Confessions of a Stitch Wraith

A Clear Blue September Sky -- Ten Years On

2011-09-11T22:11:00.000-04:00

I remember quite well the vivid blue sky of the morning of September 11, 2001. Tybee Island was cool -- there were no clouds -- an east wind blew in from the sea. It was going to be a beautiful day.

I was watching Bryant Gumbel on the news. I'd gotten DH off to work and my DD off to school, so I decided to watch the news before cleaning the house.

I remember a brief blip when Gumbel reported a small fire on the roof of one of the WTC towers. Then, about 5 or 6 minutes later, a report that a small plane might've hit the tower.

Then... in just a few more minutes... it seemed as if hell had been unleashed.

Some of it is just a blur. Televised scenes of people running... police cars and fire trucks... screaming and crying. People trapped on the highest floors waving jackets from windows trying to call for help.

I called my husband -- he'd just heard what happened himself. We talked for a few and then, just a few minutes after that, I called him back and told him of the second plane.

We decided that I'd go and get our daughter from school. We didn't know what might come next -- and we wanted her home.

It was just all so strange that day. Like a nightmare -- one that haunts you even after you've awakened. The two towers fell -- so many dead. And the whole world seemed to be covered in that choking grey ash.

Yet... things were all so... quiet. No planes in the air... (We lived across the Salt Marsh from Hunter Army Airfield and just 10 or so miles across the Atlantic Channel from the Beaufort Naval Air Station) but nothing was in the air after a while.

I know that we decided to go ahead and take our daughter out for pizza as Tuesday was our traditional family night out. And we so wanted to keep things as normal as possible for her. She was only 9 -- but she, too, was aware of what had happened in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania.

As we crossed Highway 80, the Tybee Road, we noticed about 20 or so cars pulled off to the side. We pulled off, too. Didn't have to ask why people were out of their cars staring at the early evening sky -- it was obvious.

The sky was filled with... what I can only describe as angels on the wing.

These were not contrails -- the planes had been grounded for hours at this point.

Not clouds -- the whole day had been cloudless and the deep azure that only a September sky can bring to the coast.

Yet, in the sky were a dozen or more wisps of white that seems to be angels racing across the horizon to the north and to the west. We could plainly see the outline of the wings and there seemed to be such urgency and such sadness.

And of all these people pulled over on the side of the road that day -- no one spoke a word. After just a few minutes of watching, we all began to leave.

I believe I saw angels that evening. I have never done so since that day.

I think of the victims of September 11 often. How can you forget? How dare you forget?

And no, I don't forgive those who did it or those who celebrated it.

Those who do not remember History are condemned to repeat it.

Don't forget. Never forget.

Saint Clare, Patron Saint of Needleworkers

2011-08-11T09:26:00.000-04:00

Saint Clare (1193-1253)

Clare di Faverone was born into Nobility to a family of the town of Assisi. She was educated accordingly.
Assisi was known for its fine embroidery and, as part of her education, Clare would have learned how to demonstrate the most intricate patterns and stitches of that time.

Clare met Francis di Bernadone (Saint Francis of Assisi) and became a follower of his teachings. At eighteen, she discarded the privileges of her birthright to live the cloistered life of a nun.

Many years later, Clare became ill, and she spent the next 30 years as an invalid. In spite of her illness, she tried to be of service in whatever way she could. She turned to needlework. Accounts from that time tell that Clare was never idle, even in illness, and had herself propped up in bed so that she could stitch.

It is known that Clare spun flax into thread, and after the linen was woven, she made altar linens for many of the churches around Assisi.

The Feast of St. Clare is celebrated on August 11. (Since 1970, the Feast Day has been set as August 11th, formerly celebrated on August 12th)

Meg Shinall, of the Flower Thread Company, has designed a really lovely chart of Saint Clare.
The chart is available by mail order for $7.50 plus $1 postage and handling.
Make your check out to Flower Thread Company and note St. Clare on the memo line.
Mail it to PO Box 3024, Sumter SC 29151.

If you would like to have the 10 skeins of Flower thread that are called for in the design, add $13.50 to the amount.

Red, White, and Bloom: Facebook SAL!

2011-05-14T20:17:00.004-04:00

We've got an SAL going at Facebook for Country Cottage Needlework's Red, White, and Bloom!

It's a simple design -- simply lovely!

Come on over and join at the Red, White, and Bloom SAL Group.

You can see and purchase the chart at 123 Stitch and at other fine needlework shops!

Hope to see you there!

Terri ,

Happy Anniversary!

2011-05-06T11:08:00.002-04:00

Mike and I celebrate our 21st Anniversary today. How the happy times have flown by for us.

He is, and always be, my kilted Highland Laddie!

Love you!

Terri

Savannah Scottish Games, May 7th!

2011-05-04T16:48:00.002-04:00

The Savannah Scottish Games will be held Saturday May 7th, 2011 at Bethesda Home for Boy in Savannah, Georgia from 9:00 until 5:00.

Plenty of parking is available.

Tickets are $12 adults, $5 kids under 12, and $10 w/ Military ID.

If you're in town, please stop by the MacGregor Clan tent and say hello!

Terri

God Bless the USA!

2011-05-02T02:12:00.001-04:00

Osama bin Laden is dead! Long live the USA!

The Book List!

2011-04-25T13:17:00.004-04:00

Stolen shamelessley from Rachel at What Looks Like Crazy on an Oridnary Day

This list looked fun.

Look at the list of (100) books below. Bold the ones you’ve read. Italicize the ones you want to read. Leave blank the ones that you aren’t interested in. (Movies don’t count.)

1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2.Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire(Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25 . Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34 1984 (Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (WallyLamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. Bible
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrey Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down(Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

Sick... and not stitching.

2011-04-23T17:38:00.003-04:00

I've been sick -- Tuesday will make 4 weeks. Very long, unproductive weeks.

I've worked on Sunflowers and Crows a few times without making much progress. I'm just so exhausted from all of the coughing. Bronchitis is NOT my friend.

I wish everyone a Blessed Easter. Even if you don't celebrate this day -- I pray that your days are blessed and happy.

Terri

Blogoversary Giveaway from...

2011-04-18T11:03:00.002-04:00

Hooked on Stitches!

Be sure to become a follower and check out her FAB contest! I DID!

Contest ends on April 29th.

Blog Candy Giveaway!

2011-04-07T18:22:00.002-04:00

The Primitive Hare is having a blogiversary Giveaway! Just post this photo and comment on her website here by April 15 to enter!

Stashgasm, part deux!

2011-04-02T11:53:00.004-04:00

This is the stash I received this week! The top six (in the pic) are from From The Heart (Needleart by Wendy): Love Ewe, Flower Basket Sampler, Wedding Roses, With My Hands, Needles & Pins, and Stencil Alphabet Sampler. I also received my order from Joanne at 123 Stitch: Ink Circles Croakworth 2008 and Here Comes Treble, Abbey Lane Designs Sonatina II, The Primitive Needle Moon Sicke, Midnight Stitching Quaker Welcome, and Little House Needleworks Singing the Blues, Poinsettia House, and Princess and the Pea. Why did I buy more stash? Because I could! LOL! Yeah... I know... I'm easy. I also bought a chart I already have and have stitched! So... this will definitely be included in my giveaway! Hopefully today, I'll get some stitching in. Dinner (ham and navy beans) is in the crockpot and I've got time and quiet today. Maybe I can post a pic later. See ya!

Overwhelmed

2011-03-21T11:32:00.002-04:00

I have entirely too much stash.

Not good. I'm drowning in it. I keep too many charts in the hope that I'll stitch them one day. Let's face it, I'm 50. My eyes aren't as good as they once were.

I have to make some space.

I have to stop hoarding charts.

Fibers... not that's another issue. One can never have enough fiber! Or fabric. Although, the Good Lord knows, I have a lot of that, too.

I'm sitting here looking at box after box of charts, knowing I should be going through them and paring down to a manageable number. But I'm afraid to start. I'm afraid I'll just fondle them and then stick them back in the box with a promise to make time for them "one day".

I wonder if the "Hoarders" TV shows have ever encountered Cross Stitch hoarding? Stacks upon stacks of charts, flosses, fabrics, needles, scissors... hoops and q-snaps of every size...

