It's All About The Stitching

STITCHY STUFF
My fourth finish of 2017 is Victorian Pansies Sachet.  Finishing involved making a small bag filled with the lavender and polyfil. The bag was then put inside the ribband sachet.  Even though it was a bit fiddly, I like how it turned out.

 The Victorian Pansies series consists of a bookmark, needlecase, scissor keep, and sachet.  Each is a kit by Textile Heritage.  I stitched the scissor fob in 2007 and the needlebook in  2008.  The bookmark and sachet in 2017.  The entire set is beautiful!

Linked to:
SuperMom's Stitchery Party
Stitching Lotus Smalls SAL

Long time readers may recall I finished up Yuku Haru for Debby a few years ago.  She recently sent me a photo of it framed and hanging on her wall.

Now that I've got the sachet done, I'm working on another project of Debby's called Swallows by Maia. She did all the X's and asked me if I'd finish it for her by doing the backstitching.  Here's what it looked like when it arrived in the mail:

The little bit of backstitching I've done has made quite a difference.

Actually, it's mostly long stitch (not backstitch) which I'm tacking into place.  I'm thinking it won't take me as long as Yuku did since there aren't as many French knots.

GIVEAWAY WINNER
I.... am... so... ashamed.  ::hangs head::  Back in December, I hosted a giveaway that Pam in IL won.  I've had a post-it note on my dining room table since then to send her prize from my stash.  Apparently, laziness procrastination got the better of me because I never sent the prize until now.  Hey... six seven months isn't so bad, is it?  And since they guilt made me feel bad, I bought something special for Pam.  If you haven't had a chance, hop on over to Pam's blog to see her adorable grand-fur babies, backyard birds, and crafty goodness.  Anywho, just wanted to let Pam know that the prize giveaway is on its way!  So sorry about the tardiness.

Until next time...

Christmas is in the Air

This will be the third Christmas without my parents. For some reason, this year is bothering me more than the previous ones.  My Mom loved holidays... especially Christmas. She was like an excited little kid opening her presents.  My Dad was the grumpy sort on holidays... even though he didn't show it, he liked opening gifts and having family there.

I managed to get my Christmas decorations up early this year.  It's nice to come home and turn on the lights to the tree and mantle.

 

STITCHY STUFF
In my last post, I mentioned I participated in two ornament exchanges this year.  I received the second one shortly after my post.  Here's the one I received from Sharon S in NJ.

FREEBIE

Reindeer Card
by Lesley Teare
HERE





GIVEAWAY
I was hoping that my giveaway question would elicit creative responses, but alas ::sigh:: no one took the bait.  As my readers may recall, I asked what does an Ott light, screwdriver, needle nose pliers, wire, and a lighter have in common.

They all assisted me with this problem:

The starter cord on the snowblower broke on my first pull during the first snowfall.  Luckily, "Little Blow" caught and stayed running until I got the driveway and sidewalk clean.

According to Google, the starter assembly above isn't made to be repaired. The manufacturer would rather you buy a new assembly for $45.  What's a girl to do?  YouTube it, of course!  The video wasn't quite as easy as the guy made it look.  An hour later and a bit of frustration, I finally got it fixed.  Saved $45 and I was so proud of myself!  I'm my Dad's girl, for sure.

There was one winning guess to my giveaway question.  Drum roll please.....

Pam in IL

"As for the screwdriver, pliers, lighter, wire and Ott light -- I think they were used for a snowblower repair project."

 

Pam -- I'll be getting something out in the mail to you soon!

 

Until next time...

 

 

 

Marvelous Monday Update 12/5/2016

WEATHER
On December 4, my area was greeted with the first snowfall of the year.  Mother Nature decided to bless us with 5.3" of very wet, heavy snow.  I went out twice to clear the driveway.  The second time, it took me two hours.  Welcome to winter!

 

STITCHY STUFF
I've participated in two ornament exchanges this year. Both of the ornaments I created for my partners turned out so good I wanted to keep them for myself.  Anyone else have this problem?

 

Design: Woolly & Cosy

Designer:  Valentina Sardu

Fabric: 32ct White Opalescent Linen

Fibers: DMC threads

 

I finished it into an ornament using a green fabric with tiny Christmas trees and swirling silver dots.  Red felt was cut with a pinking rotary cutter and sandwiched between the stitched design and the green backing.  A green satin ribbon topped off the ornament.  It was such a quick stitch, I'd like to do a couple more.

 

Design: One More Stitch

Designer: The Victoria Sampler

Fabric: 28ct Natural Linen

Fibers: DMC

Embellishments: Beads, Buttons, String Pearls

 

This design was featured in the 2014 Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue.  I took some creative liberties with finishing it.  Both the front and back are stitched on the Natural Linen.  The back is personalized with the recipient's name as well as mine.  I sent it to Deb H in TX as a Christmas Ornament Exchange.  Doh!  I just realized I didn't stitch the date.  Buttons and beads are on the front and back.  The edge is trimmed with string pearls and topped with a satin ribbon hanger.

