Karen's Handiwork

Goodies in the mail....

2012-01-25T20:55:00.000-05:00

First...this cutie came from BeckyK

for Winter Seasonal Exchange.

Homespun Collectibles

Becky said this was an older design from

her stash and he is just so cute. I love that

she stitched something for me that I

would never have stitched for myself.

I will enjoy this one in my office

for the rest of winter.

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

Next....Cindy Mae was quick to

mail her LK Exchange.

Another cute design and I love Cindy Mae's

finishing. I have it hanging on my pie safe and

it will surely bring a smile as I enter each day.

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

I have my first Crazy Challenge finish!

La D Da "In the Sweet"

40ct. Lakeside Linen

w/recommended DMC

I just love this design....

sweet definitely comes to mind.

Everytime I look at it I think of my

Granny Smith. She loved gospel music

and loved to sing hymns. I couldn't help

but hum this tune while stitching.

I know this will become a sweet little pillow

to keep with some other mementos

from my Granny.

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

Well...I guess I better get busy finishing

my exchange pieces. Time is a ticking......

happy stitching!

Crazy Challenge diversion....

2012-01-16T17:23:00.000-05:00

Here are the remaining starts for

the Crazy Challenge.

Day 9

Plum Street Samplers "Halloween Hornbook Sampler"

Day10

Primitive Needle "Kindred Spirit"

Day 11

BOAF "Kindness Sampler"

Day 12

BOAF "Bloom Where You Are Planted"

Day 13

LHN "Thirteen Colonies"

Day 14

Goode Huswife "The Flowers of Lebanon"

Day 15

CHS "Worthy Brown"

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

With some very busy work days, I wasn't

capable of focusing too long on

some of these Challenge projects.

I really needed something a little "easier"

and just couldn't resist these cute,

fat snowmen anymore!

I hope to finish them as little pillows

to display in a basket so I can enjoy

them throughout the winter.

LK "Snowed In"

stitched on 28ct khaki evenweave

w/DMC

This roly-poly one is just so cute so I

couldn't wait to start the next one.

LK "Snow House"

stitched on 28ct evenweave

w/DMC

They do stitch up very quickly so

hopefully I will get them all done to enjoy

at least a day or two this winter!

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

Well....I have some exchange stitching calling me.

Then it will be the difficult decision of

what to stitch next???

Thanks for looking...happy stitching.

Crazy Challenge part 2....

2012-01-08T20:56:00.000-05:00

After a busy work week and relaxing

weekend, here's this week's

Crazy Challenge starts.

Day 3....

BBD "Tis the Season"

stitched on 40ct Purely Primitive

w/Victorian Motto, WDW, ST

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

Day 4...

Plum Street Samplers "Olga"

stitched on 40ct Purely Primitive

w/DMC

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

Day 5

Elizabeth's Garden "Nantucket Sampler"

stitched on

w/DMC

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

Day 6

Goode Huswife "Three Crows"

stitched on 36ct linen

w/DMC

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

Day 7

Barrick Samplers "1797 Ship Sampler"

stitched on 40ct khaki linen

w/DMC

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

Day 8

BBD "Summer's Jubliee"

stitched on 30ct 18th Century Black

w/Victorian Motto

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

I have a love/hate relationship

with this Challenge.

I love it because I am finally stitching

some wonderful designs that have been

languishing in my stash for years.

I hate it because I have seen the

wonderful designs y'all have started and

I want to stitch many of them now!

Anyone else having this problem????

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

I am off to get ready for Downton Abbey tonight.

I don't want to miss a minute so I need to

get situated in my stitchy chair.

As always...thanks for visiting.

Happy stitching!

First stitching in 2012....

2012-01-02T19:44:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, I began my new year under

the weather but was able to do some

stitching for my Crazy Challenge.

Day 1.....

La D Da "In the Sweet"

stitched on 40ct Lakeside Linen

w/ DMC

This is the sweetest design and I should be

able to finish this one up pretty quickly.

Day 2.....

CHS "Matter's Choice"

stitched on 35ct. straw

w/DMC

I have loved this one from the first time I saw it.

I really struggled with whether to stitch in

blue or red. I decided to go with DMC 3750

but still envision this one in red.

There is a smaller sampler included and

think I will do that one in red.

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

I picked up one of the LK Inspirational Boxer kits

last week at my LNS sale and decided

I just had to stitch it.

LK "We Can Do"

stitched w/DMC

I didn't have the suggested thread so decided to

use the DMC conversion. I actually finished

the stitching on New Year's Eve and was

able to do the finishing on New Year's Day.

I really like how it turned out and will

have this on displayed in my office at work.

This is a message I need to read

frequently each day!

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

Looks like many stitchers are already off to a

good stitchy start in this new year!

I do hope you are one of them....

happy stitching.

My last 2011 finish....

2011-12-30T16:27:00.000-05:00

A busy holiday season has once again

been conquered and I have found

time to stitch and finish this lovely....

Drawn Threads "Real Roses"

stitched on 32ct Belfast Antique White

NPI silks

I took advantage of my time this week to

finish #14 of my Crazy Challenge.

I have had this kit for some time and was a

little intimidated with the speciality stitches, but

I am glad I decided to stitch this one.

The design is so delicate and "pretty" and a

nice change from what I normally stitch.

I did take some liberties with a few stitches.

It became necessary for the Queen's stitch

and myself to part ways....

Hmmm....think there should be a period after tree???

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

Well...that leaves one lonely

snowman in my Challenge basket.

I am not too happy with my fabric

choice so I decided to leave it

last and will restart this one as

part of my 2012 Crazy Challenge.

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

As always, thanks for visiting!

I do hope you had a wonderful

holiday season and wish you a very

happy stitchy new year!

Lucky 13......

2011-12-16T17:08:00.001-05:00

My 13th finish in my Crazy Challenge....

Goode Huswife "In the Bee Man's Garden"

Stitched on 35ct WDW Linen

w/DMC

Well my little pile is now down to two!

This stitch wasn't as enjoyable as I had hoped

....not sure why. I think it was because I was

nervous about the beehive, which is done in

a satin stitch. It was the very last thing I did

and I have to say it truly makes this design.

Once done, I realized again why I loved this one.

I just love the look of the beehive...

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

I did take a little break for some

Christmas stitching.

The Scarlett House "Jingle All the Way"

Stitched on 40ct PTP Swamp

w/Victorian Motto threads

After seeing Tanya's finish at the Pals Retreat

in October, I couldn't wait to stitch this one.

My favorite part is the fabric she used so I

decided to treat myself and I am so glad I did.

Vonna (Twisted Stitcher) had the perfect

finish for this one and I hope to recreate

her magic myself with some coordinating

ricrac and a rusty jingle bell.

I love this fabric too!

Mine is more of a mossy green, which

I love. The entire time I was stitching I kept

seeing some type of white Christmas tree

design on this fabric so I am off to

search out the perfect design

to complement this finish.

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

Now that Christmas is fast approaching it is time

for my favorite part of the holiday season!

Yes....time to make the

"My LNS After Christmas Sale Wish List"!

Each year at this time, I go through my stash

to list my stitchy needs....and wants!

