Happy 2014 - First Post for Year

Happy 2014....

Stitching has been moving along but not as fast as I see others have done.  I got a UFO project done early last month as part of a challenge project for the Lake Michigan Sampler guild.  We had to sign up for a UFO project that we would get completed by year end.  I had hoped to take it in to have framed before the next meeting but I did not get that accomplished.  So, here is a shot of my wrinkled La-D-Da Margaret Cottam project.

I had stashed it away somewhere in the middle of Part 2.  The challenge really helped me push to getting it done.  Now I cannot wait to have it framed.

On Thanksgiving weekend I started Hibernation Day by Heartstring Samplery.  I cannot put this one down and have been working on it as much as I could during the holiday.  I really love the colors on this one.

I am getting close to the bottom and past the longest stitching area - the houses.  I did not use the color fabric called for and did find something else to substitute with.  Pictures just cannot show you the true color affect.

During 2013 I took three more classes from Ellen Chester.  So, now I have three more class projects to add to my stash.  The Lady's Worke Box project from 2012 is all stitched.  Now I need to sit down and do the finishing.....  I have been meeting monthly with the other class attendees so that we can keep pushing each other along.  This has been very helpful.  Just hope the snow stops so that I can make the January meeting.

Here is another project that I added to my stash from Ellen's class.

This is a limited edition called A Petit Sampling Etui.  She got together with a few other designers to create this project.  There is another one that was from a prior year called A Noble Pursuit.  I do have that one also and really should do it first since I have it kitted.

I went to Inspired Needle's retreat this past October and need to show you a few pictures that I took.

Kim - Rita and I missed not seeing you.  We did keep you around..... (Kim is the stick figure)

Here is Anna with her finish.  Guess what, the Designer - Jan Alexander was here also.  What a great way to celebrate a finish.

Here are a couple more projects that ladies got done and even finished at the retreat. 

Hope your holidays were safe and warm.  Enjoy the rest of the winter stitching.  

Busy Stitcher's Life

Happy Sunday,

Wow, since my last blog I have had a crazy life and sorry that has totally prevented me from doing my most favorite things.  Stitching time has started to get back on track so I had to find time to update my blog.  I really don't know how some of you get time to do as many updates as you do and still get on with life.  You guys are my hero's and help to keep me motivated to at least have a blog.

It is a quiet Sunday here at home and the kids (Brinkley and Josie) are keeping cool close to the air vents so that they can slumber peacefully.

It is so much fun to have a quiet and peaceful Sunday.  At least that provides me with some good stitching time.  I am currently working on Little House Needleworks "Brave Hearts".

I saw this done back in June in the home of Jan Alexander and just had to run home and pull it out of my stash to work on.  Course, when you look at your stash you always find many others that you just have to get moving on.  I hope to have this one done in the next week and will also stitch up "Battle Hymn of the Republic" by LHN on the same fabric.  The fabric is from Tree of Life Linens (Jan Alexander) called Roasted Hickory Nut - 32 count.  The picture just doesn't give you a true view of the colors.  Maybe after it is finished and framed you will be able to see it better.

Back in June I attended Jan's retreat.  I had a great time stitching with old and new friends.  I got a few finishes done that we stitched up prior to the retreat.

It really felt good to come home with a finished project.  Here is Jan with Ellen and myself.

I still need to keep working on the sampler project.  I really don't have much done to show you so stay tuned.  Course, I need to get off of my patriotic mood of stitching.  My buddies would say that that would be mission impossible since that is my most favorite stitching theme.

Once I got home from TOLS retreat I found that my first ever adventure in the world of Ebay auctions had arrived.  Here is a Clark's Spool cabinet from the 1800's.

It is amazing.  It will need a bit cleaning done on it since it was found in an old sewing store's storage.  It has not been touched which will make it even more valuable to me.  I have been wanting one of these for years course if I ever find one that has John Clark(e) on it I will need to have to add it to my collection since that is part of my family name for many generations.  So if you ever see one please let me know about it.

This weekend I did attend another retreat in Downer's Grove by Tomorrow's Heirlooms.  We had Lori from La D Da and Linda from Chessie N Me as our teachers.  The event was great and the projects are amazing. 
 

