Part 3 - Papilon Mystery Sampler

I finaly had a chance to get back to this piece last week. I started and completed part 3, which is the center square part. Lots of new specialty stitches, but fun to do.

October Progress - November Goals

October Progress
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas 7 ½ hours done!
October Flip-It Block – Lizzie Kate done
Part 10 EMS Rose Sampler done
October Teapot – Just Another Button Company done
1 block on Northwoods afghan - didn't get to it
Hungarian Sampler part 5 done
mystery sampler part 3 done
2nd ornament model – started it!
Spool tree ornament #6 done
Whimzie Rose ornament #1 done
Whimzie Rose Ornament #2 done
Whimzie Rose Ornament #3 done
whimzie rose ornament #4 done
whimzie rose ornament #5 done
Fall floss ring tag done
Moon and Stars – LHN done

November Goals
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas
November Flip-It Block – Lizzie Kate
Part 11 EMS Rose Sampler
November Teapot – Just Another Button Company
1 block on Northwoods afghan
Hungarian Sampler part 6
mystery sampler part 4
2nd ornament model

Happy Halloween!

In honor of Halloween, I am posting a finish from the summer of 2006. Sue Hillis Designs Black Hat Society, stitched on a 28 count purple linen of some sort with DMC floss.

The chart came with the button for the hat, but I purchased a few more buttons to decorate the black frame.

I have a few more "witchy" type stitching charts, and hope to hang all of them in my new stitching room, when the person living in the room vacates the premise.

The Day Before Halloween

This is a piece I stitched a few years ago, called Bad Tendril Day by Viv Bales. It was a free chart, probably one of the first few of her designs.

I don't know why it appealed to me, but I thought it was just too cute to pass up. It used to hang on my office door every year before Halloween, this year it is just displayed at home.

A Stitchy Gift from Nancy

This was part of an exchange a few years ago, but I pull it out every fall to use. It is great for taking my lunch to work, or holding a small stitching project. It was stitched and constructed by Nancy in St. Louis, MO.

Thanks again, Nancy. The bag is darling!

Mail Art Received!

I received my Mail Art from Angela on Saturday. What a lovely surprise to find it in my mailbox!

You can't tell from the picture, but there are also beads on the cross and on the wreath on the back. This was a Christmas themed exchange, we did it early to avoid the Christmas rush! It is just lovely! It is also in pristine condition, even after going through the mail, twice! Angela mentioned that the first time she mailed it, the postal clerk told her to put the stamps on a sticky label and stick the label on the cloth. That didn't work, as the entire label fell off. Angela then mailed it with the the stamps stuck directly on the fabric, and here it is!

Thank you Angela! I love it!

South Side Chicago Get together

Yesterday, Sunday. was the every-so-often South Side Chicago get together. Even though I am a northsider, they let me come! It was good to see everyone again.

We met at the Patio in Orland Park for lunch. After lunch there was a bit of stash trading, and some show and tell. Pam showed us her Thea Gouverneur's Hydrangeas and the piece is just magnificent. Someday I will stitch one of Thea's charts, they are so detailed and beautiful.


Barb showed us a recent finish, an autumn piece that was just lovely. We ooohed and aaaahed over both of the finishes, and then headed to the Orland Cupboard for a Stash Enhancement eXperience (S.E.X. so Viki can chuckle again). The owner opened the shop just for us and from the sound of the cash register, I am sure it was quite worthwhile for her! It is a lovely shop with lots of tempting new charts.

Here is the group in the shop (minus me - I was taking the picture). From the left, in the back is Pam, in front of her is Barb, to the right is Denise, then Patsy, peeking out from behind is Karin, and on the far right is Karin's friend Nancy. This was the first time Nancy has met all of us, and I hope we didn't scare her too much! The three Quakers that are hanging above the group were all stitched by our very own Barb. (This women stitches more than anyone I know. She bought a Hinzeit Christmas chart with a Santa frame on Sunday afternoon, and posted a photo of the piece, all stitched AND framed this morning!)

Patsy and I took the scenic route home, but had a great time! Can't wait to do it again.

Moon and Stars

I only had a few stars to stitch when I ran out of the right color floss on Friday evening. I was able to pick up some more today, and here it is. This is Moon and Stars by Little House Needlework, done on 28 count Misty Blue Cashel linen, with Cresent Colors floss.

