Just Nan

YAYAY! I'm excited I got my Just Nan Bluebird kit and Bellemeade. Now if she had just packaged a little time along with that so that I could get them stitched, LOL.. I am working away on exchanges. I've gotten all but the beads and treasure on my Little critters Exch and am about 1/2 way done with the freebie. I think both will be pin keeps. I found some wonderful fabrics to use with them, now to go ribbon hunting!!! Since both the exchanges need to be secret I can't post until they receive them, but I am stitching..PROMISE!!

AMAP Victoria's Sampler - June

I got a little more completed on my AMAP, it is really a lot of fun to stitch I just have a lot of exchanges, etc right now going on that I haven't taken much time to get very far on it. but I did get some stitching on it done, on my way to Iowa last week.

CCRS Round Robin - countries

I decided on the design for my countries RR. I wanted something Egyptian so I kinda of pieced together a design, cutting out the center part and make something like a tomb wall or papyrus type design. this is it started on 28ct Antique White lugana. The first mailing date isn't until August but I need to stitch the center column before I send it out.

My Fair and Square

pieces were received by Peg today so I can post them to the journal today. I am glad she liked them. The design is a freebie from http://pages.infinit.net/stitcher/freebies.html.

It was stitched on a very pretty piece of 32ct cream colored linen. Peg said she liked LHN and trees. Well it isn't an LHN but it is a very similar design and it does have a tree, LOL. I am glad she liked it and really am enjoying this exchange!!! Can't wait for the next one!

Received this square

from Peg from the Fair and Square Group. It is a Drawn thread design. Can't wait to see them all put together in a book. She also sent a siqnature piece with her name, location and date on it stitched in a very pretty backstitch alphabet. I have not posted it because it does have some personal info on it.. Thank you Peg, it is beautiful and you did fantastic stitching!

I fell in Love

with this design from Needlemania. It is Jardin d'jour. Looks like I'll have to dent the budget again.

Monday and back

Well my vacation time ended and I am back to work, but I did get some stitching done during my vacation. Both the bookmarks went out, I got one RR done, I stitched most of my fair and square piece and got a nice piece of the AMAP Victoria's sampler done and I got started on the W. Sampler.. Pictures in the next few days.

I plan on finishing the fair and square tonight and mailing it to Peg tomorrow. I also need to send fibers to Louise to start the fiber pass around package on Needle Nook. I plan on starting on my countries RR and try to get it done, asap..LOl.. It is going to be ancient Egyptian.. I have really scheduled myself the next couple of months for exchanges, rrs, etc, but I think it is good for me once and awhile, LOL.

Louise's Round Robin

from the Needle Nook. I finished my three squares on Louise's Round Robin. Here is the current picture of it. I am now working on my fair and square piece. I hope to get it done today..

Bookmarks finished

The above bookmark was stitched for Lin at the Needle Nook. It is stitched on 40ct graziano linen. I love the fabric. The very pretty dainty flowers made me think of Lin immediately. It is from a cross stitch book and was originally part of a design for a serving tray. This bookmark is for Robin's Nest Bookmark Exchange. It is stitched on 28ct opalescent Enchanted Fabrics Lugana. It is currently making it's way to Canada.

Lots of stitching

I received Louise's RR and I got the first 1 1/2 square done. This picture is what she has done on it.

I am working on it today and hope to have it done. I am also working on several exchanges and since they are a secret I can't post them here :)....

I hope to get a lot of stitching done this week since I took a vacation from work and our kids are at camp..!!

I Received

my bookmark from Christina yesterday from the Needle Nook. It is really cute and will work well when I get the new Harry Potter book!!

June Goals

It is a pretty big list this month, but I do have a full week off of work and the kids will be gone to band camp, so I hope to get a lot done that week.

1. NN Bookmark stitched and finished
2. Alphabet Sampler book Letter D And E
3. Flip Flop
4. June Blackstitch
5. More stitching on AMAP
6. Stitching on Quaker
7. Work on Christmas Mandala
8. Make a Biscornu
9. Fair and Square pieces
10. Work on Freebie Exch for SBEBB
11. Work on Lil Critters Ech for SBEBB
12. Work on NN Round Robin

Saturday and Sunday Stitching

I worked on my Chatelaine Christmas Mandala Exchange with Lin Saturday and Sunday. I got to this point. I have something else I need to work on tomorrow, but here is what I did get done.

Magnet Exchange Received

I received this gorgeous magnet from our magnet exchange at the Needle Nook (ezboard). Louise made it for me, she did a wonderful job and I absolutely love it.

