Long Time, No Post!

I know, I know...I've fallen off the face of the earth lately. My life seems to have taken on a life of it's own. Pure craziness of late. Not much time for stitching I'm afraid. My train hasn't been touched since my last post and I've been very slow in working on my RR piece.

I mentioned a while back that my niece was getting married in April and my nephew in May and that I planned on stitching stuff for them. I had started doing "Bride's Tree" ornaments for my nephew last year and started the M Designs "Celtic M" earlier this year for my niece. Well...they have both told their mother that they had rather have cash than something stitched. Oh, well. Luckily I haven't spent too much time on either thing. The ornaments I have stitched can be given as giftst to other people and I will just pull out what I have stitched thus far on the "Celtic M" and use the fabric for another project. I guess in some ways this is good with how little time I have had to work on things. I guess this will now allow me to devote time to other projects.



I want to say thanks to those that have sent me emails checking on me. Very sweet. :-)



Here is a project I finished last year (I think) and just had framed recently:



Name: Spring

Designer: Hob Nobb

Fabric: Miracle Mint 28 ct linen

Threads: various WDW and Sampler Threads




Will try to get some stitching done soon and get back to regular posting, but it may just be after the school year and tax season is over before I really have much time. Hope to hear from you guys.

Take care!

My Christmas Exchange!

As I mentioned in my previous post, I did a personal Christmas ornament exchange with Hannah. I forgot to take a picture of what I sent her, but just received a picture of it today from Hannah. Here is the package I sent to her:

Snow Bird by La-D-Da

2004 Cross-stitch ornament magazine

Belle Soie Old Crow

My January has been tremedously busy at work. Not much time for stitching. I have, however, worked a tiny bit on my train. Hate to announce that it still isn't finished. Started work on "F" from the Celtic Alphabet by M Designs for my niece's wedding. And also worked on a Quaker Sampler Round Robin piece. Will post pictures from both new starts soon.

Hope everyone is doing well and staying warm.

Here's what I picked out!

Here are the two patterns I picked out from Tanya's drawing:

The Mrs. Lincoln Sampler &

Return to the Sea with Jane Austen


It was a hard choice. I had several patterns on my "wish list". I knew right off that I would choose the Mrs. Lincoln Sampler. After going to DC last year and touring Ford Theater and doing a Lincoln Assasination tour, plus visiting Lincoln's birthplace and boyhood home this summer, not to mention Mt. Rushmore, it was an easy choice. The second choice, however, was much harder. I finally narrowed it down to "Return to the Sea" and it's companion piece "At Home with Jane Austen". "At Home" has been on my list for ages, but I let my hubby make the final choice and he chose the sea one.

I think I have linen for the Mrs. Lincoln Sampler, but need to dig through my stash to find out for certain. There are several threads I need to get for it as well. So, it won't be started anytime soon. Maybe after the first of the year.

Thank you so very much, Tanya!


Here is a Halloween finish:

Design: Trick or Treat (book 112)
Designer: Cross-Eyed Cricket
Changes made:

1. used glow in the dark blending filament for face of jack-o-lantern and on ghost


2. added some beads for falling leaves


3. used MH star charm haning from moon


4. used MH ghost charm on haunted house


5. used black MH bead for spider on broken window


6. used small MH bat charm to hang from witch's hat

I have been working on this for about 3 or more years! It was so nice to finally finish it and be able to decorate with it this Halloween.

Recent movie recommendation: "The Express" - great movie

A couple of new finishes!

It has been a LONG few weeks since my last post. Being out of town, hurricanes, computer problems at work, etc., etc., etc....


But, on the stitching front I have actually managed to accomplish 2 small finishes.

This first one I stitched for a friend for her new house. It is a freebie chart by Willows. Unfortunately, I cannot find the link on the internet anymore.

Willows freebie chart

Stitched on 28 ct. white evenweave

using Green Leaves Lt by Silk 'n Colors

Finished as Doorhanger

Here is the second piece I finished up this weekend:

Twilight freebie from Tanya of The Sampler Girl

Stitched over 1 on 28 ct. Smokey Pearl

GAST Midnight, Banker's Grey,

Daffodil and Pineapple Sherbet

WDW Squash

Finished as Pinkeep

I have actually stitched on my train the past couple of weekends and made a decent amount of headway. Promise to post updated pic next weekend.

