A Cross Stitch Nut

Newest Stitching Project - Earthdancer

2012-01-30T06:59:00.000-08:00

This piece is for our niece, Terri H here in GA. I bought it several years ago, but was a bit lazy and didn't begin working on her until January 23 and I've stitched several hours each day. I'm really surprised at how much I've finished and hope to keep it up. She is stitched 2 over 2 on 28-count Prairie Grain Linen using all the recommended DMC threads.

Isn't she gorgeous; I can't wait to get all the stitching done so that I can add all the beads, specialty threads and what little backstitching there is. You know, all that stuff that makes a piece really pop.

I think that if I can keep this pace going and don't have to frog too much, she'll be finished within 2 months. Keep your toes crossed for me that all goes well.

Debra

Photo Again

2012-01-24T09:26:00.000-08:00

For some reason, the photo went away from the first post. I'm trying again.

Debra

The Lord's Prayer - Finished 01/21/2012

2012-01-21T17:23:00.000-08:00

I started this piece Nov 26, 2011; that's the day I felt like I was catching a cold but wound up with pneumonia so there have been several days during the last 2 months that I didn't stitch at all. Of course I went through the phase toward the end where I'd put in a stitch and then remove 2 or more stitches. As usual, for me the only way to stop the trend is to put everything away and work on something else. So I got my sewing machine out and pieced a quilt top for a queen bed (sorry no photos of that yet). I'm thinking I probably have about 5 1/2 weeks of actually working on this one.

Here's a photo:

I can't wait to see this framed, but I don't know when that will be. I'm hoping that my middle sister or one of my DSILs will want this one. From the time I started stitching until now, it's always been my plan to present it to one of them.

Now for the specifics:

Fabric: 32-count linen, oyster white

Floss: DMC 930 and DMC 932

Stitched: 2 strands over 2 threads

Stitch Count: 240 x 392

Completed Size: 15" by 24 1/5"

Started: November 26, 2011

Completed: January 26, 2011

Debra

List of Cross Stitch UFOs

2012-01-01T17:37:00.000-08:00

Here's a partial UFO listing:

A Baby A Manger – CherryWood Designs
Harbor Vista – Kustom Krafts
Peppermint Twist – Little House Needleworks
Witches Wheel – Glendon Place
Fa-La-La – Little House Needleworks
Cardinal Winter – Little House Needleworks
Queen of the Needle – Just Nan
Diana – The Silver Lining
Red Ornaments – Blue Ribbon Designs
Autumn Grandeur – Kustom Krafts
Monopoly – C & L Crafts
Aleyna’s Treen Ornament – M Designs
Santa’s Pack Stocking –
Noah’s Ark – Teresa Wentzler
Tapestry of my Life – Stoney Creek
Heavenly Afternoon Ride – Kustom Krafts
Christmas at Hawk Run – Carriage House Samplings
Holiday Sphere – Alessandra Adelaide Needleworks

I put some UFOs away so well I can't find them now. I know I was working on at least 3 designs of black cloth, but can't find them anywhere.

There's only 1 WIP right now and that is The Lord's Prayer by My Big Toe and I hope to have that finished in a week or so.

Debra

All Kitted Up and Ready To Go!

2012-01-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

For several years now, I've been kitting up designs to stitch during those golden "retirement years". I spent the day going through part of my stash and made a list of those pieces that are kitted and ready for the first stitch. Even though I didn't look through everything, I think I should stop making kits; I think you'll agree with me when you see the following list.

