My First 2014 Finish!

I just couldn't resist sharing this photo of a bird eating seeds from my birch tree on my back deck last week.  Funny how my neighbors all have bird feeders out but they still prefer the seeds from my birch trees.  Amazing the number of varieties we get.

I will finally get to reveal the project completion on Monday.  It is the day my dear friend, Harriet and I are finally getting to have our holiday gabfest exchange.  She winters down South where it is a bit warmer and miss her greatly when she is gone.  Makes the time spent together all that more special.

I stitched this little beauty up in just 3 days (which considering I spent Sunday afternoon/evening cleaning up after/taking care of a husband sick with the stomach flu was a small miracle).  This little primitive is another design by Nathalie (nathaliepoppy/THE BLUE ATTIC) entitled Pa and Ma (another in her Laura Ingalls series).  I decided to stitch it on 32 count using 1 thread over 1 thread and love how "dainty" it looks.  I put a quarter in the photo for a size reference (thank you Belinda for that idea a couple of years ago).  I used all the called for threads with the exception of the flesh tone.  The called for color would not show up on the fabric I chose so changed it to 948.  I had it all worked out how I wanted to finish it but could not find a 2 1/2" square bezel to create what I wanted.  I am now looking for new inspiration for a finish and with that in mind I wandered the aisles of a fabric store and hobby store today.  I will admit to it being difficult to give up what I had in mind but I did find a little inspiration and am considering another idea.  I want to ponder the idea a bit more before I commit.

Lastly I could not resist sharing this little funny.  The photo on the left was a hot pad made by me in August of 2012 from a pattern gifted to me by my friend, Mary for my birthday that year.  On the right is a photo of what I found hanging on a shelf in my local hobby store.  It looks like I am a trendsetter - LOL!

Off to start stitching a new project - well actually two new projects.  I'm going to put the first stitches in the free SAL piece by Jardin Prive' titled La Pensee' Positive as well as a piece by Primitive Hare titled One Soul One Earth.  

Finally I Get To Share A Completion!

I think one of the worst things about the holidays is having completed projects but have to wait to share them with everyone until they are opened by the recipient.  Makes it seem like I'm doing nothing in the creative department.  It is time to reveal another gift I stitched.

This piece is called Remember Well A Constant Friend is Hard to Find - A Laura Ingalls Sampler by Nathalie (Nathaliepoppy/The Blue Attic).  Just click on the link to her Etsy shop to discover her lovely line of primitive designs.  I happened upon these designs purely by accident when browsing through Etsy and am so happy I discovered them.  As soon as I saw this particular design, I knew I had to stitch it for my BFF, Allison, who is a HUGE Laura Ingalls Wilder fan.  Let's be honest who in the midwest didn't grow up watching Little House on the Prairie and fall in love with "half pint".  It was a delightful and quick stitch.  I used the called for DMC colors and stitched it on a piece of 32 count overdyed fabric I had in my stash.

I decided to finish it into a block so it could be displayed on a shelf or a table.  My only regret is I didn't attached something to hang it by on the back in case she wants to hang it instead.  I will know better next time.

  I also did a quilt as you go table runner to compliment the quilted placemats I designed and made for her last year (you will find the tutorial for the placemats in the December 2012 posts). I used the same color palette but different fabrics.   To go with this I stitched a bread cloth. 

Now off to pull my supplies for the valentine primitive I just purchased from Nathalie.

Oh, before I go I will be posting a new recipe on my cooking blog for a new soup I made last night.  It is called Stuffed Pepper Soup and it was DELICIOUS!

Greetings from Brrrrrrr!

I took my camera and trudged through the cold and snow last Friday into the park that adjoins to my backyard for some winter pics.  People thought I was crazy as it was cloudy, really windy and a feels like temperature of -2 out.  Little did they know that I was smart enough to take this little trip in the warm balmy weather as today we started out with a temp of -12 with a feels like temp of -40.  Even I am not sure there is a picture worth braving those temps.  Let's be honest if I thought my camera would operate in that kind of cold and there was something I really wanted to photograph I would probably put on my Carhartt coveralls and go for it for a short time.  As I've grown up hearing, I'm from Iowa and come from good sturdy stock - LOL!

