STITCH ACROSS THE BORDER

Outdoor Wednesday - Leaded Window

2011-09-21T08:02:00.001-05:00

I love this version of a leaded window. The picture was taken in London on a walkabout.

Hop on over to http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ for some fun outdoor photos and stories.

It's raining - Yeehaa :)

2011-09-05T17:16:00.000-05:00

We've had some pretty solid rain since yesterday. So refreshing. It's also cold enough to open up the windows and air out our house.
While my son was playing volleyball this morning I went for a walk round our chapel grounds and took some photographs.
Here's my autumn inspiration photos for this week. We have lots of trees in the Nashville area that lose their bark. I love them.

Celebrate Color

2011-09-03T21:23:00.004-05:00

http://www.stitchedincolor.com/p/celebrate-color.html to find out what it's all about.

Well now that school is back in session I am so ready for the glories of autumn to arrive with all the crisp weather and rich colors of the season. Okay so leaves and plants will be dying off but I'll be able to stitch again without my needle slithering out of my fingers :)
During September, October and November a lovely group of artistic/crafty ladies are celebrating with lots of projects, tutorials, contests and prizes. If, like me, you have become a puddle in the summer heat and humidity this might be just the thing to get in the sewing groove again. Thanks to Rachel (Stitched in Color), Emma (Emma Lamb), Mollie (Wild Olive) and Shannon (luvinthemommyhood).

I have lots of autumnal colors in my fabric, threads, patterns, books, pencils, paints etc. Once we get back from dropping our daughter off at the MTC in Provo, Utah I plan on "taking back" my sewing room and creating again.
My inspiration fall photo was taken last year at Belle Meade Plantation. I'll be going there again soon. We also live right beside the Natchez Trace. Maybe this is the year to tackle the scenic drive that I hear a lot about from others.

The Magic Feather Project

2011-08-16T14:29:00.001-05:00

Here's an interesting sloooooow recyclable project, to help children, for those of you who like to hand stitch (and might be interested in helping out). It's being organized by Jude Hill at Spiritcloth.

Here's the link for the story and requirements http://spiritcloth.typepad.com/spirit_cloth/the-magic-feather-project.html Jude has already received some interesting blocks so go take a look.

Outdoor Wednesday - Historic Kirtland

2011-08-03T08:36:00.002-05:00

Late summer last year we went to northern Ohio for a vacation. One of our stop off points was Historic Kirtland. Great place, with a lot of interesting history. I love all the attention to detail that can be seen everywhere.

Thanks to Susan @http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com for hosting this weekly fun event.

Outdoor Wednesday - Cucumbers

2011-07-27T07:11:00.000-05:00

We tried growing cucumbers for the first time this year. They were growing nicely and the one "cuke" we ate tasted lovely. All of a sudden "poof" the plants started to wilt and die :( Everything else seems to be growing well thus far.

Outdoor Wednesday - Buckingham Palace Detail

2011-07-20T07:12:00.001-05:00

One of the things I really enjoy about traveling around Britain is having the opportunity to look at old stonework details. This one belongs to Buckingham Palace. It always pays to look upwards :)
As always pop on over to http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ to find out what some other outdoor participants have been doing.

A Finished project - Christmas ornament

2011-07-18T08:44:00.002-05:00

It's getting to that time of year where I really need to be thinking about making some Christmas presents or they will never get done.
Wonder of wonders I got something finished this week-end. I have two quaker cross-stitch snowflakes left over from last year and I had been staring at them and some fabric all week.
Small 4"x4" ornament ...... but done is done. Now to tackle some more items that are in my "to be finished drawer" :)

I turned the other one into a 5"x5" pincushion. 14ct. Aida is just the right size for ready made pin holes :) (My sewing/cutting table is covered in fabric and pattern pieces for the skirt in the background that my daughter is making.)

Outdoor Wednesday - getting ready for the Olympics

2011-07-13T08:43:00.002-05:00

Looks like the statues surrounding the fountain outside Buckingham Palace are already "ahead of the games". They have their own torch, laurel wreaths, and well honed athletes & swimmers already in place :)

They have already been practicing their winning flag ceremony.

Her Majesty has the best seat available with remarkable access to the sprinting events.

Enough of my whimsy, there is a lot of building work going on in Britain for the Summer 2012 Olympic games. Lots of building cranes in evidence in London and some surrounding areas. It's going to be fabulous.

Blog inspiration - Beedeebabee

2011-07-12T06:58:00.001-05:00

Greetings from hot and steamy Nashville. We are under a heat advisory and the cooling stations opened yesterday.
My son and one of his friends are off an a Scout High Adventure trip and we are hoping they are able to be in plenty of shade.
Daughter #1 is filling in the gaps on her clothing list as she prepares for her mission call to the California San Fernando Spanish speaking mission.

Since I am learning how to bead and giving some thought to felting I thought I would share one of my favorite "inspiration" blogs. Paulette from Beedeebabee does amazing artwork. She is on hiatus for a while but has left her blog open so we can still visit and drool :)
I love her hearts and they range from simple to romantic to crazy quilting to Mary Engelbreit in style. Paulette loves the artist Lisa Lectura.

http://beedeebabee.blogspot.com/

Santa Sack Swap 2011

2011-07-10T09:53:00.001-05:00

I am participating in a 6 month long swap hosted by Cheryll at http://stitchingcubbyhole.blogspot.com/
Our "sack" and first gifts had to be sent out at the beginning of July. I am swapping with Pat B. at www.patriciabstudio.blogspot.com/ I sent her a postcard while I was in Scotland.
Her package to me arrived last night and has a re-usable theme. I already have some ideas about how to re-use the "sack" :)

Hopefully my package has arrived. It also has a "loose" re-usable theme, some of which will become more apparent after Christmas :)

My "sack" looks like an envelope when it is shut and measures about 14"x14".
We are not allowed to open the packages till Christmas so I will put Pat's bag in a safe place in my sewing room.

Thanks to Cheryll for hosting this event. If you click on the link in my side bar you should be able to visit some of the other sacks over the next few days. Some of the ladies are sending their gifts monthly, others are doing it all at once.
(Don't forget to visit the next installment of Stitched Sunday. It's all about back stitch and needles.)

Outdoor Wednesday - Where The Wild Things Grow

2011-07-06T12:11:00.001-05:00

Wildflowers growing in crevices always look more interesting when they are at an historic building (Stirling Castle is in the background.)
As always hop on over to http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com to see what some other participants have been posting about today.
I hope those of you that celebrated it had a wonderful 4th of July. This Brit had the opportunity to sing in two concerts :)

Stitched Sunday

2011-07-02T14:15:00.000-05:00

If you have not already seen it Helen Stubbins has started doing a Stitched Sunday project for everyone to learn (or re-learn) basic hand embroidery stitches. It's a needle-case and looks interesting.

