Sunday, December 31, 2006

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Exchange Received

Hi all....

I've been missing in action! (I work in retail -- enough said for this time of year!)

Cathy received the 'Winter Blast' exchange I sent for the USEBB. So, I can show you all what I sent:

I picked a design from Bent Creek, and made it into a flat fold.



On the back of the flat fold, I put a crocheted snowflake I had gotten at a craft show.

Here is a picture of the goodies included. This was fun to put together a 'snowflake' exchange.




I also received the Winter Blast from Julianne! I love it!! It is a darling stand-up fold....



But, it gets better... inside is a needle book!



And, here is the whole goodie package!!



I started the darling little chart last night! I'm done knitting scarves for awhile!! (I think the end total was 24!) Here is a picture of the twelve gift bags ready to take to work:



I had forgotten to take pictures of the other two exchanges... the pinkeep, and ornament. I snagged the pictures of the pinkeep from Jo's blog, (with her permission), but, don't have ones of my ornament I sent to Nancy.

Here is the pinkeep and exchange:





I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday!!

Thanks for looking... and your comments! I appreciate them!

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

And the word today is.....

Overwhelmed!!!

Hi! It's been a bit since I posted, so... You get lots of news! I feel truly blessed by the friends I have made in the stitching world!

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I received the Ornament Exchange from Vonna on the USEBB, and was totally blown away by the beautiful ornament and package! Check this out!!

The front...



The back...



The package!!!



The blue on the house in the ornament is the same color as our house! This is definitely going on our main tree in the living room!! I love it!! Thank you so much, Vonna!!

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And... I received the Pinkeep Exchange from Cathy on the USEBB. I have got to tell you all... I get very excited when I see a package with a return address from Cathy. Her work is just AWESOME!! Check out this whimsical pinkeep she made... Don't you just love it? It will brighten my day every time I look up and see it!! Thank you, Cathy!



And the back...



And the package...



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Cathy also included a birthday giftee for me!!! I think she knows me well! A book, a chart, and chocolate!!! Thanks so much!!



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I also received a little package from my LNS! I had donated to Deb's challenge to raise money for Alzheimer's and, she sent me a little giftee!! (I had also donated last month to her Breast Cancer Research challenge, and she sent me an assortment of pink fibers!) So... I have not 'purchased' any new stash, but, have received much to keep me busy!



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Also... When I went to pick up my new Buck-A-Block quilt blocks on Monday, I spent time looking at the beautiful fabrics at Country Stitches, and picked out three to work on a quilt for me! I 'needed' to use that gift certificate that my mom had given me!! No pictures of the material... I'll wait to show that off later, when I get a square made up. :-)

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Oh... And here is a picture of my silly son's Jeep! He decided to decorate for the Holiday Season!



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I made potato soup last night.... I love potato soup! There was only the three of us at home, but, we managed to consume the whole pot of soup!! Some times it's better than others, and last night was a particularly good night! LOL

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Thanks for reading and your comments!

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Current Stitch: some WIP/UFO or something new!
Current Knit: Black/Grey scarf
Current Read: Dark Paradise by Tami Hoag

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

They say it's your Birthday....

Monday was my birthday.... It was a pretty good day. My son took me out for breakfast and then to Hobby Lobby; my Mom took me out to lunch and then a little shopping, and husband took me out for pizza for dinner!

I got some nice giftees, too! Not really any stitching stash... other than a magazine. My mom got me a gift certificate to Country Stitches - where I get my quilting stuff. I got some warm fuzzy socks; a gift card for Starbucks; cute sweatshirt from my sister; and a diamond circle necklace from hubby. :-)






























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In knitting news... I have been whipping out these scarves! They are mindless,fun knitting, and I plan on giving them to some co-workers for Christmas! Hope they like them!





























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Not much else going on.... I am way behind on blog reading, and comments. I have 'startitis' with my stitching right now... I want to start something new, and when I do -- that's not what I wanted to stitch! So, I knit another scarf! I think I'll stick with the ones I have 'in progress' to stitch!

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Happy Thanksgiving to all! I feel truly blessed to have 'met' so many of you this year.

Thank you for reading, and commenting. It means a lot to me.

Current Stitch: BR Provence Sampler
Current Knit: Blue Scarf
Current Read: "Dark Paradise" by Tami Hoag

Monday, November 13, 2006

Thanksgiving Exchange from Cathy / Knitting

This is the AWESOME pillow I received from Cathy in the Thanksgiving Exchange! Wasn't it neat that I had Cathy's name, and she had mine?



It is a design from Homespun Elegance! I love it!! It went right on the end table, which is next to my knitting spot on the couch! And, she included some wonderful goodies... Towel, tablet, measure and LHN 'Peaches' fully kitted!! (I've really liked these designs, but, have been good and not ordered them -- now I can stitch one!) Thank you, Cathy!!

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And, in the knitting news -- I started this knitted throw yesterday afternoon, and finished putting the fringe on this evening!




