Stitching the Night Away in Illinois

Crazy January, Day 2

2012-01-03T10:36:00.003-06:00

On the second day of January, I started a Starfish Biscornu that is a model, so I can't show you what I stitched! I will be able to show you a picture at the end of the month, after the cruise! It is very pretty!

Stats so far:
2 days, 2 starts, 1 finish

First Finish of 2012

2012-01-02T18:28:00.005-06:00

I know it doesn't look like much, but never the less, my part is finished! This is the border and my square of the Threads of Life 12 person Round Robin. When I get this back, each square will be stitched and I will add the charms that I have for it. The border was actually my last finish of 2011, and the square (and the recharting of the wording) was my first finish of 2012.

The chart is Baltimore Garden Quilt by Handblessings Designs. It is stitched on 28 count coffee Jobelan with Gentle Arts Sampler Threads.

Every 6 weeks I will be stitching on someone else's project and sending it on until we are done, sometime in the middle of 2013, I think.

December Progress and January Goals plus Year End recap

2012-01-01T16:13:00.003-06:00

In 2011 I had 66 finishes and stitched for a total of 697.75 hours, not my best stitching year but not the worst, either.

I will be on a stitching cruise for a week toward the end of January, so I will be stitching models for the cruise the first part of the month. I will also be part of a 12 person round robin that begins in January and a 4 person round robin that will begin hopefully in February.

December
Work on Bavarian Table Topper
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas
work on Logan’s stocking
Christmas heart canvas ornament 2010
Christmas heart canvas ornament 2011 worked on it
Work on Cloister garden
Work on Crystal Iris
LHN ornament All is Calm finished
LHN ornament Joy to the World finished
afghan pillow
Logan's birth sampler worked on it
Mystery Sampler part 7
Quilted wreath ornament
Photo booth
Baltimore Garden Quilt Border – finish border finished
Sue Hillis Seasonal Baskets – stitch border
Needlepoint hearts 1
Strawberry #5
Start 15 in January challenge:
January stocking project for ANG

2012 Goals (there will be additions)
WIPS:
Work on Bavarian Table Topper
Rocky Mountain Christmas
Logan’s stocking
Christmas heart canvas ornament 2010
Christmas heart canvas ornament 2011
Work on Cloister garden
Work on Crystal Iris
Logan's birth sampler
Mystery Sampler part 7
Needlepoint hearts 1
January stocking project for ANG
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler

New Starts:
Starfish Biscornu model
Baltimore Garden Quilt square
Sweet Treats Cupcakes
afghan pillow
Photo booth
Strawberry #1
Sue Hillis Seasonal Baskets – stitch border
Quilted wreath ornament
LHN Ornament
LHN Ornament
Natalie’s Birth Sampler
Quaker Rose Sampler
Snowman Ornament (Val’s Stuff)
Train ornament
Duck ornament

January Goals
start as many new starts from the list as possible
stitch on as many WIPs as possible

TULSA final post of 2011

2011-12-23T18:24:00.000-06:00

I have managed to post my TULSA photo around each new moon for 2011, but my ort jar was way too small. I must find a bigger ort jar for 2011. Thanks, Daffycat, for hosting this fun SAL!

Logan's Birth Sampler as of early December

2011-12-06T21:04:00.001-06:00

I have been steadly plugging away on Logan's Birth Sampler. The end is in sight!

November Lack of Progress and December Goals

2011-12-01T14:12:00.001-06:00

November - Progress (or lack thereof!)
Work on Bavarian Table Topper
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas
work on Logan’s stocking
Christmas heart canvas ornament
Work on Cloister garden
Work on Crystal Iris
LHN ornament All is Calm worked on it
afghan pillow
Logan's birth sampler worked on it
Mystery Sampler part 7
Quilted wreath ornament
Photo booth
Baltimore Garden Quilt Border worked on it
Needlepoint hearts
Strawberry #3 finished
Strawberry #4 worked on it
Start 15 in January challenge:
January stocking project for ANG

December
Work on Bavarian Table Topper
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas
work on Logan’s stocking
Christmas heart canvas ornament 2010
Christmas heart canvas ornament 2011
Work on Cloister garden
Work on Crystal Iris
LHN ornament All is Calm
afghan pillow
Logan's birth sampler
Mystery Sampler part 7
Quilted wreath ornament
Photo booth
Baltimore Garden Quilt Border – finish border
Sue Hillis Seasonal Baskets – stitch border
Needlepoint hearts
Strawberry #4
Start 15 in January challenge:
January stocking project for ANG

TUSAL - November

2011-11-28T21:01:00.000-06:00

Here is the ort jar as of this new moon, and it's getting really full. I plan to use a bigger jar next year!

2011-11-20T17:35:00.000-06:00

Under the Tree....

2011-11-17T22:04:00.001-06:00

I finished the stitching on this Little House Needleworks 2010 ornament last month but finally got around to adding the beads recently.

A Finish!

2011-11-08T15:47:00.002-06:00

I finished the last square on this design awhile ago but I am finally getting around to posting a picture. This is Happy are the Peacemakers/Piecemakers Quilt Squares by Handblessings designs. It was a series of free charts.

I think I will finish it as a pillow....someday.....

Rest In Peace, Irene

2011-11-07T11:29:00.004-06:00

With great sadness, I learned that Irene Forrest passed away yesterday.

I was privileged to have her as a guest in my home a few years ago. Irene, Coral and I spent some fun times together stitching and shopping and eating. I think we went to WalMart at least 4 times in the week she was here, and she was so excited to be there!

She will be missed, but she is no longer suffering or in pain. We will stitch together again, someday......

Update on Logan's Birth Sampler

2011-11-03T17:35:00.003-05:00

Lest you think I haven't been stitching.......

Here is Logan's birth Sampler a bit more than 3/4 done. I may have to put this one down a bit to finish up some Christmas stitching, but I am please with my progress.

