Another finish, and another start

After our lovely evening with Beth, Trista and I decided late yesterday afternoon to have another session last night! So down we sat about 8pm until 11pm and we were stitching up a storm. Stay tuned to Trista's blog (My Life In Stitches) as I took pictures of what she was working on and I *KNOW* she will post...soon. But I finished up the JBW Snow Globe last night...if you look close the white "scattered" stitches are actually the word "SNOW" over and over again.

Which means I get to start my Ink Circles - Growth Rings! Here is the fabric and floss, 814 for the large parts with 336 complimenting that.

And here is my 20 minutes I got in before I had to head to bed.

Next week I'll be stitching with Trista on Tuesday and Thursday nights if anyone else is interested!

The wolves....

But first, I started stitching the Lizzie*Kate Living with Charm for the second time, and I am enjoying this as much as I was the first time! Here is my progress thus far.... And I have pulled the wolves out to see the light of day again. My goal is to have these done in time to give to my DH for our 10th wedding anniversary in September...I had better get stitching!

I'm all booked!

All I have left to do is book the time off work, pack my bag and I'm all set for this years 2008 Fall CreativFest!!! I called today and booked my Bronze Conference Pass as there were only two classes I was interested in...they are both on this page I will be stitching with Jennifer & Teresa on the Holly & Ivy ornmament and then the next day with Teresa on the Overdyed Odyssey: Cutwork Ornament...which is very exciting to me as cutwork is something new! And then I get to shop until I drop! Or sit and stitch which is very appealing as I don't seem to get to do any of that currently...or at least as much as I would like. Anyone else booked to go? Just wondering if we could make plans to meet up for lunch/supper if you were!

Nothing special today...

Today I'm celebrating my 31st birthday. Nothing special planned, our company from England is taking me out for lunch (because Cameron is at school today and it will be a much quieter, easy time with just Caleb) and that is about it. DH is away for work this week, not that he would have planned anything anyways. I'm hoping to spend some quality time with my L*K double flips on black and finish up 'remember' and then complete 'give'...I'll post pictures soon. I'm still waiting for the fabric from Mindy of Sugarmaple so I can stitch it again on a lighter colour. I've almost given up and if I don't see the fabric by the end of next week I will put in an order somewhere else.

*~* Hope everyone has a wonderful stitching day! *~*

Happy Dance #2 for 2008

Freebie Celtic Knot from Ink Circles

Stitched on 28ct Cashel Linen

Ltd. Edition Silkweaver (FOTM)

Using DMC varigated 4030 and solid 792

Thursday night I went online to the link that 'Berta left in the comments section of my HELP post and printed off the personalization, sat down and finished it. I had hoped to get to the The Carriageway Beadery (342 Princess Street Kingston Tel: 613-547-3567) yesterday on my lunch hour to find something to put in the middle of the knot but work got in the way. I will be on the look out for the next week for something and then I will probably frame this piece or make it like a large pinkeep to hang on the wall.

So, two happy dances so far and if I get my act in gear today (and the boys behave) I may finish up the beading on the "And they lived happily ever after..."

Stay tuned!

Until next time...May your needles stay sharp, threads untangled and fingers warm! Happy stitching....

Update coming...I promise

I took the pictures this weekend like I promised and of course they are still on the camera...great place, no one can see them there!
But I should have a small happy dance shortly to show as well, my "bus" project only has a couple more "rides" before the stitching is done and then I will have to add the wording and information at home one night.
I'm still waiting for my fabric from Sugar Maple Fabrics to arrive so I'm able to start my Lizzie*Kate Flips...these might become my bus project depending on how detailed I have to get...I need something that I don't have to look at the pattern for almost each stitch, so we will see.

And of course, seeing that it is
Valentine's Day...

I wanted to send all my readers a beautiful bouquet of my favourite flowers!

Updating...

I had a huge long post all ready to go when the power went out...UURRGGG! So you will just has to make do with this. I've been stitching, I've completed the Wedding Blessing, everything but the beads and I'm awaiting direction from the bride and groom as to what they want me to do now, add their names and date to the And They Lived Happily Ever After or order another piece for fabric to stitch their names, dates as well as their wedding saying on. I'm unable to get everything they wanted on the piece I ordered...story of my life. I've also been working away on my wolves on black and my Fall Y'All that I'm stitching for myself. I'm at work at the moment so I will try and get progress pictures done shortly. Life has just been simply - BUSY! But I did have Dani (http://tkdchick.blogspot.com/) and Christin (http://christinramblings.blogspot.com/) stop a week ago Sunday for an impromtu stitch along and some supper. The boys even behaved themselves enough that we actually got some stitches in our work! Dani is doing a beautiful job on Noah's Sub and I can't wait to see it completed. Well, I'm off to sell more tickets to CATS - if anyone is in the Kingston area, check out more information here: The Grand Theatre

A winner already!