To find out whats happening click on the link in my sidebar. http://hugsnkisses.typepad.com/

Outdoor Wednesday - The King's Knot

2011-06-15T07:24:00.000-05:00

One of the first places we visited when we were in Scotland was Stirling Castle. This is one of my favorite views - "The King's Knot" know locally as "The Cup and Saucer". It is located on the Dumbarton Road near King's Park. This is what is left of a 16th century garden that was (supposedly) built on the site of a medieval jousting arena. The whole area that you see in the photograph was originally part of an extensive royal hunting ground c. 12th thru 17th centuries.
There are two very distinct sections to the King's Knot. The lower section was a "parterre" (a system of hedges, paths and flower beds) and the raised 9 ft high, section was a characteristic feature of gardens in the 16/17th centuries. According to old records there was hedges and canals in the Knot. Renovations and alterations have been done over the centuries.
Historic Scotland looks after the Knot and recently provided a grant (along with Stirling City Heritage Trust) for a geophysical survey to be taken. The aim is to try and find out more about this landmarks ancient history and maybe what "lies below".

Greetings From Scotland

2011-06-03T15:38:00.000-05:00

Our trip to Scotland is fast drawing to a close and we have been busy little tourists :)
Today has been the first full day of wonderful weather so we took my mother to a couple of local gardening centers. She is the main reason we are here. She has been having MRI's, biopsies and other tests done, which have been quite tiring (and stressful) for her. She goes to see the specialist next week and we will know at that point what can, or cannot, be done for her.
Scotland has been experiencing some rough weather so we have not been able to get to some of the areas we wanted to visit. Having said that what we did see was enjoyable.
So where have we been?
Various parts of Stirlingshire since that's where my side of the family live.
Stirling Castle
Wallace Monument
Smith Art Gallery
Dunblane Cathedral
Callander
Glasgow (twice) - shopping, Museum of Modern Art, Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Museum and a general walk around the center of Glasgow
Scone Palace/Perth
Edinburgh (twice) - Royal Scottish Academy, Canongate Church, Museum of Edinburgh, Queens Gallery, People's Story, Scottish Parliament Buildings, Edinburgh Castle, Camera Obscura, St. Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile and shopping
Blackford Highland Games
Hopefully all our photographs will turn out and I can share some of them at a later date.

Going on vacation

2011-05-17T11:24:00.000-05:00

I'm heading off to Scotland tomorrow for a few weeks. I have three hand sewing projects in my carry-on case. We have a 4 hour layover in Toronto so maybe a few stitches will get done while we wait :)

My parents live not too far from this fine castle (Stirling). There is a big event going on there a few days before we come home and hopefully we will be able to get tickets for it. We plan on spending a goodly amount of time in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Fife.

Outdoor Wednesday - the Cicadas are coming

2011-05-11T11:48:00.000-05:00

The 13 year cycle Cicadas are starting to come up out of the ground by the corner of our house. The whole area looks like it's moving, which is quite interesting to see. Cicadas are relatively harmless but when they land on you it can feel somewhat creepy seeing two red eyes staring at you.

Our large tree is slowly getting covered with Cicadas nymphs getting ready to molt. There's a goodly amount of their cast-offs at the bottom of our tree.

These ones have molted and are drying out.

While I don't mind the Cicadas too much I think I will be happy to leave them behind for a wee while when I leave for Scotland next week.
For more outdoor adventure hop on over to http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com

And just to end on a pretty note. The weather has gotten hot all of a sudden and this morning my lilies bloomed.

Outdoor Wednesday - a flower :)

2011-04-20T12:19:00.002-05:00

Our yard/garden has been devoid of much flowery evidence thus far. Our Columbine is in full bloom and the Iris are just starting.

We are in the middle of re-arranging some beds again. One of the forsythia bushes is now gone and we are creating this little flower area by our back steps. Just have to put in some more perrenials, annuals and mulch.

To see more Outdoor Wednesday goodness (and drama) hop on over to http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

Edythe Anne's Heart - part 2

2011-04-01T10:53:00.000-05:00

It's moving along. The basic heart is now complete (with a few personal modifications) and I am adding the "bling". My favorite part of the whole process so far has been ........

the flower

My most useful ... could not do the project without ...... tool has been my beading needle. I'm about going cross eyed doing all my "just because I can" beading but it will be worth the effort.

Edythe Anne's Heart - all thumbs

2011-03-28T09:01:00.000-05:00

Edythe Anne sent me the PDF pattern and kit to make one of her hearts. (One of the gifts I won at OWOH 2011). I'm trying to make it but I confess I am all thumbs. Trying to hold batting in place round the wire heart form and hand sew fabric at the same time just got me frustrated. Sooooo I rethought the process.

I cut some narrow strips of batting and wrapped them round the heart form. I cut a longer piece of fabric, folded it to find the center, and starting at the top of the heart I am working my way round to the bottom. Instead of trying to hold everything together as I sew I have pinned everything down. Now I can spend some time getting my hand stitching done without getting frustrated :) Since my heart might be getting viewed from the back all the fancy bits are going to be stitched on top of the seam.

Jerry Kreinik - a legend in his lifetime

2011-03-25T10:46:00.001-05:00

http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com

He will be missed by many. I think he will be missed the most by the children he helped learn to read and stitch.

Hearts For Christchurch

2011-03-04T14:56:00.000-06:00

Grab your needles, thread and fabric. A world wide event has started to explode into action. Hearts, hearts, and more hearts and you can help.
Please support Evie Harris in her endeavor to provide a heart to as many Christchurch residents as possible. There also might be an exhibition ..... how cool is that !!!!!
I have a stack ready to stitch together.
Hop on over to http://heartsforchristchurch.blogspot.com to find out what you can do and where to send.

Condolences- The Primitive Needle

2011-03-03T05:54:00.000-06:00

Condolences to the family of The Primitive Needle designer and owner Lisa Roswell. She was swept away in her car on the way to work and her body was recovered out of Lake Huron yesterday. Her daughter Mariah has left a message at http://witchstitches0.blogspot.com/

Newspaper reports can be found at http://www.norwalkreflector.com/
We should also keep dispatcher Tacy Bond in our prayers as she tries to recover from the trauma of this accident.

OWOH 2011 - gifts

2011-02-25T11:06:00.000-06:00

I actually won a few gifts and I have plans for them :)

The PDF tutorial and supplies are from Edytheanne http://edytheanne.typepad.com/. I'm going to try and make the heart then gift it.
The bookmark and card were made by Carola http://carolabartz.blogspot.com/. Both are lovely.
The picture/frame is gorgeous and was made by Jann http://www.a-vintage-heart.blogspot.com/

And look what showed up in my e-mail ...... a photograph from Carolyn . She is using her "Love Dove" and her daughter wants it :)

A wee gift for my 100th follower

2011-02-24T06:35:00.000-06:00

A few postings ago I indicated that I was finishing up a wee item to give as a surprise. Well here it is being happily modeled by Ms. Theadora :)

Merlin J. Phineas Alberto's pet, Deana, who can be found blogging at http://inspiringadventuresofalwaysinspired.blogspot.com/ will be receiving a little Iris cross-stitch kit and "A Very Merry Spring" mini pin-cushion that I made recently.
While Ms. Theadora would love to travel with them, she has important work awaiting her here :)

Outdoor Wednesday - Waiting For Spring

2011-02-23T06:53:00.000-06:00

For more Outdoor Wednesday fun hop on over to http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com
Spring things are appearing in my garden. The mini Iris and Crocus have started to bloom. Little spots of lovely color amidst the remains of dead leaves.

The Eva Owl Event

2011-02-22T07:28:00.000-06:00

Janet M. Davies, a very talented designer from New Zealand is having an event. She wants people from all over the world to do interpretations of her design EVA OWL. There are two categories with 10 prizes in each category. I have to say that I am partial to her owl designs so this should be fun :)

To find out more go to http://www.jmddesigns.co.nz/ or click on pretty owl Eva in my side bar.