 Of the 100 plus photos I took on Friday I would have to say this one of the covered bridge is a favorite.  I can actually see this bridge from my kitchen/dining room during the winter months as there is no foliage on the trees.  

This is the little boathouse on the lake.  I always get over to the park in the Fall for photos but this is actually my first trip over with snow on the ground.  Next snowfall I'm hoping for warmer temps as I think a picture of the bridge with actually snow falling would be super.

 Last Thursday Belinda and Mary and I finally managed our holiday exchange/gab fest/laugh fest lunch.  Laughing started early as the first thing I managed to do was knock my tea over on the table.  I can't believe it didn't soak Mary who was sitting across from me.  Somehow it managed to miss her, her coat and the gift bag sitting on the seat next to her.  I used my cloth napkin to wipe it up and when Mary told the waiter I needed a new napkin I got the cocktail paper napkins.  I didn't behave myself well enough to get a second cloth napkin.  

I finally get to share a couple of items I made for gifts for my friends.  I know it doesn't seem very original that they are both the same but I had limited time for making gifts this year as I got such a late start.  They both received quilted table runners and stitched bread cloths.  The one on the left was for Mary and the one on the right for Belinda.  Belinda received my first ever binding and Mary received my second.  I know these ladies would never be critical of my efforts and only encourage me to improve.  Belinda had a great idea and that was to take a photo of my binding (which I did anyway) and then in a year compare it to my binding at that point.  She thinks I will see improvement.  Keeping my fingers crossed!

 

I too received something handmade from each of my friends and could not have been more delighted.  Mary stitched A Friend Indeed which was a complimentary chart from 2006 that was designed by Belinda (Blue Ribbon Designs).  How special that this gift had a little something from both of them in it.  Belinda who never ceases to amaze me with her talents designed and created this pillow for me.  She used Blackbird Designs fabric for Moda in some of my favorite colors and it looks awesome on my dark brown sofa.  These gals always make me feel like someone special and I love them for their friendship and encouragement!

I still have two stitched items out there waiting to be opened by recipients so you still have to wait to see the finishes and the designs.  I'm thinking one of them should arrive today at its' destination and will be opened this evening.  I'll keep you posted!

I took the time this morning to have the last six months of my blog published into a book (this is the one for Jan-June 2013).  I started doing this December of 2011 after the second instance of losing all my blog posts completely earlier in the year.  I decided upon publishing every six months for a couple of reasons.  First I just didn't relish the thought of possibly losing an entire year of posts again and secondly it keeps the cost pretty reasonable.  Today is the last day that you get 15% off your book so it was time.  Surprisingly I find I do refer back to these books on a fairly regular basis.  I've a pretty good memory for month and year when I have done something and just pluck the book off the shelf to remember thread colors I used in a project I want to use again.  I pulled the one from a year ago off the shelf just to see how we rang in the New Year last year to discover my husband had been terribly sick with a cold and rang in the new year in bed asleep.  Keith was up all night watching the celebrations on t.v. and I rang in the new year stitching.

Well it is time to fix my son his lunch!  Kept him home as it was so cold and he is on his bus so long and with the door opening and closing at every stop I just didn't see how they could possibly keep the bus warm.  Bill went to work at his usual 5:30 AM but was home by 7:30 AM as they closed the building in which he works - only one other guy showed up so the two of them went home.  

Happy New Year!

It is hard to believe that today is the last day of 2013 and we are just a few hours away from 2014.

A quick update on some things I've been working on lately.  Although most are still Christmas gifts that have not yet been opened by recipients so you will have to have a bit more patience with me.

