Disney, Christmas, Cross stitch, Baby update...Long Post

Ian and I at the Osbourne spectacle of Dancing lights
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Hi everyone, I would like to wish you all a belated Merry Christmas/Kwanzaa/Hanukah/Winter Solstice. But I am right on time for Happy New Year! Ian and I got back from Disney last wed, and he had to return to work the next day ...so that left me with laundry and refilling the fridge, and doing some (minor) prep for christmas, like cooking and baking a bit for the two of us.
But now the updates

Disney: I shall not bore you with the long winded version of 10 days worth of park hopping and hanging out, so let me summarize. The weather was great, it only rained one day and while it was overcast most of the time, the temp was about 75-80 during the day. We had 7 full days to visit all 4 parks and went to all of the at least twice and saw almost everything. Ian, having never been, absolutely loved it (except not being able to ride the coasters with me, and the fact that Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is gone). I had been to all (but Animal Kingdom) before but it was a great as I remember, if not better because we had the time to browse Disney instead of rushing through it, and being on their dining plan (a bargain for $30 a day per person...we would of spent twice to three times as much if we had paid the list prices) I got to eat at all the places that I had ever wanted to...and some I learned I won't go back to. We never had to worry about transport, the busses, boats, and monorail took us everywhere. We saw all the christmas extras, the fireworks at Epcot, the fireworks at Magic Kingdom (twice), and the candlelight processional at Epcot where we heard beautiful carols, and the readings were done by Neil Patrick Harris.
If you want further insights or review, you can email me at the address in my profile

Christmas: As I had mentioned before I did not decorate this year, so Ian and I just opened our gifts from our families in front of the fire, even though it has beenin the 60s outside. Ian and I did not exchange gifts this year, Disney was it. But I did get a couple of things off my cross stitch wishlist from my mom, Pine Mountain Designs, Stitching and Easter Pillows and Homespun Elegance Winter motif and Fall motif samplers (I have links to pictures of these here on my wishlist). Speaking of cross stitch

Cross stitch: I have done nothing. Sigh. This stiching slump started right after I found out I was pregnant and finished Santa of the forest. It is frustrating because now is the time to stitch...before my life gets kicked in the head by a baby. I want to stitch but it has been boring me after a row or two (even on small projects). Everyone blames weird stuff during pregnancy on hormones. and even though I have not seen my share of any of that yet (no cravings or big mood swings) maybe I can blame my loss of cross stitch desire on the hormones. Sigh. Maybe a new project?

Baby: I went in for a doctor visit yesterday and Ian and I were hoping for an Ultrasound because we were visiting 6 weeks instead of 4 after our last visit. But the doctor said they don't do it till 18-20 weeks. So then I whined a bit about it being 18 weeks for me in 2 days, she obliged by bringing in the portable ultrasound, an older model with a tiny screen and scratchy picture, But we saw a head, a nose, a mouth, 2 eyes, an arm, a spine, 2 legs, and 2 knees. I have to wait 3 weeks for more than that. But I can do that now, because I am finally feeling him/her. Like someone is flicking me with a finger from the inside, I have been feeling kicks since friday, and everyday I feel more of them (in strength and number). I am still not showing very much, my jeans still fit, and I haven't gained but a couple of pounds. But Ian and I have now begun heavy discussion about cleaning out the room that is to be the baby's room..and where all that crap is going to go now. You know...I think I might actually be having a baby.

We meet Stitch!

We meet Stitch!
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Just a quick post cause it costs us $10 for 24 hours of internet time. So no more posts till we return, You can see some highlighted photos of our journey so far if you click on the photo it should take you to a couple of other photos.

Ian wanted to meet Tigger and Stitch, we were very lucky and got to both yesterday (quite by accident) at the Magic Kngdom. Ian was upset that Mr Toads Wild Ride is no more. We have been to Epcot 2ce and are going back today to finish up the World part. MGM was done on Tues. Yet to go to Animal Kingdom...maybe Sunday.

Off to the Land Of Walt Disney

Peace By Heart in Hand
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I finally got all the christmas gifts off in the mail to the Parents and Inlaws. Doing the last load of laundry and beginning to pack. Tomorrow I am dropping Max off at the kennel (we call it puppy camp) cutely named The Bed and Biscuit. Then off to a Tarheel stitcher meeting to do a christmas exchange. Then packing and off on Sunday morning.
The cross stitch is a ornament I made for the exchange ..Peace by Heart in Hand. I adjusted some of the colors to fit what I had on hand, but I think it came out ok.

I am bringing my laptop and will try to post while I am in FL. But if I don't get to, then I shall see you all in the 20th.

Sucked in by a book

So instead of stitching, cleaning, packing, shipping, preparing etc. Yesterday I was sucked in by a book. The Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory. I came home fully prepared to cook, clean, and do all the things that I need to do in the next 5 days, and instead I read straight from 5pm till 1am. This is not abnormal for me, just abnormal for me lately. I used to read straight through large volumes when I was in jr high and high school, it was a struggle for me to put down stephen king so I could do homework. I kept track of all the books I read and usually averaged about 30-35 a year. I get sucked into books in a way which is not possible with TV or movies, and so I knew I had to swear off the novels while I was in Graduate school or my thesis would of never gotten done. Now that the grading is done and the final I am giving is copied and ready for judgement day tomorrow, I guess I just gave in to the reading monster.

