HoE Halloween Exchange

I received word that my HoE Halloween Exchange has been received - there are nice pictures on the HoE blog; but I thought I would post some pics here, too. I stitched the Sampler Girl's freebie Quaker boo using HDF premium silk and scrap linen. I made it into a needlroll - it had some improvisation because my scrap of linen wasn't large enough to do a proper French hem.

Anyway, I'm glad my partner likes it.

I'm still not stitching very much - I spend all my time on the sidelines of the soccer field, cheering my 13 yr old DS (and loving every minute of it!)

Happy stitching! Margaret

Neighborhood RR - Robyn's square

This is the square I stitched for Robyn's RR - her theme was a seaside neighborhood. I had some misgivings about my choice, but it turned out very cute, if you can imagine it without the wrinkles!

I haven't stitched much lately - the only other thing I've done is a Halloween exchange for HoE - I mailed it a week ago, and it hasn't arrived yet - so I'm sitting on pins and needles. It did have a long way to go, so there probably is no reason to worry. However, I know worrying works because most of what I worry about never happens - LOL

Happy stitching! Margaret

Many Years Sampler and Garden Grow

Hi - at last I have some updates. This is How Does Your Garden Grow and Many Years Sampler - these are the only two projects that I am current with. All my other projects have fallen by the wayside - I have too many projects going - I have difficulty deciding what to stitch; and as a result, I don't get anything done.

I have been spending all my spare time in the yard - well, at least up until yesterday - I think it hit 100 degrees yesterday with high humidity - too hot to be outside. The storms in the last few days have ruined the last of the peonies and bearded irises. I have roses, Lousiana irises, clematis in bloom. My Asiatic lilies have buds that are showing color - I just adore lilies.

Well, I'm off to spend a few moments in the yard; and then back inside to sit in the air conditioning - and work on a couple of exchanges I signed up for.

Happy stitching! Margaret

Time to Catch Up

I have not been stitching much lately, so I have not updated my blog. I just printed out Part 5 of How Does Your Garden Grow; and I realized I had not posted a photo of Part 4 yet. So here it is. This is such an interesting piece - I love paging through all the pictures at the Papillon Creations site, and seeing how the feel of the piece changes with the different color combinations. I am going to start Part 5 tonight.

While I am updating, I thought I would show you my progress on SALexandre - I had to pull out one-half of the border and re-stitch it - it was a pain since it is 40 ct linen. But, it's done now, and I have moved on to Part 4. Part 5 is out now; and I am giving up hope that I will catch up on this one. In fact, I am congratulating myself that this did not become a UFO when I had to remove tons of stitches.

So, you might ask what I have been doing with my time? Well, I have been working in my yard. We have relocated the overgrown azalea bushes from the front of the house - I now have a lovely deer buffet (aka azalea garden) at the edge of my woods in the back yard. I also have planted four Forest Pansy redbud trees, three Pear trees and one pecan tree. I have planted marigolds around the vegetable garden (to help deter the deer) and I have spread two yards of mulch. We are going tomorrow to get two more yards, so I can have the joy of spreading it next week. I also have new shrubs to set out in front of the house.

Two years ago we put in a pool and last summer I planted a mix of trees, shrubs and perennials around it. This year it is starting to fill in - it's chaotic from a distance because there are many different plants; but when you are pool side and up close, it is wonderful.

I'll try to get DH to take some landscape photos when the light is better this evening.

Oh, and did I mention that I have less will power around plants than I have around stash? My garden center bills just continue to grow!

All for now. Happy stitching, Margaret

Debby's RR

I've been stitching on Debby's round robin - she asked everybody to stitch a house in the country that they would like to live in. I chose to stitch the Geranium Cottage - I think the red flowers and red door say "welcome". I had second thoughts because the house is not very colorful - but it does show up better in real life. It's hard to believe we only have two more blocks to stitch and then our pieces will come home. I haven't seen pictures of my piece in quite a while - so it will really be a surprise.

I also have been SLOOOOOWLY working on the SALexandre - somehow I have a mistake in the border, and will be forced to pull some of it out - no way to fudge a symmetrical border, I'm afraid.

Oh, great, now I'm getting a message "Could not contact Blogger.com" - Dare I try to publish anyway?

