Jar SAL pic as promised

I took this one of my progress, just before I started on it again... hm, can't recall what day. I didn't stitch for several days even though I was in the mood to, what with the aloe and neosporin (sp) all over my arm. Even when it started to feel a little better I just didn't want to risk getting stuff on my stitching. Ick!

(*update, the file says it was taken the 12th.)

I will take another pic at some point. I figure if I am back in to the stitching the pics can come when and if ever.... it's the stitching that counts! Right?

Laying Tool

This is my new laying tool. I ordered it from Tazlover (Rachael) from EMS. She makes them, so nice, and carves it all herself and everything! Isn't it awesome? When she asked me if I wanted my initials carved into it I said yes, and asked that my username's letter P be on it instead. It's just soooo smooth, and sooo nice!

*sigh*

My stash is very happy now.

EMS Scissor Fob received

This reached Ljerka, in Croatia, in no time flat. It's my first scissor fob too!

• Pattern from: "Alphabet Mélusine aux marguerites" (Daisy Alphabet)



• Zweigart 22ct Hardanger Mocha



• DMC threads :367, white and 445

I couldn't stitch the whole letter as is done in the chart. It would have been huge, and not a good fit for a scissor fob. I love those letters so I know I will do them again, full size, maybe over one or something, but definitely do them as charted.

Here it is next to my pinky for size comparison. I take a small glove, if that helps.... And as a WIP, just before I trimmed (super carefully as I don't want to have my first attempt at a scissor fob happen again. Trimming it too close and having it rip as I started to stitch it closed.)

I loved using that color fabric with that yellow. I will have to pair them up again sometime soon.

Then yet another picture with a few skeins of DMC all wrapped up in the flowered cellophane with white tissue paper -with its matching card I made- all ready for mailing.

Sorry the pics are out of order. I have had my hands full today.

a belated anniversary ogle

Thank you for the well wishes on our 12th wedding anniversary. I haven't even had

the time to take down the counter. But I sort of wanted to keep it up there for a little while after posting a wedding pic of us. I admit though I haven't even scanned one yet. *sheeesh! My brain is just gone! So there's the counter, and still no pics.



*off to scan*

Aha! Two, so it counts as "pics".

And they we are 12 years younger, when I didn't have to wear my glasses so much and oh so much thinner!

And in case anyone is keeping track, a pic of me is a very rare thing.

the mail'n stuff

There was an exchange for some stitchie stuff, a post card and something, non stitching, that goes with it all........ the EMS Secret pal/stash exchange.



I sent to pandabear. Betcha' can't guess the theme!


Now for "the story":

I couldn't find a panda iron-on for the little canvas tote bag (purchased bag by-the-way, I am not that talented). So I used a fancy scrapbooking sticker on the front instead. It came out quite nice!

Also inside the bag were a few skeins of white and black DMCs, a beanie panda- you just see it's face a bit in this shot- whose arm is around a rolled up piece of white aida. The plastic figurine panda is looking on at the whole thing. In admiration naturally.
The whole package took a scenic route but did finally get there. See? It's all wrapped up in nice striped paper!



And this is what I received:


Melissa/babynurse sent me one of the biggest puffy envelopes I have ever seen!

Inside was a desert scene Dimensions kit called "Desert Hues", two tubes of aida, a homemade post card (wicked cute), a hanger, two handmade cards with with plastic canvas inserts and matching envelopes, and three more postcards! My favorite post card was of the gems and the stiched ornament she made too. I haven't taken a pic of that yet..... So pretty!



Other Stitchie News!
I mailed off a few packages.

This is the one received by Outi. Check out her pictures! I forgot to take a picture, *sigh, my mind is going I swear, but hers came out nicely. Plus I think I can only post 5 pics per post here anyways. It's a belated Bday gift, kind of..... A piece of linen, some linen threads, a skein of white (one can always use white!), a Mill Hill cat treasure and a funny kitty stamp. :) I love the expression on the cat's face. The card just screamed Outi, it had to go to her- don't you think? Her cat was a fabulous model for it of course.



Another package arrived at its new home in the Netherlands, at Barbara's house. I did remember to snap a pic of this one: Here is a pic she took.

Barbara was the winner from the completed exchange giveaway on Flossmoms.

I hope you are all having a great day!

amigurumi and an exchange

Angelsan crochets those cute little ,amigurumi characters which I find amazing anyone can do. I didn't realize how odd I am, until I mentioned how cute I think they are- especially the food ones. (Mmmmm, donuts......)
Oh my word. Come to think of it, a crayola crayon would be divine too! Or even a little box of them.
Here is an example of some of them. I love the ones of cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, and other sweets. I love them with and without the little happy faces.
I think it all ties in with how I like personification.
Now, whether I would try to learn how to make them? No clue. But they are fun to look at.

I participated in an exchange of humbugs. I sent mine out and remembered to take pictures this time. I can't wait until she gets them so I can post the pictures. They were fun to make, though I was nervous for most of the creating. I'd definitely do it again! Plus it could be a very nice style of finishing for ornaments and even little scissor fobs.
Did I mention these were my first finishes of the year????