I check it twice and then wait

anxiously for the big day to arrive....

the day after Christmas!

Oh I get excited just thinking about it!

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

As always, thanks for visiting my

little bit of the world.

And in the spirit of Christmas,

do something nice for someone today!

Hodgepodge....

2011-12-09T20:15:00.000-05:00

First....Frederick and Frederika are home!

CHS "Frederick"

CHS "Frederika"

I absolutely love the frames!

My framer suggested coloring the beaded

area black and it really made a

wonderful difference against the dark

red/brown of the frame.

I couldn't get a good picture of the two

together but am so happy with the finish.

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

Next.....I have a some "Joy" to share!

"Joy of the Snowflake"

Stitched with Victorian Motto thread

I finally stitched the blue ornament

and the colorway is perfect for

my bedroom holiday decor.

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

Lastly....I have had some fun with my Briwax!

My own "Shaker" boxes!

I decided to do something with these

paper mache boxes I've had for a while

and decided to give them a "Shaker" look.

A little paint and Briwax was all it took

to transform these boxes into great

hiding places for buttons, fabrics, trims....

My favorite....

I'm still hoarding a lot of little boxes and can't

wait to give them a little Briwax love soon!

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

Well....I'm off to stitch.

Hope you have a great weekend.

Exchanging with....

2011-12-06T16:42:00.000-05:00

My hubby was nice enough to draw and
this month's ornament goes to ....

Lany

Lanybleu

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Thanks to all of you who commented...

so wish I could send you all an ornament.

P.S. Hope to be back soon with pics of my
newest members of the family!

An Ornament Giveaway.....

2011-12-01T12:36:00.000-05:00

Want to me my last
"Ornament Exchange" partner?

I just couldn't wait until the 25th to
do my December ornament "exchange" so I
decided to mix it up and make it a giveaway!

Just in time to adorn this year's tree!

"Snowflake" freebie
http://madetotreasure.blogspot.com/
Stitched on 32 ct. blue lugana
w/Victorian Motto

I decided to do the other two snowflakes

from this freebie and love how these

turned out too! I just had to use the scallop
finish again so I added the border.

So.....want to "exchange" with me this month?
Best part is you don't have to stitch anything.

Just leave a comment on this post and I will

draw a winner on Monday, December 5th!

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

Guess I better get busy and get that tree!

Goodness...how quickly these months went by!

I truly enjoyed doing this and I plus 12 of
my stitching buddies now have these
new beauties to add to my tree.

All of your lovely comments
certainly gave me that push to keep going.

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

Hope your holiday season has gotten off

to a good start and your needles are

enjoying some holiday stitching.

My Frederick.....

2011-11-27T09:35:00.000-05:00

CHS "Frederick"

Stitched on 40ct. LL Pearled Barley

w/ DMC

I can truly say this is one of my favorite finishes.

I always amazed how the colors come together

to form such a beautiful color palette.

The cover picture of this design does

not do it justice.

Sporting his VT colors....could he be a hokie?

I just love him in this wonderful

color combination.

Such a beautiful pair!

These two are already off to be dressed in their

finest and I hope to have them hanging on

my wall this time next week!

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

I can't believe the holiday season is upon us

and a great time for reflection. I am so

appreciative of all of my visitors and the

time you take to leave a comment.

Thank you!

Wishing you a great stitchy week!

November's ornament.....

2011-11-25T19:33:00.000-05:00

"Snowflakes" freebie from

Made To Treasure

Stitched on 32ct. linen with

NeedleNecessities 120

I found these wonderful freebies last

week and just had to stitch them up

for this month's ornament.

So simple yet wonderful to stitch.

I did add the little border around the edge

so I could finish with a scalloped edge.

I really like the way they turned out

so don't be surprised if you see this again.

So....this month's lucky exchange partner is.....

Bekca

The Stitching Lion

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

I do hope all of my American friends had

a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

He's my favorite Clemson Tiger!

We had an extra celebration since it was

my hubby's birthday so my mom

was sweet enough to get him a cake.

Well....I'm off to stitch! Hope you have a

wonderful weekend full of stitches.

Joy.....

2011-11-14T16:41:00.000-05:00

I have been stitching away on CHS "Frederick"

but couldn't resist the urge to stitch this

ornament after seeing Lee's (Lake Stitcher)

wonderful adaptation, which I just loved by the

way. Yes, I just had to order the PTP Phoenix fabric to "borrow" Lee's colorway, but I

decided to play with this brown linen

while I waiting on my order.

Little by Little "Joy in the Snowflake"

2011 JCS Ornament issue

32 ct. brown linen w/ Victorian Motto threads

This has to be one of my favorite designs in

the new JCS ornament issue. Although I love

the suggested thread colors, I am very pleased

with the look of the red and cream on the

brown linen. Too large to be an ornament,

this will become a little pillow to tuck

away in a basket this holiday.

Yummy blue from Victorian Motto!

This was a pretty quick stitch and since I

love the original blue/brown combo, I now

want to stitch it again with blue on the brown

linen. I also got my red fabric so I will be

stitching it using Lee's green/creme colorway!

Good thing I like this ornament!

These will have to wait though.....

I am determined to finish Frederick first!

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

As always....thanks for visiting and I hope

you have a great stitchy week!

Strawberries....

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

Wild Berry Strawberry emery

From BBD "Joyeux Noel"

Stitched on 32ct linen w/DMC

I couldn't resist stitching these cute
designs any longer. I used wool felt for
the tops and "cheated" by using my

Big Kick to cut out the top design.
These were so easy to stitch up and I
hope to stitch up a few more .

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

I am trying so hard to finish up at least 2
of my January Crazy Challenge designs.
I have been stitching all week on
CHS "Frederick" and it has been slow
going, but every stitch counts,
so I am off to put in a few more.

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

I am thankful for all of the sweet comments I

received over some recent finishes. As always,

I do appreciate you take the time to visit

and hope you have a great week.

happy stitching...

Oops....another Halloween post!

2011-10-30T17:13:00.002-04:00

I found this fabric at Hobby Lobby a few

weeks back and just fell in love.

Is this not the cutest fabric????

I totally forgot this one until I was
tinkering in my craft room this morning.
Thought it would be a shame to let
it sit another year.

Stitched on 25ct. evenweave w/ DMC

I stitched part of Trilogy's "Tricky Treats" and

decided to make a little treat bag. I sewed the

front of the bag a few weeks ago but had not

made the "bag" since I wasn't really sure

how to make a bag! Needless to say, I

made my "version" of a treat bag and

will hang it on my pie safe for now.

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

Just one last bit of crafting....last one I promise!

I was in Walmart yesterday and couldn't
resist the Hershey kisses in Halloween colors.

There is one lady in my office who doesn't celebrate

Halloween so I made a little fall treat bag just for her.

I decided to make some "treat bags" for hubby

& I to take to work. It was
good to play with paper for a little while.

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

No more halloween I promise.....
hope you do have a happy halloween
with lots of treats and no tricks!

The Spell is Cast....

2011-10-29T21:08:00.000-04:00

Just in time for Halloween....

Boy...do I now love Briwax!

