Year End

I've thought a lot about this post and am finally sitting down long enough to write! I've had a productive year as you can see in my sidebar. And I finished two of them this past week.....Here is Lady Lazarus by MonsterBubbles done on PTPlus 32ct Cabernet Linen... I think the dark curliques are actually snails. What do you think??? And here is Fairy Celebration by PR done on PTplus 32ct Blue Icon linen.... I did her in mirror image so that I can hang them both together. To refresh your memories here is Fairy celebration in pinks.......I plan to do the same with Fairy Celebration 2 in purples and not sure of the other color yet. Maybe greens..... I added the beads to the corners and her wand! I also picked up Daisy by Nora Corbett from my framer today..the picture isn't great but the frame is a silvertone...I truly think my niece will absolutely love her!!! I finished her in time to enter her into the Silkweaver yearly contest!!!! She is done on a Silkweaver Solo 32ct Lugana.

I usually don't do goals but I have two this year.....

1. Finish Sleeping Beauty

2. Finish Mothers Arms

Both of which you can see in my sidebar. And these are yearlong goals.....

I want to also say that I feel truly blessed to have made so many new friends through blogging. Each and everyone of you has enriched my life as well as inspired me to stitch and create!!! I am honored to call you friends!!!!! Thank you all!

And I would be remiss if I don't mention the friends I have made at my stitching group at Stitcher's Paradise! They welcomed me with open arms and made me a part of the group! I have been inspired and awed by each and every one of them!!! I only joined them a short while ago but already feel lifelong friendships are there!!! I

so look forward to my wednesdays at the shop and today since I was off I joined the saturday group! This group is an essential part of my life!!!!

On another note.....I hesitated writing this but then I thought you are my friends. I will be having surgery on Jan 8th. It has been planned for a long time and I am looking forward to the surgery since my fibroids are growing to the point where they are causing me back pain and just zapping my energy. So I am having the surgery and I love my surgeon!!!! So I will be in the hospital for two days and then home for 6 weeks. And all I can think of is all the uninterrupted stitching time!!!! So please keep me in your thoughts.

Oh and do we all have our January 1st start ready to go???? I am starting my first Shepard's Bush piece. Let me know what you have planned!

I'm off to get a cup of Earl Gray tea and stitch on Be Merry and Bright which is almost done I might add!!!!

I am grateful for both my online and stitching group friends.....

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...........

Pictures, pictures and more pictures!!!!

I meant to write this yesterday but in the rush of things it just got away from me and I tend to ramble so it would of been too rushed! Yesterday was my birthday and I had such a wonderful day!!!! But first let me say Happy Birthday to Michelle of Cozy Egg who happens to share my birthday!!!! How cool is that!!! My day started off a bit busy but then my niece and I went out without my brother since he had some work to catch up on....It was so nice to just have a day with her!!! First we went to get my eyebrows groomed then it was time to pick up her birthday present and some other pieces at the frame shop. So without anymore wordiness here are the new framed pieces! Fern by Nora Corbett and my niece was speechless ...just the reaction I wanted!!!! Next is Fairy Celebration by Passione Ricamo and Alphabet Sampler And lastly Sweet Sweet Babe by SamSarah Designs which is for hubby's friend back east Then we went to SP and showed the ladies in my stitching group the framed pieces (sorry I missed you Margaret ) and from there it was a unique bookstore called Dead Poet's Books. It is an eclectic used bookstore that we could have spent hours in and almost did. Then tonight it was to the MGM Grand to see KA a cirque show which was good but a bit confusing although the production was spectacular!!! And then dinner at Wolfgang Pucks Bar and Grill!! I had the shrimp risotto that was unbelievable!! I have to say it was a good day and I even fit a swim in!!! But poor hubby had no idea what to get for me and was stressing so I told him something useless and girly!!! But still I could see he was lost....so while at SP I picked out a few things since he had been in there that day before and left empty handed and had given the owner his cell # just in case she thought of anything.......here are my new Ginghers, needleminder and a chart I fell in love with... The threads for the chart are on order as I need 9-10 skeins. A girl can never have too many scissors.... I adore anything leopard print!!! I had so much fun and what made it even more special was having my brother and niece here. Today is another full day starting with Pilates at 8am so I better get to bed.....I really rambled on this time .......

