First Stitches of 2014, Special Gifts, TUSAL and Stitching Goals

As I mentioned a few days ago I was looking forward to my first stitches of 2014.  My annual tradition of a new start as soon as the clock hits 12:01 on New Year's Day!

We spent New Year's Eve and most of the day at my friend Rebecca's with her family.  This year Beatrice joined us as well which was lovely!

Here's my first stitch of 2014 on Bent Creek's Stitching Row!  Beatrice and I both started it after midnight.  I didn't get in too many more before we were heading to bed!

Also as I've done the last few years I'll be doing the Crazy January challenge where I start a new project a day for the first 15 days of the year!  I am not as planned or organized as I have been in past years so I won't give you a nice long list of new starts, but I'll surprise you each day with what I've started!

Since I'll be starting a new project tomorrow (today technically) here's where I got with Stitching Row today.  I would of liked to have gotten further, but I was tired, took a nap and we had a 2 hour drive home.  The suspension in the truck is a little stiff so the drive was too bumpy for stitching on the way home.

Beatrice surprised both me and Rebecca with a lovely gift!  She gave each of us one of her Mom's ornaments.  I am so touched to be given something that was stitched by Adriana!  Also that Beatrice was willing to part with some of her amazing Mom's work.

Today is the start of this year's TUSAL, the Totally Useless Stitch-A-Long.  Really there's no point to this besides the fact that we show off our orts on the New Moon of the month.  Daffycat so graciously hosts this each year!

Here was my ort jar on December 31, 2013 a full year of orts and I've finally come across an ort jar I didn't have to stuff down to get more orts in!

As is my annual tradition, my ort jar was emptied today!  I always start fresh on New Year's Day!

Also I'm going to get back to goal setting!  So here are my stitching goals for the month of January.

January Stitching Goals
Start 15 new projects
Stitch one ornament
Work on the Accolade

ABC-ing Along

So you're probably wondering what have I been working on since I went silent?  The last time I posted any stitchy related stuff prior to my silence I was working on Kathy's ABC Christmas Sampler, I was working stitching away on K for "King.  As you can see from the picture above, I've gotten King finished and more.

I finished "L", Lights and "R" Reindeer

Also "M" Mistletoe (N has been left blank O-Q have been stitched by others)

I've let my rotation drop for now as I'm getting the urge to finish up this piece.  I do have one new start to share with you, but that will wait for another post!

Speaking of Kathy, I'm off to visit with her this weekend and I can't wait!  When Bonnie came down for the weekend recently she also brought with her a belated birthday gift from Kathy (see what I mean about my birthday keeps giving?).  When she heard that this book was coming out, she just HAD to make sure I get a copy.  She knows I'm a huge fan of Michael Powell's designs!  I just love this little book and its got a lot of great little quick stitches in it!

May Ornament

This weekend between going out to the movies twice, spending time on Saturday with my Mum and Sunday with the in-laws I did manage some stitching time.  I had hoped to finish this up on Sunday, but there wasn't enough time.  So I wrapped up my ornament tonight!

Glad Tidings

c2003 Bent Creek

Stitched on: 40ct Raw Linen

Stitched with: DMC

I just love how this piece turned out!  Its small enough on 40ct to make me happy, I find I don't like large ornaments anymore.  I love things small and delicate.  I did have any of the WDW or GAST necessary to stitch this piece so I used the suggested DMCs instead.  In all honesty I didn't loose anything by stitching this up in standard colours.

Sally gifted this chart to me, and asked if I could please pass it on when I was done with it.  So here it is!  If you'd like to stitch up this lovely piece, and agree to pass it on you have one week (until May 20th) to leave a comment to express your interest.

When starting this piece I made use of the birthday gift I received from Bonnie.  This year my birthday seems to keep going, as I've received a couple of belated gifts (supply/mail delays).  Bonnie got me this great stitch starter/ruler that comes in a cute kitty case!  I knew the ornament was going to be 3x3 so I used it to figure out top center where I wanted to start!  I did also have another new start on May 1st and this came in oh so handy!

Sock Monkey!!!! And Some Finishing Stash!

In the last little while my Mum has taken up a new little hobby between quilting and beading.  She has started making sock monkeys!  She's made quite a few, but this is the first one that's made it over to my house.  I suspect most of them are at my brother's and that he's got quite a family of sock monkeys at his house!  Supposedly my sister had eyes on this one but my Mum wouldn't let her have it!

He needs a name, don't you think?  Any ideas?

The mailman was kind to me today, he brought me a parcel containing these lovely goodies!  Mary Ann sent me these wonderful ornament finishing supplies which will come in handy VERY soon!  I think I need to stitch up something so I can specifically use the super cute gingerbread men fabric!  Mary Ann thank you for your generous gift!

Lovely Surprise to Come Home To!

Monday afternoon I arrived home to a pile of mail sitting on my computer... mine as Todd is like to pick up the mail.  In amongst mostly junk mail there was a lovely little parcel from the UK.  Jo of the blog A Stitch in Time sent me this fantastic RAK!!!!