I was going to include some info on Celebrations - I had a wonderful time (as always), and dramatically increased my mental list of "must do" projects. But since Blogger is not cooperating with me, I will save that for next time.

Happy stitching everybody!

Many Years Sampler, Part 3

I finally took time to stitch my Many Years Sampler, and am almost done with Part 3 - it is such fun to stitch. I have only a little more to do - I usually don't stitch motifs until I get the chart for the whole piece - so I think I'll finish this up this evening.

I am also posting my poor start on Part 2 of my SALexandre - I did the letters one stitch too short - so their bottoms had to be unstitched - what a pain on 40 ct. I am loving this project also - or at least I was until I discovered my mistake.

I finally got a little yard work done yesterday - cut back some ornamental grasses, planted a box of alliums that had been living in my garage over the winter - they had sprouted, but I figured I may as well go ahead and plant them. I think I will buy a bunch more this year and surround my daylilies with them - the deer don't seem to bother plants that are surrounded with daffodils or alliums. I also got out my trusty sprayer and sprayed Liquid Fence on all my plantings.

Blooming today: Daffodils and Hellebores

Happy stitching! Margaret

New Project

I have been stitching on the SALexandre available here. The directions say to stitch over one; but I am stitching over two on 40 ct Silkweaver Days Gone By Linen. I am using one strand of Vikki Clayton Examplar Blueberry Soup. I have two spools of this color - it is great to stitch with.

Not much other news - today was the last day of DS's spring break - he is back to school tomorrow. We have gotten lazy over the last week, so tomorrow will be tough.

On the gardening front, my early miniature daffodils are in full bloom; the large ones are showing color; and the grass is in that scraggly stage - some brown patches, some green patches, an uneven height - I think Mr. Lawn Mower will get to come out and play this weekend.

Happy stitching! Margaret

How Does Your Garden Grow, Part 3

I finished Part 3 of How Does Your Garden Grow from Papillon Creations last night - I think it took three episodes of the Dog Whisperer and maybe one of Clean House (I know my taste in tv shows is rather bland). This is such a fun project!!! I am not liking the yello I started with and so I am trying out a pale yellow - it really calms the piece down - now it reminds me of coneflowers, asters and coreopsis "Moonshine" - one of my favorite garden combinations. I selected some pearl beads to use for it - they are very subtle, which I like.

Now I'm off to purchase a ham (if they're not all gone). I usually buy a Honeybaked, but this year I waited too late - the line would be a mile long!!!! I think I'll check out the garden center while I'm out. We are having an overcast day - my heart goes out to those in the mid west - snow storms and flooding - such a difficult time.

Happy stitching! Margaret

Wiehenberg Mystery Quaker 2008

I am having so much fun stitching this piece that I have not put it down yet. These pictures show my progress - I have stitched through page 8 (I have not stitched a few stitches here and there on the border of the pages). The main group is on page 14 - so I actually have dreams that I may catch up in the next month or so. Think that's possible?

Well, actually, that's not very likely - I am putting it down now to do part 3 of the Papillon Creations Mystery; and then I'm debating starting the Spanish Sampler Mystery by Lady Periphaeria. I already have my fabric basted - so it's just a matter of picking some colors and taking the first stitch. That project is charted for deep red, deep purple and deep amber - but those colors don't really go in my house - my house is mostly tans, greens, and blues. I think I will get out my box of Viki Clayton silks and play around with colors.

It is a gorgeous spring day here - you can almost see the flower bulbs grow. Some of my early daffodils are starting to show color. I need to get out and clean my perennial borders; and cut back the ornamental grasses; and order mulch; and the list goes on and on. I think I will expand my blogging to include gardening this year.

Happy stitching, Margaret

Minor progress

Here is a shot of the 2008 Mystery Quaker - I have now completed page 3. It seems like this project is going slowly - each motif has a lot of stitches and takes forever - but it is really lovely. I think I will continue with this project through this week; and then I will switch to whichever project bag is screaming the loudest.

It is sixty and sunshiny here today - time to get out and spruce up the yard. I noticed that my Lenten roses are blooming - won't be long until the cherries and daffodils begin. I've also seen some early forsythia - so lovely.