WOW! You readers really know your stuff! I would like to congratulate MELANIE (http://stitched.bymel.com/) who guessed correctly! This is Lavendar and Lace's Spirit of Christmas. Started in 1991 by Chris (family friend) and hopefully added to my rotation and finished before Christmas 2007. I do have a photo of what this is to look like finished but alas, I am at work at the moment and will have to scan and post the photo later from home. Melanie, as promised there is a package from my stash on its way to you....once you email me your name and mailing address! curt_reb at hotmail dot com. Thanks everyone and thank you Christine (http://coffeecupthoughts.blogspot.com/) for the link from your blog.

I’ve been having a little bit of stash enhancement!

Last weekend (April 21, 22) my Mom and I were able to attend the creativfestival in Toronto. We were a little disappointed in the lack of stitching stuff (Gitta, you were sadly missed) but had a blast meeting up with Erikka, Theresa and Mandy! These three individuals are members of the South Eastern Ontario Stitchers with me (link at the side and bottom of my blog) and we “talk” with each other on a regular basis but seem to have a hard time getting together in person. I met Erikka two spring’s ago and we had a great time then at the creativfestival so it was nice to see her again as well as meet and put faces and voices to Theresa and Mandy. The only purchase from last weekend was the following:

A selection of Madeira Silk Embroidery floss which I found in the Sew Fancy booth. Now this past week was a different story! I received two packages from Silkweaver! The three 9x13 pieces this month were: SOLO 28ct Opalescent Lugana, A Ltd Edition 28ct Cashel Linen and Light Blue 28ct Cashel Linen! I can’t wait to figure out what I am going to stitch on these! I also received my 18x18 pieces and they were: Bluebell 28ct Cashel Linen and Cayman Islands 28ct Cashel Linen. The photo of the Cayman Islands does it NO justice, it has a very beautiful variegation in the fabric. Yesterday (Saturday) my Mom and our family friend, Chris went to the Cataraqui Needle Guild Display and Merchant Mart in Kingston. What a wonderful deal, $7.00 admission and it included lunch! I had the pleasure of meeting Dani (black belt stitching wizard) in person and we even had a picture taken together! Once she has posted the photo, I will either snag if from her blog or send everyone over there for a peek. EDITED - Here is the picture as promised....I snagged it off her blog! Hi Dani!

We saw some fantastic artwork on display and had a wonderful time browsing thru the merchants. My Mom bought some q-snaps; a couple cross-stitch patterns (from Knowledge and Needles) and Chris bought some quilting supplies. I have been eyeing up the following pattern for months and decided to bite the bullet and purchase it!

Quilted Quips I, Children of Quilters by Joanne Gatenby of X’s & Oh’s I plan on stitching this piece for my grandmother as she has quilted for all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren!

Then, because we had time we decided to do a little more shopping at Chapters. My Mom had a gift card which she told me to spend so I did plus a little more!

I purchased Cross Stitch Crazy May 2007, Cross Stitch Card Shop Issue 53 and Cross Stitcher Issue 185! These are my very first British magazine purchases and I may become addicted! There are some very beautiful patterns in here and I can’t wait to start some more stitching from them! And now for a test….Chris came to my parents with us for dinner last night and she brought along a project that she started YEARS ago and asked if I would finish it for her. So, here is a picture and the first reader to leave a comment and can “name that project” correctly will get a little something out of my stash! I will leave this for a week, if no one answers correctly I will then post another photo as well as a hint to the designer.

So tomorrow I start back to work full time, if you don’t hear from me for a few days/weeks, know that I am around, just really busy!

Three SBQ’s in one

29Mar07 's SBQ was suggested Cindy and is: Do you have a system for organizing freebie charts in your stash? If so, what is it? Do you print out copies of all of the freebies that you find on the web (that you think you might actually stitch) or do you maintain electronic copies of them until you are ready to stitch them? I do a little of both. I have a binder that I have separated into categories (flower, alphabets, seasons, seasonal etc) and I have printed some patterns and organized them in the binder. Most of these were printed from work, if I found a pattern at home from my home computer than I have a folder on it with the above mentioned categories as well and I print as I stitch.

*****

05Apr07's SBQ was suggested by Heather and is:

How do you decide which stitching blogs are worth repeat and/or regular viewings? Are there certain things you look for in particular?Are there things you wish there were more of? Less of? Is your blog a good example of what you like to read?

I like stitching blogs that also include a little about the persons life. I don’t like stitching blogs where all they have is finish after finish…I don’t stitch at all fast so when I see how many other finishes other stitchers are getting done in a relatively short period of time, it depresses me. I also like other stitchers who have children, as I can relate!

*****

19Apr07's SBQ was suggested Danielle and is:

Are you on "The Wagon?" If so, how long have you been on and how"serious" are you about it? If not, have you considered it?

