Friday, September 01, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Hot SBQ Action
So I was looking over everyone's blogs (ok not everyones I caught up on 2) alot happens in 2 an a half months. But I noticed quite a few SBQ that I missed (13!) so here are my answers to a couple of the ones I thought I could make an intelligent contribution to:
First up this weeks: Do you have an organizational system for your fabric? If so, what isit? If not, what do you store your fabric in?How do people store their fabric, especially those small butpotentially usable pieces? Do they sort by count? How do they label itor otherwise know what each piece is?
my fabric organization is a bit lacking but I can find you a 32 count white linen in about 3 minutes so it is not too bad, I can't guarantee the size though. See I sort by count first. Those are placed in big ziplock bags. I have one for 32, one for 28, one for 25/26 etc. Then those bags fit perfectly into these drawers. I do not record the size because the largest pieces are always being cut down. I do not usually care what type it is ie. belfast, edinbergh, etc. Because I rarely use the exact color/type that the designer did. I am comfortable switching count size too.
here is another from lastweek:For those of you who use hand or over-dyed floss, how do you store it?
this is a bit sadder. I am very carful with my DMC sorting but with my dyed floss I just have them thrown in bags sorted by the floss co. so all GAST is in one bag etc. So far I don't have very many so I can tell you that I have one color or another, as I gather more that may have to change.
From July 20th: When you get a project professionally framed do you get glass insertedinto the frame? Why or why not? I do tend to do the glass thing when I get a piece framed professionally. They are usually gifts and have mats and all that fancy stuff. that may be a total of like 3 projects cause I am soo damn frugal I would rather do it myself. Now when I do frame myself, the glass is simply more of a preference/and ease of doing it thing, If there is glass that means I did not back the stitching with cotton batting or there were no beads or I had a glass piece that fit. like wise If I don't have glass it is because there is beads that would get smooshed , I made it a bit poofy and like the effect, or I just don't have the glass that would fit. I have framed only 11 pieces myself and 6 have glass the rest did not.
From June 28th: What do you do with your charts once you've stitched them? Do you keep them or dispose of them? If you keep them, do you organize them in away that is different from the way you keep your unstitched charts? I think what it comes down to is that I usually keep charts If i really liked doing them, and give away the stuff I don't. I do have a couple I am planning on seling cause it ended up I havent touched them and they are in perfect condition. and no, the ones i have done are in the same groups as the ones waiting to be done. (althought at the bottom of the stack) I haven't done stitching for so long that i would have forgotten having done one!
First up this weeks: Do you have an organizational system for your fabric? If so, what isit? If not, what do you store your fabric in?How do people store their fabric, especially those small butpotentially usable pieces? Do they sort by count? How do they label itor otherwise know what each piece is?
my fabric organization is a bit lacking but I can find you a 32 count white linen in about 3 minutes so it is not too bad, I can't guarantee the size though. See I sort by count first. Those are placed in big ziplock bags. I have one for 32, one for 28, one for 25/26 etc. Then those bags fit perfectly into these drawers. I do not record the size because the largest pieces are always being cut down. I do not usually care what type it is ie. belfast, edinbergh, etc. Because I rarely use the exact color/type that the designer did. I am comfortable switching count size too.
here is another from lastweek:For those of you who use hand or over-dyed floss, how do you store it?
this is a bit sadder. I am very carful with my DMC sorting but with my dyed floss I just have them thrown in bags sorted by the floss co. so all GAST is in one bag etc. So far I don't have very many so I can tell you that I have one color or another, as I gather more that may have to change.
From July 20th: When you get a project professionally framed do you get glass insertedinto the frame? Why or why not? I do tend to do the glass thing when I get a piece framed professionally. They are usually gifts and have mats and all that fancy stuff. that may be a total of like 3 projects cause I am soo damn frugal I would rather do it myself. Now when I do frame myself, the glass is simply more of a preference/and ease of doing it thing, If there is glass that means I did not back the stitching with cotton batting or there were no beads or I had a glass piece that fit. like wise If I don't have glass it is because there is beads that would get smooshed , I made it a bit poofy and like the effect, or I just don't have the glass that would fit. I have framed only 11 pieces myself and 6 have glass the rest did not.
From June 28th: What do you do with your charts once you've stitched them? Do you keep them or dispose of them? If you keep them, do you organize them in away that is different from the way you keep your unstitched charts? I think what it comes down to is that I usually keep charts If i really liked doing them, and give away the stuff I don't. I do have a couple I am planning on seling cause it ended up I havent touched them and they are in perfect condition. and no, the ones i have done are in the same groups as the ones waiting to be done. (althought at the bottom of the stack) I haven't done stitching for so long that i would have forgotten having done one!
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
And now a word from our sponsor
Hello all, I have been very busy lately ( new to teaching a lecture class of 175 will take up anyone's time) I had a great get together with my fellow Tarheels on Saturday, and have otherwise...sigh...not stitched at all. then last night when I realized I need to post a picture of what I did work on saturday, I couldn't find my camera. Worst Blog Ever! No really I am feeling so guilty about it I won't even let myself read anyone elses blog untill I get more into the swing of things.
Oh I did get to go to a small shop called Em-lis, in Dunn, NC. It is actually in her house (if her car is there she is open kind of place) She is really a big wholesaler of samplers to retailers but check out her website I got this Moira Blackburn Sampler which is not my regular style but I saw it as a model, and you know how that works!
Oh I did get to go to a small shop called Em-lis, in Dunn, NC. It is actually in her house (if her car is there she is open kind of place) She is really a big wholesaler of samplers to retailers but check out her website I got this Moira Blackburn Sampler which is not my regular style but I saw it as a model, and you know how that works!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
A New Job
I have a new job! I won't say much cause I will be lecturing freshman who will probably be Googling me next week. You may notice a few differences in my profile and my blog entrys. I will be limiting my entries to my crafts and positive interactions. I thought about pulling my blog altogether, but I enjoy posting and doing all the exchanges (which I have to sign up for a few soon), so I will just have to post as if one of my students is reading this blog. I wouldn't want to be dooced now would I. (her blog is really cool by the way www.dooce.com)
Oh and I am working on Signs of Winter , Bent Creek right now, Il lpost a progress pic soon.