 

Next up is what I received from Deb. It's called Snowy Owl Snowman by Jim Shore.  It's absolutely beautiful... both the stitching and the finishing!  She has a blog that shows lots of her other gorgeous finishes. If you're interested in eye candy, click on over HERE.



Thank You, Deb!

WATERCOLOR
I've been practicing my watercolor skills (or lack thereof) using YouTube videos. I recently did this barn painting using Shinhan Professional Watercolors. One of my classmates bought a set when she was in Korea. The paints work really nice and are very vibrant.

I wasn't real happy with how it turned out so I gave it to a friend who thought it "is awesome".  I am going to do another one and adjust the color values a bit.

I've made a bit of progress on the "masterpiece" as my instructor called our projects.  Once I get farther along, I'm going to set up an appointment to get some critique from him.

Even though my photo shows the dark bank on the left side, I'm not really liking how it looks. I'm going to try to scrub some of it out of there to make it lighter or a different shade.

GIVEAWAY
I'm going to put together a package of things from my stash for the person who can answer this question:  What does an Ott light, needle nose pliers, lighter, and wire have in common?  (Hint: a project)  Leave a comment with your guess.  Giveaway open to U.S. residents, only.  Sorry!

FREEBIE

 

First Snow by The Drawn Thread
Click HERE.

Marveous Monday Update 3/7/16

Hello Spring by Lizzie Kate

WEATHER
Now that meteorological Spring has arrived, I'm hoping *real* spring weather is following.  My area has had two snowfalls in one week. Lucky for me, they both were light fluffy snows... made shoveling so much easier since I'm still suffering from tendonitis in my elbow (thanks to that first horrendous snowfall back in November).  This week, temperatures are supposed to hit the mid 60's which is much better than the 20's we were experiencing  just a week and a half ago.  Hello Spring!!

HEALTH
A few months back, I developed a cold. It was followed by a cough.  The nagging cough is still hanging around.  I feel okay except for the persistent cough and feeling tightness in my chest.  Going to the doctor on Thursday because I'm just tired of it.

60TH CELEBRATION
Kim over at Wisdom with Needle and Thread is celebrating her 60th birthday this year.  To see how she's celebrating in a very special way, click on over to her blog.  Wish her a great birthday while you're there!

STITCHY STUFF
One would think since I don't have the commute, I'd have more time to stitch but alas... it hasn't happened.  I've been stitching here and there when time permits.

Part Three of Palko's Words 2016 SAL arrived at the beginning of the month. After stitching it up, I decided I didn't like the light purple I chose:

So, a froggin' I went and restitched it in a different shade.

Mucho better, IMO.  Since I photographed it in the dead of night, the fabric color appears gray instead of the dusty rose it actually is.  Here's a WIP photo of the entire project so far:

I've also been stitching on JG (are you shocked?!).  Here's what it looked like before:

and now after a few weeks progress.... I have finished with the lower right corner ornament.  Very exciting!

VACATION
Next week, I'll be heading to sunny Florida.  A week of sun, water, and sand.  I'll be meeting up with a special friend as well as hopefully, a stitcher.  Anyone in the Pinellas County area?

Until next time,

 

VMS Giveaway

Nancy at Victorian Motto Sampler is hosting another giveaway. Click on over to check it out!

 

Marvelous Monday Update 9/28/15

HEALTH
As most of you know, the past couple of years have been rough on me.  First, my Dad with his cancer and subsequent death.  Second, my Mom with pulmonary fibrosis and her death.  Then Celeste with her death.  With all this going on, it's no surprise that my health deteriorated as well.  Last year when I went for my wellness check up, my lab results weren't where my doctor would've liked to see them.  Especially with the history of heart disease and diabetes that runs rampant through my family.

A few months ago, I got a Fitbit to track my steps.  I also started logging my food and water intake as well.  So far, I've lost 11 lbs. and my lab numbers are back into the healthy range!  I practically did a Happy Dance off the examining table when the doctor told me this.

I've slacked off since starting the new job... only walked 10K steps three days in a week and a half.  Still getting used to my new schedule, I think.  I'd like to lose another 18 lbs.  Fitbit says I should be able to do it by Christmas.

GIVEAWAY
Adult coloring books are all the rage right now.  Heather at Stitching Lotus is hosting a coloring giveaway.  Click on over and check it out if you're interested in coloring!

STITCHY STUFF
The fun thing about Palko's Monthly SAL is the stitcher can choose the colors for the design.  I had a "vision" for what I wanted to July to look like.  I wanted a red/white/blue variegated for the swirls with blue and red for the remainder of the design.  Albeit late, I finally had time to stitch up July.

Stitched on 28ct linen with

Weeks Dye Works Independence, 

DMC 326 and 930.

Being on a roll, I finished August too!

Fabric: 28ct Antique White Cashel Linen

Fibers: Carries Creations - Alex's Inspiration and DMC 550

(My July and August finishes are linked up to Stitchery Link Party.)

The Halloween mailart is winging its way to the recipient.  Hopefully by next week, I'll be able to reveal it in all its glory.  :)  Meanwhile, here's another snippet to continue the intrigue...

