Stitches and More

A Quaker Christmas

2012-01-30T12:46:00.001-06:00

I've been stitching like crazy on this one for a few days, and this is all I have to show for it! This is a big design, and this is roughly 1/4 complete. I love it, but the one color does get to me after a while. Here is where I began:

This Is The Day - BAP Update

2012-01-23T15:30:00.001-06:00

I've completed the border. Now my stitching will be "contained" within each area. My goal was to at least get that done in January, so since I'm ahead of schedule, I'll spend some time with A Quaker Christmas.

I've also been going through my stitchy closet and finding some items that I'd like to sell. Please see my "Stash for Sale" link on the sidebar. I'll be adding more items soon, so check back often! Thanks.

From The Past

2012-01-22T12:20:00.000-06:00

While going through my stitchy closet recently, I came across my little pink gingham apron. My mama made it for me one summer while we were out of school so I could do the cross stitch on it. This is one of the first things I stitched and it was probably made just after the 2nd grade, and I won't tell how long that's been :) The stitches aren't perfect, but I do remember the enjoyment I had with it! She was a teacher, so during the summer she did a lot of machine sewing for both of us. As she sat at the machine, I'd be there with her reading or stitching something of my own. The Vogart pattern has .15 cent stamped on it, but no copyright date so not really sure how old it is. I used the pattern for other projects, but don't have any of the items now. I remember having lots of Vogart "iron on" patterns that I used for embroidery on pillowcases, towels, etc., but this is the only "counted chart" type that I had. Do any of you remember using Vogart patterns long ago??

Another Snowman

2012-01-17T10:23:00.004-06:00

Let It Snow
Glory Bee
2009 JCS Ornament Issue
c. 2009
1/6/2012 - 1/8/2012

Here's another little snowman for the winter! I stitched him with white and blending filament, but the pic doesn't show it well. And, beads instead of stitches for the flakes. I left the words "Let It Snow" off. Another fun, shop from stash finish!

And a little more progress on my BAP stitching:

Welcome to my new followers and thanks for all the nice comments.

BAP Stitching Update

2012-01-10T16:31:00.000-06:00

Thanks for all the kind comments about the snowman finish on my last post. He's a knob hanger on the inside of my front door.

Just a quick post to show my BAP stitching. Not a lot done, but it is early in the year!!

I've also been working on A Quaker Christmas and here are the before and after views. This one will be lovely when complete. I like stitching on it for a little while, and then the one color gets to me and I have to move on to the next project.

Also, one of my canvas WIPs needed a bit of attention, so a few stitches were added. This is A Promise of Mystery!, and is a Stitch of the Month project for 2010 from the American Needlepoint Guild. Since the directions were given out over the entire year, I don't feel like rushing, so just takin' my time!

Between the larger projects, I've been working on some small ornaments, but no pics yet.

That's it for now. As always, thanks for visiting and for taking the time to leave a comment!

First Finish of 2012

2012-01-04T01:14:00.001-06:00

The Little Snowman
Bent Creek
c.2006
1/2/2012 - 1/3/2012

This little cutie was stitched on a 20 count mystery linen with DMC pearl cotton #5, 1 over 2. I didn't have the exact colors, but I love the way it turned out! And, best of all I shopped from stash!

2011 Finishes

2012-01-02T17:06:00.001-06:00

Here are my finishes for 2011 - not quite as many as 2010, but I'm happy!

I sure do appreciate all of my blog visitors and thanks to those of you that leave such nice comments!

A New Start For The New Year

2012-01-01T18:12:00.002-06:00

Well, 2012 is off to a great start!

In the stitching department I made a small start to This is the Day by Hands to Work Designs. I managed to sit down for a little bit this afternoon and plan to do some more later while watching TV. This design has been calling my name for the past 2 years. I just love it! When I saw on Becky's blog that she is hosting a BAP challenge for 2012, I decided to join. It will help motivate me to finish THIS YEAR! Sometimes my track record isn't too great!

Southern pecan pie is my absolute favorite!! This one just got taken across the street for our neighbors to enjoy, but I'll be making one for us later in the week.

Hope you all got a lot of stitching in today!

A very old WIP is now finished!

2011-12-31T18:30:00.001-06:00

Well, I have one more finish for 2011. Just under the wire, don't you think?

Sara Valentine
Ladie & Friends, Inc.
c. 1987
1988 ?? - 12/31/2011

My daughter picked this out at the LNS when she was about 4 years old. Remember these little dolls? I'd done all of the cross stitch at that time, and had the backstitching left to do. For whatever reason, Sara was put by the wayside and is just now complete! I'm pretty sure my DD doesn't want her now (but I'll check to make sure) so I'll put Sara away until a need comes up to do a finish-finish. I just love the little red shoes! She is stitched on 18 ct. Aida, which I rarely use now. (But it is easier on the eyes :)

It's A Wrap!

2011-12-31T12:38:00.003-06:00

Here are the final pics for the year.

Christmas Tree
The Prairie Schooler
c. 2009
11/15/2011 - 11/20/2011

I sent this little ornament to Shelly - An Arizona Stitcher for leaving the 500th comment on my blog.

Spanish Flowers (quilt)
Cindy Cooksey
from Pretty Little Mini Quilts
c. ?
7/2010 - 10/26/2011

A fun little mini quilt - some old fabrics and some new. I see blue from a skirt of mine, red from DD's dress when she was one, and blue from curtains! Each hexagon will have some embellishment-button, bead, other as I decide what to use. I have lots of buttons from my Mama's old button jar which I'll pick through. Maybe some small pin or memento will be added as well.

Mini Mystery Sitch (canvas)
Laura J. Perin
c. 2011
11/14/2011 - 12/3/2011

Laura posted this little pattern over several weeks on her blog. It was fun to stitch and I can imagine it in other colorways in the future.

As 2011 comes to a close, I want to wish you a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

More Pictures

2011-12-26T10:21:00.000-06:00

Curly Ho Ho
Mill Hill kit
c. 2004
11/7/2011 - 11/10/2011

I stitched this ornament for DD and DSIL. Loved beading Santa's beard!! Since I had forgotten to take a pic before the trip, she sent me one after it was on their tree. This one I'll definitely have to do again!

Celtic Inspiration Ornament
Teresa Wentzler
TW Design Works
c. 2002
11/11/2011 - 11/15/2011

I stitched this ornament for my Aunt Becky and she let me know that she likes it. I have stitched this before and given it away, but will stitch again to keep! So simple, yet elegant.

This is a really bad picture, especially with the shadow of my arm. I started A Quaker Christmas on Christmas Eve 2007. Yikes! I want to get this beauty finished. This snap is how it looked when I put it away last time. Got a few stitches in last night and hope to get moving on it.

Weenie Dog ornie!

2011-12-23T12:20:00.001-06:00

This little guy has reached it's destination. I stitched this little weenie dog for the grand-pups and DD and DSIL let me know last night that it arrived. Turned out pretty cute if I do say so!! I adapted it to look more like a doxie and changed the colors to look more like Roxie and Chloe. Anyway, it was a lot of fun to stitch.

Weenie Dog
adapted from Dog Treat
The Trilogy
c. 2004
12/13/2011 - 12/1//2011

More Projects

2011-12-21T11:56:00.001-06:00

Moving right along to the next of my finishes:

Halloween Hilda
Mill Hill Kit
c. 2001
8/5/2011 - 8/9/2011

Nutcracker
The Stitchworks
c.2008
8/27/2011 - 9/29/2011

The Nutcracker was so much fun to stitch!! I couldn't decide what project to take on our Baltic Sea cruise, and then remembered this one. Since we would be in St. Petersburg, Russia for 2 days, and The Nutcracker ballet premiered there in 1892, I thought it would be perfect. Eventually, I want to make a stand-up figure with it.

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
Barbara Jackson
Cross Stitch Sampler Magazine Summer 1992
c. 1992
5/16/2011 - 10/3/2011

This will be a bell pull one day!

My Beading Heart (canvas)
Nancy Cucci
c. 2010
Needlepoint Now Jan/Feb 2010
10/2/2011 - 10/24/2011

Loved stitching this one so much!!

I'll be back soon with a few more pictures!!

