Yes, I have perfected the art of procrastination...LOL I really should be upstairs finishing off my stitching room which I have been working on for 3 weeks now. I've hit a roadblock...I need some hanging file folders so I can sort and organize and store away all my patterns. Ok, don't laugh so hard! I think they might all fit in the filing cabinet I have...and I've sort of sorted them...into accordion file folders ...well some of them anyway, the rest are in boxes...but I'm stuck for the moment. And then life happened. Ben had a birthday... the big 25! And then it was my Mom's birthday...and then Father's day, so the weekend was pretty much a blur. We actually went out to a restaurant for Ben's big day...the first day they were open for business to eat inside. Yep, we took the plunge. It was a fun evening, honestly. And nice to spend time with the kids. We still kept our distance and wore masks, but it was almost like being back to normal.
Because I'm waffling about how to sort and store my patterns, I decided I needed to stitch...so I started finishing up some small projects I had going that I found while I was sorting.
I should have taken pictures where I had left off ages before...but here is Live Laugh Love by La-D-Da. It is stitched on 35 count straw over one. I love the colors of the silks I used in this piece!!
I also finished up God in my Garden by Tempting Tangles. This was a SAL that recently published the last part of the pattern last week. This is stitched on 32 Antique Ivory over one. It was a pretty quick stitch! I used silks on this one too, but not the recommended Dinky Dyes it called for.
I have wanted to stitch this ornament for ages. It's from the 2016 JCS Ornament issue and was designed by Swallick Stitchery and it called Waiting for Santa. I stitched this on Mocha 32 count over one. Love those little sheep butts! LOL
I was able to stitch the Birds and Blackwork flowers SAL for this month also. This was designed by Lesley Teare....I just love these designs. This was stitchedon 28 count over two!
Last is The Stockings Were Hung by Rovaris. This was from the 2019 JCS Ornament issue and was stitched on 28 count lambswool over two. I think I might leave it in the hoop to finish it...I'll have to think a little more about it before I completely decide.
I've been asked to stitch The Last Supper again...so I've been gathering materials. Once I get a little more of the things I want to finish caught up I'll get started...so watch this space!
And now it's back to the sewing room...let's hope I get some file folders soon!! I hope you are all getting your home improvement projects finished before we are allowed out of our houses! Keep safe everyone and Happy Stitching!
Hello Fellow Stitchers!
Yes, it's that time of month again when we showcase our needlework that have been or are gifts. Jo, over at Serendipitous Stitching hosts this lovely challenge where we showcase our work that has been gifted. You can read about the rules and sign up to take part in the challnege here (click here) and see what others are posting here (click here).
Last month was a bit crazy as I participated in Maynia...where I made up my own rules. I started out thinking I would stitch only on things I had already started and choose a different WIP each day, but I tired of that quickly...and then just started stitching on things I had kitted too. I was able to stitch on something new every day, and if I finished something, then I would go back and try to finish up another small project I had already worked on that month. I got so much stitching done, but I think I burned out a little bit too. Still, it was a productive month...but once that was over, it was time to buckle down and get some work done around the house...so I haven't stitched much since then. So...let's see...where should I start?
I finished another ornament for the kids for Christmas. This was a Shannon Christine design stitched on 40 count natural linen. I really need to get busy and fully finish so many of the things I've worked on! I love how this one came out though...
I also wanted to finish one of the #Be well freebies that was floating around out there. I have so many that I would like to stitch...just no time at the present, but I did finish this one by Hewitt Hill Samplers while we were still in quarantine. This is stitched on 40 count vintage mocha.
I finished the "under top side " of the casket from Sarah Elliott's Sewing Chest. This whole kit was a gift from a friend who was downsizing her stash. There are tons of pieces in this chest, and I'm trying to finish a few here and there before I do the final assembly. This was stitched on 36 count dove linen. The mermaids were stitched over one!
I made a little progress on Flowers and Lace by Kooler Designs. This was a gift from DH one year. He bought the pattern and found all the floss for it as a gift for Christmas. Yup...I'm truly spoiled!!
I also made a little progress on Oh Holy Night by Heaven and Earth Designs. This was also a Christmas gift on a different year from DH. Again, he bought the pattern and all the floss. Isn't he amazing? I wish I made more progress on this...I truly love this design.
Rummaging through my closet I found this half finished piece that was gifted to me at a retreat. This is called My Scissors by Not Forgotten Farm. How do you think I should finish this? Maybe a sweet little pillow? It's also stitched on 40 count over two.
