WIPocalypse and TUSAL

Lots to share today.  First,  I am a couple of days late on my TUSAL.

Sorry for the mess on the table.  We are beginning potty training and you can see the little Cars potty in the background.  It really is adorable.  Anywho, still lots of greens in the jar.  I have determined that it must be my favorite color.  I can't help myself when I see it and all of my stitching seems to be in that color.

As for my current WIPs, I finally finished the pin keep stitching and just need to get it made up.  I will attempt to do it this week-end.  I was also able to get the second "Sisters" I was stitching done.  I have "Daughters" in the works, but I didn't like the pic.  All of my pics are really dark.

I will take a better pic of "Hello Spring" tomorrow.  The little pink dots are beads.  I didn't have buttons small enough for the pattern, and the beads add a bit of sparkle.  As for the materials, I used the recommended fabric and the DMC alternatives.  Same for "Sisters".

As for Halloween Rules, I did start over and only got through the pumpkin, BUT, what can I say?  I am loving (did I mention loving) the WDW and CC threads.  Its makes such a big difference.  The piece is going to be homey and I just can't wait to stitch more.  I will also try to get a better pic up on Friday.  I just can't seem to get the lighting in my house right, and the flash just destroys all of the color.

I have to say that the organized rotation has done a lot for my stress over working multiple projects.  I don't feel guilty and I am able to keep from getting bored.  So happy right now. ;)

I also recently came upon the WIPocalypse and decided its a must.  I would feel terrible not having all of my WIPs done (especially since my up for a challenge pieces are still in the works).  If you would like to join, just click on here.  Its sounds like loads of fun.

Well folks, that's it for today.  Keep those needles sharp and the frogs away.

And the winner is..................

So, I tried to decide on how to pick the next member of the Stitcherhood (yes, I am torchering you).  I thought about Internet programs and other electronic aides, when I spotted the perfect and most random way....
My almost two year old was sitting on the floor taking cars in and out of the bucket.  That's when it hit me.  He likes to take things out and in no systematic order to boot.  So, I decided to let the most impartial member of the family pick the winner.

So, here we go......

And the winner is..............................

Jane of Buttons & Stitches XXX

You can click on the name if you would like to see her blog and keep track of when its time to sign up again.  Congratulations Jane and please email me a jcroc0223@gmail.com with your address and any questions you may have.  And I apologize for not being able to show a pic of the actual slip with your name.  This is what happened next.

I grabbed it as quickly as possible and was able to read it, but all of the pics came out blurry and really light because it was so wet (he he he).

Well folks, that is it for today.  Keep those needles sharp and I will see you again soon. ;)

Feeling giddy

Have you ever come across a piece of art that you were just drawn to?  The subject matter or style may not be your normal cup of tea, but you have to admire what you see.  Its beauty just speaks for itself.  That happened to me this morning.  I normally like to browse through the Heaven and Earth Designs website for the new designs posted every morning.  I came across this extraordinary piece featuring a horse.  Now, mind you, I am rather intimidated by the large animals, but there was just something about this piece. 



Equus - Laurie Prindle from Heaven and Earth Designs

I think the sad eye is what caught me.  So, I caved.  It helps that there is a sale going on.  After printing out the pattern, another brilliant aspect was revealed.  There are purple and violet aspects to the piece that just shine.  This will have to be a project for next year , but I just had to comment and show my newest acquisition.  This is a piece I just can't wait to put together.  Not to mention it will be my first HAED piece so I am doing a bit of a happy dance.  We will see if it continues once I get started.
As for my current works in progress, I will have to post pics on Monday.  I left the camera at home.  I did get to finish the stitching on the pin keep and most of the second Lizzie Kate "Sisters" stitch.  Hopefully I can post two more finishes.
Don't forget that tomorrow is the last day to enter the Travelling Pattern drawing.  I wish everyone luck and will type to ya on Monday. ;)

A little update and some info

First I would like to say thank you for all of the wonderful comments I've received.  I also want to welcome my new followers.   I feel super important and can't wait to check out every one's blog.

I received a few requests for the colors I chose on "Life's a Stitch", so here ya go folks.....

Fabric: WDW Putty 30 ct.

All DMC Colors

Variegated #94 for the border

963 for the petals

223 for the center of the flowers

351 for the row under "Life's"

666 for the row under "A" and the heart

3363 for the leaves

937 for the words

Please excuse my misspellings.  Those of you who know me, know that I have a gift for misspelling and stumping spell check.  What can I say, I am truly gifted in that area. 