More Finishes

2011-12-20T17:54:00.005-06:00

Well, the cold that I thought I had, turned out to be what I think was the flu. I was so fatigued, had chills and fever and my body ached all over. All I felt like was being a lump on the sofa for days! DH was on kitchen duty and got all of my meals (the little I felt like eating) and did the clean up! Thank you so much! I felt a bit better yesterday and today even better, but still weak. No need to see the Dr...just self medicated with ibuprofen and lots of fluids. Glad that I didn't have to get out and need to be somewhere! I do hate to be sick!

Here are a few more finishes for the year.

Sunflowers (canvas)
Laura J. Perin
c. 2010
8/17/2010 - 7/4/2011

How about all of those French Knots for the flower centers?? So fun to do!

Liberty For All
Chessie & Me
c. 2002
7/4/2011 - 7/18/2011

Santa 1984
The Prairie Schooler
c. 1984
12/4/2010 - 7/25/2011
1 over 1 on 25 ct. Lugana

Christmas Candy Roll
Shepherd's Bush
c. 1995
7/27/2011 - 8/1/2011

Father Frost
Mill Hill Kit
c. 2002
8/2/2011 - 8/5/2011

I can only say that it would have been much easier to take the pictures and post them as I finished each project!!

Happy Anniversary!!

2011-12-18T00:25:00.001-06:00

Today, I've been married to my best friend and the love of my life for 35 years! Happy Anniversary to my dear husband!!

Happy Friday!

2011-12-16T10:20:00.003-06:00

DH and I traveled to CA last Friday to visit with DD, DSIL and the grand-pups. We had a wonderful time and can't wait to get back out there! For this trip I decided to take a canvas project. Between stitching on the plane and while sitting at night this is what I got done on Spring Blossoms Variation by Nancy's Needle. I just love this design and I can see me stitching it again with a different color scheme.

Another of my finishes for the year:

Holiday Square
Laura J. Perin
c. 2008
12/20/2010 - 5/15/2011

Our weather has been pretty mild this week. I don't think the "snow" word is in the forecast for the near future!! I got back this week from our trip with a nasty cold. I'm beginning to cough and that usually lasts forever and my chest will be sore for days. (On one of our flights, the lady that sat next to me said that she only had allergies and not to worry about all of the sneezing and coughing...right;)

I have a couple of small last minute stitchy items to finish up. Hopefully, they will get finished this weekend and get out the door on Monday.

Winner of Secret Give-Away

2011-12-08T10:25:00.000-06:00

I secretly planned to have a little give-away to the person that left the 500th comment on my blog. I knew it was close to 500, and just noticed that it's now over. The 500th commenter is Shelly over at An Arizona Stitcher! I'll be contacting her to let her know. Congratulations, Shelly!

Starting To Play Catch-Up

2011-12-06T12:58:00.000-06:00

I'm beginning to post pics of my finishes for the year. This lovely design was completed back in April. I stitched for a while and put it down, and repeated that process many times! After 3 years, the final stitches went in. Love it!

Where My Heart Blooms
Blackbird Designs
c. 2008
5/1/2008 - 4/28/2011

When I look at it I think of my Daddy. The last time he and I went on an outing together, we had lunch and then drove into Oklahoma City. We stopped at Heartland Needleworks (has since closed) and I picked up the chart, linen, and floss. From there we just road around the downtown area, went by the state capitol building, several other sites and my old house. He really seemed to enjoy the trip out that day.

I'm Back!

2011-12-04T10:20:00.001-06:00

Well, I certainly did take an extended blogging break (without meaning to)! Can't believe my last post was way back in May. Time sure flies!

A quick summary of the last 6 months:
-husband's 2 sisters came for a visit in July
-we were on a 2 week Baltic Sea cruise in August and spent another week in Belgium and The Netherlands before returning home
-daughter and husband came for a visit
-did some work on the house-inside and outside
-a few short trips thrown in
-survived the extreme OK heat during the summer (thus the Baltic trip--had to get away from it!)
-lots of stitching (need to catch up with posting pics)
-etc, etc

You know, it's just amazing how work used to cut into everything--just don't know how I used to manage when working...;

These are a couple of my latest finishes. They're all for gifts that have been received. The snowman finish and the scissor fob were for the name I drew for the Thursday night stitching group. Believe it or not, but I drew the same name as I did last year! We all got together this past Thursday night and exchanged gifts and had lots of yummy goodies to eat!

Let It Snow
Country Cottage Needleworks (JCS Ornament 2008)
c. 2008
8/11/2011 - 11/6/2011

Winter Scissors Keep
The Drawn Thread
11/27/2011 - 11/28/2011

The next finish was a freebie from The Sampler Girl. I'd been wanting to do this one for friends that are huge Texas fans. They have a room decorated entirely with Texas memorabilia. It's pretty amazing! I stitched the same design last year for DD/DSIL with OU's colors-crimson and cream. It's a really cute design.

Football

The Sampler Girl
c. 2010
11/29/2011 - 11/30/2011

My goal is to get pics up by the end of the year for all 2011 finished projects. It's just so nice to have all project pictures in one place.

According to the forecast, we could see the season's first "winter precipitation" which translates into snow. I'm just not sure if I'm ready for it. This has been the year of extremes-record snowfall, the tornadoes, the summer heat, 3 "large" earthquakes in one weekend. Just hope we don't have another winter like last year. But, if we do, my pantry is stocked and ready.

Still Waters is Finished

2011-05-18T15:43:00.004-05:00

Still Waters
Plum Street Samplers
c. 2007
4/15/2010 - 4/1/2011

This is a lovely design by Paulette Stewart. This was on my wish list and my DD gave it to me for Christmas a few years ago. I loved every stitch!

I've been absent from blogland for quite a while. You know how it is...life happens! Let's see...there were computer and health issues, and other projects took up my time. I didn't get around to reading and commenting on too many of your blogs. I just didn't have the energy to do much more than the bare minimum, day to day, for a while. But, now I'm feeling better, and am trying to get caught up on things that fell by the wayside for several months, including catching up with my blog reader. I did get some stitching done and finished up some old WIP's.

I've begun my family research once again, and it's an ongoing project. I wish I had gotten information from family while I still could.

I had an interesting day on Mother's Day. My DH had been looking at pickup trucks here and just couldn't find the color that he wanted, so he decided he wanted to go to Oklahoma City to look. He likes to walk the car lots on Sunday without the sales people, and then go back to buy. So, on Mother's Day we drove down to see what they had. I insisted that we take a change of clothes just in case. It would be senseless to go home and then make another trip. So, we went early in the day to beat the heat, and there were already lots of others walking around on the lot. I could tell there was someone walking behind me rather close, and said "Happy Mother's Day"! I turned around, and it was DD all the way from CA!! What a surprise! She was to be in OKC for the weekend for a friend's shower, and she and DH planned the whole thing without me having a clue. We had a wonderful day visiting for a little while! (And, no, we didn't get a truck! That whole thing was just to throw me off!)

Well, it's time for starting dinner. Hope this long post didn't bore you.

Flowers and a Birthday Start

2011-05-17T18:46:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday and my daughter and son-in-law sent these gorgeous flowers. I just love the way they are arranged and the colors are so sweet! Thanks to both of you!

I have been doing some stitching on older projects and have finished 3 (pics soon), and I really needed a new start. Here is the tiny bit done last night on the bellpull sampler from Cross Stitch Sampler magazine Summer 1992.

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
Cross Stitch Sampler magazine
Summer 1992

Happy Birthday, Aunt Becky!

2011-04-04T13:19:00.003-05:00

Tulip Pincushion
Blackird Designs/A Stitcher's Journey
c. 2011
3/28/2011 - 3/29/2011

I stitched this little pincushion for my Aunt Becky in SC. Today is her 90th birthday! Wish I could be with her in person. She doesn't read this blog ~ she doesn't even have a computer, but best wishes to her. I'll be calling her in a little bit. The vintage buttons are from my Mama's button jar. If you click on the picture you can see the 2 beaded pins I made, also.

This little, or rather big, jewel has been sitting wrapped up in a pillowcase for a long, long time in the craft closet. I got it out and have it set up with all the threads, an Ott-light, and magnifier on a little table in the craft room so that I can sit and maybe get a block or two done whenever I walk by. This is a picture as I left it so long ago. Hopefully, there will be some progress soon that I can share. There are 18 x 22 squares (12 x12 canvas threads ~ all different) for a total of 396! So many more to go!!

Nova (canvas)
Genny Morrow

Another Finish

2011-04-02T12:28:00.001-05:00

Home of a Needleworker is framed! Not bad for a recycled frame, but don't look too closely because the frame job isn't perfect ~ but it was free:)

Tanzanite (canvas)
Needle Delights Originals
7/12/2009 - 2/24/2011

This was a very enjoyable project. Too bad I'd put it down for so long!

