On bended knee......

I have had a wonderful day just busy enough but I got things accomplished which is always a good thing! I had a good Pilates workout and even took Storm to the dogpark.....now I have the evening to myself and yes I will be stitching!

First up is a small bit of progress on Cinderella sampler..... hence the title of my post! Does anyone else find it a bit daunting to come up with a catchy post title! I find most times it either hits me like this one or I'm searching and then choose a boring one!

I have some progress on Scary Scraps by Mosey 'N Me..... I am doing the metallics at the same time for the first time and it's working out.....the pumpkin face was a bit scary without the eyes and mouth! And as promised a picture of the model photo I am liking the 30ct fabric after Cinderella which is on 36ct! I know this is a weekly SAL but I wanted to get the pumpkin done!

And now some more progress pictures that my niece sent of her project... and !!!!! I couldn't be more impressed! And the good news is she is planning another visit soon!!!!!! May be time for another visit to my LNS!!!!!

Well that's all for now...I'm off to stitch and have a big cup of tea!

I am grateful for warm sunny days and family........................

May your needle fly through your fabric.........

The sun is out!

I finally got a new look to my blog! I have been wanting to get a new look for a while but was just a bit nervous about the whole process....but while on Shepherds Bush blog I found a great link which you can now find in the upper left hand corner of my blog which made the new look very easy!!!!! I can now change the look at will or maybe seasonally......

I am nearing the end of my days off...I decided to add on at work and not take my vacation days so as to save them for when I need them so I will be working 3 days in a row starting on thursday! I am actually looking forward to it...bizarre I know. I have been feeling rather mopey lately but last night I broke that feeling and stitched on Nora's Alphabet and here is the result... It is actually a bit bigger than I imagined but I am liking it on the fabric I choose which is a PTPlus 32ct Crystal Highland. I tweaked the photo a bit to show the truer colors. The letters are worked in an overdyed silk which I am enjoying! I am planning to work on the long forgotten Mirabilia that I recently pulled out of "the bag that shall not be named".... It is Angel Proclamation and only requires the beads and specialty threads...a silk...... So this is my goal to get it done since it is so close to being done...even the backstitching is done!!!!!!! Wish me luck!

I never did get to my LNS for the preview night or the days afterward. It was raining nonstop and since tomorrow is stitching group I can pick up "Quaker Gone Tropic" then... since it has been inhabiting my dreams of late.....I may have to start it as well.......Today the sun was out!!! The day was perfect!!!

I was tagged by Deb to tell what my 5 addictions are and then to tag 5 other people... so here goes in no particular order....

1.My cross stitching and my ever growing stash acquistion

2.My dear hubby not sure what I'd do without him in my life

3.Pilates workouts

4.Tea especially Earl Grey and Prince of wales...well you get the idea I have a tea cabinet which I keep stocked!!!! Next one to try is Stash Tea Double Bergamot Earl Grey!!!

5.Chocolate...need I say more

Now to tag 5 "lucky" people......

1. Karen 2. Noreen 3. Michelle 4. Kathy 5. Sally I hope you don't mind being tagged!

I'm off to stitch a bit before dinner.....

I am grateful for Pilates and the way it makes me feel.....

May your needle fly through your fabric.........

Progress and how did I miss this????

I started the day with a Pilates Mat class.....before even a cup of coffee! What was I thinking??? But it was a great way to start the day! I am getting better in Mat class all the time and am considering getting a Pilates Ball to exercise at home with. I truly do love it!

I have an update on Rosewood Manor ABC Tapestry....I tweaked the picture a bit and just figured out how to add text to pictures..... I loved working on this letter and completed most of it in 3 days.......

Next is a bit of confusion....I had almost settled on Mirabilia's Autumn in My Garden when I happened to mention Quaker Christmas at SP wednesday stitching group and it turns out one of the ladies is doing it as her Jan 1st start....it would be fun to do it as a SAL. So I ordered it and am sitting here confused. Here's a picture of it... Maybe I'll add it to my sidebar poll...... I'm still 99% sure about Autumn in My Garden being my Jan 1st start but I love Quaker Christmas too......

Next I have a question...How did I miss the new Ink Circles compnaion to Cirque des Cercles and Triangular (which I have kitted up)......Cirque des Carreaux I fell in love so I have that on order as well.......Still considering color combinations...... I'm thinking lilacs or reds...