Well, I have had lots of fun lately and you can see why I got behind in my blogging.  For those of you reading this and don't have a blog (you know I know who you are Cindy or Pat) leave me a note to tell me you at least read this blog update.

Lastly, I think you might remember that I started ABC Prairie School stitching with a group of friends.  Well, only one has been providing me with updates and I have really let mine slip away and need to pick it back up.  But for Ellen I really needed to show you her amazing progress. 



Ellen has finished her third letter.  Way to GO.....  I am still on my first. Darn, I need to find a way to add this into my monthly rotation.

Well, the kids are starting to rise and I think I have provided you with enough to see what has been going on.  Take care and enjoy your week.

February Stitching

There has been a lot of progress going on in my projects but I know that my blog has not represented it lately.  Everytime I think I am going to sit down and post there isn't either enough time to take pictures, poor lightening, or I am just too tired to get the laptop or camera out.  So, today I was on mission to iron my projects and take advantage of daylight for photos. 

First: Inspired Needle in Lemont is working with a group of stitchers to offer a new small project each month of 2012.  I didn't pick up the January project but did grab the opportunity to do the February project which is "Garden of Love" by Citrouille's Designs.  I just love the fabric and threads that were put into this kit.  The threads are what the pattern called for.

Second:  Margaret Cottam by La D Da.  I just love this design and currently working on Part 2.  It took me a while to be excited by using only one thread on this design but the more I have done the greater it is looking.

Next up, I continue to work on the following designs from Blackbird Designs - Loose Feathers and With thy Needle & Thread - mystery sampler Birds of a Feather.

Lastly, I have done a bit of progress on Winter Floral Sampler from the designer Knotted Tree.  I just love the colors and how they pop on this fabric.

At the end of 2011 I did finish a project but didn't get a picture taken of it.  I am attending a class this Friday at Inspired Needle which we will put our finished projects onto a box as shown on the pattern by Blackbird.  This design is called Morning Star.  I love this.....

I hope to get a good scan of this pattern that I completed and add it to a necklace.  Right now the printer and I are not playing well together.  I will send DH to tackle it.  Course, only after he finishes the wonderful roast he put in the oven today.

The last update that I have really been behind on is the ABC Stitching Gals project.  There are three of us working on Prairie Schoolers ABCs and so far I am way, way, way behind on this project.  I did work more the other day on the pumpkin but I think someone is taking out the stitches on me since I am not able to get to the end of this pumpkin.  Here is my progress.... UGH......

Ellen has gotten a lot done on hers.  She off onto her third letter.  Here is her progress:

Keep up the good work Ellen.  Cannot wait to see what you send to me next.

As soon as I finish up my February small Garden of Love I have two new projects to decide on.  They are both for February but I think this will one will be my focus.  It is With Thy Needle & Thread's -
Be My Valentine. 

This was an easy decision since I get to eat the chocolates first.  Yummmmmmm

Well, see, I have been doing a lot of stitching.  Just a slow blogger.  I haven't set any goals for 2012 like I failed at in 2011 but I have changed the way I sit down and stitch.  Each time I sit down to stitch I pick up one of these projects and have made a habit of switching to a different one the next time.  If I have a good week of stitching I should be able to touch each of them with at least an hour of stitching time.

As I was taking pictures of my projects my the living room window I happened to look outside and caught this picture.  I am going to call it the "Lady in Pink".  This girl was completely dressed in pink and was walking her standard size poodle.  The poor poodle had its head dyed pink to match her coat.  I wish I had a better camera that was able to get a closer shot.  Enjoy....

 That poor dog....  I wonder how long the pink dye lasts or if it will run in the rain.

Happy Birthday Mom

Yesterday was my Mom's birthday and I really wanted to give her something very special. I stitched up La D Da's pattern that has the verse of "I Love You a Bushel and Peck" which was a song that my mom sang to me when I was a baby. I think I really surprised her.

The finisher did the most amazing job of quilting this into a pillow. Attached are some antique buttons which really helped to make this even more special. Thank you Debra...

