MY LIFE IN THREADS

A LATE VALENTINE

2012-02-15T14:21:00.002-06:00

Stitched on 32 Count Vintage Linen

I stitched this up a week ago with some lovely thread that I was gifted this past holiday and am getting ready to finish it off - intended to post yesterday and forgot- GASP!

It was a freebie from The Primitive Hare.
http://theprimitivehare.blogspot.com

I was invited to attend a small group of stitcher's last evening at a local library and it was good to see some ladies I know, meet new ladies I didn't know and see some I hadn't seen in years! I plan to go on a RETREAT with them to Osage, Iowa next week. ExciteD - that's me!

Baby It's Cold Outside - But LOVE's In Here

2012-02-11T08:55:00.001-06:00

I had mentioned a post or so ago that I had another little Valentine project to share. It all started when I was wandering through Hobby Lobby here about a month ago- yes, a month ago....and they were putting out Valentine items.... I saw this vacant looking do something with me metal sign. So I bought it along with some modge podge, glitter. glitter lettering (self adheasive) to go with what I imagined I wanted to do...So here it is onece some modge podge and glitter was added in a few areas.

Next is where I decided to add some fabric (used Aleene's Tacky Glue) I already had as a background in the middle of it.

Sorry- can't get photo to rotate.

Then came the lettering part. I used the black piece of card stock in the packet with the self-adhesive letters, and glued them down with Elmer's Glue.

Last and final was centering the letters onto each square. And, Voila!

LOVE LOOKIN AT SNOW!

2012-02-05T09:44:00.000-06:00

Part of our view near the Pond out back.

I love lookin' at snow these days... while it has been snowing here this weekend; I got some stitching, cooking and baking done. (Lots of comfort food going on here I must say...) I finsihed making another Valentine decoration a week or so ago and will share it with ya'll in some photo's soon, along with other stuff that went on while I was all tucked inside, lovin' lookin' out at the snow. Stay tuned.

Another part of our view out back

Hari-Kuyo....Honor Thy Needle

2012-02-01T10:05:00.004-06:00

Along time ago when I first started blogging here I wrote about Hari-Kuyo or the Festival of Broken Needles which occurs every year in February, in Japan.

Each February 8, the sewers and kimono makers of Japan will go to a shrine, taking with them their broken needles and pins that have served them in the prior year. (Hari means "needle" and kuyo means "memorial service".) The needles/pins are placed into tofu or konnyaku. The act of placing them in soft tofu serves to soothe the needles after their many hours of sewing.

Awashimado Hall at the Senso-ji shrine in Asakusa, Japan

The women bring their needles to their final resting place, thank the needles for their service, and pray that the needles' power and energy will stay with them and help to improve their sewing skills in the coming year.

.The Japanese believe that all things have a spiritual essence and they have a great respect for the objects used in their daily life. It is important to respect the objects' service and not be overly wasteful by thoughtlessly tossing them away. There's a lot more to the tradition which is better explained in this beautiful self-published pamphlet. It's worth a read. See the link below.

http://issuu.com/audsomee/docs/hari-kuyo?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true

VALENTINE ACTIVITY

2012-01-24T10:00:00.003-06:00

So, this past dreary, damp, snow and icy weekend I finally finished up some Valentine crafts that I started a couple of weeks ago. I also found time to fit in dinner and a couple of movies as well. We went with some friends to see "The Iron Lady" - it was about England's Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher - featuring Meryl Streep. It's a great movie! The other movie I watched at home while stitching - (yes I managed to pull some threads through some fabric and get a little stitch ass) - was "The Jane Austen Book Club". Kitchy little movie. A very productive weekend...

LOVE LETTERS - sooo much Glitter!

LOVE Letters
Paper Mache' letters - Hobby Lobby
Modge Podge
Red Glitter
Brush on Modge Podge (thick) - sprinkle on glitter...make sure you use a box to do the glittering part- save the glitter that falls off - you can keep re-using that.

Front Door Heart
Brown Butcher (Wrapping) Paper - Hobby Lobby
Choice of Red and White Craft Paint color
Modge Podge
Wire
Ribbon
Plastic Grocery Bags
Glue Gun and Glue
Paint brush/Sponge brush

Cut out a piece of butcher paper and fold in half
Cut out one side of the shape of a heart - open paper for full heart pattern
Trace Heart Pattern onto two separate sheets of butcher paper - leaving alot of outside room around the heart that it's traced onto it.
Tape the paper down to your work surface so it does not curl on you.
Paint each heart red and paint outside the lines about a half inch or more. Let dry completely

Once red paint is dry paint on polka dots with any type of rounded brush or tool - as little or as many dots as you want. Let that dry completely.

Then pour modge podge into a container you can work from with a paint brush or sponge brush and brush each heart with the modge podge. Let each dry completely.

Once dry- cut each heart out leaving a half inch of paper outside the original drawn heart line. - like a seam allowance.
Fold back the extra amount of paper (seam allowance area) following the curvature of the heart and lightly hot glue that onto the wrong side of the heart. Do same to both hearts.
Now, match the hearts up to each other wrong sides together and with your glue gun and start gluing the hearts together -leave about a 5 inch area along one side.
Next start gently stuffing in the plastic grocery bags - quantity will depend on the size of your heart. Then glue the 5" opening shut.
Take a paper punch and punch a hole on each side at the top of the heart and run your wire through those and secure it.
Cut pieces of your choices of ribbons (you decide length) and tie onto the wire.

Voila! A LARGE Heart Valentine .....ready for your door!

I was all settled in....

2012-01-18T18:07:00.005-06:00

I was all settled into the Red Stitching Happy Chair the other night, happily watching the movie "The Help"and stitching away. You know...la la la la la...all is well with the world...I'm happy and content and haven't a care in my little brain....then I remembered. I haven't posted on my Blog in a looong time. I've been very negligent in posting, I know. I'm blaming this on the dogs. Everytime I sit down at the computer or in my red chair to stitch I end up with a dog or two on my lap. Little furry meatballs want attention all the time. Sometimes I have to fling them off my lap just to get up and go to the bathroom and then the furballs want to follow me in there as well! Yikes! Can I get some privacy, please!?! Anyway, sit back ---- get comfy and I'll catch you all up on My Life In Threads...

Prior to the Christmas holiday I was busy crafting, baking and making things and did get some stitching done believe it - dogs or not! I can post now a picture of what I made two of our nieces as part of their Christmas present. I made the two each headbands. They were putzy to do- but I was pretty proud of myself when they were done. I kept seeing these at craft bazaars here and thought...."I can make those".... They each also got a cute tutu skirt - one bluish purple with sequins and one bright hot pink with ribbon and sequins as well. I think they liked them- we were told they put the skirts on right away as soon as they were opened. I would have like to have seen that. We made it through with just a little holiday drama this year.

I know in a past posting I mentioned that I went up to Minnesota for the Annual Christmas Ornament Exchange. So here are all of us holding what we received in the Exchange. I didn't have this photo prior to that posting...lovely bunch of talented stitchers.

I managed to get some pieces over to the framer while I was off between Christmas and New Year's. I'm posting those also. I had the Christmas tree down on December 26th and all the other sprinkles of Christmas taken down and packed away by the 27th. Woot-woot!

Sheepish Designs "The Eagle" on 28 ct Bumble Bee Linen

Lizzie Kate "Land That I Love" on 28 ct Lambswool Linen

Little House Needlworks "Winter Sampler" on 28 ct Lambswool Linen

Moving along, now into January, I'm heavily medicated with food - actually in a food coma since my birthday weekend...yes it was on the 15th. Whoa! I'm almost at another mile marker ~ makes on sit up and start checking more into Medicare, AARP and Social Security along with am I gonna have enough money, stamina and stitching stash to keep me going....by the looks and amount of stitching patterns, fabric and floss in my crafting area, I think so. But oh the time on my hands to work with my hands I will have!

About a week ago I had surgery on my right ear- 5 stitches get taken out this coming Thursday- my doctor first thought it was skin cancer (Squamous Carcinoma she called it) - but the Dermatologist said it was cartilidge spurs - people get these from sleeping on one primary side. They are painful! Just sayin'..... So it was cut away- and still sent to be biopsied. I am on the mend, less some skin on the top of my right ear. (Here's where you go "awwww, hope you get better").

I had a great birthday celebration throughout last weekend - did I mention that I was in a food coma at the end.. :) Roger gave me flowers.

Yesterday we got socked with a snowstorm that started overnight in the wee hours of the morning and on the way to work (for me at 6:30AM) it was a white knuckle drive. Sounds like we might get more by week's end. The dogs love the snow. It's hard to keep them inside. They want to go out and play in it!

I'm combing over information on a small group stitching retreat here in Osage, IA the end of February I've been invited to attend. If I can swing some time off work- I'd like to go with a friend from Des Moines. Speaking of work, I was informed last week that my position has finally been budgetarily approved! But now I have to apply for the job once it is posted within the Oneok system. I about pulled my hair out when I was told I have to do that. I've only done the job now for almost 2 years...yet another hoop to jump through. But am told no matter who the other candidates are- I'm a shoe-in! Keep your fingers crossed for moi~(knuckle pump!)

I'm currently stitching on about 3 things and crafting a red heart for Valentines Day. More to come on that with how to's and photo's... one of these days.

Thanks for taking a seat and visiting My Life In Threads!

EGA and Christmas

2011-12-20T14:35:00.003-06:00

Last week I attended the Valley Junction Chapter EGA Holiday dinner and ornament exchange. I am posting the ornament I made (it was a blackwork class that was taught so I thought how appropriate to make it into an ornament; considering the colors they gave us to work with...) and the one I received.

What I stitched

What I received

I'm also posting a photograph of the little angel favors that one of the members made all by herself for everyone. She made around 30 of them - all different colors. A "shout out" goes to Cathy!

So, I'm starting to wind down from all the gatherings and events and dinners with friends I attended from December 9th until today. I'm now due for a massage and a manicure this week. Woot-woot! I need to ready the place for hosting a dinner party this coming Friday night and make desserts and my cinnamon bun carmel popcorn http://www.ourbestbites.com/ to take to DH side of family gathering on Christmas day. Glad I have a week off in between Christmas and New Year's in order to recuperate. Jammy day thoughts are dancing around in my head; along with that dang Carol of the Bells Christmas Carol. This season of sugar is setting in my head and I thnk I'm hallucinating from time to time. I thought I saw George Clooney today getting out of the UPS truck... dang.

Go get your Ho-ho-ho on ....Whatever it is that you celebrate, may it be filled with love, laughter, and a bit of Stitch Ass, too. Thanks so much for your viewing and friendship!

Ornaments, Cookies & Socks

2011-12-14T14:01:00.000-06:00

Let me start off by saying- I'm beat! Have been Fa-la-la-ing a little too much and have much more to go ~ I will survive, I'm sure. Not complaining....beats sitting around counting needles on the tree! Ha! Anyway. Last weekend I traveled back to Minnesota to attend the annual Ornament Exchange! Thanks to MK for the food, lodging and our shopping adventure to Stitchville and The General Store for lunch and more shopping. Speaking of food there was alot of delightful tidbits that group members made and brought for us to partake in...using the oven and all...wink-wink ;)... It was great to see everyone and catchup on life. Speaking of which, my health scare was just that- a scare! I received a 2nd opinion this week. Resolution is that all I have is a cartilage build up and a bone spur on the ear. No skin cancer. Whew! So after a shot in the ear to simmer things down, I will have to have some surgery on the ear, scheduled for January 10th.

This year's ornaments made by all were beauties! Again, everyone outdoing themselves and their comfort zones... Without further adieu I give you the 2011 ornaments:

HERE THEY ARE!!!!!!

Ornament I stitched for the exchange. 2011 JCS Magazine.

Ornament I received in the exchange.

My Christmas Tree full of stitched ornaments from over the years of exchanges. For every ornament I stitch for the exchange, I always stitch two - one to keep and one to give away.

So, after a quick whirlwind trip up to the Twin Cities I returned to bake 3.5 dozen cookies for a Crazy Christmas Socks and Cookie Exchange with my women's group from church this past Monday nght. It was a great time! I made brownie Oreo delights. It's a Oreo cookie dipped in brownie mix batter and baked, frosted and glitzed with christmas sprinkles. Very putzy to to but....Mighty Tasty!

The Crazy Christmas Sock Exchange was a hoot! I wasn't sure that alot of the "church ladies" would go for it - but they did and it was a hoot and a holler to watch everyone open and we all put them on!. Here is the pair I received.

So what's left on my plate this week, you ask? Well, the EGA dinner and ornament exchange. I finally finished the ornament last night. And, we have dinner out this coming Friday night with the O's as usual and Saturday night with my high school friend Vicki and husband at Django. No corkage fee there so we can take some of our wine we had shipped from NY. Can I get a "Woo Hoo"!

Until Next Time ~

P.S. I'm trying to fimd Diet Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash soda/pop in the cans. All I can f ind here are in the liter bottles and 20 fl. oz. sizes. Have looked at HyVee only at this juncture. If you see it- tell me where, in Des Moines...

