New Years Stitching Resolutions...

I am already thinking about the New Year and stitching resolutions. I have been in a a stitching slump the last several months. I love participating in exchanges, PIFs and making gifts for people but I feel like lately that's all I do. I really, really want to stitch on things for me. I hope that doesn't sound selfish, I want to concentrate on stitching for my own pleasure for a bit :-). One of the pieces I would very much like to finish in 2008 is Village of Hawks Run Hollow. So far I have one block done.

I am going to finish my last few PIFS, an exchange and a couple of ornaments for my stitching group and guild exchange this weekend. I am off work Thursday and Friday and my DH is traveling for work this weekend so that gives my four days of turbo stitching.

I hope to spend some time this month setting a few goals for next year and going through my stash, that always inspires me to get busy :-). Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Ours was great, food was good and I sent all the leftovers home with my DS and his roommate. I did a lot of online Christmas shopping so I just need to get odds and ends now :-).

BTW, I was trying to figure out why no one commented on my last post. I realized when I changed my settings around last month, I disabled the comments. I was trying to make things a bit more secure because I was getting some "junk" posts here and there. I think I've fixed it. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my blog and I love reading your comments.

Quick Post and an Exchange

We got home on Monday! We had a wonderful trip to Germany and Ireland, lots of sightseeing, eating and relaxing. For my DH and me the best part of the trip was the time we got to spend with our friends :-). I've been playing catch up at work and home all week.

I received a gorgeous exchange from Terry. She made the cutest pinkeep and fob for me. In addition she included CCN Home Sweet Home, some gorgeous stickers and ribbon! Thank you again Terry, it was a wonderful exchange.

I sent to Leena for the same exchange. I can't take credit for the finishing on this piece. I really wanted to make a pillow out of this Sweetheart Tree design, but my sewing skills leave something to be desired. I really need to practice, LOL. I asked Heather to help me :-). She did an amazing job putting the pillow together, all I had to do was stuff close it.

I am hopelessly behind on my blog reading and posting. I hope everyone is well and planning for a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are spending it at home with the kids and a few of their friends. Then I have to start getting ready for Christmas, I need to shop gifts, put the tree up, and decorate the house :-). My plan is to find some more blogging time this week, I have a round robin picture and another gift to share.

Finally I am Back...

Life has been so hectic lately, I haven't had time to post :-(. On the plus side, it's a good busy. My DH is home full time again, my DS comes for dinner quite often, and my DD is always coming and going with school, work and a a social life. Between taking care of them, working and doing the things I normally do it seems like I am always on the go. Everyone is happy and healthy, you can't ask for more than that.

My DH and I are going to Europe next month, Germany and Ireland. I will get to visit with my DF, Karin, and her family. I can't wait, that will be the highlight of our trip :-). When we get home it will be time to get ready for the holidays, my parents are coming here for Christmas. We usually to go there, so I am looking forward to pampering them.

I got the prettiest exchanges in the mail. For the SBEBB Autumn House exchange I received this pinkeep from Nicki. I love it, it's so tiny and delicate. Thank you so much Nicki. Funnily enough I sent to her :-). There is a picture of the piece I made on her blog. I took a picture before I mailed it but I had a little camera snafu and accidently deleted it.

I also received a gorgeous needleroll from Judith as a part of the SBEBB Grateful Heart exchange. Its so pretty and finished beautifully. Thank you again Judith! I sent to Tuula, there a picture of the cube-it on her blog, same camera issue.

My current WIP is BBD Their Song. I just love their designs. I think I would like to stitch Willow House next. I don't think the pictures do it justice. Carol posted a picture of her framed piece it's stunning. I can't stop thinking about it :-).

I hope everyone has a nice weekend planned. Tomorrow we are going out with a group of friends to Vines Wine Bar for dinner, music and a nice glass of wine ;-). Sunday we will probably just go to church and then watch football all afternoon. For us a perfect weekend!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog!

