Halloween Decor...

My sister sent me a box of Halloween Decorations... like I don't have any! Anyway... I put some out on the bay window in the dining room....



Then Scout thought he was a decoration....





And, then Shadow....



CeeCee must have been too dignified to check them out -- or did it when we weren't watching!

I'll try to get my Halloween stitching together for a photo. I spent most of the day yesterday in the dungeon (read basement), cleaning and pitching! Found some forgotten treasures, and lots of junk! I did find a stitched piece from 1994, that I had forgotten about! I'll press it up and show it in a later post. :-)

Until later, my friends....

Thanks for reading and commenting!

Stitching on today: Dinky-Dyes Designs "Cottage Garden"

Red Desert Scissor Pocket SAL & Snow!

Here is a picture of my Red Desert Scissor Pocket that I am doing as a SAL with some other wonderful stitchers. Leila has a list on her sidebar, if anyone would care to join us on this, or just wants to check our progress! If you check them out, you will see we all start a little different!



And... just because it seems ironic to me that I am stitching a 'Desert' design, here is what we woke up to on Thursday morning!! Today we had even more, as it covered the grass, and the overpasses and bridges were very slippery on the way to work! Crazy Michigan weather... they say it will be in 60's by Sunday again! (Good thing... I am not quite ready for winter!)


I have the weekend off!!! WooHoo!!! I'm just going to laze around the house, do some laundry, play in my stash, and stitch!! That's the plan anyway... Next weekend is the 'Grand Re-opening' of the Meijer's I work at. We just went thru an extensive re-model, and I guess they think we need to have this! Still some kinks to work out there -- now that it is colder outside, the heat has kicked in, and our office was a cozy 80 degrees today!! I think some adjustment is needed!! (I thought I was having a major hot flash! LOL) It was a weird day today anyway. We had our Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser, and for a donation, we were allowed to wear jeans and pink shirts. It felt like I wasn't even working! Pink balloons and pink ribbons were the decor on the check-out lanes... looked rather nice! One of our Service Coordinators is a Survivor -- and has since adopted two little boys! -- so, we do this up pretty big at our store. Please... all remember to do your self-checks!!

Off to read some blogs, and get some stitching time... Tonight is the monthly Fish Fry at Wacousta, and we invited my son and his girlfriend to join us!

Thanks for reading and your comments!

Stitching on today: Dinky-Dyes Designs "Cottage Garden" - from my stash!

A Halloween Package!

Check it out!! I received this great package in the mail from Ash!! How cool is this doorhanger?? Ash -- I love it!! My daughter thinks it could be a portrait for me today!! (Yes -- it's a bad hair day!) The stitching and finishing on this is just awesome!!

And... included were two (!) V.Clayton Silks!!! (I've never used these, and have wanted to try them!)

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I'm feeling truly spoiled!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks to all for reading and for your comments! I appreciate every one!

Stitching on today: Autumn Exchange and whatever!

What an idea!!!

Stitch what I have in my stash? What a great idea!!

I'm going to join in on the 10/25/50 Project Challenge!

Purpose of the challenge: to reduce the amount of patterns you have not stitched.

Here are the rules as posted:

Rules for 10, 25, or 50 Project Challenge

* 1. Have fun reducing your stash.
* 2. There is no time limit- people have different size projects they would like to work on.
* 3. Thou shall not purchase any new patterns until 10, 25, or 50 projects have been stitched. Pattern size does not matter.
* 4. This challenge can also apply to knitting, beading, sewing and crocheting patterns.
* 5. You can make some exemptions - I am not placing limitations on this due to commitments that people might already have. Remember, though, the goal of this challenge is to reduce stash so too many exemptions will sabotage these efforts. I have declared three exemptions. (okay... I'm taking four/five.)
* 6. Gifts, gift cards, trades, RAKs and patterns bought with gift money are not a violation of this challenge. This also applies to purchasing patterns for gifts that give other people.
* 7. Freebies count as part of your total and you can aquire them at any point.
* 8. The offical start date of this challenge was Sept 1, 2006 since I have been posting about it for awhile and want to make sure the everyone's projects have been included.