Thank you so much Jo!  She sent me a London 2012 grocery bag, some Cadbury Chocolate (shaped in the London 2012 mascott... and now safely in my tummy), lip gloss, the cutest chart ever that I had admired on her blog and a beautiful skein of floss!  This was such a lovely surprise to come home to, thank you Jo!!!!

Stitchy Goodness!

There have been far too many non-stitchy posts lately haven't there?

 French Couuntry Hearts I - Scalloped Heart

c2011 JBW Designs

Stitched on 28ct Navy Lugana using DMC B5200

French Country Hearts I - Joy

c2011 JBW Designs

Stitched on 28ct Navy Lugana Stitched with DMC B5200

Guess what?  I think I've found my mojo!!!!!  Wool Hoop!  I had a 3-day weekend and I stitched and stitched and stitched!!!!  I accomplished so much!  I finished TWO yes TWO ornaments, started a 3rd (wee start not worth showing).  I just can't get these to photograph properly no matter what I try!

I've made progress on The Accolade

And I've made huge progress (like leaps and bounds ladies and gentlemen!) on Ink Circles Spring Mandala!!!

Fob from Lillie

 From Tracey to keep the frogs away!

I've got two gorgeous scissor fobs to share with you as well, the first one which is black and white was in the exchange from Lillie, I forgot to share it with you.  The second is a Swaroski crystal frog that Tracey picked up for me during her trip to California.  I love both of them and I just happened to have just the right pair of scissors to go with each of them!

In the last week I've felt like my life is finally settling back into place, that all of the pieces that have been missing have been found and are finally fitting together.  My mojo coming back is a sure sign of that and I've taken a few more positive steps which can only make me feel better about myself.

Great Postie Day... Thank You Bette!

 I'm in the center and Bette is on the right

Bette and I have been reading and enjoying each other's blog for years now!  We do have some similar tastes when it comes to stitching.  Its funny when you read someone's blog for so long, you feel like you get to know them.  This past March I was lucky enough to get to meet Bette in person!  I had gone to Southwestern Arizona to visit with Kathy for March Break.  We planned a little trip up to Phoenix/Mesa to check out the Attic.  Bette got in touch with me and we made arrangements to meet at the Attic!  We had a wonderful afternoon!  Lots of shopping, eating and gabbing, its too bad it couldn't last any longer!

Wonderful stash and a lovely note from Bette!

A short while ago Bette e-mailed me asking for my mailing address, said she had a "little something" to send me.  Well what a wonderful surprise landed for me at the General Store (this is where I pick up my mail)!  Bette sent me a Michael Powell Kit... who we both adore!  A beaded needle threader/picker, and an adorable magnetic ruler with a kitty cat!  Thank you Bette for a more than generous gift!  I didn't expect Christmas to start so early!

Its not often you get a chance to meet a fellow blogger, so if you get a chance... don't let it pass by!  It was so nice to get to meet Bette and I hope our paths will cross again!

Second Stitchy Gift Received

My second giveaway item has finally swung its way to the other side of the world to Australia!  Joanne was the other winner of my March draw, who has also been a wonderful long time reader of mine.  It was so nice, being able to reward a couple of long time readers and commenters.


I put together this lovely biscornu for Joanne.

 

Grille Offerte Biscornu No. 3, freebie

cLiselotte

Stitched on: Mystery fabric

Stitched with: DMC

Yesterday I made awesome progress on Enchantment of Winter the whole over one section is coming together beautifully.  I bet you're dying to see it but I'll save that for another post (I am such a tease!).  I'm hoping Thursday/Friday to get a lot of stitching done I'm going to head down to Ann's the owner of Knowledge and Needles to join in on her Thursday and Friday stitching groups.  Something I don't get to do very often due to the distance and well the fact that I am still working for a living... and to support this habit of mine ;-)

How about the last PhotoHunt to get me all caught up for 2011?  The theme on July 23rd the theme was "Patch".

Back in April I was visiting my friend Clare, she and I took a class by Jeannette Douglas together, one of my favourite Canadian designers.  On the way back to Clare's we stopped by this fiberarts exhibit and there were all kinds of wonderful pieces on display.  I was very impressed by this quilt... its amazing how patching and re-using old fabrics together has slowly over time turned into this amazing art form!

Fantastic Stitchy Weekend

I had a good and busy weekend (I think I'm starting to get a little tired of the busy thing)! I first got to check-in with Beatrice, a lovely visit and we chatted about our Southwestern adventures!  Of course we stitched.

Beatrice spoiled me with these lovely Birthday goodies!  I know I'll be putting these to good use.  Thank you Beatrice, and thank you for your hospitality.

Clare putting in the outlining on the ruler pocket

I continued my trip to go and spend the weekend with Clare, another wonderful friend I've made through stitching.  We of course stitched, but the main purpose of this trip was for Clare and I to go check out Gitta's first Needleworker's Marketplace.  There was a retreat as well but we didn't attend that, however they did have classes open to not only retreat members but the public too.  We both registered for Jeannette Douglas's class Three Pines Accessories.

Jeannette teaching us a really cool way to do Queen Stitches!