Anyway, the Queens Fool was not the best book ever but it was pretty darn good. A bit more far reaching than most historical novels, this has a fully contrived character that we follow in the tudor court of (mostly) Queen Mary. I have loved the whole Tudor story and Elizabethian england since I was a young girl. I love to read historical novels of the time. I mentioned to my advisor this summer that I loved these types of book and she lent me two, The Virgin Queen by Maureen Peters, a facinating version of the relationship between Elizabeth and Thomas Seymour, and The Last Boleyn by Karen Peters which I had mistaken for The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory both are about Mary Boleyn, sister to Anne, mistress to the king. I will be interested to see how The Other Boleyn Girl compares to The Last Boleyn which overall whas written a bit better than the Queen's Fool, but then again maybe I just like my character exploration to stick closer to the known facts of history.

More ornamentation

side 2
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here is Frosty Nights by Whisky Creek Ink from 2003 JCS ornament magazine. It is done in all DMC on perforated paper, there are 2 sides, see the back in the below post, and then it is folded into a open sided triangle I haven't had any time to stitch much else, been cleaning, finishing up grading and finals (I get to give them not take them!) and trying to get random things done like christmas shopping before we leave in exactly one week. 10 Days vacation!! I can't wait.

Frosty nights back side

side 1
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Parasitic infestation of the best kind

No I'm not kidding
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

And you were expecting cross stitch! Surprise!. I'm Pregnant.

Actually this is not a surprise for us, this child (our first) has been scrupulously planned. From years of heated debate, to a resigned decision, to waiting till I was done with school and aquired a full time job, to limiting time for conception so the birth would fall during the summer break when I was not working.

We will be expecting the baby June 1st. Of course it will be late because late babies run in the family (my sister and I were both 3 weeks late!). I have known since the stick test you see a day after my missed period, in Sept. It was faint, but the doctors took it as accurate, and that is all the proof I had till I got to hear the heartbeat on Nov 14th. Now that all the immediate relatives know (it is the first grandchild on both sides). I can tell you, my loyal bloggers/stitchers.

To answer the standard questions: I feel fine, I was only nausous the first few weeks. Yes we will be finding out the sex. No I am not showing yet, and No I do not have an ultrasound yet ( they make the healthy people wait till 18 weeks!).

I did finish 1 ornament over the break, but have not photographed it yet...so you will have to wait in suspense till tomorrow

And another one down.....

Symbolic X christmas ornament
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here is my favorite this year, Symbolic X by the Sampler House, JCS 2002. I did not like alot of the ones in 2002 mag, and this one didn't "pop" but it is simple and elegant (and fast). I like how it is ornate but in only one color.

I think I might do a couple more before heading ack to the bigger projects. (though I'll have to save a couple for the flights to and from FL).

Which leads us to the Question of the Week (last week):Do you stitch Christmas ornaments? If so, how many do you stitch each year and for whom? If not, why not? Silly rabbit, yes I do. I started really stitching last year, most for myself. This year I am just stitching what I like, again mostly for me. Although I think that I would like to continue doing 4-6 a year and start giving them away in the future.

Another Ornament

Home for the holidays
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here is Home for the Holidays, an ornament by Little house Needleworks. 2005 JCS ornament mag. I did it on blu linen instead of natural like it shows in magazine. I am not really happy with the green, it is a bit to dark, I thought about lightening it up, but I think I'll just move on. I placed an order with Nordic Needle for a couple of charts and some Krenik silk mori threads for Nine Patch. so that is on hold for now till that comes in. I am loving these fast ornaments. I will probably stop stitching and finish them after Thanksgiving.

My mom, stepdad, and sister are arriving on wed for thanksiving, then one last week of school, then one week after that till we head to Wald Disney World on the 10th. I don't know if I'll have time to even send out christmas cards this year. I haven't done any christmas shopping yet. Al though these past 2 months have CRAWLED by, thanksgiving seems like it got here quicker than usual, like it is a week early or something.

S.E.X. at the retreat

S.E.X. at the retreat
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I had a great time, thank you. I arrived around 4 on friday and got right to stitching. I decided to start Mitten Games by Crossed Wing, (see progress below). I stayed up till 11 when I had to crash, luckily my hotel room was a full 5 steps from the meeting room...no kidding.

On Sat we went to Knoxville (30 min away) to visit a LNS..Doublecross. A couple of ladies had arrived the day before and had visited Dixie Darlin the local LNS in Pigeon Forge we usually visit and reported that it had gone downhill, there seems to be a change in management (not ownwership though!) and now it was not as well stocked. Double cross was nice and I was able to get a few things on my wishlist (it has been since updated).

• 
  Miss Mary Mack by La-Di-Da
  Pumpkin Patches by Full Circle Designs
  Dragonflies, Ladybugs, and Bees oh my! by M designs
• Priceless by Glory Bee
• Christmas Forest Ornament by Historic stitches
• and some fabric that was pretty, cheap, or both

That evening we did the Dirty Santa Exchange and the ornament exchange (I did get a handmade one), and stitched some on Mitten games, and once bored with it, started Nine Patch Village by Brightneedle, till about midnight

On Sunday, everyone left and since I had a bit of time and was n't carpooling, I stopped by the Pfaltzgraff outlet to pick up a couple things and then swung by Dixie Darlins to confirm the rumors for myself. Although the reports were slightly exaggerated, It was definately a different store than I saw 2 years ago...and not to the positive. I did buy Winter wonderland by LHN. but that was it.

Everyone loved Santa of the Forest (I brought him to show him off)

See progress in below posts

Start on Mitten Games by Crossed Wing

Start on Mitten Games by Crossed Wing
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I am doing this one on the fabric called for, I got it last year at CATS, I think it will come out great, It is just tough to see with all the greys and whites so far.