Winter Sheep – Little House Needleworks
He’s a Flake – Little House Needleworks
Snowy St. Nick – Dimensions
Windswept St. Nick – Dimensions
Angel Proclamation – Mirabilia
Holiday Eve – Heaven & Earth Designs
Morning Star – 2011 JCS Ornament Issue
Under the Tree – 2011 JCS Ornament Issue
All is Calm – Little House Needleworks
Pear Tree – Little House Needleworks
Normal – Lizzie Kate
Be Jolly – Lizzie Kate
Be Merry – Lizzie Kate
Let it Snow – The Prairie Schooler
Naughty or Nice – Lizzie Kate
12 Days – The Sweetheart Tree
Merry Visions Sampler Accent#12 – Periwinkle Promises
Monthly Markings – Heart in Hand
Priceless – Glory Bee
Dashing – Birds of a Feather
Christmas Keepsakes – JBW
Love You to the Moon – Waxing Moon Designs
Christmas Cheer – WildflowerStitchery
Merry Christmas –
Fire – Monsterbubbles
Little House Neighborhood – Little House Needleworks
Fairy Xmas Greetings – Passione Ricamo
Barnyard – The Workbasket
Santa’s Magic – Mirabilia
A Christmas Spirit – Passione Ricamo
Joy to the World – Waxing Moon Designs
Stitching Therapy – My Big Toe
It Must Be Christmas – Waxing Moon Designs
Christmas Delights – Stitchapolis
Winter White Santa – Mirabilia
Here Comes Santa Claus – The Prairie Schooler
Crystal Roses – Just Nan
Dear Santa – The Prairie Schooler
Shiver Me Timbers – Sue Hillis Designs
Christmas Village – The Victoria Sampler
Joyful Snowmen – Dimensions
Age Gracefully – Lizzie Kate
Jingle Bells Christmas Tree Farm – The Victoria Sampler
Yesteryear – Little House Needleworks
Johnny Appleseed – Monsterbubbles
Webs – Monsterbubbles
Innocent Guardian – Dimensions
Christmas Sayings Ornaments – Dimensions
Christmas Story Ornaments – Janlynn
Old World Holiday Ornaments – Dimensions
Spirit of Santa Ornaments – Dimensions
Playful Penguin Ornaments – Dimensions
Christmas Village Ornaments – Dimensions
Kitty Keepsake Ornaments – Dimensions
Candy Cane Santa – Dimensions
Vintage Merry Christmas – Dimensions
Santa’s Woodland Friend – Dimensions
O Holy Night Stocking – Donna Kooler
Twas the Night Before Christmas Stocking – Donna Kooler
Bygone Days Stocking – Donna Kooler
Snowman and Friends Stocking – Donna Kooler
Good Dogs Stocking – Donna Kooler
Earthdancer – Butternut Road/Told in a Garden
Angelicc Snowmen – American School of Needlework
Angel of Christmas – Lavender and Lace
Secret Santa – Lavender and Lace
Celtic Christmas Angel – Lavender and Lace
Christmas Stories – Dimensions
Angel of the Snow – Herrschner’s
Santa’s Fireplace – Janlynn
Holiday Gathering – Thomas Kincaid/Candamar
Mr. Snowflake Ornament – Mill Hill
Winterbird Wreath Ornament – Mill Hill
Holiday Trimming Ornament – Mill Hill
Angel Heart Mitten Ornament – Mill Hill
Snowman’s Garden Ornament – Mill Hill
St Nick Stocking Ornament – Mill Hill\
Reindeer Ranch – Mill Hill
Pike’s Peak Santa Ornament – Mill Hill
Teton Santa Ornament – Mill Hill
Beartooth Santa Ornament – Mill Hill
Blue Ridge Santa Ornament – Mill Hill
Allegheny Santa Ornament – Mill Hill
Frosty Snowman – Mill Hill
Through the Woods – Mill Hill
Deborah’s Tree Ornament – M Designs
Debra’s Tree Ornament – M Designs
Denise’s Tree Ornament – M Designs
Domino’s Tree Ornament – M Designs
Kathy’s Tree Ornament – M Designs
Marvin’s Tree Ornament – M Designs
Sassy’s Tree Ornament – M Designs
Skeeter’s Tree Ornament – M Designs
Dog Lessons for People – Lizzie Kate
Snow in Live Ornament – Little House Needleworks
Joy and Peace Ornament – Little House Needleworks
Hallelujah Ornament – Little House Needleworks
Baked Goods Ornament – Little House Needleworks
Pine Tree Inn Ornament – Little House Needleworks
Silent Night Ornament – Little House Needleworks
Gingerbread Village Ornament – Little House Needleworks
Deck the Halls Ornament – Little House Needleworks
Bringing Home the Tree Ornament – Little House Needleworks
Cardinal Winter Ornament – Little House Needleworks
Snowy Pines Ornament – Little House Needleworks
Winter Sheep Ornament – Little House Needleworks
Red House in Winter Ornament – Little House Needleworks
The Merry Skater Ornament – Little House Needleworks
Frosty Flakes Ornament – Little House Needleworks
Joy to the World Ornament – Little House Needleworks
Under the Tree Ornament – Little House Needleworks
Home for Christmas Stocking – July/Aug 86 Cross Stitch & Country Crafts
North Woods Stocking – Premier Issue Cross Stitch & Country Crafts
Holiday Kitchen Stocking – July/Aug 87 Cross Stitch & Country Crafts
Holiday Study Stocking – July/Aug 88 Cross Stitch & Country Crafts
Stitcher’s Studio Stocking – July/Aug 89 Cross Stitch & Country Crafts
Holiday Workshop Stocking – July/Aug 90 Cross Stitch & Country Crafts
The Music Room Stocking – July/Aug 91 Cross Stitch & Country Crafts
Sugar’n Spice Stocking – July/Aug 92 Cross Stitch & Country Crafts
Games & Toys Stocking – July/Aug 93 Cross Stitch & Country Crafts
Santa Stocking – July/Aug 94 Cross Stitch & Country Crafts
Sportsman’s Dream Stocking – July/Aug 95 Cross Stitch & Country Crafts
Mother’s Kitchen Stocking – July/Aug 96 Cross Stitch & Needlework
Christmas Flourishes – Mirabilia
Christmas Wishes – Mirabilia
White Christmas – Mirabilia

Guess you were able to figure out I love the Christmas holiday, huh? There are several more stocking kits hiding somewhere (as of right now, I need 17 stockings) but I can't figure out where I hid them. I've also got a partial cross stitch UFO list to post

Stay tuned - tomorrow I start making the lists for quilting.

Debra

Progress Days 6-21

2011-12-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

It's been 21 days since I showed an update on The Lord's Prayer. Some days I didn't have enough strength to hold the q-snaps much less put any stitches in, some days I was lucky to stitch for 10 minutes before I had to put it down and other times I sat and stitched for most of the day. Needless to say, I'm not exactly sure how many days I have been stitching on this one.

Here's the current photo:

As you can see, I'm a little past half done.

Debra

Doctor Visit

2011-12-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

Well I finally know why I couldn't get over this cold - it's not a cold. We won't know which it is until the blood work gets back but it's either atypical pneumonia or whooping cough. I'm completely whipped by this thing so not sure how much progress will get done on The Lord's Prayer in the next few days but will get back to it as soon as possible.

Thanks to everyone for all your comments; they help me keep going.

Debra

Progress Days 4 and 5

2011-12-06T17:33:00.000-08:00

Today is day 11 and I think this is the worst cold I've ever had; tomorrow I'm calling the doc. I've only had 2 days where I felt like stitching since the last post and I forgot to take a progress photo after day 4 so you get both days.

This one is going fast.

Debra

Progress on The Lord's Prayer - Day 3

2011-11-29T12:14:00.000-08:00

I've got a cold and I was so stuffy I couldn't sleep. Got up at 3:30 AM and started stitching and stitched off and on all day so got quite a bit done. Take a look:

I don't know if I'll do any stitching today as this cold won't let go and it really has me down; just might spend the day in bed.

D

Progress Day 2

2011-11-27T12:43:00.000-08:00

This is after 2 days stitching.

I started a new cross stitch piece yesterday from My Big Toe titled The Lord's Prayer. I'll post a photo after each stitching day; this is where I stand after the first day.

I'm spending today stitching so there will be an updated photo tomorrow.

Merry Christmas,

D

A Few More Completed Pieces

2011-08-07T20:11:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple more pieces for my future quilt.

This is Kit #31 from Lizzie Kate entitles Big Girl Panties.

This is Kit #32 from Lizzie Kate entitled Normal.

This one is Waxing Moon Designs #147 - Frugal Samplings

This is also from Waxing Moon Designs; it is #ML06 called I'm Right - He's Wrong

This one is Waxing Moon Designs #067 - Everyone Brings Joy, but it isn't finished yet. The chimney smoke and the picket fence aren't stitched and I'm not sure what thread color to use. The design called for DMC 3865, but since this is stitched on white that one is out of the running. What color(s) do you think would look best?