ETA...I can't edit my sidebar poll so just let me know what you think in the comments....

And thanks for visiting with me!!!!!

I am grateful for Pilates and the way it makes me feel......

Better late than.......

I am happy to be say that I finally started Trick or Treat Fairy although not on monday as planned......Some how the week got away from me and just got to stitch a little tonight. I have the floss toss that won...it 32ct Crystal Flash by PTPlus . There are 2 pics of it.... and It is a light apricot in color. I thought of doing it on darker fabric but this fabric won my heart! And next up is a picture of Cinderella Sampler.....it's on a 36ct SIlkweaver Solo... Sorry about the creases but I took it off the qsnaps for the picture! I am truly loving this !! Hopefully I will have a progress picture of ToTF next post!

Now I'd like to send out Happy Birthday wishes to Karen and Michelle who both have birthdays this week!!!!!! So Happy Birthday and I wish for you all that your hearts desire and then some!!!!!!

I went to the Red Rock overlook and just sat and talked with my sister this week. I really feel her presence there. It's an amazing place to go and it feels so right to talk with her there. I've written of my sister before so I won't go on about her now but somehow when I'm there I know she's listening. I plan to go again tomorrow!!!!! Here's a picture I took sometime last year... It's an amazing place!

I did manage to get my oil change done and a myriad of other "needed" things done like the radiator and transmission fluid changed and all the other fluids topped off and a good bath for my car since that's the car we'll be driving to Disneyland next tuesday morning...DH wants to leave before dawn.......ugh!!!!

I also stopped into TJMaxx and did really well......2 pairs of nice jeans that actually fit and 3 tops along with a pair of cute sandals.....all for an insanely low price!!!!! So I'm set for Disney and beyond! Well I'm off to bed since stitching group is just a few hours away...... Then after that it's another Pilates workout and dinner with a friend! I am planning on 4 Pilates sessions this week! I feel really good and have 3 sessions to makeup......And I am also commiting to start running again beginning on Sept 1st!!!!!! I really loved running when I lived in NY.....it's time for just me and my thoughts...nothing ever seemed too serious or insurmountable when I was running.

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

wednesday.....

Hi all! I hope everyone is having a good day! I was supposed to go to Pilates this am but decided to listen to my tired body and canceled. I was there and worked out yesterday and the next few days are going to be busy with leaving for NY on friday. It's a quick trip for me since I didn't take any vacation time and just grouped my days off together....so I'll be working solid when I get back but it will be worth it to see my family!!!!!

My post title is rather unoriginal but I'm still waking up! I did finish page 4 of CdC!!!! And here it is... Now I only have 2 pages left!!!!!! Well I'm off to wednesdays stitching group at SP then to get my natural blonde done.

P.S. For those of you out there who love Venus Threads.....Passione Ricamo is now selling single skeins on her site!!!!!

I am grateful for coffee in the morning..........

Promises and stash

I have kept my promise to post today!!!! I did get a full blown migraine yesterday but took my Relpax and it was on it's way out all that was left was the tingling in my neck which is a sure sign of its demise!!!! I took it easy today having breakfast outside and stitching a bit in the afternoon. Then it was off to Pilates Mat class. I do like it but I'm still adjusting since it doesn't involve equipment like the reformer or chair but is all you!!!! I am a bit sore but it feels good. Then after walk around the neighborhood with my puppy the evening is mine since DH is at work. So now that I've filled you in on my day on to pictures!!!

First the stash as promised..... . This appealed to me since reading Jane Austen! I am so liking LHN all of a sudden!!! And another HAED... I have no intention of starting this one anytime soon but it so reminded me of the Elves in Lord of The Rings that I couldn't resist especially during this weeks sale on charts. I read LOTR about nine yes nine times and loved it more with each read.....It reminds me of the scene where the elves are leaving MiddleEarth......And lastly my first Chatelaine.... I simply fell in love with the colors and have no intention of starting this one yet either but I will have it when the mood strikes......Someone at SP yesterday said "did you see all the beads on it?" I just thought it was too beautiful to care about the enormous amount of beads.....

And my new start as of tonight..... It is PR's Fairy Celebration 3. I had the fabric in my stash it's PTPlus 32ct Kermit!!!! And the thread is from Threadworks a really pretty overdyed purple. And since Fairy day is June 24th it seems appropriate to start! Now to get fairy celebration 2 done as well. If you may recall I did Fairy Celebration 1 twice.......