I was able to finish up the stitching this

week and decided to go ahead and

get it ready for Halloween.

BBD "Casting A Spell"

stitched on 32ct LL Navy Bean

w/recommended threads

I have to be honest....some of these

designs were great to stitch and

some....not so much!

Very happy this one didn't end up in limbo.

I didn't exactly finish it as instructed but

I do like the way it turned out. I think

this one will stay on display all year.

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

I had to get the sewing machine out this

morning so I decided I would go

ahead get this earlier finish "finished".

Threadwork Primitives "Harvest Moon"

I love this design and am glad to

enjoy it for a few more weeks.

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

Thanks for visiting and happy stitching!

It's ornament time....

2011-10-25T19:05:00.000-04:00

LK "Peace Joy Love" freebie

stitched on 25ct over one w/ DMC

Nothing says Christmas more

than red and green!

I just love this simple little ornament.

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

This month's lucky exchange partner is...

Beth

Beth's Blog

I just saw Beth at the Pals

Stitching at the Beach retreat....

too bad I didn't have my ornaments ready.

It would have been nice to hand deliver it!

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

As always...thanks for visiting and all

of the nice comments you have left.

I do enjoy reading them.

A little halloween.....

2011-10-20T09:01:00.000-04:00

I finally got around to stitching a couple

of designs from BBD's "Trix or Treat"...

I just love this book!

BBD "Boo!"

Stitched on 36ct linen w/DMC

BBD "Black Cat"

Stitched on 32ct rust linen w/DMC

My favorite....the black cat!

If he was just a little fatter, he would

remind me of my own black cat!

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

"Boo!" almost became a casualty.

Don't you love the little scallop fabric frame?

I hate to waste my fabric so I usually leave
just enough for finishing. I stitched this little
cutie with no problem. Unfortunately I started
another design on the same piece of fabric
thinking I had plenty of room between the
two and was horrified to see just an inch
between the two when I removed the q-snaps.

Well....what to do.

Thanks to my handy Big Shot, a scallop square
die and some fusible web, I think my finish
turned out pretty cute. I actually like the
way it turned out and hope to do this again.

(Hubby will be happy I'm finally using some of those dies.)

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

Well....I'm off to the beach for the Pals

"Stitching at the Beach Retreat"!

I am so looking forward to several days

of stitching and laughing with good friends.

happy stitching....

Goodies to and fro....

2011-10-16T21:18:00.000-04:00

There is nothing better than goodies from a
crafty friend. After some email conversations
regarding pins and beads, Patricia shared
these cuties she made for Valentine's Day....

Aren't these cute???

I am "stealing" this idea so that I can

attach them to my Christmas gift tags.

If I add a little tag with the year, my family

and friends will have a small token

for next year's tree.

To my surprise, Patricia also included this little gem....

Yes...that's a realy acorn cap!

I wish I had taken the pic with a quarter
so you can tell how small it really is. She
made it too and all I can say is it is darling!

She also sent some chocolate but it
didn't make it to the photo....
I can attest it was good!

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

I have been most fortunate to become good

friends with Faye, aka "Carolina Stitcher",

over the past few years.

Faye is truly as sweet in person as you probably
believe her to be from her blog. I wanted to

stitch a little something for her birthday

and one of Carol's new designs was just perfect!

iStitch Designs "Sew Forth"

stitched on 36ct Lakeside Linen

w/ Victorian Motto

I loved this design as soon as I saw it on Carol's
design blog, iStitch Designs. Although the
design called from beautiful pastel shades, I
knew it had to be red. I am very happy with
the results and hope Faye likes it too.

This one will be stitched again soon with

the called for fibers...too pretty!

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

Thanks to this wonderful blogging

world, I have had the opportunity to meet

such wonderful stitchers. Although I may

never meet some of you in person, it is

comforting knowing I have so many

wonderful "stitchy" friends in this world.

As always....thanks for visiting.

LK "Love Blooms"....

2011-10-11T20:00:00.000-04:00

This wonderful design has been in my stash

for quite some time and I thought it would

be perfect with some fabric in my stash.

LK "Love Blooms"

Stitched on 28ct. linen w/DMC

The two came together to create my

exchange for Angela, my partner this round
in the LK Exchange. Don't you just love this
funky fabric...I just couldn't resist using it.

Unfortunately, the print was a little larger
than I realized so my small dainty pillow soon
grew to a throw size pillow! I really wanted to
show the flowers so I had to comprimise
form for fashion.

Hopefully Angela won't mind and can find
an appropriate place for it.

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

As always...thanks for visiting my little

piece of the stitching universe.

happy stitching...

Cuteness.....

2011-10-06T20:26:00.001-04:00

I was wandering through Hobby Lobby today

(BTW....they have papermache boxes 50% off this week)

with my 40% coupon when I saw these.....

.....and I knew they would be perfect for .....

Motif from "Bloom Pincushion" by M Designs

JCS March/April 2011 issue

Stitched over 1 on 25ct evenweave

w/ DMC

....a needleminder to befriend my

needlebook made by Faye .....

now...what will I do with the others......

~ * ~ happy stitching ~ * ~

LK Exchange and other goodies...

2011-10-02T17:46:00.000-04:00

First.....I got this goodie in the mail Saturday.

Laura picked the perfect design, fabric and

finishing for me. I have always loved this

saying and so happy to have this cute

pillow to display. This was Laura's first

exchange with the LK Exchange and her first

pillow finish. This certainly won't be her last!

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Second.....I got these goodies a few weeks ago!

You can never have enough Lizzie Kate!

I was lucky to win a giveaway from the

The Stitcher's Market. I've seen some talk

about the Sullivan's floss and can't wait to

try these two variegated aptly named

Arizona Desert and Aquamarine.

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

Third....my week got even better with these

goodies from Victorian Motto.

Guess I need to get busy finishing!

I just love all of Nancy's stuff and this

was certainly a generous giveaway.

Nancy just added these little grab bags on

her site and they are full of chenille, ric rac,

seam tape and buttons. I was amazed how

much was included and think I may need

to pick up a few more of these!

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

I have decided to stop the insanity!

My stitching time has been seriously impeded

the last 6 weeks due to work and I plan on

changing that this week. To kick it off, I have

started BBD's Casting a Spell. Stitching the little

motifs is actually pretty rewarding since I can

celebrate each as a little finish. Hopefully

I can get them all done before halloween!

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

If you made it this far...thanks for giving

me a little nugget of your time.

Wishing you a happy, stitchy week....

Is it really the 25th again????

2011-09-25T17:28:00.000-04:00

Fa la la.....it's the 25th again and time for

this month's "You & I" Ornament exchange.

Not quite sure where this month went....

feels like I settled in for a long winter's nap!

(well...maybe a summer's thanks to the heat)

The Workbasket "Quaker Christmas Holly"

Freebie

Stitched on 36ct.linen w/Victorian Motto

I found this freebie in my stash and
decided it needed to be stitched this month.
My first one was stitched with one thread
over two and the coverage was a little suspect
so I stitched the next one two threads over two.

Much better...

I decided to leave the middle blank and not

add the year....just didn't like the look of "11".

