Another Fin-EE!

This is part 1 of the 2017 Linens & Threads Mystery Sampler.  Yes, I am a bit behind, but hush, better late than never! 

WIP Wednesday 3-7-2018

This is actually as WISP (work in slow progress).  It was started in February of 2006 as a stitch-a-long with two stitching friends.  The plan was to stitch on it for 10 hours each month.  Denise never did get hers started, and Nancy made some good progress early on, but found she had a huge counting error and abandoned the project soon thereafter.  For some time, I did get my 10 hours in almost each month, but then other projects needed attention and it stood in the corner for some time.  The last time I remember working on it was April 2016....until today.  I should have about 30 hours of stitching left.....wish me luck!  I want it done and off my WISP list!

This Weekend's Baking

While shopping this week, I found strawberries on sale or a very good price, so I was inspired to make this dessert that I remembered from my childhood trip to Germany.  I have made it before, but not for a number of years.  The recipe for the sponge cake makes two, and I have two pans, so I made two cakes.  I had a lot of volunteers at German School this Saturday, so the two cakes were gobbled up in not time!

February Progress March Goals

February was a fine month for stitching!  I stitched for 150 hours!  I finished the last three of my Crazy January Starts, and I finished the Stocking that I have been working on for two years!  Yay!!!!

February 2018

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

4 person RR Marguerite’s
SAL part 1  worked on it
Landon’s Stocking  finished
Pacific Heart 
Merry Bells #1 

Crazy January Starts

Grand Hotel finished
Forrest Snowfall finished
Afternoon in New York  finished

Future New starts

Perpetual Calendar
                #5
                #6
                #7
                #8
                #9
Candy Corn #2
Ambrosia Honey
Scissors case
Flower of the month
French alphabet
Large Bargello Ball #2
Small Bargello Ball #2
Candy Corn Heart
Gingerbread Heart
Winds of Grace (6 of them)
Towmater x 2
Lightning McQueen x2
Cupcake ornaments:
                Logan
                Natalie
                Owen
                Peter
                Justin
                Nathan
Spring
Summer
Winter
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Carnival
Walking on Water’s Edge

March 2018

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

4 person RR Marguerite’s
SAL part 1  
Pacific Heart 
Merry Bells #1 

Future New starts

Perpetual Calendar
                #5
                #6
                #7
                #8
                #9
Candy Corn #2
Ambrosia Honey
Scissors case
Flower of the month
French alphabet
Large Bargello Ball #2
Small Bargello Ball #2
Candy Corn Heart
Gingerbread Heart

Winds of Grace (6 of them)
Towmater x 2
Lightning McQueen x2
Cupcake ornaments:
                Logan
               Natalie
                Owen
                Peter
                Justin
                Nathan
Spring
Summer
Winter
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Carnival
Walking on Water’s Edge
 

WIP Wednesday 2-28-2018

Here we are, the third time I am starting this one so I am hoping the third time is the charm.  This is the January chart of the 2017 Mystery Stitch-a-Long from Lines and Threads.  I first started it on 40 count fabric, one floss thread over 2 fabric threads, but didn't really like the fabric I was working on, so I tried it on 25 count fabric, 1 strand of floss over 1 fabric thread.  I liked it better but didn't like the color of the fabric, so now I am doing this on 25 count Vintage Lugana in country mocha, and I am loving it!  I am using Valdani threads (I bought the Autumn Quaker set and will use a different color for each part of the stitch-a-long.  I got a good section of the January chart done so far. 

Ta-Da!

The stitching is finished!  This one took a lot longer than planned.  Poor Landon is now 8 years old and finally getting his stocking!  I started this one on January 11, 2016 and it took 225.75 hours to stitch.  The snowy village at the top was the hardest part to stitch.  White on white was giving me lots of trouble, and my eyes were bothering me.  But it is done!  I will turn it into a stocking as soon as I find where I put the fabric and chording I bought this summer.

WIP Wednesday 2-21-2018

...in which we backstitch.....on day 3 of backstitching!  The end is in sight....backstitch, bath and bead and then finish!

WIP Wednesday 2-14-2018

Happy Valentine's Day to all!  It's Ash Wednesday too!  I spent the day stitching and finally got the houses in the snow done on this stocking!  This part has taken me longer than the rest of the stocking, mainly because of all the white on white and my eye issues.  Just the blue bubble on the top and the name and then all the backstitching....but the end is in sight!

And We Have a Finish!

I finished stitching Afternoon in New York by Country Cottage Needlework in the wee hours of the morning......

I am glad it's done!  This is the fourth and final piece of this series that I stitched, and now I have to decide how to frame them.  Will wait for the framing sale at Welcome Stitchery this May.