My exemptions:
1. Stash needed for exchanges I have joined. --This shouldn't really count, because I will not be keeping it!
2. Special things needed to complete a project, i.e. beads, charms, fibers or fabric.
3. My monthly quilt blocks will NOT be included in this challenge!
4. WIP and UFO's count toward the total.
5. Monthly Silkweaver fabric (hey-it's only one piece!), and anything that is already on order at the LNS. :-)

So.... I guess I will have fun playing in the stash! I can always look at the new stuff, and just add it to my 'wish list' for when I meet my challenge total! Anyone else have as much stash as I do, and want to join me?

Stitching on today: Autumn exchange --one more time!

Nice Day to enjoy...

Today was a weird day. Started off cold and then turned out beautiful! I didn't want to get out of bed... was seven minutes late to work! (was told they weren't going to worry until I was half an hour late! -- they know me too well!)

Got out of work, ran a few errands... told my son I was getting a new ride! (I bought a new broom.) And, seeing as the camera was in the car... here is picture of what the afternoon looked like on my way home:



Cleaned up the deck -- with my new broom, and then we all went out to dinner for Chinese. (DH's birthday was yesterday, and he wanted Chinese.)

Now the Detroit Tiger Game is on, so I can get some stitching time. I don't care for the colors in my Autumn Exchange piece, so, I may start it over again! Or, I'll just stitch on something else.

Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments on the Halloween Exchange. I appreciate every one!

I guess I'll look outside to see if the 'Harvest Moon' is up!

Everyone have a great stitching weekend!

Halloween Exchange Received!

• (Edit on 10-05-06 for pattern design information)
  
  I participated in the Halloween Exchange on the SBEBB. I was stressing big time about mailing this, and would the recipient like it... You know, the normal stuff!
  
  Anywho... Su posted on the SBEBB board that she had received the package, and she liked it!
  
  Here is what I stitched...
  
  Design: "Happy Halloween" (with a few changes)
  Freebie from: Whispered by the Wind
  Fabric: 28ct. Country Mocha Cashel
  Fibers: DMC and Caron Wildflowers
  
  And, after I sewed it together for a needle roll:
  
  
  I also included a few Halloween goodies to fill out the package...
  
  
  I'm so glad it arrived safely, and was well received!
  
  Thanks for reading, and your comments!!
  
  Stitching on today: Autumn Exchange -- it's a secret!

Quilt Square Update

Tomorrow we go in for our second quilt block -- (Kali -- it is at Country Stitches in East Lansing. :-) -I work right across the street from there!)

Here is a picture of my first block. It is called "Around the World". I think it turned out pretty dang good for my first attempt!




Now, I think I'll go back to stitching...

Thanks for reading and all your comments!!

Overwhelmed Again!

I might have posted that I've been a little down this month. Well, let me tell you -- the end of the month has brought awesome items in the mail!

First a lovely surprise from Leila, and today I received this wonderful pin keep from Becky! I am just overwhelmed!

Aren't blogging friends just the best!?! I have been treated twice this month by two very dear friends. I truly treasure the friendships I have made since I started this blog.

(I feel like Garth from SNL -- "I am not worthy!")

***********
On another note -- Leila and I are planning to stitch the Red Desert Scissor Pocket starting on about October 10-11th. I'm looking forward to this! Anyone else joining us?

***********
Homecoming Game at the High School tonight! (Hope the rain holds off!) DeWitt is 5-0 for the season! Go Panthers!! (Yeah -- more black cats! LOL)

***********
Stitching along on my Fall Quaker Exchange -- can't tell or show you -- it's a secret!! I've decided I didn't really care for my Autumn Exchange, and have picked out two other charts to try. I'm sure one of them will be perfect! (or I will have three to pick from!)

***********
Off to bundle up for the Homecoming Parade and Football game!! I'm thinking we will pick up Subway sandwiches for dinner tonight...

