First Flat fold

First Flat fold
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Ladies and gentlemen, please stand back....I am about to attempt 4 photos in one post!

This weekend was both busy/and not so busy. We think A. is going through a growth spurt, she is sleeping ridiculously long hours, like two 3 hour naps on Sat! that is in addition to her usual 12 hour night. So it is not busy in regard to her but busy getting stuff done. As you see above I used my time to create my first flat fold. I used the instructions here. I finished a little freebie from passione ricamo that i did in 2005. here is the back:

Back of the folding stand up
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I did this in anticipation of attempting this on Mitten games (if I ever find the appropriate fabric).

So in addition to finishing that I was able to plant some herbs I bought on Thursday, and install a rug in my kitchen.
The entry to my kitchen...well honestly... it sucks. See the photo below:

Kitchen entry Before
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

See the door? That is from the garage, see the fridge?...that door is directly across from the door to the garage, yes they bump into each other. See the washer and dryer? what you don't see is between the dryer and the fridge, is the door to the back yard. This is a heavily trafficked area. and I have gone through a series of door mats and rugs, none of which work for me.

I first saw Flor rugs on Dooce.com, she uses them in her house. And so I ordered the catalog, and for $160, I bought 15 squares of Home Movies-popcorn, and cut and installed them all here:


Kitchen Entry After
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Pretty cool huh ;) I was excited about how they have turned out. I'll let you know how they hold up, but I am totally ordering a couple of extra squares to replace the ones that get really dirty.

Currently working on...

For the Birds, Drawn Thread
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

For the Birds, by The Drawn Thread

Baby shark doodo doodo

Baby Shark
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Yes indeed, I love these new jammies! They might of been in the boys section but the words on the shirt perfectly descibe my little chomper, I must say "no biting!" about 1o times a day. I offer her plenty of teething toys , but she would rather gnaw on skin. we have a third tooth erupting up top. And look at those curls! they just started to appear last week, my genes are finally starting to show. yay!


Quaker Diamond
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I did not find my camera cord, but i did find my memory card reader...hence the photos.

Here is Quaker Diamond, by Hillside samplings I did it in brown and yellow silk thread. (model was black and yellow) I think I am going to have this professionally framed and hang it in my kitchen.

Ya'll are awesome

Thank you ladies! I got three excellent sugestions on my last post.

Heirloom Birth Sampler by Victoria Sampler suggested by Beth: I don't mind specialty stitches or hardanger (see below) but I have long ago ditched ribbon embroidery, I could never make it look good enough.

Child of Spring by Victoria Sampler suggested by Lee: I love this but wish I could see the colors in person before I could commit to it.

This freebie by Kissy-Cross suggested by Emilie: I think this is my pick! It had trees and birds and space for the saying (which i may adjust). I can easily add in some overdyed floss to spice it up a bit and maybe a colorful fabby too! AND it is free!!

Thank you again ladies.
The comment on hardanger reminds me of my experience with it. Some time around age 23 or so, I received several older cross stitch magazines. I had never seen these before, so I tore out the patterns I liked and tossed the rest. One of these patterns was this one (click it to see more detail)

First sampler/ first hardanger/ first linen
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I just stitched it...I had no knowledge that it was supposed to be hard. I just followed the directions. It was only years later that I learned how many folks struggle with kloster blocks and clipping their linen. It certainly isn't perfect, the blocks are a bit loose, and you can see some traveling threads, but I guess that just goes to show what you can do without preconceived notions. This thing even had diamonds and stuff in the blocks that is advanced. I have not done a lot of hardanger since then...It just isn't that attractive to me. I do have a heart pattern I may attempt someday.

I have a finish for you all to post soon...If I could just find that damn camera cord!

long time gone

I haven't posted in a bit cause I can't find my cord for my camera so I have no photos, And while I know a photo isn't required for a post, I needed your help on a dilemma with my Quaker Diamond, and a photo would really help.

SOoooo lets save that and I have another dilemma for you to assist me with. I want to do a baby announcement for A. and couln't find anything that i liked for a while...then I thought I had decided on this. BUT the colors and style have been bugging me, looks too 80's or something. I have gone through several changes in my thinking about this (cause it has to be perfect, of course). these changes include trying khaki linen instead of a off white evenweave, but the thread colors are still too pastel or something, so maybe change all the thread colors.... that would take way too much time (there are over 30 colors in and 5/6 different color families) even then I am not sure I like the pattern at all anymore there are too many hearts. So it comes down that there is only one thing I like about this pattern is the saying. OK then...maybe I can put the saying on a pattern with an open area where I could insert it along with her name and birthday... maybe with a tree and some birds ? I have torn through the internets and I can't find anything that will work for me. I would love to do it in a band sampler, but I can't find one that will work. Constructing my own from scratch is out of the question...I have established I am not a designer, I am just too indecisive. Any one have any IDEAS??

Redeemed!

Beginning of Quaker Diamond-Hillside samplings
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Todays blog entry is brought to you by my current project, Quaker Diamond by Hillside Samplings. I started this one using DMC 310. I did not like the color so I decided to do a dark brown instead, and since I was at the store . I splurged and bought a couple of skeins of silk that the pattern called for originally. I have never used silks...no wait, I have, yes it's coming back to me now...on a couple of christmas ornaments. Every time I work with them I expect to be impressed because of all the ravings about silk threads that you see on the internets. I mean there are whole boards and chatrooms where people spend alot of time trashing "inferior" threads and effusing about how fabulous silk is. Yes I will admit it feels nicer in hand , but I think it has the same coverage and look that cotton floss does once it is stitched, maybe I am missing something?

Now on to the real reason for this entry. Yesterday Ian and I took our daughter to the neurologist. I have mentioned to you all before that I was concerned about her lack of advancement in the gross motor skills arena, while everything else is chugging along quite nicely (object permanance right on schedule). And of course I kinda expected him to say what every one else has been saying, all together now, "Babies all develop differently, she will get there in her own time". Which I might add is kinda frustrating. but he did not say that! THERE IS A REASON SHE IS NOT DEVELOPING WITH HER PEERS! Yeah, I cannot tell you how redeemed I feel. I knew something was up!

