I got this from Cathys blog.....who got it from Vash.....I thought it was neat:
My truths are in bold
I am bisexual. I am homosexual. I've run away from home. I listen to political music. I collect comic books. I shut others out when I'm sad. I open up to others easily. I am keeping a secret from the world. I watch the news. SometimesI own over 5 rap CDs. I own an ipod. I own something from Hot Topic. I love Disney movies. I am a sucker for hair/eyes. I don't kill bugs. (exception for mosquitos). I curse regularly. I have "x"s in my screen name. I've slipped out a "lol" in a real conversation. I love Spam. I bake well. I would wear pajamas to school. I own something from Abercrombie. I have a job. I love Martha Stewart. I am guilty of tYpInG lIkE tHiS. I am self conscious. I like to laugh. I smoke a pack a day. I loved Go Ask Alice. I have cough drops when I'm not sick. I can't swallow pills. I have many scars. I've been out of this country. (only if Canada counts) I believe in ghosts. I can't sleep if there is a spider in the room. I am really ticklish. I love chocolate.I bite my nails.I am comfortable with being me.I play computer games/video games when I'm bored.Gotten lost in the city.Saw a shooting star.I have had two serious surgical procedures.Gone out in public in my pajamas.I have kissed a stranger.Hugged a stranger.Been in a fist fight with the same sex. Been arrested.Laughed and had milk/soda come out of your nose.Pushed all the buttons on an elevator. Made out in an elevator. Sworn at my parents.Kicked a guy where it hurts.Been skydiving. Been bungee jumping. Broken a bone. Played spin the bottle. Gotten stitches. Drank a whole gallon of milk in one hour. Bitten someone. Been to Niagara Falls. Gotten the chicken pox. Crashed into a car.Been to Asia. Ridden in a taxi. Shoplifted. Been fired. Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back. Stole something from my job. Gone on a blind date. Had a crush on a teacher/coach. Celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans.Been to Europe. Slept with a co-worker.Been married. ( to same coworker) Gotten divorced. Saw someone dying. Driven over 400 miles in one day. Been to Canada. Been on a plane.Seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Thrown up in a bar. Eaten Sushi. Been snowboarding. Been skiing. Been ice skating.Met someone in person from the internet. Been to a car show. Going to or have gone to college.Done hard drugs. Taken painkillers. Met a celebrity. I like playing practical jokes. Been in a hot air balloon. Ridden a camel in the Sahara desert. Performed in front of an audience.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Questions
Last week:
Which way do you stitch (/// and then \\\ or \\\ and then ///)? Can you (or if you haven’t done it before, do you think you could) change the way that you stitch temporarily if it is asked of you?
I stitch both ways....I know it seems confusing, but I remember my mom teaching me that it didn't matter if it was right over left or vice versa as long as you are consistant in the entire piece. You can see in my earlier work both types would appear. Now Ill start a piece (usually it is /// then\\\ ) and just continue the way I started through out. But even now (Yesterday!) I'll catch myself sometimes reversing it for a few stitches then I rip it and redo.
This week:
Do you stitch for events like weddings, engagements, or other things that might not last? If you have been unlucky and the two people broke up, what happened toyour stitched gift?
So far I have only stitched one wedding piece and it wasn't very big....And if they break up Ill steal it back cause the framing was so damn expensive ;) LOL . No I mostly do baby samplers now (3 so far), there is no undoing a birth.
Which way do you stitch (/// and then \\\ or \\\ and then ///)? Can you (or if you haven’t done it before, do you think you could) change the way that you stitch temporarily if it is asked of you?
I stitch both ways....I know it seems confusing, but I remember my mom teaching me that it didn't matter if it was right over left or vice versa as long as you are consistant in the entire piece. You can see in my earlier work both types would appear. Now Ill start a piece (usually it is /// then\\\ ) and just continue the way I started through out. But even now (Yesterday!) I'll catch myself sometimes reversing it for a few stitches then I rip it and redo.
This week:
Do you stitch for events like weddings, engagements, or other things that might not last? If you have been unlucky and the two people broke up, what happened toyour stitched gift?
So far I have only stitched one wedding piece and it wasn't very big....And if they break up Ill steal it back cause the framing was so damn expensive ;) LOL . No I mostly do baby samplers now (3 so far), there is no undoing a birth.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Tuesday Rocks the Casbah
So with the official complaint of my mother that I haven't posted lately :
So Ian and I have lost the usb cable for our camera so even though I framed Pumpkin in the patch and finished September's Flip it...alas I cannot post it till we either find said cable or break down and puchase a new one. In addition I also finished the Halloween exchange piece for the blogger exchange but cannot post it (secret stuff and all) til the end of this month. I am fairly proud of myself because I finished it in a flat ornament using a whipped backstitch beaded edging. It is not the best but it is my first and I have learned a lesson or two on how to do it better next time. I am currently working on an autumn exchange piece that will be done soon and to my great chagrin....a nametag, sigh.....
See I was going to use this old nametag I had done years ago for a retreat but it is kind of hmmmm dated? yeah dated. So I wasn't going to worry about it till JO did her FABULOUS nametag, now she is making us all look bad. Now I know nothing I can do can even compare to that grace, I am not good at putting together my own designs. But I decided this weekend I would have to try or regret it all the way to Hershey, so I put together not one but 2 designs...If the first one comes out bad I can quick stitch a second.
So Ian and I have lost the usb cable for our camera so even though I framed Pumpkin in the patch and finished September's Flip it...alas I cannot post it till we either find said cable or break down and puchase a new one. In addition I also finished the Halloween exchange piece for the blogger exchange but cannot post it (secret stuff and all) til the end of this month. I am fairly proud of myself because I finished it in a flat ornament using a whipped backstitch beaded edging. It is not the best but it is my first and I have learned a lesson or two on how to do it better next time. I am currently working on an autumn exchange piece that will be done soon and to my great chagrin....a nametag, sigh.....
See I was going to use this old nametag I had done years ago for a retreat but it is kind of hmmmm dated? yeah dated. So I wasn't going to worry about it till JO did her FABULOUS nametag, now she is making us all look bad. Now I know nothing I can do can even compare to that grace, I am not good at putting together my own designs. But I decided this weekend I would have to try or regret it all the way to Hershey, so I put together not one but 2 designs...If the first one comes out bad I can quick stitch a second.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
A good weekend
Yes yes I know it is Wed...but this is the first opportunity I have had to blog this week.
So this past Sat Ian and I went dancing...see I was feeling a bit depressed lately and I determined that one reason was that Ian and I don't go out anymore...several reasons but the biggest is that there is no where to go for couples in greensboro besides a resturant (and we have tonnnnns of those). all the bars/clubs are smoky, expensive, loud, and crowded, and if you want a live band you can't find one where there is room to dance (and I mean dance with a breathable airpocket around you) See in Savannah (where we met) there was lots of places with bands and dance floors with minimum $$ exchanging hands. Sooo long story short (too late) I did a search on the internet and found this. It ends up that they were having a dance this past Sat at the Shrine Club. Which I took to be all a good omen cause 1) we live within walking distance of the club 2) we had our wedding reception in a shrine club and 3) I found out about it a week before time not a week later as is usually my luck. Well I knew that this was either going to be great or suck big time (the former prevailed). We got beginning lesson on Jitterbug before the dance, and the music was all swing and bigband, and there was lots of space! Ian and I are now talking about taking lessons on Mon night but $$ is tight now so we shall see.
Jump to Mon (nothing happened Sun trust me) Ian and I had planned on taking the day off and going to Raleigh to see The CSI exibit at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences We headed out and enjoyed a day at a museum that was pretty much empty (no school groups since school has just started). After wards eat at the Mellow Mushroom (I had heard great things about it) and then went and watched some of Ians friends play a game of rollerhockey (they are the Crimson tide) and when I say friends there are 4 (four) of these guys that Ian went to school with up in NY and now they all live and work in Raleigh and all play on the same roller hocky team...any who they won 9 to 4 and We had a few drinks afterwards and went home arriving just at midnight.
Well today Ian is off to the beach with a few guys from work...they got some time in a timeshare that another co worker couldn't use. So maybe I can get something done around here (haha).
So this past Sat Ian and I went dancing...see I was feeling a bit depressed lately and I determined that one reason was that Ian and I don't go out anymore...several reasons but the biggest is that there is no where to go for couples in greensboro besides a resturant (and we have tonnnnns of those). all the bars/clubs are smoky, expensive, loud, and crowded, and if you want a live band you can't find one where there is room to dance (and I mean dance with a breathable airpocket around you) See in Savannah (where we met) there was lots of places with bands and dance floors with minimum $$ exchanging hands. Sooo long story short (too late) I did a search on the internet and found this. It ends up that they were having a dance this past Sat at the Shrine Club. Which I took to be all a good omen cause 1) we live within walking distance of the club 2) we had our wedding reception in a shrine club and 3) I found out about it a week before time not a week later as is usually my luck. Well I knew that this was either going to be great or suck big time (the former prevailed). We got beginning lesson on Jitterbug before the dance, and the music was all swing and bigband, and there was lots of space! Ian and I are now talking about taking lessons on Mon night but $$ is tight now so we shall see.
Jump to Mon (nothing happened Sun trust me) Ian and I had planned on taking the day off and going to Raleigh to see The CSI exibit at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences We headed out and enjoyed a day at a museum that was pretty much empty (no school groups since school has just started). After wards eat at the Mellow Mushroom (I had heard great things about it) and then went and watched some of Ians friends play a game of rollerhockey (they are the Crimson tide) and when I say friends there are 4 (four) of these guys that Ian went to school with up in NY and now they all live and work in Raleigh and all play on the same roller hocky team...any who they won 9 to 4 and We had a few drinks afterwards and went home arriving just at midnight.
Well today Ian is off to the beach with a few guys from work...they got some time in a timeshare that another co worker couldn't use. So maybe I can get something done around here (haha).
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Little Pumpkin in a patch HIH
All done. I used all the dmc conversions except on the pumpkin it called for a wierd burgandy color or WDW cinnamon. I instead went to my overdyed floss stash and pulled out WDW carrot. that seemed more orange and natural to me. the photo is a bit washed out but you get the idea.
Didn't stitch at all last night Ian and I went to the gym....I hate the gym, ok not hate, dislike very very much. And its not just the gym I dislike exercize too...I think I was born without these endorphins every one talks about.
Oh and I trashed my photo over there cause I was bugging me ....Maybe Ill put another up someday.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Mary Kay open house
Hello all, Sorry I haven't been blogging lately I ahve been in funk lately. But my MK open house is over here is a pic of just one of the 4 tables I had set up to display my inventory...This is just the color cosmetics (then I had a skin care table, a spa table, one of perfumes, and one of gift ideas). I had good results and am happy to have reconnected with my customers.