Decorating: "Home For The Holidays"

2011-12-06T12:04:00.000-06:00

I sprinkled Christmas around the place Thanksgiving weekend. Here's just a few pic's of the sprinkles.

One of my Favorite Norrth Pole Dept 56 Village Pieces

I also had a piece of holiday stitching framed last summer that I have had done since 2007....yep, pittiful it took me soooo long to get it framed. Now I get to officially hang it for the season in our entryway.

Blue Ribbon Designs-28CT Linen

I've also been in a flourish to finish several Christmas ornie's - one for MN Exchange coming up this weekend - quik road trip - (Dec. 9) along with others for my tree and EGA Christmas (Dec. 15). I can only show you one at this time from my tree, just finished last weekend. The rest are top secret. It's a Prarie Schooler pattern.

Keep warm, keep stitching!

Meet Dottie

2011-11-29T13:49:00.000-06:00

Most of you know that my father was a South Des Moines Lion's Club member for 40+ years (with perfect attendance I might add). Our family asked that any memorial monies be directed to the DSM Lion's Club. With some of the amazing amount of money given, the club sponsored a leader dog earlier this year and again was able to get another dog. The first dog this year was Charlie (my dad's nickname). He's since grown up and graduated from the Newton facility and is now in Michigan for his official training for the sight impaired. Now, meet Dottie. (My mother's nickname for Dorothy.) A black lab. She is only 7 weeks old and is assigned to an inmate at the correctional facility in Newton, Iowa. He was not present last evening. She has only been with him 3 days now...She is so cute! We met her last night at the club's meeting.

See my previous posting A Born Leader in Walks Charlie. And: http://iowalions.org/southdm/news.html

Dottie - - melts my heart...

Me and squiggly Dottie

Roger & Dottie

SDM Lion's Club Members & Dottie

Now, I must get back to posting about stitching. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday and preparations to hosting some guest's then and decorating for Christmas; I've not had much time to stitch what I want to. I also need to finish off my stitched ornament for my upcoming trip to Minnesota December 9th for the annual ornament exchange in my former stitch group, plus finish off an ornament for the EGA dinner and exchange coming up December 15th. Hope the weather cooperates for the Minnesota trip. Gals, keep your fingers crossed for moi~ Thanks for dropping by!

A Thankful Finish

2011-11-22T08:45:00.000-06:00

Finished Candle Holders

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

~Author Unknown

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Get Your Craft On

2011-11-14T14:35:00.000-06:00

I've had this posting ready for several days now- but kept forgetting to get it out here on the BLOG...so here you go ~

Ever have one of those days where you just want to get your craft on instead of stitching? I've been like that alot lately. (But, I must mention that I have been stitching along on my LHN Christmas piece, as well.) I have scowered web sites, Pinterest sites, blogs, etc. I keep running across these DIY projects and decided to do a couple last week. So, I headed to Michael's and the Dollar Tree last week one day after work. I decided I was going to upcycle a couple of tea lights I already had for part of my Thanksgiving decor this year and also make a pair of candle holders. So here are some photo's of my DIY crafting process.

Items you will need for Candle/Tea Lights:

Glue Gun - check (already had)
Glue Sticks - check (already had)
Two Tea Lights - check (already had)
Two Packs of Do-dads - check (Michael's Clearance $1.49 a pkg).

TEA LIGHT PROJECT PROCESS

Items you will need for Candle Vases:

Two Dollar Tree Vases - check ($2.00)
Two Dollar Tree Glass Candle Sticks - check ($2.00)
Two Slim Non-scented Candles to fit down inside the vases - check ($2.00)
A tube of E-6000 adhesive (referenced alot on Blogs and DIY project sites) ($3.99)
TIP: I also sat a heavy book on top of each candle stick to make sure the two pieces of glass adhere to one another. I'll wait for 48 hours (time it takes for the adhesive to bond) now to see if this project comes out as I envisioned and from what I see others on the internet doing.

Again....Catchin' Up

2011-11-08T10:48:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that I stitched this back at the Minnesota Needlework Guild Retreat in 2001. (It was a little project tucked into our goodie bag.) And, that I found it, and that I finished stitching it back then! Ha! Some gals made it into a scissor fob. I decided to make a floss tag out of it ...finally! As I previously mentioned- I'm catchin' up!

Catching Up

2011-11-07T14:49:00.001-06:00

As some of you know I was battling quite a cold and allergies at the same time a couple of weeks ago. It's taken me that long to get through it all. Allergies are still giving me fits. Got my flu shot this past Saturday- so now "I'm good to go"! So, yes, I have been a little lazy in posting and Raul the House Boy (a.k.a.DH) and I have been keeping the road hot and the restaurants busy, dining out with friends. Anyway, I hate that I will be missing the local groups' Saturday get-together in another week - we will be in Kansas City to visit my brother and family. We will be spending Thanksgiving in Iowa this year. We decided back in September to plan to host some friends this year; that in years past, have always hosted us (when we came back from Minnesota) or my parents when they were still living so they would not be alone - kind of an extended family sort of thing.

We have tickets for the local Food & Wine Expo here this coming weekend- should be f un. going with another couple that we always get together and go out with on Friday nights. We got a special two-fer by signing up on DesMoinesSocial Living.com.

I have been earnestly trying to get some Christmas and Halloween ornaments finished that have been long ago stitched. And, I am ready to start finishing my ornament for the Minnesota Group Exchange. I need a snow day here...Fingers crossed everyone that I don't get snowed in there again this year. Not that it was a bad thing - just don't like to have to do the drive on the interstate after a major storm like that. A white knuckle drive deaing with all the others that are anxious to get to their own destinations...

I'm presently working on the Winter Band Sampler by Little House Needleworks on 28 ct Lambswool. My goal is to get this stitched and framed before the holidays- so I am really concentrating on this at night in between finishings. I'm actually farther along that this photo indicates. Again- catching up- took the photo last week - got a bunch more done last week and last night.

Daylight savings time had us worrisome about the dogs getting acclimated to the time change. As you can see by the photo (DH and Tanner). DH was suppose to stay awake with me last Saturday night so we could keep they boys up so they would sleep later Sunday morning. You see how that was working........

So, there it is...I've tried to catch you all up on a few things. More pictures of finishes, etc. coming soon.

Glitz and Glamour... Feelin Punk'

2011-10-21T11:01:00.000-05:00

Last week I contracted a seasonal cold...ugh...so have been a little lax in blogging, but not in crafting and baking. You see when I'm home sick I have a tendency to want to "NEST". Weird, I know... so my friend and former co-worker, Carmen, shows me pic's of her Glitzy pumpkins...which inspires me to create several of my own. I already had all the materials and creativity, so ~ inspired, I created.

Carmen's Creation

Cathi's Creation

I also baked a cake- WHAT!?! you think...yes. Chocolate! Craving Chocolate...even tho I could not taste it very well... I have also been stitching on a couple of Christmas pieces and trying to rest in between going back to work and taking care of the two dogs all by myself while Roger has been in Atlanta this week on business. Enjoy the weekend ya'll and glitz up your pumpkins!...or bake a cake~

My Kitchen Aid Mixer - My "BFF" in the Kitchen

Warm - straight out of the oven!

Adding Food Coloring to shhh! - pre-made frosting -shhh!

YUM!

Expressions In Needleart

2011-10-13T13:42:00.001-05:00

http://www.expressionsinneedleart.com/

While on vacation in Canadaigua, NY I did a search on my SmartPhone to see if there was any needlwork stores in the area and low and behold there was "Expressions in Needleart". DH and I (he was sooo patient while I shopped) found it and I met the owner and visited with her (so did the DH- he about talked her legs off - while I was grabbing everything in site!)... She was so nice. The small quaint store was heaped full of knitting supplies, needlepoint canvases/supplies and cross stitch - yea!!!. She had a good selection of cross stitch and most current designs. There was alot to look at and absorb in there. She herself mainly does needlpoint and she was telling "us" that she has a lot of college students who are knitting and doing needlepoint canvas work, than cross stitch. Glad to hear that the younger generations there are taking up the "needle" no matter what kind... I left there lugging a sack of patterns to add to my stash. Can't wait to get started on them! My DH looked at me when we got back in our rental and said: "good thing we have a suburban!" wink-wink.

V_A_C_A_T_I_O_N New York

2011-10-10T14:38:00.001-05:00

DH and I just got back from 5 days of vacation "togetherness" (as he calls it). We flew into and out of Rochester, NY (commonly refered to as up-state New York) Not to bore you, but we spent a day traveling to and from Niagra Falls. Breathtaking. We did the Touristy Lady Of The Mist Tour and dressed up like momma and papa Smurf... you'll see the photo's here folks!. The rest of the trip was spent traveling Canandaigua and Seneca Falls - Finger Lakes Region - known as wine country. We enjoyed several stops each day tastng wines. Some are being shipped back to us. Can't wait for those to show up. One is called Jack Ass Red! Named after a donkey ("Doobie") at one of the wineries. It's a red wine we BOTH liked!.

Springdale Farm B&B - Victor, NY

We had beautiful weather while traveling on our adventures - but the leaves had not turned for full fall colors as of yet in NY. Glad to be home. Hope you enjoy some photo's and I will link you to some of the wineries we visited not all - and the fabulous B&B we stayed at for two nights. Would have stayed longer but they had a wedding booked for the weekend...Stay tuned more to follow~

http://www.springdalefarmbb.com/
http://www.knappwine.com/
http://www.thirstyowl.com/
http://www.inspiremoorewinery.com/

Springdale Farm B&B - Victor, NY

Tops of Niagra Falls from the lookout.

Lady of the Mist - taken from lookout tower.

Smurf's? Close to the falls - getting wet!.

DH & Me - the Niagra Falls experience!

Ready For Halloween

2011-10-10T14:01:00.002-05:00

Before leaving on our recent (got back yesterday) vacation. I tried to hurriedly ready our place for Halloween - my fav time of year - so I wouldn't be running around like a crazy person upon our return. But, I'm doing that anyway because I took today off so I could recoup of sorts and finish laundry, get groceries, run errands of all sorts. So before I hung my recently framed "Halloween" piece; I took a close up of it. I also finished up another Halloween ornie for my tree before leaving. Sorry it's alittle fuzzy focus pic- camera battery is dying... I have two more done but not completely finished off...gotta get crackin'.

Prominently hung above Fireplace "HALLOWEEN" HINZEIT

Halloween Ornament Tree

Dining Room Table Decor

"RIP" Freebie from the Internet for ornie tree.

Stitch Craft

2011-09-25T16:31:00.000-05:00

I had a mailbox manic moment a few weeks ago when my JCS Halloween and Christmas ornament issues arrived. My heart raced with anticipated excitement. I don't htink I've waddled that fast into the house from the curb in a long time. TNT were lookin' at me like- "WHAT THE?"

Fall is defiitely here -in the air - right now and I continue to stitch on halloween ornies (and mark pages in my new mag for those I want to stitch) and christmas ornies. I have also been trying to do finishing work on some previously stitched halloween ornies. As some of you know I've been "one with the needle" and doing some crafting. So here are a couple more pic's of my accomplishments over the summer ~ felt & paper mache' ort boxes and another ornament; all but the final finishes to go- part of "My 12"- that was a part of 2010-2011 goal. Ahem....

Any Day Spent Stitching, Makes It A Good Day!

WICKED Work

2011-09-22T10:47:00.000-05:00

Presently Working on "Wicked" By The Primitive Needle. Another Freebie! You choose Fabric and Floss. I'm working on 32 ct linen with WDW colors.

Crows For A Hawkeye Household

2011-09-11T14:59:00.002-05:00

I saw a "FREEBIE" a month ago out on the Internet Sunflowers & Crows (primitivebettys) and decided I HAD to stitch it right away. I've made it into a pin cushion with rusched ribbon trim. Now needing to find some decorative pins for it as well. This was my first time at rusching ribbon (patting myself on the back) and getting it attached to the piece that I sewed on my sewing machine (patting myself on the back again). Glory Bee's blog/site shows it stitched as well. I'm of course partial to mine. The crows make me think of fall and the weather is becoming fall like. Especially today with the warm sun on my face and the crisp morning air. The "house boy" and I ran errands yesterday morning that took us by "The Front Row" sports bar in Clive - already they were anticipating the crowd for the annual Iowa vs. Iowa State game. We rushed home to watch the game and do a little cooking...great game! Two overtimes-nail bitters...Iowa State won. We are a Hawkeye Household...pretty much - so- a pity party continued after the game... Iowa State has a great QB that you all should keep an eye on...Steele Jantz...easy on the eyes too! Hee Hee!!! (The house boy is giving me the look because of the way I was lookin' at Steele today...he'll get over it). I must go finish sprinkling some fall around the house and find a good place for my crows to land...

Freebie Pattern - "CROWS" You choose fabric and colors.