I was thinking of stopping my FOTM from Silkweavers but then I got this beautiful piece and think maybe not just yet.... It Poltergeist 32ct Lugana... the color is a soft pale purple and oh so luscious!!!!

I am grateful for quiet days off and stitching.....

Happy day

Well after working the 3 day weekend and it not being a typical quiet holiday weekend. I was exhausted yesterday so I just vegged and enjoyed the spa! I switched tuesday for monday since they were short and got the time and a half for working the holiday and then an added bonus of 3 days off in a row. I have been feeling tired lately and not even up to my usual...I even cancelled Pilates today so now I have 2 sessions to make up. Today was stitching group and then I went to get my hair done.....it always amazes me just how quickly the roots start showing up!!! I treated myself to a pedicure today it's been ages since I had one and with it being the summer and all so I now have pretty coral/orange shiny toenails that make me happy!!!! I started yesterday morning making breakfast for DH and myself and this is how the eggs broke in the bowl!!!! I simply couldn't resist so I took a picture...cute???

Now on to other stitchy things......I have a picture of my other HAED that I talked about last post it's Fairy Tea Party.... I adore this pattern! I actually sent this out as a Christmas card one year so was thrilled to find it as a HAED pattern! Next is my gift from my stitching friends for hosting the 1st Annual Stitchin' complete with fairy charm...the gift was very much appreciated !!!! And the silver charm And lastly I have a Fairy Moon update.... The fabric is by HLC and is 32ct Starry Night!!!! I am still loving stitching on this. Since I worked on monday I didn't get a chance to start The Tower of Stoney Wood by HAED but either tonight or tomorrow I plan on it. I pick up some new Q-snaps so I'm all set!!!!! Rebecca is a new blogger and she commented on my last post. She is doing some wonderful stitching and so if you like wander over to her blog and say hi!!!!! I'm off to a cup of tea and stitching since DH is at work so I get the night to myself!!!!

I am grateful for quiet nights of stitching..........

If only.....

If only this migraine would leave....I've taken everything I can and finally it's down to a dull ache in my temple. I really shouldn't complain since it's only my second one since the surgery but I spent yesterday napping on the couch. Today I had a late start but I did get to Pilates and B&N so it wasn't a lost day. I got 3 books...The Tudors ( I have yet to see the series), The Last Boleyn by Karen Harper and The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I need more time to stitch and read!!!! Then to the lab for some routine bloodwork for 2 different doctors and luckily she was able to draw the blood for both which is due for next weeks visits. On the way back I saw a billboard for a U2 cover band ...Joshua Tree.... at a local casino! I am psyched and plan on going on saturday night!!!! Speaking of saturday it's my 1st ever stitching weekend...it's a potluck and I'm so looking forward to it!!!! The ladies from wednesdays stitching group at SP are coming as well as 1 or 2 friends from work!!!! Good food, stitching and hanging by the pool!!!! Then on sunday some friends from work are coming over to enjoy the pool and just hang out!!!! It'll be fun!!!

I was bad or bored...not sure which but while waiting for Tower of Stoney Wood to arrive I couldn't help myself....really I couldn't. I started Fairy Moon!!!!!! The material is by Heavenly Creations...I'll post the name next time. Here is my Fairy Moon start.....

I am grateful for my stitching friends and new starts.....

Poolside......

I woke up today and thought it was a wonderful day and just how did I want to spend it? So I cancelled Pilates for the afternoon...I really struggled yesterday at Pilates I did the workout but decided to listen to my body so I'll make it up next week!!! I finished Pride and Prejudice last night by the pool....I have to say that I love the world of Jane Austen. I put the lounge chair in the pool and positioned the umbrella and there I spent the day.... I was just at the beginning of Harry Potter #3 and can now say I am done. It was my second read of it and I love it! HP #3 was truly a favorite of mine! I'm off to find book 4 and lose myself in his world again.

I did have a new start yesterday during my weekly stitching group at SP. I found the perfect fabric for the handdyed floss that I posted last time. It is Dill 28ct by PTPlus . I started LHN Schoolgirl Lessons...Here is the start...I will have enough thread and fabric for both LHN's! Right now I'm off to pull threads for Fairy Moon by Mirabilia. I know I have so many large starts but she has been calling my name and the fabric I found is perfect...so stay tuned.....

