Annual Stitchin Report

Last monday was the Annual May Stitchin at my house with my friends from Stitcher's Paradise!!!! We had lots of fun, stitching and of course food. It was a potluck and the food was superb!!!!! It was a bit too hot out to stitch outside like we did last year so there was two rooms going...the dining room and kitchen! In total there were 11 of us and we each found our spots and after eating some wonderful food we started stitching! Here are some pictures.....
and and and lastly I look forward to this every year and it never fails to be special!!!!

I was planning a new start that day but the fabric I had from my stash just wasn't working with the thread that I wanted to use so I waited till wednesday and was going to get a piece from the shop. All of her precut 1/8 weren't working so I went with an overdyed fat 1/4 and it was worth it since I can use it for another project. I went with 32ct African daisy a very pretty yellow. I asked my dear MIL her favorite color since the new start was for her and she said yellow...an answer I didn't expect but it worked since dear hubby really liked Freedom from A Gentle Art overdyed thread. Here is a progress picture after only 4 or 5 days of stitching... It's hard to see the pretty fabric...I'll try and take a better picture when it's done...I plan on that being tonight!!!! I plan on getting it framed and giving it to her when we visit in june as a belated Mother's day gift. I do hope she like it. I'm thinking of a whitewashed frame...any ideas????

And lastly here is a progress picture of my Stitching Fairy from Passione Ricamo As you can see I went with a very subtle thread color! I do like bright!

I did a hard Pilates workout yesterday and she bumped up my springs on some of the routines including the arm series and added some new exercises. I am feeling it today but it's a good feeling. I've been thinking I needed to step it up! That's what I love about Pilates it is so fun and you actually get a great workout and usually it's one that you can do while lying down!!!!! Sweet!!!! Even after two years I am not bored since there are so so many routines! And then I think she makes some up but even that works to my benefit!!!!!

I then came home and watched Farrah's Story which I had DVR'd earlier this week. I was amazed by her strength and courage. I have always loved her and this show was so worth it. The love she is surrounded by was inspirational to me! I highly recommend watching it! Being a former oncology nurse it touched my heart and made me realize that I miss my cancer patients and just how much they enriched my life.....it also made me think of my sister and how much I miss her but I know that she is always in my heart and I can still feel her love and always will! ((((((((((Maureen)))))))))))

For all of the Blackbird Designs fans out there....they have posted a freebie to their blog and it is so pretty!

That's all for now as I'm off to stitch....

P.S. I changed my blog template once again and this time I think it'll stay. I like it finally.....

I am grateful for my life and all that I have......

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

Updates.....

I don't know where the week has gone..... I have been feeling better but the migraine has been lurking all week but I've managed to keep it from coming back! I'm really not sure if it was the migraine or my chronic paroxysmal headache (CPH) so I've been alternating meds. And it seems to be working. Let me say thanks to all who commented for the good wishes to feel better. I so appreciate it! I do believe stitchers are a special group of caring individuals!!! Thank so very much!!!! I have gotten quite a bit of stitching done. I just haven't been up to posting or being on the computer.

My first update is about my 1st Annual Stitchin! It was wonderful with lots of food fun and friendship!!!! The weather was wonderful so until the afternoon we were outside under the deck for eating great food and of course stitching. Here is a group shot... And yes there is a man there as well..he is a new stitcher that I work with and fit right in with the group. We had so much fun. The stitching group is so very special to me. A few people weren't able to be there and were missed very much. So Margaret and Mae and Cheryl there is next year to look forward too!!! And Deb we all look forward to your joining us next year!!! At the end of the afternoon they gave me a present for hosting the party. A new chart that is so me!!!!! Picture to come next post!! Thank you ladies!!!!!

I have an update on Fairy Moon as well. I am so loving stitching this chart it is just flowing...... and Isn't she just so pretty!!!!! I have to look up the name of the fabric...next post I promise! I love stitching her.

I have a picture of my dear furbaby Storm... She behaved so well with all of my friends and everyone loved her......

