Saturday, December 22, 2012

12-12-12=20

 
December 12, 2012...
 
our 20th wedding anniversary....
 
 
We decided to take a trip to Texas and explore the
Hill Country.  It wouldn't be a "vacation" for us if
there wasn't a park, forest or desert involved. 
Here we are at the Enchanted Canyon right
outside of Fredericksburg.   The stars at
night are said to be beautiful but it was a tad
too cold for us to find out.   We did have a good
time and enjoyed our time together!
 
~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~
 
Anytime we travel, I always start a new Lizzie
Kate project since they are so easy to stitch.  
I recently acquired the Snow Belles
(thanks to a visit to the Spring Robin earlier this fall)
and decided to start the first one.  

Lizzie Kate "All Dressed Up"
Stitched on 28ct khaki evenweave
w/ DMC

That snowman was so much fun to stitch I
decided to stitch him twice!   I had my fabric
oriented incorrectly so it soon became obvious
that I was running out of fabric.  Not a good idea
to start something new at 6:00 in the morning!  
Luckily...it doesn't take as long to rip it out as
it does to stitch it.  I plan to make these into
small pillows to keep my fat men company. 
One down....five to go!
 
~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~
 
We had some free time in San Antonio so I was
 able to visit Stitches from the Heart.   They had a
lot of great stitched models to drool over.  The
best part was the "Texas" section with a variety
of  designs about Texas from Texas.

 
I picked up these two ornaments from Redbird
Designs.  If memory serves me correct, you can
only find her stuff in Texas.   I know I purchased
another Texas ornament years ago at another
shop in San Antonio.   I thought these were
just too cute to pass up and hope to stitch
for next year as a reminder of our trip.
 
~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~
 
Well...Christmas is almost here and I hope
you are ready!  We start our celebrations
tomorrow so I am ready for some good food
and fellowship with our families.   I wish you
a very Merry Christmas and hope you
find time for a little stitching too!


Sunday, December 2, 2012

On the 1st day of Christmas....


....I was busy!

Penelope from Beehive Needleworks posted a sweet Christmas freebie on Friday.  I had linen and thread at hand so I stitched it up.

 Beehive Needleworks "Christmas Wishes" freebie
stitched on 32ct linen w/ Victorian Motto

I just couldn't put this one away so I gathered my finishing supplies and came up with this.  (Faye...your blog offers the most wonderful inspiration for finishing!)  I just love the red ticking fabric!   I think I can see more "red" stitching in my future.

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

Since my sewing machine makes limited appearances, I tackled  some earlier finishes that have been anxiously waiting some dressing.

With Thy Needle "Friendship Samplers"

With Thy Needle "Autumn Splendor"

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

Tanya from Scarlett House offered this memento at the Pals Fall Fling and I just had to stitch it after seeing Faye's, Michele's and Charlene's finishes.

Stitched on 25ct Mocha Vintage
over one w/DMC

This little design seemed to take forever....that sand and water were a killer.

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

And lastly, I have stitched two ornaments from the new JCS Ornaments issue and they are now ready to hang on my tree.

Glory Bee "Joy to You 2012"
stitched on 32ct. coffee-dyed linen w/DMC

Stitcherhood "Christmas Morning"
stitched on 32ct coffee-dyed linen
w/Victorian Motto

If you made it this far, thanks for visiting.   I do have two more finishes that require finishing with a special touch so I hope to tackle those today.   Fingers crossed I don't ruin them.

I hope you have are having a great weekend...
happy stitching!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Throwback Thursday....


My older brother celebrated a 
special birthday this week.
He turned the big 50!

I have always loved this picture of us 
three since it was such a happy day.
Who isn't excited to see Santa in July?????

Anyone else been to Santaland in North Carolina?

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

At the PALS retreat, a few mentioned how 
much they enjoyed these blog posts.   
(at least I hope they do...)
It has been awhile and little did I realize my 
brother's house would provide some new material.
  
While helping my SIL clean up 
after the party, I spotted this hanging on 
the wall and the picture fest began.