Exchanges, a Gift & Meeting a Friend

I had such a fun day on Tuesday! I drove up to Fancimats and met Jacque. She is just the sweetest, funniest person. We had a great day shopping and having lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. She gave me an absolutely gorgeous drawstring bag. The first picture is the outside of the bag and the second is the bottom of the inside. Pictures don't do it justice, it's so pretty. Thank you again Jacque, I was so happy to get to meet you in person and I am looking forward to seeing you again next year :-).

I got the prettiest redwork pinkeep from Vonna. She also sent me some of the DMC sparkly threads and the easel the pinkeep is setting on. Thank you so much Vonna!

Finally this is the little redwork pillow I made for Carol. I used one of the Blue Ribbon Designs freebies :-).

We had a great trip to Virginia. Dyeing to Stitch is a wonderful LNS, they have some amazing models. We also went to Busch Gardens while we were there. We lucked out and picked the perfect day, good temps and no crowds. We saw several shows and rode the roller coasters. I can't stand rides that go in circles but I love to ride coasters.

I am going to have to change my list of stitching projects. I kitted up several things tonight including Peaceful Paradise by Midsummer Night Designs. I always have more projects going than I ought to but I couldn't resist this one :-). I hope you all are having a wonderful week! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment on my blog. I so appreciate it.

Round Robin, Exchanges and Chat...

This is my stitching on Jane's round robin. Her theme is Halloween, Autumn. I am really happy with how it turned out. I used Shepherd's Bush Happy Haunting, Brightneedle's Ghoulies and Ghosties and a tree from Rosewood Manor's A Forest Grew.

I received the most gorgeous bellpull from Myrna for the USEBB For the Birds exchange. I just love it! She also sent along some other bits and pieces, thread, beads, birdie post-its and linen.

Finally I received this PIF from Heather. It's so cute and I love pumpkins :-). She also sent an adorable Mill Hill kit with it.

I feel badly it took me so long to post the exchange and PIF pictures. Getting my wisdom teeth out wasn't fun and has put me a bit behind the past couple weeks. We are getting ready to take another trip, we leave tomorrow morning for Virginia. My DH has to go there on business and since my FIL and his wife live there I decided to tag along :-). It should be a fun week, we are going to try and go to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg and I will get to visit Dying to Stitch. I love getting to see the ocean too. We lived there for several years and it's so beautiful. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment on my blog. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Exchanges and More Exchanges

I received a gorgeous pinkeep from Cathy as a part of the USEBB Summer House exchange. It's a piece by a French designer. She also sent along SB Glory Scissor Fob and some really cool Stitcher's Name Plates by La-D-Da.

I sent to Nancy for the Summer House exchange and I stitched BBD Pink House over one and finished it as a scissor fob. I just love the BBD designs, they are so sweet.

I also participated in the USEBB For the Birds exchange. I stitched for Shelleen and I know she's received it so I have posted a picture. I stitched Drawn Thread's Four Fat Friends for her and finished it as a cube.

Our trip to St. Louis was really good, we got to spend lots of time with family and attend my class reunion. It was fun to reconnect with people I knew in high school. I must say though it's nice to be home. We had a long travel day on Sunday, we opted to give up our seats on our flight and take a later one so we could get too free tickets. You have to love overbooked airplanes :-).

I haven't stitched nearly as much as I'd like but my goal is to change that this month. I hope I will have lots to show. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read and comment on my blog, I so appreciate it. Have a great week.

Another Round Robin, Gifts, and Ramblings...

This is my second Neighborhood Round Robin. I used EEF's Red House Sampler as a starting point and added a border from BOAF My Betrothed Sampler. I am really happy with how it turned out. I was going for something very different from the other round robin I am doing.

I received the most gorgoeus scissor fob from Nicole for guessing which piece she had started. I also recieved a surprise from Georgie in the mail. She sent me Plum Street Sampler's Stories to Live By: Adam. I love it when the mailwoman brings me good mail :-).

This is our 4 legged child, Shelby. We jokingly call the guest room Shelby's room and you can see why :-). It's her favorite place to hang out. She's the sweetest dog, we love her dearly.

