February Stitching

There has been a lot of progress going on in my projects but I know that my blog has not represented it lately.  Everytime I think I am going to sit down and post there isn't either enough time to take pictures, poor lightening, or I am just too tired to get the laptop or camera out.  So, today I was on mission to iron my projects and take advantage of daylight for photos. 

First: Inspired Needle in Lemont is working with a group of stitchers to offer a new small project each month of 2012.  I didn't pick up the January project but did grab the opportunity to do the February project which is "Garden of Love" by Citrouille's Designs.  I just love the fabric and threads that were put into this kit.  The threads are what the pattern called for.

Second:  Margaret Cottam by La D Da.  I just love this design and currently working on Part 2.  It took me a while to be excited by using only one thread on this design but the more I have done the greater it is looking.

Next up, I continue to work on the following designs from Blackbird Designs - Loose Feathers and With thy Needle & Thread - mystery sampler Birds of a Feather.

Lastly, I have done a bit of progress on Winter Floral Sampler from the designer Knotted Tree.  I just love the colors and how they pop on this fabric.

At the end of 2011 I did finish a project but didn't get a picture taken of it.  I am attending a class this Friday at Inspired Needle which we will put our finished projects onto a box as shown on the pattern by Blackbird.  This design is called Morning Star.  I love this.....

I hope to get a good scan of this pattern that I completed and add it to a necklace.  Right now the printer and I are not playing well together.  I will send DH to tackle it.  Course, only after he finishes the wonderful roast he put in the oven today.

The last update that I have really been behind on is the ABC Stitching Gals project.  There are three of us working on Prairie Schoolers ABCs and so far I am way, way, way behind on this project.  I did work more the other day on the pumpkin but I think someone is taking out the stitches on me since I am not able to get to the end of this pumpkin.  Here is my progress.... UGH......

Ellen has gotten a lot done on hers.  She off onto her third letter.  Here is her progress:

Keep up the good work Ellen.  Cannot wait to see what you send to me next.

As soon as I finish up my February small Garden of Love I have two new projects to decide on.  They are both for February but I think this will one will be my focus.  It is With Thy Needle & Thread's -
Be My Valentine. 

This was an easy decision since I get to eat the chocolates first.  Yummmmmmm

Well, see, I have been doing a lot of stitching.  Just a slow blogger.  I haven't set any goals for 2012 like I failed at in 2011 but I have changed the way I sit down and stitch.  Each time I sit down to stitch I pick up one of these projects and have made a habit of switching to a different one the next time.  If I have a good week of stitching I should be able to touch each of them with at least an hour of stitching time.

As I was taking pictures of my projects my the living room window I happened to look outside and caught this picture.  I am going to call it the "Lady in Pink".  This girl was completely dressed in pink and was walking her standard size poodle.  The poor poodle had its head dyed pink to match her coat.  I wish I had a better camera that was able to get a closer shot.  Enjoy....

 That poor dog....  I wonder how long the pink dye lasts or if it will run in the rain.

Happy Thanksgiving

Time is moving quickly.  We are sitting here tonight making our list for dinner on Thanksgiving.  Wow, I cannot believe it is almost here.  So, to all of my stitching buddies have a great Thanksgiving.

Here is the 10th of the month update for the ABC Prairie Schooler from Ellen.  She has finished A, working on B and has started on C.  Way to go....

As for the rest of us, well, I guess you will have to see what next month brings.  I only added a few more stitches to mine so that really isn't worth a picture. 

Last Sunday I got a chance to sit and stitch at Inspired Needle in Lemont.  Not only did I sit and stitch but I did do a bit of shopping also.  I purchased "Winter Floral Sampler" by Knotted Tree.  I need to give this one a start right away.

The colors on this pattern are great.  I cannot wait to work more on this. 

Also, last Saturday/Sunday I got a lot done on Summer - Loose Feathers by Blackbird Design.  Just in time since I picked up the next section Autumn.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving.

Weekend Retreat

This past weekend I spent a wonderful weekend away in Shipshewana Indiana at a retreat by "Inspired Needle".  It is a wonderful weekend of lots of stitching and shopping. The weather was great and the decorations around the hotel were amazing.  Here are some gourds that were outside of the entrance.

If you want to see more pictures from the retreat take a look at Laura's blog: 

http://maudeandmozart.blogspot.com/

She did a great job of walking around and capturing what everyone was working on.  I was late getting to the retreat on Friday and missed out on the ornament exchange.  No problem.  I loved what I made and now this is mine......

