Needles and Words

Happy Birthday Mr. Dickens!!!

2012-02-07T07:51:00.000-05:00

Today celebrates the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens. The literary world would be a sad place without his works. My favorite is A Christmas Carol.....what's yours?

Stitch in Public and Crewel

2012-02-06T21:49:00.000-05:00

I wanted to show you what I accomplished at out Stitch in Public day. I finished the stitching on the Christmas tag and just need to find the beads and finish it....

And I started a new Valentine's Day ornament. It is a freebie from luli that I found here.

And about the crewel...I have always admired people that are able to do crewel or surface embroidery. One of the ladies in my local EGA group has decided that she would like to be my crewel coach and tonight we had our first session. I love it. I am learning lots and I can actually see myself doing this in addition to cross stitch. And I learned that crewel and surface embroidery are actually two different types of work. Crewel is always done with wool and surface embroidery is done with any other type of fiber. My teacher just received her Master Craftsman designation in Crewel Embroidery from the EGA, and believe me, her work is just exquisite.

Stitch in Public day

2012-02-03T10:52:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is National Stitch in Public day...so do it! I have found that the bookstores and libraries here in Tallahassee have no problem with people doing handwork of any type on the premises. And by handwork I am including needlework, knitting, crocheting, tatting, and sewing. If I have anything out, Sorry!! I will be at our downtown branch with other members of my EGA group. We are the Canopy Oaks chapter. We will be at the library from 10am - 4pm. If you are in or around town, please drop by and see us.

IHSW check-in

2012-01-23T18:32:00.000-05:00

I didn't stitch a lot, but I put thread and needle to two wip's. I had a lot more errands planned this weekend then I thought, but stitching was accomplished.

BBD's petite lettres rouges (a freebie)

stitched on unknown white linen

DMC 930, 931, and 932 (my favorite colors)

Christmas Joy gift tag from GOSM newsletter

14 count off white Aida

DMC 936 and 600

another mistake????

2012-01-15T11:47:00.000-05:00

I realized when there was a comment on the blog about my favorite soup that I had left out an ingredient. So, here is the corrected recipe.

Sausage Corn Potato Chowder

Soup from Heather's mom. A family recipe--my favorite kind! Yields: 6 Servings

1 pound ground breakfast sausage or smoked sausage (I use Register's sausage; it is a type of smoked sausage that I can buy in Tallahassee)

3 Yukon gold potatoes, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 can (16 oz) Corn (I usually use Birds Eye Steamfresh Asparagus, Gold & White Corn, and Baby Carrots)

1 can (16 oz) creamed corn

1 can (12 oz) fat-free Evaporated milk

2 cups Water

1 t. Basil

1 t. Salt (I use very little salt)

½ t Ground black pepper

Brown sausage and remove from pan; saute the onion in the sausage drippings. Add all other ingredients; bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.

Notes: You can substitute chicken broth for the water . You can also use frozen corn, thawed, instead of the canned corn.

still cleaning up...

2012-01-13T18:33:00.000-05:00

I am still cleaning up, and may I say, that I found some things that have been "lost" (read as misplaced) for over a year!! I have a 3-day weekend this weekend, so hope to finish it off. If I do, will post pictures on Tuesday. I will also try and post pictures of some recent "stashing". I bought a few things on sale and now intend to go on a stash "diet". I might have to buy a few threads, but don't plan on buying any more patterns.

Confession is good for the soul????

2011-12-29T17:54:00.001-05:00

Well, since Anna is and Donna did, I am going to show you mine in hopes of shaming myself into a clean-up/purge this weekend. This is why I have not done any finishing on my completed stitching. My office/sewing/craft room:

This is my cutting table that opens up to 6 feet.

This is my sewing table.

Fabric that surrounds and is underneath sewing table that needs to be stored.


This is the stuff in front of the cutting table. The boxes contain stuff that I have sorted, but never put in its proper place.


This is my desk (don't you just love my keyboard tray!!), and to the right, more stuff to sort and put away.

I think the reason I don't stitch or sew is the mess in this room just paralyzes me at times---but it's time to get over myself and just do it. Wish me luck----please!!!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T13:30:00.000-05:00

I wish you Love, Joy, and Peace for this Christmas.......

IHSW Update - Late

2011-12-22T16:06:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the late update, but it took me a day to find my camera. It always hangs on a bookshelf in my office/sewing room and for some reason it had wandered to another part of the house. Anyway, due to lots of things going on this past weekend, I did not get much stitching done, but I did do some.

This is a free pattern that came in the TGOSM newsletter. The design is called Christmas Joy Gift Tag and was designed by Nancy Pederson. I will be turning it into an ornament. It is stitched in just red and green, which I am changing to hot pink and green and will be adding some beads. Not a lot of stitching, but more than I have accomplished in a long time.

Thanksgiving flight...