It's a sickness. Has to be!

I had won a special drawing (also a great tutorial) over to Outi's site for a Pendibulle.

I pulled the puffy envelope (have I mentioned how much I LOVE puffy envelopes?) from the mail box and brought it inside, setting in on the kitchen table.
I didn't open it for hours.
Yes, hours!
I have realized this system for getting things done. You know: bills need to be paid, dinner made, laundry folded, blah blah blah.. and the only way I can get these things done when fun stuff come in the mail (this includes my issues of World of Cross Stitch and Cross Stitcher) is not opening them until such-and-such is completed. Then I sit in a comfy place, this time being right at the table, and open those lovely treats.

I took the pictures right away but didn't take them out of the camera until just now. Sorry for the delay.


The Pendibulle is so nice. :) And look, what is that? A pattern too! "Tribe #1" -from Lady P of Periphaeria Designs herself! And a stunning post card with a snowy scene of Finland.


Thank you Outi!

Pidy MUST be on my lap.....

I took this picture leaning back in my folding metal chair so I could fit him in the shot, otherwise you'd just see fur mashed against me. I have to sit a ways away from the desk so he can fit. No matter what. He must sit on my lap. Which he doesn't fit on unless I cross my legs. So I have to cross themm then change sides every so often as my legs go numb. But despite the hassle of mom making him change which way he faces - he is determined. Pidy will sleep like this, with his nose pressed against the wood of the drawer even! Every so often I will get a cold, wet nose on my arm- that's him just making sure he has my attention. If that doesn't work sitting upright and right in view of the screen works too.

Can you tell, with the pics posted, that I have uploaded from my camera? Yeah, I loaded a bunch from my camera this weekend.
Even have nice pics of DH. He doesn't think so, but I do. :)

It's Spring in my kitchen.

or at least it was Spring.

Aren't these nice? The mini daffodils (I can't recall their real name) and the purple tulips.... I needed a little more "spring" in my kitchen. The tulips have officially gone by now. But they were beautiful.
Poor Pidy, no more tulips to snack on.

post Valentine's Day

Here is the rose from DH on Valentine's Day. This is the first chance I have had to post pics. Just love that macro button!
I will be playing a ton this summer and spring with the macro setting outside. I am sure natural light will be so much better.

And I had a surprise come in the mail a few days ago- all the way from Anne! Chocolate and Tatty Teddy! It's so perfect!!!!!! Thank you so much Anne! I haven't the courage to wreck such a perfect package, yet..... !

progress and random thoughts

How cool is this? I have never heard of -Kitchener stitch.

Sorry to bore you all, but, I find that by posting here I get even more motivated. It's kind of cool. :) I am pleased in looking back a bit to see how much I have done instead of focusing on what I haven't.
There's so much I want to do this year. And quite frankly I feel that it helps keep me sane. Go me.
If I could complete a project each month I think it would be great.



Non stitchie news- oil is being delivered tomorrow. The price has come down to less than $3 a gallon.
I had the furnace cleaned last week so I feel better. Things are changed and cleaned and hopefully will work even better.

It's 50-50 the Venus Flytrap will make it. *fingercrossed*

It snowed almost all weekend. And it will snow again starting Tuesday night I think. Right now the sun is shining but it's bitterly cold. My guess is there will be no school or a delay or something on Wednesday.
Oh to see daffodils!

tthe world's slowest stitcher

This is my first Margaret Sherry design.
I filled it all of the white last night. It was nice as I didn't have to count nearly as much.
I started this one in the top left of the chart, which is a new thing for me, so I started with the pinks and browns at the top. Typically I start from the center.
Most of this project seems to be rethreading; just not used to such short pieces of thread!
But at least it starting to look like a cat! Whoo hoo!
I will move on to the seat part so I can finish with the first kitty's tail, and then to the yellow cat. Still sort of wrestling out whether I chose the right colors or not for him. We'll see at soon as I start in!
Btw, the dark cat is Pidy, and the yellow one is Chris E. after my own two fat kitties. The likeness is uncanny!
If you pop on over to Angelsan's you'll see what it will be once done.... Yes, proof that I am the world's slowest stitcher! (Yours came out wonderful San!)

And the best part is normally I spend so much time agonizing over what to stitch that I don't get them started! By grabbing this while running out the door it was a release almost in that I just liked it, started it and didn't bog myself down with the details.
What a cool thing!


Post Office Visit!
Saturday I mailed out the item for the Valentine's Train (exchange) over at SanMan Originals message board. I will post a pic once it's received.


The Mail Race, hee hee:Let's see how long it takes two packages mailed at the same time to the same place, albeit one is much heavier than the other, to reach their destination in England. I mailed some threads to my flosskid Val, and a package of goodies to her kids (just 'cause). I forgot to take pics of course. *sigh.






Isn't this cute! When I was playing with my new camera after Christmas Pidy insisted that he sit on my lap and I took picture after picture playing with the flash settings. All I can think of for this one is, "MWhaa!", just so fitting for Valentine's Day!

pretty day

I was taking this picture and could hear the cardinal in the bushes to the right. The branches are covered with snow still and my zoom just can't get him well enough - unless you want to try and find the little red speck. But in person it is gorgeous, better than my camera can capture.

