Looking Back On 2008

Another year comes to an end in a few hours. It is so hard to believe that it's been an entire year since I made my last Stitching Resolutions. Back on January 1st, 2008, these were my hopes for the year:

Finish HOHRH
Finish Double Dutch Sampler
Stitch An Ornament A Month
Start A LHN Houses Collage

Today, I can say I'm very pleased with where I am on the list...

I have one more square to go on HOHRH.
I've completed the center of Double Dutch and have started on the border.
I actually stitched 18 ornaments.
I like my TS Neighborhood RR much better than any collage I could have done.

I also:
Finished 6 Stitching Exchanges at TS.
Stitched 4 Houses on other TS Neighborhood RR's.
Stitched 2 Models for VeeandCo.
AND Stitched 4 "Just Because" Projects.

It's been a great stitching year for me. This hobby is more than just needlework. It's my therapy. I really don't know what I'd have done without my stress reliever!

I'm looking forward to another wonderful year ahead with lots of new projects, finishing up some older ones, and the occasional stash shopping excursion.

Until then...

May your needles never tarnish,

Your thread glide like silk,

And your stitching friendships last forever!

Happy New Year, Everyone!

My Round Robin Is Home!

My Tranquil Stitches Neighborhood Round Robin is HOME! And just look what a beautiful job the gals did stitching on my piece...



Missy was nice enough to post a picture of it so I could snag it and show you.

Each one of the ladies stitched a different colored leaf on the tree, too, which totally rocks! I'm not sure exactly how I'll finish it up, but I'm so pleased with it. Thanks to Missy, Eva, Jorja, and JoAnn for adding such wonderful houses to my Neighborhood!

And My Sweet Stitcher's Stocking

I've received my Stitcher's Stocking from Rae, and I just love it! She stuffed it full of candies and goodies, and also included a fob that she made especially for me. Isn't he the mostest handsome snowman? And the duck charm is way too cute!

Stitcher's Stocking Delivered!

Missy has received her TS Stitcher's Stocking Exchange, so now I can post a picture of what I stitched for her. I chose part of the Full Circle Designs Ornament from the 2008 JCS Ornament Issue...

This little fella was a fun stitch, and I think he looks rather handsome in his new home. He can also be taken out and used as an ornament if she chooses.

Thanks for visiting today, and have a wonderful Monday!

Jorja's Round Robin

I finished up my contribution to Jorja's Round Robin, and it's in the mail home to her as we speak. I stitched Elizabeth's Designs "Woodland Sampling" with a few little modifications...

I like how it turned out, and I hope Jorja does, too. Her RR is beautiful so far, and I'm anxious to see how she finishes it up...

Thanks for visiting, and happy stitching!

Double Dutch WIP

I've worked a little more on my Double Dutch WIP and I now have the center completely done. I've been itching to get to that gorgeous border! Here's what mine looks like so far...



Right now I'm working on an ornament from the 2008 JCS Ornament Issue for a SAL at Tranquil Stitches. I hope to be able to share it soon as all that's left is the beading.

I also have a Stitcher's Stocking to show you that should be delivered to my Exchange Partner any time.

Thanks for visiting, and happy stitching!

Finished Round Robin

Oh, this not having a computer really BITES! But one good side effect is that I've been stitching away.

This is what I stitched for JoAnn's TS Neighborhood Round Robin...


She chose the most gorgeous piece of lambs wool, and it was an absolute joy to stitch on. This is her lovely piece so far. I wanted to keep it, but I was good and sent it on it's way. Click to see it bigger...

I'll post more when I can. Until then, good day and happy stitching!

Isn't This A Hoot?

This is "Big Trouble" by X's & Oh's. I think it's hilarious. Oh the times I've given that look my boys when they were younger...LOL

Feeling Fobby

I love making scissor fobs. They're so prissy and practical at the same time. I'd have to say that out of the 100's I've made so far, this dragonfly is one of my favorites...

You can see others I've made here.

I hope to be picking up some new beads very soon, so I'll post pictures of any new ones I make. I've got a few pairs of nekkid scissors running around and that just won't do! LOL

Christmas Open House At The LNS!

Lynne and I took a road trip to Waynesboro, Va, to attend the Christmas Open House at the Cross Stitch Station. Terry had everything set up so nicely, as usual, and we had a grand time! I thought I'd share some pictures with you from our trip. Please click on the pictures to see them bigger.


This is the inside of the Shop...








Terry her enabling self...

The Crew...

The FOOD...

And Miss Lynne enjoying herself.

We had a grand time picking out linen grab bags, leafing through all the leaflets, buttons, treasures, and threads. And don't even get me started about fondling the fabrics! LOL It was a great day.