This piece was already stitched, but needed to be washed and pressed; now it's ready for framing. It is #123 titled Country Seasons from The Prairie Schooler.

There's now 8 pieces stitched for my quilt and that many or more waiting to be stitched. Obviously this is going to be larger than the lap-size quilt originally planned. Who knows how large it's going to be by the time I get done stitching.

Can you guess which one is DH's favorite so far?

My Sister's Quilt is Finally Home!

2011-07-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

Last week DH and I finally took the drive to LA to deliver the quilt I made her. This quilt is large enough to serve as a bedspread on her queen bed or a comforter for the king bed. This is called Sunshine and Shadow from the book Tradition With A Twist. I love how it turned out.

Here's the full view.

Here's a close up of the outer border:

See my mitered corners:

Here's a few pictures taken during the drive back.

Molly & DH driving:

What's out there?

I'll help you watch the road:

I Love You Daddy:

No shots of Sassy this trip cause she stayed in my lap the whole way and way too close for pictures.

That's it for now.

D

A Few Completed Pieces

2011-06-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

Normally I like to stitch big projects, but recently I've been stitching little pieces with what I consider cute sayings. Right now I'm working on Lizzie Kate's Normal so apparently I haven't burned out on this style yet. Don't know what I'm going to do with them, but will figure something out later. But I have a question for my stitching friends.

On the Don't Interrupt piece the designer alternated colors for each letter throughout the piece except in the word "Interrupt". Since I started in the center and counted up to the first letter, that was the first word I did and it was completed before noticing the alternating colors. Do you think this was a chart misprint or do you think the designer intended it to be this way?

These haven't been laundered and pressed yet so forgive the wrinkles.

Don't Interrupt

Curiouser & Curiouser

I Can Resist

Please let me know what you think about the Don't Interrupt piece. Should I leave it as is or should I take out the U-P-T and re-stitch them in alternate colors? I know it boils down to individual taste, but I'm interested in whether or not this comes across as an intentional design issue or if it looks like a stitching error to you.

Thanks for your comments,

2011 Stitching Update as of Jan 27

2011-01-27T14:06:00.000-08:00

I know quite a few of you will remember that I signed up for the 2011 stitching challenge where we were to start a new project on each of the first 15 days of January. I changed the challenge somewhat so that I could incorporate some UFOs that are lying around here. I've had to modify it even more.

I did okay the first couple days, but around the 4th or 5th, my back was hurting so bad I just didn't feel up to pulling the required threads and fabric so I just kept stitching on the newest project. I actually stitched on it until it was completed. I started this on Jan 4 and completed it on Jan 16 (I think).

I still didn't feel like pulling threads so I picked up the piece I started Jan 3rd and finished it. I don't know why but I can get a good shot of this one; every shot is just a bit blurry.

Then I picked up the piece I started Jan 2 - The Witches Wheel. Here's what it looks like after 3 1/2 skeins of black and 7 days of stitching. Ignore the wrinkles and hoop marks as the ironing board isn't out and I didn't want to ask M to set it up for me.

I'm not giving up on the challenge list I posted; just revising it a bit as I hate to keep asking M to put these threads away and pull these threads for me. He's been a complete angel since this started and I know he doesn't mind, but we all know how we love to play in the fibers ourselves. Saw the surgeon Jan 18 and he told me again no bending, lifting or twisting until my next visit which if Feb 15; then we get to start that wonderful thing called physical therapy. But hey, if it gets me back to playing in my thread boxes again I'll be one happy camper.

D

2011-01-27T13:12:00.000-08:00

For some of you, these pictures won't mean much as this is a little snowfall to you, but here in Atlanta GA USA this is unusual weather indeed. The snow started falling at our house around 5:30 PM and within an hour we had 3 inches on the ground; before it stopped snowing we had 5 1/2 inches and then the sleet started. Along with governors from Alabama, Louisiana, and several other southern states, one of the last acts of Georgia's outgoing governor was to declare most of the state to be in "a state of emergency."

In most areas, school was closed for the entire week while drivers sat in their semis on interstate roads for 24 to 48 hours while they waited for the roads to clear up some. I saw videos on the news of people using cross country skis to get to stores and work, but I think the best one I saw was of one young gentleman who laced up his ice skates and took of down the middle of Peachtree Street during the height of what is normally the afternoon rush hour traffic. He was having a grand time as he was the only commuter on the entire road.

Here are a few pictures from around our home.

2011 Stitching Challenge - Day 3

2011-01-03T23:36:00.000-08:00

I worked on Life Lived For Others by Glendon Place today. This was the first of twelve designs issued for the 2010 Stitch Your Heart Out Campaign. Although I purchased each chart, I never seemed to find the time to stitch along with everyone else so I'm getting started a little more than a year late.

Here's a photo of the design:

And this is how my piece looks. I'm using a 32-count fabric called Lupine by Picture This Plus. As you can see I think I changed everything but the actual design. LOL

I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

D

2011 Stitching Challenge - Day 2

2011-01-03T02:16:00.000-08:00

Here's my start on The Witches Wheel by Glendon Place. If you look close enough, you can see where the left hand cat was stitched. Unfortunately, I miscounted and put it 1 row too high so I had to rip it out.

Here's what the design will look like when complete:

and here is what's left after the frogs paid me a visit:

Not much of a start, but I'm hoping to have this one completed for Halloween.

Not sure what I'm going to stitch for Day 3 - maybe a square for Patrick's quilt or one of the SYHO pieces.

D

2011 Stitching Challenge - Day 1

2011-01-02T13:19:00.000-08:00

For my first piece, I decided to stitch a LHN ornament. I didn't get it all stitched, but did get a good start on it. This isn't one of the monthly pieces though, but I think I said that LHN ornaments would be one of my challenges so I'm hoping this fits the bill.

Here is Joy by Little House Needleworks; stitched 1 over 2 on 40-count Vintage Examplar by Lakeside Linen.

My piece for Day 2 is The Witches Wheel by Glendon Place; check back later for a photo.