This one was not as easy to stitch as the other three.  The chart is fine, I am the one who caused all the issues.  Lots of reverse stitching because I forgot how to count correctly.  I also ran out of WDW Grapevine, and then couldn't find the DMC substitute 3031 anywhere in my house or stitching room.  (I have at least two or three of every DMC color - except this one!).  After working on another area and making a trip to Michael's for the floss, I found a bobbin of it right in the stitching bag for this piece.  Why didn't I look in there? 

Well, it's done! 

WIP Wednesday 2-7-2018

This Wednesday's WIP is Afternoon in New York by Country Cottage Needleworks.  and am about 2/3 finished, but it has not been an easy road.....lots of visits from the frog, running out of colors, substituting and then running of the substituted threads.....but it will be finished soon!

....and we have a finish!

Finished Forest Snowfall.  I must admit, I had trouble with this one.  I didn't like the Deep Fennel that was listed for the words....the color just bothered me.  So, I pulled it all out and replaced it with Weeks Blue Jeans.  Then my needles started smokin' and it was finished in no time!

January Progress and February Goals

I finally feel like I got a lot of stitching done in January!  I had 20 new starts for the Crazy January Challenge, and of those 20, 17 have been finished!  I will continue to start a new piece on the 18 of each month for the rest of the year, and probably also do a number Maynia starts in May. 

January 2018

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

4 person RR Marguerite’s
Landon’s Stocking 
Pacific Heart 
Merry Bells #1 

Crazy January Starts

10 stitches for ANG
                Greek Key #1 finished
                Greek Key #2 finished
                Framed Bricks finished
                Cloud Swirls finished
                Sequins & Waste finished
                Diagonal Wave finished
                Large Willow finished
                Leopard Spots finished
                Paved Bricks finished
                Byzantine Pieces finished
Gingerbread House #10  finished
Gingerbread House #11 finished
Gingerbread House #12  finished
Peppermint Pine finished
Busy Bee Bag finished
Grand Hotel worked on it
Forrest Snowfall worked on it
Plaid Spider #4 finished
Plaid Mitten  finished
Afternoon in New York  worked on it

Future New starts
Perpetual Calendar
                #5
                #6
                #7
                #8
                #9
Candy Corn #2
Ambrosia Honey
Scissors case
Flower of the month
French alphabet
Large Bargello Ball #2
Small Bargello Ball #2
Candy Corn Heart
Gingerbread Heart
Winds of Grace (6 of them)
Towmater x 2
Lightning McQueen x2
Cupcake ornaments:
                Logan
                Natalie
                Owen
                Peter
                Justin
                Nathan
Spring
Summer
Winter
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Carnival
Walking on Water’s Edge
 
February 2018
WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

4 person RR Marguerite’s
Landon’s Stocking 
Pacific Heart 
Merry Bells #1 

Crazy January Starts
Grand Hotel
Forrest Snowfall
Afternoon in New York 

Future New starts

Perpetual Calendar
                #5
                #6
                #7
               #8
                #9
Candy Corn #2
Ambrosia Honey
Scissors case
Flower of the month
French alphabet
Large Bargello Ball #2
Small Bargello Ball #2
Candy Corn Heart
Gingerbread Heart
Winds of Grace (6 of them)
Towmater x 2
Lightning McQueen x2
Cupcake ornaments:
                Logan
                Natalie
               Owen
               Peter
                Justin
                Nathan
Spring
Summer
Winter
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Carnival
Walking on Water’s Edge
 

 

 

 

WIP Wednesday

....in which we build a house.....

That is all that is left to stitch and Forest Snowfall will be finished.

International Hermit and Stitch Weekend

This past weekend was the third weekend of the month which is International Hermit and Stitch Weekend.  I really wanted to be a hermit and sit in my happy chair and stitch all weekend, but alas, it was not to be.  Lots going on in German School and other errands that needed to be run plus dinner out with John, didn't leave much time for stitching.

I did however, get the plaid mitten finished and started on Day 20 for the Crazy January Challenge.  Next month might be better.

Crazy January Challenge Day 20

On Day 20 I started Afternoon in New York by Country Cottage Needlework.  I got quite a bit of the Empire State building done. 

We Interupt Our Stitching.....

 Saturday at German School, we had some royal visitors.  The Mardi Gras Prince and Princess from the German Mardi Gras Society visited our students.  The came in these very regal costumes

 They spoke to the students about German Mardi Gras customs and explained their costumes and what they do during the Karnival or Fasching season. 

 One of their functions is to present medallions or "Orden" to those that are deserving of such an honor.  Both my sister and I were honored to receive these medallions.

 Here is a better shot of the royal couple.  I just didn't get all the feathers in the hat in the picture.  He has 7 very long pheasant feathers in his hat.