I spent the afternoon pulling threads for A Tower at Stoney Wood by HAED..... I will start this on Monday!!! I have one other HAED going as well Fairy Tea Party......not a whole lot done but I really should get it into my loose rotation..... She is the little bluish blob in my sidebar under WIP's.....

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

Oh My Word......

I need to say that I am thoroughly exhausted but really wanted to post so here I am!!! Work was tough this weekend all 3 days we were short by 1 nurse and it was aggravating...but today was better and in the long run I'm glad I went in and didn't call out as previously planned. I really need to save my time since we are having company in April and to say I'm thrilled is an understatement!!!! It's DH's brother and wife and nephew!!! My SIL is more like a sister to me!!!!! And they have never been here in the 5 years we have lived here so it will be fun!!!!!

I have stitched but no pics to show....I promise some soon. I finished my first SB Fear Not! It was a small one and in attempt to get the horn perfect I broke it...But with the magic of a bit of glue you can hardly tell so it's off to the framer's tomorrow!!!! I forgot to mention that I introduced a friend and relatively new stitcher to the wednesday group and it was fun!!!!! The ladies are so very friendly and welcoming! We must keep our art alive and prospering!!!!!

I have seen this pattern on many blogs and I fell in love with it ..... I do believe in Hope and the necessity of hope in our everyday life!!! I found it after emailing Mary Kathryn and she promptly replied and now it's ordered and I'm so happy! I truly love the simplicity of the design and the message of hope and it comes with the threads and pins......my first pinkeep finish????? If you love it as well here's the link . And as an added bonus 10% of the proceeds go to breast cancer charities......

And I ask you how did these lovely designs get by me and the reason for the post title.... and !!!!! They are so beautiful and a bit more sophisticated from the other Couture Pixies. And oh wait I truly thought there were supposed to be only six and now there are eight!!! Not that I'm counting or disappointed on the contrary I'm thrilled!!!! Of course they are on order at SP for me I called today!!!!! Just couldn't wait till tomorrow!!!!

I'm grateful for wonderful cross stitch designs to stitch and the creative designers........and my wednesday stitching group....

First finish.....

Well I've been meaning to sit down and write this post for at least 2 days now but have been feeling really tired and I have found that I can't sit for long periods of time so my computer time is limited. I went to stitching group last wednesday and had great fun but it truly wore me out. Who would of thought a little surgery would do that LOL. Margaret my dear I am ever so grateful that you drove me. We have such a great group of stitchers that I wouldn't have missed it another week!!!!! Which reminds me to thank all of you that have wished me well.... I have learned to pace myself and am resting lots and lots!!!

I have kept up with my blog reading though......I'd first like to post a long overdue picture of my puppy Storm who is taking very good care of me She is so very gentle with me! I truly think she knows I'm not feeling up to snuff! She is very protective these days......

But now onto the stitching stuff!!!! I have had my first 2008 finish!!!! It's a small piece that I've done for my 2nd cousin who just had a baby girl!!!! I wonder where the time has gone. She is very special to me since about the time of my sister's passing! We connected then and proceeded to spend 1 weekend a year together usually shopping and doing fun stuff in NYC! So this is for her and her baby . It was a quick stitch for me considering it took about 14 days including the time of my surgery. It is Bless Birth Sampler by Sisters and Best Friends!!! I added the moon charm that is on the "o" of the word moon. The other charms came with the chart. I really do love it and am taking it soon to be framed and then I can ship it on it's way to them.

I am grateful for the small things in life.....

A new start or two......

I want to start by saying thank you for all the kind thoughts that were sent my way! I so appreciate them and most especially the wonderful friendships I have made through blogging! If only we could sit down to a cup a tea together!!! A girl can dream.............

