Stash Shoppin!

On my way to Toledo for a business trip, I stopped by the Craft Gallery in Findlay. Had a wonderful visit with Carol there and met the owner Carlton Fruth, too. Left with this beautiful Blue Ribbon Design "Stop and Stitch The Flowers", the fabby for it, and all the Crescent Colours, too!



Then it was on to Toledo, where I just had to visit Something Extra (home of Sisters and Best Friends), where I really made a haul - all the stuff here plus the yummy fabby for BOAF's "Scared Silly."

Another Sister Gift

Just got back from Kansas City MO, where I was able to present my sister Laura and her husband Mic with their 25th anniversary sampler, designed by Sisters and Best Friends (how appropriate!). She loved it, of course.

Although stitching is not her thing, she went with me to the Old Mill Stitchery in Liberty, where I picked up a new Cricket, "Spring Fleece" and some yummy Jobelan for it.

Happy Happy Hour

This is Water's Edge's "Its 5:00 Somewhere," one of the cutest designs on this theme. The picture does not do justice to the gold sparkly fabric I found (28 ct. Opalescent Raw Linen). Will start the words at the bottom tonight. This has been a blast to stitch!

Finishes (sort of)

Here is my latest finish, "For the Cure." This was published by JABC in October of 2005. It has special significance for me, since 13 years ago on June 10th, I heard the "scary" words. I think I will make it into a fabric-framed doorknob hanger.
















And, time for a drum roll !! House #1 is finished !!

Mother's Day 2007

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day. This was my gift to my mom this year. I gave it to her on Saturday, since I was up in Maine getting my daughter from college.

SBQ - May 2

The latest SBQ is: How many WIPs do you have? How many UFOs do you have? When does a WIP become a UFO?

I probably have about a half dozen WIPs. Add to that another 3-4 UFOs. My WIPs become UFOs when I haven't stitched on them in over 6 months. That reminds me, I need to find those UFOs.....

TA DA ! New England Sampler is Finished !!

The colors are stunning! This sampler was stitched over at least two years and, naturally, has alot of sentimental value. I will always be a New Englander.

Thinking 'bout Stitching

Even before I started this blog, I had thoughts of creating a "stitching rotation," with the idea that it would keep me motivated, organized, and prioritized. Well, of course, I dutifully compiled my list, kitted up several projects, and set my clock. It never really got off the ground, and I think I know why.

Now that I'm up and running in the stitching blogosphere, I am re-examining my motivation to stitch, and really don't think I will hold myself to a system or schedule ever again.

The stitching blogs that tout rotations, goals, tallies of finishes, and bemoan the ever-present UFOs, make me wonder if the love of the craft/artform hasn't been transformed into the "chore" of stitching.

Some evenings I get "start-itis" and get such a high, pulling all the threads and picking out fabric. Is there anything like that feeling?

I want to stitch for the sheer joy of it, switching pieces as my mood changes, with no time pressures or feelings of obligation. I want to prop my feet up, gather my threads around me, and watch a picture unfold in my hands, and love every minute of it!

SBQ - April 19

The latest SBQ is:
Are you on "The Wagon?" If so, how long have you been on and how "serious" are you about it? If not, have you considered it?

I guess the truly honest answer is: I have one foot on the Wagon and one foot off. Although I am really, really trying to "stitch from my SUBSTANTIAL stash," I find I cannot pass up a new design that "speaks" to me. I certainly am not buying like I used to (which is how I acquired such a great stash in the first place). And, I am trying to grab the next project if I already have the fabric for it. So, I guess you can say my heart's in the right place, right?

The Story of My Life

Though I genuinely look forward to seeing my kids, it has been nice having the old homestead to myself. This design by Sherry Senicar just about says it. This will go in my kitchen, and I just pray the little angels don't take offense.

Yum!

As promised, Chocolate Covered Cherries was finished last weekend. Looks like something I would display around Christmas or Valentines, a flat-fold or a standup, perhaps?

Little Stitches

Here's my Spring Chick by Waxing Moon, which I've had finished for a while.


I will also most likely finish Chocolate Covered Cherries by Casey Buonaugurio before the end of the weekend. Am I trying to avoid the BAPs in my "to do" pile, hmmmm?

Back from the Framer !!

Got two of my favorite stitches back from the framer over the weekend. Bonnie Z. did an absolutely awesome job, don't you think? The first is Hinzeit's Shoreline, and the second is Medeiros' Blueberry Sampler.

Took a Break

Took a break today from HoHRH to stitch up this cutie from Stoney Creek. Makes me think summer is indeed right around the corner!

First Pillow

I am trying to learn some alternative methods of finishing, and this is my first cross-stitch made into a pillow. It is a birthday present for my sister who is turning 50 in March.

Snow Days = Stitching Days

With the latest snowstorm came more time to make progress on my current projects. I am determined to finish my New England Sampler, since so much floss is pulled for it, and I am so close, after all. I took it with me to a stitchy afternoon in Florence, KY, last weekend. Four of us enjoyed delicious quiche (from scratch) and soup from Panera. Yum! I am down to the final panel, having finished the border. And I must say, this tree and basket of apples came out lovely.

I have finished Crocus, too, and it was one of those surprisingly delightful designs. I picked up the chart on sale at Dixie Darlin' last summer, and on Buttercup yellow, it is striking.

Another Finish

Just finished Oh! Cluck! by putting the adorable buttons on. I just love stitching on Graziano checkered fabric. Spent yesterday afternoon at my best friend's house, stitching on Crocus, and watching The Illusionist, which was excellent. Paul Giamatti is so good in it! We tried a new ribs recipe, and they came out fabulous!! Thanks to all who commented on my first post. This is so much fun!

Here goes !

I have wanted to start blogging for quite a while. I have alot to learn/teach myself. So, please be patient. Here is a recent finish. It's "Sentinel of the Sea and Sky" by Dragon Dreams.