Dog Days of Summer Exchanges!

I received the Dog Days of Summer Exchange from Becky! Was I lucky or what to get spoiled by her twice?!! Becky made me a beautiful Summer Flat Fold (my first!), and included lots of extra goodies! Thank you bunches, Becky!!




And, Juanita has received the exchange I sent out to her! I made a Lizzie Kate design, and attached it as a pocket to a premade tote. I also included some fun summertime goodies.




This was a great exchange, and lots of fun to put together!

SBQ - Catch up!

I've missed quite a few weeks of the SBQ, so, I'm thinking I'll try to catch up before the next one!

June 21, 2006
Today's SBQ was suggested by Vash and is:

Have you ever used a magnifying glass while stitching? If so, did you
find it helpful?

I have one... I have used it a couple times on smaller count fabric, and have also used magnifying glasses. For the most part, I just stitch regular.

June 29, 2006
Today's SBQ was suggested by Cheryl and is:

What do you do with your charts once you've stitched them? Do you keep
them or dispose of them? If you keep them, do you organize them in a
way that is different from the way you keep your unstitched charts?

After I stitch a chart, I usually will put them in a box to share with my sister, or my stitching friends. If it is something I might want to stitch again, I file it back into the file system.

July 5, 2006
Today's SBQ was suggested by Vash and is:

What is the biggest mishap you have had with your stitching material
(i.e. spillages)?

Right off hand, I can't think of any, but, in all the years of stitching, I'm sure there is at least one! I try to be very careful around my stitching, and wash my hands a lot! I guess the one I remember is spilling coffee on a project, and when I finished stitching it... I dunked the whole project in the coffee pot to give it an aged look. It worked! The 'stain' didn't show, and when it dried it had the old time look.

July 12, 2006
Today's SBQ was suggested by Carol and is:

Since you started blogging, have you noticed any difference in your
stitching habits? Tell us about them.

Yes! I think bloggers are great enablers! I have found designs that I might never have looked at without reading blogs. Reading and looking at other blogs and WIP's have broadened my stitching interests. Also, joining in a few exchanges has been great fun, and I have tried different finishing techniques. I find myself taking pictures of my own WIP to share, and enjoy receiving comments from other bloggers encouraging me in my stitching... as I also try to comment on other blogs.

Common Ground / Vacation - Day 7

Day 7...

Well... the concerts are over. They always seem to save the best to the last! Ted Nugent was AWESOME!! I think I stood up for the whole two hours! It was great Rock 'N Roll!!
(And yes... I called Ree twice, again!)







My listing for this year....
1. Ted Nugent
2. Styx
3. Steve Miller Band
4. Etta James
5. Keb Mo
6. Cheap Trick

And, Becca got me a little bear at the festival... We named her Lucy, in honor of the Common Ground Logo Girl....



And... today we got a new addition.... to add to CeeCee and Shadow. He does not have a name yet... any suggestions? Rick says I am now the 'Cat Lady'.



Not much stitching done yesterday.... too dang hot!!! Looks like storms coming tonight. Maybe tomorrow - last day of vacation - will be a nice quiet day...

Common Ground / Vacation - Day 6

Day 6

We saw Mavis Staples and Etta James last night. Mavis Staples can still belt out a song! And Etta James.... what can I say? What a voice!!! She brought the crowd to their feet with "At Last"!!! (One of the sweetest things... a couple just to the front and side of us... He proposed to her during the song.... it was soooo cute! --She said yes.) This was one concert that could have gone on and on... I was enjoying it that much!

Tonight is Ted Nugent!!!!! I am ready for the Motor City Madman!

On stitching news... I took my tabletopper to work on. I got quite a bit done on one of the neutral squares... Was never questioned on what was in the tote! (Needles -- two pairs of scissors -- metal magnet board.... ) But, dang... they practically emptied out my daughter's bag! I guess I don't look like I would be taking in any contraband, but, Becca does??? (Profiling? because they are teenagers?) I lodged a complaint about how they keep changing the rules and the attendees don't know what to expect.... and, they better get them printed out for next year!!