2011-11-01T17:07:00.000-05:00

October progress
Work on Bavarian Table Topper
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas
work on Logan’s stocking
Christmas heart canvas ornament
Work on Cloister garden
Work on Crystal Iris
LHN ornament Under the Tree finished
afghan pillow
Logan's birth sampler worked on it
Mystery Sampler part 7
Quilted wreath ornament
Photo booth
Baltimore Garden Quilt Border
Needlepoint hearts I worked on it.
Strawberry #3 worked on it
Start 15 in January challenge:
January stocking project for ANG worked on it

November goals
Work on Bavarian Table Topper
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas
work on Logan’s stocking
Christmas heart canvas ornament
Work on Cloister garden
Work on Crystal Iris
LHN ornament
afghan pillow
Logan's birth sampler
Mystery Sampler part 7
Quilted wreath ornament
Photo booth
Baltimore Garden Quilt Border
Needlepoint hearts
Strawberry #3
Start 15 in January challenge:
January stocking project for ANG

TUSAL

2011-10-27T17:33:00.000-05:00

Here are my orts to date. Note to self: get a bigger jar for next year.....

Why I haven't been stitching or blogging

2011-10-09T23:23:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, my oldest son, Tony, married his high school sweetheart, Melissa.

The reception was held at Pinstripes; cocktails were on the Bocce Ball court, and after dinner some of the bowling lanes were reserved for the wedding guests. I was the best ma'am.

September Progress October Goals

2011-10-01T23:02:00.000-05:00

September
Work on Bavarian Table Topper no
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas no
work on Logan’s stocking no
Christmas heart canvas ornament no
Work on Cloister garden no
Work on Crystal Iris no
LHN ornament Under the Tree started
Piecemaker’s Quilt square 11 finished
Piecemaker’s Quilt square 12 finished
afghan pillow no
Logan's birth sampler worked on it
Mystery Sampler part 7 no
Quilted wreath ornament no
Photo booth no
Baltimore Garden Quilt Border started
Start 15 in January challenge:
January stocking project for ANG worked on it

October
Work on Bavarian Table Topper
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas
work on Logan’s stocking
Christmas heart canvas ornament
Work on Cloister garden
Work on Crystal Iris
LHN ornament Under the Tree
afghan pillow
Logan's birth sampler
Mystery Sampler part 7
Quilted wreath ornament
Photo booth
Baltimore Garden Quilt Border
Needlepoint hearts I
Start 15 in January challenge:
January stocking project for ANG

TUSAL - September

2011-09-27T23:12:00.000-05:00

Here is my Ort jar as of September 27th. I have had to push the ords down to make more room......

One More Needlework Shop

2011-09-21T23:14:00.000-05:00

Can you stand one more shop review? On the way home from my Labor Day Weekend trip, I made a quick stop in Berlin, Ohio to meet up with my friend Robin Busch.

We met for breakfast at a cute Amish cafe, and then walked a few doors down to the Stitching House.

Unfortunately, the shop had closed in it's original location and reopened in the lower level of a craft "mall" a few doors down. There was no sigh, we found it by sheer luck. I am told it was quite downsized but they did have some newer charts and a good selection of floss and frames. I loved all the models on the stairway wall.

It was great to see Robin in person after all these year we have known each other on-line!

Another Visit to an LNS

2011-09-14T12:01:00.003-05:00

During the Labor Day Holiday weekend, I had a chance to stop in at Cross My Heart in Columbus, Ohio. I have been to that shop many, many times before while my youngest was a student at Ohio State but I never took the time to take any pictures. I have always loved visiting the shop while in Ohio because there I actually had time to go through sales bins, and really check things out. I purchased my very first piece of linen there, got most of my Marbek angels there, and in general, learned alot about stitching there.

It's not a large shop, but it is well organized and carries lots of stock. Lots of new things! The staff has always been very helpful, offering to order and ship anything that wasn't in stock.

I can't show you what I purchased, it's a gift for another stitcher.

Needle Fever

2011-09-13T09:59:00.003-05:00

Last Weekend I stopped in at Needle Fever in Indianapolis, IN. It was a delightful shop and I found lots of new charts and books and fabricz to tempt me. Unfortunately I can't show you what I bought, because everthing is for an exchange or a gift.

Meanwhile the new Blogger interface is not cooperating and I can't seem to position the photos and text the way I want......

Peppermint Twist

2011-09-12T08:44:00.000-05:00

I finished the stitching on another Little House Needleworks 2010 ornament, this time it is Peppermint Twist. I just love the candy cane button that finishes it off!

Ornamentification will be at a later date.

In the Home Stretch!

2011-09-11T11:48:00.002-05:00

11 quilt blocks done, one more to go!

Frosty Flakes

2011-09-09T19:05:00.001-05:00

I finished the stitching of Frosty Flakes, one of Little House Needleworks' 2010 ornament series recently.

It was a quick stitch! I will wait until they are all done before I begin the ornamentification process.

Square 10

2011-09-07T09:04:00.003-05:00

Here is the Piecemaker's Quilt with square 10 stitched....hope to have the last two done this month.

Quilt Square #9 Added

2011-09-04T10:17:00.001-05:00

I finished the 9th square of the Piecemaker's Quilt. I have decided not to wait for next month to do the rest, I want this one finished!

Ta Da!

2011-09-03T19:49:00.003-05:00

Here the EMS Rose Sampler all finished! (for the second time!) The first time it was done on 32 count antique white lugana over 2 fabric threads with 2 strands of DMC Variations thread. It was lovely, but too big! I really didn't have anywhere to hang it, so I gave it away to someone who really loves it, and decided to re-stitch it for myself. I felt so called to stitch this because it reminds me of an emboidered cloth that hung in my Grandparents' kitchen. It had the same scalloped edge and the same cabbage roses.

