StitchWizard

Sarah Elizabeth Brooke by The Scarlett House Framed Finish

2012-01-16T17:21:00.001-06:00

My husband just finished framing and matting my Sarah Elizabeth Brooke sampler. He built me this beautiful frame out of Peruvian Rosewood and did all of the routing. He also cut this mat and framed this for me. I just can't be happier with the end result of my sampler. I swear he could make even the worst thing look beautiful with his framing. Jerry loves working with exotic woods and this one is one I fell in love with at Houston Hardwoods. Thank all of your for all of your nice comments on my sampler. I love The Scarlett House's samplers and I am now working on Hannah Tingey which is the newest one that Tanya came out with. I am so loving it!!! The bottom photo is a closeup of the wood that Jerry used.

Sarah Elizabeth Brooke 1842 Reproduction Sampler by The Scarlett House Finish

2012-01-09T22:16:00.001-06:00

I finally got Sarah Elizabeth Brooke 1842 finished this morning!! I am doing a happy dance after finishing up the grass. I just really enjoyed this stitch and it finally helped me to get my stitching mojo back. Tanya has done some really lovely samplers and now on to Hannah Tingey which I just adore! Thank you for all of your comments here! I hope you will be inspired to stitch this. I especially loved doing the red bricks in the Belle Soie Red Fox thread. I stitched mine on 40 ct. Vintage Lt Exampler fabric with the called for Belle Soie threads.

My husband is using this wood in the photo to build a frame for this project and his router is going as we speak. I will put up a new photo when he gets this framed for me with this exotic wood. He loves doing woodworking and does wonderful framing! :))

Sarah Elizabeth Brooke Sampler Correction

2011-12-29T22:31:00.006-06:00

Hi blogging friends. In my last post I mentioned that there was an error on the pattern with the small duck as well as an error on the pot with the flowers and that I did what I thought would be right when I stitched it. I regret that I didn't just send Tanya at The Scarlett House a message to let her know about this but being the big chicken I am, I just posted here and she just had no idea about this until someone mentioned to her that they had seen this in my blog. I didn't want to be one to bring a mistake to her attention, because her work is so beautiful and I didn't want to offend. Anyhow she wrote me the nicest email and she is very understanding and wants all of you to know that she will be putting a correction for this in her blog. Her blog is at http://thescarletthouse.blogspot.com/

I will be posting a photo soon of my progress on Sarah Elizabeth Brooke as I have lots more done. I only have half of the grass and the bottom text to do. I will then be on to Hannah Tingey. I am stitching Hannah on the recommended 45ct. Vintage Buttercream with NPI silks. I am elated to find that I actually CAN stitch on this ct with my magnifiers and I am so excited. Well, please go into Tanya's blog and see what she has for all of you in there regarding this correction which should be in her blog by 12-30-2011 (tomorrow). I highly recommend stitching this lovely sampler as it has brought me much joy!

Sarah Elizabeth Brooke 1842 Reproduction Sampler Work in Progress

2011-12-13T20:01:00.001-06:00

Here is the latest progress on Sarah Elizabeth Brooke 1842 Sampler. Now all I have is the grass, sidewalk and the text to finish this wonderful project. My husband is building me a beautiful frame for it and I am so excited. The over 1 stitching for the text is a new experience for me on 40 ct. and thankfully it is going in for me. It is a bit tedious but really adds!!

Today has been such a wonderful day. We had a poor little chick get picked up by a hawk but I managed to scare the hawk and he dropped the little chick. It was injured, stunned and bleeding on Sunday when this happened. We brought it in, put it in a box with a towel and took care of it. My dh helped me feed and give this poor baby water yesterday. I medicated her injuries right away with a little penicillin in some water. It couldn't even hold it's head up yesterday but this morning it was peeping, and holding up it's little head wanting it's momma. This poor little momma hen (Broodie) has wanted a baby for a long time and got just this one to hatch. We have a brooding house and screened in area that they are in now, so since this little one is doing so much better, we took the box out to the brooding area, which is totally safe, and momma hen heard her baby. You should have seen this wonderful reunion. Both are so happy back together and pecking and digging in the ground in this safe screened area for them. What a miracle it was to see this and for this chick to have survived such an attack. Thank you Jerry, my husband for your help feeding and watering and just helping me in every way!! :))

Sarah Elizabeth Brooke 1842 Reproduction Sampler Work in Progress

2011-12-02T20:38:00.000-06:00

Here is some progress photos of Sarah Elizabeth Brooke 1842 Sampler. I am loving this project. The small bird in this photo was accidently not graphed for the wing and the tail as well as some of the pot of flowers but thanks to my sweet graphic artist husband and my past stitching experience, I was able to stitch these things and I hope that they look as they should. Sometimes patterns have errors and something must have happened as the wing and tail graph weren't included. Anyhow, I am loving this project so much!! My dh got me the Anne Raynor reproduction sampler ordered for an early birthday gift and I can hardly wait to see that in the mail. We are riding our scooters but this will be a stitching weekend as it is supposed to rain buckets this weekend. I miss all of your comments. Please do if you would like!!!

A Little More Progress on Sarah Elizabeth Brooke 1842

2011-10-28T11:46:00.000-05:00

Here is a little more progress on the brick building. My husband and I have been out riding our scooters lots and I haven't stitched as much as I would like, but do love the riding. His fuel pump needed to be replaced and the weather has turned cold so I did get a bit more stitched on this. I wanted to wait till I had three windows stitched before posting but he got me a new Olympus VR-320 camera in red and I had to try it out. I love it!! It is so small but does so much and is really pretty. Hope to get more to post here soon!

A photo of my beautiful project Sarah Elizabeth Brooke 1842 project

2011-10-20T10:26:00.000-05:00

I was thinking that I should maybe put up a photo of this sampler that I have started as a few stitchers haven't seen this one before. This isn't a finish, only a photo of what it will hopefully look like after I stitch it. I have only begun stitching this and I am really loving it so far. We have been busy going and doing things this week and I haven't gotten as much done as I would like but I am planning on doing some stitching today and as much as I can. I love doing the bricks with the Belle Soie threads. Well back to stitching!! This is Sarah Elizabeth Brooke 1842 reproduction sampler by The Scarlett House.

Sarah Elizabeth Brooke 1842 Reproduction Sampler Work in Progress

2011-10-17T10:41:00.000-05:00

I am happy to say that the stitching slump that I have been in for so long now has finally disappeared and I have regained my stitching mojo! I still have many projects that I should finish and will, but my dh and I saw this sampler that The Scarlett House has redesigned and stitched and he told me that he thought I should get it. It has really been a joy to stitch so far and I just love the colors in this. It is a reproduction sampler done in 1842 . It uses Belle Soie silk threads and I am stitching this on 40ct Vintage Lt Exampler Fabric. I have a StitchWizard Facebook page too so please come into my room as well as to my blog here. Jerry and I got new 150 scooters this summer and are riding those and having a blast together. Mine is red and his is blue. So now I am stitching and scootin , but not at the same time lol. I hope to have a new post on this very soon!!

Granny Stripe Afghan Progress

2011-01-23T23:14:00.000-06:00

This is the progress I have made on this Granny Stripe Afghan this weekend! I am so loving this and the colors are really fun. It is feeling like a blanket!

A New Start on my Granny Stripe Afghan

2011-01-20T12:19:00.001-06:00

This is a new start on my afghan as I wasn't getting the splash of colors I had hoped to get. I am loving this one here so much. I don't think the varigated yarns were working for me. I went to Attic 24's blog and looked at her colors and am using that as kind of a guide. She gets Stylecraft yarn there that I don't think is anywhere to buy in this country, but I am finding really soft pretty colors at Hobby Lobby here. My other start is not being wasted as Chucky my little dog is next to me all snuggly in it and sleeping. This one is about 6 feet wide, I just have it folded for this photo.

I hope to get my mojo back on my cross stitch at some point. I think that my experience at my LNS has caused me a little burnout but I do want to get back to my Hawk Run Hollow projects again soon. Right now I am just really enjoying picking this up when I want to and putting in a few clusters and seeing it grow.

Granny Stripe Afghan A Work in Progress - a Few More Rows

2011-01-07T19:18:00.000-06:00

A little more progress to show. I am really loving these clusters to work on.

Granny Stripe Afghan A Work in Progress

2011-01-06T13:10:00.002-06:00

I have been in a cross stitch funk lately and decided to try doing this Granny Stripe afghan pattern that I found as a free pattern from a lovely lady in the UK. She made the most beautiful Granny Stripe afghan that she developed herself and shared it for everyone online. This is the link if you might like to go and have a peek I found this pattern at http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/granny-stripe.html.
The yarns there are just beautiful and I wish I had the ones she used, but my dh thought I should do my own version so this is an experiment in colors and trying to see what works. So far this is my progress. My hands are so arthritic but I think this helps loosen them up.

Brandi is doing really well and running. We have been taking our dogs to the park still and going for a few walks when it isn't too cold. Hope all of you had a nice holiday and Happy New Year to all!

Hatband Stitched for my Husband Jerry

2010-11-27T14:58:00.000-06:00

Here is the hatband I stitched for my dh Jerry. I still need to hem it and finish the ends but this is how it turned out. I hope he likes it. He designed it on his computer and I stitched this with DMC threads on 32 ct Days Gone By Linen, 2 threads over 2.

A New Hatband beginning and progress on Block 5 Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow

2010-11-23T19:57:00.001-06:00

My dh wanted to create a design for his leather hat for a hatband, and he did this on his computer. It has been up to me to try and read his graphs and stitch this for him. It is not complete yet. He wanted the Vietnam Ribbon and I will stitch two tiny stars on it. The motif on the right side of the bird is what he wants three of these on each side of the bird. Hopefully it will be pretty on his hat and I will post the finish. This ht ad been a trial and error project but now I think I have the pattern figured out for it.

I had hoped to have block 5 of Autunn at Hawk Run Hollow finished but go sidetracked so here is my progress. One more basket and then on to block 6. We are having Thanksgiving here at our house and I will be cooking a small but hopefully a good dinner. Hoping to get some stitching done too. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and I hope you all have a really nice holiday and time to stitch!

My Attempt at Punchneedle

2010-11-12T11:23:00.003-06:00

Here are my first attempts at Punchneedle! When I first learned to cross stitch, a lady in a needlecraft store had me began with a heart for a jar lid to see if I liked it. I decided to apply that to learning Punchneedle so my very first attempt was this heart that my dh drew on a corner of the fabric. Lots of extra fabric with this project allowed me to do this. It isn't perfect but it helped me to get the feel for how the needle is to be applied. The blackbird is part of my project and the brown is part of a wagon he is pulling. I really enjoyed this and it is a fun needlecraft to do as well as my cross stitch. I learned this by going online and finding some really good videos on YouTube. Here is a link where you can find these and it is very helpful to learn.