Yesterday, I replaced the binding on a very old quilt. I can't remember if I made it in 1982 or 1983, but it's been in use ever since then. The binding had gotten so frayed, but with the new binding, maybe we can get another 28 or 29 years of use!

I've not done too much blog reading or commenting lately, so my reader is pretty full, but will slowly read through all the back posts.

It was very cool, cloudy and a little rainy the past week, but the weekend should be in the 80's. Everything is in bloom and the trees are starting to leaf out and the grass is beginning to green up. I'm ready to get out and play in the dirt!

We will be attending a wedding later this evening. It should be fun...and I'm looking forward to having a piece of cake!

And the Winner Is...

2011-03-20T00:11:00.005-05:00

...Daffycat!

Sharon, if you will email me with your snail mail address, I'll send the chart to you!

A Fun Stitch

2011-03-16T13:59:00.004-05:00

Tanzanite
Needle Delights Originals

I'm trying to finish stitching this canvas that was started a while ago, but I won't say when;) When I saw it I was in the mood for something out of my normal color zone, and it fit the bill! Even DH likes it! Not too much left...a bit of fill in here and there, and a border all around. FUN!

If you are interested in the chart that was offered on my last post (click here), leave a comment on that post letting me know. I'll pick a name on Sunday night.

Home of a Needleworker finished!

2011-03-14T14:56:00.000-05:00

Home of a Needleworker
Little House Needleworks
c. 2003
11/1/2010 - 3/6/2011

I finished this last week and didn't get around to posting a picture! Now I need to get it washed, pressed and into the frame. Hopefully, that will be done soon! It's cloudy today and the picture doesn't look very bright, but you get the idea.

In going through some stash, I found a duplicate chart. If anyone would like to have it, please leave a comment on this post along with your email address if it isn't on your blog profile. If there is more than one request, I'll draw a name on Sunday, March 20th at 10:00 p.m. (central time), and post the winner on Monday.

Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

2011-03-07T10:05:00.004-06:00

Antique Heart Needleroll

Shepherd's Bush
stitched February 2011

Happy Birthday to my daughter! She turns 27 today! I wish I could be with her to celebrate and make a cake for her. When she was at home it was always devil's food with butter cream icing, with decoration, of course. Her BD was about the only time I made that cake. Wish I had some now!

I made this needleroll for her and included in her birthday package. She received it, so can post picture now. She gave this SB kit to me for Christmas one year and always remarked about how pretty it was, so I decided to stitch it up for her. I finished this during our February snow when staying in for so long.

Happy Birthday, Sweetie! Hope you have a wonderful day! Love, Mommy

My Red Door and Some Oldies

2011-02-26T15:19:00.000-06:00

After what seems like forever, the house is completed, with the red door! I love how it turned out. Not much more, so will continue with this one.

This week was a busy one with appointments, lunch out with a friend, and stitching group on Thursday night. I puttered in the kitchen a good bit as well. I made a "vat" of creole sauce. We ate shrimp creole one night and then froze the rest for later. We had gotten some crab meat, so I made crab cakes for the freezer. It's really nice to have dinner already cooked, so all that's needed is a vegetable or two, and a salad!

I'll leave you with a couple of older finishes. Both of them are hanging in my kitchen.

And God said...
Gretta 1977
c. 1977
stitched 1978

Carolina Lily
hand pieced and quilted 1993

Have a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by and for all of the great comments. I appreciate them all.

Home of a Needleworker

2011-02-19T13:13:00.001-06:00

What a difference a week makes! Last week we had temps. below zero, and on Thursday and yesterday we made it to the 70's. One town nearby was actually mentioned in the national news as having a temperature swing of 110 degrees (-31 and 79) in one week! Well, I guess that's Oklahoma for you!

I've been stitching on Home of a Needleworker by Little House Needleworks for the past week. I think it was started on one of my trips back in the fall, then put away with only a few stitches put in. I have a frame that should be just right and that's why I'm trying to get it finished. The house is solid stitching, so that area is great for stitching during TV time. While filling in the door late last night, it seemed that the color was too close to the house color and it got lost. I stitched as charted because I liked the colors, but now I'm thinking the door maybe needs to be one of the reds.

I decided to organize my digital photos better, and got into that during the week. The new "filing" system is much better than the old. I began with 2011 and will work my way back until completed.

With the days being so much warmer right now, I really feel like going out to tidy up the flower beds in preparation for the annuals that will be planted in just a couple of months. Although, I must say, it's been nice not having any yard work for a while. As I write this, the birds are singing outside ~ even they are looking forward to Spring!

Hope your weekend is a great one, with lots of stitching!

Valentine RAK!

2011-02-12T16:31:00.001-06:00

I got a surprise in the mail today from Karen.

She stitched the sweetest little pin pillow. The finishing is wonderful and she included 2 handmade pins. This is so pretty Karen!! Thanks so much for thinking of me. I just love it!

Something Sweet

2011-02-11T09:50:00.001-06:00

This morning we needed a little something sweet with our coffee! I made 1/2 recipe of a Cranberry Coffee Cake. This is a 6 cup Bundt pan, which is about half the size of a regular one. This is just right for the two of us, but if it looks like we won't be able to finish it, I'll freeze for later. I doubt that will happen, though :)

Some Older Stitching

2011-02-09T15:53:00.002-06:00

Not a lot on the stitching front that I can take a picture of. I've been busy, but seems that I've been hopping from one thing to the next. Maybe something soon!

Here are a couple of old finishes:

Summer Breeze

Laura J. Perin
c. 2006
10/5/2008 - 11/12/2008

This one is a freebie from Laura Perin's website. I really love the colors and the way it turned out, and it still needs to be matted and framed. When it was completed, it never made it to the blog. So, here it is now! (it really is square-the angle makes it look wonky)

Iris Sampler
Sheepish Designs
Cross Stitch & Country Crafts Sept/Oct 1990
c. 1990
stitched 1991

Here's an oldie, but definitely a goodie!! I see the date of 1991, and can't believe that it has been 20 years since I stitched this! How can it be? Love the colors in this one, too. This has traveled all over the house...living room, guest room, and now in my craft room.

I think our latest snow storm has passed, leaving us with almost 6 inches. Per the report, that is a total of 22.5 inches so far for February, which I believe is a record. Are we ready for Spring yet??

Guess what's under this snow drift!!

2011-02-01T15:05:00.006-06:00

Well, Tulsa woke up to a lot of snow and more piled up as the day went on. So far we have broken the record of 12.9 inches from 1994...we are now at 13.8 inches. We aren't used to that much around here! There has been absolutely no traffic on my street, and from what we see on the TV, very little out there at all.

We are set up for several days of being snowed in. The temp is about 10, and won't be above freezing until at least Saturday. I just heard that there is another "event" coming our way about Mon or Tues of next week. (Our temps over this past weekend were around 70)

Oh, the snow drift out back is covering our 2 air conditioning units sitting on a concrete slab! Pic was taken from indoors--I'm not going out there! LOL

EDIT: The final tally is a record 14 inches of snow for Tulsa--4 records broken-all time annual, 24 hr snowfall, month of February and Feb 1st.

It's Tiny, but It's a Finish!

2011-01-29T13:53:00.004-06:00

Heart Throb
The Drawn Thread
c. 2001
1/27/2011 - 1/29/2011

I realized that I don't have any Valentine finishes! How can that be? Maybe I'll get a few stitched and finished in time to enjoy before February 14th! This little freebie was calling my name and I caved:)

Edit: The stitches for the various hearts:
Cross, Queen, Double Faggoting, Satin, Cushion, Rhodes, Sprats Head

A Little Finish

2011-01-27T11:04:00.000-06:00

The Santa Factory - January
Heartstrings
c.1997
1/13/2011 - 1/26/2011

My little Santa dude is finished! He was so much fun to stitch on this gorgeous 32 ct. French blue. I used the suggested DMC thread. Instead of stitching the light dots in the coat and hat, I used cream beads. The star on the hat tip is a Swarovski crystal.

