August 1-2, 2009 - Falling off the wagon & a finish

I was absolutely determined to complete the stitching of Ocean Star this weekend, so imagine my dismay when I realized I wouldn't have enough Gold Rush 14 (metallic braid)! Uncle Wes came upstairs as I was having this realization and asked what the trouble was. So I told Wes that there were two places I knew of where I could get the GR; first, was the LYS (Local Yarn Shop) that has treated me shabbily every time I've been there, and the second was a trek of 30 miles to the LNS I usually patronize.

I explained that I'd given the LYS three chances to improve their customer service. On the first visit, all I wanted were the point protectors used for knitting needles. I had to wait for more than 10 minutes while they finished chatting with other customers (not business chat, either). All they had were the sock-shaped ones that wouldn't work because I needed them for the tips of my embroidery scissors. They told me to check the quilt shop, which I did, and where I got perplexed looks from the employees, as if to say "Why would you look for those here?" I told them who referred me. 'Nuff said.

It was also during my first visit when I asked about stitching groups in the area. The lady who was "helping" me made a point to tell me that their table in the store (where three ladies were knitting) was only for knitters with a problem to solve; they didn't have enough room for someone to just sit around and stitch. We'll come back to that...

The second time I went there, I needed stretcher bars for a needlepoint project. They had them, but I had to dig through a bunch of items that were just thrown onto the bottom shelf of their display unit. None of it was organized in any way. I browsed for 15 minutes and wasn't asked if I needed help until I walked into the knitting section of the store.

The third time I purchased some 50% off needlepoint charts. I think they were each $3. The needlepoint section seems to be there only because they still have inventory. None of it is organized in any way, shape, or form. The Mill Hill beads' cases are yellowed because they're so old. I can't get into the needlepoint section without taking both my purse and my stitching bag off my shoulder because they jammed everything in so closely. As I was checking out, the customer beside me asked them to punch her card. I'd made two previous purchases and no one even offered me a punch card! I wasn't offered one this time, either. That did it!

The absolute clincher for me came when I heard one of the ladies in the B&N stitching group talk about the LYS's Thursday night knitting group! I told her that they made a point of telling me I couldn't stitch there and she was completely dismayed. That is when I decided that even if I knew they carried something I needed, I would go elsewhere!

Instead of driving 4 miles each way, I drove 32 miles. I took two more quilt square charts to kit up, too. There's no use in going all that way for one card of metallic floss! And I was baaaaaaaaaad! My name is Beth and I'm a stash-a-holic who reached S.A.B.L.E. (Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy) early last year! I'll go ahead and admit it now.

Here's the evidence of me falling off the wagon. I kitted up Diamond Mosaic by Northern Pine Designs and another quilt square by Nancy Buhl, called Evening Star.

I made one substitution on DM: switching out the rayon Barlitt for Splendor silk. I refuse to stitch with rayon floss; it frays atrociously and is a PITA to work with! I also made a substitution on ES: Caron Watercolours 218-Ash was what the designer used on the white parts. It has grey and tan variations within a snow white floss. When I put it beside the Ruby Watercolours it looked disgusting. I chose to replace the Ash with 146-Moonglow, the same very light floss I used in Ocean Star.

The card of Gold Rush 14, the impetus for the trip to Catonsville, is in the middle and all the goodies for Evening Star are to the left. I also purchased two items from my wish list: the mini thread palette and a strand separator, both by Puffin & Company. I had the dog and cat design on my wish list but I am liking the heart (purchased because it was the only "set" they had) the more I see and use them. I have six cards of metallic on order and TSP will call me when they're in. Evening Star calls for four cards of one color and TSP only had two.
Kasey and I also visited Cloverhill Yarns, where I found a gorgeous kettle-dyed wool and another beautifully-colored yarn that was a rayon blend.

