Is It Really Frugal?

I was thrilled and full of excitement when DH handed me the grocery list and saw that he had saved a nice chunk of the bill using coupons with his shopper's card. Not all the coupons were able to be doubled, and we didn't have a coupon for everything we needed.

He brought home:

1. 12 boxes/bags of cereal
2. 10 boxes frozen veggies
3. 15 ct. Totinos Pizza Rolls
4. 6 pk. Yoplait Yogurt
5. Coffemate Creme Brule
6. Betty Crocker Potatoes
7. Fiskies Cat Food
8. 2 boxes Taco Shells
9. Bisquick
10. Hellman's Mayo
11. 2 Bottles Hoagie Spread
12. 2 Bunches Celery

Everything came to a total of $27.99 (including tax). I can't remember when we got so many things for under $30! With everything he brought home, the only thing I wouldn't have purchased would have been the Bisquick, Totinos and the Betty Crocker Potatoes. With coupons, though, the Bisquick came out cheaper than I could make it, the Totinos were free as well as the BC Potatoes.

So did I sell out to use coupons? I don't know. I'm on the fence if I'm giving my family healthy items. The cereal was things like Cheerios and not sugar cereals. Am I cutting back where I shouldn't? I struggle with this one, as we've been doing scratch items for so long, but the price of items to cook from scratch has gotten so high these days. I'm on the fence on this one.

Busy And Productive Week

We have been contemplating moving for quite a long while. With DH's job being unpredictable, he has been looking for employment elsewhere. He found a job that he's very qualified for, but we are now sitting on the fence wondering if he should apply and move out of state, or if we should stay and see if he stays employed. If we move, we are going to end up with a mortgage - something we no longer have. We have dug our way out of debt, and wonder if this is the time to jump back in it. The economy scares me, and the last thing I want is a mortgage looming over my head. However, if DH loses his job, we are in another predictament. Ohhhh, what's a body to do? I'm really leaning towards staying here and deal with a job loss if it comes.

Until then, I'm working on stretching DH's hard earned check. I have some pretty decent savings to report.

CVS (Our store has been a bit of a disappointment this month- they're not getting things in to restock. Some things like the Softsoap SPA has not been in all month! It looks like I'll be missing that one. Bummer. We were looking forward to trying it.) With all that said, here's my CVS savings for the week:

Speedstitck 24/7 Deodorant
2 bottles CVS Vitamin C 500 mg. 100 ct.
6 boxes Kleenex tissues 120 ct.
2 bottles Herbal Essence Shampoo
1 box Pepcid Ez Chews 25ct.

After coupons ($7), a CVS kickout on vitamins ($2) and ECB's ($14), my total OOP was $3.63. I also have a $5.50 rebate from Pepcid, so my final cost... I made $1.87 (actually, $1.46 after postage to send the rebate out). I also received 8.99 in ECB's for the next trip!!!

Rite Aid shopping trip

Advil PM
SanDisk 1GB
Oral B Cross Action Toothbrush
Just for Men Touch of Gray Hail Color
Jane Be Pure Mineral Make Up
2 Stayfree Maxi Pads
2 Nature's Bounty Flex-A-Min
Duracell Batteries AAA 12 ct.
Dove Ultra Clear Deodorant
Dove Body Mist
Renuzit Pearl Scents
Renuzit Super Odor Nutralizer Spray

Total OOP after coupons ($21.99) was $68.32. Total after 1 check rebate is: $25.37. I also have $8.00 in rebates for a final cost of $17.37. Not bad for $90.31 worth of items! This whole haul was less than what we paid for the last memory card we purchased for my DD's camera last year!

There are still a few things I want to get at Rite Aid before the One Check rebate runs out for this month. They are supposed to restock today, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the things I want will be available tonight.

Shopping has become quite fun again!! :)

Busy And Productive Week

We have been contemplating moving for quite a long while. With DHs job

What's New at the Homestead

Can you believe a month has already gone by since my last post? A WHOLE month?!!! Unbelievable! Between the blasted flu hitting us all pretty hard, and then life's demands, I hadn't had much time to think of blogging. I decided today, to take a break and record what has been going on at the homestead.