We got time on Saturday to do a bit of shopping around town.  I happened to be in a home store and ran across an item that I thought would make a great holder for my stitching patterns and look nice sitting on my end table.  I think it is a recipe or photo holder.

Here is what it looks like holding my pattern.

On Friday night I worked on Prairie Moon Pattern that I have been progressing on.  Well, now I am busy removing all of the stitches I put in last week while watching Grey's Anatomy.  UGH.....

I did start a new project over the weekend.  I am glad I purchased a new light that was stronger than the one I took.  This is Fall's Gifts by Carriage House Samplings.  I bought it several years ago while on vacation visitning local cross stitch stores.  Look up this pattern, it is amazing.

I bought a really pretty magnet from Puffin & Company.  I had to use it now for October.  Isn't this cute.

We got to work on a really neat pin cushion from "Just Another Button Company".  The best part was we got the ice cream to eat first. Yummy

Since I got home the only project that I have had a chance to work on is Mardi Gras by Laura Perin.  I just love working on this one.

Finally, here is the progress update for the "ABC Girl Club".  First up is Ellen:

She has gotten her first letter block done.  Congrats Ellen....  You are doing Great....

Well, as for Terry or myself we have more work to do to finish up a letter.  My pumpkin has not changed since last week and I know Terry is still trying to work on hers.  Hopefully we will have better progress updates next month and get a chance to head off Ellen.

Happy Stitching New Blog Buddies.....

We Remember

Here is our downtown just now preparing for a memorial of Sept 11th.  This is a day that will live with all of us forever.

The flag is being held up by our ladder firetrucks across the square downtown as the prepare to have the memorial. 

This weekend I got together with my friends to start the Prairie Schooler "ABC Girl Club".  We are all working on different letters from the Prairie Schooler Letter Charts.  We have decided that since we cannot get together to stitch that we will report in on the 10th of each month with our progress.  Hopefully this will help us all drive towards achieving this project as timely as possible.

First up is Ellen, she got a head start on us.  She is working on Letter A and is doing her letters vertically.

25 count Lugana - Bone

Working Vertically

Next up is Terry, she is starting at the bottom with Letter Z.  Here is her progress from last night.

28 Count Lugana - Potato

Working Horizontally

And lastly here is my progress.  I basted my material so I can jump around.  Since Halloween is my favorite I selected J for Jack-O-Lantern. 

25 Count Lugana - Potato
Working Horizontally

Today the weather is perfect for relaxing and stitching the day away.  Hopefully my eyes will hold out.  I have so many projects underway that I just don't know where to start.

Enjoy your day as you think about Sept 11th.....  God Bless America.......

Finish to 2010

It is so hard to believe that Christmas has come to an end and we will be starting a new year.  I wanted to make sure that I did one final posting for 2010 of a finish so I worked at completing Christmas Eve by Prairie Schooler.  I am very excited with the finish and debating on whether to put this into a box top or just to frame it.

Also, I have not been good on providing any updates on A to Z Snowmen project.  We did have our last class at the beginning of the month but due to the holidays and other issues the project got set aside.  Before putting it down I did complete Q.

I am planning on working hard to get it completed before February so that I can take a hand quilting class and learn how to finish this project by hand.  I think this will be a good finish for this project.

There have been several postings on many different blogs about the 2011 January Challenge.  I did think about it and did put together two stitching bags.  One contains 15 new kitted projects and the other contains 15 UFOs that are anywhere from 5% complete up to 85% complete.  I know that tomorrow I will pull out a new project and start it since that is suppose to be the tradition.  After that I am trying to figure out if I switch between the two bags and see if that will work in helping me to complete more projects for 2011.  Someone stated on their blog that they completed 58 projects in 2010.  WOW, how is that possible.  Looking at what I did for 2010 I look like a beginner.  Completing three projects and working on the A to Z quilt sounds awful.  So, my goal for 2011 is to hit at least 15 projects as the challenge states.  This is a huge step for me and will require resourceful use of my free time in doing this.  Free time, well that is the other problem.  I think I dream more of stitching than I actually do since during my sleep is about all of the free time I have.

We hope your holiday was wonderful and I will leave you with a picture of two doggies that Santa spoiled this year.  They had so much fun on Christmas Eve that they fell asleep under the tree even though gifts were still being exchanged and Christmas music was filling the air.

Happy New Year and I am very excited to see what new designs and projects come our way in 2011.