Start on Nine Patch Village by Bright needle

Start on Nine Patch Village by Bright needle
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

On 28 count over one.. It calls for 32 over 1 on linen but I said to that HELLL no and it looks great on evenweave.... I really like this one, stay tuned

Thanks Pine Mtn Pillow

Thanks Pine Mtn Pillow
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Done on Sat while driving to Doublecross in Knoxville

Im heading out

The car is inspected, topped off, aligned and has been given the final seal of approval by the man...So I am off in about an hour. They kept adding meetings at work today, butI was able to get out of 2 of the 3 , the one I am attending means I can't leave till 11, but hey no complaints here....at least I get to go.

Have fun stitching this weekend, I know I will

Stitching Questions

Last weeks from Lee:
How did you decide on the title of your stitching blog? Was it random, or does it have a special meaning to you or about you?

I started this blog while I was a grad student in the field of biology so my life was consumed by science and stitching...hence... stitching scientist

This weeks from Jan:
How many different brands of “complete” embroidery floss sets do you own? How do you keep track of it? (i.e., spread sheet program, index cards, palm pilot, etc.)

Well I don't have any idea if my sets are "complete" I think I have like 95% of DMC and maybe 20% GAST and 10% WDW. with other random ones included in minority like, Dye is Cast and Six strand Sweets, and Cresent Colors. Only my DMC is organized and I used to have a complete list of what I did and didn't but it was never complete because a lot of my colors were kitted up elsewhere. It is easier for me to see if I have something when I go to kit it. If not then I go buy it.

The Car Lives!!

My husband said that my blog entry yesterday may have been a bit obnoxious and I trust him to recognize when I go too far. Since I can't stand other whiny blogs I try not to do it myself. I know I rarely comment here about my own personal stuff to such a deep extent, so I bet some of you were caught off guard. So if you were offended or put out by it I apologize.

An update on Little Car 2 (thats her name). As I mentioned before the damage was enough that we got the "totalled" cost of the vehicle. although the actual damage (bumper, condenser, light) was only about $3-500, the airbags were $2-3000, with no body work needed. Well my husband the mechanic (no kidding, he really is: works on airplanes for $ and vehicles for fun and to save $) went out and russled up some used parts at the junkyard (98 Nissan Sentras are a dime a dozen) and a few new parts wholesale. He even snagged some airbags and the control module for $300 at the junkyard too. All for less than the check we got for the car. He reassembled little car today and dropped it at the shop for a full inspection (due this month anyway) and check up. If you all will send good healing energy to my car, then it will pass with flying colors and I might be allowed to drive to the retreat on Friday.

Moral: If you are a bad driver, marry a mechanic

I am NOT OK, okay? so quit asking

Christmas Chorus
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

First the good news, here is The ornament I told you I was starting: Christmas Chorus by Elizabeth's designs. I did it on 32 instead of 36 so it is a bit bigger, and I used red beads instead of the black. I think I am going to finish this as they did in the magazine, blanket stitched on to a felt pillow. but that may be a couple of weeks.

Now the bad. I was in a car accident Sunday, no I was not hurt, yes it is my fault, and here begins my rant. I hate it, absolutely HATE it when people say, well as long as your Ok and no one was hurt. Why would I hate this sentiment, you ask? I am not really sure I can explain so it makes sense but here I go. First off if I am standing here talking to you then I am obviously fine, second even if the human bodies are OK that doesn't mean I am mentally. I am ashamed, and angry, I am upset that my car is "totaled" just cause the airbags went off and the cost of replacing them ($3,000!) is more than the car is worth. I am pissed cause I just paid my car off for the first time in my life am not making payments and angry that the girl I hit (who got away with a bit of paint transfer, not even a dent) is trying to get a ton of $$ from my insurance co. I am angry that my insurance will go up because of my stupidity. I am crying because I chose to take the road I did, instead of going straight home. I am infuriated that I may not get to go to the cross stitch retreat this weekend because I didn't hit the brakes soon enough.

Ever since I was a small child, whenever I fell down, I became angry at the person who asked me if I was ok, it is just an automatic irrational reaction. I think I was just displacing my anger at myself for falling. Once in college, I slipped and fell on my butt, my supervisor, came over, bent to my ear so only I could hear him and whispered "Can I help?" I was astounded, said no, and loved him from that moment on.

I gonna try to hit November running.

Ornaments
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Well as for my October Goals: I did finish and frame santa, I did not touch Spookline, and now that may sit in a drawer till next fall, but I did pick several ornaments out of my 7 JCS mags for, this season on Halloween! I picked way more than 5 (I think 10 or so) but plan on doing them all this year. I have decided to do nothing but smalls for the rest of the year to get my cross stitching mood back up. I may pick a medium project for the Retreat next weekend, but for the rest of the year it is going to be ornament city

As you can see pictured above I finished 2 ornaments this month already, the first on the left is Heaven and Nature Sing by Fancy Work..in JCS 2005 I had it half done from last year and finished it last night. The second one on the right is Seka's Doubled Sided stained glass ornament from JCS 2000. It is on perforated paper and was one of the first ornaments I ever did,. This one is for the exchange at the retreat, it was easy and I still had all the materials left over from my first one. I was burned 2 years ago, spending hours on a over one ornament that i adored, only to recieve a cheap 50 cent Target ornament in return (the ornament did not have to be handmade, I did it cause I thought (correctly) that it was the preffered option). Luckily the one I made went to a fellow Tarheel who appreciated it very much. So long story short (too late!) I did not want to put to much of my heart into this years, but it looks like i did.

Tonight I plan on starting Elizabeth's Designs' CHristmas Chorus from JCS 2006...Its all kitted and ready to go...........