I made this table runner for my brother and sister-in-law.  I'm using the picture she sent me of it after she put it under their t.v. set.  I can't believe I did not get a picture of it before it got out of my house.  She has requested another one using the same fabrics for her birthday (which means I have some time to get it done).  I did go to the quilt shop on Monday and picked up the fabrics and is a good thing I did too as they were almost out of a couple of them.

These were the last two scarves that I had to get knitted before Christmas.  I finished them Sunday and delivered them to the intended gift givers on the Monday before Christmas.   Whew!

These two items are gifts I've stitched and as they've not yet been opened by their intended recipients, I cannot share the entire photo with you at this time.  I can't wait to share them as I'm delighted with how they have turned out.

I've been the recipient of a couple more lovely little gifts.  My friend, Mindi, gave me these delightful ice skate ornaments to add to my collections (#34 and #35).  The little pair with the rusted blade on the bottom are my new favorite skating ornament.  They are just precious!

On Christmas I was so touched by the gift I received from my husband's, Aunt Nanc.  She made this beautiful box using fabrics from a stash of Bill's moms fabrics and lace.   We lost Bill's mom 22 years ago so this was an especially meaningful gift as it was made by Nanc with stash from Sharon.  I will admit to it bringing tears to my eyes when I opened it.  I remember Sharon having a basket lined with this fabric.  Tucked inside was a pair of scissors, a needle threader and a kit for sachets.  You can see I have already put my necessary stitching items in it by my stitching chair to use.  Just needs a tiny pincushion for my needle that will fit in there.  I think I know where the perfect one is to buy that will fit in the space left in the box.

You may remember I signed up a long time ago to do the swap through Primitive Hare using her Primitive Atmosphere book of designs.  I received a wonderful package from Fabrizia (http://ricamandoe.blogspot.com) and couldn't have been more delighted with the design she chose to stitch for me.  It is the one I was hoping to find time to stitch one day and am thrilled she chose it.  Of course, most of you know my favorite color is blue so love that the inside and back fabric both have lots of blue in them.  Notice the scissor fob she made as well.  I've a fondness for crocheted doilies, ornaments, etc. so this was a lovely surprise.    Thank you again, Fabrizia!

I finally found some time over the past couple of days after my workouts to do a little "after Christmas shopping".  It is wonderful to go back into the stores and not have the crowds.  For my efforts I came home with these flour sack towels.

I also purchased these adorable mugs.  I'm still blaming this on Belinda (http://www.blueribbondesigns.com) for posting hers on her blog.  I've resisted them since the day we were shopping and she bought her first one but could no longer fight the temptation.  This is the frog (for Keith) and dragonfly (for me).  When you turn them over, the parts become the feet.  For instance the frog's eyes become feet.  I was lucky and they were on clearance so I bought the other two (another dragonfly and a hedgehog).  I think they will make fun gifts.

Lastly, I snagged the only packet of these adorable Sticky Notes at the same shop.  They seemed like a perfect fit for the stitcher/quilter/sewer/crafter that I am.

Every  six months I have my blog entries printed into a bound book and pulled out my book with the start date of January 1, 2013 to see what was going on in our lives at that time.  

I was pleased to see that I had actually accomplished the goals I had set out for myself for the year.  If you remember I set my goals to be more progress oriented rather than total completion of the goal.  Here are a few updates to my goals.

1.  More photos taken of myself.

Glad to report that thanks to family and friends I have had many more pictures of myself taken throughout the year - even a couple of them are good.  Sadly this is the year we did not get around to making a family photo Christmas card.  Best keep this goal on my list for 2014.

2.  Live a more healthy lifestyle.

I also had positive results with this one.  I joined the local "Y" and am pleased to report I've been using it pretty much Monday through Friday since joining.  I mostly use the treadmill and stepper machines in the gym and take a weight class called Body Pump which is based on repetitions rather than amount of weight.  I'm pleased with the results I've seen so far.  This goal will continue into 2014 as I would like to add another class or two to my workouts.