The links that helped me get started with this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9lqopZ3FTI&feature=related In the sidebar it gives you options for part 2. Jeri Kelly is very good at showing how this is done. There are so many beautiful pattern out there that you just can't believe it! My favorite designer so far is Threads That Bind! Talk about gorgeous but there are many other designers who do this and even Lizzie Kate has some pretty ones. If you search online you will see many many of them. This one I am doing now is from Threads That Bind and Silver Needle had this one on display in their booth at the Quilt Festival. The secret to good needle punching is to not lift your needle off of the fabric in between punches as it will pull and distort the loops. You punch the design on the printed side and it come out on the back and looks kind of like a rug. The tutorial shows you so much. Also I have some apples stitched on my Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow block and hope to post soon! Thank you all for your comments! I really love them!!

I should have pressed these so please excuse the wrinkles lol

Surprise From My Sweet Husband

2010-11-07T13:12:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I showed my dh my new stash and he knew I didn't have a punch needle yet to try doing the new one that I got, so he went and found this one for me and surprised me with it this morning! I am so surprised and just can't thank you enough Jerry!! What a thoughtful thing to do for me!! This one is so nice and automatically adjusts to the right height of stitch. It comes with small, medium and large needles. Now I need to practice and learn how to be uniform with my stitches on this new hobby to go with my cross stitch! I love it and most of all I love my dear sweet husband for thinking of me with such a wonderful gift!!

Fun at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX and New Stash from Silver Needle

2010-11-06T23:15:00.000-05:00

My sweet dh took me to the International Quilt Festival today in Houston and wow did I ever have a blast at Silver Needle's booth. The models for the first three photos were up in the booth and they were so pretty, I just couldn't resist! Gerti Sells Yarn by the Seashore by The Sampler girl came in the mail today. All in all it was a really fun time. I wish I could just put on new legs, feet and back after walking for hours but I got to see so many beautiful quilts too and so many vendors with so much to see. It was my favorite festival of the year. I am stitching on the apples and baskets on my Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow and when I have more to show, I will do a post. I haven't done punch needle but want to try after seeing the models there today. I have a great needle and want to give it a try. Hope it looks half as nice as the model! Thank you everyone for your comments on my last post. It really helped cheer me up!

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow Block 5 Pig is Finished

2010-11-02T13:05:00.002-05:00

I FINALLY got this pig stitched up and am looking forward to stitching all of the apples and apple baskets! That gray just seemed to be a forever thing but this morning I stitched it while watching the Young and the Restless. This should help me to keep focused on this block. Thank you all for you comments here! They just mean so much to me!

Saturday, we went into 3 Stitches and I got a Prairie Schooler chart, which is November, I had seen it stitched on Black Sheep's Bit of the Web and it was just beautiful, so I got that and the called for threads. They have a model basket in there and Pam, the owner had two Blue Ribbon Designs in the basket, so I approached her about doing one of them as a model, and to my surprise, and dismay, she told me no. I have stitched several models for her in the past but I think this is a personal thing. I know that the other ladies were as shocked as I was when she said no. It makes me question my stitching somewhat. I have tried to make my stitching uniform etc so I am hoping it is just me and not my stitching. I think it is. I went in several months ago, and they accidently double billed my credit card. My dh went in there and insisted she credit the amount back on my card and she didn't want to do that but wait and talk to her bank. He showed her that yes it can be done and she did, but it wasn't something she wanted to do. I think that is a lot of the reason this has happened. I apologized to her about it all and thought things were ok, but obviously not . I sure wish we had another LNS here but this one is the only one. Glad we can order online if we have to. Well onward and upward.

Goode Huswife All Hallows Eve Finish

2010-10-25T12:37:00.000-05:00

I just had to do one more fun project for the Halloween season and I just had the most fun stitching this one. I really hated to see it end. This one was stitched with Weeks Dyeworks threads on 32 ct black belfast linen with 2 theads over 2. Now I am going to get back to my Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow project. I am filling in the pig on block 5.

We have been going over to the park the past few days and taking our little dogs over. They just love it over there! We put them on really long ropes clipped to their harnesses and we have a picnic. The other day a couple of baby fawns ran through and Chucky, our Lhasa Apso just didn't know what those were and he was so excited. Brandi really loves all the new scents and sounds and of course she loves to eat too. It is so beautiful this time of year and we usually don't leave until dark after going over there in the late afternoon. I am tempted to take my stitching but so far I am just loving the scenery over there. Many folks jog and walk their dogs too so it is really fun for our dogs too just seeing all the activity. Well back to my Hawk Run Hollow project!

The Ultimate Stitchng Stand by Wood Wizard Designs aka my sweet dh Jerry

2010-10-20T21:12:00.000-05:00

After several requests, Jerry has redesigned this stand to work for either the right or the left of a chair or sofa. He has also designed a clamp that will hold all of your stitching needs. It will hold Q Snaps, Scroll Frames, Stretcher bars or embroidery hoops. There will also be an optional carrying case so you can take your stand apart for traveling to take it with you. The current price of this stand will be $225.00 which includes the clamp. This is a complete system and needs no other attachments to work for you. The standard needlework stand is being made out of Red Oak with handcrafted oak knobs. Special requests for special woods will be answered on an individual basis. He accepts Paypal payments only. His first stand should be completed by this weekend and when he can see what it weighs, he will have more information on shipping costs. For questions you can email me at stitchergal@gmail.com and we will be happy to answer any questions.

I am stitching a little Halloween project from Goode Huswife called All Hallows Eve on 32ct black Belfast linen. I should have a post perhaps tomorrow. I am really loving this. Thank you all for your wonderful comments!! I love hearing from all of you!!

New Stitching Stand Made by my Sweet Husband Jerry

2010-10-16T19:43:00.003-05:00

This is a new embroidery stand that my dh is still making for me! Am I thrilled or what? I have not had a nice stand in many years and I wanted one that would hold my Q Snaps. Unable to afford the System4 for that I just held my Q Snaps in hand and I would get tired holding it. My dh is so good at woodworking and he has also been a designer and machinist and he created this wonderful stand that not only holds my Q Snaps but it also holds my progect with my magnet board. I just totally love it! He is designing clamps that will hold the scroll frames as well as needlepoint frames for this stand as well. I am so excited. This one will rotate 360 degrees so I can turn it to the back easily to run my threads under when it is time to change thread. It also rotates to the side away from my chair as you can see on the bottom photo so I can get out of my chair and it isn't in the way. I still want to stain it but wow, he is even more talented that I realized lol. Thank you Jerry from the bottom of my heart for something that I have been using and does it ever work beautifully for stitching!!! I just love him so much!!

Here is a little more information on my stand. My dh took the photo outside with a kitchen chair, but this stand sits perfectly at my Lazy Boy Recliner in my livingroom with my Daylite Ultra Slim light. It is made to fit anyone's chair, and he is going to make some of these to sell if you might know someone who would be interested. My email address is stitchergal@gmail.com. He is going to make and display some of the stands in Etsy as soon as he decides how much to sell them for and he can do custom orders too. :)) I just love mine!!

The stand can be made to sit on either side of your chair or sofa. Just let us know what you would like if interested.

Stitching Witch

2010-10-11T20:01:00.000-05:00

I just finished up a little project that I thought compliments Witches Stitch Too called Stitching Witch. I just love these projects! This is a series coming out by Homespun Elegance where they have two projects every other month. I also love the one called Selling Brooms which is small like this one. I can finish these as an ornament if I want to but haven't really decided yet. They are supposed to be done on 30ct. fabric and I thought I was doing this one on Days Gone by 32ct but it turned out to be 36 count. I have lots of this fabric though and love it so I am going to stay with this count so they will all be around the same size. It was such fun to stitch! I have to get back now on my Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow and finish the blanket on the pig on block 5. Sometimes you just need a small finish in between.

Thank you all so much for the wonderful comments for me as well as for my dh's mug! He has so enjoyed reading them!! Well time to stitch a little more! Jerry is actually making me a walking stick out of wood that will look like a big needle with red thread coming out of it. I will post when he finishes it for me. I love seeing all of you and your comments here!!

My Husband Jerry's Mug That He Made

2010-10-06T15:02:00.000-05:00

At the risk of letting my sweet husband Jerry overshadow me here, I just couldn't resist putting up his beautiful finish. He loves doing woodworking and he has been turning exotic wood so he could make this beautiful mug for himself to use out at the Texas Renaissance Festival this weekend. I just love it and he used leather to help attach the handle that he designed and cut out for this. I love it and thought it would be fun to share!!

Witches Stitch Too Finish

2010-10-06T13:01:00.000-05:00

I finally finished up Witches Stitch Too and I hated to see it end. It was so much fun to stitch! This is a Homespun Elegance chart and I used 32ct Days Gone By which is one of my most favorite fabrics! I loved this stitch so much that I got the companion piece yesterday called Stitching Witch! It is a bit smaller but oh so cute! I need to get back to my Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow too but I thought it would be fun to do a Halloween project since I love these colors so much!

Our little Brandi is just doing so well and I can't be happier about it! She is now wanting to go outside on her own and Jerry built her a brand new ramp. We are going to provide a safer secure area out back for her before we let her use the back doggie door. It was out there that she found a fire ant hill. I am now thinking that perhaps it was the fire ant attack that cause all of this. It is such a miracle to see her get back to her old self. She is going to visit the vet on Friday and maybe we can take her off the steroids. Well time to stitch!

Witches Stitch Too Progress Photo

2010-09-27T18:26:00.001-05:00

Here is a little progress photo of Homespun Elegance Witches Stitch Too. This is such a fun stitch and since I got the witch part done I wanted to put in a progress photo.

Brandi is continuing to amaze us with her progress! Jerry built her a new ramp and she has used it a couple of times, although we don't force it yet. She is wanting to get her independence back and doing a mighty fine job so far. I read an article about fire ants and she has had all of the symptoms associated with an anyphylactic reaction. I don't know why the vet didn't associate it with her symptoms but instead thought it might be a disc problem in her back. Anyhow, the steroids we give her every other day so far have really done the job and she walks and is now attempting to use her new ramp. We are so happy seeing her improve as we just love her so much.

Well back to stitching! Thank you for such nice comments here!

Witches Stitch Too

2010-09-21T22:41:00.001-05:00

My internet modem is giving me fits and goes out every few seconds so this will be short. This is one project I decided was a must have for Halloween. I loved it and got it in between my big project and I am loving it so much! This is Homespun Elegan,ce Witches Stitch Too. It is being stitched on Days Gone By 32 ct. linen and so much fun to stitch with Weeks Dyeworks and Sampler threads.

Our little Brandi is doing really well and oh we just adore her so much. We can't be more thankful for such a miracle. If anyone deserves to do well it sure is her. Such a little sweetheart. Well post again soon!