I know rayon floss is disgusting to stitch with so I wouldn't buy a rayon-blend yarn without asking my knitter friends if they like using it. I don't have any patterns and have absolutely no idea how to knit or crochet, but I love to look. We also went into Seminole Sampler, the quilt shop settled between The Stitching Post and Cloverhill. I saw a gorgeous Batik that would go with my Dinky-Dyes quilt squares but I already have another for that purpose. I did purchase some Thread Heaven and two pigment markers. They were less expensive than JoAnn's.

On the way home I stopped at an old lunch haunt I frequented when I worked near BWI airport. I ordered the sushi lunch special to go because I love the salad with ginger dressing they serve with the sushi rolls. I don't like ginger but love this ground ginger dressing! I saved it for when I got home. Kasey had been in and out of the heat long enough so I kept the truck running for her to have air conditioning while I was gone. I always carry two sets of keys so I can do this, just in case.

I stopped at the Goodwill store in the same shopping center to have a quick look around. I purchased a mail sorter cabinet for $4 and five music cd's for $2 each. The cabinet is still in my truck, but I'll bring it in soon to show you. I have to clear off the dining room table so Uncle Wes can put my mail in the slots instead of piling it on the table.

We came home, I brought Daisy back from her pen, and I stitched for the remainder of the night. I didn't finish it, but I made very good progress on the border. I love how it is turning out!

Sunday was a completely lazy day for the girls and me. I watched movies online and stitched all day while Daisy and Kasey slept the hours away. I can't think of a more relaxing and rejuvenating day.

I did some cooking this evening, making meat sauce and cooking some frozen prosciutto tortellini from Trader Joe's. I have to say that I won't be purchasing the pasta again. I have no idea why they call it prosciutto because it just tastes like a mushy ball of cardboard inside the pasta.

The meat sauce was delicious, but the Barilla sauces always are, especially when I add seasoned ground beef. I also cooked a pound of egg noodles to eat with the poached chicken I froze last month. It's an easy, quick meal to put together. I'll probably make a sauce for that later in the week, too.

I finished Ocean Star (Desert Star by Nancy Buhl of From Nancy's Needle) at 1:54p.m. It has been exactly four weeks from start to finish for this project, with 17 days of stitching to complete it. I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am with the results. I'm not at all sorry I changed the colors, as I find the piece stunning. I will probably frame this one!

I decided not to start another quilt square right away. I don't want to get into another larger project until after school starts and I have a handle on how much time I can devote to stitching. I chose to (re)start America by Hinzeit Designs. I ditched the colors I tried using before and am stitching the borders in GAST Freedom and the letters in WDW Garnet. I like what I have seen thus far.

Three Days, Four Stitched Finishes

Yep, you read it right! I've pretty much done nothing but stitch and sleep for the last three days.
I stuck a cross stitch project in my stitching bag when I got close to finishing LCKQ. I didn't want to be out somewhere and not have something to stitch on, yanno? So when I took LCKQ out of my stitching bag Friday night, I saw the chart for Don't Cross Me When I'm Stitchin'. I thought I'd give it a try since it was a simple design and didn't have alot of colors in it. Well, I started it shortly after midnight Saturday morning and it was done that afternoon.

I kitted this up at the retreat in May and this design was my homage to being at the ocean. I found the fabric first and fell in love. I tried several other designs before settling on this one for it. I chose threads that would go with the fabric, but only if they had aquatic-related names. I added the Marigold at the last minute before leaving the house because I thought it needed a splash of color, not all monochromatic teal/aqua. How'd I do?

Don't Cross Me When I'm Stitchin' by Simple Stitches

Finish #15 in the Year of the Sampler

28ct Hand-dyed teal opalescent linen

Stitched with Weeks Dye Works' Ocean, Chesapeake, Bermuda, and Marigold six-strand cotton floss

Since making X's was fun once again I kept on going, next picking up a UFO, I'd Pick You. This is going to be made into a cigar tin. I was working on it at the retreat but put it down when I burned out and switched to LCKQ. Laura has been patiently waiting for her tin and I will get it done soon and either take to her or mail it.