We have been looking at numerous ways of saving money. Our shopping trips have become more exciting since we've been matching up coupons and rebates. I no longer dread watching the register, but instead, I love knowing how little I am paying for things. Our last CVS and Rite Aid trip was a good example. My combined purchases included:

1. 2 boxes Raisin Bran Crunch
2. Aquafresh Extreme Clean
3. Samy Mousse
   
4. Total Complete Whitening
5. 2 Glade Plug-In's Scented Oil with warmer
   

Total cost of the above items (after coupons and rebates) was 79 cents!

Another good buy at CVS was 5 Sunsilk 24/7 and one Sunsilk shampoo for a total of $3.18 - that's less than what we paid for the last bottle we purchased at Walmart. My DD loves the 24/7 so the cost difference pleased all of us.

As we have been watching the cost of things increase, we have been limiting the amount we were able to spend on items like shampoo and other personals. We had informed both children that they won't be able to buy those brand name items - but store brand, unless they want to pitch in the balance. I know it sounds harsh, but being brand faithful can be very expensive. Now that we are shopping at CVS and Rite Aid, they no longer have to do that, because this breaks down even cheaper than store brand!! Sadly, we avoided both stores because they were more expensive than Walmart. Or so we thought!

Yesterday, we put together a very primitive solar oven made from cardboard boxes, aluminum foil and newspaper. We sat a piece of glass over top (it needs cut down yet) just to see what potential the oven might have. Without reflectors, a fitted glass or a good sunny day, the oven reached 130 degrees. We sat it out just before a rain storm - so the sun was poking in and out of heavy clouds. As soon as we get through the cloudy week, we should be ready to really test the oven. We'll have the glass cut down to fit correctly, and the reflectors will be finished. I can't wait!!

I put the humming bird feeder up on Saturday. I'm expecting to see them any time now. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to seeing them again. Speaking of birds, we have been blessed with a real treat. For the past month or so, we have been able to watch a pair of doves set up their home in a tree outside my kitchen window. The way the nest is, I can't get a picture where one can make out the dove sitting, or the baby. It's sad that I haven't been able to photograph it, but I'm thrilled to be able to witness something so cool. Isn't nature wonderful?

For a little bit of fun, I joined the SockMadness 2 competition. I decided with a little bit of push, I could use some of my stash up, and have fun along the way. I was thrilled to be able to make it to round 3 before I was knocked out. I might have even made it to round 4 had the flu not knocked me down and put me in bed. You know it had to hit the hardest just after the 3rd pattern came out. That's ok though, because I really needed to start focusing on getting things done around here. It was a cool diversion though. I made 2 very nice socks and I'm on my 3rd pair - getting ready to turn the heel on the second sock.

Zombie Socks designed by Sheryl Giles for Round 1

Reversai Socks designed by Janine Le Cras for Round 2
That's all the time I have for today. The rest of the news will have to wait for another time. Have a lovely, lovely April day!

Frugal Shopping

With the cost of living going up, I've been searching for ways to stretch my husband's hard earned paycheck as far as I possibly can. Years ago, I used to refund and use coupons, and it got us through some really tough times. Sadly, refunding became more difficult as companies cracked down on people committing fraud. It effected everyone, though, and not just the ones that were being fraudulent.

We had to change our shopping habits, going with store and generic brands, but our shopping bill was still higher. Then Walmart and Sam's came into our area, and it eased the cost some. I wasn't using coupons so much any more, because most things were for prepared foods and name brand items that were still more expensive than the store brands - even with coupons. I would get lucky and find an occasional refund, but with everyone wanting the original receipts, it wasn't helping the budget like it used to.

Of course, times do change :) In fact, I think my shopping sprees these days are even better than those of the refunding days. Don't believe it? Here's proof:

Yesterday, I needed to take my daughter to have her stitches out, so I made the trip worthwhile and stopped at Rite Aid. They have a nice one check rebate offer going on right now, and I picked up a few items.

