Some finishes

Well I'm back with some finishes this week!!! And I thought I'd post them since I'm so thrilled!!!! The first finish is a small Shepards Bush that took a little over a week to do and in all honesty if I'd worked on it consistently it would have been finished sooner..... And it's official I'm addicted to Shepards Bush!!!! Although I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to discover the sheer joy of working on one. But better late than never....... Next is my Mdsigns Letter "C"......which even though I marked the chart as I went I still had an error that needed adjustment since I wasn't frogging the whole thing and I do believe it's okay and only I'll know where the mistakes lay.... .

To answer a few questions from my comments... Yes I will be doing all 8 Couture Pixies by Nora Corbett. I've done 2 so far for my nieces and will redo them for myself......my favorite is still Daisy though. The next answer is I just started getting Silkweaver's as a FOTM but last year I was getting PTPlus FOTM!!! So I have a good stash going and am finally using it for my projects. I love them both!!!!! They are both so beautiful and wonderful to work on!!!

I also updated my sidebar with new pictures if you'd like to look.....

I am grateful for my finishes this week.....

In just 8 days and new PTPlus.....

I was planning on posting this last night but my computer had other plans.... I finished Sweet Sweet Babe in just 8 days! I can hardly believe it myself!!! I have to say a big thank you to my stitching group for motivating me and to 2 women in particular who taught me how to center the Lettering! It came out so perfect!!! The lettering was supposed to go in the squares but I thought it would look better below and I also didn't think the whole name would fit there, I also left the face off the sun....just too cutsey. So here is the finished piece.....

Sweet Sweet Babe by SamSarah Designs

done on PTPlus Heritage 32ct linen

with hand dyed threads

I started another project.....a Christmas ornament it was supposed to be done 1 over 1 on 40ct fabric and I started it that way but I just knew it would never get completed so I am doing it 1 over 2 and I did the math and it will fit on the provided fabric. I worked it out with the ladies at SP prior to buying the kit.....I just had a feeling. Oh and taking out 1 over 1 on 40ct is no fun either. I would have loved the look of 1 over 1 but my eyes are too important. I will post a picture soon!

And I got some new stash from the PTPlus 25% sale......a new chart and 5 fabrics.....Here they are

The fabrics are just luscious!!! They are Crystal French Lilac, Monet, Crystal Monet, Tarnish and Crystal Tarnish!!!! The chart is by Who Knew...Fairies of the Glen. And the order came within 2 weeks! So glad I got in on this sale.....I know I probably didn't need more fabric but it makes me so happy!!!

I'm off to stitch even after working all day. I think I'll work on Queen of the fairies for a bit and have a cup of tea. I'm thinking a cup of Prince of Wales will be wonderful!!!

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

A Fern update and SBQ's

Again where does the time go..... I have been stitching so much even after work!!! I've been focusing on Fern and she is all done except the beads!!!! Which I am planning for tonight and then hopefully I can take her off to the framer's and she'll be ready for my niece when she visits since it's one of her birthday presents!!! And I am so bad I had another start........but this is also a gift for our friends who just had a baby it's a SamSarah design called "Sweet Sweet Babe" and when I have more done I will definitely post a picture! Today being Wednesday found me at SP for my weekly stitching group. I always have so much fun and I actually got a lot stitched and of course more stash! I will have to live to be 400 to get it all done!!! Oh well it's all about the stash!

On to some SBQ's since I am behind in them as well...............

Today's SBQ was suggested by Ish and is:Which project (finished or in progress) are you most proud of? Explain why.The permalink to this post is:http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/07/sbq-pride-and-joy/

I've been thinking about this one and I'd have to say it from a magazine that my sister got and challenged me to do. I was sure I couldn't do it but 2 short years later it was done and in comparison the companion piece took only 6 months....Oh wait I do have a picture of them.....I believe the magazine was Cross Stitch and Country Crafts. Here they are the girl was first and her brother was next.... and A close second would have to be Antique Flower Shop by Permin (I think that's the name) simply because of all the backstitching.....is it any wonder I love Passione Ricamo's and Mirabilia's....