Oh you want to know what it is? ....congenital ligamentous laxity or joint hypermobility, or as it is better known, being double jointed. Her ankles, hips, and elbows are the most loose, which explains why she can still bring her foot to her mouth from any position.
Annabeth has got too much slack in her ligaments, and her muscles are not strong enough to compensate. But the reflexes are there and once her bones grow somemore and lengthen her ligaments, we should be right on track. Doctor says she may not walk till she is 18 months, but till then it is just a waiting game. ~10% of kids have this and most grow right out of most of it. The doctor said he sees babies like this about once a month.

She got this from me and my moms side....it explains so much

Story behind the runes

Rune Sampler- enchanted needle
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

So I got this chart from a friend to do as a gift for someone yet unnamed, and I decide that the floss used in the model is not my color (Needle Necessities MacAulvey Manor, it is too yellow/ too green), and I couldn't see it on the internet, since they are now out of business. But I do want something that is tricolored overdyed as ahown in the model. So I head to the local shop, spend 20 minutes mulling over the colors and finally pick out a georgous NN skein that is Mauve/Blue/and Gold. It has no name just a # 127. I head home pick out 4 DMCs that match the skein for the stripes, and start stitching. About halfway through I notice that my DMC color choices are just one or two shades off the model #'s. I go to look up the # of the MacAulvey Manor....#127!

So long story short I stitched this with the colors called for (even though I had no Idea I was at the time). on 17 count fabric.

Hmmm that story was way more interesting as it was going on.

The LIST for 2008

I mentioned before about a list of patterns for this year, I think I am ready to share them now.

I've never done this before, I mean I have had monthly goals, but a whole year shows a bigger picture. I think it is a good way for me to organize my thoughts and see goals completed. I pulled all the patterns that were calling to me, all the ones I have been really meaning to do, and a few gifts to stitch.

Here it is, if ithe project is done it is in yellow

Current Works in Progress
1. Simple Gifts, Homespun elegance
2. Mitten Games, Crossed Wings
3. Little Angel in the Clouds, Heart in Hand
4. A is for acorn and B is for Butterfly, Erica Michaels
5. Nine Patch Village, Brightneedle

For my Office

6. Four Trees, Bent Creek
7. Dragonflies, ladybugs, and bees, oh my!, M designs
8. Blackbird Sampler, Blackbird designs

For Others (with deadlines)

9. Rune Sampler, Enchanted Needle (May)
10. For the Birds, Drawn Thread (May)
11. Blessings, JBW designs (Oct)
12. Grand Old Duke, Arelate Studio

The Rest

13. Roots and Wings Birth Sampler, Pat Rogers Counted Collection
14. Miss Mary Mack, La Di Da
15. Four seasons ornament series, Prarie Schooler JCS Mags (2007)
16. Quaker Diamond, Hillside Samplings
17. Puppy Dog Row, Bent Creek
18. Pumpkin Patches, Full Circle Designs
19. Halloween House Sampler, Drawn Thread
20. Ringlet Tree, Marilynn and Jackie’s Collectibles
21. Snowman Needleroll, M Designs
22. Just a Little Snowman ornament from Twisted Threads JCS Mag
23. Angel of Joy ornament from Bent Creek JCS Mag
24. Open
25. Open

Currently I am working on the Rune sampler, which is very simple and going quickly, I have a cool story about that (well- just cool for other stitchers) I hope to post it tomorrow .

My little sister is sooooooo jealous of this right now!

Four Trees by Bent Creek
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

My sister is the self proclaimed tree-huggin-save-the-earth-hippy in the family. Don't get me wrong, we were both raised to recycle, reduce and reuse by my my just-missed-the-freelovin-60's-but-got-the-point-of-it mom but my sister is right now trying to put together a "green" wedding for her 150 closest friends/family/future inlaws. This is not as easy as you may at first think. It is way easier to trash the earth on limited funds, being carbon conscious is expensive.

So no, this is not for her wedding, this is mine for my office (I AM a biology teacher),. It is Four Trees By Bent Creek. I believe it is an older pattern that is now OOP. I used the called for threads in Anchor/DMC/and GAST on 28 ct linen. Stitched it over spring break, and framed it yesterday but I have to wait for a sunny day to take a decent picture for you. This morning's light didn't cut it.

Anna, thanks for the advice on attaching trim, I'll try that next time and let you know how it goes.

Another finish....

Little Angel in the clouds, by HIH
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Ok this one is not as impressive. If you are a long time reader of my blog, you may remember Miss Little Angel in the Clouds. long story short: She was supposed to fit in this frame, the stitch count on the pattern was wrong, I specifically bought 36ct fabric to compensate, then the wings blended with the fabric! So as typical with me, when the going gets tough, the tough sits in a box for 6 to 12 months..till I can stand to look at it again.

So I finished the wings, and decided to backstitch them. took 2 hours.

Another finish tomorrow.....staytuned

Christmas in March

Finished ornaments
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I have not posted this past week because it was spring break and My mom came to visit from the great white north to care for A. while I did stuff to make me happy, like stitch, shop, and clean. No seriously that DOES make me happy. One of the things on my list was finishing 2 years worth of stitched christmas ornaments. I stitched all of these (except the PS on the lower right, I recieved that in a tuck pillow as a christmas gift). So I measured and sewed and twisted cord, and sewed some more, and swore at those people who make finishing look so easy and perfect. (note that I did not show a close up photo of these 8 ornaments

Question of the day from a frustrated ornament finisher: How do you attach twisted cord? If you glue it it looks like a first grader did it (unless there is some fancy glue out there I am unaware of), If you stitch it do you go over the cord or through it? I tried it both ways and it STILL looks like a first grader did it, ok ok maybe a third grader. I can't seem to do it where the attaching thread is well hidden and doesn't distort the cording.

Finished!