As for stitching, I finished pumkin in the patch...I will post tomorrow. I am working on my halloween exchange and autumn exchange (which I can't post till the exchange happens).
As for stitching, I finished pumkin in the patch...I will post tomorrow. I am working on my halloween exchange and autumn exchange (which I can't post till the exchange happens).
Monday, August 15, 2005
And by tomorrow I mean Monday :0
Here is Ian's pencil sketch of the plane, and he thinks he isn't very good...heh, well at least he signed this one...usually he has to be forced to sign any of his work. Ian's dad was and artist and a woodworker, and his grand father liked to tinker with cars....Ian got all these interests so I end up with a very talented (yet frustrated) husband with too many hobbies he wants to do and not enough time or $$ to do it.
Meanwhile I realize the count down has started. I have 3.5 months to whip up a thesis. I have told EVERYONE that I graduate in Dec but now I am nervous it might not get done. Aggh.
In crosstitch land I have too many projects going on at once. I started 3 this weekend! one for my fall exchange (its a badly kept secret), Little Pumkin in the Patch by HIH, and the Sept Flip it. none of them should take long to do...But you would think I had enough to do already.
and My Mary Kay open house is this thursday....I have to start calling those who have not RSVPed, to see who intends to come (that is 24 phone calls....and I hate being on the phone!)
Finally to top of this Monday...I just recieved a phone call from my sister telling me my stepfather is in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer (which they think he had for days and told no one). Send your energy to PA....my stepfather and my mom will need it.
Meanwhile I realize the count down has started. I have 3.5 months to whip up a thesis. I have told EVERYONE that I graduate in Dec but now I am nervous it might not get done. Aggh.
In crosstitch land I have too many projects going on at once. I started 3 this weekend! one for my fall exchange (its a badly kept secret), Little Pumkin in the Patch by HIH, and the Sept Flip it. none of them should take long to do...But you would think I had enough to do already.
and My Mary Kay open house is this thursday....I have to start calling those who have not RSVPed, to see who intends to come (that is 24 phone calls....and I hate being on the phone!)
Finally to top of this Monday...I just recieved a phone call from my sister telling me my stepfather is in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer (which they think he had for days and told no one). Send your energy to PA....my stepfather and my mom will need it.
Friday, August 12, 2005
The Cabinet...........Is done.
If you are a regular reader you will remember that I mentioned about 2 months ago that Ian and I were redoing an old garage cabinet... We sanded it and Ian bead blasted the drawers a few at a time...and we used rustoleum's Hanmmered brown and silver metalic for the handles. My only regret...No before picture! It now resides in the craft room where it holds all kinds of crafty stuff...the drawers are a roomy 9x15 and about 2 inches deep...so in the drawers went model paints, fabric, paint brushes, pencils, floss, oragami paper, stamps, and other random stuff that was taking up lots of space. we then bought the tv dvd player (see on top) to spend more time in the room. It is paying off too. Ill post a picture of what Ian has been working on tomorrow.
Meanwhile....my Hershey plans are solidifing, my mom and sister are joining me for the weekend at CATS in Sept. My mom is a xstitcher...but my sister is not, but assures me she will attend if just to pick out stuff for me to stitch for her. I plan on heading up on thursday and spending the night at a college friends house (Attn Cathy:, My friend and her husband are both Pi Nu's, I was not, I was a Pixie PKX !). What I am really looking forward to is meeting these bloggers who I have read so much about.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
August Flip it
Just to keep you all happy, here is my August flip it...I made it into a hanging and it is already up. September is not going to be as good with the timing since I haven't even started it yet.
This weekend was pretty relaxing...I didn't do much, Sunday I felt caged again...like something wasn't quite right.
But yesterday I finished up the last of my field work for my thesis...and celebrated Ians birthday by going out to dinner.
This weekend was pretty relaxing...I didn't do much, Sunday I felt caged again...like something wasn't quite right.
But yesterday I finished up the last of my field work for my thesis...and celebrated Ians birthday by going out to dinner.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Ornament exchange #4
Here is the fourth finished ornament exchange....Joy by Erica Michaels. Well I now have 4 (in the end 6 ) stitched ornaments....but how to finish them...and when Ha!
Last night Ian worked on financial issues and paid bills while I cleaned out my Mary Kay closet and organized it to a point where it is cleaner than when we moved in. I got out all the open house stuff and figured out what I have to order before the big day.
Last night Ian worked on financial issues and paid bills while I cleaned out my Mary Kay closet and organized it to a point where it is cleaner than when we moved in. I got out all the open house stuff and figured out what I have to order before the big day.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Little house in the Woods
Well I finished and framed Little House in the Woods by HIH (I told you I found the perfect frame) I did use DMC instead of GAST (I'm cheap) . Next in this series will be Little Pumkin in the Patch. I started to rip out and redo Starlight Starbright last night while we watched Castaway (I didn't like it as much as all the hype built it up to be...What WAS in the box???). Ian and I bought a little 14 inch Tv/dvd combo for the craft room...so now I can stitch, sew, play with my beading or scrapbooking stuff, while Ian can sit at his drawing table and work on larger sketches while we watch DVDs at night. Before I was running back and forth between the front room and my stitch stuff...and was limited to what was portable too.
I went to my neighbors Open House (she is a Creative Memories consultant) this past Sunday and bought a powersort box...then pulled ALL my photos out from the attic and organized them! I have about 20 years worth of photos organized by time and place/event. It is a bit overwhelming, but the progress I have made so far has made me feel very good. Next I want to get all the little souviners/invitations/cards together and sorted ...(there are about 3 boxes of that stuff in the attic too.)
As for my Mary Kay Open house....it is turning out pretty well... I got the flyers ready and sent out tuesday. I have already had a call from one person who RSVPed. Woo Hoo!
In other news I have been out in the field this week collecting the last of the aquatic insects needed for my thesis...I will be all done with that next monday! Then the analysis must start. School starts on the 15th but I am not taking any classes...Just teaching and finishing my thesis....
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Im Baaaacccccckkkkk
Well....Lettsee I last wrote to you all on thursday the 14th. Since then I have been to court, seen all my immediate family, and have traveled 1200 miles.
Let me break it down for you without boring you to death. Thursday night we go out to meet our friends for dinner and get a call from another friend who says she is leaving her husband and called the police and needs a place to stay. (We have been expecting this call for a while). So the next day she calls me frantic saying she has to be in court to get the restraining order but they will not let the baby in...so I head downtown (only 2 miles away from school) to look after her daughter while she is in court...I was holding this baby for so long (4 hours) that my arms were sore the next day. That evening we all had a Pow -wow with all the people in the know about the situation and we discussed how we were going to proceed (this abuse situation is stitckier than most cause all our husbands work together!).
My mom and my stepdad arrived the next day Sat and stayed till tuesday morning....the whole time we are dealing with the aformentioned problem, but managed a good visit with the rents and mom got to go flying with Ian.
Tuesday morning my mom and stepdad head off to the coast and Ian and I head up north with doggie...glad to leave troubles behind. We arrive in New Paltz, NY to stay with his parents 11 hours later (traffic in DC and more stops than usual for the dog). During our stay, 5 days 5 nights, we visited 2 grand parents, a great aunt, a great uncle, and 11 friends (in 5 different locations) . Max was a trooper, he ajusted well to traveling in the truck, meeting new people, and to visiting different places. On the way home yesterday we visited my grandpa and a friend in NJ so our trip was longer (with hitting the DC to Richmond traffic at 5 pm ) 14 hours in total.
In cross stitching I finished my August Flip it, and Little house in the Woods by HIH. I also go t to have great S.E.X. (Stash Enhancing eXperience) at the Deer Farm Cross stitch Shop in Hyde Park NY...I highly recommend it...she has everything! I got the Mothers tree by L&L , Jig of the Lady bug , Signs of Spring, Signs of Winter, Signs of Summer, Animal Arches all by Bent Creek, Britty Kitties III by Brittercup Designs, and The Country Seasons by Prarie Schooler.
Let me break it down for you without boring you to death. Thursday night we go out to meet our friends for dinner and get a call from another friend who says she is leaving her husband and called the police and needs a place to stay. (We have been expecting this call for a while). So the next day she calls me frantic saying she has to be in court to get the restraining order but they will not let the baby in...so I head downtown (only 2 miles away from school) to look after her daughter while she is in court...I was holding this baby for so long (4 hours) that my arms were sore the next day. That evening we all had a Pow -wow with all the people in the know about the situation and we discussed how we were going to proceed (this abuse situation is stitckier than most cause all our husbands work together!).
My mom and my stepdad arrived the next day Sat and stayed till tuesday morning....the whole time we are dealing with the aformentioned problem, but managed a good visit with the rents and mom got to go flying with Ian.
Tuesday morning my mom and stepdad head off to the coast and Ian and I head up north with doggie...glad to leave troubles behind. We arrive in New Paltz, NY to stay with his parents 11 hours later (traffic in DC and more stops than usual for the dog). During our stay, 5 days 5 nights, we visited 2 grand parents, a great aunt, a great uncle, and 11 friends (in 5 different locations) . Max was a trooper, he ajusted well to traveling in the truck, meeting new people, and to visiting different places. On the way home yesterday we visited my grandpa and a friend in NJ so our trip was longer (with hitting the DC to Richmond traffic at 5 pm ) 14 hours in total.
In cross stitching I finished my August Flip it, and Little house in the Woods by HIH. I also go t to have great S.E.X. (Stash Enhancing eXperience) at the Deer Farm Cross stitch Shop in Hyde Park NY...I highly recommend it...she has everything! I got the Mothers tree by L&L , Jig of the Lady bug , Signs of Spring, Signs of Winter, Signs of Summer, Animal Arches all by Bent Creek, Britty Kitties III by Brittercup Designs, and The Country Seasons by Prarie Schooler.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
ARRRRGGGHHHH and makeup
Part I Arrrrgggghhhhhh. I was working on Starlight starbright last night and I was noticing that the snowman did not seem to have as much coverage as the pic on the front. I checked the directions and lo and behold it says to use 3 strands...I was using 2! ugh. Now armed with the knowledge that it could look better, I debated just finishing it as is. But I know that i will not be happy and every with every stitch I will question whether I made the right decision. So based on past experience I will be frogging the whole thing (well not the whole thing the scarf looks ok). Man I hate that.