~ Bring A Friend ~

2011-09-04T19:01:00.000-05:00

Recently I was invited to attend the local Valley Junction Iowa EGA meeting. I attended with long time friend. Nice group of women. Had met some of them previously when I joined them on a bus trip up to MN to shop at Stitchville this past June. It was a fundraiser meeting evening. It was fun to see all the various projects and class projects that everyone was working on. The atmosphere was warm and the treats were delish! I think I'm going back again this month for another Bring A Friend night to experience the group again. Pictured is a project some members recently completed; a Christmas Stocking with various stitching techniques.

Apologies for the blurriness- was taken w/my camera phone and not in the best lighting.

Back To The Blog and The Babble

2011-08-31T16:54:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm back. It's been a fairly busy summer ~ Stitching! Hosting company. Stitching! BBQ-ing. Crafting. Sewing on my Singer sewing machine...yes, you read that right...I finally became one with the machine ~ Participating in our neighborhood Garage Sale. Stitching! Going downtown on Saturday's to the Des Moines Farmer's Market. Oh, did I mention stitching? Sqweaking in a trip to Nebraska and Minnesota. And, getting into FB! OMG! I think I need to attend some kind of therapy. Stopped Blogging- started FB-ing. Ugh. I'm also, gearing up, mentally, to attend my 40th high school class reunion - coming up in mid-September. It's going to be held at Echo Valley Contry Club.

So I have been one with the sewing machine and my needle as I have strived to catch up on a few things. So to start back with I'm posting today pictures of some more of my Prairie Schooler Easter Ornies that I finished off - A LHN Liberty Sampler that I finished and the wall of others it will join.

Taking A Sabbatical

2011-06-03T14:58:00.000-05:00

I am going to be taking a sabbatical from Blogging for the summer. Do check back ~~

May Day ~May Day!

2011-05-01T15:29:00.000-05:00

Roger and I just got home from visitng the cemetery and having lunch out at our favorite Chinese restaurant only to come home and discover a May Basket for Tucker and Tanner and cookies for us on the front step. It has our pet sitters'- Lauren and Mom Anna M.O. all over it ~ appears they dropped these by...I'm sure Tucker (our resident kisser) will reciprocate a day late (tomorrow) with the standard chasing and catching and slathering up the deliverer of the May Basket. What a nice surprise and cute pet treat idea!

Our MAY DAY surprise at the front door...

Tanner asleep-wedged in the chair w/me this morning while I had coffee and read email.

Happy May Day!

OH PLE-EEZ FINISH ME!

2011-04-28T18:10:00.000-05:00

I have so many projects to get finished. Where have you read or heard that before!?! I dedicated a drawer in my new craft area specifically to those projects that are stitched but not framed or finished off for their final purpose.

Top Layer of Drawer

Having stitched them (some several years ago) and set them aside...the time has come to get things done - here are some options that await me:
1.Ornament - (OMG ~~~ so many of those to do - including some of My 12 for this year...)
2. Scissor Fob
3. Ort box - top
4. Needle Roll
5. Pin Cushion
6. Needle Book
7. Sewing Pocket
8. Floss Tag Ring
9. Small Pillow
10. A Cube-It
11. Framed Tabletop or Wall Piece
12. Door/Wall Hanging - fabric piece.

Another Layer Within The Drawer

Whew! Any other ideas for me that I haven't thought of? That sewing machine learnin' is certainly hanging around in my head...I must prepare to figure out all the bells, whistles, push buttons and gizmo's. I'm a little intimidated - I remember when I was shopping for it (not telling you when that was - last year), thinking...wow, this sounds and looks "EASY" ... as the sales lady was telling me all about the features. I've put it off long enough. Those of you who know me, know, I'm not a procrastinator.

Today is a gorgeous day - a little windy tho. It's been raining here the past two days and all I wanted to do is sit in my nest and stitch when I wasn't at work and when I was at work I was thinking about stitching or sewing and that I could be home teaching myself how to thread the bobbin and thread the machine and start getting some finishing done! I hope to have some time to spend and be one with my sewing machine and fabric this weekend while watching all the Royal Wedding pomp & circumstance, Hoo-Ha... because I didn't get invited to William and Kate's wedding. Having been to London I reflect back to visiting Buckingham Palace and being outside Westminster Abbey - sigh...I digress..."The Drawer" where I have stashed all of my stitched treasures continues to cry out to me - ple-eez finish me! Kind of like the Little Shop Of Horror's- Plant - Seymour.(Feed ME!) Gotta run- London's calling ~~~~

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to visit my Blog and/or leave a comment! I love getting to know stitchers from around the world, and visiting and being inspired by other blogs, as well.

Easter - Finish

2011-04-24T08:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter!

Whew! Still more to go but got three more ornie's finished for the Easter tree. All Prairie Schooler patterns. Enjoy family and friends today...and the weather...if it's decent in your area. Sunny her & high of 60!

Think Spring, Robins and Easter

2011-04-21T19:01:00.000-05:00

This cute video was sent to me and I thought I needed to share it with you all. As many of the people from all over the hemisphere have watched those baby eaglettes and their parents here in Iowa - check out this mother robin that was filmed in 2009. You can busy yourself with this video as I busily try to get my Easter ornies finished up. I've posted a couple of them finsihed. Happy Easter ~ Happy Spring!
http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9479342&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1

Front

Back

PEEP's For Easter

2011-04-14T13:28:00.000-05:00

Now, I think I've seen just about everything....How creative is this! Fabulous idea and E.A.S.Y. Was checking out blogs after lunch today and time to kill before going back to work.... so HAD to share this. http://www.ourbestbites.com/

Juggling

2011-04-12T13:35:00.000-05:00

Feelin' like I'm juggling too many items on life's list of things to do and stitch! Been working on my Easter ornies, putting them together- I'm under a deadline- Easter is fast approaching and I don't have them done to hang on my tree and share in order to oooh and ahhh at!!! The DH will think I've gone off to looney land. Oh, well.

Beauty and The Biscuits

2011-04-08T21:09:00.001-05:00

Our New Beauty a 2008 Lincoln MKZ

Clean!

Baking Biacuits for the Boys

They loved 'em!

A Born Leader...in walks "Charlie"

2011-03-30T19:31:00.003-05:00

My husband and I were guests, this past Monday evening, of the Des Moines Southside Lions Club. My father was a member of that club for 40+ years with perfect attendance all those years, I might add, before his death in 2010. The Lion's Organization are big contributors to eye glass programs and seeing eye/leader dog sponsorships. My brother and I had decided that any memorials in my dad's memory should go to the SDM Lion's Club. Thus, the club accummulated a very impressive sum of memorial money. Late last year they approached us with the idea of taking part of the monies to sponsor a seeing eye/leader puppy through Leader Dogs For The Blind. They asked us to name the puppy. We were thrilled and obliged. But until that night, I had no idea what went into this sponsorship and what that dog does for those whose life it touches and who touch it's life as well. When we arrived for the dinner & meeting, we had no idea of the scope of this program and what we were about to see and learn.

So, as we were sittiing in the meeting room with the Club members finsihing up our meal, the door opens and in walks a large young man with a beautiful light golden retriever and a lady with a dark brown and black-haired german shepherd and a blonde colored lab. It wasn't until half way through the progam that unbeknownst to us, one of the handlers, sitting 3 feet away from us is a convicted felon, still serving time. He happened to be the trainer for the Lion's Club sponsored dog, Charlie...named after my dad. He introduced himself as Anthony, Charlie's trainer. The lady with the other two dogs, was Carol and she is the program coordinator for the Leader Dogs for the Blind operations here in Iowa. She is the go-between with the Iowa correctional facilities. Whoa-now they really had my attention. A Newton Inmate working with a leader puppy? Whaaat? I had no idea!? Shock and Aw set in.

I remember back my dad telling me that the Leader Dogs For the Blind program had been around for years. In 2002 this organization began a relationship with Iowa prisons. That's right, prisons. The first on board to engage the program with puppies and prisoners was the Correctional Facility at Rockwell City, IA. It happened that a Lion's Cub member there was also a staff member at the facilitty and came up with the idea. So it came to be of raising the puppy in a prison - now they call it puppy school/kindergarten. It's instrumental for the future leader dog and the prisoner/inmate caring for the dog. The inamtes have to be approved for "the position". The puppy learns basic commands, it receives socialization by having lots of interaction with humans and other dogs. After about a year the puppy graduates and then goes on to Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester, Michigan, which is like college. There they receive more extensive training such as curb work, traffic work, and much more from the more certified trainers. This program has been so successful that it is now in two more correctional facilities in Iowa: The Correctional Release Center at Newton (where our puppy currently is) and the Correctional Facility at Fort Dodge (which is a medium security prison). As Carol exlpained to us: each of the prisoners assigned to a dog committed a crime that took something away from someone. When they are done teaching the dogs, the dogs are taken away from them. Obviously through the progam the inmates have grown attached to the dog and vice versa. So the imates do expereince loss now and experience how it affects them. But to also help both the inmates and the dog through the handing off process - a month or so before "graduation" and off to Michigan for the dogs- out of prison for the person - they start switching dogs around between inmates in this program to help the dog learn to obey commands from others and also it helps eliviate some of the separation anxiety on both ends.

I don't know what Anthony did to be in at the correctional facility, I guess I really didn't want to know...all I knew at last Monday evening's meeting, is how mannerly and informatively speaking Anthony was and how he so tenderly was dealing with Charlie. He spoke about how their days are regimented in the facility and how each inmate takes care of their animal. The dogs sleep at the end of thier bunks in a kennel in the dormitory. (This gives the inmates structure and purpose- for which some of these guys have never had in their lives prior to prison). He told us how good a dog Charlie was and that he's a good social dog when not being a good working dog.

I can't begin to tell you the benefits of this program through Iowa's local correctional facilities that were explained to us that evening and even seeing it first hand in the room that night. What a great return on your money. We found out that by the time the dog is fully trained and matched with the right person the cost end's up being $42,500 per dog. And to think it all started with this local Lion's Club sponsoring/buying a dog for $500.00 from a certified breeder for this cause.

As stiticher's, starting any stitching project we all know what goes into the purchasing and picking out of the products to use, the hours of stitching/connecting the threads to the fabric and what count we can use depends on what we can see. How critical our eyes are to our hobby and life in general... Think how critical choosing the breed and people training this dog is to the handicapped person who cannot see to enjoy a hobby/passion such as ours.This dog will sew lives together and also mend a special one.

Here's to a born leader: God's speed on your life's service and journey ahead Charlie...

Charlie- Age: 10 months ~ Future Leader Dog

Anthony & Charlie

Me, Brian O. - Lion's Club President, Anthony & Charlie

Presently Fort Dodge Correctional Facility has 16 puppies being raised. Newton Correctional Release Center has a total of 13 and Rockwell City has 15.

Stitching Group For The Soul ~ My 12 Marches On!

2011-03-25T08:56:00.000-05:00

Was anticipating for a couple of weeks now getting together with some kindred spirits who cross stitch at my friend Lorrie's house last night. I have been so wrapped up in my newly constructed craft area and life in general, that I have not made an effort to keep trying to get a small grouping together...but lo and behold a couple of weeks ago, Lorrie's email swoops in to invite a small gathering of stitcher's to her house for an evening of threaded needle and conversation. So, like a fly to sugar I landed on the opportunity. I so miss a bi-weekly gathering of stitching souls. Show and tell and good catching-up conversation helped fill my empty stitching soul. I know you've heard me go on about this before. I just long to find a committed small group to do this kind of thing bi-weekly on a week night, because weekends are so pre-occupied with other things for so many. Maybe I just need to keep hoping and leave this pity-party behind me now; because my stitching soul is full again.

Here is my almost done March ornie stitched - still adding the beads... part of : MY 12.

March Ornie ~ My 12 - JBW Designs

P.S. It's SNOWING here this morning! March is going out like a Lion.

What Spring Break?

2011-03-20T14:30:00.000-05:00

Was there a Spring Break? It completely passed me by. Lack of sleep I guess with this Spring Forward business... I guess I kind of had one if you want to call it that. I took a break from working the new craft area and focused on some stitching in between giving uninterrupted attention to the fur balls. So my time -when I could get it-was in the red "nest" chair...mostly after each day that I had worked a full 8 hour day, ran an errand after work, had after-work doggy duty for the fur balls, made dinner, cleaned up after dinner, ran a load of laundry in between all of this and then sat down to watch TV and stitch for a couple of hours. No exercise for me...noooosireee~~

ANSWER TO PUZZLING PAST POSTING
A couple of posting's ago I had a picture of a strange looking, black wooden item. To answer the puzzling look on your faces when you saw it....it is a darning tool. My grandmother Evans used it to darn socks mostly.

So this weekend- the end of the past week's "Spring Break" for most, I was very diligent to make some things happen with my free time: a meal for a very good friend who has been in and out of the hospital the past two weeks. I made a monumental amount of goulash- I made some for the better half and me (he had seconds- so must be tasty!), along with baking a cherry pie. So, we sampled the goulash and had a salad with it last night and the other batch went to our friends after church today with garlic bread and the cherry pie. Bye, bye cherry pie ~ I love cherry pie - along with just about any kind of pie - except minced meat and lemon. Ugh. AND, I still managed to get some more cleaning, laundry and stitching in. Cooking can correlate to cross stitching... picking out the recipe (pattern), ingredients (floss/fibers/needle), pans to cook it in (fabric) and then making it all come together and getting a fulfilling result.

