Happy Monday

I hope that all of you Mothers had a super day yesterday!!  From what I have read from some of my favorite blogs, there was great fun to be had!!  Excellent :)  I know that my Mother had a great time, my Sister and her Husband went over to the house and brought her- her favorite pie......Chocolate Mousse. 

I was out of town this week and was able to spend some time with my Father & Mother-in-Law, which is always great fun.  We had a big family party early on in the week, with about 45 of our brother and sister in laws, and all the nieces and nephews, and their kids too.  Wow, amazing how many there were of us, and that wasnt even all of them!!!  Huge family my Husband has.....so nice, everyone just loves getting together, enjoying each other and visiting for a few hours, and they all live in the area and visit often.  Still, they get excited to get together again.  How can you complain about that?!

On Saturday I was invited to my nieces bridal shower, who is getting married this coming week.  I was excited to go shopping and check out all of the goodies she had registered for at Target.  You gotta love Target, they have a great selection of household items.  I bought her plates, glasses and silverware.  On the way home I was talking about the wrapping to my MIL and decided I was going to wrap it like a wedding cake.  Now, unfortunately Target nor Box-mart had wedding paper.  Can you imagine?  White is not wedding paper to me...... wedding paper has bells, brides, or beautiful tone on tone flowers.  Very elegant.  They had tons of birthday paper, and tons of baby shower paper, (lets not get ahead of ourselves!!!! LOL) With no time to spare, we chose some fun paper that would work. 

 I was so excited to wrap these up, the men were out on errands, and we had papered the entire family room.  Paper and ribbons and tulle everywhere.  How fun right?  I was thrilled the way it turned out.  The downfall was that it was super heavy, and doing my best to keep them all together was pretty interesting.  The morning of the shower the men loaded up the goodies in to the backseat of the car, and I put a seatbelt on mine!!!!!  LOL.  My MIL bought her a microwave and mixer, so you know the back seat was filled up.  Off we went to the shower and it was an open house sort of bridal shower, people came and went.  Gifts were opened and goodies were had.  Lots of laughing, which I always love to hear.  For me, there isnt much laughter going on, I wish there was more, but I am always so involved with work, and definitely enjoyed all of it this week.

I got in some stitching time this weekend too.  Amazing right?  Here is my Bramble and the Rose......

Alot of progress was made, I am keeping my fingers crossed for this week, but I am back at work so I am not going to hold my breath!!!  LOL.  It sure is beautiful, my Sister-in-Law suggested I make a pillow out of it, while that is a great idea, I am not sure I will go that route.  I am usually a 'frame' type of gal.

Almost 2 years ago, I posted about some cookie cutters that my Grandmother had on her wall, ever since I can remember and was desperate for information.  2009 cookie cutters if you want to see the original post.  But my Husband was in the middle of now-where (center of Kansas) a few weeks back at an antique store and found this for me:

We have been on the hunt for these gems for 7 years.  Looking and looking.   They are solid aluminum, weigh about 3 pounds and they are replicas of old gingerbread cookie cutters from the Virgina Metalcrafters in Williamsburg VA.  This is simply amazing.  Apparently the woman at the antique shop, said that just the night before my Husband had come in, she found it tucked away, like someone had hid it to come back for it.  She found it and hung it front and center.  Sure enough, it was meant to be. When he came back, he said "I bought you something.......oh yeah?.........yes, one of those aluminum molds we have been looking for, like Grandmas"  I had 1 of the 2 I was looking for.  I AM SO EXCITED to have this, it even came with the original gingerbread recipe they sold with it on the back.  I immediately googled to find more information on the item (It is the same one at grandmas, but you dont dare take it off the wall to inspect.......) and sure enough, I found the mate I needed online.  I couldnt believe the luck.  Within 3 weeks, I had both of these Gingerbread cookie cutters, just like Grandma, my Fathers mother.  (A few posts back, I visited my other Grandmother, my Mothers mom) 

There are a handful of things that stick out in her home, that grab me and I have fond memories everytime I see them.  With 7 children in her family, I am not sure my name is on any of these items, so I went ahead and got them myself.  Just as good.  Her home is so classic and timeless, and when I see these treats, I remember visits at her house like it was yesterday.  M & M's in the candy jar, samplers on the wall, baking every week-- a fresh baked cake or pie would always be there on Sunday afternoons, waiting for us to visit. Homemade applesauce, canned jam.  To run in the yard, to chase bunny rabbits, to view the gorgeous azaleas blooming in the spring. Grandma is 83 now, and just as young as she was years ago.  She is a classic woman, one who could have easily gone to the royal wedding, and fit in like a glove.  I look forward to seeing her again soon :)

Thanks again to all of you who read my blog-- who leave comments and those who just enjoy reading it, it means the world to me.  I love connecting with all of you.

Have a wonderful week!