I started a Dimensions kit that had two bookmarks. A friend of mine had picked this kit for me to stitch for her as a gift. That was a couple of years ago...I finally got started on it. Hopefully I can finish it for her for her birthday in January...wish me luck!!
I'm caught up on Gloria so far. This was a Christmas gift from DH this past year. I love this design, and each piece that is published (it's an ongoing SAL) has it's own surprises and delights. While it's a PAIN to stitch on the opalescent, I can't not stitch this, it's really a feast for the eyes.
I guess that's all the most current GG things I have. I'm sure next month it will be slim pickings as I seem to have lost my mojo a bit. It's been a challenge this month as I've been going through stash, moving things out of my sons room to make it my new sewing room. I've determined I might be a cross stitch hoarder...that's the first step to recovery right? It's a little disconcerting, as I've found things from my mother, things from Katie, and even things from my Dad...it's heart wrenching, I'll be honest. I did find cards from when I turned 50...and they had me laughing and crying and remembering all the fun I used to have in the Yahoo groups I belong to. Going through Ben's room is like a time capsule from the last 25 years. Whew...I have to stop I'm probably boring you guys to tears! LOL Let's just say the past two weeks have been quite the walk down memory lane. Time to wrap this up and call it a day. I hope you all are staying well and finding joy in your stitching! Till next time, Happy Stitching!!
And I lived to tell the tale! LOL I made my goal of stitching on something different every day! Yay!! Now to go back and finish up the things I started...and get my June stitching done too! This month should be a piece of cake! (I hope I didn't jinx myself!)
The last two days of May were a blur because so much was going on here in real life...haha. I never though I would be this busy during a quarantine...but this is ME we are talking about...haha.
So on the 30th I stitched on Santa Basket. This is a piece from the Cross Stitch Christmas 2003 issue. When I started I thought he might be a quick stitch...man was I WRONG!! I know you can't see it in the picture, but his beard has pearl Kreinik blending filament in it...I HATE that stuff but LOVE the way it looks. I read a little while ago to stitch the cotton floss first, then just do the half stitch of the blending filament over the top. I have to say it really does look better to me, so have been doing it that way since. Keep in mind that almost doubles your stitching though. UGH!! His beard took the longest of everything! I was going to give this as a gift to a friend of mine who likes Santas, but I fell in love with the little guy...so don't tell my friend...but I'm keeping him for myself! LOL!!! (I really doubt I'll stitch that little time sucker again!). He is stitched on 40 count white over two, so I'm wondering if the jingle bell is a little too big for him...but I'm leaving him just the way he is! I only got this far...
But I loved him so much that I worked a few more days and finished him up last night. So now he looks like THIS! The reason he's called Santa Basket is because he's supposed to be finished on top of a basket...but I think I'll finish him as a round ornament. Watch this space, hopefully in a few weeks I'll be getting some finishing done!
On the 31st I pulled out Kringles from Little House Needleworks. I LOVE this pattern...but I HATE working on this blasted roof! My patience can only handle so much of this part of the pattern. I'll nibble away until I have the roof done, then hopefully the rest will come along quickly. I didn't get far this day, and went back to the Santa.
And that's a wrap for Maynia. Hopefully June will bring a lot of finishes, fingers crossed! Happy Stitching!
This was my stitching from today, May 29th. I ended up choosing Flowers & Lace by Kooler Designs. I realized after I had stitched the butterfly, that I had made a mistake counting. So....it had to come out. I set it aside for a few months because I was so discouraged. But...I decided today was the day and I would make it part of Maynia. I had to frog something else this month...so why not this one too. So...here are before...after I removed the butterfly, and after I had restitched it!
This is how it looked on March 18th.....
After I had frogged the butterfly....
And how it looks now. *Huge sigh of relief* Now I can pick it up and begin stitching without the "dread" of frogging hanging over me.
So....what will tomorrow bring? Decisions, decisions... Happy Stitching everybody!!
Hello Fellow Stitchers!
The last couple of days have been a little bit busy here...We have little things we do during the week... a telephonic Bible study on Wednesday, a zoom Bible study on Thursday, a zoom stitch party on Thursday morning and lately we have been taking a drive to Annapolis for various reasons. Our taxes are finally done...yay!! We even visited where we will be holding our church services once they are able to resume. Sunday morning and Sunday evening we watch online sermons. Life in quarantine...so exciting! LOL I'm glad I had Maynia to keep me doing something different every day! I've searched through part of my stash, until I find either an old WIP or something I had kitted up! When May is finally over I'm going to really go through my stash and get everything organized. Since Ben moved out I'm going to reorganize his room and make it my stitching room. I can't wait to get organized and set it up nice and comfy and start stitching in there. Watch this space, I'll take pictures as soon as it's done.