It's gonna be a hot one today!!!

Later...

Common Ground / Vacation -- Day 5

Day 5...

I am feeling like a lazy bum! Yesterday we all went out to a new place for breakfast... luckily Becca and I decided to split an omelet. It was huge, and we didn't finish it all! Then a little shopping -- I didn't have white sandals -- and back home to loll around until time to leave for the concert.

We saw Keith Anderson and Cheap Trick. Keith Anderson is nice eye candy. Cheap Trick didn't overly impress me. Their set seemed very disorganized. With the gap time between songs they probably only played about an hour. At least they knew where they were.

Tonight we are going to see Etta James. It's going to be very warm out... so, I plan on dressing cool.

I think I'll take my Table topper to stitch on this afternoon.

On other stitching news.... I broke down and ordered the Blackbird Designs Quaker Garden Sampler. It was yelling at me so loud, I needed to hush it up!!

Till later....

Common Ground - Vacation - Day 4

Day 4...

It was AWESOME!!!! (I only called Ree twice so she could hear the concert.) STYX still has it!!!




It was hot!!! (temperature wise) I did get a little stitching done while sitting in the shade on Blackbird designs, Blessed Be Thine. Then put that up and just read and people watched. What are some of these people thinking when they go out in public!?!

Tonight is Cheap Trick, and Keith Anderson....

Later....

Common Ground/Vacation - Day 3

Day 3

We didn't go to the concert! Sent the kidlets off with some of their friends. The bands were Cinderella and Poison. (I'll pass). Becca spent the night at her girlfriends, so, it was just me and Chuck!!! We went to Red Lobster for dinner, and then over to Sears. Got Rick a few shirts for his birthday. Home to a very relaxing evening... I was able to get most of the laundry done last night, and the last load is in the washer this morning!

No stitching done. I did look at it, but, didn't put the needle thru the fabric. I'm going to pull out a book to take today. It's supposed to be in the mid 80's this afternoon. Gonna be a hot one sitting out there. No more rain in the forecast until Monday. :-) Today will be the coolest day of the rest of the weekend! Yes... I have sunscreen. Now to remember to take it and use it!

'Til later...

Vacation - Common Ground Festival - Day 2

Day 2...

It rained!!! And then it rained.....

We got wet... very wet. We watched Keb Mo. He was very good, and then it decided to rain harder. We left. The newspaper did not give Bonnie Raitt a good review, so, it sounds like we didn't miss much.

We had our golf umbrellas. Then, security said we couldn't take them in!!! No problem every other year! So, those went back to the car, and we got the little regular ones. It was raining so hard, the rain was coming right thru the umbrella! I was getting cold, so, that's when we decided to leave. No sense in getting sick for the rest of the week.

No stitching... maybe today!

Common Ground Festival... Day 1

Yesterday was the first day of the Common Ground Festival! It was hot!!! Yes, I got sunburned on my nose and the front of my legs...

We saw the Steve Miller Band last night... it was great! They might look old, but they sound just as good! They sang all the great songs: Abracadabra, Fly Like an Eagle, The Joker..... and even came back for a second encore! It was a sold out crowd... that means 10,000!!

Tonight we see Keb Mo, and Bonnie Raitt.

I got one of the awesome Taco Salads that one of the local restaurants make for the Festival. It was just as good as I remembered! Now I will be good the rest of the week....

I had taken a book to read yesterday, but, it's a lot of fun just people watching! Today, I'm planning on finding a little project to take to stitch while waiting in line, and waiting for the concert to start...

Did get in a quick golf game with my friend, Judy, at 8:30 in the morning too! A perfect vacation day!!

Til' later....

Questions and Answers....