For The Love Cross Stitch
Stitched on 14ct white aida w/ DMC

I had completely forgotten about stitching this 
but I am sure it had to be for a birthday 
or Christmas.Although I don't know the 
name I am certain it was in a 90's issue 
of For The Love of Cross Stitch.
I think it just so cute...love that little puppy.

While I was snapping pics, my SIL obliged 
and collected some more stitched gifts 
from years gone by.

Stitched on good old 14ct aida w/ DMC

This one I did sign and date, which was unusual 
for me to do.  I do remember I gave it to 
them soon after they got married and moved 
in their new house. Can't get much more 
country than this but I still like it.

Ever forgot you stitched something?


Frankie Buckley "Collection of Things Country"
Stitched on 14ct aida w/ DMC

 I do know I stitched them but can't remember 
for the life of me when.  It had to be in the 90's 
due to lovely rust/blue mats, when country was 
still the rage.  Who hadn't stitched these or 
something similar???
Think I need to rethink those mats.

And lastly, for my niece....


I found this prayer and charted it for my niece's 
birth. I loved the sentiment of the prayer and 
hope I have lived up to my end of the bargain.

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

Thanks for going on this trip down memory lane.
Looking at these make me smile that I was able to 
share my favorite craft with my brother and his
family and that they do appreciate them.

I do send up prayers for those that endured the 
storm and are now dealing with the aftermath.   
I hope the recovery will be quick.

Hope you can enjoy your weekend 
and happy stitching.....

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Stitching with Friends....


Nothing better than stitching with friends 
at the beach. The PALS Stitching at the Beach 
retreat was last week.  Unfortunately, my camera 
decided to take the weekend off so no pics, but 
the good thing is a lot of stitching was done.

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

I was treated to goodies including this little 
cutie from Charlene which is the perfect 
memento for the retreat.

Love the little beads for bubbles!

What a cutie!   The bright, vibrant colors 
pretty much sum up the time we 
had stitching & laughing!

So many designers joined us this year including 
Tanya from The Scarlett House.  She designed the 
cutest little freebie for "Stitching at the Beach" 
and many of the Pals didn't wait to get it started.  
 I am sure you will see some finishes 
soon because it is precious.

What was in my stitching bag?  Well, I did get 
one ornament stitched and then turned my 
attention to one of my Crazy Challenge pieces.  
I made great progress and was able to 
finish it up this week!

Goode Huswife "Flowers of Lebanon"
stitched on 32ct black evenweave w/ DMC

I still can't figure out why this design took so long 
to finish!   I guess it has to be stitching on the 
black.  I feel like it took me a good month but 
now that I look at the completed design, 
am amazed how small it really is.

Love the funky colors!

I definitely made this one my own by changing 
colors and the design (mostly by accident).   I do 
like it for its vibrant colors and it just pops on 
the black fabric.   Now it will go live in 
the bin of unfinished finishes.

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~
Cooler weather is finally moving south and I am 
so happy for it!  Hope my friends to the 
north stay safe from Hurricane Sandy.

Happy stitching....


Saturday, September 29, 2012

Little bit of stitching....

How time has flown....I can't believe it 
has been a month since my last post!  I 
guess I have been enjoying the last 
few lazy days of summer!

I still make my rounds to see all the 
beautiful stitching on your blogs but 
have been lazy about commenting. 
If you have recently posted a finish, I know 
I have seen it and want to say nice finish!

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

Football and work have really taken a bite 
out of my stitching time but I do have 
some small finishes to share.

I picked up a couple of With Thy Needle 
designs this summer and just love them.
I fell in love with "Friendship Samplers"
as soon as I saw it.   Such a nice and easy stitch.



With Thy Needle "Have Ye Any Wool?"
Stitched on coffee dyed 32ct.
w/ recommended DMC

With Thy Needle "Bluebird Serenade"
Stitched on coffee dyed 32ct linen
w/recommended DMC

I have my linen ready to stitch the 
rest of these sweet designs.

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

With the beginning of fall, I couldn't resist 
stitching this cute little autumn design from 
"Autumn Splendor". I used some 
of my Victorian Motto autumn sampler 
threads offering a wonderful finish.


