Chronicles of a cross stitching hockey fanatic

Three WIPs and a (tiny!) Finish

2012-01-26T18:22:00.000-08:00

Been busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest here lately. DH and I moved to Reno and I started a new job and things have been really, really hectic. I have managed to get in some stitching time here and there, but not enough progress has been made to suit me. I *HAVE*, however, kept to stitching things in my workbox that's already been started and not started anything else. Yay me!

At any rate, here's what I have so far:

WIP #1:

Design: A La Belle Etoile SAL

Designer: The Thread Basket with C Mon Mode

Fabric: 28 count silk and linen in natural by Wichelt

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Elegant Eggplant, Ivy League, Sweet Lavender, and Tumbleweed. Gumnut Yarns Stars silk floss in #991 ecru. Kreinik Very Fine (#4) Braid in 001 Silver.

Accouterments: Jolee's Jewels - Crystallized Swarovski Elements in Purple Violet 4 mm bicone, Crystal Moonlight 4 mm bicone, 20 MM Crystal Aurora Borealis star and 16 mm - Crystal Aurora Borealis moon.

WIP#2:

Design: Sew Red

Designer: iStitch Designs

Fabric: 28 count linen in Vintage by Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds

Fibers: Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss in 2926. Rainbow Gallery Petite Treasure Braid in PB03 Gold.

WIP#3:

Design: Spring Time

Designer: Citrouille's Designs

Fabric: 34 count linen in Oaten Scone by Access Commodities

Fiber: Gloriana Threads silk floss in #188 Northern Lights

And finally, the (tiny!) finish:

Design: L'éventail de M-A

Designer: Chez Elisa

Fabric: 28 count Glasgow linen

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Shepherd's Pasture. Gumnut Yarns Stars silk floss in #991 ecru. Rainbow Gallery Petite Treasure Braid in PB03 Gold.

Accouterments : Fleur de Lis frame by Hobby Lobby #6730261.

Well, that's all for me for now. Chicken is frying in the pan and I need to attend to that. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

A La Belle Etoile SAL update

2012-01-12T09:23:00.000-08:00

Been plugging right along with my The Thread Basket with C Mon Mode SAL. I am not too entirely certain I like the 'Hiver' stitched in the Crescent Colours Sweet lavender. I think it's a *tad* too light. I am thinking about ripping it out and restitching it the lighter portions of the Elegant Eggplant. I'd love to hear what people think about it. :)

At any rate, here is what I have so far:

Design: A La Belle Etoile SAL

Designer: The Thread Basket with C Mon Mode

Fabric: 28 count silk and linen in natural by Wichelt

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Elegant Eggplant, Ivy League, Sweet Lavender, and Tumbleweed. Gumnut Yarns Stars silk floss in #991 ecru. KreinikVery Fine (#4) Braid in 001 Silver.

Accouterments: Jolee's Jewels - Crystallized Swarovski Elements in Purple Violet 4 mm bicone, Crystal Moonlight 4 mm bicone, 20 MM Crystal Aurora Borealis star and 16 mm - Crystal Aurora Borealis moon.

Well, that's all for now. I have a ton of stuff I have to get done today. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

Respectfully submitted,

C.

Progress Report

2012-01-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

I've made some really good progress on my A La Belle Etoile SAL since I last posted. It feels like I'm just zipping right along. I am really enjoying stitching this and I am happy that I am sticking to my promise to stitch only WIPs this year. :)

At any rate, here's what I have accomplished so far:

Design: A La Belle Etoile SAL

Designer: The Thread Basket with C Mon Mode

Fabric: 28 count silk and linen in natural by Wichelt

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Elegant Eggplant, Ivy League, Sweet Lavender, and Tumbleweed. Gumnut Yarns Stars silk floss in #991 ecru. KreinikVery Fine (#4) Braid in 001 Silver.

Accouterments: Jolee's Jewels - Crystallized Swarovski Elements in Purple Violet 4 mm bicone, Crystal Moonlight 4 mm bicone, 20 MM Crystal Aurora Borealis star and 16 mm - Crystal Aurora Borealis moon.

I am hoping to have it completed within the next few weeks. I am now on a quest for the perfect frame for it. I think this may even be one of the pieces I keep up on the walls all year. :)

Well, I best be off. I have a ton of stuff I have to do today. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

En ma Fin gît mon Commencement...

2012-01-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

Happy new year, everybody! Hope everyone has gotten off to a good start to the new year and has sufficiently recovered from the Eve of the New Year. DH and I skipped the festivities this year, as he had to be at work at 6 AM :(. Ah, well. It's no matter to me, as the Strip this year was MASSIVELY overcrowded and they were charging 35 bucks a HEAD to be Downtown on Fremont Street. No thanks!

At any rate, I've kept to my promise of only stitching WIPs this year (so far!), however, I did have a new start on New Year's Day. It's not my fault really. I have been obsessing over this piece for quite some time now and the only way to get it to STFU was to kit the bleedin' thing up and start it.

So, without further ado, here is what I've been working on:

WIP #1:

Design: A La Belle Etoile SAL

Designer: The Thread Basket with C Mon Mode

Fabric: 28 count silk and linen in natural by Wichelt

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Elegant Eggplant, Ivy League, Sweet Lavender, and Tumbleweed. Gumnut Yarns Stars silk floss in #991 ecru. KreinikVery Fine (#4) Braid in 001 Silver.

Accouterments: Jolee's Jewels - Crystallized Swarovski Elements in Purple Violet 4 mm bicone, Crystal Moonlight 4 mm bicone, 20 MM Crystal Aurora Borealis star and 16 mm - Crystal Aurora Borealis moon.

Not too much progress, but I am making some. I've decided to leave the large portions of the Gumnut Yarns Stars silk floss in #991 ecru for the end of the night when my eyes become fatigued. This way it still gets stitched on and I don't have to count anything out, really.

And here is WIP #2, AKA The Piece That Wouldn't STFU:

Design: Mary Queen of Scots

Designer: Papillon Creations

Fabric: Picture This Plus 32 count linen in Phoenix

Fibers: Gumnut Yarns Stars silk floss in #991 ecru.

Stitcher's notes: Fabric was chosen as Mary, Queen of Scots was a red head as was her cousin, Elizabeth I of England. The motto at the bottom of the sampler, "In my End is my Beginning...", is a reminder of her mother, Mary of Guise. The emblem, the Phoenix, which on the sampler, flank the motto. It was a motto that Mary, Queen of Scots loved so much, she had it embroidered on her Cloth of State. The Gumnut Yarns Stars silk floss was chosen as Mary's favorite color was white, as she felt it showed off her red hair to its' best advantage.

Stitched one thread over two threads of fabric.

Here is the wee bit I have done up close:

Funny how the lighting changes the color of the fabric so drastically. The first picture is the best representation of the true color of the fabric. I have no clue how the second photograph wound up being closer to magenta. o.o. I am still not certain of the coverage of the one strand. I am seriously thinking about switching to two strands. I should probably get out some test fabric and try both one and two strands.

Well, I best be off. I have a ton of stuff to do today. Hope everyone is having a great first week of the New Year! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Final Post of 2011

2011-12-29T08:44:00.000-08:00

Well, Christmas has come and gone. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! The Hubmeister and I went to Half Moon Bay for the holidays and stayed with his mother. We all had a great time and I thoroughly enjoyed being that close to the beach again. We have plans to go back in March to go see the Buffalo Sabres at San Jose Sharks. My MIL got us tickets for our Christmas present. She also got me a Ryan Miller Premier Road Jersey and The Hubmeister a Ryan Miller Premier Home Jersey so we will be suitably attired come game time. I'm so excited to go see another pro hockey game. I wish I could go see my beloved New Jersey Devils, but they aren't going to be on the West Coast again until next year. It's a bummer, but whatareyagonnado?

At any rate, since we had a 10 hour car trip (one way, I might add!), I took along my A La Belle Etoile SAL. I managed to get a fair amount completed. My house finally has a roof (yay!), however, I think if I ever stitch this again, I am going to swap out the beige of the house for the dark purple. I think it would look better that way. I didn't change it this time, as I am stitching with silks, and there is no way on God's green earth I am ripping out 20 dollars in silks to do a mere color change. Nuh uh. No way, no how...

ANYHOO...enough of my yapping! Time for some pictures! :)

Design: A La Belle Etoile SAL

Designer: The Thread Basket with C Mon Mode

Fabric: 28 count silk and linen in natural by Wichelt

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Empress, Ivy League, Sweet Lavender, and Tumbleweed. Gumnut Yarns Stars silk floss in #991 ecru. KreinikVery Fine (#4) Braid in 001 Silver.

Accouterments: Jolee's Jewels - Crystallized Swarovski Elements in Purple Violet 4 mm bicone, Crystal Moonlight 4 mm bicone, 20 MM Crystal Aurora Borealis star and 16 mm - Crystal Aurora Borealis moon.

I like the way it looks so far. I am hoping to get a bit more completed, but it alas will not be finished in time for the new year. I have way too much to do and not enough time to do it in.

Here is my list of completed work for 2011. I think it's fairly respectable, but I am disappointed in how few WIPs I managed to complete. I am hoping to rectify that in 2012 with the 2012 WIPocalypse hosted by Measi. The only rule I am making for myself is to just grab a project out of the bag and go. No lists because every time I make one, I can never stick to it, so I am not going to set myself up for what I would consider failure. I stitch to have fun and relax, not to make myself feel bad!

At any rate, here's my list of finishes:

1. Merry Christmas by Blackbird Designs finished 07.07.11

2. Season of Growth by Little House Needleworks finished 04.26.11

3. Cherries by JBW Designs Finished 04.14.11

4. Let's Go To The Beach by JBW Designs for Cross Stitch and Needlework magazine, July 2009. Finished 04.20.11

5. Spooky Sunday SAL by SanMan Originals. Finished 11.01.11.

6. Harvest Sampler by Linda P. Reeves. Finished 10.26.11.

7. At Plimoth by The Sampler Girl. Finished 10.25.11.

8. Apple Butter by Cross Eyed Cricket. Finished 10.22.11.

9. Quaker Acorn by The Workbasket. Finished 10.21.11.

10. Leaves by Cross Eyed Cricket. Finished 10.18.11.

11. Witchy Hat by SanMan Originals. Finished 10.14.11

12. Salem Witch by The Primitive Needle. Finished 09.10.11.

13. October Quaker by The Workbasket. Finished 08.26.11.

14. A Very Merry Summer by JBW Designs. Finished 06.27.11.

15. Fleur de Lis by JBW Designs. Finished 06.22.11

16. Joy of Christmas by My Big Toe. Finished 05.11.11.

17. Miniature Monogram Hornbook-Margin Marker by Kelmscott Designs. Finished 05.04.11.

18. Bunny's Bloom by The Primitive Jewel. Finished 04.28.11

19. Downton Abbey by The Sampler Girl. Finished 04.27.11

20. Now I Know My ABC's by Blackbird Designs. Finished 04.13.11.

21. Basket of Memories by Blackbird Designs. Finished 04.10.11.

22. A Very Merry Spring by JBW Designs. Finished 04.05.11.

23. Summer Iris by Blackbird Designs. Finished 03.30.11.

24. Cupcake by Blackbird Designs. Finished 01.26.11.

25. A Stitcher's Companion by Blackbird Designs. Finished 01.17.11.

26. My Home threadkeep by Blackbird Designs. Finished 01.07.11.

Well, I had best be off. I have a TON of stuff to do and time's a wastin'! I hope everyone has a blessed and prosperous new year!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Here a WIP, there a WIP, every where a WIP WIP

2011-12-20T10:19:00.000-08:00

Goooooood morning, sports fans! Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season so far. I have made little progress on my Thread Basket SAL and have even started yet another project. I have decided that I am going to treat the 2012 WIPocalypse hosted by Measi as a Bacchanalian free for all fest. I have all of my WIP and UFO bags dragged out and on stand by. I am going to start with the projects that are in my stitching area and then I am just going to grab one out of the bags and GO. I am NOT going to make any lists of specific projects to get done, because when I did that this year, I was less than successful. As in I only completed FOUR out of the TWENTY ONE I had wanted to do. For the most part, this also means going on the wagon and not buying a anything other than the odd floss that I ran out of and/or didn't have. I may buy the odd chart now and then, because let's face it, we are spoiled enough to have wonderful designers who manage to produce such lovely things, and Nashville Market is in a few months, and you know what THAT means. Guaranteed stitchy goodness and probably overtime for me to pay for it. :D

At any rate, here is what I have so far on my stitching:

WIP #1:

Design: A La Belle Etoile SAL

Designer: The Thread Basket with C Mon Mode

Fabric: 28 count silk and linen in natural by Wichelt

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Empress, Ivy League, Sweet Lavender, and Tumbleweed. Gumnut Yarns Stars silk floss in #991 ecru. KreinikVery Fine (#4) Braid in 001 Silver.

WIP#2:

Design: Sew Red

Designer: iStitch Designs

Fabric: 28 count linen in Vintage by Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds

Fibers: Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss in 2926. Rainbow Gallery Petite Treasure Braid in PB03 Gold.

Well, I am off for now. I have a mild headache and looking at the computer screen is hurting my eyes a bit. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday with all joy, peace, and lots of eats and treats! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Making it look like I'm doing something...

2011-12-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

Not much of an update on my Thread Basket SAL. I seem to have caught the 'bug' that is floating around work. Yay. I haven't been able to concentrate on anything for any length of time, so as consequence, I sort of skipped around a lot when I was stitching.

Permettez-moi de te présenter, mes offres maigres (Allow me to present to you, my meager offerings):

Design: A La Belle Etoile SAL

Designer: The Thread Basket with C Mon Mode

Fabric: 28 count silk and linen in natural by Wichelt

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Empress, Ivy League, Sweet Lavender, and Tumbleweed. Gumnut Yarns Stars silk floss in #991 ecru. KreinikVery Fine (#4) Braid in 001 Silver.

Accouterments: Jolee's Jewels - Crystallized Swarovski Elements in Purple Violet 4 mm bicone and Crystal Moonlight 4 mm bicone.

Closeup of the beadwork:

Well, I am off for now. Not feeling so hot again. Hope everyone has a great weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

A La Belle Etoile SAL

2011-11-27T16:56:00.000-08:00

Haven't made much progress on the A La Belle Etoile SAL. I am hoping to get some more completed soon, now that the Thanksgiving holiday is over. I am going to use beads in place of the stitches on the vines, and I picked out some extra special ones. I am hoping to post pictures of them soon. :)

At any rate, here is what I have so far:

Design: A La Belle Etoile SAL

Designer: The Thread Basket with C Mon Mode

Fabric: 28 count silk and linen in natural by Wichelt

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Empress, Ivy League, Sweet Lavender, and Tumbleweed. Gumnut Yarns Stars silk floss in #991 ecru. KreinikVery Fine (#4) Braid in 001 Silver.

Well, I am off for now. I need to go get dinner going. Tonight DH and I are going to decorate the tree. Yay! :). I've been looking forward to this all day.

