Here is my sister on Christmas morning with Peaceful Ways.
Friday, December 30, 2005
End of Year review
We after Cathy and Jo did an end of year list I figured I maybe should have a look see at what I accomplished this year. A note for those of you who will be surprised at this list...I have never stitched as much or as consistantly as I did this year.
G=gift
E=exchange
In rough order:
Rose Heart sampler-Just Nan
Sending love tiny kit-unknown (G)
Valentine bird-CS calander
Liberty sampler -XS quick mag
Owl -prarie schooler (E)
Bless the Baby- Lizzie Kate(G)
Village Sampler- Prarie Schooler (G)
Pittsburgh- Oberlin (started in late 90's)
Seaside garden- Victoria Sampler
Waxing moon birds freebie (lost at Joann's Fabrics *sigh*)
Little house in the woods -Heart in Hand
Baby Sampler- JBW (G)
2 Name tags
Pumpkin Pagent freebie (E)
Think Autumn -Lizzie Kate(E)
Cozy Cabin freebie (E)
Making Friends-tie one on
Hohoho-Tie one on
12 Days of Christmas afghan- Alma Lynne (Started in 97)
Starlight Starbright - Waxing moon (G)
Peaceful Ways - La di da (G)
Garden exchange (its a secret)- (E)
Flip its- Lizzie Kate (9 in total , 3 were done in 2004)
Ornaments:
Babys first ornament (G)
2003 JCS-Joy needle roll
2004 JCS- Candy Cane Cat, Happy Holidays Snowman, Noel Birdhouse, Peace tree, Peace needle roll, Joy
2005 JCS- Love needle roll
Over all I feel like for all my stitching I should of finished more. But I guess 41 is good, but what I am most proud of is that only 5 of those are sitting in a drawer...the other 36 were actually framed (by moi) or finished as an ornament or pillow.
Here is Dec goals:
Finish a cross stitched quilt square for a fellow Tarheel stitcher No
Finish the afgan (days 10-12) Yes
Finish Dec Flip it Yes
Finish Peace tree ornament Yes
Start Little Snowman in the Drifts Yes
Do NO more than 3 new ornaments (I am feeling the itch) Yes
Find and do my garden exchange piece for the SBEBB (due Jan 9th I think) stitching done-finishing this weekend
As for January I am only working on one goal
No new projects
I resolve to finish my WIP's this month (I have 9).
G=gift
E=exchange
In rough order:
Rose Heart sampler-Just Nan
Sending love tiny kit-unknown (G)
Valentine bird-CS calander
Liberty sampler -XS quick mag
Owl -prarie schooler (E)
Bless the Baby- Lizzie Kate(G)
Village Sampler- Prarie Schooler (G)
Pittsburgh- Oberlin (started in late 90's)
Seaside garden- Victoria Sampler
Waxing moon birds freebie (lost at Joann's Fabrics *sigh*)
Little house in the woods -Heart in Hand
Baby Sampler- JBW (G)
2 Name tags
Pumpkin Pagent freebie (E)
Think Autumn -Lizzie Kate(E)
Cozy Cabin freebie (E)
Making Friends-tie one on
Hohoho-Tie one on
12 Days of Christmas afghan- Alma Lynne (Started in 97)
Starlight Starbright - Waxing moon (G)
Peaceful Ways - La di da (G)
Garden exchange (its a secret)- (E)
Flip its- Lizzie Kate (9 in total , 3 were done in 2004)
Ornaments:
Babys first ornament (G)
2003 JCS-Joy needle roll
2004 JCS- Candy Cane Cat, Happy Holidays Snowman, Noel Birdhouse, Peace tree, Peace needle roll, Joy
2005 JCS- Love needle roll
Over all I feel like for all my stitching I should of finished more. But I guess 41 is good, but what I am most proud of is that only 5 of those are sitting in a drawer...the other 36 were actually framed (by moi) or finished as an ornament or pillow.
Here is Dec goals:
Finish a cross stitched quilt square for a fellow Tarheel stitcher No
Finish the afgan (days 10-12) Yes
Finish Dec Flip it Yes
Finish Peace tree ornament Yes
Start Little Snowman in the Drifts Yes
Do NO more than 3 new ornaments (I am feeling the itch) Yes
Find and do my garden exchange piece for the SBEBB (due Jan 9th I think) stitching done-finishing this weekend
As for January I am only working on one goal
No new projects
I resolve to finish my WIP's this month (I have 9).
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Best Christmas Ever
Well pretty darn close...look what I got! Ian brought this little guy home on Christmas eve, and of course we decided his name was to be Sam. (a tribute, of course, to the famous "Sam and Max Freelance Police" ). He is a grey striped kitty about 6 weeks old. With his little sharp teeth and claws he has earned the nickname of "sharp-n-fuzzy". He is a terror when he attacks your face in the middle of the night.