My Creative Space

2011-02-21T14:58:00.000-06:00

I am fortunate to have a sewing/craft room. It was my son's old bedroom. On the whole it works well for me but needs tweaking from time to time.
It's been looking, and feeling, like a disaster area since before Christmas when I dumped a whole lot of "stuff" in there due to having our two older children come for a visit.
This past week-end I decided to "have at it". My original plan was to move my very large book-case because it was difficult to get too. However as I stood there my bronchitis loaded body rebelled and I moved my work table instead :) Works a whole lot better for me and I am pleased with that.

My creative mess - Before

My creative mess - After

This configuration works a whole lot better for me AND Lucy does not get in the way when I need to get from table to sewing machine. After numerous times of running over her tail you'd think she would lie somewhere else in the room but noooooo, she has to be close to my ankles and the window.
I still have a few baskets of odds and ends to dispose of and some shelves to re-arrange.
The drawers in the corner unit hold my "in progress" cross-stitch, embroidery and quilting projects. Corner drawer, supplies for my sewing machines. The small cupboard has beads and some of my genealogy research.
The small blue basket on the table currently holds supplies for some hearts I am making.
This new arrangement gives me space for my serger and easy access to my large book-case (phew). Two of the side benefits - I can see the TV in the family room from my chair (for Castle, Bones, Mentalist), AND I found some of my SHARP scissors hidden away in a drawer that I cleaned out :)
Still to do -
paint the big book-case
re-do the smaller shelving area next to the book-case (holds fabric and other crafting supplies)
move a small book-case out so my daughter can use it.
hang the white board up
hang a large cork board for "works in progress" above the fabric shelves.
make a fabric skirt for my work table.

OWOH 2011 ....... drumroll please :)

2011-02-18T06:58:00.013-06:00

By the very unscientific method of asking the patrons at our local Family History Center to "pick a number between ....." we have the following winners. Congratulations to all of you.

Gift #1. Tara at http://sewgorgeous.blogspot.com..... and wouldn't you know it she's from Scotland :) (heard back from, in the mail, received)

Gift #2. Needlewings at A Frayed of Fibers http://needlewings.blogspot.com/ (heard back from, in the mail, received)

And now for another gift. My birdie transportation presented me with an idea and after much consideration I have 5 surprise "Love Doves" to gift away :) They will be similar to one seen in the following photograph (two shown). So what are they? ........... mug rugs !!!!!!

1. Carolyn at http://lildarlingsbycarolyn.blogspot.com(heard back from, in the mail, received)
2. Dawn at http://goldenangelsworks.blogspot.com(heard back from, in the mail, received)
3. Just Jingle at http://justjingle.blogspot.com(heard back from, in the mail, received)
4. Amy at http://knitterofhatsspeaks.blogspot.com (heard back from, in the mail, received)
5. Barbara at http://barbara-moorewhimsies.blogspot.com(heard back from, in the mail)
and a surprise one (because I messed up on her e-mail address notification)
6. Cathy at http://cathyhorner.blogspot.com/ (heard back from, in the mail, received)

If anyone would like to participate in a PIF drawing please head on over to my other blog http://ascotintennessee.blogspot.com

So OWOH will not be happening next year BUT Lisa has something else in the works so hop on over to http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/ to find out more.

OWOH 2011 ....... Thanks everyone

2011-02-17T15:04:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone who visited and left comments. That was a lot of fun.

I've done my drawing and notified the winners. Come back tomorrow for some surprises :)

Outdoor Wednesday - Treads or Tracks?

2011-02-16T07:14:00.000-06:00

Well this one has the potential to be a good panel for part of a wall hanging.
For more Outdoor Wednesday photos hop on over to http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com

I'm experimenting with ........ part 2

2011-02-15T16:29:00.000-06:00

This is how it looks with the background filled in. Doing a dark border to "ground " everything.

I'm experimenting with ......

2011-02-10T10:14:00.002-06:00

14 count perforated paper. This particular one (Plaid Bucilla) has large holes in it which can do a bit of a number on your eyes. It also feels somewhat "plasticy" as opposed to paper.
I opted to use a pattern I was already familiar with and voila .......

"Birds in Tree" 3 strands DMC #704.
Now to decide how to finish it off. I'm thinking maybe a little ornament. I'm also contemplating whether or not to fill in the background.
(Any other experiments are going to be done with one of my own designs. Probably "Square in Square")

Outdoor Wednesday - wee green man

2011-02-09T07:34:00.001-06:00

Our wee, weather greened, cherub came with the house when we bought it. He has lived in many parts of the back yard over the years but now calls the back corner under a large tree "home". He "guards" the critter fence-line access to our neighbors yard. Some of his other "duties" over the years have been to help our flowers grow, keep the bunnies away from our veggies, chat to our bushes and "scare off" the squirrels.
He's had many secret adventures over the years i.e. been found toppled off his plinth. The birds, and Lucy love to visit him and chat.
For more Outdoor Wednesday fun visit http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

Following along ........... meet Yakna

2011-02-07T07:52:00.001-06:00

I enjoy visiting the blogs of my blog followers. They are a great bunch of people.
A wee while ago Yakna (Natasha) from the Ukraine, showed up for a web visit and brought her new blog with her. It's quite lovely. I enjoy seeing what she stitches and love the way her blog is set up. When you visit be sure to click on the link under each photograph .... you never know what you might find - a story, more photos, a tutorial (the current one is fun looking) :)

Photographs used with permission.

Like many stitchers Yakna has pets ........ they are adorable but I will let you find them for yourselves.
http://yakna.blogspot.com/ We might all learn how to speak a smattering of Russian if we visit often enough.

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

OWOH2011 continues on. Thanks to everyone that has visited and left a comment. Package #2 from me is now being revealed :) My birdie transportation, after taking a breather yesterday, is ready to zoom off lickety split. I better get our lunch packed up.

Mosaic Heart - part 2

2011-02-04T14:15:00.000-06:00

Before I forget ....... yet again - here's an update. Just have to finish the tulips and a few buds.

To answer a question from my previous Mosaic Heart posting - no this is not a freebie pattern (at least that I know of). It came as a set of DMC patterns that I was given as a Christmas gift in 2009.
Thanks to everyone that has been visiting from OWOH this week. It's been fun. Me and my birdie transportation are slowly visiting everyone. Lots of very talented artists out there. I feel inspired :)

A Very Merry Spring - Part 1

2011-02-03T10:11:00.001-06:00

To the north, east and west of us the country is blanketed in varying depths of snow with many people wishing it was spring already. We have sun, somewhat chilly, but still sun, and welcome at that :)

"A Very Merry Spring" by JBW Designs
22 ct. white Evenweave
2 strands DMC - 958, 959, 3850 & 3851
The stitching is done and I plan on making it into a wee hanging ornament for a special event. (More details soon.)
If you want to see a pretty version done in linen and variegated thread hop on over to visit Sadie (another Scots lassie) at http://stitchingupastorm.blogspot.com/ Scroll down to her January 25th entry and enjoy her other projects along the way :)

Exchange Heaven - valentines gift

2011-02-02T06:59:00.002-06:00

My little "Valentines Hearts" pillow has arrived at Maddy's house ..... in England. She loves it and I am thrilled about that :)

14ct Aida

DMC 3832 & 3833 2 strands

single heart pattern found at http://dany88.canalblog.com

Christmas Ornament - Hope - part 3

2011-02-01T06:56:00.000-06:00

All the stitching is done except for the fact that I think the wording is looking a bit wimpy. I'm going to think about it for a few days and then decide whether I want to just leave it alone and call it finished, or beef it up a bit.