Hope everyone has a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Giving Thanks

2011-11-24T08:39:00.003-08:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful day today! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

A La Belle Etoile SAL update

2011-11-19T14:18:00.000-08:00

Been plugging away at the A La Belle Etoile SAL. I am not as far along as I want to be, and the whole project has to be completed by 12.14.11. I am hoping to get a bit more caught up soon. I've been skipping around stitching on different elements as for whatever reason, big blocks of color which normally do not bother me, are kinda boring right now. I am hoping that this will pass soon!

Besides, I have so much I want to stitch on, and just not enough hours in the day. The stitcher's lament the world over, I guess! :)

At any rate, here is what I have so far:

Design: A La Belle Etoile SAL

Designer: The Thread Basket with C Mon Mode

Fabric: 28 count silk and linen in natural by Wichelt

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Empress, Ivy League, Tumbleweed. Gumnut Yarns Stars silk floss in #991 ecru.

Well, I am off to go watch some TV and hopefully get more of the SAL completed. Tomorrow I begin preparations for Thanksgiving, so I am not sure how much I am going to get stitched between now and Black Friday. Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

11.11.11 WIP post

2011-11-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

Don't have any finishes to post, but I have been in the grips of a full blown Startitis Flu. Honestly, I don't even know why I even bother making lists and sticking to them. While I can stick with lists in non stitching activities, for the life of me, I cannot seem to get control of myself when it comes to my stitching. Oh, well. I guess it's ok if that's the only area! Haha!

At any rate, here is what I am working on so far:

WIP #1:

Design: A La Belle Etoile SAL

Designer: The Thread Basket with C Mon Mode

Fabric: 28 count silk and linen in natural by Wichelt

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Collard Greens, Empress, Ivy League, Tumbleweed and Vanilla Pudding

WIP #2:

Design: Christmas Tea

Designer: Paulette Stewart for Plum Street Samplers

Fabric: 32 count Belfast linen in pearl grey

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Collard Greens, Cranberry, Noir and Vanilla Pudding

WIP#3:

Design: Baked Goods

Designer: Diane Williams for Little House Needleworks

Fabric: Belfast Linen in 32ct Vintage Country Mocha

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Collard Greens, Cranberry, Harvest and Vanilla Pudding

Well, I'm off to do some cleaning of my stitchy area. Hope everyone is having a great day and getting some stitching in!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Framed Finishes

2011-11-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

Howdy, y'all! Thought I would post two of my recent finishes now that they are framed up and ready to be given away.

Here is the first one, with the requisite notes :) :

Design: Let's Go To The Beach

Designer: Designer: Judy Whitman for JBW Designs

Fabric: 28 count Graziano Milan linen in white from Norden Crafts

Fibers: DMC Embroidery Floss Art 117 in 150, 159, 160, 161, 336, 435, and 3855

Here is the second finish:

Design: Harvest Sampler as featured in the Fall/Winter 1996 Holiday Crafts magazine by Better Homes and Gardens

Designer: Linda Reeves of La Broderie

Fabric: 28 count Cashel linen by Zweigart in Summer Khaki .

Fibers Used: DMC Flower Thread in 2400, 2433, 2434, 2613, 2782, 2898. Caron Collection Wildflowers thread in Fiesta and Marigold.

Accouterments: Mill Hill Beads in Number G02011 Victorian Gold. By Jupiter! apple charm in antique gold.

I purchased both frames at Hobby Lobby. They were both on sale at 50% off. I think both of the frames really set off the needlework. I hope the presents are well received!

Well, I best be off for now. I need to get to wrapping up these presents and I need to get some more stitching done. I've joined the 2012 WIPocalypse over at Measi's Musings. I am hoping to put a bigger dent into my stash next year. I would love to have to buy more tubs on account of my finishing so much and not because I bought more stuff. :P

Hope everyone's having a great day! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Spooky Sunday SAL finish and a Witchy Kitty Update

2011-11-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

I managed to finish up the Spooky SAL last night, but couldn't finish the Witchy Kitty. My hands just hurt too badly. DH and I were disappointed in the lack of trick or treaters that we had last night. (We had one. Two if you included the pizza guy.). Better luck next year, I suppose.

At any rate, here is my Spooky Sunday SAL finish:

Design: 2011 Members Only Sunday Spooky SAL

Designer: SanMan Originals

Fabric: 32 count Cashel linen in Periwinkle Prism

Fibers: Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss in Black, White, 234, 536, 633, 3224, and 4122.

Here is what I have for the Witchy Kitty so far:

Design: Witchy Kitty as featured in the September/October 2011 issue of Just Cross Stitch

Designer: Brittercup Designs

Fabric: 32 count Cashel linen in Periwinkle Prism

Fibers Used: Crescent Colours in Black Coffee, Lemon Lime, Pansy Purple and Spinach. Weeks' Dye Works in Marigold and Pumpkin. The Gentle Art in Banker's Grey.

Well, I need to go. I have some chores to do before work today. Hope everyone is having a great week!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

The End of Fall

2011-10-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

It's not really the end of fall, however, I think I have hit Fall Stitching Fatigue. My current project is probably the last of this years' fall and Halloween themed stitching, but I never say never. I have one or two UFOs that could stand some stitching on, and I may drag them out and work on them a bit, but for now, I think I'm done and I'm ready to move on to Christmas themed stitching. I've gotten out six, yes SIX Christmas projects to work on, but to be fair, a few of them are WIPs and UFOs, so I will get them off the list this year. Woohoo!

At any rate, here is the latest WIP:

Design: Witchy Kitty as featured in the September/October 2011 issue of Just Cross Stitch

Designer: Brittercup Designs

Fabric: 32 count Cashel linen in Periwinkle Prism

Fibers Used: Crescent Colours in Black Coffee, Lemon Lime, Pansy Purple and Spinach. Weeks' Dye Works in Marigold and Pumpkin. The Gentle Art in Banker's Grey.

I've made a promise to myself that the WIPS and UFOs get stitched first, before I get to start the new ones. It *seems* like a reasonable compromise, however, I suffer from Chronic Startitis and knowing me, I will start something new just to start it. At any rate, the six project I have chosen for this years' Christmas stitching are the following:

1. Christmas Tea by Plum Street Samplers (WIP)

2. Noel Heart by Bleu de Chine (WIP)

3. Companion Quaker Christmas Tree I by Carriage House Samplings. This is actual a redo from last year. I decided I didn't like the fabric that it was on, and since I had put a scant 10 stitches in it, I just decided on a reboot for later. I am not sure if this is a WIP or if it's just a new start, so I'm labeling this one as both. :P

4. Christmas Sampler by The Prairie Schooler, Book No. 73. I want to stitch the whole sampler this time, not just the cabin. Although, to be honest, I am still waffling over that. Do I stitch the whole thing, or do I just stitch the cabin like I did last year so that I can hang it up from Christmas until a February? Things that make you go "hmmmmmm...'. Quoth the Hubmeister, however, "Go big or go home.".

5. Souvenir of Paris by Blackbird Designs from the Joyeux Noel book.

6. Gingerbread Quaker from SanMan Originals for the Merry Members group. I've yet to kit this one up, and it is the only one out of the 6 that isn't ready to go. I think I am going to stitch this in my beloved Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss that I am oh, so addicted to.

The really cool thing about all of these projects is that they are stitched all in silk threads! I love, love, LOVE stitching with silk and if I could afford it, that is all that I would stitch in, I think. I love the sheen and the feel of it. It is very luxurious and I so wish I could afford more.

Well, I've bored you all enough for one day. Thanks for stopping by and I hope everyone is having a great day! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Harvest Sampler

2011-10-26T20:33:00.001-07:00

I have today through Sunday off and I managed to get all of my chores done before my mini break. I had myself a stitching and Murder, She Wrote marathon. I cooked beef stew for dinner tonight as it's a bit chilly (for here it is!). I had a really good day and I look forward to the rest of my time off. I've started an ornament from the last JCS Halloween Ornament issue. Not much done, but I will post pictures as soon as I have a bit more accomplished. :)

A note about the sampler. While it *is* completed, and it is as close to the original as possible, I had to use Mill Hill beads, as the called for Whimsey seed beads are no longer being made. I also tweaked the design a bit, and didn't stitch two of the apples in the center band, as this piece is intended for the lady who bailed me out in locating the DMC Flower Thread that I was having issues in locating as it is no longer made. She dipped into her own stash and sent me what I needed without thought for payment. I thought it would be nice to stitch one of these up for her. I plan on stitching this again, this time for me and The Hubmeister. I may get around to it, I may not. I am getting "Autumn Stitching Fatigue' and I have a few Christmas things I need to get around to stitching. Eh, I'll cross that stitch when and if I get to it. :P

At any rate, here is the finished piece:

Design: Harvest Sampler as featured in the Fall/Winter 1996 Holiday Crafts magazine by Better Homes and Gardens

Designer: Linda Reeves of La Broderie

Fabric: 28 count Cashel linen by Zweigart in Summer Khaki .

Fibers Used: DMC Flower Thread in 2400, 2433, 2434, 2613, 2782, 2898. Caron Collection Wildflowers thread in Fiesta and Marigold.

And as a reminder, here is the one I did back in 1996:

Not sure if I like the original or the one I did back in 1996 with all the changes better! :)

Well, I best be off. I am currently questing for any information on the Summer Ornament that Prairie Schooler did for Just Cross Stitch . I think it was in the May/June issue in 2007, but I'm not sure. If anyone has this magazine and can confirm that for me, that would be just peachy. And if anyone knows of anyone that's willing to part with the magazine or even just that chart, please let me know. Thanks so much! :)

Well, I best be off for now. My Tea Time magazine came in today, so I'm off to get a cuppa and read this gorgeous holiday issue and drool over all of the lovely china and linens they picture in it. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Spooky Sunday SAL & Sneaking In Another Start

2011-10-25T09:13:00.001-07:00

Stitched up the latest part of the Sunday Spooky SAL that is going on over at my beloved SanMan Originals message board. I always enjoy these mystery stitch alongs, as they always turn out so cute and I always have a lot of fun swapping out the threads and fabric. I will be very sad to see it come to an end.

At any rate, here's the SAL as it stands right now:

Design: Sunday Spooky SAL

Designer: SanMan Originals

Fabric: 32 count Cashel linen in Periwinkle Prism

Fibers: Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss in Black, White, 234, 536, 633, 3224, and 4122.

Aaaaannndddd, me being me, I got in another quick finish last night. I've wanted to do this one for a while now, but never got around to it. It was pretty quick, although I didn't have a Soie d' Alger conversion for the Avocado that the chart called for, so I substituted a pretty pale gold instead. I like the way it looks against the dark fabric.

At any rate, here it is:

Design: At Plimoth

Designer: The Sampler Girl

Fabric: R& R Reproductions 30 count overdyed linen in Witches' Teeth

Fibers: Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss in 1836, 2242, and 4145. Gumnut Yarns Stars silk floss in Ecru, from the Hazelnut line in 991.

Well, I best be off. I have a lot of stuff I need to do before I go into work. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

A Harvest Sampler & Apple Butter

2011-10-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

Got a lot more done on my Harvest Sampler yesterday. Had to stop when it got dark out, as my head was beginning to hurt a bit. I picked up a really cute CEC freebie to stitch and I finished it during The West Wing last night.

Here are the updates:

The WIP:

Design: Harvest Sampler as featured in the Fall/Winter 1996 Holiday Crafts magazine by Better Homes and Gardens

Designer: Linda Reeves of La Broderie

Fabric: 28 count Cashel linen by Zweigart in Summer Khaki .

Fibers Used: DMC Flower Thread in 2400, 2433, 2434, 2613, 2782, 2898. Caron Collection Wildflowers thread in Fiesta and Marigold.

The Finish:

Design: Apple Butter freebie

Designer: Cross Eyed Cricket

Fabric: R& R Reproductions 30 count overdyed linen in Witches' Teeth

Fibers: DMC in White, 309, 353, 644, 745, 815, 840, 3346, 3348, 3855, 3865, and 3866.

Well, I best be off. I have pumpkin bread baking in the oven ATM, and it smells like it's almost done. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Quaker Acorns And A Harvest Sampler Reboot

2011-10-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

Managed to finish up the Quaker Acorn yesterday in the early afternoon, and decided to do a reboot of a chart I stitched back in 1996. It took some time in gathering the supplies, as I planned on using all of the original materials and one of the types of threads used is DMC Flower Thread which ceased being produced back in 2003, if I recall correctly. But I managed to find everything that I needed, including having won the magazine it was in twice on Ebay. The first one never showed up and the seller promptly refunded the money and I had to wait on another one to come up for auction. I got lucky and found one for even cheaper than the one I paid before! Yay!

At any rate, enough of my babbling...on with the show! :D

Design: Quaker Acorn

Designer: The Workbasket

Fabric: 32 count linen in Golden Maple by Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds

Fiber Used: Crescent Colours hand dyed silk in Harvest

Now, for the Harvest Sampler:

Design: Harvest Sampler as featured in the Fall/Winter 1996 Holiday Crafts magazine by Better Homes and Gardens

Designer: Linda Reeves of La Broderie

Fabric: 28 count Cashel linen by Zweigart in Summer Khaki .

Fibers Used: DMC Flower Thread in 2400, 2433, 2434, 2613, 2782, 2898. Caron Collection Wildflowers thread in Fiesta and Marigold.

Here is what the sampler looks like as I stitched it back in 1996:

This sampler was the first design where I not only stitched things I was unfamiliar in stitching, but it also only took three days to complete and it was also the first design where I dared to change the color of the threads used. This version used DMC cotton threads in 400, 433, 434, 613, 782 and 898. I also used the original DMC variegated threads in 61 and 115. I also recall arguing with the framer as to the frame and the matting that was used. She had selected a different frame and mat, however, I chose the one that ultimately wound up being used, the burnished gold frame and a cranberry red velvet mat. I have the piece hanging up all year in my 'permanent collection' (as they say in museums), as I love it so much. One of these days, I will have to go around and take pictures of the pieces I keep up all the time. There are quite a few of them! :)

Well, I best be off. I have some things to do today before I get to sit on my butt and stitch all day and watch Murder, She Wrote . Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Quaker Acorn update

2011-10-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Been stitching up a storm on my Quaker Acorn. I am hoping to finish it either today or tomorrow at the latest. I have today and tomorrow off and all my chores are done, so all I have to do is cook occasionally and stitch. I try to have all of my chores such as cleaning the house and errands run *before* I have any time off. My time off is precious and I really do not want to spend it doing tedious chores such as grocery shopping and dusting!

At any rate, here is what I have so far on my Quaker Acorn:

Design: Quaker Acorn

Designer: The Workbasket

Fabric: 32 count linen in Golden Maple by Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds

Fiber Used: Crescent Colours hand dyed silk in Harvest

As I was posting this the latest SanMan Originals newsletter came out and as always, I have found not only something to purchase, but Sandy always includes a cute freebie. This one is so cute I've already printed it out and I am probably going to have to suspend stitching the Quaker Acorn today to stitch this one up, LOL!