I'm off to stitch and continue the relaxation of the day since DH is at work!!!

I am grateful for lazy days and books............

Does any one remember .............

Once again I've been lax in posting. But this post has been running around in my head for days!!!! I started this one last year as a gift for my SIL's cousin. It's Miracle Birth Sampler by Stoney Creek. I had a hard time getting this picture but once finished I will get a better picture. And it almost done ...my goal is by next weekend since my SIL and family are visiting and then we can take it to the frame shop together and pick a perfect frame for it. I'm not sure what was holding me up on it but I started thinking or rather obsessing about it 2 weeks ago. I picked it up and feel like I haven't put it down. I mastered the Eyelet Variation stitch as well as the Braided Heart stitch. Once I started stitching them I just followed the diagram and it went smoothly!! Not as hard as I thought....It's done with japanese silks and beads!!! I am down to just a little backstitching and the beads. I see it being finished this weekend actually since I'm off all weekend! I felt I had to stitch this for her from my heart! It's a long story but basically she had twins on my birthday 2 years ago after a difficult pregnancy and all was going well when suddenly the boy passed away. It was a total shock and I managed to find this perfect piece!!!! I think she will love it!!!! I wish I could see her face but my SIL will be giving it to her when the time is right!

I really need to be stitching and getting the house ready for my SIL and family visit next sunday but I have a week and I am good under pressure. We will be opening the pool as well for their visit. I can't wait to get in and swim and let's not forget the hottub! Oh well I'm off to stitch but first I must go to Jo-Ann's and get the new gingher's Emma!!!!! I can honestly say my scissor collection is growing......will post a picture soon!!! Have a great weekend everyone!!!!

And to answer Vonna's question from my last post I am getting a nice monthly discount on my Pilates classes!!! Let me just say I love Pilates. It has made me quite flexible and I can now touch my toes and even put my hands palm down on the floor without bending my knees!!!! Something I've never been able too do!!!!! So happy!!!!

I am grateful for days off and long weekends!!!!!

Just one more.....post

I truly can't believe it's the end of March already! I am finally rested and feel restored. I took yesterday and just vegged...I've been doing that a lot lately but I think it's my body just telling me to slow down and rest!!!! I am listening!!!

I was hoping to get caught up with The Red Thread through March and I succeeded!!! Here is my recent progress picture..... I am really enjoying this and working the border at the same time is a plus. So I won't have the whole border to finish at the end!

I know I've said I love Pilates before but I really do!!! I had a great workout today. I changed it up and did abs on the box today which shocked my instructor since it's my least favorite way to do abs. But I decided I was going to master them on a box and I thoroughly enjoyed it. And to show just how much I love Pilates .....this is now on my rear window I will soon try "Star" again. I haven't done it since the surgery. My balance is a bit shaky so I'm working up to it...maybe next week!!!

In my organization a few months ago I was missing a pattern...Circe by PRdesigns and the thread pack. I panicked for a minute or two and then realized it was in the downstairs basket. And it was...crisis averted. I wasn't planning to start it any time soon but I must know where each and every piece of stash is!!!!!!

I am grateful for my husband's love.......

Me again

Well it's the end of my days off but thankfully I only have to work tomorrow and then I'm off again!!!! I managed to stitch and relax plus get some errands done. I am back at Pilates twice a week and loving it!!! I did a hard workout today "the chair" and am sore but feel rejuvenated!!!

I started another new one . I just couldn't help myself. Here is my start on Blonde Cameo by Passione Ricamo from The Gift of Stitching magazine . Here she is.... I have to finish her eye and I'm not sure about her lip ...maybe once she's backstitched completely it'll look better. What do you think??? Also I find myself making more mistakes lately I think it may be after working all day and then stitching late. Thankfully they have been small and I caught them and was able to either fix or adjust........I'll post the fabric later since I can't remember right now and she is downstairs at the moment.

And Storm did fine the other day. We picked her up and she was tired but good. Here's a picture from today at the top of the stairs... And she has clean teeth!!!!!! She is my love!!!!

I'm grateful for Pilates workouts......

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.....

Monday so far....