Mitten Games
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I was going to post a photo of this one almost done yesterday, but I ended up finishing all of the backstitching last night. It went really fast once I got back into it (I didn't rip anything out) and the dog only took one night. The fabric is Crossed Wing collections own 28 count Snow Squall, with the called for DMC threads. I don't usually use overdyed fabric, but I thought that this went perfectly with the pattern, and so I bought both at the same time. I am in debate over what to do with this now. I think I might finish it into a folding stand up thingy.

Oh and as for A. appts. dontchallworrynone, they are 2 months from now, (specialists!) so if her eye clears up and we start catching up with our peers, maybe no doctor appt will be necessary!

9 months old

9 months old
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

As promised, a baby update post. Miss Annabeth is now 9 months old and saw the doctor for a checkup today. We are still a skinny minnie at 15 lbs 8 oz, but middle of the road in height (27 and 3/4 inches), and head circ (17 1/2 in).

We did get 2 referrals for her today, one for an optomologist, her right eye has not been draining correctly since she was born, and one for a neurologist, because she is very slow in the gross development skills area, stil showing no signs of rolling over onto her stomach or even wanting to be mobile. She just started progressing toward sitting without support over the past few weeks. She can sit now for minutes at a time with out mommy there, but there has to be a pillow behind her as she kinda FLINGS herself back without warning

She is eating everything in sight , table foods are starting to be more common, and she can even feed herself with small finger foods. our first tooth just started in a couple of weeks ago and seened to offer no pain.

I also wanted to thank everyone for their kind comments while I was down, I am doing much better now, and can see how she fits into my life much clearly now.

All Done!

Simple Gifts, All Done
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here it is, Old Shaker Tune by Homespun Elegance completed 2/24/08. It is on 28 ct linen, and in DMC threads that it called for. I plan on getting it framed professionally, but my car just needed a big tune up and I need to save up some funds.



Next I plan on working on an Old WIP, Mitten Games, by Crossed Wing Collection which is almost 2 years old:

Mitten Games WIP
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I remembered why it has been put away for so long, I used the wrong color for one of the symbols and I will have to rip out alot of the blue so I can fix that.

Baby news in the next post!

Tis A Gift...

photobucket 2 018
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

2 posts in 2 days...no you are not hallucinating.
Here is my current WIP, Old Shaker Tune by Homespun Elegance. I have been working on this for about a month or more. This one is for me and A. I have always loved this hymn, and find it easy to recall when I sing to her. I changed the words a bit to reflect my version (which is closer to the original, and how it is printed in my UU church hymnbook). And I also changed the title "Old Shaker Tune", to the title of the hymn, Simple Gifts

I chose to work on this one instead of my WIPs for a few reasons, 1) all the backstitching of the words would help me see progress very quickly, and that momentum would help me finish it and 2) I thought it would help me see how I can stitch as a reflection of my experience as a mom, and not in exclusion of it.

Hmm, that is not worded quite right, but those of you who are moms should be able to figure it out

Most of the cross stitching I was able to get done at a Tarheel GTG last saturday. I messed up a bit on some placement of the bottom trees and houses, but instead of ripping and moving everything, I am just going to change the vines/flowers a bit. I hope to have it done by the end of the month.

Scissor Fob exchange

photobucket 002
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I joined a new exchange group this year and this is the first item I made for Janina in Brazil, click to see everything I sent to her. The fob was a pattern from a french site (If I can find it I'll post it for you here), where I found a ton of fun patterns, and I made it into a biscornu. I used Six Strand Sweets thread (Blackberry) and little white MillHill Beads to accent it.

photobucket 004
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

The fob I recieved was from Suzanne in Australia, it is beautifully simple pattern, that was wonderfully finished with my initial on the other side:

photobucket 005
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

More stitching to be posted tomorrow!

Lets's start at the beginning...

January Needleroll
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I added up the finishes of 2007, I did 25 projects, about 10 of those were gifts or round robins. Not bad, just down from about 30 project average in the past few years

Yesterday I cleaned out my cross stitch patterns and pulled 25 things to do for this year, I will be listing those for you soon (cause I know you are dying to know!). If you are interested in buying any of my cleaned out patterns, I have a new link in the sidebar. Email me if you find anything you like;)

This year I have done 2 things so far (both for others) the first is this, January Needleroll by The Victoria Sampler. This was a gift for my mother in law, her birthday was on the 3rd of January. I think she got it last week, oh well.

I am alive and doing fine

Ever notice the longer you are away from posting on a blog, the harder it is to start again?

Well I will be making a concerted effort to post again this week so watch this space for baby and stitching pictures!

Pity Party

I have been fighting off some depression for the past month or so, while I am nowhere near the “bottom” I feel I have to give you my dear readers an explanation of why I have been gone for so long…and why I may not be back for a while:
I am not sure where my stitching blog fits into my life now, if at all. My husband last night commented that I seem to be going through my post partum depression, but it just took 6 months. May be it is because I have started the whole weaning thing. At least the 3 feedings during the day, but it is time, I am tired of pumping, and food is taking up a good portion of her diet now anyway. Maybe it is the season. Maybe it is due to lack of exercise (I have joined a gym , but only have time during the week for 2 visits). Or maybe it is just part of becoming a mom.
The holiday break seemed to point out all the flaws in this whole motherhood thing. I am trying to figure out how this new role fits in to my being. I have realized that I cannot fully relax or do anything else when A is in my presence, (even in another’s arms) I am always trying to guess what she will need next, a nap? milk? food? entertainment? And while she is somewhat predictable…what can I say?... I just know I can’t relax. With A here I have to reprioritize things in my life. Get rid of some hobbies, put other hobbies away for a while, and severely downsize the rest. While I *knew* this, I guess I never knew how much it would affect my mental state…I got (and still am) depressed about it.
I am stitching a bit, but it has become more of a chore. Every stitch seems to remind me of what I can’t do anymore. The little bit I am doing are gifts or exchanges, so I can’t show them to you yet. I keep thinking I should list goals for the year, but then I think what is the use of that, it will just remind me of what I can no longer do.
My mom says when you give birth you also give birth to guilt…I think I miss my old creative life, feel very guilty about it and am going through a mourning period.
Here lies Heather the stitcher/reader/scrapbooker/moviegoer/blogger? May she rest in peace
Long live Heather the mom

FInally, Happy Dance.

