Simply Fabulous Cari

Signs of Autumn

2011-11-07T12:40:00.000-05:00

Blackbird Design Autumn bonus designs are stitched. I need to paint some boxes and finish the pin cushion. They were a fun stitch and I enjoyed the colors.

My youngest granddaughter Carly had homecoming last week. She is such a darling child and I love her to bits...of course, I love all three granddaughters to bits. Carly is on the left, her friend Melanie in the middle, and Danielle on the right. These gals are adorable.

Here's a pic of the two stray cats I was able to trap on Sunday. They will be neutered and returned to me on Wednesday to live in my garden as long as they want too. It has been fun to get to know them and my Jaxon likes them too!

Here's a quick pic of my sweet Jaxon. He likes to check out the fish pond in the morning perhaps for a drink...then checks out the garden looking for his new friends.

Thanks for stopping by to visit. Seems like I have a lot of stitching and knitting going on but no serious finishes. I'll have to work on that !!

Cari Makes

2011-10-24T14:03:00.000-04:00

There's a new craft magazine published in the UK called Mollie Makes. It is such a fun magazine. I subscribed to it and receive a digital copy...so 21st century here !! LOL

The cover of the first issue showed these adorable apple cozies...apple cozies?? Who would need or want an apple cozy...well ME, of course. I grabbed the pattern and some cotton yarn stash and started my first cozy. hmmmm......did I follow the instructions correctly??? Was there an error on the pattern?? I searched the internet for errata....none to be found. Here's my first apply cozy.

I ran out of the green yarn so I added the blue and orange to finish the exact number of rounds called for in the pattern. Yikes...how huge are the apples in the UK...papaya maybe but an apple??

Oh I get it...it's an apple hat...not a jacket. Maybe it's a cat hat !!!

I think Belle looks stunning. Belle....not so much Mom !!

So I decided to search for UK crochet terms vs American terms...and what to you know.... in the UK the term DC means single crochet, while in the USA the term DC means double crochet !! Yikes.. no wonder the size. So a started up again and here's the result....

Now...how's that for fun???

Cats..Flora and Fauna..Knit and Stitch

2011-10-16T15:24:00.002-04:00

You know I love my cats ! And I especially love it when Jaxon decides to catch that tree frog...NO MATTER WHAT OR WHERE. He did capture this one but I got it when he dropped it on the floor. I saved the dehydrated froggers life and tossed him into the ferns outside. Whew... Luckily Jaxon is so small and fluffy I get the extra benefit of some serious under the cabinet floor dusting...no extra charge.

And what's not do love about this Pumpkin colored bowl of fluffy love...Casanova.

Here's a new little stranger. I'll eventually trap, neuter and release her/him into my garden. It's a lovely place to grow up! Good food and great entertainment with the bird feeder close by.

Here's a female Cardinal and a tiny Titmouse (I think) feed away. Yesterday the male Cardinal was dive bombing the Blue Jay. I love watching the birds and squirrels in the backyard.

Most of you have your lovely fall flowers blooming like crazy. At this time of year a get a couple of fun orchids blooming. This orange vanda is brighter than the pic...it must of been overcast yesterday.

And my pale yellow brasso orchid. These blooms remind me of dancing fairy's!

And here's a sweet lavender baby sweater I've been working on. I'm getting ready to start the sleeves. The entire sweater is knit in the round, top down so it's really a quick knit and so CUTE.

And my lame progress on 'And All Was For An Appil'. This is a great piece to stitch on when I'm with a group. I plan ahead and do a good amount of the outline on the piece. Then at stitch I get to fill in and visit (a nice way to say...run my mouth) without having to frog.

So that's my update. The weather is starting to change in the sense that it's cooler with lower humidity one day, then hotter and high humidity the next. I don't mind the temperature fluctuation, but high humidity is the PITS....and I do mean sweaty pits...along with the head, back chest...you get the idea !!

Thanks for visiting and happy NEEDLEWORK !!

OK OK OK

2011-10-01T13:49:00.000-04:00

I've been busy...I've been sick...I've been depressed...I've been cleaning...I've been working in the yard...I've been doing laundry....I've been playing Words With Friends...I've been entertaining...b blah, blah, blah....blah... AND I've been stitching !!!

Here is Soar, designed by Brenda Gervais from With Thy Needle and Thread, framed by Jill Rensel. It's just to die for. The red frame is under the glass.

Garden Glade, designed by Carriage House Samplings using Jean Lea's - The Attic Needlework fiber adaptation, framed by Jill Rensel. AMAZING !! You can find Jill's fabulous work and more pics on her blog here.

I've finished stitching these pieces and they'll be on their way to Jill next week. This one is Spring Greetings by Blackbird Designs using colors of my choice...actually leftovers from other projects.

Here We Go a Haunting by Shepherd's Bush. This piece came in a cute wooden box. I got tired of looking at the Halloween box on the 4th of July so I decided to stitch the piece!!

Birds of a Feather Mystery Sampler by Brenda Gervais using a silk adaptation by Jean Lea of Attic Needlework. (Yes...I am a silk SNOB)

Ah, Tis Spring by Notforgotten Farm using MY PERSONAL SILK SNOB adaptation!!

The next four pieces are by Shepherd's Bush. They're to put in top of the round wooden boxes. They were so much fun to stitch. This one is called Take Joy.

Warm Heart

Hold Hope

And Keep Love for my granddaughters Corinne, Taylor and Carly. See...I'm ahead for Valentines Day.

This design is from Chessie & Me. It will be made into a pin cushion and scissor fob. The initial 'B' is for my pretty Belle. This stitch looks just like her (except her tail is shorter...don't tell her).

And from Blackbird Designs the Partridge Sewing Box (top). My stitching posse will be over for a box paint day in the very near future!!

Chessie & Me Hillside Sheep Needlebook. A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E

When I saw the black specs on the pattern I though...geeze...this copy is messed up. DUH Then I realized these were the bees!!

Inside....

And the rest of my Blackbird Designs stockings. I finished stitching them earlier this year and finally sewed them up. I took them to our Library stitch yesterday and got them trimmed and turned. I'll finish the bead hangers this weekend watching FOOTBALL !!!

Phew...so finally the blog is updated. I have more to show...of course I do but I'll save that for another day. And I promise...it will be sooner than 4 months !!

Hugs and Happy Stitching ...

My loves....

2011-05-31T09:48:00.001-04:00

You all know I am head over heals in love with the Decorah eagle family...my family also knows. Look at this fun balloon eagle the kids delivered to me one evening!

And I finished this adorable sweater for a brand spankin' new baby. Eleanor Grace was born on 5/25 to the daughter of my dear friend Mary. I'm so happy Mary's a GRANDmother. Congratulations!

And on to some stitchy things. I finished Liberty Belles, 1 over 1 on 29 ct. Glenshee Linen. It's a fun Memorial Day, Flag Day and 4th of July Day STITCH!!

And some WIP's. This is Molly from CHS.

Please excuse the wrinkles...I don't like to iron until the piece is finished. I love that cat. It reminds me of my Pretty Belle...lookin' at me sayin'....Mommy...is there a BIRD on my head??? LOL

Hillside Sheep Needlebook by Chessie & Me.

It's stitched with Belle Soie on 32 ct. Lakeside Linen Vintage Sienna Night. The pics are 'clickable'. Love the french knots on the black face sheep, and the white faced sheep and goat are stitched with the Smyrna Cross. This has been such a fun stitch.

Now a stash addition that my itchy stitchy fingers are anxious to get a hold on.... Rosewood Manor's English Sewing Box. This piece was inspired by William Morris and I LOVE IT. It's the carrot on my stick!! Love the color of the linen and all the SILK floss.

Have a simply fabulous week and enjoy all your needlework time!! I love and appreciate all of your comments!

God Blessed America

2011-05-04T12:47:00.000-04:00

God blessed America and I am so very proud of our national bird, the Bald Eagle. Brenda Gervais of With thy Needle & Thread designed this "Soar" sampler. It was inspired by a family of eagles, living in Iowa, that captured the hearts of America. I fell in love with this family at first look and when Brenda offered this piece on her blog www.withthyneedleandthread.blogspot.com it was a must have for me. This pattern is only available from Brenda's blog. A portion of the purchase price is donated to the Raptor Resource Project, the organization responsible for the live feed of this amazing Bald Eagle family.

I stitched this design on 32 ct. Lakeside Linen, Vintage Sienna Night-double dyed. I did my own color conversion from the suggested DMC to assorted Crescent Colors Belle Soie and Thread Gatherers Silk 'n Colors from my stash. I am delighted with the results.

I must include some pics of the cats too. I was searching for some fabric for the Soar sampler and one of the drawers in my fabric dresser was STUCK. So I pulled another drawer out, searched around for fabric and took some outside to check the color. OK...back in the house and Belle had found a new napping place. It was quite an effort to get her out of there!!

I usually put my stitching projects in various serving trays so I can easily move from outside table, to inside table, to stitching chair. Obviously when my project was on the table, Cassanova decided to hold down the 'fort' so to speak. Now that is one full tray of 'Red Cat'.

Thanks for stopping by. I so enjoy your comments and friendship. Happy Stitching

Color Me Happy.....

2011-04-17T15:29:00.000-04:00

From this.......

To this.....

Garden Glade stitched with design adaptation and floss conversions by Jean Lea, Attic Needlework. I enjoyed EVERY SINGLE STITCH.