I wish I had stitched more yesterday but I had a wonderful day just reading and hanging by the pool. I am truly enjoying the pool and started doing my version of laps. You see I never learned to swim...float and doggy paddle yes but swim no. So hubby is helping me along. I of course had to stop after each length of the pool but soon I won't have. And I have Pilates 3 times this week since I have to make up for missing last week. I am re-reading Harry Potter 1 and another small book along with my magazine reading. Then I thought I'd take a short nap and woke up at about 1 am and you guessed it I stitched to 6am.....It was actually so nice the quiet and just stitching. I am stitching on "Sweet Sweet Babe" by SamSarah designs for a friend back east.They just had a baby well actually in February but it took a while to find something just right.... here it is and again I tweaked the photo to get a truer color representation. I am doing it on PTPlus 28ct Heritage linen with all hand dyed specialty threads. So far I am loving it.

I was thrilled on Saturday morning when they cancelled me at work! It meant I could get to the framer's 2 days earlier than originally planned! I brought in Fern, Alphabet Heart and Fairy Celebration!!! And she didn't seem to think that Fern would pose a problem to frame. I was thrilled to say the least since I was a bit concerned that I was only left with an inch at the top and bottom of her. I will have them back after the 11th and will post a picture of them all. I went without matting on all 3 I really liked the look!!! And I got all of my errands done that day as well including a surprise visit to SP if only I had brought my stitching with me.. since the stitching group meets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. I may have to start taking Saturdays off and work sunday so I can go 2 days a week...Oh well. I picked up material for a new project that I have been dreaming about...more on that next post. And I really must take out my remembrance piece for my SIL's cousin that I started a wee bit back! Maybe by writing it here that will motivate me to start it up again. Her cousin isn't aware that I'm stitching it and I think she'll appreciate it whenever but I'd really like to get it done...Here it is as of last picture taken.... Actually I think there's a bit more done on it but I can't seem to locate the right picture.....but it is in my sidebar.

And on the car front it's been 2 weeks and finally there may be an end in sight. The insurance company and body shop finally agreed on exactly what was to be done .....only after hubby got involved and requested a new adjustor. So maybe I'll have it back by next week. I really miss my car!!!

I am grateful for sunny relaxing days.....

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.....

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!

A long stretch and lots of wind...

This post was promised yesterday but I was beat.... Mom left on Wednesday afternoon and then it was errands and three 12hr days of work. So I took yesterday to rest and start laundry which is almost done...I had 10 loads....hard to believe but between bed linen and towels and uniforms!!! I went to Pilates today and it was so good!!! I did an advanced position "the star" I always feel good after accomplishing it!!!! Yah for me. And I came home to get a phone call from my big brother so we chatted which is also so good for my soul! I miss him so much! And he is planning a trip here in August with my other niece who was here last July!!!! So I now have something to look forward to!!!!! I have plenty of time to request the time off from work!!! Oh and we repositioned the swing since the winds have been horrible the past two weeks....it was blown over once more! It's now against the house and is still standing in one place. The weather is supposed to improve by the weekend with the winds dying down and temps reaching 93 degrees.....and yes it's still April! I love the weather !!!!! Here's a picture of the swing and the bench that I refinished a while back which now sits on the front porch...

On to stitchy news...I have a W.I.P. update on Alphabet Sampler and I believe I got the fabric truer to life....it's PTPlus Whimsey in lugana ... but it still maybe a tad dark in the picture. And as promised the stash that mom brought me as an early birthday present..... and a closer look at Cirque des Circles! I picked 32ct Belfast Silvery Moon and The Thread Gatherer Silk 'N Colors in Midnight Cobalt. I want to start this but with PR's Queen of the Fairies coming any day now I'm torn....And I have a question for those of you already working on it.....with silk do I use 1 or 2 strands of thread??? I would appreciate any advice!!!

I have another picture M-designs Celtic Cross that I'm going to do for my big brother! He wanted it done in a red thread so I picked again The Thread Gatherer Silk 'N Colors in "In The Burgandy" And I plan to do it on a cream 32ct linen... So Brian let me know what you think of the red I picked out!

My next project is another freebie by Passione Ricamo..."Fairy celebration" I am doing it on PTPlus 32ct belfast Crystal Fresco and the thread is by Dinky Dyes Bottlebrush! It's the one thing I didn't take a picture of today. But I will post a W.I.P. picture soon since Alphabet Sampler will be done in the next day or so! Well that was a post full of pictures...I'm off to stitch my slump is over...I daydream of stitching at work and wake up thinking of what I'll work on!!!! So that's all good!!!!

I am truly grateful for Pilates and intense workouts.....