2 Finishes in one day.............

I'm on a roll........finished the stitching on this one last month but I'm just now getting around to completing it into an ornament. Based on my sloppy work, I'm gonna beg - yes, beg our local Embroidery Guild to have some classes on ornament finishing techniques. This will be mine to keep. Once I learn how to do a neater finishing job, I would love to stitch this pretty snowflake again. It's from the Stoney Creek Magazine, Feb. 2008 issue - Snowflake Ornament #1 in a new series.

I used Caron Wildflowers thread in Carribean, 1x2 on 28 ct.

New Finish..................

I finished this today. It's the Friendship Tree by The Victoria Sampler (Thea Dueck). It was my first time at any type of hardanger stitch and I was surprised at how easy it is. Lots of fun too!

I love the finishing instructions for this piece and I think I'll pull out my Sara Butcher Truth piece (HAED storykeep) and finish it off this way, minus the fringe.

Needle Case for Brandy..........

It arrived safely so I can post pictures now. All of us who know and love Brandy http://branlaadeestitching.blogspot.com/ know how much she cherishes her cats, all 6 of them. So I had to have the Brittercup Cat Charts for her and then, well, I just had so much fun designing and stitching this piece for her. I even found the little firefly trinkets and loved working them into the design. It's stitched on 28 ct Lugana hand-dyed a light teal. There is a place for your needles, scissors, and a large pocket to carry floss.

another Taj Update.....

Just about ready to start putting some beads on this one. Then it'll be a beading project...

This one makes such a nice piece to come back to when I'm a little tired of 1x1 stitching.

Taj Mahal Update.......

I've been working on Taj Mahal (Chatelaine) this week. It's such a nice, easy stitch. I'm approaching the 1/2 way mark. Once I finish this one, I can start Evening In The Park, wahoo! DH has been gone all week so I've just puttered around, reading and stitching.

I'm currently reading Agnes & The Hitman it's light chick literature, full of ribald humor.

After the last few weeks of dreary weather, I decided to treat myself so I scheduled a hair appointment and a pedicure today. It feels so good to pamper yourself. Besides, nothing nicer than comfy warm pj's and my stitching ottoman and seeing those pretty french manicured toes peeking out. http://www.crusiemayer.com/agnes/book.htm

happy stitching.....

Sarah's Key.....

that's the name of the book I'm currently reading. It's fantastic and not to be missed. It shows you the darkest part of the human spirit as it makes you think and reassess your thoughts and beliefs, it will change your soul. Here's a link http://mapage.noos.fr/tatianaderosnay/sarahken2.htm

BAP Happy Dance

It's finally happened - the last stitch has gone in and it's a happy finishing dance for this girl! It's Morning Rose by Linda Ravenscroft (charted by HAED; but now retired) she's 450x477, 14X19 on 25 ct cream jobelan and it's been a pleasure to stitch. I started this piece in Sept. 2005 and just finished today. I loved stitching on her, the background is made up of several different colors so not alot of solid stitching. The roses are stitched in 5-6 shades of pink; but, the think my favorite part to stitch was the iridescent wings, they are so delicate looking. My favorite of all the details is the dew drops on the leaves they are just amazing IRL.

Thanks for looking.....

Big teaser..................

It's a big teaser! Only around 1800 stitches left so next time I pick her up will be a finish. It's Morning Rose (artwork by Linda Ravenscroft, the cross stitch chart is no longer available).

I have a new project I just can't wait to get started on so off to plan

happy stitching........

I had to share this with you.....

I don't know where this originated as my Mother emailed it to me last week, but I want to share it with you. There are times in our lives when hardships and trials eat at us and make us doubt our selves. If your not a believer, don't worry it's a nice fable. I especially like the last sentence and will always be remindful of this.

QUILT OF HOLES

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the brig ht hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.'

Freebie from Chatelaine

I've put some stitches into this freebie chart, it's Christmas Mandala from Chatelaine. It's stitched 1x1 but keeping the original dimensions, so for each 2x2 X - I've stitched 4 1x1 X's. Is that confusing? Anyway, I love how flat and delicate it looks. It's stitched on a very light aqua with a few slight changes in the gold threads and have completely different beads picked out too. Can't wait to actually start putting beads on.

