31st January Project-Start

Today is the final post of my personal crazy challenge of January 2011.  There are a few things that I am surprised over, first I think-- that I worked on 31 projects, 24 new starts, worked on 7 wips and finished 1 new one and 1 oldie from last year.  Also, where has the month gone?  Here is it, February 1st already.  I cant believe it.  I am thrilled to be encouraged by many of you-- especially to keep the challenge going all year long.  But, I cant do that, as much fun as it would be.  Last night, I was actually tired of stitching.  Can you even?!  Yes, I was tired of starting another new project-- this I thought would never happen.  My mind has moved on to other things and I must say, I would rather work on some of the ones I started already this month!!!
But, I cant let anyone down, and I did start a beauty last night.  Jane Ballard from the Porcupine Collection.  When I found out last year from my friend that she was going to re-issue these fabulous patterns, I knew this was my chance to grab her.   

The amazing thing about it, is the linen I wanted to use, I didnt have any 'in stock' but, when I got the mail yesterday, the color miraculously showed up!!!! (Thank you very much :)!)  I couldnt have been more pleased with this :)  I knew I wanted to start her last night and without the right color linen, I wasnt sure it would work out. As of Sunday, the choices I had were not quite perfect.  But, now with the right linen, the color conversion could begin!  I have to choose 5 more colors, mostly greens and tans but the colors needed for the border and her dress was chosen last night with ease.

A blend of Belle Soie, SNC, Gloriana and ?? will be used for Jane on 45ct Vintage Woodsmoke.  Aaaahhhhh.  She is going to be gorgeous for sure.  The pink much brighter then I am used to, but looks great in the start.

This is a bigger sampler then I thought it would be for sure, and the pattern is one very large sheet of paper, like 24 x 30 and I will have to make a working copy for myself so I can cut it up into smaller sections, to make it more manageable to work with.
You remember that we like to go antiquing right?  Well, I picked up these beauties yesterday.

I hardly ever see needlework supplies in antique stores, and if I do, I cant afford them.  This pair is about 4" long and I have no idea the age or company who made them.  They do have 'Germany' on them but again, going with looks instead of age for me was all I needed, and I could afford them too :) 

So there you have it, a short run down of my Crazy Challenge for January 2011!  I have enjoyed it so much, and reading your comments and encouragement is so wonderful.  I am thrilled to inspire and to be inspired.  I look forward to what the rest of the year has to bring!!  I know it is going to continue to be an amazing year!!!!!!!

Look at this....

A very special gift arrived today, from a very Special Person. I knew that something was on its way last week. My package arrived today, and in a MILLION years, this would not have been anything I would have expected!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??!!!!! Look at these beauties!!! We saw this pair of scissors a few months ago, and we both commented on how wonderful they were. Never, did I ever expect to OWN them!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!! I am so THRILLED to have these in my collection of scissors you have no idea!!!!!!!!! Lucky me!!

You ever have one of those Days?

Anyone have one of those days you wake up and wish you could start over?! Today is one of those days. I got up at 8am, and by 8:25am things were already hitting the fan. Holy smokes. Crazy emails, voicemails, packages not delivered on time! AGIDA I tell you! AGIDA. Yesterday I already started dealing with these things and opened a bottle last night. Let me tell you, I am ready to pour it over my cereal!!! LOL. It is supposed to be a GREAT day today, and maybe after a mid-morning cocktail it will be :).

Progress on the Homecoming Sampler is moving along nicely. On the 3rd out of 4 rows. It really is a cute piece, and nice to see progress so quickly on the animals, although the one I left half done last night, and said to heck with it, I am going to bed already!




A challenge has been brought to the table concerning Paradise Lost, and I am always up for one! I pulled out PL yesterday and decided to start on the top-right hand corner, to get the A & E done. I dont really like backstitching so I thought if I could put it to bed right from the beginning, I would enjoy stitching it for sure. Not that it isnt pretty, it is very pretty, I just need to figure out how to wiggle my nose and get it done immediately. I am still working on it, will keep all of you posted!

I am thrilled to start PL. I have chosen one of the most beautiful piece of 45ct linen. Vintage Sand Dune from Lakeside. OUTSTANDING. Of course, is there any ugly Lakeside linen? Heck No!! I am using the called for NPI and Gloriana silk threads. I cant believe how gorgeous it is so far, and there isnt really that much done! Stay tuned!



I splurged on something for myself, well this isnt really something new, I am always splurging--especially when it comes to stitching! These Dovo scissors--silver handles with blue blades. WOW is all I can say. Absolutely exquisite. I have used them for the past couple of days now and they are amazing. I highly recommend these!!

Hope all of you are having a great day! Mine will be too-- dont you worry.