I also have an update on the pin keep I have been working on.  I am almost done with the stitching and am super stoked about having two finishes in one week.

I am using all of the recommended DMC alternatives.  I figure it will be handled a bunch and want to be able to spot wash as needed. 
As for the SAL I am working on, I am starting over.  I have been admiring every one's work using the over dyed colors and I have to do it.  I am heading over to my LNS to gather up the supplies and will begin again on Friday.  Hopefully I will be able to have a pic up next week.  Well, that's all for today folks.  See ya on Friday.

Traveling Pattern is Ready to go.........

Traveling Pattern is all Packed Up and Ready to go......

If you would you like to be part of this new Traveling Pattern here are the rules:

1. Comment on this post, saying you would like to be part of the Stitcherhood.

2. You agree (if you are chosen) to stitch the design and send it along to the next person in a timely manner. If this means dropping everything in your rotation to concentrate on this project...so be it. If you can't bring yourself to do this ~ don't sign up.

3. You must have an active blog to participate. If you have a blog but never post to it ~ you won't be chosen to be the next stitcher.

4. This is a giveaway-type Traveling Pattern. That means you must follow it from blogger to blogger to enter each time it is ready to send along. Commenting on this post doesn't make you a guaranteed part of the Stitcherhood.

The Traveling Pattern has been stitched by:

1. Angela, Hooked on Stitches, Ontario Canada

2. Elisa, Old Ragged Threads, United Kingdom

3. Loretta, Loretta's Stitching Blog, Manitoba, Canada

4. Silverlotus, Reflections in the Pond, Ontario, Canada

5. Erica, Erica's Places, Ontario, Canada

6. Joy, My New Perspective, Texas, USA

7. ???????????

If you would like a chance to be the next stitcher please leave a comment on this post only. The next stitcher will be chosen on Sunday, August 29, 2011 and announced on Monday, August 30, 2011. You have until Saturday night, August 28, 2011 to sign up. I will try to keep up with the travels and fill in the next stitcher in the list as it goes along.

As for the IHSW, this was my only stitch.  I re-did the border 8 times, and I am still off.  Its totally uneven, but I am going to leave it for now.  I have a finishing idea for it, and will do the other parts before going back to give the border another go.  I can't figure out what I did wrong, except use a larger count of fabric than the pattern called for.  Over all, it was a great stitch and I am really happy with the colors.  I will post the supplies I used on Wednesday.  The colors are quite a bit brighter than the pic shows. 

Good Luck to those of you who enter the next round of The Traveling Pattern ;).

Update

Hello fellow Stitchers.  I am soooooo sorry for the delay in updates, but something about this week just kicked my booty.  I was able to get most of the Traveling Pattern done and will make sure to finish this week-end. 

Traveling Pattern (Lizzie Kate)

I admit, that I wasn't excited about the choice in Red and may still change before its done, but I think its looking pretty good.  Its the first time I have stitched on 30 ct. fabric and I must admit, its tough.  I don't know how you guys do it.  I LOVE the result though.  Its looks clean and dainty.
As for my other projects, I let them go this week due to constant visitors and my DS deciding that he was in need of a playmate.  That's me.  How could I say no to this face....

Well folks, check back on Monday.  I will be done with the Traveling Pattern and post the rules for the next drawing.  Till then, keep the frogs away and your needles sharp ;)

Week-End Update

Hello Stitchers,  I hope everyone had a great week-end.  This past week-end was my birthday and I had a blast.  I got a couple of happy surprises and was able to get a bit of time away with my friends.
On Saturday, I received the Stitcherhood pattern and some flowers from my parents.

Please forgive the mess in the background.  That table never seems to be clutter free.  The flowers are beautiful and I am super grateful to my parents.  They are the sweetest.  I also received this little lovely in the mail (the pattern).

As promised, I dropped everything and I searched through my stash so I could get started.  I came up with this wonderful piece of fabric that I have been dying to use.  I finally have the perfect project for it.  I haven't completely committed to the red yet.  I am going to browse back through the other stitcher's blogs to get some ideas.  I was able to start it last night, so stay tuned folks.  I will post my finish soon and get it out to the next stitcher as soon as possible.

This next pic of an update of the pin keep I started.  I know, I know, I should be done, but I think I was a bit burned out after the snake stitch.  I am so glad that I have myself the break.  I had renewed vigor when I picked up my needle yesterday.