Last Tuesday night DH and I were out doing a few errands and then stopped to get a bite to eat. We ended up sitting and talking for a long while and before we knew it, it was 9:30. We left to go home, and got on the highway (not an interstate, but a wide divided hwy with speed limit of 65). Had only gone about 1 mile and we noticed a car off the highway to the right that had overturned. It had just happened, as the dust was still visible in the headlights. Just at the second we saw the car, we ran over something in the highway. It was the light pole that the car had hit. It snapped off at the base and was across 2 of the 3 lanes. You would not believe what that jolt felt like! We immediately pulled over on the shoulder (as had other cars). Oil was pouring from the car. DH ran back to the wrecked car to be of assistance until the emergency vehicles got there. The girl was alive, but couldn't move, and they didn't try to move her. But, he said they would have if there was a fire. Ambulance and fire trucks arrived and took her to the hospital. DH came back to our car to look at it. It was dark but from what he could tell, the oil pan was ripped open or off. We ended up being towed home. There were several other cars that had run over the pole that were damaged and needed to be towed. The car was in the street in front of the house for several days. We ordered the parts and worked around sleet/snow and below freezing temps, but got the oil pan on and it's back in the garage. He'll be able to finish at his leisure, now. It could have been so much worse...the light pole could have fallen on a car and caused multiple injuries or worse.

We have been trying to get rid of a few pieces of furniture. We sold my piano and it was picked up yesterday morning. I spent the rest of the day re-arranging the living room. Needless to say, that was tiring! But,I still have a piano, as DH bought me one several months ago. It's an electronic, full size keyboard with organ and other multiple instruments. Also, I can use headphones when playing, so only I can hear. It's great! I really hadn't played much the past few years, but it's nice getting back into it. I'm pretty rusty, so the headphones are very nice right now!

That's about it for now. Thanks for stopping by!

Still Waters and 2 new starts

2011-01-15T14:53:00.002-06:00

I've been stitching on Still Waters by Plum Street Samplers this week. I started this back in April of last year, and of course it was put aside for something else! There isn't too much to do, now. The grass along the lower edge will be filled in and this will be easy to stitch during TV time. Then, the rest of the words and a bit hear and there. I love it and really do want to get finished!

Here is my new start. Am I crazy or what!!?# I only have a few stitches done in the grid, so no pic on the linen, but here is what it will look like many moons from now! I just love Darlene's samplers, and Robertson is no exception.

I started this during Thursday night stitch group. It's small and very portable and Thurs nights will be a good time for ornament stitching.

Carolyn at Just One More Stitch is having a giveaway, so go visit her blog to enter.

I have some lentil soup simmering in the crock pot for dinner, so I think I'll try to get some stitching in until then.

Thanks for all the great comments on my Pomegranate sampler finish.

First Finish of 2011!

2011-01-09T15:23:00.006-06:00

The Pomegranate Sampler
The Needle's Prayse
c. 1990
1/1/2010 - 1/7/2011

Here it is--finally finished. Or finished for now...until it's framed there is still the option of stitching the outer border.

Thank you for all of the nice comments on my last post!

A tiny bit more progress

2011-01-03T11:38:00.004-06:00

Only a little progress to show...

2010 Stitching Pics

2011-01-02T15:23:00.002-06:00

Here's a bit of what I did in 2010!

Happy New Year and To Stitch or Not Stitch

2011-01-01T16:45:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year! My how 2010 just flew by.

Overall I'm happy with the stitching I did in 2010. Quite a few small designs were stitched as well as some old WIPs. This sampler is a really old chart from 1990, but I only acquired it a year or so ago after looking for it for a long time. I love the verse and the colors and has been an enjoyable project while I was actually stitching it! I kept putting it aside to start something new;) My goal was to get it finished in 2010 but that didn't happen, so now I'm working very hard to wrap it up in the next few days. You know...itching to get something new started! Have only the alphabet at the top and a little green on the vine and my name and date left, unless I decide to do the satin stitch border. You can see it in the picture of the chart. From the beginning I wasn't sure if I'd stitch it or not, since it would be just as pretty with just the vine. What do you think? Love to hear your thoughts.

I managed to get up at 5 a.m. yesterday morning to be at The Silver Needle at 6 for the annual New Year's Eve sale. I got several charts and some fabrics/threads, so I think I'm set for a while now! My goal is to make 2011 a Stitch from Stash year. There are so many pretty designs that I've gotten over the years that should be worked up and quite a few larger WIPs that have been neglected for far too long.

Gotta get dinner together... I have a bowl game to watch tonight! GO SOONERS!

Edited to add: OU won by the way...48-20! Way to go!

Football (freebie)
The Sampler Girl
c. 2010
12/17/2010 - 12/18/2010

stitched for DD and DSIL...BIG Sooner fans!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T16:11:00.005-06:00

Wishing all dear friends a very Merry Christmas!

Santa
Bent Creet
c.2005

I stitched 2 of these-- one for DD and one to keep!

Happy Anniversary!

2010-12-18T15:37:00.002-06:00

Happy 34th Anniversary to my dear husband! We've been through so much together, both good and bad, but I wouldn't trade a day. Thanks for everything. I love you and look forward to many, many more years together!

It's Time For Another Long Overdue Update!

2010-11-29T19:21:00.002-06:00

We've been so busy the past couple of months! Where does the time go?

In September, we decided to rent an RV and hit the road to see if this type of travel might interest us. We got a 32 foot Class C (all in one) and did not tow another vehicle. The trip lasted about 10 days and went to Oolagah Lake in OK, Branson, MO and to the Buffalo River in AR. We had a fantastic time and the weather was good. Not too hot and only had a couple of rain showers. We are interested but not sure what type, size, etc. would be the best for us, so we are just thinking and looking for now. (You can get a lot of hotel rooms for the price of one!!) :)

I did finish Queen's Sweet Bag and just love it! It was so much fun to stitch as a change from doing cross stitches, and, the colors are so bright and cheery. I'd love to do another design in the future by Nostalgic Needle.

Queen's Sweet Bag
Nostalgic Needle
6/20/2007 - 10/7/2010

In October, DH had more scans/tests and he is still in remission! Once again we are so thankful for the good news!

Our DD and DSIL came to OK for a football game. They flew to Oklahoma City and we went down one day to visit with them for a very short time! They were limited in their time off and had so much to cram into one weekend. But, I'll take whatever time I can with them. We had lunch, talked, and took them to the airport. Fun day :)

I stitched an ornament for their Halloween tree:

Frightful (Jack & Bat)
Just Nan
c. 2005
10/8/2010 - 10/11/2010

Another finish:

Fall
Homespun Elegance
c. 2000
9/21/2010 - 10/14/2010

This is one that my mama stitched in 1988. She stitched all but the blue in the border. I don't know why she left it undone. I finished it and dated it with my initials and 2010. It's nice to have a piece that we both stitched.

Ming Garden
Designs O'Bryan
c. 1977
1988 - 10/25/2010

That's all for this post since there were so many pictures. I have more pics and need to report on November, but that will have to wait until next time!

A Finish-Finish

2010-09-04T15:40:00.001-05:00

Joyful Santa
Homespun Elegance
c. 2004
2004 JCS Ornaments

I stitched "Joyful Santa" last year and just finished it into an ornament. It really is square-for some reason after sending pic to blogger, it looks more like a rectangle.

Staying in the Lines!

2010-09-01T14:38:00.004-05:00

It's a lot like coloring in a coloring book... once the design is outlined, fill in with tent stitches in several shades of a color. If you're off a couple of stitches one way or another it's OK. I'm still enjoying and all is well!

Tiny Stitches

2010-08-30T14:19:00.004-05:00

I decided to get this old WIP out and see if I could finish it up, or at least get a few more stitches in in! This is a gorgeous design and is charted for 1 over 1 on 32 ct. The stitches are double running, queen, and tent--no cross stitching! I had started it several years ago and could only get a bit done as is hard to see. But, I have a better magnifier and light, so thought I'd have another go at it. Over the weekend the pink flower and some of the green in the stem was stitched. I'll work for a while until I can't see any more!

Christmas in August!

2010-08-28T19:45:00.001-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I won Stephanie's giveaway on her blog, Joie de Bayou. Her package arrived and here is a snap of all the goodies! She really did outdo herself! I couldn't believe how much she stuffed into the box!

I could barely get it all in the picture. She included a mini scrapbood kit, a cross stitch kit, several Christmas craft kits, some trims, an angel ornament, tea, note pad set, Louisiana creole red beans and candy, the cutest little crawfish, DMC in my favorite Christmas colors and a stitched ornament.

