Winter Exchange....

It has been so long since I have participated in
an exchange.   I have always liked the
Winter Seasonal Exchange so I signed up 
and was lucky to stitch for Dawn.

  I picked up a couple of these little pails at Target last Christmas from the Dollar bin and thought it

would be a neat little project.  I just had to
find the perfect design.   After a little bit of
figurin', SB Winter would fit perfectly and 
make a nice little stitching buddy.

 

SB "Winter" stitched on 32ct linen

w/ DMC

 

I just love these designs stitched on the

smaller count and I found some buttons in my

stash that I finished it off perfectly.    I was

a little nervous about the actual finishing

but think this turned out cute.

 

 Perfect spot for stitching stuff!

 

I didn't permanently attach the stitching so that

Dawn can easily replace for another season. 

I added a little pin cushion to the top and

attached it with a magnet so that 

it can replaced too.  I am so glad

that Dawn liked it.

 

I think I am hooked on this little pails....they

are just too darn cute.  I now want to make me

one.... I could kick myself for not

buying more of these!

 

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

 

You still have time to enter my little

Valentine Giveaway if you like.

 

As always....thanks for visiting!  

Happy stitching.....



Sweet Valentine giveaway....

 

As soon as I saw this valentine freebie 

I couldn't wait to stitch it.   Although

it is a sweet Valentine, I was excited

to see the crowns.   I'm sure many of

you have seen Tanya's crown pins and

really wanted some for myself.    I had

 picked up some brass crown

embellishments at Michael's and

couldn't get my bead glue out fast enough!

 

http://crocettandofralepesti.blogspot.com/

Stitched on 32ct Lakeside Linen Buttercream

w/ Victorian Motto thread

 

I did change the thread colors since I also

wanted to use some Victorian Motto cluny

lace in my finishing.  It only took one episode of

Law & Order to get this one done so I

decided to stitch it again.

 

I really don't need two of them so I am giving one

a way to one of my followers.   Just leave a

comment by Friday (include your email if

it isn't in your profile) and I will pick a

winner Saturday morning.

 

Of course I had to buy extras of the crown

embellishments so I will send the winner some

of these so you can make your own crown pins!

 

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

 

If you are close to a Michael's, check out these

brass embellishments.   There are 5 in the

pack and for $2.00 you just can't beat it.   Not

only did they have crowns, but they had

birds, keys, and fleur de lis.

Well...I hope you had a great stitching weekend.  

I am now off to pick up needle and thread too!

Happy stitching....

 

Edit:  I had to cut on word verification due to the spam.  

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Seven brides....

for seven brothers.   Well....six really.   That is

all I could think about while finishing my

Snow Belles since I knew they would soon be

introduced to my Fat Men.

 

Here they are all dressed up and ready to go.

I did have some issues with the finishing.   I

decided to use another Aleene's Fabric Fusion

fabric glue to attach the ric rac and that did not

go well.   I stopped in the middle of the first

pillow and promptly made a trip to Joann's

to buy some trusty Fabric-Tac.  

Lesson learned... I will not stray again.

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

Welcome to the Fat Farm....

The above basket was tight quarters for the

whole "fat" bunch so we moved up to

slightly larger accommodations.  I know Lizzie

Kate did not want to refer to the ladies as "fat"

but I just love my fat little friends and I

don't think they mind a bit.

 

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

 

I had a good finishing weekend.   I finished up

a Winter exchange and it turned out so cute.  

Wish I could show you but I will just have t

o wait until it makes it to its new home.    I

am off now to attempt my first mattress

pincushion finish.   I have everything stitched 

and hope to get it put together tonight.   Please

keep your fingers crossed for me that I

don't mess this one up.

 

Thanks for visiting and happy stitching....

Stitching in 2013......

 

I can't believe it is the 16th day of the new year and I have yet to put a single stitch in the projects I have decided to stitch in the new year.   I have everything ready to go...I just can't seem to bring myself to start one of them.   Crazy right?

 

I decided not to do the Crazy January Challenge again since I still have 5 projects lingering from last year.   ( Yeah for getting 10 finished!)  And yes....I will get these finished this year!  

 

I decided that since the world didn't end on 12/21/12, I better take advantage of my time left so these moved to the front of the line.

 

By The Bay "13th Colony Bay"

I am stitching these as one design on 40ct Lakeside Linen w/ DMC.

I have loved this since the first time I saw it years ago

and I am really excited about this one.

 

Dames of the Needlwork "Ode to Mary Needleroll" 

This beauty will be stitched on 40ct. Jamaica Sunset

w/Victorian Motto.

I feel in love with this design that I found at Counted Stitches' Going Out of Business Sale this last Spring.    The design is such a wonderful nautical piece with a mermaid and I want to hang it so I will be stitching it for framing.   There is a lot of over 1 in this design and I "plan" to stitch it all over 2 so it will mean a lot "thinking" on my part but I think I can do it.  

 

Prairie Schooler "ABC's" 

This will be stitched on 40ct. WDW Linen w/ DMC.

I am not a big PS fan, but couldn't resist after seeing many of you stitching these the last few years.   I decided to jump on the bandwagon and stitch these as one large piece.

 

Rosewood Manor "Old Glory" 

I'm using 40ct PTP Sand w/ Victorian Motto

This is another one I instantly wanted to stitch last year

when it was released and so I added this on to the list.   

Hopefully I can get this one done this year.

 

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

 

I have been stitching on exchange items so no pics to share.   I have also been crafting and I wanted to share a recent project.

 

 

I found these paper mache pears in the clearance bin at Michaels and decided they were worth the 25 cent they were asking.   With a little bit of paint, and Briwax, I turned them into these:

 

 

We found this bowl in Texas in December and I just knew it

would be the perfect home for them.

 

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

 If you made it this far, thanks for visiting.  

I hope you have a great stitchy week!

Southern Belles.....

 

I hope everyone had a great holiday season.  It
seems harder each year to get back in the swing
of things after such a nice holiday break.  I think
 how crafty I could be if I didn't have to work.

As usual, our Christmas wasn't very cold and
no snow in sight.   To compensate, I spent
my time stitching these wonderful snowy
belles while wishing we had a little
snow in my part of the south.
 



Stitched on 28ct khaki evenweave w/ DMC

Like the "Fat Men", I fell in love with
these ladies.   Once I got the first one done, I

just kept on going and finished the

rest up during Christmas.

Hopefully they will be properly dressed
before too long!
 

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

I have been busy planning my stitching for

this year.  I won't be doing the Crazy Challenge

since I still have five projects lingering.

I can't wait to share what I will be doing once

I get everything kitted up.

 

We were travelling New Year's Eve so I

packed this little sweet design to stitch.

Something about that redbird just caught my eye.



 Trilogy "Happy Chirp Chirp Day"

stitched on 28ct natural linen w/ Gentle Arts & Victorian Motto

 

 I didn't realize I had picked up 28ct so this design
turned out a lot larger than I had hoped.  
I am also not very happy with the coverage
of the red but I can live with it.

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

Well it looks like everyone is off to a good start to the new year and I love seeing all of the new projects stitchers have going.   I hope you have a great stitchy weekend!

happy stitches....



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!



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!

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.....

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, I 

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....

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!