After looking at the design again to

give credit to the designer I also

realized I forgot to add the beads....

oops!

I like it though and I hope this month's

receipient will like it too.

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

And this month's exchange partner is......

Julie

Julie's and Yes Dear's Ravings

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

This month has been crazy with
work and football games each weekend.
Sure hope it slows down some so I can
get some more stitching done.

Well....I'm off to the beach for work!

Life can be so hard sometimes.

Hope you have a great day....

happy stitching.

"Harvest Moon"....

2011-09-01T20:22:00.000-04:00

I just couldn't resist stitching this little fall goodie

from Nan at Threadwork Primitives.

Threadwork Primitives "Harvest Moon"

stitched on 32ct Sand linen w/Victorian Motto & WDW thread

I knew the finishing fabric I wanted to use so

I chose a piece of linen from my stash as well

as my thread colors to match. Hopefully I

can finish this as a cute little pillow

to add to my fall collection.

This certainly puts me in the mood for some

cool, crisp autumn nights...unfortunately I will

most likely have a long wait here in

South Carolina.

Fall usually lasts about a week (if we are lucky...)

for us and this usually occurs in late

October/early November!

I shall wait.

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

My other favorite love begins tonight.....

.....college football....

I definitely know that fall is in the air when

the ball goes in the air. Although it will be

97 degrees on Saturday afternoon as the we

kickoff in Death Valley (Go Tigers!), I can at

least dream of the cooler times to come.......

ahhhhh fall......

happy weekend!

"A Flock of Birds"......

2011-08-28T14:41:00.002-04:00

BBD "A Flock of Birds" from My Heart is True

stitched on 32 ct coffee-dyed blue/white gingham

w/ my DMC selections

Something about this design stitched on the

gingham just spoke to me the first time I
saw it. I don't know what it is about it but
it still does now that I have stitched it.

I did make a few changes
(both planned & unplanned)
to suit my taste.

Hopefully this one won't linger in the

unframed pile too long.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Stitching time this month has been very limited

due to my work schedule but I hope to remedy

this as things should settle down this week.

Like most of you, I am being drawn to the

fall & halloween designs. I picked up
the new JCS Halloween issue so hopefully
I will get some stitches in this week.

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

I sure hope all of my northern friends made it

through Irene with no major damage or loss.

happy stitching....

August Ornament exchange....

2011-08-25T21:07:00.001-04:00

Comedy of errors.....that about sums up this month's exchange!

LK "Christmas Treats"

stitched over 1 25 ct. white evenweave

with DMC and overdyed

I have always loved this design
(click here to see orignal)
and thought I might change it up a bit!
Nothing says Christmas to me like red and
white and I do like the way it turned out.
I had this great backing fabric too that
I wanted to use. Despite my issues from
thread bleeding to finishing, I am at
least happy to say they are done.

And this month's lucky exchange partner is....

Nicole

Something for Cole

(who became a grandmother this morning...
she had a really good day!)

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

P.S. Not a good idea to do the finishing
after a bad day at work.....

Don't you love that fabric?

Can you guess which one Nicole
will be receiving?????

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

On a side note, I made a quick trip to the
Carolina Stamper while in Beaufort this
weekend and was excited to see this....

Works great for both paper and fabric!
Upon closer inspection, I notice something is
amiss. Seems there is a little chunk of land
missing between Beaufort & Charleston
.... beach erosion maybe???
I guess I can live with it.

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

As always...thanks for visiting!
Now back to stitching!

Flock of Blackbirds......

2011-08-06T15:45:00.000-04:00

One blackbird.....

BBD "Their Song'
32ct. LL Buttercream w/

GA/ST/Victorian Motto threads

I put the last stitch in this one last night and have

to say this has to be one of my favorite BBD

designs. (Well....until I stitch the next!)

I used Victorian Motto reds and greens

and love the slight difference in color

it gave the design.

I almost hated to see this one end.

Two blackbirds.....

BBD sample from "Willow House"

(photo courtesy of Karen R)

I participated in the F&S BBD Exchange

awhile back and never did post my

stitched piece to Karen R.

(Oops... I realized I forgot to take a

picture of my finish so I had to borrow Karen's. )

I took a little snippet from the design and

realized how versatile BBD designs are with

so many "small designs" within one large design.

Three blackbirds....

I spent last Saturday with Amy and picked

up some of the BBD books I just couldn't

live without a moment longer! I have

been searching for Peppermint & Holly

and was so excited to see DSL had a few

copies. Fearing I would miss my chance to

get some of the other books, I decided I

better not wait!

and Four.....

From "My Heart is True"

When I saw this design, I knew that

I just had to stitch it....now! Amy had the

blue gingham linen and, after a nice soak

in a coffee bath, my needle is ready to go.

I am using DMC for this one and will give the

linen another dip once stitched.

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

Well...if you made it this far, thanks for visiting!

Hoping you are enjoying cooler days and

happy stitches....

LK "Good Night Santa"....

2011-08-04T19:19:00.000-04:00

About a month ago Angela over at the Lizzie Kate Lovers Blog suggested a weekly LK Stitching Day. I figured I could squeeze this into my Crazy Challenge stitching so I jumped right in.

LK "Good Night Santa '04"

Stitched on 18 ct. Aida with DMC

Four weeks later I have another finish.

I love Santa in his striped pajamas! Such a

nice change from the traditional Santa garb. Hopefully this one will be finished as a flatfold or cube before this Christmas. I can't believe I was able to finish it in a month only stitching one

day a week. I would love to finish all of these

annual Santas so I am off to find another to start next week.

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

I am so close to finishing BBD "Their Song"

but I am supposed to be doing my stitching

for the Pals retreat in October. I just can't put down those blackbirds so I think I will

trudge ahead and hopefully be back soon with

my next Challenge finish.

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

Thanks for visiting.......

happy stitching and stay cool!

July Ornament Exchange.....

2011-07-25T18:41:00.000-04:00

Yes...it is time again for the You & I ornament exchange and I decided to do a another freebie from Kincavel Crosses.

Kincavel Crosses "Beaded Humbug"

Stitched on 22 ct hardanger w/ DMC

This is my second one and will match my
April ornament.

Lady Kell of Kincavel has some wonderful freebies and you should check them out. I also want to stitch the snowflake humbug freebies to add to my ornament collection so don't be surprised if you see some more of these!

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

My lucky "exchange" partner this month is....

Deborah

Cranberry Samplings

If you would like to be my "partner", you just have to be a follower. Easy peasy....

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

July has been my "Challenge" month and I have been busily stitching on BBD "Their Song" and CHS "Frederick". I am enjoying stitching both so I just keep alternating between the two. It would be great if I can I finish "Their Song" before month end. Just got to keep on stitching.

As always, thanks for your wonderful comments and taking time to visit my blog.

Happy stitching and stay cool!

So close.......

2011-07-20T19:49:00.000-04:00

I was so close to having another Challenge

finish last weekend.

I was stitching away on BBD's "Its Berry Time" and had sneaky feeling that I was going to run out of thread with just the alphabet left to stitch. I was using Victorian Motto's Plum so I shot off a quick email to Nancy to see if she had some more. Luckily, she was able to identify just the dye lot I needed and I got my package of threads (I couldn't order just one skein now could I?) yesterday.