Part II Makeup. For those who may not know... I have been a Mary Kay consultant for about 4 years. Most recently it is a spare time job. Last night my Sales Director came in from Ohio and Ian and I had dinner with her. I was lamenting the fact that although I have a full inventory on my shelves and a few regular customers, I am slowly accumulating more and more discontinued product. So she came up with a great open house idea for me...and my head was spinning with plans all night for it. I love to plan stuff like this, make everything pretty, send out flyers, call folks. But then the big let down comes when no one shows up....as has happened with a few christmas open houses I have had in the past. So I am trying to strike a balance between excitement and reality. I think I will hold it in August....hmmmm
Part II Makeup. For those who may not know... I have been a Mary Kay consultant for about 4 years. Most recently it is a spare time job. Last night my Sales Director came in from Ohio and Ian and I had dinner with her. I was lamenting the fact that although I have a full inventory on my shelves and a few regular customers, I am slowly accumulating more and more discontinued product. So she came up with a great open house idea for me...and my head was spinning with plans all night for it. I love to plan stuff like this, make everything pretty, send out flyers, call folks. But then the big let down comes when no one shows up....as has happened with a few christmas open houses I have had in the past. So I am trying to strike a balance between excitement and reality. I think I will hold it in August....hmmmm
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Baby Sampler for Tessa
This is a sampler from JBW designs.
I did not get the embellishment pack (white buttons, 2 rabbit buttons) so I substituted two stitched rabbits up top and left out the extra buttons. but i did add the beads for their tails...cute huh.
I had most of this done 2 months ago...just needed a birth to fill in the rest.
I did not get the embellishment pack (white buttons, 2 rabbit buttons) so I substituted two stitched rabbits up top and left out the extra buttons. but i did add the beads for their tails...cute huh.
I had most of this done 2 months ago...just needed a birth to fill in the rest.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Starlight Starbright
Here is my work so far on Waxing Moon's Starlight starbright. The Waiting for Santa below (see previous post) was originally for my sister but that was done in 2000! Now that I found the frame I really want to keep it, soooo she may get this one instead. Whatcha think Liz?
Anywho nothing exciting going on today...need to head over to the library and photocopy some papers....my advisor is coming back from Alaska tomorrow and I have to have something to tell her. She doesn't know that I am heading off to NY next week for a short trip to my inlaws house ...it was kinda a last minute decision.
I finished a baby sampler for my friends new baby and I plan on framing and posting a picture tomorrow.
Framing.....
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.
Framed Thinking of you sampler
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist. 
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.
Monday, July 11, 2005
One year older...
Yesterday was my 31st birthday.....but lets recap the entire weekend
Saturday I went out shopping for frames, since I havent been stitching much lately I have felt the urge to at least finish a few of my 20+ finished Xstiches. I didn't want to spend too much $$ so I hit the thrift and Goodwill stores first. ($4 for 4 frames!) I found the perfect frames for Bent Creek's Waiting for Santa, the Gud Huswife freebie sampler, a frame to remount a sampler I had on sticky board, and a PERFECT frame for HIH Little House in the Woods. To go with Little house in the woods there is also similar themed Angel in the Clouds, Pumpkin in the patch and Snowman in the drifts...I am thinking of hanging the frame in my kitchen and rotating all 4 them thru out the year. Now I am inspired to stitch them all.
So What to do when you don't feel like stitching your WIP's......Start more projects Yeah! I started a Leo Cattitudes (Margaret Sherry) for a friend whose birthday is coming up soon and Waxing Moon's Starlight Starbright. It was kitted and ready to go....
Saturday night we went out to Fire and Sticks, a hibachi place to celebrate a friend's son's birthday (and mine too). Then Ian and I went home and watched Somethings Gotta Give. It was funnier than we thought it was going to be.
Sunday I went out to lunch with them and helped my friends drop their kids off at the Y camp down the street. I got a David Yurman bracelet from Ian, and some earrings from my MIL, and I got some stash from my friend ....the aformentioned Little snowman in the drifts, Trilogy's Dog Treats, Crossed Wings Mitten Games, and Bent Creek Dancing Bumblebee.
Overall an Ok weekend
Saturday I went out shopping for frames, since I havent been stitching much lately I have felt the urge to at least finish a few of my 20+ finished Xstiches. I didn't want to spend too much $$ so I hit the thrift and Goodwill stores first. ($4 for 4 frames!) I found the perfect frames for Bent Creek's Waiting for Santa, the Gud Huswife freebie sampler, a frame to remount a sampler I had on sticky board, and a PERFECT frame for HIH Little House in the Woods. To go with Little house in the woods there is also similar themed Angel in the Clouds, Pumpkin in the patch and Snowman in the drifts...I am thinking of hanging the frame in my kitchen and rotating all 4 them thru out the year. Now I am inspired to stitch them all.
So What to do when you don't feel like stitching your WIP's......Start more projects Yeah! I started a Leo Cattitudes (Margaret Sherry) for a friend whose birthday is coming up soon and Waxing Moon's Starlight Starbright. It was kitted and ready to go....
Saturday night we went out to Fire and Sticks, a hibachi place to celebrate a friend's son's birthday (and mine too). Then Ian and I went home and watched Somethings Gotta Give. It was funnier than we thought it was going to be.
Sunday I went out to lunch with them and helped my friends drop their kids off at the Y camp down the street. I got a David Yurman bracelet from Ian, and some earrings from my MIL, and I got some stash from my friend ....the aformentioned Little snowman in the drifts, Trilogy's Dog Treats, Crossed Wings Mitten Games, and Bent Creek Dancing Bumblebee.
Overall an Ok weekend
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Cage Rattler
When I walk Max around the neighborhood there is a black dog that does not bark at us but instead rises it self up onto its back legs and shakes the chain link fence gate with his front paws...I have taken to calling him the Cage Rattler (sounds like a good WWF name eh?).
I have been restless all week...feel like i am in a cage too, I haven't stitched a single cross, maybe because I am more upset than i thought at losing my birds. I have read 2 books in the past 3 days (and I haven't read any novels in months) both by Orson Scott Card. He is my favorite author (and lives here in Greensboro too) and for some reason every once in a while his stories get stuck in my head, like a favorite scene in a movie....I reread Treason (for the third or fouth time) and Songmaster (second time) . And I am fighting the urge to re read Enchantment and Lovelock....I love his stand alone stories...although the series books are fabulous, it is satisfying to finish a book and not have to worry about reading the next before your memory forgets the first one. Everytime a new Ender or Alvin book comes out I have to reread the first 4-8 books...True with Harry Potter too...I will at least have to re read the fifth book by the time i get my hands on the sixth.. I am rambling but are you getting the feel of my nervous twitch....I feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop...not that the first one ever did. The sky is falling.
We saw War of the Worlds a few days ago and it was better than I had feared but not a classic ...I won't be running out to buy it. I have mixed feelings about Tom (Wil thinks he sucks) and Dakota is getting soooooooo many movies lately you would think she is the only girl in hollywood. but at least she plays it real....I forget she is an actor .
Oh I hired Design-a-Blog to redo this bad boy so keep your eyes on this space.
I have been restless all week...feel like i am in a cage too, I haven't stitched a single cross, maybe because I am more upset than i thought at losing my birds. I have read 2 books in the past 3 days (and I haven't read any novels in months) both by Orson Scott Card. He is my favorite author (and lives here in Greensboro too) and for some reason every once in a while his stories get stuck in my head, like a favorite scene in a movie....I reread Treason (for the third or fouth time) and Songmaster (second time) . And I am fighting the urge to re read Enchantment and Lovelock....I love his stand alone stories...although the series books are fabulous, it is satisfying to finish a book and not have to worry about reading the next before your memory forgets the first one. Everytime a new Ender or Alvin book comes out I have to reread the first 4-8 books...True with Harry Potter too...I will at least have to re read the fifth book by the time i get my hands on the sixth.. I am rambling but are you getting the feel of my nervous twitch....I feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop...not that the first one ever did. The sky is falling.
We saw War of the Worlds a few days ago and it was better than I had feared but not a classic ...I won't be running out to buy it. I have mixed feelings about Tom (Wil thinks he sucks) and Dakota is getting soooooooo many movies lately you would think she is the only girl in hollywood. but at least she plays it real....I forget she is an actor .
Oh I hired Design-a-Blog to redo this bad boy so keep your eyes on this space.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
4th BBQ Pics
All the 4th photos are now in flickr.com....go check 'em out (just click on pic)
In other news.....bad bad news, this past friday I took several cross stitch pieces to Joann Fabrics to match them for pillow backs and I discovered that when I came back home my Waxing Moon birds were missing. I called the store but to no avail...they claimed no one had seen it. I was then going to go there in person....but the weekend and the party took over. Then yesterday my car won't start...we have it towed to the shop...and of course they have no problem starting it.....they think it is a faulty air flow sensor. But I basically have to wait for it to not start again before we can be sure. ugh. Anyway Ill be heading to Joanns today and hope a miracle will have occured and that my birds will be there. I was planning on stitching the birds again.....but there was alot of time and $$ (overdyed threads) involved in that one...sigh.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Holiday weekend---Pretty good:)
The BBQ was a sucess. I had cleaned for most of the weekend and bought all of the food. Monday Ian and I straightened up and got the last few things for a rocking party haha.
We had 16 people show altogether...over the course of the evening...It poured around 6 when we were just finishing up the grilling...but then cleared up after about 45 min. I even had enough dry wood to have a fire and we did smores. I ended up with a ton of food left over. Pasta salad,potato salad, banana bread, 2 cheesecakes, 14 burgers, several packs of hot dogs, 18-20 hot italian sausages..assorted buns, and enough smores makings for the next 2 summers. The only conclusion I have is that we need more friends
I was able to perfect my mint julep recipe. I had my first in New Orleans a month ago and I have been working on it for about two weeks trying in vain to replicate it. I went all over the internet and through all my bartending books. I finally settled on this one. I made the syrup a few days ago. But modified the mix to a 4 count pour of kentucky bourbon (thats about 2 ounces) and a 6 count pour of the syrup (way more than a tablespoon). Sweet but smooth and screw any one who trys the muddling technique. Everyone loved it. I have plenty of syrup left to dring mint juleps for the rest of the summer. Strange thing is...the mint juleps in New Orleans were clear...now where do you find clear bourbon?