Oh and I am working on Signs of Winter , Bent Creek right now, Il lpost a progress pic soon.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
I'm Home
Hey yall,
I am back and with stitching! I finished the one project I kinda worked on the five weeks I was in Alaska.
I am back and with stitching! I finished the one project I kinda worked on the five weeks I was in Alaska.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
I am so ready to leave.....
...it's not funny. So before I came up here everyone who had been here gave me two impressions they either 1) loved it or 2) hated it. Well while I have been here I have determined why those felt the way they did. If they are young and unattached, or PI's (Primary Investigators- the Professors with all the $$), or only up here for a week or 2 then they loved it. but if you have a family, children, an SO (that you really love) at home, and are here for longer than a couple of weeks you are DYING to go home. I was young and unattached once, hoping from place to place with all my belongings, and ten years ago this would of been a great (and fun) experience. and at times it has been. I am glad I tried it out, I have now seen Alaska, and seen a critter or two. but I have also realized I have made a wonderful home in NC, and for the long haul am happier there.
On the upside I have a couple of job prospects and an interview when I get home. So I may not be unemployed for long.
There are 7 new photos of toolik in the set on flickr. I am leaving here Fri morning and wil be home by Sat night, but don't expect any blogging till at least wed/thurs (I may have some stitching done then!)
On the upside I have a couple of job prospects and an interview when I get home. So I may not be unemployed for long.
There are 7 new photos of toolik in the set on flickr. I am leaving here Fri morning and wil be home by Sat night, but don't expect any blogging till at least wed/thurs (I may have some stitching done then!)
Monday, July 10, 2006
You say it 's your birthday!
Yes it is. I have been here in arctic alaska for 19 days and have 18 more to go.. the novelty has worn off a bit and I am ready to go home. the landscape is beautiful but bleak and hard to explore, walking on tundra is very difficult and a mile can seem like 3. and since I get to walk it just about every day, I am done.
But I did get today off cause I whined a bit about turning 32 (the younger folks can hike the 3 mile journey today). So I finally get time to post some photos on Flickr and post to my blog. No stitching here, no time and no comfy chair to sit in to do it if I had time.
The weather here is not predictable but you can garantee that it will rain once a day, it will be clear once a day, it will be windy at least once, and calm the rest of the time. It may be 40 or 60 or 70, or all of those temps in 5 hours. you need to wear 3-5 layers at any time it could snow in you (it did on the 7th of july.) but be ready to strip off all the layers if it becomes warm, and apply deet....the mosquitos are out. Although the bugs are bad, I had imagined them alot worse, like coastal forest of maryland bad, where you are covered head to toe in a blanket of mosquitos, but they aren't that dense, and they are no bigger than at home. go figure with all those tall tales.
Hey Liz, yes the green/blue tube things are what we sleep in, they are called weatherports, and are just big tarps stretched over an aluminum frame on a plywood platform.
Just click on the photo to see all the new pics (I have only uploaded a few of the bajillions I have taken, cause they are a bit big).
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Toolik
Hello all I am here and doing well. I arrived after a 9 hour ride up from Fairbanks on thursday and went right to work the next day. I got to ride in a helicoper out to a lake 14 miles away on Fiday to do sampling, and yesterday we hiked about a mile to another lake to sample. the routine wil be about that every day. drive fly or hike to a lake or stream, take water, benthic (bottom), and algal samples, bring back to camp and process the samples (by filtering or picking out the invertebrates). I will be able to post a few pics on flickr. when ever I upload to the set ( Toolik 06) I shall let you know here. just click on the picture here to see the rest of the set.
Some stitching on the fights up
here is what I got done on the flight up, I am still not sure how much will get done up here we work 6-11 all day, I might have some time while filtering water...but that is my letter writing time too...meanwhile enjoy some of the pictures, see post above.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
As I wait in.....Orlando, but that's in the wrong direction!
So after being overbooked on the flight to cinncinati, I was bumped to a later flight, which was then overbooked, so I was offered another flight to Orlando, which will then connect to my final leg out of Salt Lake. (I did get a travel voucher for a future flight).
As I sit here for an hour or two I found a few websites that features the trip I'll be taking tomorrow up to the field station on the Dalton Highway, Pictures here, and here. I love linky things, don't you? I will try to take some of my own pictures tomorrow. I am hoping that the bus will stop at the Artic circle sign.
Ok I am off now to stitch for a bit while I watch out for Micky Mouse.
As I sit here for an hour or two I found a few websites that features the trip I'll be taking tomorrow up to the field station on the Dalton Highway, Pictures here, and here. I love linky things, don't you? I will try to take some of my own pictures tomorrow. I am hoping that the bus will stop at the Artic circle sign.
Ok I am off now to stitch for a bit while I watch out for Micky Mouse.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Sunday before the Big Chill
Ok now I know why people just stop blogging, You have stuff to post but the day just flies by and then you have more stuff to post, but then your thinking how can I get this all in one post, and then another day goes by. etc. etc. Well when you mom comments that you haven't posted in a while, you know its bad.
OK so Below this post you will find a few more photos of Alaska, and Drum roll please, a cross stitch pic or two (ok two) to tell you the truth I haven't been stitching much, and I am not sure I will be doing a whole lot of stitching up in Toolik. I wil be taking a few pieces...simple stuff. Sealology, which is pictured here. Signs of Summer and maybe Signs of Winter. and a couple of Tie One On kits.