With Thy Needle "ABC Crow"
Stitched on coffee dyed 32ct linen
w/Victorian Motto threads

Now...if only fall will decide to make 
an appearance in the sunny South.
I am so ready for cool crisp mornings 
and the turn of the leaves.

As always...thanks for visiting!

Friday, August 31, 2012

Are you ready for some football???

 
Fall has to be my favorite time of the year
for several reasons....
 
~~  Experiencing the first day of school  ~~
with 4000 new college freshmen
(and their parents)
 
 ~~  Preparing for the Pals Fall Fling  ~~
 
  ~~  Clemson Tiger football  ~~
 
Faye (Carolina Stitcher) knows (and understands)
my love of college football and sent me
this little goodie in the mail....
 
 
Such a nice surprise from such a sweetie pie.

 
Faye is so talented and this little pouch
is perfectly made down to the smallest detail.

 Isn't it just the cutest????  
 
The tiger head pull adds just the right touch.
 
I will be putting it to good use as we make
our first road trip to Atlanta this weekend
to watch my Tigers play the Tigers!
 
~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~
 
If you are in the states, I hope you have
a great holiday weekend!  And for all of
you college football fans....
happy stitching!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

66.67% finished.....


...that's how much of the Crazy Challenge is done!
Here is finish number 10 ....
Plum Street Samplers "Olga"
stitched on 40ct Purely Primitive
w/ DMC

  This design looked so simple and I just
knew I would breeze through it.  Not so...it
took a good week to get this little lady done.

I had been doing a lot of Olympic
viewing so that probably did impede my
progress somewhat.  Now what will I watch ...
I'm sad to see them end.


I just love the colors in this one...especially the
white pumpkin.   I think that will make
the cutest little pin pillow. 


Another black kitty in the family...
can you see how thrilled Pork Chop is????

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

Thank you for all of your wonderful comments
on my trip to the west.   I am so lazy about
replying to comments but please know that I
do read them all and appreciate them all!

Well....I am off to see what other
stitching trouble I can find!
Have a great stitchy weekend!


Sunday, August 12, 2012

Seeing the Elephant....


Or

How I spent my summer vacation.


First......the stitching:


Like many on a "road trip", I packed my
stitching bag with a new project that I knew
would be easy to stitch and finish
during our lengthy car rides.


My vacation progress.....

Not much!

Just too much great scenery to see.

LK "Snowman "10"
stitched on 28ct. khaki evenweave
w/DMC

No fear....he was stitched after I got home. 

Next....the sights:

Hubby planned a great trip that followed some
of the trails of Lewis & Clark as well as the
Santa Fe, Mormon, Oregon, & California trails. 
Hence the title of this post....
you can read more about that here

I became fascinated with the pioneer history and
specifically the pioneer women.  I thought I
was suffering if I had to go without my A/C
for more than 30 minutes.  I can't even imagine
what they endured as they left their families and
belongings behind for a new life out west.

I'll share a few of my favorites pics as we travelled
across Missouri, Nebraska and Colorado.

St. Louis Arch

Capturing the perfect picture of the Arch

My travel companion

Sunday dinner family style at J. Huston Tavern
Arrow Rock

On the trail of Lewis and Clark
Bend of the Missouri River

Scenic Nebraska

Making our way west
Scott's Bluff

 
South of the Border Pedro's twin in the west
Ogallala, Nebraska

Had a great time in Ft. Collins, Colorado but
this is the only picture I took that day!

Just beautiful on Trail Road
Rocky Mountain National Park

On our way up to the Alpine Visitor's Center
Rocky Mountain National Park

Lastly....Goodies:

Like most pioneer girls, I had to have my
doll to keep me company.

 
My pioneer doll

Although she is a 21st century doll, it was
love at first sight and will be a nice
memory of our trip west!

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

If you made it this far, thanks for
taking the time to visit.
Have a great stitchy week!


Sunday, July 29, 2012

BBD "Tis the Season"....


Christmas in July....

After my last finish a few weeks ago, this design
was just screaming in my bag "stitch me"!

