Here is my sister on Christmas morning with Peaceful Ways.
Friday, December 30, 2005
End of Year review
We after Cathy and Jo did an end of year list I figured I maybe should have a look see at what I accomplished this year. A note for those of you who will be surprised at this list...I have never stitched as much or as consistantly as I did this year.
G=gift
E=exchange
In rough order:
Rose Heart sampler-Just Nan
Sending love tiny kit-unknown (G)
Valentine bird-CS calander
Liberty sampler -XS quick mag
Owl -prarie schooler (E)
Bless the Baby- Lizzie Kate(G)
Village Sampler- Prarie Schooler (G)
Pittsburgh- Oberlin (started in late 90's)
Seaside garden- Victoria Sampler
Waxing moon birds freebie (lost at Joann's Fabrics *sigh*)
Little house in the woods -Heart in Hand
Baby Sampler- JBW (G)
2 Name tags
Pumpkin Pagent freebie (E)
Think Autumn -Lizzie Kate(E)
Cozy Cabin freebie (E)
Making Friends-tie one on
Hohoho-Tie one on
12 Days of Christmas afghan- Alma Lynne (Started in 97)
Starlight Starbright - Waxing moon (G)
Peaceful Ways - La di da (G)
Garden exchange (its a secret)- (E)
Flip its- Lizzie Kate (9 in total , 3 were done in 2004)
Ornaments:
Babys first ornament (G)
2003 JCS-Joy needle roll
2004 JCS- Candy Cane Cat, Happy Holidays Snowman, Noel Birdhouse, Peace tree, Peace needle roll, Joy
2005 JCS- Love needle roll
Over all I feel like for all my stitching I should of finished more. But I guess 41 is good, but what I am most proud of is that only 5 of those are sitting in a drawer...the other 36 were actually framed (by moi) or finished as an ornament or pillow.
Here is Dec goals:
Finish a cross stitched quilt square for a fellow Tarheel stitcher No
Finish the afgan (days 10-12) Yes
Finish Dec Flip it Yes
Finish Peace tree ornament Yes
Start Little Snowman in the Drifts Yes
Do NO more than 3 new ornaments (I am feeling the itch) Yes
Find and do my garden exchange piece for the SBEBB (due Jan 9th I think) stitching done-finishing this weekend
As for January I am only working on one goal
No new projects
I resolve to finish my WIP's this month (I have 9).
G=gift
E=exchange
In rough order:
Rose Heart sampler-Just Nan
Sending love tiny kit-unknown (G)
Valentine bird-CS calander
Liberty sampler -XS quick mag
Owl -prarie schooler (E)
Bless the Baby- Lizzie Kate(G)
Village Sampler- Prarie Schooler (G)
Pittsburgh- Oberlin (started in late 90's)
Seaside garden- Victoria Sampler
Waxing moon birds freebie (lost at Joann's Fabrics *sigh*)
Little house in the woods -Heart in Hand
Baby Sampler- JBW (G)
2 Name tags
Pumpkin Pagent freebie (E)
Think Autumn -Lizzie Kate(E)
Cozy Cabin freebie (E)
Making Friends-tie one on
Hohoho-Tie one on
12 Days of Christmas afghan- Alma Lynne (Started in 97)
Starlight Starbright - Waxing moon (G)
Peaceful Ways - La di da (G)
Garden exchange (its a secret)- (E)
Flip its- Lizzie Kate (9 in total , 3 were done in 2004)
Ornaments:
Babys first ornament (G)
2003 JCS-Joy needle roll
2004 JCS- Candy Cane Cat, Happy Holidays Snowman, Noel Birdhouse, Peace tree, Peace needle roll, Joy
2005 JCS- Love needle roll
Over all I feel like for all my stitching I should of finished more. But I guess 41 is good, but what I am most proud of is that only 5 of those are sitting in a drawer...the other 36 were actually framed (by moi) or finished as an ornament or pillow.
Here is Dec goals:
Finish a cross stitched quilt square for a fellow Tarheel stitcher No
Finish the afgan (days 10-12) Yes
Finish Dec Flip it Yes
Finish Peace tree ornament Yes
Start Little Snowman in the Drifts Yes
Do NO more than 3 new ornaments (I am feeling the itch) Yes
Find and do my garden exchange piece for the SBEBB (due Jan 9th I think) stitching done-finishing this weekend
As for January I am only working on one goal
No new projects
I resolve to finish my WIP's this month (I have 9).
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Best Christmas Ever
Well pretty darn close...look what I got! Ian brought this little guy home on Christmas eve, and of course we decided his name was to be Sam. (a tribute, of course, to the famous "Sam and Max Freelance Police" ). He is a grey striped kitty about 6 weeks old. With his little sharp teeth and claws he has earned the nickname of "sharp-n-fuzzy". He is a terror when he attacks your face in the middle of the night.