On to the Maynia mania...LOL I left off on Saturday May 23. I stitched on O Holy Night by Heaven and Earth Designs. Here are before and after pictures. This is stitched on 28 count ivory over one. I hadn't been marking the pattern as I was stitching (I'm going to have to fix that!!!) and it took me ages to figure out where I was in the pattern. I had started gridding it too, and that has helped somewhat. I sincerely hope to put a lot more stitches in this this year. Wish me luck!!
On May 24th I stitched on Potted Poinsettia by Little House Needleworks. I stitched on 32 count ivory over two and finished it on the same day!
Then I picked up Sarah Elliott's Sewing Chest and finished stitching the underside top of the chest. Two finishes in one day! Yay Me!!
On May 25th I stitched on Be Still and Know by My Big Toe. I was able to finish this in one day!! It was stitched on 32 count ivory over two using the hand dyed fibers it called for.
On May 26th I rummaged around and found Bless My Scissors by Not Forgotten Farm. This was a gift from a friend that I received at our St. Michaels retreat. I had started it at the retreat, then tucked it away and in the mad dash after getting home, forgot where I had put it. It's amazing the things you find sorting through your stash!! LOL It's nice to have it stitched...now to finally finish!
May 27th I found another half finished project. This is Live Laugh Love by La D Da. I had stitched this a long time ago then gave it away as a gift to someone. I still had all the Belle Soie silks, and had started one for myself. I have before and after pictures...hopefully I'll actually finish this one and get it framed. I love the sentiment on this one. It's stitched on 3o count WDW straw over one. I love working with silks!!!
Yesterday May 28th I worked on Giving Thanks. I found the pattern, hand dyed floss, and fabric sitting in a bag that I had bought when it first was published. Yes, I have a pretty extensive stash!! I have always loved this pattern, and I really hope I can finish a lot of the things I started in May next month! Wish me luck!! This is stitched on 36 count Lakeside Buttercream over two. I love how it looks!!
That brings me to today. I'm not sure what I will pick up today, I'm ready to get back to a big design. I'll post what I stitch the next time I'm able.
We've been keeping our bird feeder full...and I'm fascinated by the birds we have visiting our feeder. Seems we see different birds out there all the time. We changed the seeds we had out there because store we get our seed from (Wild Birds Unlimited) wasn't open for a while. The seed brought in different birds...that was an interesting find! So when we were able we switched back to our other seed, it brings in the smaller birds which I think are more fun to watch. We haven't been able to identify all the birds yet, and I get a giggle out of the ones who like to eat upside down! I haven't been able to get a picture of that one, but I think we identified it as a White Breasted Nuthatch. I'll leave you with a few pictures of the birds. Sorry for the dirty window...with the humidity and off and on storms we've been having, you never know what condition the windows will be in from day to day...LOL!!
Hoping everyone is safe and well and that you are finding things to occupy your time. My hairdresser finally opened, and we have an appointment for tomorrow. I'll finally be able to see again! As my Mother would say....I look like the Wild Woman From Woolly! LOL Stay safe, and Happy Stitching!
Don't ask me where I've been...I couldn't tell ya...LOL!! The past week was a blur. I lost all track of days, I couldn't tell you what I've done, or who I talked to. I switched projects every day and hopefully I made enough notes so I know what I stitched on each day, but I'm making no promises. I've heard it called COVID Fog. I might blame it on allergies. I do know I wound up last night with a fierce headache and it feels like the left side of my face is on fire. I think it all settled into my sinuses and my ear...if I'm not better by Monday I'll call the Doc. In the meanwhile, I'll try to write out this blog post with as few grammatical and spelling errors as possible. LOL I want/need to record what I'm doing otherwise I'll forget.
I want to thank those who faithfully comment on my blog and I do apologize for not answering you as often as I should. I'm trying hard to limit my time online as I really think all the wretched news and exposure to whatever emits from these devices are not good for you!! I find when I sit down I open Facebook and I just get sucked in. So far I've been able to keep my opinions to myself for the most part but some of the things people write are upsetting and it's bad enough I have to hear daily rants from DH who keeps the news on almost 24/7. It's tough living with a person with a Political Science degree. LOL
Ok, on to the important stuff. Let's see....where did I leave off? (Pulling up my blog in another window... ) Holy smokes has it really been since May 15th?? This is really going to test the old grey matter. Ok...here goes....