Scattered

Another week and a half has gone by and not much has gotten done on the homefront of stitching.  I mentioned last week that I was going to take some time off this week from both work and activities.....but without working, I feel like I am busier then ever!!!!!  How does that happen?  I was able to catch up on the laundry, and do a little spring cleaning in the basement.  But other then that the time has flown by and before I know it, it is time for bed.

I have been all over the place as far as stitching, I did work on Sunday for a few hours, and when I got back, I pulled alot of stash out, sat on the floor and spread it out, reviewing alot of great items.  I wanted to work on every piece that I started on in January, but I know that 50 stitches a night, nothing was going to ever get done.  So I pulled out a few pieces that had some potential of being completed, and also worked on 2 buddy projects-- those I will share at a later time.

But, what I am happy to share with you today.... are 2 great projects, screaming to be done.

This is a small oldie but goodie from Sheepish Designs called American Beauty.  Stitching on 32ct Raven from Birds of a Feather (I think Raven) with similar cotton overdyes to match the picture.  It called for SNC and even for such a small cute project, I couldnt see spending the $$ on 6 + colors so I adjusted them to GA and WDW.  I think it is turning out terrific.

Next up is Ink Circles Bramble and the Rose, stitched on 40ct Meadow Rue Lakeside with silk gifted from my Friend.  I just love the color combo for this piece.  Every way I have seen this design stitched up, it looks fabulous.  I have seen it done in 1 color, 2 color and even 3 different colors.  All amazing.  I look forward to stitching on this piece and finally putting it to bed.  I think I have been working on this for over 2 years.  Yes, 2 years.

Sorry for such horrid pics today, I slung them both over the couch and took these pics, I really wanted to update this blog, and have 100 things to do today, and no time for ironing.

Some of you have seen the changes that have been taking place on the design side of this blog, and over the weekend I played around with the creme, black and yellow background.  I liked it, but not really......  So, I have this beauty up and I really like it.  So, for a while I will see how it goes.  It takes so much time for me to adjust just a simple background, because then I have to go and adjust all the colors on the blog, so it all blends perfectly.  I suppose that is no surprise, knowing my stitching projects.


I have seen the sun for the last few days and I am enjoying it.  Still colder, and I am not really sure it is May 4th, feels like March. 

 So many great things this week, my favorite is the Royal Wedding, I know, we have read and seen and heard about it for so long now, but I wanted my 2 cents out there as well.  "Just Exquisite" .  Kates dress was so unbelievable, and that wedding impressive.  I didnt get up at the crack of dawn, but when I got up and watched some of the feed and videos, I did well up.  I had tears of joy for sure.  I just love weddings, especially when no detail is missed, and you know they know how to throw a party.  Simply breath-taking.  I would have loved to be on the street watching them drive by.  Oh well, what can you do?!

So another week half done and I better get going.  I have been enjoying all the progress on your blogs that I am continually inspired.  Thank you for all of that!

Have a Happy Wednesday.

Cold, but still Better

Hopefully this week was the last of the 'cold' we are going to see for a while.  I am soo anxious for the warmer weather.  Bring on the heat already!!!!!!  The flowering cherry, pear, magnolia, dogwood trees dont know weather to bloom or not.  For some of you, you have been enjoying some of these most beautiful trees for a while.  I am jealous!! I have been missing the sun now for most of this past week, all but 1 day was pouring rain.  Today the sun is out and it is still cold.  I am telling you, it is time for a vacation to the islands!!!!!  LOL.

I have been working on a variety of things over the past week, mostly Peace.  It is coming along better then I thought, and I am more excited about it this week, then I was last-- GOOD right?!  Have you seen the size of this beauty?!  I have bounced around on the page I was working on, just to get some variety in.  I am looking forward to another few weeks of Peace.  (The colors look pretty good in this pic today-- and the linen too :))

I have a few other WIPS I pulled out this week, got some stitching done on some of those, but I am too far behind this morning to take pics of those, perhaps next week. 

Thank you to all who read and commented on my last post-- about my great weekend at Grandmas.  I appreciate you taking the time to share in the fun.  She is a great lady and I look forward to many more visits :)

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter-- I know I did!!! 

When I woke up

I saw this outside my window yesterday.

When is it going to stop?!!!!  I cant believe it--April 18th.  3 inches of the white stuff all over the place and coming down for a few more hours.  It was cold, windy and with a mixture of sleet and snow.

Overall, my weekend was fabulous!!!!!  My Husband and I spent the last few days with my Grandmother, which is such a treat.  She is 81 years old and is doing better then ever.  It has been tough for many years-- dealing with cancer hasnt been easy on any of us, but last week she got the best report we could ever hear--Cancer free!!!!!!!!  How wonderful!!!!!!!!!!  So many prayers and so many people looking out for her, it is such a blessing to hear such positive news.   When Grandma knew about us coming a few weeks ago, she of course couldnt be more pleased.  She went and got some of our favorite late night snacks-- ice cream, cookies and even baked a cake.   You know when visiting Grandma, food is always top priority-- especially when visiting with relatives, breakfast, lunch and supper --going out for it is the norm.  For me, I dont eat out all that much, especially 3 big meals in one day, although every meal time couldnt be full of more fun and laughter.  For me, it all balances out.  We had a great time, seeing everyone again.  We took Grandma to an antique store that she had wanted to go in, and it was great fun to hear her say-- "I have that, I used to have that or so and so had that!"  Finding a few goodies is always fun-- and the hunt is the best part.  What is around the next corner, it could be it!  