2011-11-19T13:11:00.000-05:00

I will be leaving on Wednesday to fly to my son's home in Suffolk, VA for the Thanksgiving holiday. Nick just got back from Iraq the first of the month, and I cannot wait to hug my boy. I will be there until December 2....and I can hardly wait. But do you know what the hardest part is...that's right, what do I bring to stitch? The decisions are driving me crazy. I will definitely be working on my nephew's ornie for this year, but I want to bring a second project to work on as well.
If anyone knows of a needlework store in that vicinity, please let me know as I would love to see it in person!!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!

Think Pink

2011-10-14T20:17:00.000-04:00

I have found a blog that has quite a few Think Pink designs for Breast Cancer. I have always liked her funky designs, but I always appreciate a designer that is willing to design freebies for a cause. You can find her here at Kincavel Krosses .

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2

2011-10-11T21:46:00.001-04:00

The DVD will be released in the US for purchase on November 11, 2011!!! Yahoo!!!

Stockings for Soldiers

2011-10-09T11:28:00.001-04:00

I was just reading a sewing blog that I enjoy and she had a link to Stockings for Soldiers. I have a very special place in my heart for the men and women of our country that are willing to protect us through service in the military. My dad served in the Navy, a BIL served in the Army, one sister served in the Army, as did her two sons. My son is currently in the Navy and is serving his 4th deployment in the Middle East since 9/11.
If you can sew or have fabric that you can donate to someone who sews, I would ask you to see if this is a cause that you could contribute to. I plan on sewing stockings for them and hope that maybe you might too.

Thanks from a proud Navy daughter and Mom.

Soup's on!!

2011-10-07T21:17:00.001-04:00

Tonight I made what has become my favorite soup. This is a recipe that I got from one of my co-workers. I absolutely love it and could have at least one serving a day.

Sausage Corn Potato Chowder

Soup from Heather's mom. A family recipe--my favorite kind! Yields: 6 Servings

1 pound Ground breakfast sausage (I use Register's sausage; it is a type of smoked sausage that I can buy in Tallahassee)

3 Yukon gold potatoes, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 can (16 oz) Corn (I usually use Birds Eye Steamfresh Asparagus Gold & White Corn, Baby Carrots)

1 can (12 oz) fat-free Evaporated milk

2 cups Water

1 t. Basil

1 t. Salt (I use very little salt)

½ t Ground black pepper

Brown sausage and remove from pan; saute the onion in the sausage drippings. Add all other ingredients; bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.

Notes: You can substitute chicken broth for the water . You can also use frozen corn, thawed, instead of the canned corn.

I was out of the frozen corn mixture that I usually use, so I added regular frozen corn and added chopped up red bell pepper. The vegetable part of the soup is pretty flexible to your taste.

save the ta-tas

2011-10-07T20:27:00.000-04:00

About a year ago I saw a picture of the phrase "save the ta-tas" stitched in pink made into a pinkeep with a feathery trim. I have been trying to find the pattern ever since then. Does anyone have any ideas of the designer or who stitched it? I want to make it for a friend......

just a thought......

2011-09-22T18:29:00.001-04:00

If you take leftover fried chicken, cover it in pasta sauce and then mozzarella and bake it, does that make it Chicken Parmesan??? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....I'm just sayin!!!

Edited 9/26/11 -- no, I did not do this!!

Cooking again....

2011-09-21T21:09:00.000-04:00

I seem to be doing a lot of batch cooking on Wednesdays, for some reason. I made a HUGE pot of January Skiers Soup tonight along with a batch of Cafeteria Sloppy Joes. I will be eating some of the soup this week with some lovely garlic bread, and will freeze the rest. The sloppy joes are for next week, to be eaten on onion rolls with some homemade cole slaw on the side, so once it cools it will go in the freezer. I also received some stash that I ordered today, but I don't have pictures, so will post that in a day or two with other stitching pictures.

January Skiers Soup

Cafeteria Sloppy Joes

Need New Recipes

2011-09-01T21:06:00.000-04:00

I have become quite bored with my cooking lately. It is just me, but I try to cook at least 5 nights a week and then I have leftovers for freezing/lunches. I was reading Heidi's new cooking/reading blog and found this recipe. It sounds great and I plan on making it on Saturday. Doesn't this recipe look and sound good? Thanks, Heidi!

Trying to find a pattern.....

2011-08-14T13:01:00.001-04:00

I am trying to locate a stitching pattern from The Good Huswife called "In the Beeman's Garden". If you know of a source, please let me know.

Thanks!!

needles or words......

2011-07-22T15:12:00.001-04:00

Lately my stitching has gone by the wayside and has been replaced by lots of reading. But I find that my fingers are once again itching for that "in and out" motion of the needle and thread. But I also realized that I have a lot to "finish" finish, so I thought I would show you -- plans are to sew a little tomorrow and get a few completed.

In memory

Moose freebie

NURSE by Heinzeit

Prairie Schooler Quilting Santa

Drawn Thread Bee Keep

Historic Needlework Guild Flower Basket kit

Little sampler kit I've had forever

Whitman's tin kit

Believe by The Sampler Girl

Eat Drink and be Scary by The Sampler Girl

I am showing you the pieces with the fabric that I intend to use for finishing. My taste runs a little "skewed" as far as the fabrics, but I love them. Hope to show you some completed pieces next week.

it ends here.....