Our Little Brandi 9-9-2010 Feeling Much Better

2010-09-09T12:26:00.000-05:00

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow Block 5 Work in Progress

2010-09-09T12:23:00.002-05:00

I have been working on block 5 of Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow and have this much done. It isn't very colorful yet but the best is yet to come. It seemed to take forever to stitch the backgrounds for the lettering but I finally got it done and finished outlining the pig last night.

I took some time off of stitching as we have just had one thing after another to deal with and my stress level was at an all time high. Our little Pekingese, Brandi had this reaction to ant bites but one night we came home and she was just panting profusely and in such distress. She was having trouble walking and we rushed her into the animal hospital and they determined she must have a disk problem and they put her on an IV of morphine. We got her home the next day but she lost use of her back legs for about 10 days. We decided we will just love and take care of her no matter what but on August 28 we were so blessed with a miracle. We took her outside on the lawn and sat her down to do her business and she started scratching her ear. She could move her legs! We are just so happy and she is walking again, although a bit wobbly but getting better and better every day! We don't know what happened for sure but she is taking a steroid every other day and my dh made her the nicest little "condo" with an orthopedic matteres and she is just doing really really well! What a miracle to see her get well!!! Needless to say, my stitching mo jo is back and we just can't be happier!!! We both love her and Chucky so much!!!

Block 4 Finish of Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow

2010-08-11T11:34:00.000-05:00

I finally finished Block 4 and am very happy to have finished it. Now on to block 5! My stitching seems to be about the only thing I am doing these days that is working lol. Can you believe our car needs the fuel pump replaced, my dishwasher pump quit, the lawn mower isn't working etc etc. We went to WalMart the other day and after putting a new fuel pump in the car, we got out there and it wouldn't turn over, so we had to walk at least 4 miles in 100 degree heat towards home. We got to a snowcone stand on the road to our house and this sweet girl called her sister and asked her to take us the other 3 miles home. We are so thankful that she helped us and we are going to go over and buy some snow cones, give her a 20 dollar bill and let her keep the change. She gave her sister a couple of dollars for gas. I was only wearing flip flops on my feet and the heat was terrible especially on hot pavement. I would almost welcome a tropical rain to come in here and break this horrible heat wave.

We got a cab last night and went out to dinner for a treat! Now on to block 5. I am so enjoying this project even if I am a little slow stitching it!! My stitching keeps me sane!!

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow Block 4 Apple Tree Finish

2010-07-27T12:47:00.001-05:00

I finally finished the apple tree several days ago and I have been trying and trying to get into my blog, Google, and my Gmail without success. I finally asked some of my blogger friends in Facebook if they were having problems posting in the blogs and I realized I was the only one. Finally it came to me that we must have a virus and yes we did. I ran a virus scan but now my computer won't do a few things so I need my dh to check it out for me. The apple tree is diagrammed for the heart and initials in the tree to be a really dark brown but when I did that, it didn't show up well, so I decided to frog and put in a lighter color. This was my own choice though but I like how it shows up for me here.

I have a really cool small Gateway notebook and I am using it here. We both have one and we take ours everywhere. They have 9 hours of battery life and lots of memory so it is allowing me to post here finally.

Today is my dh's birthday and I don't want him to worry about this now. His computer is doing this too. When it rains, it pours. Our cars are out of commission and we need a fuel pump. We are going to call a cab to take us to a restaurant for a birthday dinner. I would make him something special but no way to get groceries today. Why do these things happen when you are trying to live on unemployment? grrrrrrrrrr

I hope to get more stitched as rain showers are coming in. My dh wants some peanut butter cookies so I am going to make him some of those! Thank you all for your visits comments!! :)

New Stash-Chessie and Me Botanical Garden Sewing Pocket and Fob

2010-07-10T21:49:00.002-05:00

Chessie and Me has this Botanical Garden sewing pocket and fob project that a friend of mine has been stitching and I just love the gingham fabric and the colors. I ordered this project and got it yesterday and today I got my fabric and threads. I love this gingham fabric and thought it would be a fun little finish on the side.

I am still working on Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow too.
I am loving the apple tree in block 4 and intend to keep working on it, but my friend told me that this little project was so much fun to stitch and I just couldn't resist.

It is really hot here and I need to get on my stitching. I went out and did some mowing of the lawn and now I want the reward of stitching lol. Thank you all for coming into my blog! I love all of your comments and hope to have another new post soon!!

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow Block 3 Finish

2010-07-02T10:55:00.000-05:00

I finally got Block 3 finished last night with all of the Autumn colored trees. I love the colors so much in this block and I am very excited to have it finished! Now on to block 4.

It seems so strange in Texas around July 4 but it rains most every year during the July 4 holiday. I always associated July 4 as a sunny hot day where you go to parades, have cookouts or go to the beach but here it will rain when it doesn't rain the rest of the time. Since my dh is basically retired now, I guess we are on holiday all the time anyway.

I was in my LNS the other day and picked up Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow since it was the only one I didn't have of the Hawk Run Hollow series. I am glad I did because Kathy Barrick is done now making charts. Hopefully I managed to get all the ones I wanted. My dh is very generous with my stash! Well back to stitching the outlining of Block 4. I love all the comments all of you have taken the time to leave for me and thank you all so much for making my days here!!

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow WIP Block 3

2010-06-18T22:49:00.002-05:00

Can you believe I FINALLY have this done to a point that I can actually put up a progress post! Hip Hip Horray!! I love this project but the frog paid me a visit before I could start the pasture and I ended up frogging the last two horses. I finally got them put back in because of being off one stitch but I knew that the blocks in the pasture would not line up properly so I stitched those two horses first.

I have to say that the grass in the pasture is pretty labor intensive but I really love how it turned out. I have Fall trees to stitch on this block now and then on to block 4. I really kind of enjoyed stitching the grass but you can't expect it to be done quickly. I hope you all like this block! I love all of them really.

Well dh is waiting for me to come to bed and watch some tv so I best get going! Hope I have more stitching up and much sooner than this last time!!

Wren by The Victoria Sampler

2010-06-01T19:08:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday we went over to my LNS and I saw this pattern by The Victoria Sampler for the Wren. Jerry and I just love the wrens who come into our feeder and they have the most beautiful song you would ever imagine for such a tiny little bird. I needed to have a quick finish so I decided to stitch this for the past couple of days and just finished it this afternoon. It came with all of the threads but instead of stitching on the called for 28 count fabric, I did this on 36 ct with 2 threads. The threads called for were to be blended colors so that is the reason for using 2. Jerry is going to make me a frame for it to hang up. I am still working on block 3 in Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow and got the grass and fence done. I will work a bit more and then make a new post on it. I almost have two trees done and then I will take a photo and post it. Thank you all for leaving me comments and coming into my blog! :)

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow Block 3 Start

2010-05-27T15:54:00.000-05:00

Block 3 has begun! I finally finished the house on Block 3!

There is so many pretty outside things to stitch on this block and having the house part done gives me a happy dance! My dh was even willing to wait forever to have lunch today so I could get this house done. I wasn't sure I had enough of NPI 696 for the gold on the house but I did have enough. My LNS didn't have that color in stock so I ordered it from 123 Stitch on Friday and it came today as well as a small pattern called Locks and Keys from Shakespear's Peddlar. I saw that one done on a fabric like Lakeside Linens Days Gone by with Belle Soie Silk Briar Patch and I really liked it. The lady who stitched it had a frame with tiny keys hanging on the bottom of it and it was really nice. Go to http://crossthatleg.blogspot.com/ and scroll down to see this, as it is awesome!

Thank you all for your comments and good advice on the solid stitching. It is something you love once it is stitched even though it does take some time to do. Now on to the grass, pasture, fences, horses and beautiful trees. It is pretty hot here so it makes for good stitching weather!

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow Block 2 Finish

2010-05-22T13:35:00.000-05:00

:::

I am very excited that Block 2 is finished this morning!! Time for a happy dance! :) Like Deb said in her comment, there is lots of solid stitching but oh how it just makes for feelings of elation when you do get those areas completed and it really does wonderful things for the project! I really enjoyed stitching the pumpkin patch on this. In face, this project has to be my most favorite stitch . I have all of the Hawk Run Hollow projects except for Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow and I have decided to get it as well so I will have the whole collection. I love these colors so much!! Thank you everyone for your comments as they inspire me so much and I love all of my friendships with all of you! We are headed out to my LNS this afternoon and I think I will see what threads I might need for a few other projects. Have a great weekend everyone and I hope you are all having some time to stitch too!

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow Block 2 Progress

2010-05-17T22:14:00.000-05:00

Here is a little more progress on Block 2! I am so glad to get the barn and scare crow done. I did a little of the ground around the scare crow so I could go ahead and put in the long stitches for the straw. I love these colors so much.

Thanks to everyone who has been coming in to take a peek! You all make my day!! Now on to the pumpkin field in front of this barn. Lots of solid stitching on this but when you get a finish it does make you feel such a sense of accomplishment! Hope to get another post up soon!!

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow Block 2 Progress

2010-05-12T11:54:00.000-05:00

I finally have enough stitching on this block to make a post! It really has been too long a time but it seems with my dh laid off, we are out and about a bit more but when I can I love to sit and stitch on this. The barn is off to a good start now and I am just loving the colors! I wish I had a bit more news but it seems like the days are pretty much the same. I think I have got most all of the charts that Carriage House Samplings has that I have tried to get before she retires now. Well back to more stitching on the barn! Thank you everyone who comes in and hasn't given up on me here!!

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow Block 1 Finish

2010-04-18T20:07:00.001-05:00

I can hardly believe it but block one is finished!!! Hip Hip Horray! I am very happy it is done and now on to block 2! I have really loved stitching on this project and just totally love it! It has been a thunderstorm type of day here today so I have stitched on it most of the day. Yesterday we went over to my LNS and I picked up Carriage House Samplings The Song they Sang. I think I have all of the Carriage House Sampling charts now that I have always thought I might get someday. Thank you all who take the time to come in and have a look and comment!!

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow House Finish

2010-04-14T21:55:00.000-05:00

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow House Finish

2010-04-14T21:49:00.000-05:00

I Finally finished the house in Block 1 and am doing a happy dance!! I love this house but it sure took awhile to get all the bricks stitched and windows in. I love the colors so much though so it was nothing short of joy for me! My doctor decided I needed some thyroid so maybe I have a little more energy and my needle has been flying for a couple of days here. Now on to the pumpkins on the bottom and the wording. I hope to have more to show soon! Thank you all for your great comments and for taking the time to come in and visit!!

New Stash

2010-04-10T12:01:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to get some of theCarriage House Samplings patterns I have not had and get them before you can't anymore. I have: Alphabet Blocks, Wild Roses, Suzannah, Molly, Mary Margaret, Elizabeth, and Be My Love. The Song They Sang should be here in a few days too.

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow and Some New Stash

2010-04-10T11:54:00.000-05:00

I decided to put in a post here as it has been such a long time. I am ashamed to say I haven't accomplished as much as I should have but I am enjoying these bricks and windows when I get going on them. I have been in a bit of a stitching slump but am back doing some every day here again.

