Yet to be framed

I just had to update......here are two stitched pieces that I had stretched and will be framed next..........First is Cinderella © Willow Hill Stitching

And next is Cirque des Cercles © Ink Circles

Both were stitched a bit ago....Cinderella I actually personalized to be our wedding sampler and I love it!!! Now to find the perfect frames for them!!!!!

With a week to spare

Amazing as this is...my third post in 2 days or so. But I have good reasons!!!!! First I must say thanks to all who commented and wished the Christmas spirit to visit! It seems that I was not alone in my lack of Christmas spirit!!!! It is getting hold of me slowly but surely! Dh and I went and got our tree last night and I am starting the decorating tonight!!! First the white lights tonight and then tomorrow the ornaments which we will put on together! We are stitching tomorrow at SP but only for a few hours or so. I am liking the idea of decorating on Christmas Eve!!! I may have stumbled on a new tradition for hubby and me! I am planning Christmas dinner as well along with another pecan pie.....might have to get some vanilla ice cream too!!!! I want to have a quiet day with DH since in years past we were either rushing to NY for a few days or going to a friends house. We never had just a quiet celebration so I am looking forward to that!!!! Then it's off to the movies to see Marley and me!!!! I have always always wanted to go to the movies on Christmas day it just seemed so decadent!!!!!! Maybe another tradition. Thank you all again for the well wishes and friendship!!!!

Now I have my final finish of 2008!!!! Yes CdC is done as of 2am this morning!!!!! Here are the pictures I took last night under my Ott light!!!! and and !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you say love!!! I am totally in love with this finish!! It is such an accomplishment! It is done on 32ct Silvery Moon linen using The Thread Gatherer Silk 'n Colors in Desert Sunset!!!!! I llove the color variation that it acheived!!!! I have already submitted it to Tracy at Ink Circles to be added to her Cercles page!!!!! And since I always sign my pieces but didn't want to ruin the line at the bottom I found the perfect spot within the design to sign it!!!! Can you find it??? I've already added it to my sidebar 2008 finishes!!!!!

Now I'm off to decorate the tree and have a cup of tea.

PS dear Storm is now confused as to why a tree is in the house but is being good about it!!!!

I am grateful for friends near and far online and off.......

The Star Returns

Hello all! I am happy to report a great Pilates workout today....my third this week! And to make it even better I mastered or shall we say remastered the Star position Mine didn't look quite so perfect but I'm working on it!!! I haven't been able to do it since my surgery in January but today was the day!!!!! I was thrilled as was my instructor!!!!!! My core is getting stronger and I can do more. It makes me confident and empowered (I love that word). On to stitching........

I am now the proud owner of Nora's Letter C !!!!! It will be for one of my nieces...she knows who she is!!!! I just have to find the perfect fabric......time to explore my stash! I am planning to do the letters C, M, K, G (and J for me) as they come out as belated Bridal gifts for my bridal party...it's an idea I've had for a while and at first I was going to do M-designs letters but then Nora stole my heart with her letters.

Next is PR's Fairy Celebration 3.... And here is my progress so far She is being done on PTPlus Kermit 32ct linen with a wonderful purple overdyed from Threadworks!!! I am loving stitching her. A bold color combo but it looks so beautiful!!! I will do FC2 next which is already kitted! And as an FYI Fairy Day is June 24th so let's get our wings ready and celebrate these wonderful beings!!!!!

Next is an update on Cirque...I finished the 3rd page in what seemed like record time.....

This week was week 3 of SP anniversary sale and they had fabric on sale so I managed a few pieces and also 3 scissor fobs (not on sale but what the hey!) from My Big Toe trunk show. A mermaid a castle and Cinderella.....pics next post..........Next week is threads on sale...... Oh and I got a new chart (no surprise there) by Willow Hill Samplings called Cinderella Sampler. I have the perfect fabric (from my stash) and will pick up the threads next week during the sale. I couldn't resist...my sister's nickname for me was Cinderella....I'll explain in a future post. And will add a picture as well of the chart! She will be my next start...

Thanks for stopping by and visiting with me!!!!

I am grateful for the time I had with my sister and my memories..........

Pictures and ramblings.....

Is it March already? I thought I'd post the first signs of spring from my front yard!!! It was taken at twilight that magical time when so much is possible..... And I am back at work and have to say that it is really cutting into my stitching time!!! I am still stitching most days but on the days I work my energy level is zero by the end of the day! Not surprising at all but it's those days that I really have to think about stitching. I also started back at Pilates and am taking it slow with lower springs and the instructor is being great and sensitve to my needs!!!! It feels great just to have a routine again. The 6 weeks off was grand but had no structure so I am enjoying the returning routine!!!! I also joined Netflix finally and got my first movie "Across The Universe" I thoroughly enjoyed it even though it was a bit bizarre unfortunately DH didn't like it at all. The music from it is sensational I already have it on my Ipod!!!!! Now on to some more pictures of stitching......

