HAPPY NEW YEAR

I wish everyone a wonderful 2009 filled with only the best things that life has to offer.

Soon, we will start the New Year's Eve festivities and I will be content sitting, knitting and cross stitching. Aren't I such fun to be around????? Just a regular partier lol.

As for today, I went to the doctor for the dreaded sinus infection saga. Me thinks it is a tradition now as for the past 3 New Years I have had them. Always starting on the same day and on the 31st I go to doc. Told him I will make advance reservations for next year lol.

Other than that my doggie is close to receiving a sweater in the next few hours. I could have knitted the whole thing while waiting for the doc. lol. A little bit of the front is left and then the armholes and the sewing. Will post pics soon.

Happy 2009 Stitching.........

Chick with Four Sticks

That is probably what I will have to rename my blog if I continue keeping company with my knitting needles, cable needle and crochet hook. So far this afternoon moving those sticks is all I have done.

Without further ado, here is a picture of my newest knitting project .... Doggie Sweater .... Although the yarn looks purple like my capelet, it is really an old country blue. I think that the lighting for the photo is bad and that is why the color is off.

As you can tell, I have a penchant for cables. Okay..... I am addicted to cables. I really enjoy creating cables and I find this sweater a wonderful process piece where I am able to sharpen my basic cable skills. My hope is to have the sweater finished by Wednesday so my handsome doggie can model it on New Year's Eve. Once it is finished I will steam press myself as it is a small clothing item.

Happy stitches...........

Ramblings From This Morning

Got a few things done this morning which were very worthwhile.

• I mailed off my exchange piece to my partner. This proved to be a challenge, especially with the Priority Flat Rate International Mailer. Although I managed to stuff the envelope silly with all the rearranging I did one of the small packages still didn't fit. At that point, the pretty wrapping was practically destroyed. I went and mailed that one off while holding on to the smaller, lighter gift. Then I went to a shop, purchased a padded envelope, tissue wrap and proceeded to stuff that one too and mailed it.
  
  My rant is that there is no way 4 pounds is going to fit into that Priority envelope. No way no how, because I don't believe that envelope can hold 4 pounds. My envelope barely held a pound and the side-seams were bursting! Thankfully the exchange piece made it, but I was scared it would pop off the side seams off the envelope. I guess that I was extremely lucky because the clerk put clear tape on the lid and the sides.
  
  My final thought is that Priority Mailer may not be all it is cracked up to be. Sure it is great for magazines, and heavy flat items, but I think that if I send "fluffy" stuff, I may be better off sending a padded envelope filled with light stuff.

• Finally purchased an ornament tree holder. Remember the shop where I purchased the padded envelope? Well, they must have known I was coming because near the office supply section was an area where they had racks and displays. On the floor was a beautiful silver-wire ornament holder in the shape of a Christmas Tree. There is space for 12 ornaments, but I will add a few on the branches as well. This tree will display my 2009 Christmas Ornaments. Will post picture soon.

• Then it was coat shopping and I think I did well, althought the item I selected was not on sale. How does that happen, when there is an 80% off sale going on at the coat shoppe? Beats me. I still got it because it was a "need item" for my little one. It was the perfect size and still affordable.

Today, I will start knitting my dog's sweater. The yarn was in my stash from long ago so it is a sign. The pattern is a Fisherman's cable. I really like cables so it will be another experience piece for me. Will post picture as soon as I can.

All in all, it was a great day. Got alot of things done and have learned a few shipping tricks for my next go around.

Warm stitches................

Stash Shopping Over the Weekend

On Friday my LNS had a sale on fabric and charts. Since I am not one to pass up a really good sale, I went and picked up about 9 pieces of ornament-sized fabric which will come in handy for 2009's Christmas ornaments. A few hand-dyed flosses went into my basket as well as my first Barbara Ana design, "Santa Paws Biscornu". I really like the lettering on that design.

Today, I picked up 6 skeins of Bernat yarn, a cross stitch magazine, a pair of size 8 , 16 in. circular needles and a couple of frames at Michaels.

I am seriously considering stitching out of my stash and any freebie that I might like online in 2009. There is an online messageboard http://thewagon.yuku.com/directory which I have found very helpful at times of indecision. Right now, I find myself being a "moderate". I don't think I could ever be "celibate" as the UK cross stitch mags are always a weakness of mine. Let's face it, any well made cross stitch magazine is a weakness of mine.