Noodles Boiling

Ingredients Await the Meat and Noodles

Cherry Pie just out of the oven

Part of our dinner - a batch of Goulash

Prairie Schooler Pattern

Shepherd's Bush Kit I've had since Feb. 2000 Amazing what you can find when you start to get it all organized!

Hope you and yours had a good Spring Break.

To Do's into TA DA's!

2011-03-15T19:45:00.000-05:00

Have been as busy as a bee lately.....buzzzzz. Took a couple of days off last week to work on my "To Do's" ~ sorting through my stitching stash. I was really proud of myself to heave-ho a bunch of patterns that I've never stitched, don't want to stitch or have stitched already... I put them in a grocery sized brown paper bag and will let anyone who wants to go through them, go through them...for FREE. The local stitch store proprietors have told me that some of the first and out-of-print Prairie Schooler patterns are going for $100 out on the internet....I may re-think me FREE plan on those that I have---need to do some homework first to see what I have and what is marketable. The ones I'm keeping and organizing are in binders now. Four Binders to be exact. Still more to go yet...

One of Four 3" Binders Full of Patterns

I've also organized all my overdyed threads. I found this cool large hoop ring used for hanging rulers, etc. in the quilting section of a local store and thought that would work for those. They are now all in alphabetical order. So instead of digging through a drawer, I just grab the hoop. TA DA! Next, all the DMC. I'm procrastinating with that.

Overdyes

I also started through a large tub of fabric. OMG! I have more fabric than I imagined I did. I truly believe that all you stitchers out there should sit down and go through what you have on hand and you would be surprised, like me, I think, to re-discover what you have already on hand. Again, OMG! It's now all organized into drawers by count. TA DA! It is certainly taking me a bit longer than I anticipated to get my organized act together for this area. It's so cathartic to let go of some things too...another TA DA!

Fabrics Neat & Marked by Count

Fat Quarter Finsihing Fabrics

I have managed to get some stitching done as well. I finished stitching my March Christmas ornie. TA DA! (obnoxious yet!?!) - from MY 12...no picture yet- that's to come. I've also finsihed stitching on another couple of Easter items, that were almost done that I found in my stash. TA DA! I can use my all season wooden tree that my man made me last year. Now, about that sewing machine that has been sitting in it's box since last summer... the next "To Do" is to get that out and finish off alot of items sitting in my finished drawer (I have a drawer now in my new craft area vs. a tub before). That will be a major TA DO!

So, as I sign off for now...here's TA YOU for a TA DA TO DO!

Some "Finds"

2011-03-01T17:51:00.000-06:00

It appears that Des Moines has found A breath of Spring in the air here today. I felt like driving around with my top open it was so nice here today- ahem...I meant the sunroof on the Mariner. Keep it clean! We went to Trader Joe's here last Sunday and I found these tulips - had to have em! Also wanted to show off my new little flower vase/holder I found at Tisket Tasket while stopping in there last week, as well.

Have the craft area pretty well completed - just a few minor things to happen in there yet, but I have started unloading plastic tubs of stitching supplies and finding a more organized home for it all. This is gonna take awhile yet. It's hard trying to decide where to put things and how to best tuilize the area. Even though I had given it months of thought prior to construction...

Do you kow what this is and what it is used for? I found it amongst my "stash".

A picture of our fluffy butts:Tanner (L) and Tucker (R). 10 Months old now.

Almost Done

2011-02-20T16:17:00.000-06:00

New Craft Area - Almost Done

Recent Fabric Find

February Finish ~ My 12

2011-02-17T18:46:00.000-06:00

Jolly Old St. Nick ~ A "Sisters And Best Friends" Design
February Ornament From "My 12"

Progress and The Good Wife

2011-02-17T07:40:00.000-06:00

I'm going to try to tie together a couple of things here so bare with me. My craft area is progressing - but my contractor is a bit behind schedule and I, as project manager, have been prodding him along. He had a slight set-back last weekend with cutting the countertop.... So as this construction progresses- so does my favorite show "The Good Wife". I habitually tape this show and watch it some point during the week on a bad TV night or an afternoon during the weekend- all the while stitching away on one of my projects. It's progressing along and getting even better.Oh, I've liked it since the beginning, and as I previously mentioned "habitually" watch it.. I've seen every episode. I've not watched this week's taped episode yet...
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/the_good_wife/

One of the things I love about "The Good Wife" is that the writers let things ride. Not everything is neatly wrapped up in every episode. Some things sit under the surface or in the background for a long time. Like the attraction between Alica and her boss, Will, which has been there since the beginning. And in the first season finale - Will left Alicia a voice-mail message suggesting they act on their mutual attraction. I think I remember he told her he loved her. OMG! If you watch this show you know why I wrote: OMG! The message was deleted (by Alicia's husband's campaign manager), before she heard it. But she later retrieved it. What a moment to watch that was. It appears by the previews that she's finally going to let Will know what happened in this week's episode. But, Will has a filly he's been horsing around with in the meantime. And, it appears that he is starting to fall for her - because he has tried to "move on" from thinking Alicia has dissed him...So a tangled web in between all the other characters and Chicago politics stirred in, the story lines continue. Great writing... Can't wait...just like I can't wait for the contractor to finish my craft area.

Construction Confession

2011-02-09T17:57:00.000-06:00

Construction of the tall craft storage cupboard.

Hubby, bless his heart, worked most of this past Sunday putting together the cupboards for my new expanded craft area. I chose white because it will make things look brighter in a windowless area. I'm getting anxious to get things moving along a bit faster...because I have a lot of things to get sorted through, organized again and cleaned up that got moved in order to make room for this area. Embarrassed to even post this photo. I haven't even shown you the plastic tubs filled with Christmas & Halloween items that we moved outta here that are stacked in the guest room... Aaacck!

What a mess, I must confess...

Fresh

2011-02-06T12:44:00.000-06:00

~FRESH FALLEN SNOW ~

~FRESH BASKET OF STITCHED VALENTINES~

~FRESH POT OF CHILI COOKING~

Preparations Underway

2011-02-05T18:07:00.000-06:00

Well, preparations are underway for my new crafting area. Hubby and I were out bright and early this morning to make the purchases of the storage cupboards and paint, etc., etc. I can't wait for it to be done so I can get better organized with all of my crafting supplies, scrap booking supplies, photographs (still many to comb through that were mom and dad's) and cross stitch and beading supplies all at my fingertips.

Future area to be "created".

Existing "Creative" Area - Yes- that's the new (last summer) sewing machine STILL IN THE BOX!!! I have no room....

I chose a paint color for the walls-even though it's in the storage room area- I just thought I needed some color other than builder beige like I had before in the small hallway area as you enter our storage room. I chose "Amber Waves" kind of a light peachy-rosey color. I got the primer put in it so I can just open it up and roll it on the walls. We are not going to put any mouldings or finish off the ceiling. So this is not going to be real fancy- but it will be more functional and organized than what I have now. The original area looks nasty now because I have neglected to keep it neat and tidy this past year or so and I have, like I've mentioned before, ran out of room. I'm tired of digging through plastic tubs. The pictures I took on that side of the room where all of my "stuff" is pushed into will be left for a future posting here. You know it's the one you don't really want everyone to see or know how much "stuff" you have---all of us at one time or another have had or do have a room like this. You know what I'm talkin' about. So tomorrow the "plan" is to start putting together the cupboards and having my resident electrician putting in some outlets for me.

Snow Day...not fit for man nor beast.

2011-02-01T13:25:00.000-06:00

I got a snow day today- of sorts. My boss came into my office at 11:30 AM and said he wanted to send me home, because of the winter blizzard warning and conditions were starting to worsen out on the roads. So, I couldn't pack up myself fast enough to get going home. What a guy! Always looking out for me and my safety. The Midwest is really starting to get blasted.

Well, as I hunker down I can tell you from my drive home from work that the weather here is getting worse. I took a quick picture out from the front door. It's not fit for man nor beast outside. The wind was whipping our decorative flag out front...Tanner was not wanting to venture out on the front stoop with me...he's smart even though he's a drama queen.

Now, it's time to go sit and stitch and watch it snow. Enjoy your snow day if you are experiencing one!

Dribble

2011-01-31T18:17:00.000-06:00

Getting ready to brace myself and tie the dogs down for the snow and wind and subzero temps expected here through the night and the next couple of days. Working diligently on my next Christmas ornament chosen for "My 12". It's from Sisters And Best Friends. Working on design of new crafting area. Want to get Roger working on it before weather gets warmer- when his mind will be fixated on golf vs. construction of my craft area. Weather permitting we will travel to Kansas City this coming weekend to visit my brother and family. Have a house/pet-sitter lined up. Hope we get to go. Current world events are unsettling, huh!? Tired from weekend of going out to dinner with friends two days straight. I need to clean. Don't wanna. Just want to sit and write dribble and watch it snow. Better go stitch and continue to brace myself and end this dribble.

My 12 No Hurry

2011-01-26T16:45:00.000-06:00

Bent Creek Small Santa JAN Ornie for 2011

Every year I set out to continue threading my needle continuously with anticipation of the projects I talk about getting done for myself. This year my "no hurry, no worry" motto is one I hope to stick with. So, I have started putting together "My 12" Christmas ornaments that I want to stitch. (Just stitch - not all finished off or sewn together...) One a month. Yep. One a month...stitching from my stash. Small things should be easily accomplished, right? Right!?! I hear you...Here is what I have gotten done for January. Not sure what's planned for February- I may start working ahead.

A stitching friend here in Des Moines did that 15 projects started in 15 days...kuddo's to her and the others that are doing that as well out there across the good ole USA. I'm already looking at 15 starts from past years that I need to pick back up and continue on with. That will be "My 15"...when I get around to going through more stash - but, "no hurry, no worry", right?

Also- I finsihed the LHN piece. I changed the vine color. Need to get it framed....

The Arrivals & Amanda's Amaryllis

2011-01-18T18:31:00.000-06:00

The anticipated arrival of the ornie from the MN Christmas Exchange along with the handmade Santa came today! Thanks CH and KG.

Below -Amaryllis that we received and planted from Amanda The Panda.

It's fun to watch it blooming.

I also received some items I ordered from Country Stitches (Happy Birthday to me): Jenny Bean Sampler and a pair of Rose Tudor Scissors. My friend in MN MK has been working on the Jenny Bean Sampler and I just had to have it to add to my STASH after I saw it being worked on in person back in December. The fob was made and given to me from my friend Lorrie. It looks good on the scissors, don't you think!?!

Happy Birthday to ME

2011-01-16T08:56:00.000-06:00

Birthday Bouquet - Tulips

I'm celebrating my Birthday, January 15th - this weekend. Those of you who sent birthday greetings, cards and surprises in the mail...THANKS for thinking of me. Sharing some pictures and more to come.

Pastry Chef - Roger, making my cake. What A Guy!

The Finished Product- Red Velvet Cake w/Cream Cheese Frosting

Here is what happens when you are the only adult supervision in the home and leave "TNT" alone while one's changing clothes to go out to dinner...

Itchin' For Stitchin' W.I.P. ~ Up 4 The Challenge?

2011-01-10T17:42:00.004-06:00

I'm moving right along with the piece I started on New Year's Weekend. Have had lots of interruptions so not done within my time frame expected. What else is new, right!?! Am drawn to the latest designer website and blog that I found...Maybe some of you are already acquainted: With Thy Needle and Thread...she lives here in Iowa...you can get to the website Country Stitches through the blog spot. See side list as well on my blog. http://withthyneedleandthread.blogspot.com/

It seems like the past several weeks all I have done is cook! Vegetable Soup, Chili and Corn Bread, Chicken and Noodles, Pasta Fagoli Soup, Stuffed Chicken Breasts w/Mushrooms & Broccoli, Spaghetti & Meatballs w/Vodka Tomato Sauce....whew! Maybe I will get into stitching like I've gotten into cooking... here a picture is what I cooked this past Sunday - 01-09-11

A Roast with all the fixin's- comfort food!

I'm thinking about finishing up some of the projects that I have started in past years (Round Robin is a MUST) and am going to "TRY" to stitch one Christmas ornament a month. I am already behind - it's mid-January. Ugh. Not holding my feet to the fire in any way- no hurry-no worry...Have you seen the blog for works in progress sign up? I can't believe the amount of people that are signing up - maybe that is the push they need. It's fun to see what each person wants to accomplish. http://up4achallenge.blogspot.com/search/label/WIP%20list

I got word that my Minnesota Santa and Ornament from the Exchange are almost on their way to me. Yippee! Maybe they will arrive near my upcoming birthday 01-15-11. I also want to share a picture of KA's felt table runner project that she showed the MN group at our gathering back in December. What a beauty!

Table Runner- in progress-Close up of the work.