Well, I best be off. I need to go pull some threads and fabric. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Leaves finish

2011-10-18T06:22:00.000-07:00

Managed to finish up Leaves last night. It was a quick and fun stitch. I picked the Quaker Acorn freebie back up, however, not much progress was made due to it being late and my eyes were tired.

At any rate, here's my finish:

Design: Leaves from the Winter Circle leaflet #142

Designer: Cross Eyed Cricket

Fabric: 28 count Glasgow linen in raw

Fibers Used: DMC Embroidery Floss Art 117 in 310, 500, 502, 677, 730, 902, 918, 3013, 3721, 3826, and 3828.

Well, I best be off. Hope everyone is having an awesome week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

CEC Leaves and SMO Spooky Sunday SAL updates

2011-10-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

Been working on my two projects the last few days. I am hoping to have the Cross Eyed Cricket finished within the next day or two. I do not have a whole lot left to stitch on it, and then I will pick the Quaker Acorn back up and try and get that one completed. I have a band sampler set aside as the next start, and I may do that really soon. :P

At any rate, here's my progress so far:

WIP #1:

Design: Leaves from the Winter Circle leaflet #142

Designer: Cross Eyed Cricket

Fabric: 28 count Glasgow linen in raw

Fibers Used: DMC Embroidery Floss Art 117 in 310, 500, 502, 677, 730, 902, 918, 3013, 3721, 3826, and 3828.

WIP #2:

Design: Sunday Spooky SAL

Designer: SanMan Originals

Fabric: 32 count Cashel linen in Periwinkle Prism

Fibers: Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss in Black, White and 521.

Well, I best be off. I have to work today and I have some chores to attend to before I leave. Hope everyone has a great day today! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

SanMan Originals Witchy Hat finish

2011-10-14T08:09:00.001-07:00

Had a one day start and finish. I really love stitching Sandy's designs. I changed the placement of the spider a bit and even used a different charm altogether on my version. The pattern came from Sandy's Secret Shop and it came with the tuck and the buttons. I have set the buttons that were used aside and used a silver spider charm instead. In the original, the spider was supposed to hang off the star and there was a pumpkin button that was attached to the hat, but I like the way mine turned out. At any rate, enough of my blathering and on with the show! :)

Design: Witchy Hat (Secret Shop purchase. Please note that these charts are not for sale or trade.).

Designer: SanMan Originals

Fabric: 32 count Cashel linen in Periwinkle Prism

Fibers: Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss and Kreinik Japan threads in #001J Silver.

Well, at any rate, I need to go. I have some chores to attend to today. Hope all is well with everyone! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Spooky SAL and Quaker Acorn updates

2011-10-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

Picked up the Quaker Acorn Quaker Acorn freebie back up again the other day and it's going quite quickly. I am really enjoying everything that I've been working on here lately. I just wish I could win the lottery and stitch all day. I certainly need to, given the amount of stash I have, LOL! :)

At any rate, here's the updates:

Design: Quaker Acorn

Designer: The Workbasket

Fabric: 32 count linen in Golden Maple by Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds

Fiber Used: Crescent Colours hand dyed silk in Harvest

I stopped stitching the Acorn long enough to get the first part of the new SAL that Sandy has over at SanMan Originals . I haven't stitched up one of Sandy's pieces in quite some time and this one promises to be uber cute and quick. Each part is released on Sunday, beginning with this past Sunday, the 9th of October. I converted the DMC's to Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger as I stitched last year's Ghostly Quaker in the same Soie d'Alger. I love, love, LOVE stitching with the AVS Soie d'Alger and it seems to go quite well with Sandy's designs.

At any rate, here is the first part. Please note that the design is for members only and it is a no share chart.

Design: Sunday Spooky SAL

Designer: SanMan Originals

Fabric: 32 count Cashel linen in Periwinkle Prism

Fibers: Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss in Black.

Well, I best be off. I have gingerbread in the oven and it smells like it's almost finished. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Christmas Tea

2011-10-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it's a wee bit early and yes, I know I haven't finished the others as of yet. But this one was calling my name and I thought if I started it, it would shut up and go away, but alas, it simply will NOT leave me be. It is a super fun stitch and it's going very, very quickly. Hopefully, this means I will be back to my regularly scheduled program :P!

At any rate, here is what I have so far:

Design: Christmas Tea

Designer: Paulette Stewart for Plum Street Samplers

Fabric: 32 count Belfast linen in pearl grey

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Collard Greens, Cranberry, Noir and Vanilla Pudding

Well, I best be off. The Devils season opener is in an hour or so, and I don't want to miss out! Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

It may be fall, but it's still 95 degrees out

2011-09-28T08:51:00.001-07:00

Ah, autumn in the desert. While the rest of the country is experiencing cooler weather and heartier food fare, in the crisp evenings during this time of year, yours truly is still baking in temps of 95 and above. But wait, dost my eyes and ears deceive me? The weatherman actually predicting a 10 degree drop next week into the frigid unforgiving wasteland of the mid 80's? Get out the parkas! Round up the soup and stew recipes! Get out the mittens and balaclavas! It's gonna be a long, and chilly ride into that which is known as winter.

I realize the snarkiness of this post has reached maximum capacity, however, there are reasons for this. And as we are dealing with the subject of my person, there is a story attached to it. Back a few weeks ago, I started experiencing severe pain and strain in my hands and arms, which neither ice, nor rest, nor scarfing down Advil as if they were M & M's seemed to abate. I hied myself to a doctor forthwith, as my hands and my arms are not just my livelihood, I WASN'T ABLE TO STITCH. That, my dear friends, is what caused sheer panic at the disco. I could not even hold a mere 6 inch Q-snap frame and stitch for any length of time. The thought of potentially having to give up a hobby that I have been practicing and collecting for the last 15-20 years was too much to bear. I procured a recommendation from a coworker and made an appointment. It wasn't as bad as I feared, however, I will have to change some things, take some drugs that probably aren't covered by my insurance after the samples have run out, and cut back some of my hours at work. Such is the price we pay, being in this thing called life, eh? I am counting my blessings that it wasn't as bad as I had feared, and there are simple things I can do to assist in the recovery of my person and for long term health and well being. Yay for that, yea? :)

It's taken a bit of time, but I feel a lot better and I am now able to stitch for short periods of time. I started one of these before my hands and arms gave me the middle finger, and the other I started the other day. Here I present my meager offerings for your viewing pleasure :)

WIP #1:

Design: Leaves from the Winter Circle leaflet #142

Designer: Cross Eyed Cricket

Fabric: 28 count Glasgow linen in raw

Fibers Used: DMC Embroidery Floss Art 117 in 310, 500, 502, 677, 730, 902, 918, 3013, 3721, 3826, and 3828.

WIP #2:

Design: Quaker Acorn

Designer: The Workbasket

Fabric: 32 count linen in Golden Maple by Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds

Fiber Used: Crescent Colours hand dyed silk in Harvest

***Stitcher's notes: One thread silk over 2 fabric threads.

Well, I best be off for now. I have to work today, and I have some things to do before I go. Hope everyone is having a great week and stitching their butts off! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Thank you notes to heaven (Salem 1692 finish)

2011-09-10T16:57:00.000-07:00

Put the last stitches in Salem 1692 last night. I really enjoyed stitching this piece. I deliberately left off the stars, as I am hoping to find some charms in different finishes that I can attach instead of stitching them in yet more Old Crow. :P

At any rate, here is the finish:

Design: Salem Witch

Designer: Lisa Roswell of The Primitive Needle

Fabric: 28 count linen in Legacy by Picture This Plus

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Old Crow.

***Stitcher's note: Stitched one strand of silk over two threads to achieve a more aged look.

It is my custom that when I finish a piece, I generally email the designer to show them what I did with their work and to thank them for designing the piece. I feel very sad that I cannot email Lisa Roswell and show her what I have done. I hope she would have liked what I have done. It was a joy to stitch and I have other pieces of hers that are on my Mount Everest sized to do list. If there is internet access in Heaven, I hope she sees this and is happy with my work. I tried to do the piece justice and I hope I accomplished the vintage look she always favored in her designs. Thank you so much, Mrs. Roswell. I spent many an enjoyable hour stitching this piece and I look forward to stitching more of your designs!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Finally, a finish!

2011-08-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

Went to Stitcher's Paradise on Wednesday for a supply run & got some much needed floss to finish up the current WIP. I finished it yesterday during a Law & Order: SVU marathon. I decided to skip the alphabet that surrounds the design, as I really didn't think it added anything to the overall design. That, and I really did not feel like stitching the alphabet this time around. :P

At any rate, here it is, at long last....a finish :)

Design: October Quaker from the leaflet Quaker Evens

Designer: The Workbasket

Fabric: 32 count linen in Golden Maple by Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds

Fiber Used: Crescent Colours hand dyed cotton in German Chocolate

I also put some time in on the 1692 piece I started in the meantime. This one is going very quickly and I like how it is coming together:

Design: Salem Witch

Designer: Lisa Roswell of The Primitive Needle

Fabric: 28 count linen in Legacy by Picture This Plus

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Old Crow.

Stitcher's notes: One strand of floss over two threads. Substituted the called for Lasagna for Carrot Cake.

Well, I best be off. Tons to do today! Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

October Quaker and Salem Witch

2011-08-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I seem to be stitching a bit more, which is good, considering the amount of stash I have :P. The first WIP I have is the October Quaker from The Workbasket . I won't be able to finish it until tomorrow or the day after, as I made a huge error and had to frog out a large section, thus resulting in running out of floss. I am going to Stitcher's Paradise tomorrow for a supply run. I won't be able to stay to stitch, as I am now working on Wednesdays :(. Sucks to be me, but I have a job and it pays fairly well.

At any rate, here is what I have so far. Almost finished, yay!

Design: October Quaker from the leaflet Quaker Evens

Designer: The Workbasket

Fabric: 32 count linen in Golden Maple by Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds

Fiber Used: Crescent Colours hand dyed cotton in German Chocolate

I started a new WIP last night while watching the old Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes via Netflix. I love Mr. Brett in this series and I never get tired of watching the Granada produced Sherlock Holmes.

Here is the wee bit I managed to get in before bed:

Design: Salem Witch

Designer: Lisa Roswell of The Primitive Needle

Fabric: 28 count linen in Legacy by Picture This Plus

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Old Crow.

***Stitcher's note: Stitched one strand of silk over two threads.

Well, I need bolt for the door. Lots to do before work today. Hope everyone is having a great day!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

October Quaker

2011-08-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I have managed to make a wee bit of progress on my newest WIP, albeit not very much. I am hoping to work on it some more today as we were not busy at work at all and I am not very tired. I'm really liking this color combination, although, next time I am going to have to try an opalescent instead. :)

At any rate, here's what I have so far:

Design: October Quaker from the leaflet Quaker Evens

Designer: The Workbasket

Fabric: 32 count linen in Golden Maple by Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds

Fiber Used: Crescent Colours hand dyed cotton in German Chocolate

Well, I best be off for now. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

New hand dyed fabric! :)

2011-08-09T15:46:00.000-07:00

New post over on my hand dyed blog:

Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds

TFL! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Christmas In July

2011-07-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

Managed to finish up another UFO from this year's list. Feels good to have another one done. Managed to get this one finished during a Law & Order: SVU marathon. Been on the couch since last night due to throwing my low back out. At least it gave me an excuse to lay on the couch and stitch, eh? ;)

At any rate, here's the finish:

Design: Merry Christmas from the Joyeux Noël design book

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: R& R Reproductions 30 count overdyed linen in Witches' Teeth

Fibers: Crescent Colours cotton flosses in Antique Lace, Clay Pot, Four Leaf Clover, Spinach, and Wild Berries

I am thinking about taking out the date on the right hand side. I think it make the design unbalanced, so to speak. I'll put it away for now and think about it some.

I've pulled out another one, and I hope to get it finished soon. For now, I need to get back to the couch and back to stitching. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

A Very Merry Summer finish

2011-06-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

Got another quick finish under my belt, just under the June 30 deadline. I got this last week during my usual Wednesday trip to Stitcher's Paradise. It was just as fun as the Very Merry Spring design that I stitched by the same designer, JBW Designs. I will have to look and see if she has designed ones for fall and winter, so that I can round out the seasons. :P

At any rate, enough of my blathering, onto the pictures! :D

Design: A Very Merry Summer

Designer: JBW Designs

Fabric: 28ct Carolina Linen in Salt

Fibers: Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss in 945, 4911, and 4916.

Well, I best be off. Today is my Friday, and I hope to get some more UFO's finished within the next few days. Thanks for looking and I hope everyone is having a wonderful day! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

A (French) Blue Ribbon Finish

2011-06-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

I managed to get at least one finish in for June, although, it was a new start and not a UFO like I had planned. Ah, well. These things happen, yea?

Today was my usual Wednesday trip to Stitcher's Paradise, and here is last weeks start finished today:

Design: Fleur de Lis

Designer: JBW Designs

Fabric: 32 count white Belfast linen

Fiber Used: #188 Ocean Depths by Gloriana

Errata: Stitched one thread of silk over two linen threads.

I am also taking part in the Heaven and Earth Designs message board Storykeep SAL that started the other day. I chose Treasures as it was a black and white and it kept calling my name every time I looked at it.

Design: Treasures Storykeep ***

Designer: Selina Fenech

Fabric: Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds in Bahama Breeze 18 count aida

Fibers: DMC

***Stitcher's Note: This SAL is for HAED members ONLY and as of right now it is closed. Please do not contact me asking me to share this pattern, as it is NOT for sale/trade!

Here is the design:

Here is the fabric that I dyed for it :

I am seriously contemplating ditching all of that white, because there is about 2-3,000 stitches of just plain white. Ugh. NOT looking forward to that at all! So, I decided that instead of stitching white on white, I would stitch it on a turquoise colored fabric and this is what I came up with. I am loving the color. It reminds me so much of the sea that I saw and swam in when I was in the Bahamas and that is in the Panhandle of Florida. I miss it so much. Being in the desert is really not my cup of tea!

Well, at any rate, I need to get going. Need to get some stuff done before I make dinner. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Christmas Ornaments

2011-06-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

Every crafter that I know of, of any stripe and/or caliber, has that *one* project that they want more than anything. Be it a knitter, a quilter, a cross stitcher, or a sewer, there is always that one rare project that is lusted and coveted by the crafter. There haven't been a lot of those for me (thank God!), however, there have been one or two. And yesterday, one of my quests has finally ended. I have always wanted to have the 1997 Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament issue. I didn't get it the first year that it came out (1997) as my father had died that October and all stitching in any form went out the window. By the time I got around to collecting the back issues, this one was always going for a king's ransom, and then some. However, I found an auction that had this issue listed and I decided to put in my two copper and see what happened. And this time, I won! Woohoo!!!! It came in the mail yesterday, and I spent last night with a cuppa and some lemon scones and just perused at leisure. It was a fantastic time and there are more than a few that I want to stitch out of this issue. This also means, that with the exception of this years' issue, I have all of the ornament issues, including the 10 year anniversary issue. YAY!!! Now I just need to find the UK Cross Stitch Collection Issue #101 and I will be in heaven! :)

Here are some pictures that I took:

Front Cover:

I find it ironic that the issue I missed the year my father died, is the one that shows up at the door the day before Father's Day 14 years later. Happy Father's Day, Daddy. I love you, too. :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

The French Blue Fangirl

2011-06-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

Decided to take a break yesterday from working on my HAEDs, so I picked up a new start, another one by JBW Designs. I just love her miniature motif samplers. Generally, they are monochrome and stitch up very, very quickly. After I finish this one, I am going to pick up some more UFOs from my list for the year, and get back to those. DH has been grumbling about his map, so I figure I better get on it, LOL! :)

At any rate, here is what I have done so far:

Design: Fleur de Lis

Designer: JBW Designs

Fabric: 32 count white linen, probably from Wichelt.