Christmas ornament 2004 side 2
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Is there anything more pathetic in the needlework world than a stitcher sifting for her ort bag looking for a piece of thread longer than an inch to use to finish the last few stitches. I don't think so. I did manage to find the last bit tonight.
And the other side:

Christmas Ornament 2004 side 1
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Christmas Ornament 2004, by Periwinkle Promises. The red is Thread Gather's Silk N Colors In the Burgandy, and the green is Forest Green. This is on 28 ct. white linen. I stitched the 2 sides together with some white sewing thread, and gave it a bit of stuffing for dimension (a suggestion from a friend).

Abi asked if I limit the size of my ornaments. and at first my gut reaction was yes, I like smaller ornaments. But then I looked at my collection and really...no I just stitch what I like (I do have some big ones). This one in particular I thought would be smaller than it ended up being, About 4 inches square. My big question for her...how in the heck is she able to stitch so much with a baby the same age as mine?

As for christmas...My house is clean, decorated, and my gifts are wrapped....bring it.

Stitching Post!

Ornament tree 07
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I was able to put up my ornament tree in my craft room. Although I have had it for a few years I don't think I have taken a picture for you before. You can see toward the lower right my first ornament I ever stitched in 1999, Merry Christmas from Oklahoma. That year Ian and I were in Tulsa while he was in school, we couldn't afford to head home for christmas, and I stitched about 10 of these as gifts to friends and family. Speaking of Tulsa, while my heart goes out to the midwest ice storm and their power issues, I have to laugh when I hear the news reporters asking if they could of been better prepared if they knew how bad it would be. I keep thinking of how poorly Tulsa handled snow for the 2 winters I spent there. They DO get snow and ice EVERY year, but they think of themselves as "the south", sorry guys, you were not in the confederacy and your climate is not quite the same psst, that's Texas. The city of Tulsa has maybe 5 plows, and they would only plow the highways (2 in the city) , what got me was they would never plow the on or off ramps! I literally watched the plows pick up the plow before leaving the highway. Cars skidding right behind them.

Oh sorry I got off track there.... here is my progress on the green side of Christmas Ornament 2004 by Periwinkle Promises. See the front here. It is of course the Queen stitches are slowing me down. But I hope to have it done by Sat...and maybe assembled by Mon.

Back of Ornament
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Not much to say....

....cause not much is getting done. I finally got the decorations out of the attic monday, but little is actually 'done' with any of them. I did get a new ornament sorting box and organized the ornaments. I told Ian we can start a new box for A. but if Ian or I get any more ornaments, then it needs to replace an old one. Ian and I each came to the marriage with a full 6 foot tree worth of ornaments, some bizarrely similar.

We headed out to our usual place to get the tree this year, with my intention of purchasing a potted pine to decorate, then plant like we did 3 (4?) years ago. This place is about 30 min away and we have been there 4 times in the past 7 years to cut our own tree. We weren't there last year, so when we drive by it and there are just a few brown pines (drought), and a big development ad board I was a bit confused. I found out later, Ian thought the same thing but nobody said anything out loud. So we kept driving thinking it must be further ahead. About 10 miles later, Ian called 411 to get the number and we discover they had moved...so there are no trees to cut for 4/5 years to come. But I am not worried since I wanted a potted one anyway. Of course once there we see that the little potted guys are very Charlie Brown, and not what I wanted. They had cut trees from the mountains, I got a small one of those. So we drove 60 miles to buy a tree that we could of gotten a mile from our house at one of those lots. SIGH.
At least I supported a local business right?

Other than that my house is a full time wreck, A. has a cold, and finals are this week. Stitching has definately taken a back seat.

Meh.

Finished ornaments
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

OK I know they are not fabulous, If i did a third it would be perfect. I have never consructed a round ornament before and not one with a glue only/ no sew technique (thought it would be quicker...it still took me 2 days to do). I worked on my mitering technique. The one on the left was done first the one on the right 2nd and better.

I thought about sewing it, but then I could not figure out how you get the board inside, course I could of just stuffed it. Finishing is a continual learning process, with so many methods and choices involved...I would love to take a finishing class someday. I am hoping to finish more ornaments before Christmas, I have 6 waiting for me...but I am running out of time. Anyone know where I could buy some?

Deer Hil Farm cross Stitch (for those of you who asked) is a wonderful little store right on 9G in Hyde Park. The owner is very helpful and knows just where everything is. She has complete stocks of fabric and thread, and alot of charts (quite a few in the sale bins too). Right when I walked in she had a little tree with several of the 07 JCS ornament finished and on it, it was nice to see the finished ornaments. Fora small shop she has lots of models and they are all up to date. It is worth the day trip for those of you nearby, oh and there is a rc hobby store for your husband to visit right next store.

Thanksgiving Haul

Thanksgiving Haul
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Over thanksgiving I visited Deer Hill Farm Cross stitch in Hyde Park, NY and when I returned from our trip there was my package from Stitching Bits and Bobs. The full haul includes:

• Bent Creek: Snowbound
• Sweetheart Tree: By the Sea sampler (no wonder I could not find this one.. I was looking for a chart not a kit!)
• Little House Needleworks: Through the Woods
• Arelate Studio: Grand Old Duke #1
• CHS: Rainbow
• Homespun Elegance: Old shaker Tune
• Cricket Collection: Sleepy Hollow
• Blackbird Designs: Blackbird Sampler
• And of course the green silk for my Christmas ornament (but I am working on that now, so it isn’t in the picture)

This just about cleans out my wish list, now I just need some time to stitch.
A few days ago I was freaking out abit realizing I have a very short time before christmas to get ALOT of stuff done, and that I would only have about 3 whole days alone to get it all done between the end of school and Christmas. Ian and i sat down and planned out every free sec we had, so as of right now, 3 days later, 90% of the gift shopping is done, and 99% of the christmas cards are done. (still need a couple more addresses). YEAH I might get it all done on time.