Thank you so much Louise!!!

Bookmark Stitched

This is the stitched part of a bookmark I have been working on. I will finish it up next weekend.

It is stitched on a 28ct Opalescent Lugana, I believe from Silkweaver Solo..

Finished Bookmark

for RN, well at least the stitching. I can't post it in case my partner reads my blog, but as soon as she gets it, I will post a picture. I need to sew it together and fringe it which I hope to do next weekend because I hope to have the one for the Needle Nook done by then too..

I am working on my Christmas Mandala SAL with Lin today!

Fair And Square Idea

I think I am going to do my fair and square pieces that I receive in a book. I will make the front of each page the design and the back of the page the name and address. That way I can highlight each stitcher and not poke holes, etc in them. I will use Erica Michaels idea for the Alphabet Sampler book that I am working on to make it.. I will probably have to "frame" each picture in fabric to make the size work out..:)..Here is a picture of Erica Michaels Alphabet Sampler book

Almost finished with Bookmark

I am almost finished with all the stitching for my bookmark exchange at Robin's Nest. I can't post a picture so my exchange partner won't see it, but I think it is turning out very pretty. I need to start another one for the Needle Nook Exchange this week also..

Two More Pinkeeps

Well here are two more. The first one is from Stitchy Kitty - It is the Valentine Kitty Moon.

This second one is Kisses from Heaven from Sanman Originals..

My first Pinkeep

I am ready to do more now. I think I learned from my mistakes on this one, but I am ready to try a new one. This one is rather large, but I wanted to try on a big one first. This is a freebie Breast Cancer design from Ink Circles stitched with Carries Creation Threads.

Not as Much Stitching

done this week as I would like, but I'll kick on it today and tonight. I hope to get my bookmark done this weekend!! I joined the Fair and Square group this week and look forward to making squares and getting some neat things to make into little finishes.. The group is here http://fairsquaresrules.blogspot.com/. I think it will be a lot of fun. I am in the mood right now for little things and my WIPs may not get too much done on them the next couple of months, but I hope to get lots of little things done. I will try to have some pictures tomorrow. I am going to turn some of my older finishes into pinkeeps and maybe a biscornu or two!!!

Bookmark Stitching

I am stitching a bookmark for an exchange on RN. I haven't made a bookmark like this one before, so I sure hope it turns out well. I love the fabric I chose so I am happy with that, although last night I had to tear out a large bit because I got off 1/2 a stitch (don't you hate that). I am thinking about trying to make a pinkeep in the next week. It will be my first. I also want to try a biscornu. Gosh, just so much I want to do, and I want to do it all now...LOL. Regular stitcher's dilema..

AMAP Victoria's Sampler

I've gotten to this point now.

Not too bad for only stitching on Sundays, although yesterday I did get a chance to do a lot of stitching. I have also gotten about 1/2 of my bookmark completed for my exchange at RN, but can't show it since it might be seen by the recipient..

Still Stitching

I just don't have any pictures to post. I am working on a bookmark for an exchange and I can't post a picture here, since it is a surprise exchange. I started one, but after tearing it out 4 times, I switched to a different one. I hope to get it in shape by the weekend and also get some more stitches into the AMAP and hopefully can put some pictures on the site!!

Exchanges, etc.

I have been trying to plan out the exchanges and RRs I have joined. My NN Round Robin will be a continuation of the Runekeeper by Dragon Dreams, there are 5 other stitchers and there are 5 places left to stitch. For the Fantasy one on CSRR I will use Dragon Dreams Gemstone Dragons and for the Countries one, I have some ancient egyptian designs to use. I need to grid the last to RRs to get them read and do some stitching on the Egyptian on. I have picked one of the bookmarks for the Robin's Next Bookmark Exchange. I'm going to wait and see who I get in the Needle Nook one to decide which bookmark to make.. I feel better now that I have made decisions on the designs and fabrics for these projects, I was really worrying about it!

A Productive Weekend

I finished the Anchor Flipflop Ornament from Cross Eyed Cricket. The stitching was done a couple weeks ago but I finally finished it up. I spent most of today catching up with my written stitching journal, finishing up projects like the flip flop and getting ready for some exchanges and RRs. So anyway, here is the picture of the ornie. It is stitched on R&R Reproductions 30ct linen - Parched Bones. I also got the magnet I made put together for another exchange I am in at the Needle Nook. It is my first magnet, so I hope to do better next time..

SMO May Blackwork

I finished my stitchalong at Needle Nook for the SanMan Originals May Blackwork. It is stitched on 28ct white opalescent lugana using Carrie's Creation Over the Rainbow (cutting the yellow out, because it would not show up).