And what's not to love with all of those colorful animals, birds and flowers? I may have completed this stitch about 10 days sooner but I have become simply enthralled with the Bald Eagle family in Decorah, Iowa. If you haven't been joyfully sucked into this wonderful display of nature at it's finest, you are really missing a great opportunity. (www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles)

Well....there you have it!

2011-03-02T14:59:00.000-05:00

Although I was knitting as fast as I could I soon realized that my wrists were not going to make the 'knitting mitten deadline' for Chicago travels. So.....to keep my family's hands warm I was off to Goodwill and the Salvation Army. I turned these fine sweaters .....

into these fine.....

Mittens for Taylor

Mittens for Carly

Mittens for Barb

Mittens for Chauntel

Mittens for Corinne

and, Mittens for Brent

I love working with wool, especially wool from felted sweaters, and the felted fabric from the cashmere and angora sweaters were simply fabulous to work with. Now everyone's heads, hands and hearts will be warm in Chicago celebrating Corinne's 21st Birthday!

I'm happy !!

Stops and Starts and More

2011-02-21T16:44:00.000-05:00

I finished Barb and Chauntel's hats and one of Carly's gloves for their trip to Chicago in a couple of weeks.

Then I found this book at Michael's one day while I was waiting to meet friends for lunch.

Which lead to these projects that are knit then felted. The gray tubes will become holders for double pointed knitting needles...and knitted hearts will become felted hearts. I'm way ahead for Valentines Day 2012 !!

And those projects lead to this so I can make lots more needle cases and hearts of every color to my hearts content.

Then a friend showed me this book which I quickly ordered....

...that lead to this.....

OMG...is this to DIE for or what? And my good friends who are with me every minute of every day....

Jaxon and Casanova

And pretty Belle (anxiously awaiting dinner...can you tell just how underfed she is??)

And so it goes. I've been stitching on the Blackbird Design stocking series and only have 2 left to stitch!! Wahooo....they'll be pictured in my next post!

Thanks for stopping 'buy'. I can only imagine what Nashville Market releases will appear in the mail box!!

I LOVE IT ALL!!

I'm knitting as fast as I can......

2011-02-09T10:15:00.000-05:00

This is Taylor's hat.

This is Carly modeling her hat....love the leopard tank top!

The green fiber is for Chauntel's hat which is all knitted and just needs to be sewn. The purple yarn is for Barb's hat and is just about done. The blueish green fiber is the start of mittens for Carly. And last but not least, the gray hat is for my son.

So...you can see I'm knitting as fast as I can. I know their heads will be warm in Chicago, I'm working on keeping their hands warm and I KNOW their hearts are warm. Hugs to my family!!

I SAY......LET THEM EAT CAKE !!

2011-01-25T09:01:00.000-05:00

I love it when I get all the yarn wound into cakes!! Gray yarn on the bottom left is more of Cascade's Eco Duo. I'm making a hat for my son. The ecru yarn is Cascade 220 and I'll be knitting a pair of mittens for my oldest granddaughter. The colorful yarn cakes and knitted piece are Berroco's Borealis. I'll be making 3 more of those cute pointy hats. And the black fiber is Prime Alpaca...mmmmm yummy and soft. I'll be making another hat. Between hats and socks I've always got something in the knit basket.

I finished up some stitching projects too. My sister's, Joan and Cathy, have birthday's in January on the 20th and 21st. I stitched both of them these boxes. The design is called 'All is Calm' by Amy Bruecken Designs. I liked the 'black' sheep big sister watching over her little sister. The boxes are from Nordic Needle and yes, they are the same box that Shepherd's Bush used in their last two designs.

This was the first time I used DMC's memory thread. I thought it added to this stitch!!

And inside....the newest Kelmscot Design needle minder. If you look closely, the needle minder is snuggled in some fabulous dark plum roving.

It was fun making these for my sisters. I love them dearly and I know they love me.

Happy knitting and stitching to everyone! Stay warm.

Blogging Withdrawl.......

2011-01-17T08:58:00.000-05:00

My goodness, I think I went through some blog withdrawl yesterday!! Here's a pic of the 'Crazy Challenge Basket' I put together. I want this close at hand.

And of all the wonderful pieces I selected I chose to work on this beauty yesterday!

And I finished this hat earlier in the week for a dear friend. It's knitted using Cascade Yarns Eco Duo - 70% Undyed Baby Alpaca and 30% Undyed Merino Wool....yummy soft and warm.

So, now I feel better.

Ta...Da....

2011-01-15T09:10:00.000-05:00

Drum roll please..........

O, Beautiful by Shepherd's Bush. Half the fun of working on a Shepherd's Bush piece is fingering all the silk threads while separating the colors.

I have thoroughly enjoyed selecting the pieces for the Crazy Challenge. Even more, I have loved reading all of your comments. I look forward to reporting on my progress and checking on yours!!

Hugs to all and have a simply fabulous week!!

You're Going to Love This One !!!

2011-01-14T00:46:00.000-05:00

From the Summer 2008 issue of Sampler and Antique Needlework magazine the Sampler Sewing Slipper. An antique Quaker sewing shoe served as the inspiration for this sampler-style slipper. The sole of the sampler slipper is hinged to reveal flannel pages for storing needles. Adorning the heel of the slipper is a quaint cottage with a Florentine-stitch yard and queen-stitch flowers. Accompanying the slipper is a fan-shapped scissors sheath that doubles as a pinkeep.

The kit includes Lakeside Linen 40ct light examplar linen, Needlepoint Silk, Gloriana Silk, Kreinik Braid, Gloriana 4mm and 15mm peach blush vintage silk ribbon and ivory silk dupioni. Plus various supplies to finish the pieces. These threads and fabrics are simply to die for!!

I am blessed to have had a mother that taught me how to sew. Once the stitching is completed the real work will start with the finishing into the shoe and scissor keep. This one is going to be a lot of fun.

The Sparrow's Song

2011-01-13T09:14:00.000-05:00

New's flash: I LOVE COLOR !!! I started to pull the charted floss from my stash and said out loud to the cats...I don't think so. Then I pulled my Belle Soie and did my very own conversion. Now I'm happy. This design is being stitched on 29ct. Glenshee Natural linen with 1 strand of floss over 1 thread. The finished design will be about 3.5 inches X 3.5 inches...darling.

The Sparrow's Song by The Goode Huswife.

His eye is on the sparrow and each tender thing that grows.

The Next Sock....

2011-01-12T08:57:00.000-05:00

This stocking so suits my daughter-in-law Barb....she's watching over her husband Brent and two adorable daughters, Corinne and Carly.

These stockings will be so much fun to stitch and give next Christmas.

Stay warm my friends and enjoy your day !

For My Son

2011-01-11T08:56:00.000-05:00

For my son Brent, a wise man indeed. He is a wonderful man, husband, father, brother, son and friend. He has a tender heart, a great sense of humor and is an excellent cook.

This Shepherd's Bush stocking is stitched on 18ct Natural Linen using 1 strand of #5 Perle Cotton from DMC, Weeks Dye Works and Crescent Colors over 2 threads.

Color...Color...Color

2011-01-10T08:40:00.000-05:00

Could a Monday morning get any better than this??

I'll be working on Sadie for my daughter Chauntel.

I stitched Shepherd's Bush stockings for my granddaughters Corinne, Taylor and Carly years ago. Now is the time to stitch for my children.

Sew Much Fun !!

2011-01-09T10:32:00.000-05:00

I'm just about finished. I'm down to stitching the last 6 stockings. Whoo Hoo Look at all that floss.

Stitching and finishing these Blackbird Designs stockings has been a very fun and rewarding process. I have a couple of wire trees to hang them on depending on the season. They make great gift tags too. I stitched the December stocking to add to the ribbon on my sisters Christmas presents.

Merry Be

2011-01-08T08:24:00.000-05:00

What's not to love about these fibers, fabric, beads and silk ribbon? Tina and Teri at Shepherd's Bush have inspired and enabled me for at least thirty years. Their stunning designs hang in EVERY room of my home...yes, even in the bathrooms!

It's All Relative....

2011-01-07T11:29:00.000-05:00

Here's Strawberry Shortcake, a counted canvas piece, designed by Kathy Rees from Needle Delights Originals of Pensacola, Florida. I'm using all the yummy called for fibers.

So ladies, whether it's 1 over 1 on 40ct OR 1 over 1 on 18ct....it's just simply the same but different!!

Try it... You'll like it

2011-01-06T08:45:00.000-05:00

If you haven't stitched on silk gauze yet, indulge yourself with one of Erica Michaels counted thread designs. 'Stitching Mends my Soul' is worked on 40ct. gauze, 1 over 1, using the continental stitch for the motifs and the basketweave stitch for the background.

Woof.......

2011-01-05T07:57:00.000-05:00

You had to know this was coming.... Boris will be leisurely watching Olga chase the Robin all the while thinking....stupid cat !!

Stitched on Lakeside Linen 40 count Vintage Magnolia using called for threads.

Purrrrrr

2011-01-04T09:09:00.000-05:00

If there's a bird in the sky....there must be a cat nearby !!

Olga will be stalking her prey from Lakeside Linens 40 count Vintage Magnolia.