Poinsettias

Pontsettias
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Did you know that there was no t in poinsettia? I always thought it was pointsettia. Go figure. I started this ornament on a ecru colored linen, then after one petal decided that it was going to be too big. So I started a second on whe white evenweave (top poinsettia) It doesn't look smaller but it is. After I finished it I went back and finished the other for a christmas exchange. I was going to go buy the beads that the ornament called for, Mill Hill 02012. But first I checked my stash of maybe 10 different beads....Lo and behold I had the exact beads! I love it when that happens.

The Annabeth Show- NY tour

WITH GRANDPA
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

At least that is what Ian and I called it all week. We packed up the baby, the dog, and the food (me!) and headed north last monday for 1 full week of the tour. (It was not a vacation and thanksgiving was just a big dinner in the middle of it all). We broke the trip into 2, 5 hour drives stopping in DC to stay with relatives...the best way to describe this trip is to list for you who A. met for the first time, in order of appearance over the week:

Great Uncle Rob
Great Aunt Ginny
Grandpa's girlfriend
Great Great Uncle Bill
Great Grandma
Great Grandpa
Great Great Aunt Doris
Friends of ours totalling 7 and their children (not all at once)
First cousin once removed Hilary
First cousins twice removed Elise and Greg, and their children (are they thrice removed?)
Neighbors of Grandma and Grandpa

this does not include those who have been in the presence of A. before, Grandpa (my dad) Grandpa and Grandma (Ian's parents, with whom we stayed). We haven't figured out the terms for all the grandparents involved yet...
This event was so big because there has not been a baby in Ian's family line in years, he is an only child, so this is the first grandbaby and greatgrandbaby.
Needless to say our schedule was all messed up, the routine out the window, and naps wherever we could get them:


TUCKERED OUT
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.


We returned last night, and I am back at work today. I hope to have some cross stitching news for you tomorrow!

Somewhere over the rainbow

Sorry everyone for the lack of posting, We have had a busy week..Letssee...monday I dragged Ian and A to Portrait Innovations for our christmas (and first family) portraits. I was so proud of myself making our appt. on a monday so they wouldn't be busy, then when we walk in the door it was wall to wall families, VETERANS DAY, damn. We waited about 15 min past our appt. time...A. did pretty well for the first half of the pictures, but then quickly progressed to meltdown mode. But it was really nice, they took almost 70 photos, then you can go throught them right after and pick them up n 20 min. ahhh the wonders of digital photography. I felt a bit rushed, but next time I'll watch the school calendars.
Then tuesday A. was a subject in a study that the University is doing on how children learn. Basically they played with her (and I did to) for 45 minutes, with heart rate monitors and a brain activity cap on her noggin. Unfortunately, she was tired, and just fussed through the second part of the test. But they do it again at 10 months.
The rest of the week I have been trying to wrap stuff up because we are driving up to NY tomorrow, with a layover overnight at my aunts house in VA. (2 5-hour drives).

As for stitching, I am still waiting on my order from Stitching bits and bobs.....it looks like I wont get it for another week, but meanwhile I have been working on (very slowly) Brittercup's Poinsettia ornament from this years ornament issue. It looks fast, but not when you only have 30 minutes at a time to work on it.

The world seems to be pointing me in Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.. (Iz)'s direction. I heard his version of "Somewhere over the rainbow/wonderful world" song on the loud speakers in Target the yesterday. I always disliked the Judy Garland version, but love his version. Then today when I finished reading Dean Koontz's "One Door Away from Heaven" (I read when I am breastfeeding) He mentioned Iz in the afterword and how he listened to Iz's albums while writing the book. I think I am going to go buy his In Dis Life album, it looks like the best one.

Strep Ornament.

Front of ornament
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Thank you for all your comments on this ornament. The thread used is In the Burgandy Silk n Colors, by Thread Gatherer. I had it left over (apparently) from the M Designs Peace Ornament done years ago (found on the same page in the 2004 Orn. Mag.). The finish on this in the mag just shows the 4 sided box stitch with a frayed edge. But I got to thinking (I know trouble...right) the back would suck unfinished, I debated a fabric back, but then lightening struck, and I thought I'll just do another side with just the outer border and initials and a date, using the box stitch to join the 2 sides. THEN as I started the other side I asked my husband what he thought....HE said why don't you do the other side the same pattern but in green. Brilliant! Now I have to do it that way, His lightening being way better than mine. SOooooo then I get Strep Throat.

Oh

Didn't see that one coming did you?

Neither did I

or maybe I did...

No I did not get it from my daughter, although I don't know who to blame, I haven't had Strep since high school.

Antibiotics are one of the greatest gifts from science.

SOoooo feeling better I go on a search for green silk to "match" . I don't work in silk too much it is so expensive... $6.80 a skein, you should get a free diamond encrusted box to keep them in. but I caved and bought Dark Forest Silk n Colors, (and other stuff too) from Stitching Bits and Bobs....So the finish will take a bit longer than planned.

Christmas Ornament 2004

CHristmas Ornament 2004
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

This is another WIP I am exclusivlly working on right now. It is "Christmas Ornament 2004" from Periwinkle Promises in the 2004 JCS Ornament issue. I had only done 1/4 of the center redwork last year before I realized It wasn't symetrical, and gave it up to the WIP pile. As with all my mistakes, give me a little time and I can tackle it it better with little to no frustration. So I got the center fixed and completed in 2 nights, and been working on the Queen stitches for the past few nights. I usually don't mind queen stitches, but so many of them....40 in one L shaped corner, takes quite a bit of time. But it has a really neat ridge effect when all the stitches are grouped together. I hope to have this ornament done (And I will FINISH IT!) next week.

Happy Halloween

Pumpkin
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Spookline by Sam Sarah

Spookline by Sam Sarah
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Doesn't look like it would take 2 years does it? I changed this sucker so many times it is almost unrecognizeable from the original. The fabric is some random linen I had hanging around. The right hand leaves and green blocks are in WDW Kudzu instead of Cresent colors Green onion. The top border was moved down 4 blocks, the stars re-arranged and one extra added, and I eliminated the thread "hanging" the moon and stars (just seemed a bit strange to me).

