Between The Stitches

Thank you, friends

2012-01-25T23:17:00.002-05:00

for your very kind welcome back. Good to know that you are there. I will definitely look up those anti-viral addy's to see what is available for free. As a matter of fact, another friend showed me the AVG site and I was impressed (shh... doesn't take much to impress me IT wise LOL).

Sorry to hear that your son had so many problems with his computer. I don't think that people understand until it happens to them. This experience has definitely made me more careful of things that deal with passwords and accounts. A little paranoid, yes, but I admit it. Crazy to think that there are faked sites that mimic the real sites so well. You really have to look at the address your computer is linking up to. Lesson learned.

Cucki, did you receive the kit yet? I sent it a bit after Christmas for two reasons: the post office's I go to were so packed with people the waits were about an hour and I was afraid the package would take even longer to get there because of the Christmas rush. I would have rather it be home safe than in a bin waiting for its turn. If you haven't gotten it, you should have it any day now. I hope that you like it.

On the trading front, things are going well. This year, I am reaping the benefits of last year's search. Yippee!! Hope to trade a few more times this month. A friend once told me about 20 years ago that , "One man's garbage is another man's treasure." If I remember correctly that line is from a song. Maybe a Grateful Dead song. Don't quote me but he was really into the Grateful Dead. Well, in trading this proves to be the case for me. We don't trade garbage obviously, but trading what we don't use for something that we really want but can't get is a blessing. More than that, the friendships made are really out of this world. I can't begin to tell you how much they mean to me. Especially when I am having an "off" day to hear that something I did put a smile on someone's face for a while makes the day better.

It is true that someone somewhere is always thinking about you. I think of my friends everyday and there are times that one remembers those acquaintances from high school or college or former jobs and then somehow their names pop up in conversation out of the blue. We are all connected somehow in good ways.

Our shop, The Stitcher's Market, is going well. We definitely have to list the items that we have in stock and those that we can get. The journey is challenging and worth it. Like many stitchers I can get carried away and want every new thing that comes out. LOL. I am not immune. LOL.

Kids are growing like weeds!!!!! I no longer need to eat the leftovers the kids don't want. You remember that part of parenting, right? The kids don't want to eat something so they leave it behind and then you eat the rest. Well, that has become my DS' main goal in life. If I leave anything alone for more than 5 minutes, invariably the question will come, "Are you going to eat that?" What can you say other than, "Sweetheart, if you want it, you can have it." I don't know where he puts it. Kid is closing in on 6 feet at a really fast pace. If it is edible, it is GONE. It's a bottomless pit I tell you.

DD is closing in on 3 feet. Crazy, I tell you. The clothes baggy and long clothes that Christmas brought are now either just the right length or too short. Wait..... it has only been a month! Those clothes were baggy and long two weeks ago. Can't even blame the clothes dryer for that one. We are holding on the shoes.... both DS and DD's feet grow slowly. Rest assured, that is the ONLY part of them that grows slowly. But don't think that my son is falling over on tiny feet. He wears a 10 1/2 already. Lately, sneakers have been averaging 6 months for both. I think that is acceptable.

Need my stitching mojo to come back. Me thinks it is because I need glasses. (Shhhhhh) Yes, the eyeballs are straining and the eyelids are squinting and I have to face the fact that even with magnification the evenweave holes are still blurry.

DH and I watched Stargate Universe on Netflix last week. Some bonding time there with me talking to the characters and him keeping quiet. I over analyze television shows out loud. Yes, I am guilty of saying things like, "Is this a sci-fi show or a romance novel?" "No, no, no, don't have casual relationships with two or three people at a time, not good for the gene pool." And my favorite....."How can it be possible that no one is pregnant billions of years away from Earth?" Let's face it, almost everyone is in a relationship, no birth control, and no one is pregnant. Not very realistic there with the young nubile crowd. LOL. Yup, science fiction there, for sure!! LOL!!

If you have been with me this far, thanks for reading. I usually don't write long posts like this one so I hope that you enjoyed my ramblings.

Even stitches.....

Did you miss me?

2012-01-24T18:53:00.002-05:00

Believe me, it was not intentional.