I purchased:

1. 4 boxes of Kelloggs Cereal
2. 1 box Nutrigrain Bars
3. 75 oz. Electrasol
4. Skin Appetit
5. Rite Aid Pantiliners
6. Scotch Packing Tape
7. Salon Selectives Shampoo
8. Bic Soleil Razor
9. Hershey's Bliss

With coupons and rebates, my grand total for the above items ended up being: $4.62!

Then we went to CVS for even more great savings.

We purchased

1. Dove Shampoo
2. Dove Conditioner
3. 2 Dove Body Wash
4. Dove Antiperspirant
5. 2 Mennen Speed Sticks
6. 3 bags Russel Stover Premium Chocolate
7. 2 Oral B Cross Action Toothbrushes
8. Mabelline Superstay Lipcolor
   

After using coupons and receiving back ECB's, everything cost $5.40 (including sales tax).

Our haul ended up costing $10.02 and that's because I messed up and purchased one too many of the Dove for my $5 ECB for purchasing $15 worth of Dove items. Still, I really can't complain!!

Luck of the Irish

I hope everyone had a great St. Paddy's Day yesterday. We certainly did. I have a bit of Irish in my family tree, so it was a little fun remembering those roots. We had our traditional Corned Beef and Vegetables (ok - so it's not really Irish, but I won't tell if you don't) and some Irish Soda Bread. These recipes originally came from the Feb/Mar 1995 issue of Taste of Home. We've been having this meal for St. Paddy's Day ever since. In fact, every year I have to cook it 2 days in a row, because the bunch here demands it be had 2 days in a row. Once just isn't enough :)

This morning, I'm trying another new recipe for oatmeal bread. This one comes from the Taste of Home website and is called Honey Oatmeal Bread. It's gotten good reviews, so I'm trying it, but I'm a bit surprised with the amount of honey that's in it. Usually, I use 2 Tbsp. but this one calls for 1/2 cup. Seems like quite a lot to me, but we'll see. It's currently in the bread machine resting.

Thursday, we go and get DD's stitches out. What a hassle that turned into. Our doctor said that we should go back to the ER to have them removed, because it should be taken out free of charge because it's a continuing care. The ER agreed, but according to my insurance, that's not the case. We have to pay out of pocket for the visit because it's not an emergency. So after numerous phone calls, I found that we'd need to pay a facility use charge - but no price could be given because it "depends" on numerous things according to the billing of the ER. From what I'm getting from our conversations, they charge differently to each insurance and person. I said that I just wanted to pay cash - forget the insurance, and I was told "No one pays CASH!!" Finally, it was told to me that it would probably be cheaper to go to my doctor, so a call back to the dr. to made an appointment that the office said was incredible that I'd have to do this and pay for the services. I love dealing with health care!!

Who Loves Muffins?!

Our family is crazy about muffins. When I bake them, I make dozens. The gang is let loose on them and then we freeze the rest for quick snacks or to have with breakfast.

Raspberry-Filled Chocolate Chip Muffins

1 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips
1/4 cup raspberry jam

Beat , oil and egg together until well blended. Combine dry ingredients and stir into the liquid mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.


Fill muffin cups 1/3 full. Place 1 teaspoon jam on top of batter.


Top with remaining batter. Sprinkle with sugar if desired. Bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes.


Cool - and enjoy!!

Long Week

DD fell and ended up with quite a few stitches in her chin - 6 inside and 8 outside. Poor thing. But the best part was how she fell and how she made the doctors and nurses laugh and tease her while she was getting medical care.

You see, our DD loves science and is fascinated with biology and has been so thrilled with dissection. Seriously - she loves to dissect things. So when she saw the Discovery channel had a special on the Human Body, she just HAD to watch it. She watches all the operations and anything gross - well, she's in front of it. (Mind you, she's a teen, so she's old enough.) Well, this particular program was on the mind and pain, and it went into detail about a woman who had fallen in the wilderness, broken many bones, and how her mind had blocked out the pain to allow her to get help. That did it. DD ended up passing out and ripping her chin open as she fell face forward on her way back to the bathroom. We had no idea she was getting woosey - until we heard the crash.