After about 6 hours of intense negotiations with the dog, Sam is now the bane of Max's life. He now attacks the dog's muzzle/ears/tail when he wants to play, and our main concern is the Max will lose it and hurt him. So we try not to let them play with out human supervision. I don't think it will be a problem in a few weeks when Sam is older and less fragile. He has learned where the litter box is and so far only one or 2 accidents have occured.
He loves to sleep on my holiday poodle fur pillows and if you can't find him on one of those watch your feet...he is under something waiting for you to walk by.
I apologize for not blogging this past week, my family arrived friday and left yesterday. We finished up some shopping on christmas eve and watched the blowout of a Steeler game, had a great christmas day, on Monday we went to Old Salem in Winston, and visited the new LNS there (helped Linda pay another bill). Tuesday we did a bit more shopping and returns/exchanges, and took Max to the Barkpark for a treat for being such a good brother.
I came down with a small cold on Christmas (i think i picked it up at the sports bar) I feel fine now, but unfortunately Ian caught it and is now ill (he stayed home from work today...that is ill!) His immune system is weaker than mine and so the effect of the same bug is intensified in him...I need to go get some drugs for him on my way home.
More christmas stuff and crossstitch updates tomorrow...promise
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Peace tree
Finally finished the Peace tree. I had a devil of a time with the curve at the top... I tried the sandwich style of finishing for the first time and I used (horrors) glue to put the whole thing together...I had glue everywhere.
Anyway I am pretty much done with my stitching for now, I seem to have hit a lull. I have 6 WIP's (I have started alot of little things recently) but just don't seem to have the heart right now to work on them.
I only have 2 large WIPs ...and I looked at them both yesterday and did not feel inspired.
The tree is decorated, my christmas shopping is done, and the house is mostly decent. I am feeling a bit lost and in limbo right now, I want to take a break/ vacation but I also want to get my thesis done ASAP. I am to meet with my advisor this afternoon to discuss what looks like (to me) very messy results..I hope she can pull a few conclusions out of the chaos. Maybe then I'll be able to move forward.
Anyway I am pretty much done with my stitching for now, I seem to have hit a lull. I have 6 WIP's (I have started alot of little things recently) but just don't seem to have the heart right now to work on them.
I only have 2 large WIPs ...and I looked at them both yesterday and did not feel inspired.
The tree is decorated, my christmas shopping is done, and the house is mostly decent. I am feeling a bit lost and in limbo right now, I want to take a break/ vacation but I also want to get my thesis done ASAP. I am to meet with my advisor this afternoon to discuss what looks like (to me) very messy results..I hope she can pull a few conclusions out of the chaos. Maybe then I'll be able to move forward.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Starlight starbright
I Painted the frame with layers of white and yellow, and then sanded it. It came out pretty nice (I think) looking alot like the overdyed WDW Saffron I used in the stars.
Becca asked me in a previous comment how I liked my stitchers stand that I got last year for christmas. Well I have mixed feelings. I like it for larger pieces but they can only be a certian width (ie my Santa of the forest is too wide for it) It was difficult for me to not see the back when attempting to couch threads since there is no way to flip over the piece. And I could never get it into a comfortable position with it...I was always adjusting it and tilting it. I know there is a better stitching stand out there (I have heard great things about the StitchMate ...but I would want to know I would love it before buying it). I am glad that Ian did not spend lot on the stand...but I will be using it again when I get back to View to a Spring Garden.
Finally if you havent seen Screaming at Santa yet....check it out for a good laugh
Becca asked me in a previous comment how I liked my stitchers stand that I got last year for christmas. Well I have mixed feelings. I like it for larger pieces but they can only be a certian width (ie my Santa of the forest is too wide for it) It was difficult for me to not see the back when attempting to couch threads since there is no way to flip over the piece. And I could never get it into a comfortable position with it...I was always adjusting it and tilting it. I know there is a better stitching stand out there (I have heard great things about the StitchMate ...but I would want to know I would love it before buying it). I am glad that Ian did not spend lot on the stand...but I will be using it again when I get back to View to a Spring Garden.
Finally if you havent seen Screaming at Santa yet....check it out for a good laugh
Thursday, December 15, 2005
SBQ: Take a minute to reflect on your blog reading habits and preferences. What do you prefer to read in stitching blogs? (Progress, tips, family life, experiences, etc.) How much do you think you are influenced by other stitching bloggers?
Wow this is a great question. So I have been blogging for about a year and a half. I prefer to read blogs that are either a) mostly about cross stitching or b) so funny i fall off my chair everytime i read it. I have yet to find one that is both. I cannot stand political blogs, whiny blogs (usually about a medical or marital issue) or self serving blogs. I only keep up with one celebrity blog Wil Wheaton's, because he fits into the b catagory with usually fabulous writing thrown in to boot. I regularly read 18 blogs 15 are stitching. I don't mind a little personal stuff on a stitching blog (because I like to throw some in there too.) You can see my list under blogs I read. (oh I have to update that)
I think that I stitch more (and definitely finish more) because of these bloggers. I also think that my involvement in a community group (Tarheel stitchers) and becoming more familiar with exchange boards and yahoo groups online has also encouraged me in every aspect of my stitching (and maybe soon quilting).