On May 15th I stitched on Vierlanden Diamond Stags by Weihenburg Designs. I am using Pacific Blue Gloriana silk and this is stitched on 28 count ivory over one. I love how this is coming out...I'm not sure why it was stuck in a box and stored for so many years, but in cleaning out some boxes I found it. As soon as Maynia is over I hope to devote some more time to this! The last time I stitched on this was in April 2017. Here are before and after photos
On May 16th I stitched up a Wedding Ornament by Shannon Christine Designs real quick. I thought it was appropriate to stitch this on the 16th as that would have been Ben and Heather's wedding day had the virus not caused it to be rescheduled. Turns out it was serendipitous that the wedding had been postponed as Ben developed appendicitis that morning and spent nearly the rest of the day in the Emergency Room and had an emergency appendectomy that evening. The Lord truly works in mysterious ways! They sure will have some lovely stories to tell their kids and grandkids one day! This was stitched on 40 count Burch over two.
On May 17th I worked on Tulip Shaker Box by Jeanette Douglas Designs. I found this while on vacation in Ocean City. I love her designs, and thought I had found all the fibers I needed...then realized when I went to start it that I didn't. Don't ask me to recall which ones I substituted...and quite frankly I'm not in love with how this is turning out so I may switch colors later. I couldn't even tell you what fabric I'm using....COVID brain strikes again! I think it might be 40 count flax over two.
On May 18th I worked on a Dimensions kit Elegant Bookmarks I bought a few years ago. I'm thankful my friends are either as forgetful as I am, or REALLY forgiving...haha. I bought this while my friend, Donna, was visiting from NY. I promised to stitch these for her and then kinda lost the kit. While cleaning I found it and thought I would stitch one up real quick for Maynia....well, that didn't happen. It's stitched on 14 count Aida, and there are a lot of 1/2 and 1/4 stitches so it's driving me mad and slowing me waaaaaay down. Maybe by her birthday next January I'll get er done. Fingers crossed!!
On May 19th I worked on Be Well by Hewitt Hill Samplers. This is one of the quarantine freebies that are out there. I wanted to stitch on one while locked down...and I thought this would be perfect as my thoughts have been on Ben...hoping he didn't contract anything while in the ER the previous Saturday. He's feeling much better these days so hopefully he dodged getting the virus. This is stitched on 40 count Vintage Mocha over two. I should have stitched it on white, I think it would have looked a little more colorful.
On May 20th I stitched on 12 Berries of Christmas - 8 Maids a Milking by Erica Michaels. I started this series a while ago...and I really hope to finish up the last 4 this year. I would love to display them at Christmas time along with the other set of 12 Days ornaments I hope to finish this year. I think this is stitched on 32 count Mocha over two.
On May 21st I stitched on Quakers in France. I started this when the SAL started...I think it was last year. It got set aside when I had to go to NY to take care of my Mother's estate...and I kind of lost track of it again. This is another one that I found while cleaning out things earlier this year. I had the first part done, and I thought I would finish at least one other part...no such luck. But I do like the colors of the motifs in this one, so hopefully when the month is over I can get back to some of these half finished items and get them done! This is stitched on 40 count vintage mocha over two. For once I have before and after pictures!!!
On May 22nd I pulled out another one I found while cleaning. This is a combination of Sheep in the Meadow by Country Cottage Designs and the Sheep Virtues by Little House Needleworks. I'm going to be changing some of the colors to help them to look good together. I started this so many years ago I can't remember when....and realized I made a huge mistake. This is stitched on 28 natural over one...and a good portion needed to be frogged before I could begin stitching on it again. I spent two hours frogging, and then filled in a little bit before I set it aside for the night. Pat Carson recently posted a graph that explained how it had to be altered so it would fit and now I have guidance how to stitch it up correctly. I love this one so much and am excited to be back on the right track! This one will be hard to put down once I have time to devote to it! Here are before and after pictures....remember I frogged a TON of over one, so the smaller picture is the most recent.
That brings me to today. I had set aside the Nativity by Heaven and Earth Designs to work on today, but since I woke up with this nagging headache, I think it might be too hard to concentrate on. I think I'll go back up and rethink what I'll stitch today...and hopefully will be back soon with pictures to show you what I've been up to! I hope you have a thoughtful and respectful Memorial Day weekend, remembering those who have fallen in defense of our country. It's a gorgeous day here today, I might take a walk and meditate on how grateful I feel that I live in this great country....and remember those who gave all for our freedom. Happy Stitching