We spent all night in the emergency room, and the medical staff was amazed that this was her first time ever in the ER - and better yet, for an injury that a toddler would get. Then when she told the story of how she passed out and got the cut, they had a great time teasing her. The dr. gave her orders she is no longer allowed to watch the Discovery Channel, except when it involves animals. Then he said that he's giving her strict medical orders to only watch comedies and animal shows on TV - period.

She laughs about it - but that night I know she was scared. The humor certainly helped her - and the staff was great to her. Now, we just need to wait to see what kind of a scar she will have.

Winter and Rain Don't Mix

We've been hit with snow, then a big warm up, and now rain in just a matter of days. We've had some flooding in the area, and everything is a big pile of muck. Our yard has swamp-like qualities to it and stepping out into it proves to be a challenge. Walking to the car is even worse - a good place to lose a boot or shoe... I don't care for this time of the year. It's bleak and muddy. Spring is on its way, though, as Monday, we saw some red-winged blackbirds at the feeder. The promise that warmer weather is coming!!

The Log Cabin is at about 25% done now, and although it's coming along nicely, I ended up putting it aside. I ended up doing something to my right arm - I think it's a pinched nerve thing because it goes from my shoulder to my fingertips. It sure makes knitting painful. Actually, it makes most things painful, so I haven't been working much on anything - PC included. Typing and using the mouse is also not easy. So if this post ends up being a bit disjointed, please forgive me, as I have to stop and come back, so my train of thought is interrupted (more than normal! LOL) Anyhow, I've been letting my arm rest as much as possible, because I'm in a knitting race/competition soon, and I will need to be in top shape, because I have to knit faster than my competitor. oh well, however it turns out, it will still be fun :)

Groceries are going up, so we are only buying what's on sale and only what's really needed. We buy our wheat berries and many other products in bulk. I am going to need wheat soon, but can't get a price at this time. My supplier says that the prices are fluctuating so much, that she won't know what the price is until the days she orders. That doesn't make me want to walk in blind and place an order. I also buy Occident flour, which is an unbleached white that is supposed to be higher in gluten. Breads made from it raise much nicer than those made from normal unbleached white. I buy that at the mill along with my oatmeal. Oatmeal ran $13.90 for 25 pounds - which was cheaper than the flour per pound!! So, now I'm trying to add more oatmeal to our diet and cut back on the wheat products.

I'm trying out oatmeal bread recipes, and both of the following recipes are a hit here. Both recipes came from the Rec_food_recipes email list from wife228. If you want to subscribe to the list and receive recipes by email, click on the interactive tab at the top of the page.

Honey Oatmeal Bread

13 ounces warm water
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons honey
3 1/2 cups bread flour
1 cup oatmeal
2 tablespoons powdered milk
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast)

Place ingredients in your bread machine in the order recommended for your machine. Set machine on basic bread, 2 pound loaf. For 1.5 pound loaf, reduce water to 10 ounces and flour to 2 1/3 cups; other ingredients remain the same.

Maple Oatmeal Bread

3/4 cup warm water, plus
2 tablespoons warm water
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
2 1/2 cups bread flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

Place ingredients in the order recommended for your bread maker. Select basic bread setting for 1-1/2 pound loaf. Check dough after 5 minutes of mixing and add 1-2 T flour or water if needed.

Enjoy!!

Solar Cooking

I've been looking into making a solar oven and solar food dryer, and have been very impressed with both the cost and the effectiveness. I'm a member of the Solar Cooking group on Yahoo, and have been following the use and testing of a few that I had considered. One member, Ken, made this video that has truly convinced me that I MUST try one this year!!



I'm so impressed with the temp outside and how well it does - even with snow on the ground. At $5 a gallon for propane, this certainly will pay for itself quickly.

Snow is Gorgeous!

The snow came down hard and quick at times yesterday. We weren't sure if we were going to keep power, because the lights were blinking on and off quite a bit. We certainly didn't keep the PC on with all the power hits. :) It was a nice quiet day that I enjoyed immensely. I love snow storms. There's something really peaceful and yet really exhilarating about them.