Gone to the Birds

2011-01-03T09:14:00.000-05:00

The Christmas Doves and Cardinals flew the coop and the Robin flew in on The North Wind to nest on Lakeside Linens 40 count Misty Rain.

Enter the three Witches

2011-01-02T09:03:00.000-05:00

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

from Macbeth

A dark Cave. In the middle, a Caldron boiling. Thunder.

Enter the three Witches.

1 WITCH. Thrice the brinded cat hath mew'd.

2 WITCH. Thrice and once, the hedge-pig whin'd.

3 WITCH. Harpier cries:—'tis time! 'tis time!

1 WITCH. Round about the caldron go;

In the poison'd entrails throw.—

Toad, that under cold stone,

Days and nights has thirty-one;

Swelter'd venom sleeping got,

Boil thou first i' the charmed pot!

ALL. Double, double toil and trouble;

Fire burn, and caldron bubble.

2 WITCH. Fillet of a fenny snake,

In the caldron boil and bake;

Eye of newt, and toe of frog,

Wool of bat, and tongue of dog,

Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting,

Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing,—

For a charm of powerful trouble,

Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

ALL. Double, double toil and trouble;

Fire burn, and caldron bubble.

3 WITCH. Scale of dragon; tooth of wolf;

Witches' mummy; maw and gulf

Of the ravin'd salt-sea shark;

Root of hemlock digg'd i the dark;

Liver of blaspheming Jew;

Gall of goat, and slips of yew

Sliver'd in the moon's eclipse;

Nose of Turk, and Tartar's lips;

Finger of birth-strangled babe

Ditch-deliver'd by a drab,—

Make the gruel thick and slab:

Add thereto a tiger's chaudron,

For the ingrediants of our caldron.

ALL. Double, double toil and trouble;

Fire burn, and caldron bubble.

2 WITCH. Cool it with a baboon's blood,

Then the charm is firm and good.

WOW

2011-01-01T16:18:00.000-05:00

Boy oh boy has the time gone by quickly this month!! It's been a wonderful holiday season with friends and family.

Here are some pics of my tree. I have paper doves and paper cardinals. I think they are so much fun. Then while decorating I noticed my balled scraps of yarn and thought they'd make nice ornaments...and they did !! They were also great fun for the cats if the tree got bumped and a 'ball' happened to drop to the floor. A great chase always ensued.

And my new most FAVORITE Christmas Candy !! OMG ..... so good I bought a box of them. Milk Chocolate covered Mint flavored marshmallow PEEPS!! Yes I shared but I hogged some too!! They are yummy.

A couple of family pics:

This is a pic of Corinne, Barb, Carly and Brent. We had such a fun Christmas Morning.

And Taylor and Chauntel.

Now on to the 2011 Stitching Challenge of one start per day for the first fifteen days of January. I had such a good time going through my stash. Here's my start for today:

The beginning of Anna's Bird on 32 count Black Belfast Linen. I decided to do my own conversion of the called for Weeks and Gentle Art thread to my personal favorite....BELLE SOIE . So far, so good.

I so enjoyed stitching June Morning with the Belle Soie conversion provided by Jean at Attic Needlework that I decided to try it myself. It's coming right along.

Hang in there with me as I update my blog for the next 15 days. And mind you that before March 1st I have to knit 5 hats and as many mittens as I can for a family trip to Chicago! Plus I am continuing to stitch on the Blackbird Design stockings. I have 6 left to stitch and then finish the last 24 into hanging stockings. I'm also determined to finish Garden Glade, And All Was For An Appil and Molly this year. I'll post some progress on those as well.

Thanks to all of you who have left comments on my last post of the fabulous framing from Jill Rensel. Here's Jill's address and phone numberjust in case you might like to contact her with your framing needs. She never disappoints !!

Jill Rensel Fine Art (801) 627-3594
1225 32nd Street
Ogden, Utah 84403

One individual who left a comment wanted to see the entire 'Tis the Season' frame and here it is. It's my favorite!!

And so dear friends another year is upon us...and that's a very good thing !! Hugs and Happy Stitching

AN EARLY CHRISTMAS

2010-12-05T22:06:00.001-05:00

Look what arrived from Jill Rensel !!! The 'HV' on the cartons means HEAVY .... and they were.

I couldn't wait to open them. I wished I could take better pic's. Here is Charlotte Clayton. The next pic is a close up of the frame that Jill special ordered for me. Is this a beautiful piece or WHAT????

Earth Gatherer from Shepherd's Bush

Winter Cardinal

Cranberry Tea from Plum Street Samplers

And Wash Day from Carriage House Samplings....thanks Deb!!

La-D-Da Rejoice, Always Rejoice using Shepherd's Bush thread and fabric color changes.

Shepherd's Bush Finch Song

Carriage House Samplings A Stitchers Prayer. This frame is just PERFECT !! It really brings out the colors of the piece.

And June Morning from the Goode Huswife using Belle Soie thread conversion provided by Jean at Attic Needlework. Thanks Jean....I love this piece and Jill did a wonderful job of framing and matting....look at the flower and strawberry cutouts Jill made...AWESOME.

Blackbird Designs from their book Joyeux Noel, Tis The Season. The frame and the mats that Jill painted are OVER THE TOP !! Look at the snowflakes, and holly and berries. Wonderful !!! It makes me smile every time I look at it.

Jill's work is stunning. I just send the stitched pieces to her and she does her MAGIC. I am so thrilled. I wish each and every one who visits my blog could see these works of art in person... Well actually you can....if you come to Florida for a visit! These will be up on the wall(s) soon!!

Thanks for stopping by.

Garden Glade

2010-11-09T11:01:00.000-05:00

Usually I stitch my pieces 'in hand'. On colored 40 ct. fabric I sometimes put the piece in a Q-snap standing frame. The weather here in Central Florida has been PERFECT for the last week. Cool mornings and warm afternoons so I enjoy stitching outside. And Jaxon is 'holding down the fort' so to speak. There's plenty of room for him but he's got to be right inside the frame. He's always such a good helper.

And with the cooler weather, he's taken to napping on top of the nice warm sound system electronics. If the camera didn't flash you wouldn't be able to see him. He's so cute.

And now on to Garden Glade. If you frequent this blog you know I always have many 'irons in the fire'. I couldn't help myself and started stitching on Garden Glade. Jean Lea of Attic Needlework does an AMAZING job of 'painting' with silk thread. Her adaptation on this piece is

SIMPLY FABULOUS.

I have loved putting in each and every stitch!

Thanks for stopping by....and happy stitching !!

Been Busy Stitching and Knitting

2010-11-01T12:08:00.000-04:00

Well it's been a while since my last post but I'm alive and well. Here are just a few pics of 'my world'. Life is GOOD.

Joan's darling punchneedle heart she finished and mounted on a very unique oil can.

More Blackbird Design stockings stitched. Let's see...12 completed, 14 more stitched and 10 to go.

Can't forget my progress on Molly. I love this cat.

And my start on 'An All Was for an Appil'. This one has been fun.

Stash enhancement of Boris and Olga. I'm going to stitch these on 40 count, Vintage Magnolia from Lakeside Linens.

One of Bella's Mittens I'm knitting up for my niece.

I had to get the drool rag out when this piece arrived from Attic Needlework. It's Jean Lea's adaptation of The Garden Glade. The colors are to DIE for! I've already plied some thread on this one and I can't stitch fast enough.

And last but certainly not least, my darling sisters...I miss them so. This pic is from our Sisters Stitching Retreat in Park City. These are the gift bags we put together for all of our new friends. We had such a fabulous time. I think we should get together once a month!!

Happy Needlework !

Packing...Packing...Packing

2010-09-18T18:27:00.000-04:00

I don't have much to show but I have been busy.

I knit this cute hat for Corinne in Chicago. Looks like the weather is getting cooler up there. This will help to keep her noggin warm. The pattern is #300 Berroco Borealis. It's a unique design.

I've also been stitching on BBD stockings. I have 12 completed and hanging, these 6 stitched and 18 more in the 'current' stash rotation. They are such a fun quick stitch. I like working on them when I'm with friends. They're not difficult and they're on 30 count fabric. I can run my mouth, laugh and eat, and not make too many mistakes... LOL

And now I'm packing up for vacation.....a Sister's Stitcher's Paradise week in Park City. Not only am I spending a week with my fabulous sister's, I'll be meeting new friends for the first time....Loraine, Jolene, Terri, Julie, Deb, Katrina. I should say 'seeing' new friends for the first time. I feel like I've known them for ages but I've never met them in person. We are going to have so much fun. I should take some simple stamped embroidery pieces to work on while I'm there!!

We may post while we're playing around so stay tuned!! Hugs and Happy Stitching !!

Laundry Day ?? ... I think not !!

2010-08-19T15:03:00.001-04:00

Wash Day by Carriage House Samplings

Isn't this design charming? When I first saw Wash Day on Deb's blog, Thread Gatherer, I knew it was a must have for me. Kathy Barrick designed this piece for a sampler guild that Deb belongs to. I was happy, happy, happy to find that Kathy decided to release the piece after numerous people contacted her after also seeing it on Deb's blog....Thanks Miss Deb!!

I stitched the design on 36 count Lakeside Linen, Pearled Barley. After stitching June Morning with the Attic's Belle Soie conversion, I decided to try my hand at choosing colors and did my own conversion from DMC to Belle Soie. I think I did a pretty good job and I'm delighted with the result!