Fiber Used: #188 Ocean Depths by Gloriana

Errata: Stitched one thread of silk over two linen threads.

Now, for the fangirl part! :)

Alma Allen and Barb Adams of Blackbird Designs stopped in at Stitcher's Paradise this past Saturday on their road trip. I had to work, but Gina at the shop got them to sign the back of the Basket of Memories for me! I am so excited! I wish I could have been there and I'm bummed that I missed them, but I'm happy to have a signed chart by them! :)

And in other news, major congrats and big ups to The Boston Bruins for putting the smack down on the Canucks last night! While I wish it had been my beloved New Jersey Devils , Tim Thomas is an awesome goaltender and last night proved it! Congrats guys! :)

Well, at any rate, I think I've babbled on enough. Need to figure out what's for breakfast and get back to my stitching. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Order out of Chaos (Or How I Learned To Organize A HAED...And Love It!)

2011-06-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

I had some emails and some PM's on some of the message boards I frequent, asking how I organize my HAEDs. And since I had a new one come in, Silvery Moon by Jessica Galbreth, I thought I would take this opportunity to chronicle how I organize my stitching. The vast majority of my 'system' I owe to Jules of A Fairy Princess Dreams In Stitches . I figured since she was the one responsible for this HAED mess I am in, it would serve me well if I ripped of some of her organization ideas. :P

I have found that when you are dealing with a multiple page chart, with around 90 or so colors, just throwing floss in a bag and calling it a day really doesn't help. (Ask me know I know this! ;) )

First up is gathering your mats, or materials. I usually wait until I get a 20% off total purchase coupon from either Michael's or Joann's. It really helps with the savings!

Here is what I have whenever I kit up a new one:

- Trash can or garbage bag if you are tossing out your floss labels and what all. I know some folks collect them, but since I don't I generally have a small trash bag or garbage bin nearby.

- Plastic Bobbin Box . For smaller projects, you can get five bobbins in per section, so you only need one of these. I have one larger project kitted up, Cynthia , and she has 90 colors, so two boxes were needed. Make sure to get the ones with the plastic, not cardboard bobbins. The plastic ones are a LOT sturdier and you get 50 in each box to start you off. The boxes are about around $2.50 here in the US.

- Plastic thread bobbins . You may need extras of these. It never hurts to have a spare set, either, I've found. The Silvery moon SK has 50 colors, but the larger project has close to 30 some odd. Go figure! :) These will run you anywhere from .99 cents to $1.99 for about around 25 per package.

- Heaven and Earth Designs generally call for DMC six strand embroidery threads, Art. 117 for your bobbins. I know that some of the projects now call for silks, however, for this project, I am using the called for DMC. DMC here in the US is the cheapest in the world, and here we pay about around .37 cents per skein, so we here in the US are lucky. IIRC, New Zealand has the most expensive at about around $2.00 per skein. o.O

***Skip the cheapo thread winder. It does no good at all, at least for me, and I find the winding by hand to be a mindless relaxing business after I've been running around all day like a chicken with my head cut off.

- Since I am lazy and at times my handwriting is atrocious (I blame too much computer use for that!), I get a set or two of the DMC Floss Number Stickers (Article No. 6103/12) to put on the bobbins. Bold, black text on a white background and I don't ever have to guess if the 6 is actually an 8, because I was in a hurry to get it done and got sloppy with it.

- A large Single Compartment Storage Box is also nice to store the whole kit and caboodle in. It keeps your project clean and cuts down on kitteh and/or goggie hair. :)

- Office Depot offers copy and print services, in addition to lamination. Since this particular chart was sent as a hard copy, I went to have ONE, repeat ONE, working copy made, so that I can mark off the chart as I go along. This is an absolute necessity, IMO, as some of the colors are so, so close together, and as I discovered to my dismay when I first started Rhiannon , speed will get you nowhere, and fast. I get the floss key laminated for $1.50 and to me it's worth it. I'm gonna be using it for a long, long time and as is the way of things, things can and do happen. I would hate for water or chocolate or what have you get spilled on it or it get torn or whatever. Getting it laminated is strictly optional, but I've decided that it's better to be safe than sorry. :)

Here is the current floss key, all laminated and ready to go! :

Here is what my bobbin box generally looks like on the outside. I have Office Depot make a color copy of the first page with the design on it, so I can tape it to the outside of the bobbin box that I am using. Nothing is more annoying than to open a bobbin box, behold the shiny, pretty colors and then say aloud, "What is *this* for?!!!" Ask me how I know this. :P

Next up, it't time to line up the bobbins with the floss. Before I begin winding, I generally put the DMC Floss Number Stickers (Article No. 6103/12) on the bobbins, and then put everything in numerical order, just like the floss key has it listed:

And since hand winding can be a bit boring, I suggest doing this whilst watching a movie or your favorite TV shows. Today I chose The Fifth Element. LeeLoo Dallas Multipass!

And finally, after all the winding, here is what you have to show for your efforts:

Well, I hope this explains the methods to my madness. I have found that this system really works for me and it's helped keep me on track.

Well, I am off for now. Got some things to do and I need to decide what's for dinner tonight. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

And yet even more organizing...

2011-06-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

On Monday of this week, I managed to injure myself at work by burning my thumbs, a tiny portion of the palm of my left hand and the middle finger of my left hand on a hot towel cabinet that someone had left on overnight. Massage therapy is not without its hazards, it seems. As consequence, I did go to the doctor and get some prescription burn cream and my hands are doing a lot better. I had yesterday and now today off, as the doctor was worried about an increased risk of infection, due to my middle finger not healing up as fast as the other sites did. I have not been able to stitch much, however, this bump in the road has given me a chance to get my HAED's organized and kit up a few more. Before I burned myself, I managed to get a bit more done on Rhiannon and start a new one.

Here's what I have so far:

Rhiannon:

Design: All Hallow's Eve

Designer: Heaven and Earth Designs for Jessica Galbreath

Fabric 18 count aida in Antique White

Fibers: DMC

Here is what it's supposed to look like, eight pages of solid stitching later:

Here is what I have so far:

WIP #2 Shimmering Night:

Design: Shimmering Night

Designer: Heaven and Earth Designs for Ching-Chou Kuik

Fabric: 18 count aida in Antique White

Fibers: DMC

Here is what it's supposed to look like, fifteen pages of solid stitching later:

Here is what I managed to get in, prior to hurting myself:

I am loving the colors in this one and it's providing a nice contrast to Rhiannon. I also need to come up with a name for her, but I will let her choose, the same way my first one did :P~. This downtime will also allow me to get Silver Moon Storykeep kitted up. There was a member only coupon on the HAED message board over the Memorial Day weekend and I snagged this one as a small treat. She's really, really pretty and only has about 25 colors, LOL! :)

Well, I best be off. I need to study for my CEC test and get some breakfast. Hope everyone is having a good week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Rhiannon's Progression

2011-05-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

Had two days off of stitchy goodness, woohoo! On Sundays, I try to have all of the housework completed (laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting, tidying up) and all errands run by no later than Monday, which is my Friday. I do this so that I can spend my two precious days off doing whatever it is I want, which is generally stitching. I laid on the couch Tuesday watching the entire Matrix dvd collection and stitching. Wednesday was my usual Wednesday trip to Stitcher's Paradise. Had a blast there getting caught up with The Girls and stitching until my fingers and eyes started to hurt. :)

At any rate, here is what I managed to get completed in two days:

Design: All Hallow's Eve

Designer: Heaven and Earth Designs for Jessica Galbreath

Fabric 18 count aida in Antique White

Fibers: DMC

Here is what it's supposed to look like, eight pages of solid stitching later:

Here is what I have so far:

I've got a fair amount done, considering how intensive the stitching is. I am going to have to find some other less taxing projects to do. I think I need a break from this one already. When I got home last night from Stitcher's Paradise I had quite the raging headache, so I didn't stitch any at all last night, which was a bummer. I am really enjoying this piece and I am having loads of fun with it, however, it is very intensive and it's sort of like running a marathon. Proper pacing procedures must be followed! LOL!

At any rate, I need to bolt for the door. Need to finish getting ready for work. Have a good day all! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

All Hallow's Eve update

2011-05-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

Managed to get a bit of work done on Rhiannon, but as of right now, it still looks like a grey blob :P~. I'm pacing myself a lot more this go around and I am not making any mistakes (knock on wood!). This particular piece is going to be a process, and there's no need in rushing. In some cases, I'm stitching it literally in a 10 x 10 square, just to make sure that all my ducks are in a row. Right now I'm in the lovely outer borders where there is plenty of solid block stitching, so it's not *too* bad. I will however, have to get used to doing that when I get to the confetti stitching in the middle of the piece.

Design: All Hallow's Eve

Designer: Heaven and Earth Designs for Jessica Galbreath

Fabric 18 count aida in Antique White

Fibers: DMC

Here is what it's supposed to look like, eight pages of solid stitching later:

Here is what I have so far:

I have found yet another pattern that I want in addition to Cynthia on the Heaven and Earth Designs website. This one is called Shimmering Night and it is a fundraiser for Japan. The artwork is by Ching-Chou Kuik and it is listed as a Quick Stitch. DH says I can get both when we get paid, woohoo! I will have to come up with a name for her. :)

At any rate, here she is:

Tomorrow is my usual Wednesday trip to Stitcher's Paradise and I can't wait. I so missed going!

I must bolt for the door, right now, however. Breakfast and a stitching marathon await me. This time it's The Matrix trilogy. Fun! :D

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Advice from a Caterpillar

2011-05-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

Continuing with the Alice in Wonderland theme, I can tell this project is going to be huge in more ways than one. Yesterday, I forewent my usual Wednesday trip to Stitcher's Paradise as I wasn't feeling too hot, and I decided to stay home and stitch instead. Well, it turns out that I had found a mistake and that had to be frogged. Then I got oh, so hopelessly lost! I literally could not tell when one thread was tied off and another began. So, I ripped everything out and literally started over from scratch. I had Teh Hubmeister print out the first page again and I started that over fresh all over again as well.

It seems to have worked, as I have been stitching merrily away ever since, with nary an issue. Here are some lessons I have learned so far:

1. SLOW DOWN. Really, you would think this one would be a no brainer, but apparently, insofar as I am concerned, this is not the case. I think one of the issues I was having was that I was trying to rip through this piece, trying to break the sound barrier, and this is where I got lost and consequently in a fit of pique, ripped everything out and started all over again. (PMS played a part in that decision in no small measure as well, I'm sure! :P)

2. Print out the master floss list. Trying to work off of the Droid phone, while convenient, will not get you all of the supplies you need. And with 68 colors of floss, you're lucky you only had to go back to Hobby Lobby for only five!

3. Make sure you like the colors of the project. This is very, very important. You will be staring at these same shades of brown and grey for a really, really, REALLY long time. Jules would tell you to just start another one, but I want to see if I can get through this one first! :P

4. A support group is a must. Yes, this is one stitch at a time, but it can be overwhelming and frustrating and encouragement and sympathy go a long way in helping the process along!

5. Good lighting is a must. You have to see what it is you are stitching, and you have to be able to see to read the chart!

6. If you give the piece a name, make sure you pick the right one. As God as my witness, I had originally intended to call this one Morrigan, then I changed it to Elizabeth. Oddly enough, the Fleetwood Mac song Rhiannon kept playing over and over in my head and this time the name stuck. If I were paranoid, I'd say I had such issues with her because she didn't like the names I had chosen and wanted to be Rhiannon! o.o

At any rate, here is the reboot:

Design: All Hallow's Eve

Designer: Heaven and Earth Designs for Jessica Galbreath

Fabric 18 count aida in Antique White

Fibers: DMC

Here is what it's supposed to look like, eight pages of solid stitching later:

Here is what I have so far:

Close up of what's been done:

If I manage to make it through this project with my sanity in tact, I have picked out my first purchase from HAED. Her name is Cynthia and the artwork is by Ching-Chu Kuik. I LOVE the colors in this one and I think she'd look gorgeous on an opalescent fabric:

I will leave you all now with some Fleetwood Mac and the hope that you all are having a good day today! :)

Respectfully submitted,

C. (Alice I have been....)

Getting Organized

2011-05-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

Don't have much of an update as I've been busier than a one legged man at an ass kicking contest at work and I really needed to get all the floss for my All Hallow's Eve HAED. I took some more pages out of Jules' book and went to Michael's armed with a 20% off total purchase coupon to purchase a thread case, some plastic bobbins, thread color labels and of course, DMC. I also went to Office Depot to get the floss key laminated. Why did I do this? Well, this is a big ol' honkin' project and the floss key will get used quite a bit. I don't really want to have to keep printing out the same floss key page, and this way it won't get torn up. And as a special added bonus, it cost only a 1.50 to have it laminated. Yay!

I also joined the Heaven and Earth Designs message board last night, so you may find me posting there as well. I've read up on a ton of info so far and there is a lot of inspiration to be had there as well! :)

At any rate, here is what constitutes as organization in my world:

Design: All Hallow's Eve

Designer: Heaven and Earth Designs for Jessica Galbreath

Fabric 18 count aida in Antique White

Fibers: DMC

Well, I must be off. I have today off and I really want to get on the couch and veg with some stitching. Hope everyone is having a good week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Down the rabbit hole...

2011-05-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

Alice Kingsley: This is impossible.
The Mad Hatter: Only if you believe it is.

This latest start I am placing the blame squarely at the feet of Jules of A Fairy Princess Dreams In Stitches fame. She is an AVID Heaven and Earth Designs stitcher and she has right now about three in rotation, IIRC. So, due her her evil influence, yesterday, whilst guilessly plugging away at my Joy of Christmas UFO while I was at Stitcher's Paradise, I had to get up and take a break. I found myself in the fabric room looking at 18 count antique white aida . I had a clear picture of the design I wanted to do, but also what fabric I wanted to do it in. So, with Jule's and Cheryl's ~~enabling~~ encouragement, I found myself purchasing a quarter yard of the 18 count antique white aida and getting organized in my head what I wanted to do.

This has been an adventure so far, as when I got home, I realized that NONE of my DMC is of the same dye lot, let alone I did not have all the colors. 10,000 skeins of this crap and NONE of it matches, and that's WITH the stuff I have?! Arrrrggggghhhh!!! Thank God for Michael's with their current coupon for 20% off your total purchase!