Just a few hours stitching and I

finally have my finish.....

BBD "It's Berry Time"

Stitched on 35ct WDW Linen w/

Victorian Motto Plum

I really love the color of this one and will add it to the framing pile. I really need to work on a "framing plan" so I can rescue some of these finishes from seclusion. Guess I need to go buy that lottery ticket.......

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

We spent a few days in Charleston and Pawleys Island the first of the week. The weather was just perfect for walking and touring. I had forgotten how pretty Charleston is and the food is wonderful too. The best thing I had was the

Southern Grilled Crab and Pimento Cheese Melt

w/ Fried Green Tomatoes

found at the Boone Hall Farms Market.

I can not describe to you how good this was...yummy!

We headed up the road to spend a day at the beach. While at Pawley's Island, I decided to make a quick trip to the Quilter's Cottage located right up the road in Garden City.

I certainly didn't need any more fabric but decided I should come home with some type of "souvenir" and I think this filled the bill. If you are ever in the Myrtle Beach area, it is definitely worth the trip to visit.

We are home for today and will head out Thursday morning to Tennessee for a few days. Sure hope we find cooler weather too! Hopefully I can work in some stitching time during the ride.

Well...I'm off to work on my ornaments since the 25th will be here before I know it.
As always...thanks for visiting and happy stitching!

"Dampy Sod"....

2011-07-10T15:05:00.000-04:00

And then there were 9.....

Primitive Needle "Dampy Sod"
Stitched on 40ct. Purely Primitive w/
WDW and Sampler Threads

.....Crazy Challenge finishes that is.

I have been stitching on and off for a
couple of months on this design and decided it
was time to finish it. I loved this saying the
first time I saw it and like it even more now
that it is finished. This was my first design
from Lisa but not my last.

Now up on the q-snaps will be BBD "It's Berry Time". I have been stitching on this one by and by also so hopefully I can finish it this week.

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

Six months into this challenge, I do have an
observation.  I was usually a one project girl so I
was a little nervous when I decided to do it. It
would normally drive me crazy to have more
than one or two big WIP at a time.

Boy have I changed!

I love having so many great choices when I pick up my stitiching bag. If I get tired of one, I just have to reach in for another. Even better, I have finished some designs that have been languishing in my "To Do" pile for years. In short, I think I have been more productive this year and hope to keep up this "rotation" going forward. Even though I have 6 remaining in my bag, I am already looking ahead at my next 15!

Unfortunately my "To Frame" pile has grown
but that is a problem I don't mind having!

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

As always, thanks for visiting and all of your
wonderful comments. They do make me smile.
Happy stitching.....and stay cool!

"Americana" finish.....

2011-07-04T13:23:00.000-04:00

Just in time to celebrate the 4th of July,

I put the last stitch in this morning....

CHS "Americana"

Stitched on 32ct Buttercream

w/ DMC

This is number 8 in my Crazy January Challenge. Another great design from CHS!

I really should have finished this one last week but just couldn't find my stitching mojo.

With a little help from the Law & Order

marathon yesterday, I found it and

spent the day happily stitching.

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

Stitching at the Beach- Oct 2011

It will be here before we know it and I need to get busy stitching all of my goodies. I also need to get my registration in so I don't miss all of the fun. If you haven't heard of this wonderful stitching retreat, please check it out...it's not too late but seems like it is filling up quickly.

Hope to see you there.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

For my Amercian friends, I hope you

are enjoying the 4th holiday!

Happy stitching.

June's Ornament Exchange.....

2011-06-25T07:48:00.000-04:00

Log Cabin Needlework's "Merry Christmas"

Stitched on 32 ct. coffee-dyed linen w/

Victorian Motto red, ST Maple Syrup & DMC 3051

Sandy at Stitchin' and Life in a Small Town

offered this freebie last December and it is

this month's You & I exchange ornament.

I did change the recommended colors and

love how it turned out. This is such a nostalgic

looking design that I am sure I will stitch

this one many more times.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

I am excited that this month's "exchange" partner is one of my new followers.......

Tracey

Tracey's Little Corner

Hopefully you know the drill and know that you too may be an "exchange" partner if you are a follower...it's not too late.

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

Well...I'm off to the Hampton County Watermelon Festival, which I am sure will be hotter than hades. Luckily, we will have some nice cool watermelon to make it bearable.

Have a great weekend and happy stitching...

F&S BBD Exchange

2011-06-23T19:17:00.000-04:00

I received these lovely squares from Karen R.

for the Fair & Square BBD exchange.

Her stitching is just perfect.

I don't have this particular design and am

excited to finally have it stitched. These will

definitely be finished into a needlebook.

Thanks again Karen for a great exchange!

Happy stitching....

Free to a good home.....*EDITED**

2011-06-22T19:02:00.002-04:00

New home found......

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

I've been playing with some of my new Americana paper and thought I would share a quick pic.

Ready, set, stitch!

I have Aury's new Quaker Heart freebie, my coffee-dyed fabric and fibers ready to stitch.

It will be finished on the little round box...I just love how this one came out. The other is a recycled nut can spruced up with some paper, raffia and rusty tin stars. A perfect candy

container for my desk at work.

Oh...I just love scrapbook paper!

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

Well....I have to go finish my Christmas ornaments since the 25th is fast approaching.

Thanks for visiting and happy stitching...

Summer finishing....

2011-06-12T10:47:00.000-04:00

These pieces have been waiting patiently in my "finishing" box for years...yes, years!

When I caught the finishing bug
(he is so elusive)
Satuday morning, I held on tight until
these were "finished"!

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

BC "Buzzzzz"

Mystery fabric w/recommended threads

Don't you just love this little simple design?

I have been on the search for the appropriate

eggplant colored fabric but to no avail. So I

abandoned the search. After finishing, I

remembered I had this raffia in my stash that

matched perfectly. I just love this little piece!

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

BC "Pop"

Mystery fabric w/recommended threads

I can never have too much Americana.

Not only was the little stitched piece waiting
patiently, but the pieces to make these little faux
appliqued pillows were too!  I found them when
reorganizing my stash.   They were intended to
adorn a sweatshirt but that idea was abandoned
years ago. I remembered that Becky had created
some pin pillows and borrowed the idea.

A little sewing and a little ironing resulted
in two big pops of color!

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

Well....I'm off. My nephew is graduating
from high school today...the first grandchild
on my hubby's side. We are so proud of him
and can't wait to share this special
day for him and his family!

Happy stitching.....

Stitching friends.....

2011-06-07T21:31:00.000-04:00

Back in March 2009, I met Amy when she emailed me to asked if I would like to come to her house and stitch with some friends.

That is where I met Nicole.

Three months later Amy emailed to ask if I would be interested in sharing a room with another stitcher from NC at the Pals Fall Fling.

That's how I met Faye.

So what do four stitching friends do?

A Friendship RR of course!

We chose designs from PS "Friends" & "Friends More" and have been busy stitching since last June. This past Saturday we finally exchanged our finished pieces at a stitchin Amy arranged.

