Is It 2010 Yet?

I can't believe how fast this year has gone by. Just yesterday I was gearing up for New Year's Eve 2009.


This year has had many ups and downs. Hubby stopped working with his father in the beginning of the year and while this made us tighten up on the household budget, it was really a blessing in disguise. Hubby won't admit it, but I think he is a much happier person for it. Hubby ended up finding another job he liked, but we are faced with the fact that his job will end today. Due to no fault of his own, hubby is now jobless again. Hopefully 2010 will bring better things for us on that front.


I have had quite the year too. I have been kept very busy on the stitching front. I was able to complete 52 projects this year, some big and some small. Most of them were for myself, but I managed to get in a few gifts and my first exchange. I hope that 2010 will entice me with more exchanges. I was also able to model stitch several things for Crescent Colours that appeared at the St. Charles Market in September 2009. My highlight of 2009 was to help work the Crescent Colours booth during the St. Charles Market. It was so exciting to meet many of the designers and I'm hoping that I'll be able to attend many more markets in 2010 and beyond. In addition to all of that, my full time job is as crazy as ever after 12 years. I will have much to look forward to during the beginning of 2010, since that is my busy time of year.


Christmas was action packed this year. We began Christmas Eve at home were we opened up a few gifts and spilled our stockings. (We filled each other's stockings this year since we weren't at home for Christmas) Then we got on the road and headed about two hours northwest to spend Christmas with hubby's family (on his mother's side). We had so much fun and even had a white Christmas with the snow that was leftover from a storm a few days before. My (almost 17 year old) nephew thought that it was 80 instead of 30 and insisted on doing the "snow walk" for us.

We headed home Christmas Day and spent the late evening with Hubby's Dad. I have to say that I was so very glad to be home! Way too much traveling for a 24 hour time span, but well worth it! We defiantly had a great day......look at that haul!

I have great plans for 2010 on the stitching front. My New Year's start will be a BAP this year. I'm going to start on Moulin Rouge by Long Dog Samplers. I was supposed to work on that this year as a stitch-a-long with my bestie from Arizona, but with all the model stitching she gave me it went to the wayside. I'm also in the process of finishing up some model stitching for the 2010 Nashville market before I get real busy at work. I also want to try my hand at some "finishing" this year. Pretty ambitious, I know! I also want to try and blog a little more, but we will just have to wait and see how that goes as well.

Looks like I need to get going. I still need to pick up a few things from the store so that we hubby and I can ring in the New Year in style. I wish all my friends, old and new, a very Happy and Healthy New Year. May this year bring you nothing but good things!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!

My Wish For You

I'm not sure if I will get a chance to blog again before the New Year, so..........

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas or any other holiday, I would like to wish you and your family a Happy Holidays.

May 2010 put blessings into your life.

Happy New Year!

My Clients ROCK!

The best thing in the world just happened to me. I went up to the front office to drop off some files and I was greeted with a surprise.

One of the clients that I work on sent me a wonderful arrangement of Christmas goodies. It is filled with all kinds of yummy looking chocolate, cookies and snacks. As much as I bitch, moan and complain about them each month while I calculate profits and bonuses, they really are a good group. It just means so much more than it normally would with everything that has gone on recently.

I took a little more time for myself last night and I worked on "Bo Peep". I think she has become the key to getting me back into the groove. Maybe I'll even be able to finish her before the end of the year. Here is where she sits now:

I thought I'd leave you with this cute picture I took of the Pupster the other night. He is holding his Hanukkah present from his Grandma & Granddaddy. It is one of those TY beanie dog toys. He just loves to make it crunch and squeak. He was just sleeping so peacefully after romping his heart out with his new toy.

Happy Stitching!

It Was Supposed To Get Better

I'd like to thank everyone for all of your suggestions and comments about my "blah attitude". I did take a little time for myself on Tuesday night and I spent some quality stitching time in my little corner of the couch.