2011-07-15T18:48:00.000-04:00

Today my nephew and I went to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2. Absolutely amazing, awesome, incredible and as he put it, "Aunt Debbie, 1 through 10, this rates as infinity." He was right. This was the best movie in the series. They got it right. A perfect ending for this series.

Another book from one of my favorite authors

2011-06-30T14:03:00.007-04:00

I have shared with you my love of the Holmes/Russell books by Laurie R. King. Just found out and have already pre-ordered an e-novella that she has written that will be released on July 6, 2011. It is Beekeeping for Beginners. These novels are written from the viewpoint of Mary Russell, Holmes' partner/wife; but this time Laurie has written from the viewpoint of Holmes himself. Only 1 week to get this book---which will help in my wait until September when she releases Pirate King.

Thanks, Laurie!!!

Book finish

2011-06-23T23:32:00.002-04:00

I just finished reading God of the Hive by Laurie R. King. If you are not familiar with her, she is the modern voice (for me, at least) for Sherlock Holmes. This series is of Holmes and his partner/wife, Mary Russell. I highly recommend these books. She is very thorough in her research and doesn't just slap a story together. And the newest book in this series comes out in September, Pirate King. I have already pre-ordered my copy and can hardly wait.

If you are on goodreads, would love to hear from you and see what you are reading. I seem to be reading more than stitching lately. I usually have a goal of 52 books a year, and am actually behind this year. Will see how I turn out.
Have fun stitching and reading,

Edited: My reading goal is not 52 books a year, but 26. Have no idea why my fingers typed 52!!!

Stash and a Royal Gift

2011-05-24T19:29:00.000-04:00

I am a royal watcher--I will admit it and am not ashamed of the fact. So is my sister Diana, of the quilt making fame. So when the president of my local office had to go to London last week for meetings, I walked into his office and asked for a wedding mug as a souvenir. I asked knowing that it would not happen---until he walked to my desk and handed me this!!

William and Kate wedding mug

As for the stash, I found a great site for OOP patterns, a1craftpatterns. I had been looking for CEC's Remember Me and Theron Tradition's Heartfelt Sentiments. I found both and also found Stitches from the Heartland's White Twigmas.

Cross Eyed Cricket Remember Me

Theron Traditions Heartfelt Sentiments


Stitches from the Heartland White Twigmas

Her prices were very good and I received my order quickly. If you are having a hard time finding a pattern, I would recommend using her. I also bought bought some old books from EGA. In a recent newsletter that I received from them it mentioned that they had reorganized their lending library and had opened an Amazon store to sell off the duplicate items.....well I clicked so fast it made my keyboard spin. I found each of these items for $1.99 each and received them in about 4 days, which included this weekend.

Needlework Alphabets and Designs edited by Blanche Cirker

Needlepoint Insignia of the Armed Forces by Dora Ann Goble

Blue and White: The Cotton Embroideries of Rural China by Muriel Baker and Margaret Lunt

I am very pleased with all of my purchases and plan on doing some stitching tomorrow night.

miss bumble, a new member of my family

2011-04-30T13:14:00.000-04:00

I would like to introduce you to miss bumble, from barnes and nobles:


My Nook, sitting with some of my favorite books

I am really enjoying having an e-reader. I had a hard time choosing between a Kindle and the Nook, but I chose the Nook because I can download ebooks from the library. Here are some links to great sites for free ebooks - both will download books in Adobe or epub format and can be used on multiple readers:

http://www.epubbooks.com
http://www.feedbooks.com

I downloaded about 25 books this morning to load on miss bumble for an upcoming trip. I will be much easier to carry her instead of having to pick out which book/books to bring along.

A wedding and a quilt

2011-04-30T11:14:00.004-04:00

I was up early yesterday to watch the wedding and really loved it...what a lovely couple. They look not just happy, but content. The contentment that comes from knowing each other and knowing that they are the one for you.


Leaving Westminster Abbey

Leaving Buckingham Palace to go to Clarence House

As for the quilt.....my sister has finished my quilt top and it is perfect!!! See for yourself.....

Have a great weekend.

What would Jane do......

2011-03-17T13:45:00.000-04:00

Have you seen this wonderful pattern?

You can purchase from The Primitive Hare. What a great pattern!!

book and pancakes

2011-03-03T18:35:00.001-05:00

I fell in love all over again at the theatre--our beloved Colin has once again raised the bar. I was so totally blown away by his performance as King George that I broke one of my cardinal "book rules". You NEVER, EVER buy a book until you have read it or are reading it in a series. You ALWAYS use your library first, and then if you like the book you buy it.....well, I broke down and bought this.....

and I am saving it for my mini "use 'em or lose 'em days" vacation in the middle of the month. I am using the days to have all of my yearly exams done and this will do nicely in the waiting rooms.
I also have a love of pancakes, and discovered a mix that I will love. One of the ladies I work with used this mix with the addition of cinnamon and nutmeg to make waffles and brought the leftovers into the office. Sweet potato waffles--I was in a hurry that day, so just ate it cold and was amazed at the flavor. I ran to the store during lunch (Fresh Market) and bought a box and plan on breaking it in on Saturday. YUM!!
I have been doing some stitching but don't have pictures at the moment. I will try and post them this weekend.