We kept the house warm with baking - first we made Mounds Bar Cookies and then put a nice big ham in the oven and let it bake in a slow oven. Dinner came out yummy - ham, baked potatoes with sour cream, corn, home canned apple sauce, home baked bread, and the Mounds bars for dessert.

DH went to the mill yesterday to pick up some flour and was stunned by the price. For a 25# bag, he shelled out $15 and some change. UGH!! According to the man at the mill, it's only going to get worse. He said everyone is now growing corn, and those that did put wheat in ended up losing it because of the drought. I wonder how much wheat berries have gone up in price. I have to make a trip up to the Mennonite store to get bulk oatmeal and cocoa, so I'll see if I'll be bringing any home with me.

Milk also went up to $3.75 a gallon. Still not bad since it is hormone free and the cows are pastured. This time of the year, they are supplemented with their own grown grains and silage. I have no idea what the milk runs in the grocery store these days.

We've been really good at keeping our heat turned down this year. It stays at 63 in the daytime and gets turned all the way down at night. I made a dropped stitched wrap that was a free pattern from Jo-Ann's fabric called Rainbow Boucle Wrap. It used Jo-Ann's Sensations Rainbow Boucle in the Dark Blue colorway. I used a 50% off coupon when I purchased it, and I can easily get 2 wraps out of it - breaking down to about $2.25 a wrap. It's very light and quite warm, making it just the perfect thing to wear when it gets just a bit chilly in here (when the wind blows just the right way).



Mounds Bars

1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 Tbsp. sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
12 ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips

Melt butter in pan and add crumbs and sugar. Mix well and spread evenly over bottom of pan. Bake at 350 for 5-10 minutes. Cool.

Mix together coconut and sweetened condensed milk in a medium sized saucepan and heat over medium heat for 10 minutes. Be careful not to scorch. Spread hot mix over cooled crumb crust. Sprinkle chocolate chips over coconut mixture, and put in 350 degree oven until the chips are melted. Take spoon and spread melted chocolate evenly over coconut. Cool and chill before serving.

Out of Hibernation

Since we don't have a farm, there's not much going on here during the winter time. I usually "hibernate" and enjoy some time off to do some counted cross stitch (purely a selfish thing) and catch up on some reading. Things slow way down here after Christmas, and I so love MY time off. It's like a renewal period for me.

I spent the end of December deciding on things I'd like to try and/or learn. I also make a list of goals and things that I'd like to start and/or finish. This is also the time we all go over our lists from last year and figure out what we finished. It's a positive time, noting all that we did accomplish, and not the things we didn't.

This year may be a time for change. DH is currently looking for a new job, and he is searching out of the area - actually out of the state. All the states he is looking at are quite far from our families, so we'll be going it all alone. That's a bit scary, but at the same time, exciting. It feels like we will truly be homesteading if we relocate to one of these places.

I've been doing a few projects to use up scrap yarns and materials. Currently, I'm working on a granny square afghan, a knitted Log Cabin Afghan a scrap quilt, and a yo-yo quilt. Nothing is nearing the finish line, but the Log Cabin Afghan has been my largest focus. It's been really fun working on, although it's far from gorgeous. I have a bunch of acrylic yarns (like Red Heart brand) in a bag, then I put my hand in randomly and pull out a skein to knit with. I never know what colors will go with what. Here's the start of it:


I'm not using any pattern, but came up with my own formula after looking at a few online tutorials and other's photos. Yes, it's very colorful. I guess it will end up being a lot like Joseph's Coat of Many Colors :)

I've also been making some new dishcloths. I've made some for Valentine's Day, test knitted some for a designer, and tried my hand at illusion knitting. The illusion knitting is really cool, and DD wants me to knit her a scarf using this technique.

March is almost here, and it brings garden plans - which I'm not sure what to do there right now with DH wanting to relocate. At this point, I'm going to proceed as normal, since he hasn't found a job he wants yet. Many things are up in the air at this point, and a feeling of restlessness has hit me.

