It's snowing!

Not really. However, it did get so cold last night that I had to abandon my vigil at the mailbox. Fortunately, my gorgeous snowflake from Belinda at Blue Ribbon Designs arrived safely today. Woohoo! Isn't it gorgeous? It's already hanging on my tree. Thank you so much, Belinda, and your trusty random number generator.

On another cheery note, the Christmas Panic has been officially reduced to The Christmas To-Do List. I've finished all my ornies, framed my mom's Christmas present, wrapped almost everything, mailed everything that has to be mailed. I just have to create a couple of fobs. One to replace the stethoscope bling my sister gave to one of her patients and one for a purpose to be specified later (big secret). There's some baking and delivery of baked goods to be done, some cooking and laundry and cleaning...scratch that... I'm sure I'll think of more, but for right now I'm feeling pretty good. Oh wait, I have to finish Laura's birthday present so I can mail it tomorrow.

In case you were wondering, Mom's sampler is an adaptation of "Exampler" from Joanne Harvey of The Exemplarary. By adaptation, I mean I stopped when I got to a band that looked like it might be the end. It was either that or pull my hair out. And frankly, my hair is my only redeeming feature and I'm not willing to part with it without a really good reason. This wasn't even close. There were about 18 inches of stitching left to do, including a verse. I love the piece, but between you and me, I couldn't take working on 26 count for another minute. Especially with two strands of pre-cut 18" pieces of floss. So I adapted. And I don't feel a bit guilty. My motto is "If it isn't fun, why are you stitching it?"

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Happy Birthday to Mama

I just love stitching on a deadline. Mama's birthday is next Tuesday. I have to get this thing in the mail tomorrow. I'm shocked I remembered to take a picture before I wrapped it and boxed it up. But here it is. And I don't have to worry that she'll see it here because she doesn't read my blog even though my auto-signature on my email has a link. Pretty sure she doesn't know what a blog is!

My mama loves everything I stitch so it's not much of a challenge to find just the right thing for her. But she really loves samplers (thank goodness) so I whipped out this "Snow Flower Accent" from Periwinkle Promises. I've probably stitched more of Barbara Rokosnik's work than any other designer. I did nineteen in one year so my LNS could have it's own little PP trunk show. (Barbara's trunk show was booked up for about 2 years!) But I digress... These little accents are supposed to be pillows with little tassels on the corners, but they make great mini framed pieces. It comes out about 4" x 5". I had some scrap pieces of this moulding so I was able to frame it without ordering more or going to the frame shop. And to top it off, I have an extra piece of fabric (the back of the intended pillow) and enough silk left over to do it again...assuming no frog stitching. And when was the last time that happened?

So, now I go back to the birthday present I can't show you because Laura does read my blog.

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RAKs

Back in early August I told you about meeting an on-line friend in person. We hit it off like we'd known each other for years. Sharing a passion for needlework tends to do that.

Well, Faye came to my stitching group for a couple of weeks while she was in the area on vacation. And to my surprise, she presented me with a precious little sampler that she stitched "over the weekend". I was so surprised I almost cried. It was a true random act of kindness from someone I'd only known for a week. I was truly touched. But she probably thinks I'm an ungrateful wench because I didn't show it off to all of you right away. I had a good reason...really. I wanted to show it to you after I'd decided how to utilize it. And since finishing is something I really have to psyche myself up for, it's taken almost 6 weeks to complete the project.

I decided to made a stitcher's pocket or pouch or whatever you want to call it. I found a beautiful batik and a companion fabric in my LNS, Angelwing Needlearts and I went to work. Now, you have to understand that when I use my sewing machine for anything other than zigzagging the edge of my linen I generally do at least one thing backwards. This was no exception. I won't bore you with the details, but suffice it to say that bad words were uttered and blood was shed. But it turned out almost perfect.

I attached the sampler to the outside back as a pocket and button hole stitched around the edge, but it's not as clean as I'd like it. So I made take it off and redo it (not today). There are also two inside pockets. It folds into thirds. The little sampler on the front flap is actually painted on a small chip of wood and has a pin back on it. I've had it for years and finally found a way to show it off too. The button loop is buttonhole stitches done in black pearl cotton. I purposely made it a little big because I have a habit of over-stuffing these little pouches.

