Well, it's been a while, but I'm finally back!! Just a few more days before I choose for the giveaway...any other takers? It's not too late to sign up!
I've been pretty busy lately. We've been working on getting a used car for our son. The transmission went in the old Honda Civic and it wasn't worth repairing...so we found a little Nissan Sentra, but we are having some issues getting it registered. I hope they work out the kinks soon, I'm tired of being stranded!! LOL
I have been able to put a few stitches in here and there. Today I spent catching up on two SALs I'm working on. First is Mary's Sampler II that is being offered on Plum Street Samplers blog. I love that it comes in small installments that you can work up in an hour or so! I'm working this on 32 count over one but have some black fabric that I hope to make it again on 36 over two. The next installment should be out next Sunday.
The second is The Way to Happiness being offered on this blog. I don't know when the next installment is being posted, but this last one was posted on the first of the month. I love the saying!!
The third is going to be a Christmas gift for one of three daughters in a family. The love the Disney princesses so I decided to give them the Snow White piece I had made in '95, this Sleeping Beauty that I am working on now, and a Cinderella piece I hope to start soon. Hopefully I'll get them done and framed by Christmas. Wish me luck!!
We had a little visitor to our back door. I've never seen frogs climb windows before, and just had to take a picture. I tried to get him to say "cheese" but he would only say "rippit, rippit" !! LOL
The last visitor to DJ's Digs brought along her own treats!! Pumpkin donuts...and my were they good!! Freshly baked, they made my whole house smell delicious!! I'm not a very good guest as I rarely take such goodies to her house...I'm surprised she keeps inviting me back! LOL Can't you just smell the pumpkin?
Since it's still October, I just have to remind you to get your breast exams! It was never my favorite thing to do, but so glad I did when I found my breast cancer early. Those who love you will thank you!!
See you next posting! *Hugs*
It's that time of year again! It's October, so you know what I'm talking about, Breast Cancer Awareness.
It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month...so I want
to nag...ahem...I mean remind you all to get your annual check up! I
found my cancer early because of an annual mammogram. According to
doctors and statistics I was "too young" to have my type of cancer. I know of others who found theirs by their monthly self exam. http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam
There was no breast cancer in my family until I found mine...so I'm
living proof that it can happen to anyone. For the sake of your family
and loved ones, PLEASE get yourself checked...and this means you guys
too! Men CAN get breast cancer!! If you do not have the funds to pay
for a mammogram, there are programs to offer them free. http://ww5.komen.org/LowCostorFreeMammograms.html Those who love you and care about you will thank you!
I've been working hard trying to get a few things ready for this giveaway. I've got three scissor fobs that I will be giving away, though only two are complete. By the time I have the giveaway near the 18th of this month, I will have all three done. All you need to do is leave a comment, consider getting your mammogram or follow the link to see how to do a self exam, and chose ONE design that is your favorite. Here are your choices...
I used a pattern for these that was also a giveaway of sorts. If you donate at least $15.00 to the Susan G Komen 3-day under Belinda's name from Blue Ribbon Designs, she will give you a pattern called Red Rosies and Pink Posies. I stitched these three scissor fobs from that pattern. It's a worthy cause and the pattern is worth so much more than the $15.00 donation! Here is the link where you can find the information to donate and how you can receive your pattern. http://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/2013/07/red-rosies-and-pink-posies.html
I mentioned last time that I only need a few more people to follow me and I will be having another giveaway. I received a bag full of stuff from a friend who collected them for me. There were 7 complete kits, two iron on transfers, and two sewing patterns for stuffed animals. I'm going to post the pictures, and will eventually decide on one of these as the giveaway. If you click on any of these pictures, it will enlarge it so you can see clearly what I am offering. I only need four more people!!
I've been busy since I came back from New York. My family and I attended the last game of the season for the Orioles in Baltimore. They played the Red Sox and WON! It was a VERY exciting game!
I also took a road trip to Ocean City with my buddy, Marie. We went to visit a fellow breast cancer survivor who is the one who gifted me with all the wonderful kits and things. It was a great day, we made a side trip to The Salty Yarns. What a fun place to explore.
Last but not least, I've been getting some stitching and crocheting done! I finished another baby afghan!!
I started Mary's Sampler a SAL from Plum Street Samplers. I'm using DMC on 32ct over one linen. You can find the pattern here.
I also started another SAL, one that I LOVE the saying. I've been so busy I haven't gotten far but hope to catch up soon. You can find the pattern on this blog.
I also restarted Sleeping Beauty. The count was too high and the floss coverage wasn't what I wanted...it looks much better now.
I'm still on the hunt for a Cinderella pattern, so if you know of one, please let me know!!
The last thing I would like to comment on is the Government shut down here in the US. Unfortunately this is affecting my family since both my guys are federal employees. This has a trickle down effect as those people who provide services for federal employees are also affected as well as the local economy. I just want to let those know who are affected, that you are in my prayers and I sincerely do feel your pain. We do not know if we will get paid if/when the government starts up again, but there are those out there who do know, there will be no pay, nor any hope of pay, until the government opens for business again. I know that tempers are HOT right now, so please be kind to one another. Insensitive comments cut deep when lives are in turmoil. Remember to comment if you would like one of the scissor fobs pictured above! *hugs*
Hi there!