OWOH 2011 - Welcome

2011-01-31T07:29:00.016-06:00

Welcome to my little corner of OWOH 2011 (#381). Rest your wings, sit a spell and chat.
First things first .... Thanks to Lisa at http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/ for being the heart behind this event. This is the fifth and final event and I for one appreciate all her hard work bringing her vision to reality.
If you are new to my blog it's all about hand stitching. I love to cross-stitch, embroider and hand quilt. I'm learning to design my own patterns and will often take an existing one and add my own twist to it (just for fun). For those of you who visited my blogs last year during OWOH2010 ....... welcome back.
My "growing up" part of the world is a long ways away from this hilly, scenic, region of middle Tennessee. I was born and raised in Scotland and winged my way to the USA, with a few suitcases in tow, in 1987. The hubster, kidlets and I have lived in Ohio, Michigan and now Tennessee. All great states with unique charms of their own.
Before you take flight again I have a door prize but it's not being revealed all at once. It's all ready for the winner but let's have some fun with it. I'll change out the photo every so often and reveal a new item each time.

1. 5" mini cushion. (I found the freebie pattern at http://pics.livejournal.com/own_two_hands/ in the biscornu section, page 2)
2. 4" 'Birds in Tree' door hanger. (I found the freebie pattern at http://cargaudlabrico.canalblog.com/)
3. Bits & Pieces By Joan - a vest pattern, with wooden star buttons included, entitled "I Love Snowmen"
4. It's going to remain a mystery ... all I'm saying is .... it's in keeping with the theme ;)
5. Depending upon how many people leave comments I might do two packages.

(You do not want to know what early hour of the morning it is here BUT all of a sudden I was woken out of a deep sleep by excited twittering from my birdie transportation. Well now what do we have here ..........now I am excited ........ enough visitors for the second package....... woohoo !!!)

Package #2 (reveal photo #2)
1. a 51/2" mini cushion/pincushion made from one of my "orphan" blocks.
2. Beginners quilt pattern - couch throw size
3. 41/2" "Birds in Tree" ornament. (I found the freebie pattern at http://cargaudlabrico.canalblog.com/
4. It's going to remain a mystery .... all I'm saying is ....... it's in keeping with the theme ;)
5. What's that you say birdie ...... mmmmm I'll have to think on that idea.

Just remember to leave a comment with a way to contact you. If you are set to no-reply (with no contact info) you will NOT be entered into the drawing. OWOH finishes on 17th Feb. and my winners will be announced on February 18th.
So thank you for taking some time to visit BUT it's time I sent you on your way. Fly carefully and I hope you enjoy your trip round the world.
(My birdie transportation this year is somewhat elderly. We will show up but it might take a while since we plan on taking many opportunities to rest up, refresh ourselves, and be impressed by all the art work out there. OWOH hugs to all of you.)

Up-date Thursday 17th - It's now the last day of this fabulous event. Thanks to everyone that has visited. You can continue to leave comments till 2.00 p.m. this afternoon. I'll then do some drawings, contact the winners and post the results TOMORROW. My daughter is participating in a school event this evening and we need to do some prep time beforehand.)

Postcard Pizzazz - cross-stitch heart

2011-01-27T17:20:00.001-06:00

I like making fabric postcards. They typically are 4"x6" and I think they are a great way to learn different techniques. Having said that, last year I took a long, unintended break.
Here's my first one for this year which I sent to Pam C.

The heart is called "A-MAZE-ING HEART"by The Sweetheart Tree. 55wx51h stitch count.
The little card pattern cost me a whopping 40c from one of my favorite cross-stitch stores in Ohio that has closed down :(

Valentines Swap - Exchange Heaven

2011-01-26T12:06:00.001-06:00

I got a package from Sue D. last night and in it was this gorgeous creation :) Looooove it :)
Thanks Sue.
My package is in the mail and should show up at the other end sometime within the next few days.

We woke up to snow early this morning and now almost all Tennessee school districts are out on another "snow day". I'm finishing up the dress I have been making for my daughter.

Christmas Ornament - Hope - part 1&2

2011-01-24T10:13:00.000-06:00

Part 1 - I could have stopped here since this was the original pattern "O Christmas Tree" by Angel Stitchin in JCS 2005. I saw the design at http://shelleensmusing.blogspot.com/2010/12/o-christmas-tree-is-finished.html and worked out how to stitch it since I don't have the magazine. (Hopefully that does not break any copyright laws.)
Part 2 - But ...... I am expanding it to make into a small banner. I still have more stitching to do on the border and beside the word (which I let my daughter pick out from my list.) I'm contemplating using words on all my Christmas ornaments this year.

We had a fun filled week-end. Daughter #3 "Princess" turned 18 and was so excited. Big sister "Song Bird" took her out clothes shopping on Friday (snow day) and bought her an outfit. She had her party on Saturday. The girls made jewelry, decorated cupcakes and did Dance 2. She gave a talk in church yesterday about "How her family helped her learn about God." (She has a speech and comprehension delay and worked really hard on her presentation so that everyone could understand her.) Some of her friends "heart attacked" our van for her which she loved. Tonight we will be taking her out to dinner AND this tardy mom will finish the hems on the semi-formal dress I've been showing her how to make.

OWOH 2011 - 5th and final year

2011-01-20T16:51:00.000-06:00

Lisa at http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/ is once again sponsoring One World One Heart. This year will be the last one. Up front - thanks to Lisa for doing this for us all - a huge time and organizational commitment from her.
I followed along on the 3rd event, participated last year from my genealogy blog, and will be participating from here this time round. Starts on the 30th January and runs till Feb. 12th. I have my giveaway package almost ready.
If you are interested in participating follow the link in my sidebar.

"JOY" Christmas tree ornament

2011-01-13T10:55:00.001-06:00

I designed the ornament just before Christmas but did not get it finished in time to put on our tree. Now it's done :)

Outdoor Wednesday - Tracks

2011-01-12T08:40:00.001-06:00

School has been out since Monday because of this. We got about 3 inches and have had flurries since then. We have used up our snow days allotment already.
For more outdoor fun hop, slither or slide, on over to http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/
For those of you up north in the middle of raging snow storms I hope you all stay safe out of harms way.

Mosaic Heart - part 1

2011-01-11T13:13:00.002-06:00

I am stitching "Mosaic Heart" by DMC. The "grout lines" are done. Next step - the flowers.
I'm using 22ct. cream Hardanger, which I love and will probably stick with for a while.
2 strands of linen floss over 1.
I'm still not loving the floss because it can shred quite easily. If you miscount and try to unpick it's not a pretty sight :)

Outdoor Wednesday - Inside Looking Out

2011-01-05T06:46:00.000-06:00

I love the center window oval in our front door. The various cuts of glass make fun distortions, shapes and designs when you look through it.

