Framing Fiend

Hi there!

I promise I haven't fallen off the planet.  I've just been one crazy, busy chick...as opposed to being just plain crazy.  LOL!!

Where do I begin?  I will show you some stitching I've been up to.  I signed up for an ornament exchange and was searching through some patterns in different years of Just Cross Stitch magazine.  I stumbled across some Shepherd's Bush designs and realized the words on the patterns made a little poem.  I have a couple quadrille patterns and I thought hmmmm....I wonder if I could make a quadrille out of these four patterns.  They were very close in size, so I did a little caculations, and by George, I think this just might work!!  So...here they are stitched, and nearly ready to make into a quadrille.  They are stitched on 40 ct summer khaki over two threads with one strand of floss.  I used what I hope are DMC equivalent for most of the colors called for.  I just have to find a tutorial or directions somewhere, and the charms for them.  What do you think?  If this all works out I may make another one with the pattern 2000 years ago by Shepherd's Bush.

 

I've been working toward getting things together for Christmas gifts, therefore I can't show you EVERYTHING I've been stitching...but I can show some pictures of some gifts for people who don't read my blog.  I'm so excited to finally be getting some things framed that have been lying around the house, I'm giddy with excitement!!  I wish I had more money, I would get a few more things framed!

Mouse sent me a lighthouse several months ago.  I'm embarrassed to say it has taken me this long to get it framed.  I really do love it to pieces, Mouse!!  And now it will finally have a home on my wall.

I was able to find a really cool frame for Pirouette in Purple.

I love the color of this frame, it perfectly matched the colors in this little sampler.

Winter made it into a frame just in time!!

And last are the three Disney Princesses I made for our Pastor's daughters.  Here are Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White.  I am breathing a little easier!!

Oh...almost forgot!!  I have made progress on Mary's Sampler and have just finished part 8!!

And that, as they say, is that.  Other than an attempt to put this ornament together, and possibly work on another, I will have to lay my stitching aside.  I will be putting my crochet talents to the test now...I have more of that to finish for a gift in the near future.  I do hope to finally get back to working on some of those WIPs and UFOs I have screaming from the back of the closet.  They are demanding attention.  I guess I should try to find a rotation schedule...but it's hard when you usually fly by the seat of your pants!!  LOL  Off to get dinner ready for the family.  Happy stitching!

 



 

Thank you

It's Veteran's Day weekend, and I wanted to take a minute to thank the men and women who faithfully serve or have served in our Armed Forces.  This post has nothing to do with stitching...and I won't apologize for that.  My husband served in the Army for over 20 years, retiring nearly 10 years ago now.  We were in Germany when the twin towers fell in New York City and the Pentagon was attacked.  I remember vividly the day that happened, and wrote these words which were later published in the Stars and Stripes Newspaper.  I still feel the same way and am proud to have known so many (including members of my family) who honorably wore their uniforms. 

I pass by soldiers everyday, wearing their helmets, flack vests and
carrying rifles. They check my ID and as I pass, I thank them for being
there. I apologize for them standing in the rain…I feel responsible
because they are there to protect me. I wonder how many of their
comrades they lost in the Pentagon tragedy. I wonder how many of them
will still be alive in a few months. I look into their eyes and wonder
why they signed up for the military…and I’m half tempted to ask them.
They look so tired, many of them work 15 hours or more a day now with
very little sleep. I wonder if it fits the image they had of soldiers
when they ran through fields as children pretending to be brave and
conquering the enemies. I wish to thank them for defending our freedom,
for being brave, for laying their lives on the line so that we can
enjoy the life we have. Our troops not only fight in wars, they rescue
people from disasters, they live in the mud training for weeks in all
kinds of weather so they will be prepared for times like these. They
also have many separations from their loved ones, missing birthdays,
anniversaries, holidays and the birth of their children. I wonder if
their sacrifice is worth it to the people they protect and assist. I
heard one commander say once, that the job these people do EVERY DAY is
to just be there…if they do their job as a ready force, other countries
are less likely to invade us, and a war is less likely. What would make
a person sign up to defend ALL kinds of people in our country? They are
defending good citizens as well as bad, the people who contribute to
society and those that don’t. It’s a thankless job, and people often
treat military as the dregs of society, I know…I’ve seen it. But under
their uniforms, their hearts beat. I’ve seen soldiers passing out candy
to children on their way to school. I’ve seen them line up to donate
blood; I’ve seen them volunteer to do dangerous duty in countries that
don’t want us there. I’ve seen them teach Sunday school, volunteer as
mentors in schools, as scout leaders, and as coaches in school sports.
There are a few bad ones in the bunch, but most of them believe they
are there for a noble cause, and that makes me proud to know them. I
know many that are Christians, who are not afraid to stand up for their
Lord, and who imitate Christ unashamed. I can barely find the words to
say how I feel, and even what I have said doesn’t do them justice. To
the many men and women who serve in our armed forces…. Thank you from
the bottom of my heart. Sincerely,  (Proud wife of a
soldier)

Win, Wander, WIPend, and a little bit of Whine...

