Baby WIP & Dishcloth FOs

I spent some time on The Baby and have made it across the page of the pattern. I really love the colors and I think they are making it such a joy to work on. The "cream" color area, which is most of it has 5 colors of cream & v. light yellow in it. I know the picture doesn't show it, and very honestly, when stitching it, you really don't see it, until you stand back, and there's just a slight bit of color change. It's amazing (IMHO) Sooooo... can you tell what it is yet? :)


Why is it that all the dishcloths seem to die at the same time? I have to do a few to replenish the supply. I went to get my knitting needles out, and found that I had put a half-knitted cloth in to finish. I had totally forgotten about it! Well, I finished that one, and found a pattern for a Darrell Waltrip Dishcloth. While looking for a something for Valentine's Day, I came across a set for both a towel and dishcloth called Piece of My Heart. I found red in my cotton stash, so I just had to start that one. I am ready to start my third pattern repeat. It's an easy stitch and is turning out nicely. (sorry - no picture of that one yet.)

It's Cold Enough To Stitch Snowmen

Temps are in the single digits and we've been having snow on and off over the last few days (finally!!). I've finally gotten in the mood to really work on winter things. It's a shame that the snow took so long, though, as winter seems like it should be ending instead of beginning.

I've really been in the mood to stitch, so the snowman is showing some improvement. Seven of the letters are done, and I'm seeing this piece finished by the end of the week.



Now, if only I could stay up at night. By 9:00pm I'm ready to crash. Just think how much I could do if I could stay awake! :D

House-Mouse Finished!


I put my last stitches in Appleseeds last night. He turned out nicely, but I wish I had stitched it on an evenweave or linen. It would have looked so much nicer. However, when I started it (back in 2004!!) the aida was what I had on hand at the time. Please forgive the creases, as I scanned him as soon as he came off the q-snaps.

My next focus project is Hillside Samplings Letter Snow, Letter Snow, Letter Snow. It is being stitched on Blue Wing linen. I had to look back at my update pictures and found that I had started it back in 2002. Why don't I remember it being that long ago?!! I know I had put it away as I got so bored stitching the snowman. This was an easy project to ignore (obviously!). I'm hoping in a few days he will be finished.



I don't have any real update on The Baby. I've been a little under the weather and so tired at night that I've been going to bed early. I really am wanting to get back to stitching it. I can't do it in the daytime, the stretcher bars are just too big to do with other active bodies around. Oh how I wish I had my own stitching room!! We have about 1000 square feet, so it doesn't allow for much room for my stash. I want a BIG old Victorian home with 5 bedrooms!! :)

HAPPY Belated Mail Day & Small Happy Dance

On one of the boards at Christmastime, we were asked to post what we'd like most off our wishlist. There was one pattern that I've drooled over, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to have it, so on a whim, I posted it, and it was answered by a most wonderful woman named Marri!!! (THANK YOU SOOO MUCH, Marri!!!)

Saturday's mail brought the really wonderful and anticipated "surprise"!!! It was a package from The Cross Stitch Gallery and inside held "The Baby" by Harrison Fisher. I opened the package as carefully as possible, and just sat and drooled over the 16 page pattern for most of the afternoon. I still couldn't believe that I was fortunate enough to have this beautiful pattern in my hands. I know I had decided that I wouldn't start anything major until I cut my WIP's down, but this one is special. I figured if I had a fabric in my stash that was large enough, I would throw that promise to the wind. Sure enough, I found a lovely 32 ct. piece of white Jobelan. I pulled the colors and they are so soft and beautiful!! How could I resist now?!! Saturday night after the children went to bed, I put my first stitches in. This will be my night piece - to stitch to unwind and relax.

As of last night, here's my progress on "The Baby". It's difficult to see, as it's a cream color on white. I started in the center as I want to see if I really need to stitch the white background when the design itself is finished. I'm hoping with 32-count, the weave will be fine enough to leave unstitched.

With such a large project in the works, I'm not going to have a lot of time to stitch other things. I usually have an hour or so in the afternoon that I can relax and stitch before getting dinner started. I'm going to use that time to work on my WIP list and get as many finished as possible this year. I'm still going to work on my 50 project challenge, but now it's going to take a lot longer. Will I be able to hold out that long? I read one person would be doing the challenge, but wouldn't deprive herself of stash, but use it as a reward for goals set and knocking down her WIP list. Interesting.... :)

Finish # 4!!!

