Raven's Stitchin' Niche

A Brides Bouquet

2011-11-19T19:19:00.001-08:00

I have a finish!! First one in about 4 years. This is a 1930 pattern called "Brides Boquet". I hand pieced all the boquet blocks and then machine stiched all the blocks together.

This is a wedding gift for Jim's brother Robbie who is getting married next year.

Now off to see what I can come up with for the next quilt top.

My Wish List from Connecting Threads

2011-11-12T19:42:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to get myself motivated, as I re-enter the quilting world. I need to take baby steps as I've been away from Quilting for a couple of years. Christmas is fast approaching and I know that Santa and his lil Elves will need help in finding the perfect gift for me. Please click on "Connecting Threads" here and you will be directed to my WISH LIST on their site.

Anyone Up for a Group Dear Jane?

2011-10-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

Gosh it's been awhile since I last posted. I do apologize, had lots of drama in my life. In order to help cope, I am officially getting back into quilting. It helps me cope and save my sanity. Years ago who Brenda came out with the Dear Jane Quilt, I wanted so badly to make one. There were groups set up all over, all stitching this same quilt. Well it's been how many years now??? I still haven't gotten one started. I thought it would be nice to get as many quilters together as possible 169 would be perfect or even half as many. Each would be assigned 1 or 2 blocks to make for the group and we could all exchange and have the center blocks completed. Trying to find the people interested is the problem. If you think you might like to join, leave a comment along with your email address. Ask your friends, neighbors, co-workers anyone that quilts or would like to have a finished top.

My Tweets Block 5

2011-07-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

Another block completed!!! Yippee Block 5 and Block 6 are done with 4 more to catch up on. Thought I'd get one more block done before the next in the series was released, but that ain't gonna happen, new block will be up and ready for download tomorrow. I will continue with my group and as I finish will go back and pick up one of the blocks I am behind on. They are coming together rather nicely and if I don't mind saying, I'm pretty happy with how they are stitching up. I can't wait to see how they will all be placed with borders and such. Until my next posting...............Happy Stitching

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T18:35:00.001-07:00

Well I hope all enjoyed the 4th of July having fun with friends and family. Bless all those serving overseas protecting our way of life. God Bless America.

The temps here have been in the 100's so needless to say, I spent the better part of my 3 day weekend in doors with the air conditioning! I was able to finish sewing my first block of "My Tweets". Still consider myself a beginner, learning more and more from different sources as I move forward in my learning process. I was happy with the outcome of this block. Will spend the next week, tracing the pieces for block 5, I will catch up.

Happy Stitching!

I'm Trying........

2011-06-28T19:04:00.001-07:00

Sorry the pictures isn't the best, lighting was terrible and I took this with my iPhone, was just to lazy to go get the digital camera. I wanted to show my first two pieces of the applique block I'm trying to put together. I still have MIA fabric, somewhere between the fabric store and my mailbox. I figure if I do a few pieces every night, I might have this ready to start sewing by the beginning of next week. So many steps. Need to do the bias thingy for the vines, can't really start sewing until that is done first, because they have to go on first. I'm learning as I go. I have joined a wonderful group of ladies all making this same quilt and all are so helpful and give lots of encourgement!!! More later........

Fun, but..........

2011-06-19T16:57:00.001-07:00

I had an enjoyable afternoon sewing. I had my issues, first off I'm not that great at sewing Flying Geese. I know there has to be trick to getting everying to come out near perfect. Then there was this issue of me sewing the flying geese upside down and didn't notice it until I had the first 8 sewn on, grrrrrrrr. So I got to rip-it, for awhile. Can't say that I miss doing that. Then, because I'm in the unpacking stage, I couldn't find my feet for my sewing machine. I have this wonderful 1/4" setting on my Viking SE, but I couldn't find my 1/4" foot. Trying keeping an eye on the red line on the wrong foot and still watch your points! Hope to find that box sometime this week. It's going to be my mission. My blocks aren't all exactly 4 1/2" unfinished, but I'm hoping I can make minor adjustments as we sew everything together. If nothing else, I had fun, perfect or not. So, as of today, I'm caught up with everything. Not to sure when the next set of directions comes out, but I can't sew again until next weekend, thanks to my new working hours. Kelly, I'm doing good! Thanks

Simple Things - Finally Cutting Finished

2011-06-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

As promised...here is the picture of my Simple Things Fabric all cut and ready to sew. Got up before everyone this morning and thought after pouring my first cut of Java, it would be a good time to finish cutting. Now off to the kitchen to start cooking breakfast for Father's Day. After I'll sit and try and sew the first blocks together, so look for more pic's later today.