By yesterday afternoon I was feeling a little bit better and a little more optimistic about the season in general. My grandfather had given us some money for Hanukkah and we earmarked it for a new table for our dining area (we don't have an eat in kitchen). We found the perfect size counter height table and chairs on Sunday, so last night I thought I'd take advantage of "The Biggest Furniture Sale of the Year" (they say that about every sale) at a major furniture store in town. As luck would have it, the price with tax was less than I had originally thought.....by about $40. We are going to pick it up this weekend. So, in a better mood I headed home.

Once I was home I sat down to watch the new accapella show that was on NBC. (I love that kind of stuff, it must be the high school bandie coming out in me.) I was about to settle into my stitching corner when Hubby called. He informed me that "something was going on at work" and he would call me back after they had a meeting. An hour later he called with the news that they are closing at the end of the month. UGH!!! Just when we were getting back on track with everything! I know I should be happy that he got the notice instead of showing up to work one morning/afternoon only to see a sign saying "CLOSED". So, yet again we are going to have to tighten our belts.......that means no new stitchy purchases for me after today.

Some good news is that I am supposed to be receiving some model stitching next week. I had planned on putting that money into savings so that I could attend the Shepherd's Bush retreat in 2010, but going to Utah again is beginning to look more like a dream than a reality. I'm still going to put that money into savings, but I'm going to hope and pray that Hubby finds something to tide us over so that I don't have to dig into the savings. Sheesh!

But, I'm still grateful.......after all, I do have a wonderful job and somehow, someway I know that we will be fine even though I'm in panic mode again.

I think I'll do a little more stitching tonight. I hope it will help......

Bah, Humbug!

I'm just not in the mood. Not in the Holiday mood or in the Stitching mood. I'm not real sure what it is all about. Don't get me wrong, I'm by no means depressed, but I'm just not feeling that holiday spirit.

(I tired decorations.)

Our little 4ft tree sits proudly on the hearth covered in handmade Christmas ornaments and even some Hanukkah ornaments. It also has plenty of gifts piled underneath. Our mantle is filled with Hanukkah decorations and most of the Hanukkah gifts were passed out over the weekend while at my mother's house. (Dad's "holiday party" is this weekend so we only have one gift to get before Sunday.) There are still a few Christmas gifts to buy, but most of them will be purchased this upcoming weekend when we travel to a part of town that we rarely see.

But I still don't feel it........the holiday spirit.........

(I tried lights.)

I come home from work each night and the first thing I do is turn on the tree. I just love seeing all those little white lights. I love how they reflect off of the ornaments and send sparkles all over the room. I love seeing the piles of gifts under the tree.

But, I still don't feel it.........the holiday spirit........

(I tried food.)

We are having our Holiday party at work tomorrow. It will start off with a wonderful luncheon at a local seafood restaurant. Then we will have cake and "reindeer games" later on in the afternoon.

But, I still don't feel it...........the holiday spirit.......

Maybe it is the fact that the sun sets so early this time of year. Maybe it is the situation with our economic "crisis" or the war(s) overseas. Maybe it is the fact that I know too many friends/loved ones with financial problems, marital problems and health problems. Maybe that is what is bringing me down.

Please help me feel that holiday spirit!!!!!

Maybe I'll feel better after I get my stitching mojo back.......

Wow! This last week really flew by. I can’t believe that I haven’t posted once this week. I’ve had very good intentions, but you know “best laid plans” and all that jazz…..
I had a hard time with my Christmas Holly ornament last week so I was able to work in a couple of other finishes in between stitching times. (That’s what I get for trying to stitch over one on 40ct!) I started and finished two ornaments. Both of these will be gifts for cousins on my Hubby’s side. We decided that they will get these ornaments along with a small gift card from Williams Sonoma. I just hope that they don’t expect a stitched ornament every year. While I do enjoy stitching and giving them away, I don’t always have the time.
I picked some easy ones this year, so I didn’t have to worry about not finishing in time…..