Thanks for stopping by !

Whatever.....

2010-08-13T15:03:00.000-04:00

I've finished a few things....very few... and started new stitches, and worked on UFO's as well. But the most fun is stitch enhancement!!

These are the Jeanette Douglas Winter and Summer Biscornu Stackers. These will be a quick stitch once I get going!

And dang the internet and blogs... The Spinster Stitcher stitched this one up and I decided it was a must have for the Cari Stash. I haven't done counted canvas work for ages so this will be fun working on 18 count mono canvas vs. 40 count dark vintage slate linen!

Another Shepherd's Bush...The Journey to go with the other gazillion SB patterns I have stashed. And Marion the Librarian by La-D-Da...such a charming piece! A Marie Suarez piece called Tendres pensees - Sweet Pansies...and it is sweet, some cross stitch but embroidery as well. And another Erica Michaels gauze piece called Mending....the piece says 'stitching mends my soul'...and just how true is that?

I picked up a great book on the Singer Featherweight sewing machine. It entitled 'Featherweight 221 the Perfect Portable and Its Stitches Across History'. It's a great resource for the Featherweight machines I have. And of course...gotta have some fun fat quarters!!

And I have done some knitting as you can see. I finished one sock, a cute blue ski cap for a very small head and a tiny mitten. Then as a study in gauge, I knit the hat and mitten to the exact same pattern using a worsted weight yarn instead of a fingering weight yarn. These were fast knits. I did the cute pink mitten while waiting for a friend at a doctors appointment.

And last but not least...Casanova... Whenever I get a package I always leave the box on the floor for a couple of days of fun. Mind you Casanova is 18 pounds of loveable orange fur stashed in a 5 pound box!!

The weather is still as hot as the bejeebers....93 during the day and 89 at night. A/C is humming along and I'm doing my part to fund Florida Power!!

I'm off to stitch with feet up and tv on... Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!!

June Morning

2010-07-14T10:53:00.000-04:00

June Morning design by The Goode Huswife

Stitched using the Attic Needlework Belle Soie thread conversion

on Lakeside Linen 40 count Vintage Dark Green Slate

I loved putting in each and every stitch on this piece. Thanks for sharing my journey.

One thing....leads to another....

2010-06-28T11:12:00.000-04:00

A dear friend called the other day to ask me to hem a dress for her which I did. I had to get out the Pfaff sewing machine for a stretch stitch and one thing lead to another... I finished these 'tweet' birds, one for me and one for Cherie.

Then I finished this punchneedle design that will hang on a closet door. The backing is a green wool and the buttons are from my Mom's collection.

Next up these two scissor fobs from Shepherd's Bush.

There was no machine sewing on this box but I was on a roll! I finished this necessity box from Blackbird Designs called Secret Garden. I lined the box with fabric. I think it turned out pretty good!

And my progress on June Morning. Do you not love, love, love the colors on this piece? I'm telling you...if you love stitching with Belle Soie..this pattern conversion from Attic Needlework is over the top gorgeous and a 'must have'.

My darling granddaughter Corinne and her boyfriend, Austin, will be in Florida tomorrow for two weeks! We are so excited. I've planned a 4th of July celebration at my house for family and friends!

GOD BLESSED AMERICA

Have a simply fabulous week!!

Yummy Lunch and Stitch

2010-06-13T18:26:00.001-04:00

Oh boy....look at this pizza. It tasted just as good as it was pretty to look at. I took a note from Kim's blog and roasted up some grape tomatoes and garlic this morning. Added mozzarella cheese and fresh basil, a quick 10 minutes in the oven and mmmmmmmm....

June Morning: These pics show my progress but the camera flash is washing out the beautiful colors of Belle Soie. I should photograph this outside, but it's too dang hot! I've moved on from being so rigid in my color section of floss of light, medium or dark, and just kind of go with the light side....or my personal favorite....the dark side... The Belle Soie colors are so very rich and I love the feel and look of the silk. Enjoy!!

Move Over - PALEEZE.....

2010-06-07T11:59:00.000-04:00

Do you think I could have some room to put my feet up and stitch? How many cats does it take to hold down the ottoman? Three I guess...Pretty Belle, Casanova and Jaxon! Jaxon is my darling little black cat that you can hardly see. I love these felines.

They are so funny. Where ever I am...they are too!

Here's my progress on June Morning. This has been a really fun stitch. I kind of shake my head though...using Belle Soie, a beautiful over-dyed silk floss that I cut up into dark, medium and light pieces to stitch with? What was the point of over-dyed if I'm only using certain shades in certain places? It's a technique designed by Attic Needlework who did the DMC / Belle Soie conversion and it is really a joy to execute. I guess I could have just used the called for DMC but where's the fun in that? I'm loving this piece.

It's been very hot and humid in Florida this past week and will be until October I suppose. Friday night at midnight it was 85 degrees and 81% humidity. Thank goodness for A/C and ceiling fans. With this kind of weather I'll be sittin' in the stitch chair with needle in hand and cats at my feet!

Have a simply fabulous week and thanks for stopping by! Hugs and Happy Stitching!!

June Starts

2010-06-02T18:13:00.003-04:00

It's a beautiful June morning and here's my start on The Goode Huswife's June Morning. I'm using Belle Soie as 'thread paint' instead of the DMC 'paint by number process'. I'm really having fun using this technique. I'm stitching on 40 count Vintage Dark Green Slate by Lakeside Linens. Kind of like 'vintage dark black' except prettier! Sunshine and my Ott lite are of great importance here!!

Look at this new sock yarn (like I needed more sock yarn). Lorna's Laces Ysolda Red (thanks Mel for enabling!) and Butterscotch. And two more skeins of that Crazy Zauberball in Red/Purple and Black/Grey/White colorways.

And, the start of a new sock using TOFUtsies yarn. This fiber is made from superwash wool, Soysilk, cotton and Chitin. This will shock you....Chitin is fiber made from shrimp and crab shells! NO the fiber does not stink....and the label says it's naturally antibacterial! Go figure..... I knit socks toe up using the Magic Loop technique.

Last, but not least, my pretty Belle. She always likes to get in the action. As soon as I put a blanket on the table and added the yarn she was all up in my business. Her pose says...'Quit takin' pics of me'.....wink,wink. She loves every minute of all the attention! She's my gal.

Thanks for stopping by and HAVE A SIMPLY FABULOUS WEEK!!

Charlotte Clayton

2010-05-27T19:31:00.004-04:00

Here she is - CHARLOTTE CLAYTON - in all her stitched glory. I love, love, love her. And two of my favorite motifs...the CATS! The entire sampler was so much fun to stitch...tiny dogs, huge cats, huge birds, and a tiny lion.

Charlotte will be on her way to Jill Rensel in Utah along with Rejoice Always Rejoice, Ira Ray Crow, 'Tis the Season, Winter Cardinal, Stitcher's Prayer, Sail Away, Finch Song, and Earth Gatherer. Jill just shakes her head when I send an order to her for framing!. Sounds like another party in the fall to oohh and aahh over her framing!

Thanks for stopping by!

ABOUT TIME?

2010-05-09T11:23:00.004-04:00

I'm here!! WOW - time flies doesn't it? I've been stitching and knitting but just haven't taken photo's and posted. I finally decided to get with it!!

Here are some fun punchneedle finishes. They are, however, in need of being finished-finished. This heart punch will be completed into sort of an angel and put on an oil can. The two birds are mine and Cherie's that need to be finished into the darling birds and poked onto the oil cans. Plus, I've been busy as a bunny with the rabbit inspired punches....so much so that I nearly wore out my wrist! Thank goodness for drugs and wrist braces!

Here's a Shepherd's Bush scissor fob...stitched but in need of finishing. I just need to get Elsie (my featherweight) out of her case and get her rev'd up!

And these socks...aren't they to die for? They're knit from Panda Silk...I love that yarn. The pattern is from 25 Favorite Socks.

And a La-D-Da finish......
And Ira Ray Crow from The Goode Huswife. Ida is delighted her DH will be joining her...she's been quite lonely....
I'm still stitching away on Charlotte Clayton. I'm to Adam and Eve. Only one flower pot and one huge cat left to stitch. When she's finished another huge order will be on it's way to Jill for framing.

Thanks for stopping by and to all the Mom's out there. Have a wonderful Mother's Day! Hugs to us ALL.

Sister's Stitching Retreat

2010-03-17T11:08:00.022-04:00

Here we are --- Cari, Cathy and Joan. I think we are some pretty good looking chicks! We were at our favorite quilting shop in Florida - Rainbows End.

Whenever we get together we always have fun gifts for each other. Cathy gave both of us this darling Brighton bracelet and a goodie box she decorated and filled. Mine even had my own personal license plate for my bike. She added some keys, a button hook, old buttons and vintage needle packages. It was darling.

Joan made all three of us these very, very stylish aprons. We wore them for the Sister's Retreat - Meet and Greet - Open House. Are we too cute or what??

A close-up of mine with a little notebook stashed in the pocket....

She also had these necklaces made. The side pictured is a wedding picture of our parents. The other side has my initial - very precious.

She also gave us The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook which is full of the most luscious looking cupcakes. Break out the Kitchen Aid!

I gave the girls a gift bag that included punchneedle projects, lotion, thimbles, a magnet thingy, notebook, pen....soap.... and other stuff...