Abi had asked me about the conversion on my Bent Creek Swirly Sampler. Here is what I switched to:

Suggested: -------------------- What I used:

Weeks Dye Works (DMC) --------- DMC

Cocoa (611) ------------------- 550 V.Dk. Violet
Blue Spruce (520) ------------- 3842 Dk. Wedgewood
Rust (902) -------------------- 3845 Md. Bright Turquoise
Schneckley (680) -------------- 3837 Ultra Dk. Lavender
Molasses (839) ---------------- 3844 Dk. Bright Turquoise
Charcoal (3799) --------------- 310 Black

For the Swirls around, I used Kreinik Silver Braid, and Silver Beads in the open spots and centers of the black 'flowers'.

I hope that helps... I had to locate the chart, and luckily, I still had the post-it note inside with the conversion!

Some more exchange pictures....

I'm feeling truly good and spoiled!!!
Here is a picture of the 4th of July Exchange I received from Ree... Isn't it darling?? I love the pillow!!



And... here is the package I received from Becky for the "For the Birds" Exchange:





Lots of goodies.... and my first needlebook! I hung the thistle seed feeder out, and we alread have seen two goldfinches!

What fun! And now I have to finish up the summer exchange, and get that sent off to that someone special out there!

I haven't signed up for any more exchanges.... I'll give myself a little break, but, the scissor fob one is calling my name!

Missing in Action?

I know... it's been like forever since I posted on my blog! My hand is all healed up... only a little stiff in the morning. By looking at it, you would never know I had surgery! He did the incision so it was right on one of the lines of the palm! I've been slowly stitching, and attempting to keep up with my exchange obligations. And, wouldn't you know it? When we had a little storm last week, and lost power, my old computer would not power back up!! So.... I now have a brand new system. It even has a flat screen monitor! (now I have a spot for my coffee cup! LOL) We still have to install the camera stuff, and all the extras we have around, but, I'm back up and running! I think I was into withdrawal!

Anyway.... I want to share the picture of the 'For the Birds' exchange I sent to Laurie. It was my first time making a 'flat fold', and I think it turned out pretty good.



I am about a month behind on reading blogs.... and need to catch up! and a month behind on the SBQ's!! I start vacation next Monday... Seven days of concerts and golf... I must find time for stitching in there too!! Who am I most excited about seeing in concert? I can't decide, but my DD, Becca, was excited to see that we had 8-tracks (remember those?) of Styx, and they still worked on the old stereo in the basement! Here is the info on the Festival: Common Ground Festival I think this is our fifth year attending.

Off to start the day.... Catch up with you all later!!

Exchange Package Received...

Chris received the exchange package I sent, so, I can post a little picture of it! It was fun getting stuff together for this exchange. Shadow had to inspect it all before I sent it off! (The red/white/blue Jelly beans are not in the picture.)

Stitching away...

I've been busy stitching... yuppers, that's right, stitching!! I've finished off Ladybugs and Bumblebees. It's not pressed, so, no picture yet. I've got to measure it and ask my BIL to make a frame for it. I'm thinking it will look great with a 'white-washed' frame.

Other than that... I'm working on my exchanges, and trying to settle into the heat wave we are having! Who would have thought it would be in the 90's already!

Work continues to be a challenge with the remodeling. We moved into our new office the last few days. Nice to know in a month we get to move everything again. The cupboards and counters were damaged, and the new ones will be here in about a month. :::sigh:::

I did manage to take a picture of one of my Iris. This is one my grandmother had given us when we moved into our house 18 years ago. Still blooms beautifully every summer. I love the color on this one.


Hope everyone is getting some stitching time... Thanks for reading and your comments!

Stitching on today: Exchanges :-)

Sunday Stitching Questions....

I've been goofing off, when I should be stitching (actually just taking a break), and found this site: Memes for Stitchers.

So, here are the questions for today:

Backstitching
Here are a few questions to answer:

1. Do you enjoy backstitching?

2. Do you do it as you go or at the very end?

3. Does the amount of backstitching in a project influence your decision to stitch a pattern?

A-1. It doesn't bother me one way or the other... Sometimes it adds so much to the design. I like seeing how it 'defines' the elements of a design.

A-2. It depends on the design. If it's small, I'll do it at the end. For large projects, I'll do sections, so as not to leave it all to the end.