I don't know if that's a nightmare or a dream-come-true! :D

No. I KNOW I have to make the effort. It's for the best. Wish me luck.

Once more into the breach...

Elizabeth... a long-over due WIP

2011-03-14T16:14:00.004-04:00

I managed to bring home all of my BAP WIPs yesterday. Houses of Hawk Run Hollow, And They Sinned, and Elizabeth and The Lavender Sky.

I haven't worked on Elizabeth & TLS since 2007. I think I may have discovered why... it's on 36 count! Hello? I DO NOT stitch on 36 count! I stitch on 32 count!

I have NO idea what happened. I know I ordered 32 count! But, sure enough, when Mike and I checked last night -- we came up with the same count.

That explains why the single strand silk (Vikki Clayton's HDF) covered so well.

I'll be blind when this thing is finished!

This is a photo of the last time I worked on Elizabeth, I haven't worked on it today. It's done in Vikki Clayton's regular HDF -- one over two. I converted the threads myself. The fabric is Sugar Maple's Wild Rose.

As you know, I brought home almost all of my stash last night. I still have two large boxes of charts and my box of silks left to retrieve.

I can't believe how much stash I have. Things I had on my 'wish list' -- I already have! EEK!

Good thing I haven't ordered much lately.

I'm going to put up a SALES list soon. I may as well rid myself of things I've already stitched or for which I no longer have interest.

If anyone is interested, I have some NPI silks that I'd like to trade for Carriage House Samplers' Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow. I think there are about 40 full skeins and some 1/2 skeins.

Ah, well. It's 4:30 and I've yet to wash my dishes... best get to it!

Terri

STASH!

2011-03-13T19:35:00.003-04:00

90% of my stash is home with me! I retreived all but one plastic container of charts and my box of Vikki Clayton's Silk Spools .

I found about 40 pieces of fabric and maybe... 200 charts and an equal number of Vikki's silk skeins.

I also brought home my WIPs: And They Sinned, HoHRH, Elizabeth & The Lavender Sky and a couple of kitted, but unstarted pieces: Candy Box Valentine and The Scottish Castle Sampler.

I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am. I think Mike has now seen enough stash to last a lifetime -- but at least he knows I'm not going to need to buy much anytime soon. ;D

See y'all tomorrow!

Cross your fingers!

2011-03-13T13:24:00.002-04:00

I'm hoping to retrieve the rest of my stash from the storage shed this afternoon! I'm praying we don't have to take out every single thing to get to it.

For me, the main things I need to get are my big WIPs (And They Sinned, HoHRH, Elizabeth & The Lavender Sky). And my silks... I really, really want my silks!

Please wish me luck -- I have a feeling it's going to be a long day.

Terri

Ewe Alone: A good start

2011-03-09T21:27:00.003-05:00

Slow start -- but a good start nonetheless!

I just put a couple of hours into it (Ewe Alone) tonight. I've been doing so many single-colour motifs that it takes me a while to get back into making so many colour-changes.

It's a fun stitch -- and it looks great on the Autumn Sunrise lugana.

You'll notice I didn't stitch the border -- I'm still deciding about that. I like it... but... still considering.

Hopefully, I'll make a bit more progress tomorrow! :)

EWE ALONE -- Let the stitching begin!

2011-03-07T18:04:00.004-05:00

My fabric and HDF Silks are ready... and so am I!

Time to finally get started on Sheepish Designs' Ewe Alone. I've been looking forward to this one for a while -- and now that my back has eased off -- I'm ready to begin.

I converted the suggested Needlepoint Silks to Vikki Clayton's Hand-Dyed Fibers. I chose the Premium silks for the 32ct. Autumn Sunrise fabric from Silkweaver.

I'm very happy with the colour choices I made.

Hopefully, I'll have a stitchy update by tomorrow evening!

Stitch Fail

2011-03-02T11:20:00.003-05:00

I haven't worked on Salem Sisters II in a couple of days. My heart just isn't in it at the moment.

I can't decide which project to start now: Ewe Alone (Sheepish Designs) or A Quaker Alphabet Sampler (Barrick Samplers).

I just know I have the urge to start something new.

Oh. Hell. I haven't worked on Doxology Sampler (Margaret & Margaret) in a while, either.

Not going to worry over it -- this is my stress-free challenge for 2011.

I'll stitch what I want -- when I want!

I'd better get started... will show some progress on something in a while.

Terri

Rest Gently, dear Lisa

2011-03-01T12:11:00.004-05:00

Lisa, of Primitive Needle, passed away tragically yesterday morning.
She was a marvelously original designer and a wonderful person.

Please keep her family, friends, and fellow needleworkers in your prayers.
She wrought so well in Needleworke
that she,
nor yet her work,
will 'ere forgotten be...

Rest in peace, dear Lisa, and Godspeed.

Salem Sisters II -- a Work in Progress

2011-02-26T11:41:00.005-05:00

When Salem Sisters was realeased a few years ago -- I loved it! I bought it, I stitched it. Salem Sisters II followed and I bought it, too.

The stitching, however, has not progressed nearly as quickly or as steadily as I had hoped.

I've been kinda... stuck.

However, I'm going to start working on again today. It's a WIP who's time has come. I need to finish it. I want to finish it!

I want to finish ALL of my WIPS: Elizabeth & The Lavender Sky, Houses of Hawk Run Hollow, And They Sinned, and Doxology.

I need to 'clean the slate', as it were.

I still have a few big projects on my list -- but they're unstarted. So... :)

Time to get off the 'net and get to my needle and thread.

Happy Stitchin', ya'll!

My involuntary cyber vacation! (Happy Dances!)

2011-02-24T13:43:00.008-05:00

Six weeks. Six weeks with no computer access at all. It wasn't a total wipeout, however, I DID manage to complete 5 projects!

I had a lot of fun stitching and have discovered that I really do get a lot more accomplished when I'm not cruising the message boards and blogs.

I finished Quaker d'Halloween, Mr. Penguinee, Rain Rain, Quaker Alphabet, and Washday Again.

The photos are not so great -- taken with a cell phone camera -- they look a bit 'washed out'. Hoping I can get better photos later.

Thanks for sticking with me -- hope to hear from you all soon!

Terri (bronzemom)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-12-31T22:11:00.000-05:00

A very happy, peaceful, and safe New Year to you all!
May the days of 2011 be Blessed.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And ne'er brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
We'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run aboot the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit'
Sin auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.

And here's a hand, my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o' thine,
We'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.

My year in review... oh boy.

2010-12-28T11:52:00.003-05:00

It was definitely... a year. A long one with some bumps and curves and surprise endings I never expected.

It started off badly -- we didn't have ANY heat in our house for a week in January -- the coldest bloody week of last winter. Mike was off on a job site for three weeks. (As luck would have it, he was gone whilst Morgan and I were freezing to death).

It became obvious rather quickly that we needed to move -- Morgan was heading off to University after she graduated in May anyway.

We were planning to move in the Fall. The fire kinda moved things along a helluva lot more quickly that we thought.

I realized as we cleaned out the home we'd lived in for eight years... that I was thisclose to being defined as a 'hoarder'. Visions of therapists and organizers danced in my head.

I tossed a LOT of stuff! My local thrift store must've thought Christmas came in August.

I even tossed a few hundred XS Magazines and old charts. No, I didn't cry! :)

So, we moved. And here we are in a small efficiency apartment while we decide where to move.

In the meantime, more than half of my stitching is in storage: Charts, fibres, needles, fabric, WIPs... lovely.

As I said... a most unexpected turn of events.

However, some curves were welcome. I started stitching again after a 22 month stitching slump! YEA ME! :)

I've finished 4 pieces since August: Picasso's Rooster, Charlie Brown Christmas Tree, No Hearth, and Blue Mountain Bunny!

Very satisfying.

On to 2011 and my No obligation -- No Guilt Challenge! Hopefully, this will be an easy challenge for me!

Well, I'm off to do a bit of much-needed housework and laundry, then off with Mike for Chinese (he doesn't know about that yet).

I hope your Christmas and Holiday Season has been joyous and safe. Take care and Happy Stitching!