First up is Cirque des Cercles as you can see I have 2 pages completed and it's on to page 3. I am thrilled with the colors and my progress. Next is SB's Winter Moon I almost have the moon all filled in and then on to the specialty stitches. If you recall this was my January 1st start. I am looking forward to the rest with a bit of nervousness but have complete confidence that I can do it!!!! Next is Mdesigns Letter C It is almost done as well. But it seems even with marking the chart as I went I have an error so did I panic or frog....no I adjusted. I paid extra close attention but mistakes happen and only God makes perfect things. And I'm sure DH won't know the difference..... Next is The Red Thread by Bent Creek I'm not quite where I should be but I am progressing and actually the snowman is complete since this picture was taken. So by the end of March I will be up to date..... And yes I have one more picture Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Birds of a Feather This was my February 29th start. Even though it's out of season I truly love this one. I adore Christmas and Santas and keep them up year round. And one last picture of Mirabilia's Halloween Fairy which I'm not sure I have posted so here she is ......and she does have legs now....I did pick up Mirabilia's Christmas Elf Fairy from the framer's but have yet to take her picture. I need to save something for the next post. If you've read this far thanks for visiting!!!!

I am grateful for life returning to normal ..................

No pictures ..........

Unfortunately I have no pictures but have been stitching quite a lot!!!! I am adoring Cirque once again. I have lots of ideas roaming around in my head as to stuff to do and finding the energy for it all.... The good news is I am starting back at Pilates next wednesday!!! I have been considering not starting till April but I realized the fear is all in my mind.....I stopped by the studio today and the instructor was like just try a few and it was great no pulling on my incision !!! Yah!!! So I'm going to start slowly and then see how I feel!!!! I really think the Pilates will help with my energy levels. I'm also working the next 4 out of 5 days... i didn't schedule myself that way so we'll see! But I am going to take it as easy as I can. Tuesday back at work was good and everyone was so kind and helpful! I do love the people I work with!!!! I missed my naps!!!!!
On another note I read on one of my yahoo groups I think it was Metrostitchers that since leap year only happens once every 4 years it qualifies as a new start day!!!!!!! And leap year is tomorrow..... So I have mine all picked out and ready to go....Are you in????

I am grateful for feeling stronger everday.....

I've been bad......

I had so great fun with my brother this week!!! We weren't close growing up but all that changed about 10-11 years ago. He is just a bit older than me and I was the little sister! But now we are very close and he truly has a piece of my heart as do his 2 girls!!!! I truly can't imagine my life without him in it!!! I miss him already......

Now onto why I've been bad....I started 2 new pieces just yesterday. I started Bent Creek's The Red Thread and SB's Fear Not! They are both fun and unfortunately no pictures yet. I'm not really sure why I felt the need to add to my current projects but I did. My DH thinks I have too much on the go as it is but it makes me happy!!!! And tonight is Cirque des Cercles turn to be the project of choice!!!! It's voice did get a bit loud.....

Oh and on saturday I went to SP and had some fun. I dropped my brother off at the Wynn Casino since his flight was cancelled the night before due to bad weather in NY. He was so good about it totally understanding my need to stitch and see friends I hadn't seen in 2 weeks. When I was done I picked him up and we went home and I made a good dinner of pasta, fresh sauce and turkey sausages. And then he was on his way home and this time his flight wasn't cancelled.

While at SP I didn't find much to catch my interest from Nashville which truly surprised me! I did get a new pair of scissors from Kelmscott called The Love Scissors and a new needleminder and I completed my Red Thread collection. I promise pictures in the next post.
I did order a new pattern from ?!Who Knew!? called Ocean Curiosity Isn't she beautiful!!!!! Actually Noreen alerted me to this new design and it's now on order at SP for me!!! Thanks again Noreen!!!! Now to start one of the three....they will wait till I finish an already started design. Oh my that sounded almost sane..... I did say almost.....PS there is still time to vote in the poll in my sidebar. Take a look if you please.....

And I'm going back to work starting tomorrow......I can't believe how fast that 6 weeks went. I feel ready to go back but still plan on pacing myself. I work 12 hour days so it's just 3 days a week and I work tomorrow and then I'm off for 2 days.....Wish me luck!

I am grateful for the joy in my life...........