I am NOT currently on the wagon. This is the first time that I have been financially able to do a little stashing so I’m going to town! Now, I can see the black wall at the end of the tunnel (instead of a light) and I will be putting myself on a weaning plan until I’m down to only purchasing what I HAVE to have to finish or start a new project. At the moment I’m enjoying my FOTM from Silkweaver as well and adding a little each time I’m able.

A wonderful weekend!

Lynn J and I had a wonderful weekend. We ate, we stitched and we ate some more. A few cocktails were involved and we accomplished a lot of stitching as well. Lynn even snapped a picture of Caleb trying to get in on the stitching action! It was very cute, if not hard on my pattern. And just before leaving Lynn took a great shot of Caleb and I so I thought I would share.

I promised Lynn I would post the recipes I used so here goes, unfortunately I didn't take any pictures so you will have to take our word that all of it was good. Hamburger Soup From: Taste of Home's, 2003 Quick Cooking Annual Recipes

1-1/2 pounds ground beef 2 cups diced onion 1 cup diced carrots 1 cup diced celery 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 can (14-1/2 ounces each) chicken broth 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce 1/4 cup margarine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

In a large saucepan or soup kettle, cook the beef, onions, carrots, celery and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain. Stir in broth, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce and hot pepper sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

In another saucepan, melt margarine over medium-low heat. Stir in flour until smooth. Cook and stir for 6-8 minutes or until mixture turns golden brown. Carefully stir into soup. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

I took a few detours from this but it turned out well. I didn't have crushed tomato so I used diced and in the end added a can of tomato paste to get that tomato flavour. It also turned out a lot thicker than a soup, closer to a chili which was really good with the fresh buns I had purchased. Caleb LOVED it and is still helping me eat up the leftovers.

*****

I made a throw together version of these, I don't measure anymore and just throw it together but here is the recipe I found!

Land of Nod Cinnamon Buns From: All Recipes SUBMITTED BY: Shannon "Easy over night cinnamon buns that are gooey and rich." Original recipe yield: 20 servings PREP TIME: 10 Min COOK TIME: 25 Min READY IN: 15 Hrs

INGREDIENTS 20 unbaked frozen dinner rolls 1 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup instant vanilla pudding mix 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 3/4 cup raisins 1/3 cup butter, melted

DIRECTIONS Lightly grease a 10 inch Bundt cake pan. Place frozen rolls into pan and sprinkle with brown sugar, pudding mix, ground cinnamon and raisins. Pour melted butter over rolls. Cover with a clean, damp cloth and leave overnight at room temperature. In the morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake rolls for 25 minutes, until golden brown. Turn rolls out onto a serving plate and serve warm.

*****

And last but not least was the cake I served with a slowcooker roast for supper. I put a piece in the bottom of a bowl, added a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of butterscotch sauce!

Apple Spice Snack Cake From: Taste of Home's, 2003 Quick Cooking Annual Recipes 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) spice cake mix 1 can (21 ounces) apple pie filling 2 eggs 2 tablespoons vegetable oil In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

*****

And now for the stitching news! Here is a picture of what I accomplished during the weekend. It is a pattern by Sisters & Best Friends called Happily Ever After and it is being stitched on Silkweaver's Spring Garden, 28ct Cashel Linen with Crescent Colours and Sampler Threads for my brother and his wife-2-be. No before shot, it was a brand new start.

One of my biggest happy dances EVER!

Well, can you tell from the title and this photo what I'm celebrating?

Yes, I have completed the Apache Wedding Blessing!

I'm so excited and a little drunk at the moment!

This was a kit from Janlynn

Design size: 15 in x 14 in (38 cm x 35.6 cm)

Stitched on the 14-count AIDA and floss that was provided in the kit.

*****

And on another note I think my boy was tired tonight after his first day back to school from spring break as well as skating lessons....I was putting Caleb to bed, was coming back into the livingroom to read Cameron a book and this is where I found him.

I didn't have the heart to wake him so I carried all 56 pounds of him to his bed and tucked him in for the night...nighty night all.

My 100th post!

Hard to believe that in 9 months I’ve created 100 entries here. Thank you to everyone the reads and enjoys the entries even if you don’t post comments (*wink to Anna). I was debating all day as to what I was going to post about for this special entry and decided to post about what I always post about, my boys, stitching and cooking/baking. Oh if you were interested, here is "The First Post" I did.

Cameron is off for his spring break and already; three days in I’m ready to ship him off…to anywhere. Actually, I got smart and stock piled some cheap toys from the dollar store to keep him happy and at the moment he is playing with his Play-Doh for the first time in about 6 months. I took it away from him because he refused to pick it up when he was done, so this time he has promised me he will at least help clean up or it will disappear again.