Needling along

I picked up a needle for the first time in over 2 weeks yesterday. I have not felt like stitching in awhile. I am in a slump that I guess ensues after any big project is finished, I hope it goes away soon. Spookline will not be finished by Halloween obviously, but I plan to get a few projects together for the retreat in 2 weeks, and hopefully kick back into gear.

In other news the leaves are depressing me and I hate that. I love the fall, but Ian and I bought this house with out realizing how much work this giant yard with its dozen ancient oaks would be. Last year this time I was out raking and working every weekend. this year I have taken to hiding and hoping it will go away without my interference. Of course it will not and I am dreading the inevitable. And of course this looks like a banner year for acorns. sigh.

I know some of you have been having problems viewing beta Blogger, I hope they get it figured out soon. For those of you contemplating the switch, I would wait till they force you into it. I have had too many hassles and there aren't any positive changes that I can specifically point at. If I could go back I would.

Small fortune..but worth it

Santa of the Forest Framed and Hung
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Ok, I switched over to Beta Blogger and It took me a bit to figure out how to post this guy, I have lost 4 posts in the process, so just enjoy the pic for now.

No picture yet

Well I am waiting on pins and needles to for the Santa to return from the framers. She said it would be done today or tomorrow, maybe friday at the latest. I have no further stitching to show you. Things have sort of halted for a bit. My In-laws are visiting, and I tend not to stitch when I have visitors. I guess I feel like I don't want anyone to think I am ignoring them. Currently I have Spookline, and Fancywork's When Heaven and Nature Sing ornament from JCS 2005 in the works.

Oh I may not have mentioned this, but Ian and I booked a 10 day trip to WDW in December, our big christmas gift to one another. I have been 3 times in the past 1990- 1992- and 1998 (I think, maybe it was 1997). Anyway Ian has never been to the tourist heaven of Florida, and we been talking of going for 6 years, so it is about darn time. Which reminds me I have to go pay the full balance by monday. I love having a real job!

daDA

daDA
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

YES Ladies and Gents Santa of the Forest by Lavender and Lace.....IS DONE.

I finished him shortly after midnight last evening, ironed and dropped him off at the framers today. This is going to cost me abundle.. but my husband says it is worth it.

I also took a pic of the back (see below), I am kinda proud of the neatness of it

THe Back
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Halloween......

Best Witches
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

......Is right around the corner, have you decorated yet?
I LOVE Halloween, probably a combination of liking candy and the fall season being my absolute favorite (and I am bit Pagan too). I just love the concept of a holiday that was originally meant as a time when we are closer to our ancestors ( and they are closer to us WOOOOOoooooo). I dislike what the modern churches and evangelists are doing to Halloween, critiquing it as "satan worship". They are just upset that they couldn't fit their own holiday in its place like they did to the Winter solstice (Christmas) and the Spring Equinox (Easter). So they hold "Fall Festivals" in the basement of churches...but they still let the kids dressup (originally meant to ward of evil spirits) and gorge themselves on candy. Some day when I have a kid, I am totally turning my front yard into a cemetary and let the kid wander the street in unsafe costumes knocking on strangers doors and running the risk of death from a razorblade in an apple. The worst thing I ever got from trick or treating was a bible. (I swear!)

Wow, that soapbox was high, I better get down before I hurt myself.

I am off to pick up Seaology from the framers to see how it came out, I ended up not doing a mat for it, but if I like their work then Santa will be heading that way soon. Since it is a NEW month here are some new goals:

1. FINISH and FRAME Santa of the Forest

2. Work on and finish Spookline (I have 2.5 of the 5 goasts done, but since it is just white blobs I haven't revealed a photo.)

3. Pick 5 ornaments for this season, one will be for an ornament exchange at the Pidgeon Forge Retreat in Nov. and get to work.

Thats it, I am sure I will start something else, and I am knitting away a couple of rows at a time on my sweater...so some real progress may be made soon.

Santa update

Santa update
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Well as promised (a day late, sorry) The Wolf....is done! Just the cape to finish off. Now to save the $$ to get this guy framed right. I think I can have him done in the month, if not within the next 2 weeks. Next week is Fall Break and I only have to teach 1 class thursday morning, the rest have the week off. I plan on getting alot done during that time. Both in the stitching, the yard and in the house. (that may also be listed in priority lol).

Come on wolfie.....

Come on wolfie
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

....You're almost there. I have a Tarheel get together tomorrow, and I am hoping to make some serious progress on this guy during the 5-6 hour stitchathon.
tune in mon to see the results

Meanwhile, I have the urge to start a Halloween stitch for the month of Oct. (and as a reward for doing a whole month of just Santa). So yesterday I pulled and kitted Spookline by Sam sarah. I don't have the purple fabric, so I am trying on more of a raw grey/brown fabric. I am antsy to start it, maybe as soon as sunday.

oh and as for this weeks SBQ suggested by Sharon:

When you find yourself making a lot of mistakes in various stitching projects do you find it better to muddle your way through or do you take a brief break from stitching? If you do take a break, how long do you take?

Small mistakes I just fix and continue on, but when there is a big mistake, wrongcolor, a large section done wrong, I get frustrated and end up putting down, sometimes for a very long time...months or years in the rare case. I usually remember that I made a major mistake, and it just takes me a minute to find it pull it with new found patience and start again. Right now I have one WIP in that catagory. from last year, It is sitting in a drawer right now waiting for me to rip out EVERYTHING i had stitch so far cause it isn't centered right.

Does this look like a sweater to you?