Sunny Sunday

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!!!! I know I am!!!! Today started with picking my brother up at the airport for a weeklong visit!!! I have to say I love him dearly!!!! And yes he is an easy guest.......that basically means he can make the morning coffee and doesn't need constant entertaining!!!!!! I am so looking forward to this week as it is my last on medical leave! Didn't that 6 weeks go fast...I did do a crazy amount of stitching but didn't get the wedding pictures in frames as planned. And I did read a lot.......

I have an updated picture of Halloween Fairy! She is a joy to stitch and have been working on her almost exclusively. Here she is.... Don't you just love her!!!!! And as of last night has legs and her black boots although not tied yet. I leave the backstitching and beading for last..... I really must pick up Cirque des Cercles again...It has developed a voice and is calling me....softly at present but I'm sure it will get louder......

I am grateful for family........

Free at last

Well after over a week with my migraine and also realizing that it was another type of headache I get called Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania...I took the indocin around the clock and finally got a handle on it but it of course gave one last push yesterday so I took it easy and did nothing. That said little to no stitching got done this past week. But today is going to be different I will stitch and go to Pilates to make up for missing yesterday!!! I do want to thank you all for your well wishes and good cheer. And thanks for the compliments about my new haircut!!! This really is a wonderful community!

I do have pictures some are updates. First up is a picture of Pretty Pumpkins that Joanne of Periwinkle Ink requested Sorry about the bad photo. Next is PR's Fairy Celebration in blue since I can't recall the last time I posted her And finally is Cirque des Cercles I have a bit done on my page 2 which is really page 4 but the way I'm working it top to bottom well you get the idea... And I joined a SAL for CdC so that should motivate me as well!!! I'm off to stitch for the rest of the day into the night since hubby is going to work early! Let's have a cup of tea later this evening......

I am grateful for quiet days and tea.......

The best husband........

Once again time just slipped by. I want to say thank you to all for the wonderful comments about the state of my blog. I am finally happy with it and even added a few more things like the calendar and blogoversary both of which I saw on Sally's blog. thank you Sally!



Now on to the explanation of the title of this entry.....I have decided to start a second HAED design and wanted all new floss for it. As we all know Walmart is discontinuing their DMC and has it for 10 cents a skein. My wonderful hubby came along to not 1 not 2 but 3 Walmarts and helped me gather the colors I needed as well as quite a few others....This all happened yesterday. They didn't have them all so I completed my list at Jo-Ann's where they were 4/$1. He is a keeper and was having fun helping me! He really got into the hunt! So far as to separate the skeins at the register since they were insistent on scanning each one individually. He even went through the basket and put colors aside to check with me as to whether I needed those and was thrilled when he found a color I needed! At the second they were still in the carousels and he diligently read out the colors from my list so I could gather them up! When the 3rd store didn't have them he was genuinely disappointed! I do love him so! I know you want pictures of the 2 HAED's so here goes Not the best pictures....the one on the left is Pumpkin Spice by Stacey Tippin and I just adore pumpkins in any form so I had to have it and naturally can't wait to start her. So tonight's the night right after sorting and bagging the floss. I have started Fairy Tea Party it's not much but here's a picture... I have a few more starts as well. If you recall I did PR's Fairy Celebration in pinks and am now doing it in blues but facing the other way so that I can put them up facing each other. They will be framed the same! I have similar plans for Fairy Celebration 2. Here is the blue... And to compare the two here is the pink one...And I am so thrilled to have completed the first page of Cirque des Circles....

I always get the e-mails from Silkweaver for their solos but always miss out on them but last week I was on the computer when it arrived and still missed the first one I wanted but managed to get 3 others... they are so soft and pretty! That's it for now and I promise to post again sooner. Oh and I changed my haircolor up a bit....It's still blonde but she added a full head of red lowlights so it's very strawberry blonde. I love it!!!



I am grateful for my stitching and stash and the joy it brings me and of course dear hubby...........

13 days and no post

I find it so hard to believe that 13 days have passed and I haven't posted. Where does the time go?? I have been stitching and have another finish. I have finished Celtic Cross. And have picked up Cirque des Cercles again and placed it on stretcher bars and my lap frame so it is easier to stitch! This past week or so I've been fighting a cold but not sure I'm winning...I was off on Sunday and slept most of the day. Hopefully it's near the end of it because I'm tired of feeling tired and listless. I worked over the weekend feeling sick and it wasn't fun as it was a busy weekend with lots to do............

Celtic Cross by Mdesigns

PTPlus Crystal Relic

In the Burgandy threads by The Thread Gatherer

The latest finish is for my brother Brian who just had a birthday recently! So I hope you like it Brian. He actually picked out the design and just said do it in red! His favorite color! He saw it about half way done and smiled! Enough for me!

