UFO's do get finished!!

Hey there!! I guess all this forced disability time off is good for something! I finished up two (yes, two!) UFO's this week! They are both from my 2011 Challenge list.

The first finish for this week is Dutch Treat Designs "Harvest Grapes" Tabletopper. I am gifting this to my sister-in-law, as she saw it finished, and mentioned that she really liked it.





My second finish is Blackbird Designs "Blessings be Thine". This had a date on the chart of 2005, and that is probably when I started it, but, with the help of some friends, we decided it should have 2011 as the date, as that is when I finished it! I really like how this turned out.



And, since I have now finished three of my 2011 Challenge projects, I pulled out another UFO to add to the list. It is Blackbird Designs "Sweetheart Sampler". A little late for Valentine's Day this year, but, I can think of it as early for next year.



And for your viewing pleasure... some St. Patrick's themed pictures:





And, our ever present Turkey has been celebrating the holiday early it seems.... I don't see any green beer, but, that doesn't mean he hasn't been into some...




Happy stitching -- Spring should arrive eventually!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

That's what I'm talking about!!!

I knew there was a reason I loved to cross stitch!!! It helps me to de-stress!!!

Cross Stitch Arts

When people ask me why I cross stitch, my answer is always very simple. It makes me happy. Now for most people, the answer to this question may seem considerably dull and barely encouraging, however, in this article, I am going to let you in on a few secrets and explain what I mean by this.

Firstly and most importantly, we should consider what makes us unhappy and from the very top of that list lurks the issue of stress. Whether you are working a high pressure job or that Christmas shopping has done the Devil's dance with your bank account, we all experience stress to some extent. Would it surprise you if I said that stitching has actually been proven to reduce stress? Well if you aren't convinced then pop on down to your local police station and ask them how often they receive reports on stitch-related needle attacks!

The truth is that while you stitch, you begin to let your mind wander off to better places. Quite simply, if our mind wandered to bad places then surely we would stop stitching instantly, but what many of us do not realise is that part of the reason we stitch, is because of the de-stressing sense of peace that it gives to us. If you are a beginner to stitching then why not join in on the fun? Pull out a chair, play some Ludovico Einaudi and really let yourself float away to somewhere magical while you stitch – just be careful not to prick yourself!

Here is where it gets very interesting. Our brains are magnificent tools and while we are stitching in that happy frame of mind, our brains record warm and wonderful feelings and associate it with stitching. Before we know it, we have created our own little paradise or in more scientific terms, we have recorded a bodily automated response which is set off every time we stitch. Science shows that this bodily response reduces stress hormones and releases happy endorphins which not only benefits our mental well-being but our physical well-being also. Amazing isn't it? In that happy state of mind, we breathe slower, feel better and enjoy a meditative world of peace. In addition to this, scientists also point to more long-term benefits and with regularly sessions of stitching we can re-mould ourselves to become calmer and happier people which is often described as 're-wiring the brain'.

Stitching never ceases to fascinate me with reports of anxiety, depression and even physical illness's being helped to some extent by the quiet enjoyment of stitching. The big test for me now will be persuading the husband to put aside his fruitless quest for the perfect golf swing and have a go for himself. Wish me luck!

Why not try some cross stitch for yourself! You can choose from a whole selection of downloadable patterns at http://www.crossstitcharts.co.uk including our free violets test chart.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/needlework-articles/counting-your-blessings-why-cross-stitch-is-so-good-for-you-4148386.html

About the Author

Deborah Lester is a cross stitch designer from the UK who regularly contributes to such popular magazines as Cross Stitch Collection and Cross Stitcher. Amongst Deborah's many interests is a passion for natural health and wellbeing, particularly in relation to stress and it's successful management.

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Stay warm... Stitch Happy!

Myrna

First 2011 Finish

I had my first finish for this year!!! Out of my Challenge projects I finished #11 - LHN 'The Friendship Tree'. This will be framed and hang in the hallway, at some point! It was a gift from fellow stitcher, Carol S., and I am thrilled to finally have finished it!! It will be a reminder of what a special lady she is!!

Here is a picture...


Thanks for stopping by.... I'm going to knit on my shoulder blanket the rest of today.

Myrna >^..^< >^..^< >^..^<

My 2011 Needlework Challenge

Hi -- It's me!!! With my own challenges....

So.... I didn't think it was a good idea to start 15 new projects. It's not that I don't have 15 that I want to start, but, geez.... don't I have enough things started??? So, a group of my stitching friends that I go to Camp Stitch-a-lot with, decided to change up the Challenge a little.

We would pull 15 UFO's (yes, I have that many.... really many, many more than that!), and randomly work on those. When we get one finished, we can start a new project, or pull out another UFO to add to our 15. These could be any kind of needlework -- knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, needlepoint, or quilting.