We had 16 people show altogether...over the course of the evening...It poured around 6 when we were just finishing up the grilling...but then cleared up after about 45 min. I even had enough dry wood to have a fire and we did smores. I ended up with a ton of food left over. Pasta salad,potato salad, banana bread, 2 cheesecakes, 14 burgers, several packs of hot dogs, 18-20 hot italian sausages..assorted buns, and enough smores makings for the next 2 summers. The only conclusion I have is that we need more friends
I was able to perfect my mint julep recipe. I had my first in New Orleans a month ago and I have been working on it for about two weeks trying in vain to replicate it. I went all over the internet and through all my bartending books. I finally settled on this one. I made the syrup a few days ago. But modified the mix to a 4 count pour of kentucky bourbon (thats about 2 ounces) and a 6 count pour of the syrup (way more than a tablespoon). Sweet but smooth and screw any one who trys the muddling technique. Everyone loved it. I have plenty of syrup left to dring mint juleps for the rest of the summer. Strange thing is...the mint juleps in New Orleans were clear...now where do you find clear bourbon?
Friday, July 01, 2005
Stitching Bloggers Question of the Week
When starting a new project, do you start in the middle? If you do, once you’ve worked down to the bottom, do you turn your chart and fabric around so that you are stitching the top section downwards again or do you just stitch upwards from the middle?
I was taught to start in the middle and have never seen any problems with it. Only recently have I read about that you should only stitch from top to bottom and if you start in the middle should turn around the fabric for uniformity of stitches. But as I have mentioned before I do not stitch for perfection, only for my own enjoyment and pleasure. I have made an effort recently to start at the top when it seems feasible...a band sampler or something that I don't have to worry about the amount of fabric and spacing but old habits die hard.
I was taught to start in the middle and have never seen any problems with it. Only recently have I read about that you should only stitch from top to bottom and if you start in the middle should turn around the fabric for uniformity of stitches. But as I have mentioned before I do not stitch for perfection, only for my own enjoyment and pleasure. I have made an effort recently to start at the top when it seems feasible...a band sampler or something that I don't have to worry about the amount of fabric and spacing but old habits die hard.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Sydney's Cross Stitch
A friend of mine's stepdaughter comes to stay with them every summer (I think she is 11 or 12) and a few weeks ago asked if she could try what I was doing. Well at the time I was working on my June Flip it and so I gave her an 11 ct piece of aida and she picked the colors and I enlarged the draonfly square of the pattern...and tryed to teach her what to do. So she heads home with it (I tell her I'll teach her backstitching next week) and then I see her 1 week later and this is what she has done. She taught herself how to do the backstitch (using a example that i had done in her house) And did the hearts and lettering freehand...she even added her initials and date (like I do )! I gave her another small piece (a flower on 14 ct aida) and a more complicated kitted piece by Janlynn (confetti stitches). I had sent for the DMC mentor kit but I think she will be way beyond that stage by the time it arrives. She will be reading this blog so I am sure she would love to see what you think of this cross stitch whiz kid.
As for me I started my August Flip it yesterday and am still working on Santa. Ian and I played hooky yesterday and spent the day cleaning up an old metal cabinet (with about 30 drawers) that used to be a garage piece. the drawers he is taking to work and bead blasting 2 at a time. but the cabinet itself had to be cleaned, sanded, and washed. We were able to prime and paint it....after MUCH deliberation I finally settled on the hammered brown metal from Rustoleum...although the cabinet doesn't look very "hammered" the color is good and makes the cabinet look useable in ( drum roll) the craft room! The drawers will be so clean and lined that Ill be able to store cross stitch and beading supplies in them all. I will post pics of it when it is done (the drawers will take a while there are 30 of them).
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Monday, June 27, 2005
A Good Weekend
Are you officially old and boring if a good weekend is one in which you spend it at home and clean? I mean sure I have no $$ to go out shopping or to the movies or a bar, but even if I did I would probably just spend it on something for the house.
We are having a 4th of July party and my mom and stepdad are coming for a visit on their way to the beach on the 18th so I thought now would be a good time to start cleaning (I mean really cleaning) the house.
Sat I raked the whole backyard of twigs and burned them. Mowed the high parts, watered the garden well, and weeded and deadheaded alot of stuff...so the yard won't look like total crap next week. Then Sunday I cleaned up and dusted the Master bedroom, the Drunken Library (see below), and the Craft /Guest bedroom. These rooms are not as often used as the others so those get next weekend. Ian and I discussed the scrapbooking/photo sorting plan for July...and are putting it off til August, since July is rapidly filling up and Santa is coming along fast...I mean cruzin, I got the rabbit done and the beard will be completely done this week.
What is the Drunken Library? well it is this dark panelled room that seemed to have no purpose when we moved in. Besides a fireplace and a built in cupboard...it is not a dining room (maybe if it was opened to the kitchen more...but that requires removing walls and redoing the kitchen $$$). and it is not a "family room" (fireplace and very dark). It's just sort of an extension off of the hall from the kitchen to the bed rooms...So we put in bookshelves and a bar in that builtin cupboard complete with fridge and maybe someday a sink. and called it ...the Drunken Library...I can see I will have to post pictures now...edit:added photos.
PS. Does any one out there watch the Dead Zone on USA? last nights episode was great I loved the character of Alex! Give her a permanent spot!
Friday, June 24, 2005
As advertised
Here he is...you can see the rabbit outline where he goes next (to the right of the dove) then it is back to the top to work down the right side. It doesn't look that bad from here but the green on the bottom (934) is taking forever. I feel like I have been stitching green for the past 4 days.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
What was your first 45?
We were talking firsts the other day and here are some Questions for you....if you are old enough!
Your first 45: She-Bop by Cindi Lauper, I didn't realize till much later (like last week) that this song is about masturbation...you didn't either mom?
Your first 33: Break out by The Pointer Sisters I did a solo dance to Neutron Dance at my 5th grade talent show...don't ask me where I got the guts to do that.
First Cassette: Dr. Hook. I can't remeber which album but it did have my favorite song on it... "You make my Pants want to get up and Dance". What can I say it -was in the 99c bin at the local kmart or somewhere.
First CD....god help me I can't remember?..maybe the Robin Hood soundtrack.
As for stitching I finished th June Flip it but don't have appropriate fabric for the back, and sinc we are still broke I can't go shopping till July...Well at least Julys Flip it was done last year maybe I can get August done before the month starts. I am currently working on Santa...I took him with me to the Tarheel get together last Sat and have been on him ever since....I just have the rabbit to do and I'll be close to 50% done. (I'll post the pic tomorrow). I am getting ready to pull all my photos and scrapbook memoriabilia out of the attic to organize them. I'll be putting most of my stitching aside for July (we shall se how long that lasts).
Your first 45: She-Bop by Cindi Lauper, I didn't realize till much later (like last week) that this song is about masturbation...you didn't either mom?
Your first 33: Break out by The Pointer Sisters I did a solo dance to Neutron Dance at my 5th grade talent show...don't ask me where I got the guts to do that.
First Cassette: Dr. Hook. I can't remeber which album but it did have my favorite song on it... "You make my Pants want to get up and Dance". What can I say it -was in the 99c bin at the local kmart or somewhere.
First CD....god help me I can't remember?..maybe the Robin Hood soundtrack.
As for stitching I finished th June Flip it but don't have appropriate fabric for the back, and sinc we are still broke I can't go shopping till July...Well at least Julys Flip it was done last year maybe I can get August done before the month starts. I am currently working on Santa...I took him with me to the Tarheel get together last Sat and have been on him ever since....I just have the rabbit to do and I'll be close to 50% done. (I'll post the pic tomorrow). I am getting ready to pull all my photos and scrapbook memoriabilia out of the attic to organize them. I'll be putting most of my stitching aside for July (we shall se how long that lasts).
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Curly Girls!!
So I was at the library the other day looking for some books and I just happen to glance down and pick up a book called Curly Girls by Lorraine Massey. This book is like an epiphany...she talks about growing up hating curly hair (me) trying every method of straightening it (me again) and walking around with a shirt halfway on your head hanging down your back pretending it was long straight hair (this woman was spying on me when I was 7!). The only thing she doesn't talk about is how everyone tell you how fabulous your hair is (grown-ups what do they know) but of course you don't believe them cause all the popular girls in school and all the pretty girls on tv have stick straight blonde hair. I wish the book was written in 1985...but better late than never. I have come to terms with my hair (as has my sister) but I know and knew alot of people who don't and spend hours straightening it out. Lorraine's book on how to care for curly hair includes 2 TWO products that you already have, a conditioner and a gel....thats it! no moouse, frizz ease, special shampoos and conditioners, no combs, brushes, or hair dryers, no chenicals and no pills. she even has a whole chapter on how to care for childrens curly hair. It's like finding a weight loss diet that worked in 10 minutes. The picture is me after 2 days of starting her method (and at the end of a day of high humidity!). (I am trying find a before pic....)
I highly recommend her book to anyone with curly or wavy hair. This is the type of book you want to buy for all your curly haired friends....or just find it in your library!
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Tuesdays Labor
This past tuesday Ian and I finished the walkway from the driveway to the back patio. We had dug it out and installed the rain barrel about 3 weeks ago, then it started to rain...and didn't stop for 2 weeks (ok maybe for a day or 2), point is that the rain barrel is full and we had to re dig the walk.
We also poured a concrete slab for under the garden hose, and put the parking stops to good use (we found 5 in our yard under the leaf pile when we moved in, one borders the new herb bed, one borders azaleas in the back and now 2 run by the walkway- just one left!)
I am planning on putting stepping stones in the gravel eventually. I will be looking into kits and how to make my own as well as perhaps purchasing some.
WIP- View to a Spring Garden
here it is so far... but I think I will be taking a break before returning to this since the directions from here on out are confusing and the picture of the finished sampler is not very clear so that is no assistance.
Any one out there seen a finished picture of this sampler?
As for the QOTW: Do you feel the need to stitch a design from a specific designer just to say that you've experienced stitching one of their designs?
Heck no...I only do what I like, regardless of designer. I do not collect all the designs from 1 designer, nor do the ones that are a challenge to show how "good" I am. I only do the designs I can see up on a wall (someday haha).
Thursday, June 09, 2005
View to a Spring Garden WIP
Yep I started this last night and got the first band (all backstitching) done.
So the plan is to work on this till I get bored or its done....then I am contimplating taking a break (Gasp) don't panic, I would still continue the ornaments and Flip its...But my photos are calling me. Ian and I have one of those big 3o something gallon rubbermaid full of loose photos, and I dont want to just album them...its too big of a job. My neighbor is a Creative Memories consultant and I have enough stuff to start. I have just been putting it off for so long, saying I do it when I graduate, that our photos are extremely disorganized.
Part of my frustration is based on a scrapbook album that I started after college...which Iwas very proud of.....that has disappeared, and I keep hoping it will show up and I will be able to continue from there. But I think I amready to let go of that grief and organize Both mine (AND IANS!!) photos...he has also indicated intrest in helping me.