Thanks for coming along!!!

The 11th Hour

I finished Block #11 on HOHRH!!!

And here she is so far...

I have to do a little redesigning of the last block so I probably won't get this finished until next year, but I'm excited to get so much done this year. I absolutely love it.

I Won!

A lady at the 123 Stitch Message Board was having a contest to name her new Webkinz dragon, and I suggested "Sabrina" for a girl and "Sebastian" for a boy. She chose Sabrina! So, I won a $20 gift certificate. I never win anything, so this was especially nice. What to choose, what to choose...

I've been stitching away on House #11. All the bricks were a challenge, but they're done and now I'm working on the roof. I'm so close I can taste it!

October is almost over. Where has this year gone?

Six of Six Is Done

WooHoo! Happy Dance with me! I finished Six of Six during football yesterday, so the set is done!


Now I'm anxious to start a new set of these, but I'll resist the urge until next year. Have you seen Valentine Wishes? I have a gorgeous piece of pink linen all ready for these, too!

Halloween Tuck Exchange

My partner for this Exchange was Shelli who is currently on vacation in Hawaii (I'm jealous), so her tuck bag is waiting for her in her mailbox. This is what I stitched for her...

I really hope Shelli enjoys her tuck bag and treats.

Flying 101 Framed

Vee framed my "Flying 101" and I just got it back yesterday. Isn't it adorable? I LOVE the purple frame!
(Click to see it bigger)

I finally got the frogging done on Six of Six and worked on it for a bit last night. I sure wish I had a smaller Q-Snap because my carpal tunnel really hurts when I work in hand. I know I have a hoop "somewhere." LOL

Happy stitching, and have a great day!

Nothing Like The Smell...

Of a new magazine! I finally located the JCS Ornament Issue at my local Barnes & Noble and I see what all the fuss is about. Definitely the best one, IMO. It was hard to decide, but my favorite ornament of them all has to be Rosewood Manor's "Peace."

I have been tagged by Miss Rachael to name some Quirky things about me, so I thought I'd make them stitchy things. The rules are...

* Link to the person who tagged you.
* Post the rules on your blog.
* Write six random things/unspectacular quirks about yourself.
* Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
* Let each person you have tagged know by leaving a comment on their blog.
* Let the tagger know when your entry is posted

1) I'm a floss licker.
2) I wash my hands before and several times while stitching.
3) I think WDW threads taste funny.
4) I'm a stash hoarder.
5) I put dinner napkins under the clamps of my Q-Snaps to hold the fabric in place.
6) I love stitching one over one.

Now, if you're reading this, you've been TAGGED! Come play along, and let me know when you've posted YOUR Quirky Things!

Eva's House Is Finished

For Eva I stitched LHN's "Peachtree Cottage..."

And here is her piece so far. I'm sorry for the wrinkles. Iron hasn't made it to the new house yet...

(Click to see it bigger)

I hope she likes my addition to her neighborhood. I really enjoyed stitching this one.

Moving Preempts Stitch Night

BUT, Miss Lynne did house sit for the Verizon guy for me yesterday and she got a lot done.

My Halloween Tuck is in the mail to my partner, so I'll post a picture when she's let me know she's received it. It turned out really cute.

I so hope I get to sit and stitch for a while tonight. I need the therapy...AND the REST! LOL

Eva's House

This is the design that Eva chose for her TS Neighborhood Round Robin. Isn't it sweet?

I finished up the house and windows on my square last night. Just have the roof to go. I'm also going to add a few flowers around the yard, and maybe follow Missy's lead and add some little bluebirds. I'm really enjoying my first RR experience. I'm very lucky to have such sweet girls to stitch for!

My House With A Porch

Jorja finished her square on my TS Neighborhood RR and I just love it! She couldn't have chosen a better design. I absolutely adore the porch and the chimneys. I can't wait to see it in person!

This is where I am on House #11. I've put it away to stitch on Eva's RR for now, but I think I can manage to have it done by the end of the month. I love the orange, and the way the gold tones it down. Click to see it bigger...

Have a wonderful Saturday, everyone, and HAPPY STITCHING!

Eva's Neighborhood Has Arrived

I received Eva's beautiful RR piece in the mail and have gotten a start on my house for her. I love the color of the fabric she chose. Missy did CHN's "The Needlework Shop" for her square, so I think my choice will work nicely. Didn't she do a beautiful job?

I've also got to frog quite a bit of Six of Six, so I've left that one alone for a few days. I guess I'll tackle it this weekend and get it back on track. Stupid amphibian. LOL

New Month - New Goals

October Goals:

* Finish Six of Six

* Start & Finish Eva's Neighborhood RR

* Stitch Page 4 of Inspiration

* Continue Working On House #11

Another Halloween Addition

Carol sent me a link to this design thinking I'd like it for my Halloween Neighborhood MM&I Round Robin. Does she know me or WHAT? Isn't it cool?