Then there is eBay..... I confess.... I have been eBaying. My lastest purchases have been 2 gingher scissors and the most coveted, "Cinders" by P.Buckley Moss. For years I have desired "Cinders", now in a few days, it will be here.

In 2009 I will most likely purchase Mirabilia's, "Christmas Flourishes" and "Holly". Along with that will most likely be Lizzie*Kate's 2009 Flip It's Halloween series. Those really call to me.
Once I get all of my scissors together, I will gladly take pictures of them and show you my collection. They are another weakness of mine.

Hope to get lots of stitching done this week as I am on vacation. A stay-at-home vacation which in a sense is the best thing for me right now. Lots of going through my stash and picking the right projects time. Thrilled to be able to relax.

Wishing you lots of stitching time.........

Voila !!!! The Capelet is Finished !!!!

How exciting to have finished my capelet. It is soooooo beautiful. I can't believe I finished it.
This project has definitely taught me much more patience and discipline. Both lessons I will take with me into 2009.

Lately, as I have written, my thoughts have focused on my crafting 2009 goals. With the New Year fast approaching, I want to set a few guidelines for myself so I may not only enjoy crafting but actually produce items for my enjoyment. In 2008 I did not set any real goals and found myself severely upset at not having handmade items for my closest family. Little did I know that a few had hopes of receiving a token or two.

This year I realized that there are lots of people who value my crafted items and that wish to own a few pieces. It is a great feeling to be able to pass on heirlooms. But, first I have to make them. In 2oo9 I will make a couple of gift items.

• Christmas stocking
• scarf
• hat (something new....I have never made a hat before).

Cross Stitching:

• Disney Neighborhood R & R
• Christmas Stocking (same as above)
• At least 6 Christmas Ornaments for myself
• Seasonal Personal Cross Stitch Exchange piece

Knitting & Crochet:

• Hat (as above for gift)
• Scarf (as above for gift)
• a couple of scarves for me
• another scarf as a gift for my BFF
• other projects as they come up

Of course all of these projects will not be started at the same time or due at the same time, but I will work on them one at a time. I will be dedicated to crafting an hour a day, whether it be knitting in the car, or waking up half an hour earlier and crocheting during my lunch hour. Somehow, I will find the way to make the time to do something for me. That is my biggest goal.

Till tomorrow, stitch well.....

Following Directions

Do you read all the directions when starting a project? I bet everyone pretty much does. Now, following the directions is a different story altogether.

When I started the capelet (yes, another capelet story), I read all the directions, figured almost everything out and started on it. There was one item that didn't quite make sense, but I kept going row after row, until 14 rows from the end it strikes me.....like lightning, like the first electric spark pulsing through the fuse box into my fingers, the AHA moment which turns on the bulb in my brain.

I could defend myself and say I did not know or understand the instructions, but in all honesty, I have to admit I did not follow the directions. The part that escaped me was "knit unto smaller circular needles". My mistake was assuming they meant smaller-sized needles, which I did. Experience has now taught me that they meant LENGTHWISE, not diameter wise. How did I learn this....with 14 rows to the end, I can't knit anymore, the neck area is so stretched out along the circular needle cord, that the stitches don't make it to each end.

Now, I know. Experience has taught me not only to read the directions, but to follow them as well. Tomorrow I will go and pick up another set of shorter circular needles to finish my capelet.

Off I go to cross stitch. Later today I will share with you a much better plan of my goals for 2009.

Wishing you experienced stitches.....

Happy Holidays... Happy Holidays

To all who celebrate the Christmas holiday.

Happy Holidays to all who come and share in my blog.

Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all.

May the holidays be a source of good cheer for all.

To those shopping for great After Christmas Sale deals....lots of luck, patience and stamina.

Stitch in love.........

Capelet Homestretch

My Christmas gift to myself was finding that I was further along on my capelet than I thought. WhooHooo....10 rows ahead, which has officially placed me in the homestretch with about 60 rows to go. Not to fear, I am on the decreasing portion, so every fourth row or so, I will decrease 36 stitches. At the end, I will only have about 70 stitches left on each row. That is not much for me especially since they are mostly knit stitches and cables.

Once I finish the capelet, I will most likely start a sweater for the pooch. Yes, that cream colored angel that protects all of my crafts. He is blowing his coat these days and there is white hair all over the place when he shakes. It's like a snowstorm.