At any rate, here is what I have so far. I have named her Elizabeth.

Design: All Hallow's Eve

Designer: Heaven and Earth Designs for Jessica Galbreath

Fabric 18 count aida in Antique White

Fibers: DMC

Here is what it's supposed to look like, eight pages of solid stitching later:

I was furiously texting Ms. Jules last night letting her know that I have now thoroughly taken a leave of my senses and was starting this thing last night and about losing the 'muchness' of life. I can picture her, in her chair with Alternative Reality in hand, smiling like the Cheshire Cat.

To which I say, Ches, you dog! :D

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Another one bites the dust

2011-05-11T16:32:00.000-07:00

Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone, and another one gone
Another one bites the dust
Hey, I'm gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust...

Managed to finish up another UFO today while obtaining my ubiquitous Wednesday stitching fix today at Stitcher's Paradise. I was really glad to get this one finished, as I was getting a bit of 'Design Fatigue'. I can't figure out why, as it's a nice design and it finished up quickly. They only thing I can say is that I'm peckish today and it's just mood. :P

At any rate, on with the show!

Design: Joy of Christmas from the August 2009 issue of Just Cross Stitch

Designer: My Big Toe

Fabric: 14 count Aida in Ivory

Fiber used: Access Commodities Soie d'Alger in #2936 Dusty Rose Very Dark.

Well, I best be off. The Hubmeister and myself have some running around to do and I need to go by Michael's for some supplies. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Flexing my stitching muscles

2011-05-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

Since my Bunny's Bloom post, I've been thinking about trying out a smaller count fabric. Working something small and fairly uncomplicated gave me the courage to try. It was nice knowing that I wasn't tied down to some horribly huge piece that was going to take months to finish. Today, while obtaining my ubiquitous Wednesday stitching fix at Stitcher's Paradise, I picked up a tiny monochrome design by Kelmscott Designs, a Miniature Monogram Hornbook-Margin Marker. I decided to stitch it on a 36 count to see how it went. I had to take frequent breaks and I now have a mild headache, however, I managed to get it completed in one sitting:

Design: Miniature Monogram Hornbook-Margin Marker

Designer: Kelmscott Designs

Fabric: 36 count Edinburgh linen by Stitches and Spice in Wintered Marble Opalescent

Fiber: Access Commodities Soie d'Alger #5116 Antique Violet Very Dark

Stitcher's Notes: Stitched one strand of floss over two linen threads. Hornbook and trim included in kit.

Well, I best be off. I have some things to do before work tomorrow. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

A Bunny's Bloom Challenge

2011-04-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, before I had my Wednesday stitching fix at Stitcher's Paradise, I came across the cutest design whilst on walkabout on the internet and really fell in love with it the moment I saw it. During the course of the day while stitching, I get up and wander around, as I tend to get stiff when I sit for too long. (I blame it on a job where I am constantly moving around). I found this wee bit of a thing in the shop and bought it, plus the fabric and threads on the spot. I started it right after I finished the Downton Abbey piece. It was a bit of a challenge, as this was my first piece on something that had this tiny count of fabric. I usually stick to my 14/28 counts, venturing only into 32 counts only rarely, although, I have been stitching 32 a bit more here lately. I decided on the 34 as the holes were big enough for me to see and the color, while still the palest of browns, made the colors called for pop. (I am currently on a 'No Stitching On Brown Fabric' kick. I realized a while back that EVERYTHING I was stitching on was some shade of brown and I really needed a break!).

I managed to finish this last night whilst watching my beloved Hercule Poirot putting the smack down on 1930's criminals. Smashing!

At any rate, enough of my blathering...on with the show! :)

Design: Bunny's Bloom

Designer: The Primitive Jewel

Fabric: 34 count Oaten Scone by Access Commodities

Fibers: Weeks Dye Works in 1232-Palomino, 2200-Kudzu, and 2282-Charlotte's Pink

Well, I best be off. Breakfast is calling!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Downton Abbey finish

2011-04-27T15:43:00.000-07:00

I do not know about anyone else, but I am COMPLETELY and totally enthralled with Downton Abbey. I recently watched it via Netflix with their online streaming service and I couldn't stitch during it, as it was so good. I was sad that it ended and went online to PBS's online store and ordered it immediately and it came in the mail on Monday. I decided to stitch a freebie that I found online to commemorate the series. I am also thinking about getting out the pen and paper and making my own sampler when the second season comes out. I'm hoping it's soon, as this series is awesome and I really don't have any patience, LOL! :)

At any rate, here's what I started last night and finished today at my Wednesday stitching at Stitcher's Paradise today:

Design: Downton Abbey

Designer: Tanya Marie Anderson The Sampler Girl

Fabric: 32 count antique white linen of unknown manufacturer

Fibers: Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss in 1425, 1844 and 2934

Accouterments: Crown and Key brass charms from By Jupiter!

Errata: Stitched one silk thread over two linen threads due to thickness of the silk.

Well, I best be off. Need to put some stuff up and get ready for dinner tonight. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Spring Cleaning

2011-04-26T17:26:00.001-07:00

Hot off the Q-snaps is my latest UFO finish, Little House Needleworks' Season of Growth . This makes the third UFO (and probably final) finish for this month. I have another UFO that I've been working on off and on. It's slow going on account of it being DMC's B5200 on white Monaco. It's total Snoresville, however, I am making some progress and I hope to finish it soon.

Design: Season of Growth

Designer: Diane Williams for Little House Needleworks

Fabric: 28 count Graziano Milan linen in white from Norden Crafts

Fibers: DMC Embroidery Floss Art 117 in 150, 433, 434, 712, 793, 930, 931, 3032, 3051, 3052, 3721 and 3790

Stitcher's notes: Substituted DMC 150 for the called for 3051in the words Summer, June, July and August.

Now that I took a bit of time to organize my stash, my organizing has taken a life of its own and has spilled out into the house on onto the computer. I've organized links and favorites on the computer, got rid of outdated links or places I no longer go to and have even cleaned out my junk mail address of unwanted newsletters and emails. It feels good to have extraneous junk taken care of and I am finding other places that still need a wee bit of organizing. (My desk being one, LOL! :P).

Well, I need to go. Tomorrow is my my Wednesday stitching at Stitcher's Paradise and I need to get another UFO in the bag and clean up the threads and put away the Season of Growth chart. Until next time, stay stitching my friends! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Another WIP finished!

2011-04-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! I'm on a roll here! Got to go today to my Wednesday stitching at Stitcher's Paradise and managed to finish up Let's Go To The Beach. I am so excited! I even got to work on the next project in my bag, Little House Needleworks' Season of Growth . I'm going to wait until I have a bit more done until I post up pictures, however, I did make a color change and I am stitching it on the same 28 count Graziano Milan linen in white from Norden Crafts .

At any rate, here's the JBW finish:

Design: Let's Go To The Beach

Designer: Designer: Judy Whitman for JBW Designs

Fabric: 28 count Graziano Milan linen in white from Norden Crafts

Fibers: DMC Embroidery Floss Art 117 in 150, 159, 160, 161, 336, 435, and 3855

Errata: Design featured in the July 2009 issue of Cross Stitch and Needlework magazine .

Well, I best be off. Dinner's not gonna cook itself, LOL! :) Hope everyone is having a good week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

The first of the UFO finishes!

2011-04-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

Woohoo!!!! The first of the list was completed last night and I am so excited about it! I have started another UFO and can't wait to finish that one as well. :)

At any rate, here's what I have finished:

Design: Cherries , chart #115

Designer: Judy Whitman for JBW Designs

Fabric: 28 count Graziano Milan linen in white from Norden Crafts

Fibers: DMC Embroidery Floss Art 117 in 523, 935, 963, 3363, 3685, and 3688.

I've also picked 'Let's Go To The Beach' by JBW Designs again. Here is what I have so far:

Design: Let's Go To The Beach

Designer: Designer: Judy Whitman for JBW Designs

Fabric: 28 count Graziano Milan linen in white from Norden Crafts

Fibers: DMC Embroidery Floss Art 117 in 150, 159, 160, 161, 336, 435, and 3855

Errata: Design featured in the July 2009 issue of Cross Stitch and Needlework magazine .

Well, I am off to go watch TV and do some more stitching. This staycation so far has been awesome. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Thrice I know my ABC's...

2011-04-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

Got to go today to my Wednesday stitching at Stitcher's Paradise and managed to finish up Now I Know My ABC's by Blackbird Designs. This is the third time I've stitched it, and it never gets old. I am thinking about doing it four more times, once for each season and hanging them up during the appropriate season. I need to find some good charms to put in two of the spots on the sampler, but the stitching is finished. As for now, it get put away so that I may stitch on some UFO's, as I am sadly lacking in stitching up any of them, as I had planned to do in my 2010 Year In Review post. Since it is nice and warm out today, I think I am going to get out JBW's Cherries and finish it up first.

At any rate, here is the latest finish:

Design: Now I Know My ABC's

Designer: Barb Adams for Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 32 count linen in cream. Manufacturer unknown.

Fiber: Gloriana Threads in 079- Monet's Pond

While at Stitcher's Paradise today, I purchased one of the Kelmscott Designs thread winders in a butterfly shape. I also snagged the Evergreen Lane chart by Blackbird Designs . It's the 11th chart in the Anniversaries of the Heart series. The next one should be out soon, and then I will have them all. Yipee!!

Well, I best be off. Dinner is on the stove! Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

The third time is a charm?

2011-04-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

I started Blackbird Designs freebie Now I Know My ABC's for the third time this past Sunday and while I am enjoying this easy stitch, the floss has me swearing like a sailor on a three day pass in Hong Kong.

This isn't a very good picture, but you can see what I'm talking about:

See that big kink? That's where the floss was knotted to keep it on the card. I mean *really*?! That is a LOT of floss to just snip off willy nilly. And the kinking up! OH. MY. GAWD.

This is what it looks like when you purchase it on the skein, prior to you carefully unpicking that knot to be able to use ALL of the floss that you just laid out almost 10 bucks for:

Yea, it looks nice, however, when you go to cut off a length to stitch with it, it literally folds back up on itself. I have tried to keep the lengths short, to minimize this, but it's the equivalent to shouting at the gale. Does one no good at all. The only way I know how to make it behave is to wet it down. When I go tomorrow to Stitcher's Paradise, I am going to have to pony up for one of those fancy Kelmscott Designs thread winders to try and help keep the floss straightened out. I mean, as my UK stitching sisters say, in for a penny, in for a pound, yea?

At any rate, here's what I have so far:

Design: Now I Know My ABC's

Designer: Barb Adams for Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 32 count linen in cream. Manufacturer unknown.

Fiber: Gloriana Threads in 079- Monet's Pond

Well, I best get my old cranky lady self going. Have to take DH to the doctor this morning about his leg and then I get to come home and nap and stitch for the next five days. Woohoo! I managed to get all of my chores completed, including the stash organization project I had created for myself. I'll blog about that next post! :)

Hope everyone has a Happy Tuesday! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Basket of Memories finish!

2011-04-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

Managed to finish Basket of Memories last night. It was a nice, quick finish and I really do like the way it turned out:

Design: Basket of Memories - Reward of Merit Pincushion

Designer: Barb Adams for Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 30 count linen by Wichelt Imports in Ivory (DMC equivalent to 712)

Fiber: Simply Shaker thread by Gentle Art Sampler Threads in Aged Pewter

Accoutrement: Mill Hill seed beads

I started Blackbird Designs freebie Now I Know My ABC's again. I wanted to try out Gloriana Threads and figured this miniature sampler was perfect for it. I've stitched it twice before and while I like the color I chose, 079 - Monet's Pond, there are a few things I am not liking about using the threads. I will start with the fact that it is twisted all to hell and gone on the skein, which makes separating the strands a right Royal pain in the ass. Also, they knot the floss about 3 inches from the end onto the card and I'm sorry, at 8 bucks a skein now, I am most certainly NOT going to just snip that right off!

Quick picture of the Monet's Pond:

I am stitching the sampler on a 32 count cream linen and it's turning out really pretty so far. I will try and post a picture when I've stitched some more.

Well, I hate to post and run, but I've got to bolt for the door. Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

A Basket of Memories and Spring Cleaning

2011-04-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

I have been making some progress with Basket of Memories. I have also decided when I take my mini vacation starting this coming Tuesday, I am going to have a different type of project to work on. I am going to be organizing my stash and organizing WIPs and UFOs. Lists will be made and everything is going to be cataloged and recorded. I have already begun the process, and I am starting to feel better about things already. I need to get some labels for my bins, as things as just scattered willy nilly and this will just simply not do. It took me forever to find something the other day and really, I could use the time to be stitching! I've also taken the time to go through bookmarks on my computer that I no longer go to and to even trim down the amount of time I am spending on Facebook and message boards. I'm not quite ready to fully eschew the internet altogether as some folks I know of, however, I do understand about wanting to spend more time participating in life rather than just reading about other people doing just that! :)

At any rate, here is what I have so far on Basket of Memories:

Design: Basket of Memories - Reward of Merit Pincushion

Designer: Barb Adams for Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 30 count linen by Wichelt Imports in Ivory (DMC equivalent to 712)

Fiber: Simply Shaker thread by Gentle Art Sampler Threads in Aged Pewter

I need to bolt for now. Gotta finish getting ready for work and all. No bees, no honey...no work no money! Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Basket of Memories WIP

2011-04-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, while at Stitcher's Paradise for my weekly stitching group, I wasn't feeling well and didn't feel like stitching anything I had brought with me. It was horribly overcast and the wind was kicking up the dust like something awful, running riot all over my sinuses. So, I figured it was time for something in a monochrome. I didn't have one to stitch with me, however, I am going to pack one into my stitching bag, so that if this happens again, I am better prepared. (Lord knows I have enough, LOL!).

I wound up purchasing another Blackbird Designs chart. Shocking I know! I managed to get a fair bit done. I suppose it was a good thing I felt kinda crappy as I am kinda tired of stitching on brown fabric. :)

At any rate, here is what I have so far:

Design: Basket of Memories - Reward of Merit Pincushion

Designer: Barb Adams for Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 30 count linen by Wichelt Imports in Ivory (DMC equivalent to 712)

Fiber: Simply Shaker thread by Gentle Art Sampler Threads in Aged Pewter

Well, I best be off. Today is my Monday and I have some chores to do before work. Hope everyone is having a good week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

A Very Spring finish

2011-04-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

Hot off the Q-snap's is the JBW Designs project that I was working on. I like how it turned out. I have enough floss left over to stitch it again, maybe with a DMC B5200 for the bunnies and the ribbon. For now, the chart gets put away until I stitch it again.

Design: A Very Merry Spring

Designer: JBW Designs

Fabric: 28 count raw linen by Zweigart

Fibers: Kara's Quilt by SanMan Strands (discontinued floss line)

Well, I'm off to go get another project to work on. Tomorrow is my Wednesday stitching group at Stitcher's Paradise and I will be working on the BBD Moon Garden I think. Hope everyone is having a good week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

A Very Merry Spring!