After about 6 hours of intense negotiations with the dog, Sam is now the bane of Max's life. He now attacks the dog's muzzle/ears/tail when he wants to play, and our main concern is the Max will lose it and hurt him. So we try not to let them play with out human supervision. I don't think it will be a problem in a few weeks when Sam is older and less fragile. He has learned where the litter box is and so far only one or 2 accidents have occured.
He loves to sleep on my holiday poodle fur pillows and if you can't find him on one of those watch your feet...he is under something waiting for you to walk by.
I apologize for not blogging this past week, my family arrived friday and left yesterday. We finished up some shopping on christmas eve and watched the blowout of a Steeler game, had a great christmas day, on Monday we went to Old Salem in Winston, and visited the new LNS there (helped Linda pay another bill). Tuesday we did a bit more shopping and returns/exchanges, and took Max to the Barkpark for a treat for being such a good brother.
I came down with a small cold on Christmas (i think i picked it up at the sports bar) I feel fine now, but unfortunately Ian caught it and is now ill (he stayed home from work today...that is ill!) His immune system is weaker than mine and so the effect of the same bug is intensified in him...I need to go get some drugs for him on my way home.
More christmas stuff and crossstitch updates tomorrow...promise
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Peace tree
Finally finished the Peace tree. I had a devil of a time with the curve at the top... I tried the sandwich style of finishing for the first time and I used (horrors) glue to put the whole thing together...I had glue everywhere.
Anyway I am pretty much done with my stitching for now, I seem to have hit a lull. I have 6 WIP's (I have started alot of little things recently) but just don't seem to have the heart right now to work on them.
I only have 2 large WIPs ...and I looked at them both yesterday and did not feel inspired.
The tree is decorated, my christmas shopping is done, and the house is mostly decent. I am feeling a bit lost and in limbo right now, I want to take a break/ vacation but I also want to get my thesis done ASAP. I am to meet with my advisor this afternoon to discuss what looks like (to me) very messy results..I hope she can pull a few conclusions out of the chaos. Maybe then I'll be able to move forward.
Anyway I am pretty much done with my stitching for now, I seem to have hit a lull. I have 6 WIP's (I have started alot of little things recently) but just don't seem to have the heart right now to work on them.
I only have 2 large WIPs ...and I looked at them both yesterday and did not feel inspired.
The tree is decorated, my christmas shopping is done, and the house is mostly decent. I am feeling a bit lost and in limbo right now, I want to take a break/ vacation but I also want to get my thesis done ASAP. I am to meet with my advisor this afternoon to discuss what looks like (to me) very messy results..I hope she can pull a few conclusions out of the chaos. Maybe then I'll be able to move forward.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Starlight starbright
I Painted the frame with layers of white and yellow, and then sanded it. It came out pretty nice (I think) looking alot like the overdyed WDW Saffron I used in the stars.
Becca asked me in a previous comment how I liked my stitchers stand that I got last year for christmas. Well I have mixed feelings. I like it for larger pieces but they can only be a certian width (ie my Santa of the forest is too wide for it) It was difficult for me to not see the back when attempting to couch threads since there is no way to flip over the piece. And I could never get it into a comfortable position with it...I was always adjusting it and tilting it. I know there is a better stitching stand out there (I have heard great things about the StitchMate ...but I would want to know I would love it before buying it). I am glad that Ian did not spend lot on the stand...but I will be using it again when I get back to View to a Spring Garden.
Finally if you havent seen Screaming at Santa yet....check it out for a good laugh
Becca asked me in a previous comment how I liked my stitchers stand that I got last year for christmas. Well I have mixed feelings. I like it for larger pieces but they can only be a certian width (ie my Santa of the forest is too wide for it) It was difficult for me to not see the back when attempting to couch threads since there is no way to flip over the piece. And I could never get it into a comfortable position with it...I was always adjusting it and tilting it. I know there is a better stitching stand out there (I have heard great things about the StitchMate ...but I would want to know I would love it before buying it). I am glad that Ian did not spend lot on the stand...but I will be using it again when I get back to View to a Spring Garden.
Finally if you havent seen Screaming at Santa yet....check it out for a good laugh
Thursday, December 15, 2005
SBQ: Take a minute to reflect on your blog reading habits and preferences. What do you prefer to read in stitching blogs? (Progress, tips, family life, experiences, etc.) How much do you think you are influenced by other stitching bloggers?