Halloween Stitching

I am not fond of Halloween. I really don't like it and don't decorate for it, but there are some Halloween designs that I am just drawn too, and feel the need to stitch.

This is the first Halloween design I ever stitched. I did this one a few years ago (2004 or 2005) and I actually stitched it twice, once for my nephews and once for me.

The design is called Jeepers Creepers, by Sue Hillis. I used DMC floss, but I don't remember what fabric I used.

More Pictures from the Stitching Extravaganza!

Here we have Karin, Denise and Barb. Barb is studying the menu very carefully, and will be checking out the vodka list after she decides what to order.

Sue and Tracy were deep in discussion about designing alphabets.

Eileen was looking for new homes for some unwanted charts and kits, and kept us all laughing for hours!

They Came Bearing Gifts!

Lesley brought this cute Australian Tree Frog! I need to find a good spot for him, but not too close to my stitching! I have named him Freddy.

I received this beautiful tray from the Canadians. It was stitched by Lynn and framed in a tray made by her husband, Marcel. It can be hung on the wall or used as a tray. It is just wonderful! I will use it often.

I also received a lovely piece of fabric that Lynn handpainted. It was done specifically to use for the two Judith Kirby Halloween houses. I can't wait to start stitching that one!

Patsy made this lovely beaded ornament for me! I have another ornament that Patsy made a few years ago, and both of them will have a place of honor on my Christmas tree for many years to come.

I received a Gnome Needlepoint kit from Kim, but forgot to take a picture. It will made a lovely pillow.









And then, after everyone had gone home, I found this gift certificate that a really sneaky person left for me to find! I will use it to get some more frames for the mountain of stitching that is yet unfinished.

Thank you all for the lovely gifts. It was not necessary at all, but appreciated.

Stitching and lunching with friends

This past weekends gathering, or "Stitching Extravaganza" as my daughter, Viki, called it, was great fun! Here is a photo some of the group at lunch on Saturday:


From the left: Lynn, Carol (who is hidden), Sue Hillis, Tracy, Eileen, Lesley, Karin, Denise and Barb.

Although I had my camera with me, the only photo I took was of Kim taking a picture! There was way too much laughing and talking going on to even think of taking pictures.

Stitching with Friends -- priceless!

Although I have shown you this finish before, it was the theme of my last weekend and expresses my sentiments exactly!

This past weekend was spent stitching with friends. Lesley (from Australia) flew in from the UK on Wednesday afternoon, and we spent the evening catching up and stitching. Thursday morning we did the grocery shopping and then picked Sue Hillis up at the airport in the afternoon. We spent the evening chatting and stitching. Friday I spent part of the morning and part of the afternoon baking cheesecakes, and in the afternoon Kim arrived from Morton, IL, and again we spent some time chatting and stitching. A bit later, the crazy Canadians arrived: Barb, Lynn and Carol. Unfortunately Pam was not able to join us as her husband was taken ill, and she was missed! We ate and chatted and stitched and laughed until the Canadians headed off to their hotel and the rest of us went to bed!

Saturday morning, we had a Stash Enhancement eXperience (S.E.X.) at Welcome Stitchery, were we met up with Denise and Karin (who came all the way from Indiana) and Eileen and Tracy (from Wisconsin). After a morning of shopping we had lunch together at a local 'pub' where we inspected every one's purchases. After lunch some of us had to go back to the shop and purchase some more items that were missed the first time in shop. We said good bye to Eileen, and everyone else met back at my house for more stitching and chatting and laughing and eating. Trudi, Michelle and Susan joined us at my house, and we stitched and laughed until the wee hours.

Sunday morning we had brunch at my house, and then more stitching! Trudi came back, and Patsy joined for the day. Another day of stitching and chatting and laughing and eating! It was so sad to say goodbye to Kim and the Canadians when it was time to go!

Monday morning it was time to take Lesley and Sue to the airport, Lesley was traveling on to Moline to visit her uncle in Rock Falls, and Sue was going home to Richmond VA.