But I'll detail out plans if and when that project begins.
In other news...yesterday was a depressing day due to the fact that we had a fence estimator tell us that the only way we could have a fence put in to finish fencing off the back yard (2 sides are done but the third borders a road) would be to lose about 15 feet of our back yard. Our property line is much further in than either of us had suspected. So we either have to re think the entire back yard or install a big hedge and invisible fence for the dog. So our plans for a fence went from when to if ...I hate that.
Seaside Garden Done
Woo Hoo I love this...I think Ill finish it as a bell pull instead of framing.
It was so easy (too bad it was so expensive or I would do more).This was my first time working with silk floss and it has nice coverage but I don't feel that it is worth the expense.
I again apologize for the crappy photo...lately all the photos are too light or too dark...but can you see? It is the first overdyed fabric I have ever tried blue and white...it looks like a sky.
It was so easy (too bad it was so expensive or I would do more).This was my first time working with silk floss and it has nice coverage but I don't feel that it is worth the expense.
I again apologize for the crappy photo...lately all the photos are too light or too dark...but can you see? It is the first overdyed fabric I have ever tried blue and white...it looks like a sky.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Cross stitch Crazy
Here is what I have been doing the last 5 days
I looked at Santa when I got home and figured I had made so much progress he could wait since I have an itch to start something new....Started on the Victorias Sampler's Seaside Garden friday and almost done too...it was easy, I am sorry for the dark pic. I will post a lighter finished one...(should be done this week) Then I will start the Black swan sampler (since I am not samplered out yet) but it is not as easy and I will probably switch it and santa out in a mini rotation with the round robin and flip it filling in the gaps ( see progress below)
And here are some other small finishes I never posted, I am in a christmas round robin group...here is mine (all from the JCS 04 ornament issue)
And here is Eva's.... this one was over 1 with over dyed threads and a pain in the ass. I am now just waiting on the third to arrive in the mail (there are 6 total)
And of course here is the May Flip it, done just in time for june (figures) I did finish it as a pillow ornament yesterday. Since I've already did the july flip it last year, I have a month to catch up and get a head start on august.
I am looking forward to tonight, We are going out to eat to celebrate a friends 30th birthday (I am glad I am not the only one getting old)
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Welcome Back!
Why thank you, I know you all missed me. So here is the New Orleans synopsis:
The conference had over 2000 people (NABS- North American Benthological Society togehter in a joint conference with AGU- American Geophysical Union) and the conference hall in NO was HUGE...they handled 2 other conferences/meetings at the same time.
My talk on tuesday went just fine, not too many others in the room...there were at least 10 other talks at the same time. There were presentations every 15 min from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Mon thru Friday and as many as 20 at once in different rooms. Needless to say you got burned out pretty quick. They announced next years meeting in Alaska, and we had our final banquet at the Aquarium of the Americas (see jellyfish- click on him to see all 27 pics in Flickr).
The city itself was unique, keep in mind that I only saw a small part of it, But from the Conference center to Bourbon St. and back it was filthy and smelly and beautiful. If you look up the city has cool architecture, beautiful gardens, and wonderful resturants. But look down and every form of nasty liquid you can think of is running down the sidewalks and into the gutters. No recycling, and no street cleaning in sight. Music every where, and panhandlers and hustlers everywhere too. Everyhthing is expensive (food, drink, art, souvoniers) but the deals are there if you care to search them out.
I wish I had time to go do some more exploring, I didn't get to the Garden district nor see the plantations or swamps or cemetaries. but with no car and so many others who have diferent ideas of a good time...I was limited. I may go back someday.
Stitching updates tomorrow
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Of to see the wizard
Or at least the Cajun cook :) I am packing for New Orleans as I type this. I was planning on leaving you with all kinds of pictures to look at while I was gone including my clamatis that finally bloomed, a finished waxing moon birds pic and santa's progress. But my computer at home is on the fritz and it will not upload my pictures.
I wont be blogging till next sat when I get home...but till then Ill give you 2 movie reviews
Star Wars Revenge (or is it return?) of the Sith: Of all three NEW SW movies it was the best one (but that aint saying much). The characters finally have a chance to be developed and it isn't as rushed as the other 2. Ewan McGregor does a fabulous job of being a Obi Wan that you can truly believe will turn into Crazy old Ben Kenobi in the first (next) star wars. The movie brings the story right up to the next movie wonderfully so that after leaving the theater I wanted to go home and watch Star Wars on my old VHS tape. That being said I wish the Padome and Aniken scenes were left on the cutting room floor...the dialogue is horrible but with SOME emotion the two of them could have pulled it off. as it is you only believed they loved each other when they were alone. They should of brought back Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher...now there was chemistry...made you stomach do flops when they finally kissed .
the second movie I am reviewing is out on DVD: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I had heard mixed reviews of this one. of course the artsy charlie kaufman fans loved it, but what about the regular movie people....those of us who like to be entertained and not challeged constantly.
Ian and I were pleasently surprised....If you liked Being John Malkovich and Adaptation but felt they were a bit weird or off (could live with out seeing them again,) then you will like this one. Finally a Jim Carrey movie where his is even MORE normal than you or I. Ha.
Off to new orleans...I present tues at 3:30...send me some good juju.
I wont be blogging till next sat when I get home...but till then Ill give you 2 movie reviews
Star Wars Revenge (or is it return?) of the Sith: Of all three NEW SW movies it was the best one (but that aint saying much). The characters finally have a chance to be developed and it isn't as rushed as the other 2. Ewan McGregor does a fabulous job of being a Obi Wan that you can truly believe will turn into Crazy old Ben Kenobi in the first (next) star wars. The movie brings the story right up to the next movie wonderfully so that after leaving the theater I wanted to go home and watch Star Wars on my old VHS tape. That being said I wish the Padome and Aniken scenes were left on the cutting room floor...the dialogue is horrible but with SOME emotion the two of them could have pulled it off. as it is you only believed they loved each other when they were alone. They should of brought back Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher...now there was chemistry...made you stomach do flops when they finally kissed .
the second movie I am reviewing is out on DVD: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I had heard mixed reviews of this one. of course the artsy charlie kaufman fans loved it, but what about the regular movie people....those of us who like to be entertained and not challeged constantly.
Ian and I were pleasently surprised....If you liked Being John Malkovich and Adaptation but felt they were a bit weird or off (could live with out seeing them again,) then you will like this one. Finally a Jim Carrey movie where his is even MORE normal than you or I. Ha.
Off to new orleans...I present tues at 3:30...send me some good juju.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Still in the Christmas mood
I know I am crazy...a non stitching friend asked me why I was doing a santa in May... its tough to explain a screaming WIP to a non stitcher.
Any way here is my current progress, I think I'll finish this side (a rabbit and more robes) and take a break...
I am ready (and now guilt free) to start the seaside sampler.
If you click on the photo and take a good look you can see the fabric visible in places between stitches...I have never been able to solve this problem...maybe if I railroaded every stitch, and maybe if I stitched each cross seperately, and maybe if i used shorter lengths, and maybe if i used thread heaven on every thread...but I have tried all these techniques and they never completely solve the problem and make it more work than fun. Its kind of a toss up I guess, Make your work look perfect and hate every minute of it...or have fun and it not be perfect.
This is the main reason why I don't do the big colorful complicated designs...TW, Mirabila, etc....I am just not that good. ( To see someone who is that good ...see Jo) This Santa will be the last BIG one for a while.
On top of all that, the dove and the owl are 7 years old and showing some wear (and a few stains)...I may end up ripping them in the end.
Any way here is my current progress, I think I'll finish this side (a rabbit and more robes) and take a break...
I am ready (and now guilt free) to start the seaside sampler.
If you click on the photo and take a good look you can see the fabric visible in places between stitches...I have never been able to solve this problem...maybe if I railroaded every stitch, and maybe if I stitched each cross seperately, and maybe if i used shorter lengths, and maybe if i used thread heaven on every thread...but I have tried all these techniques and they never completely solve the problem and make it more work than fun. Its kind of a toss up I guess, Make your work look perfect and hate every minute of it...or have fun and it not be perfect.
This is the main reason why I don't do the big colorful complicated designs...TW, Mirabila, etc....I am just not that good. ( To see someone who is that good ...see Jo) This Santa will be the last BIG one for a while.
On top of all that, the dove and the owl are 7 years old and showing some wear (and a few stains)...I may end up ripping them in the end.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Please no JarJar
We have tickets to see the midnight showing of Star Wars Episode III tonight_ update: I got the date wrong, it is NEXT thursday. Friends of ours got tickets a few weeks ago. I was talking it over with Ian and we both agree that the first two movies in the series did not live up to expectations. Episode I tried too hard to be apealling to kids and rushed the development of alot of characters, Episode II casted Anakin badly...not that he didn't look the part or acted badly...but that there was NO on screen chemistry between Anakin (Hayden Christiansen) and Padome (Natalie Portman)... so the love and the actions taken made little sense. I did not feel like I got lost in the story (as I do with any decently written book or movie) and I did not have any sudden urge to see either one again (a good indicator of a entertaining/fun/involving movie.
I HOPE that #3 is the charm...
QOTW: Given the option, would you rather buy a chart and get the material and floss together yourself, or buy a pre-packed kit?
I hate kits...mostly because I don't like Aida, and kits almost never have evenweave. Also I rarely see anything I like. Now when a LNS prepaks specialty fibers for a chart, that I love...cause then I don't have to spend a fortune for the fibers when the chart usually calls for lass than a full skein. Thats how I got seaside garden by Victoria Sampler...all the fibers came with it and I have enough fabric stash that it is ready to go.
But I am still working on santa...I have now moved on to another page. I photocopied the original chart onto 4 working pages, cause the original chart is very worn, especially along the folds. Actualy I am missing quite a few symbols and kinda have to guess in places. But I am now working on either side of the dove and should finish to the bottom of the left side within the next 4 weeks.
I do not think I will take Santa to New Orleans with me...I'll take both the May and June flipits and my current RR ornament.
I HOPE that #3 is the charm...
QOTW: Given the option, would you rather buy a chart and get the material and floss together yourself, or buy a pre-packed kit?
I hate kits...mostly because I don't like Aida, and kits almost never have evenweave. Also I rarely see anything I like. Now when a LNS prepaks specialty fibers for a chart, that I love...cause then I don't have to spend a fortune for the fibers when the chart usually calls for lass than a full skein. Thats how I got seaside garden by Victoria Sampler...all the fibers came with it and I have enough fabric stash that it is ready to go.