Does this look like a sweater to you?
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

So I kinda struggled getting the ribbing done for the back of the sweater, but now that I am on the body it is going much faster, which is good cause I have to do 27 inches or so. One inch done.....
I know it is tough to see but it is a knit 10 purl 2 pattern, which is all you are going to see, No fancy cabling or anything, so I won' t bore you with too many intermediate pictures.

Boring eh?

Santa as of 9/21/06
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Well tough, I have honestly worked only on this Santa the past week.
I am knitting for my class, but since I actually started the sweater I am attempting to make ...my teachers idea not mine, i wanted to do a nice scarf.......I can only do about 300 stitches (2 rows) before I am tired of concentrating so hard. Right know I am ribbing (knit 2 purl 2) the bottom of the back of the sweater. I have an inch done with another to go.

the moral is when I am done with the knitting I move on to santa., I finished the shadow of his cloak (the checkerboard) and found a nice single row of 814 to divide the wolf from the cloak. So I will be working on the wolf till he is done (maybe by Oct 4/5). There are about 6 shades of white to grey to work with, and a bit of confetti action going on here, but it was the same with all the other animals and he is the LAST one. Mom mentioned the other day that she remembers when I bought this pattern, and thinks it was either during college or right after, so that definately dates this WIP a bit further back than I had thought, into the 11 year range, sigh IT WILL NOT BE 12 years!

Santa update

Santa as of 9/13/06
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

So Since I am not working on any other cross stitch you would think I would of made it a bit further on this guy, but I don't want to bore you with daily photos, where you can't see much change. I had to be a bit slow working out from the bear to the robe, because some where along the line the outer robe became off by 1 stitch to the left and an extra row down. so I made the bottom row from the bear correct with the pattern and filled in the rest above that so I the mistakes would blend in naturally.
So far I am cruising along nicely and am not bored by him yet. I think that the color changes (which are pretty often) helps and also the fact I can see the finish line from here.

So work is going very well, I love my job, it is just like teaching in grad school but without the ongoing thesis work. I get to teach all the time.

In addition I promised myself that I would learn to knit after I graduated, so I signed up for a class on mon nights that started this week. So far it is not as relaxing as others make it look, I am constantly having to think about whether I am kniting or purling and which direction the needle should go,yada yada, but here is a picture of my first attempt.

I am learning to knit
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

After -Santa of the Forest

Santa as of 5/5/06
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

September is Heather will finish Santa of the Forest month

Here he is almost exactly 4 months after the photo below....of course, most of the bear was done in the past 3 days. Good use of a Labor day doncha think? I Finished Seaology, and got a good start on Santa. I vow to have him done by christmas. I will not start anything new for at least this month.

Before

Santa as of 3/3/06
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here he is last we saw in March

All signs of the Seasons

All signs of the Seasons
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Oh my, I FINALLY found my camera last night (It had fallen in the cushions of my couch) and took pictures of everything I hve done stitching wise since I finished SIgns of summer. Well here it is I finished Signs of Winter and Signs of Spring (see closeups in the below posts).
Two weekends ago I stripped the frames i wanted to use of dark green paint, unfortunately I could not get all the paint off of the wood (I am sure it wasn't sealed or primed), and their were too many details in the frames to sand it all off. I had wanted to use colored stains but with all the green left I had to go back to the old standby, acrylic paint. The colors are actually a bit more muted than the photo shows, and I hit the frames with a bit of steel wool to weather them a bit. I think Fall and Winter are my favorites. now I just have to find a spot to hang them.

Progress on Seaology - trilogy
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

In addition I have been trying to finish up Seaology By Trilogy, I had trouble with the light house when I was away from my Ott-lite in alaska because the 612 matched the fabric so closely.

I am very excited about this one, I think I am willing to spare the cash (now that I am gainfully employed with no car payment!) and have it professionally framed, It is such a wierd size that I know it would take me forever to do it myself. the trick is to find a good framer and so far the ones in this town, have used masking tape (ok I am sure it was "framers" tape but still I have an aversion to it) or have been astronomically priced, even after I stretched it myself. I haven't tried the bigger box craft stores, due to the horror stories. But I have one more framer in mind that I am going to try.

Signs of Spring-- Bent creek

Signs of Spring-- Bent creek
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Signs of Winter --Bent Creek

Signs of Winter --Bent Creek
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Hot SBQ Action

So I was looking over everyone's blogs (ok not everyones I caught up on 2) alot happens in 2 an a half months. But I noticed quite a few SBQ that I missed (13!) so here are my answers to a couple of the ones I thought I could make an intelligent contribution to:

First up this weeks: Do you have an organizational system for your fabric? If so, what isit? If not, what do you store your fabric in?How do people store their fabric, especially those small butpotentially usable pieces? Do they sort by count? How do they label itor otherwise know what each piece is?

my fabric organization is a bit lacking but I can find you a 32 count white linen in about 3 minutes so it is not too bad, I can't guarantee the size though. See I sort by count first. Those are placed in big ziplock bags. I have one for 32, one for 28, one for 25/26 etc. Then those bags fit perfectly into these drawers. I do not record the size because the largest pieces are always being cut down. I do not usually care what type it is ie. belfast, edinbergh, etc. Because I rarely use the exact color/type that the designer did. I am comfortable switching count size too.

here is another from lastweek:For those of you who use hand or over-dyed floss, how do you store it?
this is a bit sadder. I am very carful with my DMC sorting but with my dyed floss I just have them thrown in bags sorted by the floss co. so all GAST is in one bag etc. So far I don't have very many so I can tell you that I have one color or another, as I gather more that may have to change.