***********
Thanks for reading and all your comments! I appreciate every one!

Stitching on today: Secret Exchange Stuff!

New Gadgets

No stitching pictures... I am working on the secret exchanges!!

I wanted to show a picture of the new gadgets that DH got me for my new quilting adventure! Pretty neat, huh?

And for the curious... Here is a picture my dear daughter took of me lazing on the couch with Scout. (and yes... I have black kitties on my pajama pants! LOL)

Hope everyone has a terrific day! It has decided to be gloomy again here... But, work beckons, and I must go...

Thanks for reading and commenting!

Stitching on today: Shhh--- can't tell -- they are secret exchanges!!

I was RAK'd!!!

I've been having a 'down' kind of month. Just stressful, and gloomy. Well -- I received a great package to brighten my month and my mood!! Leila, (Stitches of Life), surprised me with a treat! Check out the great chart she sent me, and it came with the fibers!!



She also included a kitty post-it note tablet! Now, as I had asked her, how did she know I was a post-it note junkie!! LOL

Thank you so much! Your friendship and kindness overwhelms me!!

*****

No stitching pictures to show -- I've been working on exchanges. Eventually I can show them, but, not yet!

I did make a run to Hobby Lobby today, to pick up a few DMC fibers. Got to see my son's girlfriend, as she works there. :-) Also picked up a few odds and ends -- only went over my planned spending by $.15!! Yuppers, that is fifteen cents!! I guess I didn't figure the tax correctly. :-)

Off to stitch-- and it's a beautiful autumn day in Wonderland! LOL

Thanks for reading, and for your comments. :-)

I must have lost my mind!

Like I need to learn to do something else? My neighbor and her sister took me to the Quilting store last night. Yes, I am going to attempt to learn to quilt! (Or at least to make the squares/blocks. I picked up this book to help me out, and here is my first 'kit' to make up! I picked out the 'scrappy' colors.



Now, to make a run to Joanns for a rotary cutter, and cutting board. (They tell me I need those!)

Off to do housework.... Maybe I can find some stitching time in there! I've put aside QG to get my exchanges all stitched up!

Thanks for all your comments, and for all who read my ramblings...

Anniversary Stitching

I stitched a little something for my husband for our Anniversary. It was the Bent Creek Wedding Row.



Chuck also brought home a bouquet of flowers with a little bear! :-) We spent the day shopping at Hobby Lobby and JoAnn's, with lunch at Fazoli's. Then later on in the day we went to Michael's and Red Lobster! A very nice day!!



And, while I was trying to get a picture... baby Scout wanted to see what I was doing!



On another note, Becca goes in for her first day at her new job!! She is going to be working at Meijer -- I don't know what they call them exactly anymore -- they used to be baggers, but, maybe service workers? cart pushers? Anyway -- tonight she goes in to get her 'shirts', tour the store, and all that. I told her don't be surprised if someone calls her 'little Myrna'! (she looks a lot like her mom!) I'll be taking a book, or some stitching while I wait in the parking lot.

I played this morning in my 'craft room' -- re-arranging drawers, and putting stuff in better order. Now I am off to stitch on my Quaker Garden!!!

Thanks for all the comments! I truly appreciate every one of them!

Scissor Fob Exchange!!

I participated in the Specific Finish Exchange on the USEBB. The first exchange was a scissor fob. Nancy sent me the most incredible fob!! It is a Drawn Thread design done on 40 ct.!! Isn't it beautiful? I love the beads she added on the bottom!! Nancy also included a beautiful piece of linen and three Six Strand Sweet fibers!! I feel truly spoiled! Thank you Nancy!!

Fob Front:


Fob Back:


The entire goodie package!


And, Nancy has also received the package I sent her! How cool is that -- we had each other's names and didn't even know it! I sent Nancy a 'pink' package! I got the design from the Ellen Maurer-Stroh board, and stitched the freebie scissor keeper with a pink (DMC 3609), on 32ct. Belfast opalescent White. I made the cording (my first time!) and attached a cool tassel that I got at Hobby Lobby -- which is why it was pink!