But I am still working on santa...I have now moved on to another page. I photocopied the original chart onto 4 working pages, cause the original chart is very worn, especially along the folds. Actualy I am missing quite a few symbols and kinda have to guess in places. But I am now working on either side of the dove and should finish to the bottom of the left side within the next 4 weeks.
I do not think I will take Santa to New Orleans with me...I'll take both the May and June flipits and my current RR ornament.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Progress as of 5/9/05
Okok here you go, the upper part of the staf is done, and the left side of the beard...I am starting on the sleeve and will continue down the left side. He is actually moving along quite well and could be mostly done before I get bored.
We started to watch The Right Stuff last night, it is a long movie, interesting...but very late 70s/early 80s style. Oh and the music that accompanies the well known shot of all 7 walking in their suits, was not what I thought it was.
What is cool is watching it with Ian (who is a flight history/NASA buff) cause then I could ask him stuff about the movie that wasn't clear...like why didn't Yeager get to try out for the space program (he never went to college) and is Deke Slayton the same Deke in Apollo 13 (Yes..and he didn't fly in the Mercury program...but did in Gemini)and did Grissom ever admit to blowing the hatch? (no) I could go on and on....you know for someone who hates it when people talk during a movie...I asked a lot of questions...ah the benifits of DVD, you can go back and see it again.
We started to watch The Right Stuff last night, it is a long movie, interesting...but very late 70s/early 80s style. Oh and the music that accompanies the well known shot of all 7 walking in their suits, was not what I thought it was.
What is cool is watching it with Ian (who is a flight history/NASA buff) cause then I could ask him stuff about the movie that wasn't clear...like why didn't Yeager get to try out for the space program (he never went to college) and is Deke Slayton the same Deke in Apollo 13 (Yes..and he didn't fly in the Mercury program...but did in Gemini)and did Grissom ever admit to blowing the hatch? (no) I could go on and on....you know for someone who hates it when people talk during a movie...I asked a lot of questions...ah the benifits of DVD, you can go back and see it again.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Kung Fu Hustle
Well I survived...(It actually was one of the best presentations I think I have ever done- all that practice helped)
Now I need to get another one ready for a conference in New Orleans on the 24th. 15 minutes in front of a bunch of drunk scientists (or so I hear) I think I can do it.
To celebrate last night Ian and I went to see Kung Fu Hustle.....and If you haven't already heard it through the grape vine....It is hilarious. Ian and I laughed the whole time. Of course there is Kung Fu, and violence ( but very little blood), but the humor was just in the right spots...and suprising silly enough to make you laugh out loud. Stephen Chow (director) makes fun of quite a few american movies and other bits of our pop culture that surprised me. Oh and I should warn you it is subtitled...but is so well done and timed that I had to go back and write this cause i had forgotten.
Still working on Santa
Now I need to get another one ready for a conference in New Orleans on the 24th. 15 minutes in front of a bunch of drunk scientists (or so I hear) I think I can do it.
To celebrate last night Ian and I went to see Kung Fu Hustle.....and If you haven't already heard it through the grape vine....It is hilarious. Ian and I laughed the whole time. Of course there is Kung Fu, and violence ( but very little blood), but the humor was just in the right spots...and suprising silly enough to make you laugh out loud. Stephen Chow (director) makes fun of quite a few american movies and other bits of our pop culture that surprised me. Oh and I should warn you it is subtitled...but is so well done and timed that I had to go back and write this cause i had forgotten.
Still working on Santa
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Proposal in 20 hours
Here is our lab hamster (Nipper), no he is not experimented on, he is a pet. He has got the funkiest hair ever, half long and half short.
I have rehearsed my proposal out loud 4 times so far with probably 4-5 more times to go. I'm not that scared of the presentation as much as the questions and the committee meeting afterwards.
As for Santa...(he is a Lavendar and Lace pattern by the way...should look like this) I did start the gold thread, I was having a hell of a time with it it kept spliting and I had to use shorter and shorter lengths...then I realized I have Thread Heaven! I got it at the going out of business sale back in feb, and tried it with regular dmc but was not impressed....I remember other stitchers recommending it for metallics.....It kicks ASS! Holy cow my gold is just smooth as silk (the newer stitches at least) and I can use longer lengths...Ill be done with the upper part of the staff within a week.
I know every blog seems to have goals for the month...but the only one I have is to finish the May flipit and get as much done on santa as I can handle...then start one of the samplers I mentioned previously.
This weeks questions...There are 2>>> 1) Do you finish all your finished pieces? (pillow, frame, etc,) If so, how do you finish the pieces? If not what do you do with them?
Ha...one of my huge problems is not that I have alot of WIPS but that I have over 20 finished pieces sitting in a ziplock bag....I do frame the ones I give as gifts, and I cant make too many pillows or Ian will kill me. Some are no longer my style and I give those away, some I make into doorknob hangers (smaller pieces) and I HATE spending so much $$ to get the pieces framed correctly. so the pieces wait till I have some spare $ to frame them myself.
2) What is your opinion of Internet "freebies?"
I love them, you have to do a bit of searching but there are freebies out there that are just as nice as the patterns you buy...It depends on the designer of course, my favorites are the drawn thread and waxing moon designs.....oh and if you want to see the finished freebies check this website out.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Santa progress
Here he is after about 8-10 hours of work....He is good to take my mind of of the thesis proposal at night...that way I only panic during the day when Ian isn't around.
I am debating whether to work on the gold staff as I go, or to do that part last so the q snap doesn't mess it up
I am debating whether to work on the gold staff as I go, or to do that part last so the q snap doesn't mess it up
Friday, April 29, 2005
Christmas in May
Hello all,
ok Forget the flippin towel...It's not going to be as cool as I thought, there are too many floating stitches to make it double sided, and it was depressing me. Into the WIP pile for now.
On the up side Santa has been screaming at me, and although I would love to start a new project that would be springy,I would feel guilty. I need to work on santa when I am inspired to do so or he will NEVER get done (he was started in 1997 for crying out loud, I may never do a L&L again!)
I worked on him a bit last night and think all the previous 9 months of heavy stitching has helped me...It went very smoothly. I am going to proceed with one color at a time in a limited section of the chart from top to bottom. I will continue to work on him until the screaming stops.
This leads me to the Question of the Week...Do You Set Stitching Goals? Well mostly the answer is no, I don't have an active rotation or a limit to hours per project. I will set a goal for a gift, but otherwise its a work as I feel sort of thing. ( as regular readers will already know) This does seem to work for me as I usually have less than 5 WIP's.
I sent out my ornament round robin piece out yesterday and am looking forward to recieving all the ornaments with all the fabric and fibers provided, over the next 6 months! I hate trying to find specialty fibers.... When I was in my LNS the other day I finally broke down and asked her to order Holly Berry from GAST (I can't seem to find it anywhere convenient!) so I can finish the Waxing Moons Freebie birds.
And on a scientific note...one of my committee members suddenly realized he had a conflict with my thesis proposal defense (Set for this coming wed) so it has to be rescheduled for thursday. ugh it makes me nervous just talking about it so i'll sign off now.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Village Sampler -PS
Hello all,
The weekend was great, mom bought me plenty of plants and we shopped alot too. I am finally able to blog about the big Village Sampler by Prarie Schooler I have been stitching for her since February, here it is all framed:
and here is mom with it:
The weekend was great, mom bought me plenty of plants and we shopped alot too. I am finally able to blog about the big Village Sampler by Prarie Schooler I have been stitching for her since February, here it is all framed:
and here is mom with it:
Yesterday was Ian and my 2nd anniversary, I of course, have no $$ to get him anything till pay day in a couple of weeks, But he - mister overtime- went and got me the XM myFi radio....told me he was going to change my fan belts yesterday while I was at school and instead mounted the antenna and car mount for it. I was totally not expecting it cause of the price...and he has shown reluctance to add me to the XM bill. This one has its own battery so you can listen to it like a walkman...I am soo excited to have it for workouts and driving around.
We did go to Olive Garden for dinner and then saw Sin City at the movies (how romantic!).
I have very mixed feelings about this movie. If you don't like the bloody, violent edginess of Quinten Tarentino like style...then don't go see this movie (director is Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez) . If you are a graphic/comic book lover....then this movie is a must see for the visual presentation. If you want to see Frodo (Elijah Wood) as the creepiest character I think outside a true horror movie...then go see this movie.
I thank god this movie was not in full color...or I would be having nightmares of SE7EN quality...of which I will forever regret watching. But the controlled use of editing and color made it palatable and within a few months I will be able to see it again.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Mom and Stitching Blogger Question of the week
My mom is arriving tommorrow for the weekend, I have lots of stuff planned (she hasen't been to mi casa in the spring) gardening and shopping top the list.
It is supposed to rain here all weekend but the chance has decreased to 30% for each day. I know we need the rain...I don't have regular allergies and I have a stuffy nose right now, if i'm suffering then you know its bad. And I have to mow today...ugh
Max went tothe neurologist yesterday...we paid $100 for this guy in a lab coat to feel up the dog and tell us he will be fine. We do have to do physical therapy (stretching and rotating the leg and shoulder), and we have to make him use his bad leg my irritating the good foot...he recommended taping a Lego to the bottom of his good foot, and taking him on slow walks...this should be entertaining.
I may not be posting much till tues after mom leaves ...so have a great weekend!
QOTW:
Have you ever been asked to do model stitching?
Did you do it? If so, what was your compensation? (money, stash, etc.) If not, why not?
If you haven't done it, if you were asked would you? Why or why not?
No, But I would jump at the chance. I wouldn't like a really large project, cause I don't stitch very fast, but being paid to stitch....that would be wonderful. Unforunately there are alot of stitchers out there who are better than me (and faster) and there aren't that many opportunities (few LNS's and few designers). so my chances of ever model stitching is very slim
It is supposed to rain here all weekend but the chance has decreased to 30% for each day. I know we need the rain...I don't have regular allergies and I have a stuffy nose right now, if i'm suffering then you know its bad. And I have to mow today...ugh
Max went tothe neurologist yesterday...we paid $100 for this guy in a lab coat to feel up the dog and tell us he will be fine. We do have to do physical therapy (stretching and rotating the leg and shoulder), and we have to make him use his bad leg my irritating the good foot...he recommended taping a Lego to the bottom of his good foot, and taking him on slow walks...this should be entertaining.
I may not be posting much till tues after mom leaves ...so have a great weekend!
QOTW:
Have you ever been asked to do model stitching?
Did you do it? If so, what was your compensation? (money, stash, etc.) If not, why not?