From July 20th: When you get a project professionally framed do you get glass insertedinto the frame? Why or why not? I do tend to do the glass thing when I get a piece framed professionally. They are usually gifts and have mats and all that fancy stuff. that may be a total of like 3 projects cause I am soo damn frugal I would rather do it myself. Now when I do frame myself, the glass is simply more of a preference/and ease of doing it thing, If there is glass that means I did not back the stitching with cotton batting or there were no beads or I had a glass piece that fit. like wise If I don't have glass it is because there is beads that would get smooshed , I made it a bit poofy and like the effect, or I just don't have the glass that would fit. I have framed only 11 pieces myself and 6 have glass the rest did not.

From June 28th: What do you do with your charts once you've stitched them? Do you keep them or dispose of them? If you keep them, do you organize them in away that is different from the way you keep your unstitched charts? I think what it comes down to is that I usually keep charts If i really liked doing them, and give away the stuff I don't. I do have a couple I am planning on seling cause it ended up I havent touched them and they are in perfect condition. and no, the ones i have done are in the same groups as the ones waiting to be done. (althought at the bottom of the stack) I haven't done stitching for so long that i would have forgotten having done one!

And now a word from our sponsor

Hello all, I have been very busy lately ( new to teaching a lecture class of 175 will take up anyone's time) I had a great get together with my fellow Tarheels on Saturday, and have otherwise...sigh...not stitched at all. then last night when I realized I need to post a picture of what I did work on saturday, I couldn't find my camera. Worst Blog Ever! No really I am feeling so guilty about it I won't even let myself read anyone elses blog untill I get more into the swing of things.
Oh I did get to go to a small shop called Em-lis, in Dunn, NC. It is actually in her house (if her car is there she is open kind of place) She is really a big wholesaler of samplers to retailers but check out her website I got this Moira Blackburn Sampler which is not my regular style but I saw it as a model, and you know how that works!

A New Job

I have a new job! I won't say much cause I will be lecturing freshman who will probably be Googling me next week. You may notice a few differences in my profile and my blog entrys. I will be limiting my entries to my crafts and positive interactions. I thought about pulling my blog altogether, but I enjoy posting and doing all the exchanges (which I have to sign up for a few soon), so I will just have to post as if one of my students is reading this blog. I wouldn't want to be dooced now would I. (her blog is really cool by the way www.dooce.com)

Oh and I am working on Signs of Winter , Bent Creek right now, Il lpost a progress pic soon.

I'm Home

Bent Creek Signs of Summer
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Hey yall,
I am back and with stitching! I finished the one project I kinda worked on the five weeks I was in Alaska.

I am so ready to leave.....

Dalton Mud
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

...it's not funny. So before I came up here everyone who had been here gave me two impressions they either 1) loved it or 2) hated it. Well while I have been here I have determined why those felt the way they did. If they are young and unattached, or PI's (Primary Investigators- the Professors with all the $$), or only up here for a week or 2 then they loved it. but if you have a family, children, an SO (that you really love) at home, and are here for longer than a couple of weeks you are DYING to go home. I was young and unattached once, hoping from place to place with all my belongings, and ten years ago this would of been a great (and fun) experience. and at times it has been. I am glad I tried it out, I have now seen Alaska, and seen a critter or two. but I have also realized I have made a wonderful home in NC, and for the long haul am happier there.

On the upside I have a couple of job prospects and an interview when I get home. So I may not be unemployed for long.

There are 7 new photos of toolik in the set on flickr. I am leaving here Fri morning and wil be home by Sat night, but don't expect any blogging till at least wed/thurs (I may have some stitching done then!)

You say it 's your birthday!

No loon but a beautiful sky
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Yes it is. I have been here in arctic alaska for 19 days and have 18 more to go.. the novelty has worn off a bit and I am ready to go home. the landscape is beautiful but bleak and hard to explore, walking on tundra is very difficult and a mile can seem like 3. and since I get to walk it just about every day, I am done.
But I did get today off cause I whined a bit about turning 32 (the younger folks can hike the 3 mile journey today). So I finally get time to post some photos on Flickr and post to my blog. No stitching here, no time and no comfy chair to sit in to do it if I had time.

The weather here is not predictable but you can garantee that it will rain once a day, it will be clear once a day, it will be windy at least once, and calm the rest of the time. It may be 40 or 60 or 70, or all of those temps in 5 hours. you need to wear 3-5 layers at any time it could snow in you (it did on the 7th of july.) but be ready to strip off all the layers if it becomes warm, and apply deet....the mosquitos are out. Although the bugs are bad, I had imagined them alot worse, like coastal forest of maryland bad, where you are covered head to toe in a blanket of mosquitos, but they aren't that dense, and they are no bigger than at home. go figure with all those tall tales.

Hey Liz, yes the green/blue tube things are what we sleep in, they are called weatherports, and are just big tarps stretched over an aluminum frame on a plywood platform.

Just click on the photo to see all the new pics (I have only uploaded a few of the bajillions I have taken, cause they are a bit big).

Toolik

view of camp from above
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Hello all I am here and doing well. I arrived after a 9 hour ride up from Fairbanks on thursday and went right to work the next day. I got to ride in a helicoper out to a lake 14 miles away on Fiday to do sampling, and yesterday we hiked about a mile to another lake to sample. the routine wil be about that every day. drive fly or hike to a lake or stream, take water, benthic (bottom), and algal samples, bring back to camp and process the samples (by filtering or picking out the invertebrates). I will be able to post a few pics on flickr. when ever I upload to the set ( Toolik 06) I shall let you know here. just click on the picture here to see the rest of the set.