I think I have everything packed for the middle of nowhere Alaska for 6 weeks (and when I say middle of nowhere I mean the nearest drug store is a 300 mile gravel road away). So I've have to think of stuff that you wouldn't normally on any other week long trip. Have you ever tried to quantify the amount of shampoo you use in 6 weeks...II haven't either.
I Leave Wed at noon and won't be online again till Friday. I hope to blog then at the very least.
OK so Below this post you will find a few more photos of Alaska, and Drum roll please, a cross stitch pic or two (ok two) to tell you the truth I haven't been stitching much, and I am not sure I will be doing a whole lot of stitching up in Toolik. I wil be taking a few pieces...simple stuff. Sealology, which is pictured here. Signs of Summer and maybe Signs of Winter. and a couple of Tie One On kits.
I think I have everything packed for the middle of nowhere Alaska for 6 weeks (and when I say middle of nowhere I mean the nearest drug store is a 300 mile gravel road away). So I've have to think of stuff that you wouldn't normally on any other week long trip. Have you ever tried to quantify the amount of shampoo you use in 6 weeks...II haven't either.
I Leave Wed at noon and won't be online again till Friday. I hope to blog then at the very least.
Bent Creek Signs of Autumn
I finished this one a week or so ago. I used DMC conversions for most of the pattern (except the wording). THere was alot of similar browns, and some of the recommended conversions didn't work. I just started Signs of Summer.
Robert and I in front of the glacier
Robert is one of the other ex-graduate students at the conference and he and I took a day excursion to see some of Alaska.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
My first moose
Hello all, I know I have the worse blog ever. I like totally don't blame you if you all put me at the bottom of your favorites list. But I please don't leave me all together, I will be a more regular blogger in the fall...well cause I'll either have a job and be sitting in front of a computer alot, or I'll have no job and tons of time. either way you should stick around this summer, If nothing else then for the pictures. Firstup today Is my first moose.
I am in Anchorage for the NABS conference, and yesterday I gave my presention (went well thank you) and befor my talk I went for a walk around the creek/lake by the university (of alaska at achorage) and by the side of the path was this big female (cow?) munching away about 15 ft (5m) from me. awesome. I know they are like deer around here, but it is cool nontheless.
Stitching you say, well not since I got off the plane, But I bought a new digital camera and am looking forward to the macro setting to demo for you...I did work a bit on Seaology and will post a pic (eventually!)
Well I am off to go hiking, my goal is to see a glacier today, they are an endangered phenomenon.
PS. Suz, the pic of Toolik is in the winter, it will be summer when I am there, snow is pssible but flowers are more likely.
I am in Anchorage for the NABS conference, and yesterday I gave my presention (went well thank you) and befor my talk I went for a walk around the creek/lake by the university (of alaska at achorage) and by the side of the path was this big female (cow?) munching away about 15 ft (5m) from me. awesome. I know they are like deer around here, but it is cool nontheless.
Stitching you say, well not since I got off the plane, But I bought a new digital camera and am looking forward to the macro setting to demo for you...I did work a bit on Seaology and will post a pic (eventually!)
Well I am off to go hiking, my goal is to see a glacier today, they are an endangered phenomenon.
PS. Suz, the pic of Toolik is in the winter, it will be summer when I am there, snow is pssible but flowers are more likely.
Friday, May 26, 2006
More modeling?
I have here 2 more Erica Michael freebies that I stitched up as models for Brenda using the Dye is Cast threads. I don't think the castle came out very well, but the daffodils came out wonderfully
I finished these up last week but havan't had time to post them. okok I have had the time (since I am not doing anything but looking for a job) but haven't been on the internet too much. I have been catching up on my stitching, and reading (I read two novels this past week!) and I have been doing some pieceing of the Rhythm and Blues quilt, I was able to get blocks 3, 4 and 5 done.
With the cross stitching I put a few more stitches in tothe View of a spring garden,and Seaology. I will try to post some pictures this coming week before I head off to Anchorage.
Remember last year when i went to New Orleans? well this year the same conference is in Anchorage...and Ill be heading up on the 3rd for a week. Then I'll be heading back up on the 21st to work for my advisor in the boonies of Alaska (Toolik Field Station). I'll be up there till the end of July. I don't think I'll be able to do a whole lot of stitching but that doesn't mean I am not going to try
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Melanies Exchange -recieved
Hi everyone. I got my exchange today... from Melanie. Maybe I should explain. See this was a two way exchange. First Person 1 bought fabric, a speciality fiber and a charm or beads, then sent them to person 2, then person 2 had to use the materials to make the finished product (no theme limits) then send it to person 3. this was called Melanies exchange cause it was her idea. It was Chiara that picked out the fiber (Gast purple iris, and the pretty blue mill hill beads) And Melanie stitched the heart and made the most well made bag I have ever seen. (and I know she did it a bit last minute which mkes it even more impressive). It is lined and everything, I would love to have that kind of talent. She also sent me some hand dyed thread done by her and a package of Reflections Silkweaver fabric, and finally some chocolate! A win win situation all around.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
A graduation, a gift, and guests
Hello all, I am here, my sister and her boyfriend just left a few minutes ago
. SO lettsee what happened in the past week. Well everyone (sister, her BF, MIL,FIL, mom, and stepdad) arrived on thursday. We had arelaxed evening and then on Friday we ran around a bit doing some shopping and finished up the stretching and framing of my damsel fly . I skipped the big graduation and just went to the departmental grad at 3pm. I was only one of 2 masters students who showed up (there were 6 of us graduatng) but thats ok...I got to were a silly cap and gown and who wants to pass that up!. I gave my advisor the finished damselfly afterwards...see photo. I think she really liked it.
We all went out to dinner that evening and on Saturday we had the backyard party/BBQ. A pretty good turn out, with the usual results - people show who you didn't expect and people who didn't come who you did expect-. Party only went till about 11...we started early and are not so young anymore.