I'd Pick You by Hob-Nobb Designs

Finish #16 in the Year of the Sampler
28ct Lilac evenweave
Stitched with Weeks Dye Works' Okeefenokee and Plum and Gentle Arts' Royal Purple and Shutter Green six-strand cotton floss

Shortly after midnight Sunday I began working on Grandma's birthday present. Her birthday isn't until the beginning of August, but I'm still afraid I'll get tired of making X's again. I'm using that stitching mojo while I have it!

This is another project I kitted up at the retreat. Well, I bought one color of Weeks and the fabric. My aunt's cats all eat at Grandma's (because she HAS to feed them), so there's always one asleep on her porch. Grandma also loves birds and has several hummingbirds that come to her feeders. I thought of her as soon as I saw this design.

I changed the initial on the mailbox from a 'C' to an 'M' for Grandma's last name. I thought about an 'A' for Alice, but no one puts their first initial on their mailbox. I just made up the M on my own. I played around with the middle lines, trying different lengths and angles, but this is what looked "right" to me. I put the last stitch into KwB at 11:56pm Sunday.

Kitty w/Bird by Brittercup Designs

Finish #17 in the Year of the Sampler

32ct Antique White Jobelan

Stitched with Designer-recommended Gentle Arts Sampler Threads six-strand cotton floss

***ADULT CONTENT***

As I was wide awake after midngiht, I went through my drawer of "Favorites" and picked another cross stitch project to do. I chose to do one of the ornaments by StitchBitch. The charts were sent to me by Pirjo in the CSE Wishlist Exchange. This is another chart I kitted up at the retreat in May and is a birthday gift for Mary Ann, who is like a surrogate mother/big sister to my brother and I.

Mac is a Dept. of Natural Resources Police officer and will find this absolutely hilarious. It goes with a stitcker that was on her old truck. The sticker is now framed and hangs on the wall in her laundry room. She, Ian, and I had to search the leaf-covered floor of the woods looking for it among the shattered glass when the tree they were cutting landed on the truck and burst all the glass on the truck's cap. I found it after several minutes and the rest is (non)history.

I was able to stitch one-handed at dialysis, where I completed more than half the design during my treatment. The last stitch went in at 8:55pm Monday.

Ornament by StitchBitch

Finish #18 in the Year of the Sampler

32ct Antique White Jobelan

Stitched with Crescent Colours St. Bernard and GAST Brandy six-strand cotton floss

Catching Up...Again

Yes, I know it's been a week and a half since I last posted an update. Go ahead, lash me with the wet floss.

It's still crazily busy for me and I leave for my retreat next Thursday! Where has the time gone?

Here's what I've been up to:

Saturday, April 11 I completed Patriotic Hearts & Sampler Stitches by Sekas & Co. just as the clock was going to strike midnight-and I mean JUST! I had alot of fun with this piece; it was a joy to stitch. I think what made it so easy was that there was only ever one strand to work with, so I didn't have to be concerned about railroading my stitches or being careful that the floss strands were parallel to one another. Also, as you know, I love embroidery stitches! They're just fun!

Notice, I did not call them "specialty stitches" because there's nothing special about them. I'm always disheartened when I hear someone say they love a design but won't buy it because "it has specialty stitches." They're easy, folks! You stitch them the same way you stitch anything else: up at A, down at B, etc! There may be more steps than in making an X, but the method is the same. So if you see a design that screams "buy me!" to you, don't be discouraged when you see it has other stitches in it. Two of my favorite reference books for other stitches are "The Cross Stitcher's Bible" and Donna Kooler's "Encyclopedia of Needlework." There are also websites with animated stitch diagrams. I'll try to find a link later and post it on my sidebar here.

Speaking of the sidebar, I've been contemplating some changes. Tell me what you think. I have been considering creating three new sections:

Stitching Freebies, Stitching Tutorials & Reference, and Favorite Designers. Are these things you'd like to see? Just leave a comment.