First Day of Blackwork SAL (San man Originals)

Here is my current progress. I had to make a color change, this is Over the Rainbow from Carries' Creation. I cut the Yellow out though because it would not show up on the fabric!!

AMAP Victoria's Sampler

I started this on Sunday. I have changed the colors so far and am using Crescent Colors Bejeweled (the green color) and Rainy Days (the plum color). I am trying to use the same general colors I used in my Quaker Gameboard since I would like to frame and hang them close to each other..The fabric is 32ct cream Belfast Linen. I will probably only be stitching on this on Sundays, but we shall see.. I am stitching this as a SAL on the FGBB. Shame on Amy for getting me interested in this one, I blame my sudden like of Quaker's on her!!

Tonight I start back on the SMO Blackworks along with Robin, Tami, Louise and Dawn. It is the monthly blackworks. I need to figure out today exactly what color I want to use.

NN Magnet Exchange

I finished stitching my Needle Nook Magnet Exchange piece. It is a little large but I think it is perfect for my exchange partner. I am putting it in a magnet frame. I will make a fabric backing on it next weekend during my Sunday finishing hour :)..

Here it is so far. It is a freebie from JAR Designs.

Flip Flop Stitching Finished

I have finished stitching the flip flop for my SAL at Needle Nook. I still need to make it into a flipflop but that will be my next week finishing project. I'm finished out today :)..It is stitched on 30ct R&R Reproductions Linen - Parched Bones.

Here is the stitched part:

Peacock Chair Together

Well finally. It is not as good as I would like, I made a few booboos, but for my first try at something to construct, I'm not too unhappy. If I were to construct something again, I've learned a lot on this project.

Here is the front:

This is the back (above). I wish I had been perfect putting it together, but I wasn't. But overall I am happy with it. And it looks very cute on my table..

Current WIPs

I have a couple smaller projects going right now along with trying to finish up the Peacock Chair. I am working on a Flipflop SAL with Robin (who has already finished her's) Here is my progress so far, it is 30ct Parched Bones Linen from R&R.

The Christmas Mandala freebie from Chatelaine is taking a little longer. I am having counting issues, LOL. I guess I just can't get myself into it like I should. I will put more time in this week and maybe it will get easier..These are parts of the Peacock chair that I have gotten put together so far. The rest will be finished this weekend.

Letter C Sampler Finished

I did manage to finish the Letter C sampler by Erica Michaels. Once again I changed the colors and this is on Opalescent Sahara by Enchanted Fabrics.

Shame on me

I didn't get the finishing on the chair done this weekend. It was just way to busy, with way to much going on. In fact I didn't get too much done. Tomorrow I'll have pictures of I hope the finished Letter C sampler and part of my flipflop ornament. Then I will work on my Christmas Mandala and a magnet I need to get going on for an exchange. My RR at the Needle Nook is a finishing of one I started once before. So I really won't have much to get ready for that!!!

Not Forgotten

I haven't forgotten to post, we have just been so busy with soccer games that I haven't gotten too much done in the way of stitching, but hopefully tonight I can get more done and have some progress pictures to post. I am making some progress on the Christmas Mandala, although for some reason I am having trouble getting my stitches placed right. I am about 1/2 done with the Letter C sampler, I think I will probably work on it tonight. I am looking forward to getting the peacock chair put together this weekend!!! I am going out Saturday to get the materials I need to finish it. I am also going to try to get a flip flop stitched on Friday and then get it put together this weekend also..

Weekend Stitching

It was a serious weekend of the frogs. It seemed like I removed almost as many stitches as I put in this weekend. Don't know where my head was, but I had some serious counting difficulties. I worked on my SAL for the Chatelaine Christmas Mandala with Lin for most of Saturday (after the soccer games) and then Sunday morning, then became so annoyed with frogging, I changed projects. Here is where I got to on the mandala.

Then I went to work on the Erica Michaels Letter C Sampler. I changed all the colors to something brighter and it is stitched on 28ct Opalescent Sahara from Enchanted Fabrics. I'll have to make a complete list of the color changes and a record of them for my journal.

But even on this little thing I ended up off on the borders. It just seems somedays, you just aren't really meant to get anywhere stitching.

Chatalaine Christmas Mandala

Started this Freebie in a SAL with Lin of Cross Stitch Treasure (xstreasures.com). We exchanged freebies with all materials, and she and I send each other the same freebie. Since we both had it we decided to SAL. This is a conversion as seen on the Chatelaine board..

