Stitching in Lobster Land

I'm Hermiting, how about you?

2012-01-20T18:53:00.001-05:00

It's International Hermit Weekend, the first one of 2012 and I couldn't be happier. I think I've been looking forward to this the most of any SAL I'm involved with this year. A whole weekend dedicated to stitching. I may do a bit of knitting but my main focus is going to be stitching. It's cold out and it's supposed to snow tomorrow so I think it makes perfect sense to stay home and spend lots and lots of time with needle and thread. Hope you are planning a great weekend as well!

Where does a week go?

2012-01-16T20:31:00.001-05:00

I can't believe how fast the past week has flown by. If this is any indication of how the year is going to go, I'm in trouble. I had a busy week and so the stitching results are not that impressive however I did manage to finish Block 6 of Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow on Saturday night.

And I even managed to start the next block under this one but I didn't accomplish enough to be worthy of a photo.

Yesterday, was the start of my SAL with Brit. We are stitching the BBD Anniversaries of the Heart together over the next year. I had a promising start until I changed colors and realized my left hand frame was one square off. So I spent a really depressing amount of time ripping out the left hand motif and beginning to restitch it. This was the photo before I ripped out the left hand side. I'm stitching Anniversary 1 on 30ct WDW Kudzu with the called for threads.

I am hoping I will be able to manage more stitching this week but we shall see about that. I need to catch up and comment on some blogs to see how everyone is doing on their WIPocolypse projects. Hope your week is off to a stitchy start!

January WIPocolypse Update

2012-01-09T20:36:00.000-05:00

Despite only being the 9th day of the new year, I've gotten some pretty good stitching in on three different WIPs. First up is my HAED Story Keeper. I worked on this on January 1st and was able to complete the 5 stitch-wide strip I had started in December.

The next piece I worked on was my With Thy Needle & Thread's Anne Sandles. I would have more to show but the GAST Copper that came with my floss pack was really bright and it really looked out of place with the other colors. So I dug through my stash and came up with a Copper that is more in line with the other colors already in the piece. I hope to get back to this some time this week.

And finally, on Saturday while stitching with Barbara in Belfast, I worked on my C@HRH. I feel like this has been an endless block but I think another good hour or two of stitching and I will have it completed.

Not a bad start to my 2012 WIPocolypse plans. Hope you are pleased with your progress so far!

Decision, decisions....

2012-01-06T20:58:00.001-05:00

Britt and I are planning to start stitching the BBD Anniversary pieces on the 15th of this month. On Tuesday, I pulled the first chart and went through my fabrics and the fiber list. I am short a few fibers so I placed an order for the ones I am missing from the first and the 2nd charts.

I have decided to to put mine together in a sort of fabric book, sewing two designs back to back and creating a pocket between them to include mementos or something. I'm still not sure on how I will construct the book but that can percolate as I stitch the series. I am thinking something the lines of this however I plan to bind mine like a regular book down the left side.

While the chart called for a neutral fabric, for some reason I kept seeing green for this design. I had two possible options in my stash, one 30 ct. Kudzu and one 30ct Tin Roof. The top photo is in natural light in my office and the one below is under my Ott light.

Once I have the other threads I need, I will put those down on the fabrics and make my choice but I am really leaning towards the 30ct Kudzu shown below.

Oh can a girl dream.....

2012-01-03T15:43:00.001-05:00

A while back on this blog, I read about the auction for Betty Ring's sampler collection and the recommendation to call Sotheby's and order an auction catalog. I immediately did so and it arrived in the mail today. Oh my.....

There is an unbelievable treasure within this book and I do so wish I had the free cash to bid on something. However, many of the expected valuations are waaaay out of my reach. While I did see at least one as low as $400 in a quick skim through, many more are in the $12,000-$30,000 with one estimate at $50,000-$70,000!

I am sure the girls and women who originally created these unbelievable masterpieces would faint at the thought of their hand work ever being so valuable. But obviously someone did as they were kept through many years and passed down through generations to be acquired by one very passionate and astute lady.

Barbara, don't worry - I will bring it with me on Saturday! See you in Belfast. And if anyone would like to join us, see you at the Co-op around 9:30ish.

End and Beginning of the Year Stitching

2012-01-02T17:52:00.002-05:00

I had set a goal of completing the 6th block of Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow by the end of December and unfortunately, that did not happen. I did put a few more stitches into it on the 31st but not enough to finish it off.

Yesterday was UFO stitching day and I did manage to be fairly productive. I completed the 5 square strip I started back in December. Once I get going on this piece, it moves fairly quickly considering the over one stitching and the multiple color changes involved. I find it so amazing how all those little teeny Xs manage to create this incredible display! I think you will be seeing this piece a lot more this year than in previous years as it's one of my WIPocolypse pieces.

Thanks for stopping by!

Getting set up for an organized year

2012-01-01T18:52:00.000-05:00

I hope you have had an enjoyable start to your new year. We had gorgeous sunshine with temps at almost 50 which is really weird for January in Maine. The pup and I took a really long walk, enjoying the gift the weather was as it's not likely to last for long! It was already much colder when we went for our before dinner constitutional.

I had a fabulous day spent focusing on getting my office/craft room space organized for the new year.

The before pictures (including Beau's mess) of my messy desk area and the top of my workbench space. I had left tons of clutter stack up rather than putting threads, leftover yarns and project sheets away.

A messy desk top and pile of filing yet to be done....

Dog toys and stuffing everywhere.....

Bags of yarn needing to find an organized home....

Piles of miscellaneous crafting supplies covering the work surface....

But some time well spent resulted in filed paperwork (I even shredded 2011 stuff) and a cleaned off desk and a worktable space I can actually use! I think this improved office/craft room space will be much more conducive to creativity!

A clean desk top....

Filing put away....

Yarn put away (except for two WIPs)

And a clean worktop space!

I hope you enjoyed your first day of this new year! Tomorrow I will share the last of my 2011 stitching and my UFO stitching progress from today.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T19:35:00.003-05:00

I wish all of you a safe and joyous new year! Over the last two days, I've managed to put away my Christmas decorations, done all the laundry and waded through quite a pile of newspapers and old magazines and put a lot of stuff in the recycling bin. I plan to start tackling my office/craft room space tomorrow. I need to clear off my project table and put away all of the crafting materials that are strewn everywhere. Gotta have a clean workspace to enhance creativity! I also need to complete the end of year filing and set up a new computer printer!

I hope that there will be some time for UFO stitching as it's UFO Sunday tomorrow and I want to pull out my HAED Storeykeeper which is part of my WIPocolypse project list as well. And I plan to wade through my stash to pull materials for a BBD SAL project I'm going to be starting with Britt.

Sweet Christmas Present

2011-12-28T19:02:00.002-05:00

I received this adorable and very unique pincushion from a friend. Other than my 25 Days of Christmas exchange, this was the only stitching related gift I received this year. I think it is very clever, don't you?

As you can see I'm doing some end of year sprucing up of my blog in anticipation of the new year. I finally figured out how to add a page for my WIPocolypse projects and I'm going to redo my blog list to add a rotation as there are so many wonderful blogs out there. I'm going to try and focus on a variety and look for stitchers other than the "favs/superstars" we all visit daily.

My 2012 TUSAL Container

2011-12-27T19:41:00.001-05:00

I joined the TUSAL for 2012 after seeing so many postings about it on various blogs this year. I don't normally save my orts but my hope is by joining this SAL, I will be motivated to do a lot of stitching in 2012 so that I can fill my jar. I found this little glass container at Michael's last week and loved the shape of it.

Now, I must empty it of its current contents before it can be used appropriately, but I don't think that will be too hard as it is filled with Dove Peppermint Bark squares - delish!

This week I hope to make a list of all the projects I plan to work on in 2012 so that I can fill this little jar full at least once during the year!

25 Days of Christmas Closing

2011-12-26T20:01:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share some of the last few gifts from my 25 days of Christmas as this was such a fun exchange. My partner is a very talented stitcher but she also crochets and sews as evidence of these wonderful exchange presents. I love the coordinating fabric and the usefulness of each item.

My Christmas Eve gift was this clever little sewing small using a jeans pocket and the fabric that matches my other smalls. Opening the flap reveals a wonderful pincushion and is such a clever design. Nancy said the pattern is from the internet. Isn't it cute?

This adorable stitched pocket was my day 25 gift. I love the stitching on the front cover and the little pockets inside a perfect for holding a package of needles or my little measuring square. I know I'm going to get a lot of use out of these wonderful smalls. This was the second year we did this type of exchange and I'm hoping we will be doing it again next year as I've got some great ideas for what I'd like to work on in 2012.

It's back to work tomorrow unfortunately. We still have some snow on the ground from last Thursday and it feels much colder here than it was in NH. My oldest sister and her boyfriend are winging their way back to OH and I wish that we all could have stayed together longer. Maybe next year!

Merry Chrismas!

2011-12-25T15:10:00.000-05:00

Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays!

Framed

2011-12-20T20:39:00.000-05:00

Michael's was having a really great deal on framing a few weeks back - 60% +10% for a total of 70% off. I decided it was high time to get my With Thy Needle and Thread mystery sampler framed. This cost me less than $90 by the time all the discount was applied!

It's not the greatest photo because the lighting in my house is so bad but I'm really thrilled with the finished piece. I used archival glass so there is no glare when you look at it straight on. I'm always a little leery of taking a piece to Michael's or Joann's because you never know who's doing the framing but the new Michael's about 20 minutes from my house seems to have a pretty good framer who knows what she's doing - thank goodness!

Has anyone seen my Christmas Mojo?

2011-12-18T19:23:00.000-05:00

As usual, my holiday planning and prep got off to a strong start but has since dwindled to barely discernible motion. Despite a plan and great motivation, I got knocked off track and am still trying to find my way back. I don' think it's going to happen.