Here is the fob front:


And the back where I put our initials and the year:


And the 'pink' stuff I sent with it! I love putting these together, and hope Nancy liked it. Half of the fun for me is the package!


I guess that's it for now! I signed up for the Thanksgiving Exchange on the USEBB! I was looking thru my stash, and found the cutest design... And now I have an excellent reason to stitch it!

Stitching on today: Quaker Garden!!

A little more QG...

I did a little more stitching on Quaker Garden...



I really like this design... I just need more time to stitch! I can't show my latest finish, as it was for an exchange, but, it went out in the mail yesterday, so soon....

We are done with our 'organized' golf league on Tuesday-- Banquet was last night. Judy (my partner) and I came in second place. If we didn't split the year into two halves, we would have won. :-( We ended up with the most points for the year, and were the only two players that played every week! Some of the gals are going to continue to meet on Tuesdays to play, but, Judy and I are skipping next week, and will meet them the following week! Need to keep our games up, as we have one more scramble to play in this year. And, next Tuesday is my 25th Wedding Anniversary, so I thought I should spend it with Chuck! :-)

I guess I better start the day... a couple more loads of laundry... vacuum a little... run some errands... think about what to make for dinner... read a little bit... and maybe get some stitching in!

Thanks for all your comments -- I truly appreciate every one!

Stitching on today: Halloween Exchange or Quaker Garden! (hopefully!)

Quaker Garden WIP

Finally took a picture of my Quaker Garden! I'm stitching slowly, but enjoying this design.



Just a short post today.... Thanks for all your lovely comments!

Stitching on today: Quaker Garden

SBQ and Random Stuff....

Today's SBQs was suggested by Anna M.
and is:

What do you keep your WIPs and other stitching supplies in when traveling?

I have the mesh zipper bags that I put all my stitching in, and then it usually goes in a tote bag. (I love tote bags, and have quite a number of them!) I have a tote bag that always has a project in it to 'grab and go'!


I forgot to show a picture of the cinnamon rolls I made for our 'before the parade' get-together at our house on Saturday. They were devoured! (Yuppers -- that is six on a large cookie sheet!)



I stitched a surprise Summer exchange for Becky! She received the package today, so I can share pictures. It was great fun to do this for her! I made up a little needle-roll and added some goodies to the package also.




We caught a silly squirrel trying to get a treat from one of the bird feeders.... How did he get up there?



And here is a picture of our two big kitties - CeeCee and Shadow. Baby Scout is at the vets, finally for his surgery. (I stopped on the way home from work... he is doing fine, and I can pick him up tomorrow on my way home from work.)



Thanks to everyone for their comments! I love to hear from you all...

Stitching on today: Quaker Garden

Catching up on SBQ's and Craft Room!

School starts in two weeks!!! Can you see I am ready now? Maybe I can get back in a routine after that...

Okay... on to the last month of SBQ's before today's comes in my mailbox!

SBQ - July 26, 2006

Many of us have a few pairs of embroidery scissors and some even have
a "collection". How many pairs of scissors do you have? Feel free to
share a photo of your favorite pair or pairs with us!

I have way too many pairs of scissors! At least more than 10! I like to keep a pair with each project, so if I feel the urge to 'grab and go' with a project, I don't have to worry about not having scissors! (And a good excuse to make up neat fobs and holders!)


SBQ - August 3, 2006

Do you have a favorite needlework tool that you like to work with?
What is it and why do you like using it?

Hmmm... I don't think so! I have my stitching nook, with my lamp, magnet board, footstool and ort container.... And I usually use a hoop. I guess all those would be considered 'tools' that I use. :-)

SBQ - August 9, 2006

For those of you who use hand or over-dyed floss, how do you store it?

I have really started to use these more and more! I place each one in a floss bag, and sort them by type. My Brother-in-law got me the neatest thing for my floss storage! It is an old library card file, and it is perfect for storing the floss bags! I have all my DMC, and over-dyed stored in this cool little cabinet!!