A Little Seabathing!

I have a finish this week! It's a free chart by The Sampler Girl that can be found at her website.



I loved how Mary Kathryn did her piece a while back in the monochromatic style and decided to borrow her wonderful idea and do the same. I used threads that Sharon gave me in an exchange this summer for my color. The seashell fabric that the piece is laying on is also the backing fabric. This was my first time making my own twisted cording. I think it turned out fairly well.



Title: A Little Seabathing
Thread: Teal Mist by Carrie's Threads
Fabric: 28 ct. Miracle Mint lugana







Is Anyone Interested in Participating in a Round Robin for this pattern:



Quaker Style Friendship Sampler

by Samplers and Such



If you are, please leave a comment in the comment area with your email address and I will get back with you. I have 2 people signed up thus far and would like to have 2-4 more. I have a little bit more information in the blog entry just below this and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.



Thanks!

Flip Flop Days Finish!

I "finished" Flip Flop Days this week. I used the batik fabric that the piece is laying on in my last post for the back piece of fabric. The fuzzy thread was some my son picked out of a stash of "fun" threads I have. The piece is now hanging in my foyer for the summer.

I also finished stitching my May piece for the Bride's Tree SAL.

Designer: Blackbird Designs from 2004 Just Cross-stitch Ornament Issue
Fabric: 28 ct evenweave dyed with coffee
Threads: Recommended Sampler Threads, except replaced Straw Bonnet with Oatmeal. The Straw Bonnet did not show up on the fabric.

Stitched over one.


Since the Olympics start tonight I have been trying to find a "summer" design to stitch for the occasion. It seemed every pattern I picked something out of my stash I ended up not having the right fabric for the piece or hardly any of the threads. Finally I found the "Warm Water Wash" kit by Raise the Roof and located the fabric I had purchased for it and I am now set! So, we'll see how much I can get accomplished before the Olympics finish.


Don't forget the Stash Sale!

2 New Finishes!!!

I actually have 2 new small finishes!


I have had the fabric and threads ready for this first piece for almost 2 years, but just got down to stitching it about 2 weeks ago. I changed all the colors and I love how it turned out. Very tropical and fun!


Design: Flip Flop Days
Designer: Just Another Button Company
Fabric: R&R 32 ct. turquoise scrap
Threads Used: Crescent Colours
Sun: Crushed Pineapple
Flip: Pink Champagne
Flop: Tangerine
Days: Blooming Crocus
Flowers: Cloud & Ripe Melon
Bucket: Crushed Pineapple & Frozen Margarita
Water: WDW Icicle, Morris Blue & Blue Bonnet
Other Changes Made: Moved "Days" over to left a little, moved where bird went, didn't stitch small sail boat, added turtle button



For Bride's Tree Stitch Along - May ornament of 2nd set


Design: Joy & Peace combined

from Blessings of Christmas series
Designer: Lizzie Kate
Fabric: 28 ct. Platinum
Changes made: changed border from white to black and word from green to red



Recent Movie Thoughts:

Wall E - Love it! Very sweet. Great music. Lots of Star Wars and 2001 references.
Journey To The Center Of The Earth - Very enjoyable! Families should really enjoy this.
Space Chimps - Cute
Get Smart - Very funny! Love Steve Carell
Kit Kittredge - I really liked it. I think it came out at a very bad time. Should possibly have waited until Christmas time. I think it just got lost in the shuffle.
The Dark Knight - This movie will take some explaining. I thought the script was very well done, the shooting in Chicago was great, it was very well acted and more true to the old comics than the old tv show and the old movies. However, this is a very dark, intense and violent movie. I spent most of the movie with my face covered and barely touched my popcorn and soda due to the intenseness of it all. While I wouldn't describe the violence as profoundly gory, it is just a deep sort of violence. Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker was phenomenal! Very much Oscar worthy. And I'm not saying that because he died. But, be forewarned. You will leave this movie almost burdened. There is not a ray of light in this movie. The violence could really have gotten an R in my opinion.

