I lost track trying to count how many times I had to restart this one. It's too thin, but in so many tries I was beating on the yarn, so I finished what I'd started. (Now my daughter's baby doll has a beautiful new mini-scarf)
It took changing needle sizes, needle type (aluminum gave the best results so far) and major adjustments on tension to get this sorted out.
I bought a ton of it in several colors as presents for the girls in the family (nieces and such). By starting now I may just reach my goal for each girl to have one.
Now, for the boys, to "make it even", what to do?

SBQ

SBQ was suggested by Sharon and is:


When you find yourself making a lot of mistakes in various stitching projects do you find it better to muddle your way through or do you take a brief break from stitching? If you do take a break, how long do you take?

If there is a deadline to get it done by, (a priority project) I may just stick with it, especially if I know the reason it's messed up. Miscount or what have you which is usually the case. But as I tend to start miscounting as I get tired, I'll stop and go to bed.
My biggest goof that dragged on was the needleroll. I was so mad I kept making it worse and worse, as I couldn't even think straight I was so upset after it had ripped. And I admit I was so frustrated with it, I didn't go near it for sometime. (Afraid I'd make matters worse.)

I have no set time frame that I stop/take a break from a project.

Found on Outi's blog, it was a "must take".

You Are Impressionism

You think the world is quite beautiful, especially if you look at it in new and interesting ways. You tend to focus on color and movement in art. For you, seeing the big picture is much more important than recording every little detail. You can find inspiration anywhere... especially from nature.

What Art Movement Are You?

Although I didn't care for question #5, I like nearly all forms of art, and even if I don't care for it much- I still appreciate it.

ewwww

do not eat Campbell's Golden Butternut Squash Soup.
It tastes like potato soup loaded with onion powder . Nasty stuff.
*shudder

black scarf

-Up close on the left to see the stitching-


Did I mention this yarn is so nice to work with?

Mag heaven

World of CrossStitching came today ! And it looks as though the next issue has a gorgeous bird, My Chickadee, wearing a santa hat... Looks like a Valerie Pfeiffer design.

Guess the Theme Secret Pal Exchange

To pandabear on EMS



The card details:

32ct Silkweaver solo (a first)
Done over one (another first)
with a pattern I made up myself after an unsuccessful attempt to find a free bowling pattern online.
And I must say the over one on 32ct was not bad at all! It's pretty likely I will do that again!

I know it's a it crooked. And not really the neatest finishing.

BUT-
it's my first.

Now for the whole package-
The bookmark pattern booklet, which by chance, she had been looking for in her area with no luck.
Two simple bookmarks
A lace edged bookmark
and card




Exchange complete!

I think it's a record

the latest issue of Cross Stitcher, issue 179, arrived today. Woo-hoo!

I made it

Sorry folks no pics this time. I was going to, but- I have done more since writing this so what the point~!

I survived. The ornament looks nice. Not professional but nice. And I added a little more flair to it than I might have thought I'd be able to. So many firsts I just cannot share!

The Jingle Bells bear is nearly complete. >All that remains is back stitching around the nose (whoops, good thing I noticed now instead of later!)I took it along to Jukado last night and managed to get the bells stitched up, minus the french knots, as I was also giving "lessons" to my 6 year old daughter as well.
She chose to make a green heart. I had premarked the squares on the aida for her to follow. She worked for a while then ran off to play and to my suprise came back to have another shot. I had figured she would lose interest. I showed her the cross stitches and some of the backstitching. What a smile on her face each time she was "going the right way". Who would think a hoop in hand could bring so much satisfaction. She was positively beaming with pride.

And I started to (try and) make a scarf. I am using black Soft Yarn, made by Red Heart. It is soooo soft! Very pleasing to use and not as slippery as I had thought is may be. This will be for my son for this winter. Hard to believe it's right around the corner!

Timezones

I needed to know timezones for the U.S. and found this neat little link with music and all!