Revisiting an old favorite .....

2011-01-04T06:59:00.002-06:00

For Paula's Sewing Challenge.

With Christmas, visiting family, New Year, and having my girls home for a while I'm just getting round to posting my piece for Paula's current challenge - you're favorite quilt or wall hanging.
"County Hearts" started life as a class I taught a few years ago on how to do blanket stitch applique. I gave the participants two different patterns in the same colors for them to "have at it." It was a lot of fun and once everyone got in the swing of things it was a fairly simple method to learn.
I made this wall hanging well after the event with some of the left over blocks. Then it sat ..... and sat ... and sat ..... till the day finally came when I found (borrowed from another quilter) a fleur-de-lis quilt design I really liked to hand stitch on the cream blocks. I finished it near the end of 2008 and now that we have some wall re-painting done it will finally get hung up.
(I had enough of the heart blocks to do the class, wall hanging, large cushion, fancy door hanger for my sister-in-law, and blocks to a friend to make her own cushion.)
So this is one of my absolute favorite wall hangings. It makes me smile every time I look at it and the cushion and brings back many fond memories.
Paula's link - http://sewingchallenges.blogspot.com

First project of 2011 - Valentine Hearts

2011-01-01T15:55:00.003-06:00

I'm participating in a Valentines Day cross-stitch swap and I decided to stitch it up as my travel project over Christmas. This is all you get to see till it shows up at the other end, then I'll do the full reveal :)

I took a single heart design from http://dany88.canalblog.com/ and turned it into a flower (of sorts). It's stitched on 14 ct. Aida and I used DMC 3832 & 3833 two strands. Swing on over to Dany's site. She has some lovely designs.
We are about to make some rearrangements here at the "homestead". Our oldest daughter is moving back in for a while. She and DD #2 have been here for the past two weeks and now that the latter has headed home we will be doing some room re-arranging and de-junking. Hopefully most of that can be accomplished over the next week or two.
My sewing machine has seen some usage. Daughter #2 sewed up a tie skirt and a dress (I forgot to take photos and she does not like to pose). A friend borrowed it to make Christmas stockings and I am about done making a semi-formal dress for DD #3.

Happy New Year 2011

2010-12-31T23:01:00.000-06:00

Finished project - Noel ornament

2010-12-20T08:43:00.000-06:00

The other freebie design by Sandra Longan Miller. http://smalltownstitchin.blogspot.com
I adapted it slightly by adding a border.

Finished project - Merry Christmas ornament

2010-12-15T14:13:00.000-06:00

Sandra Longan Miller of Log Cabin Needlework's is an aspiring cross-stitch designer and the above is one of her recent freebie designs (I modified it slightly for my purposes). I've been visiting her blog for a long time and have watched her progress with some interest. http://smalltownstitchin.blogspot.com/ I plan on stitching up her other freebie this week-end.
I opted for a slightly non-traditional Christmas color scheme. The fabric is the backing to it. I fussy cut the butterfly section. Now to wrap it up and send it out to it's intended recipients :)
I hope you all have a wonderful festive season and stay safe.

Outdoor Wednesday - Indoor Kitchen Christmas

2010-12-08T14:13:00.002-06:00

I'm right in the middle of making a wreath and it looks like I inadvertently have a bit of a tartan/plaid theme going on in my kitchen. My new sparkly table cloth, shown above, is waiting for me to finish up a centerpiece of snowmen candle sticks.
Greetings to you all from my mischievous snowmen as they attempt to climb upwards ......... to visit .......

And over by our atomic clock our snowman is trying to decide if he wants to go Christmassy or stay autumnal :) Poor thing, he lost his nose in a severe frost a few years ago :(

The only blizzard I've seen recently has been courtesy of our snow globe. (Addendum - it's now Sunday and we have a real life blizzard. We were out driving in it for a little while. School has been cancelled for tomorrow.)

One of my twin snowmen is dying to sneak into the room and say hello but is feeling somewhat bashful.

If you want to see some stunning Christmas decorating hop on over to http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ or click on the link in my side-bar.
Also head on over to http://suelovescherries.blogspot.com/ for some fun REDNESDAY.

Happy Haulidays giveaway - Chronicle Books

2010-12-07T13:20:00.003-06:00

Well now what do we have here. An interesting book giveaway (with a fun twist) that closes on the 10th.
I read about it at http://artquiltmaker.com/blog but the link is http://www.chroniclebooks.com/happyhaulidays if you want to participate.

The idea is you pick books up to the value of $500 from the Chronicle Books site. Post your list, add your link with them, and if your name is drawn not only do you win but someone who leaves a comment at your blog entry also wins the same list of books. How cool is that :)

Here's my list - a bit of a mixed bag but nonetheless interesting I think.

Whip Up Mini Quilts by Kathleen Ricketson
Applique Your Way by Kayte Terry and Jennifer Causey
French General - Home Sewn by Kaari Meng and Jon Zabala
Sublime Stitching Craft Pad by Jenny Hart
Sublime Stitching by Jenny Hart and Alexandra Graslewski
1,2,3 Sew by Ellen Luckett Baker and Laura Malek
Pattern Magic by Tomoko Nakamuchi
Amy Butler's Style Stitches by Amy Butler
Lotta's Printing Studio by Lotta Jansdotter
Baby Bib Embroidery Kit b y Jenny Hart and Kenneth B. Gall
The Printmaking Bible by Ann d'Arcy Hughes and Hebe Vernon-Morris
Eco Fashion by Sass Brown
Guastavino Vaulting by John Ochsendorf
Digital Textile Design by Melanie Bowles and Ceri Isaac
The Art of Dale Chihuly by Timothy Anglin Burgard
Plants and Their Application to Ornamnet by Eugene Grasset and David P. Becker
Charlotte in Giverny by Joan MacPhail Knight

So hop on over to Chronicle Books and have some fun.

LofSHE BofM block

2010-12-06T07:54:00.000-06:00

Our on-line embroidery group has been doing a block of the month all year. December is my turn and I decided to keep it simple but reflective of this season of peace and joy. Meet "Dove in Flight". She is about 7" wide and fits nicely on to an unfinished 10"x10" block. I am doing a tone on tone geometric white. One of the options for the outside edge area is to fill it all in and have it look like a piece of stained glass.

I have not decided how I'm going to finish the project off because I am nowhere near finished up with the other blocks that the ladies designed.

Outdoor Wednesday - succulents

2010-12-01T10:56:00.000-06:00

From a recent visit to Cheekwood.

Healing Hearts Blocks

2010-11-30T22:17:00.002-06:00

We've been reading about the mining disaster in New Zealand. To learn more about Healing Hearts Blocks, a project for the children of the deceased miners click on the link below.
(Update - As of today Friday 3rd. December enough blocks have been made BUT help is needed supplying batting and sewing all the blocks and tops together.) http://shirleygoodwin.blogspot.com/

A finished project - hexie mat

2010-11-29T08:53:00.001-06:00

I was conversing with some of the hubsters quilty cousins recently about hexagons and I said I'd make one and turn it into a little project. So here it is.

With bud vase that picks up the background color.

With the scented crystals that sit on this bookcase year round.

And with one of my Christmas candles that picks up one of the bubble colors.
I might make a grandmas flower garden BLOCK and add some hand embroidery to it but other than that I have no desire to do a humungous project. I might do some embroidery on the middle of the current mat, but it will have to wait for a while.