My husband got laid off at his job, which is a permanent thing but he also was able to go to Florida to a Photoshop class since it was already paid for before the layoff. I really missed him but he is home after 3 days. Now we are getting used to him being home and going out of the house a bit more than I have been able to for a long time. He is going to try and start a consulting business of his own here doing graphics for companies. Between these things and a few other things, I haven't gotten my stitching done.

I don't know about all of you but I am just shocked to hear that Kathy Barrick of Carriage House Samplings is retiring this year. So I am scrambling to get all of her charts that I have always wanted. I am not sure my stash photo went in but if not I will put it up too. Thank you all for coming in and I hope to get more frequent posts up and more progress done.

2010-03-17T23:03:00.000-05:00

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow WIP

2010-03-17T23:01:00.000-05:00

Here is a little more progress on Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow! Thank you all for your kind words concerning my husband's layoff. I have been really worried about what will happen to me without the health insurance but I saw my Cardiologist today and he was just awesome. He reassured me that he will continue to take care of my health and he also said that my medications are doing what they should be doing and that I may not need another stent. He is also helping us to get prescription assistance for my medications. He was very understanding and my biggest fear was put to rest!! I am glad to know that I will be around to finish all of my stash! :)) We are taking this layoff one day at a time and people are reaching out to help us so we feel more encouraged. Thank you everyone for everything! It feels so good to have such good stitching friends!!

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow WIP

2010-03-13T10:21:00.001-06:00

Here is some progress on block 1 that I have been working on this week. I finally got the roof done and now on to the bricks on this house. Today I am going over to my LNS to see if I can round up the last 13 threads that I need for this wonderful project.

I am so glad to have this project because yesterday my dh came home and told me that he got laid off at his job! Needless to say we are both pretty devastated. His boss feels really bad too but it was the Germans who own the company that decided that 6 people had to be laid off and my dh is one of those. I am worried about the fact that I have been told a couple of years ago that I would eventually need another stent but so far things have not progressed to the point that my cardio doctor would want to do it. On Monday I or Tuesday I will call to go in to talk to him and see if we can do it while we still have some kind of health coverage. My husband is going to do freelancing of graphics and his boss has some clients for him. His boss feels really bad but it was out of his hands. Well needless to say, I probably won't be going to the Shepherd's Bush retreat this year after all. They paid for my dh to go to this Photoshop class in Florida and he still is going to go to it in a week or two. We know that this company is going to do all they can to help us. So here we are with many other people with a layoff and needing health insurance. I guess all we can do it take things one step at a time.

Autimn at Hawk Run Hollow Header Finish

2010-03-07T12:25:00.002-06:00

I just finished the header this morning! Oh how this was so much fun to stitch this! Now on to block 1. These colors are so pretty to work with! I went to my LNS yesterday and got 5 more threads! I was so glad that they had them. Gradually I will have them all but until then, I have enough threads to do the first three blocks! I am so glad that you all have liked this project so far and I hope many of you will join me in stitching it! Kathy has outdone herself on the Hawk Run Hollow Projects and I love them!!

Carriage House Samplings Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow WIP

2010-03-06T08:59:00.000-06:00

I was planning on putting in a new post yesterday afternoon, but I didn't get the last pumpkin stitched till pretty late so here I am this morning putting in a post! I am so glad all of you are liking this project as I am! It really inspires me to get up in the morning and start stitching! I don't know when I have felt that way about a project as I have on this one. We are going over to my LNS today and I hope to pick up a few more NPI silks. I have 16 more that I need but will maybe get half of those. I told my dh that once I have them all, I probably won't need another project for quite awhile as I will be working on this one and Shores of Hawk Run Hollow too. I probably shouldn't say that because you never know, but something always shows up that you just have to have! Thank you all for your comments and I am glad that some of you are thinking of this one for yourselves too! I am an admin. in a Facebook Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow group and it is just a fun place to display your works and chat. You are all invited to join the Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow group with us!

My dh is going to Florida for 3 days and he said that I can go to the Shepherd's Bush retreat in September in Park City Utah. Perhaps someone is going to want to go and would be interested in sharing costs of a rental car and hotel with me. I am going to try and save for this. The retreat is 550.00 but we have to pay for our own room and a couple of meals. The 550.00 includes projects and supplies for the classes, a banquet, a dessert function of some kind and I am not sure what else. I called them and it is not posted on their website yet. It is a thought anyhow. I hope it all works out!

2010-03-06T08:36:00.000-06:00

Carriage House Samplings Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow WIP

2010-03-05T11:51:00.003-06:00

Carriage House Samplings Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow WIP
Originally uploaded by Stitchergal

I don't know what is goin on with Flickr but I decided to upload this again since Debbie pointed out to me that my photo shows unavailable down below here. I have more progress to show but I want to get a little more stitched. perhaps I will put up a new progress photo this afternoon. Thank you all for your interest and coming in here!! I love reading your comments so much!!

Carriage House Samplings Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow WIP

2010-03-03T22:21:00.001-06:00

Carriage House Samplings Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow WIP
Originally uploaded by Stitchergal

Here is the entire header. I may never get any housework done with this wonderful project fueling my interest here I do have a bad case of stitch ass though and have to say it is a pleasure!! :)

Carriage House Samplings Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow WIP

2010-03-03T22:18:00.001-06:00

Carriage House Samplings Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow WIP
Originally uploaded by Stitchergal

Here is a little more progress on Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow! I am just really loving this project! I think it is so pretty and I love the colors on this one. One pumpkin down and 2 more to stitch on the header. I will put up another photo after this one of the entire header that I have done. I still have about 16 more threads to get but I have enough to do this header and the first block.

Carriage House Samplings Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow Start

2010-03-01T22:34:00.003-06:00

This is my start on Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow! These are definitely my colors and I am just loving this project so far! This header that Kathy designed for this is so awesome and I wake up in the morning and can't wait to get started stitching on this wonderful project! I am going to have to force myself to realize that I do have other things like cleaning my house to make time for but at the point I am at, this will be a huge effort to stop and do these things. It is a big enough project that it should go on for quite awhile though! I am stitching this on 40 ct. Sand Dune by Lakeside linens with the NPI silk. I have enough to do the header and the first block and I am glad I got the black thread I didn't have originally. I just really love this fabric! It is even prettier than I imagined!

Shores of Hawk Run Hollow and Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow

2010-02-27T22:44:00.007-06:00

I have been stitching on my Shores of Hawk Run Hollow but I ran out black thread. I had to wait until today to get some and I did get the last one she had. So I began filling in the background on Block 8.

In the meantime, I got my Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow and my fabric and some of the threads came in my mailbox today! What a Happy Dance I did! I am very excited! I would highly recommend ordering from Needlecraft Corner!

They were so nice and got this out very fast to me! My scroll rods are a little too narrow so my dh is going to make me a wider set of scroll rods tomorrow for this. This project is fairly long so I thought I would try the scroll rods so I can roll it up. Jerry is really good at woodworking and he will also be making me the frames for these projects. me!! Thank you Jerry for your support and for all the nice things like this that you do for me!

I plan to work on both of my Hawk Run Hollow projects alternately. I will gradually get the other threads for this. I love the rich color of the fabric and these colors are all so pretty! I am stitching this on 40 ct. Sand Dune by Lakeside with the NpI Silks. What a really fun day it has been! Woo Hoo!!

Thank you all for your inspiring comments as they mean the world to me!! :))

Shores of Hawk Run Hollow Block 8 WIP

2010-02-23T10:06:00.000-06:00

]I have been in the mood to stitch on a Hawk Run Hollow project and finally got out my Shores of Hawk Run Hollow and put these stitches into Block 8. This one is a lot of solid stitching but I love the color and feel like this block isn't going to be boring. The bottom has more wording and that will break up the solid background. I am so anxious for Autumn of Hawk Run Hollow to come out and I am going to work on this one and Autumn too.

Today we have snow headed our way UGH! I guess that makes for good stitching weather but wow I didn't think we would have to worry about that here. It sure has been a cold winter! They say we could get 2-4 inches. Hope my hubby gets home ok on the roads as they did spray the roads yesterday with de icing chemicals.

Thank you all for all the really nice comments on My Mom's Garden! I think that Carriage House Samplings and Shepherd's Bush have to be my favorites! I hope to have another new post soon

Shepherd's Bush My Mom's Garden Finish

2010-02-18T10:39:00.000-06:00

I finally got My Mom's Garden finished up last night. It was such a fun stitch and now I think it is time I picked up my Shores of Hawk Run Hollow and work on this #7 block. I am so excited about Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow and have pre ordered my fabric and pattern. I am gradually getting the NPI silks for it. I think this is the prettiest one yet of the Hawk Run Hollow projects. It is laid out so beautifully and after all of this cold winter, the warm colors really appeal to me. I just love the topper that Kathy added to this.

I am getting the 40 ct. Sand Dune fabric it calls for. I want to share something with all of you. Mind you, it is only my opinion, but I know that some of the girls like the "baste and bake" fabric where you coffee or tea stain your own linen.

I had a really bad experience with that in a round robin I was in and if something happens and it gets wet for any reason, like accidentely, the coffee or tea will run and stain your threads on your project. I had to restitch all of the white thread in order to save this round robin. Because of that experience, I would not personally want to use this technique on something large like the Hawk Run Hollow projects. It looks pretty but for me personally, it isn't worth the risk. Of course the best thing is to not get it wet but things can happen accidentely, and it would be a disaster, especially if you have gone a long way in stitching the project. Anyhow, everyone has the choice but I thought it would be worth it to let all of you know what happened to me and hopefully give you a heads up from my experience.

Well back to stitching and I hope to get in a new post soon! Thank you all for coming in and leaving me such wonderful comments!

Shepherd's Bush My Mom's Garden WIP

2010-02-10T19:05:00.000-06:00

I am stitching another Shepherd's Bush, My Mom's Garden. I love their projects and have had this one in my stash. I didn't see it stitched on the blogs so I decided to do one more Valentine's type project before I get back to my Shores of Hawk Run Hollow project.

I need to get more done on it as I am salivating over the new Carriage House Samplings Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow, due to come out after the Nashville Market around the 20th Have you seen it yet? It is on Kathy's blog as she has been showing us blocks every day that she can get out to her studio through the snow. It is just beautiful and I pre ordered the pattern and fabric for it yesterday. I can hardly wait for it! I need to get past this block on Shores of Hawk Run Hollow that I am on. It is just not a very exciting one colorwise but I love the project. I WILL get it done! Well my dh should be home any minute . Will write more later!