D

2011 Stitching Goals

2011-01-01T01:08:00.001-08:00

In no particular order, here are the new starts planned for January 1-16:

SYHO pieces - all of them
LHN Ornament series - all of them
The Witches Wheel by Glendon Place
A Christmas Spirit by Passione Ricamo
Cheaper Than Therapy by My Big Toe
The Work of Christmas by My Big Toe
The Lord's Prayer by My Big Toe
Enough quilt blocks to complete twin quilt for newest grandson Patrick due in March
Santa's Magic by Mirabillia
Merry Gingerbread Christmas by Sue Hillis Designs
Fairy Xmas Greetings by Passione Ricamo
Earthdancer by Butternut Road
Angels on High Christmas Ornaments by Dimensions
Christmas Treasure Collection by Victoria Sampler
The Snow Day (Snow Globes) by Blackberry Lane Designs
The Three Wise Men Ornament by Blackberry Lane Designs

For January 17-31, here are the UFOs I'd like to work on throughout the year (again in no particular order):

Angelic Snowmen Ornaments by American School of Needlework
Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow by Carriage House Samplings
Queen of the Needle by Just Nan (for Deborah Markham)
2008 Snowmen Series by The Vermillion Stitchery
Heavenly Afternoon Ride by Kustom Krafts
Tapestry of My Life by Leisure Arts
Mates by Dimensions
Opening His Pack Christmas Stocking in The Stockings Were Hung by Leisure Arts
Bent Creek Snapper SAL started in 2008
Noah's Ark by Teresa Wentzler
Aleyna's Name Ornament by M Designs
More Cancer Ribbon Squares to complete a lap quilt
Monopoly by Dimensions
The "Brrr-"muda Triangle by Stoney Creek
Ball in December 2010 Just Cross Stitch Magazine by Alessandra Adelaide Needleworks

Who knows how much progress I'll make on these, but it will be more than I have right now.

D

2010-12-25T17:52:00.000-08:00

I gotta quite updating so often; I know everyone's getting tired of hearing from me. LOL

I finally took Angel of the Morning to the framers a few weeks back and we picked her up Thursday. We went with a couple suggestions made by the framer and I'm so glad we did because she is absolutely gorgeous. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Here's a close up of the framing; can you see the 3 different frames we used?

This is as close as I could get and not have flashbulb glare in the photo.

And here is a view of the whole thing.

I'm Not Too Good At This

2010-03-06T22:39:00.000-08:00

Although I have the best intentions of keeping this blog up-to-date, I don't seem to follow through very well. Was really surprised to see I haven't done an update since December 09. I haven't done much stitching as I've been working on a retreat I'm attending in June. There's a lot done, but much more still to do. Hopefully I'll get back to stitching before too long.

D

Great Giveaway

2009-12-14T03:08:00.000-08:00

Karyn is having a fantastic giveaway to start off the New Year; click here to see it all.

D

Another GiveAway

2009-11-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

Thought I had posted this already, but couldn't find it. Angela is having a giveaway for a beautiful box with a stitched top that is just the perfect size to hold all the little things you need to work on a project. Go here to see what I'm talking about.

D

GiveAway

2009-11-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

Erynne is having an awesome giveaway for her 2nd blogoversary. Click here to see what she's offering.

D

Reading List - Updated 10/03/09

2009-10-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

When it started raining here, I had a lot of free time so I read and read and read. Then when the flood waters came and we couldn't leave the house I read some more. Then when it took 2 more days before I had a clear route to the office, I read even more. So here's my updated reading list:

1) ~~The Cat Who Could Read Backwards – Lilian Braun~~ Finished 09/15/09
2) ~~The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern – Lilian Braun~~ Finished 10/03/09
3) ~~The Chocolate Cat Caper – Joanna Carl~~ Finished 09/20/09
4) ~~The Chocolate Bear Burglary – Joanna Carl~~ Finished 10/01/09
5) Split Second – David Baldacci
6) The Summoning – Kelley Armstrong
7) Bitten – Kelley Armstrong
8) Exit Strategy – Kelley Armstrong
9) Savannah Blues – Mary Kay Andrews
10) Savannah Breeze – Mary Kay Andrews
11) Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery – Joanne Fluke
12) ~~Tangled Up In Love – Heidi Betts~~ Finished 09/21/09
13) ~~Metro Girl – Janet Evanovich~~ Finished 09/19/09
14) One for the Money (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
15) Two for the Dough (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
16) Three to Get Deadly (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
17) Four to Score (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
18) High five (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
19) Hot Six (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
20) Seven Up (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
21) Hard Eight (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
22) Visions of Sugar Plums – Janet Evanovich (A Between the Numbers Novel)
23) To the Nines (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
24) Ten Big Ones (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
25) Eleven on Top (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
26) Twelve Sharp (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
27) Plum Lovin’ – Janet Evanovich (A Between the Numbers Novel)
28) Lean Mean Thirteen (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
29) Fearless Fourteen (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
30) Plum Spooky – Janet Evanovich (A Between the Numbers Novel)
31) Finger Lickin’ Fifteen – Janet Evanovich
32) Killing Floor – Lee Child
33) Dead Man’s Island – Carolyn G Hart
34) Death on Demand – Carolyn G Hart
35) ~~Dust to Dust – Tami Hoag~~ Finished 09/18/09
36) ~~The Dead Cat Bounce – Sarah Graves~~ Finished 09/21/09
37) Grave Sight – Charlaine Harris
38) ~~Dead Until Dark – Charlaine Harris~~ Finished 09/21/09
39) Living Dead in Dallas – Charlaine Harris
40) Real Murders – Charlaine Harris
41) Shakespeare’s Landlord – Charlaine Harris
42) Knit One, Kill Two – Maggie Sefton
43) Dying to Sell – Maggie Sefton
44) A Killing Frost – Michael A Black
45) Random Victim – Michael A Black
46) State of the Onion – Julie Hyzy
47) Deadly Blessings – Julie Hyzy
48) Artistic License – Julie Hyzy
49) Death Down Home – Eve Sandstrom
50) The Violence Beat – Eve Sandstrom
51) The Camel Club – David Baldacci
52) The Will – Reed Arvin
53) Exit Strategy – Kelley Armstrong
54) Little Bitty Lies – Mary Kay Andrews
55) ~~The Trouble With Magic - Madelyn Alt~~ Finished 09/18/09
56) ~~Fool's Puzzle - Earline Fowler~~ Finished 09/22/09