2008 Snowman Freebie
By The Prairie Schooler
32ct mystery fabric

Peace*Joy*Love
By Lizzie*Kate
40ct Acorn by R&R Reproductions

I also managed to finish Christmas Holly. This was my 50th finish for the year. I have to say, I’m quite impressed with myself (LOL!) and I’m going to have a hard time giving it away. It is just so cute and dainty!

Christmas Holly
By Hands to Work
40ct Vintage Meadow Rue by Lakeside Linen

This past week was also filled with fun at work. I had to attend a two day Tax Seminar. While there were many interesting parts (especially when dealing with new tax laws) there were also just as many boring parts. Last year I took Christmas cards with me and I was able to address them. This year I’ve been slack and I have yet to purchase cards. So, in order to keep myself awake, I brought stitching with me. I dug through my stash and picked out the 2009 Scissor Fob by Shepherds Bush. I figured that since it was a 2009 fob I’d better hurry to stitch it. I wasn’t able to finish it since I did have to pay close attention to several of the topics being discussed, but I think I did a pretty good job anyway. I guess I will have to put the ‘pedal to the metal’ and get it done in the next two weeks.

Well, I was a bad girl this weekend and I forgot to take a picture of the framed Hanukkah Bits that I gave my mother for Hanukkah. I guess I’ll have to remember next time I go over there. Now that I think about it, I forgot my Pampered Chef Deviled Egg carrier too. Hmmm…….just another “what was I thinking” episode, I guess!

Happy Stitching!

Still Not Thinking

I took a break from my own stitching on Wednesday night to help a dear friend with her Christmas stocking. It was a welcome change from my own work. This was my first time stitching on a Shepherd's Bush stocking, but hopefully it won't be my last.

Stitching on her stocking also gave me inspiration to keep going on my latest project. Remember that dang 40ct OVER ONE ornament???? Well, I guess I'm still not thinking, because here it is after an hour or so last night......

(Sorry about the color and the distortion, but this was a quick cell phone snap in the dark this morning.) My goal is to have this dang thing done by the end of the weekend. I really need to get moving since I have two other ornaments to stitch as gifts for family members. Thank goodness the other two ornaments are NOT on 40ct over one. Although I love how it is turning out, I couldn't hack another one like this right now!

Happy Stitching!

What Was I Thinking?

The Thanksgiving weekend was full of fun and family for me this year. I spent the day cooking at my mother's house and watching football on TV. (GO COWBOYS!!!) Dinner started around 6pm and included my mom & step-dad, two (of three living) grandfathers, my Uncle, his fiance, my husband, his mother and her boyfriend. Oh, and most importantly.....our pups. You know it is not a family gathering if the dogs are missing!

Black Friday was not full of shopping for me, but full of family. I got to see my cousins (who live out of town) and their families. It was so nice to see them again. I couldn't believe that the last time we saw them was on my wedding day over a year and a half ago. Time just flies by!

Sunday was spent "getting into the season". We put Hanukkah decorations on the mantle and our little 4ft tree on the hearth. Then hubby and I filled the tree with all of our Hanukkah ornaments and stitched Christmas ornaments. As my sister says....."Now it's a Hanukkah Bush, Silly" (What was I thinking???)

I also decided to get ahead of the game and make a list of all the people we need gifts for as well as those we have already bought for. My that list got long......real fast! We've already spent quite a bit of money in total and we are really trying to watch our budget. This really didn't help when I realized how much more we needed to buy. (What was I thinking???)

In my infinite wisdom I decided that this might be a good year to make a few gifts instead of buying them. Heck, I've got a ton of stash as well as quite a few years of Just Cross Stitch Ornament issues. Might as well put them to good use, right?

Now, over the weekend I was out at Michael's and I picked up these great little ornament frames:

I also picked out several different patterns. This one won't fit into the frame, but I have some great fabric to make it into an ornament.

