I'd do another small and decided to try one of the ornaments I got on sale at JoAnn's last week. I knew there would be no problem with the perforated plastic but was concerned about the quality of the threads since in some kits it more like string than floss. I was very surprised that the threads were very good (may even be DMC) and this was a joy to stitch. The colors in the picture are kinda faded out, she is much brighter than this.

"Angel" Ornament from kit

Stitched on Perforated Plastic and backed with felt

Nancy and I meet as planned yesterday for some stitching and shopping at the LNS "Stitcher's Paradise". I found some must haves and this one just jumped into my hands and since it was the last one on the rack I just had to bring it home so it wouldn't get lonely there all by it's self.

"Counting Bats" by Just Nan

and

28 count "Frenzy" Cashel Linen for "Bats"

If only I had been good and not gotten anything else it would have been OK but oh no I couldn't stop there. I also got a small cut of blue fabric for a ornament from the new JCS Ornament Issue, 2 Mill Hill kits (Naughty for me and Nice for Tracy) and another Halloween Needleroll kit from Shepherds Bush. Nancy spent a lot of the time there doing a wish list and looking, looking, looking. We both did get some stitching done. I started another ornament for Tracy. The ladies were so friendly and welcoming I think we are going to try to go back next week (I'm leaving my wallet home LOL).

Going to try to get the ornament for Tracy done (or close to it) today, then work on Maddie's stocking and the Pansy Sampler Then I can start on "Bats". The weather has cooled down a lot..the high yesterday was only 80 degrees but along with the cooler temps also came the wind but it was so nice I can deal with the wind.

Until Next Time....Happy stitching in this cooler weather

Weekend Stitching

After the lack of focus on stitching at the end of the week I think I made up for it this weekend.


"Witches" is getting really close to being finished. A few more pumpkins, some ground and the bottom border are all that is left to do. I'm working on it today and with any luck will be finished tonight or tomorrow. I really still love this piece as well as the one I did last year and hope they design another like it.

In my ILCS Hardanger Class we are doing this as a SAL.....

"Pansy Sampler" by Victoria Sampler

I'm stitching it on 32 count White Belfast Linen with the recommended silks and DMC Perle Cotton. I do have a mistake in the first two bands and will have to do some frogging but it won't be too bad. I'm going to finish this as a needle roll.

I HAVE A FINISH....

This is one of the kits I got at JoAnn's on sale. This is the actual size of the finished piece. Stitched on 18 count Aida and mounted in a cute little card. I'm sending this out in our ILCS Ornament Exchange and hope who ever gets it likes it as much as I do. Can't wait to do the others I got but being a good girl (for today at least) and will finish "Witches" first.

That's what I did this weekend while watching Football, NASCAR and NHRA races (Yes I am a racing junkie).

Until Next Time.....Happy Stitching and Thanks for all your comments.

Fun Friday

Last week was kinda weird for me. After finishing the two little projects I just couldn't focus on any stitching. I wanted to do a ornament for the ILCS exchange and started 3 different ones, didn't like any of them so just threw up my hands and said I need a day out. Nancy was also having a stressful week and we decided a day of shopping and playing tourist was just the ticket we needed.

I printed off the JoAnn's coupons for both of us and we started our day there were we both found some good buys. Tracy found the aisle with the Christmas stitching kits, all on sale (told you he is a really good or maybe it's bad, enabler. This is what I got......

I have wanted the Dimensions "JOY" kit since I saw Nancy M and Tracy W stitch it. The best part was it was marked 1/2 off and I got another 40% off that. I will change the fabric out since I really don't like the 14 count Aida. The little kits are really cute (I have one finished already) and will make fun quick stitches for the tree.

We then decided we would have lunch before heading for the strip. We went to "Sweet Tomatoes" Salad and Soup and it was really yummmmy. We will sure go back there again.

After resting our feet and filling our tummies we headed for the strip. Since moving here Nancy really hasn't had a chance to see any of the sights so we played tour guide.

The display at the Belliago has now changed to the Fall display so that is where we headed. If you click on the pictures you will see a bigger picture and more detail.

Area behind the desk in the Lobby.

Scarecrow at the entrance to the Conservatory

Tree Man. His eyes open and close and he talks.