Terri

Gloria in Excelsis Deo

2010-12-24T09:22:00.000-05:00

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out
a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth,
into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;
(because he was of the house and lineage of David)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;
because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them,
and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them,
Fear not. For, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you;
Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

If Wishes Were Stitches...

2010-12-22T15:07:00.003-05:00

If Wishes Were stitches...

I have... WIPs. Several WIPs...

I've hesitated to list them on the blog for fear I'd run out of space on the sidebar!

But I need to list them and come clean about my chronic startitis and procrastination in finishing.

So... since most are in storage, let's see what I can recall:

1. Rain Rain
2. Salem Sisters II
3. Doxology
4. And They Sinned
5. Houses of Hawk Run Hollow
6. Elizabeth & The Lavender Sky

I know there are more. At least, I believe so.

The first two will be easy enough to get done. However, I'm in 'startitis phase' and I've been remiss in my stitching on them.

The others... well... those are larger pieces and I don't know that I will (or can) finish them in 2011. I'm on page 2 of ATS and almost halfway through of HoHRH.

As to Elizabeth & TLS, I'm not very far along at all.

Oh, well... at least I'm stitching again! :)

Merry Christmas, y'all!

BLISS!

2010-12-17T21:33:00.007-05:00

I'm Happy!

I just ordered my silks for Ewe Alone (Sheepish Designs) from Hand-Dyed Fibers!

This is part of Mike's Christmas Gift to me.

I have a gorgeous piece of Autumn Sunrise 32 ct. Lugana from Silkweaver -- I'll post a pic of the fabric and silks together as soon as my silks arrive.

I'm hoping that I feel well enough to stitch this weekend. I've had sinus issues for a while now and the past couple of days have not been pleasant.

Tomorrow is supposed to be rainy and cool -- so I'll be making a big batch of chili in the crockpot, stitching, and watching the Georgia Southern University Eagles playing the Delaware Blue Hens in the semi-finals of the FCS.
GO EAGLES! G*A*T*A!

I've decided to wait until the New Year to have a giveaway -- giving me more time to get some Needlework-themed goodies together. :)

So, until tomorrow...

STITCH!

2011 -- No Obligation Challenge!

2010-12-12T12:27:00.003-05:00

I participated in the 10-25-50 Challenge for a couple of years -- and did quite well.

However, I think I stitched so much (and so fast) that I stopped enjoying it. So, I don't know if I want to do that again.

There's the "Crazy" challenges I've seen recently: Start 15 new projects during the first 15 days of January. Uhm... NO.

Then, there's the "only stitch from your stash" challenge and the WIPs only challenge.

None of those appeal to me, either.

My challenge will be... to stitch what I want, when I want with no obligations.

I will finish what I can... when I can. I won't stress over it or set any time limits. I will stitch for comfort... for stress relief... for the pure pleasure of stitching.

And I will not feel guilty at all! :)

Canvas Work Charts -- WINNER!

2010-12-11T12:26:00.002-05:00

And the winner is...

pippirose said...
I follow your blog via GFC.
pippirose59 at gmail dot com
8:47 PM

Congratulations! I'm emailing you now!

Thank you to all who participated! There is a Christmas Giveaway coming soon!

Terri

A quick finish!

2010-12-10T18:09:00.004-05:00

This is a freebie designed by Rose K. -- The Charlie Brown Christmas Tree .

It took a little less than two hours to stitch it up. It's for Mike -- he loves everything Charlie Brown!

I stitched it up on 22 ct. Antique Mushroom Hardanger from Zweigart using a bit of silk and some GAST.

I made one change -- Instead of the Christmas Box stand, I stitched Linus' Blanket!

Now, I'm off to find a suitable design to stitch on perforated paper. I'm making a new ort container for 2011!

Ginnie Thompson's Obituary & Guestbook

2010-12-09T11:07:00.002-05:00

Ginnie Thompson's Obituary and Guestbook is located here.

She was such a wonderful, creative lady. The Needlework community will surely never be the same without her.

The French Knot -- Savannah's Needlework Shop!

2010-12-08T20:50:00.004-05:00

I've just discovered The French Knot a Needlework Shop here in Savannah, Georgia.

This is a very nice shop!

Mike and I spent half an hour there with the owner / designer / stitcher -- Audrey!

She has lovely hand-painted needlepoint canvases, some XS fabrics & kits, and silks!

OH! THE SILKS!

The shop is not very big but it's open and laid out well. I loved it.

I plan on going back soon -- especially since they DO offer Gift Certificates! *hint for Mike*

She also has some wonderfully stylish bags for carrying stitching and supplies.

She features local designers' artwork, needlework, and models -- all of which are simply gorgeous!

Audrey hosts stitch-ins on Tuesday evenings (5 to 7 p.m).

I'd like to visit the shop during a stitch-in and see what's going on.

The whole atmosphere of the shop is pleasant and laid-back, yet at the same time elegant and stylish.

I definitely recommend a visit when you're in Savannah!

You can connect with The French Knot on Facebook and on their Blog.

Rest in Peace: Ginnie Thompson

2010-12-06T11:40:00.004-05:00

Ginnie Thompson, the First Lady of Cross Stitch, has passed away.

She is the person who brought modern-day Cross Stitch back to the American crafting scene and has been it's tireless promoter and defender for many, many years.

Please take a moment to remember Ginnie in your thought and prayers.

And please, offer your good thoughts and prayers of comfort to Ginnie's beloved daughter, Meg.

Thank you, Ginnie, for your devotion to the Art of Needlework. Without you -- Needlework would never have come so far.

Godspeed.

Counted Canvas Work Giveaway, ends 12/10/10

2010-12-03T21:26:00.006-05:00

As a mini-Christmas Giveaway, I'm going to offer up 4 brand-new Counted Canvas Work Leaflets!

And maybe a couple of other goodies as well. :)

If you'd like to enter, just leave a message on this post telling me about your favourite Needlework Project!

***PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS or HAVE IT VISIBLE IN YOUR PROFILE!***
If I can't contact you, then you can't win!

If you'd like additional entries:

1. Follow my blog
2. Post a note / link to this giveaway on your blog / Facebook / or Twitter!
I'll choose a winner on Saturday, December 11.

The Victorian Motto Sampler: New blogger and a giveaway!

2010-12-01T11:00:00.003-05:00

Introducing... A new blogger!

Nancy of The Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe has opened a new blog!

In her own words, she is "Sharing my love for the Victorian mottoes with all my friends. From design to finish....sometimes with a little inspiration from my friends. Motto kits,custom mottoes, cross stitch charts, over-dyed floss and hand carved frames are available."

Nancy is generously hosting a Christmas Floss Giveaway at her new blog -- The Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe!

Winner to be drawn on Christmas Day!

Please stop by and check out Nancy's new blog as well as her
Victorian Motto Etsy Store.

You will not be disappointed! :)

Terri

St. Aindrew's Day!

2010-11-30T12:46:00.003-05:00

Happy St. Andrews Day!

Alba gu Brath!

O Flower of Scotland,
When will we see
Your like again,
That fought and died for,
Your wee bit Hill and Glen,
And stood against him,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent him homeward,
Tae think again.
The Hills are bare now,
And Autumn leaves
Lie thick and still,
O'er land that is lost now,
Which those so dearly held,
That stood against him,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent him homeward,
Tae think again.
Those days are past now,
And in the past
They must remain,
But we can still rise now,
And be the nation again,
That stood against him,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent him homeward,
Tae think again.
O Flower of Scotland,
When will we see
Your like again,
That fought and died for,
Your wee bit Hill and Glen,
And stood against him,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent him homeward,
Tae think again.

In Scots Gael:

O Fhlu\ir na h-Albann,
cuin a chi\ sinn
an seo\rsa laoich
a sheas gu ba\s 'son
am bileag feo\ir is fraoich,
a sheas an aghaidh
feachd uailleil Iomhair
's a ruaig e dhachaidh
air chaochladh smaoin?

Na cnuic tha lomnochd
's tha duilleach Foghair
mar bhrat air la\r,
am fearann caillte
dan tug na seo\id ud gra\dh,
a sheas an aghaidh
feachd uailleil Iomhair
's a ruaig e dhachaigh
air chaochladh smaoin.