Caroline by Miss Crescent's Crowne

Stitched on 32ct Days Gone By by Silkweaver

I also picked a great design by Hands to Work called Christmas Holly. I had all the Belle Soie it called for, so no substitutions there. I just played around with fabric colors from my stash and I came up with Lakeside Linen's Vintage Meadow Rue. It's a lovely shade of brown and the picture doesn't show its warmth:

Now, I wasn't really bothered by the fact that it was on 40ct. That is one of my favorites! But, look closer........

IT IS 40CT OVER ONE!!!! WHAT WAS I THINKING????????

You've got to love the insanity of the holiday season! Seriously, what was I thinking????

Happy Stitching!

Wishes

I just thought I would take a moment and wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. There are so many things to be grateful for this holiday season.......

May you be blessed in everything you do.......


Happy Stitching!

Spoiled Rotten

Oh...guess what I’m getting from Hubby for Christmas????? A NEW OTT LIGHT!!!! Yes, I know, I’m spoiled and I know exactly what I’m getting, but it couldn't be helped! As my grandmother would lovingly say, "You are a JAP (Jewish American Princess) after all!" LOL!

We went into Michael's on Friday night to look and see if they had a DMC color card, which they did not by the way. So, while we were on the DMC aisle, I turned around to show Hubby the light I wanted and my eye caught two different sale signs. (I'm always looking for a good sale.) One said “40% off Ott lights” (which I’ve seen many times before) and one said “All Ott Floor Lamps $99.99”. I about fainted and hit my head on the DMC rack on the other side of the aisle!!! I couldn’t believe it!!! The light I want is regularly $279.99 and that would be a $180 savings. While I was trying to pick myself up off the floor without Hubby noticing, one of the ladies came out of the back. I practically jumped her and asked if the sign was really true and could my lamp be on sale for so cheap? She came back with a price gun and wa-lah…..the lamp jumped into an empty cart that happened to be next to us in the aisle. I would have bought it myself since it was such a good deal, but Hubby decided that he would buy it instead. I’m so excited! (Did I say that already?)

Now, don't get me wrong, I love the Ott light I currently have. It is just that we are trying to "clean up" the house a bit. This light really fits into the decor of the room better than the plastic one I'm currently using. Not only that, but when it is my turn to host a stitchy night I now have good lighting for guests. Unfortunately, the lamp is sitting in my great room and it is teasing me since I can’t have it for a month!!!!! Anyway, if you need another light, now is the time to get it since they are so cheap! The sale runs through Wednesday, so you may want to jump in your car and pick one up for a gift of your own.

I didn't really get much stitching in this weekend. Hubby and I have been trying to get ahead start on our Hanukkah and Christmas shopping. I don't want to be out there with all the crazy people on Black Friday, so I think I'll stay home and stitch then.

However, I did take a page out of Edgar's book and I watched "On the Town (1949)" with Gene Kelley and Frank Sinatra. I just don't know how he gets any stitching done while watching these wonderful old movies. It was all I could do to tear my eyes away from the dancing! Thank goodness I was still able to get some work done on HEAD's Bo Peep. I took a couple of pictures of her this morning before heading off to work:

She's really coming along. I'm beginning to think I may finish her before the end of 2009 after all. Now, if only I don't get distracted by some other start......

Happy Stitching!!

Hanukkah Bits

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their kind comments. (A special thanks goes to Daffycat for the shout out on her blog.) I stitched Hanukkah Bits for my mother for Hanukkah this year (which starts on December 11th). She loves my stitching and I thought of her the instant I saw this piece.

Come to think of it, my step-father loves my stitching too. Over 20 years ago I designed a piece for him based on his favorite saying at the time and it still hangs in his office to this day. I think it said something like: I must hurry to catch up, for I am their leader! (Ok, I didn't really design it, I just picked out my favorite alphabet, his favorite colors and charted out the saying........what did you expect from a pre-teen?? LOL!) The last time I took my framed stitching to show off, I went home with one less piece. My step-father walked into the garage and grabbed a stool and a hammer while I was in the other room talking to my mother. We hear this banging and walk into the kitchen only to find my step-father hanging my The Sun Sets..... by M Designs. I didn't even get a picture of it before it was stolen from me. Oh well, at least I know it is loved and appreciated!