Table Runner - in progress

Tanner and Tucker Update: Both are healing well. Tucker got his stitches taken out on January 8th - all back to normal.

A Flurried Finish And A Patriotic Start For Year End

2010-12-31T08:31:00.001-06:00

I hope you and yours are enjoying the wind down from the holidays. New Year's Eve is upon us. Wow! Time flies ~ We dined out at the Latin King last night with long time friends. Good drinks, food and conversation. The place was packed! We had reservations and that was a good move on our part. Tonight we are going out with another couple for dinner at AJ's Steakhouse out at Prairie Meadows Race Track & Casino... the social butterflies we are right now.... The boys are almost back to their running, jumping, wrestling, selves; since their "surgery" this past Monday. Tucker has actual stitches so he has to be watched a little more closer. I had to really check out the stitches to see if they were cross stitches, long arm cross or blanket stitch. HA! I don't know what you would call the work that Dr. Faulkner did....

I was able - over the snow flurries on Christmas eve- to finish "Stars Over Pines" designed by Blue Ribbon Designs . Check out her website for the free pattern. http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/ .This is the little piece I started during the weekend blizzard up north Dec 11th in Minnesota. Now to find a little frame for it. I did take a little personal creative liberty with the colors of the reindeer and trees...

Stars Over Pines - Finished!

I also started over the holidays a piece that I've had forever...."Americana Sampling" designed by Little House Needleworks. I am moving right along on this. Should have it done this weekend or early next week...I hope.

Americana Sampling - Started 12-23-10

~~ Roger and I together had a stressful and topsy turvy 2010 with working through the estate's of my parents (kind of like untangling a bunch of threads) R.I.P: mom (11-22-09) dad (01-28-10)... So I am prayerfully hopeful that the new year will bring me and mine good health, wealth and personal calm. Our wish for you who are near and dear to us is much the same!

Opened December 23-25 ~ Hackbarth Holiday's ~ Snip-Snip!

2010-12-27T16:40:00.000-06:00

12-27-10...We just returned from visiting the Tanner and Tucker at the Vet's office - they had their surgery this morning and will have to stay there overnight... The staff called and said we could come up and visit them, so we did. We dropped them off at 7:30 AM this morning... Then dropped off the Mariner for oil change, etc.; when to La Mie for breakfast (next best thing to French Meadow Bakery - up in Mpls on Lyndale Ave.); ran errands to the Tailor, Jordan Creek Mall, Bed Bath & Beyond, Trader Joe's, The Dog Bakery - ate lunch at CHIPS, visited the boys, and then, finally home...Snip, snip -Surgeries went well.

12-25-10...We finished opening the gifts from Amanda The Panda Organization. The last 3 days of gifts were 2 for Roger and 1 for me: fleece ear muff headband and a checkers game. I received a metal designed bookmark. So there you have it- we still do not know who the "gifter" is. I doubt if we will ever know...it remains a mystery. We had the Hackbarth get-together on the 19th and enjoyed steak, baked potatoes and all the fixin's. Actual Christmas day we hosted Roger's mother and sister for dinner. It was a quiet Christmas. We got 7.5" of snow here on the 24th. We stayed in and didn't even venture to Christmas Eve services. Kinda glad we passed on going to Kansas City invitation as we were iffy about the weather situation... Miss seeing my brother and family tho...I did get a lot of stitching done on a Little House Needleworks piece that I had started over a year ago. I also finished the Blue Ribbon Designs piece that I had started while in Minnesota during that snowstorm weekend...Finally also got time to finish up a little surprise ready to mail to my friend Lorrie. Better late than never...

Opened December 16th ~ 22nd

2010-12-22T18:49:00.000-06:00

Well, here we are now less that 2 days before Christmas. The malls are buzzing, traffic is narly, and am settling down to have a somewhat quiet Christmas with all my male companions here in the house. We have been opening the "Amada" gifts continually and I'm posting a photo of some of the latest goodies: a Victorian Santa stamping set, Shop Wipes, A photo globe, Dry Erase Board, Scrapbooking paper, some decorative writing pens and a Beanie Baby Angel Bear.

More little goodies we opened!

We are also gearing up for the upcoming surgery for the boys on Monday the 27th. Merry Christmas, snip, snip! I'm gettng some stitching done in between cleaning, running the boys to the groomer and working this week. I think I'm going to pull out some old starts that don't have much left to do and get those finished. Hoping to have alot of quiet stitch time this holiday weekend. We were let out of work early today at 1:00 PM to start our holidays early. That's why I mentioned the malls were buzzing - I tried to go out to Jordan Creek area to run a couple of errands...I gave up after the first stop because of the amount of out-of-towner traffic... I've been on a sugar high for the past two days with all the goodies laid out in the breakroom- mine included; my attention span is that of a gnat - feel like I have ADD... I baked this year for the holidays. First time in about 4 years....which reminds me I gotta pumpkin pie to bake Friday...See what I mean about attention span. I still have to grocery shop and watch the weather tomorrow- more snow in the forecast...

Hope to post the rest of the Amanda openings by Christmas. Until then. Snuggle up and Stitch!

Open December 6 through 15!

2010-12-18T17:29:00.001-06:00

It's been a while since posting any Amanda The Panda gifts so I'm trying to consolidate postings a bit. Each morning or evening we have handed each other a package to open. It's been kind of a neat thing - this might be an idea for a tradition of sorts... instead of opening 15 things on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (or a combination of the two) - do a present a day instead... right up through actual Christmas day. Kinda of like stitching a project for you or someone. Where you stitch and add to the project (in this case "event)" each day until it is done ... the deadline being Christmas. How nice it is to have it all done and completed by the deadline and should you have someone receiving the item like we are through Amanda; the receiver gets to enjoy the final product. We are enjoying the presents as well as peoples' interest in it; as we open them along the "Amanda" journey until Christmas. The pictures show the items we have gotten from December 6th through the 15th. One of the gifts was the lovely quilt that is pictured. It's all hand done with blanket stitching around each little bonnet girl.

Today I baked chocolate chip cookies and dark chocolate brownies. I took a little tin of cookies to our neighbor lady Pat next door -Roger and the boys went with me and we took a COLD walk after! Tomorrow I'll get up early and bake ginger cookies - I hope. We have the Hackbarth Christmas tomorrow at Noon. It is taking place in Webster City. Tonight we are meeting up with Roger's sister Mary and going to Hoyt Sherman Auditorium for Tonic-Sol-Fa concert.

Gotta go start getting ready. Fal-la-la-la-la!

Opened December 6 - Her name is Muriel

More!

The lovely quilt

Wanted to also share what I got while at Stitchville in Minnesota. AND I also stopped by Quilter's Cupboard this week and scored some more fabric and a felt project to add to the STASH.

Fabric From Quilters Cupboard

Bareroots Felt Project

Stitchville STASH

Minne-sew-ta and Minne-snow-ta Weekend!

2010-12-13T15:34:00.003-06:00

Just getting back from a trip up North for the annual Minnesota Stitch Group's Ornament Exchange. What fun! I was encompassed in the blizzard like snowstorm that the state succumbed to and ended up staying an extra day and night with my hostess MK and her hubby; due to weather and road conditions. Glad I did because the roads were still somewhat treacherous in spots as I drove home this morning. It was -6 degrees when I left. We got alot of stitching done and managed to eek in a very quick trip up to Minnetonka on Friday after I arrived to Stitchville. I mean, c'mon, what's a stitcher's trip up to MN without going to one of my favorite shops...and experiencing MK's Indy 500 driving tactics to get us there and back before the party!!

During the Snowstorm - MK's backyard

Our Friday Night Ornament Exchange was with great conversation wine, food and fellowship. We never did stitch...but had a great time with show and tell and the ornament exchange itself.

Have posted and sharing some pictures of the weekend. I can now divulge what I stitched for the exchange and what I received. And, what a surprise we all received from KG - a little handmade Santa. see picture. Wow! She does fabulous hand work. What a wonderful and tremendously talented group of friends I still have up there! Stay warm!
Amanda The Panda update coming next...

The ornament I stitched for the exchange

The Ornie I received - from CH

All the ornaments in the exchange

The MN Stitch Group

The Surprise Santa's

All of the stitching I did while snowed in

Open December 3, 4 and 5 - it's the weekend!

2010-12-05T07:35:00.005-06:00

Well, I was wat too tired Friday night, December 3rd, to do much of anything but have a cocktail, visit with my husband as we talked about our day and I watched him open his Amanda present. You know how it is when you have been stitching for so long that you start to lose concentration; that's how it was for me Friday night. Roger, also, received a journal, of sorts... After very little arm twisting, we kenneled the boys and jumped in the car to go eat Chinese. We really were not going to go out, but did anyway...

Open December 3

Saturday was part of a cleaning frenzy day and readying for the "church ladies group" I'm co-hosting with my friend Terrie this coming Monday night. Valley West Mall and Ankeny both, today were a frenzied mess as I tried to run some extra errands. Now I know why I do this errand thing after work during the week...Tonight was my night to stop and open a package and slow down a bit from the cold, blustery, frenzied day, to enjoy the coziness and warmth of our home and being surrounded by a great man and two furry little faces - all three showing me unconditional love. It was a small candle with a fragrance of white linen. Lovely fragrance.

Open December 4

Inside December 4

Early this morning Roger opened up his gift for the day- yes we were up at 4:30 AM- doggy duty - ugh!

Open December 5

Inside December 5

Do you see a correlation in gifts, here? Take a moment to take a look around your home, write a note or send a card to a friend or loved one, take in the fragrances and ambiance and see the light of the season...

~ until tomorrow..."Stitch" the season.

Open December 2

2010-12-02T18:48:00.000-06:00

December 2 - whew! I came home from shopping after work, did doggy duty, changed my clothes, checked on the chili in the crockpot- yes, chili! Yum! Roger got home and we again sat down to dive into gift #2. For moi!?! 5x7 in size. I opened it- to find a Journal and again a note inside - about Journaling, creative expression, etc. Neat! I'm sure I will put it to use.

Open December 1

2010-12-01T18:41:00.001-06:00

Well, here it is- December 1st. It's like getting ready to start another stitching project for me. Taking a studied look at the pattern, fabric and thread colors, in comparison we took a studied look at our first present from the Holiday Cheer Box we have received..... might I mention, again, anonymously... Not addressed to either one of us individually; Roger and I discuss: "What do you suppose it will be when it isn't addressed to either you or me?" We pour ourselves a cocktail, as we shake it and feel its weight. We sit down together and with paper and tape a flyin' we open it - we can no longer wait...

It's an Amaryllis blub kit!

I hope you can read what is on the label on the top of the box... Tomorrow's present is addressed to me! Yippee!!

The Goldfinch Ornament

2010-11-27T08:28:00.002-06:00

So, it's Saturday- wow - time is getting away from me on the 4 day reprieve of Thanksgiving. I've been wokring on another Christmas ornament...for me. It's from Blue Ribbon Designs - the holiday one- a freebie on her website.http://blueribbondesigns.com/

Yesterday I had the "Hackbarth's Hanging of the Greens" here. Roger gave the puppies warning that if they sat still too long I would be hanging ornaments or bows or something on them. So Roger and the boys stayed out of my way. I unpacked the little Goldfinch bird ornament that brought back a fond memory from Minnesota. I went holiday shopping with Sue, Dorine, Diana and Lee - my fun, fantastic neighbors on the street where we used to live - Goldfinch Drive. We were at Gertens Greenhouse in the Twin Cities and I happend upon this ornament of the Goldfinch. It had double meaning for me - Goldfinch is the Iowa State bird and we lived on Goldfinch Drive. So we all bought one to signify the day and the fun we had shopping. It continues to remind me, every time I unpack it, of my great neighbor ladies and the fun we used to have on our outings and get-togethers. This year it is residing on my coffee table holiday arrangement. Now, I'm off to put out my cross-stich ornies on the tree in the family room.

Coming soon, we are conunting down the days until we start opening our Amada The Panda gift box presents.

HOLIDAY CHEER BOX

2010-11-21T19:17:00.002-06:00

So, it was a rainy, dreary cold, damp gray day here. Roger and I have been just puttsin' around here today - missed church, sorry Lord. We ran some errands and then visited the cemetery to put out some blue spruce sprigs with poinsettia's for my parents. We get home and I decide to put the finishing touches on my ornament for the Minnesota cross stitch group's ornament exchange on December 10th, that I'm going up for...weather permitting. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Minnesota has gotten a lot of snow and freezing rain as of late. I feel for you girls up there, up Nort!