So for those of you who want to know about sizes etc. I used my 31/2" template, pencil drew the outline on my fabrics, and cut everything out with my (very sharp) embroidery scissors. I machine sewed everything together - 1/4" seams - just to see how it would turn out. The back is pale pink.
I left the outside edge of one of the petals open so I could turn everything right side out and then machine stitched round the edge after ironing everything flat. There is also machine stitching round the inner hexagon.
Finished size 8"x8".
It took about 2 hours to make it but now I know what I am doing it will probably take about 1 hour.
There is no padding between the layers but it could still be used as a mug rug to sit a cold/warm drink on. Roll on summer pink lemonade :)
Mmmm - I just read Paula's new sewing challenge. I think this might work for it :)

Project update - Cushion cover

2010-11-26T08:08:00.001-06:00

It's been a while since I worked on my cushion cover. Wednesday we had a visitor for the day and I was planning to take everyone out and about. Then hard rain stopped play so I got a wee bit bored, looked through my drawers, and decided to work on something simple for a while. It's almost done now, like most of my projects ;) I really need to finish some up before starting any more new ones (other than Christmas ornaments).

I finished up the lower left, added to some other areas, and am working on the lower right. It's been a fun design to create thus far. I might take parts of it and design something else.

Outdoor Wednesday - A "room" with a view

2010-11-24T09:38:00.000-06:00

We get to see some pretty cloud/sky formations from our front and back porches. I like a lot of the delicate colors we see here.

Most of the time we get a gorgeous blue :)

With billowy clouds :)

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and can enjoy the beauty of family, friends and nature.

Lof S christmas exchange

2010-11-19T12:30:00.008-06:00

Well I have not heard yet if my package arrived safely so here is what I sent. (Update - it has now arrived.)

The package is traveling to Italy to the amazingly talented Anna Castagnetti author of "Italian Needle Lace". She founded Ricami a Fili Tesi and her work was often featured in RAKAM one of Italy's leading embroidery magazines (which is currently in hiatus due to a change in ownership). Mary Corbet did a feature spot on her in June 2010 http://www.needlenthread.com/2010/06/italian-needle-lace-anna-castagnetti.html. We all feel very blessed to have her be part of our on-line group of stitchers.

http://ricamiafilitesi.com/Associazione_Eng.htm

I've also decided to join in with Paula at her bi-weekly sewing challenges. It can be sewing of any kind using fabric or cross-stitch etc. Given my cross-stitch slump recently this could get me jump started again. We shall see :) Currently the theme is Christmas, the next challenge will posted on November 24th. The VERY BIG, very pretty, link is in my side bar so hop on over and see who else has joined in and maybe link up yourself. (There is another fun element to the whole thing but I'm not giving it away.)

Outdoor Wednesday - A rose goes to heaven

2010-11-17T19:18:00.000-06:00

One of my friends died recently. After her funeral I took photographs of one of her favorite spots at her farm. It's an old cabin that she made useable.

Outdoor Wednesday - Marbles?

2010-11-10T06:25:00.001-06:00

My son has a decent size collection of marbles including some that he inherited from his grandpa H. When we saw these ones I let him take the photographs (we have more).
Now if you have visited any of my blogs over the past few months you have to know that these "marbles" are not quite what they seem. They are in fact part of a series of Dale Chihuly exhibits that just wrapped up in Nashville. This section was in the Japanese Garden at Cheekwood.
My favorite marble is the orange & green one closely followed by the blue discs.
All the marbles on the gravel had the echoing circles raked into the gravel below them. it was interesting to see. Darling son had to do some contortions in bushes to get the above shot of the blue one :)
If you want to see more Niijima floats and learn more about Chihuly's work visit http://www.chihuly.com/ I also recommend looking in google photographs for some amazing views of his installations.
Then head on over to http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com to see more of the participants in Outdoor Wednesday.

LofS Christmas ornament exchange

2010-11-09T15:06:00.004-06:00

A big, rattling box arrived in the mail a few minutes ago, all the way from Baghdad, Iraq. The very talented Rand, who does amazing embroidery on the clothing that she makes, and gets teased at work about it helping her do reconstructive surgery (or is that her sister Arwa) sent me some pretty ornaments, needles and a lot of chocolate. The candy had some adventures on the way across but survived the journey :) I will have to hide said chocolate from my son !!!!!

So I now have beautiful gifts from both Rand and her sister Arwa in my collection, and feel very blessed to be on the receiving end of their combined talent.

I'll add another photo tomorrow showing the ribbon work. It's chain stitch which I have heard about but never seen in reality before.

Project update - Fleur de Lis wall hanging

2010-11-05T14:20:00.000-05:00

This is one of my wall hangings that I am currently embroidering. The first line of each center panel block is done. Now on to the next color which will be one of the rust/orange colors. This is going to take a while for me to work on but I am really enjoying it so far.
It currently measures 35"x35" but might get larger depending upon how I finish the outer edge.

The stitching outline looks a bit whimpy in relation to the rest of the quilt design but it will beef up as the stitching progresses :) It echoes the shape of the leaves in the fabric which I am happy about. This is my first time hand stitching on Kona fabric and it takes well to embroidery. I don't like the shredding on the outside edges of each block so will have to work out something else for next time.

My mini Christmas Stocking wall hanging that I showed in a previous posting is now finished and in the mail. I'll share when it arrives at the other end. I'm excited about who is receiving it and you'll find out why soon.
Christmas is fast approaching so I'll be putting most non - Christmas related projects to one side till after December.

New to Me - Hanging on by a Thread

2010-11-04T09:59:00.001-05:00

I love visiting blogs and being inspired. I've decided to start a "NEW TO ME" posting which will show up every so often. It might be someone who has actually been blogging for a while or a newbie.
Hanging on by a Thread - aka Patty C. from Florida has been blogging since February. Go take a look. She has some fun, small, Christmassy stuff in progress at the moment that I really like http://pccrafty.blogspot.com/ She also has a humungous list of sites to visit that should keep you all busy blog hopping for a looooong time :)

11/3 Outdoor Wednesday #95

2010-11-03T08:52:00.001-05:00

I've decided to participate in Outdoor Wednesday sponsored by A Southern Daydreamer. I've dropped in on the postings on occasion and really enjoyed them.

Last week as part of my birthday present to myself I spent a chunk of the day, down the road, at Belle Meade Plantation. It is one of the earlier historic homes in the area and earned it's fame from raising and racing horses. (We were told that ALL the racers at the Kentucky Derby this year are descendants of Bonnie Scotland out of Belle Meade). The original family sold the property because of raids by local Indians. The new owners started out in a small log cabin which is still on the property. Eventually a small mansion was built and added on to later. Personally I find the exterior of the house quite unattractive BUT the inside is amazing. For me what remains of the extensive grounds and the utilitarian out buildings are the real interest.

Autumnal colors in the formal garden where many photographers come with their clients.

One of the peaks of the massive stable building. Part of my purpose for visiting was to take photographs of shadows created by the strong morning sun. I probably should have put a filter on because the light was a wee bit too strong :)

The plantation has trees that are OLD, old, old. I took this photo from inside the lower canopy of one of them. Yes there is a tree growing into the roof and yes that is a whooole lot of moss growing on the wood shingles :)

The original log cabin. Right hand side is the oldest part. Left hand side is the add on to allow for a growing family. It later became the home for the head hostler. I have photographs of the inside that I will share at another time.