Wow this is a great question. So I have been blogging for about a year and a half. I prefer to read blogs that are either a) mostly about cross stitching or b) so funny i fall off my chair everytime i read it. I have yet to find one that is both. I cannot stand political blogs, whiny blogs (usually about a medical or marital issue) or self serving blogs. I only keep up with one celebrity blog Wil Wheaton's, because he fits into the b catagory with usually fabulous writing thrown in to boot. I regularly read 18 blogs 15 are stitching. I don't mind a little personal stuff on a stitching blog (because I like to throw some in there too.) You can see my list under blogs I read. (oh I have to update that)
I think that I stitch more (and definitely finish more) because of these bloggers. I also think that my involvement in a community group (Tarheel stitchers) and becoming more familiar with exchange boards and yahoo groups online has also encouraged me in every aspect of my stitching (and maybe soon quilting).
On to my personal/stitching stuff.
First I was customer #3 in a new LNS in Winston Salem NC yesterday. I was soo excited her store is nice and big and only 30 min away from me. It is called the Stitch Nitch and I encourage anyone who is looking for any OOP to call her. Here is the story... there was a LNS in the same shopping center that closed down 5 years ago, and all the patterns (about 20,000 of them) have been sitting in storage for 5 years. She has supplimented that stash with all of Mill hills stuff the full line of DMC and all of the fibers you can think of NN, GAST, WDW, RG ,SSS, everything. I spent an hour or two there and got a hold of a few patterns , Prairie Schooler's Old World Sampler(OOP) and Garden Beasties, and Bent Creek's Cold Snowman (OOP) and some 32 ct Belfast Linen. I plan on heading back there next week with a more planned list of what I need/want.
Wow this is a great question. So I have been blogging for about a year and a half. I prefer to read blogs that are either a) mostly about cross stitching or b) so funny i fall off my chair everytime i read it. I have yet to find one that is both. I cannot stand political blogs, whiny blogs (usually about a medical or marital issue) or self serving blogs. I only keep up with one celebrity blog Wil Wheaton's, because he fits into the b catagory with usually fabulous writing thrown in to boot. I regularly read 18 blogs 15 are stitching. I don't mind a little personal stuff on a stitching blog (because I like to throw some in there too.) You can see my list under blogs I read. (oh I have to update that)
I think that I stitch more (and definitely finish more) because of these bloggers. I also think that my involvement in a community group (Tarheel stitchers) and becoming more familiar with exchange boards and yahoo groups online has also encouraged me in every aspect of my stitching (and maybe soon quilting).
On to my personal/stitching stuff.
First I was customer #3 in a new LNS in Winston Salem NC yesterday. I was soo excited her store is nice and big and only 30 min away from me. It is called the Stitch Nitch and I encourage anyone who is looking for any OOP to call her. Here is the story... there was a LNS in the same shopping center that closed down 5 years ago, and all the patterns (about 20,000 of them) have been sitting in storage for 5 years. She has supplimented that stash with all of Mill hills stuff the full line of DMC and all of the fibers you can think of NN, GAST, WDW, RG ,SSS, everything. I spent an hour or two there and got a hold of a few patterns , Prairie Schooler's Old World Sampler(OOP) and Garden Beasties, and Bent Creek's Cold Snowman (OOP) and some 32 ct Belfast Linen. I plan on heading back there next week with a more planned list of what I need/want.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Dec flip it
Ta da All twelve months are now done.
I think we are going to get a christmas tree today. We were supposed to go yesterday but it started to rain. And it is a pain to try and take your time and select the right tree when it is raining. I love going and cutting a fresh tree. We go to Spillmans every year (that we get a tree). I thought about getting another potted tree, since last years is doing so great in the yard. But since we have visitors this year I thought a big tree would be nice..and I don't have to worry about how long it is in the house.
I am currently working on the Peace ornament (I will finish it!) and need to find a garden pattern for my exchange. I thought I had one but the other day I went to my recipients website and saw that she already had that one done up. so back to the drawing board (I know the deadline is looming!)
I think we are going to get a christmas tree today. We were supposed to go yesterday but it started to rain. And it is a pain to try and take your time and select the right tree when it is raining. I love going and cutting a fresh tree. We go to Spillmans every year (that we get a tree). I thought about getting another potted tree, since last years is doing so great in the yard. But since we have visitors this year I thought a big tree would be nice..and I don't have to worry about how long it is in the house.
I am currently working on the Peace ornament (I will finish it!) and need to find a garden pattern for my exchange. I thought I had one but the other day I went to my recipients website and saw that she already had that one done up. so back to the drawing board (I know the deadline is looming!)
Monday, December 12, 2005
Happy Dance
Well luckily the dog eating incident did not really obstruct any of the pattern (see previous post) and I was able to finish last night around 1 am. (including redoing part of 4 calling birds)
Here is the whole thing. I haven't fringed it all the way yet (Ian is anti fringe). It looks kinda sad from far away. and doesn't have coverage like this. I didn't know any better when I started, they are just patterns for ornaments really. But for a 8 year old WIP I can say it is DONE!