She stitched "Winter Sheep" by Little House Needleworks. I have admired this design, so I am absolutely thrilled to have it! Stephanie's stitching is just perfect and she finished it into a darling little pillow which will go into my basket of smalls. Thank you Stephanie for the wonderful gifts!

I'm a Winner and More Finishes

2010-08-16T22:50:00.003-05:00

Betsy's Butterfly
Elizabeth's Designs
c. 2000
4/21/2009 - 8/15/2010

I changed the colors and added more stitches here and there, and changed the charm from what was included in the kit.

Since my last finish, I have been quite busy. I pulled out several WIP's and finished the stitching. Later, I'll spend a few days making into ornies or small pillows all at one time.

Santa Moon
Phyllis Renick
Miniature Quilts Magazine Winter 1993
pre 1996 - 8/9/2010

This Santa is complete, finally. All he needed was a bit of quilting where the stars are and making/stitching the binding, which didn't take long at all.

Holly "N Hardanger
The Sweetheart Tree
c.2005
JCS 2005 Christmas Ornament Issue
7/31/2010 - 8/12/2010

Father Frost
Mill Hill Kit
c 2002
7/16/2010 - 7/22/2010

This is for my Thursday night stitch group Christmas exchange. She doesn't read my blog, so it's safe to show pic. I stitched on 32 count raw linen instead of the perf. paper that was in the kit. It will be finished as a hanging ornament. This Santa was sooo much fun to do...just may stitch again! Oops, I just noticed that I forgot to put the finishing touch to the hat... there is a snowflake charm that goes on the tip.

Last week I won Stephanie's giveaway! I never win anything, so I'm so thrilled!! She has been in contact and will let me know when to expect the package. Can't wait to post a picture for you to see.

DH and I drove about 40 miles east of Tulsa last Thursday night to get away from the city lights in order to view the meteor shower. We stayed out until about midnight and saw quite a few meteors. That was the first time in many years that we have done that.

I' ve had some computer issues several times lately, but DH kindly got me up and running and all is good now! Nothing like having your own IT person!! Thanks :)

For the month of August, most days have been at least 100. Finally, some relief moved in yesterday and feels a bit more normal and the nights are cooling off a little bit more.

Not much news, and nothing much going on, but life is good! What more can you ask for?

Midnight Garden

2010-07-30T16:25:00.006-05:00

Midnight Garden
Orna Willis
3/10/2009 - 7/28/2010

I've finished Midnight Garden by Orna Willis. It was started over a year ago and got put to the side with all that was going on last year. I picked it up recently and got busy and finished it. It's stitched entirely with floss instead of the called for Watercolours and Waterlilies. I didn't have black canvas, so I used acrylic paint to tint it black. I think it turned out great! IMHO

Does this mean I can pick out something new to start? ;)

Thankful

2010-07-09T10:25:00.006-05:00

We were in Houston part of last week for DH's latest round of tests at M D Anderson. The results were great! He is now a 1 year survivor! Words cannot express how happy and thankful I am! I have now stopped wearing the bracelet that I put on the day of his 1st chemotherapy. It will serve as a reminder of the past 18+ months of all that we both went through and the ways that we were changed. Together, we can look to the future and enjoy and appreciate each new day!

2 Finishes and a Quiet 4th!

2010-07-05T15:26:00.017-05:00

Hope all had a great 4th! Our day was a quiet one at home. We decided not to go to any of the fireworks displays this year, but watched on TV. Neighbors on our street shot some off and we went outside and enjoyed theirs!

Here are 2 more that I've finished stitching. I really did want to get July made into an ornament so that I could hang it to enjoy for the 4th, but that didn't happen!

July
Shepherd's Bush
6/13/2010 - 6/18/2010

He Is Risen was stitched on 28 ct Lugana, 1 over 1, and took me forever, working in spurts. While taking the picture, I decided the angel wings don't show up very well and should be backstitched to define more.

He Is Risen
Little House Needleworks
JCS March/April 2010
4/1/2010 - 6/28/2010

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2010-06-22T21:45:00.009-05:00

The above is an experiment using 2 bags of topsoil. Cut a hole, drop seeds in, mulch and voila! Melons on the left and cukes on the right. I'll put a mesh on the fence for climbing.

Mega crop of tomatoes!

The "square foot garden". 24 square foot squares...tomatoes, peppers, carrots, radishes, melons, cukes, thyme, basil, rosemary, beets, swiss chard

The carrots were planted last August. I harvested many of them last fall and then, as another experiment, left the rest and mulched over the winter. These came out this morning. They are still fantastic!

Another Finish

2010-06-11T10:57:00.002-05:00

Angel Song
Shepherd's Bush
c. 1996
10/10/2009 - 1/29/2010

I left this one out of last post by mistake!

A Few Finishes!

2010-06-10T01:06:00.004-05:00

Among the Roses
Just Nan
c 1997
1/7/10 - 1/21/10

Herald Angels
The Prairie Schooler
c 2003
JCS Christmas
3/4/10 - 3/9/10

Rejoice
Mosey 'n Me
c 2009
JCS Christmas
3/14/10 - 3/22/10

Santa's Trimmings
Mosey 'n Me
c 2004
JCS Christmas
3/9/10 - 3/14/10

Sumter
Dorothy Tate
c 1978
4/3/81 - 4/23/10

I'm Still Here!!

2010-06-01T22:13:00.008-05:00

I've been absent from blogging for quite a while. Several of you have sent emails to check on me, and it was nice to have been missed! To catch up:

My DH had planned for some time to "retire" early, and decided that his last day of work would be on December 31. So...my last day of work was Dec 31 as well. He wanted me to be home with him so we could travel and do "whatever".

We went on a cruise in January to the Eastern Caribbean. We left Tulsa on one of the coldest days that we had, but enjoyed some really warm days in the sun while gone! While in port in Tortola, I fell flat on my face in the middle of the street and twisted my ankle! How lucky was that! At least it was nearer the end of the trip. But, boy did it hurt and for weeks I hobbled around. It still hurts some even now.

In March, we drove to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California, and were gone just about the whole month. We got to visit with DD and DSIL in CA, as we hadn't seen them since Thanksgiving.

The rest of the time since the first of the year we have been busy catching up on projects around the house. Also, it's time to "downsize". Unfortunately, since things have not been accumulated overnight, it won't go away overnight. But, I think I am on the last room and can see the light at the end of the tunnel coming up. It's easy to get rid of some things, but the more sentimental items are a bit harder to part with. What I have done is take pictures and that is working out for me. But, don't worry, I'm also keeping a lot! And you know what? It really does feel good to "let it go".

I stitch as much as I can, but don't usually get to until the evening. I guess I'm just still in the mindset of getting all the "chores" done before having too much pleasure!! On Thursday evenings I meet a group of stitchers at a LNS for a couple of hours, and usually manage to get a good bit done there.

I'll have to take some snaps of my current WIPs as well as some of my finishes from last year. Here is one pic from Petrified Forest taken in March.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks to those of you that asked about me.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T22:27:00.002-06:00

We're having blizzard conditions here in Oklahoma, and it is just miserable out! But, it's warm inside and we don't have any plans to get out anytime soon!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Book Give Away!

2009-04-30T18:35:00.002-05:00

Be sure to add your name to Edgar's drawing on his blog for a copy of a Christmas cross stitch book. Just add a comment to his April 27th post!

It's Great News!!!

2009-04-23T09:22:00.003-05:00

All the tests are back and we just saw the Dr. She said he is considered in remission as nothing showed on the scans, and all tests look good! He'll still have 3 more cycles of chemo. One is scheduled for today, and if he feels up to it we'll drive home tomorrow or Saturday.

Thanks so much for all of your kind words, thoughts and prayers.

I'm Still Here...

2009-04-19T13:07:00.004-05:00

I'm still here. It's funny how things can change so quickly overnight and how that makes your priorities change as well.

In early February my DH was diagnosed with lymphoma. We wanted a second opinion so we quickly made arrangements for him to be seen at M D Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston. We spent a week there. He had so many tests done and the original diagnosis was correct. He had his first chemo treatment there that week. He went back by himself 3 weeks later for treatment #2, and had #3 here. We leave in the morning to head back to Houston for re-testing to see what progress has been made and for treatment #4.

I'm still stitching when I can. So much of my time has been taken up with coordinating appointments between Houston and here, keeping the medications straight, making nutritious meals, working full time, and just doing everything around the house that I can so he won't have to. He is tired, as expected. We did go to 3 fun concerts recently, though. We saw Elton John/Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and Third Day.