Last, but not least, I completed SanMan Original's "Sunflower Blackwork. It was an enjoyable stitch, but I did struggle some with the fabric. It's definately one that you need good light and an uplight or something white on your lap while you stitch. I'm pleased with how it turned out. It still needs a charm in the center, but I'm not sure that I will add one. This one is whispering to be turned into a biscornu.

Mouse Update & Sunflower Start

House-Mouse is looking like a mouse!! And he has half of a half eaten apple now! I spent most of my time back-stitching instead of waiting until the end. It certainly has brought the little guy to life.

I was also the lucky winner of a drawing on the SanMan boards, so I thought I'd start that chart since it's not very big. It's called Sunflower Blackwork by SanMan Originals. I'm stitching it on 14ct. black Damask using a test color silk from Victoria Clayton in varigated yellows.

The Damask is a beautiful and soft fabric, but the sheen makes is very difficult to stitch on. I need good light, so will only be stitching on this stuff on a sunny day. Even with a white fabric under it, it's still hard to see the holes. One thing I noticed is there are a few holes, and not one major one, so it makes it even more difficult trying to find the right hole. However, I am very, very pleased with the result.

House-Mouse takes shape!


There's a lot to be said about not being able to sleep. Although one can be tired in the morning, it's good for the stitching progress. :) I'm really enjoying seeing this piece take shape, but the 1/4 stitches are difficult on this aida. This one is woven tighter and stiffer than most I've used, so even with a nice sharp needle, it's slow going. Now I remember why this project was put aside.


As of right now, I don't care for the top of the apple. The green seems just a bit too straight across, but maybe it will look better with the outlining and the apple done. I've been surprised with things before, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this one.

Cherub is finished!!!

I put my last stitches in the Cherub this morning. Here he is, fresh off the q-snaps:

This makes finish #3 - only 47 more to go. I enjoyed this piece, but it really took longer than I thought it would. There's a lot of detail that I hadn't noticed. I guess because it is a freebie, that I expected it to be a shadow of her "real" pieces. Not so! This is really a nice quality piece. A very nice surprise to me.

New focus piece
Now, on to my next piece. This is a House-Mouse pattern called "Appleseeds". I had put it aside to work on a model, and just haven't touched it since then. It is being stitched on 14 count ecru aida, and with all the 1/4 stitches, it is a bit of a challenge getting the needle through the fabric. I can say I'm not fond of doing fractional stitches on aida (understatement of the year!)

Soon to be finished!



Cherub is soon to be finished. I'm almost done with the background now, then have the border, some backstitching, the bow & arrows, and that's it.



I love this design, but there's something about the back wing that bothers me. It doesn't seem right. Ah well - It'll be done and soon turned into a Valentine's flatfold. I need to get to the fabric store and get some fabric and cording. This will be my first flatfold, so I'm not expecting much. I'll be thrilled if it resembles what it is supposed to. :D However, I still need to get this cherub finished, so I'm a bit ahead of myself.

And now for some fun....

I saw this on WhizGidget's blog, so I just had to take the quiz.

You are The High Priestess

Science, Wisdom, Knowledge, Education.

The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge. She holds scrolls of arcane information that she might, or might not reveal to you. The moon crown on her head as well as the crescent by her foot indicates her willingness to illuminate what you otherwise might not see, reveal the secrets you need to know. The High Priestess is also associated with the moon however and can also indicate change or fluxuation, particularily when it comes to your moods.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

50 Project Challenge

The challenge has been keeping me on track and helping me to focus on things that I started and put aside. The Cherub will soon be the 3rd finish off my WIP's list. I promised myself a few finishes off this list before starting something new. I really need to stick with this, as my WIP list has gotten way out of hand. It feels like a burden hanging over my head instead of a pleasure of having something to stitch.

No scan of the Cherub today. I don't think there's enough to really show any progress. I've got the background between the elbow and wings done and some of the wings and bow. Maybe tomorrow I'll have something more to show. The wings on this little cherub are just beautiful!! The colors are so pretty. I've seen pictures of others in albums and on boards, but nothing compares to what it looks like in person!!