On to my personal/stitching stuff.
First I was customer #3 in a new LNS in Winston Salem NC yesterday. I was soo excited her store is nice and big and only 30 min away from me. It is called the Stitch Nitch and I encourage anyone who is looking for any OOP to call her. Here is the story... there was a LNS in the same shopping center that closed down 5 years ago, and all the patterns (about 20,000 of them) have been sitting in storage for 5 years. She has supplimented that stash with all of Mill hills stuff the full line of DMC and all of the fibers you can think of NN, GAST, WDW, RG ,SSS, everything. I spent an hour or two there and got a hold of a few patterns , Prairie Schooler's Old World Sampler(OOP) and Garden Beasties, and Bent Creek's Cold Snowman (OOP) and some 32 ct Belfast Linen. I plan on heading back there next week with a more planned list of what I need/want.
Wow this is a great question. So I have been blogging for about a year and a half. I prefer to read blogs that are either a) mostly about cross stitching or b) so funny i fall off my chair everytime i read it. I have yet to find one that is both. I cannot stand political blogs, whiny blogs (usually about a medical or marital issue) or self serving blogs. I only keep up with one celebrity blog Wil Wheaton's, because he fits into the b catagory with usually fabulous writing thrown in to boot. I regularly read 18 blogs 15 are stitching. I don't mind a little personal stuff on a stitching blog (because I like to throw some in there too.) You can see my list under blogs I read. (oh I have to update that)
I think that I stitch more (and definitely finish more) because of these bloggers. I also think that my involvement in a community group (Tarheel stitchers) and becoming more familiar with exchange boards and yahoo groups online has also encouraged me in every aspect of my stitching (and maybe soon quilting).
On to my personal/stitching stuff.
First I was customer #3 in a new LNS in Winston Salem NC yesterday. I was soo excited her store is nice and big and only 30 min away from me. It is called the Stitch Nitch and I encourage anyone who is looking for any OOP to call her. Here is the story... there was a LNS in the same shopping center that closed down 5 years ago, and all the patterns (about 20,000 of them) have been sitting in storage for 5 years. She has supplimented that stash with all of Mill hills stuff the full line of DMC and all of the fibers you can think of NN, GAST, WDW, RG ,SSS, everything. I spent an hour or two there and got a hold of a few patterns , Prairie Schooler's Old World Sampler(OOP) and Garden Beasties, and Bent Creek's Cold Snowman (OOP) and some 32 ct Belfast Linen. I plan on heading back there next week with a more planned list of what I need/want.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Dec flip it
Ta da All twelve months are now done.
I think we are going to get a christmas tree today. We were supposed to go yesterday but it started to rain. And it is a pain to try and take your time and select the right tree when it is raining. I love going and cutting a fresh tree. We go to Spillmans every year (that we get a tree). I thought about getting another potted tree, since last years is doing so great in the yard. But since we have visitors this year I thought a big tree would be nice..and I don't have to worry about how long it is in the house.
I am currently working on the Peace ornament (I will finish it!) and need to find a garden pattern for my exchange. I thought I had one but the other day I went to my recipients website and saw that she already had that one done up. so back to the drawing board (I know the deadline is looming!)
I think we are going to get a christmas tree today. We were supposed to go yesterday but it started to rain. And it is a pain to try and take your time and select the right tree when it is raining. I love going and cutting a fresh tree. We go to Spillmans every year (that we get a tree). I thought about getting another potted tree, since last years is doing so great in the yard. But since we have visitors this year I thought a big tree would be nice..and I don't have to worry about how long it is in the house.
I am currently working on the Peace ornament (I will finish it!) and need to find a garden pattern for my exchange. I thought I had one but the other day I went to my recipients website and saw that she already had that one done up. so back to the drawing board (I know the deadline is looming!)
Monday, December 12, 2005
Happy Dance
Well luckily the dog eating incident did not really obstruct any of the pattern (see previous post) and I was able to finish last night around 1 am. (including redoing part of 4 calling birds)
Here is the whole thing. I haven't fringed it all the way yet (Ian is anti fringe). It looks kinda sad from far away. and doesn't have coverage like this. I didn't know any better when I started, they are just patterns for ornaments really. But for a 8 year old WIP I can say it is DONE!
Here is a close up of the final 2 which stitched up fast since I had the borders done.
Here is the whole thing. I haven't fringed it all the way yet (Ian is anti fringe). It looks kinda sad from far away. and doesn't have coverage like this. I didn't know any better when I started, they are just patterns for ornaments really. But for a 8 year old WIP I can say it is DONE!
