And another Pine Mountain pillow finish...

Yep, I finished another Pine Mountain pillow for my snowman shelf. Okay, so this isn't really a "snowman" pillow, but it's winter and it has snow...that's close enough. ;-)

With as many Pine Mountain pillows kits as I had accumulated -- and there's still plenty more in my stash closet -- it's nice to get a few of them stitched up. It's even more nice to look at them all arranged on the shelves.

Back to other stitching now...who knows what I'll stitch next? I spent hours last night fondling stash and kitting up stuff. Then I found myself online placing an order for more stash to finish kitting up a few things. It's almost wagon time, folks.

Semi-finished "Love Letters" flat-fold

Well, folks, here is my first attempt at a flat-fold. I used instructions I found on-line at the "Focus on Finishing" website. I still have to find a braided cord or something to go around the outside margin of the piece, but that may be a while as Wal-Mart didn't have anything today that matched and my nearest Hobby Lobby is an hour away. Anyway, here are the three views:

I promise it's not off-centered...that's just an optical illusion. (Really, trust me on this. I am anal and I have measured the finished piece a gazillion times.)

Being that this is my first flat-fold, it is far from perfect but it's somewhat better than I thought it would turn out. It wasn't as hard as I thought it might be but it was still somewhat of a PITA. Nevertheless, I will be trying my hand at another flat-fold -- maybe even in the near future. Overall, it was a learning experience and pretty fun.

On a different note...here is your helpful hint for the day. When the winds are gusting up to 48 MPH and you are crossing the Wal-Mart parking lot with your cart that happens to contain a 3-feet tall mirror, your cart is instantaneously turned into a sailboat. Er, sailcart. This, too, you must trust me on. Really. ;-)

Oooooooooh, irises!!!

My most favorite flowers in the whole entire world are irises, especially purple ones. Little did I know that the house we moved into a couple of months ago had them planted already. Here is a picture from our front flower bed:

I can't wait to see more of them in bloom. More pictures will surely follow soon!

Today, I went to the fabric store and bought some fabric to make a flat-fold with my "Love Letters" piece. I've never made a flat-fold before, so may the force be with me!

Goodbye, BJ.

We had to put down our 11-yr-old lovable mutt (BJ) today. He was a great dog. :(

Beej, I miss ya', buddy. Hope you feel great again now.

"Love Letters" finish...well, sort of.

Okay, so it's not really "finished" but the stitching is done. I need to iron this piece and figure out what to do with it. Here it is:

The pattern is "Love Letters", a freebie by The Chocolate Cat. (http://choccat.com) I stitched it over two on Bittersweet 40 count Lakeside Linen given to me by a friend on the boards. I used one strand of silk floss in the color of Mulberry by Caron Waterlilies.

It's for my husband Brad, and even though he really likes this piece, he doesn't have a preference as to how I finish it. There's always the usual framing option, or maybe I could find a tuck pillow...any ideas?

Thanks for looking! :)

What a disaster!

"Where Stitchers Gather" was calling my name. I figured I'd start small and stitch my first ever needlebook. It stitched up pretty quickly and easily. I went to start the assembly and ended up ironing the interfacing on the front side of the stitched piece instead of the back side. I was so heartbroken and felt almost physically ill. Needless to say, "Where Stitchers Gather" has gone back into the craft closet to sit on a shelf for a little while. I need to chill out about totally ruining my first needlebook. :(

And another Pine Mountain pillow finish...

Yay, now the last Pine Mountain finished pillow isn't sitting all alone on that shelf. :-) But now there's only two pillows on that shelf. It needs more. I must stitch more PM pillows. *eyes glazing over* *mwahahahahaha*

What a blast -- and much-needed stress-reliever - all this stitching has been. I love updating my blog, my stitcher's journal, and my Photobucket album when I have a finish.

Tomorrow will find me stitching on a gift for another friend. It's a real PITA but I'm hoping that once I get into it that I'll just keep going. I'm at the very beginning of the project, it's over 40 count, and I've already had to frog part of it. *pulling hair out* We'll see what happens over the next few days. If it doesn't work out, I have another (easier!) project in mind for that friend already, just in case.

Quick update -- About that horrible instructor...I went and turned in my withdrawal paperwork to her last Friday. She said she would miss me, she cried, and she wrote me the nicest letter. I guess she didn't mean to be awful to me the time we had talked before that...she was probably just lashing out at me. It doesn't make everything all hunky-dorey and it doesn't make it right but it certainly makes it understandable. At least I got to leave with my held high and knowing that I really was the student I thought I was.

It's late so I'm going to eat some soup and head to bed. I've got a little work to do tomorrow at the shop but the rest of the day should find me being Happy Little Susie Homemaker (laundry, cleaning, etc....ugh) and stitching, too. :-) Hope everyone is getting tons of stitching time. Oh and btw -- keep that *@)! frog away from me and my 40-count project! ;-) hahaha

Another Pine Mountain pillow finish...