My parents left monday to spend a few days in Wilmington, NC and my sister and her man suck arount till today, Yesterday we hiked around Pilot Mtn., but mostly I been downloading music to put on my new IPOD!. Yep I got one for graduation, now I won't be hiking across the undra this summer with only my thoughts to keep me company.
So anyway the house is a wreck and there is about 20 loads of laundry to do, and all the good photos have to be sent to me from the parents with the good cameras (hence only 2 photos for you today.
Officially I would like to offer up this pattern for sale and the others like it for $6 each.. just leave me your email if you are interested
Wee beasties 1, wee beasies 5, and wee beasties 6.
All of these are in excellent condition (well the one I did is a bit wrinkled but unmarked)
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Crafty is as crafty does
I went to a Creative Memories event yesterday, Memoranza, and "scrapbooked" 16 pages in 6 hours. (see example to your right) I say scrapbook in quotes, cause I do nothing like what you see in the magazines and in craft stores nowadays, with all the ribbons and tags and buttons, ugh how about pictures people. Any way I was able to do finish our trip to Charleston that we took in March (that is the most recent event I have pics of), and almost all of 1997 (I had all those pics cropped and ready). I am very excited since this is the first of my photos that I have been able to get done. I did do an album for Ian for christmas of our first 3 pets ...but it was one of those small albums. I figure if I will simultaneously work on some old stuff and the most recent stuff...then eventually I may catch up.
I diligently came home and worked on the Damselfly, No pic though, since the iridescent krenick doesn't show in pics, I think it is pointless till the backstitching gets started. I was able to get most of the third wing done before running out of thread...I have to head out and find 032 BF today, but since it is one of the more popular, I should be able to get it at AC Moore. If not Hobby Lobby will be open tomorrow (I hate sundays, no one is open!). I did buy a sectional gold frame to frame her once she is done. I was going to find a open frame but 8X10 was too small by a smidge, and I don't think she needs a mat (besides I suck at cutting them)...so the frame is a 9X10, and I am debating glass, my instinct is no cause of all the iridesence. Opinions?
Finally I have 3 days to clean the house and yard before my family descends upon this place (6 people all told) for graduation on friday. Wish me luck, I am feeling very unmotivated today.
Friday, May 05, 2006
View from river street inn
Hello there everyone. Sorry for the delay in posting, my computer was being uncooperative. Here is the view from one of the three floor to celing windows in the River Street Inn in Downtown Savannah.
We left Sunday night, stopped overnight in Columbia, and arrived in Savannah in Mon. Ian booked the night in the Inn which is located in one of the old cotton warehouses on the riverfront. It was really great to be in a hotel room that was furnished with real furniture. We have only done that once before..at the Biltmore Hotel in Ashville. Dinner was at a Morrocan resturant, neither of us had ever had morrocan food before, and it was excellent. We headed down to Tybee Island on Tuesday (and the Howard Johnson...back to the real world!)
and enjoyed the beach before heading back wed.
I was able to start and finish the border of the damselfly on the trip , and finished the lower right wing last night. Just 2 wings left to fill in and back stitching (a ton of that!) in the next week.
I also found a big mistake...if you look at my past photos there is some brown where there isn't now. I found 2 symbols that were swapped on the pattern, a brown and a green, I only saw it cause of the photo on the pattern (which looked different from my finished product), I thought it looked strange but trusted the pattern. But think it looks good now.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Devils Darning Needle indeed.
So I was really worried about this thing, it was seeming to take forever, and I had hoped that moving on to the wings would be faster. But of course they are done in all krenick threads so I was swearing every third stitch (thats even with using Thread Heaven). I as of yesterday I was thinking I may not finish this on time. I only have two weeks to go. But last night I had a brilliant (and totally anti rules) idea. I would outline the wings...I know it is usually a bad Idea since there is the potential (read garanteed) to stitch over the outline. So I tried it with the upper right wing and the filling in went much faster, and since the iridesent white thread is very subtle visually (hence the previous bout of swearing), the outline was not obsured at all. I was able to finish one wing tonight and have hope hat with 4-5 more nights (20-25 hours more)I might finish this b***h. I hope my advisor likes it.
Speaking of school, I handed in my final, 2 copies of my thesis, to the grad school (along with $60 "binding and shelving fee"). I have to take three more copies over to another binder for my own copies (cheaper).
But technically as of 1 pm tomorrow my Graduate school career is over...after my last office hour to hand out final grades
In other news I called my wedding photographer, only to find out that he has moved to Charleston and is no longer in Savannah. Figures...but I am planning on finally buying my wedding album within the next month or two, I don't care if he is on Mars.
Our anniversary(3 yrs) was yesterday but we didn't do anything special...we are planning to celebrate it next week in Savannah
Speaking of school, I handed in my final, 2 copies of my thesis, to the grad school (along with $60 "binding and shelving fee"). I have to take three more copies over to another binder for my own copies (cheaper).
But technically as of 1 pm tomorrow my Graduate school career is over...after my last office hour to hand out final grades
In other news I called my wedding photographer, only to find out that he has moved to Charleston and is no longer in Savannah. Figures...but I am planning on finally buying my wedding album within the next month or two, I don't care if he is on Mars.
Our anniversary(3 yrs) was yesterday but we didn't do anything special...we are planning to celebrate it next week in Savannah
Monday, April 24, 2006
Stitchin away
this weekend was a bit rainy so I finished up an exchange piece due in 3 weeks, so no picture there. But I did make some progress on the damselfly... I have several of these charts, but after this one I am not sure I will be doing anymore. It has got a ton of confetti stitching and 3/4 stitches and just well...irritates me. We shall see if there is a verdict by the time I am done. I will be working on nothing but this chart till graduation (since it is a gift for my advisor). Oh and as you can tell I did not go to Savannah this week, Ian and I bumped it to next week. THis means I have to finish up revisions and turn in my final thesis copies to the graduate school by friday, so off I go.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
SBQx2
Last week: For those of you that stitch while riding in the car or on the train, how do you cope with the bumps and the motion? Do you have any tips for others?