Stitch in Public Day

2011-01-24T00:36:00.000-05:00

Stitch - in - Public Day
Saturday, February 5, 2011
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In honor of
National Embroidery Month

Members of the Canopy Oaks Chapter, Tallahassee, FL (our local EGA guild), will be visiting the library to offer a place to stitch with others or to learn how to stitch. Come any time of the day and learn all about the skill of embroidery! Open to all ages.

Leroy Collins Leon County Public Library, Downtown Branch
200 West Park Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Come see us and say hello if you are in the area!!

my quilt--part 2

2011-01-17T19:35:00.000-05:00

Diana called me and sent me a picture of the sashing fabric--at first I was disappointed because the background looked so white. Then she sent me a second picture with the blocks laid out with the sashing, and I love it!!! You cannot keep this one!!!

The small square that looks blackish is actually the dark navy print shown in my last post.

my quilt

2011-01-10T20:46:00.002-05:00

My sister Diana informed me today that she has started making my quilt. Here is a picture of some of the fabrics she is using.

I gave her a range of colors and she picked the fabrics. She was snowed in today and she called me at work (she loves to do that when she is not working and I am!!!) and told me that she had made a few blocks. Can hardly wait to see pictures!!!

Edited: Go here to see the pictures of the blocks she has completed. She changed the yellow to a brighter shade, but I love what she is making.

for Diana

2011-01-09T11:43:00.000-05:00

One of my sisters, Diana, was organizing and cleaning her sewing room yesterday. I told her how I now stored my sewing fabric and she asked me to post pictures, so here they are.

This is the shelf that contains 99% of my fabric. I have sorted by colors, with the exception of clothing fabric, the fabrics that I use for totes and bags, and my holiday fabrics. They are sorted as clothes, totes and bags, Christmas and other holidays. As I am a blue girl, I have a lot of fabric in the blue family so it gets the largest container, along with the Christmas that is in another space. The other bins have 2 or more colors combined.

This is a closer look at some of the bins.

And this shows my labeling, which is very simple. I found a fun font, printed everything as a Word document. I then cut out each label and stuck it inside the bin. This way it is visible and I can change things if I need to.

Diana, hope this helps. :)

Christmas crafting

2010-12-26T18:04:00.000-05:00

I had bought a wreath for my front door and decided to use elsewhere and put this one together from Christmas sales from Michaels and Joanns. I find that my color palette for the holidays is more muted and natural---I think it feels calmer. I am VERY pleased with how it looks.

I hope everyone had a blessed and joyous Christmas. Now I need to get my self ready for the Crazy January Challenge.

Free Christmas Music from Amazon

2010-12-16T20:37:00.000-05:00

Amazon is offering one free Christmas carol/song for 25 days through Christmas---get 'em while you can!

25 days of free music

I've downloaded some great ones and looking for more now!!!

Some days you just can't win......

2010-12-14T21:23:00.000-05:00

I am behind on my holiday baking, and had plans to make two batches of cookies and a cake tonight. I got dinner done, and went to work...and my mixer died in the middle of cookie no. 1. I was able to finish by hand kneading the dough and then pressed into the pan (bar cookies). They are finished and tomorrow I look for another mixer. That's what I get for procrastinating..........sigh.

Crazy January Challenge 2011 - modified

2010-11-30T21:20:00.003-05:00

I am going to do this challenge on my own as I am modifying it...I have so many things already started that I cannot start anything else until I finish stitching something. So I am picking 15 WIPS already in progress with the goal of finishing them by 12/31/2011. A few are gifts, so this will be motivation to get the needle in gear. I am working on my list and have found 12 projects, just need to narrow down the last 3. One is a BAP, so trying to keep those to a minimum. Here is the link for the challenge: Crazy January Challenge 2011.

Edited @12:01am

Here is my list:

1 Funny Bones Halloween kit – at least 2 years old

2 Meaning of name sampler for 1 of my nephews (started at least 10 years ago; this will be 2011 birthday gift to him when completed)

3 Heart’s Kontent Sewing Case - EGA class in Austin, begun in 2000 (maybe earlier?)

4 Victorian Christmas ornament from The World of Cross Stitch Issue 158 – began this last year

5 Bent Creek Zippies – I love My Country – started last year

6 BBD Petites Lettres Rouges – started when they gave us this freebie – last year?

7 Dragon bookmark for nephew A – there is just no excuse for this one, could have finished in a day

8 Silk Ribbon embroidery – yellow rose – EGA class here in Tallahassee – last year?

9 Willow Wall Hanging – I don’t even remember which magazine this came from, but started probably 25 (that’s right!!) years ago

10 Springtime Flowers crewel kit – the only needlework gift from my son (probably because I did not finish it!!) – over 15 years old

11 Needleprint Beatrix Potter sampler – started 2 years ago – this will be the BAP of the year, I think

12 Regal Redwork Ornament – EGA class in Austin, begun in 2000

13 Intro to Cutwork – EGA class in Tallahassee, started in 2008?

14 Filet Lace Thimble – EGA class in Tallahassee, started in 2008?

15 And 1 new project – Shepherd’s Bush Star

Christmas surprise

2010-11-29T21:00:00.001-05:00

have you seen this???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE&sns=fb

Love it!!!