I am grateful for birthday celebrations..............

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....

Even busier and an SBQ....

I didn't think it was possible for me to be busier than the other day but I was today!!! The day started with a class at 10am for work but I got paid for it ...way early for me after working 2 days...then it was an errand. Then hubby called to say we needed to be on the other side of town in like 40 minutes! No problem honey but I have Pilates. And we know I don't miss Pilates for anything! So I rearrange my Pilates class. Then pick up hubby drive to the other side of town..we live northwest and had to be in the south west...come back go to Pilates. Wait did you think I was done..... then I did major food shopping! Since dear hubby volunteered us for a BBQ tomorrow afternoon!! I do love him but.......I agreed after all...... So the ribs and chicken are marinating and the potatoes are cooking. It's a small BBQ. I just have to do the potato salad and then I can rest tonight. Maybe I'll throw the potato salad together tomorrow....And the other couple is bringing salad and dessert...since it's for her hubby's bday!!

I have an updated picture of PR's fairy celebration!! I am so loving this piece! Don't you just love her wand!! I plan on doing some beads around the wand to add some sparkle!!! I really should be working on PR's Queen of the Fairies which I did start...maybe tonight!!! So here is the update... and one more..... Sorry about the shadow.... I do believe the second picture is closer to the true color of the hand dyed fabric!!!!

And before I forget I'm behind on an SBQ question...One that I myself submitted! But I must admit I got the idea from Karen . I believe in giving credit where credit is due so thank you Karen for planting the seed of an idea in my thoughts! Here goes....

Today's SBQ was suggested Juls(http://afairyprincessdreams.blogspot.com) and is:If you could only stitch one more piece what would it be and why?The permalink to this post is: http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/05/sbq-last-call/

I've thought long and hard on this question and I repeatedly came up with only one answer amazing for all the stash I have acquired but drumroll please it's Anagram Diffusions Sampler 4 Saisons . And the reason would be is that it is simply in my mind stunning!

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

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 .......

My pretty pink blob

I feel like I've been walking through tissue paper or a cloud since last thursday! I've had a persistent migraine And I took all of the meds but it kept coming back so finally I had to leave work and came home and slept and slept and slept...that was on Friday. I am feeling better today thankfully. I get them that bad every few months and sometimes I can deal but this one just wore me down. But enough of that ..I've already given it way to much time!!! On to better things!

I stitched last night for abut 5 hours!!! I re-started PR's Fairy Celebration. I had put about 3 rows in with DD bottlebrush and it just didn't look right. Then I went to my LNS and one of the ladies said it something to the effect of "that's not working".....I knew it just hadn't said it out loud to myself. So with the help of Margaret and this kind woman we found the perfect pink... DD Wild Cherry and it's perfect on PTPlus Crystal Fresco.....so here is my pretty pink blob and another picture I feel like I got a lot done but at the same time not so much...The thread is variegated so for the full effect I'm crossing each "x" individually which takes time but I am loving the effect! Hope you like it and I'm off to Pilates and I will manage the "star " position which was too challenging yesterday....but today I will do it!!!! And then since errands are done it's more stitching!!!! Oh wait clothes shopping for hubby and then stitching. Oh and I picked up more stash the other day.....I seem to be hopeless. I've got to try that wishlist!

I am thankful for hours and hours of stitching....

ETA I did the "Star" position successfully!!!! Not once but twice since hubby appeared and I had to impress him ....it felt so good!!!!! And we got him clothes and then an outdoor grill. It's all coming together! Time for a nap and then stitching for me!!!! Hope everyone's day is grand!!!!!

PS... My Venus thread is on the way to me as well so I'm so close to picking fabric and starting PR's Queen of the Fairies!!!!! I'll be sure to post a picture when they arrive!!!! Off to nap!