And then I bought some books that weren't on my original list. Here they are:

57) ~~The Grand Finale - Janet Evanovich~~ Finished 09/29/09
58) ~~Loves Me, Loves Me Knot - Heidi Betts~~ Finished 09/30/09
59) ~~A Charmed Death - Madelyn Alt~~ Finished 10/01/09
60) Death by Darjeeling - Laura Childs
61) Ghost of a Chance - Yasmine Galenorn
62) What's a Ghoul to Do? - Victoria Laurie
63) Witch Way to Murder - Shirley Damsgaard

I'll try to stick to the books on the original list, but I'm enjoying The Cat Who Mysteries by Lilian Braun, The Chocoholic Mysteries by Joanna Carl, The Bewitching Mysteries by Madelyn Alt, The Sookie Stackhouse Novels by Charlaine Harris and The Benni Harper Mysteries by Earline Fowler so I have a feeling more from those series will find a way to sneak onto the list. I'm a good one for making a plan of action, but those plans always seem to take on a life of their own once I get started. I've been looking at some online book reviews and seeing many I'd like to read so who knows how many books/authors are still to be added?

D

Flooding September 21, 2009

2009-09-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd post a few photos so you can see what is happening in our neck of the woods.

Here's one of our neighbors standing in the middle of our street taking pictures. As you can see the water level is slightly above his waist.

This is a shot of our mailbox taken around 9 AM this morning. The water level has come up another 4 inches or so as that 4 x 4 the mailbox sits on is now under water.

This is a shot of the house across the street. I'm keeping my fingers cross that they have flood insurance because they're all going to have major problems to fix when the water finally goes down.

This is a shot of the neighbor's home just to the left of us.

And this is of our front yard. Our house sits up a bit higher than anyone else's so we might get through this without much more than a few more gray hairs from all the worry.

But it's still raining and they're calling for 3-4 more inches today.

Stitching Question and Reading Challenge Update

2009-09-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

Since M retired I no longer spend time cooking, shopping or cleaning so all my at home time is free to spend as I choose. Since I'm in a stitching slump I seem to spend all my time reading and when you add a night of insomnia to the equation I wound up reading 2 books and starting a 3rd yesterday. Oh yeah, #55 and #56 are new additions to the reading list.

By the time Friday got here I needed a break from work so took the afternoon and spent the time in a bookstore, a bead store and a fabric store. Think serious shopping - my credit card took a major hit. Then I came home and pre-ordered Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow and the fabric for it. I'm thinking of ordering the silk thread package but still not sure if I can justify spending that much on stash when I'm not stitching. If purchased alone, the silk pack is $230, but if I decide by Tuesday morning to get them I can save $46 cause I got the chart, fabric & thread. What's your opinion? Is it worth the extra $ to get the NPI silks?

Here's the updated reading list:

1) ~~The Cat Who Could Read Backwards – Lilian Braun~~ Finished 09/15/09
2) The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern – Lilian Braun
3) The Chocolate Cat Caper – Joanna Carl
4) The Chocolate Bear Burglary – Joanna Carl
5) Split Second – David Baldacci
6) The Summoning – Kelley Armstrong
7) Bitten – Kelley Armstrong
8) Exit Strategy – Kelley Armstrong
9) Savannah Blues – Mary Kay Andrews
10) Savannah Breeze – Mary Kay Andrews
11) Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery – Joanne Fluke
12) Tangled in Love – Heidi Betts
13) ~~Metro Girl – Janet Evanovich~~ Finished 09/19/09
14) One for the Money (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
15) Two for the Dough (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
16) Three to Get Deadly (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
17) Four to Score (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
18) High five (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
19) Hot Six (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
20) Seven Up (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
21) Hard Eight (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
22) Visions of Sugar Plums – Janet Evanovich (A Between the Numbers Novel)
23) To the Nines (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
24) Ten Big Ones (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
25) Eleven on Top (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
26) Twelve Sharp (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
27) Plum Lovin’ – Janet Evanovich (A Between the Numbers Novel)
28) Lean Mean Thirteen (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
29) Fearless Fourteen (re-read) – Janet Evanovich
30) Plum Spooky – Janet Evanovich (A Between the Numbers Novel)
31) Finger Lickin’ Fifteen – Janet Evanovich
32) Killing Floor – Lee Child
33) Dead Man’s Island – Carolyn G Hart
34) Death on Demand – Carolyn G Hart
35) ~~Dust to Dust – Tami Hoag~~ Finished 09/18/09
36) Dead Cat Bounce – Sarah Graves
37) Grave Sight – Charlaine Harris
38) Dead Until Dark – Charlaine Harris
39) Living Dead in Dallas – Charlaine Harris
40) Real Murders – Charlaine Harris
41) Shakespeare’s Landlord – Charlaine Harris
42) Knit One, Kill Two – Maggie Sefton
43) Dying to Sell – Maggie Sefton
44) A Killing Frost – Michael A Black
45) Random Victim – Michael A Black
46) State of the Onion – Julie Hyzy
47) Deadly Blessings – Julie Hyzy
48) Artistic License – Julie Hyzy
49) Death Down Home – Eve Sandstrom
50) The Violence Beat – Eve Sandstrom
51) The Camel Club – David Baldacci
52) The Will – Reed Arvin
53) Exit Strategy – Kelley Armstrong
54) Little Bitty Lies – Mary Kay Andrews
55) ~~The Trouble With Magic - Madelyn Alt~~ Finished 09/18/09
56) Fool's Puzzle - Earline Fowler

D

2009-09-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

The Sisterhood is ready to hit the road again. Jill finished stitching her yesterday and is ready to send her on to the next "Sister". You can post a comment on her blog until the 13th.

If you don't know the story of the Sisterhood or where it has been and when, you can visit Daffycat and read about it.

D

More Birthday Stash

2009-07-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

I received 2 more cards and 1 package today. The first card is from Pam and she included DMC 208 & DMC 210.