Mini Beliago display with the lake and fountains

The Pumpkin that weighs 643 pounds

Nancy and Me





After looking in some of the shops and seeing the Fountain show we headed down the street to the Flamingo to see the waterfalls and birds.

Flock of Flamingos

Turtles. Nancy said she knew what they were thinking but I'll leave what she thought to your own imagination hehehe

Ducks at one of the waterfalls. This is usually where my favorite Swan hangs out be she wasn't there and I missed seeing her.

Nancy taking a rest at another of the waterfalls

Tracy and me at yet another waterfall

By this time it was getting late so we headed back to the car (after a short stop to drop some pennies in a slot where Nancy won and we lost). It really was a great day and we plan on doing it again real soon. We do plan to meet again this week for a stitching day at the LNS. The ladies there are so nice and friendly we decided to take them up on the invitation to join them.

I'll have a stitching update sometime tomorrow with a couple of WIP's and a little finish.

Until Next Time....Have a great stitchy week

Another Little Finish

I have another little finish to share with you but first I want to answer some of the questions people had about the ornament in the clay saucer.

Carissa asked "....pretty please give us an idea of how you kept the ornie in the saucer...is it glued?" Yes it is glued with Aleene's Tacky Glue.

Meari asked "How big are the clay saucers you're using? Do they make the ornament heavy?" For this project I used a 3" saucer but any size could be used. I am going to look for a smaller one at Michael's since 3" was the smallest JoAnn's had. It is heaver than a normal ornament but shouldn't be too heavy for a Christmas ornament if the branch on the tree is sturdy.

Vicki L said "I love the halloween ornament with the plant saucers. What a wonderful idea. Can you pass the instructions on please?" I will be making more ornaments this way real soon and when I do the next one I'll take step by step pictures and share with anyone who would like to make one or maybe I should just post the instruction here on my blog.

Now on to my latest little finish. I mentioned I had a idea in my head for a project using the clay pot. I am very pleased it did come out almost just as I had it pictured.....

"Froggie" from a kit by Janlynn

changed fabric from Aida to 28 count white Monaco

The stitching on top opens up so I can use the pot to hold all those wonderful stitching gadgets I can't live without (needles, needle threader, Thread Heaven ect, ect). To make the top I just mounted the finished stitching to a piece of cardboard (used 3 layers of batting to give it the puff and so I can use it as a pin cushion). I then backed it with a circle of green felt and also put a small circle of felt in the bottom to cover the hole. I use a piece of ribbon glued to the inside of the pot and between the felt and cardboard to anchor the top to the pot. I also used another piece of ribbon looped and glued between the felt and cardboard to use to open the top. Finished it off with ribbon and a bow around the top of the pot. You could also put a trim around the stitched piece but with this one I thought the ribbon was enough and didn't want to add any more to it.

Some Stitching and Some Finishes

I've had these three projects ready to put together for a while and today was the day to get them done! These are the Halloween Knob Knockers (AKA Door Hangers) for the Grandkids.

Finishes.....

Backs so you can see the backing fabric

I have already shared the details for the first two so I won't repeat those.

"Frank N Stein"


"BOO WHO"

"Black Spider" by A.A.M

Stitched on 28 count Raw Opalescent Cashel

with DMC

Black Spider buttons hold the ribbon

This was a start and finish this weekend. When Nancy and I were shopping at JoAnn's she mentioned using the saucers for the clay pots to make ornaments. I really liked the idea and this is what I came up with. This is only the first of many I want to do this way. They would also make great pin cushions. I have a idea in my head for using the clay pots also, if they come out as planned it will be another really fun, cute finish.

"Pumpkin" by A.A.M.

Stitched on 28 count Linen

with sassy strings "Pumpkin", Carrie's "Pina Coloda"

and DMC

Side View of Pumpkin



WIPS....

I have been a good girl (sort of) and got more done on both "Witches" and the "Stocking". I should have "Witches" done in plenty of time for this Halloween.

"When Witches Go Riding" 9-19







Maddie at 5 months

When I get tired of working on the stocking all I have to do is look at the pictures of this sweetie and I'm inspired all over again. She really does have to have a special stocking for Santa to fill. Here is where I am now with the stocking.