A-3. Nope. If I like the design, the backstitching is just part of the elements.

Anyone else have any opinions on backstitching?

Thanks for reading and your comments...

Stitching on today: DT Sampler Game Board

SBQ - 05/17/06

Today's SBQ was suggested by Jenna and is:

Lately, it seems that many stitching bloggers have experienced a loss of their stitching mojo. Have you ever lost your stitching mojo? If so, how did you get it back and how long did it take?

I sure have! I think the longest was about three years, but, during the last five years, the longest was about six months. I sometimes go for a month without stitching if I get in the mood to do some reading. To get it back, I either start a new project (small one), or 'force' myself to work on one of my many WIP. Usually within a day or two, I wonder why I put my stitching down. I have so much stash, I feel almost guilty if I don't stitch at least a couple times a week. How will I ever get all these lovely things stitched!

The permalink to this post is: Renee's Blog

Thanks - and older pictures...

Thank you all for your wonderful comments! It's nice to hear from you!

Not much to update, so, I'll share some older stitching pictures. :-)

This is one I stitched way long ago... It's dated on the back 1992, but, I love it! It's from an old Cross Stitch and Country Crafts magazine.


This is my color conversion on Bent Creek's Swirly Sampler. I stitched this for my daughter's room -- yes, her walls are purple!

Edit: for Sharon - I used silver braid for the swirlys, and a lot of silver beads in the 'empty' spots.

And this is another one for her room -- Seka's Watercolour Butterflies -- but, I changed the colors to what she likes. (Aquas and Purples)


This is one my sister, Marie, stitched for me in 1987. Isn't it darling?


That's about it for today. Von... We did get a bit of sunshine this afternoon, but, are back to showers off and on. Next week they are calling for nicer weather. I guess it takes that long to get here from where you are!

Stitching on tonight: CCN Ladybugs and Bumblebees

Tuesday... catching up!

So... what has everyone been up to??

For myself... not much! Sunday was a pretty nice day -- DH cooked steaks on the grill. Son came over for dinner. I received some lovely flowers and a gift card from Joann's!


On the stitching front... I didn't get much stitching in on the DT Sampler Game Board. I hope my other SAL members got some stitching in! Anywho... here is an update photo:


Yesterday, I got quite a bit in on CCN Ladybugs and Bumblebees. Here is an update on that one:


And... the little Freebie I did from Blue Ribbon Designs (Thanks Lili!) "The Alphabet Tree". I stitched this with one of the beautiful fibers I got from Nancy in the Grab Bag Exchange.


Now a stash report! My sister and BIL stopped over on Saturday, and they brought me some goodies!!

In the package was a punch needle design my BIL had made me... a couple of frames, (he makes those for me too!), a darling cat frame, some books, and the cutest card!

I also got my Online Needlework Show order yesterday!! I caught the 'Mail Lady' just as she was about to fold the envelope to get it in the mailbox! Here's the goodies from that one:

I had ordered: Debbie Draper Designs 'Sampler in Blue' and it comes with the Vickie Clayton silks!; Abbely Lane Designs "Sonata'; Lavender Wings 'Tiny Sprouts'; Designs by Lena Rose 'Wildberry Petals Sampler'; Glory Bee 'Happily Ever After'; and Full Circle Designs 'Flame of Friendship'. The only one I want to do right away is the Glory Bee. The others will be impatiently waiting in the wings!

So... just because it's Tuesday -- here is a picture of my new golf bag and clubs! And the sun is trying to come out!!! I was beginning to think we were never going to see the sun again...


And, my rose bush that is growing out of control -- again!


Have you made it this far?? Here is a new blogger's site: Raggedy Ree (aka: my sister). I got her started, now it's up to her to post! I think she'll like it when she gets more comfortable with the set-up.

If you are getting any sunshine -- enjoy!!! I'm thinking I'll be stitchin' on my exchanges the next little bit. I want them done in plenty of time for mailing! And, I'm thinking of joining Anne and Katrina on the next Needleroll SAL the second weekend in June. I have quite a few needlerolls kittied up, so maybe this will motivate me to stitch them! :-)

Stitching on today: ??? can't tell!!