Aren't Pine Mountain kits fabulous? I mean, you get everything you need (with the exception of a pillow form sometimes) and they are so much fun to stitch up. Pine Mountain pillow kits are a nice -- and sometimes much-needed -- break from BAPs, too. I love 'em! And now that I've done a totally shamless advertising plug, here's my latest finish:

I started this and finished it today. It looks so cute with my other year 'round snowman stuff but for now he is sitting on a shelf all alone. I, uh, kinda ran out of room on the one shelf I had dedicated to year 'round snowman stuff already and had to start another shelf. Oops. Guess I'll have to stitch up another Pine Mountain kit with a snowman or winter theme. Gee, whatta bummer. ;-)

Lizzie Kate "May" Flip-It finished

Tonight I was able to sit down and finish the Lizzie Kate Flip-It for May with the exception of the buttons which will be the "holes" for the birdhouse:

When the entire piece is complete, I will press it and then add the buttons as the final, finishing touch. Here is the WIP picture of the entire project so far:

Now I get to decide which project to work on next. Hmmm...I hope I pick a project that's already a WIP and not start something totally new. *mwah hahahaha*

Top Secret project revealed!

Recently I finished a "top secret" project that I sent to a friend. Well, she got her package today so I can post pictures here. It is a friedship needleroll by Down Sunshine Lane:

I also sent her half of a Shareables magnet that says "Bound by heart strings". She is a very special person and deserves for people to be good to her. :-)

Bye-bye Radiology School...

Today I quit Radiology School. Even though I was an A-student and am totally in love with Radiology, the working environment was not for me at all. I am very saddened but how long am I expected to keep forcing something that is not meant to be? One of my instructors was quite horrible, nasty, and mean to me when I informed her of my decision, so suffice it to say that I'm still licking my wounds. Yowza. Ouch. Meanwhile, I have to get up enough nerve to turn in my dosimeter badge and withdrawal paperwork -- which means I have to face the instructors one last time. It kills me to say this, but I'm too weak and beaten down at the moment to do that. They can wait a few days.

I am taking with me some wonderful life experiences from Radiology School. No one can take that away from me. This just wasn't for me. Some folks may want to label me as weak or thin-skinned, but my own personal level of how much BS I could take was exceeded and I know I gave it my all.

Thanks to everyone for the support along the way, and now in the aftermath, too. *hugs* It's time to close that chapter of my life and move on. Goodbye, Radiology School. Let the healing begin.

A small and quick finish...

Ta-da! :-) On our trip to Oklahoma City yesterday, I started this Pine Mountain Designs pillow kit. It's called "January's Cool Crowd" and is a top tie pillow. I finished it today - what a fun, easy, quick, and cute stitch!

It now sits on display with the rest of my year 'round snowman stuff. You can see the entire shelf by visiting my Photobucket album. Just go to the bottom right-side area of this blog where my favorite on-line places are listed and click the link to my Photobucket album. From there, find the album called "Home" and you'll see the right and left sides of my shelf.

It's been a great Easter so far...hope everyone is having a wonderful day. :-)

Another major stash haul - woo hoo!

Actually, I've had two more stash hauls since the last one. One was the package from Drema at Needlecraft Corner and the other was from our shopping trip in Oklahoma City yesterday.

In the picture above, you'll see The Drawn Thread's "Where Stitchers Gather" chart and accessory pack in the center of the top row. *droooooooool!!!* I had to order the fabric from 123 Stitch because I didn't have a piece on hand that I liked as well as the model. The other stuff I got from Drema is not pictured and included things like the latest WDW and GAST threads, the last two charts from the Bent Creek Red Thread series, the latest kit in the Bent Creek Big Zipper series, and a few other things I can't remember at the moment.

The picture above also shows what I bought at Cross Stitch Haven and Heartland Needleworks in Oklahoma City. Beginning with the top row, from left to right are: The Trilogy "Winter Line Up" chart, 4 My Boys "Live~Forgive~Love" chart, The Drawn Thread's "Where Stitchers Gather" and accessory pack, Carol's Treasures/Butterfly Ranch Designs chart pack for needleroll, needlebook, and scissors fob in blackwork with specialty stitches, and Twisted Oaks Designs "America the Beautiful" kit that will make a small sampler or a needleroll. In front of the Twisted Oaks kit you will see a brush to brush up the nap of Wisper floss or anything fuzzy like that, and you'll also see a small Mill Hill kit to make a bracelet. The second row down from left to right are: Diane Arthurs/Imaginating chart called "Snowmen", a snowflake print Stitch-a-Gift tuck pillow, a cut of Lavender Bliss 28 count lugana, a cut of Tattersall (light), and a cut of Weeks Dye Works 30 count Parchment linen for the Little House Needleworks chart/kit "Heart of America" laying on top of it. The last row is another Stitcher's Journal, 2 skeins of WDW floss that is retiring (I think the color was Lavender...I've already put it away. Ooops!), Shepherd's Bush chart "Heart & Home Folio", Shepherd's Bush kit "Green Snowman", and Shepherd's Bush kit "Plant Joy".