Here is a close up of the final 2 which stitched up fast since I had the borders done.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
17 shopping days left...Seriously
SBQ: Have you done any charity stitching, been in one, or would like to organize one?
No...the only type I am aware of are xs quilts (Coles quilts)(9-11 quilts). I have never heard of any other type of charity stitching. I sorta feel that stitching a piece for a quilt for a child I haven't met is impersonal, I would rather stitch for someone i know.
In my own stitching world...I am back on the afghan and began stitching 10 lords a leaping (AGAIN!). I finished stitching the December Flip it, but didn't like any of the fabrics I own to finish it, so I have to go buy some today.
I have to get my christmas cards done...I dread doing cards, and now that printshop is not working on our computer (that had all the addresses to print labels) I really HATE doing christmas cards.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
COOOOOKIES
Cookie Day was a success. I made most of the doughs on Sunday so. Yesterday was mostly shaping decorating and baking. We made:
- Hersheys Triple Chocolate cookies
- Drop Sugar cookies
- Angel Wings
- Peanut Butter Christmas Mice
- Christmas Cutouts
- Holiday Cheesecake Presents
- Chocolate Peanut butter bars
- Lemon Squares
- Infamous Neiman-Marcus cookies
- and finally Doggie christmas biscuts for Max and friends (those stank up the kitchen)
Friday, December 02, 2005
Almost there
So here is my La d Da Peaceful ways (for dear sista), I still have another border to do, but I am very happy with the way it came out. The picture on the leaflet (quite frankly) stinks, it is blurry and way non true to color. It looks like the words are all one color (but not so on the pattern ) and that the outer petals of the flowers are darker than the branches (they are both supposed to be GAST cinnamon along with "words" and "ways".) Liz (that is sista) said she wanted the flowers to be a bit more red so I used WDW Brick instead of GAST Cinnamon. Now the flowers look more like the picture. Unfortunately it is a bit of a rectangle instead of a square so finding the right frame will be a challenge. But if it isn't framed by christmas...thats ok cause I will have Starlight starbright framed for her. I just need to paint the frame(which I have) a antiquey yellow.
Other Goals for Dec are:
- Finish a cross stitched quilt square for a fellow Tarheel stitcher
- Finish the afgan (days 10-12)
- Finish Dec Flip it
- Finish Peace tree ornament
- Start Little Snowman in the Drifts
- Do NO more than 3 new ornaments (I am feeling the itch)
- Find and do my garden exchange piece for the SBEBB (due Jan 9th I think)
I went to find the ornament round robin ez board yesterday only to find it gone! I emailed Dani cause I remembered she was active on the board but she hasn't replied yet. Does anyone know where it went?? I hope it is just on sabbatical (sp?) or something.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Rhythm & Blues Block 1
My first block of the month (actually 4) for my very first quilt attempt. It came out pretty well. They do already have the fabric pre cut, that saves a boatload of time. I am having trouble getting a perfect 1/4 seam.
Here is the deal, I inherited this sewing machine, and it is really a seamstresses sewing machine with 5/8 markings on the base. So I determined that the 1/4 area is right inside the far side of the presser foot, and the fabric is pulled thru with one feed dog but not the other so the fabric is constantly pulling to the right, and I am constantly trying to correct this by pulling the other way. In conclusion my 1/4 seam allowance is closer to 3/8 to 5/8 in a wave like fashion and the blocks are a little short in width. I asked for the other blocks for christmas, so I'll have to wait to do more then.
Thanks for all the comments about my ornaments yesterday, it makes me feel great you all still visit me. even after my whining. Anna even noticed I said santa instead of snowman...I didn't even realize my error till I read your comment! I don't think I have ever done that before, I guess it is cause they both start with the letter S.
As for Christmas I finally got Ian to narrow down the list of cookies we are baking this year to 10 kinds. I will be premaking dough on Sun, then we bake Mon (his day off). This will be the first time we have attempted a full fledged christmas cookie baking in our 7 years together, I usually I make 1 or 2 types, and mom sends me the rest. Last year I attempted ginger bread that came out so hard I ended up using them as doggie treats. I grew up with lots of cookies at christmas, there was always a plate full on the coffee table and my sister and I's job was to refill it when ever just a few crumbs were left. Since we have family coming this year I thought it would be good to start the tradition in my house.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Ta da !!
Here are the ornaments I finished the other day. The needle roll on the left is from the 2005 JCS issue (Jeanette Douglas) which I had to do after enjoying the peace roll from 2004 issue. The rest I think I posted in their unfinished form before, they are all from the ornament round robin I just finished (all in 2004 JCS ornament issue). I did Joy (Erica Micheals) as a pillow, and the santa (designer?) as a pillow too but with a fabric border (practicing my quilting techniques), Candy Cane cat ( Chessie and me) I did a twisted cord for the first time ever! and it came out pretty good if I do say so myself. the Bird house (Brittercup designs) just a flat ornie with a purchased cord. I was thinking of making gifts of these but then I decided that I love them all to much, it is just unfortunate that there wasn't an ugly one in the bunch...maybe next year. the other 2 ornies from the exhange were the Peace needle roll (see photo here) and I am STILL working on the Peace ornament from M designs . I am definately signing up for the same exchange next year...can't wait.