I cannot wait to head out this weekend to my LNS. I have more finishing to pick up. It feels like Christmas trying to wait until Saturday to drive out and see everything finished. Plus, it will be even more fun to see what new items they have in from market. Charge.....

January Updates

As time slips by so does my ability to update the blog. What can I say.... Okay, a 12 week old puppy can keep you busy, keep you from sleeping, and drive you insane. Yes, Brinkley has been a handful and the only time I can get some stitching done is when I make it nap time or leave him with DH. I have to admit, we went to puppy class tonight for the first time and what a shock. He sat in my lap and watched all of the other puppies going nuts and amazed me that he wasn't. Course, wait and see what next week brings. I think he was just in shock.

I recently made trip out to visit one of my BFFs. What was amazing is that we found a local shop close to her home to visit and what a selection of patterns, material, and fibers. So, we had to make the most of our trip and find a few patterns that we had to add to our stashes. I had planned to only work on UFOs in 2009 and cut down the new additions but that went out the window as soon as we walked into the store. How can we explore a new local shop and not walk out with huge smiles on our faces.

I picked up the most amazing pattern called "Flying Geese and Chicken Feet" by Brenda Kocher. It incorporates patterns from four different quilts. It uses many different kinds of fibers and in the store they had it done in my most favorite color combinations. Green and purples.

I picked up the pattern and fibers and decided to do it on congress cloth. The store gave me a listing of the colors they used but after I got home I just couldn't figure out what was used where. So, when Monday rolled around I called the shop and they were so wonderful to take a picture of their finished sample and e-mail it to me. A two hour drive in the snow to their shop was out of the question. Here is the pattern book and a picture of their finished piece. Don't you just love it...... I do......

Course, this wasn't my only purchase. I also got the following pattern "Winter Blooms" by Hands to Work. This will have to be added to my stash and hopefully it will be finished before 2009 ends.

Spending the day with my BFFs was so much fun. With our busy lives and the distances apart we decided that since we cannot get together very often to stitch we would try something else. We have created our own SAL. Each Sunday we are to find time to sit and stitch on any Blackbird design in our stash. This is a great idea since I have a huge collection, okay I have the total collection of Loose Feathers club patterns which include fabric and fibers. So for the past two Sundays I have been able to steal away a couple of hours in the morning and late evening to work on started projects. As of Sunday I completed Loose Feathers Pattern 31 - Blessings & Kind Wishes. I did this on 28 count Sand Dune. Off to the framer it will go....

For next Sunday I will be picking up Loose Feathers Pattern 32 - Beyond My Heart. I will be doing this on 28 count Lavender Bliss. Here is what I had started and stashed.

Before I forget I did do one resolution so far for 2009. La-D-Da's Bushel & A Peck. Course, this project has not been in my stash that long but I had hoped to finish it for a gift during the holidays but that did not happen. I hope to get some help in getting it finished and I think it will make a special Valentine gift for someone special in my family. Stay tuned, I have ideas.

Hey not to bad for the last two weeks. Okay, not too good on getting the house cleaned but I did get the Christmas tree down and took advantage of how many naps a new puppy needs. Until next time and you know how bad I am, have fun stitching and stay tuned. The saga continues between which will come first, puppies and/or stitching.

Bad, Bad Blogger

Okay, so I am heading towards getting a huge lump of coal for xmas since I have been a really bad blogger. Sorry.... What can I say. First Thanksgiving was here and with the weather being nice I had to go outside and help with the yard decorations for xmas. So, with that done the next job was to start thinking about ideas for xmas presents but that didn't happen too quickly. WHY!!!! Well, let me tell you the great news. Josie went to test for her certification to be a Therapy Dog. Yippee, she did it with flying colors. We were so proud of her. Now it is time for me to sit down and fill out the paperwork that goes along with the testing. YUCK..... I hate paperwork. Okay, so now another week has passed by and what did I get done in stitching?

During the week after Thanksgiving I started and finished.... Gertie Gobble from Bent Creek.