BBD "Tis the Season"
Stitched on 40ct Purely Primitive
w/ Victorian Motto threads & DMC

I was very happy to oblige and mostly enjoyed
stitching it.  I changed all of the threads to
my choice of Victorian Motto and especially
love the look of the leaves and vine.

The contrast between the white thread and
the fabric is so slight the light stitching almost
looks tone on tone.   I am happy with it, though,
and now need to figure out if I want to frame it.


This had to be my favorite part since I
stitched it twice!  Counting seemed to be a big
issue and I seemed to rip as much as I stitched.



I also made a change by eliminating the verse and
replacing it with more snowflakes.   I did like it
with the verse but decided I wanted the design to
be a little more discreet with the Christmas feel.

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

I did take a week off from stitching for a little
vacation out west with hubby.  We had a great
time and I will have to share some sights later.

As always...thanks for visiting and I hope
you are staying cool and stitching!

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Sweet RAK from Charlene...


I was surprised to see a small package
in the mail today.  My first thought....
OMG I forgot to mail an exchange.

I was relieved to see it was
from a stitching pal. 
Charlene (Needle in Hand) sent me
the sweetest pin cushion with
a strawberry emery...just because.


The color palette is so friendly don't you think?
Her finishing is perfect too with the blue chenille.

Perfect spot for my needles.
The perfect finishing touch...
this little strawberry emery.

I am lucky enough to stitch with Charlene
a few times throughout the year since
she is also a Carolinian. I consider
myself very lucky to be one of
her "sister stitchers"!

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

Hope you are having a great stitching week. 
happy stitching....

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Peace and Plenty....


I had another good stitchy week and
I in love with this finish.

Homespun Elegance "Land of Peace & Plenty"
stitched on 40 ct Lakeside Linen
w/ DMC

Although this was designed in 1990, it has
certainly stood the test of time. The
color palette is just so soothing...
it was a joy to stitch.


Oh to be a swan floating in a lake....

Having grown accustom to stitching simpler
designs, it was a nice change to have so
much solid stitching. The repetitive
stitching of filling in the hills and house
was so relaxing after the work day.



There is another design featuring a colonial
couple but they will have to patiently
wait a little while longer to be stitched.


~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~ 

The title of this piece definitely makes me
think how thankful I should be.   I can't
imagine what the folks in Virginia have gone
through not having power in this heat!   
My heart definitely goes out to them
and reminds me to say thanks each day.

As always...thanks for visiting
and happy stitching!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Celebrating the 4th....


First, I have to say thanks for all of your wonderful
comments about my recent finishes.   I especially
am glad to see many of you also appreciate a great
tomato sandwich!  I wish I could package them
up and treat the rest of you.  Maybe one day....

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

Now for the stitching.  I wanted to
share a couple of finishes I was
able to get done just in time for the
July 4th celebration!

HE "Patriotic Crow"

I wanted to do some finishing this weekend but
refused to get out the sewing machine so
anything I did had to be no sew.

I was able to put my Big Kick to work again and
used a square template to cut my stitched piece
and the scallop to cut my background.   Thanks
to my hubby for picking the fabric colors...
I think he did well!

Aury "Patriotic Heart 2011"

I finished this little box last year using
scrapbook paper in anticipation of using
it for this stitched heart.  It only took a
year to get it stitched!  So glad to add
this one to my americana collection.

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

I am also excited to show another
Crazy Challenge finish.

Goode Huswife "Three Crows"
stitched on coffee dyed 40ct linen
w/DMC

I have stitched this one off and on for 6 months
but just couldn't get into a groove with this one. 
I love this design so it was frustrating.  I decided
to pick it back up Sunday and it just fit like
an old glove!   I loved doing the satin stitch
even though it seemed to take forever. 

Unfortunately, I got off track and my border
didn't work out like the design so I had to
fudge a little on the right end.  Though my
crows aren't exactly centered, it will do!

I also had to do something about the fabric.  I
changed the called for colors to yellows and 
decided to use white linen.  Once done, it just
wasn't "right" so I gave it a nice, warm
coffee bath and that did the trick. 

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

We have a very low key celebration planned for
the 4th and I hope it includes lots of stitching!