Some stitching on the fights up

Signs of summer Bent creek
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

here is what I got done on the flight up, I am still not sure how much will get done up here we work 6-11 all day, I might have some time while filtering water...but that is my letter writing time too...meanwhile enjoy some of the pictures, see post above.

As I wait in.....Orlando, but that's in the wrong direction!

So after being overbooked on the flight to cinncinati, I was bumped to a later flight, which was then overbooked, so I was offered another flight to Orlando, which will then connect to my final leg out of Salt Lake. (I did get a travel voucher for a future flight).

As I sit here for an hour or two I found a few websites that features the trip I'll be taking tomorrow up to the field station on the Dalton Highway, Pictures here, and here. I love linky things, don't you? I will try to take some of my own pictures tomorrow. I am hoping that the bus will stop at the Artic circle sign.

Ok I am off now to stitch for a bit while I watch out for Micky Mouse.

Sunday before the Big Chill

Seaology
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Ok now I know why people just stop blogging, You have stuff to post but the day just flies by and then you have more stuff to post, but then your thinking how can I get this all in one post, and then another day goes by. etc. etc. Well when you mom comments that you haven't posted in a while, you know its bad.
OK so Below this post you will find a few more photos of Alaska, and Drum roll please, a cross stitch pic or two (ok two) to tell you the truth I haven't been stitching much, and I am not sure I will be doing a whole lot of stitching up in Toolik. I wil be taking a few pieces...simple stuff. Sealology, which is pictured here. Signs of Summer and maybe Signs of Winter. and a couple of Tie One On kits.

I think I have everything packed for the middle of nowhere Alaska for 6 weeks (and when I say middle of nowhere I mean the nearest drug store is a 300 mile gravel road away). So I've have to think of stuff that you wouldn't normally on any other week long trip. Have you ever tried to quantify the amount of shampoo you use in 6 weeks...II haven't either.
I Leave Wed at noon and won't be online again till Friday. I hope to blog then at the very least.

Bent Creek Signs of Autumn

Bent Creek Signs of Autumn
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I finished this one a week or so ago. I used DMC conversions for most of the pattern (except the wording). THere was alot of similar browns, and some of the recommended conversions didn't work. I just started Signs of Summer.

Robert and I in front of the glacier

Robart and I in front of the glacier
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Robert is one of the other ex-graduate students at the conference and he and I took a day excursion to see some of Alaska.

Portage Glacier

Portage Glacier
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Bird Creek

Bird Creek
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Just one of the many creeks along Turnagain Armalong the Seward Highway

My first moose

My first moose
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Hello all, I know I have the worse blog ever. I like totally don't blame you if you all put me at the bottom of your favorites list. But I please don't leave me all together, I will be a more regular blogger in the fall...well cause I'll either have a job and be sitting in front of a computer alot, or I'll have no job and tons of time. either way you should stick around this summer, If nothing else then for the pictures. Firstup today Is my first moose.

I am in Anchorage for the NABS conference, and yesterday I gave my presention (went well thank you) and befor my talk I went for a walk around the creek/lake by the university (of alaska at achorage) and by the side of the path was this big female (cow?) munching away about 15 ft (5m) from me. awesome. I know they are like deer around here, but it is cool nontheless.

Stitching you say, well not since I got off the plane, But I bought a new digital camera and am looking forward to the macro setting to demo for you...I did work a bit on Seaology and will post a pic (eventually!)

Well I am off to go hiking, my goal is to see a glacier today, they are an endangered phenomenon.

PS. Suz, the pic of Toolik is in the winter, it will be summer when I am there, snow is pssible but flowers are more likely.

More modeling?

C for castle and cashmere stitch
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I have here 2 more Erica Michael freebies that I stitched up as models for Brenda using the Dye is Cast threads. I don't think the castle came out very well, but the daffodils came out wonderfully

I finished these up last week but havan't had time to post them. okok I have had the time (since I am not doing anything but looking for a job) but haven't been on the internet too much. I have been catching up on my stitching, and reading (I read two novels this past week!) and I have been doing some pieceing of the Rhythm and Blues quilt, I was able to get blocks 3, 4 and 5 done.

With the cross stitching I put a few more stitches in tothe View of a spring garden,and Seaology. I will try to post some pictures this coming week before I head off to Anchorage.

Remember last year when i went to New Orleans? well this year the same conference is in Anchorage...and Ill be heading up on the 3rd for a week. Then I'll be heading back up on the 21st to work for my advisor in the boonies of Alaska (Toolik Field Station). I'll be up there till the end of July. I don't think I'll be able to do a whole lot of stitching but that doesn't mean I am not going to try

D for Daffodil and diamond stitch
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Melanies Exchange -recieved

Melanies Exchange -recieved
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Hi everyone. I got my exchange today... from Melanie. Maybe I should explain. See this was a two way exchange. First Person 1 bought fabric, a speciality fiber and a charm or beads, then sent them to person 2, then person 2 had to use the materials to make the finished product (no theme limits) then send it to person 3. this was called Melanies exchange cause it was her idea. It was Chiara that picked out the fiber (Gast purple iris, and the pretty blue mill hill beads) And Melanie stitched the heart and made the most well made bag I have ever seen. (and I know she did it a bit last minute which mkes it even more impressive). It is lined and everything, I would love to have that kind of talent. She also sent me some hand dyed thread done by her and a package of Reflections Silkweaver fabric, and finally some chocolate! A win win situation all around.