When Uncle Wes brought the mail up today, there was a big box addressed to me. I was shocked to open it and find this beautiful knitted prayer shawl and a Bible from Wawanna. I opened this while watching The Ten Commandments. How timely was that?

I've never felt yarn so soft. It's Lion Brand Homespun and is washable and dryable according to Knitter Carol. The color is perfect! The yellow that runs through it gives it more depth of color with all the purples, blues, and greens that are throughout the entire piece. Thank you Wawanna! It's Gorgeous! I will treasure both of these forever!

Sunday, April 12 I began America by Little House Needleworks. Since this is the "Year of the Sampler" I thought it was high time I dragged out one of the many samplers I have kitted up. As usual, I made some changes. For once, I'm using the recommended fabric, 16ct Natural Heatherfield, but I changed all of the fibers. I'm sure I've stated before that I think stitching with DMC is boring. I like the variations in colors and the visual depth stitching with over-dyes gives to a piece. So I'm using GAST, Weeks, and one Crescent Colours floss for this design.

Even with my limited supply of overdyes, I was able to find close matches to the suggested DMC colors. My conversions are:

DMC 221, Shell Pink, VY DK - GAST Cranberry
DMC 420, Hazel Nut Brown, DK - WDW Pecan
DMC 644, Beige Grey, MD - GAST Oatmeal
DMC 712, Cream - GAST Picket Fence
DMC 924, Grey Green,VY DK - WDW Twilight for the bird & CC Wavy Navy for the flag
DMC 926, Grey Green, MD - WDW Teal Frost
DMC 935, Avocado Green, DK - WDW Juniper
DMC 3021, Brown Grey, VY DK - WDW Swamp Water
DMC 3782, Mocha Brown, LT - GAST Shaker White
DMC 3790, Beige Grey, UL DK - WDW Graphite

My progress picture, taken Tuesday, features my assistant, Anna, holding America.

Sunday was also Easter. I went to my aunt & uncle's for a family dinner. Grandma was there and we had a nice time catching up. I showed everyone my unfinished-finished stitching projects as my portfolio was still in the truck.

We all went out and played Mr Dwight's (my Aunt's Dad) Hillbilly Horseshoes game. We spent over an hour outside and played two games. Well, I played in one and was a spectator for one. Everyone but Grandma came outside for the fun. She was tired and took a nap while it was quiet inside.

The ladies also ooh'ed and aah'ed over the prayer shawl Wawanna knitted for me. Grandma told me to tell Wawanna she loves it and that it's perfect for me.

Monday, April 13 I went in for my dialysis treatment at 10:30 so that I could get home before dark, pack, load the truck, and head to Mom's. I met Ricco and he is a wonderful addition to the family. His personality is alot like Kasey's in that he loves everyone and is very tolerant of the little ones. He's 13 so is a little deaf and you can see the cataracts starting to grow in his eyes, but he's still active. Oh, and he's in love with Ms. Kasey Kay!

He followed her everywhere for the first hour. They were running around so much that Ben put Jake outside for his own protection. The poor guy got trampled by Frick & Frack. We finally put Kasey & Ricco outside so they could run around. When Mom arrived home from work, the first thing she said is that we're going to have scheduled play dates because Kasey and Ricco were having so much fun. I couldn't believe Kasey was actually playing with him, because she's usually very reserved around other dogs. It was great to see her so carefree with another dog!

Mom and I spent the evening playing Skip-Bo while I did laundry. We sat at the table talking and playing cards til midnight.

Tuesday, April 14, Kasey woke me up around 11am. Sarah and Anna were downstairs in Mom's room so that Kasey wouldn't hear them. Sarah was working on a paper for school and Anna was watching Nick Jr. She was so excited to see Kasey come downstairs with me. We spent the day doing laundry (Sarah's turn this time), playing, and even did a little stitching. I forgot to take a picture after we were done, so enjoy the video Ben was able to take. It features Anna and I stitching while Kasey and Ricco make an appearance at the end.