Actually this is one of the main reasons why i don't stitch in the car. I hate the bumps, I do much better reading. I save the stitching for the hotel room.
THis week: Do you do obligation or deadline-based stitching? Why or why not? If you do, do you tend to get in over your head and why? I only started doing this with the a exchange ornament exchange board, bloggers exchange board, and the US exchange board. I limit myself to 2 at a time (and right now I am just working on one). I have found that it's been really fun, and I have learned alot about finishing. I still have not gotten up the guts to do a round robin. I know alot of bloggers (that i read) participate in these often, maybe someday I'll sign up for one.
Actually this is one of the main reasons why i don't stitch in the car. I hate the bumps, I do much better reading. I save the stitching for the hotel room.
THis week: Do you do obligation or deadline-based stitching? Why or why not? If you do, do you tend to get in over your head and why? I only started doing this with the a exchange ornament exchange board, bloggers exchange board, and the US exchange board. I limit myself to 2 at a time (and right now I am just working on one). I have found that it's been really fun, and I have learned alot about finishing. I still have not gotten up the guts to do a round robin. I know alot of bloggers (that i read) participate in these often, maybe someday I'll sign up for one.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Back to stitching
I has been pretty nice not having to worry about my thesis this weekend. I was able to go out to a the NC herb society herb sale (they have it every year at the local greek orthodox church), and bought a few plants. I cleaned up the backyard on friday and contracted to have a fence put in. yesterday I cleaned the house, and did all the laundry. There is still a big list of stuff to get done before everyone comes down before graduation but it actually looks like it might all get done.
Meanwhile I was asked by Brenda the owner of the Dye is Cast, at the last tarheel get together if I would stitch up a few of the Erica Micheals freebies using The Dye is Cast fibers.
I chose to do the first four letters of Erica Micheals alphabet. and Brenda picked out fabric and fibers for the conversions. I loved how A came out. B I think could of been better on darker fabric. I would love to do the whole alphabet some day, these stitch up very quickly.
However I have to get back to work on the damselfly for my advisor in order to have it done by graduation. So C amd D will have to wait.
Ill be blogging more often now..so check back soon.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
All Done!!!
They signed me off. (of course there are a few things i have to edit...and then there is the manuscript to write for publication) but none of those things can stop me from graduating!
Gotta go teach but just wanted to say thanks for the encouraging words.
Gotta go teach but just wanted to say thanks for the encouraging words.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Thesis Defense
The end of the world as I know it is less than 15 hours away. I would love for you to send me your prayers/thoughts/energy/mojo tomorrow at 11 eastern standard time.
One good thing that my life has taught me (and helps me breathe) is no matter what happens time will move on and this time tomorow I will be done, and then I can get back to blogging and stitching normally.
One good thing that my life has taught me (and helps me breathe) is no matter what happens time will move on and this time tomorow I will be done, and then I can get back to blogging and stitching normally.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
5 days to go
So I have 5 days to go till my defense. I am currently working on questions that my committee may ask and writing all the answers I can find. No matter how well I prepare I am sure I'll miss something.
Needless to say I have not stitched at all over the weekend or during this week. I did find a replacement fiber (GAST cornflower) for the tropical ocean color on Seaology, but I haven't ripped it out yet.
But to keep you from going into stitchers withdrawal I posted this picture of my early anniversary gift from mom. It is a wedding sampler that we modified a bit to reflect Tybee Island lighthouse. (Ian and I were married on Tybee Island beach within site of the lighthouse). See the original pattern here. and a close up...
Speaking of weddings, I don't have any photos taken by the photographer at my wedding...thats right 3 years later I don't have a wedding album. Here is the thing. We had our photos taken by a digital photographer and have disks of the photos (can't print off those), but never ordered any. A combination of distance from the photographer (6 hours away in Savannah) and lack of $$ has caused this long delay. Well Ian told me the other day that for our anniversary later this month we are going back to Savannah and can meet with the photographer and order pictures and albums. Yeah! The one benefit of the time passing is I am sure what photos I want and what is not as important in an album...that might of been tougher right after the wedding.
And finally the SBQ:
Do you stitch “on the go?” (On the commute to and from work, during your lunch break, waiting for the kids, etc.) If so, do you have a specific “travel” project or do you just grab whatever you happen to be working on and take it with you? When I was working on the Flip-it's last year, I kept them in my car, but I rarely had a minute or two to work on them. I ended up bringing them home to finish then by the end of the month. I am almost never waiting for anything (I only go to the Dr. once a year, never wait at the dentist, travel maybe once a year) When I pack to go on the vacation, I of course take something, but I can't stitch in the car when someone is driving...motion sickness. So to make a long story short (Too Late!) No.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
after
we repainted the walls, the cabinets and trim. knocked out the wood over the sink and replaced the light. new shower curtian too.
before
please note, this is a picture of a picture. we took this shortly after we moved in 3 years ago. I forgot to take one before we actually started tearing wallpaper down, but it had not changed much.
things to see: the wallpaper (that had flowers on it upside down),
the light over the sink is floresent and covered with a piece of wood, and the home made shower curtian that doesn't match.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Here I am
I won this pattern on Ebay for $4. It is an oop (out of print) pattern from Bent Creek. The saying is "Awake northwind and come southwind, then all of the trees of the forest will sing for joy". It is simple but i have been wanting it for a while now... my sister will be so jealous , she is a self admitted tree-hugger. Too bad Liz, this one is mine!