I'll feel better once I catch up with the rest of the Charming Chatters.

I've Been Busy, But You Can't Tell Yet

2011-06-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

Well it's Saturday and I've been busy cutting fabric for the Quilt Along with Kelly and the Charming Chatters. I fell a bit behind due to my hours at work being changed last week. Can you believe 4AM til 12:30!! I've been cutting all evening trying to catch up, so I could sew my first blocks together tomorrow. I wanted to post a picture of my fabric cut and ready to sew, but that didn't happen. I still have my charms to cut in the morning after Father's Day breakfast. Then I'll get my first blocks stitched and then with any luck, I'll be back on track with everyone participating in the Quilt Along. Here's a picture of Jim. He spent the better part of the evening assembling my new cutting table. He's posing with my "Punctuation" charms! More Pic's tomorrow....

Half Pint Progress

2011-06-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

The weather here today was wonderful. We were preparing for a hot muggy day again, but no, not here. I spent a good portion of the morning ironing my 19 rows of 9 patches. I made an "oops". The blocks on every other row needed to be ironed in the opposite direction, what did I do, ironed them all the same direction! Go Figure. So it took me double the time to straighten everything out. Now I am ready to sew my rows together. I need to go back to Kelly's Blog and see if there was an alternate setting for the borders. I recall her using half square triangles. OMG, it will take me another 2 years to get those hand pieced together and sewn to the center. Well one day this will be completed. In the mean time, I have the new "Punctuation" charms and fabric to cut and get ready to sew "Simple Things". I"ll be busy tomorrow between laundry, cooking and cutting. Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. It's almost up.

Simple Things Quilt Along

2011-06-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! Kelly from Charming Chatters and Carol of Brown Quilts have gone out of their way once again and came up with another lovely quilt Along entitled "Simple Things.
.
Kelly's Quilt is 38" X 38"
Isn't this just beautiful! I just fell in love with this fabric.

This is Carol's Quilt, it is a bed size quilt measuring 72" X 72". What great colors for the 4th of July.

I couldn't locate a source for the fabric Kelly used, everywhere I looked no "Sew Cherry". Guess that was an omen of some sort. Oh well, never to mind, looky what came in the mail :)

Punctuation by Moda!
Guess who sent it????
Yup, Kelly.

Thanks so much Kelly this is going to be a very special quilt. You brought so much joy to me through the screen of my computer, when my days were dark with fear and the four walls of my home was all I saw for days on end. You are an Angel. And oh BTW, I will finish Half Pint!

I know I've been out of the quilting loop for well, almost 2 years. I'm starting to re-build my life and getting back to quilting. If any of you still visit my Blog, please join us. We have so much fun and the friendships we've built, well they are second to none. I guarantee you, you won't be disappointed.

A Quilt A Long

2011-06-05T22:02:00.000-07:00

The time has come for me to return to my "First Love" Quilting. It's been over 2 years since I picked up fabric and needle and at least tried to be somewhat creative. Sewing room is workable. The sewing machine table and machine are set up, serger in it's place and some boxes have been unpacked. Still have lots of work to do organizing, but the "Itch To Stitch" is getting the best of me. I was able to find the blog of Charming Chatter. I was a follower on this blog for quite sometime and participated in a few of their stitch alongs. Kelly is the greatest. She always has something new and exciting to share, she's just one of those people who can always put a smile on your face. The last Stitch Along I participated in was called Half Pint. A cute little scrappy quilt, you can see a piture Kelly's finished quilt here. I was sewing my by hand, I think this was mid 2009. While unpacking my boxes I can across it again unfinished, I might add and decided I was going to start it up again (by hand). So the past week, I've been hand piecing my little 9 patch squares together. I'm almost done with the 19 rows that I needed for the center. In the mean time, I will be joinging the group sewing "Simple Things" which is due to start here shortly. I will be sewing this one on the machine. I can't wait, it's going to be a very special little quilt! Happy Stitching

We Have Graduates

2011-05-29T07:18:00.001-07:00

A bit late in posting, but here we all are. Graduation was May 22, 2011 at 9:00am in the morning. Charlene and Ralph both graduated from Chico State. Ralph graduated with his BA in Social Work and Charlene with a BA in Business Administration. Yup thats me in the middle between the two graduates and on the left is my daughter Nancy. Charlene's Daddy would have been proud. I'm sure he's smiling down on her this day.