My DH and I are flying to St. Louis tomorrow for a week of relaxing and visiting family. We haven't had this much time together for a few months so I am looking forward to it. He has to work a tiny bit but we should still have lots of free time. We will also be attending my class reunion while we are there. I hope everyone has a great weekend with lots of stitching time!

Exchanges, July Goals & a Gift

I sent to Marie for the USEBB Red, White and Blue exchange. I stitched Ewe & Eye & Friends Liberty House and finished it as a pin cushion. It was such a fun design to stitch and I really enjoyed putting together all the other "patriotic" bits and pieces to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Since I am back to setting "milestones" and vague sort of rotation, I thought I'd better post my July goals here. Nothing too specific because that stresses me out :-). The projects in my basket are divided into 4 categories that I rotate through every four weeks, Monday through Friday. On the weekends I will stitch round robins, gifts and exchanges.

Week 1 BAPs: Carriage House Samplings Village of Hawks Run Hollow & Shepherd's
Bush Happy Haunting
Week 2 Bent Creek Snappers and Zippers: Red Thread Snappers & Summer Snappers
Week 3 Whimsical and Small: Midsummer Night Designs Oh Heaven, Barrick Samplers
The Fox and the Hare, Blackbird Designs Their Song, Truly Thine, Bluebird's
Message, Ewe & Eye & Friends Whimsical Heart, Shepherd's Bush Love Letters,
Week 4 Samplers: Drawn Thread Alphabet Sampler, Shepherd's Bush Thoughtful Hearts
& Just Nan Silkwood Manor
Weekends Round Robins, Gifts and Exchanges: I've joined two Neighborhood Round Robins & I participate on two Exchange BBs as well as doing other odd exchanges, gifts and PIFs

I received the most beautiful flowers from my DH this week. He is such a sweetie! I wish I could post the scent, it's wonderful. Every time I walk by the table where they are sitting I can smell them :-). He is home this weekend for the first time in three weeks, woohoo! We are so ready for him to be able to be home. Thankfully we are almost there, by mid-August he should be here a lot more than he is gone. I think we are going to try to go see Ocean's 13 and relax!

Thank you all so much for reading my blog and leaving comments! I hope everyone has a nice weekend and a great 4th of July holiday :-).

A Little Finish and an Exchange!

I decided to stitch a Workbasket freebie that has been languishing in my stash forever. Well not literally, but I've had this piece kitted for at least 6 years. Lois at Elegant Stitch offered it as a part of a finishing class on Cube-Its. I needed some instant gratification today :-). I am really pleased with how it turned out, it was a lot of fun to put together.

I also got a wonderful Fourth of July exchange piece from Chris! I love the Eagle, it's very patriotic and since my DH was in the military it means a lot to me. She also sent some gorgeous threads, buttons, and decorations. It was so much fun to open and see everything. Thank you again Chris!

Hope everyone is having a great week. I am off to work on my round robins :-).

Round Robin and Ramblings

I can't believe it's been over a month since I posted. Life has been keeping me busy. I love my new part time job, it's so much fun. I have been a lot more consistent about going to the gym which makes me happy. I am working out with a friend, it's great to have some accountability. I go every morning Monday through Friday and take a yoga class on Saturday. In the midst of everything else our DD graduated high school, woohoo! We are so proud of her, she has a bright future ahead of her. My DH is still in Oklahoma and he's hit crunch time on his project so he won't be home again until the end of the month. We are hopeful by mid-July he will be home more than he is gone :-). I went to visit him again earlier this month which was fun.

The good news is I have managed to get some stitching done. The only thing I can show you right now is my Neighbourhood RR. My theme is Country Manor, i.e., lots of pretty houses, beeskeps, animals, flowers and trees. I am very pleased with my start and I can't wait to see what everyone adds to it. I have also been working on some exchanges. I keep saying I am going to take a little break from them but I can't help myself :-). On top of all that I have another Neighborhood RR to finish that starts 15 July.