Quaker Heart by Shepherd's Bush Finish

2010-02-02T21:08:00.000-06:00

I finished up Quaker Heart by Shepherd's Bush today. I can't believe how quickly this one finished up for me and I just really enjoyed it so much! My poor husband is home with a very bad cold today and I think he is taking tomorrow off as well. I think he should visit our doctor but you know how men are and he says oh no he doesn't need to go and will be fine. I am sure I will probably end up with it too, but am very glad that so far I don't have it. This is a early Happy Valentines day stitch for him so when he is up to it he will build the frame and mat it. I am so glad I have a nice stash of Shepherd's Bush. I am anxiously waiting though to see Carriage House Samplings Autumn of Hawk Run Hollow. It should be coming out soon. Well back to doing up the dishes .

Quaker Heart by Shepherd's Bush

2010-01-29T19:28:00.002-06:00

Here is what I accomplished this afternoon. I am so addicted to this one! I just love the specialty stitches and the threads are so lovely! This is a gift to my dh for Valentine's Day so I expect that he will want to frame this. He is very supportive and encouraging of my stitching and my biggest fan. I am so glad that I have such a nice stash of Shepherd's Bush.I would have to say that they are my favorite designer and really challenge me with all of the neat specialty stitches and different silk threads. This one is really fun to stitch!
We are going out for Bar B Que at a! really great restaurant when he gets home. So glad the weekend is finally here!

Stitched on 32 ct. Belfast Linen

Baking

2010-01-26T20:09:00.003-06:00

Baking by Little House Needleworks
stitched on 32 ct. Lt. Mocha Linen
with 2 threads over 2

I just finished up this little ornament but still have some finishing to do. My pinking shears didn't want to work very well so my dh says he has a pair somewhere and will find them for me. I have liked this one for awhile now and decided it was time to stitch it for me. I want to hang it in my kitchen.

Thank you everyone for the nice comments here. I value all of you as friends and I thank you for taking the time to leave me such nice comments here.

We are going to be getting more wintery weather come Thursday and I have just had enough of it. Our yard is still a swamp. Jerry put a new radiator in the car this weekend, and now we both need new tires on the car. So I have been stranded again but hopefully not for long. Well what to stitch next? I should get back to some of my large projects, but I may do one more small one from Shepherd's Bush that I got first.

Shepherd's Bush Here We Go a Haunting Fob

2010-01-19T12:50:00.000-06:00

I got this little fob stitched by Shepherd's Bush today.   My dh got me the project that matches this fob called Here We Go a Haunting in the little wooden box for Christmas. I know it isn't that time of year but can you believe, I have never stitched a Shepherds's Bush project before and I thought I would try out this little fob.   I need to get back to my Paradise Lost too but I thought it would be fun to make this up. Now the finishing part needs to be done on it.

It finally warmed up here and after having some broken pipes from all of the cold we had, I am very happy to see it turn warm.   My yard is a swamp though!

Thank you all for your lovely comments here. I need to get my Paradise Lost back out and get that apple tree done.   Hopefully I will have something new to show on it soon!

Little House Needleworks Pear Tree

2010-01-14T18:15:00.003-06:00

I know it has been ages since I put anything in here and I am glad to put this in today. With the holidays and everything, I just haven't stitched as much as I need to but I finished this today.

This finish is what I needed to get back to my stitching.I went to my LNS last week and this project was in the basket to do for a model. I was very tempted to ask about doing it but since the lady in there that owns the shop never even speaks to me most of the time, I just decided not to. But I kept thinking about it and I like it so I stitched it this week and just finished it today.

I also changed my header in here. I am so tired of winter! It has just been frigid and wet here this winter so I put up a more summery looking header. Our pipes even froze and some broke last weekend, but my dh was able to fix them and that leaves more money for stash!

This header looks like a fun place to be with my husband. I hope all of you had a good holiday season!!! I need to get back to Paradise Lost soon but I needed a quick finish to recharge my batteries!

Paradise Lost Work in Progress 12-12-09

2009-12-12T12:12:00.000-06:00

I got the giraffe done yesterday and thought I would add a little post here. Thank you all for your comments and encouragement on finishing! I haven't been working on anyting but this project. I think this cold drizzly weather makes me want to stitch something that looks like it is in a warm place. It's almost like the sun is hibernating for the winter here. We had snow here a week ago and it has been in mostly the 40's here. I guess it is so much worse everywhere else though so I should not complain. I love all of the animals on this project. I so enjoyed stitching on the giraffe and my dh looked at it and he said he loved the colors in the leaf in the giraffe's mouth and can hardly wait to see the tree that Adam and Eve are standing under.

We are going over to Houston for our usual outing on Saturdays and I may pick up a small LHN Christmas project. I got Fa La La last weekend and there is the little Poinsettia House I might pick up today. I like the colors in that one too. Well back to stitching!

Paradise Lost Work in Progress

2009-12-07T21:01:00.000-06:00

I have a couple of progress photos to share. I haven't gotten as much stitched this week as I should have but I did get the second tree done and another flower. I may start on the Giraffe next. We have been having some cold weather here and we actually got some snow here last Friday. I want it to warm up! I think I need my snuggie!! It is hard to imagine that i't t is almost Christmas. I would imagine most of you are doing ornaments. I haven't done any of them but I need to learn better finishing skills. That is my biggest weakness in doing those but I do love them. I got LHN Fa La La this weekend so it is still something I want to do. This is a quick post as I have dinner cooking on the stove but I did want to say hi and let you know I really am stitching but not as fast as I should be. I saw the movie New Moon and Twilight so now I want to listen to the audiobooks and stitch to them. Perhaps I will stitch even faster doing that. Thank you all who take the time to come in and leave me such nice comments!!

Paradise Lost

2009-11-24T19:41:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my blogging friends! I FINALLY got enough done on this to warrant a post and I wanted to before the holiday starts. This project is really addicting and I am loving it so much! The colors are so vibrant and pretty. For a fun stitch, I highly recommend Plum Street Samplers Paradise Lost.

Last Friday,was just the best day. I didn't see it coming as I had to go in for my annual stress test with my Cardiologist. For the first time ever, he called me to say I had a really good result and they don't need to do the angiogram or stent this year. I still can't believe it but wow am I ever so happy. My husband's colonoscopy went well the Friday before also and he doesn't have to go back now for 2 years instead of again in 6 months. So all in all we have so much to be thankful for this year.

After 9 years of not having a way to go anywhere during the week, Jerry finally got this other car licensed and insured and pretty much ready to drive. We had a new engine put in during those years but finally it is ready to drive. We still need a safety inspection and some new tires, but wow this also happened last Friday. I was flying high that day. Now tomorrow I can actually go to the store and pick up last minute things for Thanksgiving. His job is giving us a honey ham so I will fix that for us and we will have turkey on Christmas. It will just be the two of us but it always is and we always have a good dinner and a good day. He is off on Friday so we have a long weekend. I hope everyone here has a really nice Thanksgiving day!!

Paradise Lost a nd Shores of Hawk Run Hollow

2009-11-13T15:42:00.001-06:00

Sorry it has been so long since my last post! I finally got my threads and fabric for my Paradise Lost and I have been stitching on the first tree as well as doing block 8 in Shores of Hawk Run Hollow! October was such a busy month and I didn't get to stitch as much as I would like but I finished up the first tree last night on Paradise Lost and wanted to update my blog today

.This morning my husband went in for his 6 month colonoscopy to make sure the flat polyp he had 6 months ago had not come back and oh I am so happy to say that all is well now and he can wait for 2-3 years until he has to have another one. What a relief for me!! He is home on his computer now and all is well. We are both so elated!!I had an echocardiagram yesterday and I have a stress test next Friday. From past experience it won't surprise me if I don't have to have an angiogram and perhaps the other stent. Time will tell. This is the time of year for all of those dreaded medical tests for us but at least Jerry has his all done and over with for the year.

I am loving Paradise Lost so far! I need to work on Shores a bit more. This block is kind of a boring one but it will be pretty too and I need to work it, in and out of Paradise Lost. Well everyone have a wonderful weekend and I will try to get a new post up sooner this time! For all that come in and comment, thank you ever so much and I hope you haven't all given up on me here!!

Shores Of Hawk Run Hollow and Some New Stash

2009-10-19T11:00:00.004-05:00

Progress on Shores of Hawk Run Hollow
October 19, 2009

The Primitive Needle Cape Cod Girls

Shepherd's Bush Holly and Ivy

Plum Street Samplers Fishes and Bait

I thought it was time for a new post even though I don't have as much progress to show as I would like to. I started block 8 of Shores of Hawk Run Hollow and had to frog a little because I got one stitch off but things now are back on track for this block. I didn't stitch at all this weekend because we just went out and had the best time! First there was the International Quilt Festival in Houston this weekend.

You can check out some of my photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/stitchergal/

I spent lots of time at Silver Needle's booth as always. That is always such a special treat to go there. I picked up these new stash items there. They brought models with all but Holly and Ivy. I had my heart set on getting Holly and Ivy by Shepherd's Bush and they had three of those so I got one. They had Fishes and Bait and Cape Cod Girls made up in there and oh how I loved how those looked. The fabric on Cape Cod girls is just beautiful and so perfect for this project. The photo doesn't do this project justice. They used Picture This Plus 40 ct Highland for the fabric and it is just beautiful. It is a mottled green color but real subtle in color and I had to have that. I need to order the fabric for it. I also loved Fishes and Bait although I don't really agree with the saying, I loved the colors in this and to me it is a really cute design from Plum Street Samplers.

You can check out some of my photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/stitchergal/
The quilt festival was really beautiful but because they didn't provide transportation from the Park and Ride this year, I didn't feel that as many atteneded this year. It still was so much fun and I literally shopped till I dropped with all of the vendors there and quilt exhibits. I hobbled my poor sore feet and knees over to meet my dh at the Home Plate bar and grill after. I literally looked a like a really old lady walking but it was so worth it all.

Yesterday my dh took me over to see the goats at their new home and I was pleased that they remembered me and I petted them. Waylon nuzzled me like always. The man got both of them new wives that are going to be having a baby goat now so it looks like they have a happy home now. Willie has a little attitude going though because they are in the mating season and wow it is like a huge PMS episode but he still was ok with me going up to him. I miss Waylon most of all though as he makes me feel like he loves me and I him, but they would be lost without each other as they are brothers and bonded. and it was hard to let them go. The family is a nice family though and I am glad they have a good home. The man told us to come anytime we want to visit. I kind of miss them but don't miss them chasing my little dogs Chuckie and Brandi when they want to go outside. This man has 5 acres and they are real animal lovers.

I have gotten Paradise Lost by Plum Street Samplers and now need to get fabric and gradually get the NPI silks. Well it was a wonderful weekend and I hope to stitch this afternoon! Thank you everyone for your wonderful comments and for coming in to my blog!! I love reading all of your comments and you all make me feel so loved!! :))

Shores of Hawk Run Hollow Progress

2009-10-01T11:06:00.002-05:00

Carriage House Samplings Shores of Hawk Run Hollow
Stitched on 40 ct. Vintage Autumn Gold with NPI Silks
One thread over 2.