Here is what I got done last night:

It is stitched on 28ct Opalesent Raw Cashel..

Stitching Done - Peacock Chair

Well, I finished all the stitching on the chair. I won't get it put together until next weekend since I need to go get some of the materials for the finishing. I didn't stitch anything on the bottom of the chair because I am looking for the perfect charm or button for the bottom. Here are pics of the stitching:

Sides and drawer front:

Scissor Pocket and seat:

Total Piece:

Peacock Chair Update

Well I got two more parts of the chair stitched. I am hoping to have it all stitched by the end of tonight.
Here are the arms of the chair And here is the fob that goes with the chair as a cushion.
This is really fun to stitch and is going together really quickly. I really love the colors I am using for it and the Dinky Dyes are so nice to work with...

Back of Chair Stitched

I finished the stitching on the back of the Peacock chair in a speedy sugar frenzy (too much Easter chocolate).. I really like working with the Dinky Dyes.

Cat Whisker's Peacock Chair started

I got the layout done (whoopie, not much to look at). This has got to be my least favorite part of stitching, is gridding. Man, I hate that more than anything. But anyway it is done. I am trying to stitch on linen again after a good many years of running away from it...so we shall see how it goes. The chair is stitched with Dinky dyes and the actually stitching shouldn't take too long. It may take awhile to put together because I need to go gather the supplies for building the chair :).

Letter B Sampler Finished

The Letter B sampler is finished. I changed out the original colors for brighter colors. I used Carrie's Creations Hot Pink, Taffy, and Goblin Green. The yellow is a bright yellow DMC and the sparkle is a Balger Kreinik #4 Braid. I stitched it on 28ct Opalescent Dyeing4U Buttercream. The chart is from the Alphabet Sampler book from Erica Michaels and the Rainbow Gallery Site.

Progress on letter B Sampler

I have finished all the B's and added the border. I just have the flowers and butterflies to add, along with the stitch name at the bottom. I think I will have it finished by tonight.. This is my progress so far. I have changed all the colors and the fabrics. I am using Carries Creation Hot pink for the border, I'll list the other colors when I finish.

I joined a bookmark exchange on RN today and we will be starting a new Round Robin on the Needle Nook soon. I will have to figure out what I want to stitch for that. I am thinking the Dragon Dreams Alphabet, but haven't decided for sure yet. I still have to figure out a magnet for the Needle Nook Exchange too.

Sampler Letter B

April 4, 2007

By Erica Michaels. I have changed the colors to more pinks and yellows on a butter cream color fabric. I will try to have a picture for tomorrow. I have been working on it off and on for the last few days..Hopefully I will finish it on Monday, so I can do the prepwork on the Peacock chair this weekend..

Freebie Exchange

April 3, 2007 - I received my kit a freebie exchange (the Needle Nook BB) from Lin yesterday and I can't wait to start, but I have to. She sent me all the stuff to make the Chatelaine Christmas Tree Mandala with a conversion by someone from the Chatelaine board, it is so pretty. Here is the link to it http://p212.ezboard.com/fchatelainedesignsfrm81.showMessage?topicID=64.topic. We are going to SAL it and start work on the 13th of April. Looks like fun. She did change out the fabric for a sparkly cashel for me since she knows how much I love sparkly fabric..!!

Alphabet Sampler book

April 3, 2007

This is the sampler book I want to stitch up

I want to change the cover to a brighter color, and the pages will not be in groups of two. I hope I can get it to work out right. I will be stitching B today and hopefully will get it and C done before the weekend!!

The sampler book is from Erica Michaels and you can see more about it at ericamichaels.com..

Stitching Goals for April 2007

April 2, 2007
1. Blackwork April SAL (done) 4/2
2. B, C, D for sampler book
3. Work on Peacock Chair
4. Another Flip Flop!!!
5. Start Enchanted Fairy for PR month
6. Catch up with Halloween Gameboard
7. Magnet Exchange for Needle Nook
8. Do Chatelaine Christmas Tree Mandala SAL with Lin

SMO April Blackwork Done

April 2, 2007.
I finished the April blackwork this evening. It didn't have as many stitches or as many beads. The bunnies are actually much lighter, more of a cream color in the corners..

Here is the first row of the Year long Sal

This isn't the best picture but it is coming out really pretty, I wish the pictures had turned out better though...

I think I'll work on my alphabet sampler pieces the next couple days and then work on the prep work for the peacock chair this weekend..

April Blackwork Day 2

April 1, 2007

Here is my Day 2 progress. All of the regular stitching is done, now I just need to add beads and corner treasures...