Boy, I was excited to bring home these beauties.....

Amy's square

Faye's square

Nicole's square

Mine

I think I am going to frame my finished
pieces so I can enjoy them as I stitch.
I will always treasure them.

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

Amy hosted a stitchin at the French Hens in

Manning and I got to spend the day

stitching with some wonderful ladies.

And yes....we actually did stitch!

Amy, Charlene and Faye have some wonderful pictures on their blogs from the day so you will have to check them out. Funny that I had the same pics so I won't bore you with them.

I do want to give a shout out to

Judy and Donna......

They just got back from the last Victoria Sampler retreat.... how lucky were they!!!!

Their retreat project is just gorgeous and

I can't believe I didn't take a pic.

Well, it is stitching time. As always...thanks for

visiting and hope you have a happy stitchy week.

Tuck Pillows for sale...

2011-05-31T21:46:00.002-04:00

Just making room for more stuff....

Tuck Pillows for Sale

Email me if you are interested.

Goode Huswife's "The Peacock Sampler".....

2011-05-28T19:53:00.000-04:00

Goode Huswife "The Peacock Sampler"

stitched on 32ct LL Buttercream

w/ recommended DMC

Another Crazy Challenge finish...yeah!!!! I decided to pick this one up last weekend and figure out what to do about my 610 thread problem to get it finished. Overall, the color combo seemed a bit odd while stitching it but I have to say I am very pleased with the finished result.

Chocolate chip cookie anyone???

My dye lot problem with 610 was resolved by ripping out what I had stitched and using the new color. The old 610 was so "chocolately" brown that it just didn't look right with the rest of the colors compared to the new 610. The difference was so drastic that I am beginning to think I may have had the original color mislabeled.

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

Sarah E. Smith born May 1880

I kept thinking of two of my great-grandmothers while stitching this piece so I decided I would dedicate it to my mother's paternal grandmother. I didn't know her but my mom has remarked often that she was an immaculate housekeeper and loved to quilt...pretty sure I didn't inherit those genes!

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Well.... off to stitch. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Thanks for visiting as always and happy stitching!

May's ornament exchange.....

2011-05-25T18:13:00.000-04:00

Yes....it's time for the You & I ornament exchange.....

BC "The Christmas Collection" -- "Red Holly Berries"

Stitched over 1 on 25 ct Mocha Vintage evenweave

This is one of my favorites! I found this

oldie from Bent Creek in my stash and decided

it would make a cute ornament. Stitched over

one it turned out the perfect size.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Hopefully you know the drill....this "exchange" involves me stitching two ornaments:

one for me and one for a lucky follower.

And so....this month's lucky

"exchange" partner is......

Sharon

It's Daffycat

It's not too late...if you want to be my

"exchange" partner for next month, just

make sure you're a follower!

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

I can't believe the response I got on my "collection" of tuckaway pillows.

I knew you would understand!

Based on some of the comments and emails I received, I thought I would share a few tidbits.

All of these tucks were made in 2001 & 2002
( used to do a local craft show in my hometown)
...so I have been lugging these things around
for all of the these years. For obvious reasons, I haven't made any in years.

The best part of this finishing is you can adjust the size to make them smaller, which are perfect for ornaments, or larger.

CyberStitchers has this neat calculator and a tutorial with pics. If you haven't tried them, you really should. My sewing skills are
not that great so if I can do it anyone can!

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

As always, thanks for visiting and taking the time to leave a comment. Hope you have a great stitching weekend and holiday.

Tuck pillows anyone????

2011-05-22T16:33:00.000-04:00

I did a little spring cleaning in my craft room this week. I admit I am a "craft hoarder" and will hang onto anything that I think I may be able to use later....sound familiar?

Well....I have decided I need to downsize and rid myself of the stuff I will never use.

Thus the container of tuckaway pillows...

how many are exactly too many????

Inside the container I had 58 (yes...that's correct) finished 6*6 tuck pillows.

While contemplating selling them, the "hoarder" side of my brain asks "but what if you need one later? You'll regret it."

Will I?

I then counted 44 finished but unstuffed pillows.

Am I sure that's enough?

I guess not....I then uncovered 54 unfinished pillows ready for the sewing machine.

Grand total = 156

Really?????

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

On a brighter note......

Motifs from LK "Spring Alphabet"

I wanted something fun to stitch and love the new LK "Spring Alphabet" so I stitched a few little pin cushions to share with some blogging friends.

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

On a side note, hubby & I were eating at one of our favorite BBQ places yesterday and in walks Mitt Romney. He worked the room and we got the chance to meet him. ( I was so surprised how skinny he was.) Just not too sure I'm ready for the return of political ads yet.....

Hope you are having a great weekend and wish you a good stitching week.

Exchange from Sarah....

2011-05-07T09:28:00.000-04:00

It's been a good mail week.....

I received my exchange from Sarah (no blog) for the Seasonal Exchange and it is lovely. It is a nice spring design stitched on a very pretty pink fabric. Thanks Sarah for such a wonderful exchange.

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

A couple of weeks ago Lee shared this wonderful strawberry finish from Manka, who was nice enough to share it with me.

It is her own design of Hungarian
motifs and her finishing is perfect. I hope
to stitch this a few more times and hone
my strawberry finishing skills.
(Yes....I finished this one upside down!)
But it still works.
Manka has some beautiful freebies as well
finishes. If you haven't already discovered
her blog, you won't be disappointed
if you check it out.

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

Hope all of you have a nice Mother's Day and happy stitching weekend....

Goodies To & Fro...

2011-05-04T19:07:00.007-04:00

**** Edited: OOPS.....I just don't know my fairy tales*****

I participated in a couple of spring exchanges and I can now share the goodies....

I received word from Sarah (no blog) that

she received her package for the

Spring Seasonal Exchange.

Homespun Elegance "Summertime Home"

from Welcomes 'A Plenty V

28ct w/recommended fibers

Homespun Elegance is one of my favorite
designers and I think these designs are timeless.
Although this is a spring exchange, I thought
the colors in this one would suit Sarah better.
I coffee-dyed the chenille for the trim

and just love how it turned out.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

This cutie was waited in my mailbox from Melissa....

LK "Hello Spring" freebie

She was my partner for the Lizzie Kate Exchange and I just love what she stitched. The pin cushion is very small with the design being stitched over one. Precious just comes to mind for me each time I look at it. Thanks Melissa for such a cute exchange.

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

Thanks Yvonne for seeing the error of my ways.

It amazes me how some stitching projects feel

like ~~Little Red Riding Hood~~ Goldilocks (thanks Yvonne). You know...~~Little Red Riding Hood~~ Goldilocks has to
try several porridges and beds to find just the right one.

Well, it has been like that with my

Challenge pieces. I decided to pick up

BBD "Berry Time", which is one of my favorites, but I found myself dreading stitching it so I tried a few more until I found the one that was

"just right". That would be Primitive Needle's

"Dampy Sod". This is my first design from

Lisa and I know I am going to enjoy

each stitch in this one.
Well...that's enough about that.

Thanks for visiting and happy stitching....

Very productive weekend.....