Tha 'n eachdraidh du\inte
ach air di\ochuimhne
chan fheum i bhith,
is faodaidh sinn e\irigh
gu bhith nar Ri\oghachd a-ri\s
a sheas an aghaidh
feachd uailleil Iomhair
's a ruaig e dhachaidh
air chaochladh smaoin.

~~ Words & Music by Roy Williamson & Ronnie Brown, The Corries ~~

The TAO of Women

2010-11-29T16:05:00.003-05:00

She allows the daughter,
sitting beside her,
to take the first stitch.
The wise woman does not rush in
to take it apart.

She smiles,
acknowledges,
and continues to sew her own stitches.

The daughters model the mothers.
Act wisely.
The daughters are watching.

~~ The TAO of Women,
PK Metz & Jacqueline L. Tobin, 1995 ~~

HAPPY DANCE! Níl aon tintéan mar do thintéan féin

2010-11-27T12:26:00.004-05:00

Níl aon tintéan mar do thintéan féin!

No Hearth Like Your Own Hearth is finally finished!

It's stitched on 32 ct. Lugana with Vikki Clayton's Premium White Chocolate.

The free chart is available from Gryphon's Moon

STITCHING Q and A

2010-11-26T18:13:00.004-05:00

These Stitching Questions are from Stitch it Andie's Blog -- it's great fun! Just click on the link to Andie's blog and play along!

1. What are you stitching at the moment? Finishing up on 'No Hearth'

2. How many finishes have you had this year? Small? Medium? Large? Extra Large?
2 finishes so far. One large, one small.

3. Do you think you will finish any more in the next month and a half before the end of the year? Yes! At least three!

4. If you could buy 1 thing for yourself what would it be? (Doesn't have to be stitching) Autumn and Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow

5. What is the best thing you have ever stitched? Victorian Circle by Glorafilia

6. Do you like making lists? Not really.

7. Do you stitch in rotation (how does it work?) or OAAT? I stitch whatever strikes my fancy on a given day.

8. What is the next thing you plan to stitch? I plan on finishing 'Salem Sisters II'.

9. What is your fave ONS? And why? 123Stitch and Elegant Stitch -- always helpful, always friendly, always knowledgeable

10. Do you have a stitching chair? Yep!

11. Do your children/pets get into your stitching things? My daughter, no. My cats, yes!

12. Do you participate in any stitching forums? Yes, at 123Stitch and Vikki Clayton's Forums.

Níl aon tintéan mar do thintéan féin (No Hearth)

2010-11-26T12:11:00.002-05:00

Níl aon tintéan mar do thintéan féin (No Hearth like your own Hearth)

Almost done -- just a few more rows!

Hoping to have this finished by tomorrow (Saturday) -- wish me luck!

Thanksgiving Morning!

2010-11-25T12:21:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's been a great morning! Mike made eggnog French Toast! In a couple of hours, we'll be heading off to a nice Turkey feast!

Have a great day!

Terri

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

2010-11-24T11:33:00.001-05:00

A very happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to all!

This recipe comes from Mike's grandmother Rubye. I hope you'll try it -- it's fantastic!

Rum Chiffon Pie

INGREDIENTS:

1 9 – inch pie shell
1 envelope unflavoured gelatin
½ c. sugar
½ tsp. salt
1 ¼ c.milk
3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons rum
½ c. whipping cream
3 egg whites
¼ tsp. cream of tartar
½ c. sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Soften gelatin in ¼ cup cold water.
Mix in a saucepan ½ c. sugar, salt, and milk.
Cook over low heat stirring constantly until hot.
Remove from heat, stir a little of the hot mixture into the egg yolks.
Then combine yolks with rest of the mixture.
Return to low heat and bring to a boil, stirring.
When it comes to a boil, remove from heat immediately.
Add gelatin and let cool ‘til set.
Once set, beat with rotary beater until smooth.
Blend in rum and set aside.
Whip cream until thick and fold into gelatin mixture.
Beat egg whites, cream of tartar until stiff.
Add sugar and blend into gelatin mixture with a spoon or spatula.
Pour into pie shell and refrigerate.

Turning the Corner

2010-11-22T12:21:00.004-05:00

Today, I am, quite literally turning the corner...

I've turned the final corner on No Hearth like your own Hearth -- I am so very close to a finish -- just two years in the making!

When I finish this piece, I will have turned another corner -- it will mark my 3rd finish for 2010. That's three times as many as I had in 2009.

A 22-month stitching slump. Very depressing considering my output from the preceding years.

I pray I never go thru another slump like that.

I'm hoping to reach 5 finishes for the year. But I'm not going to stress it. I'm literally taking it one stitch at a time these days.

Will post an update when I finish!

What comes after? Salem Sisters II and Rain Rain -- those are the two I hope to complete by New Year's Eve -- wish me luck!

Terri

Breast Cancer Christmas Freebie

2010-11-20T18:08:00.005-05:00

I designed this Breast Cancer Ribbon Tree in 2007. I hope that you like it and hope it might bring a smile and comfort to a Breast Cancer Survivor or to anyone touched by this disease.

Use whichever fibers / colours that strike your fancy!

I simply ask that you do not sell the actual chart -- it's a freebie!

You are welcome to stitch it and sell it for raffles / charities / or bazaars.

If you have any trouble printing it out, please let me know. I have no way to make a .pdf file at the moment.

PINK CHRISTMAS

Terri aka bronzemom

HAPPY DANCE! Blue Mountain Bunny!

2010-11-19T13:31:00.002-05:00

This is my Blue Mountain Bunny from The Sweetheart Tree.

The fabric is a Silkweaver 'solo' -- and the thread is Vikki Clayton's HDF (silk) Lavender & Rose.

The photo is terrible -- taken from Mike's cell phone. The colours are actually quite vibrant.

It is a very quick stitch -- three days off and on.

Now, I'm wondering which project to pick up next for another 'quick' finish: No Hearth, Salem Sisters II, or Rain Rain. I think No Hearth might be easiest and fastest to finish as it's all one-colour stitching and probably less than 1000 stitches left.

I would LOVE to have at least 4 finishes for this year. Hopeful, I am.

Stay tuned!

Blue Mountain Bunny: A new WIP

2010-11-15T12:11:00.003-05:00

This is Blue Mountain Bunny from The Sweetheart Tree.
I started it last night because working on Doxology was impossible due to a migraine.

I'm using a gorgeous grey/pink/blue solo from Silkweaver and Lavender and Rose Premium HDF (Vikki Clayton's silk).

I've found that taking 'small project' breaks from big projects helps clear my mind and keep me motivated.

Have a great week, ya'll!

Terri

Stitching Haiku

2010-11-14T20:10:00.001-05:00

The thread lays in silence
the needle is useless in my hand
I can't find my glasses.

~~ Terri ~~

Getting WIPed

2010-11-07T12:36:00.003-05:00

I have a lot of WIPs. Too many for my own good, I'm sure.

I haven't worked on them much the past two weeks -- I've been fighting both a sinus infection (or the flu, not sure which) and arthritis issues.

Last night, however I did put a few stitches into Washday Again from Canterbury Designs. It's a really great design and I loved it from the moment I saw it.

I am going to alter it a bit. My Nanie used to say, "If we hang our troubles out on the line, you'll take home yours and I'll take home mine."

I plan on charting that verse and adding it to my piece -- maybe done one-over-one.

I have to stitch this once more -- for Morgan.

I'm stitching on 'Sudden Storm' from Silkweaver with Vikki Clayton's 'Deep Purple' premium silk. The photos don't do it justice at all.

I have got to get a better camera!

Right now, football is on the TV, dinner's in the crockpot, and my stitching is in hand.

I'm happy and life is good.

Is Needlecraft a dying art?

2010-11-04T17:43:00.003-04:00

Is Needlecraft a dying art? Or is it being slowly strangled to death by the very people who are responsible for protecting and promoting it?

Good question.

It’s a fact that all needlecraft popularity runs in cycles. Knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross stitch – they all take their turn at being the ‘in’ craft.

Scrapbooking, Stamping, Quilting – each one has it’s moment in the sun.