These are the medallions that we received.  This particular prince and princess reigned last year and again this year, which is unusual.  Trudi and I received the special medallions for both years.  These medallions must be worn all year when you are in the presence of the prince.  If you fail to wear it, you then have to buy the prince a bottle of snaps.  I will keep mine in my purse so that it is always with me.  The medallions are very heavy and if you wear more than one, they clank!












These medallions are coveted by many.  I have quite a few that I have received over the years and I have them displayed on a wall in my house.  Each of them are unique and colorful and reflect the interests and personality of the prince and princess that gave it. 

Crazy January Challenge Day 19

I just couldn't stop at 18......there are so many more things to stitch! 

I worked on this plaid mitten....a new color combination and a new shape.  This will eventually be an ornament, finished inside a blue metal cookie cutter....stop back often and eventually you will see it finished here!

Crazy January Challenge Day 18

On Day 18, I started the 4th of the plaid spiders that will be for the grandchildren for Halloween.  It is an enjoyable mindless stitch. 

So that is 18 starts, 15 of which are complete already.  Somehow I want to continue and start some more.....but we will see. 

Crazy January Challenge Day 17

The last of the Gingerbread Houses!!  Now I get to add the charm to each one and them 'finish' them! 

They were all fun to stitch.

Crazy Challenge Day 16

Back to the Gingerbread Houses!  This one is called the Sweetheart Cottage, and is number 11.

Crazy January Challenge Day 15

After all those stitches, I was happy to start something different.  I chose Forest Snowfall by Country Cottage Needleworks.  I got a chunk done, but .... I am not happy with the color of the lettering.  The chart calls for Classic Colorworks Deep Fennel.  It is too 'tealy' for my taste and I think it should be more of a blue.....I have a few colors in mind, so a trip to the LNS to search them out is in order.

Crazy January Challenge Day 14

Last one!  This one is called Byzantine Pieces.  I probably should have used three different fibres instead of two, but it is done.  I have now completed all 12 stitches for my incentive charm.

Crazy January Challenge Day 13

This one is called Paved Bricks.  I rather liked stitching it. 

Crazy January Day 12

This stitch is called Leopard Spots.  I don't see it.  and it was by far the worst stitch in the book.  I can't figure out the repeat.  I should have stitched a bigger example, but I just didn't get it.

Crazy January Challenge Day 11

This Stitch is called Large Willow.  Don't know why. 

Crazy January Challenge Day 10

This stitch is called Diagonal Waves, and it does look like that.  I should have stitched a larger example, buy I really couldn't figure out the repeat.....not a fun stitch.

Crazy January Challenge Day 9

The next stitch I did was called Sequins and Waste.  It was enjoyable to stitch.

Crazy January Challenge Day 8

The next stitch I did was Cloud Swirl.  Not really sure of the application of this stitch, but it is done.

Crazy January Challege Day 7

Back to the stitches......Day 7 I stitched a pattern called Framed Bricks.  I like it, and can see lots of applications for handpainted canvases, but since I don't do those, I will just admire this little stitch.

Crazy January Challenge Day 6

Last March, Handblessings Designs released a series of Gingerbread Houses, three every three months.  I stitched the first nine, but the last three weren't released until just now, so of course I had to stitch this little guy right away!

Crazy January Challenge Day 5

The next stitch is Greek Key #2  This one was a bit more enjoyable that the last one. 

Crazy Jnauary Challenge Day 4

Our ANG guild issued a challenge, to stitch twelve different stitches from a booklet that we received.  I did one right away last spring shown here and the second was the peppermint pine, shown here.

The rest of the stitches are being put into a binder.  This is the first of the remaining 10, it is called Greek Key #1.  Not really that much fun to stitch, but it is done.

Crazy January Challenge Day 3

On Day 3 I started Grand Hotel.  This little kit was purchased by a friend when she was visiting Mackinac Island last summer, and she asked me to stitch it for her.  I switched out the fabric in the kit (Hate working on aida!)

Crazy January Challenge Day 2

On Day 2 I started this cute little bag by Shepherd's Bush.  I didn't quite get it finished on Day 2 but finished it on Day 3.

Crazy January Challenge, Day 1

A number of years ago, there was a group that issued a "Crazy January Challenge" where you started a new piece every day for the first 15 days of January, and then committed to finishing them during the calendar year. I don't know if anyone still does this, but I do!  I mostly plan small pieces and ornaments so that I can be sure and get them done quickly (a huge number of works in progress make me nervous).

On the first day of the challenge, I started and finished this cute little piece by Handblessings Designs, called Peppermint Pine.  It was a gift to us at our ANG holiday party.  It was a quick and enjoyable stitch.  I am not sure how it will be finished yet, I will keep you posted. 

December Progress, January Goals

Well, December was not very productive as far as stitching goes, the issue with the pressure in my eyes is mostly to blame, but then there is the German School Christmas program, getting ready and hosting Christmas day, as well as taking care of mom (and dad), and that left little time for stitching.  January will be better!