To counteract the restlessness, I've decided to try my hand at a few new things. This year will consist of trying my hand at cheese making and soap making. Two things that will be useful wherever we go, and certainly help with the budget. I'm really looking forward to trying them!

It's so good to be back blogging again. :)

Everyone Loves Captain Jack!!

I love the TransSiberian Orchestra and adore Captain Jack!!!

Busy, Busy, Busy

I can't believe so much time has gone by since my last posting. I've been quite busy between the kids, test knitting, and a little cross stitch. I don't have a whole lot to post, but I do have a couple updates to post.

First, I want to say that I'm very sorry to all the visitors that have requested the first part or the key to the Mystery SAL. Helga took sign-ups before the mystery began, and then closed it. She has requested that no one send on either the key or any of the charts to those that missed the sign-up date. The chart for the whole mystery will be on sale after the mystery is over. She and Barbara will be donating all the proceeds from the sale of this chart to charity.

I didn't get part 2 of the mystery finished yet. Here's where I was at on Tuesday:



Currently, I am test knitting a couple of patterns and working on DS's socks. I hope to get more time in stitching this coming week. Tomorrow looks like a good day to finish up my test pieces. They are coming out nicely, and I can't wait to get the OK to post.

Part One is Finished



I really enjoyed stitching this first part. The colors are vibrant and cheery, and I found that I actually used DMC colors I've never used before. I guess that means the designs I usually stitch aren't as colorful. I find that quite interesting.

Seeing this piece done, I can't wait to see the next part. I have been trying to figure out what would be next and how it ties into the title "Back on the Road Again". Is it seasonal? This almost looks like a winter into spring panel, but the title confuses me. Since the next part comes out on Wednesday, it won't be a long wait - but still a wait. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas on this piece. Maybe it's because this appeals to the child side in me. :)

Speaking of appealing to the child in me, I adore Margaret Sherry's designs. Being here in the US, though, they are expensive to purchase. Imagine my delight when I won this lovely piece from Elaine at the 1-2-3 Stitch Bulletin Board!! Thank you, Elaine!


I've promised myself that I will not start this kit until I get my 2 pieces finished. Now it's time to pull the needle roll back out and put some stitches in on that as well as on Wolf Portrait. This kit is my reward for finishing 4 pieces off my list.

My WIP/UFO list has gotten so out of hand. I'm really ashamed that it got as long as it did. Model stitching really cut into my personal stitching, and many of the projects were from being set aside to do a model, and then not picked up right away. Some were started as gifts - some for my mother who died before they were finished. They were put aside because I had two under the age of 3 and no real time to sit and stitch. I had always assumed I'd be able to get back to them as soon as they were older. I had no clue my mother would pass away at the age of 56.

Many projects were put in the closet, moved around the house, and forgotten about. When I started sorting things and putting my stitching stuff in one place, I was stunned to find so many things started and even more - how many were forgotten. A stitching friend of mine said to just purge the things and start over, but it seemed like not only a waste, but an easy way out. I'll admit, there are pieces that I don't like as much as I did when I started them, but I've decided to finish them anyway. If I still don't care for them, I can always pass them on to someone who would like the piece or donate them to a charity of some sort. I know it's strange, but I have this huge need to finish those that I started.

Celtic Spring Update

Finally, I've been able to post a pic of Celtic Spring. Here she is with another 10 hours of stitching on her, bringing my total up to 42.75 hours.

I didn't want to put her aside, but I have the Mystery SAL to work on, and then there's the needle roll and Wolf Portrait to finish this month. So far, I've been doing pretty well on my stitching goals for the month. I'm hoping to put a check next to each one :)

I should have part one of the Mystery SAL finished by tomorrow - so look for that posting. It's really bright and cheerful. I look forward to the new posting on Wednesday!

Mystery Update

Thank you all for such nice comments about the mystery piece! It's such a fun stitch, and I'm finding it hard to put down. I wish I had more time to be able to put into it. The colors are so vibrant and cheery - a total opposite of the weather here. We are getting hit with a winter storm, and even though we have snow now, it's supposed to turn to rain, making it dark and dreary. This piece is just what I need!

Here's my update for today.