So, now I have a constant reminder of Faye and that instant friendship IS possible. Thank you, Faye.

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I'll do better, I promise

Somehow, I just don't seem to get any of my regular tasks done when I have houseguests (family). It's not like I have to entertain them, but I'm out of my routine. So hopefully, you won't abandon me. I promise I'll post pics of Margaret Gatis (which is back in the to-do box) and my latest start, "Band Sampler 1" by Pat Taff. Catchy title, huh? But I love this piece and I have a reason to stitch it right now. I just started last night, but with a late supper and change in routine, I only got one dividing band and one letter done. So the picture would be unimpressive now anyway. (Rationalizing...)

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Mary Wigham is Getting Close!

I told you I was going to spend more time stitching this week and I have. Frankly, I needed to be in my "happy place" as DH calls it. I've been in a real funk for several days and I don't know why...unless it's that old woman's face I see in the mirror every morning that is scaring me to death. When did I get so old? Maybe I just need a haircut. And maybe some color. Maybe a face transplant.

Anyway, back to my happy place. Mary Wigham is really moving now. I'm about a week behind the downloads so I should be done in a couple of weeks.So I find myself planning my next project. Those of you (most of you, I'm sure) who work on many projects at once are saying, "yeah, so what?". Well, I am a one-project-at-time girl, so when I get close to the end of a project I start putting the next one together. Because heaven forbid that I put down the needle on one piece and not have a needle ready to thread for the next piece. Don't laugh. You know exactly what I mean!

But it's a daunting task. I have so many things in my in-box. It's July already and I haven't had the Christmas panic attack yet. DH has mentioned it several times. I really need to make the list and figure out if I'm stitching new stuff this year or pulling stuff off the wall. Don't give me that look. My sisters are thrilled to get stuff off my wall. They already have their initials on what they get when I die. And it's not like I don't have enough to choose from. I have 34 samplers hanging in my dining room alone. (As you can tell, this is only a partial view. If I step back any farther to take the pic, the chandalier gets in the way.)I have about 40 pieces on loan to my local needlework shop. The rooms in my house are decorated according to the style of needlework hung in each one. The problem with giving away the ones on my walls is that I don't really want to part with them!

Back to my in-box...I haven't completely decided what I"ll work on next, but I'm pretty sure. But you'll have to wait to find out.

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Fabulous Friday

I'm starting a new feature called Fabulous Friday. I've decided to show you some of my stitching related discoveries on Etsy. So check them out and you might find treasures of your own.

This wooden needlecase by daystar07 is truly a work of art. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8335511

I can't believe anyone could part with this incredible hardanger table runner by Norwegianneedle. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9761067

And I love samplers in this traditional style pillow by bethanderson . http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24043867

The elegance of this wooden pincushion by Nadelwerk is striking. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14205270

Imagine how organized your stitching nest would be with this Etui by sparetimecrafts. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20044336

You will be the envy of all your stitching friends when you pull out this beautiful needlebook by tickledpinkandblue. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23603904

I wouldn't advise eating this donut pincushion by adoreneko even though it looks good enough. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23778279

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Exampler adaptation is DONE!

Yeah for me! I did it. I added a geometric band where the first line of the verse should be and I CUT IT OFF! For an anal retentive, finish-every-project person like me this is a big deal. But I decided to practice what I preach..."if you aren't enjoying it, don't do it." And I think it is very nice without the extra 10 or 12 inches of bands. Who'll ever know? So, now I can move on to another of my zillion planned projects.

I started Quaker Samplings II on 40 count linen (a color I can't remember) in Midnight Waterlilies. I love blue. I did QS I for a friend's birthday a couple of years ago on the same linen in a red Waterlilies (name of color I can't remember either). Do you see a trend here? Maybe I need to start doing memory games or something. Anyway, it's gorgeous and I decided I needed one.

I also kitted "Grace Mason" from Of Female Worth. That's another one I've had in my stash for a while. Love the colors, but I'm using cotton hand dyeds (GAST and WDW) instead of the Gumnut Stars. I'm sure they are wonderful, but I don't have them and I'm determined to substitute from my stash when possible.

So, now I'm off to stitch and watch some basketball. (I use the TV like a radio and sports, which I love, are great stitching TV.)

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