Today's SBQ was suggested by Dani and is:Have you ever thought of getting a rider on your household insurance to properly cover your stash (some of us have quite an extensive stash that an average household policy wouldn't fully cover) in the case of some sort of damage to your house that would destroy/ruin charts, fabrics, floss, etc? The permalink to this post is:http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/07/sbq-insurance-matters/

I have often thought of this but the insurance companies make it so hard since they consider cross stitch a "craft" and not art! And then the stash would probably be another whole problem. So I have given it thought but have not pursued it.

And may I simply say the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was brilliant! No spoilers here but I was thoroughly satisfied and this is coming from someone who thought about not reading it after the way book 6 turned out! Am I ever glad that I changed my mind! I have started reading them all again starting with book one! And to all who think they can't get into it or it's too late..it's not! I say go for it! It's a book about loyalty, friendship, honesty and honor all good things in today's world!!!

I am grateful for my Wednesday stitching friends.......

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....

Sunday and an SBQ

It's my first full weekend off in I really don't know how long and I'm loving it! Yesterday was the Opera.....yes you read right! The Met in NY telecasts to theatres around the country and the world and it was so fun! We can't wait for next season!!! Romeo and Juliet, Hansel and Gretel and Tristan and Isolde are 3 of the 8 that I can remember! The only bad thing is it's at 10:30 in the morning since it's live.... Then it was the end of season bowling dinner. Two completely different things in one day....but it was so fun. There was karaoke which hubby couldn't get enough of!!!! I just cheered him on! They handed out awards both monetary and pins and patches...we got a little of both! And there was dancing too! It was an all around fun day!

And today a couple we've become friends with through bowling is coming over for a pool party!!!! And I plan to stitch before and after! I was too beat yesterday but work was good and I accomplished something good so that makes it all worth it!! Alphabet Sampler is almost done ! and on Thursday I'm going to my LNS to pick out fabric for "Queen of the Fairies." Any suggestions? I'm still contemplating getting the Venus threads for her.... And something exciting I'm introducing 3 new cross stitchers to the shop as well! I want to start them off in the right direction!

On to the latest SBQ :
Today's SBQ was suggested Danielle and is:Are you on "The Wagon?" If so, how long have you been on and how"serious" are you about it? If not, have you considered it?The permalink to this post is: http://blondelibrarian.net/stitching/archives/2007/04/sbq-the-wagon/

I really thought about going on the wagon. I even posted about it but I just couldn't pull it off my willpower is nonexistent I'm not sure I ever had any LOL.... Although I really need to consider it in the future since I'd have to live 2-3 lifetimes to complete all of my stash.....I am nearing the point of saturation though but these designers keep coming out with beautiful pieces. I am considering a wishlist though.....LOL

I am truly grateful for entire weekends off and stitching.........

Here I am

Don't ask me where the time went! I really meant to write this post last tuesday or wednesday and then work happened......I had such a wonderful time with my niece and brother!!! We relaxed and had fun and just did whatever we wanted!!!! The time just went way to fast...... and I didn't miss Pilates...my niece took classes with me!!! So cool. We saw the Beatles Love show! One of the best shows on the Strip right now and one of my favorites..... Oh and we finally went and saw the New York New York 9/11 T-shirt exhibit! Long story short...after 9/11 firemen and policemen from all over came and started placing t-shirts outside of the casino New York New York.......it was hundreds if not more. The casino made it into a permanent exhibition on the outside where they had been placed. To say the least it was moving.....they really did a great job with brass plaques of famous appropriate quotes from statesmen and the shirts were personalized. It makes one stop and think about the impact...at least it made me pause.

We lounged by the pool and in the pool and around the pool.....And one night just took a night and stayed in and watched the Basketball game and then movies. On the last night we went to Mandalay Bay and the vodka bar "Red Square" where on last count they had over 300 different vodkas and the bar is an ice bar! I love that place! My favorite vodka is "the tall blonde" so smooth but so dangerous ...since it's almost like water ..... but oh so good!