While getting ready for the next block, I had to press this and decided to post a photo of the entire progress. Oh how I love the colors of this project. I am ready to start on the next block. Thank you all for your wonderful comments!!

Everyone should also go and see this great giveaway that Jolene is having on her blog Dip Diddly Designs.

Shores of Hawk Run Hollow- Big Block Finish

2009-09-30T20:58:00.000-05:00

Woo Hoo, the big block is FINALLY finished! I finished stitching it just before my dh came in the door tonight! Time for a Happy Dance! I just really enjoyed stitching the compass and the anchor. It is like getting a reward for doing all of the sails and the water. I wanted to show a close up of the compass with the bees. I just loved doing those so much. For any of you doing this project, I learned the hard way that the lettering is supposed to be stitched with NPI 924 on the compass instead of white. I didn't look at the photo before stitching the N, W, E, and S and it is graphed to be white so the frog visited me today and I put the right color in. It still was really a joy to stitch.

Thank you all for the support about our decision with the goats. I miss them but know they are in good hands and you all made me feel like we did the right thing. Our little dogs can go out now without a problem. Well on to the next block here. My dh is wanting me to fix dinner so I better make this short, but thank you all for coming into my blog and for all of your wonderful comments!

Shores of Hawk Run Hollow Work in Progress

2009-09-28T22:45:00.001-05:00

I finally got the water stitched here and wanted to get a post up tonight. I am so glad to have that and the sails stitched. I am still really enjoying this and am eager to begin the compass and anchor to complete this block. The longest part of stitching this block appears to be done

.On Saturday, we reluctantly decided it was time to give the goats a new home. I feel badly about it but they are going to really have a better life on a 5 acre farm and the guy that took them is going to the auction tomorrow to get them both girlfriends to breed with. It was a very hard thing for me to do but if you haven't been around a goat in mating season, you just can't imagine the problems. They are such pretty goats but they became agressive and it got to the point that they were going after our little dogs. We couldn't let Chucky and Brandi out at all without guarding them the whole time. They like to butt and they knocked my dh down and have butted me as well. I have partial replacement in both knees, and may not get up very fast. This man that has them now has a 13 year old daughter and she is really excited about them. I have never taken an animal and not kept it before but we didn''t realize that they needed to be fixed long before now or they go into "Rut" in the fall and wow it is a huge challenge.. They will even pee on you at times. It was something my dh decided and then I called this guy and talked to him first to make sure they will have a good home. I think the goats should be very happy on a bigger farm and he has decided to breed them. Now I know what they mean when they say "Old Goat" even though they are only 6 months old. They can be kinda nasty when they are in "Rut" which I guess is kinda like PMS, but in a male goat. This man invited us to visit Waylon and Willie, the goats we had, anytime we want and I feel that they are in good hands.

Well not much else going on. I am excited to see the new releases for the St. Charles market and I like Paradise Lost by Plum Street Samplers. Carriage House Samplings has the new Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow out but she is going to be doing an Autumn in Hawk Run Hollow and I am going to wait for that one. Winter is just not my time of year and it makes me cold thinking about it. It is really pretty though if you haven't seen it. Well time to stitch. I hope to have another post soon. Thank you all for stopping by and for all the lovely comments you give to me!

Shores of Hawk Run Hollow WIP

2009-09-21T17:19:00.000-05:00

I finally finished the ship!! Woo Hoo and a happy dance!! I still have lots on this block but all the sails are done and this ship is ready to sail! My dh took today off to get some things done around the house. I mowed some lawn outside and decided enough of that! We had a good weekend and went over to Conroe, a city not far from us. We went to Southern Star Brewery to a beer tasting and some burgers, chicken or bratwurst. I am not a big beer drinker but my dh likes one sometimes. The cheese burgers were really good! Last night we went over to Pecos Red's which is a really good place to eat and about 3 miles from our house. It was a pretty quiet weekend other than that and last night I got this ship finished. I am going to stitch some of the water in and out of doing a compass and an anchor on this block. Thank you again to everyone who stops into my blog and for your encouraging comments! Well back to stitching! :))

Shores of Hawk Run Hollow WIP Block 6-7

2009-09-18T18:52:00.000-05:00

Here is a little more progress on the ship for Shores of Hawk Run Hollow! Thank you everyone for all of the great and encouraging comments I have gotten! I wish I had the ship part finished. I had a few days of feeling a little under the weather with a tummy ache and maybe a slight flu bug, but things are much better now. It wasn't major but enough to slow down my stitching a bit here. We definitely will need to get the flu shots this year. I can't imagine why I got that, but it was pretty slight considering. I have a little more stitching to do on this last white sail and then two more sails with a little triangle of white on the back, and then I can go on to the compass.

I am so glad the weekend is here. It has finally cooled into the 80's after a 100 degree summer. Not sure what we will do if anything much this weekend.

Today one of the shows I enjoy watching ended after 72 years, which is The Guiding Light. I didn't watch it for as long as some people, but I got more into it about a year ago and would stitch while it was on. I gues it really is time to get out those audio books on my mp3 and computer here. TV is getting so uninteresting at times and they put some dumb game show on in this show's place. My dh and I really don't like a lot of the same kinds of shows at night but I think that is probably normal. We have even gotten so bored with what is on these days that he watches the Sci Fi Channel show How it's Made. Now that is pretty bad to have to watch that, but it is kind of interesting sometimes. My stitching keeps me interested at least. Well not much news here. Hope to have more to show soon!

Shores of Hawk Run Hollow Big Block-Work in Progress

2009-09-10T15:20:00.005-05:00

I have been working on the big block for Shores of Hawk Run Hollow. After seeing the beautiful finish that Siobhan had on her Shores of Hawk Run Hollow, it inspired me to finally get mine out and begin once again. This is such a lovely block but it is so huge! I am enjoying it so much though. This project has always been one that I never intended to be in the UFO basket for long and she totally inspired me to get back to stitching on it again.

You should all go in and have a peek at.http://bluehenhollow.blogspot.com/ I only hope that mine will be as lovely as hers is and she showed it in such creative ways. You will need to scroll down a bit.

We have been having some rain here which we need and it makes for good stitching time here inside. Nothing much goin on here. I need to order a few NPI silks since I robbed a few for My Lady's Quaker from my SOHRH. My LNS doesn't have them and I need to get them.

Siobhan cracked me up saying that all of our comments kept her from running over this project with the car as she worked on this block. Lots of sails here to be stitched and it seems like forever, but I know they just make it pretty. Well back to stitching! Thank you everyone for the nice comments on My Lady's Quaker!!!

My Lady's Quaker WIP

2009-09-01T14:35:00.000-05:00

Here is my progress on My Lady's Quaker. I finished up the dress last night. My dh put Windows 7 on my computer and now I can't find half of my programs, so I went to Flickr to put in this photo and edited it in there. I will be glad when he can get my computer back to doing what I am used to, although the new operating system is supposed to be more stable than Vista. I am enjoying My Lady's Quaker and also need to get back to The Riddle. Thank you everyone who takes the time to stop by and I so enjoy the nice comments here!

The Riddle and a new SAL

2009-08-27T15:09:00.002-05:00

I have been working on The Riddle and I also joined in on a new SAL. The Riddle is in an area of over 1 stitching for this lettering and I took a small break to begin Jardin Prive My Lady's Quaker. This is such a cute pattern that I just couldn't resist. The blog for this lovely SAL is a http://myladysquaker.blogspot.com/. I got a little head start as did a few of the other women. It isn't supposed to begin until September 1. You select your own colors on this. I have selected NPI Silks in peach, rusts, teal green and brown. I have changed my mind a few times, but so far I like these colors. For more details of this pattern and sal you can go to the website here that I put in.

The Riddle is still to be picked up here. I got the bargello stitching done and just have a few more words over one in this square and then it is on to more of the fun things. I am loving this project. Not much going on but stitching and hot weather here. All is well though and I have meant to get a post up before now. Time seems to get away from me sometimes.

The Riddle Work in Progress UP Above in my Header

2009-08-16T15:03:00.003-05:00

I wanted to put in a new post today but instead of posting my progress on The Riddle, I decided that I wanted to use it for my header. So here is my latest progress up above. I have a row of the triangle border to go underneath this block and then on to the next section. It was time for a change on my background so I have worked on it this morning. We are going to go and see the move Time Traveler's Wife. It just looks like such a good movie and I have also downloaded the audio book that I have yet to listen to. We are still having really hot days here. I wish it would cool down a bit. The tropics are starting to get more active. I hope we don't have anymore hurricanes here this year. Hurricane Ike hit here on Sept. 13th last year. Well not much going on. I want to get more stitched on The Riddle perhaps tomorrow. Talk soon!

The Riddle-WIP

2009-08-11T13:51:00.000-05:00

Here is my latest progress on The Riddle. I am just loving this project to stitch! It has some specialty stitches and they really are a great contrast to the cross stitching and are not hard to do. I left this on my Q Snap so the letters don't look like they are straight but they really are.

It is still hot and hotter here in Texas so I am staying in and getting a little more stitching done. After many many years of not having a way to go anywhere while my husband has the car at work, we finally got our other car repaired with a new engine and it is home. We need to get it licensed and insured as well as a safety inspection to drive it but I am closer! It has been a really long time for me to be in this situation and am I ever looking forward to being able to just go to the store if I need to during the day! Well back to stitching! Talk again soon!!

The Riddle by The Drawn Thread WIP

2009-08-07T17:34:00.000-05:00

Here is my latest progress on The Riddle. This project is so addicting and I am just really enjoying the stitching on this one!! I am stitching this on 36 ct. Meadow Rue Belfast Linen. I am loving doing the Algerian eyelets, French knots, satin stitches and the red flower has Double Leviathan stitches in the center. I admit I have had to go online and look up how to do the double leviathan stitch but it went in really easy for me. I love the colors of this project!

Today is TGIF day!! I love the weekends! We are going to go and have some Mexican food tonight! Yum! Everyone, have a wonderful weekend!! Talk soon!!

My Stitching Works in Progress

2009-08-05T16:36:00.003-05:00

Here is some of the stitching I have been doing. I am getting close to a finish on Flowers for Sarah. I started "The Riddle" by The Drawn Thread and am loving it!! I love all of the colors and am enjoying some new specialty stitches. The frog did come by, but I managed to keep him away today. This is so colorful and I am loving it!! I am putting in another post to show some new stash after this one. For some reason all of my photos didn't go in here so check my other post underneath this one for my second post for today showing some new stash!