Sarah went to pick up Caleb from daycare and then came back. They left around 5:00 to go home, eat, and get baths. Sarah said she was making crab dip and I told her she wasn't allowed to hog all the crabby goodness to herself, so she better bring it over to Mom's. They came back around 7:30 with the crab dip and we all sat around the table eating it. Caleb tried to be sneaky and just suck the dip off the bagel chips, but Aunt Beth caught him and was able to get him to take bites of the chips. He really enjoyed it.

Here are Anna and Caleb in my slippers and Dad's slip-ons, respectively. Aren't they just too cute?! Caleb is 25 months and Anna will be 4 at the end of August. They thought it was just hilarious to walk around in grown-ups' shoes. The picture was taken right before they left, which is the reason they're wearing jackets.

Wednesday, April 15 was tax day for most of you but luckily I don't have to file since I only had SSDI last year. I was home barely in time to drop Kasey off at the house and get to dialysis by 2:30. It was a rainy, dreary day and took longer than usual to make the 82-mile trip home from Mom's. Unlike the previous Friday, I wasn't able to stitch during my treatment. I accidentally left my reading glasses in my overnight bag out in the truck so I watched television to pass the time. Don't ask me what it was because I can't remember now.

Thursday, April 16 was the usual gathering of needleworkers at the Barnes & Noble Cafe. Kasey and I stayed with Alice and Pam until 5pm. We had a great time. I have found that I really enjoy the turkey chipotle panini they serve. It makes two whole meals for me! No, it hasn't replaced the Wawa Italian sub in my heart, but it's a nice change every once in a while. I didn't get alot done on America, but it's coming along. This picture shows my progress from both Tuesday and Thursday. I completely forgot to take a picture before I started stitching Thursday.

I didn't do any stitching at home Thursday night because I went to the Online Needlework Show and browsed all the vendors. It took me alot less time this year, so it certainly felt like there were less vendors. The last three shows, it's taken me two to three days to get through all the pages. Anyone else notice the same thing?

Friday, April 17 was just a regular dialysis day. I didn't do any stitching, but caught up on all the shows my DVR recorded while I was gone.

Saturday, April 18 was gorgeous outside! It was 80 degrees, finally! I couldn't stand sitting inside, so I tried going out in the yard to sit and stitch in my lounger. That didn't last long once I started copiously sweating. UGH!

I set up the card table on the front porch, opened the sliding glass door to let the breeze blow in off the water, and Uncle Wes carried my lounger in from the yard for me. It was wonderful out there, and nicer than sitting in the full sunlight. Kasey and Chet came out to sprawl on the cool concrete and enjoy the fresh air with me. As you can see, I was distracted by the sunshine and warm breeze, so I didn't do much stitching.

Sunday, April 19 was my stitching day! I didn't turn on the computer at all. It's just too much of a distraction from stitching. The results speak for themselves, don't they? This is the kind of progress I used to make...before I discovered online stitching groups! My email time definitely takes away from stitching. I felt much better seeing all I accomplished on Sunday.

I kept stitching right along into Monday morning and was able to complete the entire front of the house. Then I began working on the roof before going to sleep.

Tuesday, April 21 was the Heirloom Stitchers meeting. There were four of us this month, including a new member! Deb first joined us in March and came back again this month. I completed the roof of the house Tuesday, but forgot to take a picture before I began stitching on Wednesday. So the chimneys and the flower stem weren't done at the meeting.

April 10, 2009

I settled in for my dialysis treatment and realized I forgot my book! For some reason I took my stitching bag with me, so I picked up my Patriotic Hearts & Sampler Stitches WIP and was able to stitch today! My mood immediately improved and I kept myself occupied for the remainder of my treatment.

After dialysis I went home to pick up Kasey so that we could go to the bonus night of stitching at Borders Books. The ladies decided they wanted an extra night to get together and I was more than happy to hear it. Carol was able to make it, so I was not the only stitcher among the knitters and crocheters.

