Elizabeth J M Mears

Late last night I put the final stitches into another WIP.  Here is Elizabeth J M Mears.

 

Above you can see my scissors on the right hand side to show approximate size of the house.   It seemed to take forever to fill in, but it was well worth it.  I am moved in and have been working on sprucing up the garden for last few nights:).  The fence was another eternal process.  I brings me back to when we painted our own fence in our yard.  Never ending!!  But while watching How Green Was My Valley with the beautiful Maureen O'Hara, I put the final stitches into the fence.

I changed one of the birds on the bottom row to a blackbird, I think it is always fun to have one in my piece.  And, I like making my pieces similar but different from the rest. 

 

 Stitched on 40ct Vintage Pecan Lakeside linen with a silk conversion including Gloriana, Belle Soie, Dinky Dyes and Silk N Colors, I am quite pleased with the end result.  This is my first sampler to include the "Queen stitch" and I am thrilled with my double row of them.
My second design from Queenstown Samplers is under my belt (LOVE these samplers)-- there are several more I would love to stitch but I think those patterns are buried in the basement :)  Looks like there might be some stash diving one of these days.  Until then, there are about 3 piles sitting around my 'chair' staring me in the face nightly.  I think those girls might need some sought after attention first!
Hope all is well with everyone.  Happy Stitching!!

Edgar Allan Poe 1809-1849

One of my favorite authors is Edgar Allan Poe.  Of course, perhaps now this might explain the ravens pictured on the sides of my blog.  Or maybe I just like them.    I happened to be in Baltimore and like a turned on light switch I remembered Poe was buried there.  Quickly I googled the cemetery and found it to be very close by.  I was over the moon with excitement.
When arriving at the church yard were he was buried, we were greeted by a gentleman who was more then happy to answer questions and talk a little about the cemetery and who else happened to be buried there.  The church is no longer a church so to speak, but more of  a place to rent out and have weddings, parties etc.  Very interesting.  It would be kind of fun to have a wedding there..........my mind is running wild :)

 

 

 

 

This is the 2nd burial spot for Edgar, he was originally behind the church and to the left.  I am not sure the people who decided he needed to be moved, but alas he was.  And yes, I did ask if his body was moved, or a just new marking.  The entire grave was moved, and a new marking was purchased.  You can see there are a few pieces of change on the site, and it was explained that since he was broke when he died, here are a few pieces of change to carry him through.  The guide said that the change was collected daily and added up to a nice sum yearly, which helps the upkeep of the cemetery.

The guide also mentioned that because the day was so lovely, that he opened up the catacombs in the church and in the above picture, you can see the door open.  Upon entering the catacombs, you see the original marker for Poe.

Which has been removed from the elements.  Amazing to see his likeness from 1849.  The marking was brought in so that it could be preserved.  Through time, the elements would completely destroy this limestone marking. 

Leaving and turning to the left to continue onto the rear of the church you are faced with many many sites where the rich and famous were buried.  The bigger and fancier it is, the more wealthy these folks were.  Generals from wars, their wives and their children.  Above ground, they are buried on shelves.....like the pic below, there are several buried in the same spot on shelves in their caskets.  If the door was opened, you could walk in the center aisle and the caskets are lined up on both sides. 

 

Also buried in the same yard were common folks, one that still stands out in my mind is a woman from 1790- 1799 who lost 4 of her children.  Some living only a few days.  (pic below)

2 pics above, you see there is a shrub on the left hand side.  A few feet in front of it, stands the marker shown in the pic right above is the original burial place for Poe.  This is where that round marker once stood. Why did they move him?  Some one had the brilliant idea that he needed to be front and center, instead of buried somewhere in the back and to the left (no pun intended).  Pretty interesting right?   So now he is in the front left corner of the cemetery. 

From this view in the pic above, his original site was to my right about 100 feet or so.  Now he is about 200 feet directly in front of where I am standing.
I am thrilled I was able to visit this cemetery.  Like many I enjoy walking through these somber places, thinking about the folks buried and what their lives were like.
How many of them were avid stitchers?  Of course, most did know the techniques of sewing and mending among so many other things.  Did they ever make samplers?  If so, were are they today? 
Stitching is certainly a gift that we have learned from a loved one or even self taught.  I am thrilled to know how to stitch.  I hope that my samplers are enjoyed for many lifetimes to come.
Stitching for me the last bit hasn't been much, my poor SDW has been neglected, but Elizabeth Mears is making progress.  Of course, it is brainless progress because I am filling in that house :)  Sometimes brainless is perfect!!

Just this last side to fill in then finish the tree on the right.  Add 2 birds to the roof line then onto the last 2 pages before this gal is complete.  I am looking forward to this finish, and looking even more forward to her being framed this summer.
The question is what will I feel like working on next?  SDW sits by my side everyday, but Rachel Howell is calling as well.  We shall see.  I don't want to jump the gun to fast on what is next, I need to see if I can keep up the momentum first!!!!  LOL.
Thanks for visiting my blog and taking another adventure with me.  Where shall we go next?!!!!!