"Sugar Plum Fairy" Stocking

The Candy Canes on the tree were a real PITA and I'm so glad they are finished. This week I'll work on the bottom of the stocking before starting on the Fairy. At this rate I should be done in plenty of time for Christmas. I still haven't figured out how I'm going to line it since there are no instructions for doing that but I think it will hold up better over the years if it has some kind of lining.

That's it for this update. Hope I didn't bore you to tears LOL.

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

I Was a Bad Girl

I told myself I wasn't going to start anything new until more progress was made on Maddie's stocking and the 2 Halloween projects but I couldn't help myself when I got the JCS Halloween Issue. This just called to me to stitch it (and I'm sure you aren't surprised) .....

"Fraidy Frog" by Just Nan from JCS Halloween Issue

Stitched on 32 count Lavender Linen

with "sassy strings" and DMC

I did make a couple of changes in the colors. I used a verigated purple and orange in the border and didn't add the backstitching to it. I also used the same orange varigated in the pumpkin. I finished it as a little pillow (only 2x2 inches) and it now hangs by my desk.

Until Next Time....Happy Stitching

What a Monday!

I woke up this morning with a terrible headache and it just wouldn't go away. I took some Ibuprofen and went back to bed in hopes I could just sleep it away. When I awoke again my head still hurt but not as bad. Time to go get the mail....and boy I'm glad I did! My box was filled with wonderful packages. First was my order from Karen. The Accessory Pack for "Pansy Sampler", more "sassy strings" thread in Fall colors and the JCS Halloween Issue. I can't wait to use the threads on some of the Halloween designs. Next was the ornament from Wanda J for the ILCS ornament exchange, and it is sooooo cute. Last and what really made my day was a RAK from Trecie. As a Thank You for teaching the Hardanger class she made me this wonderful tin and even did some Hardanger on it. Inside she put some cedar shaving from a tree in her yard (they smell soooooooooo good) and nestled in with the shaving were 3 adorable froggie magnets she stitched. She did such a great job on this and it will always have a special place on my desk.

RAK from Trecie

NEW START....

I spent most of the week working on the stocking for Maddie. I haven't done this type of stitching in many, many years and forgot how detailed these stocking are. Lots of cutting of little pieces, sequins and beads to be attached to the stocking. Now that the cuff is done I've started on the tree and again there are lots of little pieces to cut, sequin, bead and attach to it. I hope to finish the tree part this week but we'll see. I do think it will be done in time for Santa's visit this year.

WIP....

"When Witches Go Riding"

I am really happy with the progress on "Witches". Again once I pick this one up it's almost impossible to put it down. Still have a lot to do on the bottom with the witch, another tree and all the pumpkins on the ground but it should be done by Halloween and if I'm lucky enough to find the perfect frame on the wall too.

I have a busy week of stitching and finishing planned for this week so I'd better get back at it now while watching Monday Night Football.

Until Next Time....Have a Great week of stitching

New Type of Project

Many, many, many years ago in a galaxy far away I made the Felt type stocking for my kids and they still use them (they are a little tattered now). I was talking with my daughter and she said the boys needed new stockings and of course Maddie will need one too. I hadn't made stockings for the boys yet and asked her what she wanted for the kids. She said she knew I mostly did cross stitch now but she really wanted stocking like I had made for her and Chad. Someday I'll learn to say NO but haven't yet so here is the first of the 3 stocking I'll be doing.

"Sugar Plum Fairy"

I was looking online and found this stocking and thought how perfect for a little girl. So this will be Maddie's stocking and with any luck Santa will fill it this year. I found the kit at JoAnn's online and was able to use my 40% off coupon which made it very affordable even with the shipping charge. I also found stockings for the boys, Jedi's will be a Nutcracker one (he loves them and I started a collections of them for him) and Gibby's will be Santa making cookies (he's like his Granny and loves sweets). I probably won't get the ones for the boys done this year but will get them done after the first of the year.

So now I have lots of felt pieces to cut, beads and sequins to attach and hand sewing to do....wish me luck on getting this done this year.