A finish and an exchange!

Wow! It's been a month since I last blogged. What a busy month. We went on vacation for 2 weeks. Will post pictures of that soon. After we returned I have been buried under work and we had company over the 4th of July weekend. A busy, but fun time.



First off...I did an exchange with my friend Sharon! We agreed a while back to do a monochromatic exchange. I stitched a freebie chart for Sharon from The Workbasket. I forgot to take a picture, but if you go to her blog you will see what I sent.



Here is what Sharon sent me! It is a beautiful piece stitched in such a lovely hot pink. Love it! She finished it as a pinkeep/scissor pocket. Isn't it lovely? Plus, she sent me some Carrie's Threads and DMC, a oaur if scissors, a thread keeper, plus 2 charts from my wish list. YAY! I really enjoyed doing this exchange with Sharon. My first ever exchange. Thanks so much Sharon!

This last picture is a very recent finish from Shepherd's Bush. I messed up a little on his hat, but it turned out fine. It was a fun stitch. There are several others in this series I like.

Will post vacation pictures and more movie thoughts soon. It's been a good summer for the movies!

Don't forget the Stash Sale!

2 New Finishes!

Well, I have actually had a relatively productive week in the cross-stitching world. Nothing major, but a couple of small accomplishments. I finally finished stitching my 3rd piece on Bridal Tree SAL 2nd set and I stitched a small piece for a friend that recently became a US citizen.

Here they are:

Designer: Trail Creek Farm freebie
Name of Piece: USA
Material used: 28 ct. khaki evenweave
Threads used: DMC B5200, 3750, 321



Designer: Brittercup from 2007 Just Cross-Stitch Ornament Issue
Name of Piece: Poinsettia
Material used: 28 ct. white linen
Threads used: In the Reds by Thread Gatherer Silk 'n Colors, Sampler Threads Pine, WDW Curry (did not use beads)



As for more stitching news...I also started stitching on a piece for a personal exchange. Got a fair amount done on that. I cut out fabric and assembled threads for some ornaments to work on while I am on vacation. They will be easy to work on in the car since they are done on 10 ct. I also packed a Shepherd's Bush piece done on 10 ct. that I started last summer on vacation. Hopefully I will get it finished on this one. :-)

I haven't commented on movies recently, so here is my latest update. I've seen quite a few in the last month or so, so here goes:

Movie Reviews:

Ironman - Loved it! Best movie I have seen so far this summer.

Incredible Hulk - Really enjoyed it. Paid homage to the classic tv show, including images from opening of old show, music, and Lou Ferrigno was in it. :-)

Indiana Jones - While I enjoyed it because I am an Indiana fan, I was disappointed with where this story went. Way out in left field. I did not feel that it stuck with the true legend of the crystal skulls.

Kung Fu Panda - cute. I enjoyed this.

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - enjoyable, but seemed to be missing something the first one had. Somewhat disappointed in the ending, though I do believe it followed the book fairly well. (It has been eons since I read the books!) My son enjoyed it more than the first one.

Don't Mess with the Zohan - Hated it! Let me repeat, HATED IT!!! I would have to be highly paid to ever see this movie again. I feel I am owed money for even sitting through this. If I had not been with a friend I would have walked out of the theater and demanded my money back!!!

Recent Rentals:

Atonement - a somewhat melancholy film, but I really enjoyed it. It was directed by the same person that directed Pride & Prejudice with Keira Knightley a couple of years ago. The same composer (whom I thought was brilliant in P&P) did the music as well. I thought it was excellent how the old typewriter sounds were the percussion for this movie. Brilliant!

Lucky Seven - a very sweet little movie starring Patrick Dempsey and Kimberly Williams-Paisley from 2004.

Don't forget my updated Stash Sale!

I'm getting ready to go on vacation, so I won't be posting the next couple of weeks. Also, if you email about the stash sale it will take me a couple of weeks to get back to you, but I promise I will. :-) Happy Stitching!