Everything comes back around. That’s the circle of life.

Needlecraft has survived and thrived over the ages because of imagination and innovation. Simple designs gave way to intricate designs. Simple XXXs became a myriad of complex stitches – requiring more than a little talent and skill.

Wool gave way to cotton, cotton to silk. But in the end, it all comes back around.
Most early designs had no colour key at all. Stitchers chose colours to match their mood and their décor. Personal choice ruled the day.

Now, however, we seemingly have a group of Designers and Shop Owners who are gathering together to thwart the innovations and imaginations of the stitchers who buy their designs. They are trying to push out the Independent Designer and fabric / floss dyer.

This is a mistake; a mistake that may spell the end of needlecraft as we know it.

Let your shops and favourite designers know that you won't tolerate this inexcusable behaviour of exclusion.

I know of someone who is being black-listed because she dares to run her business the way SHE wants. Designers and shop owners don’t like it. So, they talk down to her and about her. They have shills that visit needlework message boards to falsely ‘complain’ about her product.

How is this helpful? How does it promote our art and our craft? It doesn’t. In fact, it does much more harm than good in every respect.

Circling the wagons implies an incoming attack – a lack of planning – a lack of foresight and a lack of insight.
Who's on the attack?
The designers and shops themselves -- they don't want their colour keys converted to other than the suggested fibers or fabrics, they don't want us to personalize our pieces, they don't want us to buy from other than their chosen shops, designers, or floss providers.

There would be no battle if designers and shop owners ‘listened’ to their customers wants and needs, paid attention to current trends and new ideas.
In the end, the designers and shop owners aren’t really fighting anyone save their own narrow minds.
For any craft to survive and prosper, it must be fed daily by new ideas.

In the world of needlecraft, we must welcome new designers, new dyers of fabric and fiber, and new stitchers. For without them, we lose everything.
Most needleworkers have enough charts to work that they will never stitch them all. We’re stash-hoarders – it’s our nature.

What DO we always want or need? Fabric and fibers. How many of us still work solely on aida? How many have moved on to evenweave and linen? Countless thousands… if not millions.

How many of us have moved beyond DMC to over-dyed cotton? How many to silk?
How many of us are no longer satisfied to stitch solely on white or cream? I’ve stitched on so many different coloured fabrics – I can’t name them all.

How many stitchers would we lose if those options were no longer available to us?
I would stop stitching if I no longer had these options. I would put down my needle and I would step away.
Would you?

Keep in mind, the Colour / Fiber / Fabric key is a SUGGESTION – it is not written in stone. I don't want MY finished piece to look just like everyone else's finished piece. The real key is individual taste.

Many designers have put a disclaimer on their designs asking the stitchers to please use the recommended fabric and fibers. Isn’t that MY choice? Shouldn’t I decide what fabric? What count? What colour?

Shouldn’t I be the one to decide if I want to use cotton, wool, or silk? Shouldn’t I be the one to decide if I want to stitch on a 32 ct. Belfast linen dyed a brilliant Kelly green as opposed to a 40 ct. linen in cream?

Don’t try to stifle my creativity – don’t try to choose for me. Don’t tell me what to do.

Needlework Designers and Shop owners must realize – we are not your clients. You work for us.

This is OUR craft. This is our art... our needles. If we don't take a stand – the needlecraft industry will fail. Always remember, stitchers have the power over the designers and the shops: online and brick-and-mortar. THEY work for US. This may be a hard lesson for the designers and shop owners to learn, but learn it they will.

Don’t be afraid to support the independent designer – the designer who sells directly to his / her customer. If they stop designing – we all lose.

Don’t be afraid to support the independent dyer of fabric and floss. Don’t be afraid to buy directly from them. You do not have to justify your choices to anyone.

Don’t be afraid to change the fabric, the colour, the count, the floss, even the design itself. Make it uniquely your own.

This is your craft – your art.

I’ve been told this article might not be a good idea for me. So be it. It’s my opinion and this is my stand.

I don’t want to see another designer / dyer leave the industry because of jealousy and fear.

I want needlecraft to thrive and survive for future generations.

Please support your Independent Needlework Designers, Floss, and Fabric Dyers.
They are the foundation of our craft.

For Needlework to survive and thrive for the next generation of Stitchers, we MUST allow for creative growth.

When the Independents are pushed out of business -- we all lose: Our choices dwindle and our craft suffers.

My Opinion.

Terri

My HDF (Hand-Dyed Fibers) Finishes: 2006-2010

2010-10-31T11:58:00.000-04:00

These are my Finishes using Vikki Clayton's Hand-Dyed Fibers (silks).
There are 60 total finishes and I have about 20 in-progress / kitted up!

Her silks are wonderful -- strong, beautiful, and easy to use. They don't shred, knot, tangle, or fade. I really don't want to stitch with any other fiber.

Vikki also sells directly to her customers (and we are a loyal group of stitchers!) and this helps keep the cost of her silks very affordable.

Please visit her website: Hand-Dyed Fibers and take a look around -- I know you'll love it! :)

*** Please support your Independent Needlework Designers, Floss, and Fabric Dyers. They are the foundation of our craft.
For Needlework to survive and thrive for the next generation of Stitchers, we MUST allow for creative growth.
When the Independents are pushed out of business -- we all lose: Our choices dwindle and our craft suffers. ***

PICASSO'S ROOSTER -- HAPPY DANCIN'!

2010-10-24T10:44:00.004-04:00

This is my FIRST Happy Dance in two years! I can't even begin to share my happiness and satisfaction!

This is Picasso's Rooster from Ladybug Designs. It was stitched on 32 ct. cream linen using Vikki Clayton's Hand-dyed Fibres (silks)

I used the following HDF Colours in my own conversion from the suggested DMC:

Orb (blue), Dragon Blood (red), Holly Leaves (green), Old Maid of the Abyss (black), and Golden Peach (yellow).

The On-line Needlework Show!

2010-10-21T19:00:00.002-04:00

The On-Line Needlework Show started today and I've found a TON of items I really like!

Be sure to check it out -- copy down the links to your favourites and share them, please! I'm eager to see what everyone else will buying.

http://www.needleworkshow.com/cgi-bin/detailc.pl?545-homM29-03
Witchville -- Homespun Elegance

http://www.needleworkshow.com/cgi-bin/detailc.pl?552-jadM08-22
Front Doors in Edinburgh -- Jeanette Ardern Designs

http://www.needleworkshow.com/cgi-bin/detailc.pl?557-lolM01-06
As G-d is my witness -- Labor of Love Designs

http://www.needleworkshow.com/cgi-bin/detailc.pl?565-milM11-14
Winter is past -- Milady's Needle

http://www.needleworkshow.com/cgi-bin/detailc.pl?565-milM11-05
Margaret W Brown -- Milady's Needle

http://www.needleworkshow.com/cgi-bin/detailc.pl?565-milM11-06
The Birds and the Bees -- Milady's Needle

http://www.needleworkshow.com/cgi-bin/detailc.pl?585-prsD29-15
Black Cat Manor -- Praiseworthy Stitches

http://www.needleworkshow.com/cgi-bin/detailc.pl?588-sreJ19-05
Tartan Pumpkins -- Samplers Revisited

http://www.needleworkshow.com/cgi-bin/detailc.pl?600-szuJ02-06
Drink Coffee -- SzuLet Creations

http://www.needleworkshow.com/cgi-bin/detailc.pl?603-uncJ05-09
Flying Witch Scissors -- Uncommon Scissors

http://www.needleworkshow.com/cgi-bin/detailc.pl?604-wbwJ21-13
Cats Gather Here -- Whispered by the Wind

http://www.needleworkshow.com/cgi-bin/detailc.pl?605-wmnF22-09
Blairgowrie -- With My Needle

http://www.xs-and-ohs.com/Catalog/LL-LittleLeaflets/xo3LL-TS.html
The Stitcher -- X's & Oh's

Picasso's Rooster: Day 3

2010-10-16T14:59:00.002-04:00

Picasso's Rooster -- 2nd Day of Stitching

2010-10-12T18:56:00.001-04:00

Picasso's Rooster -- 1st Day

2010-10-10T20:44:00.002-04:00

Picasso's Rooster... another start!