Anyway, I'm down in my craft area and Roger yells at me from upstairs that there is some guy in a car sitting in our driveway. I don't react. I ignore him, after all- gotta get the ornie prettied up and finished...Then I hear Roger raising his voice in a tone that he NEEDS me to come upstairs right away. So, I go. This guy that was in the car is now on our front step. He told us his name, but I'm not gonna use it here. I'll refer to him as "The Elf, from Amanda The Panda Organization" (local non-profit that serves to restore grieving children and adults back into the mainstream of their lives after losing loved ones from accident, illness, homicide or war.) Now, back to The Elf, nice young man, is standing there and Roger is drilling him saying "what's the catch?" The Elf responds, "Sir, there is no catch, I just deliver the gifts." Roger: "Is this legit?" The Elf: "Yes, please read the letter inside the envelope that has Cathi and your name on it explaining everything". The Elf looks at me and says: "I'm not sure the reason why you are receiving this, but I want to wish you Happy Holidays and hope this box makes it brighter". I respond by telling him about the loss of my parents last year...So, The Elf turns and leaves Roger and I standing on the front porch looking at this big red box. A big red box full of all shapes and sizes of presents, shaking our heads and just looking at the box and looking at each other, and then looking at the box again. I was - believe it or not - speechless at this point.

So we took it inside and read the letter telling us what it is all about. It is a surprise Holiday Cheer Box. It is being sent to us from Amanda The Panda because we have participated in their services or because a "guardian angel" has called them on our behalf. The items were hand selected and gift-wrapped with love especially for us by Several Amanda The Panda elves! It goes on to tell us that inside the box are 25 individually wrapped items with sticker on each gift stating which day to open it. After that we started inspecting it a bit. Still looking at each other in amazement. Nobody has ever done anything for us like this ever. http://www.amandathepanda.org/.

I'll be blogging each time Roger or I open something; to share it with you. So mark your calendar to follow along starting December 1st. Until then, watch out for Elves...you never know when or where they will appear with a box of holiday cheer.

All "Tuckered" Out

2010-11-05T17:19:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I have blogged. I, along with most of Des Moines, I was told at the Doctor's office yesterday, have the crud! Only my crud is border line pneumonia. I had pneumonia while living in Minnesota about 7 years ago and have been susceptible to it ever since. I have been dragging my self to work through it all. I'm on drugs now - but have to go back in 2 weeks for a checkup and possible chest x-ray if the wheezing and crackling in my chest is still prevalent. So, along with my one pup Tucker who naps like I would like to...the two of us have been a bit "Tuckered" out... I have my ornie for the Minnesota exchange almost done...Can I get a woo hoo! Stitchin' while being stricken....signing off for now.

The Ornament Tree and "TNT"

2010-10-25T18:40:00.002-05:00

Well, finally have "the tree"somewhat decorated and thought it was about time to share it- after all the "hype". I had gotten the idea from Vonna's Blog "The Twisted Stitcher" when I saw hers last year. Mine was simplified a bit. I just bought my dowels and the round knobs and the base all at Micheal's. I showed Roger (aka Raul the Carpenter) a photo of the proto-type and away we went. I used stain that matched the woodwork in the townhome the Builder left for us. I've had it done for some time - just no ornaments finished to hang on it. The fun thing about this piece is, it is very versatile for each season...

Also posting a photo of the boys - they are doing good at sit and stay- as long as there isn't too much of a distraction in the room. We are working on visitors at the door. We can't seem to keep their attention long enough- even with treats to get them to be a little be more calm when people arrive. They don't bark- just lick and jump up for attention. They then calm down... It's still work in progress.

Had a couple of fellow stitchers over this past Friday night - and as always- wonderful to see what they are working on and what they are done with. We hope our little group can sustain and begin to meet more regularly...

Winds are to be 60 to 70mph here tomorrow...those of you who live here, hang onto whatever is hangin' out!

True Colors & Wine

2010-10-19T17:17:00.004-05:00

I finally have some colors on the walls of the townhome. The true color on the kitchen walls is not as vibrant as it appears on the photgraph shown- it's a more subtle goldish/brown - called Chocolate Turtle. Covered Wagon is the color of the living area and entry way color. Thought you might want a peek... - photo's left.

We are feeling fall like here in Des Moines. Roger and I went to western Iowa last Friday to tour a couple of little wineries and get out of town...We had a pleasant tasting and visit with the owners of Danish Country Winery and brought several bottles home with us. Lots of field work going on during our travels that day. Farmers harvesting the corn and bean crops. Harvesting brings me ever present to the reaping and sewing

(needlework) that I have ongoing.

I'm posting some of the ornaments that I have managed to get done and finished. Later this week should lbe able to post the ornament tree I made (last summer) and got stained (last fall). Now have ornaments to place on it.

A Witch of a Stitch

2010-10-10T09:56:00.000-05:00

Here's one of the latest Cross-Eyed Cricket Halloween ornie's I have had done - just need to get it finished off. I've also been stitching and finishing off my other Cross-Eyed Crickets and some Prairie Schooler Halloween ornaments. In between cleaning out closets and and re-arranging rooms since we had the inside of the townhome painted several weeks ago. It's taken us longer because I am weeding through items that we accumulated over time and with the passing of my parents - brought many things back to our place to get through... If you didn't know us you might think we were hoarders (oh my, have you seen that show on cable!?!!) if you walked into our storage area. Speaking of which, I am designing a new larger craft area that Roger is going to build for me. Not gonna show you any pictures of what's in there yet- it's spooky- ooky - ugly in there now...

It's About Time

2010-10-08T20:13:00.001-05:00

Yes, it's about time I got back into this BLOG thing. I needed to take some time away, and that I did. During my hiatus from posting I've had time to devote to two little furry fluffy butts that we brought into our household on August 7th. Tucker and Tanner - two little shitzu's. They are brothers and were born May 24, 2010. We have been through alot already with them - dealing with puppies is not something that I was ever accustomed to. Those who know me- know that I'm a neat freak and that my house is ALWAYS CLEAN. Not so much anymore. I've lowered my standards a bit in the neat category - the clean is still a high priority though.

We passed puppy class- K9 Kindergarten this past September. I was so happy- Roger and I have spent alot of time trying to learn about training these two spit fires or loving called "TNT" - they run like dynamite through the house all the time. It's a puppy thing. They do bring us joy- they are happy ALL THE TIME!

So, I'm back at this- but not daily- it's about time....just so you know. I'm a "mom" now and time is defintely diverted saying- off- leave it-let's potty, sit and stay...They are teething now - so we are busy keeping toys and pigs ears (an Iowa thing...) and chewy sticks in their mouths so they stay off the woodwork.

I'm still with Oneok (pronounced one-oak) and I have been asked to finish out until the end of the year. The position has been approved - but funding has yet to be. There are still some kinks to work through- but my boss wants to keep me- but I may end up having to go through the Oneok hoops of interviewing, etc. That's ok with me.

I've managed to stitch some more Halloween ornies and you girls in Minnesota reading this will be "astounded" to know that I have picked out the Christmas ornament that I'm going to stitch for the exchange. I do hope there will be an exchange... I mentioned, I've picked it out, bought the fabric and threads- but have not committed to the fabric as of yet. I have to finish off the rest of the Halloween ornies for my tree. And, yes, I will have pictures coming soon...like I mentioned earlier, "it's about time".

Made It Last Night

2010-06-15T14:59:00.002-05:00

I was all set to cut out my patterns for the "Cherries On Top" Wool Felt Pincushion, but wanted some instant gratification, so within the same magazine (Quilts and More - BH&G Collection - Winter 2009) as the pincushion, I ran across a page called " Make It Tonight!". I made a scrap piece pincushion. It was sooo simple and see (photo's) what I ended up with. The red button on top is from an old button bracelet that my grandmother had and that my mother wore. My mom had given me the bracelet years ago and at my younger creative age I cut all of the buttons off of the bracelet and have been using them in various creative inspirations along my threads in life. I think the red button - which is quite old and unusual fits it quite nicely.
Here is the material list for the project:

Scraps of assorted prints/12-20" long.
Polyester fiberfill
Perle cotton or string (I used the perle cotton)
A decorative button

Here are the instructions:
Make a 2 1/2" diameter ball of the fiberfill. Tightly wrap with perle cotton or string to make a flattened ball shape. (You don't have to wrap and wrap and wrap - do just enough to give it the shape you want).
Tear fabric scraps in 1/2"-3/4" wide strips in lengths above (I did 1/2" x 12"). Take one end of a strip at the center back of the flattened side of the ball. Tightly wrap strip around ball and secure the end with two or three whip stitches. Add strips one at a time until the ball is completely covered. As you wrap use contrasting strips in an "X" formation whip stitching the ends each time you finish a strip. (Once you feel you have enough strips around the ball stop. I added some ribbon that I tacked on with Alene's tacky glue and I also glued on the button - it said to sew it - but I didn't want to - I became lazy with wanting to get done to for my instant gratification! This morning I added some felt to the bottom to cover the whip stitched area and finish off the bottom. They do not mention that in the magazine.)
There you have it - Make It Tonight!~

Feelin' Fobulous

2010-06-14T15:56:00.000-05:00

I FINALLY got around to finshing off a scissor fob that I had stitched several years ago - pulled it out of my stash of stiched pieces, sewed it together, stuffed it and got-er-done! This pattern was one in the series years ago that Ewe and Eye and Friends published. Some came with scissors. (I'm into decorative type pins in things right now...) I'm feelin' "fobulous" that it is done.

I've got my wool felt washed and ironed for the "Cheeries on Top" Pin Cushion set. I'm anxious to get it cut out... I will be pinning patterns onto the felt tonight.

I've almost finsihed another scissor fob - again- stitched long ago and just now getting it put together. I hope it turns out the way I have envisioned it to.

Who'll Stop The Rain!?!

2010-06-13T18:17:00.003-05:00

It has been raining for so many days now off and on that I have lost count. Yesterday morning we awoke to Thunderstorms with lightening, etc. I took a picture from our deck overlooking the pond out back and it was coming so fast that the pond started to come out of its banks in a couple of places. See photo below. Again today we awoke to rain as well. I decided that I would get into some more finsihing yesterday and today with the weather being what it is and all. So, I have one fob to show you that I accomplished. It is a free - yes free, Lizzie Kate pattern that you can download from her website. I'm sure some of you have the pattern or have seen it. I of course changed a color in one of the flowers. It's a great little pattern that you can have fun with in changing out colors and charms. It is so fast to stitch. I also finished a couple more items that I will share soon and started tracing and working on getting a pin cushion cut out of wool felt that I wrote about in a past blog. The pattern is called "Cheeries on Top". Whew - see what being cooped up in the townhome for almost 2 days will do to a gal - I'm Gettin' Er Done! Now that I'm in the spirit of things I'd like to continue into tomorrow- but alas work will begin in the world out there for me at 7:00 AM - bright and early.

Who'll Stop The Rain!?! CCR!?!

Woven Thread Memorials

2010-06-03T19:23:00.001-05:00

It's certainly been a while since I've posted anything. I've been trying to catch up on some things and start some things - you know how it iss -s ometimes other threads of life take over our hobby. Roger and I spent a good part of Memorial Weekend decorating graves. The torch has been passed to me since both parents are now deceased and my brother lives in Olathe, KS. Its somewhat another right of passage I guess. Like with stitching and choosing or changing your thread colors and fabric for your piece, I diligently shopped and chose what type of flower and/or decor I would use for which grave site. As we exited the vehicle in each cemetery throughout the weekend, Roger and I carried our memorial choices and off we went to make our way to each grave site. Kind of like stitching a piece of work - each grave was threaded/connected to the next that we visited... Mothers, Fathers, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles. In between it all we also made time to make our niece, Morgan's, 2nd birthday party (pictured).

Each night through the 3 day weekend I tired to hunker down and get some stitching in. I also got to the day time group last week over at my friend Patty's for a couple of hours. She helped me make some twisted cord for a scissor fob I'm almost done getting finsihed off. I've started Blackbird Designs's Pumpkin Blossom Needlecase (pictured).

Of course, I would be remiss not to show you new photo's of our little great-nephew "O" Owen. He is 6 months old and is sitting up by himself now, I'm told. My parents would have enjoyed his cute smile and his presence as a new little thread woven into all our lives. When one life stops- another begins. Memorial time makes one stop and reflect of all the threads of lives that have been either sacrificed or taken from us in other ways. Keep Smilin' and Keep Stitchin'!

Thinking Halloween

2010-05-24T17:53:00.000-05:00

How could I possibly be thinkin' about Halloween when it is sooooo hot here! Woo~ 89 degrees on the deck thermometer. But I am - always thinkin' ahead, that's me. I happened upon some cool fabric at the Quilter's Cupboard here locally last week and thought I would share a picture of what I bought to finish off some of the halloween ornies I stitched and will be finishing off. Pictures of those are coming up... I need to make another trip there - they have such a good selelction of different fabrics! I've also been basting away on a new project from Blackbird Designs - Loose Feathers - Pumpkin Blossom Needlecase - which is now a retired pattern. Film at Ten! Happy Stitching!

Eggstra Large

2010-05-18T17:24:00.001-05:00

We get farm fresh eggs each week from a gal that Roger works with. He came in the door the one night last week with a special little container and all wrapped up inside was the brown farm egg on the left in this photo. Look at it compared to another one of the eggs that is also a farm egg that we have...layin' that egg had to hurt! So, of course this past weekend we h ad to see what was inside. Yep, a double yoker!

Been stitching on the Round Robin some more and also getting ready to start something new. Stay tuned.