Stiching Bloggers question of the week: Do you always sign your projects? If not, why? If so, do you use your first name, initials or what? I always put my initials and the year, I often find my self wondering what year I did something and on most of my older stuff does not say...that bugs me. Also on the really nice samplers and classic pieces I think the future may want to know. For example the only counted cross stitch my Grandma did, Is signed and dated on the paper behind the frame that will fade...I wish it was on the front as she did on many of her needle work pieces. If you notice though I did not put my initials on the ornaments (except santa) Don't ask me why....
Monday, November 28, 2005
Doing much better, thank you
Ahhh I feel better, After my huge vent, I decided to take some of the $$ I was saving for a new laptop (my old Gateway 98 has to go) and dog training, and use it for christmas. It's not alot but it got me happy(er). I guess the saving will wait till January HA!
So Thanksgiving breakdown:
Thursday: we were invited to Ian's friends house in Raleigh Durham, and he got a Boston Market turkey and fixings. I thought I would help heat the turkey...when I asked him if he had a baster and he replied "only if some one left it here" I knew I would have to take over. A bunch of his friends (10 altogether) came over and all played Xbox while I heated and preped everything. I didn't mind at all, but I would of liked a "do you need some help?" or a "thank you". Oh well. I am very grateful that no one ate my pumpkin pie till I tried a piece...It seems some one completely missed adding the sugar, hmmm. I have never trashed a whole pie before. I hope this means all my christmas cookies will be perfect.
Friday: Ian and I went to the Craftmans Classic Fair. If you live in the NC, SC, or VA, I highly recommend you look to see if it is by you and go. We had a great time. I got a few gifts for a few folks.
Saturday: Ian decided to take the day off. I pulled out all the xmas decor and Ian put lights up outside. We put that plastic stuff over the drafty windows to hopefully help with the winter bills . I also finished painting some gifts for a few unnamed people
Sunday: I finished decorating the house, and even did the mantle for the first time. I finished 4 christmas ornaments and just need cording for the 5th. Maybe I shall post pictures soon.
So Thanksgiving breakdown:
Thursday: we were invited to Ian's friends house in Raleigh Durham, and he got a Boston Market turkey and fixings. I thought I would help heat the turkey...when I asked him if he had a baster and he replied "only if some one left it here" I knew I would have to take over. A bunch of his friends (10 altogether) came over and all played Xbox while I heated and preped everything. I didn't mind at all, but I would of liked a "do you need some help?" or a "thank you". Oh well. I am very grateful that no one ate my pumpkin pie till I tried a piece...It seems some one completely missed adding the sugar, hmmm. I have never trashed a whole pie before. I hope this means all my christmas cookies will be perfect.
Friday: Ian and I went to the Craftmans Classic Fair. If you live in the NC, SC, or VA, I highly recommend you look to see if it is by you and go. We had a great time. I got a few gifts for a few folks.
Saturday: Ian decided to take the day off. I pulled out all the xmas decor and Ian put lights up outside. We put that plastic stuff over the drafty windows to hopefully help with the winter bills . I also finished painting some gifts for a few unnamed people
Sunday: I finished decorating the house, and even did the mantle for the first time. I finished 4 christmas ornaments and just need cording for the 5th. Maybe I shall post pictures soon.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Quilting bug? Its all Doodlehead's fault.
Well not really, she just really does some nice quilts and was talking about how she was self taught, and I thought (again) I should be able to do it too.
Warning: story ahead>> You see YEARS ago I had all these tee-shirts and other stuff from being in the marching band in high school and college and I thought I could turn them into a patchwork quilt, after numerous false starts I have all the stuff and no quilt to show for it. After not getting very far I thought well maybe I should do a quilt ot two before I attempt this thing that has (apparently) never been done before. I bought too much fabric with out knowing how to pick fabric for a quilt. I did 1 (count them) one block before giving up. I disliked using the templates and it took me all day to do the one block...then I decided I did not like the color of the background (dull grey). Needless to say I have not touched the stuff in about 5 years. Wandering around Joann's I saw the block of the month kits and now am thinking I can do that....the colors are already picked the pieces cut and all I do is sew..I can handle that right? see the one I may start Here (Rhythm and Blues)
What am I DOING? I need to finish this stupid thesis and graduate! Truth is I am running away from my responsibilities and crafting and reading give me an excuse. (how do you like that analysis mom?) I don't want to go to school anymore, I just want to stitch. I am also running away from the fact that once AGAIN we have NO money for christmas, and I can't give the way my heart wants too, and AGAIN it hurts so much that it drowns the christmas spirit in me and I hate that. I hate having to enter the cyclic logic of ...Do I want to decorate a tree...it might put me in the christmas mood....but it will cost $40...money I could of spent on presents...so it will just depress me....so maybe decorating a tree will cheer me up...etc. everything for christmas needs $ travel/ gifts/cards/decor. I just want for ONCE a Christmas where $ is not the sole decision maker in EVERYthing we do ...there... that is what I really want for Christmas. Is Santa listening? Heck no he only listens to the children. Adults? shoot you're on your *&#$@&* own.