I did actually get decorations on my tree including my wonderful Day 19 gift from my 25 Days of Christmas partner. Yesterday was a wonderful mini box of See's chocolates which didn't last long enough to be photographed and today was a really cute "scrunchy" ornament in red and white which goes perfectly with my tree decoration this year.

We finally had a sunny day today so I took a photo of the fabric and thread combos I've gotten on previous days. These are going to be great for finishing.

I hope you are way ahead of me with your Christmas planning, shopping and preparations. If not, you only have 6 days left to get going!!

Christmas in the City

2011-12-13T20:52:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend I went to visit a dear friend in Connecticut and we went into NYC on Saturday. This was my first time ever in the "Big Apple" and it was a wonderful day. The weather was not too cold and despite the massive holiday crowds, it was pretty easy to get around town. We walked our legs off!

Breakfast at Times Square

Some of the holiday displays

Radio City Music Hall

Crafters Mecca

Central Park

It was a lovely weekend and I can't wait to go back again. Hope you had a great weekend too!

Christmas Blooms

2011-12-07T21:04:00.000-05:00

I was in Trader Joe's just before Thanksgiving and they had a display of Christmas cacti at the front door as you entered. I decided to buy one and it has it's first full bloom this week. I'm not that good with green things so my fingers are crossed I can keep it alive to see it in full bloom.

I also wanted to share my Day 6 and 7 presents from my Christmas exchange. Day 6 was a wonderful new pair of scissors and today was a package of really cute Christmas emery boards. They are perfectly timed because I desperately need to give myself a manicure!

Days 4 and 5

2011-12-05T20:53:00.000-05:00

The fun continues with opening my 25 Days of Christmas gift packages. Yesterday was a really neat bead organizer which will come in handy for some new beads I bought to work on a wreath using make up pads. I saw it in a magazine last year and just finally got around to buying beads. I'm not sure if I will get it finished in time for Christmas but it should definitely be ready for next year.

Today was a really lovely sewn 14" pillow sham using some really gorgeous Christmas fabrics. Didn't my partner do an incredible job. I am pretty sure I have a pillow square somewhere in the house - I just have to remember where I stashed it!

Hope your Monday was a smooth and easy one. Only 4 more days till the weekend!

UFO Sunday Stitching

2011-12-04T19:16:00.000-05:00

The first Sunday of the month is a UFO stitching day with my online stitching group. Today, I brought out my HAED Story Keeper which hasn't seen the light of day in quite a while. I was surprised at how little stitching was needed to complete page 1 and managed to do that and start page 2. Now I only have 28 more pages to go!!!

This is one of my WIPocolypse pieces for next year so hopefully it will be seeing a lot more daylight in 2012.

Christmas Exchange - Day 2 and 3

2011-12-03T19:14:00.000-05:00

Day 2 of my Christmas exchange was a fabulous Sees dark chocolate and almond candy bar and today was a package of Sour Skittles. The candy bar did not last long enough for a photograph but I did manage to get a picture of the skittles.

I have been working on a knit Christmas gift today and have managed top make some great progress. I've been watching sappy holiday movies on Lifetime which is not my usual viewing choice but it's kept me parked so that I can make some progress. My hope is to finish the cowl I'm working on tonight so that I can start something new tomorrow.

Best Parade Walker Ever

2011-12-02T22:01:00.000-05:00

My fur baby Beau is a Treeing Walker Coonhound. Tonight, he was a very special parade walking coonhound. Tonight was the town's annual holiday kick off parade and my company had a float. I decided to see if Beau would walk along. He isn't always comfortable around a lot of noise but he did absolutely great. And he was a huge hit. He loves kids and he was very glad to give kisses and get some pats. And of course as many pieces of dropped popcorn as he could scarf down while keeping up with the parade float!! LOL It seems our holiday season has begun.

Se abre la caja/Laatikko on avattu/Sa okno/Mae'r blwch yn agor/La boite est ouverte

2011-12-01T19:55:00.000-05:00

The title above is the translation of "the box is opened" in Spanish, Finnish, Slovak, Welsh and French. Today starts my 25 days of Christmas exchange. My box came from Nancy in San Diego and it was so fun to slice into that white USPS flat rate box tonight.

My first gift was this adorable little notebook which I am going to label as my 2012 Stitching Journal. I plan to use it to finally track my stitching for the coming year so I can remember when I started pieces and the materials I used.

Last night I slowly started to put out my Christmas decorations including this primitive little tree that my sister gifted me with last year. It's looking a bit bare at the moment but if you look closely at the foot of it, there are lots more wonderful little packages to be opened - 24 more in fact! If they're anything like today's goodie, I'm in for a real spoiling.

I'm off to find my labeler so I can tag my new little notebook and then I'm going to drag up another box from the basement and get to "Christmas-fying" my house. That bare tree looks pitiful!

Success

2011-11-30T20:25:00.000-05:00

I am pleased to find that I have successfully completed my first ever NaBloPoMo. I managed to post ever day during November and didn't need to rely on prompts. I'm sure my posts weren't the most well written or thought out within the blogosphere but I am pleased with the results.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and commented this month. I sincerely appreciate it. I'm going to try and continue blogging as regularly as possible in the month of December and on into 2012 so I hope you continue to stop by and visit.

Congratulations to all you others out there who have completed the NaBloPoMo challenge!

Recovery

2011-11-29T20:13:00.000-05:00

I persisted with BBDs Winter Wonderland and managed to replace what I had to frog and go on to fill out a bit more. I love the colors in this piece and it was hard to zip it away into its project envelope but I really need to be focusing on getting some gifts completed.

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of the month and that means only 1 more month left of 2011. Has this year flow by for anyone else? It certainly has for me.

Anticipating December 1st

2011-11-28T20:32:00.000-05:00

Today I had a package waiting for me when I got home. My own 25 days of Christmas exchange package had arrived from all the way on the other side of the US. Despite the temptation to open it up immediately, I've set it aside to break into on Thursday.

Was it hard for anyone else to get back in the swing of things today? After having 5 days away from work, I found myself very unproductive. I hope a bit more sleep and a good dose of caffeine in the morning will help make me more effective tomorrow! Hope your Monday was a good one.

A Little Winter Wonderland Rewind

2011-11-27T19:51:00.000-05:00

This was my progress the last time I stitched on BBDs Winter Wonderland.

And here is what it looks like after some frogging. As I got closer to the right hand edge of the roof, I made the very unwelcome realization that I was one stitch off - an extra stitch that I never noticed until I got to filling in for the last motif. I had to frog the right side of the roof, remove the right hand chimney and the bird to the left of that before continuing on.

I hate to frog but there just wasn't any way to fudge the extra stitch and have it look right. I hope to continue working on this a bit more tonight so I can try and replace the bird and the chimney.

Time to Switch Holiday Focus

2011-11-26T17:22:00.000-05:00

While I've had extra time off this holiday, I've gotten some stitching done on Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow.

The house has been pretty loud with lots more people and noise than Beau is used to at home. I caught him snuggled into the blankets in the basement where the kids have been beading and watching TV. I think we're both going to be ready to head back home tomorrow.

Fry-Day

2011-11-25T23:44:00.000-05:00

We fried our turkey yesterday but the day after, FRY-day has also become a tradition in our family. You can't let that extra oil you bought just in case go to waste so it gets used up to fry a variety of different foods including snickers bars, Oreos, Twinkies, old cheesecake, french fries, sweet potato fries and just about any thing else we can think of to freeze and then dip in batter and drop in hot peanut oil.

This year I was out meeting up with two former work colleagues so I missed the actual fry-fest and thus have no photos to share but the moans and groans I came home to indicate it was another successful day after Thanksgiving. This year I am thankful I missed it!!

Thankful for Family and Feasting

2011-11-24T17:38:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you are finding much to be thankful for today on the traditional day Americans give thanks for all that they have. Hopefully, we give thanks for all that we have much more often than on the fourth Thursday of the 11th month of the year. I hope you are enjoying this day and all that it brings no matter where you are!

Thankful for Organized Chefs

2011-11-23T16:19:00.000-05:00

My BIL is a fabulous cook and he takes the Thanksgiving feast process very seriously. He always starts his morning with coffee and builds a task list which usually includes the times things are going into the oven. We fry our turkey so today's project was to brine the turkey. We also prepped as many sides as possible. I was responsible for making squash casserole and a pumpkin pecan cheesecake from the November issue of Southern Living. The cheesecake is baking and the casserole is in the downstairs fridge waiting for its turn in the oven.

I hope your Thanksgiving preparations are off to a good start!

Thankful For Stitching Exchanges

2011-11-22T18:43:00.000-05:00

The past few days my dining room has looked like Santa Central with wrapping paper, bows, scissors and tape all over the place. Once again, I signed up for a 25 Days of Christmas exchange with a private group I belong to. I began gathering items back in May but I always seem to come down to the wire on gathering the last few things I needed to complete my list.

I've been wrapping and tagging my items for the past couple of days until finally everything was sent off in the mail today - a day past my self imposed deadline. My box is due to arrive at it's destination by Friday which is well in advance of December 1st and the opening of the first gift - just in case it gets delayed. Which I'm sure it won't!!!

Thankful for Talented Neighbors

2011-11-21T22:16:00.000-05:00

I had the loveliest surprise waiting for me when I got home this evening. It had been a very hectic day at work, a rush to take the dog to be groomed and then an appointment in Portland and then back to pick up the dog by 7pm. Upon checking my mailbox when I finally got home, I found a card from the kind and incredibly talented scrapbooker/card maker who lives a few streets over and has two very sweet dogs that Beau adores, Gracie Mae and Sadie. I am the lucky recipient of a "Created by Chris" Thanksgiving card. Chris makes cards that she sells to benefit the local animal welfare society and I have yet to get one as they sell out very quickly. Now I am lucky enough to have one of my own and for that I am thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving to you too Chris!