I have some gift $$ that I've been sitting on for some of the things on my wish list to go on sale, or maybe find a good deal on one of the boards. I found a couple of the things I'd been wanting, and have emailed to place an order. I emailed 2 days ago, and haven't heard anything, so emailed again. I've been noticing responses to posts on my lists to emails I never got. They are in the archives of the lists, but not in my email. My guess is that our ISP still hasn't resolved our email issue since they upgraded a couple of weeks ago. SIGH.... I hope the items are still available. If not, well... guess it wasn't supposed to be.

Still plugging away on the Cherub....

I've been a very good girl! I haven't touched another project, and I'm actually staying focused on the same project for more than a week! Usually the only time that happens is when I'm model stitching and have a deadline to meet. Not only am I focused, but I'm actually enjoying the process of this piece. Is it because I'm just focused? Maybe... well, actually, yes - it's been a real pleasure watching it grow and take shape.

My progress doesn't appear to be much, but I did little details here and there - plus the hair took quite a while. Actually, the hair took longer than expected. I've got the wings, background, border, bow, arrow feathers and a some backstitching to go.

Weekend Stitching

I did get a nice long night to stitch on Saturday as DH fell asleep on the couch, so the TV was mine!!! Ahhhhh - there's nothing better than being Queen of the Remote and stitching until you just can't focus any longer. With the long night, here's where the cherub is now:



I'm really looking forward to getting more done tonight. I'm loving how the cherub turning out.

I had a wonderful surprise today. I ordered 3 hanks of Vikki Clayton silks before the end of the year, and during the process, I lost the server. I didn't think it went through. I got an email on Saturday that the order was shipped, and it's already here today!!! I don't know what the colors are, as these are just 3 grab-bag hanks of her test-dyes. They are so lovely - and the scan doesn't do them justice. The yellow is a varigated yellow and the burnt-orange one is a solid.



Now I'm trying to decide what to do with them. I want to do DD's Blackwork Princess but not sure if I should use the brown or the burnt orange. I think the yellow would look nice for SanMan's Blackwork Sunflower - maybe done on black. Hmmmm.... What would you do with them?

Cherub Update

I really need to get out of the mindset of rotating for a while. I did the black on the cherub, and wanted to go onto something else. Can I claim Adult ADD? ;) What I found even harder was not starting something new. I have a list of things I want to stitch, but am not going to start anything until I wipe out some of my WIP's. I really have to do that, since my stitching projects have gotten out of control.

How did it happen? Really quite innocently. I would be stitching away on something, then a model would come through that needed stitched or a present for someone needed done, and I'd put that piece aside and work on the obligatory piece. When I was finished, I'd get stash as payment or a gift or I'd just not feel like going back to the original piece, and move on and start another one. This would start over and over, and that's how I ended up with so many. The problem now is, it's hard to focus on one piece and an obligation piece is just as difficult, because I want to lay that aside for something more fun. This has become a really bad habbit, and something I'm breaking now. Does anyone else struggle with this?

Sitting down yesterday with my Cherub was hard. I didn't want to stitch it and wanted to move on. However, after forcing myself to pick the needle up, I really got into it, and didn't get to bed until late last night. Here's my progress as of midnight last night:



Today, I'm actually looking forward to putting more stitches in this little guy!!! :)

WIP's Are Breeding in my Closet!!

I'm afraid to open my closet any more. I swear, I keep finding WIP's that I started and have forgotten about!!! How could I have forgotten about them? Hmmmmmm??? The 50 project challenge was a good thing to have signed up for, because I don't NEED any more stash at all. I think at this point, if I were never to buy a pattern again, I'd have enough to last me into my next lifetime. So why do I still want more? And when I start a new piece, why can't I finish it before moving on to another one? All my blame lies on the internet. Before finding stitching groups and online shops, I was happy with getting things when I wanted to stitch them. But finding the boards made me know that it was ok to stock up on patterns and fabrics because many of them are discontinued and I won't be able to get them. Oh, what a tragedy that would be!! :)

I'm trying to be a good girl now, and have decided to work on my WIP's and finish a few of them before starting something new. I'm now on my 3rd with only mumble, mumble, mumble more to go. This is Mirablilia's 1996 Cherub freebie that I started about 2 years ago. I added the hand, arm and black last night and hope to get to work on it more today. It's in the back of my mind that I put it away because there was a mistake that needed frogged, but so far, I can't find it.