A Christmas Read

2010-11-26T16:18:00.002-05:00

After I went to the movies today, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1, (amazing by the way), I decided to stroll down to Barnes and Nobles. I very rarely buy books unless they are stitching or craft books. I feel that I should support my public library as much as possible, and will only buy a book after I have read and loved it. Well, today I found a book that had to come home with me. It is called A Darcy Christmas. It contains three '"holiday novellas": Christmas Present, A Darcy Christmas, and Mr. Darcy's Christmas Carol. The last story is the one that hooked me, as I am a huge fan of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. I scanned a few pages and it looks good.

ABC's of Me

2010-11-24T22:47:00.000-05:00

I am borrowing this idea from Meari ....

A - Age: 54

B - Bed size: Queen

C - Chore you hate: Cleaning the bathroom

D - Dog's name: Don’t have one

E - Essential start your day item(s): Shower

F - Favorite color: Blue (DMC 930, 931, and 932)

G - Gold or Silver: Silver

H - Height: 5' 7"

I - Instruments you play: None

J - Job: Accounting assistant

K - Kids: Two (my son and his lovely wife)

L - Living Arrangements: In an apartment

M - Music you love: Opera, contemporary Christian, just pretty eclectic

N - Nicknames: Deb

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Yes

P - Pet Peeve: People turning without using signals

Q - Quote from a movie: I am drawing a blank on this one…

R - Right or left handed: Left

S - Siblings: 2 sisters, 1 brother

T - Time you wake up: 5:30AM, but the alarm is set for 7:00AM

U - Underwear: I have some.

V - Vegetable you dislike: Okra

W - Workout Style: Walking

X - rays you've had: Ankles, leg, arm, mammogram

Y - Yummy food you make: Roast chicken, blonde brownies

Z - The best place to visit: Austin, TX or the beach

Stash

2010-11-20T22:15:00.000-05:00

Here are pictures of my stashing from my vacation as promised.....

This was our gift tote from Kathy, the owner of Needle Delights. The bags were passed out randomly and we did a "get acquainted" moment to find the owner of the bag we were given and to claim ours. This was the 5th retreat and the colors are the teal and brown. So the project were were given is the name tag below, but we were given a choice of colors. Being Ms. Anal that I am, my threads had to match my bag!

And now the part where I spent money....

I have seen this many times and finallly decided to buy...it came with all of the threads.

I just loved this jack o' lantern and bought the threads and beads to stitch him

I love these little "kits". They include the pattern and a small bead. You use scrap fabric and threads to stitch!!

This blue is for a project I have on hold and the light is one that I picked up because it fits very well on Q-snaps.

Needle Faire retreat

2010-11-15T20:05:00.000-05:00

Sorry I am so late in writing about the retreat. I needed to take pictures of stash and gifties. The retreat was held at Camp Beckwith which is outside of Fairhope, AL. It is an Episcopal camp and from what I could tell is used almost year round. We had amazing weather and the location is very tranquil. I think I was more relaxed on this vacation then I have been in a long time. My sister, Diana, drove down from North Carolina on Thursday, and we drove to the retreat on Friday. We stopped at the LNS in Pensacola that was sponsoring the retreat, Needle Delights. I do not have a brick and mortar store here, so it was a real treat for me. They have an amazing amount of threads in stock and cater to both cross stitch and needlepoint/canvas work.

This is the lake and pier in front of the conference center.

I just loved these old tree trunks.

A contemplative moment

A close view of the pier.

The view from the other end of the pier.

A friendly fellow

Not sure what made these tracks, but liked the sun and shadow of the picture.

I will show you the stash pictures tomorrow.

Jane Eyre

2010-11-13T21:33:00.000-05:00

....is probably one of my most favorite books and movie and I have just discovered that it is coming to the big screen in March, 2011.

New Jane Eyre trailer

I am excited!!

Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T18:12:00.000-05:00

Today is a different kind of thanksgiving day....and remembrance. My dad served in the Navy, my son is currently on deployment to Iraq for the third time, and two of my nephews served multiple deployments in Iraq also. I know that a lot of people are conflicted about our participation in the wars in other countries, but I hope that even if you do not agree with the war in principle you can support the fact that there are those men and women who choose to serve our country in the military.

Thanks Dad, Nick, Allen and David. I am tremendously proud of you and honored to know and love you.

Stitch Pink

2010-10-04T07:44:00.000-04:00

I don't know if you have seen this small kit, but since it supports the fight against breast cancer, I wanted to share it with you. I found mine at Joanns, in a small section with other Pink items. It was under $15 and the proceeds will go to local breast cancer organizations. Look in your area and buy it, please.