Coffee!!

Saw this over on Christine's blog, and had to try it! (Low maintenance? DH doesn't think so!)

You are a Black Coffee

At your best, you are: low maintenance, friendly, and adaptable At your worst, you are: cheap and angsty You drink coffee when: you can get your hands on it Your caffeine addiction level: high

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Rainy days and Thursdays... (and SBQ)

I know that's not how the song goes... but, it would be fitting for today.

Tuesday was a great day for golf! It was my first time out with my new clubs, and I shot a 49. Judy, my golf partner, and I took 18 points! We are off to a great start in this golf league!

No new pictures to post, so, I'll take a page from Sharon, and post a few older ones. She has just started a new blog, and has some great pictures up. Go take a look!

Here is May Flower Cat from Puddin Designs. I finished this into a needleroll. This is fitting for CeeCee today, as he keeps chewing on my artificial tulips!



This is from a Round Robin I did a few years ago. Shadow keeps looking out the window, but, there isn't a lot of activity out there with the rain.



I made up some Potato Soup for supper. I'm thinking it will take the 'chill' off of this rainy day. Then I can stitch the rest of the evening. I spent the morning doing the housework thing, and took a nap this afternoon. Housework is hard work!!

SBQ - May 10, 2006
When you stitch from a kit and use the supplied floss do you have
leftovers? If so, how much and what do you do with them? If not, do
you usually have just enough or do you have to dig into your stash to
finish?

I don't do very many kits, but, the ones I have done seem to have enough floss. I can only think of two that didn't and they were both the overdyed. It might have been the way I stitched, so, I just called the LNS and ordered more. If I tend to have leftovers, I will leave them with the chart, so, if I pass it on, the colors are with it.

The permalink to this post is: http://blondelibrarian.net/stitching/archives/2006/05/leftovers/

On the stitching front: I finished the Blue Ribbon Designs freebie 'The Alphabet Tree', and am stitching on CCN Ladybugs and Bumblebees. I need to get busy on my Quaker Sampler, as I haven't started part 4 yet, and I have two exchanges to stitch up... that all should keep me out of trouble for the rest of the week -- and Sunday is DT Game Board!

Thanks for reading and commenting...

Stitching on today: CCN Ladybugs and Bumblebees

Monday, Monday...

Why does it seem like all good intentions get side-tracked? I was planning on spending all afternoon/evening stitching on the DT Game Board SAL. It was out... ready to go... Put a few stitches in. Chuck (DH) decides he should mow the lawn. No problem, but, as I go outside, I see the deck furniture really needs a good wash up. So... yes, I did that. A few more stitches in... Chuck asks if I want to go to the driving range and hit a bucket of balls to get a better feel of my new golf clubs. How could I refuse that offer? Back home -- burgers on the grill -- yummy -- and I'm ready to settle in for stitching! Get a few stitches in, Rick (son) calls... "Mom? I would like to get a new comforter for my bed, and stuff. Will you go with me to the store, and help pick out something nice?" Now, how could I refuse that?! Only thing, my son drives a jeep. It is always a laughing attack for me to get into the thing! He (with my help) picked out a nice black/grey shades patchwork comforter, sheets, shams, dust ruffle thing, and new pillows. (He has a thing for black). Back home -- can I just stitch now??? Becca (daughter) and her friend come home from a church youth function. Friend needs a ride home. :::sigh::: Took friend home, and gosh... now I get to pick up my stitching! It's ten o'clock and I realize I haven't accomplished hardly anything! Therefore -- progress today was practically nil!!! I stitched the 'P & Q' in the top border. Started on the house block twice under the BCD. (had to frog the first time -- miscounted) No picture. Not enough done to show any progress!! I will insist on my stitching time next Sunday!