Have you been wondering where I've been?  I guess I did drop off the grid for a wee bit.  It's been a bit of a mad house here at DJ's digs...but I think my head is back in the game.  LOL

I'll try to explain my crazy title in a sec, but first there are some people who have been waiting for too long to find out who won the scissor fobs from a couple of posts ago.  

WIN:

Let me congratulate the three people who actually signed up for the giveaway.  They are....

Linda who asked for the house and so will receive the house!
Virpi who will receive the sunflower and rabbit!

Astrid, who has already received the lady with the flower!

Linda and Virpi, if you would please email your mailing address to tickledpinkone@yahoo.co.uk I will be sending those out shortly.  Thank you for your patience and congratulations!!

WANDER:

I have been blessed with the wonderful gift of a friend I met through a yahoo group.  She probably doesn't know how much I admire her, or enjoy our get togethers, or how much her friendship means to me.  A lot of people came into my life when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I truly do cherish the friends I've made.  But Astrid has become like a sister to me.  For my birthday this year, she took me to Harpers Ferry where she patiently waited for me to hobble up hillsides and across bridges and through the woods.  Then treated me to an awesome lunch before we had to hurry back to pick up her son from school.  It was the best time I've had in a while.  Here are some of the sights we say.  Thanks again Astrid, I had a blast...and the next impromptu trip is on me!!

WIPend:

I've been trying to get some Disney Princess stitched up and framed for some very special girls.  They are three sisters who are the children of my Pastor and his wife.  I had stitched this Snow White the year my son was born.  I ran across it not too long ago and wondered what I should do with it since I didn't have any daughters or nieces...so thought about these three girls.   I couldn't give them just one princess...so I scurried around and found two others to stitch for them.  I can breath a sigh of relief now as they are finally finished and will be framed soon.  

Here is Snow White framed (sorry for the craptastic photo)

Sleeping Beauty finished

Cinderella close up and finished...thank you so much Ally for allowing me to borrow the pattern!

Now that those are done I can finally relax and see about getting a few other smaller pieces done for Christmas and such.  I feel like a huge burden has been lifted!

I have been working on a couple of stitch-a-longs when I have time to throw them into the rotation.  The first is Mary's Sampler being offered through Plum Street Samplers...

And the other is  la Pensee Positive being offered on this blog.

Both of them have been a joy to stitch and are working out beautifully.  They are both being stitched over one linen thread, though I will admit, I think I will restitch Mary's Sampler on black over two once I have a chance.  I personally think it will look better over two linen threads.

WHINE:

I've made note of what is what so you can skip any portion that you want.  LOL  This is my little corner where I will explain where I've been.  A couple of weeks ago I was slammed, with my son's car needing repair that was not worth fixing, then finding a car but taking two weeks to sort out the paperwork.  We were fortunate that I wasn't working and we could sort out my guys getting to work and me getting to appointments.  The furlough happened at the same time and both my guys were home for a while...and we were sweating the situation for a wee bit.  I heard from my mother that she might have a very serious condition (she still does but the uncertainty of how it would be managed has been settled), and I thought I might have to make a mad dash to Northern New York to see about her care.   That would have been difficult with the car situation being what it was.  And I found a lump under my arm, that turned out to be scar tissue from a previous surgery.  On top of all that, I'm having some issues with a medication I am taking that is causing some side effects that have been difficult to deal with. All of this happened within a week of each other, and took some time to iron out all the issues.  I must say I was a bit overwhelmed, and I will say I spent a lot of time in prayer.  Most of the things have been ironed out, though I am still very concerned about  my Mom.  I don't think I've had so much go wrong in such a short period of time, and I'm thankful that I have faith in a wonderful Savior who never left my side.  He literally carried me through when I had no idea how I would work everything out.  I tend to retreat within myself when things go wrong, so that's why you didn't hear from me.  The trip to Harpers Ferry was truly a Godsend, and I'm so thankful for my dear friends who may not have known how far I was sinking but still got me out of myself.  God surely knows how to help us when even we don't know where to begin.

And that...as they say...is that!  Have a great day!  And here's hoping my world slows down so I have more time to stitch and blog.  See you next time!

Finally, some progress!!

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*

 

Giveaway!

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*