Here's a pic of the punchneedle projects and a few of the oil cans Cathy scored on eBay.

Then my stash of Valdani floss to use for our projects. I hope we have enough - LOL !! We each got our bird punched and pics of the completed project will be in a future post!

And a funny story about the bird punch. Cathy called me two weeks ago at 8:30 in the morning (now that's 6:30 in Utah). Breathlessly she asked me if I've been on Terri Boog's blog lately...had I seen the DARLING BIRD ON THE OIL CAN that Terri had punched? I answer...of course I've seen Terri's bird...I'm a huge fan of Terri's blog. And I answer, yes sister...this will be a sister Florida project....it's sitting on my kitchen counter!! Whoo Hoo!!

And I hosted a Sister's Retreat - Meet and Greet - Open House on Saturday afternoon. I invited my dearest stitching friends because I wanted them to meet my sisters and my sisters to meet them. We had such a good time. I served salads and lemonade on the lanai. It was a beautiful day. We ate, stitched, and laughed all afternoon. Here are some fun pics.

Sue and Joan

Barb (lounging stitcher) and Susie

Jenny and Cathy

Pink and Rita

Vicki and Cheryl

And my darling granddaughter Carly

All in all it was a wonderful visit but much too short. I have more pics that I'll post later in the week.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoying my vacation with me!!

Happy Day

2010-03-06T07:43:00.003-05:00

Don't you love it when the doorbell rings and you find all these packages on your front porch that wouldn't fit in the mailbox?
Here's the latest stash enhancement including handmade soaps nesting in the bird bath. I love the two new designs from The Goode Huswife and of course, the Blackbird girls have outdone themselves, once again, with Honeysuckle Manor!
New Birds of a Feather - Happy Hearts and my second copy of 'With These Hands'. I thought I already had this one but couldn't find it.....until this copy arrived. One of the sisters may be getting this in their gift bag!
A new candle and these cute pettifore pincushion patterns. While cleaning out our parents house last year my sisters and I divided up Mom's tiny tart tins. Now we can fill them with healthy no-fat treats!
Finally - I picked this up this book my yarn store. If you love quilt patterns, and crochet or knit, you will love this book! In my opinion it is a 'Must Have'.

Stay tuned - the next update will be from THE SISTER'S STITCHING RETREAT!! I'm getting so excited! Have a great week and thanks for stopping by.

Stash Acquisitions

2010-03-03T12:14:00.006-05:00

Here are some pics from the 'road trip' to the Golden Needle. I think I have too many Shepherd's Bush pieces...but I always buy more and love every one of them. Here are Holly and Ivy, Glad Heart and Quaker Heart. I also picked up Yule Sampler by The Primitive Needle. I love Lisa's designs.

I already had embroidered this piece and found this barnwood red frame. I think it's perfect.

Here are the fabrics I procured. All are 40 count Lakeside Linen and all are a stitchers half. Left to right: Vintage Winter Sky, Vintage Magnolia, Misty Rain, and Vintage Buttercream. The photos do not do these fabrics justice. They are BEAUTIFUL. Do I have a specific plan for them...of course not....but I will.

These are Erica Michaels designs on 40 count gauze. I had so much fun I stitching the Valentine one I wanted to do another. I couldn't decide which one so I got these. Mother always said, 'If one is nice, ten are FABULOUS". Didn't want to disappoint!
So ladies...I'm off to do some decorating in the Sisters Bedroom. They'll be here next Wednesday!! LET THE PARTY BEGIN!

Ya just never know what you'll find....

2010-02-27T09:31:00.004-05:00

Two weeks ago some of my best-est stitching friends, Cherie, Joan, Pink and I take a road trip to Port Charlotte to shop at The Golden Needle. We 'shopped til we dropped' and mind you, this was a week before market! Cathy's shop is wonderful and we all picked up some super stash....of course I won!

ANYWAY...we're driving home and I see this ahead...geeze....why is a 'State Trooper' pulling that trailer...full of convicts?? Drive faster Cherie...let's see what's going on!

OMG - it's not a 'trooper' it's a 'TRAPPER'!
Can you see what they trapped? Two spunky alligators. And these are just babies. Can you see the black tape around their snouts?

Only in Florida...and only on a cross stitch stash enhancement trip!

Charlotte Clayton's Best In Show

2010-02-18T11:49:00.005-05:00

The Westminster Dog Show has nothing on Charlotte Clayton. Here is her BEST IN SHOW.

The sweater vest from my previous post is from Classic Elite Yarns Autumn Book 1. The pattern is called Portland Tweed Vest. The yarn used is Classic Elite Portland Tweed. This yarn feels so good. It's 50% virgin wool, 25% alpaca (yum) and 25% viscose. If you get an opportunity to knit a garment with this fiber, you will love it! Here's a pic of the book cover...
and here's a pic of the vest / yarn.
Now on to my 40 count gauze piece from my previous post. The pattern is from Erica Michaels Needleart Designs. The silk gauze is included in her patterns. You just need to mount the gauze in fabric and buy the floss to stitch it. It really was a fun piece. I purchased it from 123Stitch @ www.123stitch.com. Erica Michaels has a web site too @ www.ericamichaels.com
Actually, it was so much fun to stitch and they are so nice to look at, I purchased five more the other day! Yikes... I have: We Are Blessed, To Thee My Heart, Holly Sampler (has cardinals on it), Thanksgiving Bits and Random Threads.

The Big and Small of It All

2010-02-17T12:27:00.004-05:00

Here's my very first 40 count gauze finish. I wish I were a better photographer. It really was a lot of fun and quite easy...just the tent stitch (half cross stitch). The finished piece is 2 X 1.25 inches.
And whoo-hoo for me!! I have finished the back of my very first garment. It's going to be a knitted vest...and a very stylish one I might add. Some of my first accomplishments were reading a garment pattern, doing some shaping at the garment waist, and armhole / neck shaping. I'm so proud of myself. Now on to the left and front sides. Fun.fun.fun.

Today is another chilly day in Florida...good for stitching and knitting inside. This weekend it should warm up into the 70's and I'm looking forward to opening up the house for some fresh air!

My house renovation is complete inside and out but I'm waiting for some new furniture. As soon as it shows up I'll get some new pics posted. It is lovely and I'm really enjoying these hardwood floors. My new best bud is the Swiffer Sweeper Vac...in fact I have two!!

Now on to more stitching on Charlotte Clayton. I'm just about finished with the dog in the center!! Pics soon of that one too.

Finishes in Stitch and Knit

2010-02-10T18:14:00.004-05:00

Here's Blackbird Designs 'Tis the Season'. It was a fun stitch. This is the second cardinal I've stitched recently and feel a 'bird wall' coming into season!

Also finished another Vine and Leaf Beret. I've got the third one, red, ready to cast on. This is such a fun pattern and so relatively easy. Just keep track of the lace pattern and all is well.

I got a new Macbook for Christmas so I've been playing around with it and I LOVE IT. Today I got the photo's uploaded and everything went very well. So...maybe it won't be another month before I post again!!

I've been working on Charlotte Clayton...I'm stitching the dog in the center of the sampler. Plus I've tried my hand at stitching on 40 count silk gauze. Now that is fun and fast....only half stitches. I'm also knitting my first garment, a darling sweater vest for Corinne. So far, so good. I'm really proud of myself.

So - every one of you stay warm. It's chilly again in Florida. I brought my orchids in the house this afternoon. Orchids don't do well below 45 degrees and it's supposed to be freezing for a couple of days. And, they're getting ready to bloom!! So the cats and I are all snug as some bugs in a rug...or should I say snuggie!!

Knitting and Stitching

2010-01-17T15:30:00.003-05:00

I've really enjoyed stitching 'Tis the Season' from Joyeux Noel by Blackbird Designs. I'm stitching on 40 count Lakeside Linen Pear using the called for Belle Soie silks. What a joy...

And knitting too! This is the Eyelet Cap from the fall issue of Vogue knitting. I used Socrates by Alpaca with a Twist. This yarn is more that yummy...baby alpaca, merino wool, bamboo and nylon. It was fun to knit even though knitting 8 inches of k2, p2 ribbing was more than mindless...

It's warming up nicely in Florida. Last Sunday the temperature never got above 40 degrees...today it's 74 and beautifully sunny. It's great weather for knitting and stitching while watching the NFL playoffs!! Ok...along with some serious nap time too!!

Frigid Florida

2010-01-06T18:09:00.004-05:00

These kitty cats have the right idea...bask in the sunshine to stay warm!

We humans have to 'put on our snuggie'!! LOL

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T22:18:00.004-05:00

I stitched these two Hummel designs for my Mom and Dad in 1983. I found them last spring at their house wrapped in a piece of bedsheet and in my mother's handwriting was 'Christmas Pictures'. I love seeing her unique handwriting more than the stitched pieces! This year I am especially missing my Dad; my first Christmas without him.

My children and grandchildren will be over tomorrow morning for gift sharing and brunch. It will be a wonderful day. Life goes on as it should.

Merry Christmas!!

Crazy Zauberball Socks and Charlotte

2009-11-26T13:31:00.003-05:00

Crazy Zauberball socks for my daughter-in-law! They were so much fun to knit. I just went faster and faster to see how the yarn color would change! These will make her feet very, very happy!!

And some progress on Charlotte Clayton. I finished up the over 1 verse and I'm moving on. This has been a delightful stitch. Can't wait till I get to the big dog in the center!!