This is a picture of their Graduation Cake. It looks great doesn't it?

Needlebook Finish

2011-04-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

We had a Needlebook exchange with my on line cross stitch group last month and my partner was Karen. The theme was "Spring" and we were suppose to design a needlebook with the piece we stitched. Karen so loves birds, so I did this piece for her. I had trouble putting my needlebook together. I mean how hard is it?? Weill first I sewed it backwards and then after frogging, I sewed it upside down!!! Oh well, I learned and my partner loved it and the way it turned out.

Am I Blind Yet?

2011-03-01T21:10:00.001-08:00

I have yet another finish, yippee. This is a Quaker Hornbook, forgive me I forgot who designed this chart and I'm not currently at home, so I can't check.

I thought for sure I was going to go blind before finishing this little piece. Stitched on 32 ct linen over 1, yes thats right over 1. This was my first attempt at stitching something so darn tiny. I love the detail, but I know I wouldn't want to stitch something very large stitching over 1, really hard on the eyes. I really had to pay attention and even then I had difficulty.

Currently working on my Romantique Sampler SAL so I won't have anymore finishes for a few days. Maybe even longer than that, as I will be out of town this weekend. Heading south to San Jose, to what the Sharks play Saturday night.

Happy Stitching

Bird In Hand - Another Finish

2011-02-28T20:14:00.001-08:00

I just love Blackbird Designs. I'm hooked on their Award of Merit Pincushions. I hope to stitch all of them. This is the second one that I've finished, it's called Bird In Hand.

My goal is to stitch enough to fill one of my Longaberger baskets with. Then when I get a place to call my own again, I'll have them all neatly displayed.

I have a few other items started. I hope to have another project completed tomorrow.

Meet "Thor"

2011-02-26T18:11:00.000-08:00

Meet "Thor" the newest member of my family. Thor is a 4 year old Chihuahua and weighs 3lbs. He's so tiny. I just love him.

Another Finish or Finishes for 2011

2011-02-20T17:47:00.001-08:00

I wonder how many of my stitchy friends on my On-Line Cross Stitch Group read my Blog??? I got this bright idea that I wanted to do something special for each member of my on line cross stitch group "Happy Stitchin Niche". Over the past months each one has been special to me in one way or another. Each is like an extended family member and are always there to lend a hand or ear when needed. I decided that I would stitch each of them a Pincushion. The chart I choose was from Blackbird Designs, called "Bluebird". In the right hand corner is their initial. Each pincushion is stitched with over-dyed threads either from Weeks Dye Works or Crescent Coloures in their favorite color on various colors of 32ct Linen. These will be mailed out to them on Tuesday, no advance notice is being given to them, so I hope it will be somewhat of a surprise when their mailman delivers my little package.

First Stitchy Finish for 2011

2011-02-18T12:11:00.001-08:00

It takes some of us a bit longer to get a finish these days, but I finally did. This chart is from Little House Needleworks, "The Traveling Stitcher". I purchased the chart, fabric and speciality threads as gifts for my friends Karen, Ruthie and then of course myself. For Christmas I received the accompanying Project Keeper and Needlecase from my dear friend Karen.

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-01T23:10:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that 2010 is now behind us. I for one am looking forward to 2011. Best wishes to my family and friends.

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day

2010-10-11T01:26:00.000-07:00

Indigenous Peoples Day also known as Native American Day is a secular holiday celebrated in various locations in the United States, begun as a counter celebration to Columbus Day. The purpose of this day is to promote Native American Culture and to commemorate the history of Native American peoples. Indigenous Peoples Day is usually heald on the second Monday in October, coinciding with the Federal observance of Columbus Day.