Thanks for stopping back again! I've been a busy lady this week, though very little to show for it, but here goes!!
First off is a baby afghan I finished. This was an unusual one, like I've never done before. I do like the way it came out though...what do you think? I wish you could feel how soft this is!!
As soon as I finished this one, I started another. I am on the last round of the border, but I threw in the towel yesterday. The picots are getting to me, there are so many of them. I'll have to find a day when I'm a little more patient. I do love this pattern, even though it seems a bit small.
I started a cross stitch for some girls I know who are into the Disney Princesses. I finished a Snow White many years ago but never got it framed. I found it recently and tried to figure out who to give it to. I decided on this one family, but they have three girls. I found a Sleeping Beauty pattern, but now am searching for a Cinderella pattern. I want it to compliment the other two...and I'm struggling. Does anyone have a Cinderella pattern I could borrow/buy? Next time I post I'll have the Snow White piece and more of this one so you can see what I'm talking about and then let me know where I can find a complimentary pattern. I'm hoping to have these as Christmas gifts so time is of the essence!!
I'm going to start two SALs soon. I have the materials standing by, I just need to find a quiet moment to get started. I'll share where I've found them in case you are interested. One starts tomorrow and can be found on the Plum Street Samplers Blog. It's a mystery, but since I love her patterns I'm sure I'm going to like the results. It's a Christmas theme and named Mary's Sampler. You can find the information here.
The second is already in progress and I think the second part will be coming out soon. Again, I have the materials standing by, but can't seem to find the time to get this started. I love the saying and she has it charted for different languages. You can find this SAL here.
Last, but not least, I keep watching the number of followers I have. I'm almost to 200. If I ever do reach that number, I'm thinking of having a giveaway. I haven't decided what that will be just yet, or how I'll choose the recipient. But if you know of someone who is not a follower just yet, let them know about my giveaway ok? Thanks!
I haven't seen this little guy around lately. Seems someone has been taking care of our little lost "Garfield". I think it's hilarious that he stops by to torment Thomas from time to time.
We seem to get lots of little visitors to DJ's Digs...just check out what is on the outside of my screen this morning. I'm glad I'm on the inside!! I can't tell what he is from the underside, but bugs give me the willies either way!!
This weekend will be a little tense I guess, as the government decides what to do with the budget. My prayer is that they will settle the budget before the first of the fiscal year. Since they are our primary...well only...source of income at the moment, it could get a little dicey around here without paychecks coming in. I worry about our country lately with all that is going on. It makes me want to run for congress or the senate just to knock some sense into the folks in Washington. I'm afraid it would be a losing battle though. Anyway, let's hope they settle things soon. A lot of people in this area depend on government jobs.
I still haven't finished the scissors fobs, but please don't forget to check back in October for the Breast Cancer Awareness giveaway!! The drawing will be sometime around the 18th!
Till next time, happy stitching!
Hi Folks!
I've returned from the North Country...after a much needed time of unplugging and relaxing. Sometimes the world gets a little too hectic for me, and I long for the slow paced uncluttered, unfettered life of "Home". I grew up in a little town in Northern New York, home to 5,000 people (well 4,999 since I left home...LOL) where the nearest movie theater and mall is a 30 minute drive, where the highlight of the week in the summertime is the farmer's market in the village park, where the county fair is held, and where my Mom doesn't have internet so I have to go to the local McDonalds if I want to access it. (I lovingly call it the "black hole"...though I think that ticks my Mom off). In all honestly, I love to visit when I want to escape the fast paced life of Maryland. And no matter where I live...that will always be my ultimate "home".
I chose to go on the spur of the moment, without the guys. I like to make one last trip "north" before the snow flies. There are mountains between here and there, so once it snows in the higher elevations it makes the 8 hour drive a bit tricky. I was hoping to catch the fall foliage at it's peak, but I guess I was a week or two early. I did get to drive up into the Adirondack Park and get some pictures my last full day there. It's my favorite time of year, where caramel apples, apple cider and hot chocolate are the treats of the season...and the forests are bedecked in their finest. I truly love the area, but dislike the huge amounts of snow they get each year. I doubt I will ever live up there permanently again, but it's wonderful to visit!! I enjoyed my visit so much I stayed four days longer than planned! LOL
I was able to reconnect with a few people I haven't seen in a long time. One lady (who I didn't get a picture of but just recently connected with on Facebook I hadn't seen in 35 years!!) met me one day for coffee.
My best friend from grade school, who I've known since we were 7 years old, and I had dinner twice (she survived my cooking one night when I made pasties for her and my Mom) and spent a day at a "Fiddler's Fling". As my Mom said, we giggled together just like we did in high school. It was such a treat to see her, and spend time with her. Thanks, Donna, for spending so much time with me during this visit. We HAVE to do that again soon!! When I visit with my guys they are always too busy to share me with anyone...so we took full advantage. Here we are together...and a few pictures of the "Fling" we attended. I was truly impressed with this band, as they played and sang, called square dances and entertained us.