So, if you read this, keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we journey to Houston this week. We are hoping to hear some good news! My heart is full of hope that we will!

First Step is Finished

2009-02-03T23:45:00.003-06:00

First Step
Genny Morrow
18 ct. canvas, DMC floss
5/2007 - 1/31/2009

I worked very hard last week in order to get this one completed. This was really fun to work! This week I'm back to linen with Live Each Season.

First Finish of 2009

2009-01-25T13:37:00.004-06:00

Autumn Haze
Laura J. Perin
c. 2006
11/21/08 - 1/24/09
Caron Watercolors, DMC Pearl Cotton & Floss, Kreinik Braid & Ribbon, Mill Hill Magnifica Beads

This is a freebie from Laura Perin's website. I painted the canvas a light teal. It's really too bad that the photo doesn't pick up the sparkle from the beads and the metallic threads. The colors are even prettier IRL.

For my rotation starting today, I get to choose any canvas WIP, so I will be stitching First Step by Genny Morrow.

Our forecast calls for rain, freezing rain, and sleet for late tomorrow into Wednesday. That, I'm not looking forward to. But, it makes for good stitching!

Sampler Progress and A Present!

2009-01-18T13:09:00.007-06:00

Here is Bands of Many Colors as of today! Even though I have been faithfully stitching only on this for the last 2 weeks, you would think it should be farther along, but it is so enjoyable, it shouldn't be rushed! I am putting it away for a while, as part 1 and a wee bit of part 2 have been done. I think I will follow Coni's method of rotation for a while, and "draw" a WIP to stitch for a week. The one that was drawn from my list is a canvas piece which doesn't have much more to do. If it isn't finished this week, then I will be surprised.

Edited to add: The stitches used in Part 1: Cross, Queen, Backstitch, Algerian Eye, Diamond Eye, Satin, Irish, and Tent.

I had a belated Christmas present arrive yesterday from DD and DSIL. She had been quite distraught that it did not arrive in time for Christmas, but that was OK because when I opened it, I could not believe she had sent all of these charts from my wish list!! There is a little kit coming that is on backorder as well! I can't wait to start stitching them. Thanks, thanks, thanks!

Still Waters--Plum Street Samplers

Gather Thy Roses--Chessie & Me

Irish Sampler Pincushion--Nostalgic Needle

Bands of Many Colors progress

2009-01-11T18:34:00.002-06:00

Progress was pretty good this week even though I'm working on 36 ct. There are 2 motifs to complete and then I will be able to start stitching the bands.

Bands of Many Colors

2009-01-06T20:03:00.005-06:00

Here is my start to Bands of Many Colors. There are several spot motifs above the bands of stitches. I'm using 36 ct. cream and will be stitching with 1 thread over 2, and will be using my magnifier for sure! My chart came from Just Cross Stitch. Small portions were published in 7 consecutive issues in 1990-1991. I've wanted to stitch this one since seeing it that far back! My "goal" is to stitch one portion at least every 2 months (one part is the personalization, so that won't take very long). That way it should be complete at the end of 2009!

I did not have anyone sign up for the FQ PIF on my January 1st post, so I will select 2 readers during the year to receive 2 fat quarters of fabric.

Last Finish of 2008

2009-01-03T15:34:00.011-06:00

Seasons of Flowers Sampler
Eileen Bennett --The Sampler House
c. 1987

12/2003 - 12/31/08

32 ct. cream linen, DMC thread

I was determined to get this one finished in 2008 and I did...but only a little bit before the clock struck midnight! It was a real joy to stitch, but I ended up stitching a little bit here and there, and spreading it out over 5 years! That's just way too long to be working on a project! LOL (Although I do have one that dates back to about 1988 that will be coming out soon!)

On New Year's Day I began another of Eileen's gorgeous samplers...Bands of Many Colors. I just love stitching band samplers with a variety of specialty stitches. They are not very wide, which for me is enjoyable, as I don't get tired of working on the same thing for very long. There's only a little bit done, so no pic yet.

*****See my post on January 1, and let me know if you are interested in the FQ PIF!*****

Happy New Year and a PIF!

2009-01-01T12:28:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year!

I had an email from Sherry last night and learned that I won a PIF from her for 2009! How exciting! Her PIF is for 2 fat quarters of fabric, and I love adding new fabric to my stash.

The requirement is to add a PIF to MY blog. Everyone loves a FQ, and we use them all the time. Sometime within the next 365 days, I will send out 2 FQs to 2 of you!

If you are interested, leave a comment on this post until January 5th at 6 p.m. central time. Let me know that you want to be included and that evening I will draw 2 names and post the winner on my blog. Please be sure to leave your email address or a link to your blog so that I can get in touch with you if you are a winner!

If you win, you must be willing to post this PIF on your blog and do the same for 2 people. Good luck!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T14:13:00.003-06:00

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14

Wishing you and your loved ones the blessings of this holy season!

Long time since last post!

2008-10-09T13:46:00.004-05:00

Well, it has been a while! In September our DD was staying with us while she was doing a cardiology rotation in Tulsa. I did some stitching, but mostly tried to visit with her when she had some free time. Even though she worked only in the daytime, she spent most evenings doing some studying, as the board exam is in December.

At the moment DH and I are in Oregon, and are nearing the end of our trip. We flew to Portland, and spent a couple of days there before driving south to Eugene. From Eugene we drove to the coast and have slowly gone north. It is cool, and most days have been raining lightly. Enough to be wet, but not so much to stop plans. The scenery has been awesome! This is my first time to Oregon. In Portland I visited two stitching stores, Acorns and Threads and The Playful Needle. I only got a few fibers from each of them. We've been on the go every day, but will take it easy today, so I plan to pull out the stitching and see how much i can accomplish.

Another Laura J. Perin Design

2008-08-25T22:51:00.008-05:00

Autumn Haze (modified)
Laura J. Perin
c.2006

I'm just having so much fun stitching these little designs! This one is a freebie, from Laura J. Perin. I modified the design somewhat, but I love the way it turned out. It's called "Autumn Haze" but because of the colors I chose, it doesn't look like autumn. Once again, I tinted the canvas. This time I used pink and a clear finish with a little glitter. The photo doesn't pick up the glitter, though.

Birthday Gift for Carla

2008-08-25T07:50:00.007-05:00

Opalescent Heart

The Sweetheart Tree

The Gift of Stitching June 2007

Carla let me know that she received her package. Her birthday is not until Thursday, but she couldn't wait to open it! She said she liked what I stitched for her--it was a really fun piece to do.

Spring Fling Is Finished!

2008-08-11T23:35:00.007-05:00

Spring Fling
Laura J. Perin Designs
7/20/08-8/10/08
Caron Collection's Watercolours, DMC Pearl Cotton, YLI Ribbon Floss, Beads

This was just so much fun to stitch!

Something New

2008-08-06T19:15:00.004-05:00

I needed a new start and wanted something totally different! I found this design, Spring Fling, by Laura J. Perin at my local needlepoint shop, Stitches. It is small, only about 6.5 x 6.5, and is working up really quickly. I used acrylic paint to go from white canvas to the perfect shade of green. I have already gotten the fibers for my next one, and have lots of ideas for several more small projects. Could it be that a new obsession is setting in?

The past weeks since my dad passed away has been hard for me. I've been in a mental slump and have not really felt like doing anything "extra". Oh, I've been fine on the outside and have gone through the motions of everyday activities. At the strangest times, day or night, it hits and I just feel so sad, but I suppose that's normal. When my mama's health was declining, I knew the end was coming and could somewhat prepare myself. Over the course of about 6 months I was slowly able to let her go. When the end came I knew she was tired and her little body just couldn't go on any longer. But, it was different with him. He was gone in less than a week from the time he started to feel bad. By the time I got to the hospital, he was non-responsive, so I never really got to say good bye. And, there isn't any other family, so it has been up to me and DH to handle all of the affairs. He has been a very big help to me and I'm grateful that he has been there. I'm an only child and daddy outlived everyone else! He was a month short of being 94! They had been married 62+ years. I came along very late in their lives and after they had been married a long time. With time it will be easier, I know.

Thanks to all of you that left kind words on my last post, and to those of you that emailed me. It really meant a lot. I have been checking in and reading what you have been up to, but I have failed to make many comments. Hopefully, I'll get back in gear and will soon.