Happy stitching, everybody, Margaret

2008 Quaker Mystery - Part 1

Well, wouldn't you know that it wouldn't take me long to find a project to work on? This is a picture of Wiehenburg's 2008 Quaker Mystery Sampler. I have completed page 1 and done part of page 2. I think the group is up to page 13 or so (I am woefully behind). I am using Vikki Clayton's premium silk in Magpie Warbles on 32 ct. LL Peddler's Moon. I really like the blue. This makes a pretty nice travel project - easy stitching, no thread color changes, etc. - so I think I will stitch on this on Wednesday (DS's French horn lesson) and Saturday (DS Chamber Orchestra rehersal). DS is playing lacrosse this spring; and I think I will have to pay attention to the whole game to learn the rules - so no spectator-stitching for me this spring.

I also have pulled out Marquior Bleu et Rouge - I quit working on it because I was not happy with my accent color - I have now ordered a new accent color - so once it arrives I will use some of it, and let you see an update. It is a humongous project - but I just love it. I need to find some time to work on this piece, too.

There are just too many projects I want to do!!!! But I think that since it is just a hobby, if it gives me more pleasure to plan and start projects, than to worry about finishing one before starting another or sticking to a strict routine - who's complaining?????

Until next time, Happy stitching! Margaret

Rowyn's Neighborhood Round Robin

Here is the block I stitched for Rowyn's Neighborhood RR. It is part of the G is for Garden chart by Prairie Schooler using the recommended fibers. This is the first Prairie Schooler design that I've ever stitched - and I loved it so much that I promptly ordered their new charts!!!! I hope Rowyn likes this park/garden for her village. The second picture is her whole piece - the photo is poor, and I did not iron the piece (why iron when it is just going to get folded and put in the mail in a month?????? is that a good enough reason not to iron?) Well, maybe a compromise with the iron is needed - next time if DH is doing the photography I will iron the piece first so he has something good to work with.

Despite the wrinkles and the shadows, I hope you can tell that this is really a charming piece. The little chapel with the gravestones that Von stitched is just the most charming thing in the world!

This picture is my new STASH! The background is one of my new fabrics from Sassy's. I ordered the sampler pack - I have never tried her fabric before - but many bloggers rave about it - I love the colors; so I will put in a few stitches tonight and try it out. (Reason enough to start something new)

The fibers are Vikki Clayton silks - the Spools of the Month, the fibers to the left of the spools are for the Spanish Mystery Sampler, and the blue skeins on the right are Paua Abalone.

Oh, and before I forget, I got up at the crack of doom on Saturday (getting up early is really normal for me, but usually I just chug coffee for half an hour) - but March 1 I had to get up to send in my registration for Celebrations in NH. I still really want to attend the one in KY also. I'll have to keep an eye out for sale airline fares.

Happy stitching, everybody! Margaret

A Medium HD and More STASH!!!!

Here is a crooked picture of my finished BBD Their Song. This is a really fun piece; and the colors are just amazing. What's even better is that now I have an empty project bag. What to start? Decisions, Decisions.

I also received some more stash - this is Jeanette Douglas's A Needle and Thread Sampler and Rosewood Manner's Seasons of the Trees. The Seasons is very cool - there are a lot of mini designs included - very handy for needlework smalls. The background is a fat half of LL 32 ct. Pear, the FOTM from Shakespeare's Peddler. This is a lucious fabric. I also received, but did not include in the picture four spools of silk from Vikki Clayton - two of Magpie Warbles and two of Kailslaw. I can't do any stitching for admiring my stuff!!!! LOL

Today is a lazy day - both DH and DS have nasty colds; so I am avoiding them. All we have to do today is to take DS to lacrosse practice and maybe make a quick Costco run. I think I will be good and focus on my Neighborhood RR piece. I have Rowyn's piece, and she asked for a "neighborhood-to-village" theme. I think I will stitch a park/town square for the village. The next mailing date is April 1, so I don't have to rush.

That's all for now. Happy stitching, everybody. Margaret

Stitching Update and STASH!!!!

Here's an update on BBD's Their Song, using the recommended fabric and fibers. I estimate that I am roughly half done with this - the rest of it is mainly the verse - which should go very quickly. I normally don't go for "primitive" or "cute" designs, but I just love the BBD Loose Feathers. The colors are just fabulous.