2010-10-10T17:47:00.003-04:00

I'm stitching Picasso's Rooster right now and will be passing the chart along as soon as I'm finished. I don't think it will take too long as there is really no 'solid stitching' -- it's all lines.

So far, these are the HDF colour conversions. If I change anything, I'll update on my next post.

COLOUR // DMC // HDF
Red // 304 // Dragon Blood
Black // 310 // Old Maid of the Abyss
Christmas Green // 701 //
Topaz // 726 // Golden Peach
Royal Blue // 797 //

FREEBIE LINKS!

2010-10-10T13:51:00.001-04:00

I went through and checked all of the links -- they all worked for me, but I apologize if a broken link slipped through.
Some of the links actually have several pages of free XS charts -- be sure to pay close attention!

Enjoy!

http://anne-les-petites-croix.pagesperso-orange.fr/grilles/grille3.htm

http://www.brookesbookspublishing.com/CrossStitchFreebies.html

http://www.rainbowgallery.com/freechartdownloads.cfm?ID=11

http://myauntsattic.web-log.nl/myauntsattic/

http://lamarmotte.chez.com/grilles.htm

http://www.passiondescroix.com/passiondescroix/composition/grillesdecompositions
http://digilander.libero.it/assitpuntocroce/schemigratis.htm

http://www.ant-of-sweden.com/9/free_charts

http://www.madame-la-fee.com/

http://universbroderie.over-blog.com/categorie-874467.html

http://www.aon-celtic.com/free/cfreewarexstitch.html

http://mufustitch.com/free/free.html

http://www.lizziekate.com/free.html

http://www.mysticstitch.com/free-designs.aspx

http://www.nspruance.com/pagefreevictcot.htm

http://www.northernpinedesigns.com/freedesign.html

http://www.prairieschooler.com/free.htm

http://whisperedbythewind.com/Freebies/freebies.html

http://www.passionericamo.eu/indexfreebie.htm

http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/x-stitch/

http://www.anniecicatelli.com/coeurs.htm

http://www.anniecicatelli.com/gratuites.htm

I've lost my mind...

2010-09-18T19:45:00.002-04:00

But not my stitching mojo! I have way too many starts -- 6! That in just a few days back into the stitching groove.

That's okay -- I guess. I need to keep myself busy and motivated. I am so enjoying myself... this 'empty nest' has a few benefits.

Right now, I'm jonesing for fabric -- We didn't get to the storage shed (unit) and my Doxology Sampler is calling my name. I am just praying I have the right linen for it. I don't think evenweave will work for it.

I did begin Sunshine & Shade from My Mark last night on a 32 ct. evenweave from Silkweaver. It's going to be gorgeous -- hopefully, I'll have some progress photos tomorrow night.

On my food blog (yeah, occassionally I DO cook!), I just posted a great Apple Cake recipe -- stop by and check it out!

Pumpkinberry Pie

'Til Tomorrow! The Lord watch between me and Thee...

WIP Updates!

2010-09-13T16:17:00.003-04:00

WIPs

2010-09-07T20:10:00.004-04:00

These are the two I'm working on this week:

No Hearth Like Your Own Hearth...

Rain Rain

I'm stitching both of these with Vikki Clayton's Hand-Dyed Fibres!

Stitching again!

2010-09-06T17:04:00.004-04:00

I'm stitching again! WOO-HOO! I started just a few days ago. When we moved about 3 1/2 weeks ago, I wasn't sure I had any WIPs with me -- I thought they might all be in storage. Luckily, however, I have four projects (and all the silks) with me.

I'm actually enjoying needlework again, too. I'm so happy to have a needle in my hand again.

Here's hoping I am out of my burn-out phase for good!

Terri

Swirly Snow -- the Holy Grail of Cross Stitch

2009-12-18T17:29:00.000-05:00

I, too, have been guilty of searching for Swirly Snow, the Holy Grail of all Cross Stitch charts.

I never found it. So... I designed one that allowed me to vent my frustrations. Feel free to stitch it if you like.

Have fun!

Terri

Have a PINK Christmas!

2009-12-18T01:35:00.000-05:00

I designed a small Christmas Tree chart for the STITCH PINK blog.
I hope you like it!

You can find it here:
http://stitchpink.blogspot.com/2007/12/have-pink-christmas.html

Bet you thought I'd disappeared...

2009-07-19T17:50:00.002-04:00

Nope. Just lost my stitching mojo -- trying to find it again.

I thought I'd check in and make a quick update. I've been concentrating on losing weight this year. So far, I've lost 53 pounds (see photo above) and joined Spark People, an online Weight Loss / Lifestyle Change network.

I highly recommend it! It's free to join and they have so many tools to help you in your efforts. I use the name GeorgiaMist at Spark People.

We even have a stitcher's group there:

Team Stitchaway

I even started writing a blog to chronicle my experiences.

Please feel free to stop by and say hello -- you can find me here:
Gathering My Roses

I am really going to make an effort to get back to my stitching, though. I miss it and I miss reading the stitching blogs.
Heck, I miss buying stash!

So, that's my update -- I hope that next time I check in I have some updated WIP / Finishes to show you.

Please send any good stitching karma my way.

Terri

Scottish Games in Savannah!

2009-05-08T16:09:00.002-04:00

Saturday, May 9th, are the Scottish Games of Savannah!

Come by and check it out -- lots of good food, Bagpipes, Scottish Dancing, and of course, the Field Games.

There will be many vendors and some do carry Cross Stitch / Needlepoint items.

Come by and say hello!

The Games will be held at the Bethesda Home for Boys off of Ferguson Ave. Opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m.

Savannah Scottish Games

A Neat Blog to Visit!

2009-04-22T22:42:00.001-04:00

My pal Robin has a blog -- go check it out!

As Sweet As Peaches

Goodnight, ya'll!

2009 Goals

2009-01-06T12:05:00.003-05:00

These are my planned projects for 2009 -- some are WIPs, some are new projects. Wish me luck!

1. And They Sinned (Goal: Page Two)
2. Houses of Hawk Run Hollow (Goal: Two Houses)
3. Rain, Rain 4. Washday Again
5. Sampler House
6. Bethlehem / Three Kings
7. Elizabeth & The Lavender Sky
8. Matter's Choice
9. Salem Sisters II
10. Eightsome Reel
11. Strawberry Summer
12. Lady Scarlet's Journey
13. Winter Blues
14. St. Clare
15. Geranium House
16. Celtic Heart
17. Savannah Sampler
18. Pretty in Pink
19.. You are my sunshine
20. Summer Joy
21. No Hearth

*******************************

Stitching Year in Review: 2008

2009-01-06T11:52:00.004-05:00

I set my first goal as 10 finishes -- I ended up with 29. Not too bad. I really should've had 32 -- but I fell into a stitching slump and it beat me.

Here are my accomplishments for 2008:

JANUARY:
Megan Fletcher -- Lisa Cowell Designs

FEBRUARY:
Lovebird -- Midsummer Night Designs
His Heart Belongs To Me -- Carriage House Samplings
Heart -- KissyCross

MARCH:
Blackbird Sampler -- Blackbird Designs
Cherub -- Unknown

APRIL:
Adagio -- Whispered by the Wind
Quackworth Sampler -- Ink Circles
Always and Forever -- Little House Needleworks
Schoolgirl Lessons -- Little House Needleworks
Mini-Quaker -- Designer unknown
Call of the Ocean -- X-Appeal

MAY:
Reader, I Married Him -- Casey Buonaugurio
X-Stitch Heart -- Mausi
Thread Gathering -- Little House Needleworks
House #3, HoHRH -- Carriage House Samplings

JUNE:
Be Ever Thankful -- Abbey Lane Designs
Alphabet Tree -- Blue Ribbon Designs
Knot of Friendship -- Enchanting Lair
Tea Time -- La Chatelaine Designs

JULY:
Call of the Ocean, Part II -- X-Appeal

AUGUST:
Moon and Stars -- Little House Needleworks
Quaker Alphabet -- Debbie Draper Designs

SEPTEMBER:
St. Georges -- Long Dog
Sweetheart Sampler -- Blackbird Designs
Westwinds -- Carriage House Samplings

OCTOBER:
1848 Reproduction Sampler -- Barrick Samplers
Cross Stitcher in Residence -- Lizzie*Kate
August -- Lizzie*Kate

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T13:05:00.000-05:00

May Your Days Be Blessed!