2011-04-02T07:21:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post before I have to bolt for the door to go into work. I wanted something quick and springy to stitch on so I pulled this out of my stash. I think the floss goes perfect with it!

Design: A Very Merry Spring

Designer: JBW Designs

Fabric: 28 count raw linen by Zweigart

Fibers: Kara's Quilt by SanMan Strands (discontinued floss line)

Well, I hate to post and run, but I gotta go. Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Summer Iris finished!

2011-03-30T16:39:00.001-07:00

Woohoo! Go me! FINALLY got a finish under my belt and boy, does it feel good! I managed to finish the Summer Iris and started on the Blackbird Designs Moon Garden. I managed to find a really nice copy in almost perfect condition, for a VERY reasonable price. The stitching is going so QUICKLY and I am looking forward to stitching it at least once more once it's completed! :)

At any rate, on with the pictures! :D

Design: Summer Iris

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 28 Ct. Legacy Cashel Linen by Picture This Plus

Fibers: Crescent Colours Cappuccino, Weeks Dye Works in Dove, Fawn and Rum Raisin, and Gentle Art Sampler Threads in Grecian Gold.

Now, for the WIPS:

WIP #1:

Design: Pink Flower

Designer: The Workbasket

Fabric: 28 Ct. Legacy Cashel Linen by Picture This Plus

Fibers: Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silks in Collard Greens, Fern Frond, Rosebud and Rose of Sharon

WIP #2:

Design: Moon Garden

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: Picture This Plus 28 count Lugana in Lupine

Fibers: The Gentle Art Sampler Threads in Avocado, Buttermilk, Cameo Pink, Highland Heather and Willow

I had an awesome stitching day today and I am hoping for another one real soon :). It was such a joy to just sit and chat with the ladies at Stitcher's Paradise. I always have such a good time going to the weekly stitch in. It's treasured time and I always look forward to the next week. :)

Well, I best be off. I have some chores to do before The Hubmeister and myself go to dinner and then shopping. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! :)

Respectfully submitted,

C.

Inside the stitcher's studio

2011-03-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

Whilst on an internet walkabout, I came across a post on the Craft Corps website titled, Inside the Crafter's Studio . I, also, am a huge fan of James Lipton's Inside the Actor's Studio , with the Robin Williams episode being the stuff of legends and my favorite ever episode, other than the one that Sally Field did where she dropped the MF bomb :D.

If you are unfamiliar with the show, Inside the Actors Studio is a series on the Bravo cable television channel, hosted by James Lipton. The show deliberately uses a slower pace in the interviews as compared with a typical celebrity interview, thus cameras usually record a couple of hours' of conversation, later edited to an hour, a trick used by Groucho Marx on his 1950s quiz show You Bet Your Life. (The Robin Williams episode actually ran for over FIVE hours and one lady laughed so hard and for so long, she was rushed to a nearby hospital with a hernia! O.O).

While most of the show is a one-on-one interview conducted by Lipton, this is followed by the host submitting a questionnaire to the guest. The questionnaire concept was originated by French television personality Bernard Pivot, after the Proust Questionnaire . The ten questions Lipton asks are:

What is your favorite word?
What is your least favorite word?
What turns you on?
What turns you off?
What sound or noise do you love?
What sound or noise do you hate?
What is your favorite curse word?
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
What profession would you not like to do?
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

Since I really do not have much of an update (but I'm posting pictures anyway! :P), I thought I would do a stitcher's version of the same questionnaire (with my own answers, of course! :P):

1. What is your favorite stitching word? Finish. :)

2. What is your least favorite word? UFO.

3. What stitching related thing turns you on? Silks

4. What stitching related thing turns you off? The Frog. (Rip it, rip it!)

5. What stitching sound or noise do you love? The sound the floss makes when it's going through the fabric.

6. What stitching sound or noise do you hate? The sound of things crashing down when I have become so disorganized, because I let things slide.

7. What is your favorite curse word? The f bomb, natch. :)

8. What stitching related profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Designer.

9. What stitching related profession would you not like to do? Distribution of charts.

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Your stitching room is over here. Your family is waiting on you! :)

Here is my update of Summer Iris. Somehow or another, I've managed to become a stitch off somewhere and I cannot find it. So, instead of fighting with it or frogging it altogether, I'm just rolling with it and tweaking it here and there. It won't look *exactly like* the picture, but since when have I ever cared about that? :P

At any rate, on with the show! :)

Design: Summer Iris

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 28 Ct. Legacy Cashel Linen by Picture This Plus

Fibers: Crescent Colours Cappuccino, Weeks Dye Works in Dove, Fawn and Rum Raisin, and Gentle Art Sampler Threads in Grecian Gold.

Here is my new ORT holder. I purchased it last night at Hobby Lobby . It was originally $1.99, but it was 40% off all of their Easter stuff. I try to have my ORT holders in seasonal designs. I will post the others that I have as the seasons change.

Well, I need to bolt for the door. I want to get some stitching in before Teh Hubmeister takes me to Memphis Championship BBQ for my birthday lunch. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

WIPapalooza

2011-03-09T16:53:00.000-08:00

I have finished exactly nothing. At this juncture, I am seriously considering ditching my New Year's resolution to finish the 25 projects I had set aside and just start over come January. Work has been crazy and for whatever reason, my migraines have returned. I do not know what's causing it. However, I *do* know my boss was upset that the second time that I got one, I called out. I replied that I had called out because the *last* time I had a migraine and I was at work, instead of sending me home, I got booked 6 hours of massage. Really?!

At any rate, what all of this means is that my stitching time has seriously been curtailed. I work too much and come home too tired to do anything more than cook a simple meal for me and The Hubmeister, then off to bed to read for a bit, eventually passing out with a book on my face. I managed to put a bit in the Love Happens photobooth and start two more. I seems to be unable to shake the Blackbird Designs addiction, and after the last Nashville Needlework Show , I'm even more in the dumper. I purchased more than I should have and while I should probably feel guilty about it, I really don't! Their new book, A Stitcher's Journey is particularly beautiful and I cannot WAIT to get started on something from the book.

At any rate, here is what I have so far on the Love Happens photobooth:

Design: Love Happens photobooth

Designer: Bent Creek

Fabric: 32 count raw linen as provided in the kit

Fibers: DMC Six Strand Embroidery Floss Art. 117

Here is the Blackbird Designs that I am working on:

Design: Summer Iris

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 28 Ct. Legacy Cashel Linen by Picture This Plus

Fibers: Crescent Colours Cappuccino, Weeks Dye Works in Dove, Fawn and Rum Raisin, and Gentle Art Sampler Threads in Grecian Gold.

Here is the other project that I am sloooooooooooowly working on:

Design: Pink Flower

Designer: The Workbasket

Fabric: 28 Ct. Legacy Cashel Linen by Picture This Plus

Fibers: Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silks in Collard Greens, Fern Frond, Rosebud and Rose of Sharon

Well, I am off to make dinner. Having marinated chicken, twice cooked potatoes with garlic and onions with carrots on the side. Can't wait! :)

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! :)

Respectfully submitted,

C.

Love and Hubris

2011-02-15T17:04:00.000-08:00

It must be written into the genetic make-up of a stitcher, that no matter what time constraints that may be presented to said stitcher, they are immediately dismissed with a pert 'No problem!' and a smile. Only 2 weeks until Valentine's Day? It's your wedding anniversary? You need something to commemorate the event? No problem :D!

Such is the case when I took it upon myself to stitch something for myself and Teh Hubmeister to celebrate our second wedding anniversary yesterday. I had chosen a cute little kit that I was *POSITIVE* that I was going to get done in time. Riiiiiiiii-iiiiiiggggggggggggttttt! What I didn't take into account that Teh Hubmeister and I would be moving on February 1 and how busy I would be at work. Ah, well! I did give it the old college try! :D

At any rate, here is what I have so far:

Design: Love Happens photobooth

Designer: Bent Creek

Fabric: 32 count raw linen as provided in the kit

Fibers: DMC Six Strand Embroidery Floss Art. 117

Teh Hubmeister loves what I have done so far. I gave it to him yesterday, as is, as this wedding anniversary was a bit lean on gifts as we moved into our first home together at the first of the month. I am going to my weekly stitch in at Stitcher's Paradise tomorrow and this is the only project I am taking with me. I have several Blackbird Designs charts that are calling my name, however, in vain am I fighting off their siren song. So far I am winning, however, there is new 28 count Picture This Plus linen in Legacy and new Crescent Colours Belle Soie silks that I have set aside for said Blackbird charts and it's getting quite difficult! :)

Well, I am off for now. Have things to do before DH and I have dinner. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Last update for January

2011-01-31T07:40:00.000-08:00

Not gonna finish this one in time, as I have to go to work today and tomorrow is moving day. Yippee!!! DH and I are moving across town and it's just gonna be the two of us!! I'm so excited!!

At any rate, this is what I have so far. It's not much, but it's a start! :)

Design: Peacock Needlebook from the Peacock Pinkeep Loose Feathers leaflet #35

Designer: Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 28 count Jobelan in Queen Anne's Lace

Fiber: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Old Crow and Tulip

Well, I best go for now. Got tons to do and not enough time to do it all. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Cupcakes made of wood

2011-01-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

Haven't stitched a whole lot since last week, as I have apparently become sick. It's inevitable, given the season. I am hoping to be able to stitch some today. I am forgoing my usual trip to Stitcher's Paradise, as I do not want to get the ladies sick.

Last week, I purchased this cute little pincushion at Stitcher's Paradise during my weekly stitch in. It's by Blackbird Designs and I love it. The design originally called for Gentle Arts Antique Rose and Weeks Dye Works Baked Apple threads on 30 count St. Valentine's Blend fabric by R & R Reproductions. I decided to use what I had in my stash instead. Here is my version of it:

Design: Cupcake

Designer: Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 28 count Jobelan in Queen Anne's Lace

Fiber: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Tulip

Top of cupcake:

Side view:

I am now wanting to stitch a workbox in the same manner as my SanMan Originals workbox to go with the pincushion. I am torn between their Loose Feathers #35, Peacock Pinkeep, the Loose Feather #14 design, Summer House, or something out of the Honeysuckle Manor book, which I seem to be favoring, at the moment.

Well, at any rate, I best get some breakfast. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week. Stay healthy! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Burning the midnight oil

2011-01-17T08:38:00.000-08:00

Came home from work last night so tired I could barely hold my head up, however, I had not stitched in a few days and I really just wanted to chill out for a bit and stitch. My hands hurt like the devil but I thought that working my hands in a different manner would help with the soreness and fatigue. I was right! :P

At any rate, I managed to get my Stitcher's Companion finished. I loved stitching this one and I really do like the way it turned out:

Design: A Stitcher's Companion from the book Honeysuckle Manor (page 23)

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 28 count Picture This Plus linen in Legacy

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Old Crow

Well, I need to bolt for the door. Today is my Friday and all my chores are done for the weekend so I can sit around and stitch all weekend. Wahoo!! Stitcher's Paradise here I come! :D

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

A Stitcher's Companion

2011-01-13T15:37:00.000-08:00

Got some bad news about my only sibling's health the other day and knew that I needed to calm myself down and the best way to do that is with stitching. Unfortunately, my thoughts were too scattered to concentrate much, so I grabbed a one color mini sampler to stitch on, and so far it's worked.

Here's what I have so far:

Design: A Stitcher's Companion from the book Honeysuckle Manor (page 23)

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 28 count Picture This Plus linen in Legacy

Fiber: Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Old Crow

Not bad for only stitching on it two days :P. I got to go to my weekly stitch in at Stitcher's Paradise and that helped a great deal. I absolutely adore the ladies there and finally feel like I am making friends here. I can't wait for next Wednesday! :D

Well, I need to bolt for now. Got some stuff I need to do before I can stitch some more. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

My Home threadkeep

2011-01-10T08:15:00.000-08:00

Been working too much here lately to get any real stitching done, however, today is my Friday, which means it's my weekend and Wednesday will be the weekly trek to Stitcher's Paradise for the Wednesday stitch-in. I so look forward to this time, as it's really the only time I can relax and enjoy the company of other stitchers. :)

At any rate, late last night I managed to get the My Home project finished into something other than a frame. I love the way this turned out and I have another BBD alphabet I am doing to make another one. I have my SMO workbox that I made, and I'm thinking I need a BBD one as well. Did I just feel my New Year's resolutions go out the door? LOL!

At any rate, here's the finished product:

Design: My Home design from the Loose Feathers Leaflet #38

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 28 count linen in French Lace (DMC equivalent to 3024~ paler) by Wichelt

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silks in Cranberry, Elegant Eggplant, Ivy League, Shale, Sweet Lavender, and Vanilla Pudding.

Specialty stitches: Algerian Eyelet, Over One, and Satin Stitch

Notes: Alphabet taken from the Blackbird Designs book Honeysuckle Manor . There was no rhyme or reason on the placement of the letters and numbers. It was done merely on whim. :)

Wooden Base: HL #557868 by Plaid Enterprises for Hobby Lobby

Paint: Anita's metallic craft paint in 11202 Amethyst

Binder Rings: 1.5 inch album rings by The Paper Studio

Well, I best be off. Got some stuff to do before work and I can start my weekend! :)

Hope everyone has a wonderful day! :D

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

First finish of the new year

2011-01-07T07:41:00.000-08:00

Happy new year, all! I hope everyone is recovering nicely from the holidays, lol! :)

Last night I managed to get the last stitches in my My Home project. Had to frog the over one on my initials, because I didn't like the placement, but I'm glad I did it. I purchased a nifty little tool, The Grasshopper Scissors the last time I was in Stitcher's Paradise. I am soooooooooooo glad I spent the money, as frogging over one truly sucks and this made it so, so easy to frog out the stitches.

At any rate, here is my first finish of 2011. May there be many more this year! :D

Design: My Home design from the Loose Feathers Leaflet #38

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 28 count linen in French Lace (DMC equivalent to 3024~ paler) by Wichelt

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silks in Cranberry, Elegant Eggplant, Ivy League, Shale, Sweet Lavender, and Vanilla Pudding.

Specialty stitches: Algerian Eyelet, Over One, and Satin Stitch

Notes: Alphabet taken from the Blackbird Designs book Honeysuckle Manor . There was no rhyme or reason on the placement of the letters and numbers. It was done merely on whim. :)

Well, I need to bolt for the door. I am working early this morning, but that also means I get to leave earlier than normal! :D

Hope everyone is having a fantastic new year!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

2010 Year In Review

2010-12-31T11:55:00.000-08:00

It's inevitable, isn't it? The year winds down and out come the lists. I'm no different, as I LOVE the year in review lists. I find them fascinating. During all of the year end clearance and list making, however, I somehow managed to get sick. Yay. Go me :P. No last minute finish for me, but I do have one last WIP of the year. I should hopefully finish it soon after New Year's. Here's what I have so far:

Design: My Home design from the Loose Feathers Leaflet #38

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 28 count linen in French Lace (DMC equivalent to 3024~ paler) by Wichelt

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silks in Cranberry, Ivy League, Shale, Sweet Lavender, and Vanilla Pudding.