2011-05-01T20:55:00.000-04:00

...for hubby and I in both the yard and house, but I did find a little time to steal away to stitch.

BOAF "Bitter Flower Sampler"

28ct coffee-dyed evenweave

w/recommended ST

Another Crazy Challenge piece....number six....

is finished. This one ran hot and cold as far

as my interest because the colors in the flower

looked so different from the model pic.

But once I really got going and it began to

develop, it was much more enjoyable to stitch.

Spring time....bees & all

BOAF is another designer I discovered a little late but am lucky enough to have a few more of their designs. I really do like their style and know I will be stitching more in the near future.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Welll.....I'm very excited that Law & Order: Criminal Intent will be back tonight. I have really missed Bobby! I am off to choose a project out of my Big 'O Bag of Challenge and get comfy in my stitching chair so that I don't miss a moment.

Hope you have had a good weekend and

happy stitching....

LK Round B to Melissa.....

2011-04-27T18:22:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I have another post...three days
in a row is a record for me.

I heard from Melissa that she has received

her Lizzie Kate exchange.

LK "Bloom" freebie

25ct over one w/recommended fibers

This design is so simple but I just love it and decided to use it to adorn a scissor pocket.

I love the bright colors of the pink, orange

and violet and thought they were perfect

for a springy piece.

Unfortunately for Melissa, I decided to

try something new for me and "practiced"

on her exchange.

(Amazing how something can be so clear in your

mind but not quite translate into reality.)

Overall, though, I am happy with the finishing

and see a few more of these in my future.

Pink & orange...a yummy combo!

I found the fabric at Joann's and think it

lends itself quite nicely for the Lizzie Kate

design. I can see many more LK designs

paired with this fabric.

Of course, I had to include a pair of scissors with a

coordinating scissor fob.....I'm sure it is bad luck

to send an empty scissor pocket! This was a fun

exchange and I am glad Melissa liked it.

Thanks for visiting and happy stitching...
I may just be back tomorrow!

Goodies from Amy.....

2011-04-26T22:28:00.008-04:00

The weather was dark and gloomy

when I got home from work but my

mailbox certainly was sunny!

Amy sent me the cutest goodies.....

Amy is a very talented finisher and I just

love the housewife. Green is one of my favorite

colors so this is just perfect. The initial design

on the cushion is from BBD's "Garden Club"

book ....don't you just love it? I love the

finishing fabric on the cushion, which is from her

"special" stash. I just love the little flowers...

Oh...I so wish I could sew! With all of the pockets, the housewife will be a great addition to my stitching bag. Thanks again Amy for a wonderful gift.

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

BOAF "Bitter Flower Sampler"

I really like this design but just couldn't

get into stitching it last week so I abandoned it.

I decided to give it another try last night

and was rolling right along with no problem.

Isn't it weird how that happens??? I still haven't

looked through my stash to see if I can find some

older 610.... I'm sure my collection looks like

yours and you have more than enough DMC to

last you a lifetime! So...chances are I

have an older skein and I just need to look for it.

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

Thanks for all of your nice comments on

the ornaments. If you haven't tried the

humbug finishing, you really should give it

a try. It was very easy and the best part is

it didn't require a sewing machine!

happy stitching.....

April's ornament exchange.....

2011-04-25T18:29:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a nice Easter celebration. I enjoyed the weekend visiting with my mom.

Now...it is time to turn my attention to Christmas!

Kincavel Krosses "Holly Jolly Humbug"

freebie

with Victorian Motto & Needle Necessities

Mine on 28ct evenweave & Yours on 25ct evenweave

I really enjoyed this month's ornament! I
found this freebie design the first of the
month and couldn't wait to stitch it. This was
also my first time finishing a humbug and I
found it easier than I imagined.

I stitched the first on 28 count and it
came out much smaller than I anticipated
so the second was stitched on 25 count
making it just a tad bigger.

The "other side"....isn't this the cutest design???

I found so many wonderful freebies from Kincavel Krosses and I can't wait to stitch

some more. If you haven't checked out her

site, it is worth your while!

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Hopefully you know the drill....this "exchange" involves me stitching two ornaments: one for me and one for a lucky follower. And so....this month's lucky "exchange" partner is......

Carol

Stitching Dreams

It's not too late...if you want to be my "exchange" partner for next month, just make sure you're a follower!

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Well...I've been happily stitching on one of my Challenge pieces, Goode Huswife's "Peacock Sampler", and hit a snag when I ran out DMC. As luck would have it, my 10+ year old 610 thread is not the same dye lot as the new one I just purchased. (This was a big lesson learned to start with enough thread to finish.) So I just moved on for the time being until I decide to frog part of it
or see if I can find another skein that matches.
Now I am hoping to finish BOAF's "Bitter Flower Sampler" by the end of the week.

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As always, thanks for visiting and I hope you have a great week with many happy stitches...

Sew A Brown Bunny....

2011-04-17T15:16:00.000-04:00

To my own surprise, I actually did

some finishing today!

(I hate finishing.)

iStitch "Sew a Brown Bunny"

Stitched on 36ct linen in

ST Maple Syrup & Chives

I stitched this one up last weekend and did the finishing for a small pillow this morning. This was such a cute design....just perfect for Easter. I still think it needs a little something and plan to add some brown chenille to the edges.

Thanks again Michele for the RAK!

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I picked up this cute little container at the Dollar Tree just because of the sweet pink color. Someone in blogland made a cute little flower garden using one and I decided to do the same.

I just love scrapbook paper!

With a little bit of scrapbook paper, skewers, paint and glue, I created a little garden that will sit on my office window ledge. Best part is I can scrap it and do something else with the container when I get tired of it.

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We are having a beautiful day. So many parts of the country had horrible weather the last few days and my prayers certainly go out to them.

Thanks for all of the birthday wishes. I do appreciate them and need to get busy

stitching on all of my new goodies!

I hope you are having a great day too.

happy stitching....

Birthday stash....

2011-04-16T20:12:00.000-04:00

I celebrated another birthday this week.

My mom always knows what I like and

gave me the perfect gift once again

.... in both size and color (green!).

I wasted no time acquiring some goodies from

Victorian Motto

(have you seen her new hand dyed chenille and ric rac????)

and

Threadwork Primitives

(Nan has some designs I just couldn't resist any longer!)

Hopefully the postman will be nice and

deliver them next week.

I am also a member of the Birthday club at the The Stitch & Frame Shop in Rock Hill

so I got to visit them today. You get a 20%

discount on a project (design, floss, linen and embellishments) and I knew exactly what I would pick....LHN "Thirteen Colonies".

I just love this design ( well...South Carolina is mentioned so why not) and I can't wait to start it.

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I have been doing mostly exchange stitching

that I can't share but I did play around with

some beads yesterday. I found this cute bee

charm in my stash and decided to make

myself a scissor fob.

Don't you just love beads?????

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

Hope you are having a great weekend.

The weather has been terrible in certain parts of

the country and I hope you are safe tonight! It

has turned out to be a beautiful evening here and

I think I will sit on the patio with my hubby to

end the evening.

Happy stitches....

A little Ziggy love.....