SBQ - August 16, 2006

Do you have an organizational system for your fabric? If so, what is
it? If not, what do you store your fabric in?

How do people store their fabric, especially those small but
potentially usable pieces? Do they sort by count? How do they label it
or otherwise know what each piece is?

More or less... I have small totes for smaller cuts, and large totes for the other. The small totes are labeled by count, and then in each tote, sorted by color. Each piece is labeled for size and type, and color name. I have small totes of 28ct, 32ct, and miscellaneous small cuts. The large totes are 28ct, 32ct, Aida, and miscellaneous (afghans, anne cloth, odd counts). I tend to keep small pieces, as they are useful for fobs, bookmarks and ornaments.




And... my son moved out about a year ago, so, I decided it was time to take over his old room as my craft room! I've been slowly getting organized, and can show a few pictures. If anyone has any ideas -- I would be glad to hear them! I still have to move my charts and books to the shelves, and move his stuff off them. :-)







No stitching update pictures... the last two I took were for exchanges, and I can't share them yet! I need to take a picture of Quaker Garden to share with you.... I am making slow progress on it, but, am enjoying the stitch!

That's it for now!!
Stitching on today: Quaker Garden!!

Busy, Busy, Busy!!!

A lot going on around here, and I haven't been keeping up on my blog!!

Our new baby, Scout, goes into the Vet's tomorrow morning for the 'surgery'!! I don't know if it will calm him down any, but, it will be done. :-) I had almost forgotten how hyper kittens can be!

I also started a Hardanger bookmark. My first try.... and got stumped at the blanket edging. I'll pick it up again later, to try again. Maybe I was just too tired to figure out the instructions when I tried it the first time.



Today we did something for the house! We laid outdoor carpeting on the front porch, and down the front steps. It is in a color called 'Sapphire', and I really like the way it turned out!

Our daughter, Becca, painted the porch railings, and the old milk can, and added the design on it. :-)



I finally received my fabric for Quaker Garden, and was able to start stitching it last night! Becky waited for me to get my fabric, so we could stitch it together! I did think the fabric was awfully green, but, maybe as I stitch it, it will grow on me more...



Broke my glasses at work yesterday... of course I can't get in to have them fixed until Monday! So... I have the 'geeky' look with tape on the side. Whatever works!

Our little town festival is this weekend. DeWitt Ox Roast. It's a busy time, but, a lot of fun. We live close to downtown, so have a lot of people stopping by. I'm playing in a golf tournament on Friday, but, am also going to roast a turkey to have for sandwiches on Saturday, make potato salad and coleslaw, and Chuck (DH) is going to barbecue chicken legs and thighs on the grill. Rick (son), has asked me to make cinnamon rolls and muffins to have with juice on Saturday morning before the parade. Busy, busy!!

That's about it! I 'think' we have Becca ready for school this fall. It's hard to believe she is going to be a Junior in High School! School starts on September 5th. Maybe things will get back to as normal as possible after that!

Till later....

Stitching on today: Quaker Garden (finally!)

100% Cat

Saw this on Renee's blog, and had to try it!

You Are: 0% Dog, 100% Cat

You are are almost exactly like a cat. You're intelligent, independent, and set on getting your way. And there's no way you're going to fetch a paper for anyone!

Are You More Cat or Dog?

No stitching done today... too muggy and hot!!

Feeding time...

No stitching updates... so, you get a picture of the cats! :-)

Somehow I don't think the new baby, Scout, is starving, like he would like the other two to believe....

SBQ - July 20, 2006

Today's SBQ was suggested by Cathy and is: When you get a project professionally framed do you get glass inserted into the frame? Why or why not?

Well... I do most of my finishing myself, but, the projects I have had professionally done, I have had glass added. I figure these are projects I want to last forever, and will help to keep them clean and protected. I also add glass to some of my own framed projects. It gets mighty dusty around here in the summer, and it helps to keep them free of the dust and everyday 'stuff'.