Kind of, sort of, half way there

2009-11-23T08:04:00.004-05:00

Here's a pic of the wood floors before installation. The wood is Tobacco Road Teak, handscrapped planks. It's beautiful and has some wonderful texture and coloring. Just right for disguising cat hair....
And here it is installed in my sewing room - yummy. It's all installed in the guest bedroom and master bedroom too. That's pretty much half of the house. After admiring the floor for two nano seconds, we (they) moved all the furniture and stuff (and I mean stuff) from the living room, family room, kitchen into the finished side. Whew...

Here's a pic of my contractor, Zack, lining everything up prior to floor installation in the master bedroom. He has done a fabulous job for me. The yellow stuff on the floor is a moisture barrier. In Florida the hardwood has to be installed over cement, so this yellow stuff goops out and is troweled on the floor and then sets up like a vinyl covering. It's some really cool (stinky) stuff.

And I needed new tile in a bathroom and laundry room. The hardwood is so thick that we needed to make up the difference in height and this did the trick.

Zack is painting the living room, family room and kitchen this week along with installing new tile in the kitchen. New countertops are scheduled for installation on Friday. And next week...the rest of the floors.

I have my computer back and have nested myself in the sewing room with fiber and TV. Could life get any better?? (Stitch progress and Crazy Zauberball sock progress pics soon.)

Oh My Goodness

2009-11-09T18:46:00.002-05:00

Sorry my dear friends..no pics. My poor house is a big mess. Painting has started....My floors were delivered today and will be acclimating for the next week. As soon as I get my computer hooked back up (using my son's computer) I'll post some pics. Hugs to everyone!!

Progress on Charlotte

2009-11-03T09:10:00.004-05:00

I am making some progress on Charlotte Clayton. I've finished the top section and about half done with the second. This week I'm working on the 1 over 1 word area and doing good so far. I love the scale of the animals on this piece. Those birds could eat up that little doggie in a 'sampler minute'!

UPDATE TO POST: Thanks to everyone for your very kind comments! I started to stitch this on 32 count linen but didn't care for it. So...I restarted on 36 count Lakeside Linen Examplar using 1 strand of the called for NPI silks. Much better I think!

Hot Socks

2009-10-29T11:31:00.003-04:00

I finished some hot socks!! The fiber is from Sleeping Dragon Yarns called Candy Apple. I use the Magic Loop method, toe up. They look like submarines but actually stretch out on my feet to fit and feel fabulous. Now I'm starting on a pair for my darling daughter-in-law using Crazy Zauberball fiber!! And yes, the color is just as crazy as the name. Pics later!!

Decorating for Halloween

2009-10-28T16:58:00.002-04:00

Sister Cathy sent me a darling necklace, I mean wall hanging...says it all!!

Just a little decorating for Halloween. I put Cassanova on top of the china hutch and put Jaxon up on the plant shelf above the fridge! Spooky aren't they?? hee hee

Helping Paws

2009-10-18T18:13:00.003-04:00

I love a good companions opinion. I think this is a thumbs up from Casanova!

(checkout previous post)

I LOVE COLOR - looking at it NOT CHOOSING IT

2009-10-18T16:43:00.008-04:00

I started to pick new paint colors for my living room, family room and guest bedroom with gray and some pale blues...too gray and too blue with too much blue in the blue and too much green in the blue and too much blue in the gray... and you get it!

I decided to move on and used the colors from this darling table topper and pin cushion my sister Joan made for me. I love the colors and think I did pretty good getting the paint chip to match. I even went around the house deciding what wall to paint what color and put up sticky notes.

After a restless night of sleeping..... ya you get it....

and closing in on criminal insanity I pulled some favorite fabrics from my stash, taped them to a board and headed off to Home Depot one more time. Removed my glasses, squinted my eyes and pulled these colorful paint chips to match the fabric.

I know why I like cross stitch... I just pull the suggested fabric and thread and follow the pattern!! I don't have to think how it will all look when I'm finished!! I know it will be fantastic.

But choosing new colors for my house....YIKES!! I just keep telling myself it's only paint. If you don't like it you can paint over it!! Let's see how well this design venture goes!!

Stay tuned...the paint guy comes tomorrow morning!

Winter Cardinal

2009-10-12T13:07:00.003-04:00

I think we have Cardinals nearly year round in Florida. I love watching them. Here are a couple of pics of Winter Cardinal that I stitched. Isn't he beautiful? The threads are just as bright as the real feathers!! But the snow....forget about it!!

The Best Friends

2009-09-28T22:12:00.002-04:00

Is this crazy or what?? Deliciously decadent!!

These are the best friends a gal could have!! I was so very glad they shared the day with me opening all my fun, fun, fun stitching treasures.

From left to right Lesley, Jayne, Sue (sitting on chair), Cherie, Jean, Vicki (sitting on chair), Barb (standing), Kathy and Joan. Jayne is my next door neighbor... how cool is that and Lesley lives in my neighborhood too. Barb is my daughter-in-law and great Mom to two of my grand-daughters, Corinne and Carly. I met Joan at a sock knitting class in 2006 right after I retired. When the sock class was over I was sad because I didn't know when I would ever see her again. Low and behold, we had a common friend who got us together in a stitching group. Now I work in that yarn store one day a week!! Vicki is Joan's sister. Jean used to work in our LNS until it closed. I met Cherie stitching at our library stitch. She keeps all of us in STITCHES laughing. And, Kathy's son Matt goes to school with Corinne in Chicago. It's a small world.

These talented women are wonderful friends and the finest needlewomen around. I value their friendship and hold each of them dear to my heart.

LIFE IS GOOD

Part Duex

2009-09-28T21:47:00.006-04:00

The MYSTERY SAMPLER by Blackbird Designs. I chose to stitch this one on five separate pieces of fabric and then stitched them together. Jill did some amazing work on this one!!
Where My Heart Blooms
Rites of Spring
When This You See
I Question Not
Liberty and Union by Blackbird Designs. This frame and mat work is just something else. I took a close up of the cut outs Jill did. This piece warms my good old USA HEART!!!

OH MY....

2009-09-28T21:29:00.003-04:00

Opening Ceremonies:Home Sweet Home - The Goode Huswife I stitched this beauty over 1 on some 28 count fabric. DARLING!!! I wished I could take better pics!! Jill's framing is STUNNING!!
Do you think I was happy to see Ida Mae??
I stitched Ida Mae Crow on some yellow fabric I had in my stash with recommended DMC except for a color on her dress. It was a drab brown and I changed it to RED!! I'm so glad Ira Ray will be along shortly!! Is this frame and mat OVER THE TOP or WHAT !!!
And Thomas Turkey by Notforgotten Farms. Jill has made him into such a handsome Tom.... And just in time for Thanksgi........ whoops.... and just in time for Autumn!!

LET THE PARTY BEGIN

2009-09-27T15:09:00.003-04:00

Casanova and Jaxon are guarding the loot until the party tomorrow. In these two boxes are nine (9) pieces I stitched and had Jill Rensel custom frame for me. Included are Blackbird Designs 2008 Loose Feathers Mystery Sampler, Rites of Spring, When This You See, Home is Where My Heart Blooms and I Question Not. Also, Ida Mae Crow and Home Sweet Home by The Goode Huswife, Thomas Turkey by Notforgotten Farms, and Liberty and Union by Blackbird Designs. WOW I left them in Jills trusting and talented hands when I was last in Utah. I have no idea what they look like. I just tell her to have at it!!

So, my dear friends, stay tuned for pics of the festivities and these treasures. I have eleven dear friends coming over for a luncheon tomorrow. We'll be unwrapping, ooh-ing and awe-ing, and I am sure, drooling over these pieces. I am giddy with anticipation!!

It Was A Wonderful Cruise

2009-09-24T12:23:00.003-04:00

It was a wonderful cruise! This stitch along was so much fun. I had to sit on my hands so I wouldn't stitch ahead of our assignment, and then when our final orders were issued...I sort of didn't want it to end. A great big thanks to Loraine and Terri for being the best cruise directors ever!

Warm Heads, Warm Hearts

2009-09-07T11:41:00.004-04:00

I love it when a plan comes together. I just finished knitting this darling hat from the latest VOGUEknitting magazine.

Here's another view of the hat laid out. You can really see the cable / leaf pattern.

Next to it is the Aviatrix hat I knit for a brand new great-nephew Wesley Cache. He's my baby brother's first grandchild. The newest Grandma and Grandpa Crandall are 'over-the-top' in love with this child!!

Sailing Away with Turtle in Tow

2009-08-30T19:29:00.003-04:00

I'm sailing away with Terri's darling turtle fob in tow. Thanks Terri!!

Hey Margaret....

2009-08-25T20:35:00.003-04:00

I have a wonderful friend. Her name is Margaret and I first met her on the Legacy bulletin board. Her work is stunning and there is a lot of it. Every piece is just as lovely as the next one. She also does a blog (link on my blog - see right) and it makes me happy every time I read her posts. She is such an enabler....and I love that about her; she is such an encouragement to me. In one of her most recent posts she had pics of Charlotte Clayton framed. JUST BEAUTIFUL. And the big bird is pictured at the top of her blog. So, Sunday night I'm stitching, stitching, stitching. wanting to roll my Charlotte up for the night, but I kept thinking.. just get the big bird done so you can show Margaret... and here it is!!

