Last Finish for 2009

It is so exciting to end the year on a finish. This was a design that I picked up in October on vacation from a really neat shop in Shelbyville, KY called "The Needlenest" (www.needlenestky.com). The owner was so excited to show me all the stuff that she had brought back from market. Feeling her excited caused me to fill up my baskets with goodies. This is "Miss Snow Fairy" by With thy Needle & Thread.

I knew that I wanted to have this project done for Christmas but time ran out and with the wonderful snow day we had yesterday I was able to finish this and say that I got it done for the holiday. Okay, so what if I missed Christmas by a day and it isn't framed yet. It will be ready for next year. So just imagine this one in a really pretty frame. I am......

Even though the holidays are over I still have a couple more Christmas projects that I really want to stitch and complete. For this evening I am going to start "Christmas Eve" by Prairie Schooler. Take a look at Shepherd's Bush blog to see how they stitched it. When I saw their photo I had to make the call and get the materials and directions for their changes. It is so pretty that I have to do this one and right away.

In the next several weeks I think I will review my stash and come up with a stitching plan for 2010. I have several large projects and many smaller ones that if I schedule my timing correctly I should be able to accomplish more than I have done in the past. Hey, with a good scheduled plan, plenty of stitching time, and all the necessary supplies on hand I should be able to make a dent in my stash so that I can think about adding in future designs. I have to support my favorite shops and designers, RIGHT????

Well, hope you all have had a wonderful holiday and wishing you a Happy 2010.

Finish

Don't you just love Blackbird Designs!!! I do and I am so excited to have this one finished. I have to admit that the day I picked up this pattern "Midnight Watch" and material I ran home quickly to start it. It took me about 5 weeks to finish this one but you have to keep in mind that between day to day activities kept me from finishing this one quicker. For me this is still record time. There is a lot of stitching to this one. Also, if you pick up this pattern beware, you will need extra skeins of blackbird. I purchased three skeins and it took at least 2 1/2.

After finishing this up I did head on to a Christmas picture. This is "Miss Snow Fairy" by With thy Needle & Thread. The fabric looks so old fashion and the DMC threads are looking really good against it. I would have never been able to make this selection on my own. I hope to finish this one quickly and maybe even frame it myself. With all the tips I have seen on different blogs my mind is racing with ideas. I love blog reading.

Hmmm, the dogs have left the room and are way too quiet. Time to see what they have gotten into. Good night dear friends and happy stitching.

Happy Thanksgiving

Josie and Brinkley wanted to wish all of the fellow stitchers a Happy Thanksgiving....

I have been working on Blackbird Design's "Midnight Watch" and should have it finished this weekend. I am waiting on having it finished before I take a picture. So hopefully, this weekend will be it. I am anxious to pickup a new project and hopefully it will be a "Christmas" picture.

Happy Birthday Mom

Yesterday was my Mom's birthday and I really wanted to give her something very special. I stitched up La D Da's pattern that has the verse of "I Love You a Bushel and Peck" which was a song that my mom sang to me when I was a baby. I think I really surprised her.

The finisher did the most amazing job of quilting this into a pillow. Attached are some antique buttons which really helped to make this even more special. Thank you Debra...

I cannot wait to head out this weekend to my LNS. I have more finishing to pick up. It feels like Christmas trying to wait until Saturday to drive out and see everything finished. Plus, it will be even more fun to see what new items they have in from market. Charge.....

Still Kicking

Don't you just hate those bloggers that disappear for weeks and weeks and weeks. Me too!!!Sorry.... So, what have I been up to you ask!!!!

Well, first, I had my nose in a book and just in case you didn't know, I am a very slow reader. I think I can stitch faster than I read a book. If you are dog lover you really need to read this book. It is by Garth Stein....

Course, it didn't take me four weeks to read this book. I spent a lot of time setting it down in between..... Going to Jackson Hole, WY in search of a moose.... I have always wanted to see a moose and now I can finally say I saw 7 of them all on the same trip.