A graduation, a gift, and guests

Hello all, I am here, my sister and her boyfriend just left a few minutes ago

A gift
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

. SO lettsee what happened in the past week. Well everyone (sister, her BF, MIL,FIL, mom, and stepdad) arrived on thursday. We had arelaxed evening and then on Friday we ran around a bit doing some shopping and finished up the stretching and framing of my damsel fly . I skipped the big graduation and just went to the departmental grad at 3pm. I was only one of 2 masters students who showed up (there were 6 of us graduatng) but thats ok...I got to were a silly cap and gown and who wants to pass that up!. I gave my advisor the finished damselfly afterwards...see photo. I think she really liked it.

We all went out to dinner that evening and on Saturday we had the backyard party/BBQ. A pretty good turn out, with the usual results - people show who you didn't expect and people who didn't come who you did expect-. Party only went till about 11...we started early and are not so young anymore.

Wee Beasties Part 5
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

My parents left monday to spend a few days in Wilmington, NC and my sister and her man suck arount till today, Yesterday we hiked around Pilot Mtn., but mostly I been downloading music to put on my new IPOD!. Yep I got one for graduation, now I won't be hiking across the undra this summer with only my thoughts to keep me company.

So anyway the house is a wreck and there is about 20 loads of laundry to do, and all the good photos have to be sent to me from the parents with the good cameras (hence only 2 photos for you today.

Officially I would like to offer up this pattern for sale and the others like it for $6 each.. just leave me your email if you are interested

Wee beasties 1, wee beasies 5, and wee beasties 6.

All of these are in excellent condition (well the one I did is a bit wrinkled but unmarked)

Crafty is as crafty does

Scrapbooking page
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I went to a Creative Memories event yesterday, Memoranza, and "scrapbooked" 16 pages in 6 hours. (see example to your right) I say scrapbook in quotes, cause I do nothing like what you see in the magazines and in craft stores nowadays, with all the ribbons and tags and buttons, ugh how about pictures people. Any way I was able to do finish our trip to Charleston that we took in March (that is the most recent event I have pics of), and almost all of 1997 (I had all those pics cropped and ready). I am very excited since this is the first of my photos that I have been able to get done. I did do an album for Ian for christmas of our first 3 pets ...but it was one of those small albums. I figure if I will simultaneously work on some old stuff and the most recent stuff...then eventually I may catch up.

I diligently came home and worked on the Damselfly, No pic though, since the iridescent krenick doesn't show in pics, I think it is pointless till the backstitching gets started. I was able to get most of the third wing done before running out of thread...I have to head out and find 032 BF today, but since it is one of the more popular, I should be able to get it at AC Moore. If not Hobby Lobby will be open tomorrow (I hate sundays, no one is open!). I did buy a sectional gold frame to frame her once she is done. I was going to find a open frame but 8X10 was too small by a smidge, and I don't think she needs a mat (besides I suck at cutting them)...so the frame is a 9X10, and I am debating glass, my instinct is no cause of all the iridesence. Opinions?

Finally I have 3 days to clean the house and yard before my family descends upon this place (6 people all told) for graduation on friday. Wish me luck, I am feeling very unmotivated today.

View from river street inn

View from river street inn
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Hello there everyone. Sorry for the delay in posting, my computer was being uncooperative. Here is the view from one of the three floor to celing windows in the River Street Inn in Downtown Savannah.

We left Sunday night, stopped overnight in Columbia, and arrived in Savannah in Mon. Ian booked the night in the Inn which is located in one of the old cotton warehouses on the riverfront. It was really great to be in a hotel room that was furnished with real furniture. We have only done that once before..at the Biltmore Hotel in Ashville. Dinner was at a Morrocan resturant, neither of us had ever had morrocan food before, and it was excellent. We headed down to Tybee Island on Tuesday (and the Howard Johnson...back to the real world!)
and enjoyed the beach before heading back wed.

I was able to start and finish the border of the damselfly on the trip , and finished the lower right wing last night. Just 2 wings left to fill in and back stitching (a ton of that!) in the next week.

I also found a big mistake...if you look at my past photos there is some brown where there isn't now. I found 2 symbols that were swapped on the pattern, a brown and a green, I only saw it cause of the photo on the pattern (which looked different from my finished product), I thought it looked strange but trusted the pattern. But think it looks good now.

as of 5/5/06
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Devils Darning Needle indeed.

Green Darner as of 4/27
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

So I was really worried about this thing, it was seeming to take forever, and I had hoped that moving on to the wings would be faster. But of course they are done in all krenick threads so I was swearing every third stitch (thats even with using Thread Heaven). I as of yesterday I was thinking I may not finish this on time. I only have two weeks to go. But last night I had a brilliant (and totally anti rules) idea. I would outline the wings...I know it is usually a bad Idea since there is the potential (read garanteed) to stitch over the outline. So I tried it with the upper right wing and the filling in went much faster, and since the iridesent white thread is very subtle visually (hence the previous bout of swearing), the outline was not obsured at all. I was able to finish one wing tonight and have hope hat with 4-5 more nights (20-25 hours more)I might finish this b***h. I hope my advisor likes it.

Speaking of school, I handed in my final, 2 copies of my thesis, to the grad school (along with $60 "binding and shelving fee"). I have to take three more copies over to another binder for my own copies (cheaper).
But technically as of 1 pm tomorrow my Graduate school career is over...after my last office hour to hand out final grades

In other news I called my wedding photographer, only to find out that he has moved to Charleston and is no longer in Savannah. Figures...but I am planning on finally buying my wedding album within the next month or two, I don't care if he is on Mars.

Our anniversary(3 yrs) was yesterday but we didn't do anything special...we are planning to celebrate it next week in Savannah