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And ne'er brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
We'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run aboot the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit'
Sin auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.

And here's a hand, my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o' thine,
We'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.

The never-ending stitching slump

2008-12-15T12:51:00.002-05:00

How fun is this? I haven't taken a stitch since the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

I'm well over 2/3 finished with "No Hearth" and just can't seem to pick up a needle.

I do this every single year and it's really getting old.

I'm determined to stitch tonight -- I know that all I have to do is find that old rhythm and I'll be back on track. I just want to finish one more project before the New Year... just one!

I haven't set and stitching goals for 2009. I really need to concentrate on finishing 3 of my BAPs: And They Sinned, Houses of Hawk Hollow, and Elizabeth and The Lavender Sky. Getting those three off of my plate would be a huge relief.

Salem Sisters, Rain Rain, and Coffee Menu all need to be finished up as well.

I've gotta get my mojo working!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T14:41:00.001-05:00

A very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to all!

It's that time of year...

2008-11-21T12:44:00.002-05:00

Not for the Holidays -- which are rapidly approaching -- but for my yearly stitching slump.

Lovely.

Not at all what I needed or wanted as I have four WIPS I really want to finish before the New Year.

This happens every year. I suppose it's a form of burnout. Drives me completely insane.

Take today, for example. Mike's off on a survey, Morgan's at school, Mom's asleep, and the cats are outside enjoying the cool weather.

I should be... could be... stitching.

Nope. Surfing the food and stitching blogs... listening to FOX News and wondering what we'll do for dinner.

If anyone finds my stitching mojo -- please send it back.

Have a brownie?

2008-11-14T14:35:00.003-05:00

I was lured into opening a food blog -- at the request of my daughter. She wanted me to write down all of the recipes that we love.

So... I did it!

Come by and hopefully, you'll see something you'll like as well.

Pumpkinberry Pie

Chicken Bake

2008-11-11T11:39:00.001-05:00

We made this last night and it was so good...

Ingredients:

one box mashed potato flakes (or home-made / left-overs if you prefer)

two boxes stove-top stuffing mix (home-made / left overs if you prefer)

chicken, cooked and shredded

chicken gravy

one small can peas and carrots

DIRECTIONS:

Cook chicken and shred. Prepare mashed potatoes and spread into botton of casserole dish. Top with shredded chicken, then 1/2 of the gravy. Top with peas and carrots, then top it all with the prepared stuffing (uncooked).

Cook in oven on 350 for approx. 40 minutes until stuffing is nicely browned.

Serve and top with remaining gravy.

This is excellent on a cold night.

TIP: Prepare stuffing mix with chicken broth rather than water for a great taste.

Update on my nephew

2008-11-10T11:07:00.001-05:00

Dylan is resting, albeit a bit uncomfortably, at a local hospital where he will remain for about 10 days.

He's got colour and good blood flow to his foot and he can wiggle his toes.

Praying that no infection sets in and that he'll be home soon.

Prayer Request, Please

2008-11-08T15:30:00.000-05:00

My nephew, Dylan, was struck by a car a couple of hours ago.
He has a break along the "boot line" above his ankle and it is very severe -- there is a possibility that he could lose that foot.
He's in surgery now.

Will you please say a prayer for him.

Thank you so much,

Terri

sigh

2008-11-07T15:27:00.002-05:00

What a week. It was one heck of an election, wasn't it? While I didn't support the Obama campaign, I sincerely hope that his Administration will be successful -- I pray that he will show a spirit of non-partisan co-operation with everyone in Congress.

I haven't done much stitching. Still plugging away on "No Hearth" -- and so wanting to get back to Salem Sisters II.

I haven't blogged much, either. My darn internet was screwy for about 5 days -- annoying. I can't really get any good photos because my DD cracked the LCD display on her camera -- oh, joy.

How many days 'til Christmas? 48?

HO. HO. HO.

OH. NO.

Is it really Friday?

2008-10-24T09:45:00.002-04:00

This week has just flown by and I haven't accomplished much of anything.
The change in the weather has kept me sleepy and sneezy... it's been on thing or another.

My stitching has suffered as well. I should've finished No Hearth like your own Hearth already. But I didn't.

Morgan is away for an overnight to GSU for District Honour Choir -- I should be able to stitch today. Tomorrow, Mike and I are driving to GSU in Statesboro to see the Choir perform and bring Morgan home.

Sunday won't afford much stitching time, either. Morgan's got Nutcracker rehearsal then we're off to the Coastal Scottish Heritage Society's annual Oyster Roast.

I despair of getting another finish for October.

My birthday is next week, too. I can't believe it. Where... where did the time go so quickly?

Anyway... it's Friday. The rain is coming down and it's chilly outside. Time to stitch!

BBBRRRRRRR!!!!

2008-10-20T10:37:00.002-04:00

Baby... it's cold outside! Well, it's 56 degrees here in Southeast Georgia right now. Cold for us!

I love every minute of it! I am NOT a summer person at all. Give me cold and rainy... and I'm perfectly happy and in my element!

Today should be a good day to stitch. Dinner is quick and easy tonight. Chicken and Biscuits -- one of my daughter's favourites.

I hope to get some in today on Salem Sisters II. I didn't stitch this weekend at all -- Morgan and my Dad were in Daytona for Biketoberfest. So, I read and watched football and just enjoyed the coll temps.

I really do want at least one more October finish, however, so I need to get moving on this piece.

I'm hopeful that I can get two more pieces done by Halloween -- not too sure about that, though. The hurrier I go, the behinder I get. My grandmother used to say that... it's an old Pennsylvania Dutch saying.
Too true.

Okay... I'm off to put on a load of laundry and get in a few stitches...

Pecan Pie Cupcakes

2008-10-15T10:10:00.004-04:00

This recipe is from SandraJean at 123Stitch.com. I didn't have a place to write the recipe down -- so I decided to post it!

1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup butter, melted
2 eggs

Preheat oven to 350-degrees F. Liberally grease a miniature muffin tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
Combine all ingredients and mix well; fill each muffin cup 2/3 full. Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown.
Yields 24 mini cupcakes.

WIPs

2008-10-12T16:39:00.002-04:00

These are the photos I promised earlier. No Hearth like your own Hearth is on a mottled sea-green with Vikki Clayton's White Chocolate.

Salem Sisters II is on Silkweaver's Days Gone By Belfast with Vikki's silks.

Rainy day...

2008-10-12T12:13:00.002-04:00

It's raining. It's pouring... good day for Stitching!

I succumbed to the call of Salem Sisters II last night. I didn't mean to do it -- I was just going to mark the centre and the top left corner. You know what happened next, don't you?

I hadn't realized before that there was a small area of over-one, but I finished that up and now I'm working on the verse.

I'm using the same silks from Vikki Clayton on SSII as I did for Salem Sisters: Inky Depths, Fire Dragon, and Deep Purple. I think it's turning out great so far!

I'll try to take a couple of photos later on this afternoon.

Unfortunately, this also means that Coffee Menu, No Hearth, and Washday Again have taken a hiatus. Oh well. I'll get back to them soon enough.

I wonder... can I make 35 finishes this year? LOLOL!

Salem Sisters II -- FOUND IT!

2008-10-09T12:55:00.002-04:00

I found Salem Sisters II! It was, as I suspected, hiding out in my computer room. I remembered where I put the fabric and floss for it, too, so now it's all kitted up and ready to stitch.

I've got it safely tucked away in the ottoman in the living room. (Notice how I've made this note to myself in case i lose track again?)

Now that I've found it, I have to get back to the computer room for some fall cleaning. It's been raining and storming off and on all day, so there isn't much else to do.

As the rain falls...

2008-10-08T14:47:00.002-04:00

I'm sitting here debating what to do... I've got several WIPs going and new projects I want to start.

I can't start everything. Well... okay. I could start everything, but what chaos that would create!