I will also add eating more "clean" in the coming year.  Try to get away from eating processed foods and eating more fresh foods.

3.  Stitch from my stash rather than adding to my stash.

I have to say I've done a pretty good job with this goal.  When I made the goal, I did allow myself to purchase those things that really "called" to me.  All in all I feel I did pretty well in this area.  I have managed to complete several of my WIP and used up fabrics and threads in my stash.  This is a goal I plan to continue in 2014.

4.  Another goal was to actually stitch some ornaments for my own Christmas tree in 2013.

I am pleased to report that I did manage to stitch 3 ornaments for myself.  However, did not have the time to finish them for display this year.  This goal too will continue in 2014.

This post as taken me all afternoon and evening to write as I've had many little interruptions.  I will close with wishing you all Health and Happiness in 2014!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I Should Be Knitting!

I'm going to be honest I should be knitting as I've 2 more scarves to finish for friends who want to give them as gifts but on a Saturday morning a trip to Rich's Brew with my son for vanilla chai teas sounded like so much more fun.  Besides yesterday I knitted (4 scarves) and gave up at 9:30 p.m. last night when I could not longer hold the knitting needles in my hands my fingers were so stiff.  I picked up the last skein of yarn from my friend for her last scarf this morning and I already knitted half of the other scarf last night before I gave up so I am excited to think I will be done with them tomorrow. Here are a few of the scarves I have finished.

I somehow managed to get really motivated last Sunday and whipped through my list of items to knit, sew and stitch of which there were NINE!  I was amazed at how quickly I was able to get things done with a little organization.  Making a list of what needed to be done was the most helpful of all as I was able to group things into like activities.  Cutting fabrics, machine sewing, hand sewing, stitching, etc.  Having it all sorted helped me to make most efficient use of the time I had for working on the projects.

I received a couple of Christmas presents this week and am delighted with their uniqueness.  I'll highlight a couple of things.  

My friend, Allison, was in Paris this Fall and she has gifted me with some delightful items from there.  A couple of lovely pictures.  I adore the watercolor she picked up from a local artist.  I'm going to get in framed soon.  She also picked up this fun little coin purse and a  kit from a needlework shop she found.  

Non-Paris items include these adorable owl measure cups as well as some homemade essential oils room spray, lip scrub, sugar scrub and an oil when rubbed on the bottoms of feet is supposed to make you sleep better.

I also received this scarf ring from my friend, Donna.  A local shop came up with the idea and they are to be used on an infinity scarf to give you another way to wear them.  It is such a clever idea.  I just love it!

I also wanted to mention that Jen (Wheresistersgather) has reopened her Etsy Shop and has a new Christmas cross-stitch LED pillar candle.  I love these candles as you don't have to worry about starting a fire and there is a timer on them that shuts them off after 5 hours and they restart at the same time the next day.  I picked one up and it is part of my holiday display right now.  I love when I come into a dark house and have this warm welcoming light to greet me and light my way!

Yesterday was supposed to be the day my friends, Belinda and Mary and I were to have lunch and a holiday gift exchange but unfortunately the night before we had a bit of freezing rain which covered the roads, sidewalks, driveways with a thin sheet of ice.  Does matter whether it is a thin sheet or thick sheet - ice is ice!  After watching the cars in my neighborhood sliding backwards down the road on the incline in front of my house I chose to keep my son home.  It ends up it was a good choice as his bus driver called 30 minutes later to thank me for my common sense.  Another family did not follow suit and she was stuck on a hill just 6 blocks away and had been there for 30 minutes.  It was also decided we would reschedule our luncheon for a safer travel day.

Keith and I enjoyed a wonderful unexpected day at home.  ABC Family was running holiday movies and cartoons and we also watched the White House Christmas 2013.  Add to that a cup of vanilla chai tea and a fire in the fireplace and we were very content!  Again a simple joy of the holiday spending time with a loved one!