Thankful for the Kindness of Stitchers

2011-11-20T21:11:00.000-05:00

Today I would like to express my thanks for all of those stitchers out there that take the time to write tutorials or guidelines about the finishing techniques they use. There are a number of them out there and today I used the expertise shared recently by Daffy Cat to finish an ornament. I used her technique for squaring off my fabric to have straight lines to cut around the finished piece. It's the generosity of Daffy Cat and others like her that help those of us who are challenged. They help build and cement this great cyber-stitching world we are a part of and I thank them and you Daffy Cat!

A Lovely Day-Photo Heavy!

2011-11-19T21:14:00.001-05:00

Today, I traveled to mid-coast Maine to meet up with Barbara and I actually remembered to pack my camera. On the way, I stopped to take this photo of what I think is Sheepshead Lake. The sun was brilliant with a chilly breeze - this is what Maine looks like when everyone goes home.

There was very little traffic on the road so I got to Belfast a lot earlier than I expected. The sun was still shining brightly and I stopped to take this photo as you head down the hill into town. I love this triangular building that sits on the corner.

Instead of turning right to head to the Co-Op where Barbara and I meet to sit and stitch, I continued on down to the harbor area. Many of the older buildings have been repurposed into shops and places to eat. I love all the color on these buildings.

Here are a couple of pictures in the harbor area. The photo on the left is across the water and the one on the right is a local dock and warehouse building.

Since I was the first to arrive, I grabbed a table by the big picture windows for maximum stitching light, bought a cup of tea and vegan pumpkin muffin and started knitting. Barbara arrived a little after 9:30 and we sat and stitched until about 2:00pm. We both did a bit of shopping at the Co-Op and then headed home.

The picture below captures both our stitching and our snacking which is of course a part of our day. I brought my Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow piece to work on and made some great progress.

On the way home, I stopped to take this photo looking out over the valley to the ridges running off to north. The trees have pretty much lost all of their leaves but the pines provide their own color. Pretty soon this view will be a whole lot whiter!!

On my way home, I needed to stop at LL Bean in Freeport to pick up some snow boots. They already have the Christmas lights lit so I took a photo as I was leaving the main store. This was taken at just after 5:00 and it was pretty close to full dark. I love how the big tree is decorated.

Hope you enjoyed your Saturday where ever it took you!

Up Next on the Needles

2011-11-18T20:04:00.000-05:00

With November half way over, I've really got to kick up my productivity if I have any hope of completing all of the items on my Christmas gifting list. Last night after finishing a crochet cowl, I cast on for a knit one. This is a bit of a different cowl and I've already completed one. I'm trying to focus on just one project at a time and not the overwhelming list I am trying to get through.

The weather has become much more November-like and we've finally lost most all of the leaves from the trees. Last week I raked four bags from the lawn and I refuse to do any more. Anything that's left will get raked next spring!

It's time to hunker down inside a warm house and get crafty. TGIF!!

Happy Birthday Josie!

2011-11-17T20:40:00.000-05:00

My oldest niece turned 19 today. She is a freshman at a college in Boston and is planning to study nursing. She is the most amazing, wonderful young lady. She's smart, gorgeous, athletic, funny, kind, generous and sassy - all the best things to be at 19. My heart fills to overflowing with how much I love her and how proud I am of her. She's just amazing. It is my hope and prayer that she finds the love, success and confidence that she deserves while doing something to make our world a better place. I think she's off to a great start so far. I love you Josie/Bella/Belle, forever and always. Love, Aunt Rosie

Highly Anticipated

2011-11-16T20:23:00.000-05:00

Today there was a wonderful package sticking out of the mailbox on the porch when I got home. I eagerly pulled it out of the box and took note of the shipping label - Country Stitches. Yee-haw, my much coveted stash had arrived. Blogger refuses to upload this photo correctly so you'll have to turn your head to view it properly. What a box of yummy!

I finally gave in to the lure of With Thy Needle and Thread's monthly charts and ordered the three currently available; October, November and December. Then of course I needed to order the fabric for them plus a BBD chart that caught my eye and finally the chart, threads, fabric and purse handles for WTNTs Stitcher's Purse. I fell in love with the design as soon as I saw it on Brenda's blog. I can't wait to get started on this project.

We are sliding toward the end of the week and I'm very thankful for that. If all goes as planned, Barbara and I are getting together again at the co-op for some good coffee, stitching and chit-chat. I hope you have some exciting plans to look forward to this weekend. It makes the week go much faster!

Reinforcements Have Arrived

2011-11-15T20:15:00.000-05:00

My Christmas gift crafting came to a slow halt while I waited for some reinforcements to arrive. They showed up on Friday so I will be able to get back to work. This crocheted cowl only needs a few more rounds and it will be able to transfer to the "waiting for ends to be woven in" pile. Sorry the picture below is cock-eyed. Blogger is being a bit cranky this evening.

Today marks the half way point in the month of November and my efforts to post every day as part of NaBloPoMo. So far I've posted every day, even when I was away from home overnight last week. I'm really proud of myself and I hope to continue to post regularly after the end of the month. Being online daily has also encouraged me to post more on other people's blogs and I've enjoyed visiting some new to me blogs. Thanks for taking the time to stop by mine today!

HRH Holiday Progress

2011-11-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

On Friday evening I sat down and paid some attention to my Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow project. I'm working to fill in the house which has quite a few stitches left to go but I'm pretty happy with the progress I've made so far. I was not looking forward to stitching this block because of the house and the solid stitching involved but I have to say I haven't minded it at all. It's actually gone pretty quickly.

I am also on the final 25% of the Christmas ornament stitching I started over the weekend. Working on this one has made me wish I'd done a bit more ornament stitching this year. I have all of the ornie kits from an exchange I was in this year with none of them started but maybe I will pull one out and get started after I finish my current project. Are you holiday stitching this year?

Hope you had a great Monday. Tomorrow means the month is 1/2 over and next week will be Thanksgiving!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

2011-11-13T16:33:00.000-05:00

My able, but not so interested, assistant helped me choose a winner for the Thankfulness Giveaway. I offered him the bowl and he pawed out a winner. I had to wrestle the paper from him to prevent him from eating it as he thought it was a fun game, but I was able to read the winner which is Hillery!

Hillery, please send me an email with your mailing address and I'll get the goodies out to you this week. I hope you all keep focusing on all you have to be thankful for because it sounds like each of you has quite a lot. Thanks for participating in this give away.

Giveaway Reminder & New Start

2011-11-12T18:03:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to enter my Thankfulness giveaway today. I will be pulling a winner tomorrow. I have really enjoyed reading everyone's comments. Good luck!

While watching the Georgia vs. Auburn game this afternoon, I started an ornament from this year's JCS Ornament issue. I'm not going to say which one as I think it's going to end up as a Christmas gift.

I have to say there were not a lot of ornaments that caught my eye this year and made me excited to stitch them and that's too bad. It feels like there is a lot of repetition in many of the designs; as if the designers are just quickly designing anything or using parts of something they've already designed to turn into ornaments without trying to create something really special. Maybe it's just that there's only so much you can do for a holiday themed ornament and much of it's already been done.

NaBloPo Prompt: 11/11/11 Make Three Wishes

2011-11-11T19:24:00.000-05:00

I was out of town overnight and I'm too tired to come up with anything on my own tonight so I decided to use today's prompt which is Make Three Wishes.

Today is Veteran's Day and as the daughter of a veteran of WW2, my first wish would be that we could all learn to live together in peace so that no more veterans would need to come home from wars and conflicts around the world.

My second wish is that we as humans would learn to listen to each other. Communication, or the lack of communication, is so often at the root of so many of life's problems, errors, accidents and conflicts. By taking the time to stop and allow someone to fully express themselves, to be in that moment and listen to what they are saying - both the verbal and the noverbal- might do much to create a more peaceful world to live in. Words are such powerful things and if we listened to them more closely and that helped us to use them more wisely, we might live in a very different environment.

My third wish is for the children of our world. They are our future and it is my hope that each child be able to find at least one person in their life that helps them, guides them, encourages them to be all that they can be, to overcome whatever negative circumstances they might be in, to help others if their circumstances are better and to be the change our world needs.

Workshop Central

2011-11-10T20:00:00.029-05:00

My younger sister decided we should have a home-made Christmas this year. This is a view of my office/craft room as a result of that decision. To the left of this photo there are bags of yarn just waiting for their turn on the ball winder that has become permanently fixed to the counter of my work table.

For many of the people on my list, I decided to make cowls. Some are going to be made quickly using a large crochet hook and very bulking yarn. Some will get a cowl I found on Ravelry that is knit and takes a bit longer to craft but it is quite warm and cozy.

I have completed 2 from my list so far with one waiting on another ball of yarn and one waiting to be cast on. By the time I'm done, I will probably never want to see another cowl again in my lifetime!

Full Maine Moon

2011-11-09T20:03:00.000-05:00

With the shift in the time, it gets dark up here quite quickly. I took this photo of the full moon before I left for my yoga class tonight-about 5:15pm. It wasn't quite as dark as in the photo but the full moon was just gorgeous. This was the view over the next door neighbors house.

In true full moon madness fashion, it's been quite the interesting week at work. Anyone who doubts that the full moon doesn't make people crazy needs to spend some time with me on a full moon week. I hope you are enjoying a gorgeous moon where ever you are this evening!

Giveaway Reminder

2011-11-08T20:12:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to enter for my thanks-giving giveaway if you have not already! You have until Saturday, November 12 to comment.

