My Favorite Elf

Hello All, not much stitching over the week-end, but lots of cleaning and Christmas decorating.  I have this insane need to clean everything including the walls before I put up Christmas decorations.  It keeps me sane and my house less embarrassing ;).  My house is in constant toy chaos - but I love my little elf.  I wouldn't change a thing.  I thank God everyday for giving me my son.  I am truly blessed.
As for the decorating.  I got half a room done.

Sorry about the clutter on the couch.  My DS will not let the box for the train go.  He likes to look at the pictures and play with the train at the same time.  He is a train fanatic.  Here are a few close ups of some of the treasures I have been given over the years.

This is an ornament my mother-in-law brought back from the Waterford Crystal company tour she took a few years ago.

Another she brought back from the White House two years ago.

I have a few of these crosses scattered through out the tree.  I am attracted to old fashioned things and these crosses were just perfect.  Miraculously, this tree and the main ornaments were all purchased almost 10 years ago when I was first married.  Even the strings of lights.  I consider it a gift from God who knows I am on a budget.  I have a few more I would like to share, but the pics are aw full.  I will do some retakes and get an update on the sock monkey next time.  The last pic is of the reason I put up all this stuff.  My favorite elf....

Footsie pajamas are my absolute favorite.  My DH told me he may have a line on a matching set for myself.  We will see how that goes.  I am not so sure my bottom is as cute as the one above. ;) 

Till next time, keep those needles sharp and the cocoa warm.

I'mmmm Baaaackk

Hello everyone,

First I would like to say hello to my new friends and the long timers.  I appreciate you following my blog, especially since its been a few months.  I had some personal turmoil and illnesses that made it impossible to do much more than was necessary.  But, I am back and in full swing.
On the Stitchy front, I haven't had much energy or time to get much done, but I did manage to finish this little guy.

Pirate Sock Monkey by Raise the Roof Designs

I used the recommended DMC threads and a Strawberry Linen that was new at my local LNS.  He is from the 2011 JCS Halloween Issue.  I have a thing for pirates due to the eye patches.  I was forced to wear one on and off through out the years for the various eye surgeries, so I have a special place in my heart and a bedazzler for them ;).  I was also able to begin the little sock monkey for my son.

Nickademus from Raise the Roof Designs

I am using all of the recommended DMC colors and a blue linen I was able to match up.  Its a bit muted compared to the pic in the magazine, but I like it.  Its from the 2010 JCS Christmas Ornament issue.  I meant to get this little guy done last year, but I am super duper slow.
Can you tell I like sock monkeys?  Who doesn't.  They are cute, cuddly, and machine washable.  Very valuable when you have a two year old.
Well, I know its not much, but I wanted to say hello to everyone and that I have been silently blog stalking you guys.  Everyone is so talented and I am super duper happy to be back.  Type to you soon.

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 ;).