Thank you for letting me vent, If you made it this far I have some good news, I did turn in my results to my advisor on monday and I plan on turning in my discussion by christmas. yippee.
Warning: story ahead>> You see YEARS ago I had all these tee-shirts and other stuff from being in the marching band in high school and college and I thought I could turn them into a patchwork quilt, after numerous false starts I have all the stuff and no quilt to show for it. After not getting very far I thought well maybe I should do a quilt ot two before I attempt this thing that has (apparently) never been done before. I bought too much fabric with out knowing how to pick fabric for a quilt. I did 1 (count them) one block before giving up. I disliked using the templates and it took me all day to do the one block...then I decided I did not like the color of the background (dull grey). Needless to say I have not touched the stuff in about 5 years. Wandering around Joann's I saw the block of the month kits and now am thinking I can do that....the colors are already picked the pieces cut and all I do is sew..I can handle that right? see the one I may start Here (Rhythm and Blues)
What am I DOING? I need to finish this stupid thesis and graduate! Truth is I am running away from my responsibilities and crafting and reading give me an excuse. (how do you like that analysis mom?) I don't want to go to school anymore, I just want to stitch. I am also running away from the fact that once AGAIN we have NO money for christmas, and I can't give the way my heart wants too, and AGAIN it hurts so much that it drowns the christmas spirit in me and I hate that. I hate having to enter the cyclic logic of ...Do I want to decorate a tree...it might put me in the christmas mood....but it will cost $40...money I could of spent on presents...so it will just depress me....so maybe decorating a tree will cheer me up...etc. everything for christmas needs $ travel/ gifts/cards/decor. I just want for ONCE a Christmas where $ is not the sole decision maker in EVERYthing we do ...there... that is what I really want for Christmas. Is Santa listening? Heck no he only listens to the children. Adults? shoot you're on your *&#$@&* own.
Thank you for letting me vent, If you made it this far I have some good news, I did turn in my results to my advisor on monday and I plan on turning in my discussion by christmas. yippee.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Maybe I should take a break
Uggh,
I am down to the last letter on the Peace Ornament By M designs...and I realize I am off somewhere by 2 squares. ugh, I hate over one. So I flung that aside after an evening of swearing, and then decided to start La-D-Da's Peaceful Ways for my sister (she picked it out at CATS) I thought it would be easy but nooooo, due to color changes and sizing differences....I had to start it twice and frog once too. The phrase that started going thru my head was a movie quote from Big Trouble in Little China...."My mind and my spirit are going north and south"
So needless to say I put the whole stitching thing aside, and shall return later....maybe after Thanksgiving. I need to get my mojo working again.
I am down to the last letter on the Peace Ornament By M designs...and I realize I am off somewhere by 2 squares. ugh, I hate over one. So I flung that aside after an evening of swearing, and then decided to start La-D-Da's Peaceful Ways for my sister (she picked it out at CATS) I thought it would be easy but nooooo, due to color changes and sizing differences....I had to start it twice and frog once too. The phrase that started going thru my head was a movie quote from Big Trouble in Little China...."My mind and my spirit are going north and south"
So needless to say I put the whole stitching thing aside, and shall return later....maybe after Thanksgiving. I need to get my mojo working again.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Harry Potter and the afterlife
So yesterday at midnight Ian and I went to see HP:GOF (Harry Potter: Goblet of Fire). I was so excited about this one for several reasons. It is my favorite of all 6 books (so far), and the original actors (Harry, Ron, and Hermione) are still in it (after rumors of replacement ...Not that I would blame them, I just feel they have really encompassed there roles very very well.) The previews looked awesome, and indeed I was not disappointed. The huge book was translated into the script of the movie in a way that cut out the fat and showed the main storyline with out making it feel like you were missing anything from the book. The humor was well balanced with the darkness, the adolescent teenage agst was shown but not dwelled upon, and the acting has only gotten better...Even the actors who had much smaller roles here than in the previous 3 movies. The only confusion or jarring moments were that Filch (I think it was him) was younger. and Dumbledore seemed overreactive sometimes and much more animated that before...moving like a man 20 years younger than he was in the past 3 films.