It was knitted with 4 strands of Lion Brand Homespun on size 50 needles (they are huge!). It was a freebie pattern from the Lion Brand website. I like the way it turned out. And it is very warm and cuddly. While working on it this afternoon, Shadow was sleeping on the part laying on the couch. :-) Guess I'll have to share...

I did make a run to Hobby Lobby this morning. Only picked up three skeins of yarn, some tacky glue, and three other things. I forgot my coupon. :-(

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I played on-line this afternoon, searching for quilt patterns to make that pink and green quilt for my sister. Found one that was possible. Will try a block to see how it comes together.

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Tonight I am going to do some stitching!! I plan to work on the Lizzie Kate Christmas Blessings. If I stick to it... I could have them all done soon!

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Thanks for your comments on my exchange for Cathy. It was fun to put it together for her! My Halloween one was a 'test run' to see if what I had planned was feasible. :-) Thanks for reading and commenting!

Current stitch: Lizzie Kate Christmas Blessings
Current read: "The Hand that Rocks the Ladle" by Tamar Myers

Saturday, November 11, 2006

S is for Saturday?

Saw this on Jenn's blog, and told her I wanted to play too! She assigned me the letter 'S'.

Here's the 'blurb' and my list:

Comment to this message and I will assign you a letter of the alphabet. Then go to your journal and post a list of 10 words that begin with this letter and what they mean to you.

  1. Sisters -- I have the absolute best real one... and great 'Stitchy Sisters'!
  2. Spouse -- yeah... he's pretty wonderful.
  3. Son and his sibling -- (two for one) my kids... Rick and Becca :-)
  4. Stitching -- self explanatory... but, counted cross stitching mostly!
  5. Sewing -- just getting back into this... love making the quilt squares. Will see if I ever make a quilt!
  6. Silly -- have been known to do this and embarress my children.
  7. Soup -- I love home made potato soup on chilly days.
  8. S-cats -- this one's a bit of a stretch... my cats mostly have had 'S' names. (Sparkle, Spooky, Salem, CeeCee (sounds like an S - and was changed from Siete), Shadow and Scout.
  9. Scarves -- having a knitting frenzy with scarves right now. Fun and mindless to knit. Next up is to try an afghan.
  10. Silence -- quiet days off. I don't turn the radio or television on the days I am home alone. I enjoy the silence, or just the sounds of quiet. (It's very noisy where I work.)
This was pretty fun! If you want to play... just leave a comment, and I'll assign you a letter too!

Thanksgiving Exchange Received!

I got an email from Cathy, that she had received the USEBB Thanksgiving Exchange I had sent her!

I stitched this little design from Heart in Hand 'Harvest Blessings'. Here is the front:



And the back:



And the whole box full:



Cathy said she liked everything! Yeah!

Thanks for looking, reading, and your comments. They are much appreciated!

Today: I made a black/orange scarf for my friend that rides a Harley!

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Tangled in Yarn!!

Well... the laundry is done! (at least for a day) So, in between loads, I watched 'The Never-Ending Story' and decided to knit! I had forgotten how relaxing knitting can be. :-)

I started (and finished!) two scarves yesterday! The blue one (Homespun Williamsburg and Fun Fur Lava) is for DD's friend Britiany. The pink one (Homespun Metropolis and Fun Fur Hot Pink) for DD Becca. Knit on no. 17 needles from a free pattern at the Lion Brand site. :-) And, they like them!!





It's back to work today -- I took an extra day off this week. Guess I better get ready to face the day. :-) Thanks for reading, and writing comments. I appreciate every one!

Stitching on today: I have no idea!

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Avoiding Laundry....

No stitching updates... I've been working on exchanges. So -- you get sewing updates!

This is the Double Four Patch:



This is one called Mrs Lloyd's Favorite:



And this is my Christmas colors Buck-a-Block:



And, as to the title... yes, I've been avoiding doing laundry. Had son and his girlfriend over for dinner last night. (Twice in one week!) I had made Mac and Cheese. Then we all watched X-Men 3. The teenagers went to the mall. :-)

Today I will package up my Thanksgiving exchange and get it out to the post office. DD Becca just called... she forgot something for school, and would I run it out before 11... :::sigh:::

Okay... until later fellow bloggers! Thanks for reading, and your comments!

Stitching on today: Lizzie Kate Christmas Blessings and exchanges.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Tagged!

I've been tagged twice for the same thing.... so, I better come up with something!

The rules; List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether or not they have words, or even if they are not any good, but they must be songs you're really enjoying right now. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they are listening to.

1. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
2. Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple
3. Too Much Time on My Hands - Styx
4. I Run for Life - Melissa Etheridge
5. Genius Love Company C.D. - Ray Charles
6. White Bird - It's a Beautiful Day
7. Cat Scratch Fever - Ted Nugent

I basically only listen to the radio while driving. I will occasionally put in a CD while at home. I have pretty diverse tastes in music. :-)

I'm not tagging anyone... I think everyone has done this, but, if you haven't and want to play --- post this on your blog!

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Signs of Autumn Exchange

I received the most awesome exchange from Nancy!!! She sent me this darling tote... and filled it with all kinds of goodies!