As far as finishes go, I have finished my secret little project for a friend. I can't post a picture until she receives her package because she does read this blog. The package will go out in tomorrow's mail so I should be able to post a picture soon. :-)))

Today I will finish a Pine Mountain pillow kit called "January's Cool Crowd". It will be an addition to my year 'round snowman display that grows little by little. I've already got the pillow form for it so I don't even have to wait to finish it. :-) I'll post a picture later. (It's great having a camera that will let me post pictures right away -- YAY!)

Today we will have ham and all the fixin's. We're going to eat our first dinner at our formal dining room table. Cross your fingers that we don't drop stuff all over the off-white fabric on chairs. ;-) Happy Easter to everyone!

Major stash haul - woo hoo!

Between eBay, Mystic Stitch's recent sale, 123 Stitch, and more...the mail was good to me today. Here is a picture of everything spread out on the couch:

Now to tell you what everything is...

Top row, from left to right is: The Prairie Schooler Book # 144 "A Farmer's Almanac" pattern, The Prairie Schooler Book # 147 "Old MacDonald" pattern, The Prairie Schooler Book # 115 "Pins & Needles" pattern, and Shepherd's Bush "Garden Gate" kit.

Second row, from left to right is: "Needles and Pins" pattern by From The Heart, "Sheep May Safely Graze" pattern by Homespun Elegance, "Love Me" pattern by Hands To Work, "The Jelly Cabinet, Part II" pattern by Leisure Arts, "The Jelly Cabinet" pattern by Leisure Arts, "Crates & Sacks 3" pattern by Country Cross-Stitch, and "Breeds of Sheep" pattern by Amaryllis Artworks.

Third row, from left to right is: four Mystic Stitch patterns -- "The Solitude Collection - Fence With Snowscape", "The Solitude Collection - Twilight", "Before Sunrise", and "Crackling Silence".

The last (fourth) row, from left to right is all fabric I ordered from 123 Stitch: 16 count Water Lily aida 18 x 25 (for Lynne Nicoletti's Cats Fortune Teller chart I already have but I only need 12 x 12 of it for that). The other five pieces are to replenish fabric that I like to keep on hand but was running low on. They are each 18 x 27 and are 28 count Lambswool Jobelan, 32 count Country French Cafe Latte linen, 28 count Ivory Jobelan, 28 count Antique White Jobelan, and 28 count White Jobelan.

Woweeeee! Now I just have to wait for my package from Drema at Needlecraft Corner to arrive, my package from ABC Stitch Therapy, too, and a couple of things from eBay. :-))) The wagon will soon be calling my name. It has to 'cuz Lord knows I can't continue at this pace much longer! ;-)

Uh oh!

I have discovered a new passion. Smalls. You know, like needlerolls, needlebooks, etc. Oh holy cow -- just when I thought I had all the cross-stitch addictions a girl could have, I go and discover smalls. Keep in mind that I've loved needlerolls for a while now, but if it's small (and especially if it's a needlework accessory)...look out. I just added a new link over on the right-hand side called "World's Largest Collection of Smalls Blog". Go check it out...if you dare. *mwah hahahahaha*

There is an order coming from Drema at Needlecraft Corner that is making it's merry little way to me as we speak. I will try my best to not tackle the mailman and raid his mail truck each day until the package arrives. No guarantees, but I will try. Two of the items in the box are the "Where Stitchers Gather" chart AND the accessory pack. *thud* I can't wait. I spent all of about three and a half seconds drooling over the picture of that thing and BAM...I ordered it. There is no hope for me. ;-)

My Start-itis flared up again last night. I can't say what it is yet because I will be mailing it out to a friend along with another little goodie. It's top secret for now, but I should have it finished within the next couple of days. Pictures will come after the recipient has it in her little hands, so be patient. :-)

If I don't forget, the secret project will be the first I add to my new stitcher's diary/journal. I thought it would be neat to keep track of projects, especially the ones I don't keep for myself. The plan so far is to log in the journal the projects I don't keep. We'll see.

Meanwhile, I should go be productive instead of sitting here spending money I shouldn't spend. (But this is soooooooo much more fun!) Now that I am officially on Spring Break, I have been stitching and it feels goooooooooood, too.

Gingher scissors -- ooooooooh, ahhhhhh!