As usual classes with Jeannette are just fantastic, we didn't really get any true stitching done, but I learnt some really cool finishing techniques/ideas that I'll be putting to good use down the road.  I suppose this means I now have one more WIP in the stitching bag.

Me & Jeannette

It was also so nice to see Jeannette again, its been too long, and she really hasn't done much teaching in the area.  Jeannette if you read this... we want more of your classes in Eastern Ontario!

Gorgeous painted fabric from X's and Oh's -- dunno what I'm doing with this yet

I had to buy something from Jeannette and I have stitched Pomegranates and Pears and the needlebook too

After our morning class Clare and I hit the Marketplace!  This was a great start for Gitta's and I hope they'll be planning a repeat for next year, and that more vendors will get on board.  The first year is always tricky trying to get people on board.  I know from when I was doing my shopping the rooms were crowded and people were buying!  If they run this again next year I'll be there again to show my support!

A new Michael Powell kit

Some Canadiana

So I did shop, and did enough damage on the weekend.

For lunch Clare wanted to try a local place she had heard a lot about, called Burrito Boyz.  Its just a little building, with not really any seating, an assembly line of burritos and a line up out the door.  Always a good sign!  Doesn't this just look tasty?  I can assure you it was!  Great idea Clare.

On our way back to Clare's place we stopped to check out a local Fiber Arts exhibit that was going on this weekend as well.  It was VERY impressive.  I was drooling over the work by the weavers, wonderful scarves, blanket and shawls that I couldn't afford (I of course have wonderful, expensive tastes!).  There were also vendors there too... lots of gorgeous wools that would almost tempt me to try my hand at knitting.

Speaking of knitting, I once said to Clare who is an avid (sock) knitter I didn't understand the point of knitted socks.  Well NOW I DO!  Clare gifted me with a gorgeous pair of hand knitted socks for my Birthday... eat your heart out Dee (whose socks I've been mocking as well... I mean who in Florida needs knitted socks?)

I'm A Bag Lady!!!

I am a bag lady, I LOVE bags.  Now this love of bags fortunately isn't detrimental to my pocket book but there's nothing I enjoy more than a new bag and deciding what its for, what I'm going to put into it and how.

With the aid of Bonnie and Beatrice I've got two more bags to add to the collection!

Back in the fall I was drooling over Bonnie's new monogrammed stitching bag, loved the colours, the design and the monogram.  I also love the fact that it has a flat bottom and stays standing up.  She's here for an overnight visit as her and Blair were attending the Ottawa Senators game tonight and they are always more than welcome to stay with us, instead of spending money on a hotel.  So Bonnie asked me if I still wanted one, and deliver she did!  Thank you Bonnie I love it!

She also delivered a little gift from Beatrice.  Beatrice is a whiz at sewing and figuring out how to make things she sees.  In the fall a fellow stitcher had these great fabric "project envelopes".  She has figured out how to make them and has gifted me with one!  Thank you Beatrice, I love it and will put it to good use!

Here's the PhotoHunt from December 19, 2009 the theme was "Curved"

I came across this "lifesaver" while out for a walk with Bonnie back at retreat in November, its curved!

Fantastic Long Stitchy Weekend!

I want to shout out a HUGE thank you to Kathy and Beatrice for hosting a fantastic, relaxing, stitchy long weekend!  I took all of my running/walking gear with me and didn't pull it out once!  I think I really needed that, I have been pushing myself pretty hard lately!

Sunset on Lake Ontario

Friday evening we all met up at Kathy's place on the GORGEOUS shores of lake Ontario.  Sadly this is the last time we'll meet up there, as at the end of this month Kathy moves into her new home!  The main participants for the weekend were myself, Christin, Bonnie, Rebbecca and our hosts Kathy and Beatrice.

Lunch for 6... more like an army!

Beatrice, Barb, Ann & Judie

Kathy's Happy Dance on Saturday

Saturday we were all over at Beatrice's for the day!  After lunch we were joined by Angie, Judie, Barb, and Ann.  That afternoon I finished off the Earth block on Art Deco Spirits, and started on the Fire block.  I got almost all the black done on one side that night when I realized that it didn't meet up with the bottom of the Earth block!  I had missed one row of stitches... NEAR the top!  I spent a little time before bed trying to fix it up.

Gorgeous double rainbow!

More beautiful vistas!

Sunday it was Kathy's turn to host the core group.  We went out for breakfast first before tucking into our stitching!  I did manage to get Art Deco Spirits all sorted out!  After lunch we were joined by Beatrice and her Mom (Adriana, my favourite 94-year-old stitcher!).  Adriana's sharp eyes spotted a gorgeous double rainbow, we all ran outside with our cameras!  It was too funny!

Earth block all stitched up

Progress on fire block

Monday was more stitching!  Then it was sadly, time to come home.

I forgot to mention this on my last blog post but I had won a giveaway on Regina's Blog Oubliette!  Thank you Regina I really love it!

Run For The Cure Update : I'm almost 1/2 way to my $1000 fundraising goal!  I've raised $415.00 so far!  Click HERE if you would like to donate!  The run is in 27 days!