I'm going to attempt working on this one until it's finished. I will not get bored. I will not wander even when I want to. I will continue until it is finished....

Second Finish for the Challenge

I came across this one yesterday while I was going through my freebie designs. I forgot I had started it last year and found it folded up in between my patterns. Wonder what else I'm going to find while organizing my stash!!

With that all being said, I have a quick finish to post. This is a freebie called "Sunflower Welcome" and is designed by the sunflower seed (yes - lower case is correct)


Only 48 more to go!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

We brought the new year in quietly. Just the 4 of us playing Risk and then watching the ball drop in Times Square. Today was the traditional pork and sauerkraut, and then we splurged tonight and did a pay-per-view of "The Lake House". I think I was the only one that liked it. Guess it was too much of a Chick-flick for the rest of the family. LOL

I'm pleased to report that I have my first finish of the year, as well as the first finish of my 50 project challenge!! Here' is Pam Kellogg's Winterlude completed:

Wishing everyone a fantastic new year filled with the love of family, friends, and much good health and fortune.

The Last Day of 2006

Here it is - the last day of 2006!! The last couple of weeks have gone so quickly. I sit amazed wondering how we got through the whole year so fast. I guess that's just letting you know how old I'm getting :D

The kids got out their lists of what they wanted to accomplish this year and saw all that they did get done. The list is never to be looked at as failures of what wasn't done, but what things did get accomplished instead. Both are pleased with the things they did do. Now they are starting their long lists for next year. It's always fun going over them for all of us!

This will be my last update for this year. I'm a bit farther now than when I did the scan, but this is were I was just a couple of days ago. This is Pam Kellogg's "Winterlude" and came from a CraftSoft kit. Now I wish I had purchased the other seasons from this set.

I just love the colors on this piece, and the scene reminds me of a place I used to spend many hours at as a child.

My finishes for 2006:
1. Bent Creek - May Snapper
2. Lizzie Kat - I Love My Dog
3. Dimensions - Moonlit Play
4. Hinzeit - Father Charmed Mini Block
5. Margaret Sherry - Feeling Uplifted
6. Handblessings - Oak Leaf Bookmark
7. Susan Gastler - May Teapot
8. Calico Crossroads - KBK Monthly Cats - December In the Bag
9. Lizzie Kate - Cherish Dream Live
10. Dimensions - Hang in There
11. Just Nan - Crystal Heart
12. Stefani Martin - Covered Bridge Spring
13. Rex Enterprises Ltd. - Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn
14. Calico Crossroads - KBK Monthly Cats - January Happy New Year
15. Marilyn Levette Imblume - 2002 Christmas Freebie
16. Bent Creek - February Snapper
17. Dragon Dreams - Winter
18. Artecy - Autumn Kitten Bookmark
19. Jeanette Crews Designs - Pay the Piper Mug

Another Christmas is gone

We had a wonderful Christmas and I got lots of nice presents, including a BAP called "The Baby" by Harrison Fisher from Marri. It's from The Cross Stitch Pattern Gallery The kids were pleased with everything they got, and DS is enjoying one of his now. He got his wish and is now at Winter Retreat. DD goes next month, and she can't wait!

I keep wondering where the time goes. Already, another Christmas has gone, and we are heading for a new year. This week is a time for lots of reflection for me. I look at all that has been done, what should have been done, and what could have been done. Then I look forward to what I want to do. A new year with new goals.

I completed my two gifts for the kids. DD's bookmark was finished in plenty of time, and it's a good thing, too, because I came across a mug insert I was doing for DS and needed to squeeze that in as well.

Here is the finished Autumn Kitten Bookmark by Artecy:

And here is the finished mug insert for DS. It's called Pay the Pipers by Jeanette Crews Designs:



I really thought I was keeping good records of what I had started, wanted to start and where my stash was, until I found some WIPS that I forgot I had. OK, I'm not as together as I thought, and I'm really deluding myself that I can keep everything together. So, I've decided to take the 50 project challenge and wipe out some of my stash and wips.

So here's the start of my 50 Project Challenge that will begin on New Year's Day....