In answer to Andie's question ......yes I did have a new start actually two! I really couldn't help myself or maybe I just didn't want too... They are both small in comparison to my other projects so that makes it more portable for stitching group Wednesdays as well. Unfortunately "Pumpkin Spice" is all kitted up but not started but either tonight or tomorrow she will be! So on to pictures of my new starts. First "Lady Lazarus" by Monsterbubbles. She is just plain fun! And next is "Toil and Trouble" by Erica Michaels Not much done but so far lots of fun!!! Both are being done on PTPlus fabric

And I have to say I loved my Stitching Retreat on Sunday!!! It was in a not so great neighborhood but the golf course was absolutely gorgeous! And a full day of stitching. Can I ask ...does it get any better than that?? I don't think so! Pure joy!!!!!!! There were about 40 or so stitchers including one male. And it was so great to see what everyone was stitching all so different and beautiful. I even won a door prize...a thistle bookmark and a pair of cougar heart scissors. I did give the bookmark to someone since I knew I'd never stitch it. She was so happy and it felt good!

That's all for now ...I'm off to a short class at work then date night with hubby...

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

Another day or is it....

Today's an anniversary one that I wish beyond all hope never happened. But I have found that wishing doesn't make something not happen. But just imagine the power if it did! But back to the anniversary it's been 17 years since my sister left this world. My deepest desire is to honor her memory since that is what she would have wanted for me to go on living and see the beauty in life! I think I've achieved that! And some years are good but this one creeped up on me and I feel lost once again if only for short time. I've learned how to incorporate her loss into my life since I firmly believe that one doesn't "get over" so a significant loss but rather incorporates it into one's life! So I thought after 17 years that I had a handle on it but grief does its own thing once again. I didn't work...never do....on this day since I'm never sure how I'll be feeling and today was no exception! I developed a migraine and came home from my 2 errands and went straight to bed at 2 pm no less. Hubby was confused and now is at work so that helps. I am planning an evening of stitching and tea. Then tomorrow is stitching group and Sunday is Stitching Retreat day!!! This was the first of 6 days off. I plan to take care of myself and have lots of stitching time! So dear sister know that I miss you and love you!!!

I am grateful for memories......

:( No pictures.....

It seems I manage to post weekly..not good!!! So tonight's will be short since I am aching to stitch! I want to thank everyone for their kind and thoughtful sentiments over the last few weeks! We may not have met in person but I cherish each and everyone of you as a dear and genuine friend! And I know when I come here that the love and support is so amazing that I am astounded! I feel so lucky to "know" so many of you! I may not be commenting the way I should or even want to but know that I am reading your blogs faithfully!



I went to stitching group at SP today as is usual for my Wednesday and once again I had so much fun! I definitely feel the love and support there! And of course I came home with stash.......no surprise there!!!! I actually got a chart that fits a piece of my fotm club Ptplus material !!! I am working on 4-5 designs in a really loose rotation basically what or who calls my name the loudest. Today it was a Christmas tree that I have yet to get a picture of ......I will take one this weekend. It's done on 40ct linen supposed to be 1 over 1 but I knew it would remain a UFO so I am working it 1 over 2 and loving every minute of it! A picture will be coming soon so stay tuned!!!!



I am grateful for my friends and the joy they bring me ..........

Where oh where is......

As the title implies.......I am still without my car! Amazingly the body shop found more damage and this time the two chief adjustors went and finally approved the work and now it's on the way to the paint shop so hopefully by next wednesday my car affectionately named Harry will be home! Since I know he feels abandoned...LOL. And yes I did name my car strange but true!!!

I was also supposed to be picking up 3 framed pieces from my framer and dropping off my last finish but that also didn't happen. My framer is a perfectionist and one of the pieces was off by 3 rows so it's being redone. They will all be done on Saturday! But I am working so I will pick them up on Wednesday since the women in my stitching group at SP want to see the finished product and then I will post definitely! So stay tuned.

I am thinking of doing my master bedroom and bath in purples! What does everyone think?????.....I have one wall that is perfect for some cross stitch finishes as it's on an angle. And purple is so soothing. Right now it's in black/cream toile which I love but I feel ready for a change since it's been about 4 years.....Well for nothing to write I did pretty well.....