RAK'ed and going to retreat

2010-10-03T20:44:00.000-04:00

I have been RAK'ed by Jeanne. I was able to send her a Whitman's tin that she was looking for; I had 2, so why not share? She sent me a lovely thank you gift that has taken me week to give pictures of...sorry Jeanne. I am fond of bees and she sent a lovely bee pattern, thread and a matching fat quarter!

Little House Needleworks "Queen Bee"

Crescent Colours Queen Bee

This is on the short stitching list for me! I am also going to retreat on October 14th with my sister Diana; we are going the The Needle Fair held by Needle Delights from Pensacola. The retreat is held at Camp Beckwith in Fairhope, AL. I was able to get 7 working days off, and counting weekends, I will be off for 11 days--a long vacation for me. I am so excited---already working on my packing list.

A Sweet Gift (lots of pictures)

2010-09-08T23:56:00.000-04:00

The fact that I do needlework and sew is common knowledge in my office. I often stitch at lunch and have for years. The mother of one of the ladies I work with is "cleaning and getting rid of things" and asked if she knew of someone who would appreciate a sewing box and my name came up. I was given a sewing box that her mother purchased at an antique store, but she believes that the contents had originally belonged to her grandmother. I will let the pictures speak for themselves as I am still totally overwhelmed. The only things I haven't photographed yet are the buttons.

Thank you Alice and Ursula. I am truly blessed by your gift.

Home

2010-08-15T10:03:00.000-04:00

First, a housewarming gift from my sister A (no blog). I have wanted one of these pots for as long as I have been cooking (decades!!).

Isn't she pretty!!!

She also bought me this set of bathroom dispensers--I also have the matching hand towels, but could not get a good picture.

This is a plaque that I found in at Goodwill. I love the saying and thought it would be nice hanging near my entry.

And last for today, but not least, a washcloth from my sister Diana (she has made me other ones, but they are in the laundry--this is a picture she sent me of another one that is on its way)

Cool Blog and Freebie

2010-08-04T17:56:00.000-04:00

I have been reading this blog for a while; today she has a link to a cute floss winder. Thought you would enjoy.

How About Orange

The winders are on her post for August 3.

Have fun!!!

Another Fab Giveaway

2010-07-13T20:21:00.000-04:00

It must be the season for giveaways, or we are all doing some destashing (maybe to make room for some shopping!!). Here is one from Susan at Afford Your Passions.
I still haven't found my camera, but am making lots of progress at unpacking and filling my Goodwill boxes (have two in progress in the front hall). Unfortunately, I have not picked up needle or thread in at least a month. Not happy about that, but I think maybe this week. I have lots of ideas for stitching for my bedroom that involves all things "bumble" (our name for bees). I already want this design from Donna. I already have some designs in my stash, so will work on those for a while. I have started multiple books, so click on my goodreads link and see what I am up to.

Giveaway!!!

2010-07-09T17:37:00.000-04:00

The lovely Pauline at Plum Street Samplers is having a great summer giveaway!!!! Thanks, Pauline.

Help...

2010-07-01T13:50:00.000-04:00

One of the ladies I work with has just inherited some beautiful antique jewelry. One of the pieces is a brooch that you use for a teeny, tiny piece of needlework. She has asked me to stitch a flower for her. I have been stitching for years, so I'm not afraid to try, but unsure. Would you recommend 40 count linen or silk gauze? With the gauze, would I have to stitch a "background"? Any response would be appreciated?

Thanks!!!

Woodworking friend.....

2010-06-30T19:46:00.000-04:00

My friend Richard has just let me know that he is doing woodworking....he is making crosses, ornaments and fabulous wood "portraits". Who knows, maybe we can see if he would make us a few hornbooks?? Give him a visit and tell him I said hi!!

Richard's Woodworking

Catching Up......

2010-06-28T19:00:00.000-04:00

I'm in my new apartment and loving it!!! As soon as I find my camera, I will take photos of my brand new to me, never had one before sewing/craft room. I am taking a break right now to write this post as I have been unpacking my craft library. I have a box set aside for give away and one for "am I sure I want to keep this?".

Later!!!

Shopping, Moving, and Reading

2010-05-05T23:06:00.001-04:00

These just hopped on over to my house this week........Miniature hornbook-margin marker and Buzz and it's all her fault!!!! Thanks for the stash enabling :)

I have been trying not to shop as I am moving across town in about 3 weeks---the hardest part is deciding which project to leave out (gotta' pack the rest) and packing my books (I decided that the big girl thing to do is pack ALL of mine and support my county library this month). Just read a great book called Watermark and am currently reading Becoming Jane Eyre.

Stashing at ......Borders?

2010-03-27T17:29:00.000-04:00

Ladies and Gentlepersons, I hit the mother lode at the Borders bookstore in Tallahassee this afternoon. I had received a 40% coupon from them in an email and decided to go see what I could find. I have been looking at this book and brought it home with me.

As I was walking up to the registers to check-out I spied these beauties on their clearance shelves. Take a close look at the prices....and yes, they are correct!!!!

Did I do well or what!!!!!!!