Let me try and post some pictures. The first is of me relaxing on my new pool chair! It even has a drink holder! I was totally relaxed and yes I had sunscreen on! The next is my swing in the final stages of completion! Thank goodness my brother volunteered to help! They say two heads are better than one.......dear hubby may love the swing now but truly hated the process of putting it together! So thanks again dear brother!!!! I must take a picture of the final swing and with me in it of course! And I even have stitching news!!!!! And now maybe just maybe my slump is broken.....I knew Tink' s fairydust would do the trick. Oh and my brother made me take the graphic of her getting spanked off.....whatever...I like the new one better. She's still sprinkling a bit of fairydust and that was the intention after all!!! Oh and before I forget thanks to all who voted in my poll! I took all of your advice and it's working the small piece is a joy!!!!!


For the first time ever I stitched outside in truly natural light. I did start a small project and I am loving ever moment of it! I got it from Sharon's blog and it was a freebie "Alphabet Sampler." I chose to stitch it all in one color of overdyed floss Weeks Dye Works in "Purple Majesty" on PTPlus 32ct lugana "Whimsey" It's a much lighter purple not so dark IRL.....Here's a WIP picture plus one of me actually stitching outside!!!!!

So there you have it. I promise to post more often.....although mom is coming on thursday night. I'm in my final stretch of 6 out of 8 (12hr) days......I am exhausted but I am stitching and that's what really matters. It's Pilates tomorrow which I really need I haven't been since last wednesday basically because I've been working and I truly miss it so much. And I fell off the wagon with not a thud but a crash! So I have to go pick up the first part of my order......and I'll post which Passione Ricamo charts I got tomorrow after I've picked them up! More tomorrow...

I am grateful for stitching again!!!!

more details and possibly on the....stash wagon

Thanks for all the nice comments! I do feel better. It was good to lay low and just "veg". And Pilates really helped my head as well. The situation I didn't want to write about was bizarre and rather unnecessary. It involved a lot of yelling and feelings of entitlement and some more screaming...none on my part. I was calm through it all. And a lot of documentation which unfortunately is a big no a major part of my job! I managed to get all the appropriate people involved who needed to be involved which is good. I can totally understand where the screamer was coming from but have never understood that type of behavior and how they think it's in any way acceptable. I don't want to get into the gory details because its over and gives it a life of it's own that it doesn't deserve. But I rarely get so affected to the point I was at the other night...I was visibly shaking....but that was it. I worked today and it was the usual busy which is good! Thanks for letting me rant here!

I have no plans but to stitch tomorrow! I have procrastinated way to much and I do believe it's the sampler.Miraculous Birth Sampler (it's in my sidebar pix)..I just have to get on with it and stitch it and then I have a lot of stash start catching up on.... I am also considering going on the wagon if only partially with exceptions. Since without those exceptions I'll never stay on.....THUD.....So here's what I'm thinking. I have The new Mirabilia's on order 1.Crystal Symphony 2. Couture Collection Fern 3.Couture Collection Ivy . And maybe one more but I can't think of it right now...LOL. I just thought of it ...it's late I'm tired 4. Ocean Treasure by Who Knew For which I bought the fabric and threads the other day. I have her companion piece as well she is so pretty Ocean's Daughter And with my FOTM club as my first exception I will surely find the perfect fabric for those! I am collecting Crescents Colors hand dyed floss so that will be my second exception. I really need to go through my stash. My schedule changes at the end of the month with more days off in a row so that will give me a chance to better organize since I already bought the baskets. That is what I'm thinking so we'll see how that works ......

I am grateful for my stitching stash......

A new Mirabilia...or three...