Our new pup Lucy is a hoot! She is so cute, running outside with those big floppy ears. Gracie is very sweet to her and seems to recognize that Lucy is a baby. Lucy is teething but really good about only chewing on her toys. She likes to chew on Gracie though! She thinks she is getting Gracie to play with her but she's just too rough on Gracie. She runs up and bites on her, pulling on her snout or laying on top of her and trying to chomp on her - and Gracie lets her! I keep waiting for Gracie to nip at her and make her stop but she doesn't. Of course I get onto Lucy but they are gonna have to work that one out on their own.

New Puppy

Here's our new mini-schnauzer, Lucy. We also have an 8 yr. old mini-schnauzer, Gracie. Gracie is a lady and Lucy is trying very hard to learn some manners.

It's been icy and cold here. No snow, just ice on everything. I even noticed some of my daffodils have broke through and are around 3 inches tall. The wonders of nature!

Yesterday I was in the backyard with the puppies and we have this huge oak tree with 100s of brown shriveled leafs still attached. Each leaf is covered with ice and when the wind blows they ring with a delicate chime like a huge crystal chandelier, so dainty and refreshing. I stayed out way longer than I should have - my nose and toes were numb.

I'm off to stitch on Morning Rose..............should be finished within the week.

Completed RR piece.......

I finished Sheri's RR piece last night. It's for a HAED RR I was in this year with Nikki, Tash, Leigh, Terri, Michelle & Sheri. I'll get it into the mail today - I realized with Christmas so close I didn't want to wait and it get lost in the avalanche of additional mail this time of year.
Now, before you look at the picture I put it under very bright light so that you can see the delicate blending and shading detail. So, the actual fabric and texture of the stitches looks washed out, and it looks like coverage is an issue (but it's not) it's truly beautiful in person.

I'm going to put some stitching time into my Chatelaine Christmas Mandala piece. I'll post an update of it soon.....

happy stitching

2007 Christmas Ornaments

These are the ornaments I stitched this year. Part of my 2008 stitching goals includes a little ornament stitching each month so I should have more to share next year.

I'll be mailing these the first of next week but I couldn't resist posting the picture now. If you look close, you'll notice on the 'Merry Christmas' ornament that I don't have the back or ribbon attached. I just got back from the store buying pretty dark green ribbon!

I've completed nearly all my Christmas shopping so I can relax and enjoy the rest of the holiday season.

happy stitching

It's been a frustrating day...........

winter is on my mind, I'm so envious of all you northerners and the beautiful snow you've been getting. Makes it seem like the holiday season is truly here. I've been itching to start my Snow Princess & The Polar Bear chart (Ruth Sanderson by HAED). It has always seemed like a peaceful winter stitch, all that snow and starrey skies, I can't imagine working on it any other time of year. Guess I better get to a spot real quick like in my stitching where I can start it, sans guilt.

okay, just wanted to get everyone else thinking and dreaming about a new start...giggle

I'm a horrible blogger.....

but in my defense, I've been really busy stitching. I stitched (and have put together) 6 or 7 Christmas Ornaments ^yeah for me^ and have been working on Morning Rose diligently. I have around 200 stitches left on the current page then only 2.5 more pages to go. I have started thinking of my 2008 goals and hope to finish MR by the end of January.

I love stitching this time of year. Curling up in my stitching haven and catching up on all the movies and shows I've been collecting on the DVR. I think I'll buy new PJs today something soft and warm and cheery. I love looking at the twinkling lights on the Christmas Tree while I stitch.

I have waited all year to start Snow Princess and The Polar Bear (Ruth Sanderson artwork, charted by HAED) it just seems like something to be stitched when it's cold and sunny outside. Preferably when there is snow on the ground, but if I wait for that I'll never get to start it!