Here is a close up of the final 2 which stitched up fast since I had the borders done.
Here is the whole thing. I haven't fringed it all the way yet (Ian is anti fringe). It looks kinda sad from far away. and doesn't have coverage like this. I didn't know any better when I started, they are just patterns for ornaments really. But for a 8 year old WIP I can say it is DONE!
Here is a close up of the final 2 which stitched up fast since I had the borders done.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
17 shopping days left...Seriously
SBQ: Have you done any charity stitching, been in one, or would like to organize one?
No...the only type I am aware of are xs quilts (Coles quilts)(9-11 quilts). I have never heard of any other type of charity stitching. I sorta feel that stitching a piece for a quilt for a child I haven't met is impersonal, I would rather stitch for someone i know.
In my own stitching world...I am back on the afghan and began stitching 10 lords a leaping (AGAIN!). I finished stitching the December Flip it, but didn't like any of the fabrics I own to finish it, so I have to go buy some today.
I have to get my christmas cards done...I dread doing cards, and now that printshop is not working on our computer (that had all the addresses to print labels) I really HATE doing christmas cards.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
COOOOOKIES
Cookie Day was a success. I made most of the doughs on Sunday so. Yesterday was mostly shaping decorating and baking. We made:
- Hersheys Triple Chocolate cookies
- Drop Sugar cookies
- Angel Wings
- Peanut Butter Christmas Mice
- Christmas Cutouts
- Holiday Cheesecake Presents
- Chocolate Peanut butter bars
- Lemon Squares
- Infamous Neiman-Marcus cookies
- and finally Doggie christmas biscuts for Max and friends (those stank up the kitchen)
Friday, December 02, 2005
Almost there
So here is my La d Da Peaceful ways (for dear sista), I still have another border to do, but I am very happy with the way it came out. The picture on the leaflet (quite frankly) stinks, it is blurry and way non true to color. It looks like the words are all one color (but not so on the pattern ) and that the outer petals of the flowers are darker than the branches (they are both supposed to be GAST cinnamon along with "words" and "ways".) Liz (that is sista) said she wanted the flowers to be a bit more red so I used WDW Brick instead of GAST Cinnamon. Now the flowers look more like the picture. Unfortunately it is a bit of a rectangle instead of a square so finding the right frame will be a challenge. But if it isn't framed by christmas...thats ok cause I will have Starlight starbright framed for her. I just need to paint the frame(which I have) a antiquey yellow.
Other Goals for Dec are:
- Finish a cross stitched quilt square for a fellow Tarheel stitcher
- Finish the afgan (days 10-12)
- Finish Dec Flip it
- Finish Peace tree ornament
- Start Little Snowman in the Drifts
- Do NO more than 3 new ornaments (I am feeling the itch)
- Find and do my garden exchange piece for the SBEBB (due Jan 9th I think)
I went to find the ornament round robin ez board yesterday only to find it gone! I emailed Dani cause I remembered she was active on the board but she hasn't replied yet. Does anyone know where it went?? I hope it is just on sabbatical (sp?) or something.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Rhythm & Blues Block 1
My first block of the month (actually 4) for my very first quilt attempt. It came out pretty well. They do already have the fabric pre cut, that saves a boatload of time. I am having trouble getting a perfect 1/4 seam.
Here is the deal, I inherited this sewing machine, and it is really a seamstresses sewing machine with 5/8 markings on the base. So I determined that the 1/4 area is right inside the far side of the presser foot, and the fabric is pulled thru with one feed dog but not the other so the fabric is constantly pulling to the right, and I am constantly trying to correct this by pulling the other way. In conclusion my 1/4 seam allowance is closer to 3/8 to 5/8 in a wave like fashion and the blocks are a little short in width. I asked for the other blocks for christmas, so I'll have to wait to do more then.
Thanks for all the comments about my ornaments yesterday, it makes me feel great you all still visit me. even after my whining. Anna even noticed I said santa instead of snowman...I didn't even realize my error till I read your comment! I don't think I have ever done that before, I guess it is cause they both start with the letter S.
As for Christmas I finally got Ian to narrow down the list of cookies we are baking this year to 10 kinds. I will be premaking dough on Sun, then we bake Mon (his day off). This will be the first time we have attempted a full fledged christmas cookie baking in our 7 years together, I usually I make 1 or 2 types, and mom sends me the rest. Last year I attempted ginger bread that came out so hard I ended up using them as doggie treats. I grew up with lots of cookies at christmas, there was always a plate full on the coffee table and my sister and I's job was to refill it when ever just a few crumbs were left. Since we have family coming this year I thought it would be good to start the tradition in my house.
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