Exceptions for me will be:
1. gift certificates for stash
2. threads or beads (if I run out) to complete something
3. Silkweaver's FoM that DH got for me. If I unsub, I won't be able to get this offer again as Tracey discontinued it.
4. Possible fabric purchase to stitch the BAP that Marri got me. (Thanks Marri!!!)

I've decided to start a list of the finishes I'd like to accomplish in 2007.....

1. Bent Creek - Monthly Snappers - January
2. Kats by Kelly Monthy Minis - February
3. HoHRH - House #7
4. Pam Kellogg - Winterlude
5. Marquoir Story - Part 4
6. Pam Kellogg - Cinnamon Bear
7. Wizzers - Birdhouse Windchime
8. Breast Cancer fund – From the Heart Needle Roll
9. Diane Arthurs – Happy Everything
10. House Mouse – Apple Seeds
11. Pat Rogers – Hearts & Lace Sampler
12. SanMan Originals - Blooms
13. Sweetheart Tree – Jan. Needle Roll (needs some frogging)
14. Sweetheart Tree – Teenie Tweenies – Spring Has Sprung
15. Teresa Wentzler – Stretch
16. HIH Monthly Mania - February
17. The Drawn Thread - Winter Spot
18. Mirabilia - 1996 Holiday Cherub

Project Challenge and Bookmark Update

One of the groups I'm in has decided to start a project challenge. I've seen it on other boards and groups, but I've been ignoring it, just because of the holidays coming up. I didn't want to make any commitments until closer to the end of the year. Well, the end of the year is almost here, so I'm joining in with this group. I haven't decided if I want to do the 10 project or 25 project commitment. I want to do the 10, because it's easier - but I really need to do the 25. I think if I made the 25 project commitment, I'd actually go out and buy myself some nice stash as a reward. I'd deserve it then! :)

DD's bookmark WILL be finished for Christmas. I'll tell you, there were nights as I frogged, that I really wondered if I would see a finish. I'm about 75% done now...

Two Finishes and updated WIP pic



I finally have two finishes to report. First, Dragon Dreams "Winter" just came off the q-snaps, so it has wrinkles, but I wanted to get it up to share. He has been stitched on 32 ct. hand-dyed linen that is supposed to look like sky - unknown brand. The larger flakes are stitched in Rainbow Gallery PB10 - much like Kreinik's 032. It sparkles so much, but is all lost in the picture - just like the color difference in the "sky" fabric.



Next is an old piece from my FO box - Just Nan's Glorious Wings "Glory". I finally got her framed and she is now up and hanging in her temp. home in the hall. Here is another one that you really need to see in person to see the sparkle. It's double matted with brushed gold and burgundy color mats.

The Autumn Kitten Bookmark is now at about 65% finished. I'm getting excited seeing how it's turning out, and I so want to get it finished!!! I should post an update, but getting to do it with DD around is next to impossible. Maybe tomorrow....

Last, but not least, is my Marquoir Story. As you probably noticed, I finally got the software installed so I can now download our pics from the camera. So, here's the belated part 3 that I finished last month.

Stitching Away...

Today's the last day of deer season, so my nice leisurely Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays will be no more. Bummer. I was really enjoying sitting and stitching with DD and watching movies.

I put almost 5 hours into "Celtic Spring". I still have part of the swirl on the bottom of the robe to do yet, but have moved on to the gown. It is turning out so nicely (IMHO) . I'm enjoying the stitching on this one as well as Vermillion's "The Holy Family". Each of these will be hard to put away to stitch on the other. I may just end up with 2 focus pieces. :)

Dragon Dream's "Winter" is all done except for a few snowflakes. I'm not enjoying them for some reason. Maybe it's the double strand of RG that I'm using in place of the Kreinik 032. It's feeling like a chore, so I'm just doing a snowflake or two, then moving on to something else.

Artecy's Autumn Kitten has hit it's half way point. I honestly can't believe it's taking so long to stitch. I guess between the confetti stitches and working on it so late at night (causing that dang ol' frog to visit!) is the problem. After seeing how he looks now, I'm quite pleased. I've never done an Artecy pattern before - even though I've been a member for a while. They've always intimidated me.

Now, off to get a little more stitching done before I have to make dinner.