With that -- here is my list:

1. Kimi Kimono Sweater (knitting)
2. Vivi Sweater (knitting)
3. Just Nan "Baby Garden" (cross stitch)
4. JBW "French County IV - Pumpkin" (cross stitch)
5. "Bless This House" kit (cross stitch)
6. Gold Collection Kit "Royal" (needlepoint)
7. Dutch Treat Designs "Harvest Grapes Tabletopper" (cross stitch)
8. Petit Fleur Bib (knitted)
9. Joann's Shoulder Blanket (knitted)
10. Papillon "How Does Your Garden Grow?" (cross stitch)
11. LHN "The Friendship Tree" (cross stitch)
12. Blackbird Designs "Blessings Be Thine" (cross stitch)
13. Blackbird Designs "Quaker Garden" (cross stitch)
14. Sticktreff Band Sampler (cross stitch)
15. Dutch Treat Designs "Daffodil Tabletopper" (cross stitch)

Quite the list, huh? So, 15 days into this challenge, I was stumped as to what I wanted to work on! Did I want to knit, or stitch? What project did I feel like working on? I could not make up my mind! (okay... that's been missing since the move in July, or maybe just since I've been off work waiting for my knee surgery!) I went to Random.org, and let it pick me a project!!! And, when I get tired of working on that one, I can go back, and let it pick me out a different one!

I've made some progress on the DTD Harvest Grapes TT, and the LHN Friendship Tree, along with the Shoulder Blanket. I will need to post updated pictures of those.

Until later.... keep your needles handy!

Myrna >^..^< >^..^< >^..^<

Prairie Schooler

what a terrific holiday offering Sherri has on her blog:

from the Berri Patch


Happy Stitching - Knitting or whatever!!!

Kristen's Photo!

My DIL Kristen entered a photo contest... Please vote for her picture!!

Dead End


Thanks so much!!!!

Jewelry and Sisterhood...

No stitching updates...

But, I did want to show off the lovely jewelry that my dear Chuckie got me for our 28th Wedding Anniversary! It is so 'not my normal' , but, I love it!!!





And, the 'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pattern' is ready to move again... details can be found here:
Jill's Purple Peacock Blog.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pattern ...

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pattern .... Seeking a new home!

Looks like the pattern My Needle and My Floss

by Waxing Moon Designs

is ready to send on to a new home.

Visit It's DaffyCat blog for details

BBD Petites Lettres Rouges

Here is my version of Blackbird Designs 'Petites Lettres Rouges'.

Fabric: Unknown Creme Linen
Fiber: GAST Morning Glory

I would say I made mistakes from the chart... but, I like to refer to them as 'A Stitcher's Unique Interpretations'!

Isn't that sweet.... the Turkey and some of the other birds have come over to check out my stitching. Oh wait... is that Turkey mad because I put only one bluebird in the picture? Is he saying he can stomp on that little bluebird? Let me put down my coffee, and rescue the poor little bird...


OMG!!!! You dang Turkey!! Look what you have done!!! Get off the table!!! I'll see if I can salvage this! I guess I'll just shove the whole project in the coffee cup, and see what happens.

Rinsed, pressed, and it doesn't look too bad! I guess it is now on 'coffee' colored linen.

I'm thinking this project would look great on the top of a box. Will see what my creative mind can come up with! LOL

Thanks for taking the time to stop by. I appreciate it!

It must be Spring!!! Black Cats - Blackbird - Daffodil - and a Turkey!

It must be Spring!!! The signs are all appearing...

The 'boys' sitting by the slider to the deck... enjoying the fresh air and sunshine!



A new project.... "Petites Lettres Rouges" by Blackbird Designs... available on their blog here.
Being stitched on an unknown linen with GAST Morning Glory. I'm not sure I'm liking the colors I picked... will see when it is done. :-)


My first daffodil of the year!! I don't know if I have ever had one bloom. I usually just get a lot of greens. :-) (And, it looks like my pink hyacinths might bloom too!)


And... what would Spring be with out the Stanley Cup Playoffs? Go Detroit Red Wings!!! The turkey is already celebrating, with his friend the bear.... looks like he is ready to throw Al the Octopus onto the ice!


Thanks for stopping by... it means a lot to me that you took the time, and if you left a comment, I really do appreciate it!

Happy Spring!!!

It's finished!! -- and pictures

I have been working on this Table Topper forever! (not really, but, it has been a 'camp' project, and this year I decided to finish it!) I do like the way it turned out...

Dutch Treat Designs "Classic Quilt Squares"
Fabric: Silkweaver Anne Cloth 'Days Gone By'
Fibers: DMC Perle Cottons

And, I had stitched this little design up at Camp. My sister had brought me the 'kit' with the design, fabric, fibers and buttons. The chart showed it finished as a basket wrap around, but, I decided to make it into a little pillow. (I am thinking of passing this on to my DIL! - she likes things 'tres cute'!)

Stitchin' Fix "Easter Basket"
Fabric: 18ct. Star Sapphire Linen
Fibers: Assorted 'cool' fibers

On another note... my sister Reee knits me socks. I love the socks she knits me... from the little ones for golf, to my big ones to keep my feet warm! Aren't they cool?