One of the casual walking "avenues".

Outside the smokehouse with part of the stables in the background. The stables had to be completely renovated and now house the family carriages. It is also used for other temporary exhibitions.

Just because I like the effect :)

One of my favorite spots. The "lean to" on the right is the greenhouse. Tiny !!!!! If you look really close you can see a photographer taking a nap under the tree :) The young couple in the background did the house tour at the same time as me. Their baby was a delight to be around.

Part of the entry to the formal garden.

One of the slave houses. It's actually two homes connected with a half dog trot. There is an interesting and very sobering exhibit inside .

The current visitors entry to the mansion. This is where tours start. The house was originally a "two up -two down" (part of which you can see here) and had significant additions made later. The in-costume docents are hilarious. The house is "going green" soon which they reckon will cut heating and air costs by half.

The bell outside the smoke house. If you look at the wall behind, the open brick pattern shows up in a lot of the buildings on the grounds. Probably meant for ventilation.

Just 'cause I was intrigued by the double doors. This is actually, for me, the prettiest building on the grounds but the rest of my photos did not turn out too well :(

The lean-to greenhouse with early morning sun patterns on the wall from the glass roof.

So now that you've seen my "sun bleached" photographs hop on over to http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ The link is also in my sidebar.

Project update - a Christmas surprise

2010-10-24T14:12:00.002-05:00

This is what I have designed and I am planning on making a few more in different colors:) It's a little wall-hanging with a functioning pocket for a surprise. The rod will go through the stitched section at the top. I have a few more embroidery stitches to do round the outside edge of the fabric boot. Once it has reached it's recipient I'll share more.
Addendum - to answer Semmy's question the boot is 81/2" tall by 7" at the widest part and 41/4" along the top edge.

Project update - a Christmas surprise

2010-10-15T15:47:00.000-05:00

I'm working on a surprise Christmas gift. Here's some of the component parts. Now I just have to cut everything out and assemble :)
The cross stitch is by Ink Circles and part of their 2006 freebies series (April Celtic Knot). I opted to do it in 2 colors instead of 4.

Project update - "Columbines"

2010-10-08T13:55:00.000-05:00

I decided to turn the stars into flowers. I've started filling in the leaves. I want to fill in the little circles but have not decided "how" yet.

Some British cross-stitch magazines

2010-10-05T08:12:00.000-05:00

Himself spent a goodly amount of September in England on a business trip. Look what he brought back for me:)

Some Christmas editions of British cross-stitch magazines and a Digital Photographer magazine. I am a happy camper ..... nay make that ecstatic :) So many wonderful projects. It's going to be hard to decide on which one to start with. (At the moment it's a toss up between "Polar Antics" and "Furry Tales"). I better make up my mind soon because one of them will be for my parents and I want them to get it before Christmas.
I gave my youngest daughter the calendar and we are contemplating stitching up some of the patterns in it. She is interested in learning how to cross-stitch but I think she may have to start out with something a bit simpler.

My current project

2010-09-30T18:12:00.000-05:00

I got permission from Susan Brubaker Knapp to adapt applique patterns from one of her designs "Applique Petal Party" into embroidery (personal use only). This is how part of it looks so far. I'm attaching some rick-rack round the inside of the center block and than I'm planning on going back into the embroidery and adding stitches to the leaves.

Giveaway - Mary Corbet

2010-09-10T14:15:00.000-05:00

Mary is doing a fabulous giveaway at her blog IMHO :)

Jane Nichols new book "Stumpwork and Goldwork Embroidery"

http://www.needlenthread.com/2010/09/stumpwork-tiles-book-give-away.html

Happy Labor Day

2010-09-06T08:07:00.000-05:00

http://www.worldcorrespondents.com/labor-day-history-tells-how-labor-day-came-into-legislation/889923

Changing a project

2010-08-24T10:01:00.000-05:00

A few posts ago I shared my Spiral Rose project based on an applique quilt pattern. After it was finished I decided it was not what I wanted so I took it all apart and have redone the front. The back will be a different fabric.
This time I went with plain color thread as opposed to variegated, running back stitch and cotton batting with no fabric on the back. I reused the pale pink fabric for the front. I like it better and am contemplating adding some other embroidery stitches into it before attaching the back.

front - above, batting back - below

I now have computer/reading glasses. Makes a huge difference to what I can see :) Hopefully this will improve my sewing skills. Certainly helps with my needle threading ability !!!!!!

To cut or not to cut - that is the question?

2010-08-13T15:50:00.000-05:00

This is one of the pieces from my collection that I am contemplating cutting up. It has a number of stains on it that won't come out. The individual sections are very pretty and I think they would look good as a small wall hanging.

Antique table topper

2010-08-13T15:39:00.000-05:00

I think this is really interesting. The embroidery was done on sheer fabric and when you look at the back it reminds me of trapunto.

Antique chair back cover

2010-07-16T11:37:00.000-05:00

This photograph does not do the piece justice. The colors are a lot brighter. I'm not an "embroidered basket with flowers type person" but I love this one.
In years gone by the chairs in the best parlor were used to display pieces like the above. Not only were they pretty but they were also practical. They could be washed thus preserving the integrity of the chair back from sweaty heads and oil plastered hair :)
I think this piece might have also been used as a table runner.

An experiment - Spiral Rose

2010-07-15T10:59:00.000-05:00

I have a lot of applique quilt block designs in my folders and books. I was looking through them and thought it might be fun to try and embroider some of them instead.
Here's my first attempt using 3 strands of variegated DMC floss #48 and basic running stitch.
I like how the plain side is turning out but at the moment feel that the block side design is overpowering the stitching. I'm also having issues getting the stitches to stay even on both sides.

The design is called "Spiral Rose" and can be found in "Machine Applique A Sampler of Techniques" by Sue Nickels.

Current project

2010-07-12T17:54:00.000-05:00

Just finished up the cross stitch part. The fabric will be on the back of the project.
The pattern can be found at (I'll add the link when I can get it to work).
Used 28 ct. evenweave, 2 over 2 of DMC 913 and 3716.

Lady of Steeles Hand Embroidery Crafts - SS swap part 2

2010-06-25T07:07:00.000-05:00

My package has arrived at the other end. I got to send to Janice, one of the group moderators and I decided to spoil her since she is recovering from surgery. Her hand is out of commission which means no stitching (or other things) for a while.

Lady of Steeles Hand Embroidery Crafts - SS swap

2010-06-18T10:29:00.001-05:00

I got a box in the mail this week. My son helped me open it and it was hot and steamy :) After letting things cool off for a wee while this is what we discovered and oohed and aahed over. Thanks to Linda (who also lives in Tennessee) for making me feel like Christmas had come many times over :) My husband was amazed !!!!

Oh look a tortoise ironing. Might it be a reference to the fact that I joke about being such a slow poke with my projects :)

I don't drink espresso but I love the towel, a great way to visually jump start my brain. The pincushion is made of felt and already comes armed with pins for my next project.