I have NO idea how I am going to finish it. I guess that is my one quirk. I stitch to stitch, not to finish and display. For me the joy is in seeing it come to life. Consequently I have a drawer full of stitched projects that I really don't care about or think about that much. GO figure.

Ready to turn in my mommy card.

Warning: this post is not for the faint of heart or who have a weak stomach.

First, an apology to the pharmaceutical industry, my child is not allergic to your antibiotics...It was a stomach virus. How do I know? Well I got the same 6-12 hour virus Sat and my husband Sunday. NOW I am pissed at the world.
I have not been sick* in about 12 years and Saturday night....FIVE times! Ugh. I HATE vomiting, as my mother put it, I would rather give birth again. I was never even sick during my pregnancy (THANK GOD). So the next day, Sunday I had to care for A. (who is feeling just peachy now thank you very much) on about 4 hours of sleep. I had a tough time standing without feeling weak. I could not wait for Ian to get home and let me sleep, but of course he came home with the bug and headed right for the bedroom/bathroom for the night, he is now sleeping it off today, which is supposed to be my day "off".

Why does no one tell you you get to relive your childhood illnesses again when you have a baby??? I have gone the past 15 years with only the occasional cold/sore throat maybe a flu here or there. I have earned the right to be healthy, but now, NOW? Will I get strep throat every winter again?, ear infections, chicken pox, viruses, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, ringworm, dysentery, lice??? AGGGHHHHH!!!
i am so scared.


*Sick from illness, I am not counting the fun,numb,drunk sick.

One of those days

Today baby girl got sick, for the first time in her short life. Let me back up a bit to tell the story. Tuesday I head in to daycare to pick A. up to find the county health dept there telling parents that a caregiver was diagnosed with pertussis (whooping cough). So they are weighing all the babies and giving us a 5 day run of azithromycin. A. is all up to date with her vaccines (she just got a DTaP on the 5th), and I am reluctant to give her an antibiotic to treat something that probably does not exist in her. So I call my Ped and he says do it anyway. So yesterday she got her first dose at 5 pm.

This morning she drank a ton of milk, and then promptly threw it back up on me. Baby exorcist style. But she seemed happy and drank abit more so I think she will be ok. I head to my car only to realize my keys...they are in Ian's car at his work, so I move all the stuff for school to the truck (I have been away for a week so there is a lot of it). I finally get her to daycare, and I get to work to try and catch up on every thing. A minute before I am about to leave my office and teach a class, the daycare calls (no surprise) to tell me A. threw up her bottle...and tell me she has loose stool (which she has had since she was born! Breastfed !Hello!) I mention I think it is just the anitbiotic,to which they say no it can't be (it is like the first side effect listed on the fact sheet they gave us!) I call Ian who luckily can leave early to grab her, and I go teach DNA replication to a bunch of confused freshman.
I get home after Ian feeds her a bottle, only to have her throw it up an hour later. She is lethargic and pissed that she is hungry. I Call doctor, he says hold of on another antibiotic treatment, made appt for tomorrow. I feed her just an ounce an hour for three hours hoping small amts will help ...no puke so far, she is now asleep, but i am not sure how long that will last. For the record I think it is the antibiotic...not a bug.

Ah motherhood...I am looking forward to a lifetime of sicknesses!

( Meg, we saw Resident Evil: Extinction yesterday....Don't ask)

Small Fall Thingy

Small Fall thingy
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I got this freebie from a fellow tarheel at the last meeting, and just needed something to get me over my stitching hump. It can be found here. I substituted 3362 for 370 so it would look more like the pattern. It is supposed to be finished as a Biscornu, but I am not sure that is what I will do with it. I did it on a loose linen and it may not stand that type of finishing without pulling out the threads.

Yesterday I had the day while A was at daycare...I cleaned the house! It has not looked this good since just before she was born. It is so nice to have a clean semi uncluttered home, even if it is for a small amount of time. I was also able to organize my stitching, I have 6 WIPs and 8 kitted right now. The reason I was so unhappy with my Wips is that 3 of them had color issues I have not had time to tackle. Color issue being finding the right color thread to replace some color currently in the pattern. I resoved that with spooktime yesterday replacing Cresent Colors Green Onion with WDW Kudzu. I got some headway on that during Biggest Loser last night.

Today (I am still off for Fall Break) we go to a movie.

Hiro watching

holiday quilt rr
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I have been trying to get this done so I can move on to my own stuff, I should finish it tonight. Spookline for the rest of the month...then on to something totally new. What? I don't know yet, can you believe that?? I almost always know what will be next, and I have a few WIPs that I am not wanting to get back to yet. I have not looked at my Stash in so long I forget what is there.

Ian and I are watching an episode or 2 from Heros season 1 every night. We knew it was good, and didn't have DVR last year, so we only caught one episode. So we are saving this season while watching the last...but at the rate we are going, we should be all caught up in a few weeks. This show is actually better than all the hype I had heard about it.

Next week is Fall Break and I only have to work Thursday, but we have paid for 3 days of daycare for A. This means Wednesday Ian and I can frolic around town all day, we may go to a movie (or 2!) and Friday is all to myself I can clean, or stitch, or scrapbook, or shop, or clean.....
This same phenomenon will happen for 11 days over winter break...you bet I am scheduling those up now!

I'm back

stash accumulation
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

The mission was a sucess. The flights up to PA were easier than the flights home.The flights up were in the afternoon when A was happy and observant. The flights back were in the morning when she really just wanted to sleep and couldn't. On saturday I got my hair cut and colored professionally for the first time in my life (the color part not the cut part). and then we headed to Covered Bridge Needlearts in Bridgewater, PA. It was a wonderful shop and I got all this stuff:
1. JCS ornament mag 07 (I am not sure why i did not get one with my subscription, and I am a bit dissapointed in this one for the very first time in 8 years , but I have to keep up the collection, right?)
2. LNS Home of a Needleworker
3. Bent Creek :The littles: Leprachaun
4. Bent Creek : the Red thread: Smell the Flowers (I am not going to do all of this series, I just really liked this one.)
5. Trilogy : Winter Line up (the penguins make me giggle)
6. JBW: Blessings
And 2 I had never heard or seen of
7. The Gathering Place: Autumn Shadows
8. Marilynn and Jackies Collectables: Ringlet tree
These last 2 had fuzzy/bad photos but looked like they had alot of potential.