A Patriotic Finish!

I actually stitched this Hob Nobb piece last year, but finally got around to "finishing" it this past weekend in time for Memorial Day. I tried all different kinds of ribbon and trim on it, but nothing looked quite right. It sat on this little table without a topper for several days. Finally, yesterday I was at Michael's and saw this trim for less than a dollar and thought I would give it a try. I actually liked it! It may be a little "over the top", but I thought it was a perfect 4th of July/Patriotic trim for it. Kind of reminds me a little of fireworks. What do you think of the trim?

Well, I think I can officially call it summer here in Florida. Today is my son's last day of school and the weather is over 90! So, with those two criteria, I think it is official.

As for stitching...I really haven't gotten around to it this past week either. Too much going on. We had company over the Memorial Day weekend and this week has been busy with chaperoning the end of the year party and going to a B-day luncheon of a friend that is recovering from treatments for breast cancer. So...hopefully I will get some stitching done over the weekend or next week. TTFN!!!

Bride's Tree SAL Set #2

Well, I must say I have been enjoying my time off from work, but I had to go back today. Bah Humbug! I can't really say I accomplished any stitching while I was off, but...it was nice to just relax. Hopefully my schedule will be much more relaxed for the rest of the year and I will only have to work 2 weeks a month like I was originally hired to do. Hopefully that will also mean I can get more stitching done the rest of the year, like my train! :-)

Here are the two finishes I promised to post of my second set of Bride's Tree ornaments I am making for my nephew's wedding next year. I still haven't quite finished the third one yet.


For January:

Title: Home for Christmas (only part of design) by Brightneedle - in the JCS magazine ornament issue 2005 (I stitched the tree differently than how they had it in the pattern.)
Fabric: 28 ct. ivory linen
Threads used: Sampler, WDW & DMC







For February:


Title: Couer (only part of design) freebie
Fabric: 28 ct. Opalescent
Thread used: Warratah by Dinky Dyes







I missed last week's stitching group question of the week, but this week's is:

How did you choose your blog name? Is there a special reason behind it?

Well...It's obviously a play on words with my name. Plus, I live in the land of sunshine, so it all fits in together.

Bride's Tree Stitching Catch Up!

Life has been very busy. Since I am a bookkeeper...needless to say I was slammed the week of the 15th! The few days after that was spent clearing up accounts, etc. That weekend I had company fly in. They just flew out this morning. We did some local tourist stuff, watched movies and played board games. One good thing about the last two things...I got a lot of stitching accomplished during all of this. I've finally caught up on my Bride's Tree Stitch-a-Long! My train didn't get touched, but...at least I did some stitching!

Here are my results: (forgive me for not ironing them first)

For February:

Title: Noel Heart freebie by Passione Ricamo (my take on pattern)
Stitched on: 28 ct. ivory evenweave
Threads used: DMC & Green Leaves Light by Thread Gatherer Silk 'n Colors
Beads used: Mill Hill Antique Glass Beads Rich Red (03059) and Petite Glass Beads Gold (40557)

For March:

Title: Poinsettia Basket by Brightneedle (from Small Samplings booklet)
Stitched on: 28 ct. ivory linen
Threads used: DMC, Sable by Caron Collection Wildflowers, and In the Reds by Thread Gatherer Silk 'n Colors
Beads used: Mill Hill Frosted Glass Beads Buttercup (62041)






For April:

Title: Snow Bunny by Hob Nobb
Stitched on: 16 ct. Stardust Heatherfield
Threads used: DMC & WDW









I also stitched on a second set of ornaments for the Bride's Tree series and have finished January and February so far for it. (My nephew is getting married next year and it is for him and his bride.) I am almost finished with the March one for his series. I will post a picture of them on my next posting.

Also...stitching group Question of the Week:

What is your quilty pleasure?

Hmmmmm...not really sure. I have about 10 dark chocolate M&Ms a day! Does that count?!

My First Pinkeep!