It's "Witch Hollow Tree Houses" by The Gathering Place. I'm thinking I like the one with the orange roof better, but I'll have to see the chart close up to decide which one to use. I LOVE the Jack-o-lanterns hanging in the trees. And the rat!

I've stitched the orange bricks on the right side of House #11. The picture on the chart really doesn't do this piece justice because the colors are so much more vibrant.

I also started Six of Six at work, which will be my lunchtime project until it's finished. I like stitching at lunch. It's a little bit of Heaven in a hectic day. :)

September Goals:

* Start and finish Missy's TS Neighborhood RR - Done

* Start and finish Three of Six - Done

* Start, finish, and mail TS Halloween Exchange - Done

* Start House #11 on HOHRH - Done

A Wonderful Gift!

I received the sweetest gift from my friend Carol. It was one of those "just because" gifts that really just makes your day. I am over the moon!

I've wanted these since I first saw them, and I can't wait to make the perfect fob. These will always be so special to me. Thank you so much, my sweet friend!

I stitched more on House #11 last night. And I found the piece of fabric I had cut for the last BR ornament which I had misplaced, so I'm ready to get that done, too. I'm asking Santa for more stitching time this Christmas...

Branching Out

Lynne and I had a great visit last night. After dinner at Captain D's, we hit Barnes & Noble and Books-a-Million looking for the JCS Ornament Issue. No dice. The guy at B&N did say they'll get a magazine shipment in on Monday, so our hopes are high!

I finished up the border to House #11 and got started on the tree on the right...

I should have Eva's Neighborhood RR next week, so I'm anxious to get working on that as well.

I'm determined to find stitching time during my upcoming move . How else am I going to stay sane??? LOL

It's Friday And Stitch Night!

It's Stitch Night, and I'll be going to Lynne's this week for some stitching and the usual gab fest. We never run out of things to talk about. It's amazing how either of us gets any stitching done! But we have fun, and I really look forward to our weekly visits.

I want to run by Office Max this weekend and see if I can find some of those pretty colored floss rings that lots of ladies are using with their floss tags. Not sure why I'm so enamored with those. Maybe because they're a little "instant gratification" finish?

Have a great weekend, and thanks for stopping by!

Harvest View

Just LOOK at this new afghan by Wichelt...

Isn't it GORGEOUS? I've never tried an afghan, but this one may be my first. I can just imagine this hanging on my wall. Absolutely beautiful.

I started on the border of House #11 last night and got three sides done. I really hope I can get the other 2 blocks stitched before year end. We'll see!

Happy Stitching, everyone!

Treats From Rachael

I received the most FABULOUS Halloween treats from Rachael for the Tranquil Stitches Halloween Tuck Bag Exchange. Just look at all the sweet things she sent me!

The tuck bag is the cutest thing. She stitched a spider web on black fabric

and attached a glow-in-the-dark spider! She sent a separate

little baggie with fun candles, stickers, and more spiders.

I'll definitely use these to decorate with this year!

Inside the bag was candy galore! Just look at all the sweets...

And as an extra bonus, she stitched the CUTEST little Halloween ornaments!

Thank you SO MUCH, Rachael! This is the best treat ever!!!

Either You Do Or You Don't

Do you like these?








I think these are two of those designs you either really like or really don't like. Personally I think they're beautiful, but definitely wouldn't fit in my decor (as eclectic as it is). I love the way the birds and flowers are so evident once you look at them closely.

The Needlework Show starts tomorrow at 2PM EST. I always enjoy browsing to see what's new and entering for the door prizes. I've never won anything, but several of my friends have. Be sure and check it out!

Five Down, One To Go

I finished Five of Six over the weekend. Only one more to go and I'll have completed 3 sets! I bet y'all are getting tired of seeing these, huh?

This isn't the "actual" one. DS took the camera to a birthday party Miss M attended and FORGOT IT! But this is exactly what the one I just finished looks like.

So far I've got everything on my September Goals list done except for starting House #11 on HOHRH. I hope to get it on the 'ole Q-snap this week. Man, I wish I had some Q-snap covers 'cause that hunk of fabric is massive. Anyone know someone who does nice ones?