The second picture is of my stash expansion that I received from Needlecraft Corner. The picture is not the best, but I got two BBD's - Thank You Sarah Tobias, and the newest Loose Feather; two new Dinky Dyes charts; and two new Sweetheart Tree charts.

We are keeping an eye on the weather - looks like Maryland is in for another winter storm - I wish spring would hurry up and get here!!!!!

Happy stitching, everybody, Margaret

Many Years Sampler

This is my latest project - it is the Many Years Sampler. I think the designer's name is Gudi Kolden (although I studied German in college, that was quite a few years ago. Fortunately, much of the information about this sampler has been translated into English). I am using Viki Clayton's Old Maid of the Vineyard premium silk and 32 ct. Navy Bean Lakeside Linen. I have completed most of parts one and two - now I will have to wait till mid-March for part 3.

I am still determined that I won't start anything new until I clear out a project bag to use; so I think I will now go and see what can be done the quickest so that I can empty a bag.

I have been checking on the Celebrations web site to see the pics of the classes they're offering. There are so many there to tempt me - my credit card will be getting a workout for sure.

My Lenten roses are blooming; and I've noticed my daffodils poking some leaves up above the soil - so can spring be far away? I can't wait to get back out into the garden! I need to go and purchase some deer repellent for my lilies, hostas, daylilies, - the list goes on and on, but you get the idea.

Well, that's all for now - my DS stayed home today with a bad cold - so we have just been lazy today - such a nice way to spend the day!

Happy stitching, everybody! Margaret

ICE DAY!!!!

I know that most people look forward to a snow day - but we are having an ice day here in Maryland! They originally announced that there was a two hour school delay; and then they just cancelled school. So, I am staying home with DS. Fortunately, we have not lost power (knock on wood) - so maybe a Valentine treat is in order - I'm thinking of a Red Velvet cake. It doesn't look like I will be making my usual trek to Godiva for Valentines for DH and DS.

I finished stitching my Valentine project - this is a small from the Gift of Stitching magazine. It is stitched on 32 ct. Summer Sunset Lugana from Silkweaver. The thread is Viki Clayton's Enchantress premium silk. It is really more charming in real life - you all know that I am no photographer.

So now, I think I will go and pull out a project I have not worked on for a while. I also want to baste my fabric for the Spanish Sampler Mystery project by Periphaeria Designs - I am intrigued by the basting pattern - and I am enthralled with Mystery samplers in general.

Happy stitching! Margaret

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Here is the completed part two of the Papillon Creations mystery How Does Your Garden Grow? This is such a fun stitch! I normally work in hand (that's why all my WIP photos are wrinkled) - but this part had satin stitches - I absolutely cannot get them to lay parallel without using the Q-snaps.

I also started the Chatelaine Mystery XI - every year I say I won't succumb - but then I have a change in heart after I see the WIPs - maybe one of these years I'll actually keep up and finish one! Wish me luck! I have seen some of these Mystery Mandalas completed - and I do love them; but they ARE such a huge commitment of stitching time, and huge investment in supplies, that I'm hoping one of these days my better judgement will prevail - NOT!!!!!!

Now I'm off to see if there are any Nashville reports posted yet! Happy stitching, everybody! Margaret

Latest WIP

Hi! I just had to show you this - it is the Victorian Sewing Box insert, designed by Catherine Strickler/Indigo Rose. This is from a class I took the first year I attended Celebrations in NH. (at least I think it was the first year). This project is positively addicting - I love IR designs - I love the elegance and the fact that the pieces don't take forever to complete. I pulled this out because I am cleaning out my junk- er, craft closet and I uncovered the beautiful rosewood box for this project. The rosewood box is still in its cardboard box - well protected, but not being enjoyed - so what's the point of having it?

So I have been working on this project this week. I am hoping I can finish it next weekend. Then I will need to get started on my next Neighborhood RR.

I have been busy all day, making King Cake and other goodies for Tuesday. Gotta go now and watch the Super Bowl (and sneak in some stitching)!

Bye for now, Margaret

Heather's RR and New Project

Hi! Well, I finished Heather's RR for the Neighborhood RR. Her theme was farms - I expanded that a little bit and stitched a grist mill and an apple orchard - I hope that will be okay. The top photo is the block I stitched and the second photo is the whole piece. I also copied Cindy's birds and stitched them in the border - I thought the corner needed a little something. I think this piece is really coming together - I like it so far. I will post it off to the next stitcher next week.