I HAD to take pictures of this guy...only in the North Country would you find someone like this character. He confused the set of square dancers he was dancing with, but was clearly having the best time, dancing with any lady who would say yes!
I also connected with a former college floor mate of mine and her husband when we had lunch with them at the Depot Cafe. I think my college days were the best of my life, and hanging with my friends from that time bring back such fond memories. Not only was the conversation fun, but so was the atmosphere of this little cafe. And the food was phenomenal!! Thanks Teresa and Guy for the wonderful lunch and conversation!
As I said before I made a flying trip to the Adirondacks to take a few leaf pictures. We stopped in Wanakena, where my Great Aunt used to live. It was always a magical place for me, deep in the woods along the shore of Cranberry Lake. This little cabin along the shoreline would be a dream property of mine! I would love to live right there!! There is a Ranger School there, and just celebrated 100 years last year.
I only wish I had taken a few videos of these rivers we crossed. I love the sound of the rushing water, and the feel of the crisp clean air. Just thinking about it is making me "homesick". I truly love the beauty of the "Forever Wild Adirondack Park."
Now you're probably wondering if I got any stitching done? The answer to that is YES!! I started and finished stitching three giveaways for Breast Cancer Awareness month. I am hoping to finish them into scissor fobs this coming week and they will be up early next month for you to sign up for the drawing. I can't decide just how to finish them yet but I've still got a week.
I finished a little bit of the birds, I thought I had a frame for them, but it appears they won't quite fit. I'll have t think of something else to do with these little guys. This was stitched on 40 count over one.
I started and finished this little kit for a necklace. I'm not quite sure how it's supposed to go together as there are no directions. I'll have to figure that out one of these days, but here's what I have so far. This was stitched on 40 count over two.
I also started this Cmon Monde pattern called Frimas. You can find a picture of the finished project here. I've been stitching it on 32 count over one. I think the color is pewter, but don't quote me on that...LOL. I'm half done, and hope to finish in the next few days. I wanted a smaller projects to work on while at Mom's, as there isn't a lot of room to work on the larger projects. I nearly finished everything I took...for once I didn't over pack cross stitch projects!! LOL!!
Last, is a picture of the baby afghan I've been working on. I have never quite seen an edging like this one. It's been slow going because I've never done a finish like this and have had to really concentrate on it. I hope it looks ok as it is a gift for someone. I see some "blocking" in my future as it doesn't seem to want to lay flat. Hopefully I will finish it sometime this week!
Ooops, I nearly forgot to let you know about the free SAL on Plum Street Samplers blog. I'm hoping to get my supplies together and stitch this along with the others. Here is the information! Have fun! I love Paulette's Designs!
Hopefully next week I'll be back working on those crazies from last year. This year is winding down and I still haven't finished too many that I started a year ago January. I truly need to get my buns in gear. I hope I haven't bored you with too many details of my trip...but I must say, for a spur of the moment trip from the hip, I had a wonderful time and truly hated to leave. See you again soon with my giveaways!! Keep watching!
Hi folks!
Just a quickie here as I'm packing my bags and getting ready to head north to visit my Mom before the snow flies. I just wanted to post my latest finish before I finish packing. Here is The Three Wise Men by Blackberry Lane Designs. I wanted to finish this before I leave...so stayed up until 2 AM, but it was worth it! Now if I behave myself I might be able to finish this before Christmas! What is really thrilling to me is that it was another of the crazies from 2012!!
I posted the traveling pattern today, so Lany, keep your eyes peeled, it is on it's way to you!
I'm taking some stitching with me as I'm hoping to start a project as a giveaway next month for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I'm not sure what all I will have, so keep checking back. I'll probably have the giveaway near my birthday on the 18th.
Traveling mercies would be appreciated. It's a long drive and I'm traveling by myself. See you when I get back!
Hi there!
Have you all been on pins and needles waiting to see who won the Traveling Pattern? Well you can all take a huge breath! The winner is... (drum roll please)...lanybleu!!! If you would please email your address to me at tickledpinkone@yahoo.co.uk I will get that in the mail shortly!! Thank you to the rest of you who participated. Please remember the rules, you must stitch this up quickly and send it on to the next person. The person you pick must have a blog. It has been such a pleasure to participate and I hope you will enjoy stitching this as much as I have!
Please keep watching this space. October is coming up and I will be having a giveaway next month. Not only is it my birth month, it's breast cancer awareness month, and you know how near and dear it is to me to get the word out. I'm glad I reminded myself, as I have to get something stitched!!
Lastly, before I head out the door, I just wanted to post an updated picture of The Three Wise Men I've been stitching. I haven't had much time this week, but hopefully tomorrow I'll have some time to make progress. I can't wait to see this finished!
Hope you are having a good weekend. Happy stitching!!