I'm already using the bag for my crochet traveling project and it has been seen out and about a couple of times.
The embroidery on the gardening gloves is gorgeous. Too good to dirty up so maybe I'll have to think up a way of displaying them.
Lots of needles, embroidery thread, a pretty pin and some other fun items. Linda also made the card.
My package is off in the mail and should get there some time next week. I have photographs but they will have to wait.

Crochet - grannie square project

2010-06-15T11:52:00.000-05:00

It's getting bigger by the minute and will either be a baby blanket or a lap throw depending upon how my fingers feel and the depth of my wallet :)
One advantage of learning with variegated yarn is that you don't have to think too hard about what colors to pick.
Having said that the store does not have the pale yellow or the pale blue so I skipped the yellow they had and am using a darker blue.

Learning to Crochet

2010-06-11T10:06:00.000-05:00

Something I've been wanting to do for a looooong time.

I'm using variegated yarn and started out with the big doily. The doll hat is actually a mushroom shaped purse for some sewing supplies :)

I think I have finally conquered making a granny square. This one got ripped out many times over the past week or so but is coming together somewhat. I have another little project in the works but it is a surprise gift so I'm not sharing a photo just yet.

Giveaway - 500th

2010-06-07T08:36:00.000-05:00

I'm celebrating my 500th posting at my other blog by doing a giveaway. Hop on over and join in the fun :)
http://ascotintennessee.blogspot.com/2010/06/giveaway-500th.html

Antique Textile Collection - Pineapple doily

2010-06-04T15:57:00.000-05:00

This is my favorite piece in my antique crochet collection. I think it is supposed to be the pineapple pattern but don't quote me on that :) I am learning to crochet and I think it will be a long time till I get this good.

Antique Linen Collection - Dinner table cover

2010-06-02T10:24:00.000-05:00

In years past it was not uncommon to see tulle type fabric embroidered with beautiful stitching. These large pieces were used to cover a "set for dinner party" table. The above photographs show some of the flowers that were appliqued/embroidered onto the netting. Some show the front, others show the back.

Tatting border

2010-05-28T07:32:00.000-05:00

I think tatting is a gorgeous art form and consider myself lucky to have a few pieces in my textile collection. This is a favorite. I'm planning on making something pretty so I can use it as a border but my problem is that the tatting, while in the round, is not quite a circle and not quite a square. I absolutely do not want to cut into it so I may have to do some creative attaching.

A repurposed antique

2010-05-27T15:07:00.000-05:00

I love this piece of embroidery. It was done by my great aunt and looks similar on both sides. It is a tea pot cover/warmer and was used on special occasions.
One day I was taking a closer look at it and realized it had been re-purposed. When I looked at the inside seams I saw it had originally been a long rectangular table runner that had been cut down and sewn back together. There is another table runner somewhere that matches it. You can still see some of the embroidery in the seams.
I'm contemplating taking some of the pieces from my collection that have been stained and re-using them so that they can have a second life :)

Airing out some of my antique textiles

2010-05-19T11:42:00.000-05:00

All made by my grandmothers and great aunts. I do have colors but I just felt like sharing some of the white/cream/ecru ones :)

Project update - Cushion cover

2010-05-12T07:09:00.000-05:00

I finally got out of Bellevue (by myself) yesterday, mainly to try out a couple of the roads that I need to drive along on Thursday. Parts are cracking open from the flood and one of the bridges is being worked on but on the whole it looks like I can get to where I need to be.
While I was out I headed over to Joanne Fabrics and got the other color I need for my pillow.

While I was out I headed over to Joanne Fabrics and got the other color I need for my pillow and some of the additional supplies I need for an SS project.

Project update - Cushion cover

2010-05-10T14:20:00.001-05:00

I'm making some progress. Some parts of it will make more sense once my other color is added in :) Some of the loose-ish looking stitching will tighten up once the pillow form is added.

A project of a different nature

2010-05-04T23:13:00.003-05:00

My santa sampler cushion is no more, ribbit, ribbit.
My brain is somewhat under stress from the catastrophic weather that has hit us so has gone on linear stitching mode :)
I'm still making a cushion and when it is complete it will be navy and (hopefully) lime green.

Birds in a Tree project finishes - #4

2010-04-28T10:38:00.000-05:00

As usual my brain took me in a different direction to what I had planned :) Meet my new sewing pouch. It holds everything I need in one small convenient area which is great when my daughter wants to sit beside me on our wee couch.

Outside closed up measures 41/2"x51/2"

Inside is lined and has a ribbon strap so that I can wear it round my neck on long car trips. It's big enough to hold my scissors, seam presser, seam ripper, floss and some extra needles. AND it has some identity beading on the inside :)
The project needs a bit of refinement and I had some ideas for additions to it after I was finished, so I might experiment with some of my orphan quilt blocks to see what I come up with.

My stitching frame and other questions.

2010-04-27T08:56:00.000-05:00

I've been asked by a few people about the stitching frame I am using for Cirque des Carreaux. I found it at Joanne Fabrics and it comes in a couple other shapes and sizes. You put the inner section under your fabric of choice then carefully snap the upper section in place over the top. It holds the fabric very securely in place and as you can see from the photograph leaves an impression when you take it all apart. Last time that happened I was able to steam press the indentations out.

Do I back my stitching when I am finishing my projects? It depends upon the size and what I am going to use the project for. Everything I have done so far this year has not had an extra layer except for the intentional quilting projects which have cotton or bamboo batting. I'm working on a large stitch cushion at the moment which will have some kind of additional fabric backing to protect the stitches.

What do you do about the foreign language e-mail messages? I copy and paste them to Google to find out the content. Started doing that a few weeks ago. There are some English speaking people, set to no-reply pseudo bloggers, out there who are just being "silly". Others are genuine first language speakers with active blogs.

Am I using variegated thread for Cirque des Carreaux? NO.

Birds in a Tree pattern

2010-04-26T08:15:00.000-05:00

For those of you who expressed an interest in the pattern go to http://cargaudlabrico.canalblog.com/
Click on One too "free" in the side bar then scroll down to 23 janvier 2009 "SpiraLbre" or go to http://storage.canalblog.com/19/36/196059/35024058.jpg

Birds in a Tree project finishes

2010-04-23T10:48:00.002-05:00

We had unexpected guests this week courtesy of the volcanic eruption in Iceland. They had been at the same conference as John in Atlanta and were unable to return to the Netherlands so they stayed with us.

I finished stitching my Birds in a Tree and so far have made 3 of them into little gifts.

A long mini pillow 11"x4"

A small square pillow with a quilted back51/2"x51/2"

A little door hanger 4"x4"

I'm contemplating a pin keep or a flat fold for the last one.

The Needlework Show

2010-04-16T11:27:00.000-05:00

Hop on over to http://needleworkshow.com/ and check out some of your favorite "enablers"..... sorry I mean some of your favorite designers from the comfort of your armchair :) It's only open to the general public till Sunday. If you take part in the scavenger hunt you have the opportunity to win a $25 gift certificate to spend at one of the participating shops.

I am finishing up some of my small projects this week and next. My new mantra is "I will not watch "Castle" and stitch at the same time! I will not watch "Castle" and stitch at the same time!" Last week and this I have had to rip out whatever I was stitching because I miscounted :(
Can someone else please invite the frog prince to their abode for a while. He's been here for over a month now and is definitely slowing things down quite considerably.

Project update - Cirque Des Carreaux

2010-04-05T08:40:00.000-05:00