And I got this gift from Melinda. Now I know why she asked me if I prefered silver or gold on my Christmas tree. Melinda sent me a pack of gold perforated paper that has two 9 x 12 sheets and one of the Christmas ornament books from my wish list - Stained Glass Ornaments I from Sekas & Co. Then when I opened her card I found a really cute fob. Here's a picture of everything.

And here's a picture of just the fob.

I also got a birthday card from my brother Larry and his wife Robyn. I must say I pretty darn excited when M told me it was here. I got telephone calls from 2 of the kids and emails from one sister and another brother, but this is the only card I received from a family member. M didn't even get me a card this year.

Now this next chart isn't a birthday present; it's a gift from a really nice woman I met face-to-face for the first time last month at my retreat - Debra S. She found out I wanted this chart, but the only shop that had a copy had just sold their last one. She ordered one and had it shipped to me. You can't get any nicer than that!

Well, that's it for birthday packages; there are still a few cards that should be on their way though. Once again I have to say how blessed I was with everything that was sent to me. This is my first birthday group where we sent presents instead of a couple skeins of floss and I really appreciate how the members put a lot of thought into getting just the right gift for each other.

Thank you everyone.

Birthday Clubs - 2009

2009-07-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

I belong to a birthday club on the I Love Cross Stitch Yahoo group where we exchange gifts on our birthday and a birthday club on ILCS Yahoo group where we exchange birthday cards with 2 skeins of floss. Well, Friday was my birthday and this is a photo of all the unopened cards and packages I received.

I was so looking forward to getting up on Friday morning and opening prezzies, but real life got in the way and I didn't get the opportunity to check everything out until this morning. I still had one house guest this morning, but I was so curious I couldn't wait any longer. My DH and our friend laughed themselves silly while I was tearing into everything cause I kept saying "This is gorgeous" and "Oh I can't wait to start this one." They both agreed I'd need a dozen set of arms in order to do all I want to get stitched. Here's a photo of everything inside those envelopes and boxes. Photos of the individual gifts are below.

From Vicky L I received Waxing Moon's Gripers Club and the charms that go with it. Vicky also sent me all the specialty threads needed to stitch this piece. There was 1 skein of Blue Jay, Gold Leaf, Maple Syrup, Grape Leaf and 2 skeins of Freedom - all from Gentle Arts. I can't wait to dye a piece of fabric and get started on this one; I think it's going to go to the office with me when it gets done.

Rene isn't in my birthday group, but she sent me the sweetest card and inside it was a frogging tool she beaded in my favorite colors of red and purple. Both ends of the "frogger" have an adorable lady bug charm. This will always be on the table beside my stitching chair and I hope you don't take offense to this Rene, but I hope I don't have to use it too often. LOL

Linda sent me New Snow by Glendon Place. She also sent an 18 x 26 piece of ColorScapes hand-dyed 28-count cashel from Picture This Plus. Everyone knows I'm a huge fan of Christmas and winter themed cross stitch. In fact, I was eyeing this chart and fabric the last time I was in Dixie Darlin' in Pigeon Forge TN. I was kicking myself for not buying it, but now I'm glad I didn't.

Shelley gave me Waxing Moon's Christmas Short Stack along with 2 JABC buttons that are needed. The package also included a fat quarter of purple fabric and 2 Post-It type notepads.

Shelley's package also include a gorgeous bookmark. I'm an avid reader, but every time I'd stitch a bookmark for myself, one of the grandkids would claim it; now I have one of my very own. Here is a close up of the bookmark she stitched. I had read about this type of finishing for bookmarks but never got around to trying it. All I can say is that from here on out all my bookmarks will be done this way - it's the perfect way to hide the backside of your work.

Karol Johns sent me this cute card and 2 skiens of DMC - 761 and 772.

Leigh Ann made this beautiful plate for me. Leigh Ann isn't part of any cross stitch group and I only recently met her and her family, but they were part of the group that was here Friday and Saturday to help me celebrate my birthday. I'm not sure how she does it, but she adheres fabric and/or photos to clear plates. Some of her work that I've seen is absolutely stunning.

Sandy sent 2 skeins of DMC - 300 & 819 - in this cute card.

Rhonda sent me Christmas Gazebo Sampler from The Victoria Sampler along with a pack of Mill Hill's #40557 gold petite glass beads and a needle minder from Kelmscott Designs that has my initial on it.

When I opened the box from Nancy it had 3 individually wrapped gifts inside. The first one was a set of USA themed kitchen hand towels, the second one was a 20" x 27" piece of 28-count evenweave (the color is called Mushroom) and the third gift was a green Christmas themed tin box where the lid holds a 4 x 6 photo. I was floored when I opened the box and found 8 more gifts wrapped up inside it. She sent me the cutest Christmas theme chart called Snowed In from Stone & Thread and it included the snowman button, a package of Dress It Up buttons that spell Christmas, a cute little candy cane charm/button (Nancy, you'll have to tell me how I can use this on a stitched piece), 1 skein of Carrie's Creations thread - Grape, a container of flower shaped bathroom confetti, a bar of flower shaped bath soap, a small beaded fob and a beautiful beaded bracelot. I put it on as soon as I saw it and I haven't taken it off yet. Did you make the beaded items yourself? If so, I'd love to see more of your work.

Here are close up shots of the 2 beaded items. As you can see, that bracelot looks good on me! LOL

This lovely card came from Marl.

Meari gave me Gingerbread Garden Sampler from The Victoria Sampler and 3 skeins of Carrie's Creations thread - Ruby, Boysenberry and Deep Purple. She also included Victoria Sampler's Humor is a Virtue ornament. Again, these charts are perfect for me.

My next package came from Kim and it was the first one I received; it came a couple weeks before my birthday and one piece of the envelope was torn. I wanted very badly to peek inside that tear to see what I could see, but made myself put it down and not touch it until the proper time. Kim, you don't know how hard it was to do that. She sent me 2 charts from Cross My Heart - Tiny Little Teapots and My Cup of Tea, a 13" x 18" piece of hand-dyed 32-count opalescent Lugana in a color called Magic Juice, a package of Mary Engelbreit's dimensional teapot accent pieces, and a key chain shaped as a boomerang.