Although the house seemed a bit crowded over the weekend (well, it was snug and cozy!) it is now so empty and quiet. But if I listen very closely, I can still hear the laughter echoing throughout the house! Thank you all, dear friends, for your visit and your friendship! And come again soon! (I will be posting pictures of the festivities throughout the week)

5 Whimzie Rose Ornaments

Over the weekend, I finished these 5 ornaments that still need to be ornimentified. They are the Whimzie Rose pattern which is a freebie from the Just Nan website. I did these on 32 count antique while cashel linen, with DMC floss. I still need to finish them up.

October Teapot

I finished the October Teapot by Just Another Button Company this evening. It is stitched on 30 count WDW Pumpkin linen with WDW and GAST fibres. At first I wasn't sure if I like this month's teapot, but stitched it anyway.

I must say I am pleasantly surprised. It looks so much cuter in person! Of course, Kristin thinks it looks like her kitty, Satchmo.

I found out the other day that next year's Stitch Every Day Series by JABC will be teacups that coordinate with this year's teapots!

So many things to stitch, so little time!

October Flip-It Block

I finished the October Flip-It Block by Lizzie Kate the other day. It stitched up quite quickly, and Kristin insists that the black kitty is her Satchmo. I think Satchmo as shorter, stockier legs.

Here is the entire piece so far. Two more blocks to go and it will be finished!

Hungarian Sampler, part 5 added

I was able to finish the stitching on part 5 of this sampler the other day. Only 2 more parts to go. It is very tempting to just stitch them right now, but I have other things that need my attention first, so I will wait.

My First Floss Ring Tag

I have seen stitched floss ring tags on other blogs, and wanted to stitch some, but it took me awhile to figure out the finishing, and to assemble the tools needed.

I finished my first one last week, but it was part of an exchange, so I wanted to hold off on posting a picture until Cynthia received her package. She received it Friday, so now I can show it to you.

The finishing wasn't as hard as I thought, and the Crop-a-dial tool that I got made putting in the eyelet very easy. I need to find out where to buy the colored rings, so I can make some more.

Christmas Mail Art - a bit early!

My partner received her Christmas Mail Art from yesterday, so now I can post a picture for you.

The motifs are take from Sue Hillis' Gingerbread and Company booklet and It's a Country Christmas, also by Sue Hillis. I stitched on 32 count Putty Belfast linen, with DMC floss.

I stitched a matching mini-ornament on 14 count vinyl weave.

I think Carolyn likes what I stitched for her. I am still waiting for my Mail Art piece to arrive.

2nd Blogaversary!

Today marks the second anniversary of my blog!

To mark this anniversary, I am offering a stitched gift (stitched by me) to three readers of my blog. (This is a PIF - pay it forward, as I am going to be receiving one).

If you’ve never participated in a PIF before, the rules are simple! If you’d like to receive a hand crafted piece from me (within the next 12 months), just comment in this post, letting me know that you’d like to participate. If more than three people post, I will draw 3 names on Wednesday, October 15. Make sure I will be able to contact you and I’ll follow up with you to get your mailing address. By winning, you agree to post a similar offer in your blog for 3 of your readers. Pretty straightforward, right?

My family members, however, at not eligible, they already have items that I have stitched!

EMS Rose Samplet Part 10

Ellen Maurer-Stroh has released the last 3 parts of the year-long project this month. I stitched part 10 over the weekend, and now just have two more parts to go.

I plan to stitch part 11 in November and part 12 in December, but I am getting itchy to get it done!

So, here it is......I'm in the home stretch now!

More Great things in the Mail!

I found a box on my doorstep when I came home from work on Monday. It was from Sue in Reno. She drew my name in the Hallo/Fall Exchange at the Threads of Life. What a wonderful package she put together! Note cards, a pad of list paper with my initial on it, a great fall chart completely kitted with fabric and fibres, extra Sampler threads, a package of thread heaven and a boo boo stick all in a lovely fall fabric bag, and a bag of tulip bulbs to plant in the garden! Thank you Sue, I love it all!

Saturday's Mail

Saturday was a busy day with German School and then a wedding to attend with John. When John came to pick me up, there was a package at the front door. We needed to leave, so I just put it in the house and didn't even get a chance to see who it was from. I just assumed it was for Tony, he gets packages all the time.