This time I stitching it on 25 count antique white lugana over one fabric thread with the same DMC Variations, but just used one thread. I love how it turned out!

I don't quite know how I will frame it, I may just wait until next May when Welcome Stitchery has their framing sale. But for now I am happy that the stitching is finished! This is one of those cases that there was much joy in the journey, the end result really isn't as important as the journey.

Piecemakers Quilt now with 8 squares

2011-09-02T22:12:00.001-05:00

Here is Handblessings Designs' Happy are the Piecemakers/Peacemakers Quilt with 8 of the 12 squares done.

August Progress, September Goals

2011-09-01T00:04:00.002-05:00

August Progress
Work on Bavarian Table Topper no
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas no
work on Logan’s stocking no
Christmas heart canvas ornament no
Work on Cloister garden no
Work on Crystal Iris no
LHN ornament Frosty Flakes -finished
LHN Peppermint Twist finished
Piecemaker’s Quilt square 8 finished
Piecemaker’s Quilt square 9 finished
Piecemaker’s quilt square 10 finished
afghan pillow no
Logan's birth sampler worked on it
Mystery Sampler part 7 no
Quilted wreath ornament no
EMS Rose Sampler part 12 finished
Photo booth no
Start 15 in January challenge:
January stocking project for ANG worked on it

September Goals
Work on Bavarian Table Topper
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas
work on Logan’s stocking
Christmas heart canvas ornament
Work on Cloister garden
Work on Crystal Iris
LHN Peppermint Twist
Piecemaker’s Quilt square 11
Piecemaker’s Quilt square 12
afghan pillow
Logan's birth sampler
Mystery Sampler part 7
Quilted wreath ornament
Photo booth
Start 15 in January challenge:
January stocking project for ANG

Halloween Ornament Model

2011-08-30T22:55:00.002-05:00

I recently stitched this Halloween Ornament model for Sue Hillis. It will be part a leaflet that has not yet been released, with three other ornaments. It is stitched on a piece of fabric hand dyed to look like candy corn and the ornament will be in the shape of a piece of candy corn.

Sue has been working on the fabric itself and has now found a company that will dye it for her and the fabric will be available at your favorite LNS soon. The first two of the candy corn ornaments are already available, and this one will be out soon.

August TUSAL

2011-08-29T13:10:00.000-05:00

Oerflowing Ort jar as of the end of August

Disappointing Needlework Shop

2011-08-28T21:42:00.004-05:00

I made one last stop on the way home from Memphis at Needlworks in Champagne, Illinois.

The shop itself was interesting, with lots of different levels rooms. There was a large group of knitters at a table happily knitting away. Much of the shop was filled with yarns and knitting and crocheting supplies.

At one end of the shop there were some fibres and Needlepoint supplies, but the area was very untidy. There were labels all over the floor, and it needed a good straighting up and vaccuming.

Way at the other end was a small room of counted cross stitch items. To get to this room you had to go through a framing room that was a mess. I didn't realize customers were allowed in there, but when I asked where the counted cross stitch was, they directed me through that room. The counted cross stitch room was small, with older charts and models. There were some cubes of fabric, but I didn't see anything labeled as to count, and type of fabric. Although I was approached by two different adults and once child asking me if I needed help, I really felt that I was bothering them if I had needed some help.

For the first time in a long time, I left the shop without making a purchase.

A Visit to Stitcher's Express

2011-08-26T23:31:00.007-05:00

On my way home from Memphis, I stopped at Stitcher's Express is Mattoon, IL.

This was not my first visit to this shop, but my last visit was before I began my blog, so I thought I would share some photos.

The shop isn't too far off the interstate so it was a perfect opportunity to stop and stretch my legs a bit.

The are lots and lots of charts, many of them newly released.

The shop is quiet but the friendly, and you can browse to your heart's content.

I had done quite a bit of stash shopping on my trip, but managed to find this Country Cottage Needleworks series on the 50% off rack!

Happy Skater Ornament

2011-08-25T09:14:00.002-05:00

I recently finished Little House Needlework's Happy Skater ornament to compliment the Merry Skater I did a little while ago.

This one was found in a Just Cross Stitch Ornaments Issue.

Stitching Shop in Memphis

2011-08-24T14:14:00.006-05:00

Before I left Memphis, I wanted to visit a Local Needlework Shop (LNS), and found one not too far away from my hotel.

Stitcher's Inc. was a bit out of the way, tucked away behind other offices, but with the help of my trusty GPS (Gabbie Garmin) I found it without too much trouble.

The shop carries both counted cross stitch and needlepoint, and has lots of lovely things to look at. The ladies in the shop were very friendly and helpful.

I spent some time browsing the racks of charts and models on the wall. I had forgotten to print out a shopping list, but remembered a few things on it. Unfortunately, they were out of stock on the charts I was considering for the Secret Sister exchange.

I wanted to kit up the chart pictured here for another exchange and I also needed some 28 count blue fabric. Unfortunately, they don't cut fabric smaller than a fat quarter, and had mostly hand dyed fabric. I managed to get a fat quarter of a blue I liked for myself, and the chart and floss for the exchange. I will find some fabric for it at a later date.

Seeing the Sights in Memphis

2011-08-23T12:41:00.015-05:00

I did a few other things while in Memphis, and I thought I would show some of the photos, lest you think I only saw Graceland.

The first stop was Sun Studios, where Elvis made his first recording. It is now a combination gift shop/lunch counter/souvenier recording studio, but historic none the less.

One of the highligts was St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Due to privacy issues, we were not able to go into the lobby to see the wonderful mural I have heard so much about, but I was very impressed with this bronze sculpture.

The founder, Danny Thomas and his wife are entombed in the memorial garden.

The garden is a lovely, peaceful place. The entire complex is a tribute to a great man, who gave so much for children.

This larger than life bronze statue of B B King is also at the visitor's center near the one of Elvis.