Overdue Update

2008-06-25T23:22:00.015-05:00

Here is a snap of We Will Adore Him. The stitching is complete and has been for some time-I just need to get to The Silver Needle and buy the buttons and sew them on! It's been really hectic here recently.

Near the end of April, DH and I decided to cut down 2 huge trees in our front yard. The trees were just too big for our size yard and the grass had pretty much disappeared. We tried Fescue, but it just didn't do well. And one of the trees had damage from the ice storm in December last year. So the trees went. Then, we enlarged a flower bed with bricks. While working on the bricks, I jokingly said that since we were doing all that work, why not install a sprinkler system? DH said he had been thinking of doing just that! So, we rented a trencher, dug up the yard, and installed it. This took several weeks--working weekends and a few nights. The dirt was delivered and the yard smoothed out today and the sod will be put down on Friday. We have done all of the work except for the dirt and sod. What a job! But, it will be worth it.

My DD was staying with us for the month of May. She is a PA (Physician Assistant) student and she did her dermatology rotation here. It was good to have her around once again! She will be back in September for another specialty.

Last Wednesday night my Daddy passed away. I stayed with him at the hospital in Oklahoma City from Friday morning to Wed night. It's really tough for me because my Mama passed away only a year and a half ago. I managed to grab several projects to take with me, and got some stitching done.

Will be adding some pictures soon!

Graduation Gift

2008-05-18T10:29:00.007-05:00

Follow Your Heart

Lizzie * Kate

c. 2001

28 ct. white linen, DMC threads, Mill Hill Beads, JABC heart button

I made this for the daughter of a co-worker who graduated from high school last week. I thought it turned out pretty cute! Here is a snap of the back fabric.

SBBC Birthday Package Arrives!

2008-05-17T00:16:00.011-05:00

Look what I got in the mail today! It's my Birthday package from Wanda!

Wanda made me a gorgeous biscornu using a Stacy Nash pattern called "1802 Biscornu". The colors are lovely. Her stitching is just perfect and the finishing is outstanding. I just love it! Thank you, Wanda!

Here's the back.

Here are all of the other goodies that were included-a wonderful piece of linen, a Prairie Schooler Santa chart, hand dyed floss, a scented candle, lotion, nail file, highlighter, and a tin of Altoids. Thank you so much for helping to make my birthday extra special!

4th Ornament and a Trip

2008-04-25T21:59:00.014-05:00

Saint Nick

Studio Seven

c. 1990

Just Cross Stitch-Nov/Dec 1990

Here is the 4th ornament. It's a slightly padded flat finish with coordinating cording. I can't believe I'm on time with getting these finished!

I went with DH to San Antonio for his annual AAPG convention. While he was busy during the day, I went on some of the tours that were offered for the spouses. One stop was the San Antonio Museum of Art. Here is a snap of a gorgeous piece of needlework. It seemed to be mostly cross stitch in very beautiful colors. This is taken without a flash in room with low light. I tried to brighten it up a bit. It's from the late 18th century per the description.

Another stop was the Mission San Jose. This is the lovely detail above the door of the church. The church was completed about 1782 and restored in the 1930's.

We happened to be there during part of Fiesta week, and got to see the river parade on Monday night. We had a grand time on our mini-vacation!

Sassy and Taco

2008-04-13T13:09:00.004-05:00

Here's our kitty, Sassy. My DH got this picture of her. I have the most trouble getting a decent one, as she won't be still. This girl is always on the move! She will be 4 in September.

And, this is Taco, DH bird. We've only had him/her since the beginning of February. It may be up to a year before we can tell which it is.

A Little Progress and NOVA

2008-04-10T21:36:00.006-05:00

Here is the progress made on We Will Adore Him. The star does not stand out as much as I'd hoped...don't think I'll rip it out, though. That is most of the x's except for an angel that goes about where the needle is. To finish, there are a lot of colonial knots and some beads and several brass buttons.

I finally splurged and got the pattern for NOVA. It just looks like it will be so much fun to stitch (on 18 ct canvas) with so many gorgeous colors of DMC and Anchor threads and lots of specialty stitches. I would start it right now if I had a piece of canvas large enough. But, I don't and really should try to complete a few WIPs first. So....

...here's my plan--to save change in this bottle until I have enough to buy the canvas and some of the thread. By then I should have some pieces out of the way!

I stitched Rainbow Row in 1979. Mid-1700 row houses on East Bay St. in Charleston, SC.

Another Ornament

2008-04-08T23:47:00.003-05:00

Silent Night

Cinnamon Heart Needleworks

c. 1990

Just Cross Stitch-November/December 1990

Here is my 3rd ornament for the year! This one is beaded and was so much fun to do!

I was awakened this morning about 2:30 with the sirens going off. It took a minute to realize what the sound was, but then I hopped up to quickly turn on the TV to see what was going on. There was a possible tornado in north Tulsa county, so was not nearby. We did get very heavy rain and golf ball size hail! None of the windows were broken, but the window screens on one side of the house have holes in them and I'm sure the roof probably has damage. There were several lines of storms moving through-one after the other. I tried so hard to get back to sleep, but never did make it! But, I'm ready for bed now!

My Garden Part 3

2008-04-05T15:24:00.006-05:00

Here's part 3! I've not stitched the center flower as it has beads attached and I haven't deciced on the color of beads to use. I'm still enoying the stitching. Part 4 should be out very soon.

Un-Birthday Gift from Barbara!

2008-04-02T23:23:00.005-05:00

My Un-Birthday gift from Barbara has arrived! She stitched "Homestead", a Bent Creek design and finished it into a darling, little pillow. I just love it! Her stitching and finishing are perfect. Isn't she amazing? Thank you so much Barbara!

First Biscornu

2008-03-31T22:50:00.008-05:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I've posted! Where does the time go? Here is my first attempt at a biscornu, which is also my 2nd ornament for the year. I'm quite pleased with the results. The 2 buttons came from my mama's button jar. I believe they came from one of my childhood dresses.

I've been to Oklahoma City to see my dad twice in March. I spent one weekend with him and DH and I went on Easter for the day. Since my mama passed away the end of 2006, I've been trying to get there often to check on him.

On the first trip to OKC, I met DD and DSIL for lunch (the only time they could fit me in that weekend!) It was 2 days after her birthday and I'd made and decorated a cake (chocolate with buttercream icing, as always) to take. While on that trip I stopped by Heartland Needleworks, browsed around and met Carla, and picked up the linen and threads to stitch Where My Heart Blooms.

Work has been more intense than usual the past couple of weeks. Today was our year end, so hopefully by the end of this week I won't feel so drained. Even though I haven't made a lot of progress on any one thing, most nights I did some stitching, and hope to post a few more pics soon.

Is it Friday Yet?

2008-02-27T23:51:00.004-06:00

A little more progress on We Will Adore Him. I really do enjoy this one...the colors, and since it's 28 ct. it is much easier on the eyes.

Yesterday at work we had our annual fire drill. I work on the 18th floor and had to walk down the stairs and exit the building. Of course, yesterday was a cold and windy day, and was not very fun to be standing around outside for very long, especially at 9 a.m! Today I'm feeling it in my legs. That always happens and I'll be sore a day or so. But, at least we didn't have to walk back upstairs! I always take the stairs when moving around several floors, but I'm definitely not used to 18 at a time!

Is it Friday yet?? Sure seems like it should be. Even though it's only Wednesday, it has felt like an unusually long week. I'm looking forward to the weekend!

Thanks to all of you that stop by and leave nice comments.

My Garden...Part 2

2008-02-25T23:43:00.004-06:00

Here's part 2 and I am loving it so far! I still haven't decided on what color to use for the beads. Any suggestions? My colors: DMC 729, 3778, 355, 926, 3053, and 3051.

New Chart and a Little Stitching

2008-02-17T23:46:00.005-06:00

It's been 2 weeks since my last post! I don't know what happened to me. I usually get an hour or two for stitching most evenings. But lately, after only a short time, I fall asleep with needle in hand. I've just been real tired, and staying up even later than normal isn't helping the situation. I'm trying to do better!

I ordered Where My Heart Blooms from Heartland Needleworks in Oklahoma City on Thursday, and I got it yesterday. I want to get all of the 2008 Loose Feathers patterns in order to stitch the mystery sampler at the end of the year.

Here is a picture of We Will Adore Him. It doesn't look like much, but it's a start.

11 more to go!

2008-02-03T14:00:00.000-06:00

Starry Santa

Homespun Elegance

2003 JCS Ornaments Issue

One finished and 11 more to go! My goal is to make at least 12 ornies this year.