It was a great trip. Started out in Jackson, Wy - moving on to the Grand Tetons - over to Yellowstone and then up to Glacier Park. Guess how many days....???? Give up...???? Try 3 days and 1480 miles later. Okay, it was the fastest trip ever but at least I got to spend the last three days relaxing in Jackson Hole looking for moose.

I really don't have much to show you on my stitching progress. I spent the most awful time FROGGING on my current project. Until I get over the FROGGING I just cannot get myself to take a photo of the progress. I am working on Lizzie Kate's "Living with Charm". Well, I don't feel too charming about it. Maybe I will get better at watching the pattern closer this weekend and will give you an update next week.

I am leaving you with a great picture taken at a farmer's market in Missoula MT. I wish I could have found a way to bring all of these flowers home with me besides the wonderful veggies.

Blog Giveaway

Hey Everyone, take a minute and look at Vonna's blog - The Twisted Stitcher (link provided on the side under listing of blogs I read) and leave a comment to enter her anniversary giveaway. This is so amazing and sweet idea. Good luck to you all. Course, I hope to be the big winner.

My Land - Shepherd Bush

Wow, I forgot to let you see the finish project from the class I took back in March with Shepherd's Bush. This is called "My Land" and it will be available for sale shortly. So hang tight, it is a fun one to stitch.



Sorry this is so dark, I need to stop taking pictures so late at night.

Finish Line Reached

It has happened. A project has been completed. Here it is.....

I promise to take a better picture when it has been framed and it is not late at night. I wanted to at least let everyone know that I have finally finished it. Wow, this took me a bit longer than expected. We will see how fast I get the next project done. Oh, that is Little House Needleworks "Sunflower Inn". I love sunflowers and this one is right up my alley. Here are a few sunflower shots that I got over the weekend.

Isn't this neat. I have never had the chance to find one that was just getting ready to open up. I wish I could be around for the opening but I took these pictures over the weekend up in Ohio during a wonderful time spent with family during a reunion. These flowers are so amazing. The leaves are so large and green. I guess one of these summers I will have to try to grow one in my yard so I can enjoy the process.

Well, enjoy your week and good luck on your projects.

Almost there!!!!

Well, since the last time I blogged I was..... working on Lizzie Kate ABC Lessons with the vision of being done quickly. Okay, Well, What can I SAY....

Wow, this has taken me a lot longer than I expected. Course, when you put it down more than you work on it could be the major cause. Here is my progress as of late tonight.

As you can see I am on the last line and the second to the last word. Okay, this won't get done tonight but I sure hope it is this week. The bug has bitten me to start a new project and I cannot wait. I think I will be good and find an old project that is sitting in a stitching bag that also is down to the last line and finish it. Isn't it better to take two projects in for framing instead of one?

I made a special trip out the LNS on Saturday so I could pickup the latest Loose Feathers design by Blackbird Designs. What a treat. I just love the pattern, material, and threads.

Course, there was also another new pattern called "Summer Iris" that I had to pickup to go along with my latest collection of Blackbird designs.

I have also been working on Prairie Schooler limited edition Santas for the last several years. The latest 2009 Santa has come out and I had to also add that to my stash. Looks like I will be very busy trying to get these done and still trying make a huge dent in my stash. If the weather continues to be so hot outside I think I will be inside enjoying the cool air and stitching more.

Well, stitching, blogging and TV time is over. Time to pick up a good book and work myself into a peaceful night of sleep.

Happy Monday Stitchers......

Nothing New

I wanted to add a quick post for everyone to see a great giveaway. Head on over to the following blog and sign up for a chance to win a La D Da pattern.

http://dipdiddlydesigns.blogspot.com/

Progress is going slow on ABC Lessons. Hopefully this weekend will provide me with more of an opportunity to stitch.