Until Next Time....Happy Stitching

Vacation and Halloween Stitching

It was nice to have Tracy home on vacation all week but it did cut into my stitching time hehehe. We did have a good time on Friday when we meet with Nancy to go shopping at the great sale at JoAnn's. I really did bust my stash budget but who can pass up on a sale to stock up on needed things for not only stitching but finishing too. Since I had coupons for Michael's too we had to make a stop there. I was a good girl and really didn't spend much there. Then off we went for a Frappicino at Starbuck's. While we were sitting outside enjoying our drinks and chatting the wind blew in a short Thunderstorm. We were protected from the rain and just sat there and enjoyed the drop in temp and the smell of the rain. It was really nice to spend time with Nancy again and we have plans to get together again real soon so I can show her some of the sights of Vegas and do some stitching together.

Like I thought I really didn't get a lot of stitching done, or at least not as much as usual. I did get a couple more lines done on "Witches". It just gets better and better with each section and is almost 1/2 finished now.

"When Witches Go Riding"

I hadn't done any Halloween stitching for the grandkids and decided this year I would do little knob knockers (little pillows that can hang from door knobs if you don't know what they are) for each of them. I found these really cute charts for free on the Cyberstitchers site.

"Frank N Stein" by Judi Utter

Stitched on 32 count hand dyed Evenweave

with DMC

"BOO WHO" by Judi Utter

stitched on 32 count Linen by Silkweavers

with DMC

I have started the third one (twice, got off on the first one and tossed it). It's a Spider all done in black with red eyes. I'll have a finish on it maybe tonight.

What a weekend for watching TV......hours of my favorite TV watching, RACING. Not only was there 2 NASCAR races but also drag racing. Also spent hours watching the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. I have missed a telethon in years and since it's here in Vegas again I'd really love to see it in person, maybe next year.

Time to get back to stitching and then get dinner started. For those of you who were interested in the Stovetop smoker all I can say is "GET ONE and you won't be sorry". I've used it so much that it is really looking like I've had it for years. Tonight I'm doing a whole chicken again and my mouth is watering just thinking about it. We have done just about any meat you can think of and haven't had anything yet that wasn't wonderful.

Until Next Time (with some more finishes).....Happy Stitching

An Evening Out

Tracy and I had planned on a trip to the strip sometime during the week while he is on vacation. Well last night after a early dinner we decided that since it had cooled off some we would go see a couple of the free shows that had changed since we moved here.

First was the Pirate Show at TI (formally Treasure Island).
Sorry the picture is sooooooo dark but this is the Pirate Ship for the "Sirens". I really don't like the way they changed this show 8o( It was much better the way it was with the Pirates fighting the Brits. Now it's a bunch of "Sirens" against the Pirates and a little risque for the kids that come to watch. The humor is a little off color, guess I must be becoming a prude in my old age.

Inside the front door at TI this motorcycle sits. It was designed and built as a tribute to the "Sirens". To say it is awesome would be a understatement. You don't have to be a lover of motorcycles to appreciate the details that went into this. You could spend a hour just looking at all the details.

Next we moved down the strip to see the new Volcano at the Mirage. They totally redid the volcano and added more FIRE. Now this wasn't as disappointing.

Again sorry about the picture being so dark but you get the idea of the Volcano erupting with steam and fire coming out the top and running down the sides. There is water surrounding the mountain and it has fire coming out the the water too. This is all done with the sounds of birds and drums in the background. It was as good or better than what they did before the changes.

OK, OK everyone said they wanted to see the new hair do from the front. You won't see many pictures of me (I hate having my picture taken) but here I am at the Volcano.

By this time it was getting late so instead of staying out any later we headed for home and decided to go to the little local casino for breakfast (I was hungry again). We decided to put a few pennies in the slots and lucky Tracy walked out ahead by $60 (I only lost $5).

Well that was our evening out and now today is laundry day with some stitching time between loads. Not sure what the rest of the week will bring but I'm sure we'll go out again.

Until Next Time.....Happy Stitching

The Big Cut

I took the BIG step today and after much talking about it got my hair CUT! Before

After

Now that my hair is 20 inches shorter I feel like my head is a ton lighter and some cancer patient will have a wig of all that hair. I know now that I'll have to do the blow dry and curling iron thing but it feels so much better.