Oh, and Laurel, just go for it! The silk is not that hard to work on......just get really good light and have strong glasses. I also found that it was easier to see when I had something that was a solid dark color on my lap while I was stitching. One other note, I was too lazy to sew it onto some fabric and then put it in a hoop. I'm a in hand stitcher for the most part and I did this in hand too. The worst part was filling everything in. Not because fill in is a boring task, but because I really had to make sure I didn't miss a stitch. So, I'm cheering for you!

Happy Stitching

Dry yet?

Little by little, bit by bit, we are drying out from the terrible Nor'easter that hit at the end of last week. Roads were flooded and power was out in many places. Some businesses were damaged or flooded out and we also lost a local landmark. Hopefully they will rebuild.......


I even know of a family that ended up with a small fire after the electricity came back up after being off for a day or two. (Did you know that you should turn off your main breaker in the house so that this won't happen to you??? I didn't either!) Thank goodness no one was hurt and the damage was relatively minor compared to losing a home.


On a personal front, my home fared well during the storm. Our power flickered and threatened to turn off, but it never did. Thank goodness we are on the same grid as the hospital. Our power hardly ever goes out!


You would think that this would have been perfect stitching weather, but alas, I actually have been feeling a little "under the weather". I swear that the change in the barometric pressure is the reason for this sinus infection and my lack of stitching mojo. But, I've still been sitting in my "happy place" anyway and I'm trying hard to get my mojo back.


Over the weekend I was able to finish "Hanukkah Bits" for my mother. Now I just need to get it framed and back in my hands before December 12th..........

I've also been working on "Bo Peep" a little bit at a time. Here are a few progress pictures (taken on 11/16 and then again on 11/18). My ultimate goal is to have her finished by the end of the year, but with my mojo like it is, I won't make any promises......

Hope all is well in your home......Happy Stitching!

Looks can be deceiving

This is a shot (from my phone) out of my office window. Looks like a typical rainy day, right? WRONG!!! Welcome to the November Nor'easter! Winds are gusting to 50 mph and the streets are flooding like they do during a Hurricane. Schools are closed and even the college I went to closed (and they never close)! I think our state may have even declared a "state of emergency" today.

Do you think that my office is closed? No, of course not! If the "big boss" made it in than so can everyone else! Ppfftt!

This would have been a perfect day to jump back into bed and sleep a little later. Then I could have spent my afternoon in front of the TV with some stitching. Wishful thinking!

So, if you live in the Mid-Atlantic, and you have to go to work like me, I wish you safe travel.

Happy stitching!

Did you see this?

It's Angela's giveaway. She has done an awesome job!

CHECK IT OUT!!

Happy Stitching!

Out with the old....

.....and in with the new! Ok, maybe I'm a little early for the New Year's resolutions. It's just that I've been doing a ton of cleaning lately.

It all started when we took the vacuum to the Oreck store for a minor belt replacement two weeks ago. It was really something that we could have done at home. But, hubby is not always mechanically inclined (after all, he was the one that broke the dang thing!) and I wasn't about to let him break it into a million pieces. So, off to the store we went.

The instant we arrived he went to play with all the new vacuums and other gadgets in the store while I took care of business. Wouldn't you know, he picked up a pink (yes, I said pink) vacuum and declared "I like this one. It's cooooool!" I have to agree, it was pretty cool...... and, to boot, the model was pink because proceeds were donated to breast cancer research. Next thing I know I'm asking the salesperson if they would take a trade in on my vacuum. Long story endless, we didn't end up with the pink one, but we did get a new vacuum. I guess it was time. After all, mine was 10 years old and it was starting to fall apart.

So, with new vacuum in hand, I've been on a cleaning rampage of all kinds. Hubby even had to take two separate loads of goodies to Goodwill. I have to say, I love the fact that things are less cluttered. Our goal? Well, it is to keep everything uncluttered. Guess we will have to see how that goes.