I know that designing can't be easy but how difficult is it to find a printer to print an accurate photo. In this digital age it can't be that hard. OKoK Enough ranting

My mom had a party on Sunday to show A. off to local friends and we all watched the Steelers lose, but she had fun:

having fun
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Monday we went to help my sister start planning her wedding in a year by looking at some locations. None so far fit her bill for the ability to have the ceremony outside by trees and the n a reception place at the same site. Apparently my job in addition to being Matron of honor is to keep her from panicing over the next 12 months. Can you believe anyone agreed to marry this?: Just kidding Liz.

with aunt liz
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Oh and as a side note Wil Wheaton has his new book out! It is all about growing up geek in the 80s. I am debating if I want to order an autographed copy this time around. I love his 2 previous books Dancing Barefoot and Just a Geek

Mission Impossible? More like Mission Not Fun

Your mission, should you choose to accept it: Take one 4 month old infant and take her on an airplane. Keep in mind the following: You can not take a direct flight and you must have one layover of at least an hour. You must travel alone. You must try to feed the baby during takeoff and landings even though in the past week this baby has developed a bad habit of not eating well unless she is in a completely silent room. You may: bring enough earplugs for all the passengers on the airplane including the attendants and you may also worry non-stop about this mission until it actually occurs. Your reward: Time spent with family and a trip to see one of the rare LNSs left in the country.

Wish me luck I will be attempting this Mission tomorrow at 2pm (and then again on tuesday). So no I won't be at CATS this year. But have fun everyone!

Stitching when I can

Spookline
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here is my progress so far on Spookline by SamSarah. I started this last year, and hope to have it done by Halloween. I decided I did not like it on the purple fabric the model was on, and instead I started it on this narural linen I had a drawer. I am using the called for Cresent Colors, only one of the colors seems to blend in to background, the green onion color of the lighter leaves. Unfortunately it is also used in the other half of the border and I am not sure what I will be replacing it with.

I attended the Tarheel get together today. A. went with me, and she behaved herself, mostly. I did not get alot of stitching done, and will probably look into getting a sitter for future saturday get togethers.

Holiday Quilts, RR

Holiday Quilts, RR
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

I recieved this about 2 weeks ago. and have frogged the damn outline of my quilt twice. I based my stitching off of somone elses (ah the perils of an RR ) and have since concluded this is a bad thing to do when working on a piece that has been handled by many hands. This Pattern is Holiday quilts by Ursula Michael. It is (I think) from a Sitchers World magazine. The colors have been altered to be more green/red but this is a PERFECT design for an RR. This the last RR piece I have to do. I think I will be retiring myself from RRs for a while after this. A good experience, but now that I only have about an hour to stitch at night, I want it to be time for my own pieces.

MMMMMM

Baby feeding herself
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Ian sent me this via his cell phone camera today, with the tag line, Look Mommy, no Daddy. We are slllllllooooowwwwlyyyyyy starting to find our hands, so it is pretty cool that she is starting to use them for a purpose
This weekend we started to bat at stuff and sometimes caught things to bring to our mouth. Now of course I have no idea how long this pose was held, but she sure looks like she has a grip eh? (Yes I know the bottle says Brooke, its a handme down).

Thank you all for your supportive comments. I know its just a bump in the road....

Isolation

Ok I'll be the first to admit that I am not a people person. I prefer to hang around my home and family. That being said, when I want to be social...I need to be social. My husband works on weekends so that is usually when I enjoy seeing friends, attending church, going to get togethers, and attending the infrequent parties that cross my path. However since A has been born I find these forays into the social world aggravating and draining. I am frustrated because I need to isolate myself to calm or feed her. And end up asking myself why the hell I came at all if I can't talk to others in a social setting for more than a few minutes. I am still trying to increase/maintain my milk supply for her so getting a babysitter or supplying a bottle over the weekend would be counter productive.

Today was difficult (and it is not even noon) because I tried to take her to church for the first time. She did not even make it through the Welcome. I have been feeling guilty for not going in 3 months (childcare was limited over the summer, and the nursery is not equipped to deal with immobile infants) and now I am thinking maybe I should just wait for another few months till she can sit up and be in the nursery.

I have my first Tarheel get together in a couple of weeks, and I am really starting to worry if I will be able to enjoy it at all with her along (I can't leave her home, the tarheels would kill me).

A coworker told me the other day that this time of a babys life can be trying with them seemingly attached to you 24/7, but that over all it is a very short time of their life. and while I "know" that to be true, it doesn't make the isolation any easier to bear.

Sea Borders

Sea Borders
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

LOOK, STITCHING! I finished this little guy yesterday. He is a freebie called Sea Borders found a long time ago on a french website http://www.lilootes.com/, But I can seem to find it there now... I also got a whole seahorse alphabet with it . The photo is muted but it came out really nice . I stitched it on 28 ct ivory evenweave using one of the Dye is Cast colors (I think it is called Storm). I think it would also look great stitched in white on a blue fabric.

I have been debating what project to tackle next. since I only get about an hour a night to stitch. I have a Sam Sarah Spookline, that is half done. Or I can start the Sampler book by Erica Michaels. I want to that for A. I think it would be a cool book to learn the alphabet by, and a neat heirloom. but then I wonder if all the hard work I put into it would be worth it in the long run. Would she just puke on it at some point and ruin it?

Bellastitch asked me how I got A. to sleep through the night. The first night she did it was the day after I got back from Montreal. I woke up in a panic at 7 thinking something was wrong because she didn't wake up at 4:30/5am for her usual feeding. Well there is no secret, I totally attribute it to her finding her thumb at about 2 months old and that enables her to self soothe. That and I am really lucky. She has always been a champion sleeper. She was pulling 4 or 5 hour naps from the first few weeks. I know they said to wake her every 3 hours to eat, but it took us an hour past that to wake her up enough to eat, and even then she was still too grumpy to eat well.. We quickly determined that she ate better if we just let her sleep as much as she wanted.