I have finally put together my first pinkeep. I decided to start with something small. I really like the way it turned out. So, I will probably do some more in the future. :-)

Design: Littles - Bunny
Designer: Bent Creek
Fabric: 28 ct. ivory linen

Threads: WDW & GAST. Made my bunny darker than what pattern called for and changed the yellow background to a different yellow. I also used black petite beads for the eyes.


My second piece is my first piece for my Bride's Tree SAL. The theme for the first month is House - shelter/protection. So, I chose this:

Design: Christmas Eve
Designer: Brightneedle
Book: Small Samplings
Fabric: A 28 ct. blueish/grey with a hint of green scrap I had. Stitched over one.
Threads: WDW & DMC
The pattern called for petite yellowish gold beads along trim of house. But, when I put the beads on they looked huge and gaudy. So, I removed them and liked it much better.

Not much other stitching going on right now. Been very busy with work. Hopefully more soon.

Valentine's Stitches!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Here are a couple of Valentine's stitches.

Design: Heart
Designer: Hob Nobb Designs

This was stitched last year, but I just finished it as a cube this past week.

Here's a second piece I stitched this week.


Design: i Y u
Designer: me
Threads: GAST - Cameo Pink & WDW - Red Pear
Fabric: 28 ct cream linen


I haven't really decided how to finish this, but I'm sure I will

come up with some ideas eventually. :-)

We dont' really have any special Valentine's plans. We generally don't. I know that sounds boring, but...I guess that's just how it is. We will go out to dinner this weekend.

Since it's Valentine's here are some of my favorite romantic movies to watch:

• PS I Love You...Hillary Swank/Gerard Butler...just came out recently, you might can still find it in some small theaters...excellent...can't say enough about this movie


• You've Got Mail...Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan...love over the internet between enemies


• Sleepless in Seattle...again Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan...love through the radio


• The Lake House...Sandra Bullock/Keanu Reeves...love in letters between two strangers that are seperated by two years


• Just Like Heaven...Reese Witherspoon/Mark Ruffalo...he's falling in love with the ghost haunting his apartment


• Kate & Leopold...Meg Ryan/Hugh Jackman...he's traveled through time and fallen in love with her...will she follow him back


• Somewhere in Time...Christopher Reeve/Jane Seymour...another time travel...classic


• Sweet Home Alabama...Reese Witherspoon/Josh Lucas/Patrick Dempsey...who does she really love...the husband she left back in Alabama years ago or her fiance from New York


• The Illusionist...Edward Norton/Jessica Biel...part mystery/part romance between European uppercrust and an illusionist...set in early 1900


• Music and Lyrics...Drew Barrymore/Hugh Grant...he's an 80s popstar that needs helping writing a new song...especially great if you grew up in the 80s


• 13 Going on 30...Jennifer Garner/Mark Ruffalo...she's 13 and all she wants to be is grown up and 30...but wait until she gets her wish


• The Notebook...Ryan Gosling/Rachel McAdams...the story of two people from different backgrounds that fall in love in the 1930s


• Hope Floats...Harry Connick, Jr./Sandra Bullock...a little sad, but a wonderful movie about finding hope for life & love after losing everything else

I'm sure I could think of more, but that gives you a good list. If you are a Jane Austen fan I will include Pride & Prejudice (Keira Knightley version) and Sense & Sensibility (Emma Thompson version). I love Alan Rickman as Col. Brandon in S&S and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy in P&P. Plus the music in P&P is beautiful!!!

NOTE: Several of these movies have great soundtracks. A few that stand out right off hand...Hope Floats, You've Got Mail, & Sleepless in Seattle. Of course, for just great, beautiful music...the aforementioned Pride & Prejudice and Somewhere in Time.

So grab a great stitching project, a great movie and enjoy!

A Winter Finish!

Well, it's time to pack up all the Christmas stuff and start pulling out strictly winter and even begin to pull out Valentine's as well. I'm still working on packing up the Christmas. May take a while yet to get it all done. Anyhow...here is a piece I stitched early last year and "finished" it just recently.