Inside was the coolest beaded fob, that she made! a little pair of scissors (for my new fob!), lovely fall colors of DMC, a lighthouse calendar, a darling piece of scarecrow fabric, a note pad, and candies! (DD Becca and friend Britiany claimed those right away!) I love everything! I feel truly spoiled with the wonderful exchanges I have received...

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Thank you all for your comments on my stitching and exchanges. You provide me with inspiration for trying new things.

Stitching on today: Lizzie*Kate Christmas Blessings, and Winter Blast Exchange.

Friday, November 03, 2006

SBQ

Q. How did you decide on the title of your stitching blog? Was it random, or does it have a special meaning to you or about you?

Hmmm..... good question!

I started with a Xanga account that my son set up for me, and he named it 'Another Day in Wonderland...', because I am always saying that around here.... (sarcastically).

When I started this site, I wasn't too original and just made it 'Still Living in Wonderland...' Most days are good, and some days I feel like Alice, falling down the rabbit hole!

(My husband told me life would be wonderful with him, so here I am in Wonderland!)

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

A Finish -- on time!!!

Here is the Lizzie*Kate Pocketbook Kit "Beware of Cat".



I had this idea to put it together, and then make a pocket on the back to put it on this kind of stand thing. I got the little rectangle block at Hobby Lobby or Michaels, and a dowel. DH drilled the hole in the block, and I painted it black. So..... what do you all think? I think it turned out mighty dang cute!



Okay... enough rambling!! Thanks for reading and all your comments! I truly appreciate every one!

Monday, October 30, 2006

Exchanges Received!

The last two exchanges I sent out have been received! I had Jo's name for the Fall Quaker Exchange, and tried a new finishing - for me - and made a tin topper. I also included some goodies in the package. :-)





And, for the Autumn Exchange, I tried a tuck pillow for Susan. I sent some extras with this one too!





Both have been well received!

And... I received a wonderful door hanger in the Fall Quaker Exchange from Laurie! Isn't it great? She also included some neat stuffs!!





Okay... I'm off to try to finish up the Lizzie Kate "Beware of Cat" so I can try that new finishing thing I want to do! If I didn't have this idea in my mind, I would finish it like Laurie's door hanger! I love that idea!

Thanks so much for your comments, reading my ramblings, and all....

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Quilt Squares

I spent yesterday and today doing a bit of sewing. I finished up another quilt block of the Sampler Series. This one is called Antique Star.



I also decided to do the 'Buck-a-block' monthly series in the '30's' fabrics. (I'm also going to do it in Christmas colors - but, don't have that one stitched yet.)





Thanks for all your great comments on my pinkeep, and stitching. Any suggestions on finishing the 'box' for the Dinky Designs one?


Thanks for looking, reading and your comments!!

Friday, October 27, 2006

I attempted to make a little pinkeep. Here is the result. I wanted it to match the pretty pink scissors I received from Jenna!







And here is the Dinky Dyes "Cottage Garden' that I stitched up. I think it will make a nice box top.





And... I stitched up a Halloween vest for my sister, and sent it off as a surprise!







That's about it! Oh.. forgot to take a picture of my Red Desert Scissor pocket. A few more eyelets and the stitching will be done! And, I have to put my initials on the fob part I stitched up. Then I can begin to try to figure out how to put it all together!


Thanks for reading and commenting!!


Stitching on today: A Lizzie*Kate Halloween Design -- I want to try a new type of finishing, and this design will work -- I think!!

Thursday, October 26, 2006

quick update

Hi all.... I haven't fallen into the rabbit hole, but, I do feel like it! I've been getting a little stitching done, some sewing, and also some finishing of exchange projects! I have to remember to take pictures before I mail them out! I realized at about nine last night that it was Wednesday, and I should have been stitching on my Red Desert Pocket!! I think I'll do that tonight. I have to work today, and then when I get home, I'll package up my exchanges to mail, and sit and stitch! (Oh yeah... and do laundry too... it's never ending!)

Till later my friends... thanks for reading and commenting!

Monday, October 16, 2006

A find and a photo

Lookee what I found sorting out tubs of crafting stuff!! This was in there... and I also found lots of charts and GAST fibers, and Six Strand Sweets fibers!! And.... my lost fabric!!! Golly -- I still have a couple more baskets to go thru!!! It's like shopping in my own house! Now, if I could only remember where I put the Halloween stuff!!

This is dated 1994, and is stitched on Aida. I didn't know about linen stitching then, and it probably came from a kit. I like it tho... and will put it with the 'finish it up' pile!



And, here is a little bit of Halloween stitching. I don't know where the rest of my stuff is! I just hate it when the mind has these freezes!! It's probably right handy, and I just don't see it! I stitched the Tabletopper last year while Chuck was in the hospital, the LK Flip-it is stored with the other monthly designs, and the needleroll is usually in the needleroll basket. I don't know why I was able to find the other picture. It was with some autumn stitching. I'm sure it will all turn up about Christmas time! LOL



Making potato soup for dinner... Because it sounds good to me!

Off to get some stitching in... I need a finish for my challenge! (I don't think starting projects counts.)