The computer that I use for my blogging and everything else was infected with at least 50 viruses. It got so bad that I could not even get it to load anything. Scary, scary!!

I guess that at some point in my life I did something really kind for someone, because someone I know offered to use their expertise to help me clean the computer. It took 5 days! I had worms and viruses. Even my viruses had viruses.

He found a keystroke logger, trackers and other things that are just plain scary. So, I have learned my lesson and will purchase anti-virus software as soon as my pocketbook lets me. I have 25 days to purchase it since I have the trial version right now.

Plan to get him at least a gift card to Dunkin Donuts, he saved me money I don't have. There were times I was going to just throw out this computer thinking that it was garbage. Not so, it was just infected.

Thought I would share that with you so you can learn from my experience and keep safe.

Scary, scary.... and it is not even Halloween....

Good News!! Under the Wire for 2011

2011-12-31T21:24:00.002-05:00

My hands are stiff, my eyes are wonky, because they have done great work in completing a beautiful shawlette for my daughter. It is grey/silver lace with pretty shell ruffle on the edges.

Will post picture tomorrow because camera batteries are on hiatus (not that they work overtime or anything like that.. lol...)

Two days work, all worth the ripping and the recounting at 3 o'clock in the morning. Don't know if I will lightly block it yet.... it does drape beautifully now. Even when se grows taller, it will drape perfectly over her shoulders.

I always beam when I make things for my princess and they fit!!

Fairytale stitches.....

2012 is on it's way

2011-12-31T18:31:00.003-05:00

Wishing all my friends and their families a fabulous 2012.
Wishing you smiles and tears of joy.
Wishing you peace and wonderful excitement.
Wishing you rainbows and enough rain to make them brighter.

Wishing you your heart's desire.

Let's make 2012 a year to remember!

Happy New Year stitches.....

Last scarf project of 2011

2011-12-31T14:23:00.003-05:00

Well, well. this was an unexpected quickie of a project! My projected wear date is Easter 2012.... yeah, started a tad early.

100% cotton ... yarn from stash ...
Basketweave stitch repeat pattern

Hubby is making cheesy Crescent rolls, yummy!!

I expect to be back in a couple of hours. There is another crochet project on the hook that may get done in a few hours, if I can keep my sanity... LOL...

Happy stitches.....

Thank You Penpal!!

2011-12-20T20:26:00.003-05:00

The postie brought my last letter from my penpal yesterday. Hubby brought the package to me at work. (He's a keeper). Anywhoooo... I couldn't wait to open it because I knew that there would be a letter inside from my penpal and I would finally know who had sent me my favorite Weeks Dye Works thread colors. She had also sent a large envelope with a very hard item inside which I thought was either a book or a frame. Hmmm....I was getting even more curious.

I have to say that even though I LOVE cross stitch, I was secretly hoping that it wasn't cross stitch related because I was caught in a weird S.A.B.L.E. moment and I wanted something i could share with the kids. She must have known because inside was a wonderful letter letting me know that her grandson was born healthy. Along with that was a beautiful book, The Tale of the Three Trees retold by Angela Elwell Hunt and illustrated by Tim Jonke. She also sent me 4 gorgeous blank cards.

I wanted to say THANK YOU for the most lovely gift. I read and re-read the book with tears in my eyes. The true meaning of Christmas. I will read the book to my children at Christmas, it is truly lovely.

All in all, I am very happy to have met such a nice and thoughtful person in my penpal and will continue to keep that relationship alive.

I feel blessed....blessings to all.....

Christmas will be here soon......

2011-12-18T17:58:00.002-05:00

and I am not ready.

Luckily, I was able to pick up all of my children's gifts on during the Black Friday sales. Now, it's just the gift certificates and cards that are left. Hubby and I will exchange gifts after Christmas during the after Christmas sales.

This year I will be home for the week between Christmas and New Year's so it will be a wonderful time to spend time with the family and shop leisurely.

I received a wonderful exchange gift from my friend Lucy. We have exchanged gifts for the past 10 years or so. It's a very special bond that we have nutured throughout the years.