I hope to make her into a standup but that will have to wait until after xmas. So, next I felt like doing a bit of knitting and made a couple of dishcloths from a pattern for Breast Cancer Awareness that I found on the Internet. I just love the pink cotton yarn I found.

If you are interested in getting this easy pattern go to http://knitwits-heaven.tripod.com/breast_cancer_awarenesst.htm. This was a very quick project. Course, then I got excited to find a couple of xmas patterns to knit but gave up when the first one didn't turn out. Okay, so maybe knitting isn't my favorite hobby. So, to wind down from that disater I decided I needed to read a book and picked up Nicholas Spark's book called "The Guardian". It was so good I couldn't stop reading to pick up my cross stitch or update my blog. Again, bad, bad, bad blogger.

Since my shopping is just about done, the xmas tree is up and decorated, I allowed myself to pick up a bit of stitching and worked a tiny bit more on La-D-Da's Bushel & a Peck. I don't think this will be done in time for xmas since we still need to wrap the gifts, put up the xmas village, and bake some cookies. Oh yeah, and the most important part, attend a few parties.

Maybe I will be more together next year..... Or not....

JOSIE - sends you love and happiness for a great holiday season and blessings for a great 2009.

Till I find time to sit and blog again, have a safe and quiet night.....

Another Manic Monday

Happy Monday fellow bloggers. Did you survive the day? I did and I sure do hate Monday's. But, now that the day is almost over a feeling of calmness is settling in.

Over the weekend I got some stitching done that I hope to make into a xmas gift. It is from La-D-Da called "Bushel & a Peck". I am doing it on 28 count "Foglifter". This saying is one that my mom's favorites and I am trying to think of a neat way to finish it off when I am done. I would like to somehow incorporate it with a shadow box frame with a couple of old family photos or maybe even put it into a covered photo album. If anyone has any other ideas please let me know. I hope to have the stitching done this week so that I have enough time to get it finished.

Gosh, I am trying to get better at blogging and sometimes I need to hide away from everyone so that I can think about what to blog. Well, look at this. Josie doesn't seem to want to obey my wishes. It is amazing how quickly dogs learn to open doors.

I cannot complain, she had a very rough week last week. We had to take her to Purdue Vet school for tests. She was a good dog and seemed to have enjoyed getting extra playtime in with everyone there. Bad part, they played with her late into the night and the next night when we got her home she decided that playing at 3am was fun.

Since she had to have a test done which means removing some of her fur they did give her a really pretty bandanna to wear for the holiday to cover up her missing fur. I think she likes it. I know I do.

Well, stay tuned for more updates. My fans are complaining again that I am not keeping up with my postings so I plan to hit this again as soon as I can.

La D Da Weekend

I just realized tonight that I forgot to show off the wonderful door prize that I won at the La-D-Da function on July 12th. It is a decorated tin can filled with DMC colors used in most of Lori's projects. What a treat it was to win this. Since I had a new pattern to try and fabric in my stash I headed over to my prize can and found all the colors I needed. Thanks Ladies... You made my day and weekend.

So, the pattern that I started with the colors is "Mocking Bird". I am not sure what the fabric is that I had in my stash but after looking at the colors next to it I figured it was a go. I am not the best at selecting fabric. Guess I need to learn and now is the time to try.

I also got some work done on the class project. I really cannot wait to finish this one and try my hand at finishing this myself.

Recently while reviewing several other blogger's sites I ran across a finished project of Haberdashery Designs that I have to try. It is called Voodoo Boy. I have picked up a 28 count black joblean (spelling - not sure about) and from my stash of threads I found some the brightest DMC colors. I have several of these to make. Voodoo Boy seems to be a needed stress release for some workers I know. The names are being left off to protect the innocent.

Hey Coni, if you think you have issues with Stewey not picking up his toys take a look at what my Josie is up to tonight. Not only did she pull out most of her toys she then decided she was too bored to play any more. I think the two of them need to meet and have a lesson on how to pick up their toys. Cannot leave all that fun to their Mommies.... Can we.....

Well, Josie says it is time to get ready for David Letterman. Which means it is time to sneak into bed with Mommie and steal her pillow. Good night and sleep tight.....