2011-04-11T19:40:00.000-04:00

Ziggy circa 1980

Stitched on 18ct. Aida w/DMC

How can you not love this little guy.

| | | | | | |

I remember stitching so many of these

designs when I was a teenager

.... it is still fun 30 years later!

The colors are just so bright and cheerful I just have to smile when I look at him.

| | | | | | |

Hope your day is special too!

RAK from Carolina Stitcher......

2011-04-10T15:47:00.000-04:00

I had the nicest surprise in the mail
yesterday from Faye! Before you see
the pic you just know it is going to be good
...and it is!

I Y love Y M Designs "Bloom" from a recent JCS
issue so Faye could not have picked a better
one to use for the cutest needlebook!

Just love the pink/brown combination on the green linen

Isn't this design perfect for a needlebook????

As always, Faye's eye for detail and finishing is flawless. What a wonderful gift from such a great friend.....almost too pretty to use!

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Thought I would share another Dollar Tree goodie I found last weekend that I just couldn't pass up.

What started out as a pencil holder .....

My "ends" to a means

has now been transformed with a few scrapbook
embellishments into my travelling ORT holder!

See how nicely it folds up???

They had several colors to choose from and I
think I may need to pick up a few more.

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Thanks for visiting and I hope you have
had a wonderful stitchy weekend!
Now....I have to get back to some
exchange stitching!!!

happy stitching...

Flowered Bunny.......

2011-04-03T13:47:00.000-04:00

"Flowered Bunny"

JBW "The Bunny Collection"

Stitched on 25ct white evenweave

w/recommended DMC

~ ~ ~ Wouldn't this make the cutest baby announcement? ~ ~ ~

How cute is this design!

I picked up this little booklet with 5 bunny

designs last year and had forgotten about it.

Once I spotted it in my stash this week, I

just had to stitch this one right up.

Great way to welcome in April.

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"Sew A Brown Bunny"

iStitch Designs

Michele was so sweet to RAK me this cute design from Carol and it is next up to be stitched. The weather the last two days has been just beautiful here in South Carolina so I am off to enjoy a little stitching in the sun!

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As always, thanks for visiting and hope you are having a great stitching weekend!

Spring flowers.....

2011-03-28T18:36:00.000-04:00

Myra had the cutest idea for a pin cushion
that I just had to steal!

Motif from"Bloom Pincushion" by M Designs

JCS March/April 2011 issue

Stitched 1 over 1 25ct. evenweave

w/DMC

Don't you just ~ love ~ this idea????

I just couldn't resist making one for myself.

Lovin' the pink and brown flower!!!!

Think I will be stitching a few more of these!

Happy stitching....

March ornament exchange.....

2011-03-25T10:36:00.001-04:00

Hard to believe another month has passed so quickly and it's ornament exchange time!

The Drawn Thead's "Merry Little Christmas Ornament"

Mine--stitched on 32ct ivory w/ NN &WDW

Yours--stitched on 32ct khaki w/NN & WDW

This month's ornament is a freebie from The Drawn Thread and I just love this one!!!

This was a fun and easy stitch and I can see many more of these as Christmas gifts.

And this month's ornament exchange partner is..........

Carolyn

Carolyn's Stitching Chatter and More

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I had very tiring trip and plan to stitch the weekend away! Hope you have a great stitchy weekend too!!!

Goode Huswife "Tree of Life"....

2011-03-17T20:13:00.000-04:00

With the luck of the Irish I have another
Crazy Challenge finish.....

Goode Huswife "Tree of Life"

28ct mystery linen

w/recommended DMC

Love the border on this design....stitching it????

Not so much!

This was my Jan. 1st start so I decided I would pick it up next. It was a pretty quick finish and is in the same color family as The Bird Tree.

I thought I would get bored stitching with the same colors over and over but I find that I want to stitch more! I do have a couple of exchanges to stitch so my next Goode Huswife finish

will just have to wait!

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Happy St. Patrick's Day

Did you know that Dublin has 750 pubs ?

We didn't make it to all of them....but gave a valiant effort!!!!

Hubby and I just love this "holiday" and have celebrated all of our years together. Here we enjoy a pint at the Guinness Storehouse on our trip to Ireland last fall. I certainly couldn't let the day pass without enjoying a pint of the velvety goodness so we did venture out to one of our local pubs tonight to enjoy a pint or two!

It seems South Carolinians have been enjoying a good pint for quite awhile!

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As always....thanks for visiting my blog. I do love reading all of your comments and am thankful you take the time to visit my piece of the cyber world! I am off to New Orleans for business a few days but hope to find plenty of time to stitch!!!

Hope you have a great weekend...happy stitching!

Goode Huswife "The Bird Tree"

2011-03-13T19:18:00.000-04:00

Goode Huswife "he Bird Tree"

Stitched on coffee-dyed 32ct Buttercream

w/recommended DMC

I have always loved this design and it was a sweet design to stitch. The colors were a little brighter once I finished so I decided to give it a warm coffee bath to tone it down. I really like the way it turned out and hope to frame it soon.

With a good dose of coffee....

I always steam the wet piece with a hot iron to bring out the coffee stain and this pic really shows the effect on the fabric. It really gives a vintage look that I just love.

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

So...that's 4 down and 11 more to go!   I spent the day with stitching friends yesterday hosted by Amy and I got a lot down on my next Challenge piece, Goode Huswife's "The Tree of Life".   I love that the coloring is similar for many of the Goode Huswife and CHS samplers so I hope to have a wall full before the end of the year!

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

Well...back to stitching. I did make a quick trip to Michael's today to take advantage of their sale and couldn't resist this stamp. Think this will be my motto for all of my stitching......

Karen's Handiwork

Goodies in the mail....

Crazy Challenge diversion....

Crazy Challenge part 2....

First stitching in 2012....

My last 2011 finish....

Lucky 13......

Hodgepodge....

Exchanging with....

An Ornament Giveaway.....

My Frederick.....

November's ornament.....

Joy.....

Strawberries....

Oops....another Halloween post!

The Spell is Cast....

It's ornament time....

A little halloween.....

Goodies to and fro....

LK "Love Blooms"....

Cuteness.....

LK Exchange and other goodies...

Is it really the 25th again????

"Harvest Moon"....

"A Flock of Birds"......

August Ornament exchange....

Flock of Blackbirds......

LK "Good Night Santa"....

July Ornament Exchange.....

So close.......

"Dampy Sod"....

"Americana" finish.....

June's Ornament Exchange.....

F&S BBD Exchange

Free to a good home.....***EDITED****

Summer finishing....

Stitching friends.....

Tuck Pillows for sale...

Goode Huswife's "The Peacock Sampler".....

May's ornament exchange.....

Tuck pillows anyone????

Exchange from Sarah....

Goodies To & Fro...

Very productive weekend.....

LK Round B to Melissa.....

Goodies from Amy.....

April's ornament exchange.....

Sew A Brown Bunny....

Birthday stash....

A little Ziggy love.....

RAK from Carolina Stitcher......

Flowered Bunny.......

Spring flowers.....

March ornament exchange.....

Goode Huswife "Tree of Life"....

Goode Huswife "The Bird Tree"

Free to a good home.....*EDITED**