Where Did the Time Go?????

It's been such a long time since I have posted.  I didn't mean to stray.  I missed everyone and have loads of news.   First, I would like to say that I have continued my blog stalking, so I can keep up with everyone and their progress.  Love every one's work.  I wouldn't have ventured past DMC and Aida if it weren't for the enabling inspiration everyone provides. ;)
As for life, my DS celebrated his 3rd birthday this past week.  Its been such a wonderful blessing to have him.  I thank the Lord everyday for giving him to me.  The party was awesome (if I do say so myself).   This is a picture of the cake.

 I should point out that I am not creative.  I borrowed this idea from Pinterest.  I may have a better picture of it in my camera.  I will try to get it uploaded or switched out later.  BUT, this was an awesome endeavor.  It only took about an hour to put all of the M & M's on.

On the stitchy front, I finally finished the first project I started after having my eye removed.  It only took two and a half years.  I am not normally that slow, but I get distracted easily (he he he).  I can't decide if I should frame it as a monumental accomplishment or make it into a stitcher's box.  Maybe I should take a poll.  Please let me know what you think.  This is the finished piece.

Plum Street Samplers Freebie Lovely You

As for the HAED I have been promising to post, here you go......  Not very much progress, but its a start.

HAED - Passion Story Keep

Sorry for the cruddy picture.  I will try to get a better one soon.  Hopefully I will be able to pick it up again after the holidays.  I have been distracted (again), by other good news.  My baby brother is getting married. I will have a picture of the sampler in a few days.  I need to finish the beading and a little back stitching.  Wish me luck. ;)

Till next time, keep those needles threaded and frogs away.

Joy

A Finish and a Funny

Hello there boggers,

Its been yet another while since my last post.   I have been visiting every one's blog and keeping tabs on what is going on though.  I have been stitching away, and have another finish.  This one is in record time too (for me that is), it took less than 30 days.

Sleep Tight - World of Cross Stitch magazine

This is another Love Quilt square.  I really enjoyed working on this one.  I changed the color of the pajamas from blue to pink due to the color request.  Overall, this was a great stitch.  I have a link on the right side to get to Love Quilts if anyone is interested in participating.

I have also been playing with my 2 and a half year old.  Now, I mention the half part, because there is such a big difference in development.  Being my only child, this caught me by surprise.  He is talking and singing along with songs.  Its so fun and so funny.
We brush his teeth while singing "Born to Be Wild" because the wild lyric keeps his mouth open long enough to get a good scrub in.  I love this age.  He is so cute and cuddly and funny.

On another stitchy note, I know I promised a pic of my first HAED progress, and I will get to it hopefully by Monday.  I have been so bad about posting, but I am going to get better.  Till next time, keep the frogs away and I wish you a merry day.

Happy Dance

Long time, no type.  I am sorry to have been away for so long, but I got really busy and my eye decided to take  break.  Consequently, I am last minute girl (again) on my LQ square.   BUT, I am super stoked with the finish.   I introduce you to Humpback Whale by Jane Neetly Mayhew.

Jane Neetly Mayhew - Humpback Whale (and calf)

There was a calf in the pattern, but due to time constraints, I had to leave the little guy out.  I will definitely do this pattern for the next sea theme.  It was such a great stitch.  She is one of my favorite designers.  

I will be posting some pics of my HAED project and a WIPocalypse that I should have done last week later this week.  I am treating myself to one 10 x 10 square a week on each project and will add a square per project as I complete another.  So, I get to add two squares per week now.  I am soooo excited.

Till next time, may your needle be easily threaded.

12 Days of Christmas

Look what I found.......

I found this little treasure at Em Li's Fine Sampler Supplies.  Click on the link to visit.  Not only did Carol have the chart, but she only charged me the price on it.  I got this little beauty for $6.00 plus postage.  I highly recommend visiting her store.  Its filled with samplers and hard to find, out of print, items.  She is super friendly too. ;)

As for my crazies challenge, I am only going to work on one crazy project at a time.  I am also working on the WIPocalypse and feel I need to work on the oldies first.  Here is the progress on my first crazies challenge.

Jane Netley Mayhew's Humpback Whale and Calf

This is the top half of the mama whale.  I was intimidated by this little lady at first, but I came up with a system that is really working for me.  I have to thank all of you bloggy buddies for teaching me so much and inspiring me to try more challenging patterns.  This will go the Love Quilts.  Its a great charity where stitchers can contribute stitched squares to make up quilts for sick children.  I have a link on the right for anyone who wants more information.  