2 Things We Can't Avoid--EVER

You know what those are?  Death and Taxes.  Good news for me, I am not dead :)  Bad news is, it is once again tax time:(.  I do know that you can run from them, but for how long?  I do not know.  I do enjoy sleeping and I feel like I pay enough, so why not continue to pay on time.  Either way they are getting their money, just I want it to be the least as possible.  Since my last post, last month, I have been neck deep involved with getting them done.  I have 'people'.  But, those 'people' still need some help, especially with every waking and sleeping moment, there are new regulations or new forms to fill out, or new ones to replace the old ones, sign here, not here, date here.  I appreciate these 'people' in more ways then I can really express, and if you are one of those 'people' know that you are appreciated.  It is WELL worth it :)  I can LOL now, but it is never easy.  I have found as organized as I am,( and I really am,) I still run into the form I missed, or misplaced.  I am happy to get them done and out of my front page thoughts for a bit. 
Stitching should have been my crutch to fall on these past few weeks, but the stress has made me virtually ILL.  Why???   Its so stupid to worry sooo much.  I felt so bad 1 night that I couldn't even pick up my stitching.  And you know me, I cant sit still.  I must do 2 things at once, at all times. (Even as you are reading this you can just envision me bouncing all over the place doing this, doing that, getting this done, etc., etc) Thank goodness it is all over and I am breathing so much easier.  I am way behind on emails, blog posts, stitching.
I did want to share the little bit of progress on both SDW and Elizabeth Mears. The last time I was gone for over 3 weeks I finished DB!!!!  Not the case here :(.   I love watching the pieces grow and have actually been really enjoying stitching on the 40ct.

 

One bummer is that the colors are not coming out as they are on my linen, but of course, we all know that.  I have made some adjustments as usual with my pieces, and have been dissecting each motif to find the perfect color.  I have noticed a few missing stitched areas on the cover picture as to the charted design, and have made my adjustments there as well.

I am onto that 'house' now and I am finding it is not as overwhelming as I thought it would be.  It is really coming along.   Now, if I could only hit the lottery to be able to live in a home like this!!  But, non the less, I will have Miss Mears to dream about :)
I have my Ann Bowers SAL to get going on (like starting would be nice :)), I am way far behind, but that is nothing new.  I am not really good with SAL's.  I soo enjoy them, the company and the encouragement, however I get soo sidetracked with daily duties and other samplers-- how many of you have this problem?  Let me see those hands?!!  LOL

Sorry I have not been a good blogging buddy lately.   I have enjoyed reading some blogs, but have fell short on most of them in the past weeks.  Sooo many beautiful pieces being stitching, so many introduced at Nashville and making ways into new craft rooms.  I am hoping to change that in the coming weeks, now that those blessed taxes are done for 2012 :)  I hope all of you have a wonderful day, keep those needles flying!!!!!  Thank for visiting.

Old Nantucket and ???

Finishing up Old Nantucket by Little House Needleworks (45ct vintage meadow rue and my silk conversion) on Valentines Night, while watching movies and eating chocolate-- yes, I had to have a piece or 2!!!! AND I did get my first ever heart shaped candy box.  Yes, I have received chocolate in the past, but this year was the first in different shape box--I'm crazy, but that everyone knew already :).  I remember Grandma would always receive a heart shaped box of chocolate from Grandpa every year for Valentines day- the biggest one I think I can remember-- when you are kid everything is big right?!  It  was great to think of that story this past Valentines.  

Old Nantucket came out great what do you think?

I wonder what the frame will look like on this one.  Fun how the creativity doesn't end with the project, the frame is a whole other decision :)
You remember I shared 2 pics of thread rings a couple posts ago?  One with black linen and the other with brighter colors, I think on vintage woodsmoke?  Well, I decided to pick the black one to start by Goode Huswife- The Flowers of Lebanon.  OOP but I found it last summer on a road trip and couldnt resist.  It reminds me of the colors from Goode Huswife- Black Forest.   I like the bright colors however I havent really stitched with them for a bit.  Why not? 

I was thrilled that the border matched up, even the most simple of borders still can be a pest.  Here is where I stopped last night. 

It is such an easy little stitch and I am having fun with the 32ct burlap linen.  LOL  No offense to anyone stitching with 32ct, I have to laugh, I received an email from a friend who said stitching on 36ct compared to 40ct was like stitching on a fishing net.  Well, you get my joke when I mostly stitch on 40-45ct.  It is nice for a change to stitch on a larger count, I do own it and why not?  We all started somewhere.  AND, I know that someday I will only be able to see 28/32ct.  Take it while I can :)  As long as you are stitching, it is all GOOD!!!! 
I also talked about a driving project back in December and it was Elizabeth J M Mears.  Well, yesterday we went on a drive and I brought Miss Mears will me and unfortunately didnt get that much done because the roads are just aweful!!!  I dont get it.  With all those tax dollars paid, where are the smooth roads???!!!!

But, some progress is WAAY better then no progress right?  One of 4 fruit baskets and started the 2nd one.   Since working on her yesterday, I might have to work on Elizabeth instead of that other gorgeous project I showed you last week, but you never know.  This above is the driving project.  I cant sit in the passenger seat and work on 45ct.  Hard enough on 40ct! 
Tonight I think I will continue on the Flowers piece, and see where the stitching path leads in the next few nights.  Maybe SDW??!!!!!!!  Yikes!  I need to get back to that great sampler asap.  Until next time my friends.  Thanks for visiting!