B B King's restaurant is located on Beale Street, and came highly recommended for lunch.

I had been told to order the ribs, and they were delicious!

After lunch, I went down to the river for a Mississippi river boat ride. Thank goodness for airconditioning!

Even though it was hot, it was a lovely day. Bright and sunny! Did I mention it was hot?

The riverboat ride was very enjoyable, and the naration and historical information was very informative.

34th Anniversary of the Passing of the King

2011-08-16T22:10:00.006-05:00

On my recent trip to Branson, I made a slight detour and stopped in Memphis. On my list of things to do in Memphis was a tour of Graceland.

It is fitting that I post these photos today, which is the 34th Anniversary of Elvis Presley's passing.

The grounds are lovely, and the approach is impressive when you drive up to the house.

The house is smaller than I expected but I was happy to take the tour. The living room and music room beyond are directly to your right when you enter the front door.

The dining room is on the left. I was surprised that Elvis had the same china pattern that I do, a simple white on white design with a silver rim.

In the back of the house is the famous Jungle room.

This is a view of the back of the house from the yard, which is large enough to have a fenced padock for horses.

There is an inviting swimming pool at the side of the house. It was so hot that day, I truly wish I could have taken a dip in the pool!

Beyond the pool was the memorial garden, which is Elvis' final resting place.

RIP Elvis.

An Elevator for Ducks!

2011-08-12T13:49:00.007-05:00

After leaving Branson I took the road that lead to Memphis because I had never been there. One of the things on my list of sights to see was the Peabody Hotel and their famous Duck March.

The ducks march daily at 11 and 5. At 11 they come down from them Duck Palace on the roof of the hotel by way of their own elevator and make their way along the red carpet to the fountain in the lobby where they spend the day swimming around. At 5 pm they reverse the process and take the elevator back up their home on the roof.

Duck watchers begin to line up by 10:30 for the 11 pm March. Everyone wants to see the ducks! The Duckmaster gives the history of the hotel and why they have ducks in the fountain and then goes upstairs to get the ducks.

Sousa's Cotton King March begins to play, the elevator doors open, and the ducks begin their march to the fountain.....well, it was more of a "run" to the fountain!

There is one drake (boy duck) and there are four hens (girl ducks). They live at the hotel for three months and then retire to a farm to be replaced by new ducks.

On the sidewalk in front of the hotel, is the duck walk of fame, with lots of "famous" duck prints.

Of course I had to purchase a rubber duck each for Natalie and Logan!

Cecilia's Samplers

2011-08-11T23:09:00.007-05:00

While in Branson at the Cecilia's Sampler Retreat, it was only fitting that we visited the shop itself!

Cecilia's Samplers is full service needlework shop that is extremely well stocked!

Lots and lots of yummy fibres! Every brand you can imagine and then some!

Lots of fabric to fondle, and they will cut it to the size you want. Lots of charts, new and old!

Models on display everywhere!! Not a single bare inch on the wall!

The staff was extremely helpful and pleasant!

Although Welcome Stitchery will always be my favorite shop, this one is a closed second!

I didn't purchase a lot, but I did get a "big ticket" item. The box for Jeanette Douglas' My Stitching Treasures was in stock and waiting for me, at a price much lower than I had seen it anywhere else. I also had the $50 gift certificate from the retreat, and all attendees received 20% off of all of their purchases. It made the box much more affordable. I also purchased a full yard of pearl linen.....so pretty!

Summer Stitching Retreat

2011-08-07T09:42:00.003-05:00

Last weekend, I was able to attend the first Cecilia's Samplers Summer Stitching Retreat

in Branson MO.

It was a wonderful, unstructured weekend, with lots of new friends and some old ones, too!

If you every have the opportunity to attend one of the retreats that are sponsored by Cecilia's Samplers, do not hesitate. It is an excellent value! Holly, the event planner for Cecilia's, is very detail oriented and runs a great stitching weekend.

Sue Hillis was the guest of honor at the retreat and designed this chart just for the attendees. We were give everything needed to stitch the project; fabric, floss, fibres, needles and the chart!

There were lots of other gifts for all the stitchers, too many to picture!

A Visit to Village Stitches

2011-08-05T14:35:00.005-05:00

While I was on the road to Branson, Missouri, last Thursday, I found myself near Bloomington, Illinois. My trusty GPS got me to Village Stitches without too much trouble, so I stopped in while I stretched my legs.

The shop was very cozy and inviting, and carried yarn and other knitting supplies, and needlepoint canvas and fibres as well as cross stitch supplies.

There were some lovely models in the shop, and lots and lots of fibres to choose from.

I found this darling mini tea cup pin cushion kit as well as the one skein of Gentle Arts Sampler Thread that I needed for a future project.

Allthough it is a small shop, with more emphasis on knitting than on cross stitching, they do have a fair amount of newer cross stitch charts and lots of yummy fibres to choose from.

11 Pages Done - 1 More to Go

2011-08-04T23:01:00.002-05:00

The end is so near! I hope to finish up the last page sometime this month.

TUSAL - July 31st

2011-08-02T18:57:00.001-05:00

I am traveling at the moment, and have left my overflowing ort jar at home. Here is a picture of my orts as a result of this weekend's stitching. Once I get home I will add it to the ort jar.