I got DMC 498 and DMC 535 inside this lovely card from Kim Ritchie.

Kathy isn't in my birthday group either, but I'm very happy to name her as one of my closest friends. Kathy knows I'm slowly working on making enough ornaments to decorate an 8-foot tall Christmas tree and she sent me 2 charts from my wish list - Pointedly Stitched Ornaments I from Homespun Elegance and Christmas Sentiments Vol I from Blue Ribbon Designs. Kathy is a member of the birthday group with the ILCS yahoo group and she sent me 2 skeins of floss from Carrie's Creations - Epiphany and Sea Kelp.

Ethel sent me Art Venture's Antique Santa, Bucilla's Christmas Collection Ornament kit, a memo pad, a fat quarter of blue printed fabric, a 15 x 18 piece of 28-count white Monaco, 3 skeins of thread from Carrie's Creations - Cherry, Foxfire, & Canteloupe, and 3 skeins of DMC thread - 321, 347 and 349.

Deborah isn't part of my birthday group but is very dear to my heart and she sent me a pack of Mill Hill's #40557 gold petite glass beads, a pack of Mill Hill's #10033 Antique Cranberry Magnifica glass beads, and one of the Just for Fun charts from The Sweetheart Tree called Merry Christmas. Deborah also sent a 9 x 9 piece of 32-count Raw Belfast linen for me to use to stitch Merry Christmas and the threads called for from WDW - Linen, Holly, Garnet & Cypress. And she spoiled me even more by giving me a chart from My Big Toe called Sisters in Stitching; it's the green box on the right side of the photo. Inside that box is the chart, necessary threads, needle and fabric. I'm going to see if I can't replace the line "stitching bits and bobs" with our names.

I got Waxing Moon's #138 Monthly Sampler - April from Debbie Jo. She also sent me a pack of Piecemakers size 28 needles and a 13 x 18 piece of natural linen.

I also received two gift certificates from 123 Stitch - one from Kelly and the other from Evalina. Not sure what I'll get with them, but if you noticed the recurring Waxing Moon theme you probably won't be too surprised if I use them to get some of her charts missing from my collection.

My birthday on Friday didn't start out as I wanted it to (had to take M in for some tests) and then get home to straighten the house up and start cooking for guests coming over for a BBQ on Saturday. But the surprise was on me when everyone started showing up late Friday afternoon for a party that night and staying over for the cookout on Saturday. I never even got to open my pretty prezzies until today after the last house guest left. But as you can see, everything was worth the wait. I was thoroughly spoiled and I hope everyone knows how much I appreciate what they sent.

I'm so tired this afternoon I'd like to take a nap, but it's back to work for me tomorrow and I'm afraid if I lie down now I won't be able to sleep tonight. So I'll force my eyes to stay open for a few more hours and go to bed earlier than usual.

That's it for now and I'll try to update again before another 4 months goes by.

Created a Wish List

2009-03-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

I've set up a blog as a wish list and got started by posting some of the ornament charts I've been drooling over.

It's already huge but I can guarantee it will get bigger and bigger and bigger. LOL

It's at http://xsnutwishlist.blogspot.com/

D

Bad, Bad Mommy

2009-03-10T07:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, I admit it, I have a terrible memory. So terrible that I forgot to call my beloved daughter yesterday and wish her a happy birthday. So I want to use this post to wish her a happy belated birthday. So please join me in wishing her a wonderful and stitch-filled birthday WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy birthday daughter of mine. I love you so much (and yes, you can kick my A** when we see each other next!)

D

February Ornament

2009-02-26T20:05:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while since I posted, but we've been really busy with taking care of M's mother when she was hospitalized after she fell, then with her funeral, and now trying to get her home packed up. I haven't been doing much stitching but did manage to finish the stitching on my February ornament. I'm not doing the actual finishing as I have several to stitch on each piece of fabric and don't want to cut them out until I have them all stitched. There will be a finishing marathon when all are stitched.

This one is from Vermillion Stitchery and their 2008 freebie. It is Hearts Snowman and is stitched with DMC threads on 28-count linen called Galaxy from Crossed Wing. It's a bit larger than I'd like, but thought the fabric was perfect for these designs.

Don't know when I'll get the chance to do another post, but know I'm doing my best to read all of your blogs even if I don't have the time to post any comments.

Until next time,

D

Stash Organization

2009-01-25T11:39:00.000-08:00

There's been some recent discussion about stash organization on one of my groups so I thought I'd post photos of what I do.

This is a shot of my to do container. Most of the projects in the container are 100% kitted up but some still need a few threads or maybe the fabric.

This is a top view of the container. Guess I've got a few projects to get started, huh.

Here is a kitted project from the to do container.

Here's a shot of my threads. I have at least one of every DMC color and I'm starting on some of the specialty threads now.

This is a shot of the threads I've pulled out for the Monopoly Board. I use bags similar to Floss-A-Way, but these have 2 holes in the bottom of the bag instead of 1 in the top. I've cut some index cards to fit the bags exactly (makes them stand up in the boxes better) and printed labels with the color number which I put on both sides of the bag.

I keep the skein of thread I'm using on one side of the index card...

and any extras I have of that color are stored on the back side of the card.

Here's where I keep my charts. Have I mentioned before that everyone says I'm really anal about how things are kept? I think this will prove it to everyone. I keep all my charts in notebooks in alphabetical order. Once I have enough charts from one designer to fill a notebook of its own, out they come and go to their new home. Here's the first half...

and here's the second half.

These are waiting to be filed.

Here's my armoire. This is where I keep my fabrics and everything that hasn't got a home yet. The right side of the armoire is where I hang my bulk fabric.

and the drawers on the left side hold small cuts, completed projects that haven't been finished yet, and all those little accessories that have no other place to call home yet.

After taking these photos, I realize that I have some serious housekeeping to do. There are way too many charts on the floor waiting to be filed and several of the kitted projects need a few things before they are 100% kitted up. But I recently purchased Organized Expressions and I'm slowly getting my stash listed. Once I am done, a copy will go to the office with me for safekeeping. I know I'd never be able to come up with a list for the insurance company should anything happen to the house.