Oh and an SBQ to finish the posting with...

Today's SBQ was suggested by Jennifer (http://astitchinwrinkledtime.blogspot.com/ ) and is:How did you get started stitching? Was there a person that inspired you?The permalink to this post is: http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/08

This is such a great question! I started stitching because my older sister put a needle and thread in my hand and said you will do this! I am ever so grateful for this...I started with stamped cross stitch bibs since mom was pregnant with my little brother (thus usurping my baby of the family status at age 11).....I was enjoying my reign too! LOL I quickly progressed to crewel and needlepoint and was doing small Christmas cards when she got her hands on a copy of the magazine "Cross Stitch and Country Crafts" (such a great magazine don't you wish it was still around) and on the cover was a little girl at a tea party with her dolls and she quietly but insistently challenged me to do the design.....I wasn't sure I could but off we went to get the supplies....I actually remember that day as if it yesterday..picking out the DMC threads and cutting the material centering the material, taking the first stitch and so on...such a great memory! A mere 2 years later she was done!!! And I am still stitching today and am addicted to counted cross stitch! So thank you dear Maureen for encouraging and challenging me in that way! Every stitch I now do is in her memory and there are no words for how this makes me feel. As much as I miss her I know she is smiling somewhere and that is immensely comforting to me!!! Would you like to see a picture of the completed piece....I've posted it earlier but here it is again..... (what's a post without any pictures?)


Thanks for looking and see you soon! Hope every ones weekend is relaxing, fun and if you stitch full of more hours than you can imagine for stitching

PS I almost forgot ....I am in the countdown to my brother and niece visiting and only 2 more days of work and then 8 whole days off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm just a bit excited, thrilled, ecstatic and expectant.....I'll be at the airport with bells on Sunday night that is after baking a raisin cake for my brother ......his absolute favorite and my niece has promised me a pecan pie so life is sweet......

I am grateful for my memories and my sister...............

My Fern and more....

Once again I have no idea where the week has gone except to say that I have worked every other day since this past tuesday and I don't know what's worse working 3 (12hour) days in a row or every other day.... This stretch ends tomorrow. I have been stitching on Fern and after about 5 days of stitching I have a considerable amount done.... and here's another pix that's a bit better. I also added her to my sidebar She takes on shape and form so quickly that I find myself daydreaming about stitching her! And the scroll frame is working out so well that I may never use a hoop again...even held in hand not on my lap frame I am loving it!

I have to mention that I am loving my weekly stitching group at SP! I adore having a dedicated day to stitch and be social! The group is so warm and fun! I am so glad that I got out of my shell and joined them! If anyone has an opportunity to join a stitching group I say go for it!!!!

Now for this week's or is it last week's SBQ..........
Today's SBQ was suggested by The Wagon http://www.thewagon.yuku.com/ and is:What do you love to do that many people hate? What do you hate to do, but do anyway?The permalink to this post is: http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/07/sbq-love-and-hate/

I really thought about this and have to say I love french knots...strange I know and beading has become more tolerable since finding nymo thread I just wish I could find a spool of it instead of the small cards that Michaels has......I'd have to say that I absolutely hate cutting my own fabric I do it occasionally but really dread it!! My LNS has me spoiled! I measure and re-measure a dozen times to make sure I have it right and thankfully have found a stitch calculator online as well!

And to leave you with a new picture of Storm enjoying her special sunday treat.... She is so adored and not at all camera shy...We are so blessed to have her and her unconditional love!!!!!!!

Oh and I almost forgot ... I received an e-mail that my Galatea and venus thread pack were being shipped out tomorrow morning! She'll be in my hands in just 7 days or so....but I daren't start her just yet. I need to get some more scrolls rods as well....I'll have to go to Michaels this week after of course clipping the weekly 40% off coupon....

I am grateful for lazy Sundays and Storm.........

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.....