This piece has to be put aside now, so I can get my last hour in on Celtic Spring. I hope to have an updated picture of CS tomorrow.

Mystery SAL Begins!

I love mysteries, and mystery stitch-alongs are one of my weaknesses. When Helga Mandl and Barbara Ana announced that they would be doing a Mystery SAL, I had to join in the fun. The SAL is taking place at the Wonderful XS World yahoo group, and yesterday the first part of the piece was posted. I'm stitching mine on 14 ct. smoketone which I pulled out of my stash.


Celtic Spring has almost 10 hours in - just another day of working on it, and I'll have met this month's goal. If I keep this up, I'll have it finished this year. :)

I Don't Like Sharing!

At least not when it comes to my PC. DH's laptop died on him, and is in need of a new part, so until the part arrives and can be fixed (I'm hoping it can be!!), I have to share. sigh.... The worst part was DH was home for part of the week sick, so he was online quite a bit during that time. Plus, with him home sick, I didn't get much time to stitch.

I did do a little sorting of things, and pulled out a needle roll that I had started a while ago. I had made a mistake on it somewhere, and try as I might, I couldn't find the mistake and back it would go into the WIP box for another time to examine it. This time, I decided that I would continue to stitch it if I found the mistake or not. I looked and looked, and try as I might, I couldn't find it. So I started stitching - and found it! Things were ripped back and fixed, and I now have more than two rows done on it.

Here is "Olde English Needle Roll" by Sweetheart Tree, after finding the boo-boo and adding a couple more rows.

And here it is as it stands today. I'm now ready to start row 12 - the middle row. Another thing I can soon cross off my list of long time WIPs/UFOs. The color on this scan is more accurate than the one above.


It really is a pretty piece, and I forgot how much I love stitching band samplers. I need to get my Just Nan's out and start working on them again.

With working on the needle roll, I didn't get much done on "Wolf Portrait". The one wolf is really starting to show, even with the little bit that I did.


New Contest

Tomorrow starts a Contest on the Lavender & Lace Bulletin Board. I have committed to stitching 30 hours on "Celtic Spring" over the contest period. I 'm looking forward to about doubling the amount of time I have on her now. Here she is at 32 and 3/4 hours.

I still haven't decided if I want to just stitch the girl of if I want the boarder around her. The boarder is beautiful, but I don't like how the word "Spring" is. I would have to rechart it to make it so it fits and I don't know if I really want to do that. I'll see when I come to that bridge.

Well, now it's off to make dinner and hopefully get a few stitches in tonight.

A Great Weekend to Finish Things



It was a good weekend. One that I actually pulled out the sewing machine and did finished a couple of things. Usually, I finish stitching, and then the item goes into a box to be a someday project - when the sewing machine comes out or I've found a couple of nice frames on sale.



First I have a stitching finish for Friday. I finally finished stitching "From the Heart" needle roll. It only took me 8 years from start to finish :) (Hey - I had a lot of good excuses!)


I was so ambitious, that I even finished it into a roll.



While the sewing machine was out, I decided to finish my House-Mouse piece. "A Mother's Work" is now up and hanging in my living room:







(Please excuse my photo - the piece is not really hanging crooked, it's the photographer LOL).

New Focus Piece

I had to pull a new piece out of my WIP box to make as my focus piece. Already two off the list. If I keep going like this, I will be able to knock the list to the lowest it's been in years. I feel like I'm getting more in control with each piece that I finish.

My new focus piece is called "Wolf Portrait" by Dimensions and is being stitched on 14 ct. black Davosa. When I purchased it, I didn't realize there was a sheen to the black as well as the obvious design - looking a bit like huck weave. I started the design on it, to find I didn't care for the Davosa, but instead of frogging/tossing, I've decided to finish it and see if it's really as bad as I had thought. This is where it stands as of this morning:

All my WIP's and UFO's seem to have a reason why they have sat in the box so long. From being set aside because of receiving a model, to really hating stitching a piece, to a change in recipients - like no one wanting it after it's been started. Every one has a little story of why it has taken so long to be finished. I wonder how many others have a box of stories?