Several months ago I posted my conflict about setting goals every month. I have to admit, I haven't set any goals since. I've just sort of stitched on whatever took my fancy and didn't worried about it too much. What I've decided is that's not working for me. I am not getting nearly as much done as I would like and I think it's mostly a lack of focus. I don't want to go back to setting really structured goals each month, too much pressure, so I am going to try for more of a middle ground :-). I spent this week going through my stash and picked out the projects that are calling my name the loudest. I've kitted them and put them in my stitching basket. I chose one BAP and selected projects from a variety of designers. I also kitted all my exchanges and gifts for the rest of the year. I think as I finish a project I will chose a new project to add to my basket in it's place. This way I still have lots of flexibility on which piece I am working on but there's some focus there too. Here's my list:

1. Carriage House Samplings Village of Hawks Run Hollow
2. Drawn Thread Alphabet Sampler
3. Midsummer Night Designs Oh Heaven
4. Barrick Samplers The Fox and the Hare
5. Just Nan Silkwood Manor
6. Blackbird Designs Their Song
7. Blackbird Designs Truly Thine
8. Shepherd's Bush Happy Haunting
9. Ewe & Eye & Friends Whimsical Heart
10. Shepherd's Bush Thoughtful Hearts
11. Shepherd's Bush Love Letters
12. Blackbird Designs Bluebird's Message
13. Bent Creek Red Thread Snappers
14. Bent Creek Summer Snappers

15. Needleprint Ann Trump

16. Round Robins and Exchanges

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! I am planning on lots of stitching and relaxing :-).

The Prom and 8 Things About Me

My DD had her prom last weekend :-). She looked so pretty! It's hard to believe two weeks from today she will graduate from high school. Time just flies.

I've been tagged by Patti and Deb to tell you 8 things about myself:

1. I met my DH on a Saturday and we got married 6 weeks later.

2. I was born in Oxford England. My mom is English and met my dad when he was stationed in England.

3. I have a bachelor's degree in accounting.

4. My favorite kind of food is Italian. I love Giada de Laurentiis and I have all her cookbooks.

5. Next to stitching my other favorite thing to do is cook, I wish I could go to go to culinary school.

6. I am a bit of a perfectionist and a complete neat freak. I really like to vacuum, LOL.

7. I only drink water out of glass, no ice. I do like ice in soda.

8. My favorite candy is Cadbury mini-eggs. I buy 20-30 bags at Easter since that's the only time I can get them :-).

I've decided not to tag anyone else. I love answering the questions, so ask away, I just don't want to tag other people. I hope that's okay.

I've been working on BBD's Their Song but I haven't made enough progress to make a picture worthwhile. I will post one in a few days. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

A Great Exchange, More Finishes and a Trip to the LNS...

I received the most gorgeous Exchange gift from Marie today! The theme was Potting Shed or Garden exchange. She made me a notebook, can you imagine. She also sent me lots of other bits and pieces. Thank you again Marie!

This is my MIL's Mother's day gift! It's Shepherd Bush Thankful Sheep and I got the Jill Rensel mats for it. It's so cute, I might have to stitch it again for me :-).

I also finished my mom's Mother's Day present, Shepherd's Bush Busy Sheep, can you see the theme, LOL. I also finished her fobs, I was going for 10 or so but decided 7 would have to do. Everything is in the mail so now I just have to wait for it to arrive. I just got off the phone with her and I so wanted to tell her a package was on the way but I really want her to be super surprised. I think she’s got a bit of cabin fever. She’s normally out and about everyday and with my dad’s heart surgery and then his knee replacement they’ve been housebound for going on 4 months now. I think they are ready to resume their normal routine :-).

Last weekend when I was visiting my DH in Oklahoma City. He took me to Tulsa to shop at the Silver Needle, isn't he a sweetie. I got a gorgeous half yard cut of 36 count lakeside vintage examplar. I also picked up two SB Needle rolls, Tudor and Long May She Wave, I made this one for Cathy and it was cute I wanted one for myself :-). I also got the fabric for finishing SB's Be Calm. I got Plum Street Samplers Stories to Live By Jonah along with the Crescent Colours to stitch it. Finally I got one of the LHN pieces that comes with the threads. The shop is amazing, they have so many models it is mind boggling. I am happy I can say I've been there at least once.

