More Stitchy Eye Candy

Over Memorial Day weekend, I went on a camping trip just north of Madison, WI.  I haven't been camping for at least 20 years.  Luckily, this camping trip didn't involve tents or fishing.  It involved an air conditioned RV with running water... I found that I could do that kind of camping!  Tyra aka "Sock Monster" also enjoyed herself despite having five other dogs onsite.  Anywho... During that VERY hot and humid weekend, I started a new project.  This was the progress I made during the camping trip.  I'm curious... Does anyone else stitch while camping?

By the end of June, I had a finish.  Home of the Brave (OOP chart) by Blackbird Designs.

Stitched on 28ct Wedgewood Brittany linen with Carrie Creations, Six Strand Sweets, and GAST threads.  Now, I just need to find the perfect frame so I can add it to the stitching wall in my craft room.

Since I was near Madison, a trip to Lynn's of Madison was in order.  If you are ever in the area, I've had really good experiences with the staff at Lynn's.  They are so helpful and friendly.  I had been there last year and kicked myself for not getting a limited edition chart pack.  I decided this time around to get it along with the fabric and threads.  So, what did I get?!!  Suspense killing you?

I made some pretty good progress after stitching for two evenings after work.

Over the weekend, I decided to paint the basket.  It took
F-O-R-E-V-E-R!  I'm talking all morning.  This is what it looked like after two hours of painting all those cracks and crevices.

Last year around Thanksgiving, I stumbled upon some snap closure envelopes at The Dollar Tree.  I bought a package because a light bulb went off in my head... project bags!  I didn't want to buy a lot in case they didn't work.  Big Mistake, BIG!  (in my Pretty Woman voice).  Once I realized they worked really well, I went back for more.  None to be found.  Fast forward to present day and I finally saw them in the folder bins again.  I snatched up the last couple packages they had.

I really like them because not only are they see thru and pretty, but they hold my chart, fabric, threads, scissors, needles, and highlighter.  They also will hold 6x6 or 8x8 qsnaps.  These don't have holes in the bottom corners like other plastic envelopes do.  Best of all, they're very inexpensive... 2 in a package for $1!

That's all I have for now.  So until next time...

Quaker Mailart Exchange

This was my first time participating in a Quaker themed mailart exchange so I was pretty excited.  I chose my designs and decided on the envelope layout.  I had a lot of fun stitching it up.

Now that the recipient, Pam in IL at My Stitchin-N-Stuff, has received it, I can show it!  Most of the design came from a chart called Quaker Blues by From the Heart Needle Art.  I used DMC 931 floss to stitch it monochrome.


My initials on the front

Her initials on the back

Goodies I was able to shove inside

Linked to: Stitching Lotus SAL

This was the first time I did a triangle flap and the design I used was just perfect for it.  Despite the enjoyment I had planning and stitching this mailart, I had such a frustrating time assembling it.  I made rookie seamstress mistakes which I shook my head in disbelief when I had to rip it apart not once, but twice.

I also tried a 'new to me' fabric by True Colors.  It was 28ct evenweave, but felt a bit plastic-y and I think the mottled fabric design was painted on.  Very pretty, though. 

The person sending to me stitched mine up really fast!  Mailing date was July and I received this beautiful mailart at the end of April!

Thank you so much, Kita!  I really love it.

In addition to the envelope, Kita sent a pretty butterfly note card, floss, and some beaded kits.

My "secret" goal is to get a mailart from every state as well as other countries so I was thrilled to get one from Tennessee where Kita is from.

P.S.  If you're interested in learning how to make a mailart, I have a tutorial on my left side bar, or you can click HERE.

Until next time...

DIY at The Homestead

With warmer weather comes DIY.  First up this year is some much needed maintenance on The Homestead.  Last year, the northern neighbors' home went into foreclosure. The new owner hired a contractor to do a lot of work on the inside and outside.  With that came a huge dumpster parked in the next door driveway.  I took "advantage" of the situation and asked the contractor if he'd clean out behind of my garage.  You see, when I moved there the previous owner(s) used the two foot wide area as a dumpster for tree branches and brush.  For $100, the guy had a kid clean it up for me.  The contractor informed me that the plywood covering the garage windows was badly rotten and asked if I wanted him to remove it... at no extra cost.  Of course!  Who wouldn't?

I replaced the plywood last Fall, but the weather turned cold before I could get it painted.  My first project this year was to primer/paint the windows.  A primer/paint combo is the best thing ever!!

Next, I put new mulch on one the flower beds.  This one will be full of hostas before long.

The above photo is what it looked like before.  And now, it's all pretty again with cypress mulch.  (Side Note:  It's been over six months since I had the roof replaced and I'm still admiring how good it looks, LoL -- Yeah, I'm strange like that!) Still need to trim up that bush.

Lastly, I've been tackling the window trim.  The basement windows and garage windows are wood clad.  They really needed a scraping and new paint.

I used a round brass brush that attaches to a drill to scrape the old peeling paint.  I worked great!  Who'da thunk it?  It sure beat using a scraper.

I really should have removed all the dried caulk from around the grilles on the garage window, but I figure I'll go back later and do it when the weather is a bit warmer.  

Plus the grilles will need another coat of paint.  I can kill two birds with one stone.  For now, it looks much, much better.

I'm still trying to figure out why there is a 1" eye hook screwed into the bottom frame of the window.  I tried to take it out, but it's in there pretty good!

Until Next Time...

Another Finish and WIP Update

First up is my third finish of 2018.  This time I stitched up an inexpensive Stitch-N-Hang kit called "Santa's Sleigh" (#3609).  

I made the FFO into a round ornament with Ho-Ho-Ho ruched ribbon and a handmade bow with a snowflake button.  The photo doesn't do it justice, but I added some Kreinik on the stars for a bit a sparkle.

Design: Santa's Sleigh
Designer:  Needlemagic Inc, Kit 3609
Fabric: 28ct White Evenweave
Fibers: Cotton Floss, Kreinik Blending Filament
Embellishments: Ruched Ribbon, Snowflake Button, Handmade Bow   Linked up: Super Mom Stitchery Party #139
I've put in over eight hours on Swallows since the last time I showed the WIP I'm finishing up for a stitching buddy.  This is what it looked like back in January:

Here's what it looks like now:

The entire right side is finished.  I'll be starting on the left side when I pick it up again.

Until Next Time...

Second Finish of 2018

I actually finished stitching this project at the end of 2017, but recently created the FFO (fully finished object).

This...

'Let It Snow' kit #021-1058 Janlynn Designs for the Needle.  I swapped the 18ct aida for 28ct White Linen and stitched away.

Then I added This...

When I went to visit my second mama at Christmas last year, we went shopping at AC Moore.  These sleds were on clearance so we both scooped up a bunch.  Factory Direct Craft also sells these same ones, if anyone is interested.

A little this and a little that, equals this:

Design:  Let It Snow

Designer: Janlynn Designs for the Needle

Kit:  021-1058

Fabric:  28ct White Linen

Fibers:  Cotton Threads from Kit

Embellishments:  Handmade Cording, Snowflake Buttons

Stitching Lotus Smalls SAL
Super Mom Stitchery Link Party #138 



Until next time....