On the message board I hang out at there are those who were surprised and upset at how the movie/storyline has become dark and that there is a (gasp!) death in this movie. (I guess they didn't read the book). These parents are so worried about their children seeing death... (If I were them I would be more worried about Lord Voldemort..now he would of kept me up at nights as a child...but then again so did the Grinch...yes that Grinch). Hello this is a modern day fairy tale, you know, like the old ones where witches and wolves eat children and death is permanent...not a Disney honey coated version.
Death is not something to be afraid of, it is the opposite of birth. Why do we celebrate one and not the other ...I think people confuse birth and death with good and evil....true they are opposites but not synonyms. Birth is where we enter this life stage on earth and death is when we leave, like 2 doors in a room, I am betting there is another room we go into. And I honestly believe there are a few (very few) who can see that next room. I just read a book called The Eagle and the Rose by Rosemary Altea. She is a medium and it is her story about discovering this gift. I personally don't have this gift, but as John Edward says (the medium not the senator) we can all see the subtle signs from the others who have crossed to the next life stage. I know in my heart that my grandmother has shown me her presence at least twice, and I think that the original owner of our house checks up on us now and again. No there isn't any banging or flying books....these are peaceful signs..... smells, ideas, objects, etc. The Jehovah Witnesses come around every week trying to sell me religion, and in their Book of Knowledge I found out that they belive in no afterlife....at least not till Armageddon. When you are dead, you are dead....and until God creates peace on earth (then you get to come back), you are really dust to dust. This really feels completely wrong to me.
Oh look at me going on about controversial stuff that should be on another blog...sorry...I'll try to get back into cross stitching, I have been working on Peace tree ornament this week, and not much else....
Stitching Bloggers question of the week:
How do you feel about staying totally true to a pattern? Do you feel that you have to rip out stitches to fix a mistake or do you feel it's acceptable to incorporate a mistake into the design?
I think one only has to go to my last post to see my last huge mistake. Often a small mistake, a stitch or two I will incorporate into the design. and in saying that I don't think I have ever done a "perfect" project. I feel however that these little changes wether on purpose or not are part of the artists liberty when stitching. (at least that is what i tell myself so I don't panic)
On the message board I hang out at there are those who were surprised and upset at how the movie/storyline has become dark and that there is a (gasp!) death in this movie. (I guess they didn't read the book). These parents are so worried about their children seeing death... (If I were them I would be more worried about Lord Voldemort..now he would of kept me up at nights as a child...but then again so did the Grinch...yes that Grinch). Hello this is a modern day fairy tale, you know, like the old ones where witches and wolves eat children and death is permanent...not a Disney honey coated version.
Death is not something to be afraid of, it is the opposite of birth. Why do we celebrate one and not the other ...I think people confuse birth and death with good and evil....true they are opposites but not synonyms. Birth is where we enter this life stage on earth and death is when we leave, like 2 doors in a room, I am betting there is another room we go into. And I honestly believe there are a few (very few) who can see that next room. I just read a book called The Eagle and the Rose by Rosemary Altea. She is a medium and it is her story about discovering this gift. I personally don't have this gift, but as John Edward says (the medium not the senator) we can all see the subtle signs from the others who have crossed to the next life stage. I know in my heart that my grandmother has shown me her presence at least twice, and I think that the original owner of our house checks up on us now and again. No there isn't any banging or flying books....these are peaceful signs..... smells, ideas, objects, etc. The Jehovah Witnesses come around every week trying to sell me religion, and in their Book of Knowledge I found out that they belive in no afterlife....at least not till Armageddon. When you are dead, you are dead....and until God creates peace on earth (then you get to come back), you are really dust to dust. This really feels completely wrong to me.
Oh look at me going on about controversial stuff that should be on another blog...sorry...I'll try to get back into cross stitching, I have been working on Peace tree ornament this week, and not much else....
Stitching Bloggers question of the week:
How do you feel about staying totally true to a pattern? Do you feel that you have to rip out stitches to fix a mistake or do you feel it's acceptable to incorporate a mistake into the design?
I think one only has to go to my last post to see my last huge mistake. Often a small mistake, a stitch or two I will incorporate into the design. and in saying that I don't think I have ever done a "perfect" project. I feel however that these little changes wether on purpose or not are part of the artists liberty when stitching. (at least that is what i tell myself so I don't panic)
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Stitching crisis.....and sore muscles
Thursday I found my mistake on 10 lords a leaping and tore out his jacket, redid it found another mistake...tore out the boots redid it. It seemed like I was fighting it all the way. So I guess it was friday that I finally finished 10 lords a leaping, backstitching and all. I was really look forward to only haveing two squares left to do.... I pull it out of the hoop and realize.....I STITCHED IT ON THE WRONG SQUARE. It was in the square for #11. I swear I almost tore the damn thing apart. No wonder it was giving me hell. That evening (after achieving appropriate amounts of sympathy from my husband) I was able to breathe and tear out the entire thing (the only salvageable part was 1/2 the border) while watching Alias on DVD. I love watching all my shows thru Netflix...you can follow the complicated storylines without commercials or a week of distractions between them. Oh and by the way the pattern is 12 Days of Christmas by Alma Lynne it is oop now.