Back to knitting the red and whte sweater for my DD. If I don't finish it for Christmas, there is little hope that she would be able to wear it for much longer. Yes, she stretched out a bit since the RIPPING event. I now knit, knit, knit hoping for a quick finish before Christmas. I will definitely post a picture of that sweater here.

This year I was able to have a few giveaways and meet new friends. I joined a few exchanges and hopefully brought joy to other people. Looking forward to joining a couple of exchanges next year and continuing with my personal exchanges too.

For now, I am purling those stitches.....

And the Winner is.....

2011-12-18T10:15:00.003-05:00

The winner of my 150th reader giveaway is:

CUCKI

Congratulations Cucki!! You have been a very loyal reader since you joined my blog. Your uplifting comments and readership is so very much appreciated!

Thank you to all who entered the giveway. Winner was chosen by counting all entries and asking an innocent bystander (read: hubby) to choose any number within the given range. He chose the number 6. That was Cucki's lucky number.

Happy stitching to all......

Blog Giveaway Ends TODAY!!

2011-12-17T23:08:00.002-05:00

You have to be in it to win it!!

Open to all of my registered blog followers who have left a comment on the giveaway post below:

Good luck to all!!

http://betweenthestitches.blogspot.com/2011/12/because-i-love-paris-giveaway.html

Pen Pal News and Giveaway Update

2011-12-14T12:45:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!!

Not much happening in my world to blog about except two things for now.

This month marks the end of my penpal card exchange. My card has been sent out with the very best holiday wishes and hopes for a blessed New Year.

Special grandma wishes to the person who received me as their penpal. Hope that all goes fantastically well and a bouncing bundle of joy arrives bringing the best of blessings.

My giveaway is closing soon and it seems to be a promising intimate group of followers in the running. It is a gorgeous kit and I am sure that when stitched it is even more stunning.

That is about it folks! Hope that everyone is having a wonderful day.

Peaceful stitches....

Because I Love Paris Giveaway!!

2011-12-04T16:50:00.005-05:00

Hello Everybody!!

This giveaway has been long awaited. Today I have been inspired and have come up with a humble and beautiful giveaway.

As many people who read my blog know I love Paris, I love Disney and I love cross stitch. Those are three things about me that I think will never change.

This giveaway combines Paris and cross stitch! YAY YOU!!

Weekend in Paris
Dimensions Gold Collection Petites Cross Stitch Kit
Kit contains cotton thread, 18ct ivory Aida, chart, needle and easy instructions.

How to enter this giveaway:

1. Be or become a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post with your blog address or a way to reach you if you are the winner for ONE chance.

2. Post about this giveaway on your blog. Either a post or on your side bar for another chance.
Let me know that you have done this so you can get chance #2.

It's that simple! I want to give as many people as possible a chance to win.

This is a very pretty kit.

Giveaway is open WORLDWIDE. If you already have this kit, let your friends know about the giveaway. Maybe they would like to try for it.

GIVEAWAY ENDS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2011.
RECIPIENT OF GIVEAWAY WILL BE POSTED DECEMBER 18, 2011.

Thank you to all my friends and followers. Your comments are appreciated.

Stitch happy and good luck!

Knit, Knit, Knit, RRIIIIPPPPP Twice

2011-11-27T16:25:00.002-05:00

There you have it and I thought I was doing so well.

Don't know what to say, well, I do know what I want to say, but this is a G rated blog. It is very heartbreaking to get both front panels knitted up to the neck to see that one side is off, then to fix it to note that it was correct in the first place. Look at the other panel and not be able to figure out how to even the panel out with the mistakenly ripped out opposite panel.... so to make everything even..... I RIPPED out both panels in order to start over.

Hopefully, I have learned what the panels are supposed to look like and will be able to knit them when my hands are looser.

Please send happy knitting vibes.... I don't think I could rip it out again....

Grateful stitches......

Is it Me???

2011-11-13T13:55:00.003-05:00

First of all, I think I am on a cross stitch wanting binge! Every chart I see, I want. Aside from that, the ones I want are the most expensive foreign charts that have to be purchased in Euros. I am not complaining, just observing that my tastes are truly expensive. This is setting aside that I have more charts and magazines in my stash that would take me 10 lifetimes to stitch.