Okay folks- big steps here I found the color I needed to sew the ornament into a little pillow type ornament. I am not realy blowing any surprises there... Colors and such I will leave out but I am sharing the rest. I reversed it and did 'more of a running' ( I guess you'd call it) stitch nearly all the way around. Then I applied Tacky Glue to the same area. It has dried over night and this is the big step. Flipping it right side out without it ripping like the needleroll had done (grumble, sniffle)
In my silly ways I do not own batting or rather any thing to stuff it properly with so I guess I will see about it at Joann's. They sell most everything by the yard or whatever incremement I'd need so in an effort to keep costs down, esp if I never need it again, I think I will have a peek around there.
*wish me luck

mags :)

Thank you Selina, for my lovely mag. The two bears on the cover are just perfect for Christmas- here's hoping I manage to get to them in time!

Guess That Theme

• 
  I received a very nice package today - all the way from Italy! Patty sent me Red, Green and White goodies!
• ~red, green and white floss
  ~red, green and white metallic DMC floss
• ~red, green and white Mill Hill beads
• ~Aida band- with red and green edges
• ~a heart pattern with red roses and white lettering.
• *edit to add: the theme is the colors of the Italian flag.

my bear, Emma.

came today! Thank you Selina for my lovely, new, handmade bear!

the Exchange

My 'Secret Guess That Theme Exchange' package was mailed out today and should be at its new home in about 3 days. No creativity points will be awarded to me this time around. But goodies in the mail are always fun. Here's hoping she likes it!
Pictures will follow upon receipt.