Merry Christmas!

Here on Christmas Eve, everyone around the world hopefully settled in to where they will be for the night, and enjoying a peaceful evening.
I am not where I want to be just yet for Christmas, but stuck in a blizzard.   No worries though, I am content with several things.  A full stomach and a nice cocktail in hand :)  Really, I am happy to be safe and sound this Christmas Eve, and have plenty to be thankful for. 
My friends are looking at me as I write this post, and they too are very content.

 As long as we are warm and have a few pieces of the very best candy (in my opinion) on hand.  Thank you See's Candy :)

I spent some time this past week with a dear friend of mine and her husband and what an enjoyable time we had.  Lots of laughing, stitching, classic movies, food and wine was had by all.  I brought with me to stitch Elizabeth Mears, and if you remember back a few posts, I was stuck on stitching the 4 sided stitch as well as the 2 rows of queen stitch.  Well, I put my fears aside and I powered out both.  I am very pleased with my queen stitches and I cant believe I put them off for so long.  A shame I tell you, I would love to do more of them soon.

I am now ready to start the blessed house I have been craving to start, however DB is calling me again.  I am happy to leave E Mears for a bit, I have gotten to a great stopping point-- she is now a great 'driving' project.  But, until then, DB is up for change tonight.

So tomorrow, already for some, is Christmas day!!  I do believe we all need a bit more Christmas spirit among us-- remember the real reason for this most special of Holidays.  I do believe peace can be achieved, but it takes work, and around this blessed day, it is easy.  After it passes, it is easily forgotten, and life goes on.  Being around small town folks these last few days, it is easy to see that it is so normal to be content with life, and coming from a big city, it is easily forgotten the most important of all reasons.  The birth of Jesus :)  It is forgotten with the hocus pocus of media, presents and holiday decorations. Think about how we can carry the Christmas Spirit with us all year long.  It isnt easy I am the first to admit, but trying never hurts :)

Enjoy time with your family and friends; capture these memories, they will last forever.  Merry Christmas to all of you, I hope you all have a wonderful day!!! 

 

The Loss of

It has been a rough few past weeks and stitching has come in handy alot of the times.  I just haven't felt like posting a blog, or really being social or whatever. I can put on a happy face pretty good.  I am sure that everyone has felt the loss of a family member-- whether human or pet, loss of a good friend, loss of a job, loss of a home or Country, loss of ?????  Well, the last few weeks I know several folks feeling a loss in their lives.  And you can fill in your own blank on which loss it has been, but is has been tough for all of us.  My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of them.
How many of you have dealt with a rotten person that rips you a new one for NO real good reason? I read a few weeks ago that a poor woman received a rotten email about her own blog.  How dare they?  Lately I think they exist in great numbers--and it keeps growing.  Because you have stress, doesn't mean it should go past your venting buddy.  Get over it, and get over it quickly.  I am so tired of it all already.  I have come into contact with my fare share of rotten (today being one of those rotten morons--who thinks he is all that and a big bag of tricks, among others), and I know I could be rotten, we all can be sometimes, but I have been re-evaluating life lately, and feeling such said loss, there is a lot other things I have new perspective on.  Stress is everywhere.  Some stress can be avoided but believe me, it isn't easy, and there is good and there is bad, but life I feel is WAY to short.  Live in peace with others, stop being so rotten, be more caring of your neighbor!!!!   ---- Life is WAY to short to get all my stash complete :) AND not much longer to EAT A HOSTESS TWINKIE!!!!  LOL

Enough venting for one day ?  LOL.  I do like to use this blog as a venting post sometimes, as many of you like to do, and it is kind of comforting that people can relate it it. 
Like I said earlier, I have had some time to stitch, and making some progress on Dutch Beauty.  The color arrangement is just gorgeous, and it is so worth the time and effort to make it all flow smoothly.

Almost to the half way point, however I have been working on Elizabeth Mears also.  This one has been a great filler project if you will, remember that DB thread is almost everywhere :(.   I can take Elizabeth with me to people's homes, stitching in the car, and it is easy.  No stress :)

The light bulb went on the other day when I was re-taught how to do the queen stitch, and I have learned this a dozen times and it never clicked.  Finally, I am excited and ready to do the next row of queen stitch.  I have to do the four sided stitch above the bottow row in the pic of over-one.  Easy right?  I am anxious to get to that house~!
I also joined a SAL with 5 of the nicest ladies you could find; started by Nicola of Stitching by a Cornish Sea Shore.  The SDW German Band sampler.  You have seen fantastic progress by these ladies already, and I am bringing up the rear.  Never the less, I will get my progress pics going shortly.  I have actually started the horse :)  It is a gorgeous project, and at this point have converted the colors but yet found myself last night and this morning making a few other adjustments.  This is what I love about stitching.  Making it your own :)  After I get a bit more stitched on SDW, I will share pics too.
Until next time.  Make it a point to Be nice to everyone :)