There is a part of me that is thankful, I only stitch with DMC or Sullivan's overdyed (some WDW and Crescent Colors too) because that keeps the cost a bit lower. I am scared to look at the silks because then I would truly be lost. LOL.

This makes it hard to buy Christmas gifts for myself. The only alternative is to buy them all a bit at a time.

My favorites are Renato Parolin, Isabelle Vautier, Filigram, AAN, AMAP, Nimue and so many others that the list would be 3 posts long. All I am saying is that no matter how much I have designers are coming up with the newest and freshest ideas that are must-haves to me. That is awesome because it keeps the art alive and fresh and evolving.

Do you also feel this way? Are you even more lost than I am? Are you a lifetime collector?
Do you have lifetimes of stitching collected and still collect more and more? Are we cross-stitch hoarders?????

I call it my retirement fund.

Supportive stitches.....

Je t'aime, un peu, beaucoup

2011-11-13T11:28:00.003-05:00

Or otherwise known as "My heart avatar".

I have finally found the information for this gorgeous heart:
Magazine: Mains & Merveilles Broiderie Creative
Special Marquoirs
Number: 13
Published: 2007
67 gorgeous pages.

Creator: Isabelle Vautier

It is the cover project.

The samplers in the magazine are all created by Isabelle Vautier and Michele Rain.

They are only samplers in this magazine.

There are so many more that I would want to stitch because they are all beautiful.

Little red stitches to all .....

A Couple of WIPS

2011-11-12T12:56:00.004-05:00

Happiness is knitting, cross stitching, blogging and figuring out how to make a collage of WIPS. Not all in that order, but very close.Blogging has taken a back seat lately because there hasn't been much going on to blog about. A kind of lull which I used to get a head-start on my DD's Christmas sweater. I think it is a bit obvious that it will be for Christmas, but I am making a bit bigger so that she may use it for Valentine's Day as well. Of course it is not to gauge!! You know me!! But, my thoughts on a baby's gauge is: Better bigger than smaller. That is because by the time I finish, usually the baby has grown an inch or more. So, I make the sleeves a little longer, even if I have to roll them up a bit for a month or two.

It is bittersweet when she outgrows them, but I keep her sweaters together as a memento for her. Hopefully she will treasure them as an adult.

WIPS I am working on

Today is a Netflix day. I will stream movies and knit or cross stitch while I hear and see them. Sometimes I do that do you?

The teddy bear picture is one from my Disney WIP. I have no idea how long it will take to stitch and I am in no hurry.

This is the Disney WIP as it is now:

That is it for this entry. Going back to create some more...

Cross those stitches......

Shout out to everybody!!

2011-10-23T13:51:00.002-04:00

Guess I have been quiet lately. Nothing much going on around here.

My penpal is expecting a grandchild. How exciting!! I wish her daughter the very best delivery.

Lately I have just been going to friends blogs, reading and commenting.

Hoping that everyone is having a wonderful weekend. They go by so fast, right??

Yes, I will post another giveway soon. I just haven't chosen what it will be.

Weekend stitches to all....

Website help needed, please

2011-10-14T00:20:00.003-04:00

Do any of my readers know of any website designers that design for websites hosted by Go Daddy and use the Website Tonight website builder? Somehow, I think Go Daddy was not the best choice for the website. I can't make heads or tails out of it.

I am helping hubby look for someone who can create anything at this point for the shop's website. The blog is up, and we are happy with that, but the graphics used for the blog, is not able to be used on the website. It won't copy over.

It has gotten to the point that the cute graphics we purchased for the website, will probably be used for the blog.

Very frustrated over this situation because all of the people that I have contacted through Etsy do not design for that platform. Of course, I did not know that beforehand. The price was great and they had templates, but we don't like any of them because they are not crafty types.

Any graphic designers here? Website designers? Help!!!! Thank you!!

SOS stitches...