July Progress, August Goals

2011-08-01T23:45:00.003-05:00

July
Work on Bavarian Table Topper no
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas no
work on Logan’s stocking no
Christmas heart canvas ornament no
Work on Cloister garden no
Work on Crystal Iris no
LHN ornament Merry Skater finished
LHN ornament Happy Skater finished
Piecemaker’s Quilt square 7 finished
afghan pillow no
Logan's birth sampler worked on it 14.25 hours
Mystery Sampler part 7 no
Quilted wreath ornament no
EMS Rose Sampler part 11 finished
Photo booth no
EMS Monkey ornament finished
Sock monkey ornament finished
Baby’s first Christmas (Logan) finished
Baby’s first Christmas (Natalie) finished
Sue Hillis EEK ornament finished
Start 15 in January challenge:
January stocking project for ANG worked on it

August
Work on Bavarian Table Topper
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas
work on Logan’s stocking
Christmas heart canvas ornament
Work on Cloister garden
Work on Crystal Iris
LHN ornament
Piecemaker’s Quilt square 8
afghan pillow
Logan's birth sampler
Mystery Sampler part 7
Quilted wreath ornament
EMS Rose Sampler part 12
Photo booth
Start 15 in January challenge:
January stocking project for ANG

Ready for Fall

2011-07-26T09:00:00.002-05:00

I am not fond of Halloween. I rarely even look at Halloween designs. I was surprised to find myself paging through the Just Cross Stitch Halloween ornament issue. This little pumpkin really called me to stitch it, so here it is!

I still need to ornamentify it...but that will come at a later time.....

Merry Skater

2011-07-21T09:12:00.001-05:00

I finished this ornament for Little House Needlework's 2010 series the other day. I need to fix one of her eyes before the ornamentification process begins.

I noticed a companion chart of a boy skater in an issue of Just Cross Stitch Ornaments Issue. I now have that one all kitted up and will be stitching it soon.

Baby's First Christmas

2011-07-13T18:13:00.004-05:00

In a previous post, I mentioned that I would like to make an ornament each year for each of my grandchildren. Since Logan is already 2 years old, I needed to catch up! I have already shown you the monkey ornament and the sock monkey ornament for Logan.

Here are two Baby's First Christmas ornaments that are not yet ornamentified! One is for Logan and one is for Natalie. I am all caught up......until next year.

Edited to ad:

The design is a free chart on the Victoria Sampler website.

A Sock Monkey for Logan

2011-07-12T10:10:00.002-05:00

I stitched up this sock monkey ornament last weekend for Logan. Just need to add the date and his name, and then off to ornamentify it!

The chart is from the 2010 (I think) Just Cross Stitch ornament edition, and was stitched on a random piece of 32 count linen with DMC floss.

July Quilt Square

2011-07-10T20:49:00.002-05:00

I finished the July square to the Piecemaker's/Peacemaker's Quilt this week. I love the colors on this one. I don't have anything in my house that are these colors, so it will not match anything, but it's still fun to stitch!

A Different Kind of Finish

2011-07-09T16:27:00.002-05:00

We were invited to a 4th of July party last weekend, and I volunteered to bring a desert. I needed something quick and easy, something that would work well on a buffet table, and something with a "wow" factor.

I found canoli shells at a local produce mart that specializes in Italian imports. After scouring the internet for filling recipes, finally found one that combined both ricotta and mascarpone cheese.

It was quite easy to mix up the filling, pipe it into the shells, and dip the ends into mini chocolate chips and chopped pistacioes. They were a hit! And they were quite tasty too!

A Monkey Ornament for Logan

2011-07-07T23:09:00.002-05:00

I have decided that I want to stitch an ornament for each of my grandchildren every year and since Logan is already 2 years old, I am behind before I begin!

This monkey ornament is a freebie on the Ellen Maurer-Stroh website, and since Logan just loves monkeys, it is perfect for him. I still need to personalize it with his name and the year, but I am not sure where those two elements will appear.

Birth Sampler Progress

2011-07-05T01:08:00.002-05:00

Here is Logan's birth sampler as of July 1st.

I am at the half way point, and am making steady progress on it.

Patriotic Stitching

2011-07-04T11:29:00.002-05:00

Happy 4th of July!

Every year I try and stitch something patriotic on the 4th. This year I started early and finished before the 4th.

This is Red White and Bloom, by Country Cottage Needleworks, stitched on 30 count straw linen by Weeks Dye Works with Cresent Colours and Weeks Dye Works floss.

TUSLA - July

2011-07-03T12:48:00.001-05:00

Here is the ort jar as of July 1st...lots of stitching was happening recently!

June Progress and July Goals

2011-07-02T23:55:00.002-05:00

June Progress
Work on Bavarian Table Topper
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas
work on Logan’s stocking
Christmas heart canvas ornament
Work on Cloister garden
Work on Crystal Iris
LHN Sheep ornament finished
Piecemaker’s Quilt square 6 finished
afghan pillow
Logan's birth sampler worked on it (about 10 hours)
Mystery Sampler part 7
Quilted wreath ornament
EMS Rose Sampler part 10 finished
Photo booth Love Happens finished
LHN Red House in Winter ornament finished
Red, White and Bloom finished
Monkey ornament worked on it
Start 15 in January challenge:
January stocking project for ANG

July Goals
Work on Bavarian Table Topper
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas
work on Logan’s stocking
Christmas heart canvas ornament
Work on Cloister garden
Work on Crystal Iris
LHN ornament
Piecemaker’s Quilt square 7
afghan pillow
Logan's birth sampler
Mystery Sampler part 7
Quilted wreath ornament
EMS Rose Sampler part 11
Photo booth
Start 15 in January challenge:
January stocking project for ANG

Photobooth Love Happens

2011-06-30T10:44:00.001-05:00

I finished my second Bent Creek Photobooth chart the other day. I hope to eventually do them all.

This one was really cute and a fun stitch.

EMS Rose Sampler Part 10

2011-06-29T19:19:00.002-05:00

Here it is, 10 parts done, 2 parts to go!

If you haven't been following my journey on this piece, it is stitch on 25 count Lugana, over one fabric thread with one strand of floss. I love working on it.

A Bib for Natalie!

2011-06-28T13:06:00.001-05:00

I received this darling stitched bib in the mail the other day from Debi!

Natalie will wear it soon!

Thanks, Debi!