So instead of stitching the same thing twice in the same week, I then chose to just stitch the borders to all three of the last squares to make sure the placement and colors are correct....no chances from now on. I then took a break and went back to stitching on the Peace tree ornament that I had not finished from the exchange . I think I will finish it before going back to stitch the lord a leaping again.
In other news it is fall and that means waist high leaves. Let me give you some background here. Ian and I bought the house cause we love it and its yard with all the trees. but we bought it in the summer....not the fall. Our yard is caught in between the idea of a lawn and a forest. we have old (like 40-50 year old) oaks. and much of the ground is shaded and is just bare soil or weeds. The clincher is we cannot afford to 1) plant the whole yard with seed and maintain it with fertilizer/water/weed killer till it could maintain itself... nor 2) plant a boat load of trees to help it go forest in a short time, and to let it go native on its own would mean a horrid yard for years. also 3) I am not sure I would want more trees...my house is dark enough as it is and 4) I as a environmentalist can not cut down any trees that are not a danger to my house. Note that I am talking about both the front and back yard.
So as a consequence Ian and I have to rake and clear the yard of metric tons of leaves every fall. We are technically outside the city and do not get garbage services ...but our house has the city border sign right in front of it...and I checked last year...we are on the map of the leaf pick up route (which is also the garbage route). So last year we put them on the road and voila...they picked them up. Cool. So this year the pick up was later than usual due to the warm weather, and I checked the city web site and pick up was to begin on the 14th and go thru the 10th of December. Since we were toward the end of the route last year I wasn't worried and alot of the oak leaves are still green and on the trees here. but it was ankle deep in the backyard so I thought that I should at least start on the piles and Ian could do the front yard later. So Sunday I work my butt off from 9am-1pm and get the whole backyard done... well yesterday I decide at the last minute to take a day off from school since I had not seen Ian in about 7 days. We decide to finish the front yard and mow one last time. While we are raking....the leaf guys show!! on the first day!. They won't pick up again for a month but we finish raking anyway and start the new pile.
They must of felt bad cause later that afternoon while we were out they came back for the rest....we are thinking of leaving a cooler of beer under the next pile of leaves.......
So instead of stitching the same thing twice in the same week, I then chose to just stitch the borders to all three of the last squares to make sure the placement and colors are correct....no chances from now on. I then took a break and went back to stitching on the Peace tree ornament that I had not finished from the exchange . I think I will finish it before going back to stitch the lord a leaping again.
In other news it is fall and that means waist high leaves. Let me give you some background here. Ian and I bought the house cause we love it and its yard with all the trees. but we bought it in the summer....not the fall. Our yard is caught in between the idea of a lawn and a forest. we have old (like 40-50 year old) oaks. and much of the ground is shaded and is just bare soil or weeds. The clincher is we cannot afford to 1) plant the whole yard with seed and maintain it with fertilizer/water/weed killer till it could maintain itself... nor 2) plant a boat load of trees to help it go forest in a short time, and to let it go native on its own would mean a horrid yard for years. also 3) I am not sure I would want more trees...my house is dark enough as it is and 4) I as a environmentalist can not cut down any trees that are not a danger to my house. Note that I am talking about both the front and back yard.
So as a consequence Ian and I have to rake and clear the yard of metric tons of leaves every fall. We are technically outside the city and do not get garbage services ...but our house has the city border sign right in front of it...and I checked last year...we are on the map of the leaf pick up route (which is also the garbage route). So last year we put them on the road and voila...they picked them up. Cool. So this year the pick up was later than usual due to the warm weather, and I checked the city web site and pick up was to begin on the 14th and go thru the 10th of December. Since we were toward the end of the route last year I wasn't worried and alot of the oak leaves are still green and on the trees here. but it was ankle deep in the backyard so I thought that I should at least start on the piles and Ian could do the front yard later. So Sunday I work my butt off from 9am-1pm and get the whole backyard done... well yesterday I decide at the last minute to take a day off from school since I had not seen Ian in about 7 days. We decide to finish the front yard and mow one last time. While we are raking....the leaf guys show!! on the first day!. They won't pick up again for a month but we finish raking anyway and start the new pile.
They must of felt bad cause later that afternoon while we were out they came back for the rest....we are thinking of leaving a cooler of beer under the next pile of leaves.......
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Progress on the Afghan
Here is the newest picture 9 Ladies Dancing is done... her leg looks kinda fat but oh well. And I discovered late last night that I am off a row somewhere on the lord a leaping....I couldn't find the mistake, and decided to go to bed, so tonight will be a search and destroy (or fudge) mission. Thats all the news today (its early).
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