The goal for tonight is to find a match for the ornament exchange so that it may be "finished" in proper fashion and mailed out. Funny I always think to color match later at night when the lighting is weird. I wind up jumping in and out of the chair, where my Reveal light is and the overhead/ceiling fan light. I am not bold enough though to stich on it tonight as I'd like a 'just in case' comparison in natural sunlight.


~~~~~~~~~
And to the non-stitch. What do you do when you discover something less than ideal about someone? Pretend you don't know? I am not one to be surprised- I am just plain too old for that stuff. *sigh

meet the boys

I promised pics so here they are. Seemed I was the only one not to have pet pics on my blog!
Chris E. is the orange tabby.
Pidy (short for Pidnifit) is the darker, double pawed one.

Silkweaver strikes again

:)

AC Moore!

advertised a Scrapbooking Event- free drinks and snacks, demos and "Make and Takes".
So I had some apple cider, a ginger cookie and made a nice starter page for halloween (for free!). Musn't let the 50% off coupon go to waste shall we? What did I buy? I can't tell you. It's for my secret pal! But I now have a nice artificial arrangement on my kitchen table. And got a few floss kid items as well.
It was fun!

And I will have to go back again and then hit Michaels (down the road and around the corner a bit) and price hunt shadow box frames for DH's mini bats from the Red Sox game. He wants to have his ticket stub in there as well. I was thrilled when I heard this. It's craftin' time!
And there are other coupons to use at each craft store :)*happiness*

knitting fool...

I'm a knitting fo-oo-oo-ool (to the Frank Zappa tune "Dancing Fool")

So I finished the last experiment and did the "binding off" (another first) and it came out okay so..... I am starting fresh!

So the big question- which one is the front? I am just winging it. A row or two knit. A row or two purl.
I think it's looking pretty cool. A litle more consistent with the sizing ans such.

Did I mention why I started with this new "interest"?
A year ago I watched a woman knitting up a gorgeous scarf in a waiting room(a long wait waiting room) . I wanted to do that. I think it's a bit more portable for this pampered cross stitcher to have another thing to do while on the go.
The other reason- to make scarves for my kids. Who, like me, are allergic to a bunch of yarns. Anything wool is a huge no-no. And even a bunch of the synthetics are irritating to our skin as well (scratchity, scratchity). So last year (after I saw that woman) I started picking up yarn here and there. Real cheap clearance type stuff. Some really nice chenilles and other real softie yarns. So maybe another experiment or two and I'll do it for real I think.

"the purl"

Seems I have been spending a lot of time knitting as well. Over and over. Just straight knitting. At first I used the really large aluminum ones (brown mixed yarn from first, *or only, knit progress post). I then tried a different yarn, a little smaller aluminum needles and went about it that way for a while. Then same yarn, and smaller plastic needles (borrowed from my mother-in-law and has this really cool feel. Helps prevent the yarn from slipping off so easy). Now I am trying the kit I bought- yarn and the smallest needles I have used yet. Then (da, da, dum!) I knitted along and tried to purl. I have no idea if I am doing it right. So before I get all carried away learning the wrong way- is this sort of right?
This is a huge practice piece, well not sizewise, more of experimentational for me,as I also tried changing colors -according to the directions.
Am I getting any warmer?

aw come on!

Now I can't have my spinach either!
We have eaten is several times over the course of the last few days.......

Jingle jingle

Having gone with the overall view of leaving it as is- I have done all I can. The bells need french knots and backstitching in 420. Imagine my disgust when I went to get said number and I realized it isn't in my stash. So I'll have to make a trip somewhere to pick it up. *sigh, So close!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mmm, the Ametrine arrived. I bought a small cut of it to see what I think. For July Amethyst Fairy I will need a considerably large piece, which I cannot afford at this time.
so here is a solo (blue) and the ametrine reflections (grin)

BS blunder

Okay I was happily back stitching last night (so pleased with myself for tackling projects that need to be finished up) and completed an entire section only to realize I messed up!



I was supposed to stitch the grey around just the pom pom and edging of the hat. The red of the hat was supposed to have more red.
So I need some opinions: The stitched version through POL; and then the two shots of mine (square pics)
I am really thinking about leaving it as is.

cam and all

Received word an hour or so ago that the camera is already on its way. Not too bad as I had ordered it this morning!

What have I done stitching-wise? Well I spent "quality time" picking out the white on white stitches that I had started while at Jukado. I had in haste grabbed a mag with a Lickle Ted kit on the way out the door and with no working copy to mark off as I went, stitched away (white on white) while I was there. I sat down (new WC in hand) to stitch some more on it last night and couldn't tell what I had done. So it's either I messed it up and miscounted royally or I was being a dingbat. Fine line I know.
Didn't I tell myself no more bears anyways?! Oh the stitching woes!

Ametrine

I have had my eye on this particular fabric as a possibilty for my July Amethyst Fairy. I received word (an email from SW) that it's on its way to me. If for some reason I don't think it works- I have a couple other possibilities in mind as back-up plans.
(the smaller ones).
This will be, whenever I start it, my "big" project. And I think I may even 'spend money' (shock) when it's completed for professional framing (another first) to be hung somewhere in my house.

the Quest for the Webcam

I am in the process of getting a new toy. A webcam. Tracy IM'd me and tried out hers, then Val said how she (or rather her daughter) had one and tried it out as well. So I have participated in two conversations and had the wonderful experience to really "meet" (in the sense of see and hear) my stitchie friends. THe point: now I want one.
So today I realized I have enough in gift certificates to buy (at no cost to me in any way) a webcam. Decisions, decisions.

September 11th

