New Years Rockin' Eve

Another year has come and gone before we could even get used to saying 2011.  Now we must prepare for another year.  My mother always said that when we got older, time would go faster.  I know that we did not believe her when the school year began, but by the time summer came, we didnt know what to do first, and before we knew it, summer was indeed over.  So now as an adult, I am positive my mother was right; about that, and of course so many other things we didnt want to admit.
This year was another great one for us, and looking ahead, and I think that next year is going to be even better!  How can that be?  Each year getting better, as we keep getting older?  Well, finding the positive in many things has helped me achieve this theory, and I will continue to do so.  It is hard, believe me to think this way sometimes, sometimes more then others, but the good always seems to out way the bad.  I mean in day to day activities, we go through some trials, but the next day, a great positive happens, and helps you forget that trial you dealt with the day before.  I am by no means Ms. Positive Pants, but I am not classified as Ms. Negative Nelly either!!!  LOL.  There is so much going on in this world, that needs some 'real change', 'change you can actually purchase stock in' and 'change that will be for the better, not the worse'.  Looking at all of these things happening can really put a damper on life.  Again, looking at 2012, it is going to be a better year :)
Reading so many wrap up blog posts, year in review....has been great fun.  SO many beautiful finishes, and gorgeous samplers now on my need to do that NOW list........LOL.
I could do the same, but I have decided not to look back, but to continue looking forward on the things to come within this new year that is upon us.  I dont have 31 projects planned out-- as a matter of fact, I have my January 1st start planned and that is it at this point.  I am sure there are going to be other starts, but I would love to work on some of the WIPs I have created for myself in January 2011.  I do love starting projects, but I do have a want and a need to finish them as well...

I am moving along on Rosina Payne, and 'if I woke up with my head sewn to the carpet; I wouldnt be more surprised' that she wasnt one of the first WIPs finished in 2012.  I have some other tricks up my sleeve, but nothing as crazy as last year.  Dont get me wrong, I had a BLAST last January, but with being so much busier, I havent really had time to think much about stitching, let alone what crazy challenge am I going to get myself involved with. 
The last week has been fantastic, and with so much fun being had, it is time to get back to brass tacs.  I did want to share the special gift my Husband gave me, being something that I have known about, knew that existed, but never saw or touched in person.

It is a coveted item by many....... the white/green featherweight by Singer, 1964.  I am soooo thrilled with this gift!!!!  These were made and sold only in Great Britain and are hard to find in the US.  The black featherweights, were made here and only sold here, so they are on the hunt for the black ones :)  How fun is this right?!  It does work.  The belt is missing on the machine, but that is easy to replace.  The light works, the gears move and it is ready to go.  However, I dont plan on using it, just more for display.  I am fired up!!!!!!!!   She is a real beauty :)
I hope all of you enjoyed your Christmas, mine was fantastic.  Many firsts for me this year which will make the time even more memorable.  Until next year right?----I know, I know, no rushing!!!!!

So there you have it, my very last post of the year 2011.  How many of you will watch the ball drop in Times Square NYC??  How many of you will be there to watch it??????  It is always very exciting!!!!!!!!  I hope that everyone has a safe and Happy New Year.  It is going to be a great night, and a fabulous new year!!!!!!!!!!!!

On this Christmas Day

Merry Christmas everyone!!!  What a blessed day this is!!!!!!!  For so many reasons, it is a wonderful day :)
As I write this long over due post of nearly 3 weeks, I think about the hustle and bustle that has gone on.  I have been super busy, as many know and I have finally been able to relax the last few days.  Even up to this past weekend, a short and sweet trip, however long and tiring, marked the end of the year for us.  Since Thursday, I have been able to pick up my stitching for the first time in weeks.  I was at the point of bah humbug with the stitching since it was so long ago.  Progress has been made however, and moving right along, here is Rosina.