Any way... she keeps telling me that I could knit my own socks.... NOT! About all I can handle is knitting dishcloths! LOL So... she was very surprised when I told her I was sending her a pair of socks that I had knitted!!! Here is a picture of the socks that I knitted, (look close... they are in there!):

Knitted Kitty Creations "I Finally Knit Socks"
A Freebie in her 'odds & ends' collection
Knit in Red Sugar 'n Cream Cotton Yarn

I finally pulled the fibers for the Papillon Creations new Mystery Project "Castles in the Air". I debated over this a long time... finally had my daughter help me out, and then sent my DIL off to Hobby Lobby with a list, and instructions to change them, if they didn't 'look' right. She picked out what I had listed.

Floss toss for 'Castles In the Air'

Fabric: 28ct. Evenweave 'cream'
Fibers & Beads: DMC -- Gold metallic, Frosted gold and frosted orange beads

And for a parting shot... you get a picture of my big metal turkey. My son and DIL gave him to me a few Thanksgivings past, and he has a place of honor in the dining room bay window. He likes to dress up for the holidays... He thinks he is disquised as the Easter Bunny!


Take joy in the day -- wherever you may find it!!!

Family news.... DH no longer has to go to the podiatrist!! His foot is completely healed, and he is back to work!!! Thank you to all who offered up a little prayer...

If you made it this far... thanks for taking the time to look at my pictures, and read my ramblings. I appreciate you stopping by...

Spring Exchange for Sharon!!

Sharon has let me know that her Spring exchange has arrived...

I made the Bent Creek Spring for her post stand up, a little scissor fob with a design from Trail Creek Farm, and a little pin with a design from Lizzie Kate. I really like the way they all turned out!


I was sooo pleased with the way the little pin turned out. (so you get an extra picture!). I don't normally stitch over one, but, the idea popped in my head, and I thought, yeah, I can do this! Didn't it turn out great? I used one of those finishing tin things, and then put a pin back on it. I might have to use this idea again!


And, here is the whole package... I found some charts and goodies for Sharon while I was at camp, and included them! Also, some treats for the kidlets, and kitties!

Thanks for looking.... I have a few of my own stitching finishes to post... will try to get to that soon. Maybe the sun will shine and make a better picture taking day!

And, I am so far behind in reading blogs... I decided to mark all the ones I have in my Bloglines as 'read' and start fresh.... Please forgive me for being neglectful. It's been some kind of crazy the last couple months around here. It can only get better!!

Camp Stitch-A-Lot 2009

Once again, it was a wonderful weekend!! Camp Stitch-A-Lot is put on by Stitches 'N Things -- my favorite LNS! This is my ninth year of attending.

My sister, Reee, picked me up on Thursday, and we headed to Davison, MI. I had stitched up a new nametag to wear:


And, I stitched up a design to put on a tote, that I would carry my stitching stuff in all weekend.
Reee had picked out the design for me, and I finally stitched it up. She thinks it fits me perfectly! I don't 'get' it, but, oh well! The design is one of Amy Bruecken's.

I received a special giftee from my friends from New York! Daryl and Cathy surprised me with a pair of blue scissors (who would have picked out blue for me?!!), a measure that looks like a little sheep, and a beautiful skein of 'Lumpy Bumpy' yarn, and a gift certificate for the shop!!! I wound the yarn into a ball, and have already started a little on a scarf, in a seed stitch pattern.

We made our annual trek to the Elaine's Yarn shop in Davison, and I picked out this book to purchase. There are so many beautiful yarns there...


We headed to the shop in Fenton on Friday -- for a little stashing! I got some great things, and I also picked up some items at Deb's 'SNT On the Road' Shop at the Hotel.


Deb treated all attendees with a great vinyl tote, and inside were more goodies!


On Saturday morning... I took Betsy Stinner's class, 'Women of the Sea'. I just love Bets!!! You can't go wrong taking a class with Betsy as the teacher. It is always a treat, and I love the talk she gives as she's teaching.


Deb had a new thing for Saturday night... it was a raffle with all kinds of prizes! I won this beautiful chart by Blue Ribbon Designs, some threads and fabric! (My sister, Reee, won a set of Northern Lights Needlepoint Silks - I think 70 of them!!!)


And... I went 'shopping' in the chart cast offs! There is a place at camp, where stitchers bring their charts and things that they have stitched, or no longer want to have for the other campers to claim! I had taken some charts that I had already stitched, and they were grabbed up fast! Here is what I came home with to add to the stash.... (A few of them were brought to camp especially to give to me! LOL)


I did not take Amy Bruecken's finishing class, but, enjoyed spending stitching time with her. What a delight she is!! She surprised me by giving me these two charts!! (I had already purchased a few of her charts during the weekend -- so was thrilled to receive two more!)


And... last picture... here is most of the 'group' of us that have been attending together for the last nine years. We are the "Stitchy Sisters"!! There are a few missing, but, we hope to all be together next year for our ten year of friendship!


Thanks for looking!!! I appreciate that you took the time...