Where you were that day,
How you felt at that moment,
Lives forever changed.
The families,
Loved ones,
Never forget.

Selfish

The thought has struck me several- or rather- many times lately and through countless places. While driving (now there's a big one!) In the store- esp when amongst the main group of people being an average age of 60 or so and female. Just the word 'female' typically brings thoughts about selfless acts, caring for others. The weak. Small. Young. But not now! I ventured leisurely through the aisles of AC Moore and Hannaford. Witnessing second by second acts of selfishness. Talking through other people who are trying to get around their aisle-hogging bodies attached to shopping carts and large purses. Or coming out of a side-aisle (if you call it that) and walking nearly straight into me! Granted I am short, but I am not a small woman by any means. Not a flicker of thought or hesitation. What the hell happened? These are only two small examples. And by no means am I saying that it has become a part of the little old ladies poking around the pasta section of Hannaford. It seems to be an "anytime" and by "anyone" situation.

"Selfish (Self"ish) (?), a.

1. Caring supremely or unduly for one's self; regarding one's own comfort, advantage, etc., in disregard, or at the expense, of those of others. "They judge of things according to their own private appetites and selfish passions." Cudworth. "In that throng of selfish hearts untrue." Keble.
2. (Ethics) Believing or teaching that the chief motives of human action are derived from gratifying one's own pleasure. "Hobbes and the selfish school of philosophers." Fleming.
3. Meanly covetous or avarcious in dealing with others; stingy.

Synonyms -- Avarcious; covetous; parsimonious; sparing; miserly; penurios; sordid; stingy. See Avaricious."
source

I in no way claim to be perfect- far from it. BUT- a please and thank you can go a long ways. For everyone's sake.
I have been accused of being selfish before, I felt rather unjustly. Procrasinating- yes. Forgetful- yup that's me. But selfish- no. Plain and simple. I am the last thing I think about in any given day. As there are too many things in the course of a day to do for me- who has time?

But maybe I am overdue.

EMS Secret Pal Exchange

Name: check
ideas: none
I can' believe I am drawing an absolute blank! I had thought some wonderful idea would suddenly hit me once I had received the name. But, nope. Nada.
So then I dove into the person's profile. One idea, and not one I am real thrilled with. We'll just say it wouldn't be much for creativity points!
Here's to hoping the weekend will provide some sort of inspiration.....

Friday

With all that has been going on around here it's a wonder I made it!
Week two of the kids being back in school and I think I am nearing the end of all the forms I need to fill out. The kids are settling back into the routine rather nicely. And I managed to get some sorting through done this week as well!
I have made a trip to Goodwill. I plan on a few more, but, I want to make a little cash for a few items as well. So, the next step is to sign up as a seller on eBay. Which means I need to sign up for Paypal (which a few of you already know how bad I have been about that, not daring to do it). SO this may be the last push to get it set up. Which would be nice as I could receive payment/reimbursement from floss kids that way.
Why won't I do a yard sale? Well, no time really. We get two days as an entire family and the idea of babysitting our "stuff" outside for a weekend just doesn't thrill us. We typically end up at the end of the yard sale dropping off items at Goodwill anyways! And tomorrow is DH's banquet through his work (in honor of ten years anniversary of his employment there) and the rest of the month's worth of weekends are filling up fast.

Now for the stitch related news. Not much as I came down with a cold (almost done with that I think now, hope so!)
I realized I couldn't find the pattern to Jingle bells and reprinted it. So now at least I can get to it as soon as time allows.
I had started (pre-cold) a other little knitty thing. Practice, practice! I have restarted that one as well at least 5 times by now I think. It's a soft, pastel, baby yarn. As I have only one skein like the previous knitted item it won't be large. But I may make an attempt at purling this time. I found what seems to be nice directions for purling online so... who knows!

Knitting 101

First I must say. Knitting is an entirely different concept than crochet. I crocheted as a child and found it a challenge to swith gears/ ways of thinking.
~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~
Seems the kit I bought was rather useless. I went to my MIL with kit in tow and found out pretty fast how bad the yarn was (cheap and split easily). And the directions were better online than what came with the kit. Lesson learned luckily not at full price!
So my MIL let me borrow her needles & yarn and gave me step-by-step directions. So good in fact that less than an hour later (well maybe an hour) I was happily gaining speed and confidence and knitting right along.
But that's all I do right now- just straight knitting. I have no idea how to cast off or anything like that yet.
Lesson 2 I am guessing will be to purl... And then all the other stuff to make it look really finished. I think the lingo will come with that too.
anywho= pictures! First of the whole thing and second of it folded over (so I could get a closer shot ) My daughter has declared her dolls will like it just fine. I know it won't hold up well, but, a first project is a first project dropped stitches and all.

fascinating

...truly fascinating. Everytime I see this I am just glued. (clickety)

announcement!

I am going to (try to) learn to (hopefully) knit.
There are countless sites online with tips, lessons and patterns galore. I am taking the "easy" route. I bought a kit designed for children. I went to AC Moore with it on my mind (yet again) and was determined to really hunt around for what I have been looking for. Which had more to do with the price I was looking for. Ten dollars or less. And it had to be simple.
Without any knowledge what-so-ever, a scarf must be an easy way to learn- right?
I may not start this weekend- I don't know.

We are going to my in-laws to celebrate DH's birthday. And for anyone interested, the present from the kids and I - he's going to go to a Red Sox game. He's a big fan and has never been to one. Here's hoping the weather holds up for him to go this Sunday.