Then to reward myself for finishing my Neighborhood piece before the deadline - I started something new. This is the new freebie from Papillon Creations newsletter. I am using scrap linen and HDF premium silks - This picture is blurry for some reason - but I think you get the idea.

And then the really exciting news - Celebrations has updated their web site with info about the 2008 shows. They also have given their web site a face lift - I like the changes. It is frustrating that they don't have a lot of pictures yet, but reading the class descriptions is making me think I'd better plan to attend the KY show as well as the NH show. In case you didn't know, I'm a class junkie. I already bought my plane tickets - couldn't beat the fare from Baltimore to Manchester.

Also, I am drooling over all the previews of the Nashville releases - and it seems silly - I am overwhelmed by the stuff I have now - adding more will only add to the disorganization - but judging by the message boards and blogs I am not the only one - LOL!

Thanks for stopping by and leaving me comments, Happy stitching! Margaret

A Small Project for TIF Challenge

Hi, all, I decided to join in on the Take It Further Challenge. The basic idea is that each month you take a concept and work it through to a finished product. Each participant can choose to either work with an idea or a color scheme. Well, this month's color scheme was perfectly inline with my taste (thus minimizing the challenge) - so I decided to work with that. The objective is to use your creativity - and I did not exactly do that this month- but plan to work harder on the creativity piece of it next month.

I stitched the Indigo Rose freebie - Wildflower Hearts on a scrap piece of linen and used DMC colors 333, 340, 3362, 470, and 822. Once again, the picture is wonky - but you get the general idea. I think that working on my photography skills would cut into my stitching time (which is limited as it is) - so that will just have to wait.

I am off now to stitch on my Neighborhood RR - I have stitched the main building, but need to add some fill in landscaping and/0r critters. I think the next mailing date is Feb. 1 - so I shouldn't be pushed for time.

I am *seriously* considering starting a monochrome - but I am having trouble deciding on a pattern and color combination. I have recently started buying spools of HDF silk - and can't wait to use some of it. Right now, the Wiehenburg Quaker 2008 is the front runner - maybe in Old Maid of the Vineyard? Or maybe in Old Maid of the Forest? I have tons of choices for fabric, so I will have to just do some experimenting.- Decisions, decisions.

I also love the new Papillon Creations freebie from the newsletter. This is one of my favorite designers - I love the elegance of the projects; and love the fact that they don't require an eternity to complete!

Wow! this has been a long, rambling post - thanks for bearing with me!
Happy stitching, everybody, Margaret

From UFO to WIP to HD

At last! I started this band sampler ages ago - it was designed by Jana Kerr and published in the EGA monthly magazine. I chose the color scheme - and since I have no sense of color, I originally thought I had chosen badly, and so put the project away. But, after pulling it out again, I think I like it. I really enjoyed the different techniques involved. Hopefully I improved my skills. I will finish it as a bell pull (after giving it a good pressing!)

I have decided to restrict the number of projects I have going at one time. I have just so many zip top storage bags. So, I will have one project per bag, and will not start a new project until I have an empty bag to use. I am hoping this will cause me to complete more projects! Wish me luck! My other plan is to do less lurking and more commenting on stitcher's blogs!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, filled with peace and joy. And I wish everyone a Happy New Year! I received the loveliest hand made card from Von, with a wonderful wish for the new year: unlimited stitching time. What a great sentiment!

So now I am off to start my Neighborhood RR. I have Heather's piece to work on. Her theme is farms - I think I may stitch a grist mill - a place where the farmers take their corn to have it ground. I think that would fit the theme and be interesting. Thoughts?

Until next time, Margaret

Birthday goodies and Soon-to-be ornaments

I was completely spoiled by these birthday gifts from a special stitching friend, Carol. In addition to keeping up with a fabulous blog, she is also the one who introduced me to the wonderful world of blogging. (Well, to be truthful, I spend more time lurking that posting or commenting - but I love to read about other people's projects!) I am late in posting this picture. Carol posted a nice picture of the scissor fob she stitched - I show it here attached to my Dovos. However, she is too modest to show pics of the wonderful extras she included. Many thanks, Carol!