Teddy Bear Stitches and other musings

2011-10-12T14:20:00.006-04:00

Yay!! I stitched a tiny teddy bear today! A tiny tiny step for some, but a huge step for me since the teddy bear is part of my Disney Neighborhood RR. Little by little I will make my imaginative neighborhood a reality.

After my "stitching victory", I turned to another fantastic Christmas idea born last week and started looking through my fabric stash. While I searched and searched, I came to the conclusion that I in my earlier stitching life I had been a fabric magnet. Lots of my fabric comes from monthly automatics from years ago while almost an equal amount comes from trading. Of course some of it comes from just plain old buying. LOL.

Ten years ago, I traded on a constant basis. Many trades were completed because my trading partner really wanted something I had. Since I did not need more charts, I would trade for fabric. That is how I managed to collect yards of fabric colors I did not need (then). Now, I am thinking I was psychic because they are exactly the colors I need now.

So far this day has been great! Stitched a little, stash fondled, blogged a bit. Most of all I relaxed and spent the day with my DD who sat on my lap while watching Elmo. She loves Elmo. I think I have a Sesame Street cross stitch book somewhere with Elmo in it. I think her favorite song is "Elmo's World".

Sara: You can start stalking your postie. Your envelope is on its way.

I'll have pictures of the small amount of stitching I have done posted today. Have to go and play "hide and seek".

Relaxing stitches.....

And the RECIPIENT of the GIVEAWAY is......

2011-09-28T20:00:00.004-04:00

There were 84 entries for this giveaway. I used www.mathgoodies.com/calculators/random_no_custom.html to select the lucky recipient of this giveaway. It chose lucky number 45.

But first, you do want to see what the extra gift is, right?

I have added the Gloria and Pat Merry Christmas 1973-1993 booklet and my favorite Blue Moon Ladybug charm as the extra item for reaching 150 readers. Those who have stitched many decades know that the booklet is very hard to find. It was a promotional piece that shops gave out in 1993. Gloria and Pat celebrated 20 years of needlework publishing that year. 17 gorgeous designs. Yes, the booklet is 18 years old and looks just published. The second little gift that I put in as a personal token is my favorite ladybug charm. I think it is the cutest thing.

It is my pleasure to announce that the recipient of these two items along with the JCS 2011 Halloween issue, the coffee cross stitch kit, the pumpkin stickers, the heart post-its, and the three Sullivans overdyed flosses is:

XEIHUA (SARA)

Xeihua and all of my readers who entered this humble giveaway:

Thank you for participating and your readership. I truly hope that we can all become a community of friends. I enjoy all of your blogs and truly appreciate the time that you spend with with me while surfing the net.

Please join me in congratulating XEIHUA. Sara, please contact me via email so I can get your package together and ready to mail.

THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES IN APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS!!!! STAY TUNED FOR MY NEXT GIVEAWAY CELEBRATING 150 READERS.

Celebration stitches......

GIVEAWAY COUNTDOWN

2011-09-26T20:10:00.003-04:00

Just a few more hours till the ***ding ding ding, complete your entry and step away from the computer*** portion of the giveaway.

California, Alaska and Hawaii have a few more hours to go.

Yes, I will be adding another item to the giveaway, because we are 152 readers strong.

Don't know what it will be yet, but it will be a fun item (craft related). Will show pic of the goodies with winner's name by Wednesday the 28th. That will give me enough time to tabulate and choose the item.

Remember, because we did reach 150 readers, I will have another giveaway most likely 2 weeks from now. That was my blog challenge.

Good luck to all! There is still at least 12 more hours to go!

Thank you for entering. I am very happy to share stash with you.

Lucky stitches.....
CSQ

Our Trip to Jersey. A Pictorial

2011-09-19T00:18:00.008-04:00

Usually, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes max from our place to Jersey. Half way into the trip, I remembered I had my camera and started taking pictures. I thought you would like to see them since they offer a different perspective on NYC.

Here we go:

going up 57th Street to 9th Avenue

Still going up to 9th Avenue

We're on 9th Avenue

One of my favorite pics on 9th Ave. Love the pig statuette and the store next to it.