She is looking great, and yes, I am putting off the over 1 until the end.  Shame on me right?  I have 3 more motifs to go, and I hope to get 1 of them done tonight.  I have to fill in her name between the 2 butterflies-- only 1 is stitched as of now. 
This Christmas I am visiting with my in-laws and we are having a great time.  On Friday, I baked a bunch of cookies for the festivities and today the kids are coming over to decorate my famed cupcakes. 

 

Top are (decorated by my husband) sugar cookies, next up chocolate chip, peanut butter and last but not least---- snickerdoodles.  Some of my favorites!!  The sugar cookies are no more, pretty popular and I dont think they made it 1 full day!  No worries, there is plenty more to make if need be. 
So, I leave you with pictures of the beautiful tree my MIL has decorated, along with a close up of an ornament I made several years ago, and my favorite, a cardinal.  What a great Christmas this has been-- enjoying family, laughing and sharing stories of Christmas past. 

Hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!

So this is next--lots of pics

First of all, I would like to thank all of you who posted/emailed/texted/called with so many kind words about my 2 finishes.  I took a night or 2 off from stitching, just to poke through my stash and see what was calling me.  I know, I know, that I have one in mind that should be brought out, (some of you know already what that one is........) but I wasnt feeling that project as I thought I would.  So, if you arent called to stitch something-- should you suffer through it?!  Well, in my case, I did so with Quaker study and I couldnt bear to do that again until next year  LOL.
So, I brought out what was calling to me, and that is my Rosina.
I left her this past summer to lay and wait until the next time she would be brought out into the sun, and finally, it was her turn.  She has been oh so patient, and I feel it is her turn to shine.

This is where I left her in August of this year, and this is her transformation.  I have been putting off the top verse........ 

 

 

Sorry for wrinkles, I didnt want to waste time on ironing her, when I was going to be stitching on her again tonight.  And because this is my favorite part, I had to show a close up of the flowers again!!!! 

 I am avoiding the top over one verse, but knowing I will be using the Society of Soie Surfine for the words, it doesn't bother me quite as much.  I should put in 1 strand every other motif, then it wont be all at the end.......... Maybe tonight I will add some words......

The below picture is where I am so far, last night I added some of the leaves to the tree on the bottom.  We shall see what gets done tonight, I should have that tree done for sure, but maybe some words will be an order.........  She is coming along beautifully.

You know with Christmas just around the corner, it has been getting colder and busier it seems.  Shopping is crazy, people running around with 20 things on their lists of daily to-do's.  I have been enjoying both, the hustle and bustle, and most of all, the cooler weather.

Yes, my Friends, the cooler weather.  I am not sure if something has come over me in the night, or many many nights ago, but the cool weather is a real nice treat.  I guess with a proper coat, gloves and scarves (thank you very much!), the cooler weather is most pleasant.  I am still surprised with myself, not complaining about the cooler weather.  

--- Wait for it ----

I actually have been enjoying it :) 

I am looking forward to a winter season, well, at least for the next bit LOL. 

After work at night, putting on my PJ's and my slippers...... making some green tea  (after supper with a cocktail of course!!!!) while stitching has been most wonderful these past few weeks and I definitely looking forward to many many more of these nights :)

What about you?  What is your favorite during the cold weather?

Excited

Did you all have a wonderful relaxing weekend?!  How was your Thanksgiving dinner?!!!  Anyone go to boxmart or Target on Thursday night for fun, and walk off some calories?!

Just in case you were wondering, we had a great weekend!!!  Went to my cousins on Thanksgiving for the best dinner ever-- she is such an amazing cook and we played with the girls for hours.  They are soo cute-- they both have the biggest eyes and longest eyelashes!!   We left there and went home and put on a movie and I stitched a bit.  Friday we visited again with my family.  They had just gotten home with a Christmas tree and were looking forward to decorating it and the front lawn with lights.  So cute, the baby who just turned 1, scooted over to the tree and would touch the branches ever so slightly, turn around and look at you with the biggest grin......then clap her hands  :)


The biggest news I have to share with all of you this great weekend, is that I have 2 finishes to share with you.  Yes, 2.  The first I finished yesterday afternoon is Quaker Study by Carriage House samplings.  Stitched on 40ct vintage examplar from Lakeside with SNC.  I have had a love hate love hate relationship with this piece for sometime now and am more then thrilled to get it done.  I had this problem a few years back with another piece that I had started, loved the piece but couldnt stand working on it.  Why is that?!  It is a great piece and I already have the frame picked out, but wow, what a bugger.