Sunday evening, I remembered the package and went to investigate. It was for me!




A little while ago, Beth held a contest on a message board, and although I didn't remember even entering, she told me I won! The contest was for a cross stitch chart and I chose the Beringer Winery chart. I have seen this chart stitched and it is stunning, a lovely old building with autumn leaves framing the scene. Beth also put in a bottle of Mesquite Arizona Honey (she lives in AZ at the moment) and a scissors fob, that I can only assume she made herself - she is so talented.



The fob is called "Bayern" and I had the perfect pair of scissors for the fob: Alyssa from the Gingher Designer series. Don't they look great together?



Thank you Beth, you really made my day! And my scissors thank you too, they are now not nekkid anymore!

My Favorite Ornament

Riona commented that the Spool Trees Ornaments were her favorite Sue Hillis Ornaments to stitch. While I agree that they are fun to stitch, my all-time favorite Sue Hillis Ornament is the Victorian Christmas Tree. It was in the Just Cross Stitch Ornament Edition a number of years ago, and I think I made and given away at least 18 of these in the past few years.

Just waiting for the buttons

I finished the stitching on these four ornaments the othere evening. Now I am just waiting for the buttons so I can ornamentify them before sending them off to 4 different stitchers.

They are by Sue Hillis and are fromt he 2007 Just Cross Stitch Ornament edition, stitched on 32 count antique while chashel linen, with DMC floss.

October First!

Time to report September's progress and set October's goals.

September progress:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas - didn't get to it again this month
September Flip-It Block - Lizzie Kate - done
Part 9 EMS Rose Sampler done
September Teapot - Just Another Button Company - done
2nd block on Northwoods afghan -done
block # 4 on Northwoods afghan Hungarian Sampler Part 4 - done
Papillon Mystery Sampler part 2 -done
2nd ornament model - not done
40 count gauze piece - didn't get to it again this month
Spool Tree Ornament #3 - done
Christmas Mail Art piece - done
Miniature Gingerbreadman ornament - done
Spool Tree Ornament #4 - done
Spool Tree Ornament #5 - done

September was very busy with the start of German School and all the preparation that took. Hopefully, October will see more stitching.

October Goals
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas
October Flip-It Block - Lizzie Kate
Part 10 EMS Rose Sampler
Ocotober Teapot - Just Another Button Company
block on Northwoods afghan
Spool Tree Ornament #6
Hungarian Sampler Part 5
Papillon Mystery Sampler part 3
2nd ornament model
40 count gauze piece
Whimzie Rose Ornament #1
Whimzie Rose Ornament #2
Whimzie Rose Ornament #3
Whimzie Rose Ornament #4

Boys and their Toys

John has a new toy. He traded in is old black Cutlass convertible for this new candy-apple red Mustang convertible.

It is fun riding around with the top down, except in the evening, when it gets cool. Then he just turns on the heat and leaves the top down.

For my children

My children loved "Gummibärchen" when they were little. In fact, they still love them. I came across this video today, and it brought back lots of memories of when they were little and cute. Now they are grown and still cute!

Enjoy!

Is that a frog on the base of that totem pole?

Why yes! It is! This is the cover the brochure for the Stitch Ahoy cruise to Alaska next August, that Sue Hillis and I are planning.

The brochure includes the chart for the totem pole, information about the totem poles and The Legend of the Stitcher, which explains the frog on the totem pole. The borchures have been sent to Hoffman Distributors and from there will go to shops ordering Sue Hillis Designs. So ask for it at your favorite shop.

Those already registered for the cruise will be receiving one in the mail as soon as I get my act together.

If you haven't already done so, please consider joining us on the cruise. We have lots of wonderful things planned!

Northwoods Afghan Progress

Jonathan, do not look!



I didn't get to work on this afghan last month, but I got the two pine tree squares done this month. They were both finished in record time.



Now that the weather is getting cooler, I don't mind stitching on the afghan. When it was hot out, it was hard stitching with all that fabric on my lap.



Next month I will stitch another animal square, but I am not sure which one. Stay tuned to find out!

All the Way - a Video for Cubs Fans

Although I am not a cubs fan, I live with one!

Growing up on the northside of Chicago, one can not help but root for the Cubs each year, wondering if this is the year. Tony, my son the Cubs fan, sent me this video.