Expecting a measurable snow storm tonight into tomorrow so am looking forward to spending a quiet Sunday at home with Bill and Keith.  Although I feel a walk over to the park with my camera if we get the snow amounts they are talking about may be in order.  Looks like we will have a white Christmas after all - YEA!

I have not found any time to pick up a book to read in over a week and am looking forward to picking up a good book on Christmas afternoon/evening after the festivities are over.  Any recommendations?

Well date night tonight so off to get a few things done.  Have a wonderfully relaxing weekend!  

Taking Time to Enjoy the Simple Things!

Christmas is approaching at a rapid pace and I've been working feverishly on the handmade gifts I have yet to finish for family and friends.  I will admit that the working feverishly to finish these gifts is my own fault as I've also chosen to take the time to enjoy the simple things in my day to day life so that I don't miss the joy of the season.

A beautiful moon overhead at 5:15 AM this morning.

The first snowfall of the season a couple of weeks ago.

A fat red bird sitting upon my deck who I might add quickly moved to the tree next to the deck when my camera came out.  Still less than 5 feet away so pretty hard to hide from me. 

Taking time to enjoy family movie nights at home on Friday nights.  Date nights on Saturday whenever possible with my hubby.  Baking cookies with my son only to have hubby arrive home from work and to join in - what a wonderful time.

I've also managed to keep up on my workouts at the Y and am pleased with my progress there.  The Eagles are back for the winter by the river just a quick 10 minutes from us.  Keith and I took a drive by there on Saturday to see them flying overhead.  I'm hoping to take my camera down to take some photos in the near future.

Here are a few pictures of what I've been working on.  Keep in mind I can't show entire pictures of some items as they are gifts and have not yet reached their recipient.  These are 3 cross-stitch projects that are going to friends.  You will get to see the finished projects over the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Last night I stayed up much too late doing some finishing for my friend, Allison.  Here are five ornaments she stitched as well as one design she wanted made into a pillow.  I could have gone to bed at my normal time I know but I WAS SO CLOSE to finishing them all and it was just like when I get to the end of a long cross-stitch project - just 5 more minutes - just 5 more minutes - just 5 more minutes.  You know how those can add up - LOL!  The good news is they are finished and I boxed them up and shipped them to her this morning.  Her "CHALLENGE" project for me (and it will be a challenge) will have to wait until January.

Notice the table runner underneath???  Well I found a tutorial  on a quilt as you go table runner by the  Missouri Star Quilt Company (click on the link to their home page to find tutorials) and decided to give it a try.  They have the best tutorials and I also used their tutorial on quilt binding and have completed my first bindings ever.

This picture shows the back side where the binding is hand stitched to finish.  I took completed project out to my local quilt shop and was pleased that the accomplished quilter working there was surprised to learn it was a first binding for me as it looked so good.  I have to admit I was pretty proud and surprised at myself. 

I've been all over the place in my crafts this holiday season.  I've managed to knit one scarf and as usual when knitting is discussed I've 3 more requests to be done by the 1st of the year.  Thankfully those are quick projects.

Oh and before I forget the strips and what they were going to be.  I modified one of the tutorials for a Christmas ornament from the Missouri Star Quilt Company to be a mug rug/coaster/snack mat.  Whatever you want to call it.  I like that you can make this whatever size you want using the circle cutter template.  Mine goes from 2 inches up to 10 inches.  I chose to make mine 8 inches.  In the tutorial it calls for using aluminum foil at the top and making a hole to hang a ribbon through.  I chose to use some leftover red wool and no hole to make a nice mug rug.  My son has the only one left in this house.  I've several cut out on my sewing table just to be put together.  I'm hoping to find time to get them together before Christmas arrives next week.  The good news is at their current stage  each one will only take 15 minutes worth of work.

Well, I'm out of time for today.  Hope you are all taking time to enjoy the life's simples pleasures during this holiday season!