I For An Eye(let)

Lynne and I had a great time yesterday. After lunch at Friendly's, we went to Michael's and I found an Eyelet tool, some eyelets, and floss rings. I've admired so many pretty floss tags that I was inspired to give it a try. I'm pretty much "finishing challenged," but I'm willing to try anything once! LOL



After Michael's we headed to Walmart for dinner fixin's and a gander at the fabric department. I picked up a new glue gun, too, because the puppy ate my old one. *rolls eyes*

We checked Barne's & Noble for the new JCS Ornament Issue, but no dice. Home for a nice dinner of spaghetti and an evening of stitching. It was a great day!

Silks & Shopping

I've received my silks from the Floss-of-the-Month from Vikki at Hand-Dyed Fibers . Just look at how lucious these are this month...


They feel like butter, and the colors are SO rich. Nothing like the feel of silk!

Lynne and I are heading out to Michael's today. I need some floss in the colors I'm using for the ornaments, as well as goodies for my Halloween Treat bag. We'll probably hit Ben Franklin and the Dollar Tree, too, then we'll come back here for dinner and stitching.

I hurt my back yesterday helping to carry the kitchen cabinet upstairs, so I'm hoping I can make it through the day. It sure is NO FUN getting old!!!

Double Dutch WIP

This is my Sampler Cove "Double Dutch" WIP. Please ignore the wrinkles...

(Click to see it larger)

I'm using WDW Mulberry & Tiger's Eye, and GAST Spring Grass. The original chart calls for gorgeous southwestern colors, but I wanted something different. I love how it's looking so far.

Ornament Issue Is OUT!

It's that time of year!

I can't WAIT to snag my copy! I have every year except 1997 in my collection. Someday I'll find it. Someday! LOL

I decided to go ahead and start Five of Six, so I'll be working on it today. Can't believe it's Wednesday already!

Happy Stitching, everyone!

Blogging Is Motivational

I really enjoy the Stitching Community I've found through Blogging. I love seeing all the pictures of WIP's, exchanges, finishes, and the creativity shared by other stitchers on their sites. It's truly a wonderful group that I'm proud to now be a part of!

Oh, and let's not forget the enabling! I see so many beautiful things that I feel I just HAVE to have! Gee, thanks! LOL My latest drool is over these...

Aren't they fabulous? Kelmscot really outdid themselves with these beauties.

I worked on my Halloween tuck yesterday and now I need to find lots of goodies to stuff inside. I really like how it turned out, and it was a much quicker stitch than I anticipated. I hope my partner likes it, too!

Four of Six DONE!

I started this one Friday at lunch and finished it yesterday during football. Only 2 more to go!

Lynne and I had a great time together Friday night, and she actually stitched! Of course I don't think her mind was completely on it because she frogged the same little spot 4 times, but at least she had needle in hand after weeks of not stitching.

I hope to get a design picked out for my Halloween tuck and get it finished this week. The biggest challenge isn't going to be finding and stitching the perfect chart...it's going to be the candy actually making it INTO the tuck and into the mail! YUM! :)

It's Friday and Stitch Night!

I looked through some of my stash last night to find a Halloween design to stitch for the TS Tuck Exchange, but nothing really jumped out at me. So tonight when Lynne and I get together I'm going to start Four of Six instead. I didn't want to "settle" for a Halloween chart, so I'll look again this weekend for something to match the fabric in the pretty tuck that I have.

Carol R, Missy's RR is stitched on 28ct evenweave. I think it's Monaco, but I may be mistaken.

I keep seeing things I want to include in my Halloween Village. I just HAVE to put this witch in the air. Isn't she the coolest?

Missy's RR Is Finished

I finished Missy's house last night. She asked that we stitch a house that makes us feel comfy, and I chose "Pine Top Lodge" from LHN. I can just imagine cuddling up to a nice fire with my WIP and a cup of hot chocolate just stitching the night away here...

And here's the way it looks so far. I love the square she stitched! So appropriate for a friendship neighborhood! A skein of floss shows just how tiny the stitches are...
Click to see it bigger

I hope Missy likes her new addition. :)

The House Is Done!

Now I get to decorate the yard and add some critters to Missy's RR. I should have a picture for you soon.

My TS Neighborhood RR should be in Jorja's hands tomorrow or Friday. Lynne has withdrawn from this round due to so much going on in her life right now, so she forwarded it on to the next person. I know it's hard for her to concentrate on stitching, so I totally understand.

I'm in LOVE with the new Victoria Sampler "Christmas Treasures" design. It's a definitely gotta-stitch. Such pretty things...

Up On The Roof...

Got half the shingles done on Missy's house last night during MNF. Such tiny little things, and they're so cute! Over one stitching is so much fun.

I found this chart that I HAVE to have for my Neighborhood RR. Just look at that wall and gate. Is it not perfect for Halloween (with a little minor tweaking?)...

I can just see a black cat, back arched, perched on that wall. Too fun!