Note: Will be using Elegant Eggplant and Shepherd's Pasture to finish off the piece.

I had heard of Minna and her 2011 challenge of 15 WIPs in the first 15 days of January 2011. I toyed with the idea, but I decided instead of STARTING 15 new ones, why not FINISH 15 of the ones I already have started? I fully understand the concept of stitching what you have, however, like some folks, I have more started than one probably has a right to, and I really wanna have another year of the UFO as I managed to get about 30 pieces finished off last year, for a total of 52 finishes. That's one a week! :D

So I got out my Big Honkin' Box O' Shame and had at it. The rules are that I cannot start anything other than the Seafarer's Globe for The Hubmeister, Praiseworthy Stitches Winter at Beacon House by Praiseworthy Stitches in the latest JCS magazine, and one or two SanMan Originals for SanMan Sundays. Here is a picture of the Beacon House piece:

Design: Winter at Beacon House

Designer: Praiseworthy Stitches for the January/February 2011 issue of Just Cross Stitch.

Fabric: Zweigart 32 count Belfast linen in Pearl Grey (DMC equivalent to 415).

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie Silks in Bahama Breeze, Carrot Cake, Collard Greens, Fern Frond, Harvest, Mango, Noir, Old Crow, Peacock, Slate, Tree Trunk, Tulip, Tumbleweed, and Vanilla Pudding

I have chosen 21 projects instead of 15 as some of them are not gonna take that much to finish off and quite frankly, 21 is the lucky number here in Las Vegas. Here is what I have chosen for my pieces to finish stitching on:

1. Merry Christmas by Blackbird Designs

2. March Birthday needleroll by The Victoria Sampler

3. Fall Leaves Chart No. 3 by Country Cottage Needleworks

4. Checkered Love by M Designs

4. Pretty Posies by Dena's Closet for Bucilla

5. Ice Cream Sundae by Country Cottage Needleworks

6. Summer Heart Part 4 by Linda Culp Calhoun for Leisure Arts magazine

7. Season of Growth by Little House Needleworks

8. Joy of Christmas by My Big Toe Designs for Just Cross Stitch magazine

9. Love Letters by Papillion Creations

10. Noel heart by Bleu de Chine

11. Paris sampler by Novalee

12. February Heart by Cross Eyed Cricket

13. Cross of Christmas by My Big Toe Designs for the 2009 Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue

14. Winter Side by SanMan Originals for message board members

15. Cherries by JBW Designs

16. Let's Go To The Beach by JBW Designs for Cross Stitch and Needlework magazine, July 2009

17. Christmas Chickadee by Valerie Pfeiffer for The World of Cross Stitching #118

18. Oriental Beauty September 2007 issue of UK Cross Stitcher

19. Devotion free kit Issue 223 of UK Cross Stitcher

20. Quaker Christmas Alphabet by Carriage House Samplings

21. My nephew's birth sampler. He's almost three, for cripes' sake!

Well, I must be off. Thanks for following along with me in 2010, and I hope to see you all in 2011! Happy New Year! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Merry Stitchmas!

2010-12-21T11:22:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posting. Work has been busy and most nights I am too pooped to (cross stitch) party. It's been a long time since I had a physically active job, however, I love the work that I do and look forward to each new day.

Here is what I have so far:

Design: Merry Christmas from the Joyeux Noël design book

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: R& R Reproductions 30 count overdyed linen in Witches' Teeth

Fibers: Crescent Colours cotton flosses in Antique Lace, Clay Pot, Four Leaf Clover, Spinach, and Wild Berries

I'm taking this with me to Stitcher's Paradise tomorrow for the Wednesday stitch in. I look forward to this every week, as it's my true me time. I am looking forward to spending time with "The Girls" and stitching my little heart out!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week and a very merry Stitchmas!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Blackbird Designs Update

2010-12-05T09:16:00.001-08:00

Managed to put some more time in the Merry Christmas sampler from Blackbird Designs. I am so, so happy with the color choices I made with this one. The floss just *POPS* off of the fabric. The chart called for Crescent Colours Pea Pod and Gentle Arts Endive. The colors were so far off and quite frankly, not to my taste that I had to substitute. I am substituting Crescent Colours Four Leaf Clover and Spinach and I love the way it looks.

At any rate, on with the stitchy notes and pictures! :D (Please note that the fabric is actually quite darker than in the pictures!)

Design: Merry Christmas from the Joyeux Noël design book

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: R& R Reproductions 30 count overdyed linen in Witches' Teeth

Fibers: Crescent Colours cotton flosses in Antique Lace, Clay Pot, Four Leaf Clover, Spinach, and Wild Berries

Close Up:

Well, time for work! Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Startitis

2010-12-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

Got to go to Stitcher's Paradise yesterday for the Wednesday stitch in and had a marvelous time catching up with the ladies over the post Thanksgiving holidays. DH had also told me that prior to leaving for the stitch-in, I could take some of our extra cash and get some supplies! Wahoo!! I picked up floss and fabric for my Bleu de Chine Noel heart that DH purchased for me last year, plus I picked up the Joyeux Noel book from Blackbird Designs, plus the fabric and floss for one of the designs inside the book. Woohoo!! I couldn't decide which one to stitch, so I started both, LOL! :)

Here is what I have so far:

Design: Noel

Designer: Bleu de Chine

Fabric: Zweigart 28 count Cashel in Opalescent Raw

Fibers: Access Commodities Soie d'Alger in Blanc, 542, 942, 1836, 1842, 1844, and 2926. Kreinik #4 braid in 002 Gold.

Close up:

It's a bit of a bummer that the sparkly bits are picked up very well in the pictures, but what are ya gonna do?

Here is the Blackbird Designs piece:

Design: Merry Christmas from the Joyeux Noël design book

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: R& R Reproductions 30 count overdyed linen in Witches' Teeth

Fibers: Crescent Colours cotton flosses in Antique Lace, Clay Pot, Four Leaf Clover, Spinach, and Wild Berries

The stitching is sort of all over the place, as I wanted to see if the colors truly looked good together with the fabric I chose. After this happened, I am finding myself second guessing myself and I never used to do that. I will get over this eventually, and hopefully soon, as I consider myself fearless in color changes and even the changing of the design itself! :P

At any rate, I need to get some stitching time in before work. Time's a-wastin'!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Give Thanks finish

2010-11-29T08:27:00.000-08:00

Managed to finish Give Thanks last night watching the American version of Top Gear. I'll spare you the specifics, suffice it to say, it sucks. And I mean BIG TIME. It's like watching three frat boys posting a fan boy tribute to the UK Top Gear on YouTube. /shudder. Horrible, horrible stuff.

At any rate, here's what I have:

Design: Give Thanks

Designer: The Stitcherhood

Fabric: 25 count raw Dublin linen by Zweigart

Fibers: Carrie’s Creations in Coffee and Fall Splendor

I hate to post and run, but I have to be in at work early today. Cheers! :D

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

When the thrill is gone

2010-11-28T08:54:00.000-08:00

Ever have a piece that when you start off you are so terribly excited about it and then get halfway through and decide that, for whatever reason, you're no longer as over the moon about it as you once were? This is happening with the piece I am trying to finish before my next trip to Stitcher's Paradise for the Wednesday Stitch-In. I should have it completed by then, but in the mean time in between time, I am no longer as thrilled with this piece as I once was. Normally, I am not sure why this happens, but in this case, I am over the color combination. It looked really good on the fabric before I started, however, now, I'm mainly 'meh' over it. I prefer deeper, richer colors for fall, as opposed to more muted tones. I will probably make this into a door hanger or something and then perhaps do a giveaway or something.

At any rate, here is what I have so far:

Design: Give Thanks

Designer: The Stitcherhood

Fabric: 25 count raw Dublin linen by Zweigart

Fibers: Carrie’s Creations in Coffee and Fall Splendor

Well, I need to bolt for the door. Got more chores to do today before I head in for work. It's my Thursday, so life is good! :)

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Thanksgiving Day finish and a new start

2010-11-26T07:37:00.001-08:00

Got my Ghostly Quaker finished up last night during The West Wing marathon that DH and I overindulged in. Had too much turkey, too much pie and too much of The West Wing , so yea, it was a good day! :D

Here are the stitchy notes and the pics:

Design: Ghostly Quaker

Designer: Sandra Dering for SanMan Originals

Fabric: Picture This Plus 28 count cashel linen in Sprite (DMC 3743 Variegated)

Fibers: Access Commodities Soie d'Alger in Blanc Optique, Noir, 3842 and 3843. Kreinik #4 001 silver braid.

Notes: This is a MEMBER ONLY freebie for the 2010 Fright Night festivities of the SanMan Originals Message Board. It is not for sale or trade!

I also got the beginning stitches in for what I think will be one of my Christmas projects this year. It's another Carriage House Sampling design, and I got it for cheap off of Ebay. Ive seen it stitched in a variety of ways, I really do love the dark green/off white combination. At any rate, here is what I have so far. It's not much, but I think this one will go very quickly:

Design: Companion Quaker Christmas Tree I

Designer: Kathy Barrick for Carriage House Samplings

Fabric: Picture This Plus fabric in opalescent Herald (DMC 502 variegated)

Fiber: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Icing

Well, I need to bolt for now. Got lots to do today before work on Black Friday. Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

The Grateful Post

2010-11-25T08:52:00.000-08:00

Went to Hobby Lobby to procure some Kreinik #4 001 silver braid and found that they were having a sale on picture frames. Looked around for a minute and saw one that I thought would look good with the recently completed Prairie Schooler Christmas Cabin . I got the frame at a VERY reasonable price and got it all framed up and ready to go. All I need to do now is to make the Christmas card and wrap it up all pretty and send it off to its’ recipient! I also need to make one for DH and myself. Last night he commented that it was too pretty to give it away, LOL! I told him I need to go to Stitcher's Paradise and get some more fabric and some more Access Commodities Soie d'Alger. If I stitch the design as completed, I will need quite a large piece of fabric. Oh, woe is me, LOL!

At any rate, here’s the fun bits!

Design: Christmas Samplers II (Book No. 73)

Designer: The Prairie Schooler

Fabric: 28 count linen/silk blend in Touchstone by Wichelt

Fibers: Access Commodities Soie d'Alger in Blanc, 942, 1716, 1836, 2242, 2246, 2756,4126 and 4534.

Close up:

Here is another start, LOL! Don't think I will get it done today, as I have some stuff to do today and I'm feeling really, really lazy! :)

Here are the stitchy notes and pic!

Design: Give Thanks

Designer: The Stitcherhood

Fabric: 25 count raw Dublin linen by Zweigart

Fibers: Carrie’s Creations in Coffee and Fall Splendor

Well, I need to go for now. I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday today!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Ghostly Quaker Almost Finish

2010-11-23T12:03:00.000-08:00

I say 'almost' because I ran out of the Kreinik #4 001 silver braid and I need to go to Hobby Lobby to procure some more. I *should* finish it on break tonight or later on when I get home. Maybe 15-20 minutes more of stitching and another one bites the dust! :)

I have a few more projects I want to do this year, and then beginning next year, I am going to get out the WIP/UFO stuff again and have at it. I really want to get them completed and I have more than enough to keep me occupied.

At any rate, here's what I have so far:

Design: Ghostly Quaker

Designer: Sandra Dering for SanMan Originals

Fabric: Picture This Plus 28 count cashel linen in Sprite (DMC 3743 Variegated)

Fibers: Access Commodities Soie d'Alger in Blanc Optique, Noir, 3842 and 3843. Kreinik #4 001 silver braid.

Notes: This is a MEMBER ONLY freebie for the 2010 Fright Night festivities of the SanMan Originals Message Board. It is not for sale or trade!

Editor's note: The box you see in the background was put together by me and was another SMO SAL, the SMO Four Seasons Fatties SAL . You can see the finished workbox here .

Well, I have to get ready and go to work. Having to work on my weekend to make up for the two days I missed on Friday and Saturday. Better than being unemployed! :)

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

SMO Ghostly Quaker WIP

2010-11-21T10:19:00.000-08:00

Been sick the last three days, which is no fun. I apparently have some sort of 'creeping crud' which is making its' way through the clinic. Joy! I called out the last two days and caught immortal hell for it, so I have to pull myself up by my bootstraps today and go in. I still feel like crap, but I've lost two days of pay and it doesn't take much to go from hero to zero where I work at, capice?

At any rate, I managed to get a few stitches in my SMO Ghostly Quaker, when my head wasn't screaming at me. Stitchy notes and pic to follow!

Notes: This is a MEMBER ONLY freebie for the 2010 Fright Night festivities of the SanMan Originals Message Board. It is not for sale or trade!

Well, I am off to get ready for work. Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

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Respectfully submitted,

Christmas Cabin finish!

2010-11-17T07:53:00.000-08:00

Wahoo! I finished it! And a week a head of schedule! Yay! Now all I need to do is find the right frame for it and get it framed, gussied up in Christmas wrapping and send it off to its' new owner! I'm so excited! I love the way it turned out and cannot *wait* to do one for myself and The Hubmeister!

Time for stitchy notes and pics!

Design: Christmas Samplers II (Book No. 73)

Designer: The Prairie Schooler

Fabric: 28 count linen/silk blend in Touchstone by Wichelt

Fibers: Access Commodities Soie d'Alger in Blanc, 942, 1716, 1836, 2242, 2246, 2756,4126 and 4534.

Well, I hate to show of a finish and run, but I have to go get breakfast and get ready to go to Stitcher's Paradise today for the Wednesday stitch in. I am starting a new project today, Carriage House Samplings Companion Quaker Christmas Tree Sampler . I have a specific fabric in mind, and I think I am going to do this as a monochrome with some Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk. Yay! A finish and stash shopping! :D

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

Time For Tea

2010-11-15T09:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas came a bit early this year to the house. The Hubmeister had wanted the new Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty and I had managed to make enough in cash tips to get it outright, so I went and bought it and gave it to him early. I just needed to do something nice for someone who I knew would appreciate it, because it's been one of those kinds of weeks at work, ya know?

When I gave it to him, he was happy and excited and then immediately asked me why I didn't buy something for myself. I laughingly replied that Gamestop doesn't sell the kinds of things I am interested in. I told him that if he really wanted me to buy something for myself, I'd see what Stitcher's Paradise would have in stock when I go to the Wednesday stitch in this week. I didn't quite make it that far, as I remembered seeing a tea cup at Barnes & Noble and wanted to get one. Last night I stopped by on my dinner break and instead of getting the lidded tea mug, I purchased the tea service for one! I even got the matching reusable shopping bag! :D I am so, so, so excited about it! And to do things up good and proper, I also bought some holiday tea and an Agatha Christie book, Hercule Poirot's Christmas! Woohoo!

Time for shopping notes and pics! :D

Editor's Note: All purchased at Barnes & Noble, with the exception of the cookies, which were purchased at Von's.