White stuff

The snow started Sunday night and stopped for a short time this morning. This was taken about 10 minutes ago. I wish I had one of those digital cameras that took video too, it looks so pretty coming down. The still camera never shows the falling snow very well.
Surprisingly there was no delay in starting school this morning. Many towns canceled or delayed today too. But not ours. So the kids hopped on to the bus encased in fresh snow from playing in the snowbanks while waiting for the bus to arrive.
Now the kids are really going to be nuts in anticipation for Christmas!

My son went in to school today. It will be his first full day of school in over a month. Running 10 miles up to go and get him/drop him off everyday has been brutal on the schedule (and gas tank). Not to mention hard on him. We had him alternate most days , ride in on the bus in the morning and I would get him at 11:30 one day, then drop him off at 11:30 and have him ride home on the bus the others. That way he wouldn't keep missing the same classes.
Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts for my DS.

I have Pamela Kellogg's Christmas Biscornu pattern (only one of them left there btw!). I am dying to stitch it up! But I have to rake the snow off the roof, shovel a bit, tackle some housework and decorate the tree. Oh to have more hours in the day!

Pic

This is what I received in the "Start Your Christmas Stitching Exchange"......... I received the package over a week ago but just got to the picture posting now.

I also received word that the package for the same exchange I had sent out made it to her. I found the receipts in the "gum pocket" of my purse (I have a zippered pocket on the outside of my purse that is for gum for the kids- never normally put anything else in there!) Sorry I forgot to take a pic before I mailed it.....
Just not myself lately.

Thank you Tracy!

See? Another picture!
MAIL!!!!!!!!! Thank you Tracy. I received a lovely envelope filled with goodies. I love those little note pads, always use them. Fabric- can never go wrong on that one! A card, *thank you*! And an angel. I have never seen those before and what's really cool about that is that I can use it over and over. Won't the kids be jealous!
Thank you Tracy, you didn't have to, but I love it all! :)
**Dancing carrot*
And to anyone reading this- hop on over to Tracy's blog and wish her a happy belated wedding anniversary!
Happy Anniversary Tracy and Dan!!!!!!

Enabler?

I am just getting caught up on the pictures....... Sorry.
This is the little goodie that I ordered through One Star's Light. I was thinking how I probably wouldn't hang the Margaret Sherry cats on my walls but I love them so and thought, "Why not on a knitting bag?", so there you have it. An idea! I think I will either: 1.) stitch it on waste fabric or 2.) stitch it onto regular (evenweave) fabric and then make it into a knitting bag. I like the type that's gathered near the top with rings as handles. I have one now, an old one and like how it sort of seals itself but it accessible at the same time. I keep thinking that a bag with sort of a quilted type of style, maybe with the do-dads of crazy quilting here or there to personalize it even more. I could incorporate my favorite colors. And with it being a quilted type style I could always add more to it later. Possibly follow up with the other knit kitties of hers.

Funny, huh? I don't wear or do flashy. But for some reason I am comfortable with the idea of a funky bag. Yeah, I have been seen happily in public with my Strawberry Shortcake bag. :)

Do you know what this is????

My neighbor has these growing in her yard. And, I like them! Does anyone know what it is called? Or anything else about it? She (my neighbor) has them growing along a fairly steep hill.
This was the clearest picture I could take. Good thing I did too because if I had waited any longer the blossom would have fallen off by then (yeah, the petals fell off one by one then it shriveled). I have kept it though, since it looks like it may possibly bloom again.

Long awaited pics!

Seems I am just not fast enough with photos these days!
This is the fob from Blackmamba, for righting a wrong, with a wonderful card. Yes, I like the picture on the front almost as much as the message inside. I am a total softie for mail. Cards, letters, whatever you've got to send to me. I just love it. The more personal the better. Bills on the other hand just don't do it for me.

ribbet, ribbet

Recipient: (username at EMS) Froggy
Design: "Hoppy Birthday" freebie by Brookesbooks
Stitch Size: 40 stitches high x 34 stitches wide (quarter for scale)
Fabric: 28ct white Monaco, stitched over one
tweekings due to stash on hand and to make it suit the Christmas theme to go with the exchange-
>I used green instead of brown for the shading along the arm (stash on hand=didn't have that color) and backstitching (instead of the same brown and black)
>the present I had to change completely to make it look Christmas-like. I went with all red -cotton and Light effect. When I started to stripe with green & red thought it competed with the green of the frog.
>The hat I omitted completely, I felt it would have made it more of New Year's style, and with lack of time to fully change it to a more Christmas style -leaving it off just made sense.
This was finished with double slided tape and mounted on a card I made from cardmaking things I had on hand. I used the same LE red to tie the bow at the bottom.

What was also in the package:
~ package of stitchbow holders
~ plastic canvas
~ skein of DMC LE green
~ package of froggy stickers with cute googly eyes
~ ornament kit
~ pillow-type Christmas ornament with a blank stitchable front
~ tiny stuffed froggie
And I think that's it! I didn't take a picture of the whole package (DUH!)