Some New Stash

2009-08-05T16:31:00.001-05:00

It has been a fun weekend last weekend at my LNS as well as at Down Sunshine Lane in South Carolina. I have had The Drawn Thread's "The Riddle" and have "Finch Song". I went into my LNS to get my fabric and threads for The Riddle and also saw this little Shepherd's Bush Long May She Wave, so I got those. Amy at Down Sunshine Lane had Shepherd's Bush Finch Song in stock and I ordered it on Friday and she got it to me just so quickly. I love ordering from Amy because she has the best customer service ever and really goes out of her way to get things to me. www.downsunshinelane.com is her website and I highly recommend her really wonderful shop. I ordered one of the Rola Frames from her and she emailed me to tell me they are going to be in today, so I should be getting that soon. I thought I would give one of them a try and I have heard such positive things about them being lightweight and you don't have to baste or tape your project on them. I am putting another post in right after this one. Thank you everyone who comes in and comments. I love reading them and appreciate all of your friendships so much!!

A Gift for a Friend

2009-07-30T16:21:00.000-05:00

I finally finished up a small gift here for a friend. I am not real sure about my finishing skills, but I put lots of effort into it and I really loved doing the cross stitch! This is a little Little House Needleworks pattern that I have and always liked it so I decided to make a little pillow out of it.

I haven't gotten as much stitching done lately, but finishing this project has rejuvenated me. I still am working on Flowers for Sarah. I was looking at Nicole's The Riddle and just love how that looks so I am going to start on it. I still have to get many of the threads for it but I got a few threads last week, which are NPI silks and it calls for Glorianna on 4 colors but those are just ever so expensive so I am going to substitute with another silk for those. The Riddle is by the Drawn Thread and is just so cute!

We are getting closer to me having a car to drive and I am so hopeful all will happen for that. We have had one that our neighbor has in his shop for a very long time that they put a new engine in. In the meantime our car needed some repairs so we iwere very happy that my dh's employer helped us out and we are getting a loan to get this other car out, which my dh will drive and I can have our Dodge Neon to drive. Not much else going on but I am sorry for not getting a post here until now. Summers can kinda be like that sometimes. Thank you everyone who does come in and leaves me such nice comments! I love all of you!! Hugs!!!

Flowers for Sarah WIP, New Stash and a Gift in Progress from my DH

2009-07-13T12:18:00.000-05:00

I am finally back in the stitching and blogging world! I just want to thank all of you here for your kind words and support concerning my huge fear about having a colonoscopy! I went in on Friday and everything just came out really well!! I am so relieved and happy as the doctor gave me a clean bill of health! Everyone was so nice and explained things to me and afterwards, my dh took me to Denny's for a really good breakfast and then home to relax! I even went through the prep quite well although I can think of more fun ways to spend a day. I don't have to have another one for 3-5 years now!

On Saturday we went to my LNS where they were having a Carriage House Samplings trunk show and I finally got My Home Town, which I have looked at for a long time but seeing it stitched is even better. It was the number one seller at the trunk show and I am so glad to get mine. Now I will gradually get the fabric and threads for it. I have also loved Shepherd's Bush French Heart for awhile, seeing it in some blogs and someone had it on Ebay, so I made an offer of 30.00 and it was accepted. I love it and I love the little shoe button that comes with it.

Now I bet you are wondering what this photo is on the bottom. My dh is designing and building me a needlework frame and these are the clamps that he made yesterday. I think they are supposed to be on their sides to hold my Q-Snap but yesteroday he made these as a start on a frame. It took him quite awhile but he is also a machinist as well as all the other things he knows how to do and he loves designing and building things. I am so anxious to see this frame. I love the system 4 frame but it is s soooooo expensive and he thinks he can make me a great frame. The Q Snap holder will pivot to the back so I can get to it to finish off my threads.

Again, thank you all for your kind words as I was so afraid of this hospital procedure. I am still working on the last block of Flowers for Sarah here. I am now in a better frame of mind to stitch now!

Blackbird Designs Flowers for Sarah-Block 3 Finish

2009-06-24T16:59:00.000-05:00

Here is my progress on Flowers for Sarah. Block 3 is my most favorite block on this so far. I just totally loved stitching on it! I love th e colors and I love the birds on this block so much! Now on to the last block.

We set records here in Houston at 103 degrees F. today! I don't like this extreme heat so I have been in stitching all afternoon. I wanted to get a new post up here.

My dh promised me that he would go back and have another colonoscopy in 3-6 months as the doctor has asked him to do only if I have a colonoscopy too, so I am scheduled for one on July 10. I have never had one before. We both saw Dr. Jamali together on Friday and he told my dh that it was a really good thing he had his when he did as the flat polyp he had could have turned to cancer and we got it in time. He is going back to make sure it isn't coming back.

I am not looking forward to having one but it was because my dh was tested before things could have turned so bad, so I am having mine. I am the only one in the family who hasn't had one. My Cardiologist has ok'd things too.

I may need to park my stitching light in the bathroom on July 9. I will be glad when it is all behind me! Pardon the pun!!!

Blackbird Designs Flowers for Sarah WIP

2009-06-17T11:16:00.002-05:00

Here is a little progress photo of Flowers For Sarah. I had such a hard time getting this photo to turn out because where it is darker the camera wants to lighten it up and then it ends up lighter on the bottom and the greens don't show up as well as I had hoped. Anyhow, you can see my stitching progress. I am loving this one! I got Blackbird Designs, A Fine Collection in the mail yesterday and it is so pretty!!

Have you all seen the new LHN projects due to come out at the end of the week? Oh they are a must have for me! Two Roosters are two projects I love and my dh loves, Love One Another with a lion and a lamb. He collects lions since he is a Leo.

I got The Workbasket Quaker Pig and Rooster at my LHN this past weekrend. I am going to stitch the rooster with BelleSoie Tulip instead of the called for Grape Juice. I like the red tone of Tulip instead of the dark purple for my tastes.

Thank you everyone for your good wishes concerning this toothache episode I just had. Things are much better. I feel like today may be a pain pill free day.

It is so horribly hot here in this heatwave we are having. It has been near 100 F. everyday and is supposed to stay like that for the next week. That means stitching time in the cool A/C. Well back to Flowers for Sarah! Thank you all for coming into my stitching room!! :))

Update On My Trip to the Dentist

2009-06-11T14:19:00.003-05:00

Thank you everyone for the kind words concerning my tooth problems and also for the nice comments on Flowers for Sarah. I am very happy to say my trip to the dentist went really well with no pain for the first time ever. I have had a couple of teeth pulled in years past but Dr. Gatewood in Spring, TX did a wonderful job and I didn't feel a thing. The tooth was out in seconds after he started and he made sure I had plenty of anesthetic. When it wore off, and we were on the way home my mouth hurt for a little while but that is gone now. There was a lot of infection. I am on an antibiotic and he gave me a prescription for some pain medication. I feel like stitching now , so on to section 3 of Flowers for Sarah.

I want to thank Jerry, my beloved husband who was there for me today! He took the day off to take me over , and he has been very understanding and supportive! I do love him so!!

I also need to visit your blogs too and catch up! Thank you so much for coming into my stitching room. I should have something new soon to show. This is so much fun to stitch on the Days Gone By linen!

Flowers for Sarah Progress

2009-06-10T16:12:00.000-05:00

I just finished up the second part of Flowers for Sarah. I am so enjoying this project! The next part is my very favorite part with birds in it. My dh is going to custom build a beautiful frame and mat this for me. He does such beautiful work so I am really excited! I have tried to find someone who has Blackbird Designs Loose Feathers #18 Strawberry Garden. It is out of print but I would love to buy or trade if anyone might have it. It reminds me of the strawberry picking I used to do with a dear friend who passed away a couple of years ago.

This is kind eof a trying day for me as yesterday afternoon, I started having a bad toothache. Oh how these things can be so painful! I called the dentist and am scheduled to go in at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning. This is a tooth on the bottom that only has one root and is crowded behind another tooth so I am going to ask that he just take it out. It won't even show and is halfway behind another one anyhow. I just hope it will come out easily and I can stop hurting. I have a few pain pills and am taking 1 every 4 hours but you sure need to have food too. It takes the edge off and I can at least stitch a little.

It is really hot here today, about 95 so I am staying in and taking it kind of easy. Thank you all for your lovely comments. Now on to my favorite part of this project.

Flowers for Sarah Motif 1 Finished

2009-06-05T16:11:00.001-05:00

Thank you everyone for your good wishes concerning my husband!! I just couldn't be happier that he really is going to be ok!

Here is the first motif on Flowers for Sarah by Blackbird Designs. Oh I am so glad I chose this Days Gone By fabric for this! It looks as vintage as I hoped it would and I love the colors so much in this!

The weekend is here and I am glad of that! Not sure what we are going to do, but it is always a treat and the weather here is good for a change, although a little warm. Now I can start on the second motif on this design! Have a great weekend everyone and I will add a progress photo soon!

Blackbird Designs Flowers for Sarah Work in Progress

2009-06-04T14:24:00.002-05:00

Here is a progress photo of Flowers for Sarah. I am just loving the colors of this and the vintage look it has. I have decided to make it into a framed piece as my dh wants to make a frame and mat it for me when it is finished. I think this pattern is too pretty to fold up into a needlecase anyhow. There is a really wonderful stitcher, Terri at http://chocolates4breakfast.blogspot.com/ who showed me her finished piece in her finishing album and I love how it looks done this way!

Oh I am just ever so happy to tell you all that my dh's biopsy came back with no cancer!! What a huge relief it is!! He went in actually to have his esophagus stretched open and they thought he should also have a colonoscopy since they have to put you out anyhow. He had a large dangerous type of polyp and it was hard for the doctor to get it out but he did a fantrastic job. He is a Gastroenterologist here. My dh has a family history of colon cancer too so I have been very scared and stressed about this. They called me yesterday and gave me the good news and my dh has to have another colonoscopy in 3 months just to make sure it isn't coming back.

Thank God it was benign! Thank you everyone for your sweet comments and for your prayers and support! Everything looks so much better since we got this good news. I would be devastated if something would happen to him. He is my love and my life!!

Blackbird Designs-Flowers for Sarah Needlecase Start

2009-06-02T13:26:00.002-05:00

liwilll

I have begun to stitch Flowers for Sarah Needlecase by Blackbird Designs. I am stitching this on 32 ct. Days Gone By linen which is a very favorite linen of mine. I don't have much done here but thought I would put up a post and hopefully I will get more done on it soon. This is such a pretty pattern that I want to hang it up here and show the stitching and design rather thanl fold it up but still I am going to make the needlecase as instructed. I found some really pretty fabric by Blackbird Designs at The Henhouse in Spring TX. I love the vintage look of this and I hope it will look like the photo when completed!

My dh went in for his surgery and did really well with it. He also had a Colonoscopy, and they removed some polyps.One was difficult to remove, but hopefully it is all gone. I am anxious about the biopsy results and we won't have them until June 15.

He feels really good and this doctor is an excellent Gastroenterologist so I am trying to not be so stressed. I guess everyone is anxious when you are waiting for biopsy results though. They stretched his esophagus and he thinks he can swallow an elephant now. The doctor said he was amazed he could eat as his esophagus was so closed up. I am so hopeful his test results will be ok. These things are scarey to me.