I've never met Margaret in person or even talked with her on the phone. But, I value our friendship and consider her one of my dearest friends! Thanks Margaret...a friend in stitches.

Aye Aye Captain

2009-08-21T13:48:00.003-04:00

I have truly enjoyed stitching Sail Away with my Stitch Along (SAL) group. Here's part 3 completed.

Look What I Did !!

2009-08-17T11:25:00.007-04:00

Earth Gatherer

While I was trying to decide what piece to stitch (along with what you've all ready seen in a previous post) I came across this one by Shepherd's Bush.

Don't ask me how long it took...I have no idea. It's been a work in progress for years. It does have frequent flyer miles though, it's been back and forth to Utah many, many times. Even when all the cross stitch was completed, the backstitching, beading and adding the charms took a fair amount of time. It was worth it though -- a treasure for sure. I suppose I should seriously consider starting the Wool Gatherer and the Herb Gatherer. They are both sitting right in front of me waiting for needle and thread. Instead of a sampler wall, I think I'll have a Shepherd's Bush wall!

Here's a close up of the girl....

And here's a close up of the boy..

Cruising Along Nicely

2009-08-06T13:51:00.002-04:00

Finally...I am cruising along nicely. My first assignment is complete! It was difficult to not just keep on cruising.......

The Ship has Sailed

2009-08-05T20:56:00.003-04:00

I signed up for a Stitch-A-Long (SAL) with some new stitching friends. We are stitching Shepherd's Bush - Sail Away together. The link to our blog is on the left side of this blog. I set sail in a big way last night only to discover this morning that I clearly cannot count. So, I jumped ship and rowed back to shore. I frogged the over 1 words (just one of my favorite stitching tasks -- NOT) and prepared to set sail once again this evening. I'm sure I'll do much better because my sweet Jaxon is helping me out!! He's such a great stitching buddy. See how he is holding onto my scissors so they don't fall on the floor? What a good boy he is!

Queen of Hearts

2009-08-04T08:23:00.002-04:00

I finished Queen of Hearts! It was a fun stitch.

I've been working on Charlotte Clayton and that's a fun stitch too. Two of my dear friends are working on Mary Wigham. Rita is stitching hers over one and Cheryl is stitching hers over two. They are BOTH just lovely. I'll get a pic the next time we're together and post for you to see. There isn't a Mary Wigham stitch that I don't like. What a fun fun fun project.

Tomorrow I start my first SAL with Sail Away. I'm really looking forward to this project with new friends. I'll keep you posted on the progress of all my projects!!

Happy needlework everyone!!

WOW or turned upside down...MOM

2009-08-03T10:32:00.004-04:00

June 1969 --- Where does the time go??? When my granddaughters saw this picture they all commented.... Bramma...you were so pretty, we love your hair!! Now who isn't darling when they're only 19 years old?? Brent was 2 1/2 and Chauntel was 7 months.

I say WOW ... what a MOM!!

Hmmm What to stitch, what to stitch

2009-07-24T13:40:00.014-04:00

I seem to be 'discombobbulated' lately. Nothing is suiting my fancy. Nothing is ringing my chimes. Nothing is calling to me to be stitched.

June Morning by The Goode Huswife? How can I resist these Belle Soie threads??? On the stretcher bars, 40 count, ready to go...

I did finish Love One Another --- over 1 on 26 count Belfast Linen. That was fun.

Then I thought... why not try a fun color of linen...so here's The Queen of Hearts by Ewe and Eye and Freinds started....

Or...Charlotte Clayton... I started her on the 32 count with one strand of silk and didn't like it. So, off to my stash of fabric and selected a nice 36 count. Here she is started...this one is fun. The design with the HUGE rose and tiny dogs. Can't wait to get to the HUGE cats on the bottom. Quite an entertaining stitch to say the least.

This one, Shepherd's Bush Remember, just about did me in and ended up the the trash...but a cooler head prevailed. See the center, see the 4 threads between the 'e' and 'm', where there should only be 2!!!! I figured, compensated, stitched, frogged, and got to the point where I had used up all the dark green for the vine backstitch and had to unpick all that and start with a new color and then.............. Well, needless to say it went back into the bag and I'll start it all over again on another day..... Lord where was my brain that day???

Maybe I'll just stick with the hexagon paper piecing. I want to make some fun pin cushions!

Or Molly by Carriage House Samplings with the HUGE cat (see a theme going on here??) ..

Or...........maybe I'll just take a nap!! Yep...that's it...I'm taking a nap!! In the words of Scarlett....tomorrow's another day!!!!!!!!!!

My Girls

2009-07-15T09:40:00.005-04:00

My granddaughter Corinne, who is attending college in Chicago, came to Florida for a two week vacation. Her boyfriend Austin came for a week. He is a nice young man and I really like him (so does Corinne). We had some fun family parties. Here are a selection of pics of my three granddaughters Corinne, Taylor and Carly. Corinne and Carly are sisters.

Here's Taylor - 16, Me - older than the Lord and YOUNG at heart & in mind, Carly - 14, Corinne - 19. Nothing wrong with the camera here...Corinne has atomic turquoise hair. Kids these days !!

This pic is of Taylor and her boy friend Matt. They are cute kids.

This pic is Carly, Austin and Corinne.

These girls have been and will always be the light of my life!! Although they seem to push me over the top in age, they keep me young with music and sharing their lives! I am a happy gal.

Happy Birthday to Me

2009-07-12T13:11:00.007-04:00

Cathy sent me this fun necklace and a stained glass yellow bird to hang on the way to my garden. It's on the sliding glass door to the lanai. The necklace is black glass in a silver frame with a cuter-than-ever wire flower on top of it.

Joan sent me this quilted table topper, darling pin cushion to match and necklace. The necklace is so unique. It's a glass case with a crown, a 'C', and a red jewel heart inside. After all--I am the 'Princess of Quite-A-Lot'!

In the sister scheme of things Joan is 'Miss Smarty' and Cathy is 'The Queen of Everything'!

Finch Song

2009-07-02T09:34:00.002-04:00

Finch song for morning.. Crickets at eve.. Earth gives her blessings.. For all to receive..

It's been a while since I finished a Shepherd's Bush piece and stitching this one reminded me of why I love their work so much. Beautiful silks, lovely design, enjoyable stitch!!

The Facts Mam'....Just The Facts

2009-06-23T19:36:00.006-04:00

Unseasonably warm weather in Florida; morning low temp 81; afternoon high 94; feels like 110; air visibly humid; A/C is a good thing when knitting; cashmere is soft; cashmere and mohair is softer; this hat will keep my granddaughter Corinne's head very warm this winter in Chicago!!

Inspire - Motivate - Enable

2009-06-20T09:29:00.008-04:00

Are you inspired, motivated and enabled by your stitching friends?? Dang...me too! I was checking out the blog world and Alison had posted progress pics of her Finch Song from the Shepherd Bush retreat last fall. It was stunning...why didn't I stitch mine...where did I have it stashed anyway??? Found it and I'm half done. Isn't it beautiful?? Of course (not to enable anyone) it is now available for purchase from the Bush girls. So Sad..Too Bad I didn't have it already stitched and framed to win my imaginary 'Be The First to Stitch It' contest!!!

Now --- off to find and purchase the "Plantation Sampler" pattern....and thank you very much Margaret!!

Stitcher's Prayer

2009-06-18T08:22:00.003-04:00

I love this piece and hope my prayer is answered. I stitched it on 40 count Iced Cappuccino with Needlepoint Silks.

Memories and Memory Makers

2009-06-11T09:05:00.007-04:00

When cleaning out our Mom's sewing room my sisters Joan, Cathy and I sorted through all of Mom thimbles. Now remember, these pics are just 1/3 of them! We did a fun round robbin 'you get to pick one now'! I found this wooden box at Marshalls for $2.00, threw out the contents and added some beautiful pink wool and turned it into my Thimble Keeper.

These thimble are so much fun. The red thimble in the top pic is a 'peep hole' thimble. Looking through the end of the thimble you see Alice in Wonderland..what a riot.

The gold thimble in the purple box in the next pic is my maternal Great Grandmother Elsie Cornaby's thimble. She used it so much is has worn through on one side. This one is a TREASURE.

Some of the thimbles are for show but my favorite ones are the 'working' ones. Some smashed flatter to fit my Mom's finger. I have wonderful memories of my Mom sewing and teaching me how to sew. I am intent on making memories for my family.

Hugs and Happy Stitching

Gotta' Love Florida

2009-06-09T22:37:00.005-04:00

So I'm wrapping things up for the evening and I notice Jaxon is having way too much fun in the living room with something....and IT'S ALIVE !! Gotta love Florida in the summer time. Grabbed the broom, dust pan and a cardboard box. Snake is now safely in the garden, Jaxon is bored and I just poured myself a LARGE glass of wine!!

Class of 2013

2009-06-03T20:52:00.007-04:00

Today was Carly's graduation from Middle School. For those of you who don't know my family, this is my son Brent, my granddaughter Carly who is in the Class of 2013, and my daughter-in-law Barb. A wonderful family who I love to pieces!!! Congratulations Carly!!

Tiny Feet?

2009-06-02T07:41:00.004-04:00

I've finished 12 of these Blackbird Design stockings. They really turned out so cute. A quick stitch...thank goodness because when I finish this project I'll have a total of 36!!