Speaking of snowstorms, we got quite a few snowflakes in our area. My poochies first snowstorm. He loved it! What a riot when he trotted through the snow. He kept eating the snow that he thought was getting away. He is a hoot.

Other than that it seems that my projects are lining themselves up for 2009.

• Sweater for poochie
• Christmas Cross Stitch Stocking for a very special person
• Scarf for another very special person
• Disney Neighborhood R & R
• Personal Seasonal Cross Stitch Exchange

So far, so good. I am seriously thinking about stitching Lizzie*Kate's 2009 Double Flips. Next year it will be Halloween themed. I really think that they are soooooo cute. Should I start a SAL next year for it? Let's see....I think that it would be a great idea.

Another thing that is on my mind is making this blog better. I want to blog more next year and post more pictures of my projects. I love to see the day by day progress of projects. I think that it brings them to life. Not only that, but my foreign friends would be able to see pictures of my work and maybe identify with my blog a bit better.

My LNS is having an After Christmas Day Sale on leaflets, kits and selected fabrics. I expect to pass by and pick up some fabric. I am going to need to replace the Jobelan that I will use for the Christmas stocking. I don't expect that she will have the Lizzie*Kate 2009 Double Flips in yet. That would be great if she did. Maybe I could pick up a few of the 2008 Christmas Double Flips as well. There were a few that I really liked of that series and others that were not my cup of tea. So, let's see what happens.

Feeling a bit chatty today. Hopefully this state of mind will continue into 2009 so that my blogging become a bit more dependable.

Finally, and most importantly, I wish to thank everyone that passes by my blog. I see that a few international readers drop by and I do hope that in someway, they enjoy their stay even though I have not translated my site in another language. For my domestic readers, thanks for spending a bit of your time with me. Words cannot express my gratitude to all that take a bit of their day to read of my crafting adentures. Please feel free to leave a comment or two, knowing that I will answer them in the comments section as well.

Stitch one, stitch two.......

First Snip Hurts the Deepest

Item identity of "orphan" in this blog article has been protected so that my Christmas exchange partner will not guess at her gift. Once my exchange partner receives her item, pictures will be posted and all mysteries will be solved.

Have you ever purchased something that just called to you and you knew you would never use it, but just had to have it? That "just because" crafter's purchase. Well, that is exactly what happened to me two weeks ago. After looking throughout the store, and proceeding to the exit empty handed, I turned to see a table filled with many red boxes. Hmmmmmm, very festive set up, so I went to take a looksie.

Ahhhhhh.....how pretty. So many to choose from. I know what they are for, but am I going to use them? Hmmmmmm, yup, it's happened before, not buying something and later hoping I had. What was I to do? Well, of course, I purchased 2 sets of two designs that I loved and an extra of one that truly called to me, even though, that one I really really knew I would probably not have use for, but it was soooooo pretty. I couldn't leave it behind, so it came home with me as an "orphan".

(Now, before anyone thinks I am spending hundreds of dollars here, the total of this purchase came to less than $15.00 for 7 really nice crafting items. Yes, you know me too well, they were also on sale. There are very few things that I don't buy on sale. I use all my craft shop coupons wisely and often.)

Fast forward...two weeks later...with my Christmas Exchange cross stitched piece screaming to be finished, I remember the "orphan". Could it be? Do you think? Is it possible????? YEESSSS!!! Perfect, perfect combination!!!!

So there I am eyeballing all of the measurements sans tools and decide to start cutting the stitched fabric. OUCH, OWIE... the first snip hurts the deepest. All I could think of was to breathe deeply, in and out. Many snips and an almost nervous breakdown later, the item is finished!

In a few days, I will send the item to its new home.

Keep stitching....

Stitching Complete

Yip! Yip!! Finally, the stitching is complete on my Christmas exchange piece. Now the only thing that is left is the finishing. Everyone that has seen it thinks that it is very cute and sweet.
It looks wonderful, even if I say so myself.

On the capelet front, it has grown even more. So much so that a circular picture is almost impossible to take of it. I will need to see how to showcase it best on the blog. Soon, it will be finished and I will take it to the dry cleaner to have it steam-pressed. It will definitely be a thrill to wear it.

Stitchy nite nite......

2009 Goals

Yup, it is that time again. Hmmmmmmm. I still have no idea what all of my goals will be. Here are just a few of them in no particular order:

• Disney Neighborhood RR
• One Christmas Ornament a month
• Finish at least 4 crochet or knit projects
• Personal Cross Stitch Exchange

That is the basic skeleton of next years body of craft work I wish to do. Of course there will be times that I do more and others that I will do less, but I have all confidence that everything will balance itself in the log run.