UFO Stitching

2011-11-08T20:09:00.000-05:00

The first Sunday of the month is UFO stitching day for an email group I've belonged to for the last 6 years or so. Once I had finished my outdoor chores and some indoor things, I settled down with BBD's Winter Wonderland. I had not completed all that much the last time I put it down back at the beginning of May.

Yesterday I completed the birds across the top of the roof, the right hand chimney, the letters I and J and the small eyelet next to them as well as the brown parts of the roof. Not bad for a few hours of stitching. It was hard to zip this back into its project bag but I am working on some crochet & knit gifts as well as trying to complete the block on C@HRH so I will leave it alone until the first Sunday in December.

Sunday Sunshine Snoozin

2011-11-07T20:06:00.000-05:00

Beau is a sun worshipper and takes any chance he gets to nap in that golden warmth. If I open the back door, he is quick to make himself comfortable on the landing between going out and going down into the basement. It makes for a tricky trip down to do laundry but he so enjoys it, that I open the door for him as often as the weather allows. I should probably get a full glass door for the back so he can sunbathe all the time.

While he was so slothfully enjoying the sun, I was once again raking leaves. I cut two trees down in the spring and somehow thought that would mean less leaf raking in the fall but that hasn't seemed to be the case. If only I could create some force field or barrier around the perimeter of my yard so all of the neighbors leaves couldn't enter my yard, I'd be all set!

I hope your Sunday was an enjoyable one. There was some stitching for me but I'll share that tomorrow. I have really enjoyed reading all of the things many of you are thankful for. I hope it gets us all focusing on what we do have considering all the doom and gloom we are bombarded with on TV and in the news. Keep them coming!

Thankfulness Giveaway

2011-11-06T10:01:00.000-05:00

Since November is the month for Thanks-giving in the US, I thought I would have a thankfulness giveaway. The only thing you need to do to enter is tell me three things you are thankful for. I will choose the winner using random number selection and someone will win the following: Milady's Needle Bee's Rule, Sweetheart Tree Renaissance Romance w/charm, Periwinkle Promises April Too Sampler Accent Kit (fabric, threads and beads included), Elizabeth's Designs Silk Leaves Needlecase, Liberty Street Designs More Hearts w/charm, Forever In My Heart Chocolate Moods and 5 assorted threads, one of which is silk.

Just leave me a comment by November 12 and I will choose and announce the winner on November 13.

Three things I am thankful for today are:

1. Having heating oil to warm my house

2. Sunshine and 50+ degrees in November

3. The ability to make things with my hands

Nailbiter

2011-11-05T21:48:00.000-04:00

Tonight Alabama is playing LSU and I've been biting my nails all the way through the 1st half. I had to be at a local event and for the first time ever followed the game from my phone. It can't help but be a good game with the #1 and #2 teams playing each other. I'm a huge SEC fan even though I went to a Big 10 school. There will be no stitching or crafting tonight because I don't want to risk making a mistake when my attention is on the screen and not the project. Hope you are enjoying your Saturday night. Go Bama!!!!

Magical Day Off

2011-11-04T20:39:00.000-04:00

I had the day off today and it was a really great one. I started off by sleeping in until 7:30 when Beau decided I'd had more than enough shut eye and it was past time to get outside. We had another wonderfully sunny day which was a bonus. I walked two streets down to my friend Chris's house and we went out to lunch together. I wish I had had my camera with me because she's got a gorgeous old home and she has a wonderful knack for decorating. It was so cozy and welcoming.

I was supposed to have an afternoon appointment but it didn't work out at the last minute so I ended up taking a nice long nap and then getting quite a bit of stitching done. The house in this block is framed out and I'm now working on the bricks. I'm really pleased with how quickly this particular block is coming along. I hope to get a bit more done before I'm through tonight.

Call me a quitter...for now

2011-11-03T22:06:00.000-04:00

I don't often let a project get the best of me but this one definitely has. I had planned to make this headband and the matching fingerless gloves for one of my nieces for Christmas but after 5 attempts at the pattern, I'm giving up. The pattern came from a knitting a day calendar someone gave me a while back and I saved out the projects I really liked. For some reason, this one is just beyond me. I did learn how to pfb and I've done cables before but this one has just got me ripping out with each new section. I'm going on to my next planned project and may come back to this as I am just stubborn enough to try and figure it out. But there's not enough time until the holiday to waste more time figuring it out. Have you ever had a project where you just couldn't figure it out?

Seasonal Stitching

2011-11-02T19:38:00.000-04:00

While watching college football on Saturday, I managed to get the grey part of the roof done on my current block for Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow. Luckily I had enough of the color to finish this part and my replacement skein arrived in the mail today. I'm off for the next few days so I'm hoping to get some more time with this piece however the Christmas gift crafting has started in earnest and I need to focus on things with a more immediate deadline than this one has. But it was quite fitting to be stitching on this piece while the snow was falling outside - even if it was October! I just realized that once this block is completed, I will be half way through with this piece - a very good thing.

November already?

2011-11-01T20:04:00.000-04:00

Yikes this year is just rushing to a close! October went out with a horrible trick of snow - a good 8 to 10 inches of it along with power outages. I was out for a while but luckily the power at my house was back on by about 8:30am on Sunday morning. Unfortunately, my poor sister in southern New Hampshire is still without and isn't likely to get it back for several more days.

This is what it looked like when I stepped out to walk the dog on Sunday morning. The landscape is still looking pretty surreal with snow on the ground, snowbanks and lots and lots of trees with their leaves still on. Definitely one for the record books in several New England states.

Despite the unseasonable snow, I had quite a few trick or treaters last night. Beau was beside himself with excitement every time someone started up the porch steps. I kept the front door open so he could see through the screen door and warn me when someone was coming. There was much whining and dancing about with anticipation. The kids got a kick out of seeing him waiting at the door. I was very impressed with the number of parents who dressed up along with their kids - kind of like this good dad.

From reading several blogs this morning I noticed it's National Blog Posting Month and I thought I'd see if I could actually come up with 30 days worth of blog posts all in one month. I think I will take the tip shared by Lake Stitcher and use the prompts here for those days when I don't have much to say.

Satisfying Weekend Progress

2011-10-17T19:02:00.000-04:00

Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts about my stitching progress and Hillery, Barbara and I would LOVE it if you could make it down to stitch with us one of these days. Would Bangor be any easier? Let us know!

Despite spending an unfair amount of time on laundry, house cleaning and raking leaves, I was able to end the weekend with some fairly satisfying progress on my C@HRH piece. I'm concerned I may run out of the very dark grey I am using to stitch the roof so I quickly placed an order with ABC Stitch Therapy in the hope it will arrive before I run out so that I can continue moving forward with this piece. While on the website I couldn't miss the advertisement for the upcoming Online Needlework show. Will you be shopping? And if so, are you looking for anything special? I have no need for any new stash but you know how it is with need and cross stitchers! Need has nothing to do with it. Let me know what you're "needs" are please so I can check them out.

Hope your week got off to a great start and thanks for stopping by!

It's beginning to look a lot like....

2011-10-13T19:09:00.000-04:00

On Saturday I brought my Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow piece for stitching with Barbara in Belfast. I was able to completely finish block 5 while I was there and get the frame of block 4 finished. I couldn't do any more because I had forgotten to check I had the silk colors for the next block but I quickly rectified that and continued to stitch on this piece Saturday evening and some on Sunday. I just love working on this piece and this block is going fairly quickly so far. However there's quite a large house square in the middle so I'm sure that will slow down a bit as I move along. We have headed into a stretch of rainy weather so I'm hoping to get some extra time on this piece over the weekend. TGIF tomorrow!

Best laid plans

2011-10-11T19:45:00.000-04:00

I meant to post about the wonderful day I had with Barbara in Belfast yesterday evening but time got away from me and I was too tired by the time I remembered. The pictures are of the wonderful Halloween exchange Barbara and I did. She spoiled me rotten for which I am very appreciative. I can't wait to get crafting with all the wonderful Halloween inspired goodies she included. We were blessed with a truly remarkable weather day - 80 plus degrees in Mid-Coast Maine in mid-October is probably a record. We were able to sit outdoors and stitch most of the day away. I look forward to our next get together but know that it certainly won't be as warm as this one!

Here's what I stitched for her:

Long over due but worth the wait

2011-09-20T18:46:00.000-04:00

While digging through closets and cleaning out drawers in preparation for putting my house on the market, I found the project envelope that contained the stitched pieces and supplies for Acorn Sewing Case by With My Needle. I decided to finally do something about this unfinished project and sent everything to Karen.

Today, a most wonderful package was waiting in my mailbox when I got home. I was stunned by the photos Karen had sent showing the final product but they are nothing compared to how truly gorgeous this finished sewing case is. I can't thank (or recommend) Karen enough for the gorgeous job she did in bringing this long forgotten project to fruition. Thank you Karen, I'm thrilled with the finished results!

Moving along

2011-09-07T20:29:00.000-04:00

I finished the first Hot Tamale sock on Thursday evening at knit group and then cast on for the second over the weekend. I love the fit and feel of the completed sock and it makes me lean toward keeping them for myself. Luckily, I have more Spunky Eclectic sock yarn waiting in the wings.

And speaking of waiting in the wings, I also bought some black cotton yarn for some dishcloths one of my neighbors asked me to make. I wound the yarn and am hoping to start the first one this evening - if I can stay awake long enough!

The whole picture

2011-09-06T19:38:00.000-04:00

I finally got a better picture of my completed Mystery sampler. I'm glad to have this in the "to be framed" pile. I immediately dove into my UFO drawer and pulled out CHS's Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow and got to work. I have about 2 more hours left I think to have the block I've been working on completed. It felt great to be working on a 40 ct. piece after all the time spent on the Mystery piece. I also started a Christmas piece that I can't share photos of because it's an exchange. That's almost done too after the all day Criminal Minds marathon yesterday! There was not much laboring going on around her on Labor day although I did manage to spray paint a few items in the basement. Hope you enjoyed your long weekend and check back in a few days as I've been culling my stash and have a nice pile of things to give away!