I do plan on getting the stitching done this next week-end as long as the Traveling Pattern is done.  I was also able to get the Halloween Rules fabric framed up so I can begin the stitch-a-long on the Lizzie Kate Lovers Blog. I am a week behind, BUT, I figure its OK. 

I am working on my stress over having more than one project on the go.  I am going to try an "organized" rotation.  I have read other blogs that show how it keeps them from getting board with the larger projects.  I think if I try to make a schedule, that I should be a bit less stressed out.  Cross your toes for me.  I do tend to get distracted.  I have also picked up some projects that are in need of finishing and have decided that I will have the Sisters and Daughters stitches done by the 27th so I can give to my baby sitter and her family, then I will concentrate on Summer House.   I will dedicate Monday's and Friday's to Halloween Rules so that I can finish up the other projects.  Once I have Sister's, Daughters, and Summer House Completed, I will frame up the Birth Sampler I received for Mother's Day and give that project a day until my Picture Stitch is completed.  I admit that I do not get to stitch every day, so I am not going to stress if I miss an opportunity to work on a project that week.  That is my new goal for this past birthday.  Reduce stress and keep my dining room table clutter free.  (That last one may take a lot of prayers).  Well folks, I will post my progress in a couple of days.  See you soon ;).

A Give A Way

Hello again,

I have a give a way to announce.  Its a blogaversary give-a-way from Lynn B.  I highly recommend her blog.  She is an amazing designer of so many fun things.  I have posted a pic below my profile.  Just click on the pic and it will take you to her blog.  You can also enter her give-a-way.

As for stitching, I was a bit distracted yesterday.  I received my Just Cross Stitch Halloween issue.  I had to borrower a drool cloth from my DS.  I love Halloween and all of the ornies are soooo wonderful.  I know I have other projects going, BUT, there is a pirate sock monkey from Raise the Roof Designs.  First, I should mention, that I am all about pirates.  I think it has to do with the fact that I had to wear an eye patch for 6 months.  I also love sock monkeys.  How can I possibly pass that up?  And thennnn........  its stitched on pink fabric.  What is a girl to do???????  Well, I know what I am going to end up doing.  Stitching another project not on my Crazy Challenge.  Think its too late to change my list?  I may make some inquires.  To those of you who have not received your copies, let me just say that you are in for a treat.
I have to get back to work now.  I need to earn my sock monkey money.
Till next time..... keep the needles sharp and the frogs at bay.

Fun in the Sun and The Stitcherhood.

Its been a few days since my last post, because I took my little one to the beach.  South Padre Island in Texas is the best.  Lots to do, and plenty of beach to play on.  My little one had the best time digging with his new little beach toys in the sand and actually let me bury his leg.  Not bad for a 23 month old with a shoe fetish.  We did have to rinse his water shoes every few minutes because he does not like for his shoes to be dirty.  I find it really funny that someone so young can already have those funny things kick in. 

He makes me laugh so much. 
On the stitchy side of things, I did not get as much done as I thought I would be able to.  The drive is about 5 hours and I sat in the back with my DS.  He developed an insatiable appetite on the ride there and back.  While we were there, we were so busy that it was really hard to get the needle and thread out.  I think I will have a bit of time today though.
I also have great news!!!!!!  I am officially in The Stitcherhood.  My name came up in the Travelling Pattern drawing.  I am sooooooooo excited.  I can't wait for it to arrive.  I may be pulling threads before it gets here.  I found some wonderful variegated colors and was just looking for the perfect project.  Now I have one (insert giddy laugh here).  I already heard from Erica at Erica's Places and she is posting it in the mail today.  Did I mention I am excited?
Well folks, back to the daily grind (of which I am grateful to have).  I will have more beach pics tomorrow and a little update on my pin keep.

Pin Keep it is......

Lizzie Kate "Hello Spring" freebie

This week end I chose to do the pin keep.  I can have the stitching finished in a couple of days and decided that I needed a quickie.  I apologize for the lighting.  I really need to work on better lighting in my home.  The home is old and has character, but really needs upgrading (project - he he he).  I love love love the colors.  They are so bright and really make me smile.  Not much else going on except for a nap and movie watching.  It was nice to take a break.  I also feel so relaxed now that my deadline stitching is done. 

 This is my TUSAL pic for Saturday.  I forgot to log on, but I have posted the side view and the top.  It finally got a few non greens in it over the week-end.

Well Folks, that's it for today.  Have a great week.