Since it was Friday night, Borders was open til 11pm so we even had an extra hour of stitching time, although Carol and I seemed to be the only ones in it for the long haul. By 10:15 we were on our own. I'm happy to say that I made great progress today!

I completed the red stripes on the flags and began stitching the large cross stitches at dialysis. I finished the large cross stitches, stitched the upright crosses, and started on the Mosaic stitches at Borders. By the time we left, I had three Mosaic stitches left to do in one box and only four more boxes, total, remaining to complete the design.

February 26, 2009

You might think I'm boring, but I slept for thirteen hours today! Obvoiusly I needed the rest. My theory on sleep is that I go to bed when I'm tired and I wake up whenever I wake up. I know this doesn't work for alot of people, but it's how I ensure I get all the rest my body needs. I only set an alarm on dialysis days and don't feel guilty if I sleep for an exorbitant amount of time. Since the body needs sleep to recouperate and heal, and I know there's alot wrong with mine, I sleep til it says I've slept enough. I think if more people did this, instead of constantly on the go-go-go, they'd be less prone to alot of the nasty "bugs" that are out there. As long as they keep their germs to themselves, they can keep on rushing through life but I'm going to enjoy mine while I have it!

For the fourth day in a row, Mr Mailman brought birtday cards and floss! Cards from Debi, Teresa, and CJ arrived. CJ even sent a piece of Fairy Blush 18ct Aida when my card was returned to her. I don't mind late cards, CJ! It extends my birthday fun! Thank you for the thoughtful gift!

If you've stayed away from joining a birthday card and floss exchange in your groups, you should certainly give it a go! It's the easiest way to increase your floss stash! I belong to three BFC's and look forward to them each year.
I was determined to complete Lasseter's Reef today! I forbade myself from turning on the laptop until the last stitch was in. It took most of the afternoon and evening, but at 10:00pm on the dot I did it! Lasseter's Reef is my fourth Dinky Dyes quilt square finish and my seventh in the Year of the Sampler.

I was on the telephone with Debi and I finished LR and we discussed my next project. I'm not allowing myself to start anything else until I finish the stitching on A Stitcher's Companion and my BRD gameboard. I honestly don't like having more than one project on the go. I like working on one thing until it's done. I complete things faster that way, rather than spreading my stitching out over several projects at a time. Later this year, I may work on a smaller project to take a break from whatever BAP I decide to work on, but not right now. I might switch back and forth between my two projects if I get bored, but NO NEW STARTS! Here's my progress on the inside cover of A Stitcher's Companion by Enchanting Lair. All I need to do is to put in my personalization and stitch the corner motifs.

I'm also very proud of myself for adhering to my stash diet! I've spent a total of $14 in the month of February for stash. Has anyone else cut back? For me, it made a huge difference this month! I haven't been scrabbling the last week of the month, making do with what's in the pantry. I still had money to go get a few groceries and other things. Being on disability, there isn't much left after I pay bills, so I honestly do live "check to check."

Next month I will have another car repair bill, this time replacing the rear tires which are showing the wear bands. That's not a repair that can be put off so my diet continues! The only thing I'm allowed to pay for is the auto-ship of My Stitching Album. I'm hoping to be able to trade for anything else if the need arises. Right now, there is nothing I need. To fight temptation I haven't even looked at the Nashville new releases. They'll be there when I have the means to purchase them. If not, it just wasn't meant to be.

Back to my question about cutting back, has anyone gone a less-expensive route when kitting up a project? Using a less expensive substitute to the reccommended fibers? I've opted to offer my Soie d'Alger silks for trade. I'm not going to buy the rest needed for my Just Nan projects. I can't afford them so I will use the Vikki Clayton Hand-Dyed Fibers. So if you need/want any of the silks I've already purchased, just let me know. They'll be on my trade blog soon. My wishlist is in the sidebar of my trade blog, too.