HAPPY THURSDAY

Happy 4th of July

God bless America, land that I love,

Stand beside her, and guide her,
Through the night, with the light from above,
From the mountains, to the prairies
To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America, my home sweet home,
God bless America! My Home Sweet Home!

- Irving Berlin, God Bless America

The house is decorated with buntings on the porch railings, all of my patriotic stitchery is scattered around, and of course a few old decorations. I just love the colors of red, white, and blue. Course, more of the old fashion muted tones. Looking around at what I have stitched I have a lot more that needs to be done. Sorry, not much to show but my mind is racing around thinking of what I forgot in the stash to stitch. Since it is a rainy cold night tonight I will have to stash dive tonight.

Over the weekend I got a chance to run to my local LNS with friends. Course, that means never leaving empty bag. So, the most important purchase had to be the newest Loose Feathers pattern called "It's Berry Time". I bought the material called for but made a change in the thread selection. I selected Gentle Arts Pomegranate. What do you think?

Sorry, guess the picture is kind of dark. I will have to try again after I start stitching it up. Not the greatest in picture taking.

Of course, I couldn't pass up a Lizzie Kate boxer kit. I just loved the saying and will have to put this one out for everyone to see and get a chuckle from. It is me.....

Okay, another bad picture. Guess that is a good indication of how my day went. Oh well.....

Lastly, I got another Shepherd's Bush kit called "Home". I love the hat that you attach to the sheep. Red, White, and Blue..... of course.



Not a lot done on the ABC Lessons but still wanted to provide an update of my progress.


This morning we woke up to find out that it had rained last night and that more of the lilies in the garden had bloomed. I had to run back into the house and grab the camera so I could share them with you. ENJOY....

Well, Brinkley and Josie are being pests and want me log off and play. Have a great holiday weekend and stay safe.

One More Line

Wow, another line done and many more to go. This still is a very pretty project and I cannot wait to get it done. Course, I was feeling so proud that when I got this one done I would be ready to move onto the other Lizzie Kate's double flip project which has been living in my stash along with the frame for a LONG TIME. In my book this project is considered a VERY LARGE task.

But of course I had to see that she has a new double flip coming out for Christmas and my mind is wondering how fast I can stitch my current stash so that I can justify adding this new project into the bottomless stash pit.....

Decisions, decisions, decisions. Okay, so it really is wallet, budget, stash, time, and "What, another holiday project"!!!! Well, let's just see what the weekend brings. Hmmmm, I know, if it stays over 90 degrees for the rest of the week I will truly have to stay in and stitch a lot.... I guess I might get a bit closer to this new design.... Bring on the heat and humidity. NOT....

Stay Cool Stitchers and Friends......

Current Stitching

Don't you just love the excitement of starting a new project..... I do.... I recently finished a project which means, "Yes, run quickly to the stash and pick out a new project".... During my last trip to my favorite stitchy shop I picked up the latest design from Lizzie Kate called "ABC Lessons". The colors for this pattern are really neat and bright. Top help show them off I selected a really neat jobelan called "Chai Tea". It has shades of blue mixed into it. Here is my current progress.....

This pattern is going really quickly and I hope I can keep at my fast pace and get this one done so that I can run off to my stash and pick out my next project. Hmmmm, will I go with something patriotic or return to my Loose Feathers stash..... Stay tuned and see...

Brinkley update: Well the poor little guy had his trip to see the vet to experience tutoring.... Okay, that is what we call it to be nice to him. Here is how he spent 12 fun filled days.... He was a good sport and didn't make trouble that I truly expected to see.

He loves to look at himself everyday in the mirror but I really don't think he is smiling in this picture. What do you think his sister is thinking.... Ha Ha .... Been there, done that..... HEHEHEHEDon't worry, he is back to being a normal puppy and running us all crazy. Wow, I can hear him getting in trouble right now and better head off to help control the wild boy.

Signing off and heading to my favorite spot to stitch.

What's New!!!