And look ...Happy Baby:

Smiles
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

This fist is tasty and you can't have any!

Tasty Fist
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Where have I been?

Short answer: Montreal/work/pumping/not stitching
Long Answer:
I headed out to Montreal last thursday for a total of 48 hours to present my thesis (for the last time I hope) at the SIL conference. The good news is that this will enable my thesis to be published in their proceedings (a 3 volume set that is put out every three years). I also found out while there that the 2 people who will review my paper are 2 of the most noted researchers in my field...that is better than random reviewers at any old journal. I was worried more about finding places to pump while I was gone than about A. (my mom came to care for her) or even about my presentation. But it ended up being ok, I only had to pump once in a bathroom at the airport. Mostly I was able to wait till I got to the hotel room, or used an inactive room at the conference center (Which is HUGE, bigger than New Orleans). I ate 3 fabulous meals while there and only got to see a bit of Chinatown and Old Montreal. Some day I wouldn't mind going back and seeing more.

School started this week and no problems there (I am teaching the same classes I did last fall, so minimal prep). A. spent her first day at Daycare yesterday (she and I did OK thank you) However she drank 12 oz in 7 hours. This has produced quite a bit of worry from me since I only produced 8 oz, I had to break out 2 bags of frozen milk to send her with 17 oz today for 10 hours. If she drinks it all I will definately have issues keeping up. I had built up a decent supply of frozen milk over the past 2 months but alot of it was used while I was in Montreal (40 oz) I am currently tring to figure out how much effort to put into keeping her on pure breast milk (take supplements/try to pump more -ha when?), or to ease off of the pressure I will put on myself and just mix the expressed milk I can pump with formula. I have about 20 oz frozen left to figure that decision out.

As for cross stitch I am working on something small right now, but I only have about 30 min a night. After putting A. to bed and preparing all the stuff for me and her, I head to bed early so I can get up early and not be dragging ass in the am...and my kitchen floor is still filthy. You all will have to forgive me but I have stopped reading your stitching blogs....seeing all your stitching just depresses me right now cause I want to do more, and I have all these ideas.....

OH I forgot the good news--as of Sat (11 weeks), A. is sleeping through the night 9pm-7am. She has discovered her feet and will watch them for 15 minutes at a time. Although she sucks her thumb(s) to soothe herself, she has yet to "find" her hands.
I will post some more pictures soon, just haven't had the time

My RR is home

My RR is home
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

This was my RR, and since it was so easy It cruized through everyone, and got home before I have even seen the last one I have to do. Everyone did a great job! It is the monthly kats, I think I will be stitching the rest of them (or maybe if I have some time put it in another rr). My dad has been here this weekend and I have been able to do more on Fredrick, I only have 2 colors to go.

A. is sleeping 6 hours a night now pretty consistantly, the evenings are still very fussy. A couple times now I just have to let her cry herself out, because my back hurts from bopping her around the house. I feel like a bad mom for the 10 minutes or so till she is asleep...

RR work

Beths rr
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Here is the RR I am working on right now. As you can see it is the DImensions Fredrick the Literate. She broke it into 6 sections and unfortunately one of our rr people dropped out so I am only the second person to work on it. The bottom left corner is mine. (everything below Fredrick). I don't have to backstitch anything and I only have 4 books to go. It would go faster if I wasn't milk on demand for baby girl. Speaking of that...naptime is over.... more blogging later.

Smile

Smile
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Harry Potter is here. I picked it up Sat at 9am and finished it Sunday at 12 noon. And I did not skim it either. How, you may ask? Well I read while A. was feeding and sleeping (you only need 1 hand). Beyond that I have always been a fast reader, I can do 350+ pages a day on a worthy book. Wish I could stitch with one hand....sigh.

NO SPOILERS I PROMISE
Yes I was happy with it, sure you could find fault in sections (as alot of folks are wont to do), But really I feel lucky that JKRowling commited to finish the series, and wrapped everything up (I hate open endings in books or in movies, give me closure anyday) and am happy with the over all series (#2 is still my least favorite).

6 weeks +

Daddy and daughter
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

Well I've made it this far...I have 4 weeks till I head back to work, and I have soo much to do before then. Unfortunately I have less time now than I did during the first 2 weeks, she is sleeping a lot less, but still eating just as much --therefore less time for me to blog/stitch/prepare for work. I haven't picked up any of my own cross stitch projects, I only have time to stitch for the rr. As soon as this is done I think I won't do another one for a while (read 18 years).

The question of the month is, is she sleeping well yet. The answer is sometimes, once she pulled a 6 hour night (only once) usually she pulls in a 4/5 hour night with another 2 hours after a feed. If I am lucky I can get her back to sleep for a 2 hour nap in the morning, Then I get all 8 hours, other wise I get about 6 hours. It is amazing what those 2 little hours will do for you.

RR #2

DSCN1374[1]
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.

This is my part of the next round robin I received around the time A was born. I finished last week. lt was easier than the Floral Bell Pull :) , this is the Cross-Eyed Cricket's Floral Square. The owner is planning an alphabet quilt using this pattern. So each of us is doing a different letter. The next RR arrived a couple of days ago...it is Fredrick the Literate, a Dimensions Kit, really cute, and it will be the first time I am stitching on black aida. I don't ave time to do any of my own stitching right now. My time is even more limited now, A is awake more, so has to be held or entertained. Breast feeding is going a whole lot better now, but I am looking forward to fewer sessions, we are still at 9-12 a day. ( hence the fewer posts on this blog). My moms visit went great, and I am looking forward to Ian's mom and dad visiting this week. It is nice to have someone else around to hold th baby. And as a reward for you reading this far...Hows about a picture of Baby girl at 5 weeks....(we totally broke out in full fledged baby acne last week).

DSCN1376[1]
Originally uploaded by Stitching scientist.