Let me close with an SBQ :

Today's SBQ is:Would you ever stitch one of your BAPs a second time? (This does not include starting over because of mistakes, bad fabric, etc., rather stitching something from the first stitch for a second time.)The permalink to this post is: http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/09/sbq-seconds/

I have thought of doing one or two a second time but there is so much I want to stitch a first time that it just doesn't seem feasible.......I have done some smalls a second even a fourth time this one comes to mind... But it was fun to do!!!!

I want to say thank you to everyone who comments! I do appreciate your stopping by and visiting! I just wish we could share a cup of tea together!

I am grateful for the joy in my life...........

My CdC

I've been stitching so very much lately! It's been mostly on Cirque des Cercles by Ink Circles and have a picture or two to share! I've also posted to the Cirque des Cercles blog if you'd like to see everyones beautiful progress! I love this design and how everyone is interpreting it with their own colors and fabric choices! Thanks go to Jamie for starting the blog!!!! So here are my progress pics... And a second picture.... I am having so much fun with this piece! It is a joy to work on and is working up so nicely. Oh I almost forgot it is being stitched on 32ct Silvery Moon linen with The Thread Gatherer silk 'n colors in Desert Sunset. When my thread finally arrived it was much less muted than the original....which is why I waited for mine so the dye lots would be all the same! I was a bit hesitant on my way to SP but was thrilled when I saw the threads! I absolutely love the thread it's a wonderful mix of pinks,yellows and golds!!!!! And I do love pink!!!

And before I go I've wanted to post my favorite picture from my wedding album! It took a while to get but my MIL brought the finished product with her....we got married in NY and live in Las Vegas....so it took some time putting the pictures and geting them to the photographer! Here it is...it was taken in the lobby of the hotel and I adore it!!!! I'll end there ....I'm off to stitch. I am going to pick up PR's Queen of the Fairies for a bit. Has anyone seen the new Passione Ricamo Galatea....she is stunning and as explained not a mermaid but a nereid as Italian mythology goes. It's all explained on her website. And yes I've already ordered the chart and Venus thread pak! I have absolutely no will power! I have a very loose rotation going on. Hope everyone has a Happy and SAFE fourth of July!!!!

I am grateful for stitching and the joy it brings me....

Where did the time go??

I don't quite know how I went this long without a post..... I've been meaning to write and between my MIL's visit of 3 weeks and work the time just slipped through my hands! We had a grand visit with my MIL and her boyfriend. We did a lot and saw 3 shows but also relaxed a lot as well. I stitched up a storm and even joked that she was responsible for breaking my slump!!! And I am still stitching. The stitching group I joined at SP is wonderful and inspiring and so much fun!!! A bit of an update on what's happened just this week....I had a minor car accident! I'm fine but was rear-ended on monday afternoon. The person thought I had gone through the turn light and didn't look but just accelerated....... the turn light had turned red and there was too much oncoming traffic to move. It was my very first accident and my first thought was "did he hit me?" My car has quite a bit of damage but is still drive-able. Thankfully hubby was home and he came up to the scene and it all went smoothly and the highway patol didn't take long to arrive. I knew we had to exchange info but after that I was lost.... I went to get an estimate and now am waiting for his insurance to view the car damage. Needless to say I had to reschedule my hair appointment which was overdue but I am fine so I am grateful! So hair is getting done tomorrow. And today I had an EGD and colonoscopy....the prep wasn't fun but it's done. It was done in no time and I was home in less than 3 hours time. No news yet I have to see my doctor in 10 days. I rested when I got home and napped and then stitched......

I have started 3 new projects! I started Queen of the Fairies by Passione Ricamo with the Venus threads on PTPlus 32ct Fresco linen..... And while I was waiting ever so patiently for my threads to come for Cirque des Cercles I started Mdesigns Celtic cross on PTPlus 32ct Crystal Relic with The Thread Gatherer silks "In the Burgandy"..... And today I started CDC!!!! The threads I waited for came out slightly different....The Thread Gatherer silks in "Desert Sunset'. When I went to pick them up I was a bit concerned the original dyelot was muted and the new skeins came out brighter with more pink! I adore them!!!!! I love pink!!! Here's a picture of the fabric and threads since I don't have enough done on the actual CDC..... I also picked out fabric and threads for Fairy Celebration 2 and am going to do FC 1 again in blues!!! When my slump ends it does so with a bang!!! But more on that in another post.....I'm off to get more tea and stitch!!!!