The Silver Needle and The Stitchworks had their Super Bowl Sales yesterday. Becky was planning to be at both stores with 2 of her friends. I planned to go also, and decided to be there at the same time they were, so that we could meet! After shopping both sales, we all went to lunch and talked for a long time! It was so good to meet a stitching blog friend in person!

I got a piece of 28 ct. Light Mocha linen and some fibers to begin We Will Adore Him by Homespun Elegance. I have loved this one since first seeing it in 2003.

My Garden...Part 1

2008-01-31T23:19:00.000-06:00

Part 1 is finished! I have really enjoyed this one so far, and love doing the specialty stitches, but for me they don't go as fast as the cross stitches. I am curious as to what the rest will look like...

We had snow coming down most of the day, but since the temperature stayed above freezing the roads were in good shape. We are below freezing now, so we could have some problems in the morning on the way to work.

I've also been trying to finish an ornament and should have a picture for tomorrow's post.

Finally Framed

2008-01-30T22:51:00.001-06:00

I picked this up from the framer, and really like the way it turned out.

For the past week I have been doing some other projects, and have not gotten as much stitching in as I'd hoped. For some reason, I got motivated to clean out a couple of closets! I have been stitching on How Does Your Garden Grow trying to get the first part completed before the 2nd part is sent out. I could finish and post a picture tonight, but I'll plan to finish it tomorrow on my lunch break.

Thanks for the comments...glad to see that I'm finally getting some visitors!

How Does Your Garden Grow

2008-01-22T22:52:00.001-06:00

I've made a start! Got a tad done last night and some tonight. This is going to be a fun stitch! Oops...the large gold flower needs a few more stitches on the top!

More "Seasons"

2008-01-21T08:11:00.000-06:00

I've gotten a bit more stitched on "Seasons", but will put away for a while...ready to work on something else for a few days! If you look closely, you'll see the first word of the verse. It's stitched 1 over 1, so I need really good lighting while working on this part!

Today is a holiday for me. After I get several household chores taken care of, I'm off to the Silver Needle to get a piece of linen to start How Does Your Garden Grow?. This is not even on my goal list for the year, but I found it Saturday and have to start it! Lists can be altered...right?? Also, Lelia invited me to join her SAL. They are stitching Happy Hearts Sampler--BOAF, so if I see that chart at the store this morning, well, maybe that one also...

More Seasons of Flowers

2008-01-15T23:37:00.000-06:00

I have made a bit more progress. A verse will be stitched in the blank areas.

I've Been Tagged

2008-01-15T18:49:00.001-06:00

I've been tagged by Becky, so here goes...

4 jobs I've had:
Dental Assistant, Dental Practice, Charleston, SC, 4 years
Orthodontic Assistant, University of Kentucky Dental School, Lexington, KY, 3 years
Office Manager, Orthodontic Practice, Oklahoma City, OK 2 1/2 years
(during this period here is where I was a SAHM for about 15 years!)
Finance Dept. for a healthcare services and information technology company, Tulsa, OK, 8 years

Four movies I watch over and over:
Gone With the Wind
Jean De Florette & Manon of the Spring
Christmas Vacation (yearly tradition)
Steel Magnolias

Four places I've been:
London
Cairo
Istanbul
39 of the 50 states

Four places I've lived:
Charleston, SC
Lexington, KY
Oklahoma City, OK
Tulsa, OK

Four TV shows I watch:
Grey's Anatomy
Seinfeld
news
Letterman sometimes

Four people that email me regularly:
Sarah
David
Lauri
Mary

Four favorite things to eat:
Chocolate Chip cookies
Pizza
Most vegetables
Any hot, fresh bread with butter

Four places I'd rather be:
I'm happy where ever I am, but...
walking around in London
sitting by the pool in Cozumel
stitching on the deck of a cruise ship

Four things I look forward to this year:
visiting with far away family
getting a lot of stitching done
getting more scrapbooking done than the last 2 years
helping to plan this year's vacation

I'm tagging Carla at CC's Stitching Diary next!

Need 2004 Christmas Issue??

2008-01-15T06:29:00.001-06:00

Somehow I ended up with 2 copies! If you are interested in trading something, let me know.

First Finish 2008

2008-01-13T23:46:00.000-06:00

Moody Blues

The Sweetheart Tree

32 ct. Twilight Blue Linen, DMC Floss & Perle Coton,

Mill Hill Beads, Pure Allure Crystals

began 10/15/07-finished 1/13/08

I got this one wrapped up over the weekend! The crystals are not pink as the picture suggests. The lighting was not too good and the flash made the pink tint. This was really fun to do! The measurements are only about 3 1/4" x 3 1/4". I think I may use it as an insert for a small pillow to use in my blue bedroom. We'll see...

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

New Stash

2008-01-09T22:33:00.001-06:00

Here are a few things that I got at the New Year's Eve sale at The Silver Needle. I somehow managed to cut the title of the book in half in the picture :( The title is The Proper Stitch by Darlene O'Steen of The Needle's Prayse. I just love her designs. I had been eyeing that book for months and decided to get it if there were any left on sale day. That is really all I had planned to get, but as you can see, I ended up with more. Not only does the book have the most wonderful pictures and stitch diagrams, but also includes 3 of her samplers--"The Proper Stitch Sampler", "The Tudor Rose Sampler", and "The Pinkes Sampler". OH MY...so many gorgeous things to stitch and so little time!

I still haven't had anyone to reply that they are interested in my PIF. I imagine it's because my blog is so new and doesn't have much traffic, yet.

Seasons of Flowers has come out after a long while. I really want to finish up several old WIPs before starting anything else, but that's easier said than done.

New PIF

2008-01-07T22:51:00.000-06:00

I have just signed up for my very first Pay It Forward (PIF) with Carol. If you are interested in receiving a handmade piece from me, leave a comment on this post. The first 5 that want to participate will receive something from me by December 31, 2008! In turn, you must post the same challenge on your blog and send a PIF to 5 people. Let me know if you're interested!

Goals for 2008

2008-01-06T10:47:00.006-06:00

1. And A Forest Grew (x-stitch)- Stitch as much and as often as I can. Very large design & don't worry that it might take longer than 2008 to complete.

2. A Quaker Christmas (x-stitch)- same as above

3. First Step (canvas work)- Complete

4. Seasons of Flowers Sampler (various stitches)- COMPLETED!!! Last finish of 2008

5. Queens Sweet Bag (mostly tent-1 over 1 and queen stitch)- Complete

6. Moody Blues (various stitches)- COMPLETED!!!

7. Quaker Rose- start

8. Lady Brittany's Sampler- start

9. We Will Adore Him- COMPLETED!!!

10. PIF gifts- Took my name off of Carol's list, as there were no sign ups :( Will try again next year...

11. Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow Sampler- start

12. SBBC Gift-COMPLETED AND MAILED!!!

13. One ornament each month- stitch and finish -- COMPLETED Total of 10

14. And, last of all, stitch for my own pleasure and not to see how many pieces I can finish...to me the process of stitching is more important than the finish!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-05T18:05:00.001-06:00

A Celebration of Love

JBW Designs

32 ct Antique White Belfast Linen, DMC Floss & Perle Coton,

RG Treasure Braid, Mill Hill Beads

I had a nice, quiet New Year's Eve. Did some stitching and watched some movies. On New Year'sDay I started "And A Forest Grew". I got just a few stitches done--just enough to say that it was started on the 1st!!

Here is the secret framing that I did a while back. It is for DD and DSIL for their 1st anniversary, which is tomorrow. I heard it was received yesterday and she said they love it!

Last Finish of 2007!

2007-12-31T23:57:00.001-06:00

Meg's Bunny

Sheepish Designs

28 ct cream linen, DMC Floss

finished 12/31/2007

Happy New Year!! Here is Meg's Bunny, my last finish of 2007.

A Little More

2007-12-30T23:29:00.001-06:00

Only a wee bit more done tonight. I spent the weekend catching up on paperwork :( I had gotten pretty far behind on sorting through papers and getting the filing done. It's done now and that makes me feel much better! Just a short post tonight...must get to sleep, as I plan to be up and out early tomorrow morning to get to the sale at the Silver Needle that starts at 6 a.m. Tomorrow is not a holiday for me, so I will only have a little while to shop before work. Since I work only 1 mile away, I just might shop some more at lunchtime!!