Native and Proud........One People, One Nation

Your Opinion is Needed

2010-09-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

Last minute decision to make and I need some advise and/or your humble opionion. I need to get something stitched up for a very good friend in time for Christmas. Here are pictures of the two charts I have:

Let's call this one Chart #2

Let's Call This one Chart #5

Now the DMC Color for the Red in the stitching is #606, looks to me more of a Orangey/Red, not a Christmas Red. So if I were to purchase red aida I think we'd have a big clash on the two colors. Not sure I want to use black aida either.

Using 18ct Adia the stitch area is about 10 x 13. Which of these would you choose to stitch (remember this is a very good friend) and what would you do as far as fabric? I've just about convinced myself that I'd do Chart #5 and stitch everything including the background, on an off white or sand colored aida fabric.

September is Almost Over

2010-09-20T10:43:00.001-07:00

Dear friends, it's hard to believe that September is almost over. Believe me when I say that this month and a half has been somewhat of a whirlwind..............so hard to hold on to your dreams when your life seems to be spinning out of control. I've guess I've been trying to move a mountain, I can't move. I will deal with it and will take that next step forward, it's just going to take a little time. Many thanks to my two friends Ruthie and Karen, for being there for me, lending their ear, understanding and encourgement.

On a happier note:

I did manage to stitch my SAL for the month of September. I look forward to uploading October's SAL. My hope is not to procrastinate next month. This playing "catch up" is for the birds.

I also participated in a kitchen towel exchange with one of my on line stitching groups. We were partnered with another stitcher in our group and by their request either stitched something Holloweeny or Fall. My partner requested a Fall Theme. This is what I came up with. Due to all my other issues this month, beleive me when I say "my needle was smoking" as I tried to complete this project and get it mailed on time. I DID, with one day to spare! I don't believe it's been received yet, but it should arrive at it's new home in Canada this week.

Only have one more exchange to complete this year. Once again, like I need more to do, I committed myself to a Christmas Ornie exchange. I have a pretty good idea what I'll be stitching, just need to get the fabric out of my stash and get done to business.

Determined to Stitch Something

2010-08-29T23:17:00.001-07:00

What you see here is a picture of my Babylock Imagine Wave Serger. I purchased these lovely machine about 3 years ago, why, I don't know, guess it was something I thought I needed at the time. With the purchase came these wonderful classes on how to use it. Did I take any of the classes, no. Circumstances in my life at the time took priority.

So since I started Cross Stitching, I've taken the machine out here and there to serge my fabric. I had a few pieces of linen that I need serged, so broke the machine out tonight and started serging. What did I do.........forget to lift the telescopic thread guide and antenna!!!OMG What a nighmare. All the threads came out. Did I know how to re-thread this machine, a big fat NO. So I sat for over an hour with a 2" thick binder called the "Workbook" on this serger. I think its working, sorta of.... I didn't hear any crunching or anything. I did manage to serge the two pieces of fabric, but somewhere in re-threading I must have changed the width, so my serging is a bit thinner than I prefer. Did I try and fix it, Heck No. Enough is enough for one night. All I wanted to do was serge and stitch. Now I've exhusted over 2 hours and I'm stressed! I just hope once I start stitching I don't pull to hard on the fabric and watch the serging come out and my threads seperate. I'd die.

My New Stitchy Place

2010-08-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

Had what I call "An Alone" day. The kids decided to make a trip to Sacramento and I just didn't want to go. I've been on the go all week and I'm just plain ole tired.

I haven't done any stitching for over 2 months now. Am I bad or what! I had my little stitching area set up in the living room, but for some unknow reason my daughter's dog decided he didn't like one of my fur babies, Booker and started fighting with him. So with that, my boys and I stay mostly in my room. It's not bad, I have a huge queen size bed, a 36" flat screen TV, DVD player and my puter.

What more could a person want? Her Stitchy Place. So today, I moved one nightstand out and literally dragged and pushed one of the recliners from the livingroom into my bedroom. Brought in my Ott light and my little storage drawers. Everything looks neat right....... well that mirror behind the chair, thats my closet and all my stitchy stuff is hidden in there. Out of sight, out of Mind. Now I have a place to sit, stitch and can still be with my fur babies. So much for today, but no stitching. LOL

P.S. I cleaned the rest of the house today also, with no one home I get more accomplished in less time.

I'm Doing A HAPPY Dance!!!!!