Red House in Winter

2011-06-25T09:53:00.002-05:00

I got the last skein of floss I needed for this one the mail and just had to start stitching! I know, I already did my LHN Ornament for June, but I couldn't help myself!

This one didn't need any beads or buttons, and stitched up very quickly.

I return now to my regular list of stitching goals....well, maybe......

Winter Sheep

2011-06-21T17:32:00.001-05:00

Another Little House Needleworks 2010 ornament finished! This was the 5th ornament for 2010.

It needs a small cardinal button, which I will pick up next time I am at Welcome Stitchery.

Giving Thanks

2011-06-17T08:21:00.002-05:00

I have had this chart all kitted up for quite some time, and finally had a chance to stitch it up.

The chart was free from Just Another Button Company when you purchased the buttons. It is one of the early pieces from the Stitch Every Day series. It didn't look like much until the buttons were added.

I already have the frame for it, so I hope to have it all framed by Thanksgiving.

Another Quilt Square done!

2011-06-09T22:51:00.001-05:00

I finished square number sick on the Blessed are the Piece/Peacemakers Quilt by Handblessings Designs.

I look forward to the next square.

Joy Ornament

2011-06-07T08:34:00.002-05:00

I completed the stitching on Little House Needleworks' Joy Ornament recently. It still needs to have the beads added.

I took a trip to Welcome Stitchery this past Saturday to pick up the beads. I came home with all sorts of lovely charts, fabric, flosses and frames, but forgot the beads! Will pick them up next time.

June TUSAL

2011-06-05T22:19:00.000-05:00

Here is the ort jar as of this evening. It's getting quite full!

May Progress and June Goals

2011-06-03T22:03:00.003-05:00

May
Work on Bavarian Table Topper worked on it
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas no
work on Logan’s stocking no
Christmas heart canvas ornament no
Work on Cloister garden no
Work on Crystal Iris no
LHN Joy ornament finished
JABC Thanksgiving design finished
Piecemaker’s Quilt square 5 finished
afghan pillow no
Logan's birth sampler worked on it for 20.50 hours!
Mystery Sampler part 7 no
Quilted wreath ornament no
EMS Rose Sampler part 9 no
Start 15 in January challenge:
January stocking project for ANG no

June
Work on Bavarian Table Topper
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas
work on Logan’s stocking
Christmas heart canvas ornament
Work on Cloister garden
Work on Crystal Iris
LHN ornament
Piecemaker’s Quilt square 6
afghan pillow
Logan's birth sampler
Mystery Sampler part 7
Quilted wreath ornament
Photo Booth chart
EMS Rose Sampler part 9
Start 15 in January challenge:
January stocking project for ANG

Peacemakers Quilt progress

2011-05-31T08:59:00.004-05:00

I finished up square 5 recently. If I didn't have so many other things that need to be stitched, I would just love to finish all the squares right now!

Birth Sampler Work in Progress

2011-05-24T16:36:00.004-05:00

Now that Natalie is here, I need to hurry up and finish big brother Logan's birth sampler, so that I can start on hers!

I am stitching the Savannah birth sampler, which comes a kit by Dimensions, but I have used 28 count evenweave instead of the aida that comes with the kit, and I am using my own DMC instead of the floss that comes with the kit. Here is my progress at about 35 hours of stitching.

The Wait is Over!

2011-05-23T08:04:00.001-05:00

Natalie Margaret was born this morning at 6:01 am. 7 lbs, 1 oz, 19 inches!

TUSAL - May

2011-05-05T23:51:00.001-05:00

Here is the ort jar as of the May new moon. It's getting rather full! Lots of stitching this past month.

2011-05-02T20:26:00.002-05:00

April Progress
Work on Bavarian Table Topper no
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas no
work on Logan’s stocking no
Christmas heart canvas ornament no
Work on Cloister garden no
Work on Crystal Iris no
LHN ornament Snowy Pines finished
Piecemaker’s Quilt square 4 finished
afghan square #11 finished
Logan's birth sampler 18.75 hours stitch on it!
Mystery Sampler part 7 no
Quilted wreath ornament no
EMS Rose Sampler part 9 finished
Easter ornament finished
To Gnome Me is to Love Me finished
Garden Gnome finished
Start 15 in January challenge:
November cup ‘o Tea finished
January stocking project for ANG no

May Goals
Work on Bavarian Table Topper
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas
work on Logan’s stocking
Christmas heart canvas ornament
Work on Cloister garden
Work on Crystal Iris
LHN ornament
JABC Thanksgiving design
Piecemaker’s Quilt square 5
afghan pillow
Logan's birth sampler
Mystery Sampler part 7
Quilted wreath ornament
EMS Rose Sampler part 9
Start 15 in January challenge:
January stocking project for ANG

And Yet Agnother Gnome!

2011-04-25T08:23:00.002-05:00

This cute little guy was found peaking in the window of my Stitching Room on Easter Sunday, while I was preparing dinner.

He looked so pathetic out in the cold, and since it was going to rain overnight, I had to let him in.

My house is being over run by gnomes, and I have no idea who is sending them to me. No one will admit to it, but everyone is a suspect!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T00:47:00.000-05:00

Ukrainian Easter eggs are known throughout the world for their complex designs and beautiful artwork, but Ukrainian artist Forostyuk Inna decided to forgo the usual wax and dye methods and opted to cross stitch her eggs instead. No one seems to be quite sure about the methods she used to create these cool designs, but that only serves to make them that much more incredible.

EMS Rose Sampler Part 9

2011-04-23T13:47:00.002-05:00

I stitched up part nine over the past few days and now I am officially 3/4 done, only 3 more parts to go. As much as I love stitching this one, I am very anxious to get it finished and framed.

Here is the entire piece so far. I am stitching it on 25 count antique while Lugana, over one fabric thread with one strand of DMC Variations #4250.