Here is what I started recently, Seaology by Trilogy, I wanted to do it in DMC but now that I have gotten to the blue ocean around the sub, I am thinking I may go get "Tropical Ocean" by GAST. I have done other patterns combining the threads (EduCATed, Little pumpkin in the patch) Chosing to do large parts with the overdyed, and the rest with DMC, you get a similar effect without spending all the dough. Any one else done this pattern? what did you do?
Here is what I started recently, Seaology by Trilogy, I wanted to do it in DMC but now that I have gotten to the blue ocean around the sub, I am thinking I may go get "Tropical Ocean" by GAST. I have done other patterns combining the threads (EduCATed, Little pumpkin in the patch) Chosing to do large parts with the overdyed, and the rest with DMC, you get a similar effect without spending all the dough. Any one else done this pattern? what did you do?
And finally here is Lavender Hill, finished. No matter how many times i photographed it, it still looked washed out, so you will jst have to trust me when I say it is georgeous, I can't wait to frame it and Moon and Stars.
I finished my powerpoint presentation for my defense (my advisor wants to see it this friday at the lab meeting). So I wil have a whole week to polish it before the 11th. Meanwhile my mom is coming to visit this weekend. we are going to paint the guest (my) bathroom, I will be sure to post before and after pics, I know you will be dying to see the results.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
SBQ
I stitched a bit on Santa yesterday , and started trilogy's Seaology last week, but haven't taken any photos yet.
SBQ:
Have you ever participated in a needlework mystery (i.e., a design that you started before knowing how it will look in the end and by which you receive parts of the design via the internet, magazines, or leaflets at spaced intervals)? If so, why did you decide to do the mystery? What appealed to you about it? Did you enjoy it? If you have not done a mystery, would you ever do one?
I have never done a mystery, up until a year ago I did not know what one was. The ones I have seen are a bit expensive, and just haven't appealed to me.
SBQ:
Have you ever participated in a needlework mystery (i.e., a design that you started before knowing how it will look in the end and by which you receive parts of the design via the internet, magazines, or leaflets at spaced intervals)? If so, why did you decide to do the mystery? What appealed to you about it? Did you enjoy it? If you have not done a mystery, would you ever do one?
I have never done a mystery, up until a year ago I did not know what one was. The ones I have seen are a bit expensive, and just haven't appealed to me.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
I know Armageddons date!
Yes folks it is true, after about 24 hours of stress trying to get all my committee members to agree to a date and time, and the fact that two of them are leaving in three weeks and you have to give the department notice two weeks ahead of time, and make sure the conference room is available, and that your thesis is presentable:
I will defend on April 11th at 11 am.
I will defend on April 11th at 11 am.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Little House Needleworks extravaganza!!!
Well, not really, that just seems to be all I have stitched on this week. Here is the completed Moon and Stars...This one and Lavender Hill (below) are screaming for me to frame them, I have no idea where to hang them, but I must listen to the screaming.
Unfortunately there is no other stitching yelling at me, my heart just isn't in it lately. I spend my days typing on the computer redoing my thesis over and over, (4th (or is it the 5th) draft of the disscussion thank you). And after dinner I just feel like vegging in front of the TV. Part of the problem is the stuff I need to do (like the Green Darner) is complicated and requires lots of paraphenalia and thinking (confetti stitching,half stitches whatnot). Some one did ask me what I stiched Moon and Stars on...I used the fabric that it called for 28 ct. Silvery Moon Linen, I was just lucky that the store I bought the pattern had the fabric too.
and Here is a not quite finished Lavender Hill...I had the greens it called for 3052 and 3053 but when I went to stitch the lighter green it looked the same (which happens to me often due to some of the 30year old threads I have inherited), so tonight I will find a suitable green for the flower stems and the outer layer of the tree.
I loved stitching these, they were easy, quick, and fun.
Ok on to other things First: after finding that I tend to look over other blogger wishlists and send them stuff when I find it, I figure maybe I should make one up too, I have started another blog page just for my wish list and you can bop on over using the link in my sidebar... I figure it is a good time to do this anyway with my graduation on the horizon (it is far but it is there!)
Stitching bloggers Question of the Week: Do you stitch “over one?” If so, describe your experiences. If not, have you considered it? (See an “over one” diagram.) I have and do not mind it but do not prefer it. My first over one was an ornament that I did for an exchange. over 32. .I needed it to be smaller than the original specified. Now that I think about it ,all my over one stitching has been for ornaments. I don't think I could do a large piece that way.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Big mess of stuff to tell you....
So read this whole post ;)
I was down in Charleston, SC for three days (it was spring break for me this week) and hit 2 cross stitch stores. Ian and I stayed with a friend down in Mt. Pleasant and had a great time. We wandered beaches and toured the aquarium (we didn't do downtown...we did that on our last trip there). Before I left I went searching online for LNS to visit, and found several, however most listings online were outdated and closed...this frustrated me alot but keep reading... I came up with a solution.
First my stash haul:
From Keep 'em in Stitches in Summerville, SC:
A Year Full of Happy- Sam Sarah
Keep it Clean- Brittercup Designs
Tropical Dream- TW
Pins and Needles -Prarie Schooler
Merry Otter- Cindy Valentine I could not pass this one up...she had a trunk show there, and I saw this finished!
Some Six Strand Sweets...they were on sale.
From Stitch n frame in Rock Hill, SC:
The littles snowman- Bent Creek
East Coast Sampler- Jeannette Douglas
So due to my frustration at finding a store and a good review of it I started a new EZboard for cross stitchers to tell us about their local needlework shop...so when I go to visit I can give them my $$$ lol. This is also a good place to list closings and openings.
To be fully honest there is another EZ board with some reviews of stores and ONSs but it is not as comprehensive as I would like this one to be. so help me (and other stitchers) out. If you have a LNS tell us about it here. The password is Stash. You do need to be an EZboard member if you aren't already. Go here to log on. I will keep this board up if there is an interest...so sign on and let me know ;) I will keep a link to it my sidebar.