2010-08-27T20:22:00.001-07:00

OMG Can you believe this? I'm pinching myself, just to make sure I'm not dreaming. I've been searching high and low for this Limited Edition cross stitch kit Lizzie Kate put out.."Put Your Big Girl Panties On and Deal With It". Two of my dearest friends somehow found it and sent it to me as a belated Birthday Gift. I'm totally STOKED!!!!

Thank you so very much Ruthie and Karen, I'm just totally floored.

I am blessed to have such wonderful friends.

Thanks Again, I can't wait to start stitching on it.

The Proposal

2010-08-21T21:32:00.000-07:00

Aloha! Yep we are back. The last minute trip to Hawaii was wonderful. I really hated to get on the plane and make my way back home. We had so much fun and we saw so many different things. But like all things, something always unexpected happens. This time it was a good thing.

Ralph proposed to Charlene while they were diving off the Waikiki coast. Ralph is kneeling on the bow of the Y0247 San Pedro which sank somewhere out there. He told me he was so afraid he would drop the ring and not being able to find it. The Dive Captain, thought for sure Charlene was going to drown! She started hyper-ventilating and using up too much of her air. See all those bubbles from her.

I'll post more pictures later, I'm a bit ill right now, but getting better little by little. Wanted my friends to see this short video first hand. The words "Will You Marry Me" was written on the slate Ralph has in his left hand.

I guess there will be a wedding in the next year. No date has been carved in stone yet.

Two Pin Keep Finishes - Yippeeee

2010-08-04T21:06:00.001-07:00

It seems as of late, I'm stitching everything in doubles. Remember two LHN "Home of A Needleworker.

I now have a couple of finishes to show off and I'm pretty happy with the way these pin keeps turned out. This was my first attempt at making these and although I ran into difficulities, I was able to "wing" it and get everything to come together in the end.

I stitched these with the intention of using them as Christmas Gifts for my stitchy friends, but I'm afraid that they are going to have to move on to their new homes sooner.

Won't tell who's getting them just yet, you'll have to wait to find out later. I don't want to spoil the surprise.

TADA

2010-08-03T23:11:00.001-07:00

Finally........My Little Heart SAL is back on track. I fell behind for a couple of months, but as of tonight I am up to date and ready for Septembers chart. Now lets see if I can keep the motivation moving forward.

Thats it for today.

Christmas Angel Ornament Finish!

2010-08-01T04:47:00.000-07:00

My on line Cross Stitch Group StitchesNStuff had a "Christmas in July" exchange. We were to make a Christmas Orni for our partners. This is the ornament I made for my partner Ruth, who also happened to be my friend.

I loved these ornaments when I purchased the chart, there are 8 or so different Angel Ornaments. After making this one, I doubt that I'll try another. These were pretty diffucult and very time consuming.

In Memory of ...........

2010-07-26T00:37:00.000-07:00

Richard Edward Holbrook

Feb.23, 1954- July 22, 2010

A husband, a soul mate, a friend and a loving father lost his battle with Early On Set Alzheimers on July 22, 2010, only 3 years after being diagnoised.

In the beginning, Rick was well aware of the disease, which attached itself to his being. Rick wanted to do his part, in hope of finding a cure. The priceless gift he made was the donation of his "brain" to the U.C. Davis Alzheimer's Research Foundation. He hoped that with his contriubtion, it would help researchers in finding a cure and help avoid other families like his, to endure the suffering that this disease brought with it.

Rick born and raised in Quincy, CA and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed archery, fishing and spending quality time with his family.

In his memory we are asking friends and family to please make a donation to this years Alzheimers "Memory Walk".

We were fortunate to have Rick walk with us last year, this year he will be with us in spirit.

Help us find a cure for this deadly disease.

Fighting the Battle.....Losing the War

2010-07-19T23:12:00.000-07:00

I fought with myself deciding if I would post this message here on my Blog, but what is a Blog? About ones self, happenings of family, pets, stitching and just life in general. With this, I post this sad message.

I know from friends that I have been in contact with, have had others ask where I've been. Most all of you that visit my blog, know of my dear husbands medical condition. Rick was diagnoised with Early On Set Alzheimers back in June of 2007 at the age of 53. It has been a very hard road that we both have had to travel. Changing routines in every day life was the easy part, seeing your loved ones world turn into a fogged mystery is the worse.