I was checking out the Mirabilia Ezboard and found this Mirabilia Crystal Symphony due out March 1. Mirabilia designer Nora Corbett has been on a designing streak lately! She also has two other new designs coming out soon which of course I love! But they are causing some controversy since they are faceless....that is what I love about them! I always knew I was weird! Here they are Fern and Ivy . Oh and one of my nieces has already claimed Fern! Which is great since I haven't stitched her anything in a while. I am on my way to my LNS in a little while so that worked out well. And then it's Pilates. Which was supposed to be yesterday but work switched my days. So I really need to go. And then my hair.....and I'll post about that but more importantly my new fabrics all 3 from my FOTM club that I get from Shakespeare's Peddler . I signed up for 1 originally and then went to 2 a month in the second month so to get me current ..I got 3 in February. Is that as clear as mud... So I'll get my day started and be back more blonde and less stressed! And the blonde will be on my head but I may also be feeling it as well...LOL. Have a great day everyone.

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

more promised stuff.........

Well the previous post lost a picture....grrrr! I'll try again and put pictures of the fabrics I recently got.

There's the picture that got lost of the MBS for comparison to the new picture for my progress..... Now let's see if I can get more pictures...... Well here........ it let me and even let me move it down to where I wanted it. Will wonders never end. This is the PTPlus limited edition fabric and on the left is 32ct Carnival linen and on the right is 32ct Crystal DaVinci linen!!!!!! Do I live dangerously and try another picture.... Here goes...

.....Here is my PTPlus FOTM on the sly from Shakespeare's Peddler......it's 32ct Glory linen a pretty soft pink that I'm thinking will be perfect for Titania from Mirabilia.....which has been in my stash forever.... Now I'm going to really push my luck with one last picture......
Amazing but here it is....... Mirabilia's Lady of the Mist with PtPlus 32ct Heritage linen a soft hand dyed green. She is so beautiful that I may just have to start her sooner rather than later! That's it for now..... and I have just enough time to go for Storm's food....but not to worry she does have food in house this trip is just to stock up for more. Oh and in all of this I failed to mention that my mom was in the hospital back in NY.... she is better and home now. She is having a hard time adjusting to having lost my dad last february. Wow it's almost a year. And after 57 years of marriage I can't even imagine. But she is better and for that I'm thankful!

I am grateful for so very much today.....

Just stuff

I slept in today. And have had a really lazy day. Just did a few quick errands actually one errand and then went to my monthly appt for my eyebrow wax! I've been getting them waxed for so long that it no longer hurts! And it seems that blogrolling is working ...but maybe not since it updated eyeryone including the ones who have no new posts. Very confusing but it may mean they are working on it so that's a good sign...........

And I have a new banner just below my profile! So cool! It's for a new online cross stitch store that has been in my sidebar for a while. She contacted me a while back after finding my blog and seeing that I was linking her site. She is really nice and through e-mails back and forth a new banner was born! I'm just amazed that I was able to add it to my sidebar on the first try and after work at that.... So if you like visit. It's a fun online store with lots of cool stuff! And a discount is being offered.....we can never have enough sources for our stash acquistion!!!

I plan on stitching tonight after bowling. Yes I bowl....we're on a league and have been for 3 years. It's a dedicated night out for us and we get to have some couple time. I just wish I bowled better. LOL ...... I will post my new fabric tomorrow including the new Mirabilia "Lady of the Mist" and her hand dyed fabric. She really is beautiful and I may have to start her ..... I have turned into a serial starter. Hi my name is Julie and I am a serial starter...........oh well. They say admitting a problem is half the battle. More tomorrow

I am grateful for a working gas fireplace...we got it fixed today!!!!

Last post in 2006

I am still beyond tired! But I wanted to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year !!!!! And may all your dreams, wishes and most of all hopes be fulfilled in the new year. I especially believe in Hope.....since without it we truly have nothing. I learned that a long time ago. Hope gives us someting to hold onto and we must never take ones hope away! And one last one for all of the stitchers out there may we have all the time we want and need and then some to stitch to our heart's content and all the stash of course to stitch!!!!