Today I am goofing off, trying to decide whether to work on CCN Ladybugs and Bumblebees, or try out one of the new threads I got from Nancy, with a little freebie from Blue Ribbon Designs. I think the freebie is going to win out!

Have a great Monday! Thanks for reading...

Grab Bag Exchange Received!

OMG!! Yesterday was an awesome mail day! I came home to a beautiful sunny yellow envelope! It was my Grab Bag Exchange from Nancy K.! Inside, wrapped in yellow tissue paper, and tied with a 'real' ribbon, was the following: five 'spring-time' colors of DMC; a package of John James needles; pretty yellow Mill Hill beads; three charms (looks like an angel, cupid, and a fairy); two beautiful over-dyed floss by Sugar Maple; a mini DMC Cyclamen kit; two fat quarters of lovely fabric; two Prairie Schooler Charts: Garden Fairie and Spring Cleaning Fairie; a magazine of 108 quick recipes; and.... a tin of Wintergreen Altoids!!! (How did she know I am addicted to these!?!) Isn't that an amazing package??



And... DD Becca took a new picture of my Flowering Crab Tree. The predicted storm never came, and now it is in full bloom! I can't remember it ever being this pretty!



and... Summer Time Rock & Roll!!
Chuck (DH) and I attend a concert series every summer for seven days. Today they announced the final act... Ted Nugent!!! Here is a link to the festival: Common Ground Festival
Other artists/bands we will be seeing include: Steve Miller Band; Bonnie Raitt; Styx; The Bangles; Ted Nugent!!! (I know... who would have thunk this old cross stitcher was a hippy rocker at heart! LOL)

Have a great weekend, friends...

Thanks for reading and for commenting!

After dinner of Tacos (Happy Cinco de Mayo!) I'll be stitching on: Ladybugs and Bumblebees

SBQ - May 3, 2006

Do you or have you stitched with over-dyed threads? (Weeks Dye Works,The Gentle Art Sampler Threads, Six Strand Sweets, etc.) If so, what is your opinion concerning them? If not, why not?

Yes, I have... usually only if a design calls for over-dyed threads. I am not adventurous enough to substitute on my own. I still use DMC for most of my stitching -- even if a Designer calls for the over-dyed. I do not see any reasoning in stitching two or so stitches in an over-dyed. For that I will use DMC. I do wish more designers would give a conversion to DMC/Anchor. The cost of adding all these over-dyeds to the stash can be expensive, and not readily available to all stitchers. I have been known to 'blend' two colors of DMC to achieve the 'look' of an overdyed, if I did not have the suggested floss in my stash. Some designs do look great when stitched with over-dyed -- and for those I will usually go with the suggested fibers. As for stitching each stitch individually with over-dyed, as they suggest -- that doesn't bother me.


The permalink to this post is:http://blondelibrarian.net/stitching/archives/2006/05/over-dyed-opinions/

Stitching Update - with pictures

On Sunday, I started the DT Sampler Game Board - a SAL with Cathy, Lelia, and Sabine. :-) I really like the colors in this! I am stitching mine on a 32ct. linen, with DMC. After seeing Lelia's houses on hers... I know this is going to be fun to stitch.


I also made progress on the Lizzie Kate Christmas Blessings, and stitched the 'Charity' square yesterday. My sister has laid claim to these, after I stitch them, so, I want to keep up on the stitching!


Last night... when I should have been playing golf, but, it was raining, I pulled out the CCN Ladybugs and Bumblebees and stitched on that. I'll probably stitch on this awhile, as it is holding my interest.


Sorry they are wrinkly... I didn't feel like going upstairs to press them before taking pictures. You all understand. :-)

Thanks for reading, and for your comments.

Stitching on today: CCN Ladybugs and Bumblebees

Pinks and SBQ's

A few pictures of some flowering things.... My flowerering crab tree. (You can also see my dead grass in the yard.)


It was a Mother's Day gift a few years ago. I thought we better get a picture of it before the storms hit.

And, my bleeding hearts plant.