Well, well, well. That is all I can say to everyone that has been telling me I am way behind on my blogging. SORRY..... Okay, so I have been busy working in the yard, doing spring cleaning, playing with the doggies, and oh yeah, stitching a lot but really haven't gotten anything done.

I recently went the International Quilt festival in Chicago and found a really great lap-stitch frame.

This is from a family owned operations in Wisc. Here is a link to their website plus a picture of the owner. It was really nice to get a chance to talk to him and also to view his cross stitch work.

http://imagesstitcherydesign.com/

So, what is attached to the frame is a project that I have been secretly working on. It is a design from Shepherd's Bush that I got from taking a recent class from them. Here is a really neat shot of a section I just finished. (Get the hint, this is a big piece for me)

For Mother's day I did treat myself to a new pattern. I got Lizzie Kate's ABC Lessons and the material I got to stitch it on is called Chai Tea. It has a really neat color variation to it. I wanted to do something different. Sorry this doesn't show up better.

Got to run. Storms are headed our way and I wanted to get this posted before we loss power or whatever else could happen. Be safe and keep stitching....

Happy Spring

Sure doesn't feel like spring yet when you still have to wear your winter coat, keep the furnace going, and worry about frost/snow. The weekend before Easter I got to spend time with dear friends up in Door County, WI. It was a fun time to visit, eat, and shop. On the way up my DH let me stop at a stitching store that I have heard about and what fun it was to look around. Course, he kept picking out projects that he liked and I had to say I have that one already. So, you know the next question, "Where is it, I don't remember seeing it done". Okay, so my stash is still growing instead of getting less.

From a really neat LNS I got the following Cricket Collection.

My kitchen is all done in Sunflowers, so I will be adding this sunflower pattern to my collection and maybe to my blog. I cannot believe that this design is back from 1994. I think it is fun to find older patterns that still can get you excited to stitch.

My other favorite type of designs is Halloween. So, when I saw this one I just couldn't pass it up.

I have been working on a project that I am not sure I can share at this time. I was lucky to take a class recently from Shepherd's Bush and I have been making myself work hard at getting this class project done. You can look at their blog to see their pictures from the class. Anytime you can take a class from Tina and Terry do it. It is so much fun and their projects are wonderful.

Well, I am going to sign off and run to the couch so I can get at least an hour of stitching in before calling it a night. Time is flying by just way to fast for me. Can you believe that we are halfway into April. Where is the warm weather?????

Goodnight stitching buddies where ever you are.

Finish

This past weekend all I did instead of my chores was sit and enjoy my stitching hobby. So, with that let me present my completed project.

This was done on a 28 count Lavender Bliss. This was a quick photo of this project so I could at least post this update for my BFF's to see. We are trying to stitch Blackbird designs on Sunday's as way to stitch together but from our remote locations. I really need to get them to learn to blog so that they can share their projects with all of us.... Right Ellen and Terry.....

Well, off to finish up things around that house that did not get done during stitching time. Hey, if you get a chance look at my competition at Spinster Stitcher. I am so excited to beat her on completion of a project. Sorry lady....

Something Neat

This is a really neat virtual village to see. Click on this link and explore.

Blackbird Progress Update

Well, the weekend progress continues on "Beyond My Heart". I am working quickly to get done before Spinster Stitcher completes hers. Well, I think I am neck and neck with her. Kind of fun to challenge myself this way. I guess that helps to spur my progress along. Here is what I have done so far. As soon as this one is done I will be starting "Two Hearts" which is the latest pattern in the Loose Feather's club. I am going to do it on a 32 count linen called Cupid's Blend. Stay tune for progress next week on that one.

Sorry that the quality is not the greatest tonight. But when you are trying to update your blog with someone wanting attention from you it is kind of hard to do.

Brinkley (4 months old) is a handful. I cannot wait for the puppy time to be over. He is constantly finding ways to get into things. If it wasn't for his big sister pointing him out when he is bad he would be getting away with a lot more. All I can say is "Thank You Josie for Watching"..... Love Mommy...