The most important item that I want to cultivate next year in my life and my crafting is a positive attitude. The "I can do it" approach. Lately, I must admit it has been working. I push myself, chanting silently, " I can do this!"

My capelet has continued to grow. In my next installment, I will add a few pictures of it. Two rows separate me from the second page of the pattern. I love that feeling! It is so empowering to see the progress I have made. Soon, I will be wearing the cape. If I focus intensely on it, by Christmas it will be part of my ensemble.

Supportive stitches.......

Great Inspiring Day!!!!

Today was one of those days that are worth reliving!! I went to see my cousin's North American movie premiere and it was very exciting and wonderful to see him in his film element. I am so proud of him. Even my pictures of me with him came out great and I don't like taking pictures.

I also got alot of cross stitching done this morning. Finally, the best Christmas Ornament for my personal holiday exchange popped out at me from one of my many hard-cover cross stitch books and I was able to get at least 1/3 of it done. Whew..... now I just have to think of how to "finish" the ornament.

My hair looked great today! I know it is a bit vain, but I have never been so happy to have gotten a haircut. Last week, something came over me and I went to get my haircut. She did a great job. Today, I was thrilled that I did actually go because my usual m.o. is to get a trim every 6 months. YIPPEEE..... my hair looked great in the pictures. Like I said, it is very vain, but if you knew me on a personal basis, I have let myself go. No manicures, no haircuts, no eyebrow waxings....... so it is a real treat for me to actually go. Yup, i need to go more often because it is a great pick me up and it helps my self confidence a great deal. Need to spend more time and money on me instead of everyone else.

But the best thing today was that I gave my cousin our grandaunt's gift. He will hand deliver it to her in two weeks. That was the best thing that could have ever happened this weekend. I am at peace. With the pillow went a card where I wrote her a few heartfelt words.

If I could bottle all of the great feelings that are going through me I would. I didn't think I would be able to make it today because of my fall yesterday, but it turned out to be a wonderful day in New York City. Reminds me of one of the songs in the movie "You've Got Mail".

I love New York City. It has so much to offer and I have not embibed of its sweetness. Today, I enjoyed its offerings and I was inspired to do and be so much more.

Wishing all of us happy and wonderful stitches........

Peace Love and a Cure Finished!!

Good and bad things happened today. First, the good things.

I was able to finish Lizzie Kate's "Peace, Love and a Cure" for my grandaunt during a marathon stitching event spurred on by my cousin's impromptu arrival. He will be in town for 1 and 1/2 days. Here is to hoping I will see him tomorrow and give him the gift for our grandaunt.

Every stitch is made with lots of love and "homesickness". It has been a very long time since I have seen my aunts, uncles and cousins. There are times that I wish I could get on a plane and see them, but airline tickets are so expensive for all of us to go that it becomes financially impossible.

Well, now for the bad news. I fell in the bathroom and banged my knees pretty badly against the porcelain tub. OUCH!!!! My knees are swollen. I was very lucky I did not hit my kneecaps or else I would have definitely cracked them. So, here I am hoping I will not be too sore to see my cousin tomorrow. My fingers are crossed!

Without any ado.... here is my finished Peace, Love and a Cure........

Peace, Love and a Cure

(back)

Pressed front with seam margins

Peace, Love and a Cure
in finished pillow form

The pillowback

There you have it! All done!! I really like the way that it came out. You may see that I did not stitch the peace symbol, or the flower or even the hearts because I wanted the piece to be simple and elegant. Maybe it is too simple, but it is given with so much love that I am sure it will shine through. Unfortunately, yesterday, I learned that my grandaunt is receiving daily morphine shots to help with the pain. The thought hurts my heart and I can only think of the opportunity that my cousin's impromptu visit brings me to send her the pillow.

On the knitting front, my capelet has grown immensely. I am almost on page 2 of the pattern and I am overjoyed to pieces over it. It is my plan to have it professionally steam pressed by my dry cleaner. I guess that I will be able to get lots more done while my knees heal.

As I sit here, with the movie "You've Got Mail" playing, I can't seem to stop thinking that life is pretty good. I feel emotionally at peace knowing that my stitching will help someone and that my crafting soothes my soul whenever I practice it.

Soothing stitches to all .........