I need to catch up on the SBQ's, so here goes:

SBQ - April 5, 2006

Do you stitch "on the go?" (On the commute to and from work, during
your lunch break, waiting for the kids, etc.) If so, do you have a
specific "travel" project or do you just grab whatever you happen to
be working on and take it with you?

I've been known to take projects with me if I know I will have 'wait' time. Usually it is something on a larger count fabric, as I don't know how good the lighting will be. I have a tabletopper in a tote that I can always grab to take with me. (I did stitch two tabletoppers during my husband's hospital stay.)

SBQ - April 12, 2006

For those of you that stitch while riding in the car or on the train,
how do you cope with the bumps and the motion? Do you have any tips
for others?

I've stitched in the car during trips, but, have not done so in quite awhile. I guess I would say that when I did, it was something simple, and of one color, so as not to have to mess with a lot of changing colors.

SBQ - April 19, 2006

Do you do obligation or deadline-based stitching? Why or why not? If
you do, do you tend to get in over your head and why?

I've done model stitching, and Round Robins, and am just now joining some exchanges. I will probably not do model stitching again -- too much pressure to finish in a certain time frame. I've done my bit with the Round Robins also. I enjoyed the last one I was in, but, I've had a few get lost, so, I'm not joining any more. The time frame on those was not a problem. I tried to start them as soon as received, so I was not pressured by a date to mail, and not having it finished. The few exchanges I have joined, I have already started the stitching, and hope to have them done way ahead of the mail date. I limit the number of obligation/deadline stitching... You just never know when life will jump out and give you something unexpected.

Thanks for reading, and thanks to all who comment! It makes my day!

Stitching on today: Lizzie Kate Christmas Blessings

Friday...

Cathy got her exchange package, so, I can post a picture here. I found a darling card, and decided to go with a 'blue' theme. I 'grabbed' lots of things to fill a blue tote. I'm hoping she can use some of them. :-) (This was a grab bag exchange on the USExchangeBB.)


I've continued to stitch on the Lizzie Kate Christmas Blessings this week, and will update you all with a picture next week.

Sunday, I am going to join Cathy and Bine, in stitching on the DT Game Board. Leila is going to join in too, I believe. I am stitching mine on a 32ct. fabric with good old DMC.

I'm thinking I can get another section on the Lizzie Kate done before Sunday, so, I better get busy!

Thank you all for visiting, and commenting! I really appreciate it!!

Stitching on today: Lizzie Kate Christmas Blessings

More Pictures -- stitching ones!!!

Here is my 'Do Not Disturb'. I backstitched the 'Cross Stitcher at Work' with brown. The fabric next to my stitching is what I picked out to make the valances for the windows, and I'll use it to finish this off as a wall hanging.


Here is my 'Quaker Sampler' - stitched thru part three. It is on 28ct. Vintage linen with DMC 930. I really am liking the way this is turning out. **Edit** and now I see part 4 is on the website!! I'm printing it now....


This is 'Tulip Sampler' by Forever In My Heart. It called for silk threads, but, I picked out Crescent Colors Overdyed Floss, and stitched it on 28ct. pink Lugana.


And, here is what I have been stitching on lately... I stitched the border for the Lizzie Kate Christmas Blessings, and will fill in the blocks. Each block is a quick, fun stitch.


I also have started stitching on two exchange pieces... but, I can't reveal the details of those!

Thanks for looking, reading and commenting!! I've been reading blogs, but, have been bad about commenting lately. I'll try to do better!!

Stitching on today: Lizzie Kate Christmas Blessings

Pictures

I just thought I would share some pictures, until I get some of my stitching photos up. The first one is a few of my tulips that are blooming... As you can see, I also need to find some time to work on the leaves in the flower beds!

Here is a picture of our two black cats on Chuck's recliner. Shadow is on the back, and CeeCee is asleep on the seat. Lazy things....

And, my first ever exchange with the USExchangeBB, was sent off today! Here is a picture of it: (he he he)

It is a 'Grab Bag' exchange... I hope the recipient likes what is in the box.