Rick was hospitalized on June 30th. He fought this battle for 3 years and he has been fighting so very hard these past few weeks. He's getting tired now........... we know that he isn't going to win the war. He is resting comfortable, with one or more family members at his side 24 hours a day, as we wait.

Please keep us in your prayers.

Progress: A Quaker Christmas

2010-06-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted in over a week, but I've been busy. After finishing two "Home of A Needleworker" by Little House Needleworks that Rene so graciously loaned me, I thought it was time to start one of two larger charts I had on my scroll of things to stitch : A Quaker Christmas by: ByGone Stitches or Crique des Carreaux by Ink Circles. A Quaker Christmas won and this is my progress since June 7th. I fell in love with this chart after seeing Rene's progress on her own piece she is stitching. Me thinks Rene is a bad influence on me! LOL, we all should be so lucky to have someone as talented as her to influence us. This is my first attempt at stitching on Linen. Rene told me to try Cashel on a previous project, so I could get the "feel" of something other than evenweave and I loved it. I figured now was a good time as any to try linen. Not sure yet if I like it or not. Sure does a number on your eyes! I convienced my good friend Ruth to join me stitching this piece. We are both using Carrie's Creations Floss, she is using 28ct Evenweave fabric and I'm using 28ct Country French Linen. You can see Ruthie's progress by visiting her Blog.

Dad, Mom and Me

2010-06-08T14:23:00.001-07:00

I thought today, I'd share a recent picture taken at the Nursing Home my father now resides. My daugher Charlene thought ahead (there's a first for everything I guess) and brought her camera. This was taken when we brought my Mother to visit my Dad on Mother's Day. I look terrible, but oh well par for the course these days, with all I've been living through. Dad is 79 and Mom is 82, a very young looking 82 to boot! I always wondered how she kept her skin so beautiful. I only wish to look this good when I reach that age. I was hoping to return to their home next week, but due to my DH detoriating condition, I won't be able to make the trip. Charlene will take my place and go visit her Nana, do the grocery shopping, clean, check through all the mail and bring home what needs to be paid. Hard living so far away. I pray everyday that life will take a turn and our lives will get better. For now we just go from day to day and we keep our fingers crossed.

Another Finish!!!

2010-06-07T14:27:00.001-07:00

Yippee......I finished the 2nd "Home of A Needleworker" a little after midnight. I got quite a bit accomplished Saturday with the virtual stitch my ILCS Group hosted and that really moved me along quickly. I was able to get this one ironed, placed on the press board and attached the matting, however, I don't have a frame for it as of yet. This one I am keeping for myself. I have a place picked out right above my recliner in my little corner of the living room which houses "me" and my cross stitchy stuff.

Here again is the one I finished and will be sending to my friend Ruthie. Slight difference in floss color, this one is stitched with DMC and the one I just finished was stitched with Crescent Coloures.
On to the next project, Ink Circles or A Quaker Christmas? And oh yes, I need to stitch a Christmas Ornament for my Christmas In July Swap. I better get busy.

Virtual Stitch Along

2010-06-05T23:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry, no pictures tonight. It was my husbands first day home after being at his sisters for the past 9 weeks. He was very confused and needed my attention most of the time. He sat most of the day in front of the TV which gave me the chance to stitch. My on line group had a "Virtual Stitch Along" so I feel, I at least accomplished participating in that. If it weren't so late, I'd try and take a picture of my progress, but me thinks I had better hit the hay. I'll try and post a picture tomorrow.

Good Night.

My Little Heart-June

2010-06-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

This is the progress on "My Little Heart" SAL for June. Sorry the picture isn't the greatest. I started and finished this months block in one day! Leaves the rest of the month for me to work on "Home of a Needleworker" and get it done, so I can move on to "A Quakers Christmas". I now have a scroll with all the things I want to stitch. I guess that means I'm hooked on Cross Stitch.
On a happier note......my DH is coming home today for the first time in 2 months. I'm so excited. I haven't seen him since he was released from the hospital back at the end of April. Due to circumastances, he had to go stay with his sister in Redding, while I delt with all issues with my parents. He will be coming home to a new house! We moved 2 weeks ago to a 3 bedroom home that is all one level. Our other house was beautiful, but it was a two story and in his condition he can't take the stairs anymore. We all do what we have to do.

