Monday, February 28, 2011

The calm before the storm...

It's Monday...need I say more? LOL

I started out stitching this morning, before I even got fully out of bed. I think I need my head examined, as I've started TWO new SALs...and I was trying desperately to finish the one part today before another was issued. *Grin* I saw this online and just fell in love with it and just HAD to stitch it...call me crazy. Here's the first part completed.


This SAL called the Star Sampler can be found on this website http://periphaeria.com/tales/ I have done other SAL's from this designer, I just love her designs! I am stitching this on 40 ct Flax linen over two threads (did I hear a collective sigh of relief?) I'm using Anchor floss 45 and 1084. These are the same colors the designer is using, they happen to be two of my favorite colors, that's why I couldn't resist.

The other SAL I started over the weekend is a spring SAL and each part must be completed before you get the next part of the design. I like these patterns because I think they could stand alone. This can be found here, and I think there might be time to sign up if you are as crazy as I am...LOL... http://novalee02.over-blog.com/


I am stitching this design on 40 ct antique white linen over two using the DMC colors she suggested.

The 4th part of the Tree of Stitches SAL from The Stitch Specialists yahoo group came out last week, and I was able to catch up on the Eyelet stitches over the weekend. I had a little trouble with them as the linen threads are uneven, so the stitches came out a bit skewed. Still I love the color of this silk and though I want it to look nice, a few imperfections aren't going to hurt anyone. Here's my progress...


It's Monday, and I usually stitch on Heart of America, along with Babs. Babs, if you are reading this, I just want you to know I love Mondays!! I love thinking about you and praying for you and your husband as I work on this pattern. I hope you were able to get a few stitches in yours today too! Here's a picture of my progress on this one...


I took a picture of this bud a few days ago, but I wanted to show you the outcome of that bud. My hybiscus has been budding lately, and I just love the color of these flowers. I can't express what joy I feel when I see these blooms.


I have to tell you a little story...Our church year ends in February and begins a new year in March. It's just the way they run their finances and things don't ask me why! LOL They had their annual meeting of the church on Sunday, and they had asked DH, DS and I to give a video testimony of what has been going on with us this year. They played the testimony on Sunday. I got so many hugs and kind words about our family, especially my son. It's always nice to hear that your child is special, but I'm touched at how many people enjoy my son. All teenagers have their "issues" at home, but it's touching to hear that he's kind to others and responsible when he's out on his own among his peers. I'm also glad to hear that the way we've handled our situation this year has inspired others and given them hope. I'm a firm believer that we go through trials in our lives so that we can encourage others, or help us grow as people and as Christians, and when I learn that I've helped someone else, it makes the tough times worthwhile. I read something a long time ago about the refining process of gold. It is put through high temperatures so that all the impurities will burn off, leaving the purest possible metal, and you know what it's fully refined when you can see the reflection of the goldsmith in the gold. We are refined until our Master sees His reflection in us...what an awesome thought! What a day that will be when you can see His reflection in me so I welcome the refining process.

Hope you have a great week! I've got about three appointments each day for the next three days, so I doubt you'll see much of me, let alone any stitching updates. I was able to get appointments for almost all those referrals I had this week, so it'll be another week of poking and prodding...oh joy! LOL I'll see you at the weekend if I'm lucky...*Hugs*

9 comments:

Tricia T said...

I'll be thinking about you this week as you go through your appointments. It's lovely to see joy shine through your writing, even amidst physical problems. Praise the Lord!

Your SAL with the chicks is just precious. I have to be good right now and not start anything else new. I need to finish my two blocks for Angel Quilts and get back to the last 8 in my Crazy 15. I've already started kitting up 15 more though!!

Vicky L said...

All of your stitching looks good and you are making very good progress. I, too, am stitching the Spring SAL. I am not done with it yet but maybe tomorrow.

Kathy said...

All your stitching looks fabulous but I just love those chicks. I'll have to look at that SAL. :)

I also love the story about your video tribute. And it is so nice to hear that there really are nice teens. :) And it sure sounds like you have a son to be proud of.

Val said...

You have been busy ! but lovely work on the SALs especially the first one - might just go see about that one !
x

And This Little Pig said...

Hey DJ all looks lovely as usual, and yes you did hear my sigh of relief that you were not stitching over one, and oh thank you for enabling me... of to look at the SAL's
LiBBiE in Oz

Mouse said...

OOhhh dear ... another one ..and another one ..lol ooo you are being good and stitching early doors and over two as well phew !!!.... hope all goes well with the appointments(HUGS) love mouse xxxxx

Carolyn NC said...

Love the new starts - life's short; stitch what you want! Nice progress, too. Love the story at your church...:)

too_busy_to_stitch said...

Wow you do a lot of SALs :) I'm on a non-joining policy at the moment, as I get stressed when I can't keep up! Your testimony sounds wonderful - as does your son...I hope that our children all grow up as 'decent' people too. So far they seem to be doing OK - or at least they keep most of their fighting for within the family usually! (We have five 'blessings' aged from seven up to seventeen.)

MysteryKnitter said...

Beautiful stitching. That Spring one and that other one you stitch with red yarn.