As far a s the year goes, I had 81 finishes, and 1135 hours of stitching for the year.  I ended the year with 8 works in progress. 

December 2017

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

4 person RR Marguerite’s
Landon’s Stocking  worked on it
Pacific Heart 
Merry Bells #1 

Future New starts

Mini checkered tree  finished
Plaid Spider #4
Candy Corn #2
Afternoon in New York
Large Bargello Ball #2
Small Bargello Ball #2
Perpetual Calendar
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
Candy Corn Heart
Gingerbread Heart
Winds of Grace (6 of them)
Towmater x 2
Lightning McQueen x2
Cupcake ornaments:
                Logan
                Natalie
                Owen
                Peter
                Justin
                Nathan
Spring
Summer
Winter
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Carnival
Walking on Water’s Edge
 
 


January 2018
WISPS:

10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

4 person RR Marguerite’s
Landon’s Stocking 
Pacific Heart 
Merry Bells #1 

Crazy January Starts
11 stitches for ANG
Peppermint Pine
Plaid Spider #4
Candy Corn #2
Afternoon in New York
Grand Hotel
Forrest Snowfall
Scissors case

Future New starts

Large Bargello Ball #2
Small Bargello Ball #2
Perpetual Calendar
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
Candy Corn Heart
Gingerbread Heart
Winds of Grace (6 of them)
Towmater x 2
Lightning McQueen x2
Cupcake ornaments:
                Logan
                Natalie
                Owen
                Peter
                Justin
               Nathan
Spring
Summer
Winter
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Carnival
Walking on Water’s Edge

 

 

 

 

 

One more finish for the year!

I finished this in the wee hours this morning.   It is this month's EGA Stitch-a-long, and it was rather fun to stitch.  It will be ornamentified at a later date

WIP Wednesday

It's been awhile since I posted a WIP, but that is because there wasn't much progress.  I have been having some trouble with my eyes and the section I am stitching on has a lot of white on white, so that is the reason for the lack of progress.

I did go to see the eye doctor, and I have elevated pressure in my eyes, and he can't find a reason for it.  He ran lots of other tests and everything else is fine, so I have some drops I need to put in each night before bed and hope it takes care of the problem.

Ornaments

The ornaments have now been given and are hanging on the appropriate trees.  The original intention was to make the larger houses for my children and the smaller for my grandchildren.  I was stitching on them awhile ago, when my granddaughter asked what I was doing.  I responded that these were the ornaments they would receive at Christmas to which she replied:  I don't like it!  Well, the problem was that it wasn't pink, so I found a pattern for one with pink in it!  She was delighted!

Merry Christmas

Christmas through the eyes of children is the absolute best way to celebrate! 

4 Candles

Happy 4th Sunday of Advent

3 Candles

Happy 3rd Sunday of Advent

Some Baking....

I made this "Apple of Your Eye" cheesecake twice in the past few weeks.  One, I took to Thanksgiving at my son's house and the other for the German School staff this past weekend. 

Turned out great both times with no leftovers.

Two Candles

Happy First Sunday of Advent

November Progress, December Goals

November

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

4 person RR Marguerite’s
Landon’s Stocking  worked on it
Pacific Heart 
Merry Bells #1 
Gingerbread House #2 – 5  finished

Future New starts

Gingerbread House #1 – 3  finished
Gingerbread House #1 – 4  finished
Gingerbread House #1 – 5  finished
Easter House -2  finished
# 7 Halloween House  finished
# 8 Thanksgiving House  finished
# 9 Christmas House  finished
Plaid Spider #4
Plaid Light bulb ornament  finished
Candy Corn #2
Afternoon in New York
Large Bargello Ball #2
Small Bargello Ball #2
Perpetual Calendar
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
Candy Corn Heart
Gingerbread Heart
Winds of Grace (6 of them)
Towmater x 2
Lightning McQueen x2
Cupcake ornaments:
                Logan
                Natalie
                Owen
                Peter
                Justin
                Nathan
Spring
Summer
Winter
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Carnival
Walking on Water’s Edge
  

December

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 
 
In Progress
4 person RR Marguerite’s
Landon’s Stocking  
Pacific Heart 
Merry Bells #1 

Future New starts

Plaid Spider #4
Candy Corn #2
Afternoon in New York
Large Bargello Ball #2
Small Bargello Ball #2
Perpetual Calendar
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
Candy Corn Heart
Gingerbread Heart
Winds of Grace (6 of them)
Towmater x 2
Lightning McQueen x2
Cupcake ornaments:
                Logan
                Natalie
                Owen
                Peter
                Justin
                Nathan
Spring
Summer
Winter
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Carnival
Walking on Water’s Edge