Calling All Tea Lovers

2010-03-11T18:28:00.001-05:00

I had seen this advertised in a magazine over the Christmas holidays and vowed that I would find.....but I could not....so I went to The Republic of Tea and found it!!!!!! It came this evening and I cannot wait to try. I'll let you know how it tastes.

Beauty in different places

2010-02-23T21:53:00.000-05:00

In my old age of 50+, I have discovered that we find beauty in different, if not odd places. This woman creates lace with the most unorthodox materials--metal and dirt. Amazing!!! I was unable to post pictures, so I am providing you with a link to her website.

Cal Lane

Stitch in Public Day

2010-02-17T21:36:00.001-05:00

If you want to encourage other needle artists, then this weekend go to your local library or bookstore and stitch, crochet, knit, sew or embroider in public. February is National Embroidery Month, and Saturday, February 20, has been designated as Stitch in Public day. I believe that we are artists in every sense of the word. We may use others' patterns, but we can change the colors, size, structure and feel of the design to match what we see and feel for the piece.
Here in Tallahassee, we lost our LNS about 8 years ago, and now we must either order online or travel about 2-3 hours one way to the closest shop. We need to let the world know that our artform is important and one of great beauty. Ladies and Gents, hold your needles high!!!
If you live in or near Tallahassee, I will be at the Main Library downtown from 10:00-2:00 stitchin' away and would love to have you join the fun!!!!

the Words part

2010-02-04T18:32:00.000-05:00

I just discovered this morning that one of my favorite authors is publishing book 10 in her Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes suspense series. The author is Laurie R. King and I found her books quite by accident. I was taking a computer class in between jobs about 9 years ago and the computer instructor and I started chatting about books before class. She let me borrow book 1, and I was immediately hooked. Ms. King writes with a voice very similar in style to Conan Doyle, which makes the books very enjoyable to me. She has added a twist, which is to add a new partner to the Holmes/Watson duet. If you like the Holmes genre, you will love this series. I have pre-ordered the new book on Amazon.

New Year and a SAL that I have joined.....

2010-01-30T10:29:00.001-05:00

I am absolutely the worst at procrastination, so to encourage myself to really accomplish stitching this year, I have joined the Christmas Design SAL on YoYo's blog. I have wanted to make myself a nativity set for years and found and purchased all the beads and picked out fabric for the Mill Hill Nativity set.

Mill Hill Silent Night

Close-up of the creche and standing figures

I have decided to not use all of the beads they suggest, as I want this rustic. I am stitching on an oatmeal colored 14 count Aida using the suggested DMC threads. I was lucky enough to actually find an almost identical stable at Walmart a few years ago and have it safely stored for its debut (crossing my fingers) this Christmas.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T17:28:00.001-05:00

I wanted to show you my Christmas tree and to wish you all a Merry Christmas.....This tree is one that I had made by the husband of one of the EGA members in the Canopy Oaks chapter. I showed her a picture of the tree and asked if her husband could make one for me...and he did. Isn't it just wonderful!!!!

The ornaments came in a package of 28-7 each of white, silver, light blue and royal blue; I bought them last year at either WalMart or Target.

Stash and EGA Christmas Gift/Cookie Exchange

2009-12-16T08:04:00.001-05:00

The gift/cookie exchange was lots of fun---but I forgot to take my camera (I hate getting older!!) But I did take a picture of my gift. This is a great box that was stitched and hand-painted.

We have a very eclectic group with loads of talent---I am learning SOOOO much. I am a member of the Canopy Oaks Embroiderers' Guild in Tallahassee, FL.

Now, to the stash!!!

Erica Michaels' Because of the Brave and Prairie Schooler Angels (OOP - won on ebay)

The Sunflower Seed's Do You See What I See? and By the Bay Needlearts 13 Colony Bay Part 1 (I had alreay found parts 2 & 3)

Sheepish Designs' Dutch Alphabet Ninety-Seventh Exemplary and Sue Hillis Designs' Black Hat Society

The Stitchworks' Bee Stitchin'

Little House Needleworks' Bee Sampler

Bent Creeks' Dance of the Bumblebee

The Trilogy's Thanksgiving Spots and Cheer

As you can see, my debit card and I have been VERY busy. Most of this was purchased on my trip to the Atlanta area with my two sisters in September.

These little kits I found at Joann's---inexpensive and nice designs that I can make into cards or ornaments.

And this was a give-away that I won from Handcrafts Online in October. She has a great online shop and is really great with questions. Thanks, Mary Kathryn!!!

Counting Pins

During the Online Needlework Retail show I found these threads for an online freebie that I have had for 8 years. The are threads from Old Willow Stitchery and I was able to get for 1/2 price!!!!

Well, the clock is telling me that it's time to get going, so have a great day!!

Birthday Vacation

2009-12-09T21:41:00.000-05:00

I am taking my last 4 days off for the year (if I don't take them, I lose them--and that is NOT happening!). I will be taking this Friday through next Wednesday off, with my birthday falling in those days. I have quite a few plans and will be sewing, finishing stitched ornaments, making a gift for my local EGA group's gift/cookie exchange on Saturday, and baking cookies. I also need to post pictures of stash purchases and a drawing that I won in October (shame on me).

Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T10:52:00.007-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! My DS and DDIL came in with my two grandpuppies. We had a wonderful dinner at my sister's house and are planning on going out today to wander and maybe shop a little (I am not a Black Friday shopper). I bought my son's birthday/Christmas gift earlier this week and we will pick up my DIL's present today. They are leaving early tomorrow to go back to VA, where he is stationed at Norfolk. He told me this weekend that he is being sent back to Iraq early next year, so I had a small meltdown when I was not around the kids. We women are lucky that we "allow" ourselves to cry and just get it out of our systems.

I also wanted to let you know that I won the PS Angels pattern on ebay and it arrived on Wednesday and I will be kitting it up soon. I will be making these as a Christmas present for 2010 (that is the correct year! ). It took so long to find the pattern that they will not get done this year.

Looking for an OOP Pattern

2009-11-10T23:14:00.004-05:00

I am looking to purchase or borrow the Prairie Schooler Angels #42. If anyone can help, it would be really appreciated.

Resurrected Computer!!!!!

2009-11-01T20:52:00.001-05:00

My BIL that lives here in Tallahassee came over this afternoon and worked wonders on my computer and showed me that my external hard drive did in fact still contain all of my files----I am so grateful.

Dead Computer???

2009-10-29T21:00:00.001-04:00

I seem to have a serious hardware error which I am working on, so will be out of commission for a while---I am looking at having to replace my hard drive---at least it's cheaper then a new computer. Darn!!!

October "Breast Cancer" drawing at Jennifer's blog

2009-10-07T20:44:00.002-04:00

Jennifer at Feathers in the Nest is having a drawing for October as Breast Cancer Month. Click here to enter - http://feathersinthenest.blogspot.com/.

**Edit. Don't forget about the Online Needlework Show--http://needleworkshow.com/index.html . Lots of new pretties and door prizes. Sit down with paper and pencil and make your shopping list.

Weekend Trip!!

2009-09-13T11:44:00.003-04:00

My sisters, D and A, and I will be driving to Atlanta this Friday for a girls short weekend!!! A and I both live in Tallahassee and D lives in NC. I am trying to decide what to bring to work on without bringing everything LOL!! We are going to hit a quilt store for them and a needlework store for me (the closest store is a 2-1/2 hour drive); which means I am also working on a stash list.

p.s. - go to the sampler girl (http://www.thesamplergirl.com/index.php) and see the new patterns and gorgeous scissors

Coni's Editorial

2009-08-26T18:50:00.002-04:00

I love reading Coni's blog (well, she does share with Stewey). She is always funny, but like today, she can really hit a nail on the head. Go have a good read......http://spinsterstitcher.blogspot.com/ .
I've been in a Halloween stitching mood lately and have finished stitching one piece and am currently working on The Sampler Girl's freebie of "Eat, Drink and be Scary". I will post pictures at a later date.

Mel's blogiversary

2009-08-17T18:24:00.002-04:00

Look at this giveaway!!!!! Go here for a chance to win!!! http://www.thedailymel.com/2009/08/16/blog-candy-time/

Thanks, Mel.

Giveaway at Nic's blog

2009-08-01T15:45:00.002-04:00

Go here for her blogaversay giveaway---http://beebarfsblog.blogspot.com/. But don't ask for the bees....I want them :).

Weekend....

2009-07-25T12:20:00.003-04:00

I am going to work on my Beatrix Potter this weekend as we are coming to the end of July and a picture is due....July is almost over???? I have a tote bag to make for a friend that I want to get done this weekend. It will be in black and pink skulls!!! I am also thinking of giving you a look at my stitching library---books that I use and would feel lost without, so look for that in the future. Have a wonderful weekend and hope you get lots of time to stitch, read and sew.

A book

2009-07-24T21:30:00.005-04:00

Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

It has been a long time since a book has had such a great impact on me. I am copying my review of this book from my Goodreads page. If I offend, then I have made you think.

This is a first read for me of a book that was written before I was born in 1955. Bradbury's words were harsh and to the point. He seemed to grasp in a way that I have never seen printed, the attitudes of our reality in 2009. I usually read for pleasure, but this book was a rude awakening for me. I fear that we soon will believe that books and what they contain are not needful or "stir people up too much". I was raised in a household were books were/are a precious commodity and was encouraged to read anything I could put my hands on and the thought that books would/are being banned scares the H@#$ out of me. YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK.

Jumping in with trepidation....

2009-07-21T19:56:00.000-04:00

My sister, Diana, over at http://logcabinlife-diana.blogspot.com/ has been pestering me to start a blog, so here goes. I am a VERY SLOW stitcher, but I think this will encourage me to work more on my stitching. I am currently working on the Needleprint Beatrix Potter SAL and enjoying everyones work. I am learning a lot about stitching and finishing from the work that I see.
I have been sewing since high school (many, many moons ago), and used to make my clothes, but prefer "fun" sewing these days.
I am an avid reader and have about 4-5 books going at one time, both paper and audible.