Snowy Pines

2011-04-20T08:44:00.002-05:00

I stitched up this Little House Needleworks ornament this week. It is the third ornament in the 2010 series, done on 30 count raw linen from Norden Crafts with DMC floss.

Looking at the picture, I forgot the "snow" on two of the pines in the bottom row. I need to go and stitch that in.

One Last Cup 'O Tea!

2011-04-18T21:07:00.002-05:00

Here it is! The final tea cup! I am finally finished with all 12 Tea Pots and Tea Cups by Just Another Button Company.

This last one is the November Cup 'O Tea, and the dark brown fabric was pain to work on, so I kept putting it off, but now it's finished!

I have the Teaspoons to do, but I don't want to start them just yet, I have other things to finish first.

Another Gnome Finish!

2011-04-13T21:44:00.002-05:00

I stitched another cute gnome chart the other day. This is by Hinzeit. I have to finish the framing on it, the frame is just laying on top of the piece for the stitching, but you get the idea.

I am going back to stitching my rotation now as I have run out of gnome charts to stitch.

A Stitched Gnome!

2011-04-12T23:55:00.002-05:00

Gno gnew gnomes have appeared on my front steps since the second one arrived.

All this thinking about gnomes made me want to stitch this design by Sue Hillis that I have had kitted up for quite some time. It is stitched on 28 count Ice Blue Jubilee with DMC floss.

An Easter Finish

2011-04-08T07:45:00.002-05:00

I finished up this little Easter freebie ornament the other day. The chart can be found on Sylvia's blog. I stitched it on 32 count antique white Lugana with Crescent Colors floss.

I have no idea how I will finish it, but it sure is cute!

Another Finish!

2011-04-06T22:57:00.002-05:00

On April 2nd, I had the second finish for April! I stitched the 4th square in the Blessed are the Piecemakers/Peacemakers Quilt by Handblessings Designs. I love the colors in this quilt, and plan to make a pillow out of it when the stitching is complete.

Here are all 4 squares that I have stitched to date.

1st Finish of April!

2011-04-05T23:22:00.004-05:00

I finished this goose a on April 1st. It was the last square that needed to be stitched on my Northwoods Afghan.

Here is the entire afghan in all it's glory! It still needs to be backed and then have binding sewn around it as there isn't enough fabric to fringe it, but the stitching is done!

A Long Stitching Weekend

2011-04-04T22:12:00.010-05:00

This past weekend, a large group of stitching friends met at Welcome Stitchery, in Crystal Lake, Illinois to do some shopping. Here is what I bought.

After a few hours of shopping and helping each other make some additional purchases, we conviened to the Public House around the corner for some lunch.

It was a great day, and fun to see some wonderful old friends as well as meet some new ones.

Two of the stitchers, Lynn and Barb, traveled all the way from Canada for this event, and stayed and stitched with me for a few days. They brought me some lovely gifts. Although it wasn't necessary at all, I truly will treasure the things they made! Thank you Barb and Lynn for your visit and the lovely gifts!

April TUSAL

2011-04-03T09:31:00.003-05:00

Totally Useless Stitch-a-long: Here is my ort jar as of April 1st. It contains the orts from January 1st through April 1st. Perhaps it's time to get a bigger jar?

Agnother Gnome!

2011-04-02T00:10:00.002-05:00

A second gnome showed up on my front steps today. Poor little guy was out in the rain, so I brought him and and dried him off. He quickly made friends with the gnome that arrived Tuesday. Still don't gnow who to left the gnomes...there are a gnumber of suspects, but gno one for sure.....

March Progress, April Goals

2011-04-01T12:10:00.019-05:00

March Progress
Work on Bavarian Table Topper worked on it
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas no
work on Logan’s stocking no
Christmas heart canvas ornament no
Work on Cloister garden no
Work on Crystal Iris no
Piece maker’s quilt project square #3 finished
LHN Fa La La ornament finished
afghan square #11 work on it, almost finished
Logan's birth sampler no
Mystery Sampler part 7 no
Quilted wreath ornament no
EMS Rose Sampler part 8 finished
Love Quilt Square finished
Baby Bib for Clara finished
Start 15 in January challenge:
November cup ‘o Tea worked on it
December cup ‘tea finished
Strawberry ornament #2 finished
January stocking project for ANG worked on it
Sue Hillis 2009 JCS ornament finished

April Goals
Work on Bavarian Table Topper
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas
work on Logan’s stocking
Christmas heart canvas ornament
Work on Cloister garden
Work on Crystal Iris
LHN ornament
Logan's birth sampler
Mystery Sampler part 7
Quilted wreath ornament
EMS Rose Sampler part 9
Start 15 in January challenge:
November cup ‘o Tea
ANG Holiday Stocking

Do You Gnow this Gnome?

2011-03-31T00:52:00.002-05:00

First off, I need to mention that I rarely use my front door. I enter the house through the garage most of the time.

The other day, when I came home from work, I noticed something stuck between my doors, so I walked up the walk to the front door. On the way up the stairs, I noticed this little guy standing on the bottom step. I don't think he was there on Saturday, and I found him on Tuesday. So, who left him there? He sure is cute, and I would love to thank whoever left him, so please fess up!

Another Finish

2011-03-29T00:28:00.002-05:00

I finished this ornament last evening. It is from the 2009 Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue, designed by Sue Hillis.

Unfortunately, it didn't photograph very well.

A Bib for Clara!

2011-03-28T09:16:00.001-05:00

My future daughter-in-law's brother and his wife recently had a sweet baby girl.

This is the bib I stitched for her.

Fa La La - Take Two!

2011-03-24T23:25:00.002-05:00

I finished up Fa La La by Little House Needleworks this evening, for the second time!

I am really enjoying stitching the Little House Needleworks ornaments, I hope to get all of the 2010 ornaments stitching in 2011, and then get to the 2011 ornaments in 2012....I always seem to be a year behind!

