Weekend Projects

This weekend has gone by fast but I have to say that I did enjoy myself by spending many hours doing nothing more than stitching. I have been working on "Blessings and Kind Wishes" by Blackbird Designs. Here is a picture of what I have gotten done this weekend.

I am doing this on 28 count Sand Dune. I love how the colors are popping on this fabric.


My other big "HUGE" accomplishment for the weekend is a hanging pillow that I have finished all by myself. I have to say that this took a lot longer to complete than I expected but the joy I have in knowing that I did this myself is amazing. This is a Workbasket pattern that I picked up in Utah a few weeks ago at the Shepherd's Bush Retreat. I stitched this with a piece of fabric I purchased at the retreat and I don't know what the count or fabric name is. I used Gentle Arts color Raspberry Parfait and attached a flower charm also purchased at the retreat. I made and added cording to this small pillow which was a first for me. I did some research on the Internet on how to make cording and I have to tell you that examples I found were all I needed in getting this accomplished.

I have a couple more projects completed but I want to finish them before I post a picture of what they are. Hopefully I will continue to have luck in my finishing endeavors. Stay tuned.

Josie wanted to be in the picture with Mommy's finished project. She has been such a good doggy lately that I could not turn down the chance to add her into the picture.

Lost in Time

Wow, I am so sorry that I have become a lazy blogger. I have to admit that I have been a busy lady with the day to day activities we all have in our lives. I even got to the point that my stitching has been put aside.

So, to catch up on what is new first requires me to address an award I got back in August.

Thank you... Stitches of Life....

So, to repay the favor here are the rules and my picks for awards....

The rules of the award are:

1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.

2. Link the person you received your award from.

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4. Put links of those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve nominated.

My favorite blogs are the following:

Susimac at http://susimac.blogspot.com/

MaryKathryn at http://marykathryn.wordpress.com/

Tina and Terry at http://shepherdsbushblog.blogspot.com/

Laura Perin at http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/

Vonna at http://thetwistedstitcher.blogspot.com/

Next, guess what....????? I just got back from Utah after attending Shepherd's Bush Stitching Retreat. What a wonderful time and place. Here are some pictures from the retreat.. Make sure you go their blog to see other pictures....

Here we are after our banquet having fun saying goodbye to all of the new friends me made.

I will try to keep posting in the next month or two my progress on all of the kits I got. I had the privilege to take classes from the following:

R&R Productions

Merry Cox

Jacqueline Holdsworth from Ackworth Samplers

The other track that was available had:

Shepherd's Bush

Charland Designs

Blackbird Designs

The best item of all was that we each received a charm bracelet at the beginning of the retreat and then at each class you went to you got a charm that was designed by the designer and made by Charland Designs. I will have to take a picture of the bracelet and post it for you to see.

Well, I need to run but I wanted to let you all know that I am still out there and need to become a better blogger. Stay tuned as the projects are starting to take shape again.

Olympics

Well, my buddy blogger "Spinster Stitcher" came up with the idea to stitch patriotic projects while watching the Olympics. Well, I did that and here is the project I worked on (still needs to be ironed and buttons sewn on). This is "Scatter Freedom" by Shepherd's Bush. I think I might have to do a couple more patterns quickly before the games end. Thanks for the idea fellow blogger and anxious to see you this Saturday in LaPorte.

By the way - 2006 Prairie Schooler Limited Santa is done. I am excited for August 25th to get here and start on 2007 Limited Santa next. At this rate I will have several Christmas patterns done to enjoy this holiday season.

Going Pink

In honor of a special survivor in my life I presented the following pillow to my buddy Denise. She has a strength that is so amazing and such a great outlook on life. As I stitched this pillow for her I thought of her struggles and pain and wished them all away with each stitch I took.

The pattern is by Lizzie Kate called "Peace, Love, and a Cure". I bought this pattern from my LNS and waited to see what Shepherd Bush had come up with in stitching and finishing of this pattern. I knew it would be so spectacular and it is. They stitched the pattern on a larger count fabric that has a bit of glitter to it. They also had the finishing fabric available for making this into a pillow which really sets the design off. The picture just doesn't do this justice.

Here is the back.

Here is to bringing sunshine and hope to everyone out there that has a story about someone special in their life and the struggles life has presented to them. Keep the strength going and hope that someday we will be even more prepared to win the battles we are presented with. Denise, you are my hero and a true survivor. Have a Happy Birthday and many, many more years of happiness, love, and good health. XOXOXOX

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.

La D Da Weekend

I just realized tonight that I forgot to show off the wonderful door prize that I won at the La-D-Da function on July 12th. It is a decorated tin can filled with DMC colors used in most of Lori's projects. What a treat it was to win this. Since I had a new pattern to try and fabric in my stash I headed over to my prize can and found all the colors I needed. Thanks Ladies... You made my day and weekend.

So, the pattern that I started with the colors is "Mocking Bird". I am not sure what the fabric is that I had in my stash but after looking at the colors next to it I figured it was a go. I am not the best at selecting fabric. Guess I need to learn and now is the time to try.

I also got some work done on the class project. I really cannot wait to finish this one and try my hand at finishing this myself.

Recently while reviewing several other blogger's sites I ran across a finished project of Haberdashery Designs that I have to try. It is called Voodoo Boy. I have picked up a 28 count black joblean (spelling - not sure about) and from my stash of threads I found some the brightest DMC colors. I have several of these to make. Voodoo Boy seems to be a needed stress release for some workers I know. The names are being left off to protect the innocent.

Hey Coni, if you think you have issues with Stewey not picking up his toys take a look at what my Josie is up to tonight. Not only did she pull out most of her toys she then decided she was too bored to play any more. I think the two of them need to meet and have a lesson on how to pick up their toys. Cannot leave all that fun to their Mommies.... Can we.....

Well, Josie says it is time to get ready for David Letterman. Which means it is time to sneak into bed with Mommie and steal her pillow. Good night and sleep tight.....

Wedding Sampler Update!!!

Well, as you can see I still have lots to go on the sampler. I was asked over the weekend to give a progress update and I have to say I am so sorry for being so slow at updating my progress. I was excited to find 1/16th ribbon floss from LNS. The color is oatmeal and looks great against the material and ecru DMC floss. So, progress continues and hopefully by the weeks end I should have more done.

This was a wonderful weekend. On Saturday I attended a luncheon put on by a group of ladies from our local area and our guild NANI who brought in Lori Markovic - La D Da. Lori designed a special project for us and as soon as I get mine completed I will post a picture. Lori is such a great teacher and this was my second opportunity to have a class with her. She brought along many items for sale and of course I added to my La D Da stash.

Another neat thing happened at the event. I got the great chance to meet another fellow blogger who has a blog that keeps me going on a daily basis and in stitches. Please add Spinster Stitcher to your list of blogs to review. I know you will truly enjoy this amazing lady her side kick Stewy. I also got the chance to meet her sister. They are truly a great pair of ladies.

Today I took a quick moment to take a few pictures of our lilies before they are gone. They are so pretty and I just could not stop taking pictures.

Well, before the day is over I am going to head outside and enjoy the last bit of cool weather. What a gorgeous day we had. I am so tired from all of the work we did outside today but feel great knowing that I did get some things accomplished.