A Trip Worth The Cheeries on Top

2010-05-12T17:26:00.000-05:00

Took a trip yesterday while I was up in Ankeny and found the Quilter's Cupboard. They moved several months ago to this new little house tucked away in old downtown Ankeny. So, I ventured it to see what they had to offer me. Several dollars later I walked away with a new felt pin cushion project called "Cheeries on Top". It was featured in the Winter 2009 Quilter's Magazine published by BH&G. They had it all kitted up and it was so tempting. Maybe will get it cut out this weekend. You MN gals would love this litte place. Day trip!?!?

I've also made progress on the Round Robin. I will be adding some more flowers along the fence line.

And......I picked out some fabric for the Traveling Stitcher! I'm on somewhat of a roll and it's been raining so maybe I can stay inside and get some things accompished. Off to grill some burgers and stitch.

Mother's Keep Us Stitched Together...

2010-05-09T16:23:00.005-05:00

As a good portion of you know, my mother, Dorothy, passed away last year in 2009, three days before Thanksgiving. So this is the first time acknowledging Mother's Day without her. I hope you will indulge me...You see, I would usually stitch her something or pamper her in another way. Funny how life's threads tend to weave in and out of one's day... like yesterday, it was rainy here and cold. So I decided that I was going to start finishing some of my stitching projects (I know, I know... finally) that have been sitting around already stitched. As I was getting out my little sewing machine and all my craft supplies I was of course going through my tubs of stitching and found a couple of items in particular that I had made for mother which I found tucked away in my parents' apartment when we were getting through things after both deaths...I blogged about this months ago. So, I decided to share those with you (pictured) I remember like it was yesterday of how excited she always got when I stitched something for her. I'm also sharing some past photo's of us together - most were taken while we were still living in Minneapolis and came down to visit. (2005-2006-2007) The polymyositis was really taking its toll on her in 2007 (pictured with me and my brother Brian). I did not take a photo of her in 2008 or 2009 for the occassion and I wished I would have now... Enjoy your mother's while they are on earth. Because like the threads we stitch with; when we got knotted up, frayed, split, too loose or pulled too tight; mothers always tend to keep us "stitched together". Happy Mother's Day to those of you who are~

A Busy Day In The Neighborhood

2010-05-04T19:16:00.001-05:00

I don't have any stitching things to talk about - but yesterday had a busy day in our hood - some theives are on the loose. We were not affected. But it was all the talk while I was outside in the driveway watching the window glass company install a new windshield on the Mariner. Guess they are going to organize a Neighborhood Watch Program....That's right - you read it right, a new windshield. We encountered a rock on 235 on the way to meet another couple for dinner last Friday night and it did a real "crack up" job!

It's a Bluebird Day!

2010-05-03T16:18:00.002-05:00

Well, the sun is shining and the wind is blowing - but we will take this over the rain we have had recently. It's a bluebird day! I finally got to the local greenhouse and picked out a couple of hanging plants that were originally planned to hang on our deck. But the house finches outside had their own plans for the plants- their nest... we went through this last spring as well with my big boston ferns that hung out there. Ugh~ So the plants are now placed at the front of the townhome. The house finches are still trying to figure out where they went to- and now that they are lower to the ground they won't bother them. So, in a few weeks I will get something to hang out on the deck. I'm thinking that maybe if I have Roger put up a birdhouse on the outside corner of the deck that maybe the finches will pick that instead of the plants. I hope.

I have also been stitching away on my round robin and have gotten some time in on adding more to Kathy's english cottage that she stitched for me. Added the fencing and some more flowers and a vine like trelis. More to come on this. Stay Stitchin'!

Missin' The Stitchin'

2010-04-28T16:25:00.002-05:00

I haven't been posting lately due to other life threads getting in the way - like work... and trying to get some stitching done. I sure miss stitchng with a group on a regular basis. I would really like it if I could find some interested stitchers here in Des Moines that would entertain the idea of getting together twice a month on a designated-agreed upon night from like 7PM to 10PM - taking turns at each others homes. Looking for around 8 people total. No food involvement - just light treats (something chocolate and something salty-- oh, and drinks like diet pop or water, etc.)... keeping it simple. Contact me via a comment here if you are interested. So, I've just about finished the Traveling Stitcher - just needs initials on it and then sewn together. I have soooo much finishing to do. I've also been working on my round robin piece that I have back in my posession. Adding to it in a couple of the already stitched areas by members of my "MN hood" and then trying to " map out " my next house to add. (See pic's below.) Left pic top: working on, Bottom pic: Done.

On a side note ~ check out Blackbird Designs Blog. http://www.blackbird-designs.blogspot.com/. Several of my gal pals from MN stitch group signed up for and attended a little Sping Fling retreat . Stitchville USA(fabulous store) in Minnetoka http://www.stitchville.com/ hosted Blackbird Designs April 23rd-25th. On the blog you can see the project. I'm jealous. Want it!

Better publish this and go retrieve my brownies from the oven. Gosh, they smell so good. I think they will be a hit at work tomorrow with all the guys and a surprise at that!

Digging Out My Finished Threads

2010-04-20T18:22:00.000-05:00

Another small set I finished - OMG- 2002!...just a few years ago while living in Minnesota. Pattern is "Hanging Around" 68th Exemplary by Sheepish Designs. My MN friend MK tutored me along with the finishing aspect. I must have ADD this week - trying to stay focused on finishing The Traveling Stitcher piece. I sit in my red chair and start digging into my Longaberger stitching basket with my smalls stored in it (1 of 3 surrounding me) and next thing you know I'm reminicsing as I dig out my finished threads - of history. Baking banana bread and it smells fabulous! Better go check the oven and get back to stitching.

Shopping & Hormones ~ I'm finished!

2010-04-19T19:06:00.001-05:00

Something that is finished - it has been for several years since I stitched it... (some of you will recognize it) and this time of year I always get it out to use it for awhile. It's a special piece from Just Nan that was done solely for the Silver Needle in Oklahoma. My "Blue Ribbon" finisher did a great job on it! I am dealing with allergies something awful this season and have had dizzy spells this month along wih headaches. I found out today that it is inner ear fluid retention (when I went for my 6 month check-up at the doctor's office). Whew! I also talked her back into more hormones! Yippeee!!!! She threw me a bone today because of all of the stress that I have been under since last October....maybe I will sleep thoughout the night now. Anyway, enough about that. I slpurged this eve and ordered some more patterns - by Chessi and Me. One is called the "Botanical Sewing Pocket & Fob" and the other is "Rabbit Run". They both look quick and fun ~~~ gotta go stitch!

Floss Blossom's

2010-04-15T15:41:00.001-05:00

I have a technique tip about separating your floss while stitching your own way through life... Floss does have a grain to it. Some fellow stitchers can tell by pulling a strand between their thumb and index fnger. If you are one "with" the stratight of the grain, the floss will feel smoother. Others can tell by looking at the way the strand is twisted.

I learned the "blossoming end" method recently. Simply make a "U" with the length of floss that you are working with and hold the two cut ends between your thumb and forefinger with about 1/2" to 3/4" sticking out. Gently tap on the cut ends. One end will "blossom" more than the other. Put the blossoming end(s) of the floss into the eye of the needle and that way you will be stitching with the grain of the floss. This will cut down on tangles and your stitches should look nicer too!

Stay Stitchin'!

BLOGS To Share With You ~

2010-04-13T16:38:00.000-05:00

http://lovetostitch-onestitchatatime.blogspot.com/
http://thescarletthouse.blogspot.com/
http://needle-eye.blogspot.com/

Check out these blogs that I have happened onto. Most inspiring and having more time than I do to work on a BLOG.Yikes! Later Gator!

Who is James Button?

2010-04-12T16:45:00.000-05:00

Is everyone welcoming Spring? It was really evident while we were in Kansas City this past weekend to visit my brother and family. We continued to sift through more of life's threads. My mother was a photographer. Whether it be taking pic's of family, friends or co-workers she was ALWAYS taking pictures - until her polymyositis rendered her neck muscles too weak that she could not hold her head up and raise her arms high enough to snap a "Kodak Moment". I guess this was her "hobby", like stitching is mine... My brother and I were a bit overhelmed and marveled at the amount pictures and people in pictures that we didn't even know...and were seriously engrossed with the photo's from her and my father's childhood's. In total, it took us (along with our respective spouses) about 3 hours and several cocktails to reminisce and get through 4 plastic tubs of photo envelopes/albums...Mom had a scrapbook type of photo album from her high school years. There were several photo's of a young gent named James Button in this album. We think she must have been "Sweet" on James. She never mentioned him to me when I would thumb through this book in my earlier years. I had forgotten that she had this little thread of history... So lies the question...who is this James Button? I did not stitch at all this weekend. I'm having withdrawal of putting needle to thread. I may go back to working on the Traveling Stitcher....Pictures of little Owen coming up. Stay tuned.

Threading Another Needle...The Finish Line

2010-04-02T19:18:00.000-05:00

So here I am two days away from Easter and not one ornie finished up all fancy. More have been stitched... I've had a busy week - finishing up a temp job out in Jordan Creek area of West Des Moines. Glad it is over... Ready to move on and start a new temp-to-hire job that I am really excited about. The name of the company is OneOK. GOOGLE it. I will start Monday, April 5th. Threading another one of life's needle's...Speaking of threads, got mine all over my stitching nest. I also just finsihed stitching Lizzie Kate's "BLOOM". It is a free chart on their website.I need to get the charm on it yet and again, finsihing it off... So, that is what I hope to do in the new job is bloom! There hasn't been any administrative help in this location for several years and it is desparately needed. Has anyone seen the new Sue Hillis pattern called "A Sweet Sittch"? I ran across it on www.thesilverneedle.net - gonna have to have it, I think. Spring is here for sure and along with spring comes allergies in our houseold. Daffodils are popping up and blooming around various yards here in our "hood". Robins are everywhere, we even have the deer and geese returning to our pond out back... As I mentioned earlier, I'm nearing the finish line on getting these Easter pieces stitched (again, not finished). Thread your life's needles this weekend everyone, and have a good Easter.

What are you working on?

2010-03-28T16:16:00.000-05:00

Here's a few little things that I have worked on the past week- what are you working on? I plan to make them into Spring & Easter ornie's. They are little pieces within a couple of Prairie Schooler Springtime patterns.

Stitching Strands of Conversation

2010-03-25T09:05:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a great day! The Des Moines stitching group gathered together at Belinda's with all of our threads and stitching treasures in tow that we are working on. We always share in each other's accomplishments with this hobby as we sit around a table of friendship. It is always great to see what is being worked on or planned to be worked on. Our conversations run twisted together like the floss that we work with - it is all together until you start to pull it apart and work with it within the piece you are stitching on - so goes the conversation ~ strands of conversation...and boy what conversation! From mastering the installation of new toilet seats to what a couple of members have had stored in their freezer's at one time or another; that is quite unusual....(to some.) We also catch up on each other's life's challenges and excitement! Kinda like stitching~there is always challenges and excitement! As the rain fell to nourish the earth here in Iowa yesterday, we continued to stitch and have strands of conversation until it was time to leave more nourished ourselves... Later.

Awwww...Spring

2010-03-23T16:15:00.000-05:00

It's been a few days since I last blogged. I've been busy welcoming Spring (and the Easter season) into our townhouse. I've sprinkled a few things around. Last Saturday spent a good part of the day with the Des Moines stitchers at Lorrie's. Thanks again, Lorrie, for being hostess and providing all the nice nourishment and treats! It was good to gather after all the snow the night before...which is all gone now. TYJ! It was cathardic to once again fill my sitching tank up even more. I got quite a bit done on the little Easter ornies I am working on while chatting away with everyone. They are stitched but not "finished" with the intended ribbons, backings etc. That will come. (I know there are those of you out there reading this that can relate... ) I'm posting pictures of welcoming the season at hand. The daffodil and tulip centerpiece I saw in a Martha Stewart LIVING Mag and recreated it in my own color pallette. The little easter pillow with two white bunnies was stitched for me years ago by my good friend Patty. Our DSM group is meeting again tomorrow at Belinda's (Blue Ribbon Designs). More stitching time!!!!!! Later ~~~

I'm "Snow" tired...Zip It!

2010-03-21T15:42:00.000-05:00

Exhausted from rooting for the UNI basketball team on TV last night and now home from church and Birthday Brunch with our good friends, Mike, Liz and Larry. I ate too much at Granite City. Couldn't pass up those cinnamon rolls the waitress brang to the table... yum! Roger went to wash vehicles while the sun is shinning and it has warmed up- yes, sun and warmth in the same day - whoopee! We had 6 inches of snow fall here this past Friday night in Des Moines. I'm "Snow" tired...

Thought I would sit down and get a little paragraph written to share one more thing from my visit in Minnesota the week of March 8th. One of the group's members, Lynn, finished her Bent Creek Zipper project and brought it along to our gathering for show and tell...She gets a "Woo Hoo"! Great piece, Lynn! To those of you who are zipping along on this piece and to those of you who have it but have not yet started it ~~ here's the inspiration to start and to finish!