A Finish for Love Quilts

2011-03-21T23:27:00.002-05:00

I made a committment to stitch one square for Love Quilts each year. Love Quilts is a great organization that makes quilts for sick children. This is the 2011 contribution. The design come from Stoney Creek's Sea Babies booklet.

It is stitched on 14 count aida (did I mention I hate stitching on aida?) with DMC floss. If it wasn't required to stitch on aida, I would probably stitch more each year, but after finishing one on aida, I am done for the year!

A Cup of Tea!

2011-03-16T21:03:00.002-05:00

I finally had a chance to get back to my tea cups!

I finished the December Cup 'O Tea by Just Another Button Company late last night (actually it was very early this morning.....)

Now I only have one left to finish....November....it's on brown fabric....it's hard to see....someday I WILL finish the last tea cup!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-03-11T22:16:00.001-06:00

Since my family doesn't get me any stitchy things, I treated myself!

EMS Rose Sampler Part 8

2011-03-09T23:03:00.002-06:00

I had a chance to stitch another part of this design this week. I was able to finish part 8. It really is a joy to stitch, even though my eyes get blurry after a few hours of stitching over one!

Here is the entire piece so far. I can't wait until next month when I can work on part 9.

Piecemakers Quilt Square #3

2011-03-06T00:49:00.002-06:00

I finished square #3 on this project this week. Since the squares are a quick stitch, I may just double up and do two squares each month, just to get the project done a bit faster.

Here are all three squares that have been stitch so far.

TUSAL - March

2011-03-04T22:59:00.001-06:00

Here is the picture of the ort jar at the March new moon.

Lots of stitching this past month and lots of orts.

February Progess and March Goals

2011-03-02T16:11:00.002-06:00

I wish I would have had more time to stitch in February! I didn't ackomplish as much as I had hoped, but there was good progress none the less.

February Progress
Work on Bavarian Table Topper worked on it
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas no
work on Logan’s stocking no
Christmas heart canvas ornament no
Work on Cloister garden no
Work on Crystal Iris no
Piece maker’s quilt project square #2 finished
LHN Fa La La ornament no
afghan square #11 no
kit up Logan's birth sampler and perhaps put in a few stitches got the new kit!
Mystery Sampler part 7 no
Quilted wreath ornament no
LHN Snow White finished
Sue’s Biscornu finished
Start 15 in January challenge:
November cup ‘o Tea no
December cup ‘tea no
Bent Creek photo booth snowmen finished
Strawberry ornament #1 finished
Strawberry ornament #2 worked on it
January stocking project for ANG worked on it
Sue Hillis 2009 JCS ornament no
Sue Hillis 2008 Ornament Preview ornament finished

March Goals
Work on Bavarian Table Topper
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas
work on Logan’s stocking
Christmas heart canvas ornament
Work on Cloister garden
Work on Crystal Iris
Piece maker’s quilt project square #3
LHN Fa La La ornament
afghan square #11
Logan's birth sampler
Mystery Sampler part 7
Quilted wreath ornament
Start 15 in January challenge:
November cup ‘o Tea
December cup ‘tea
Strawberry ornament #2
January stocking project for ANG
Sue Hillis 2009 JCS ornament

Sad News for the Stitching Community

2011-03-01T09:55:00.001-06:00

From the Norwalk Reflector:
The body of Lisa Roswell was discovered this morning in the water inside her car.
Lt. John Soisson of the Norwalk Fire Department confirmed her death.
The discovery of her body came about 26 hours after her car was washed off South Norwalk Road.
More details will follow.

Lisa Roswell designed under the name The Primitive Needle

She will be missed, may she rest in peace.

Market Party at Welcome Stitchery!

2011-02-28T23:48:00.002-06:00

Last Friday afternoon, I found myself in Crystal Lake, IL at the flag store on an errand from work. I got all the flags ordered by 5 pm, and then walked across the street to Finn McCool's where I was meeting Debbie and Renae for dinner.

After dinner, we walked around the corner to Welcome Stitchery for their Market Party. Lots of new things to look through, making the decision of what to buy very difficult. I ran into Ilona at the shop, it was great to see her again too!

After making my own purchase and making sure that Debbie and Renae filled their baskets, too, Debbie and I headed across the street to Starbuck's to have some hot chocolate and inspect each other's purchases. It was a very enjoyable evening!

A Biscornu Model

2011-02-24T17:46:00.002-06:00

I was asked to stitch a model for Sue Hillis. She will be teaching this class at and EGA chapter in her area.

I finished the stitching and assembly last evening, and my sister, Trudi, was kind enough to take some photographs of the assembly process that Sue wanted. It is now winging it's way to Sue's for some final touches. I eventually want to stitch this for myself, someday.....

Snow White

2011-02-15T00:30:00.003-06:00

Here my latest finish, Snow White by Little House Needleworks, started during Super Bowl weekend and finished less than a week later.

It is stitched on 28 count antique blue lugana with Cresent Colours Belle Soie in the color, Icing.

It was a quick and enjoyable stitch, especially because the silks are so wonderful to stitch with.

2nd square of Piece/Peace maker's Quilt

2011-02-12T22:49:00.003-06:00

I finished the 2nd square of the Piece / Peacemaker's quilt by Handblessings Designs the other day. So, it's 2 down and 10 to go on this project.

Another Ornament Finish!

2011-02-11T23:51:00.002-06:00

I started this one during the Crazy January Challenge. It is by Sue Hillis and is found in the 2008 Just Cross Stitch Ornament Preview issue.

It is stitched on 28 count victorian red (I think) fabric over on fabric thread with one strand of Gentle Arts Sampler Thread Chalk.

This is a companion piece to the ornament in the Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue 2008, and like the original ornament I have stitched it before for Sue, and now have stitched it for myself.

Finishing....well, that is another adventure.