While I'm nowhere near done with all the house cleaning, by any means, it sure has been nice to get rid of all the old. I've had a much clearer head and things have really been coming together. I'm less stressed about all the mess and I have notice a HUGE weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I have found the transformation so amazing!

I've been busy on the stitching front too, after all, you can't clean all the time! I was able to put the finishing touches on LHN's "Traveling Stitcher" and on SB's "Feed My Sheep". I do have to say that this picture really doesn't do the fabric on "Traveling Stitcher" any justice. It is so much warmer in person......

Traveling Stitcher

by Little House Needleworks

Stitched on 32ct Vintage Light Examplar by Lakeside Linen

Used colors as charted except for my initials

Feed My Sheep

Kit by Shepherd's Bush

Used materials supplied in kit

I have even started some holiday stitching. This one is for my mom. It is one of Erica Michaels' new petite collection. I'm stitching it on the 40ct silk gauze that is included in the pattern. This is the first time I've worked with the gauze and I think I'm holding up well. Believe it or not, when I'm done, this piece will only be about 1" x 2".

I've got a little more cleaning to do again tonight, but hopefully I'll be done soon. After all, I really need to get working on my holiday stitching, don't you?

Happy Stitching!

Wordless Wednesday

Dreary Day

Today is another dreary day full of yuck and mist. Kind of sums up Halloween too.....

Halloween turned out to be a sad event in my neighborhood this year. I sat on the front stoop with the dog since it was still warm and the rain hadn't begun yet. The first group of kids were scared of the dog and wouldn't come up. (Seriously? Have you seen my dog? He's a little bit of nothing and was probably more scared of the kids than the kids were of them.) The second batch of kids didn't see me at all and walked right past. The third set, well, they were the brave ones and they came up the walk for candy. So, at 7:30pm I called it quits and headed inside with a bowl full of Reese's cups and mini Baby Ruth bars. More candy for us......like we really need it! However, before you call the spooky squad, you should know this......I live in a community which doesn't have many kids and the ones that are here usually go to the next neighborhood for candy.....

Sunday was a day for hubby and me. We went to a movie (which we haven't done in forever) and then went out for an early dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant. We were home in time to watch Minnesota vs. Green Bay (I told you it was an early dinner!) and then game four of the World Series.

I was also able to get quite a bit of stitching done this weekend. I worked on Bo Peep by HAED. Here she is on Thursday evening before I started working on her. I'll have to get another picture of her soon since I'm much further now.

I also spent some much needed time on my "Traveling Stitcher". I started this one on my way to the St. Charles market back in September and I haven't picked it up since. It's a quick stitch, so I'd really like to finish it up before the end of the year. If you were able to read about the inside of my stitching bag, you were able to see my start on this. Well, here it is after this weekend.....

It isn't the greatest picture and it doesn't do the fabric justice, but what do you expect for a quick snap under florescent lights?

Speaking of quick, can you believe it is November already? I've really got to get moving if I want to have a few stitchy gifts to give this year!

Happy Stitching!

Will This Work?

I'm actually posting via email from my phone! Technology, who knew?

Happy Stitching!

What's in the bag?

After reading Anna and Coni's blogs I've decided to play along. Not only that, but it was high time I went through my bag and cleaned it out. So, here goes........

This is my bag. It's a Vera Bradley. I was introduced to these in the past year and I just love, love, love them. This one is a Vera in Purple Punch. It is the perfect size for all my stuff. I carry it with me everywhere I go.

Come take a look inside with me........