I have been stitching Ornies - these four are done (meaning the stitching is complete) and hopefully over this weekend they will become done-done (meaning ready to hang on the tree).

I think all of these are from JCS ornament issues. I struggle with the finishing - I am just a beginner, and my projects seem to always turn out lop-sided. I guess I just need to practice.

And here are two more that are not done yet - I lack beads for the Teresa Wentzler Celtic Cross and I ran out of thread for the sampler one (the poor reindeer has only two legs). So I'm off to send a note to the Needlecraft Corner, ordering some stuff!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Holiday Season!

Happy stitching, Margaret

Von's RR

Here is my completed block for Von's RR. Her theme is English cottages, and she said she loves gardens - this chart is from a Cross My Heart publication titled Garden Cottages. When I saw it, I thought it fit the theme perfectly. Now, we won't go into how much confetti stitching was involved and how horrible the back of the piece looks - it will certainly give the stitchers who stitch on it in the future something to tsk, tsk about!!!!!

This piece is really pretty - I love the background fabric - it's a little unexpected - a lovely blue/gray - the others have been more neutral. I hope Von is pleased!

Also, here is a picture of the real kittychernoff - when we adopted her from the pound in 1997, she had a bacterial infection, and we weren't sure we could cure it - so we didn't name her. We didn't want to get too attached to her, just in case the vet wasn't able to cure her (at least that was our rationale). So, the vet labeled her chart as Kitty Chernoff - well, many thousands of dollars later, she was cured and a permanent part of our family; but her name remained kittychernoff. Since she is the only one in the house that is allowed to touch Mom's cross stitch stuff - I adopted her name as my online nickname.

Happy stitching! Margaret C

Melanie's Round Robin

This is a picture of Melanie's piece for the Spot RR that I am participating in. I stitched the motifs from the blue horizontal rice stitch variation and the gold crown to the bottom. The motifs are from Indigo Rose's Monogram Sampler. You all know that I love Indigo Rose designs, I hope Melanie will also. Melanie's piece is just gorgeous. This RR has had some rocky moments - some of the participants had personal issues; and one participant seems to have lost interest - but Melanie ( who has had issues herself) has worked very hard to make sure everyone has an enjoyable experience - thank you Melanie!

And now for a RR that is going great! This is an ornament from the general ornament RR that I'm in. I had planned to stitch it watching the Chiefs (DH's favorite team) last Sunday afternoon; but I got engrossed in the LSU game on Saturday night - I actually stitched on this dark fabric at night - GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!

This weekend I am back to the Monogram Sampler - I'm almost done with the spots - I still have to do the border; and wrapped bars - I'll have to gather up my nerve to cut my fabric.

Happy stitching everyone!!!

On a Betsy Stinner binge!!!!

Here is a pic of my latest finish - this is the Martha Washington sampler that Betsy Stinner taught at Celebrations in New Hampshire last spring. Her pieces are so lovely - I think it took me about three days to do the bulk of the sampler; but then two calamities hit - I ran out of the dark blue thread (Soie d'alger - which is a royal pain to find and purchase) and then I encountered the dreaded Bullion knots. I did finally receive the thread I ordered and I found a fabulous website with video tutorials of many stitches. The website is here: http://www.needlenthread.com/. Now this is not to say my Bullion knots look good - but I can see improvements from when I started.

I also did the preface piece for this one:

I also finished up the Eliza Pinckney piece that I started last fall. By coincidence, I ran out of dark blue thread on that piece also, and had to purchase more. This is how it looks:

And the preface piece for this one is lovely:

I think these preface pieces would make charming biscornus; but for now they are going into my drawer of completed stitching.

I have also finished Just Nan's Peacock Cipher - I will photograph it next time.

I am working on a piece for my Spot RR. Then I will need to work on the next Neighborhood RR piece. The next Neighborhood RR has a theme of English cottages - so I will need to go stash diving to find something suitable - I love doing that, except that I'm sure I'll uncover at least a dozen projects that I simply must stitch next!!!!

Last week I started Indigo Rose's Monogram Sampler - it is from a class I took with Carol (http://www.carolsxsblog.blogspot.com/) last spring. I will need to get DH to photograph that one, so the shite on white stiching will show up.

Until next time, happy stitching, Margaret