I guess I'll go press some of the stitching I've been doing, and get some pictures of that. :-)

Thanks for reading and commenting... I've been feeling almost back to normal!

Stitching on today: Lizzie Kate Christmas Blessings

Eagle Eye Watch

Here's a new bird site: Eagle Eye Watch It is Eagles on a nest. For your viewing pleasure!

I did stitch a little yesterday! I finished backstitching the 'Do Not Disturb', and only have one little motif left on the Quaker Sampler part three. I hope to get back to it and finish that up this morning. Then I can take some photos.

I think the cold is finally leaving! I should have taken stock in a tissue company...

Thanks for reading and all your wonderful comments!

Regardless....

of what everyone might be thinking... I am still here! I just really dislike having this cold thing hanging on! I have put in a few stitches on Quaker Sampler, but, keep putting it down. So, I pick up a book to read, nope -- can't concentrate on that either! I think I would just rather sleep!

I did manage to get everything together for one of the exchanges today. Spent a lot of time in my 'craft room', but, didn't accomplish much!

I'll be back soon... thanks for reading. :-)

Ho Hum....

I never stitched last night. I just kinda 'vegged' out on the couch. This #$*% cold had just taken all my energy!!!

Becca and I had fun at Hobby Lobby on Tuesday. I got my DMC for DT Game Board, the missing ones for Easter Bouquet, and some goodies for an exchange I have coming up. I also got two M Design needlerolls on clearance! One was $1.60, and one was $1.00!! When we returned home, I was good and went to put the fibers with the charts. Oops! We picked out three wrong colors! (Becca probably couldn't read my scribbling numbers!) So, yesterday after work, I ran over to Michael's and picked up the three 'right' colors. And, can you just get three floss??? No!! I also picked up a few more goodies for the exchange. :-) Now, I have to get everything together to get ready to mail.

I'm behind on reading blogs -- again! I'll try to catch up soon. I am going to stitch tonight on my Quaker Sampler. I really want to keep up, and not set it aside, for something else, even tho I want to stitch on the DT one, or something springy. Only a few more motifs to go, and this installment will be done. It seems like when I have stitched this week, it has been slow going... must be the cold.

Thanks for the comments -- you make posting on the blog worthwhile! (and Cee Cee thanks you also!) I'll have to take a few pictures of Shadow soon, and share them with you all.

Best get off to work...

Stitching on today: Backstitching 'Do Not Disturb' and Quaker Sampler

Tuesday trip.

Yes, I am venturing out of the house today! I almost am feeling human. This cold has really taken it's toll on me... but, at 6:00 a.m., I took some more medicne, and had the best sleep until the phone rang at 9ish.

Becca was a sweetie this morning and made breakfast, and after she gets done 'getting ready', we will head into town to Hobby Lobby. I want to pick up the DMC colors for DT Game board, and a few other things. This also gives her some more 'drive time'. I don't know if I will be glad when she has all her time in and can get her license.

The sun is shining today, but, they are calling for lower temps and the possibility of snow again!! It's April!!!

I'm working on the third installment of the Quaker Sampler, but, a few of the colors I'm picking up at Hobby Lobby are for Cedar Hill Easter Bouquet. Maybe now that I'm not sneezing every minute (well -- not really, but, it seemed like it.), I can make some progress on my stitching.

I'll post some pictures when I have made progress on something...

Stitching on today: Quaker Sampler

Kitty pictures

Haven't felt like stitching yet today, so I thought I would share pictures of my cat, CeeCee...

He's just a big baby of 15 lbs., hanging around today...



Maybe stitching on today: Quaker Sampler

Stork Watch

Nothing to do with stitching... but, I have put the 'Stork Watch' over in my Favorite Places. Check it out... it is a Stork nest, and one is there. :-)

I'm going to go read some blogs, and add a few to my sidebar that I've been reading lately. I don't know if I'll be up to stitching tonight -- still feeling stuffy. And, I have to remember to change the clocks! (I really don't think I need to lose that hour.)

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Maybe stitching on today: Quaker Sampler