Finished Picture

Happy Dance.... Here it is. I am so excited to have this done. I really loved the way it turned out. I did the skeletons in glow in the dark threads. The thread is awful to work with but it is really neat to see the skeletons glowing at night.


I found my Prairie Schooler project "Christmas Eve" that I had on my WIP listing. So, here is my next UFO to complete. I figured it was better to get a Christmas picture done at this time since it will probably take me into November to finish this. Yes, that is right, why? I have the Redwork A - Z Snowman project to complete also and it is going to get my full attention this weekend. I hope to get letters I and J done this weekend and give you a progress update on Monday. So, hold me to it. Your comments and support will help me reach this. So leave me a COMMENT.... I know you are reading my blog since I can see the number increasing on visitors....

Well, the dogs are fighting over their food bowls tonight and I have to go and put an end to it. Silly dogs, they both have the exact food in the bowls. Why can't they get along and just eat their food like good little Shelties..... Wow, the fight just hit a high, had to run and put an end to it. Off to bed early someone goes and it won't be me. I want to watch TV and stitch for fun.

Hurry weekend, I need more stitching time.....

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......

Happy 2009

I have never been big on new year resolutions but I think this year I will have to come up with one for my stitching stash. There are so many UFOs in my stash that I need to make better progress in completing. Not only in getting the stitching done but also to get the finishing done either by me or someone more qualified.

This weekend I did have success in completing my stitching of the 2007 limited edition from Prairie Schooler called "Let It Snow". I now have 2005 - 2007 completed and need to start/finish 2008 in the next several months. I still hope to have all four of these pictures framed together in some sort of design.

Our holiday was wonderful and it was great to spend time with family and friends. The biggest highlight of our holiday was the new addition to our family. We have a new puppy, Brinkley who was born on November 1st. It is amazing how much we forgot about puppy care in the last 15 months since Josie came to us. She is being an amazing big sister to her new brother. So far they love to run and play and don't like to be apart. I think she will be a great help in the potty training area.

If I am not blogging as regular as I should be know that Brinkley must be keeping his mommy and daddy very busy. He loves to play and is amazed at all of the toys that are in the toy box that his big sister has accumulated in the last year. Here he is playing inside of the toy box in seventh heaven.

Happy Stitching and I hope your resolutions are reachable.

Merry Christmas

I heard of a neat idea from a fellow stitcher about working on a Christmas projects every month starting on the 25th for a week. That way you will be able to get more Christmas projects done on time. So, after hearing this wonderful idea I went to my stash and found the wonderful limited edition Santa's from Prairie Schooler that I had set aside.

So for the first project I worked on the 2005 - Here Comes Santa -- Hurray, he is finished.

Well, yes, he is stitched but I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with him so I set it aside and waited for the next month's Christmas week and started 2006 - Dear Santa.

I started the 2006 during May while I was gone on vacation but did not get a chance to pick him back up until now. I worked all weekend on him and I am excited to say that he will be done by Thursday. Course, I stitched my poor fingers sore yesterday on him. Need to find a better needle.

In August I plan on starting 2007 "Let it Snow" and work my way into completing the newly released 2008 "By the Chimney" Santa. I know, perfect timing in getting the new one added to my stash.

I am excited that each of these patterns are finishing up to be the same size and material. I am thinking of finding a way to frame the four designs together into one frame. I have seen where East Side Moldings has taken each design and framed them the same and then incorporated all four frames inside of a bigger frame. Here is what they did with a newly released SamSarah design "Six Stockings in a Row". Hey, this is also in my Christmas stash.

So, think about it. What a great way to get ahead of your Christmas projects.... Not only stitched but finished in time to get the attention of your local framer or finisher.

PS... My fellow blogging friend, Stitches of Life ... I attended our local county fair and saw some of your wonderful work. Great job as always... You have to be proud of your son too.... He did a fabulous job.

Patriotic Themes

The summer time is my favorite time because I can put out all of the patriotic projects that I have completed. Well, okay, I need to complete some more and I have to say that anything with red, white, and blue in it will be added to my stash.

Here is a picture of Liberty Sam from Lizzie Kate. I was lucky enough to have my LNS send him off to be finished for me. Well, I started the process and then figured it would get done faster, no, it would get done better if I had someone else that was experienced complete it for me. I was right. She did a great job.

Also, the USA is a Prairie Schooler design that I got free a long time ago at my local LNS shop. I love to get their free patterns and of course I do love buying their patterns.

Wow, I cannot believe that I am actually posting again in under a week. Now I now I am a blog addict.