I am also treating myself to a square a week on my very first HAED.  I took some pics, but they were all blurry.  I will scan in my progress and post on Monday.

I also want to say thanks for all of your comments and support on No Greater Love.  And thank you to SoCal Debbie for letting me know about the TUSAL.  I am really happy because now I can clean the jar and re-post (he he he).

Well, until next time, keep those needles sharp and those eyes checked. ;)

Happy New Year

Happy New Year All.  I hope everyone had a safe and happy beginning to a new year!  As for me, I spent my New Year's Eve in bed asleep.  So old, or just just Mommied Out.  My two year old wanted to go to bed so I decided to let him watch a movie in my bed for a bit.  Next thing I know, its morning.  Oh well....

First things first.  Here is a pic of my TUSAL.

TUSAL 01-09-12

I decided to get rid of last years orts and start fresh.  I will have a larger picture next month.  The jar is a bit dirty and I didn't notice until I uploaded this pic.  ;)

Next is my update on the WIPocalypse.

Stoney Creek "No Greater Love"

This is the piece I had the Dilemma about.  You can't really tell from the picture, but the stitches are going crazy.  One this way, one that.....  Its exceptionally bad ;).  But, thank you to everyone who left a comment. I decided to keep it as is and dug it out from my UFO pile.  Now, I must mention that I started this 19 years ago.  I was in high school and dedicated to my social life, so this took a back seat.  When I located it, it was still on the frame I was using (yeah me, extra frame).
The good news is that the fabric is still in good condition.  The bad news is that I wasn't aware of the stitching in the center of the fabric rule, and just about panicked.  After all of my agonizing and complaining on line, I didn't even realize the stitching wasn't centered.  Uggggggg!!!!!
Well, I decided I had gone too far and needed to give it a chance.  I took out the pattern and counted.  Then I counted the stitching.  I am soooooo lucky.  I will have about an inch left on the border.  That just means I will be framing this little lovely in a picture frame very carefully.
So without further adieu, I give you "No Greater Love" as my Wipocalypse update.  I didn't stitch on it, but I did take it off the frame, wash, iron and remount it on the frame.  That is my progress.  Hopefully I will have some stitching to report next New Moon.
I will have a crazy update on Wednesday.  I have been a good girl and stitching on my newest project. ;)
Until next time, keep those needles sharp and those eyes checked. ;)

Dilemma

I have a major dilemma.  I have a project on next years list for the WIPocolypse that I began when I first started stitching.  I will not date myself, but I have to admit, I am amazed the fabric is still in tact.  Well, the problem is, I am self taught and figured out a bunch of stuff later my stitchy life.  The problem in this case is that the stitches are not all going in the same direction.  Its a mess.  Now, I really want to finish because I am 1/4 of way through, but the fact that the stitches are a mess is really bothering me.  I am attached to this piece because its the first big project I ever started.  The completed part is a line of lettering with a border and some garland.  I can unpick the garland to correct, but the lettering with the border is impossible.  The majority of the piece would be stitched correctly.
So, the question is, should I finish it and keep it as a reminder of all that I have learned?  Or should I just resign myself to the fact that I should begin again?
I leave it to you fellow friends.  Should I toss it, or should I finish her up?

Merry Christmas

I am so excited this year.  Its the first Christmas that my little one will know what to do with gifts.  Now, I should add that we have gone through great lengths to ensure that he knows the true meaning of Christmas.  Its a birthday party, not a holiday.  The concept of Santa is still not too clear though.  Out attempt at getting a picture with Santa turned into an after school special featuring the Stranger Danger message.

Of course, it doesn't help that Santa's eyes are glowing red (he he he).  And, yes, that is me trying to get my DS to sit still.

On a happier note, I was able to get the ornaments I made for his teachers done.

The pattern is a freebie from The Sampler Girl.  You can find it on her blog here.  You will want many many things when you visit, so consider your self warned. ;)  I used DMC's variegated floss.  I forgot the numbers, but if anyone is interested, please email me.  I am so proud of these ornies.  Its my first attempt that this type of finish.  I know they are bit crooked, but that (to me) is one of the nice things about home made gifts.

I also want to take this moment to say Merry Christmas to everyone.  I want to say thank you to all of my bloggy buddies.  I would never have attempted to try any of the new finishes I have done this year, or try new types of fabric.  I have learned so much from everyone and can't wait to see what treasures everyone of of you creates next year (so I can copy you ;). 
Merry Christmas!!!!!!