Check.  So the other great finish I have to share with you is Dona Dorothea Gazano Y Garcia otherwise known as Double D, is done!!!!!!!!  I finished her about 12:05am (this morning) and cant believe how beautiful she really is.  She is stitched on 45ct lakeside with a variety of silks.  She is smokin hot!!!!!!  LOL.

What a lot of work she has to her, the bottom left side square and middle square are solid satin stitch and there is some over one, but mostly full cross.  Alot of color changes.   I am super excited about this finish!!!!!!  She was a joy to stitch, and I looked forward to it everyday.   I am also ecstatic that I have 2 more under my belt for 2011!!!!  It has been rough going :)

So the biggest question is--- what is next?!

I am truly Thankful

For so many things this year.  I am thankful for my husband, my family, friends, our health, shelter, food, employement,  etc., etc., etc.  Waking up everyday and being able to do the things I love-- each and everyday.  (Some of course are easier than others LOL) I am thankful that God has provided me with so many wonderful things-- (not all physical things either) and we are truly blessed. 
Today, we are spending Thanksgiving with my cousin and his family.... 2 precious healthy little girls.  It will be nice to relax, play with them and visit with family today.  I am looking forward to some pumpkin pie and a nice glass of wine (of course!)
I am thankful for the opportunities that we have to be creative, in many many ways, and to be able to share these ideas and projects with all of you.  I have met alot of people again this year that share my love for cross stitch and I am thrilled to have some of them now as my friend.  Each and every day is another opportunity and we cant waste them. 
I am excited to show you progress pics of double dee, they are progress pics from last week and earlier this week.  I have not taken the pics from last nights progress, but I am getting closer for sure.  My husband and I watched 2 movies last night, 1 being Smokey & The Bandit--- I had never seen these before and of course have heard of them.  They are pretty funny.  I had a good couple of chuckles with Jackie Gleason's character of Sheriff Buford.

Isnt she coming along beautifully????  I am so excited with the bottow right hand corner, I have loved this since I saw my friends piece this summer.  It was worth the wait.  I have the center satin stitch almost done, so I will post another pic of that in a day or so.  I am not sure how much stitching will be taking place today, but I am hoping at least SOME!!!  I hope everyone has a wonderful day today.  Eat lots of turkey, drink wine and have a great time with your friends and family!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Hoopalooza

In my last post of Double Dee, I had a great comment asking me about the hoops I use for stitching.  As a matter of fact Michelle, your timing couldn't be better :)  I received an order today which included some new hoops. They are Hardwicke Manor Hoops from England.  A Friend of mine recommended these to me several years ago, and I have not looked back since.

  They come in several sizes, my favorite is the 6" for my every day stitching and they also have the 4" and the 5" for smaller pieces and they are great for traveling.  I bought a few more for my stash because I like a hoop with the WIPS I am working on, and it seems that lately I grab my super cute project bag, and I am hoop-less. 

Also, the quality of these hoops is like no other, and I want to make sure that I have several on hand, you never know :) 

I also received a few other goodies, but most exciting is the newest color in the Society of Soie Surfine silk/linen club.  Of course, the color in the picture is not near the beauty that it really is, so pale, slightly mint, but a hint of sage?!  I am the worst in comparisons, but you can get an idea.  Not in the club?  Check out www.societyofsoiesurfine.blogspot.com and read all about it!!  Simply gorgeous!!!