Edited to add: I can't believe I forgot to post on Fairy Day!!! I was working and oh so tired when I came home but I hope everyone enjoyed Fairy Day! I do so love Fairies!!! Hope everyone's day was magical and special!!!!

I am grateful to be safe at home ......

2 posts and 2 finishes

This is unbelievable but I was going to go to sleep when I realized I wanted to post my latest 2 finishes! I already put them in my sidebar but I so want to post them and they deserve it!!! I am stitching so much that is except for tonight I had the best intentions but after making a carrot cake and then a dinner of chicken and dumplings and that was after errands...well we know how the story ends here. I even had an expresso which may be kicking in now..... So here goes my first finish is PR's Fairy Celebration done on PTPlus 32ct Crystal Fresco linen and the only changes I made is to add beads in the corners of the border and around the wand oh and some blending filament on the stitches around her head.... and another picture that shows the crystal in the fabric a bit better.... Oh and we are not yet done! I do believe the expresso has kicked in everyone.....The second finish is Mirabilia's Christmas Elf Fairy! I had this one almost done for the longest time and she just needed the beads. I heard mention of Nymo thread for beading again not sure where but I picked some up and I can't say enough good things about it. After using invisible thread (ugh) it was a joy to work with and I was done in what seemed like no time. So without further ado..... and I can't resist another picture so here goes... I made no changes to her. I simply love her. I now have all six...I better get stitching....I plan on displaying them all year I'm not a seasonal person...my Santas are always on display. Just another one of my quirks I guess!

Oh and a Cirque de Cercles update. I went to SP (my LNS) today to pick up some thread for PR's Queen of the Fairies. Yes I know I have the Venus threads but after reading the chart a bit more thoroughly she does require a DMC variation thread and a Rainbow Gallery thread.... I thought my threads for CDC would be in but they weren't so I thought.....I'll just pick another that's how much I want to start!!!! After about 1/2 hour or so of going through the Thread Gatherer assortment and narrowing it down to 2 very nice threads and 1 kinda out there thread. I just couldn't make a decision and since this is going to be such a major piece I decided to wait and luckily two of the wednesday stitching group women were there to help. Besides I really do love the thread that I have on order. So the owner of SP is going to give them a call and see where the thread is and when to expect it. It's not like I don't have anything else to stitch....

I have to add that I love my MIL and am having so much fun with her here!!! Did I mention that she has a younger boyfriend .... well she does and they are so good together. He is a gem. In addition to what I made for dinner he made a broccoli bake that was delicious....And today he's making sauce and pasta.... Not only that but I now have flowers in my poolside planters thanks to him!!! I took pictures so here goes... I have to say the even Storm seems to like the flowers...or else she's just missing her Uncle Brian....and thinking of him!!! I do believe I'm all caught up for now so til next time...

I am grateful for my mother-in-law and the good relationship we have....

Busy day

I know I promised a new picture of my pretty pink blob a.k.a PR's Fairy Celebration but the day just somehow got away from me..... I started with a visit to SP since I'm working tomorrow or is that today so I won't be able to join the wednesday stitching group. But not to worry I have requested wednesdays off on the next schedule so I will be there each and every wednesday. I picked out a new color for Cirque des Cercles.....still from The Thread Gatherer still silks but in pinks and blues called "Desert Sunset" I think (it's late) but she didn't have enough so she is ordering more to make sure I have enough of the same dyelot. Then it was errands and Pilates.....and helping dear hubby put the new grill together! But the directions say 30-45 minutes in what universe I'd like to know.....But we are close. Then I read a bit....The Boleyn Inheritance is almost finished and it is just so good. And then I stitched on PR's FC!!! Now to bed ..I'm tired and have to work soon.....and the wind is whipping up.... oh and I almost forgot I went to my first EGA chapter meeting on monday evening but more on that later...

I'm grateful for a productive well spent day.....

I may live in Vegas but...

I took a quick quiz and I'm happy with the results so here it is.... So you can take the girl out of NYC but not NYC out of the girl!

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Northeast Judging by how you talk you are probably from north Jersey, New York City, Connecticut or Rhode Island. Chances are, if you are from New York City (and not those other places) people would probably be able to tell if they actually heard you speak.
Philadelphia
The Inland North
The Midland
Boston
The South
The West
North Central
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

I promise a post tomorrow on my fun day and a new picture of my pretty pink blob. You can actually tell she is beginning to take shape!!!! I am also thinking of switching colors from blue to pink for Cirque des Cercles. Who am I kidding I want to do it in pinks.....so I'm off to SP tomorrow along with other errands....

I am truly grateful for my life .......