A Few More Stitchy Things

2010-06-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

I'm slowing unpacking from my extended trip to my parents. In the process I found a few more small items that I stitched while I was down there. Nothing worse than not having what you need to stitch. I resorted to searching the net for free patterns, so my fingers could keep busy. I found this chart, it was free, you can view this one and a few more here.

Here is another one which I found that was also free, you can find the chart here.

I had an idea on how I was going to finish these pieces, however, my idea didn't work. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

A Finish At Last!

2010-06-02T16:23:00.001-07:00

Renee from ILCS, one of my on line groups stitched a lovely piece from Little House Needleworks called "Home of a Needleworker". When I saw her finish on her Blog, I fell in love with it and wanted to stitch one for myself. She was kind enough to loan me her chart, so here is my finish! I used DMC Floss and not the Crescent Colours the chart called for, but I think it still came out lovely. I stitched on this off and on when time permited, while I was at my parents home the past 2 months, going through the trials and tribulations there. It helped me keep my sanity. During that time, my dear friend Ruth from NJ, called every day, sometimes two times a day. She lent her ear, gave advice, consoled me when needed and was just there for me, all the time, any hour of the day. Her friendship during my "hard times" really touched me and so I decided that this piece would find a good home with her in New Jersey. Ruthie, I hope you will find a proper place for it in your room.

So what am I doing now??? Stitching this same piece for myself this time! I hope to have it completed in the next week or two, then I'll return the chart to Renee. Thanks Rene.

Chart Give A Way

2010-05-31T22:02:00.001-07:00

Jennifer at "Feathers In A Nest" is giving away a couple of lovely 4th of July Charts by Chessie and Me. Your going to have to go visit her Blog to get all the information on how to enter. Everyone is welcome, including International Bloggers!

Good Luck to All.

Biscornu Finish

2010-04-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Not the greatest picture in the world, but it's a picture. This picture was taken with my cell phone of all things! I was able to finish my SAL Biscornu that my on line cross stitch group made together. Dispite all the chos and confusion going on here at my parents home I was at least able to accomplish this small finish. Unfortunately, I didn't know that I was going to be away from home this long(I think it's been a bit over a month now) and didn't pack all the necessities CROSS STITCH supplies!!!!! I happened to grab the biscornu walking out the door. My daughter is coming down this weekend and I have a scroll of things for her to bring down to me so I can at least stitch a bit now that things are progressively slowing down a bit.

My parents (yes both of them) are currently in a nursing home for rehab. Mom has her good days and then of course her bad days. Dad doesn't seem to be improving much and all are concerned. Not sure when one or both will be returning home. I'm hoping Mom will be released on the 30th when I think her IV antibotics (6 weeks worth) is completed. My husband Rick was hospitalized while here and he is currently at his sister's home in Redding. We were told that he should be placed in a care facility, however, there are no beds available at any of the facilities in Redding. For now he will stay with his sister until I can get back home and follow up in Chico with facilities. I'll keep everyone posted.

My Nightmare

2010-03-30T21:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I dealing with a bit of an emergency with my parents. Both are currently hospitalized. I just was able to get Broadband2Go, so I have internet service now. With all happening, my hands are pretty much full so I'll only be on line during the evenings. I'm not sure how long I will be here, but I know I won't be returning home for at least another 2 weeks or better. Needless to say, I've done no stitching. As a matter of fact I didn't bring enough of anything to even work with. I'll try and get my daughter to bring some things down when she returns or I'll try ordering on line so I can keep busy. I'll post more as things come to light;.

Biscornu - In Progress

2010-03-20T10:05:00.001-07:00

My on line group decided on another SAL. This time we are stitching Biscornu's! I was burning the midnight oil last night! Our finished Biscornu is due the end of April and everyone knows I'm the queen of procrastination LOL! I promised myself that I was going to keep up with my commitments, no more lagging and waiting for the last minute. We will see how long this lasts. This is what I was able to accomplish last night. I'll pick up needle and thread again today as soon as I give 4 dogs a bath!