I'm thinking that maybe my goal for 2009 should be to finish every WIP. That would mean finally finishing And They Sinned, HoHRH, and Elizabeth and the Lavender Sky. Short list... big projects.

Right now, my list of smaller projects is fairly long. I'm working on Christmas Cheer, Coffee Menu, DMC Hearts, No Hearth, Rain Rain, and Washday Again. I probably should add Salem Sisters II -- but I still can't find the damn chart.

Wouldn't it be so cool to finish up these small WIPs before New Year's Day? Wouldn't it be so cool to FINALLY finish my big WIPs, too?

*sigh*

Mike and I are going to go turn my computer room upside down in a last-ditch effort to locate Salem Sisters II. If I don't find it this time, I'm just going to re-order it.

I hope that dear Saint Clare will help me through my stitching challenges in the coming months. I'll need all the help I can get!

AUGUST -- a quick finish!

2008-10-06T19:19:00.000-04:00

August by Lizzie*Kate. On 32 ct. Peach Ice Reflections by Silkweaver using Vikki Clayton's Silks.

Cross Stitcher in Residence

2008-10-04T20:38:00.002-04:00

This is Lizzie*Kate's "Cross Stitcher in Residence" on 28 ct. lugana from Silkweaver with Vikki Clayton's silks.

I used satin stitches to give the roof a thatched look. Because I live in Georgia, I used Vikki's Peach Melba to make the trees look like Peach trees!

1848 Reproduction Sampler

2008-10-03T15:48:00.004-04:00

This is 1848 Reproduction Sampler from Barrick Samplers (Carriage House Samplers). Done on 32 ct. linen with Vikki Clayton's silks.

I changed the bottom a bit. Left off two rows of "grass" and used my husband's initials and my own and 2008.

This is my 27th finish of the year!

MOMMY BRAG!!! My Daughter, who left Ballet three years ago, received a letter from William Starett of the Columbia City Ballet requesting that she audition for the 2008 Nutcracker. Morgan auditioned and today got a letter confirming that she had won TWO parts!

I am so tickled for her!

The Debate... women... and "feminists"?

2008-10-02T11:25:00.003-04:00

I try not to post too much personal stuff here. It's a stitching blog, after all.

Today, I make an exception.

Tonight is the debate between the two American Vice-Presidential candidates: Sarah Palin & Joe Biden.

I am no fan of Joe Biden. He's a well-documented plagiarist and liar. He admits to "exaggerating" when he gets angry of excited. You can google the words "Biden Lies" and get dozens of well-documented articles about his less than savory escapades.

Hhhhhmmm. That's not a trait I want in any politician much less the Vice President.

I am a fan of Sarah Palin. She's extraordinarily bright, sympathetic, knowledgeable, personable, and confidant in her opinions and her lifestyle.

I foresee ole Joe getting flustered by Palin tonight. What gaffes and faux pas that may lead to will be fun to watch. Perhaps not so much fun for the Obama campaign. I know that Obama choosing Biden cost him my vote.

One of the things that has really angered me recently has been the women who are saying that Palin cannot cal herself a feminist because she's pro-life. What???

I thought the whole point of the feminist movement was to allow every woman the chance to make her own choices -- free of derision or subjugation or undue criticism based on that woman's personal choices!

Obviously not. Apparently, a woman is not allowed to make her own choices UNLESS it is a choice decreed by the so-called leaders of the feminist movement.

Now, it's those very liberal, activist, pro-abortion women who are telling those who do not agree with them to shut up and get back to your kitchen.

How that helps women -- I don't know.

By the way, I say "pro-abortion" because I've noticed when someone
someone says they are 'pro-choice' -- the only choice they seemingly approve of is the choice to abort.

If Sarah Palin were a Democrat -- she'd be a media darling. But she's a Republican so they treat her as a pariah. This double standard within the media is disturbing. News organizations are becoming partisans in campaigns. MSNBC has become nothing more than an all-Obama-all-the-time campaign stop. CNN is coming close to the same.

What happened to objective reporting? What happened to the ideal of unbiased news reports? Where is Edward R. Murrow when you need him?

Anyway... that's my one and only person political / news vent for the year. Hopefully.

Be sure to vote in November. Voting is a Privilege -- Don't squander it.

New WIP: 1848 Repro Sampler

2008-10-01T16:39:00.002-04:00

I started a new WIP a couple days ago, the 1848 Reproduction Sampler, from Barrick Samplers.

I'm using Vikki Clayton's silks for this one.

Westwinds

2008-09-29T00:17:00.002-04:00

This is Carriage House Samplings' Westwinds. On 14 ct. Fiddler's Cloth using Vikki Clayton's silks.

Still stitching...

2008-09-28T13:40:00.002-04:00

I still haven't finished Westwinds. I'm hoping I can finish it by tonight. I just have one house and the blue at the bottom to go.

I probably could've done it yesterday, but I spent the morning working on Coffee Menu and last night we were at my BIL's 40th Birthday party.

No way to sit and stitch with a party going on!

The On-line Needlework Show closes tomorrow. I didn't find much that I really liked this time 'round except a few Quakers. Maybe the April Show will bring some designs.

Today is the last day of Baseball's regular Season. My Braves won't be in the post-season, so I'm now officially rooting for the Cubs. On the AL side, I hope the Angels make it to the Series.

Well... I'm off to start work on Westwinds -- if I finish it up today, I'll post a photo.

Updates... another new start...

2008-09-22T15:23:00.002-04:00

Right now, I'm hoping to finish CHS' Westwinds this week and I an still plugging away at Washday Again. In an off moment of stitching insanity, I also started a free design from Gryphon's Moon called
Níl aon tintéan mar do thintéan féin (There's no hearth like your own hearth).

You can find it here:
http://www.gryphonsmoon.com/freebies/index.php#stitch

I'm working that up on a gorgeous piece of deep-sea green 32 count Belfast with Vikki Clayton's premium White Chocolate.

Start-itis!

2008-09-18T12:02:00.002-04:00

Uhm... I was supposed to be working on And They Sinned, wasn't I? Something happened. I was going thru my floss and came across a small pack of silks from Vikki Clayton . I'd found my long-lost kit for Carriage House Samplings' Westwinds. So... I started it! :0

Then... I found my already kitted Washday Again by Canterbury Designs. So... I started it, too!

Both are easy, fairly fast pieces to stitch. I really like both of them and it's fun to watch them come to life.

Speaking of laundry -- I've got to go wash a couple of loads... will post more progress on Friday.

See ya! :)

Sweetheart Sampler

2008-09-12T13:55:00.003-04:00

Blackbird Designs' Sweetheart Sampler. n 28 ct. Mocha linen using Vikki Clayton's Quince 1407, Examplar Jam & Bread, Burnished Cranberry, and Sea Wrack 3431.

Sweetheart Sampler -- update

2008-09-09T17:28:00.002-04:00

As you can see, I've been busy, I love this piece -- I'm using Vikki Clayton's silks for it.

I really hope to finish it this week... then back to work on And They Sinned!

Sweetheart Sampler -- a new start!

2008-09-06T15:20:00.002-04:00

I started Blackbird Designs' Sweetheart Sampler a couple of days ago. I'm stitching it on 28 ct. Cashel linen with Vikki Clayton's premium Burnished Cranberry & Examplar Jam & Bread.

I'm very happy with the soft look I'm getting -- the photo seems to look a bit washed out, though.

St. Georges - finished at last!

2008-09-03T16:41:00.002-04:00

Long Dog Samplers "St. Georges" on 28 ct. raw linen. With Vikki Clayton's Premium Holly Leaves.

Happy Birthday to my darlings!

2008-08-29T08:44:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday to my darlings, Mike and Morgan. There is no sweeter 16 year old than she...

And I promised not to tell anyone how old Mike is now... suffice to day that he's 21... with 22 years Field Experience!

Quaker Alphabet

2008-08-27T18:36:00.002-04:00

Debbie Draper Designs' Quaker Alphabet. On 32 ct. Lugana using Vikki Clayton's Silks: Paua Abalone and Aquamarine 2433.

And Another

2008-08-24T19:19:00.003-04:00

Update: Quaker Alphabet

2008-08-22T18:41:00.002-04:00