If you haven't done it, if you were asked would you? Why or why not?
No, But I would jump at the chance. I wouldn't like a really large project, cause I don't stitch very fast, but being paid to stitch....that would be wonderful. Unforunately there are alot of stitchers out there who are better than me (and faster) and there aren't that many opportunities (few LNS's and few designers). so my chances of ever model stitching is very slim
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Towel Detail
Here is the towel...I swiped the pattern off the cross stitch a day calendar,(It was a border) and put it on this kitchen towel. If I can edit it right there will be 2 pics here..one front one back. I am trying to make it double sided.
April flip It-LK
Ta da...all done, and I have more stitchy pictures to come!
My updated garden pics are at my site on Flickr.com
Friday, April 15, 2005
Devils Haircut
Ok, so I think I have mentioned the fact that I have a side job doing some contracting.....the one that made us owe $$ in taxes this year (which turned out cause I set the money aside for that all year).
There hasn't been a single contract for me since Dec, and this month I have 18 appointments! this is good (Each appt. means $60-100 for about 1 hour) but then the company calls me and wants to add on a huge closeout....this is a big pain in the ass, although they pay almost twice a normal appt, you have to put in a lot more time and energy. So I tell them thanks, but no thanks (I have never turned down one before) find some one else...I have no extra time trying to finalize my proposal, and finals coming up too. Well they send it to me anyway...the day before it has to be done. and of course there is 200 pounds of stuff I have to haul to Fed ex to ship to a town I could of driven too. ugh I hate closeouts.
OK enough venting,
My blue bells are blooming, a few pink tuips- they look good, and my Hostas are finally starting to show. I have a Clematis that appeared last year by the mailbox, but didn't thrive. but this year we bought a trellis (just a small one) for it, and it is senting up numerous shoots....I can't wait to see the flowers (I hope) to see what kind it is.
I finished the April flip it (Just 2 weeks behind!) and have started the May one . I turn it into a door know hanger like the rest and post a picture.
Still working on the towel....Then I think I will pick up Santa of the Forest till the end of the month when I'll let myself start a new project for May. I have 2 kitted up and ready....Black Swan's View to a Spring Garden (you will have to scroll down the page) or Victoria Sampler's Seaside Garden) which one? you pick.....
There hasn't been a single contract for me since Dec, and this month I have 18 appointments! this is good (Each appt. means $60-100 for about 1 hour) but then the company calls me and wants to add on a huge closeout....this is a big pain in the ass, although they pay almost twice a normal appt, you have to put in a lot more time and energy. So I tell them thanks, but no thanks (I have never turned down one before) find some one else...I have no extra time trying to finalize my proposal, and finals coming up too. Well they send it to me anyway...the day before it has to be done. and of course there is 200 pounds of stuff I have to haul to Fed ex to ship to a town I could of driven too. ugh I hate closeouts.
OK enough venting,
My blue bells are blooming, a few pink tuips- they look good, and my Hostas are finally starting to show. I have a Clematis that appeared last year by the mailbox, but didn't thrive. but this year we bought a trellis (just a small one) for it, and it is senting up numerous shoots....I can't wait to see the flowers (I hope) to see what kind it is.
I finished the April flip it (Just 2 weeks behind!) and have started the May one . I turn it into a door know hanger like the rest and post a picture.
Still working on the towel....Then I think I will pick up Santa of the Forest till the end of the month when I'll let myself start a new project for May. I have 2 kitted up and ready....Black Swan's View to a Spring Garden (you will have to scroll down the page) or Victoria Sampler's Seaside Garden) which one? you pick.....
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
stitching blogger question of the week
Do you "stitch with the seasons?" (This could be reflected by the colors that you stitch with, the themes that you choose, or even that during your favorite season you stitch more (or less) than in others.)
Unfortunately yes....this is why I have soo many christmas WIP's that are 5+ years old....cause I only work on them for 3 months out of the year. Honestly who wants to stitch a snow man when flowers are blooming!
Unfortunately yes....this is why I have soo many christmas WIP's that are 5+ years old....cause I only work on them for 3 months out of the year. Honestly who wants to stitch a snow man when flowers are blooming!
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Monday, April 11, 2005
wow I Suck
....at posting on a regular basis.
I have been finishing up a secret cross stitch project that I can't post here till it is all done and framed. But on the upside my April flip it is almost done, (just need to run and buy DMC 598). And I am continuing on my towel. (Ill post pictures by Wed night swear!).
In doggie land, we have to take Max to a Neurologist this week, he is still not walking on his right front paw, but no bones are broken.
And in Academia, my poster at the conference in tuesday turned out ok (after I paniked monday night due to it being a foot smaller all around than I thought it was). I ended up getting an honorable mention, and $25! I think its just cause I buttered up the judge....but what ever.
and in garden land, my wood poppy, azaleas, and bluebells are blooming. I spent the weekend raking the yard from winter debris/bagging and burning it up. Mowed the yard, and weeded around a few beds.
I have been finishing up a secret cross stitch project that I can't post here till it is all done and framed. But on the upside my April flip it is almost done, (just need to run and buy DMC 598). And I am continuing on my towel. (Ill post pictures by Wed night swear!).
In doggie land, we have to take Max to a Neurologist this week, he is still not walking on his right front paw, but no bones are broken.
And in Academia, my poster at the conference in tuesday turned out ok (after I paniked monday night due to it being a foot smaller all around than I thought it was). I ended up getting an honorable mention, and $25! I think its just cause I buttered up the judge....but what ever.
and in garden land, my wood poppy, azaleas, and bluebells are blooming. I spent the weekend raking the yard from winter debris/bagging and burning it up. Mowed the yard, and weeded around a few beds.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Puppy Down!!
Hello all,
Bad news here, Saturday Max ran off and after a long search we got a call from an after hours clinic, saying they had him. He had been hit by a car. He has some superficial scrapes, but is not putting any weight on his right front paw. Its not broken, and doesn't seem dislocated. They wanted 90 dollars to talk to the vet (and more for an xray) so we made him comfortable sunday and taking him to OUR vet today. The tech at the clinic brought him to us saying it was probably nerve damage and that his leg would have to be amputated....this hugely upset my husband and he is (and I am) freaked out at that prognosis.
He doesn’t seem to be in any pain, is eating and drinking, (and digesting) just fine. There is no swelling and he seemed to improve over the last 24 hours….I’ll post the update after the vet visit today.
On a lighter Note: heres a meme I swiped from another blog:
Accent: none that I know of (but I do say y’all once in a while)
Bra size: Slightly larger than you… hee hee
Chore I hate: Scrubbing the tub
Dad's name: Horace Dwight (family name)
Essential make-up: moisturizer, and lipgloss
Favorite perfume: I don’t wear any
Gold or Silver: Both (at the same time Grandma!)
Hometown: Past- Pittsburgh, PA Current- Greensboro, NC Future- Savannah, GA
Interesting fact: I hate horror films, but read horror books
Job title: Graduate Student
Kids: 0
Living arrangements: Single Family Home
Mom's Birthplace: Summit, NJ
Number of apples eaten in last week: 0 –They aren’t in season!
Overnight hospital stays: 0
Phobia: Calling for pizza delivery (don’t ask)
Question you ask yourself a lot: Will I ever understand my thesis?
Religious affiliation: Unitarian Universalist
Siblings: 1
Time I wake up: varies ---currently around 6:30 am -8:00 am
Unnatural hair color: nope it is currently naturally turning grey
Vegetable I refuse to eat: Bamboo (does that count?)
Worst habit: I am not telling
X-rays: Teeth, Left ankle, Left Leg
Yummy food I make: Cranberry Apple Pie
Zodiac sign: Cancer
Bad news here, Saturday Max ran off and after a long search we got a call from an after hours clinic, saying they had him. He had been hit by a car. He has some superficial scrapes, but is not putting any weight on his right front paw. Its not broken, and doesn't seem dislocated. They wanted 90 dollars to talk to the vet (and more for an xray) so we made him comfortable sunday and taking him to OUR vet today. The tech at the clinic brought him to us saying it was probably nerve damage and that his leg would have to be amputated....this hugely upset my husband and he is (and I am) freaked out at that prognosis.
He doesn’t seem to be in any pain, is eating and drinking, (and digesting) just fine. There is no swelling and he seemed to improve over the last 24 hours….I’ll post the update after the vet visit today.
On a lighter Note: heres a meme I swiped from another blog:
Accent: none that I know of (but I do say y’all once in a while)
Bra size: Slightly larger than you… hee hee
Chore I hate: Scrubbing the tub
Dad's name: Horace Dwight (family name)
Essential make-up: moisturizer, and lipgloss
Favorite perfume: I don’t wear any
Gold or Silver: Both (at the same time Grandma!)
Hometown: Past- Pittsburgh, PA Current- Greensboro, NC Future- Savannah, GA
Interesting fact: I hate horror films, but read horror books
Job title: Graduate Student
Kids: 0
Living arrangements: Single Family Home
Mom's Birthplace: Summit, NJ
Number of apples eaten in last week: 0 –They aren’t in season!
Overnight hospital stays: 0
Phobia: Calling for pizza delivery (don’t ask)
Question you ask yourself a lot: Will I ever understand my thesis?
Religious affiliation: Unitarian Universalist
Siblings: 1
Time I wake up: varies ---currently around 6:30 am -8:00 am
Unnatural hair color: nope it is currently naturally turning grey
Vegetable I refuse to eat: Bamboo (does that count?)
Worst habit: I am not telling
X-rays: Teeth, Left ankle, Left Leg
Yummy food I make: Cranberry Apple Pie
Zodiac sign: Cancer
Saturday, April 02, 2005
and where have YOU been?
I've been pretty damn sick, thats where. I think I caught the flu last Sat, I still have a cough to day (a full 7 days later). And you know I am sick (RELLY SICK) when I havent eaten the giant chocolate bunny Ian bought me for easter, and don't feel like stitching.
And of course, everything was due this week, but it went by quickly. I met with the statistical consultant on my project, that went well. And I had a poster to finish, so it could be approved and sent off to kinkos for the WRRI confrence that i am attending on tuesday in Raleigh, NC.
Meanwhile the house is disentigrating into filth and driving me crazy, but since I couldn't stand for more that 10 min at a time for 5 day, I forgive myself. So today I have already done 3 loads of laundry, cleaned and dusted my side of the bedroom (Ian does his own pretty well), and scrubbed the kitchen counters. I am dying to get outside and mow/rake up the winter mess, plant some flowers and move stuff around, but it has been raining alot and everything is saturated. Maybe tomorrow.