Mystery Solved?

2011-08-30T19:54:00.000-04:00

Yeah I have a happy dance to do! I was able to finish up the last of the stitching on With My Needle & Thread's Birds of a Feather Mystery sampler while tropical storm Irene raged outside. I'm really please to be done with this piece. Now to get it framed!

Talk about a Hot Tamale

2011-08-15T18:47:00.000-04:00

The weather here in the north has cooled off a bit since the start of August and there is definitely a feel of fall in the air. Leaves are starting to fall a bit, probably due to dry weather, but there are always a few trees that seem to start their turn much earlier than others. I hear crickets outside my windows at night and there is a sweetish dry grass/hay smell to the air. And the golden rod is definitely coming into its own and I've been itchy enough to notice it this year.

As a result of all this fallishness in the air, I started a pair of socks using Spunky Eclectic sport weight hand dyed yarn from my stash. I think I bought this way back in 2006 so it's been sitting in my stash for quite a while. Sport weight on #3 DPNs goes ever so much faster than fingering on 1s or 2s! I'm not sure if I will keep these or pass them along to my oldest niece. She will be starting her first year of college on September 1st and maybe her step will be more confident in a lovely pair of hand-knit socks!

I'm still working on the Birds of a Feather mystery but I'm stuck on the grass stitching right now which isn't very far along. Maybe it will be photo-worthy tomorrow. And darn if Brenda doesn't have more wonderful designs coming out to tempt my wallet. Have you checked them out? I think the purse chart and both Ann Dickinson and Mansion at Fox Hollow need to be mine.... I've been trying not to see any of the new designs that are coming out at the market in the next few weeks but it's so hard!

Making some progress

2011-08-08T20:27:00.001-04:00

I've managed to make some progress on my Mystery sampler, adding some of the left side tree. Some how I've got one extra row but I have it on both sides so hopefully it won't be noticeable when the whole piece is stitched. I've enjoyed working on this piece but I am ready to be finished with it and get back to Ann Sandles or a new project.

Crochet Thanks

2011-08-03T20:37:00.000-04:00

I meant to send out my thanks much sooner on the crochet advice you guys gave about gauge. I experimented a bit with smaller sized hooks and trying to keep my tension tighter. I decided to take the first two dishcloths I made and crochet them together so now they are a potholder. The other two pieces are crocheted with the next size down hook. I'm thinking I could probably go down another size on the next one.

On the stitching front, I added a sheep to my mystery sampler and a key but it wasn't enough to take a photo. I hope to get more time on it this evening. Hope you are having a great week and thanks for stopping by!

Falling out of love with leaves

2011-08-01T19:59:00.001-04:00

Today, I finally but the last stitches into part 2 of the Birds of a Feather mystery, putting an end to the misery of leaf stitching. There are still a few more left to do for part 3 but nothing like in part two thank goodness! I know it's been way longer than I planned since I last posted but I just seemed to lose my blogging/computer mojo. I've taken photos but then just couldn't seem to bring myself to sit down at the computer and write something. With the start of a new month and the waning of summer, I'm going to try and be much better.

Part of what has me preoccupied is that I've decided to put my house on the market. I've been working daily to sort through and organized things to be kept, stored and donated away. The plan is to put the house on the market for the beginning of September and see what happens. I don't have to sell it but it's just become more of a drudge than a pleasure to be a home owner, especially for a 90 year old home. And when I add in all the extras besides the mortgage, I think it will be much more economical to rent something. We shall see how that goes.

In the meantime, I plan to enjoy this last full month of summer and I hope you are too!

How to do 4th of July

2011-07-05T17:57:00.000-04:00

Some of us spent a few hours on a warm day walking in the town 4th of July parade while others of us lounged around in air-conditioning after a short sunbathe. Who do you think was the smarter one? We were blessed with lots of sunbathing weather for the long weekend and I for one was very grateful for it. It seems that summer has finally arrived in Maine.

On another note, I need some crochet help. I am trying to make some crocheted dishcloths and have questions about my gauge/tension. This was done with single crochet and I used the recommended hook size. I seem to have gotten the 12 stitches to 4 inches stated but not the row gauge. Does it look like my crochet is too loose? Should I go down a hook size and try again? I am thinking that there shouldn't be so many gaps if I've done it correctly. Here's what I was trying to achieve. Any help is appreciated!

Framed....

2011-06-16T20:28:00.000-04:00

My Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler piece that is. On Monday I finished up the last of the stitching on the frame. The photo is awful and I apologize for that but the light was gone so I had to use my Ott Lite. Anyway, I'm glad to get this done as the next part should be arriving shortly.

In the meantime, I've picked up Ann Sandles again and will work on that until Part 2 of the mystery sampler shows up.

Not exactly as planned...

2011-06-04T18:02:00.000-04:00

I got a phone call from the framing department at AC Moore on Thursday that they'd gotten my framed piece back but there was a bit of a problem. I had originally picked out a blue edge that should have inside of the main frame that really brought out the blue in the stitched piece. Unfortunately they weren't able to add the inner frame because it was too small for their production machine. They did send the pieces so I told the AC Moore clerk that I wanted to come in and look at the piece before deciding what to do. If the liner was added, it would have been really close to the edge of the stitching and there would have been no fabric edge for a contrast between the stitching and the framing. And while they did send the inner frame, it ended up that the pieces they sent weren't the right size so I decided to just leave it as is. I think it looks good but I'm a bit disappointed as the original framing I picked out was perfect.

I've had a really busy week so there wasn't as much stitching as I'd hoped. I have been working really hard on my Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler piece and am pretty pleased with my progress. I think I just might have the framing completed stitched by the time the next piece of the project comes out. I should have a photo to share soon.

Saturday Antiquing

2011-05-23T20:13:00.000-04:00

Saturday I felt the pull to visit one of my favorite antique places over on Route 1 so I headed over that way. I was looking for something I could use to put votive candles in on a cute two-tiered rack I found at Marshall's last week. I found the perfect thing - a set of 8 clear glass expresso cups that are the perfect size for votives. I forgot to take a picture but I will because I love how the rack turned out. It sits on my dining room table and makes a really unique centerpiece/lighting arrangement. I also found this great frame which made me instantly think of Beth Twist's Thankful series. I think the frame will be perfect for the designs and I'm hoping it's the right size. Now I just need to get the charts!

On my way back, I stopped at a few more places and found some great stitching related items. I found this great collection of old hoops that I'm thinking of using as wall art in my living room where the rest of my stitching collection is displayed. I also found this cute sewing set which I bought mainly for the scissors. The cost was $22 which I didn't think was that bad. It's in a rather boring hard case but I like how the scissors are displayed so for now I will keep everything as is.

I have been working diligently on my With Thy Needle mystery sampler and I'm close to finishing the top band. I was hesitant about the fabric but I'm really happy with the way it's looking so far. I hope to put some more time into it this evening and have a photo to show tomorrow.

I couldn't wait!

2011-05-17T21:11:00.003-04:00

It seems there are a lot of us enabling each other with projects lately. Thanks to everyone who commented on the last post. I am really loving all of the projects being stitched out there and it's so hard to stop stashing. I didn't show you a photo of the other chart I bought - Scarlett Letter's Elizabeth Sheffield was delivered recently. I am waiting to get silk threads from Carrie's Threads and some AVAS from ABC Stitch Therapy before deciding on a fabric for another BAP!

Last night I dug through my 30ct WDW stash and found two possible pieces for the Brenda Gervais Mystery Sampler. I had a 30ct piece of Confederate Grey which is the top piece and another that I lost the label which might be platinum or beige. After some serious contemplation, I decided to go with the Confederate Grey. The chart called for 35ct but I think I will be just as happy with 30ct - especially since I already had it and could start much sooner than if I had to order fabric.

So as it was another rainy, rainy day, I rushed home from work and put needle to thread and got a start in on the frame. Please forgive the horrible photos but it's really hard to get a decent picture without sunlight/daylight. Here's where I ended up:

I also took a close up to show the flower. It is much prettier that shown and I'm really happy with the fabric choice.

The piece uses all WDW threads. I can't wait to continue working on this piece and seeing everyone else's projects. I sent an email to join the SAL being hosted here. It is so wonderful not to have to worry about having homework to do instead of stitching. My house is a bit less than pristine but right now I don't care! I'm going with the stitching mojo.

Rainy Day Progress

2011-05-16T19:06:00.000-04:00

In my last post, I showed the supplies for Ann Sandles and here is the progress I have made so far. This is a really fun piece to work on and it was a very rainy Sunday so I had some time to devote to the piece. It's another rainy day so the picture is lousy but at least you get the idea. I also put some time into C@HRH but I didn't get a photo.

I also had this waiting for me when I got home tonight. It's the first installment in the new With Thy Needle and Thread's mystery sampler project. I just couldn't resist ordering it from Anita's Little Stitches. The project calls for 35 ct WDW Confederate Gray but I have a piece of 30ct I'm thinking of using. I'm also contemplating doing it over one. The first installment is the border around the piece.

With everything I've got going right now as far as stitched pieces go, I'd better get busy!

A Cure for Startitis

2011-05-11T19:28:00.000-04:00

There was a package from Country Stitches waiting for me when I got home tonight that offered the perfect cure for my case of startitis. It's Ann Sandles 1864 from With Thy Needle and Thread. I ordered the chart and the threads and pulled a piece of 30ct WDW Angel Hair fabric from my stash and I'm ready for a new start. I also bought Feather Thy Nest which I can't wait to start. I do like Brenda Gervais' patterns. So much so in fact that I signed up for her mystery sampler from Anita's Little Stitches. I really must stop with the stashing.....