Life has been so busy lately, I've been to Oklahoma twice in the last month, between my trips I've been working at my new job, which is wonderful, BTW. We've also been getting ready for my DD's graduation. Her prom is tomorrow, I can't wait to see her all dressed up! Our DS, JD has moved out. He's sharing an apartment with a friend. I think Shelby, our dog, is glad to have her "room" back. She loves the bed in there, LOL.

I so appreciate everyone taking the time to read and/or comment on my blog. I am having so much fun with it! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend :-).

Exchanges and Gifts

I stitched these two exchanges for the USEBB board! The first one was for Cathy. It was a needle roll exchange. I stitched SB Long May She Wave, I love it. The second one was a Shaker exchange for Becky. I used the AYS Necessities pattern for this one.

I also stitched a little Easter fob for my friend Karen! I used JN Hummingbead Heaven for this one and finished it as a fob. Other than these bits and pieces I've been working on another exchange, Mother's Day gifts and my my mom's birthday fobs. Hope you all are having a great week!

USEEB Exchanges

As a part of the USEBB Spring Quaker exchange I received the most gorgeous pinkeep from Becky. I also got lots of other fun bits and pieces. I was really spoiled, the pinkeep is finished perfectly. Thanks again, I really loved everything you sent :-).

I also joined in the USEBB Neede Roll exchange. I received this needle roll from Myrna. She also sent along some great bits and pieces. I love it, the whole package had a chocolate mint theme. Thank you so much! It was wonderful :-).

A Few More Bday Presents

I recieved this gorgeous pinball from Veronica for my birthday as a part of the Legacy Birthday group. I just love it and if I am really honest I did try to drop a few hints that I wanted one :-). So I was very pleased to get it in the mail.

I also got this pretty cushion from Mylene as a part of the Stitching Bloggers Bday/Xmas Exchange. The picture doesn't do it justice.

Finally Carol sent me this pretty fob. It's a beautiful varigated periwinkle color and has my initial on the back. I love it and it was a complete surprise.

Thank you all so much! I still have a few exchange pictures to post but they will have to wait a couple days. I am madly working on fobs for my mom and getting use to having a little part time job :-). I hope everyone is having a good week with lots of stitching time!

An Overflowing Mail Box and Another PIF

My mailbox is overflowing with wonderful birthday presents and exchanges. There is no way to post pictures of all the beautiful bits and pieces I've received all at once. I am going to post them every day or two instead. Today I am posting a picture of my birthday present from my friend Karin. We have know each other a long time, when we both lived in Belgium we spent many a day together stitching, shopping and having fun. She sent me this wonderful pillow along with lots of other gorgeous bits and pieces. My DD, Megan, was laughing at me when I was opening the package, I just kept getting more and more excited, LOL.

I sent out my second PIF a couple weeks ago to another Karin and since she's received it I can post a picture. I made a fob from a BBD freebie, I am definitely on a kick, LOL. I also sent a couple of pretty fat quarters, you can see them in the background, and some Chocolate covered Altoids.

My trip to Oklahoma was great. I had a wonderful birthday with my DH, we went to eat at a local Mexican restuarant, Ted's Cafe Escondido, and saw Ghost Rider. On Sunday we drove to Frederick Oklahoma. My father was stationed at a little radar site there from 1969-1973 and I was in the mood for a bit of nostalgia. It was very tiny, I didn't remember it being quite so small, LOL. It's amazing how the memory of a child is so different. I had to ask my mom how she did it coming from a large city like Oxford to a town that small :-).

I didn't make it to the Silver Needle, it's a bit farther from OKC than I thought and I didn't want to make the drive by myself. I am going again the end of this month and we will drive to Tulsa then. I did make it by two local shops, Heartland Needleworks and Cross Stitch Haven. Both shops were very nice and I managed to add a few things to my stash :-).

My new job is going well, I am pleasantly surprised at how easily the accounting side of me is coming back, LOL. It's very low stress, flexible and fun and everyone is so nice. Woohoo adult conversation. My boss is very happy at how quickly I am learning everything. He's actually going on a cruise with his wife so I will be on my own week after next. I think 12 or so hours a week is perfect for me.