Fabric Out....Fur In

2009-05-26T17:55:00.003-04:00

I'm really, really, really trying to use up OLD (really, really old) fabric. I unloaded the blue fabric from the bookcase and started cutting it up in strips to make a locker hooker rug. Three rounds on the rug and my right hand is crippled for life... mmmmm... got to think of another way to use the fabric. Maybe I should just put it in a bag and deliver to a charity. Nonetheless, fabric out.... and ORANGE FUR IN!! Gotta love Cassanova!!

A Study in Color - Thank You, Sarah Tobias

2009-05-22T09:07:00.003-04:00

When my LNS went out of business I scooped up a lot of Thread Gatherers's thread @ 50% off....what fantabulous stitcher wouldn't? Then I got the idea to do a study in color. What would the thread called Peacock look like on different fabrics and how pretty would Plum Honey look on different ones. Well I started out and 10 stitches later this is what came from my fingers....

Ten - count 'em - 10 pin cushions!

Here are 4 using the Plum Honey floss....
And 6 pieces using the Peacock floss....
These were really fun to do. Even though it was 10 times of the same pattern I had 10 times the fun!!

Meet Elsie

2009-05-14T08:25:00.007-04:00

I work at a yarn store one day a week. And if you know me well you know I can start a lovely conversation with a light post when it comes to needlework.....nonetheless, a customer came in and I don't know how it happened but we started talking about Singer Featherweight sewing machines. She lived in California and she and her husband travel around the USA. On their excursions they happen to pick up Featherweight sewing machines. They clean them up if necessary and then sell them. I expressed my desire to own one of these darlings. Well, dreams do come true. She moved to Florida to be closer to her family and stopped in the yarn store a couple of weeks ago. AND here's a pic of MY Singer Featherweight which I named in honor of my Great Grandmother, Elsie. She is a gem and sews just as I expected!! I can't wait to start a small table quilt!!

Here's a pic of some cute bags I stitched up using Elsie. The bags are a free pattern from Moda using their Honey Buns. The fabric is from the Blackbird Design ladies called Beach House. I really like how they turned out!! Elsie did a FANTASTIC job!!

Sisters and Mothers

2009-05-09T09:07:00.005-04:00

My sister Joan sent me such a fun Mother's Day gift. A tin she decorated with papers, mine a cat theme, and then filled it with traveling must haves....gum, floss, lip balm, band-aids, and safety pins. Now, how cute is that!! And a DARLING bird to hang in my garden, or on my lanai, or in my sewing room.

My sister Cathy sent me this lovely flower arrangement for Mother's Day! Beautiful white flowers splashed with tiny dark pink roses. It's in a purple vase with darling dotted swiss ribbon. Purple being the 'sisters' favorite color. Just absolutely over the top fun!
What more could I ask for than two...yes two wonderful sisters, and both of them just simply fabulous mothers as well. I love you Joan and Cathy. Have a great day tomorrow with your families!! Hugs

Magnolia Blossom

2009-05-01T10:42:00.003-04:00

Look at this magnolia blossom!! It's about 6 inches in diameter and the most lovely creamy white color. I love my tree, the shade it provides, and these beautiful, fragrant blossoms. It's one of the pleasures of living in the south.

Ida Mae Crow

2009-04-29T11:30:00.004-04:00

I finished Ida Mae Crow seconds before Cathy and I headed out to Jill Rensel's studio last week. I dropped off 9 pieces to be framed and Cathy delivered 2! We are so excited. You all know Jill does a SIMPLY FAB job of framing. So... here are a couple of pics of Ida Mae!! (A much more funner post than the good housekeeping one!!)

Good Housekeeping

2009-04-28T22:29:00.003-04:00

My sisters, Joan and Cathy, and I spent the better part of last week cleaning out our parents house. Our brothers, Craig and Calvin, came around the end of the week to assist. What an adventure to say the least. We planned to have the grand-children over later in the week to select some treasures so we started the week out with darling arrangements of Spring, Easter, Halloween, Fall... and all was going quite well until we unloaded the 3rd closet of EASTER BUNNIES... It was kind of like 'Bunnies from Hell'. They were flying everywhere and mostly into the garbage. We were EXHAUSED sorting, trashing, arranging, tossing, laughing, crying, ..... it just went on and on. I do think we were quite successful however. Most of the work is done and what is left can probably be done in a long day.

So .. as soon as I got home tonight there was a crazy bee in my bonnet (probably a brain drain from having the DREADED STOMACH FLU)!! Here's what Rick and I moved from my garage to the curb for the garbage man tomorrow. It's quite a load...and that's just the garage!! Next week....the closets!!!

Fat Cat

2009-04-15T12:18:00.004-04:00

Remember I said my next Carriage House Sampling of the girls series was Molly...the one with the fat cat?? Well, here's my inspiration; my very own loveable fat cat Belle. Kitten head, kitten tail.. and bowling ball body!! Just chillin' out on the lanai. She's my gal pal....

Home Sweet Home

2009-04-15T11:58:00.002-04:00

This is Home Sweet Home by The Goode Huswife. Just loved the fat bird! I stitched him over 1 using Gloriana Silk Threads (Drema had them on sale !!) on 28 count Country French Cafe Au' Lait that I had in my stash. The finished stitched area is 3 x 3 1/2 inches. I'm taking this tiny Robin Red Breast to Utah for Jill's touch!!

Stitching Treasures

2009-04-13T10:03:00.000-04:00

I'm getting ready to head out to Utah this weekend. I'll be with my darling sisters, Joan and Cathy. Our main focus for this trip is to clean out Mom and Dads house. I'm sure our emotions will range from hysterical laughter to hysterical sobbing...but because we're together, we'll get through it.

I'm taking my 2008 Loose Feathers finishes to Jill Rensel for framing. You've seen them all in my previous posts. Today I added a pic of Blackbird Designs 'Peace On Earth'. I finished it last year and had Jill frame it for me last fall. Her work is stunning. It's difficult to photograph just how impressive her mats and framing are. This one is 3-D. She cut out the green leaf stem thing and attached to the mats. Just beautiful !!

Enjoy and I'll post when I get back to Florida! Happy Stitching EVERYONE!!!

Suzannah

2009-04-05T11:22:00.000-04:00

Just finished stitching CHS Suzannah. She's so cute...and thin. I think it's because she doesn't have a mouth!! Interesting diet technique...

I'm stitching on Molly now..the one with the big cat. The cat reminds me of my cat, Belle. I'll post a pic of both of them in a couple of weeks.

In addition to Molly I'm working on The Goode Huswife, Home Sweet Home, CHS A Stitchers Prayer, and the BBD stockings. All of them ... way too much fun!!

Happy Stitching !!!

SPRING BREAK

2009-03-29T14:22:00.000-04:00

Stephani, Carly, Barb, Corinne and Brent - a great sunny day in Florida. We had so much fun as a family with great food and memories. Corinne and Stephani were in New Smyrna Beach yesterday (east coast of Florida, Atlantic Ocean) enjoying the surf, beach and high school friends who attend college in the Orlando area. It was a funtastic Spring Break for everyone!!
Stephani and Corinne this afternoon getting ready to go to the airport.

Here's a pic of Corinne about 15 minutes after arriving in Florida from Chicago!! Ready for fun in the sun.

Warm Head = Warm Hearts

2009-03-22T10:49:00.000-04:00

Corinne and her roommate, Stephani, are in Florida this week for spring break!! They are darling girls. To keep Corinne's head warm in Chicago I knit up Tams for her and her good friends. One for Corinne, Stephani, Chelsey, Genevieve, Emma and Megan. How cool ...mmm warm ... is that? Enjoy girls!!

God Blessed America

2009-03-13T16:20:00.000-04:00

I've been feeling kind of blue lately about the state of our union. I came across this pattern 'Union Forever' by Maggie Bonanomi in my recently organized stash. I LOVE IT. I feel a lot better now after stitching up this one!! And, the fabric I stitched it on was Melinda Bridal White, 30 ct. It cost me $1.09....did I buy that in my last life?? Anyway, I coffee dyed it and I think it worked up great.

Blackbird Loose Feathers....The Love Glove

2009-03-09T23:35:00.000-04:00

Here's a pic of 'Two Hearts', the final piece to the Loose Feathers 2008 series. Seems to be such a different design, but when put with their newest fabric line, Beach House.....it fits. The fabric really matches the stitching. So - just need to attach the stitching to the fabric. I'm going to do it in kind of a large way so when it gets to Jill she'll have some framing options. I'm going to Utah the end of April so I think I'll take the entire series plus the Mystery Sampler with me and take a road trip to Jill's. Don't have to twist my arm for that one!!

SOME RECENT FINISHES

2009-03-09T13:01:00.000-04:00

I finished Shepherd's Shade punchneedle. It was done with 6 strands of DMC floss. So, it came together quickly and inexpensively.

I made this heart pillow from felted wool for Corinne for her 19th Birthday. It's filled with wool roving and lavender buds. Lavender buds are a natural repellent to moths that eat wool. So...being in Chicago...she can put this in her hat, scarf and sock drawer.

Then Signs of Spring punchneedle done with Valdani floss. Way too cute on the top of a box that I painted and waxed. Both my sisters, Joan and Cathy, have done this one too. I know because I've seen them!! Just need to buy some M&M Easter Peanut candies.