She has been crocheting afghans for all the great-grand children and it is amazing to see the pile.  Each one thought out for each child.  She is whipping right along with them--only has a few more to make before Christmas, I think she is going to make her goal :).  She is working on one of those huge floral cross stitch projects-- I cant think of the name right now, but the flowers are so life-like, one of the iris' she is stitching and has been working on it for a while, lost her place so put it away.  I was thrilled to help get her back on track and perhaps after the afghans are done, she will pick it back up.  It was fun showing her some of my WIPs, and she just was floored over the small counts-- and what count is this?  40.  This?  45.  Ooh, and she'd lean back on the sofa with amazement.  I have never seen such fine linen- she said.  I didnt stitch much while there-- really hard to start and stop in between all the eating!!!!

She has a nest of Duck eggs right outside her garage door, which is so amazing to see, however where is the mother?!

Grandma got a new canary and boy does it love to sing!  She is thrilled with her new friend and  it brings her such joy.
 

To see her light up each time we came back to the house and run over to him, they had a special chat.  Then she would come back into the kitchen, put on another pot of coffee and say, want some cake?  LOL, we just got off the breakfast table!!!  Classic.  We were sad to leave her early last night, and am looking forward to the next visit with her soon. 

Last week I did finish a small project-- Be Joyous by Homespun Elegance.  I used the called for silk with 40ct Vintage Pearled Barley.  It was a great little project and one down in the WIP pile.

I have been super busy with work, but managed to get in some stitches on Peace.  I think I am going to work on this for a while, and see what I can do about this HUGE WIP.  I am in love with the colors, and definately looking forward to progress.  If I dont open up the sheet I am working on, it doesnt scare me as much.  I am going to work on it page by page.  It is too big to do the whole border at once, and I want it to line up in the worst way!!!!  LOL-- who doesnt want their borders to match up?!!!!

The top pic is more the true color of the 40ct Sienna Night Lakeside I am stitching on.  With the miserable weather we are having, it was hard to get a clear shot, so the bottom pic is under a bright light.  I am already bummed, tonight I have to work late, so I dont think much stitching will take place, but there is always tomorrow right? 

Thanks for all your great comments on Ichabod Seabury, the color is fabulous and I hope some of you give it a try sometime!!!!!!

Until next time!  Happy Stitching everyone :)

Finally!!!!

It has been a long time coming, it seems like forever.  Ichabod Seabury is Finished!!!  I cant believe how long it took to fill in the blocks around the wording.  E-TER-NAL.  LOL.  I finished him last night around 11:30 and told my husband that I wasnt coming to bed until he was done.  Thank goodness it wasnt too late.

For reference, this is from Primitive Needle (We are all going to miss Lisa and her great designs!) using the called for Swamp Linen and Belle Soie Threads.  I wonder what the frame will look like?!!

So another WIP down in the bucket and a new day has started.  What shall the next WIP be?  I have taken pics of the next 2 WIPS colors, both projects have been started-- I cant let myself start a new one this year just yet.......I promise you, that I will though :)  It is only a matter of time or WIP lists!!!  Anyway, both sets of colors are all silks, a variety of them and I am excited to get my hands into them.  The biggest question is which one to dive into first?!!

Thanks to all who visit my blog regularly, and those who stumble apon it and enjoy it as well. I love receiving comments and kind thoughts from all of you.   I hope to continue to keep it interesting and entertaining.  Most of all, help with the enabling!!!

No Foolin'

April 1st today, and I have some progress pics and some finds I got at an antique shop this week.  First up, progress pic of Ichabod-- which the filling in of the words is taking forever.  I wanted to be done with him last weekend, and here it is another whole week has gone by and still, it isnt done.  Well, if I wasnt out wandering the streets and taking in all the local antique shops, perhaps I would have more to show. 

No complaints though, I am further then last weekend!  I am really enjoying the fabric too, I cant imagine at this point what I would ever use this color again for, and I cant say never either. 

 Up first are 2 super finds, the bottom pair from Germany $4.00 and the top with marking Solingen on it for only $2.00!!!!  Can you even.   Plus, they look great on Swamp :)

The other great find was this enormous pewter thimble (over 2" tall)- which on the side reads "Only a Thimble Full"  and with some research, it is really a shot glass!!  I added a quarter to the side to show you perspective.  No Foolin' !!!!!!!