Hope everyone is having a great week :-). I am so appreciative of all the lovely packages I've received, look for updates with more pictures through the next few days!

PIF and other Bits and Pieces...

It's been a busy couple of weeks for us. My DH is traveling back and forth between Oklahoma and home almost every weekend. I will be glad when June is here and he doesn't have to go back and forth anymore. We decided he needed a break from flying here every Friday so I am going there later this week for a few days. I am planning on going to the Silver Needle since I've never been to the shop before. There are also a couple of shops in Oklahoma City that I may go visit while Jeff is at work.

My big news is I took a very part time bookkeeper position at our church. It's 10-16 hours a week, Mondays and Thursdays. I hate to admit it but I was a tiny bit bored being at home so much by myself. I was looking for a way get out of the house a couple days each week for a few hours. I offered to come in as a volunteer so I was pleasantly surprised when they wanted to make it official and pay me. I wasn't expecting it at all, but it's a little pocket money which will be fun and the job very low stress. The ladies that work in the office are all very sweet. I know most of them fairly well since we attend the same church. It will be a nice little interlude each week and it won't interfere with my stitching time :-).

My mom got her BBD Bluebird's Message back from the framer. I think it's beautiful, I love the moulding. It will go on her "wall" :-). I stitched while I was home for my Dad's bypass surgery so it seemed appropriate to leave it there and I am not sure I could have got out of the house with it, LOL. My Dad is doing great, he's going to rehab three times a week and his voice finally returned. I wanted to say thank you again, I so appreciate all the kind thoughts, notes and prayers from everyone.

I also sent my first PIF gift to Heather. It was so much fun doing this piece. I put a quarter next to it for scale. It came out very tiny which I love. The design is from BBD's new Needle and Thread book. I seem to be on a Blackbird Designs kick right now. I just love their pieces.

Hope you all are having a great week with lots of stitching time :-). I am off to work on fobs for my mom. I also need to do a bit of finishing on a couple of exchange gifts. Pictures to come later.

Ramblings and the Retirement

My DH had his retirement ceremony last week and started his new job on Monday. I changed the picture to one of my DH and DS in their uniforms. JD is just starting out and Jeff is finishing. It's funny how life goes full circle. It's a huge transition for us but we have a lot of peace about the decision to retire and we are looking forward to being civilians. I am not crazy about the weekly travels to Oklahoma, but he's home for the weekend which is nice. Fortunately it's only until June. It does give me lots of stitching time during the week, always a good thing. I am going to go visit OKC at least once and make a trip to the Silver Needle while I am there.

I spent this week sorting and stitching. I did finish a couple of things but they are secrets :-). I also kitted up a bunch of projects, the fobs for my mom, 14 in all, and the exchanges and gifts I need to do for the next several months. I thought I'd get those bits and pieces done and then I am going to concentrate on VoHRH and Mary Beale's Advent Sampler. I have a few other small projects kitted and ready to go so I have plenty to keep me busy, LOL.

Hope you all have a great weekend, we are going to relax and rent a couple of movies. Hopefully by Monday or Tuesday I can post pictures of what I've been working on :-).

Everything in Moderation

I've made a decision...the 10-25-50 challenge just isn't for me. I think it's a wonderful idea but I don't function well with an "all or nothing" mindset. I definitely still want to watch what I spend on stitching but there are a few things I'd like to have and I think that's okay :-). So my new philosophy for stash purchases is "everything in moderation". I don't think I am the first person to decide this challenge just isn't for me. I have to keep reminding myself it's okay to change my mind, LOL.

I did actually get a bit of stitching done last month and all things considered I am happy with what I accomplished:

1. Finished Blackbird Designs Bluebird's Message (I am anxiously waiting for the new Loose Feather to come out, should be any day now).

2. Finished Trilogy Cardiology fob for an exchange

3. Finished two Shepherd's Bush 2007 fobs

In March I am going to work on fobs for my mom, exchanges, PIFs and Mary Beale's Advent Sampler. I will have to wait and see if anything else takes my fancy :-).