A Winner!

2011-05-10T19:42:00.001-04:00

Thank you to the three bloggers who expressed an interest in my giveaway of a needle book and scissor fob kit. It was a very global trio, Ellen from Singapore, Pike from Finland and Riona from the US. I so love the global nature of our craft and how it connects us from so far across this world. Using the random generator, the winner was Ellen from Singapore. Ellen, I will be in touch for a mailing address and get your package out to you this week.

I have pulled quite a few other things from my stash so stop back for another one soon.
As for stitching progress, I did a little bit of stitching on Sunday. I put a few more stitches into my CHS piece, working on the peacock.

I also picked up my BBD Winter Wonderland and worked on that a bit. I'm itching to start something new but feel a bit guilty doing that when I see all the projects in my project bag. Maybe I will start one of the ornie kits I've received so far in my Christmas and Halloween exchanges. That way I won't feel quite as bad!

On Sunday I took my coupon and finished Just Nan piece to A.C. Moore and picked out a frame. This is usually the hardest part for me and I've never had anything framed at A.C. Moore before. However the process went pretty quickly and I think I'm really going to like what I chose but I sure hope they do a good job with the framing. I did not mount the piece myself and I'm wondering how many of you just take the stitched piece in and how many block and lace their piece before they take it to be framed?

I'm off to walk the dog and then settle in to dig through the project bag and see what calls my name.

A Finish and A Reminder

2011-05-07T16:36:00.000-04:00

Ta da! This afternoon I finished Just Nan's Bird Alphabet which I started last Saturday evening - I think the fast finish ever for me. Tomorrow I hope to take it to AC Moore and get it framed as I got a 57% off coupon in my email yesterday. I love how it turned out and it was a really fun and quick stitch.

Just Nan's Bird Alphabet

Started 4 30 11

Completed 5 7 11

32 ct Antique White Linen

Recommended Threads

I am excited to start something new but for now I'm going to go back to working on BBD's Winter Wonderland and CHS Christmas at HRH.

Just a reminder to put your name in for my give away. I will draw a winner on the 10th

Progress and a Give Away

2011-05-05T19:20:00.000-04:00

I haven't had as much time to stitch this week as I'd hoped however I have made some progress on Just Nan's Bird Alphabet. Here it is after working on it a bit yesterday. I'm loving the colors and look forward to getting this one completed. I have itchy fingers to start something new.

JN Bird Alphabet at 5.5.11

And I've gathered some things from a recent stash inventory that I will never get to and would like to gift to a new home. Below is one of those items - appropriately spring-y in color and design. This is a needlecase and matching fob - both complete kits.

If you are interested in this give away, please leave a comment and I will choose a winner on the 10th. Feel free to share the info (unless you want to win it for yourself!).

A new start and some UFO stitching

2011-05-02T21:27:00.000-04:00

Saturday night I started Just Nan's Bird Alphabet which I picked up at Celebrations. Once I started, I had a hard time putting it down. I'd forgotten how fast stitching letters can go. I love the color combination in this piece and can't wait to get it finished. I'm not sure if I will get it framed or turn it into a flat fold but I will not let it languish in the drawer whatever I decide.


JN Bird Alphabet

Sunday was the first Sunday UFO stitching date so I forced myself to put down the JN piece and pick up my C@HRH piece which has been languishing in the stitching bag since February. I added the word "repeat" and the second crown on the left and then started in on the peacock. My goal is to get this block completed by the end of the month.


CHS Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow

I had hoped to pick up the Bird Alphabet piece but I'm tired so its off to bed for me. Hope you had a good weekend and Monday - only four more work days to go!

Celebrations Report - Part Two

2011-04-30T20:42:00.000-04:00

Since there were so many photos in my first post, I decided to do a second one showing what I came home with. It was a lot more than I'd planned to come home with!

Hinzeit Charts

I picked up two charts in the Hinzeit booth along with a frame for the Maine chart. This one has cute little charms that include a pine cone, lobster and moose. I've admired the Shoreline chart for a while and finally broke down and bought it. It has a cute sailboat and seagull charm. The chart calls for a teal colored linen but I think I'm going to stitch mine on Antique White.

Chessie & Me and Maggi Co

The charts above were purchased in the Embellished Needle booth shown below. The Chessie and Me designs were displayed as stitched models in the booth and I was totally sucked in by how great they were. I'm telling you, stitched models are the devil's work - irresistible!!! It's amazing how different you can feel about a chart once you see the stitched piece. The two charts by Maggi Co were new to me and just so interesting. For the one at the bottom right, there are directions to make fabric circles to be appliqued onto the linen for the trees. Not sure if I will do that as there is also a chart for stitching the trees.

Assorted charts

I also bought the Anniversaries of the Heart Chart 11, my first ever Just Nan which I immediately kitted up after taking the photos and plan to start tonight, and the other two charts shown.


Fabrics and Fibers

I was pretty subdued on fabric purchases this year. I bought a fat quarter of 32 Antique White for the Nan chart and a fat quarter of cream which is called for in the By the Bay Halloween chart shown above. The silks on the left were marked down to $4.00, the greens in the center are for the Just Nan Bird Alphabet above and the Crescent Colors will be used to kit up my Halloween ornament shown in yesterday's post. The little square in the middle was a neat gadget that I couldn't resist. A square to help you measure where to start your stitching.

That's all for now - I'm off to start a new chart!

Celebrations Report

2011-04-30T20:26:00.002-04:00

Today I drove down to NH to meet up with Nancy and do a little stash enhancement and stitching as well as catch up on everything that has been going on in both our lives over the last year. It was a lot!! I took my camera and actually remembered to take some photos. First up are some photos of the show.

The Gate to Stitch Heaven!

Here are two photos of the Scandinavian Stitches booth - Nancy and I drooled over all the great linen banding, German and Scandinavian designs and books and the great models on display. I managed to leave this booth without doing too much damage!


Scandinavian Stitches Booth

Scandinavian Stitches too

This was part of the amazing display of antique samplers and sewing related items that were available for purchase. Oh what I wouldn't have given for a few extra thousands of dollars. Would you believe they do layaway? 20% down and a monthly payment of some of these beauties could be had. Unfortunately, not in my budget!

Antique Sampler Vendor

And another booth in which I spent a fair amount of time - and cash! This was the Embellished Needle from Illinois.

All in all I thought it was a great vendor section this year. I had not been to Celebrations in about three years and really liked how they had changed to booth set up compared to the last time I was there. The available stitching area however left a lot to be desired. It seemed that there was bands of stitchers that staked out sitting space in the lobby and would not let any others sit in the space even if it one of their group members was off taking a class or shopping. Very uncharitable behavior and there was quite a bit of grumbling about it among other stitchers.

Back to regularly scheduled crafting

2011-04-29T17:47:00.000-04:00

I know it's been quite a while since I've posted. I gave my final presentation for my Masters degree on March 9th and then stayed away from the computer for almost a month. I've done tons of reading whatever I want with no guilt whatsoever which is such a welcome change from the past two years.

I also picked up my needle again and started and finished two ornaments for exchanges I am in this year. The first finish was my Christmas ornament which is the Stained Glass Tree from last years JCS ornie issue. A lot of stitching but really nice when it's finished.

The second finish was for a Halloween ornament for a Halloween ornie exchange I'm in with the same group.

Every month I receive a fully kitted Christmas and Halloween ornie for my own stitching and I am responsible for kitting up both of these, including the backing fabric, to send to the rest of those in the group.

Tomorrow I'm going to NH for the Celebration of Needlework event in Nashua. I have not been in three years and I'm really looking forward to going to the shopping mart and meeting up with the talented Nancy B who I have not seen in over a year. Stop back for a full report!

Welcome to February

2011-02-02T20:02:00.000-05:00

This is what my February looks like with more of the same in store for the next 26 days. This is crunch time for completing my masters project paper. I've turned my dining room into command central as it's the only surface large enough for all of my paper piles.

Here is what I'd rather be working on instead of my paper but by March 9th the view above will be come this one below as much as I like. So the granny square blanket will grow and be completed, the little metal tackle box containing my ornament in progress will be open instead of closed and the two project bags next to the coffee table will be emptied and filled continuously with knitting, stitching and crochet projects. I might even be able to finish my niece's quilt before she starts college in the fall.

I was planning to take this Friday off to work on my paper, however "the storm of the century" provided a better opportunity to take today off instead. We were blessed by the fact that we got only snow - about 8 or 9 inches I think. The blessings of the weather being so cold is that the snow was fluffy rather than wet and heavy. This is to view across the street to the neighbors - the banks are getting pretty high.

This is the view down the front steps - can you barely make out the difference between the snowbank and the street? It's kind of hard.....

And the view up the street (complete with icicles hanging from the eaves that will grow rapidly. The snowbank in the drive is almost to the middle slat of the fence. If we get much more, I'm not sure where it will go around town. You take your life in your hands edging out of streets to be able to see past the snowbanks as it is.

The one great thing is that the visible daylight continues to grow - more than an hour now - and I really, really appreciate that. Now for a few more days of sun to melt some of this stuff down before the next batch arrives. Which I'm sure it will!

Hopefully I will be back with some stitchy, knitty or crochet goodness soon. Until then, keep up the incentive I am seeing around the blog-o-sphere. You guys are working on some really lovely projects and I am very jealous!

A little on this, a little on that

2011-01-17T18:56:00.000-05:00

It all adds up I guess! I haven't had a lot of stitching time the past few days but I have managed to put a little bit into three different pieces. First up above is Winter Wonderland by BBD. Especially appropriate since we got 16 inches of snow last week which hasn't melted much. I ended up stuck in the parking lot at work because my car is so low and I was essentially snowed in! About 4 different people were trying to help plus a front end loader and a plow truck! LOL Ah, the fun of winter in Maine.