Oh, how I love Gingher scissors. *drool drool* They have certainly become a weakness for me. My mother got me started on Gingher's so it's all her fault that I'm a scissor ho. *hee hee*

I won two pairs of Gingher scissors off of eBay and they arrived in yesterday's mail. The pair on the left are the 4" Bianca scissors and the pair on the right are the 4" Julia scissors. These two should feel right at home with my other Ginghers -- the 4" Glory and the 8" spring-action. *big, cheesy grin*

Today was a really crappy day so I came home, bawled/vented/cussed to my husband, visited with the kids, fondled my scissors, and roamed cross-stitch boards. It never ceases to amaze me how the love I have for my family (not to mention the love they have for me) and the love I have for cross-stitch can take so much stress away. *deep cleansing breath*

Now I am going to study for a little while, take a relaxing bath, and stitch for the remainder of the evening - I don't care if there's just 30 minutes left. Tomorrow I get out of school at noon, Thursday I will have a full day at clinicals, and then I'm on Spring Break until 3/24. Suffice it to say that I am definitely ready. *another deep cleansing breath*

Shepherd's Bush "O Beautiful" WIP picture

Alrighty, third time's a charm. My first two tries to post this got eaten by Blogger. Guess they got full. ;-)

Now that I have high-speed internet service at home and a digital camera that will communicate with my laptop, I can post pictures anytime. WOO HOO!

As of a few minutes ago, "O Beautiful" is almost halfway done. That's the picture you see at the beginning of this post. It was a Christmas gift from Brad to me -- at my request. *hee hee*

I'm off to go stitch some more but on a different project. Maybe I can come back with more WIP pictures. LOL!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend and getting lots of frog-free stitching done. :-)

Wanna see some pictures?

As promised, here are some pictures. Remember that I'm not a professional photographer. ;-)

First, here is the finished and framed Mill Hill kit "On the Range":
Second, here is the finished and framed "Horses" by Hinzeit with the recommended frame by Kay's Frames:

Third, here is my brand new start on "I Corinthians" by My Big Toe Designs. I am stitching it over two on 40-count Hint of Heather fabric by Silkweaver. The darkest thread is Royal Purple and the lighter thread is Sugarplum, both by GAST:

Fourth -- and last, here is my "Break Time" WIP by Stoney Creek:

If you'd like to see more pictures (including some pictures of the new house), please visit my Photobucket album. You can find the link on the right side of this page if you scroll down. I think it's under the heading "My Favorite Places". It's late - I'm too tired and lazy to go check. ;-)

By the way, my husband got a new digital camera. Come to find out, his digital camera communicates with my laptop and mine doesn't. Well, needless to say, HIS camera is now MY camera so now I can post pictures anytime I want! WOO HOO!

I'm going to go stitch some now before I can't hold my eyes open any longer. Saturday and Sunday will find me balancing family, housework, homework, and stitching. Hopefully I'll get lots of family time and stitching done this weekend. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and that y'all get tons of frog-free stitching time.

Hello fellow stitching addicts!

Here we are, the first day of March and I'm still not smoking. Woo hoo! But I've given up nicotine and delved even further into my stitching addiction. Oh well, my Visa may be melting but my lungs feel great! hahahahaha

I've started two more BAPs for a total of three new projects started in the last month. What the heck am I thinking??? Well, "Break Time" by Stoney Creek isn't a BAP but I have just gotta have it for my dining room wall now that the kitchen and informal dining room are done with a John Deere theme. "Solitude" by Mystic Stitch definitely qualified as a BAP and it's for a formal dining room wall. Now, my latest start is "I Corinthians" by My Big Toe for my bedroom.

But wait! There's more!!! I'm stitching "I Corinthians" on 40-count Newcastle linen by Silkweaver. *mwah hahahahaha* The color is Hint of Heather and I'm using Royal Purple and Sugarplum by Gentle Art Sampler Threads. Ohhhhhhhhhhh, it's lovely already and I barely have one corner of the border done. Even Brad has peeked over at my work and commented already on how much he likes it. :-D

I still need to post a bunch of pictures -- the new house, WIPs, new starts, etc. I'll get to posting pictures again as soon as I can.

That's all the news for now. We're all doing great and hope you all are, too. Happy stitching!

Quick updates...

Sorry, no pictures yet but here's the latest news:

We moved and are almost totally settled in. *whew*
Not much stitching going on but lots of studying.
I'm still a non-smoker! WOO HOO! I've been smoke-free for over 5 weeks now.
Still haven't got the business taxes done but will get 'em finsihed before the end of February.
Kids are great, husband is great, I'm doing purdy darn good myself, and the animals are great.

That's it for now...just had a quick minute between studying and getting dinner ready. Hope everyone's doing great and that you are all stitching since I can't until this weekend. (But look out this weekend -- I'm gonna be a stitchin' fool!)