More Beady Stuff

2010-03-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

I started beading back in the early 70's. I can remember as a child when I lived with my grandma on the reservation, her trying to get me interested and I wanted nothing to do with it. No patience I guess. My friend Suzzane was unaware that in addition to cross stitching, I also worked with beads. She was amazed at the amulet bags that I made, so I thought I'd post a picture of the 3 piece Dragon tapestry I made. These too were made with Japanese Delica beads. In most of my beading, I use the Peyote stitch. It entails adding one bead at a time. At first most people think this was made on a loom, not! I rarely use a loom, although I do have some spectular patterns that do require the use of a loom. This project took some time to complete, but it was worth it. Hummm...maybe I ought to break out the beads again, before my eyes get so bad I can't see the tiny holes! Cross Stitch or Beading - Cross Stitching or Beading?

Should I or Shouldn't I

2010-03-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

Good Morning All. Here is my newest stitchy thing. I've been working on this somewhat small project for over a week! I thought if I stitched some small projects, I'd have more to share with all my friends. This piece has brought me nothing but grief. I hate stitching white on white. It takes forever, not to mention that it's hard on the eyes. Also, all the back stitching OMG. I thought I'd never get this far. In reality this is not finished. It calls for snowflakes to be stiched on the background with little beads in the center. I'm trying to decide if I should or shouldn't do them. What would you do? I'm going to finish this as a flat fold if that helps you decide. Give me some of your ideas, suggestions and advice.

Happy St Patty's Day

2010-03-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

I wish the Luck of the Irish to all my Stitchy Friends. No Corned Beef and Cabbage at our house today. The kids left for Hawaii last Sunday for a much needed vacation and won't be home until Monday sometime. With just DH and I here, no use in cooking up something that big, we'd never finish it.

I will spend some time this morning looking for a Biscornu pattern. One of my on line groups is hosting a SAL. I don't want anything to difficult, looking for something rather simple yet appealing to the eye.

Happy Stitching, enjoy your day.

Still Unpacking and Cleaning

2010-03-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a couple of days. Was hoping to share the project I've been cross stitching on, however, I still am not finished. It's giving me grief. Stitching white on white is not very interesting, not to mention that I think it's hard. Hopefully in a couple of days I'll be finished and I can then share it with you. I'm still unpacking and in the process, I found a couple of beaded Amulet Bags that I had made some time ago and thought I'd share them with you.
This is my California Quail. It is made one bead at a time using Japanese Delica Glass Beads. I had entered this in the County Fair and it won Best of Show which qualified it for the California State Fair. It won there as well. I don't think I'll ever part with this piece.

This is my Sparrow Hawk. This piece is also made with Delica Beads.

Back to stitching, everyone have a wonderful day.

My Little Heart SAL- Progress for March

2010-03-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

In my posting of March 7, I had stated that Sylvia at Dreams with Needle and Thread had posted a free SAL on her Blog. I along with members of Stitching and Stuff, my on line Cross Stitch Group, joined in the fun. I've been stitching like a mad woman trying to catch up with the current month and finally finished this morning. Here is a picture of "My Little Heart". I'm ready now for April's chart release.

The Vermillion Stitchery

2010-03-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

Today I was introduced to The Vermillion Stitchery website and I wanted to share it with all my stitchy friends as well. They currently have the 2009 Doorways and the 2008 Snowman cross stitch and machine embroidery dowloads available free of charge. You will have a hard time determining which you'd like to stitch first. Their website is easy to navigate and they have many other cross stitch and machine embroidery designs availabe for purchase. I find their prices to be very reasonable. Have fun.

My Little Heart - A SAL

2010-03-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

Sylvia at Dreams With Needle and Thread is offering this free SAL to all who are interested. Many members of my Yahoo Cross Stitch Group are stitching this together. This SAL started in January on Sylvia's Blog, however, members of my group just started this month. We are all trying to catch up so we are all ready for the April Block. It's not to late to get started.

2008 EMS Sampler - Completed

2010-03-06T10:04:00.000-08:00

Well my move is complete, but there is still much to be done. You don't want to see what the garage looks like!! I've not been idle, I'm happy to say that I actually have a "Finish" for 2010. I started this lovely Sampler which was orginally a 12 month SAL from EMS in 2008, at the end of January. I completed it this past Wednesday. I was hoping to to find the iron, so I could block it, but that hasn't happened yet. The picture looks a bit wonkey, but you get the general idea. I was very pleased with it's outcome. Now I have to decide on what to stitch on next.