Title: Ahh...friends!
Designer: me
Threads used: Crescent Colours & Treasure Braid
Fabric: either Cold Winter's Night or Friendship Blue from R&R (30 ct. I believe)
Beads: Mill Hill

I started working on my first piece for the Bride's Tree SAL, but haven't done as much as I would like on it. Still haven't picked up the train. I wanted to stitch some this past weekend, but helped my son put together the last bits of his HUGE history project on the Revolutionary War. Hope to stitch some soon.

I listed on my last entry my end of year movie thoughts. You may not have read them all, but there is one movie in particular that I wanted to point out. It will make you laugh, definitely make you cry, but is one of the best romantic movies I have seen in a while. Go with some girlfriends, by yourself or get your beloved to take you. It is a must see!

The movie is... PS: I Love You

Happy New Year!

Design: Happy New Year

Designer: Lizzie Kate

Threads: Recommended GAST & WDW (except used GAST Blue Jay for Presidential Blue)

Fabric: note sure...a lavender color that has a smokey grey tint to it. 28 ct

Please excuse the wrinkles, but here is my first finish of 2008! Can't believe that the holidays have flown by and 2008 is here already. Our Christmas was nice and quiet. My son turned 13 on New Year's Eve and we will celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary tomorrow! So, alot of celebrating going on here! :-)

I actually seem to have gotten a little bit of my stitching mojo back over the Christmas break. I finished up 3 ornaments (see below), stitched the above Lizzie Kate, started another small Lizzie Kate and signed up for The Bride's Tree SAL. I've never done a SAL before and am looking forward to it.

Here are my ornaments:

Left: for my best friend, Lori

Design: Dearest Friend

Designer: Brightneedle - from the booklet "Small Samplings"

Threads: DMC

Fabric: 28 ct Cream linen

Middle: for my friend Cindy, who is currently going through treatments for Breast Cancer

Design: Breast Cancer Christmas Tree

Designer: freebie from Stitch Pink website

Threads: Tree - Thread Gatherer Silk 'n Colors Green Leaves, Lt

Ribbons - DMC metallic 5288

Hearts - GAST Tea Rose

Did not do 3 dots together from pattern, but put on Mill Hill Petite Crstal Beads (40161) instead

Fabric: 28 ct. Baby Lotion linen (stitched over 1)

Right: for my hubby

Design: French Country V - Reindeer

Designer: JBW

Threads: Thread Gatherer Silk 'n Colors Green Leaves, Lt

Fabric: 28 ct Opalescent Linen (stitched over 1)

2008 Stitching Goals:

1. Finish Train!
2. Finish numerous WIPs
3. Do all ornaments for SAL
4. Do all the 12 Day of Christmas ornaments from Erica Michaels (wanted to do for son this Christmas)
5. Stitch Dragon Dreams' ornament from the 2007 Just Cross-Stitch Ornament issue for son
6. Start either "Christmas Wishes" by Mirabilia or "The Toy Gatherer" by Shepherd's Bush
7. Do several Sekas ornaments (Santas or Snowmen)

2007 Movie Favorites:

Here are my top 10 movie favorites for 2007. In no particular order!

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Miss Potter
• PS I Love You
• National Treasure: Book of Secrets
• Spider Man 3
• Dan in Real Life
• Meet the Robinsons (animated)
• Enchanted
• Ratatouille (animated)
• Music and Lyrics

If I could add another 2 to the list, they would be:

• I am Legend (though quite scary!)
• Fred Clause

Other movies I really enjoyed, some surprisingly:

• Transformers
• Alvin & the Chipmunks
• Surf's Up
• The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep
• The Astronaut Farmer
• The Seeker: The Dark is Rising
• Firehouse Dog

Biggest disappointments of the year:

• Shrek 3
• Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End

I may have mentioned other movies throughout the year, both negatively or positively, but they didn't stand out enough for me to really mention here.

2008 Anticipated Movies:

• WALL-E
• Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
• Indian Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• Star Trek

Here is my final finish for 2007:

Design: Santa

Designer: Henzeit

Threads: GAST Cranberry & Pine

Fabric: No idea...taupe colored, approx. 16 ct evenweave

Finished as a pillow. Not bad, for my first ever pillow!