And Finally the Question of the week:
Do you have an organizational system for your patterns? If so, how do you organize them? If not, have you considered organizing them?
HA I was a librarian in another life...mine are organized by designer in stand up magazine files. The smaller charts are kept in a drawer. and the freebies are organized by subjuect in a 3 ring binder in clear sleeves. I can find anything in about 5 min.
Help needed
I need help. you can hardly see the white I used for her wing(s). should I 1) back stitch it? or 2) leave it or 3) use a different color, if so what?
my st. patty exchange
Here is the stitched 8 sided pillow I sent joanne for my exchange piece. It was a freebie from The Workbasket. And I think it turned out pretty well. It is over one us ing a varigated Needle Necessities thread.
Friday, March 10, 2006
St. Pattys exchange from Juanita
I got home from Charleston, SC to find my St. Patty s exchange from Juanita. It is a beautifully beaded and stitched scissor fob. along with some fabulous extras.
My detail photos of the fob came out totally fuzzy so Ill post detailed photos tonight...check back tomorrow...here you go..
Saturday, March 04, 2006
And It is March (damn..already?)
Here is Mr Bear. I have done a bit o green at the bottom and on Santas mitten. I have not done much this week at all. But I did finally find the camera (I was in DH truck) so I took all the pictures and posted them below...so take a look.
This weeks Question is:
What cross-stitch magazines or other publications (as opposed to blogs) do you read on a regular basis? What do you like about them? What do you not like? What would your perfect publication include?
I do not subscribe to any XS mag due to cost and lack of patterns I enjoy. I do buy the JCS ornament mag every year though. I will try to catch one or two in the bookstore occasionally but I almost never see one I HAVE to have that pattern (as I often do when I see a individual pattern). If you ask me (which I guess you just did) the american mags are currently behind the times and the britsh ones are too cutesy and too expensive. Neither use or show overdyed fibers or fabric, even as alternatives to DMC. (exception is the JCS ornament mag) All the patterns seem like stock standards that have just been reshaped and published.
If I were to make the perfect magazine, I would create it like a I use the web. Get a the popular designers today to do a few exclusives. Have a Nashville preview section where designs are shown. How about a reviewer who visits LNSs or ONSs in secret and writes a no holds barred review on the shop (like resturants). Articles on framing, finishing, color converting, and dying fabric. Instead of those insipid "look what i did!" pages, how about a well written diary of a stitcher struggling through a first time TW or Mirabila, the trouble she had the progress made and how she made the choices she did. Or how about an ongoing SAL Page where you get 6 stitchers to stich the same piece and do the progress thing above each month for say 3-5 months. (I am picturing a 2 fold layout with 6 pictures of half finished Celtic Autumns all different color conversions and a short update). How about contests for fibers and fabric from startup companies, the british mags have contests all the time...I want to play too..pout. and maybe sponsoring stitch weekends around the country, you get a group of stitchers together and the mag would send you some exclusive freebies and goodies in return for pictures and a short story. I am just brainstorming here, but it seems to me that the magazines have alot of potential that has not been achieved...
Until then I am off to an LNS instead.
In other news taxes came out better than last year we owe state but federal owes us. So Ian and I are heading to Charleston for three days. (we were going to do the whole week, it is my spring break, but I am to defend by the end of the month and need the time at school) . I am now working on my 3rd draft of the disscussion and hope to have it to my advisor tomorrow so I can enjoy my vacation.
As for my february goal of not blogging during the week and only stitching of weekends well, that fell apart a bit. I am still only writing on my blog once a week but I find myself sneaking peaks at other blogs at random. I am stitching during the week again, not doing it was putting me in a very foul mood.
March Goals:
- Finish revising and DEFEND
- Finish Moon and stars
- Finish Angel in the clouds
- continue work on Spring Garden and Santa
- work on Green darner
See you all next week
Little Angel in the clouds
Sorry she is a bit dark I had to get close cause she is small. I am using the DMC conversion but I will have to do her wings in bright white since the fabric is soo light that the 712 it calls for will dissappear. and the 931 it recommends for the clouds is WAY too dark so I will have to look for a lighter blue that works.
Moon and stars (waiting)
So I am still waiting for the fiber I need to come in from my LNS (Desert Mesquite by Cresent Colors). It has been folded in my drawer patiently waiting, hence the giant creases...sorry I refuse iron more than I have too :)
Monday, February 27, 2006
I can't think of a good title
Hello all, I went searching for my camera yesterday so I could post pictures of my progress in the past week but couldn't find it any where. So instead of making you wait a whole week I will tell you what I did then post pictures of the stuff during the week (assuming the camera will be found) I did lots of fluttery stitching (nothing made me happy) I added 2 WIPs to my other 3.
- I did as much as I could to Moon and Stars by Little House Needleworks, just waiting on a fiber that I ordered to finish it.
- I stitched a bit on Spring Garden by Black Swan but need to find (or order) a krenick thread that I thought I had but don't.
- I started and finished Lucky Me and Spring Tie one on kits by Pine Mountian
- I started Angel in the Clouds by Heart in Hand on 36ct fabric...my first time on 36...I found out that 1 thread over 2 works better than 2 over 2 at this count. But you already knew that.
- I also started Green Darner. I couldn't get very far due to the #of Krenicks I need for this one. This will be a gift to my advisor when I graduate (so I have till May to do it).
In other news, there isn't much new. I turned in my 2nd draft of my disscussion to my advisor wed afternoon, but haven't gotten it back yet. Ian and I are ready to tackle the TAXES and will probably owe the government again this year which totally cramps my style...especially when my husband is such a freak about $$ (or the lack thereof). And finally we had Sam get his shots and neutered over the weekend ...he is back to full speed after a night of grumpyness.