PS:  Thanks to the best shipping manager there is......no squishing :)

Moving along

It has been 4 days since I have been able to stitch and I am going crazy!!!!  Busy busy, but I hope to get some stitch time in tonight.  I wanted show you the progress from last week, I thought I would have more done by now..........I am sooooo close to finishing this row :)

I look forward to starting the satin stitch on the next row... arent the colors just fabulous?!  I cant wait to get this one finished.  I think it is going to make a lovely companion to Maria's Dechado!!!

So many color changes, needles are once again stuck into the side of the couch LOL.  But it makes it so much easier.


Stay tuned for the next update!

It is the 31st of October

I guess when I was younger, and was more active in dressing up for Halloween, going to crazy parties and having a super time, it would be more of a surprise that today is Halloween.   But, last night-- we called it goosy night, others mischief night-- you know the random toilet papering of trees, forking of the neighbors lawn--- went by without a 2nd thought.  Today, seeing the kids dressed up, I thought-- oh yes, it is Halloween.  Oh yes, and even dogs get dressed up :)

I wonder though, what is your favorite candy to eat or hand out to the trick-or-treaters??  Mine is snickers or butterfinger.  There are so many options though.......Chocolate..... period. :)

While for most of us, today is just another working day, another checkoff on the calender towards the next exciting Holiday.  Thanksgiving.  Yes, Thanksgiving.  Love a home cooked meal, fellowship with family and friends.   I cant believe that it is a little over 3 weeks away already!!!!!  I was at the mall about 2 weeks ago, and to my great surprise, holy smokes--------- the Christmas crap was already hung as decorations in the stores.  Now, dont read 'crap' as a negative thing--- believe me, I love Christmas like the next guy, (and yes, Merry Christmas is in my vocabulary).  I know that plans for the Holidays need to be underway- for the extensive parties we all love throwing and going to, preparing the food and choosing the perfect outfits.  All of us crafters have been thinking about Christmas at least since the summer, but stitching or sewing things takes time right?  I know that the stores have to put up the inventory to sell, BUT the STORE decorations are up earlier and earlier.  I would love to see a beautiful display of fall items, lets have one Holiday at a time.  I have worked retail for many many years, and know that these things are to get customers in the 'mood'  but for me,  not so much.  It is what it is.

Anyway.........I know that all the folks that got snow this past weekend are in the mood alright!!!!  My parents got around 12 inches and what a site to see.  He sent me a few pics, I thought I would share one with you.

I visited with some very lovely ladies this weekend, at a Halloween stitching party and I was thrilled to be there.  Such fun, seeing them dressed up, and seeing the different Halloween projects they were stitching at.  Alot of laughing goes on at these events, and I love it when my cheeks hurt!!  I didnt get any stitching done, however, I never do at these events, I always rip out when I go home....and you know that is no fun at all!


I have been stitching, with work still busy, I make myself stitch at least a bit every night.  This has helped me keep sane.  Double Dee is coming along great, I have the top half done and started the bottom half.

The linen is 45ct vintage meadow rue and it burns me that the color is SOO off in these pics.  However, most of you know what meadow rue looks like.  The colors are bright and I am loving her.  I have worked a small bit on Quaker Study,

I have been watching All in the Family while stitching Double Dee, and I just cant even.  Archie Bunker kills me!  Soo funny.  I look forward to watching a few more episodes tonight while stitching some more.  Enjoy the rest of your Halloween :)  Trick or Treat!

Its flying by

Where have I been you ask?  Daily I am sure that you look at your favorite blogs, to see no new posts.  Geez.....isnt that such a pest?!  What are our blogger friends up to?  Where have they been??  Well, I am one of them, and one of you :)  LOL.  I always wonder what folks are up too, but I know that it is always something else, other then stitching that comes in the way---- isnt that terrible?  Stitching should always be a priority right?!!  Oh sure, in a perfect world.  Too, in that world, we would get ALL the projects in our stash complete :)


So, what has been up with me?  In case you were dying to know........ work has me super busy, (which is GREAT) I have had little time for stitching.  I have made minor progress on 2 WIPS, but mostly work and oh yes, gallivanting.