Here are the projects that I am currently carrying. On the top left is Charland's Necessarie from the Harvest of Friendship Retreat. I'm almost at the halfway point with this project. I think this will be the first project from the retreat that I will finish. In the center is "To Light the Way" and "Seaside Beauty". These lovely Blackbird Designs stockings were retreat exclusives. However, I'm giving this one away as a Christmas gift to one of my best friends. (I don't think she reads the blog, so she should be surprised.) To the right of the stockings are some JABCO pins and some WDW thread for the Erica Michaels' Hanukkah Bits that I picked up at Market in St. Charles. This will be my first venture into silk gauze, but I'm sure that I can handle it. On the upper right is LHN's "Traveling Stitcher" and the pouch from Impie, Hattie & Bea. (Thanks for the pouch Sharon!) Usually all my projects are in mesh bags that were created by a fellow stitcher at my LNS, but they are all full with other projects at the moment.


I also have a clip board that holds working copies of projects that I am currently working on. The working copy showing is HAED's "Little Bo Peep". (I'm working on that one at home, but it is still on my clipboard.) There were also several papers scattered in the bag, including a profit sharing memo from work, my dog's license renewal, an invitation to a baby shower, a Starbucks gold pamphlet (along with a Starbucks straw) and my temporary vehicle registration. (I had some trash too, but I threw that out.) And, most importantly, my stitching journal. It's filled with all the necessary information on all the projects that I have started and finished this year. It also has a few letters and notes from friends regarding the projects I have stitched.

I also have lots of stitching accessories. I love my magnetic case and it always has needles and a pair of scissors in it. There is a pencil box that hold assorted items such as more scissors, highlighters, more needles, a sheep tape measure and a nail file. I also have a wonderful needle keep made by another lovely lady at my LNS.

Then there is also this lovely dolollie. It's not a true dolollie, but it works just the same. Isn't it cute? I got it at The Attic in Mesa, AZ while on my honeymoon last year.

Of course, there are also the necessary packages of Tylenol. The little bottle has Excedrin Migraine in it as well as an antacid or two. And, there are my vitamins. See, I told you I take my bag everywhere. I even have a small medicine cabinet in there!

And now for meals and entertainment......there's my ipod and of course my camera with all of its accessories. I even have my thumb drives which contain my issues of on online stitching magazine. There are even a few rogue candy canes from last year that got lost in one of the pockets of my bag if you are hungry!

And last, but not least, my new trusty umbrella. (Can you tell there is a purple theme here?)

Well, I hope you enjoyed seeing what is currently in my stitching bag. So, play along.....what's in your bag?

Happy Stitching!

Carving Time

Can you believe that it will be Halloween in just five days? Just yesterday I was headed to the beach for some sun.......at least it seems like it was just yesterday!

Speaking of yesterday, it was a little overcast and chilly. Quite a change from the almost 80 degree days that we had last week. So, with fall in mind, hubby suggested that we go pumpkin picking.

Hubby, the dog and I decided to take a ride up the street to one of those mom and pop style nurseries. They had some great fall flowers, decorations and of course, pumpkins for sale. Pupster was excited to be able to go along (he loves to ride) and so he was the first one out of the car when we arrived. He sniffed a few flowers and bushes, but what he really wanted to do was check out the big black lab that was in the truck at the front of the parking lot. Hubby set us to task and we went about picking out just the right pumpkin. After that, I was free to roam about the flowers and I picked out a beautiful pot of mums for the front stoop.

Now, at this particular nursery, you could guess the weight of your pumpkin to try and win it. Hubby took his best guess and said 16.75 pounds. Well, he was close......the pumpkin was a little over 18 pounds, but he wasn't close enough. You only had a half pound error rate. Still, it was fun to try and guess. We paid for our pumpkin and headed home.

A few years back I bought one of those carving sets with intentions on using it the following year. Well, things happen and four years later I'm finally using it. We spread everything out on the back table and went to work on the pumpkin. Now I know why that sucker weighed 18 pounds........the inside is so THICK! And, as gross as the inside of a pumpkin is, we still had fun pulling out the guts. So, the end result is:

Here it is all lit up:

Even the pupster got into the act last night:

Can you tell that he is patiently waiting to help hand out candy?

My halloween spirit really grew......I even started and finished this quick design. I still need to iron it and put on three buttons before I send it off to the framer.