Hey if you are not the easily offended kind, and swear words are in your vocabulary...check out this Subversive Cross Stitch..I just about fell out of my chair (which is easy since i broke a wheel on it last week)
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Frustrated?
Yes, thank you.
I won't go into a whole lot of detail because I would never want the person I would speak bad of to read this...and as I learned early on in life, If you don't want the world to know something then don't write it down (or blog it).
Let me just say this, I know someone who is living MY dream and they are seemingly sabotaging themselves every step of the way, wasting the opportunity that has been presented to them. It pisses me off and makes me want to cry.
Anyway back to stitching here is Santa 5 days later,. My bear has arms, but I am becoming tired of it again and may go to something else for a bit.
Here is the other project I started It is Moon and Stars By Little House Needleworks
It is going fast and it is my first design using Cresent Colors floss, It is more subtle in shading than WDW.
Finally I came up with a question for the Question of the week , and here it is: Comment on your comments (giving and receiving): Do you love comments or hate them? Do you check them every day, never check them, or find them helpful? And finally, are you convinced no one is reading your blog if you don’t get any? Of course I asked this cause I am obsessed with comments nd wanted to know if other stitching bloggers felt the same. I am really kind of sad in this department, I will check my blog often just to see if anyone is reading. I don't really care what is said, even if it is only"Thats looks great".. It is interesting that my personal posts doesn't recieve as much feed back as my stitching posts. I find that I am more apt to comment on others blogs in response to the personal issues rather than a stitching progress post. And finally even though I am blogging for myself, I AM convinced no one is reading my blog if there are no comments...I need one of those visit counters.
Monday, February 13, 2006
We have a Bear's head (and other tales from the needle)
Yes I stitched all weekend (had a great time thank you) and all I got done was the bear's head. No wonder this thing is taking me forever. Now it is mostly just background and robes till I get to the Wolf. The animals have the most confetti stitches, so they take the longest. I am now trying to square off the right side so I can just use one page of the pattern instead of flipping around.
I did finish my St. Pattys day exchange and that gets mailed out on the first. I also posted about my garden exchange (that I finished at the beginning of Jan) below.
SBQ this past week was: Describe your “perfect” project. (Include the designer or specific pattern, the fabric, the floss, and anything else that would make that project “perfect” for you.) I really don't have a absolute favorite pattern or designer. I guess my answer to this is kinda boring but the perfect project would be one in which I had the money to have it framed professionally. Oh and how about one that will cause you to burn lots of calories and lose weight. I hate exercising and losing stitching time.
Onto the thesis side of things. I will continue on the blogging and checking blogs only once a week, It has helped me alot with getting things done. I will however stitch more, cause well, I am grumpy if I don't. And if I am working at school (aka not blogging) then I won't feel guilty at home in the evenings. I turned in my Discussion friday and my advisor handed it back covered in red today. It is mostly organization of the paper that has to be revised. and I hope I can do that this week into next.
Garden exchange
Here is my Garden exchange which I sent to Aniza in Malaysia. The pattern is Spring Strawberries from the Seasonal Sampler designed by Hillside Samplings. I finished it as a box.
I found this great fabric that was really pretty and padded the bottom and the top inside. I also made a candle in a watering can and sent it, but I did not take a picture if Aniza does it will be here. But she has been in the process of moving and may not have her computer unpacked yet.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Cold Turkey Report -Week 1
Man this sucks more than I thought. Not only have I not stitched a single X in 5 days, I was suffering thru PMS at the same time. I think Ian may kill me.
On the up? side I have been reading alot of papers and trying to get back into my research (I hate research, I just want to teach) writing down main points and preparing to write out my whole discussion...I promised my advisor my first draft by friday 2/10...wish me luck.
Today I am taking a break...I read all the blogs I missed this week (took me 2-3 hours!) and will start my St. Patty's day exchange tonight. Next weekend I will get to stitch for 48 hours straight, which brings me to the SBQ of the week:
With the exception of your online stitching friends, do you have any other stitching buddies?
I am very happy to say a resounding yes to this statement. I was very lucky when I started stitching again (two years ago) and got online that I found the Tarheel stitchers. This is a group of ladies from all over NC (although a majority are in the central section) that get together on average once a month at a stitchers house on a Saturday to stitch. We range in ages 30ish (I am one of the youngest) to over 60. and once a year we have a sleep over (that is next weekend).
I wish to leave you this week with a funny quote from Ian:
"If this parking lot was filled with cross stitch I wouldn't complain about you wanting to look."
(I was whining about him wanting to do look at a big duelie Dodge Ram short bed with a rack and 4 doors V8 blah blah blah...)
GO STEELERS!!!
On the up? side I have been reading alot of papers and trying to get back into my research (I hate research, I just want to teach) writing down main points and preparing to write out my whole discussion...I promised my advisor my first draft by friday 2/10...wish me luck.
Today I am taking a break...I read all the blogs I missed this week (took me 2-3 hours!) and will start my St. Patty's day exchange tonight. Next weekend I will get to stitch for 48 hours straight, which brings me to the SBQ of the week:
With the exception of your online stitching friends, do you have any other stitching buddies?
I am very happy to say a resounding yes to this statement. I was very lucky when I started stitching again (two years ago) and got online that I found the Tarheel stitchers. This is a group of ladies from all over NC (although a majority are in the central section) that get together on average once a month at a stitchers house on a Saturday to stitch. We range in ages 30ish (I am one of the youngest) to over 60. and once a year we have a sleep over (that is next weekend).
I wish to leave you this week with a funny quote from Ian:
"If this parking lot was filled with cross stitch I wouldn't complain about you wanting to look."
(I was whining about him wanting to do look at a big duelie Dodge Ram short bed with a rack and 4 doors V8 blah blah blah...)
GO STEELERS!!!
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