February 24, 2009

Debi and I were on the telephone until the wee hours this morning. As we were stitching (yes, we "stitch together" over the phone), I mentioned that I need to start one of the large samplers in my stash. The whole reason for me making this year's theme 'samplers' is because of the number of them in my stash. The least I can do is stitch a few! So after I finish Lasseter's Reef and my other two WIP's that have been set aside (A Stitcher's Companion and Stitches Stars and Stripes), I need to bite the bullet and start a BAP.

Then the question becomes "which one? what designer?" There are so many to choose from! Just in kitted samplers I have at least seven by The Sweetheart Tree, approximately ten from Little House Needleworks, two from Rosewood Manor, and another from Told in a Garden-that I can name off the top of my head. If I were to go through my leaflets the number would be astronomical. Add the charts not fully kitted and I'm not sure I can count that high. I have to get some of them done this year!

I started on some of the small motifs in LR. After completing eight of them I realized they won't take as long as I was afraid they would. I might even be able to have this done tomorrow or Thursday. Since I have a stitch-in tomorrow night, I'm hoping for tomorrow!

Uncle Wes came home for a mid-morning snack and left his soy yogurt cup with Kasey. She has holding one of these down to a science and is the best yougurt-cup-cleaner-outer I know! I think she even does a more thorough job than rinsing them out in the sink.

Here's a little pictoral montage for your viewing pleasure:










Not to be out done, Mr Chetter-bug had to make his presence known by trying to rub on the corner of my QSnaps. He knows better, but he was upset that he wasn't the center of attention. Unfortunately for him, he doesn't like having his picture taken!

What more can a Golden girl ask for but a cuddle accompanied by a belly rub? Is she the picture of sheer bliss or what? She's even smiling. She's probably thinking 'Don't stop, Unkie. Over to the right, please. Yep, there. Ahhh' There's no denying Miss Kasey Kay is a spoiled baby!

The Year of the Sampler...SAL Anyone?

Okay, so I didn't DO any stitching today but I would like to TALK about future stitching. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I am not making a list of projects to stitch in 2009. Instead, I am proclaiming 2009 "The Year of the Sampler." I have dozens of samplers in my stash and would like to see many of them stitched. To that end, that's what I'm going to work on next year. If anyone would like to stitch along, even for one project here and there, please let me know!

I have joined the Gallery of Samplers blog so that I can share my finishes. I know there are Sampler Yahoo groups, but I'm in enough groups already and don't wish to add to the email time each day.

Here are just some of the needlework-related definitions of sampler from Webster's Dictionary:

1. a decorative piece of cloth embroidered with various designs or mottoes in a variety of stitches, serving as an example of skill at needlework.
2. a piece of cloth embroidered with various stitches, serving to show a beginner's skill in needlework.
3. a piece of embroidery demonstrating skill with various stitches
4. a pattern; a specimen; especially, a collection of needlework patterns, as letters, borders, etc., to be used as samples, or to display the skill of the worker.

With so many different definitions, I'm sure we can make anything fit, right? *wink* Have fun and happy stitching!

Hopefully I will get a good number of samplers done next year; wish me luck! I hope some of you join in along the way!

October 14, 2008

Okay, I admit it: I got bored with all that yellow. I was looking at freebie sites after midnight and finally found a nametag chart that looks like something I'd do.

I changed ALL the colors, used different fibers and fabric than what was called for, added two backstitched borders, and used charms and beads on my version. The original was supposed to be white on white with some teal and gold accents but didn't appeal to me. I've never seen the sense in stitching white specialty stitches on white fabric; you can't see the detail! Instead, I used lilac 28ct evenweave, some of the extra silks and purple beads from my Dinky Dyes ornament, the Dinky Dyes # 8 and #12 Perle cotton from Medley, and some star charms I had in my stash. The design, by the way, is a freebie from Victoria Sampler. The nametag is a free cyber course and is taken from VS's Thinking of You Sampler.

If you're wondering "Why does she need a nametag?" the answer is simple. I'm planning on joining the Embroider's Guild of America and I would like to attend an American Needlepointer's Guild meeting this week. Both Guilds ask that you wear a nametag when you're attending their functions.