September Teapot

I finished the September teapot the other evening, except I just noticed I forgot to give the worm (handle) his eyes and glasses, so a bit more backstitching is needed there.

I used the recommended floss brands and colors, but the apple looks a bit dark to me, and the letters on it are hard to read. I will have to think about pulling out the red stitches and replacing them with a lighter shade of red. But that's a lot of work. I will have to think on it for a bit.

Do you know what day it is?

Since 1995, September 19th is Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Imagine the possibilities! You can growl at people and have an excuse for it!

Please pass the rum, maties!

How will you celebrate?

Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue 2008

The ornament issue has been sighted in various mailboxes across the country, but sadly, not mine! I can't wait to get my copy so that I can pick out my favorite ornaments at kit them up and eventually stitch them!

I look forward to this issue every year, and stitch a few ornaments from it around the holidays. I ALWAYS stitch the Sue Hillis ornament first. This year I got a head start! Sue sent me the chart a few months ago, and I made a start stitching on it, but it 's not quite finished yet!.

September Flip It Block

I finished the September Flip-It Block by Lizzie Kate the other
evening. It was an easy, fun stitch, which cheerful colors. The entire piece is coming along nicely, border and all. Three more blocks and it will be finished.

I have no idea what I will do with it when it is finished, either frame it or make a wall hanging I guess.

Church Basement Ladies

I was recently offered tickets for Church Basement Ladies I was curious about this show that was advertised as a musical comedy that mixes the silliness of Nunsense with the homespun humor of Prairie Home Companion. It stars William Christopher (who played Fr. Mulcahy on M*A*S*H) and is based on the best-selling book Growing Up Lutheran by humorists Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson.

I must say, it was a delightful production. All though I didn't understand a few of the "Lutheran" jokes, I had someone with me who could explain it all to me. I would describe it as the Lutheran version of Late Night Catechism.

So, if you have a chance to see Chruch Basement Ladies, I highly recommend it!

Mystery Sampler, Part 2 Added

I finally found a few hours to add part 2 to this mystery sampler. I am quite behind, part 9 should be released any day now.

The specialty stitches are quite enjoyable to stitch, so I hope to keep on track and stitch a part each month.

Hungarian Sampler, part 4 added

I haven't had much time to stitch lately. Getting ready for the first day of German School has taken up most of my time. I did manage to get part 4 of the Hungarian Sampler finished this evening. I changed the colors a bit, using more blue than was called for on the chart. I thought it was just too much red. 3 more parts to go!

Chicago Germanfest Weekend

This past weekend was the annual German Fest and Von Steuben Parade in Chicago. Unfortunately I didn't have as much time to spend at the Fest as I would have liked, I was busy cleaning and setting up the classrooms at German School. I did manage to spend the greater part of Sunday at the Fest. No time for stitching, either.

The children's group, youth group and adult folk dance group all performed on Sunday afternoon and did a fabulous job! The little ones were too cute and delighted the audience. The youth group amazed everyone with their intricate footwork and precision, and the adults, well, they had fun and actually remembered the dances. A good time was had by all.

The volunteers in our organization's food booth and beer tent were kept busy all weekend. I believe Saturday evening, they went through over 160 barrels of beer in our tent alone! (thank you Viki for that correction) I don't have the numbers yet on how many bratwurst were grilled and sold, but I remember being told that 1800 lbs of potato salad was made for our food both. That's a lot of potatoes!

EMS Rose Sampler Part 9

I just finished part 9 of this sampler, and now only have 3 more parts to go until it is finished. I look forward to the release of each new part on the first of the month. For those of you that don't know where to find it, it is on the Ellen Maurer-Stroh site.

The site also has a gallery where you can see the progress of stitchers from around the world. Every single piece is different, either a different floss color or different fabric choice. It is fun to look at.

Welcome to the Blogging World, Sue!

My friend and favorite cross stitch designer, Sue Hillis, has just launched her new blog! I have been helping her with it, and am happy with how it looks and works. It's on Wordpress, so I had to learn a bunch of new stuff, but hey, it's all good.

Sue Hillis Cross-Stitch Designs Blog

Please feel free to check in at her blog often for a preview of new designs.