I have to say that I really do like the small town postmaster much better than the postal clerks in my own city.  The postmaster is friendly and patient with my mailart process -- gluing the stamps on, photographing it, etc.  And, the post office is not busy herding people through like cattle.

Until next time...

Guess Who's Birthday?

Nancy over at Victorian Motto Sampler will be celebrating her birthday with a giveaway. Click on over and check it out!

Terrific Thursday 11/6/14

NEIGHBORS

For over two years, my sanity and peace has been disrupted by the backyard dog breeding neighbors on the north side of The Homestead.  More about them HERE.  Two weeks ago, I was pulled from my slumber at 10:30pm by one of the dogs barking... and barking... and BARKING.  After 20 minutes, I called the local constable office.  When the officer showed up, the dog was still barking "very loudly" (his words).  He tried to contact the neighbors (who were not home).  He issued them a citation.  The dog did not stop barking until close to midnight.  About 10 minutes after it stopped barking, the neighbors arrived home.  Last week, one of the dogs was howling.  This incident went on for over an hour.  Again, the constable was called and another citation issued.  I am SURE the neighbors are highly PO'd at me.

About a week and half ago, I observed the neighbors moving furniture from their house.  I had suspected they were moving.  Since one of the dogs was still outside in the kennels, I didn't dare hope too much.  However, the second officer confirmed to me that they were "in the process" of moving.

Can you say GREAT BIG HAPPY DANCE?!?  All the dogs are gone now and the neighbors are in the process of tearing down the kennels.  Woo Hoo!

HALLOWEEN
Most employers state morale is important to the success of the company.  Few do much to boost employee morale.  My employer is the only company I’ve ever worked for that actually does support and promote it.  We even have an employee driven Morale Committee!

One of the moral boosting activities is the annual Halloween Costume Contest, parade, and trick-or-treat. 

The morning starts off with the parade throughout the entire office for those who have “dressed up”.  Photos are then taken and voting commences through an online survey.  At the end of the day, “individual” and “group” winners are announced.

(Clickable for larger images)

The winners this year were:  One Night Stand and Hooters Alumni (These three ladies do group costumes every year and have won every year for quite a while!).

Then between 4:30-5pm, children and grandchildren of employees are invited to go from cubicle to cubicle to do trick-or-treating.  This year, I provided candy at my desk for the kiddos.  There were quite a few Captain Americas and Princesses!

Here's some TBT (Throw Back Thursday):

 My siblings and I - Circa 1977-78

My neices - Halloween 1997

STITCHY STUFF
I haven't had a lot of time to stitch since I've been spending a good part of every weekend at my parent's house cleaning, organizing, and packing up things.  Hard to believe it's been two months for my Mom and four months for my Dad.  Memories of being with them both are still so vivid.

I've put some time in on Balloon Glow during a couple lunch hours at work.

Other WIP pics can be seen HERE.

I've had one quick finish.  I stitched up another Sledding Friends Penguin.  I used miscellaneous cotton threads leftover from kits.  I think it turned out cute.

Design: Sledding Friends

Designer: Foxwood Crossings

Fibers:  Unknown cotton threads

Stitched on 14ct brown perforated paper

  

MORE THOUGHTFULNESS
As most of my readers and stitchy friends know, both my parents passed away in July and September.  After my Dad passed, my siblings and I were so busy trying to help Mom.  Things were crazy, to put it mildly. Things fell through the cracks.  I just realized today that I didn’t share the lovely things sent to me after my Dad’s passing.

First, are these lovely fabric angels from Karen A. They have been hanging in my dining room since I received them.  I have never seen them before and think they are so pretty.

Thank you for thinking of me, Karen!

While on vacation, Debbie B found beautifully embroidered zippered bags.  They're perfect for scissors, needles and other gadgets.  I was the lucky recipient of one.

Thank you Debbie!

GIVEAWAYS

Nancy over at Victorian Motto Sampler is doing 25 Days of Christmas giveaways. Click on over and see the wonderful things she has.

WINNER! WINNER!
Back in August, one of the Yahoo groups I belong to hosted “flash giveaways” for about a week. It was a lot of fun to see what was going to pop up as a giveaway and like the lottery… to see if I won.  I won an adorable Lizzie Kate chart pack and an Artecy chart.

This week, I was SO surprised to find out that I won a Silhoutte Portrait from CraftGossip.  From over 550 entries, I was one of two winners.  I never thought I'd win, but figured, "You can't win if you don't play."  Right?  Right.  I am so excited... can't wait to get it!

In case you're wondering, the Silhouette Portrait is an electronic cutting machine.  Like a printer, It plugs into a computer via USB cable.  It has the capability of cutting paper, cardstock, fabric and vinyl up to 8" wide and 10 feet long.  Unlike the Cricket machines, the Silhouttes don't require purchasing design cartridges (which are costly at $30 a pop).  Instead designs can be purchased from the online store for 50cents to $1.99 each.  Or, your own designs can be imported.  A $10 gift card to the online store is included, too!  I am so looking forward to playing with this.

Until Next Time,