October 12, 2008

First of all, I have to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my brother Ian. I love you, Bud!

Okay, on to stitching...Finish #40!! Take Time to Stitch Too by Jeannette Douglas Designs is completed! I put the snail charm on at 8:17pm.

I had to figure out how to stitch my initials and the year on my own because there was no alphabet included. I didn't find on on Jeannette's website, either. It took a little doing, but I got the B and the 8 to look okay.

Over all, I really enjoyed stitching this piece. I had some frustration with symbols before I found Jeannette's correction page. I think, for now on, I'm going to check the designer's website before I start stitching a chart to see if there are corrections. It would have saved me alot of squinted eyes looking at the color photograph trying to figure out which color was used for the symbol that wasn't in the key. I love all the specialty stitches Jeannette used. Completing this project makes me even more anxious to start the My Stitching Album.

Once TTTST was completed, I went back to Baby Kasey (Golden Puppy). Here is today's progress on her.

September 16, 2008

Happy Birthday, Mom!
I can't divulge how many years' experience she has after 29 because I value my life, but Mom did tell me that Ian took her out to dinner and gave her the bird feeder she's had on her wishlist for quite a while. Ms. Sheila next door put balloons and a banner on the front porch early this morning to suprise Mom as well.

I had to be at DORS first thing this morning again and completed everything I needed to before 2pm. I went straight home to pick up Kasey and found new stash had arrived!

I am on the auto-ship for the new Jeannette Douglas Design, My Stitching Album. A new chapter in this journal of stitches will be coming out every other month until next November. I can't tell you how excited I was to finally get the first part. I now have the front and back covers, as well as Chapter One, Mosaic Muse. I am trying to hold off on starting this because I need to get to work on smalls to meet my 100 finish goal. Also in the picture is my trade from Lizzie in Scotland. Thank you for the Waxing Mood Design! If I Stitch Fast is a very cute chart!

I'd like to thank Christine for trading with me. She sent Folk Heart Designs' Quilt Patterns in exchange for some linen and also included CS&CC's Nov/Dec 1993 issue from my wish list as a RAK!
CJ, even though she's a Redskins fan, RAK'd me with two tea towel leaflets from Leisure Arts. She sent Tea Time Towels and Kathie's Fun Fingertips. Thank you, CJ!! You can't help being a fan of those Deadscabs. Hee hee! Yep! I replied in Carol's blog to your comment!!
This is Charmed Dreams as far as I can go right now. I put in the other two sets of beads this evening. I'm waiting for the gold beads and to find out how the medallion needs to be treated. I'm not calling it a finish, but I hope to have the materials to complete it before the end of the year.

I also started Take Time to Stitch Too by Jeannette Douglas. I've only started the boxes so far, but hope to finish this quickly. Luckily Petra was able to find the Needle Necessities' MacAulvey Manor (127) that was required for this design. Thank you, Petra!

After mentioning it earlier, there seems to be some interest in making 2009 "The Year of the Sampler." A couple people have said they'd like to SAL with me as I try to deplete my stash of some of the samplers I've accumulated. We won't necessarily be stitching the same projects, but they will all be samplers. Because "sampler" covers such a wide range of sizes, shapes, and complexity of designs, I think I can stick to this theme for the year, although I will be breaking off from time to time in order to complete bread covers and biscornus. I am not going to name specific charts that I will stitch because I don't want to feel boxed in like I did with my 22 Project Challenge this year. I will say, however, that this will give me the perfect opportunity to complete some of the Just Nan, Sweetheart Tree, and myriad other samplers in my stash already kitted up. Better yet, My Stitching Album falls under this category, so I won't be starting it until January! Anyone else who would like to join is certainly welcome! You don't have to stitch JUST samplers, but you can join the SAL if you're working on a sampler at any time. If there is enough interest, I may even create a separate blog for everyone to post to, or a Yahoo group for those participating in the SAL. Please just let me know at bethxs@yahoo.com. The more, the merrier!!