Well back to stitching. Thank you all for the wonderful comments on my little pin cushion!!

Small Token Finish

2009-05-28T00:48:00.001-05:00

I finally finished Small Token. Wow I sure do love the cross stitch part but I still have much to learn about the finishing! I am glad to have this done and it should have been done much sooner, but here it is! I have the hardest time putting these things together but I am determined to learn how to do this part!

My dh is off now until Monday as he has to get ready for an outpatient procedure to stretch his esophagus. He has had this problem since before we met but it is getting worse, so on Friday he goes in for this procedue and gets to come home. I am kind of a worry wort but he has a great Gastroenterologist and he will be able to eat without food stopping at the bottom of his esophagus. He is also having a colonoscopy and that is the part that worries me most because it has been a very long time since he had one. He has no problems though that we know of in that department so I need to think positive.

I am on a Blackbird Designs kick these days and looking forward to stitching on Sarah's Flowers Needlecase. It is too pretty to fold up into a needlecase though so I am going to hang it like a wall hanging. I love the colors of it. Well it is late so I better go to bed. My dh crashed in his computer chair. Hope he comes in soon or he will be pretty stiff in that silly position when morning comes.

Small Token by Blackbird Designs

2009-05-26T19:49:00.000-05:00

I finally got Small Token stitched. Now my dh is supposed to show me a stitch he used when he put a liner in a jacket sometime and I will add the backing fabric, lace, and the filling for a pin cushion for this. I wil put up a post of the final finish when I get that part done. Thank you everyone for the lovely comments. I changed the color of the bird to CC Old Blue Jeans instead of Muddy Puddy. I liked the blue cast in the photo.

We had a nice Memorial Day off. I went to my LNS and got Days Gone By fabric for Flowers for Sarah and some threads. We went out to dinner at Olive Garden and it was just nice having him home for the weekend. It rained off and on but still it was nice.

My dh has his procedure done on Friday and I am a little nervous. I am sure it will be fine. I am hoping his colonoscopy is ok since it has been years since he had one. He is mostly going into the hospital to have his esophagus stretched. He had this done about 20 years ago and things are much better now. He gets to come home on the same day. I need to be positive. We don't have any reason not to be. I am just a natural worry wort. Well I will post again with hopefully a finish on this project. It was really a fun little stitch!

Small Token

2009-05-21T18:00:00.000-05:00

I have had this pattern for a little while now and decided that I wanted to try this pin cushion. I just love Blackbird Designs. My dh got me Thank You Sarah Tobias for our anniversary and I want to make Flowers for Sarah on that, but I need the fabric and threads which I may try and get at my LNS this weekend. One can always use more stash!!When my dh was in the Navy, he lined a jacket by hand and he wants to show me the stitch he used to do it so maybe I can get a clue on how to do finishing. I got some really pretty fabric for backing on this project and some lace. I hope it will turn out. I should be so much further on this but I got this much and the star done, when I realize I had made a huge mistake counting, and rather than frog out the star, since all that would really show, I had to restart this project. UGH!! I hear frogs at night but don't want the frog in here at all! So I decided to show that I really have been stitching. I am stitching this on 32 count light mocha linen. I like the way the bird looks in the photo, with a little blue cast but the Muddy Puddle it calls for is more browns and blacks. I decided that I am going to stitch the bird in CC Old Blue Jeans. I hope it will look ok.

Thank you everyone for all the happy anniversary wishes!! It did turn out to be a really nice anniversary and we had a glass of champagne ,plus a trip to the LNS and Olive Garden for Zuppa Tuscana soup and salad!! Well back to stitching!!

Ida Mae Crow Finish

2009-05-15T22:02:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone: I am sorry to have been gone so long, but I have had a combination of computer problems and allergies and between the two, it has kept me from being able to post here.

To make a long story short, I got things fixed and hope to be on here far more often.

I worked on Goode Huswife Ida Mae Crow. She is finished, even though her dress is a little darker gold than it called for. I still liked it and decided not to frog it all out.

Tomorrow is our 11th wedding anniversary! My husband got me some beautiful red roses tonight and I couldn't have been more surprised! I also had a visit with my Cardiologist today and everyone is going wonderfully well and I don't go back now until August. I hope you all haven't given up completely on me! I have missed everyone anisd am so glad to have gotten this darn network fixed.

I ordered Blackbird Designs Thank you Sarah Tobias and am looking forward to it coming, plus I still need to get to Shores of Hawk Run Hollow and Quaker Virtues. Thank you everyone for the good advice on Audiobooks! Well time to go to bed! Talk soon!

Quaker Virtues

2009-04-15T15:03:00.001-05:00

Here is a progress photo of Quaker Virtues that I have been working on. The first photo is the section on the bottom that I stitched and the bottom photo is the whole project that has been stitched so far. I haven't gotten as much stitching done as I should have since my last post but I have enjoyed what I have so far. I am also to the point now on Shores of Hawk Run Hollow that is a huge square and I need to stitch the black outline of block 6. This black outline of the block is kind of boring but so necessary so I need to get started on it. Even so I just saw Nicole's Ida Mae Crow on Nicole's Stitching blog and think I may start on mine. Ida Mae is so cute and she did it really fast so I think it would be fun to start in between projects. Also I noticed that there is a dark corner on the bottom photo of this project,and it is just a shadow when I took the photo for your info.

I have been interested in audiobooks for awhile and have a little mp3 player that I haven't used much yet, but my dh got me some Sony headphones for it so I have been looking for good audiobooks. I have looked at the library downloads but so many are out and you have to put one on hold, so I went ahead and joint audible.com for the first 3 months at 7.49 a month and they give you a credit good for one book a month. I have not read much for a long time but have always loved books so this way I can stitch and maybe catch up on some books at the same time. Now that I have been out of it for so long, I don't know what authors are good anymore, so I am looking. I loved LaVyrle Spencer but she retired. Maybe I can get back in the groove here.

The goats and chickens are doing well and perhaps our goats will be pygmy goats as after a month they still only weigh 13 and 15 pounds and that would be great! No matter, we love them and they are almost like dogs sitting on our laps out on the lawn chairs and wanting to be petted! We also have one new baby chicken that hatched. Well I will try to post more often. My allergies have kinda interferred with my stitching!

Shores of Hawk Run Hollow Block 5 Finish

2009-04-01T16:07:00.000-05:00

I finally finished up block 5 of Shores of Hawk Run Hollow! Yippeeeeeeeeee I also got some new stash. I just got Goode Huswife Ida Mae Crow at my LNS this weekend and I got Love Notes from Plum Street Samplers. Now I am going to stitch another motif on Quaker Virtues. I also got some silk threads for both.

We finally had a decent weather day and my dh took this photo of Willy and Chucky taking a nap in the lawn chair together. Willy just loves Chucky and they do this all of the time. I weighed Willy and Waylon yesterday and Willy is 15 pounds and Waylon weighs 13 pounds. They are so cute. We have had them a month and are wondering if they might possibly be Pygmy Nubian Goats which would be wonderful! We just love them no matter what size they will be though. They want to always sleep in the chicken coop so on Sunday, we took the goat's house and added it on to the chicken coop so now there is lots more room for everyone to go in at night. When I get it all painted, I will post a photo of their house. Thank you all again for all of the wonderful comments!!

Shores of Hawk Run Hollow and Quaker Virtues WIP's

2009-03-25T21:47:00.000-05:00

It sems like way too long since I got a post up in here but I wanted to have more progress to show and finally today was the day. I have loved stitching on these two projects.The only problem is that we have extreme amounts of tree pollen right now and there are some days that my eyes get too irritated to stitch, so I take something, and it makes me sleepy! Anyhow I finally felt like I had something more significant to show. I hope to post something sooner this next time. Thank you everyone for coming in and looking and making such nice comments! I appreciate all of you so much.

Shores of Hawk Run Hollow Block 5 WIP

2009-03-15T11:38:00.003-05:00

Here is the latest on my Shores of Hawk Run Hollow. I wanted to get all the grass stitched before posting but I finished this much on Friday and we have been running errands and things this weekend, so I haven't stitched since Friday. I love the little flowers in the grass! It adds so much. I also would like to get more stitching going on my Quaker Virtues! I just love doing the motifs on it!

It has done nothing but rain and rain here. It is hard taking care of the goats in all of this wet weather. I am so soft hearted and I know they would love to come in the house but wow what a mess that would be hehehehehe. They can go into our garage and they also have a house out in the yard. We came home last night and they had gone into the chicken coop but all the chickens welcomed them and all was fine.

Today I get a hair cut and we are going to a movie. I went to my LNS yesterday and got some thread. Wow Gloriana silks are really expensive and I only got one. it was like 7.50 a skein which maybe I should have known. Next time I will substitute for either Au Ver a Soie or NPI silks. I got it for a Plum Street Sampler pattern called Love Notes to do for my DH. Well I am rambling on here. Thank you everyone who has left me so many wonderful comments!!!

Shores of Hawk Run Hollow Blocks 1-4

2009-03-10T15:39:00.003-05:00

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I was thinking that I should put up the first 4 blocks of Shores of Hawk Run Hollow that I did since it has been such a long time scoince I stitched them, so here it is to go with my post below this one. I just love the colors in this project!

This project is being stitched on Lakeside Linens 40 ct. Vintage Autumn Gold with NPI Silk Threads, with 1 thread over 2. It can be stitched on other counts of fabric but this was my personal choice doing 40 ct. I know it would look great on the other counts as well but one should use 2 threads over 2 for those.

Shores of Hawk Run Hollow Block 5 Work in Progress

2009-03-10T12:57:00.000-05:00

After haviing put Shores of Hawk Run Hollow away for a long while, I decided to get it out and finish this house. I finally finished the house today and the rest of this block will be the fun things with grass, flowers. ships, and will be fun to do. I am alternating this project and Quaker Virtues. It is fun alternating projects, making stitching that much more interesting. This house was pretty labor intensive but I like it! Lots of bricks and mortar to stitch. I stopped on it for awhile and love this project so much that I didn't want to leave it a UFO and I am glad to have it out again.

Between feeding the goats, stitching and housework, I have kept fairly busy. I painted the goat's house red and am glad I am not a painter! I would much rather stitch!! Well on to more stitching and time to fix me some lunch!!

Quaker Virtues Progress

2009-03-07T17:37:00.000-06:00

Here is a progress photo of Quaker Virtues! I am really enjoying stitching on this project! I just love the colors of it and it is my first quaker project. Jerry had to pry me out of the chair to come out and help him with some things outside and I just kept saying just a little more and I will be out. I finally got the little flower basket on the left done before I had to go out there.

It has warmed up here and we had to put in a screened window on the brooding house and I stapled chicken wire to a frame so he could put it in. I have been bottle feeding the goats 3 times a day but enjoying it. They are the sweetest little goats. We named them Willie and Waylon. Well not much going on. I will put up another post soon! Have a great weekend!