All in a Moon

by Miss Crescent's Crowne

30ct Bitter Betty Brew

by R&R Reproductions

Tonight I hope to get more work done on my HAED's "Little Bo Peep". She's been quite neglected as of late and I would really like to get her done before the end of the year.

Happy Stitching!

Give Away Crazy...

I guess it is just that time of year. Check out the 13 days of Halloween at Missy's blog.

Happy Stitching!

Fabric Give Away!

I'm not a quilter (yet), but I wouldn't mind winning these fat quarters. They would look great on the back of a pinkeep, a flat fold or a pillow.

Check it out: http://pumpkinpatchprimitivequiltshoppe.blogspot.com/2009/10/its-happy-halloween-giveaway.html

Happy Stitching!

Wordless Wednesday

.....and a preview of pictures promised!

"Warm Enough?"

First of all, I'd like to thank you all for your kind comments about my picture. I always love reading them...........

I took this picture in April, 2007. The Mama Robin had made a nest on the post of our fence right next to the gate and I think she was moving her eggs around when I shot this picture. We couldn't go out of the gate for awhile for fear that we may disturb the nest. I just love having all kinds of birds in my little backyard! I sure do hope they come back again this spring since we now have a small tree.

By the way, I haven't forgotten about all the pictures that I promised to post. I'm going to try to upload them today while I am at work. I've got so much to show and tell. Everything has just been so crazy with going to market, going to a retreat and then going to a engagement party turned wedding! We have one more event to go through and then we will be done for about a month. Then the holidays will come whizzing by us all.

Until next time, Happy Stitching!

Wordless Wednesday

I've decided to follow in the footsteps of some fellow bloggers. I can't promise a picture every Wednesday, but here goes.......





**Please remember that this is my personal photo and should not be reproduced or copied with out permission from me**

Time...

.....where does it go? I've been so busy the past two weeks! I've got so much to say and so much to show, but I just don't have the time to tell about it. So, this is just a quick note. I do intend to write more later. (And no, I haven't forgotten about all those pictures from the Outer Banks....they are still in my camera and have yet to get downloaded to the computer!)

Two weekends ago I was lucky enough to go to my first TNNA Market in St. Charles. It was a blast! I met so many great people. (It didn't hurt to have a stash boost either!)

This past weekend I spent at the "Harvest of Friendship" retreat in Virginia Beach. This was the third retreat I've ever attended and the second with this group. Wait until you see all the great stuff! Again, I met some really great people from all over.........from Virginia to Colorado, to Minnesota and even one from Alaska!

Unfortunately, the real world and work calls so I have to go. I really need a vacation from my time off so that I can catch up here!

Happy Stitching!

Autumn Begins

And so Summer must end. Therefore, it is quite fitting that I finished up my latest project on the first day of Autumn.

Summer Basket

Loose Feathers #38

by Blackbird Designs

Stitched one over two on 40ct Cupid's Blush by R&R Reproductions

Here are a few more views. I had to stitch the "X", "Y" and "Z" one over one. I also had to stitch my "H" that way as well. I used a half stitch since a full 'x' was way too bulky. The second picture is closest to the color of the fabric in real life. Just imagine it a little paler and you have it!

Now that I have finished this one, I should be able to start LHN's "Traveling Stitcher". I am lucky enough to be friends with a fabulous woman who gave me the stitching pocket to go along with the pattern. So, I'll be stitching it using the called for threads. Hopefully I'll be able to put needle to fabric tonight.

Speaking of LHN, I'm going to cave since Market is only a couple of days away. I know the pattern for LHN's Fairytale Series is up on her site, so I'm going to take the leap and show you the unframed models. I hope to have pictures of them in their frames after the weekend.

They aren't the best pictures, but they will give you an idea of what they will look like when stitched. For these models we used 30ct Tin Roof by Weeks Dye Works and used one strand of Belle Soie.

I would like to take a minute out and thank all of my readers. I love getting your comments! I would also like to thank each and every one of you. Through you I have connected to so many other great blogs.

Thanks again and Happy Stitching!