Adding lots of color is CHS Jump. I worked on this yesterday and it continues to be such a fun stitch. Even though it's quite small and there were a fair number of color changes in this particular block, it is coming a long nicely. I still have to give the people mouths but I may just try eyes only. I'm going to experiment.

And finally, this is the progress I've made so far on my ornament kit piece. The colors are kind of boring and it's a bit tedious to measure and track all the thread but overall, it's not a bad project. I chose a piece of 32 count from my stash but I don't think I will use it to kit up the rest of the ornaments as it is too close in color to the threads. You won't really see much of it if it's finished as designed but in case someone wants to let more of the fabric show - maybe frame theirs - I will look for a fabric color that lets the design stand out more.

Hope you are enjoying a relaxing evening after the first workday of the week. I'm off to walk the dog and then maybe get some more stitching in tonight.

I just don't get it

2011-01-11T20:38:00.003-05:00

I've lived in Maine almost 6 years and in New England for 12 and you would think each new snow storm is the first one that's ever happened in the history of the state. I swear the minute forecasters start spewing their speculation on how much snow is coming, people go crazy. Maybe it's a reverse form of snow blindness - pre-storm blindness. People, we've had snow before - and LOTS of it. We know how to handle it, we have the equipment to handle it and it's freaking January in Maine. CALM DOWN!!!

Okay, I'm off my soapbox for the moment but really, it's so strange to me how people who've lived here all their lives start panicking at the mention of a potential snowfall of a pretty good size. We're forecasted to get 8-12 which really isn't that much - and I was born in Florida people!!! I heard a funny saying today from my boss who had someone say it to her - how the mention of snow seems to make people crave french toast because they all run to the grocery stores to buy bread, milk and eggs. I found that quite funny and scarily true. That is one place I avoid like the plague when people get their snow storm crazy on.

Okay, I'm really off my soapbox and onto a tiny bit of stitching. This year I'm in an ornament kit exchange with a small email group I belong to. This is the third year they've done it but the first time I've participated. Each of us picks a Christmas ornament, stitches it up and then creates a kit for everyone else in the group. We send along the pattern, the fabric and the necessary floss to complete the ornament. This year there are 11 of us total so I will get 10 little kits, one per month, that if I'm really diligent, I can stitch up as they come and have lots of wonderful ornies ready for next Christmas. We are also doing one for the Halloween ornies for the first time too.

For my ornie, I chose the Stained Glass Pine from the 2010 JCS ornie issue. This is how far I've gotten at this point - I just started it last night. I don't have to mail until the fall but I am such a procrastinator that I wanted to get started early so I can get my kits put together in advanced.

Not much stitchy stuff happening

2011-01-10T19:01:00.000-05:00

I wish I had more progress to show for the past week but unfortunately, it was pretty busy and not with anything stitching related. Or at least not as much as I would have liked! I did manage to start another mitten on Thursday while getting my hair colored but there's not enough progress to warrant a photo at this point. I treated yesterday as another UFO Sunday and I managed to work a bit more on my CHS Alphabet piece. I also picked up my granny square afghan which has been languishing for quite a while. It was very cold here yesterday so having the afghan over my legs was quite nice. I really need to finish it up so it can provide warmth this winter.

Hope your week got off to a great start!

UFO Sunday

2011-01-02T20:06:00.000-05:00

The first Sunday of the month means UFO stitching day and I started out the year on the right foot by actually stitching on a UFO today. I have quite a few to choose from but I felt the urge to pick up CHS Alphabets today. When I unfolded the fabric, I fell in love with the piece all over again. I just love the colors and how it looks over one. My current good intentions are to continue to work on this piece and try and have it completed this year. Today I completed Inn and started J is for Jump. Sorry for the neck-crain but Blogger is being crancky and I could not get this photo to load correctly no matter how many times I tried.

Some of us were bored and worked on looking pitiful so that mom would take us outdoors for a walk. This is the sight that greeted me when I turned to my right on the couch. He sits in the strangest ways....but he's cute isn't he? No modesty, but cute!

New Year, New Start

2011-01-01T20:20:00.000-05:00

I hope you had a wonderful New Year's celebration. I won't be starting the 15 days, 15 new starts madness along with many of you but I did have a new start today. I have had this BBD Winter Wonderland kitted up for months and it was perfect for a new start today. It's a great pattern to stitch and I love the progress I've made so far.

Last year I made a fair number of resolutions for stitching that didn't get realized. I did manage to finish CHS's Gilded Cage but I didn't get Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow anywhere near to being finished. This year, I'm not going to set a lot of goals for myself but I would like to complete C@HRH and of course the BBD piece I started today.

I'd also like to finish my granny square afghan and a quilt I started way to long ago for my niece for graduation. Other than that, whatever gets done will be a bonus.

I wish all of you doing that 15 project madness good luck!

Advent Wrap Up

2010-12-29T20:19:00.000-05:00

I hope that you and yours enjoyed a wonderful Christmas holiday and Boxing Day for those who celebrate that day too. Ours was lovely - quiet and just close family and friends so it was really nice.

Here is a photo of the final gifts from my Advent exchange. I received a wonderful Stickfee Christmas tree chart, a wonderful little votive wrapper made out of cute snowman fabric and the final gift was a biscournu to match my needlebook, scissor fob and scissor pocket. Just the prettiest set.

We've finally had our first significant snow of the year and it looks like it should for December in Maine. I'm not sure how long it will last as it's supposed to warm up towards the end of the week but at least it's seasonal looking for now.

Advent Catching Up

2010-12-22T20:06:00.001-05:00

This month is flying by so quickly and I have fallen down on my plan to update my blog daily with the goodies I've been opening every day from my Advent exchange. It has been so much fun to come home to open up a little gift each night after work and first thing with tea on the weekends. Here are some of the photos I took. These are the gifts from Days 12-17.

Day 18 brought this gorgeous scissor pocket which matches the needlebook and scissor fob I received earlier. Dane does the most beautiful stitching and finishing - I am so blessed!

Day 19 brought more lovely silver ornaments like the ones in the photo above and Day 20 was another great package of beads and yesterday was more yummy chocolates. Today brought a great package of stickers perfect for scrapbooking. I will be very sorry to see this "one present a day" thing come to an end but we will definitely be doing it again next year I think.

I'm off to finish some gift wrapping and continue working on some knitted gifts. There is no hope that they will be done in time for Christmas but maybe not long after if I keep at it.

Advent Day 10 and 11 and some stitching!

2010-12-11T19:14:00.000-05:00

My wonderful advent exchange continues with Day 10 and 11. I opened the wonderful blue scissors yesterday and today was a gorgeous fob that matches the needlebook Dane made me earlier. Dane's stitching is just lovely and the stork scissors perfectly match the bird theme of the fob and the needlebook. Thank you Dane!

Today for the first time in at least two weeks I picked up a needle and stitched on the current block of my C@HRH piece. What grand plans I had when I started this back in January - to be finished in time for Christmas this year! LOL So much for plans - once I do, something comes along to throw a monkey wrench into into them. Maybe 2011 will be the year of no plans or goals whatsoever? I might end up being more productive. As tempting as the 15 project fever that's going around the cyber stitching world is, I'm going to sit on the sidelines and observe!

Advent Update

2010-12-09T20:05:00.000-05:00

I've continued to enjoy opening more advent gifts this week. Day 6 brought a gorgeous needlebook in my favorite color combo of blue and brown and Day 7 was a skein of wonderful Tentakulum threads in greens and golds which I have the perfect fabric for. Now I just need to pick a pattern to use them with.

Days 8 and 9 brought some lovely silver ornaments and some super yummy chocolates from Germany. What could be better? Nothing I can think of!

I have managed to finish another Christmas gift but there are so many more on the list I'm trying not to get overwhelmed. I will just do my best to get them done and since it's family, hopefully they will be understanding if they don't arrive on Christmas day. It will prolong the holiday giving don't you think?

Advent Day 4 and 5

2010-12-05T11:08:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Barbara and I had a nice get together in Belfast. When I got home, I unpacked my bag and there was my camera - which of course never made it out of the bag when we were together. But that's okay because Barbara was stitching on an exchange piece so it still needs to be kept secret. Maybe one or the other of us will remember to get a picture when we get together in January.

Rather than work on stitching, I spent the time knitting on a Christmas gift and got a fair amount done. I will continue to work on this with the goal of finishing it up by Saturday to start the next planned Christmas gift.

And here is a photo of my Day 4 and Day 5 Advent gifts. Day 4 was a great little container of beads that I think I will incorporate into a knitted bracelet project I have been wanting to try and today was some yummy treats which I'm going to try and save until this afternoon with a cup of tea. Hope you are enjoying your Sunday! I've got the Christmas CDs going and am putting out my decorations to get into the mood for the holidays.

Advent Day 2 and 3

2010-12-03T20:44:00.000-05:00

So my wonderful Advent adventures continue with Day 2 revealing this wonderful Advent ribbon. It is absolutely adorable with little Christmas elves, a reindeer and ornaments. I have to discover the best way to showcase this really wonderful piece. Day 3 revealed some wonderful Christmas stickers that will be perfect for scrapbooking. A great end to the work week!

Tomorrow I'm heading up to Belfast to get together with Barbara. We are hoping to be able to get together at least once per month during this winter so we can get some stitching time together and make the winter go more quickly. I now Barbara has had some snow but so far we've not been blessed with anything down south but I know it's coming! Hope you have something fun planned for your weekend.