In the last 2 weeks, I was in San Francisco, and WOW, is all I can say for the weather.  I have been there so many times when the weather was cool, damp, misting or overcast.  I know that the marine layer rolling in is truly fascinating and something to see, to watch roll in over the bay, and cover the golden gate bridge......but this time, I didnt see much of it.  October right?  If it was only like this all the time.  Went to a 49'ers game, watched them kick some serious Tampa Bucs butt!!!!!  48 to 3.  Nice job 9ers.  The new coach is really something.  Glad to see them making a comeback.


Edgar a while back reminded me of Alamo Square, where some of the most famous of Victorian homes are. I knew that I had wanted to see them for the longest time-- remember on the tv show Full House?  The opening credits always showed these 'painted ladies' and they are really something!!!

There were alot of folks enjoying the park that day, picnics, naps, running around.  Sooo clear right?!!!!
My favorite was on the opposite end of the park, 

So exquisite.  Built in 1890, and still standing beautifully.  The entire row of houses surrounding this park are so gorgeous, one is nicer then the next.  Alot of them are being restored, which is fabulous, you know they dont build them like this anymore :)

We drove around alot, next time I would like to do the famous '49 mile' driving tour, I have to read up more on it, but instead of walking (which I dont know how many blocks of these steep hills I would last in heels) would be fabulous.  You can see so much more this way too.  I love looking at all the houses.  One is more incredible than the next.  You almost get whip lash!!!!!!  Soo amazing.


One of the last stops before changing for dinner, was the Palace of Fine Arts.

Outstanding, breathtaking views, and the best part is, that some lucky (and I mean lucky) folks live right behind where I am standing taking this pic, and they look at THIS everyday!!!!!!  Can you even?! You can walk around the entire area, there were birds, fish and even turtles in this park.  I counted 11 turtles sunning themselves, not even skiddish!!!!  They must be used to being on display here!  


We went to Harris' Restaurant for dinner, famous for steaks, prime rib, etc., etc., and I love a good surf and turf.  I dont have it too often, but if you are going to do it, do it all the way or dont bother right?


Ordering the filet and fresh maine lobster, I had no idea what I was in for........

HELLO LOBSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!  You can hardly find the filet!!!!!!  LOL.  I couldnt believe my eyes!!!!!!!!  This beauty was 2 1/4 pounds of delicacy.  WOW is all I could say, I was laughing and shocked all at the same time.  I had to take a picture.  The sad part is, this big guy doesnt really have that much goodness to offer---- but I will say it was well worth it!!!!!


On the stitching front, not to much like I said earlier, however, I do have a progress pic of Quaker Study by Carriage House, which I dont believe I have posted at all yet.   

Almost halfway, but I havent touched this in so long, seems like months, when it has only been like 10 days.  Such a whirlwind these last 2-3 weeks have been.  Double Dee is coming along, and I mean she is, but slow and steady!!!!

I finished the top rows of name and alphabets, which I completely forgot about, I was too excited about all the dogs and deer I was stitching!  But maybe next week, I will have a few more stabs at her :)


Thanks for all your patience in waiting for the next posting on my blog, and then again for reading all the yada yada yada in my rambling.  I had a great time, and cant wait to go back again soon :)

Check this out

 I have always enjoyed documenting and organizing things.  So this summer, when a friend of mine told me about how to print your blog, I was intrigued.  Why not have a hard copy of my blog, I love this!  Last month I remembered the conversation and went about ordering a copy of my blog in a book format. 

When it arrived in the mail a few weeks later, I tell you, that I can not be more pleased.  The book is perfect.  You choose the cover, choose the front and back cover pics, you can choose wording.  Other then that, your book is already ready to go.  I did choose to include the comments from all of you in the book, and it is so exciting to re-read them all.   I love seeing the progress pics, finished pics and remembering the times where I was when stitching those pieces. 

The book is of standard 8 1/2" x 11" and I chose the hard cover variety.  You can have a soft cover, or even in black and white, for a little less.  I am not known to skimp on things, and this was no exception!!!!!