"I'm Walkin' on Sunshine"

2010-03-19T10:06:00.000-05:00

Actually, I was starting to write this yesterday when the sun was out and life was in the air all over the place here in Iowa. I have really been stitching up a storm. Now the sky's look like it's gonna rain. Anyway, while I'm still walking on sunshine and the tank is still pretty full from last week's adventure to MN, I'm sharing some of the other round robins from my group up there. I hope some of you in groups that stitch together will consider taking on a round robin adventure albeit small or large. It's a great opportunity to share the hobby's talent among fellow friends and stitchers. Seriously, try something small like a banding with a certain theme - whatever you like. It can be simple and won't take long...as long as those participating know the deadline for the "turns" (turning it over to the next person to stitch on). Email me if you want help with guidlelines - than can easily be tweaked to suit your group's needs for all levels of stitchers. It is a committment, but can be easily attained if you keep it simple and small. Discuss amongst yourselves...Go take a walk in the sunshine - if you have some in your "neck of the woods" today... Apologies for photo's being sideways - having difficulty with technology of the posting.

Filling My Tank Up...

2010-03-16T14:03:00.000-05:00

This is Miko ~ above.

My Round Robin ~ below

As I blogged last week, I took a few days to go up to Minnesota to fill up my stitching tank a bit. It was really heart warming and fun to go back up there and meet with my ole stitching group. All those years I was just one thread within the group of threads that made up these women. We gathered at Carrie's house, where I got to finally meet the newest member to her household- Miko - who wanted to investigate all of our stitching bags and the activity of it all. (Pictured- always on the move- so hard to catch.) We shared our lives in conversation and had the usual "show and tell" of what we have accomplished and or finished stitching. (We also took probably one of our last looks at her kitchen...which is going to be remodeled. Good luck with this endeavor, Carrie!) I always remain so inspired by them all. There are all levels of stitchers in this group; from Japanese embroidery to stitching a pre-packaged pattern piece from a chain store, for example... They also are so nurturing to help in any and every way when in comes to stitching and teaching in this hobby and in life itself. They all reached out to me via long distance when things were a little tough these past few months and it meant the world to me. That's the thing about this stitching world of women albeit whether they are in Minnesota or Iowa or somewhere else in the USA or world - when we all come together to put needle to thread it becomes a thread of one part of our lives holding us all together. I've posted a picture I took of my round robin piece that has now passed to all the of the Minnesota participants. I just have to add two more areas on to it. Kim, thanks for getting your last turn done (middle row - right side) and being able to send it home with me. Thanks to the Minnesota group for warming my heart during my visit and filing up my stitch tank.

Oh, I Wish I Were An....

2010-03-15T10:55:00.000-05:00

As you know last week I took a few days and went back up to Minnesota to fill up my stitching tank, so to speak. As I was starting to leave Des Moines I spotted s mething strange looking up ahead of me and as I got closer...it was the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile! One never knows what one might see along their journey's. So, today I am sharing this photo op. More later on the trip and re-gathering some of my life's threads regarding my time away.

Hum along with me - oh I wish ... come on, you know the jingle.

I'd like to thank the Academy...of Stitchers

2010-03-13T15:42:00.000-06:00

...for this being a first for me...A Blog Award. Thanks, Belinda at Blue Ribbon Designs http://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

I feel like the hollywood starlet that is standing in front of her audience at the awards ceremony. Only, instead of an red Armani gown and diamonds springled around my neck, holding an Oscar, I'm sitting here in my sweats, holding onto a keyboard and mouse in front of a computer screen, nervously writing my thank you speech on the fly... I get so much joy from this hobby that I am quite passionate about. I need to thank my Minnesota and Iowa groups of stitching friends who share the passion with me.

OK, so with this award, goes some rules. Thank and link to the person who gave you the award. Done. Paste the award on your blog. Done. Write 10 things about yourself others might not know. Done. - and then pass the award on to 10 others. I'll try.

Ten little known facts about me.

1. I don't like procrastinators.

2. I, like Belinda, get grumpy when I am hungry.

3. I'm politically conservative.

4. I tape and watch all, and I mean all, of the Housewives reality shows (O.C./N.Y./N.J. etc.)

5. I would love to have my own business - something where I could always do something creative each day.

6. I don't like a dirty car...inside or out.

7. I have 20+ Longaberger baskets all packed away not in use.

8. I used to sing in the Des Moines Choral Society years ago.

9. I'm not good at diligently balancing a checkbook.

10. I love to bake and decorate cupcakes.

Passing along the award to some Blogs I follow, and, apologies to my academy of fellow stitchers...I don't have 10 to post - but maybe they each will:

http://thetwistedstitcher.blogspot.com/

http://theworldslargestcollectionofsmallstoo.blogspot.com/

http://stitchingupastorm.blogspot.com/

http://http//finelyfinishedfinishingservice.blogspot.com/

http://www.thistle-threads.com/embroidery/ebsblog/index.html

http://www.needleprint.blogspot.com/

Thank you for this gratifying award! It makes me want to continue this blogging endeavor even more now.

Sharing Coffee and Projects

2010-03-09T17:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I got together with my stitching friend Lorrie at a local coffee shop. She sipped her usual Chai and I sucked down my usual Mocha. We had a delightfull catching up conversation and of course solved almost all of the problems put out on the table. Ha! She shared her newest endeavor with me of taking an online class stitching this marvelous looking needle chest. I've already forgotten who it is designed by. Kuddos to her for taking on such a project! She also shared with me in conversation about a purse she stitched. I asked her to send me a photo and with her permission I could share it. The pattern is called "Just A Thought" by Judy O'Dell - Italian Purse. Gorgeous, Fabulous job Lorrie! I'm off to Minnesota tomorrow. That's all for now...

It's "B" and Little "O"

2010-03-09T16:50:00.000-06:00

...Just sharing pic's of my nephew Brent and his son Owen. My niece-in-law has a blog called "Life with O". I got the photo's from her recent posting. Couldn't resist sharing this part of my life's threads. I'm still stitching on the "Traveling Sitcher" and will take it with me when I leave for Minnesota tomorrow morning. Can't wait to see everyone up there and can't wait to meet little Owen in the next few weeks. You see, we were suppose to go to Kansas to meet Owen the weekend that my father ended up being admitted to IMMC here in DSM for his surgery...Dad never got to meet Owen. I am excited that we will get to do so. I better be thinkin of a gettin out some threads for a little birth sampler.

Catching Up With Spring In Mind

2010-03-07T16:52:00.000-06:00

I've been catching up on things around here including some stitching and have neglected to Blog for a few days. The snow is melting and the grass is peeking through ~ Hallelujah! We still have alot to go - it's grey and foggy here today but I'll take it if it means getting rid of the snow. I've been going through some of my life's threads as you know from my past writing's and that makes me think of "spring cleaning" which I've done a little bit of going through closets, etc... and also stitching spring projects. I've been working on Prairie Schooler's No. 152. I whipped out an ornie this past week while catching some rest. I'll be off the blog-a-sphere a few days this week due to my trip to Minnesota to sit, stitch and catch up on life with my former stitch group "up north".

More of Life's Thread's ~ RR

2010-03-03T17:04:00.000-06:00

What I didHave been having the urge to go through some of my life's threads here in our home and will be donating things to church charity sale here this month. One would think I've had my fill with just getting done with going through my parents' life threads this past February. I guess it's all the more reason why I want to de-clutter some more. Can't part with the stitch stash though ~ Kim is coming along on her part of my RR. I plan to visit the stitch group next week - weather permitting. She's got a deadline now...I'm posting the part of my RR that I did before it started on it's journey to each member of the group in MN. I did Halloween - my favorite time of the year to celebrate and decorate... I'm also posting the RR that Kim took for me so I could see how it has come together so far. I'm up for suggestions on what to put in the middle of the piece - a saying or verse. On the left side I'm going to stitch one more winter scene - Birds of a Feather Winter Wonderland is what I'm thinking... Also to border or not to border??? Not much room for anything monumental...any ideas are welcomed.Well, back to going through my threads, the red chair is calling to me...time to make dinner and then stitch.

Harikuyo ~ Festival of Broken Needles

2010-02-27T17:11:00.000-06:00

As I opened up my mail yesterday- I finally received my anticipated order from The Silver Needle. I couldn't resist to order one of the new Prairie Schooler patterns and one for Birds of a Feather... will blog about that in a few days... as some of you know when TSN sends you your online order they usually tuck a little something surprise inside the package. I received a John James needle taped to a paper and write up on the title of today's blog- Harikuyo. (Hari-means noodle and Kuyou is the Buddhist memorial service -usually held for the spirits of the dead but also common to hold for inanimate objects that have served well in life or indeed that life depends on).

Even though this has already taken place - back on February 8th - I thought I would share the interesting highlights of this Japanese Festival that happens all across Japan in Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.

Known as the Festival For Broken Needles, it is a ritual of thanks and respect for tools of the sewing, tailoring and embroidery trades. It dates back 1500 years. Men and women dress in fine kimono robes and gather all of the needles they've used, broken or worn during the previous year. They take them to a local temple/shrine where a 3-piece tiered altar is prepared. The lower level displays sewing accessories-scissors, thimbles, thread. the top tier offers fruit and white mochi(rice cakes). The center section is a large slab of tofu into which everyone plunges the pieces of their broken needles. (That's all tofu is good for - in my opinion - sorry tofu lover's...) Later they will be taken to a final resting place. Tofu keeps them safe , not forgotten and protects the needle points. The priest will incant a sutra that reflects passage of the needles from use and invokes a Buddhist blessing passed on to the users of the needles. By showing respect to the needles they are offering thanks and requesting that the power and energy of the needles be present in the stitchers for the coming year and that their skills be improved. Priests will also sing sutra's to comfort the needles, heal their broken spirits and thank them for work well done. No sewing takes place on this day... Mark it on your calendar for next year... :)

So, we sticther's have all learned a little something today, thanks to TSN. Who knew, huh !?!

More of my "Hood"

2010-02-25T15:21:00.000-06:00

By Mary Kay ~ A Patriotic Home

Stitched by Julie ~ A Quilter's Home

Pieces of my "Hood"

2010-02-22T18:17:00.000-06:00

By Judy ~ Harvest Home By Billie Jean ~ Minnesota Home

Sneek Peek

2010-02-22T18:08:00.000-06:00

As promised here's a sneek peek at what my friend Kim in Minnesota is stitching on my Round Robin piece. It looks like something wonderful that she would put together to do - very Minnesotan and woodsy like... I wanted something Winter-Holiday like in one of my seasonal themes. I'll be posting some of the other individuals' pieces also this week as well that are already on the fabric and completed.

My MN Round Robin ~ UPDATE

2010-02-21T22:28:00.000-06:00

So, the last person Round Robin turn took place some time ago within my old stitch group up in Minnesota. Kim has it. She's the last to lay needle and thread to it before it returns to me. I'm getting anxious to receive it back. Kim corresponded through email last week that she is more committed now to the fabric and floss to get her portion done. She cracks me up, by telling me it won't get done on its own with just her walking by it and staring at it! How many of us can relate to that, huh?! Stay tuned - she tells me she's going to send a photo so I can sneek a peek. Don't worry - I'll share it.

Threads Now History

2010-02-20T16:24:00.000-06:00

It's been a few days since I last blogged - between work, MORE SNOW and trying to get my parents life threads, dontated, packed up or sold, I've been a little busy.Well fellow stitchers, I'm sure some of you at one time or another have stitched something that marks some sort of family history - Birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day - you get my drift.... Besides everything I have layed needle and thread to within my Samplers, Needlebooks, Scissor Fobs, you name it, the wall piece that I did to celebrate my parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary is now another thread of life's history for me. It has come home to my house. For several weeks now I have been combing through my parents apartment and have run across many items that I stitched for my mother over the years. She was one of my biggest cheerleaders in my hobby and always treasured everything I gave her and proudly displayed it. I came across the pieces of "life's threads" I gave her this past week. All were neatly tucked away in a dresser drawer. It wasn't until I found the 50th anniversary piece (that I had spent hours on creatively making design enhancements and changing floss colors to something other than what was charted, and that would match mother's tastes) that history hit me in the face. Now some of my life's threads had come back to me. It's been emotional. My parents were married for 60 years. I hope I live that long to get that far with Roger... As I've given pieces of my parents "threads of life" (things, furniture, clothes, etc.) away to people I will never meet or know, those "threads" will continue on. So will the threads that I layed with needle onto fabric for my mom & dad. Those "threads of life" have come back to me and are threads now history. The photgoraph posted is not real good - our better camera broke this week and is out being repaired.

Needle In Hand

2010-02-16T18:54:00.000-06:00

With needle in hand I am still working on my current piece but eyeing a Prairie Schooler piece for stitching some spring and easter hanging ornaments.

Say It Ain't Snow ~~

2010-02-15T11:40:00.000-06:00

Woke up to SNOW AGAIN this morning - Icy roads. So that means I need to catch up on some stitchin' before I go to work. Stitching continues on the "Traveling Stitcher"