Alright now my skin is tough - do you think I'm gone over the top on stash storage? Does anyone see where I can make improvements?

UFOs

2009-01-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

I've spent today going through my stitching and pulling out all my UFOs. I was astonished to find that I had 16 of them. Now I know this is more than some people have and less than others, but I just didn't realize I had this many lying around.

Lizzie Kate

And Two Shall Be One

Teresa Wentzler

Noah's Ark

Stoney Creek

The Brrr-Muda Triangle

Stoney Creek

Tapestry of Life

Stoney Creek

Dog Bone Wisdom

The Prairie Schooler

Old World Santas

Paula Vaughn

Friendship Quilts

OakHaven Designs

2008 Mystery SAL

Needlemania

A Bouquet For Cheryl

Mirabilia

Queen of the Flag

Leisure Arts The Stockings Were Hung

Opening His Pack

L&L

1991 Christmas Angel

Kustom Krafts

Heavenly Afternoon Ride

Just Nan

Queen of the Needle

Brightneedle

Spooky Halloween

Bent Creek SAL

I know there were more, but must have either thrown them away or passed them on to someone else to complete as I couldn't find them. Quess I really need to get serious about stitching and see how many of these I can complete this year.

PIF Winners

2009-01-19T12:11:00.000-08:00

I had M draw the names for both PIFs today.

There were 11 people interested in the notions PIF but only 2 could be selected. The winners are:

Barbara - http://plasticcanvaslvr.blogspot.com/
Mayte - http://magicxstitch.blogspot.com/

I also had 9 people interested in the fat quarters PIF; again only 2 people could be selected. The winners for this PIF are:

Terry - http://my-needle-art.blogspot.com/
Melinda - http://melindasue10.blogspot.com/

Please contact me with your mailing address and I'll get something in the mail for each of you.
Don't forget that you now must post these PIFs on your site.

I want to thank everyone who played and I wish I could send something to each of you. I can only keep my fingers crossed that you participate in the PIFs posted by my winners and that you are lucky enough to be one of their winners.

D

2009-01-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

I belong to a group of online stitchers who meet every Friday night and do a stitch-a-thon from 6 PM till midnight. Here's the piece I started last night. I didn't get to join them until about 8 PM and then I was watching TV so didn't get much done.

Red Letter Ornaments

Blue Ribbon Designs

28-count Monaco Tea

1 over 1 stitching

And here is a photo of what the back looks like.

D

PIF

2009-01-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

I don't have a lot of time any more to stitch so I was beginning to feel left out cause all the PIFs were for stitched items. Then I saw this on Sherry's site and knew this was something I could do. So with her permission, I borrowed this idea from Sherry at http://bloginsherry.blogspot.com/.

Ok, where is it written that I can't start my own PIFs? LOL! That's what I thought so I will reveal both of the different type PIFs I had talked about in a post last month!

PIF #1 will be a notion and thread PIF. Instead of making something to send out for 2-5 people over the course of a year, I will send out notions and/or threads. We all use these things so why shouldn't they be acknowledged with their own PIF! I will send out a package to 2 people sometime within the next 365 days.

The rules will be as follows.

1. Send no less than 5 items per person.

2. Items can be DMC, other threads, stitching needles, straight pins, buttons, scissors, ribbons, ect, just use your imagination. You can send a combination of items such as 3 threads, 1 pack of straight pins and 1 pack of stitching needles or just 5 threads.

3. All I ask is that items be in new condition and not used.

If you are interested, leave a comment on this post until January 18 and I will draw 2 names that evening then post the winning names on my January 19th blog. Please be sure to leave your email address or a link to your blog so I can get in touch with you if you are a winner!

If you win, you must be willing to post this PIF on your blog and do the same for at least 2 people.

PIF #2 will be a Fat Quarter PIF. Everyone loves a FQ! Quilters and stitchers use them all the time! Sometime within the next 365 days, I will send out 2 FQs to 2 people.

If you win, you must be willing to post this PIF on your blog and do the same for 2 people.

Please state which PIF you are interested in.

First Finish for 2009

2009-01-11T18:13:00.000-08:00

Here's my first finish for this year. It's for the monthly ornament SAL in one of my groups. I still need to put 2 beads on his stomach but I don't have any black beads on hand so have to wait on that but I couldn't wait to show you the picture.

D

Dyed Some Fabric Today

2009-01-09T11:19:00.000-08:00

I am taking part in a monthly ornament stitching and wanted some colored fabric to stitch my snowmen on. I couldn't find exactly what I had in mind so decided to dye my own. This is what it looked like when I started.

And this is what it looks like now.

I think it came out pretty darn good.

Monopoly SAL

2009-01-06T03:13:00.000-08:00

A quick post before leaving for work. Here's a few pictures of what I've been working on lately. I started this piece on November 22, 2008 and this is the photo after my stitching on Dec 26.

This is where I was before I started stitching that night.

And here's a close up of the Community Chest block.

Please let me know what you think.

D

2008-12-26T20:08:00.000-08:00

I'm still not sure what I'm going to do with a blog of my own to maintain, but thought I should give it a try. Maybe this will be the place where I just throw my thoughts out there and wait to see what others think of my rambling.

Can't believe Christmas is already over. I got so caught up in the all the last minute things that always come up that I almost forgot to relax and enjoy the day when it did get here. As usual for us we didn't get to spend the holiday with all the family gathered in one place. Everyone always has so many places to go that it's next to impossible for all to get together at one time. BUT I have put my request out there to some of the kids already that whenever M and I get our retirement home built and we're moved in and celebrating our first Christmas there I want all the children to come home on Christmas Eve and stay through Christmas Day.

I want the joy of everyone opening their new jammies on Christmas Eve and then sitting around playing board games or cards or just remembering. And then I want all the hassle of having 5 complete families under one roof - of getting up on Christmas Day and cooking a huge breakfast for everyone - of watching all the grandkids tearing into their presents. Just once I want that dream Christmas with all the family under one roof for more than an hour at a time. The ones I talked to so far have all agreed that when that day comes, they'll be there.

Now don't start holding your breath cause although M is hoping to retire within a year, I've still got about 5 to go so it's a long ways from happening. Just wanted to make sure I got my wish out there.

D