Any of you thinking of doing this, it is well worth it.  This book is a great keepsake for my stitching room along with all of my needlework books.  I chose to have each year printed separately, so the first book shown is 2009.  Also exciting, it was the first year of my blog and amazing how it has progressed.  The background is not shown, and the followers or links on the side.....etc., etc., but that is ok.  I am so pleased that I just finished ordering my blog book for 2010.  I cant wait to see that one in a few weeks.  Each book will vary in pages because of the amount of posts you have, and also the comments.  If you choose not to have your comments published, then the book will be longer.  If you are going to do it, go all the way, or dont go at all :)  Visit www.blog2print.com to order your book, it is sooo easy.....(even us stitchers can do it!  LOL)

If anyone has done this book, Id love to know what you think of it also.  I look forward to many more years of documenting my stitching.  It is a must have for everyone!!!!

And a last note-- wowza, I am so thrilled with all of the great comments that I have received on on American Beauty!  She was a great fun piece, and I am so excited all of you enjoyed seeing her as well.

Have a great week-- more progress pics coming up soon:)

American Beauty

Another WIP done and under the belt.  I finished this cute little design from Sheepish Designs called American Beauty a few nights ago and havent had time to get onto the computer, let alone post on my blog.  Of course, not knowing the specific name to this fabulous charcoal 32ct linen, isnt the end of the world right?!  This tiny pattern called for Silk n Colors..... now I am not one to EVER complain about using silks, but I didnt have most of the called for colors, so I thought it would be fun to convert the cover picture to overdyed COTTON.  Yes, you read correct.

I am excited to cross off another WIP from the crazy January challenge.  One stitch at time, they will all get done.......eventually :)  I am working now on Carriage House Samplings Quaker Study.   I had started this ?????  and look forward to getting it done as well.  I will take some progress pics and share those with you soon.  It is another easy stitch, dont know why it has taken so long to get'er done!

There are a couple I am eager to get finished, and with Double Dee on the warmer, (NOT on the back burner) it is nice to free up the WIP basket.   So many options..........so little time :)

Live in Harmony

Last night while watching 'Dragonfly' with Kevin Costner (which was really good) I finished up Live in Harmony by Homespun Elegance and I am glad to have another WIP under my belt. 

Ta-Da!  The colors are not as bad, now that the whole thing is stitched up.  I used NPI with 40ct Examplar from Lakeside.  The linen is gorgeous, I dont use that color often, so it was a nice change :)

The next WIP I am working on, Sheepish Designs American Beauty.  I am working on this one on 32ct linen, not sure of the color---- but it is a dark charcoal.  I switched the colors to a variety of overdyed cottons, and I am pleased with the results so far. 

About halfway done, I forget how much thread you really go through on the larger counts!! WOW!!!  I do like using 2 threads when using 36, 32 and 28 cts (which I rarely use these days) so it is nice to actually be using some of this great stash I have.  It is very strange working on 32ct burlap linen, but.........it will be worth it, the colors are fabulous.

An update from last weeks flooding pics, I thought it would be nice to share what a difference a week makes.

The water has receeded and is passing just under the bridge (it has a long way to go though) and the Chicken place is no longer under water.  The road is clear.  But there is alot of mud that is been replaced onto their parking lot!!!
And last but not least, I was able to get a ton of shots of deer, feeding one morning at my mothers house.  We saw them in the yard, I quick grabbed my camera and walked outside.  Slowly I made my way to the end of the driveway, where I sat on the tail end of my car and took these pics.  They didnt seem to be too alarmed.  My mom said her friend has them eating out of her hand!  How cool is that?!  They are so beautiful, we watched them for close to 15 minutes before they moved on.  Funny hearing them eating acorns :)

Arent those spots so super cute?!  My parents have these guys in their yard daily-- fun to see them for myself!  Until next time......thanks for visiting, it is always great to read your comments......one of the best things about blogging- that and being enabled by you :)