Advent Adventure - Day 1

2010-12-01T18:43:00.000-05:00

I'm in a very fun exchange with a private online stitching group I belong to. We are doing a 25 days of Christmas exchange just like an Advent calendar. Above is the wonderful box of goodies I received from Dane in Germany. Since today is December 1st, I got to open my first present to find this wonderful votive holder nestled into a little fabric holder with two great seasonal fabrics. Isn't it adorable? Each box had to include two hand made items. I'm so looking forward to revealing all the wonderful things Dane sent and I hope you are too!

My box went to Rachel in Utah and I'm hoping she likes everything I included. Hopefully this will give her some incentive to update her blog! LOL

I have one other Christmas related item to get out in the mail tomorrow that is a single ornament exchange. I was supposed to get it in the mail today but I forgot the sweet goodie I have to include so I'm off to get the package sealed up and to the post office tomorrow.

My grannie is growing

2010-10-28T19:10:00.000-04:00

My granny square afghan I mean. I've completed two full pattern repeats with one and a half left to go. I have been trying to put at least 30 minutes into these each night before I go to bed but now that it's gotten larger, I don't always finish a full repeat before turning out the light. The picture's not the greatest as it was taken with overhead lighting in my bedroom where this afghan is intended to be used. I think it will complement the coverlet pretty nicely.

And, because he's just so cute and sweet and it never hurts to get a little doggy sweetness, is my Beau looking at his mama and wondering why I am fiddling with the camera and not paying attention to him. Never mind the 20 minute petting he just had. What he really wants is to go for another walk but he still has a while to go before the final before bedtime walk. It seems he feels he should be going out earlier and earlier each night with the loss of daylight happening sooner each evening. Unfortunately, it's that time of year and a week from Sunday we change back our clocks. I really hate that part of winter.

How does time go by so swiftly?

2010-10-25T19:22:00.000-04:00

I have an issue with time, I confess. I'm beginning to think it's an OCD thing but I feel like I spend each and every day rushing madly around, ruled by time. Tied to the alarm clock to get up, the rush to get out the door on time, to work on time, to a meeting on time, back to my office to squeeze in some time to get something accomplished, rushing home to try and get some time in on my house or studying or even worse, bringing work home because I didn't have enough time to get it done while I was there. Worrying about how much needs to get done and how little time I have in which to do it. ARGH!!! It's crazy to live life this way but I feel like I've been on this train for so long, I don't know how to get off. I start each day with good intentions of not letting it get to me but it does. Sheesh, I'm thinking about what time I need to get up tomorrow so I can rush to Farmington for a meeting and rush back to make a veteran's ceremony (which I know I won't make) and get ready for the board meeting I have tomorrow afternoon. HELP! How do you get off this train? Are there things you do to slow yourself down and enjoy your life without feeling its rushing by?

Whew, if your still with me after that rant, here is what I found a little time to work on over the past two weeks. It's Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow. I'm finding this a bit easier going than the previous block because there's not as much concentrated stitching in this one. Although I do seem to be changing colors quite often. I'd say I'm about 1/3rd of the way through this block.

Well, I hope your Monday has been a good one. We're moving into gloomy weather this week with cold and damp and gray. I'm hoping things will warm up a bit and dry out for Sunday's trick or treat night. I don't want to be left with all the candy I bought!!!

October SBQ

2010-10-12T21:13:00.000-04:00

This is the first time I've ever actually posted an answer to Lee's SBQs but I've wanted to. This one has to do with birth order and how it (if it does) affect your crafting. Here's the question:

Where do you fall in the birth order of your family? Do you think that birth order traits have had an effect on your choice of hobby and craft? How so?

I am technically a middle child in that I have an older and younger sister and I do have a lot of the traits of a middle and more specifically, middle born one: loner, quiet shy, impatient and uptight. Middles are also peacemakers, mediators, able to keep secrets, not spoiled, take risks, are realistic, get along well with others, read people well, independent, loyal to supporters, competitive and imaginative. I also hate confrontation, am quite suspicious and cynical.

However, in some ways I am also a first born in that my oldest sister was not in the picture that much while I was growing up and it was my little sister and I for many years so during those years, I was a first born. And as a result of this, I have many of the "compliant" first born traits: nurturer, care giver, reliable, conscientious, cooperative, grin and bear it mentality. I'm also fairly patient, definitely organized and have strong powers of concentration.

How do I think this translates to my choice of crafting? I think any handwork is sort of a quiet type of pursuit and something loners may be drawn to. I am most comfortable with structure and stability and there is that in stitching; following a design or pattern brings a soothing sense of uniformity (first born traits). It definitely requires patience and being organized and you must concentrate on what your working on or you have to frog. And hand crafts are traditionally seen as women's pursuits and women are traditionally seen as nurturers and caregivers which are first born traits.

This was an interesting question to answer and I look forward to seeing what others have written about this so please leave me a comment if you've answered this month's SBQ please!

And thanks for your kind comments about my birthday exchange stitching. I appreciate them!

From the archives

2010-10-11T20:26:00.000-04:00

After a super busy work week and weekend, I don't have a lot to share stitching wise. I had a very productive weekend running errands and taking care of yard work - it's leaf raking season - and by the time I sat down at night, I was too tired to concentrate on stitching. So I decided to share a photo of an exchange I made for a private birthday exchange. My partner's birthday was in September - the 20th so with everything going on with my dad, I was really pleased to finish this and get it into the mail to arrive on time.

I used Quaker Diamonds by Rosewood Manner. I took one of the larger motifs and finished it into a diamond wall hanging. I found a batik fabric at my local quilt shop that was perfect for the backing piece. The ric rac trim was less than expertly applied - it was hard to get it to do what I wanted and lay flat. The recipient seemed to like it for which I was very glad. I used the called for Valdani 3 strand threads on a piece of fabric from my linen. I must say I did not care for stitching with this thread and I'm not sure why. Maybe it was the fabric I used - some kind of even weave - or the thickness of the three threads together but I'm not sure I will use them to stitch this chart for myself.

Anyway, off to see if I can't get some stitching done. Hope your week started off well!

Fall Weather projects

2010-10-04T19:48:00.000-04:00

I have been dying to pick up a crochet hook and make a Granny Stripe blanket but I'm trying to use stuff from my stash first. I have had these colors in my craft closet for at least a year so last week I finally pulled out the project bag and got hooking. This is my progress so far. This will be for my bed and it's getting to be the kind of weather where I'm going to be happy for a little extra warmth.

I also put a few more stitches into the Plum Street Samplers ornie from this year's JCS Halloween issue. I'm really liking how it is coming along. I'm hoping that I can finish it up this weekend but there are lots of leaves that are going to need raking so we shall see on that. Tis the season!

There are winners!

2010-10-03T18:51:00.003-04:00

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented regarding the giveaways for my belated blogaversary. And for your sympathy on my dad's passing - it is greatly appreciated. Our stitching world is filled with so many kind hearts and I'm glad to be a part of it.

But on to the good stuff! To pick the winners, I assigned everyone a number based on the order of posted comments and if you specified you wanted to win a particular giveaway and then used the random number generator here to pick the following three winners:

Giveaway #1 goes to Connie at Wandering This World

Giveaway #2 goes to Cathey at Pumpkin Patch & Company

Giveaway #3 goes to Sophanne at Becky Knits Too

Connie, Cathey and Sophanne, please leave me a comment with your email address so that I can get in touch for mailing addresses and I will get your packages out to you by the end of this week!

Belated Blogaversary Giveaways

2010-09-26T09:15:00.009-04:00

First off, thanks for your kind words about my dad's passing, I really appreciate your sympathies. He lived a wonderful life and was surrounded by those that loved him most so I think his passing was as peaceful as possible and for that I feel blessed.

Okay, I'm finally ready to post my blogaversary giveaways even though my anniversary was in August. The pile I had gathered was enough for three giveaways so if you are only interested in a particular giveaway, please note that in your comments. Otherwise I will pick three consecutive winners. Just leave me a comment that you'd like to be entered.

Giveaway #1
Trail Creek Farm Fun Sun Summer, HIH Herbert, June Grigg Designs Easter Egg kit, Bent Creek Waiting for Santa and Prairie Moon Chickens?

Giveaway #2
Lavendar Wings Planted Hearts, Trail Creek Farm Dearest Friends, complimentary chart from Rosewood Manor - Wild Tulip, The Victoria Sampler July birthday needleroll, a pc of 28ct 9x12 Silkweaver linen in Wisteria and assorted threads.

Giveaway #3
HIH Home Sweet Home, Erica Michaels Random Thoughts of Autumn, PS November, Assorted threads & a 9x12 pc of 32ct Lugana in Platinum

I will keep this open until October 3rd before picking a winner. I will probably keep going through my stash to add things in so don't be surprised if you get more than pictured!

Block 6

2010-09-24T20:29:00.006-04:00

Sometime last week I finally finished up Block 6 of Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow. I love how it turned out but there was a LOT of stitching in this block! Here's the photo of my piece so far.

I've pulled the colors for Block 5 and might even start that this evening. I'm also working on the Plum Street Sampler ornament from the JCS Halloween ornie issue so I might pick that up instead. It's going to be very cute when it's finally finished.

Hope you enjoy a great weekend. I finally photographed the stash for my blogaversary giveaway and there was enough to split it into three packages so I will post the photos of them tomorrow. Off to stitch!

William A.Kasmarek

2010-09-20T21:30:00.003-04:00

April 30, 1920 to September 19, 2010

We love you dad (also known as g-pop!)

My first Halloween finish this year

2010-09-16T19:37:00.002-04:00

Smile, it's almost Halloween!

I finished my Halloween ornie on Tuesday evening and immediately started the Plum Street Samplers ornament. I love how quick these stitch up. I'm going to look for some tiny black pom-pom fringe to attach to the outside of this and turn it into a hanging pillow ornament. I hope I can find some around here. Thanks for stopping by! I plan to post about my giveaway on Saturday so please stop by again.