November Flip-It Block Added

I stitched the November Flip-It Block the other day. I loved working with the fall colors.

I only have one more block to finish and will do so after the first of December. Then the entire piece will be finished!

A Gift from an Anonymous Friend

I came home from work yesterday, later than usual after a particularly difficult staff meeting at work. There was a great deal of discussion about calendaring for the parish and questioning of how I do things and people who have no idea of what is involved telling me how things should be done even though their vision doesn't make sense, but I digress.

I found a large envelope in the mail from 123 Stitch, a wonderful on-line cross stitch shop. I was very confused as I didn't remember ordering anything recently. I opened the envelope to find the Seascape pattern by Silver Lining with a note that it was a gift from an anonymous friend! I contacted the owner of the shop, and she wouldn't disclose who this anonymous friend was.

The chart is lovely, and similar to Humbolt Coast by the same designer. I was going to stitch Humbolt Coast in the near future, but it is a horizontal design, and sometimes those are a bit harder to hang. Seascape is very similar, but vertically oriented, so it might fit better, but I don't quite know yet. I will have to study both charts and get some opinions.

I will probably end up stitching both, one for me and the other one to give away! Feel free to let me know which is your favorite of the two.

So thank you to "my anonymous friend" whoever you are, you are so very kind to think of me.

Mystery Sampler part 4 added

I added the bottom band that is shown on the photo last evening.

Did I ever mention that I just love doing specialty stitches? Well, I do, but just not all the time. I was really happy to do all of these stitches, but really happy that I was finished with them and could go back to a regular cross stitch project afterwards where I didn't have to concentrate quite so much.

We Remember

Today, Veterans Day, we honor and thank those who served our country in the military, and we remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

EMS Rose Sampler Part 11 completed

I completed part 11 of this sampler recently, only 1 more part to go! I can't wait to get it finished.

I have been asked what I am going to do with the finished piece. I don't don't know. In this case, there was definately "joy in the journey" with no thought to the destination!

Happy Birthday Dad and Joey!

Today is my father's 83rd Birthday. Happy Birthday Dad!

and my nephew, Joey's birthday! Happy Birthday Joey!

An Ornament from Suzy

Suzy from NC was my partner for the Threads of Life Ornament Exchange, and here is the ornament she sent me. It is so pretty and sparkly in person, unfortunately you can't see that in the photo.

Suzy lives in Raleigh, NC., and last time I was out there, she and I got to have dinner together.

Thank you Suzy! I will have to find just the right spot for this lovely ornament.

An Package from Leonie!

I received the first ornament exchange package a few days ago. This was an exchange organized by Lesley, and my partner, Leonie outdid herself. Look at the cute Santa ornament she stitched for me! If you poke him in the tummy he plays a song! I love it!

Leonie also included a Snowman Trio chart that I have been eyeing for some time and two dish cloths that she knitted. They are too pretty to use!

Thank you Leonie, your ornament will hold a place of honor on my tree for many years to come.

Looking Ahead to 2009 - Stitching-wise

I know it is a bit early to look to next year and make stitching plans, but that's what I started doing yesterday afternoon. I have soooo many things I want to stitch for myself as well as for others. I am behind on new stockings for each of my children as well as my bonus children (daughter and sons in law), as well as two wedding samplers (Kristin please pick out your sampler!!!!) and 5 baby samplers for babies that have already been born.

But the most important piece that I will be stitching in the first part of the year is Just Nan's Baby Garden. This will be the birth sampler for my very first grandchild that is due to be born around June. My friend Irene stitched this for her grandson last year, and I just fell in love with it and purchased the chart last October (of 2007) in anticipation of "someday" being an Oma. Well "someday" is getting closer, and I will be starting this piece right after the first of the year, so that it will be complete when baby Rill is born.

The important stitching for the second half of the year will be Baby Rill's Christmas stocking, but I haven't picked it out yet. I will need to wait until s/he is born to find just the right one.

In case you haven't noticed, I'm just a little too excited about the happy news!

Hungarian Sampler part 6 added

I worked on this sampler again this weekend, and have completed part 6. The wording is in Hungarian, and it translates to: All Beginings are Hard.

There is only one more part, so I will be doing a huge Happy Dance in December, when I am scheduled to do the next part.

Rocky Mountain Christmas - October progress

Well, most of the progress was in October, and I finished up the last bit of the 10 hours on November 1st. This WIP (work in progress) hasn't seen the light of day for a few months, but I did get to it recently, and here is the latest photo at 190 hours of stitching.



Another 10 hours and I should have 5 pages of out 6 done. My goal is to finish this up before baby Rill arrives in June.

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