I'm going to run like a whirlwind this morning and finish all my stuff (make a quick swip through the house, grocery shop, quick trip to the mall, stop at cleaners & library) then I'm gonna curl up in my PJs and stitch!

Seconds??????

B, I'm so glad they enjoyed the new recipe (see last post). She has to keep up her strength for all those driving lessons!

This has been occupying my stitching time for the last week. It's a HAED RR piece with (as you can see) a black & white theme. The picture doesn't do justice - in real life the colors are darker and richer and there is no contrast. Isn't it gorgeous? I stitched Gathering Dew in the 4th slot.

It's a little late for summer.....

but here's a recipe that is in a word - delicious. I love to cook in cooler weather and we had tomatoe and cheese omelets for lunch today. Omelets are the perfect companions for Tomatoe Pie - albent it is best with home grown tomatoes full of taste but is still really good with a firm, market fresh tomatoe. Tomatoe pie doesn't sound appealing - but I challenge you to try. Don't call it tomatoe pie just tell your family it's a casseroley thing that goes with anything.....

4 tomatoes, peeled and sliced - fresh basil & green onion chopped - 9" deep pie crust - 1 cup each of shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar cheese and mayonnaise (the real thing folks) salt & pepper to taste. Place the tomatoe slices in a colandar and salt them - let them drain for 10 minutes. You want to get rid of as much standing juice as possible. Layer the tomatoes and basil with onion in the crust. Season with salt & pepper. Combine the cheeses and mayo - spread over the top (like a crust) and bake at 350 deg for about 30 minutes. The cheese & mayo will be crusty and brown, the pie crust light and flakey. Let cool to room temp......refrigerate any leftovers.

The promise of fall........

is in the air. It's a beautiful day here, the sun is shining and temps are in the low 80's, it's just gorgeous. We are slowly sliding into fall and I'm so ready.

I don't really cook alot during the summer, we grill out and have lots of fresh veggies, etc but truly cooking a meal doesn't happen very often. I love to cook and especially in the fall. Seems like everything good starts with fresh garlic, onion, peppers and mushrooms......they are staples in my fridge. Fresh creamy potatoe and cheese soup, fragrant pot roast and veggies prepared with fresh rosemary and basil, yum.

I think I'll cook a real meal tonight - spending time in the kitchen just makes me happy.

I've been naughty this week........my stitching time has been spent on Taj Mahal. That's naughty cause I'm supposed to be finishing my part of Tash's HAED RR. I'm about 1/2 way so it won't be much longer.

I'll get my courage up and do the finishing on my Christmas ornaments and will have pictures soon.

Chatelaine is on my mind........

Well, Kim started it last week - this talk on the Coven board about stitching on our Chatelaine's. Now Kim got me started on Taj Mahal - and her stitching on it all last week made me just itch to get it out and put some stitches in. So, check out the new WIP to the right..... it really is a fun stitch (once I find my place and get acclimated with the instructions).

Now, how about this week of new series TV! I've watched Bionic Woman (loved it - nice new remake of an oldie); CSI: NY (loved it); Life (loved it too); Private Practice (yep, loved it); I missed Chuck so I'll have to DVR it some other time; taped House & Bones but haven't watched them yet. Looking forward to Grey's Anatomy & Journeyman tonight. I usually stitch while I watch TV but this week I've found myself to wraped up in the shows that I couldn't stitch.

I've stitched 6 Christmas Ornaments. Once I get my nerve up to finish them into ornaments with ribbons and such I'll post a picture.

Happy stitching everyone........

It's Ornament Time.....

I've had the best time the last few weeks stitching up Christmas Ornaments. I'd forgotten how fun over two stuff is - just a nice way to shake up the stitching routine.

Nothing much happening, just plodding along. Melanie is so busy with school this year - seems like it's a club or board meeting just about every afternoon then homework. She is taking the ACT & SAT tests for the last time in October and also finishing up her applications for early admission to college. I believe she has 5 colleges picked out and we will see what kind of scholarships she picks up and where. Keeping our fingers crossed!

now get started on those ornies...........