Caleb is the ever-happy boy (or cheeky monkey as we call him). Growing by leaps and bounds each and every day. Currently he is trying to master how to drink from a bottle as well as how to stand holding anything so he will soon be walking/running and wrecking havoc on our lives…look out big brother, your toys are no longer safe!

Stitching, I have been doing some of that! I finished the three Lizzie Kate freebies and created a border around them as suggested by Kali, got them done and given to my MIL…without a picture taken! Oh well, my FIL has agreed to create a frame for the piece so I will be sure to take a picture once it is hanging on the wall of their home. And as of 3pm Saturday, March 10th I have completed ALL OF THE BACKSTITCH on the Apache Wedding Blessing!

HAPPY DANCE! Now I have to add the verse, wash and press it and then figure out how to ship it out to my friends in British Columbia. I’m also sending along the $$$ for them to have it framed out there to match the décor of their new home. Then it is on to the Happily Ever After piece for my brother and his wife-to-be who are tying the knot in less than 4 months! I received the fabric (Spring Garden, Silkweaver) and the threads are on order from Stitching Bits and Bobs. I’m still working on my Housework Whenever project and I think I have to get the wolves some light of day as well before my DH asks me again when that (not so) little project should be done. And of course there are countless others that I would like to sink my needle into. Cooking/baking…well we have been eating but I have been freelancing our meals without using a recipe. This has been a staple for the last few nights as I got broccoli for the basement bargain price of $0.66 a bunch! Broccoli Cauliflower Salad 1 head broccoli, cup up in bite sized pieces ½ head of cauliflower, cup up in bite sized pieces ½ red onion, diced ½ cup grated sharp cheddar ½ cup crumbled cooked bacon (I cheat and use the pre-cooked from the supermarket) Mix together in a large bowl. Then mix together well or shake in shaker the following: ¾ cup salad dressing (ie Miracle Whip) ¼ cup cream 3 tablespoons sugar salt & pepper to taste Mix everything together and serve immediately…the leftovers go mushy.

Anyway, hope everyone is well at your home and I look forward to the next 100 posts!

SBQ of LAST Week (21Feb07)

This week’s SBQ was suggested by Kathryn and is: What is the smallest count fabric you have ever used? Did you stitch over one? Conversely, what is the largest count fabric you have ever used? I believe the smallest has been 36ct linen, one project over one but mostly over two and the largest would have been 14 ct Aida, which I still have a tonne of in my stash that will probably never see the light of day!

Fabric and stash...OH MY!

I decided this afternoon before going to get Cameron from the bus that Caleb and I would take a little detour to the post office to pick up the mail...and the mail lady had a couple of beautiful packages waiting for me! First in our postal box itself was my next shipment from Silkweaver. Two beautiful pieces of 18 x 18 Cashel Linen in 28 count.

Cinnabar

Aquatica

And then there was the pickup slip for the counter and my order from Everything Cross Stitch had arrived! Enclosed were lots of patterns I had ordered:

the Trilogy - Friendship; Lizzie Kate - Friends Are Like Angels; Lizzie Kate - Fall Y'all!; Redbird Company - Stitching is...; Stoney Creek Collection Box 217 - Quilted Kitchen Creations; Diane Forrest - Forever Friends; Linda Coleman - Cross Stitch Crazy;

And the most important one...

Sisters and Best Friends - Happily Ever After Wedding

which is for my brothers wedding in July.

So now I have to decide what to stitch first...right, the Apache Wedding Blessing must get done first...but maybe I can sneak a little something else in the mix while I'm at it, gotta love stash enhancement!

SBQ of the Week (24Jan07)

Today's SBQ was suggested by Danielle and is:

What company produces your favourite hand-dyed fabric? Are there any companies whose hand-dyed fabric you do not like? If so, why? I just received my very first hand-dyed fabric from Silkweaver and I love it! I’ve seen but never purchased or worked with Sugar Maple Fabrics but I hope to some day. I also tried my hand at dying my own aida at one point and it turned out well, even though I have yet to put a stitch in it! Here is a picture of the fabric when I was all done.

I’m looking forward to hearing about other experiences stitchers have had and this question may have created a monster…a fabric hording monster of the hand-dyed variety!

First Fabric Fondling Session

OOOHHHH…. I’m fondling fabric, one of my favourite pastimes! I decided at Christmas that I was going to have a gift sent to me each month, so I signed up for the Silkweavers Fabric of the Month Club and my first shipment arrived yesterday! They are all beautiful and I can’t wait to start stitching on them, but I may change my choice of what is shipped for a couple of months, as I would love a few larger pieces. I signed up for 3 – 9X13 pieces per month and I may change and get into some larger ones.

The three pieces together...

Solos – Unique Hand Dyed Fabric 32ct Opalescent Lugana

Sugar Cookie 28ct Cashel Linen

Solos – Unique Hand Dyed Fabric 28ct Lugana