And of course, everything was due this week, but it went by quickly. I met with the statistical consultant on my project, that went well. And I had a poster to finish, so it could be approved and sent off to kinkos for the WRRI confrence that i am attending on tuesday in Raleigh, NC.
Meanwhile the house is disentigrating into filth and driving me crazy, but since I couldn't stand for more that 10 min at a time for 5 day, I forgive myself. So today I have already done 3 loads of laundry, cleaned and dusted my side of the bedroom (Ian does his own pretty well), and scrubbed the kitchen counters. I am dying to get outside and mow/rake up the winter mess, plant some flowers and move stuff around, but it has been raining alot and everything is saturated. Maybe tomorrow.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
QOTW_ Needlework shows
What are your thoughts on craft and/or needlework shows? Have you been to one or are you planning on going to one this year?
Oh this question makes me cry...I WISH they had one near me, I have never been to a needlework show. The only show in the US that I am aware of is CATS and closest cities they come to is Nashville, MD (8 hours away), and Hershey, PA (8 hours away). What the #!%$ is wrong with Raleigh , Charlotte, Richmond, Charleson, even Atlanta or Washington DC.
I am considering going to Hershey in the fall but life is up in the air and money is tight
Oh this question makes me cry...I WISH they had one near me, I have never been to a needlework show. The only show in the US that I am aware of is CATS and closest cities they come to is Nashville, MD (8 hours away), and Hershey, PA (8 hours away). What the #!%$ is wrong with Raleigh , Charlotte, Richmond, Charleson, even Atlanta or Washington DC.
I am considering going to Hershey in the fall but life is up in the air and money is tight
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
No news here
Hello all,
I finally turned in my proposal to my advisor...and we are good to go...I have to give it to my other comitte members, and then schedule the defense, I was thinking the week of April 11th or 18th.
I will be very happy when it is over.
Meanwhile...my yard looks like crapola and i really don't have the motivation yet to get going on it. I think I will rent a chipper shredder this weekend and clean it up...I just really need about 10 more degrees.
As for stitching I started a towel last week. I am attempting to make it double sided so for the first time I am using the sewing method...its not looking very neat but I know it is my first one AND it will be used in the kitchen so pristine wouldn't last anyway. I a having difficulties stashing the loose ends, so the back is a bit messier, but i am trying to keep that toward the edges of the towel. I am using a pattern off of my 365 Cross Stitch Calendar...pictures soon (althought the only thing to see now is a border).
I finally turned in my proposal to my advisor...and we are good to go...I have to give it to my other comitte members, and then schedule the defense, I was thinking the week of April 11th or 18th.
I will be very happy when it is over.
Meanwhile...my yard looks like crapola and i really don't have the motivation yet to get going on it. I think I will rent a chipper shredder this weekend and clean it up...I just really need about 10 more degrees.
As for stitching I started a towel last week. I am attempting to make it double sided so for the first time I am using the sewing method...its not looking very neat but I know it is my first one AND it will be used in the kitchen so pristine wouldn't last anyway. I a having difficulties stashing the loose ends, so the back is a bit messier, but i am trying to keep that toward the edges of the towel. I am using a pattern off of my 365 Cross Stitch Calendar...pictures soon (althought the only thing to see now is a border).
Thursday, March 17, 2005
SNOW!
From spring to winter....Yes it it the first decent snowfall this year...of course its on St. Pattys day, and after all my daffodils bloomed. I HATE THIS COLD.
this weeks question,
On average, how many hours a week (7 days) do you think that you spend cross-stitching?
On weekdays I can get in about 3-4 hours in the evening, except tuesdays when I have class. during the weekend about the same maybe a few hours more so I would have to say 24-28 hours a week.
this weeks question,
On average, how many hours a week (7 days) do you think that you spend cross-stitching?
On weekdays I can get in about 3-4 hours in the evening, except tuesdays when I have class. during the weekend about the same maybe a few hours more so I would have to say 24-28 hours a week.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Flowers
When I moved into this house there were daffodils popping up but not blooming, So I moved them to this "Alien Landing Zone" Called such cause there was a pine tree removed (see the stump) from here and now there is a perfect circle of dirt where nothing grows. and look they are blooming! Of course It is still pretty sparse, but I'll be adding mor bulbs, some ground cover, and there are Irises and 2 small hygrageas here too. *keeping fingers crossed*
Monday, March 14, 2005
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Weekend's here! where?
I finally had to take Max in for a bath yesterday...It was pricy but he was stinky, and we have only had him for 3 weeks. You are supposed to bathe dogs every 6 weeks,or their coats will dry out, I am not sure how I'll survive.
Stitching has taken a back seat to the proposal. I aim to have a first draft by Monday for my advisor. I will be sooooo happy when this is done. Then a poster for a confrence in April, a presentation to defend my proposal, and a presentation at a conference in May. Then MAYBE I can take a breather before finishing my Thesis this fall. All the data is collected I just have to interpret it and make it sound good.
The Stitching Blogger Q of the Week: Do you have a favorite designer (or designers)? If so, who is it and why is he or she your favorite?
I guess I would say my top designers are Bent Creek, Lizzie Kate, and Waxing Moon. I love the style they have country/folksy ish but not traditionally so (like Prarie Schooler)..Ok that makes no sense. I guess I would call it "adult cute". I also like their small size and ease of finishing...why I don't do L&L, TW, Mirabila, etc.
But even then there are designs by all those designers that I wouldn't stitch in a million years, and random designs by designers I don't usually like that I have to stitch. I would also say that I am picky with my designs, I have to have an idea of what I will do with it before I'll buy it...so I am not a collector having to have everything by one designer.
Ps. did you see Wil on CSI? He had only 2 scenes, but I hope this is just the beginning of Travolta comeback
Stitching has taken a back seat to the proposal. I aim to have a first draft by Monday for my advisor. I will be sooooo happy when this is done. Then a poster for a confrence in April, a presentation to defend my proposal, and a presentation at a conference in May. Then MAYBE I can take a breather before finishing my Thesis this fall. All the data is collected I just have to interpret it and make it sound good.
The Stitching Blogger Q of the Week: Do you have a favorite designer (or designers)? If so, who is it and why is he or she your favorite?
I guess I would say my top designers are Bent Creek, Lizzie Kate, and Waxing Moon. I love the style they have country/folksy ish but not traditionally so (like Prarie Schooler)..Ok that makes no sense. I guess I would call it "adult cute". I also like their small size and ease of finishing...why I don't do L&L, TW, Mirabila, etc.
But even then there are designs by all those designers that I wouldn't stitch in a million years, and random designs by designers I don't usually like that I have to stitch. I would also say that I am picky with my designs, I have to have an idea of what I will do with it before I'll buy it...so I am not a collector having to have everything by one designer.
Ps. did you see Wil on CSI? He had only 2 scenes, but I hope this is just the beginning of Travolta comeback
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Pittsburgh-Oberlin Samplers
Ta daa, sorry so dark...my camera seems to make the pics darker when I set the size smaller. I'll have to mess with that.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Spring not so Break
This weekend has been good, Letssee, I had my stats midterm thursday, then spring break started friday. I had a stitching day with the Tarheels on Saturday, I actually pulled out an old WIP...Oberlin Sampler's Pittsburgh. I have been working on that since then and (although I need to go get some DMC 3013 tonight) should finish it soon. After 7-8 years its about time. I stitched it over 16? count with 3 threads...it ended up with great coverage but the quality of my work back then just isn't up to par now...so that is why it has been on the shelf for so long (along with my other 2 big WIPS) I just get depressed at how it looks...and I find all the mistakes I can't fix etc. I also got some finishing done - the march flip it, and Marla's Bless the Baby is finally framed.
Sunday, Max ate something he shouldn't of and had diarrea all day (lovely!) Monday and Tues Ian had and I spent the whole day together(It has been 2 months) . I got some gardening done before the cold came back...my daffodils are blooming are now blown over and kissing the ground.
Ian is off to Witchita, KS for some airplane school till Sat so I am here at Grad school working on this dreaded proposal. I am doing the introduction (which is the toughest) and aim to be finished with at LEAST the first draft by Monday. Most proposal lengths are around 20 pages.....I have 7 so far.
Wish me luck ,
PS____Watch CSI tomorrow night! Wil Wheaton is guest starring, its his first major acting gig in years...Go Wil.
Sunday, Max ate something he shouldn't of and had diarrea all day (lovely!) Monday and Tues Ian had and I spent the whole day together(It has been 2 months) . I got some gardening done before the cold came back...my daffodils are blooming are now blown over and kissing the ground.
Ian is off to Witchita, KS for some airplane school till Sat so I am here at Grad school working on this dreaded proposal. I am doing the introduction (which is the toughest) and aim to be finished with at LEAST the first draft by Monday. Most proposal lengths are around 20 pages.....I have 7 so far.
Wish me luck ,
PS____Watch CSI tomorrow night! Wil Wheaton is guest starring, its his first major acting gig in years...Go Wil.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Hot off the hoop
Well i finished the March flip it...but will I get it stuffed and hung before April...we shall see.
Other wise I started another sampler for the next baby due (to yet another friend) in June. Shouldn't take me long. There is the march Tarheel get together on saturday...I am debating what I should bring to work on.
Other wise I started another sampler for the next baby due (to yet another friend) in June. Shouldn't take me long. There is the march Tarheel get together on saturday...I am debating what I should bring to work on.
Stitching Bloggers Q of the Week
Which do you prefer and why? "Old-fashioned" black and white symbol-only charts, charts with colored blocks, or charts with a combination of colored blocks and symbols?
Most of the charts I do are small and are the back and white symbol only charts. I purposely avoid the big stuff with too many symbols, (besides I never finish those...Santa of the Forest). I have worked with the other two types of charts but those have usually been from magazines. Colored blocks alone are not enough (like those found in kits and i haven't worked a kit in soooooo long) when I did do kits they didn't use "DMC 501" to describe the color...no they used very "light forest green" or "ultra light forest green" ...then you would have to try to match then with the colored block Ugh
I have been stitching and I'll post about it this evening after my statistics midterm....oh I have a headache.
Most of the charts I do are small and are the back and white symbol only charts. I purposely avoid the big stuff with too many symbols, (besides I never finish those...Santa of the Forest). I have worked with the other two types of charts but those have usually been from magazines. Colored blocks alone are not enough (like those found in kits and i haven't worked a kit in soooooo long) when I did do kits they didn't use "DMC 501" to describe the color...no they used very "light forest green" or "ultra light forest green" ...then you would have to try to match then with the colored block Ugh
I have been stitching and I'll post about it this evening after my statistics midterm....oh I have a headache.
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