Tea Set: Fringe Studio in Holly Rose

Tea: Harney & Sons Holiday Tea

Cookies: Pepperidge Farm Holiday Homestyle Collection

Book: Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Dame Agatha Christie

Today is my Friday. All of my chores are completed for the week, which means I get to sit around all weekend and stitch! Woohoo! I am really, really hoping to get the Prairie Schooler Christmas Cabin finished this week instead of next. That would be quite the feather in my cap!

At any rate, I need to bolt for the door. Need to go get ready for work, so I can get my weekend started! :D

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

Another Christmas Cabin update

2010-11-12T11:21:00.000-08:00

Managed to get some more work done on the Christmas Cabin. The red is *really* making it pop. The good news is that I might even be done by next Tuesday or Wednesday! Yippee! Then I get to pick out the frame and get it off to its' destination ahead of schedule. Woohoo!

At any rate, here's my progress:

Well, I am off to work. Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

PS Christmas Cabin update

2010-11-10T15:36:00.000-08:00

Got to go to Stitcher's Paradise today for the Wednesday stitch in and managed to get a fair bit done between last night and today. I am really pleased with the way the piece is turning out and I can't wait to see it finished! :) I think it's going to turn out nicely and I should have it finished by Thanksgiving. I have a three day weekend then, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I am going to make sure that ALL of my chores are done before then, so I can stitch my little paws off! :D

At any rate, here are the stitchy notes:

Design: Christmas Samplers II (Book No. 73)

Designer: The Prairie Schooler

Fabric: 28 count linen/silk blend in Touchstone by Wichelt

Fibers: Access Commodities Soie d'Alger

Soie D'Alger used:

(Blanc)
(2246)
(2242)
(4534)
(942)
(1716)
(1836)
(2756)
(4126)

Tonight's dinner is homemade beef stew and a really hearty loaf of sourdough bread. Can't wait as it's finally turned cold here in the LV valley!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Tuesday non stitchy post

2010-11-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

Don't have any pictures of any stitching projects today. I got up this morning, wanting to make a good breakfast and read the newspaper. Here's what I made for breakfast this morning:

Gingerbread muffins with streusel topping, eggs, and thick cut Smithfield bacon! :D

Hope everyone's having a good day!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Thine Is The Trick And The Treat

2010-11-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

Yea, yea, yea. I know, I know, I know. I need another start like I need a hole in the head, but yesterday I finally got around to dyeing fabric for Prairie Moon's For Thine Is The Trick And The Treat. Which was a jolly good thing, because my threads from Hand Dyed Fibers came in. I approached these with a LOT of trepidation, as the last time I dealt with them, they shredded and knotted like no one's business. I also prefer a smoother silk, rather than a nubbly one that looks more like perle cotton. Know what I mean?

When they arrived in the mail, I was looking for actual skeins, which was what I ordered. Six skeins at five yards each. What I received instead was this:

This was actually a pleasant surprise. It's nice to have it on a spool so there are no creases in the thread, which I appreciate. However, I have had it knot up on me once or twice so far, but I will try thread lengths of no more than 10-12 inches and see if that does not fix the issue. I plan on using two other colors in this project. I won't finish it any time soon, as I have Ghostly Quaker and the Christmas Cabin which MUST be completed by the end of the month, NO EXCEPTIONS!!! The Christmas Cabin is a Christmas gift, so you can understand my clamping down on myself about that one. I'm about to get into the really busy season at work, so my stitching will fall by the wayside as consequence. But it WILL get done. Oh, yes, my friend. It WILL get done! :D

At any rate, here are the preliminary stitches in For Thine Is The Trick. I'm really liking how it's turning out so far!

Design: Thine Is The Trick And The Treat

Designer: Prairie Moon

Fabric: Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds 28 count Monaco fabric in Storm Clouds

Fibers: Hand Dyed Fibers in Old Maid of the Abyss , Six Strand Regular.

Well, it's my Monday, so I have to get some things ready for work. Hope everyone has an awesome weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Refusing to let fall go so easily

2010-11-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

I am really, really disappointed in retail stores here lately. I went out and about Monday, running some errands, and the stores went from Halloween to Christmas in 0.00002 seconds flat. I mean, there wasn't a turkey motif to be found *anywhere*. This is so disappointing to me as I LOVE Thanksgiving. I love roasted turkey and homemade gravy and homemade rolls. I know in the grand scheme of things, this is such a minor thing, but really?! Can't we just hold onto fall just a tiny bit longer before the madness and greed of Christmas descends? I mean, that's the whole point of Thanksgiving, yea? To pause and reflect as to what we are grateful for and to relish the fruits of our labors? (Listen to me! I sound like an old fuddy duddy! :) )

What this long winded rant really means is,is that I am holding out stitching anything Christmas related for just a bit longer. Yea, yea, yea. I know this means that the Prairie Schooler Christmas cabin is put on the back burner for just a week or two longer, but I really want fall to stick around, for just a bit longer. It's my favorite season, you see. Other than winter. At any rate, this means I've put the beginning stitches in Country Cottage Needleworks Fall Festival #3 Fall Leaves block . There's not enough stitched to post a picture at this time, but I won't. I will state categorically and for the record that I really, *REALLY* do appreciate that there is enough Crescent Colours Belle Soie silks to stitch the design on my beloved 28 count fabric. Thank you so much, Nikki and Sharon!!! 32 count is getting to be too small for my eyes and really, really do prefer to stitch 2 over 2 on 14 or 28 count fabric. You ladies rock! :)

At any rate, here is my newest project, a SanMan Original. As soon as I saw this, I had to print it out and stitch it immediately. It is part of the recent 2010 Fright Night that Sandy hosted for her message board members. I found the perfect fabric for it and converted the DMC threads to my beloved Soie d'Alger silks. As is the custom, this is a fast fun stitch that I am really, really enjoying.

Here are the stitchy notes:

Design: Ghostly Quaker

Designer: Sandra Dering for SanMan Originals

Fabric: Picture This Plus 28 count cashel linen in Sprite (DMC 3743 Variegated)

Fibers: Access Commodities Soie d'Alger in Blanc Optique, Noir, 3842 and 3843.

In other news, it seems as if my beloved Devils are in LAST PLACE (gasp!) in the league right now and even my other favorite team, the Sabres aren't doing so well. I will keep the faith regardless, but here's hoping that things get better!

I need to bolt for the door now. Laundry and the Ghostly Quaker is a-callin'! Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Last finish for October & remembering

2010-10-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

Put the last stitches in my last finish for the month of October last night. I have no idea of how I managed to finish it as I was upset and crying most of the day yesterday. Yesterday was the one year anniversary of me losing my son to stillbirth at almost 21 weeks. It was a hard day to get through, but get through it I did.

Now that I have finished this up, I need to stitch his memorial piece soon. That will help with the grief, I think. At any rate, here's what I managed to accomplish:

Design: Waiting For The Harvest

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 28 count evenweave of unknown origin and color. (Possibly Bay Leaf by Wichelt.)

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silks in Carrot Cake, Collard Greens, Old Crow, and Vanilla Pudding

Notes: The mmx in the upper right hand corner are the Roman numerals for 2010. I saw someone else do this for their piece and I absolutely loved the idea! :)

I am off to do some chores before work. Hope everyone has a fabulous Halloween weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Collard Greens

2010-10-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

Got to make my trip to Stitcher's Paradise yesterday for the Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk I needed for the pumpkin vines. I even sat down with the ladies that stitch on Wednesdays and the next thing I knew it was 2:30 when I left, LOL! It was a most enjoyable experience and I plan on repeating it next week. It was lovely to get help from the other ladies and to help others with what they needed.

I had a hard time choosing what color green I wanted for the pumpkin vines, however, I think I did ok! :P Since I was at the shop stitching and I stitched some more last night, I got a fair amount completed. I am really, really happy with the way that it is turning out. I may have to stitch this again! :)

At any rate, here's what I have so far:

Design: Waiting For The Harvest

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 28 count evenweave of unknown origin and color. (Possibly Bay Leaf by Wichelt.)

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silks in Carrot Cake, Collard Greens, Old Crow, and Vanilla Pudding

Well, today is my Monday so I best be off. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Waiting For The Harvest Update

2010-10-26T17:39:00.000-07:00

Managed to spend most of the afternoon chilling out and stitching on my latest WIP. It's going *very* well, and I am enjoying plotting out where to stitch what colors where on the design. I need to go to Stitcher's Paradise tomorrow and pick out a Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk for the pumpkin vines. I am even toying with making the stems a brown color and the vines green. This may wind up a five color design instead of the one that originally called for, LOL!

At any rate, here is what I managed to get accomplished today:

Design: Waiting For The Harvest

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 28 count evenweave of unknown origin and color. (Possibly Bay Leaf by Wichelt.)

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silks in Carrot Cake, Old Crow, and Vanilla Pudding

I am hoping to have this completed by the weekend, so I can have another October finish. I then need to go back to my Prairie Schooler Christmas cabin and finish that by no later than the end of November, as that is a present. :)

Well, I best be off for now. It's almost dinner time and I have some stuff to do before I can go back to my stitching. :)

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Waiting For The Harvest

2010-10-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

Started yet another project. Sometimes it can't be helped! :)

I am really enjoying it so far, but I wish I had more time to stitch. Well, I do, however, when I come home late at night, I am too tired to even contemplate picking up a needle. I doubt I will finish this before Halloween, however, I do have Tuesday and Wednesday off, and nothing planned. I think I will make sure that I get plenty of sleep tonight and just lay around and stitch! :)

At any rate, here's what I have so far. I've stitched it like this to see if I had my placement centered correctly and to see how well the colors worked together. Sometimes I pick out colors that I think look fantastic until I get them on the fabric, LOL! :)

Design: Waiting For The Harvest

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 28 count evenweave of unknown origin and color. (Possibly Bay Leaf by Wichelt.)

Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silks in Carrot Cake, Old Crow, and Vanilla Pudding

Well, I best be off. I have some chores to do before work. Hope everyone has a fantastic week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Christmas Cabin update

2010-10-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

Got a fair amount of stitching time in yesterday, which makes me happy. The piece is very easy to stitch and I can go at a relaxed pace and yet it's going quite quickly. Which means I will have this done long before Christmas, LOL! :)

I am stitching the cabin from the third sampler from Prairie Schooler's Christmas Samplers II leaflet, which you can see here:

Sorry to say that when I am finished, the leaflet will NOT be for sale or trade. I plan on stitching this at least twice more, and I am plotting out a possible third way.

I've converted the DMC into Soie D'Alger threads and it's really popping on the fabric. Here is the conversion I am using. (It is my own conversion and YMMV should you use it. :) )

DMC (Soie D'Alger)

White (Blanc)
420 (2246)
422 (2242)
611 (4534)
918 (942)
924 (1716)
935 (1836)
3022 (2756)
3371 (4126)

The dark forest green is really popping on the fabric and I am really, really enjoying stitching with so much silk!

At any rate, here is my update. I am hoping to get some more done before I go into work today:

Design: Christmas Samplers II (Book No. 73)

Designer: The Prairie Schooler

Fabric: 28 count linen/silk blend in Natural by Wichelt

Fibers: Access Commodities Soie d'Alger

Well, I best be off. Today is my Monday and I have some stuff I need to do before I get my work week started. Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Prairie Schooler Christmas Sampler start

2010-10-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

Started a special piece last night. I pulled all the silk floss for it and even dug out a special piece of 28 count linen and silk piece of fabric. This is an extra special piece and I wanted it to be an heirloom type quality. I started last night and I am being very mindful of my stitching and making sure each stitch is railroaded and looking pretty. I converted the DMC that was used into Soie d'Alger floss and this was no mean feat in and of itself. Lots to choose from and I had to make sure that it looked right on the fabric that I chose. I think it's looking very, very nice so far and I can't wait to see it finished! :)

Here are the stitchy notes and pic! :)

Design: Christmas Samplers II (Book No. 73)

Designer: The Prairie Schooler

Fabric: 28 count linen/silk blend in Natural by Wichelt

Fibers: Access Commodities Soie d'Alger

I am hoping to get some more stitching time in today as it's my day off, but we shall see! :)

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! :)

Respectfully submitted,

C.

Wicked finish

2010-10-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

Had a one day start and finish. I like the way it turned out and hope to have it finished into either an ornament or probably a no sew cube finish. I need to find the time (and money! :P) to go to Joanne's to see what fabric is available, but we shall see. :)

At any rate, here are the stitchy notes and the pic:

Design: Wicked

Designer: Primitive Bettys

Fabric: 28 count evenweave of unknown origin and color. (Possibly Bay Leaf by Wichelt.)

Fiber: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Old Crow.

I'm thinking that it might need a charm or a button or something. I was looking at some antiqued brass pumpkin charms earlier and I think it might look nice on the left hand side over the W. Still deciding on that, but I have time. :)

Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Hot off the Q-Snaps

2010-10-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

Managed to finally finish A Quaker Alphabet just a few moments ago. It took too long to finish it, however, I am working full time now and my hands and arms have not been cooperating. I'll adjust eventually, but it's still a bit frustrating to not chug right along like I used to. Better than not being able to stitch at all, I suppose, LOL! :)

At any rate, here are the final stitchy notes and the picture.

Design: A Quaker Alphabet Sampler

Designer: Carriage House Samplings

Fabric: 28 count Monaco fabric in Majesty by Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds

Floss: Threadworx 1082 Cabbage and DMC 3866

It's my Monday, so I have some stuff to attend to before work. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

New Handmade Cards!

2010-09-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

Not really up to stitching right now as my hands and arms are really hurting. Going from part time to full time is really taking a toll, but I'll toughen up eventually :P.

Managed to feel well enough to make a couple of Halloween cards today and I posted the finishes on my papercrafting blog, Fleur de Luce Paperworks .

Please take a look and let me know what you think!

I need to be going for now. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Slow Progress

2010-09-23T08:29:00.001-07:00

Haven't gotten a whole lot accomplished on my CHS Quaker Alphabet, but to be fair, I'm in the middle of moving across town (the house we were renting from is being foreclosed on) and I am now working full time. My hands hurt too much at night to try and hold my Q-Snaps at night and on the weekends that I have, I've been either too tired, or I've been moving stuff.

At any rate, I've managed to complete another row, and start on the next. I have only two more rows to go, so I am hoping things settle down so I can finish it off soon and get back to my UFO containers. As always, stitchy notes first! :)

Design: A Quaker Alphabet Sampler

Designer: Carriage House Samplings

Fabric: 28 count Monaco fabric in Majesty by Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds

Floss: Threadworx 1082 Cabbage and DMC 3866

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. It's my Monday, so I get to work! :P

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

A Wee Bit Of An Update

2010-09-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Got a little bit more done on the sampler. I changed two of the bottom squares to my initials and the year, rather than have the stars in those areas. I think I like it better this way. I am hoping to get it completed soon, so I can move back to my WIPs and UFOs.

At any rate, here's my updated progress! :)

Design: A Quaker Alphabet Sampler

Designer: Carriage House Samplings

Fabric: 28 count Monaco fabric in Majesty by Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds

Floss: Threadworx 1082 Cabbage and DMC 3866

I need to go for now. Hope everyone is having a great day! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.