Waiting at the Lincoln Tunnel

Still waiting at the Lincoln Tunnel, we saw the blimp overhead the church steeple. It came and left. Still waiting at the Lincoln Tunnel, the blimp came back. I had time to adjust the camera to take picture.

Still waiting at the Lincoln Tunnel, I was able to take the picture of the blimp making it's second turn back.

Finally, in Jersey..... as we were driving, I managed to take a picture of NYC skyline.

Three three hours and 15 minutes later, (yes, we were VERY late), our sweet princess was in a great mood..... priceless... Had to take this picture of her and share it. I think she is very pretty, but I am her mom. She has the fine features, the curly hair and the big eyes. I think she could model baby things. Definitely photogenic. What do you think?

Till next time

Happy stitches.....

September 12th and the days after...

2011-09-12T19:40:00.003-04:00

"Two sticks, a dash, a birthday cake with a stick going down" was a code for 9/11. A date that doesn't need a year after it because it was the day terror knocked at our door. How could we forget the face of evil? Since 9/12, I think it is more important remember the faces of the heroes, their families and the love and strength they give us everyday.

We see their faces and hear of them daily when there is talk of their children, or in my instance when I talk to friends of that day and inevitably find out that we had friends in common who suffered great losses that day. On anniversaries we read or hear of the last calls they made. Of the ones we know, most were words of love. They called their parents, wives, husbands, children, friends to say " I love you." Even amidst great fear of the unknown, they felt and wanted to share love.

"And now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is love."
I Corinthians 13:13.

Simultaneously heroes were on their way to rescue those in need. I truly believe that much love for humanity must have existed within all the responders of that day. For "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. " John 15:13

While I was shaking in fear on 9/11 holding my son thinking that my husband had perished, fear overtook me. When he returned that late afternoon, relief flooded through me. We walked ouside together, smelled and tasted the grit in the air like a meal. Days after, a smell lingered in the air everywhere we went.

Tragedy brought a great deal more of love and unity on that day than any hate could. Lots of love along with the unity of humanity was felt on that day. We are still rising from the ashes day by day. Those that perished give us their love and strength every day for us to continue and enjoy life. I prefer to think they want to be remembered for the love that they gave.

I am friends with one of the first responders and it never ceases to amaze me the peace and the love he has in his heart. These days he suffers from alot of ailments due to the inhaled dust. But, he would not have done anything differently that day. He still works everyday and loves his family and friends greatly.

So today, ten 9/11's later I have faith that we will rise from the ashes stronger than before, I hope that my children never have to live through such devastation again, and feel the love the heroes and their families offer us every day through their daily sacrifice.

Everyone remembers that day differently. I choose to remember the love shown that day, for hate fosters hate and love engenders love. Together the strength of that love will aid in our forging ahead and rebuilding Ground Zero to greater glory.

God bless America and our troops.

Loving stitches...
CSQ

Giveaway Celebrating 100th Reader

2011-09-12T00:12:00.005-04:00

Here we are together celebrating a wonderful blog moment. It seems that I have definitely taken blogging seriously this year and I am happy that you come to read my thoughts. Thank you for coming, this giveaway is for you! I wish that I could give something to everyone who spends time with me. For now, please know that I am sincerely grateful for your readership.

It was important for me to giveaway something pertaining to the season. We are heading to Fall here in the Northeast, and Halloween is not far away.

2011 JCS Halloween Magazine
Jolee's by You - Pumpkin & Leaves Stickers
Coffee Bottomless Cup Cross Stitch kit
1 skein Sullivans Overdyed Almond Delight Floss
1 skein Overdyed Champagne Floss
1 skein Overdyed Pearl Cotton Cappuccino
Heart Shaped Sticky Notes

There you have it. I hope that you can see the picture clearly and that you like the items.
The Cappuccino overdyed Pearl Cotton is absolutely gorgeous!

So of course there are a couple of rules.

1.- Become a follower of my blog. Leave a comment only on this entry to be in drawing.
2. Let your friends know about this giveaway on your blog or facebook page. If you let me know that you have put my giveaway on your blog, you will get another entry.

If during this giveaway I reach 150 readers, I will add another item to the giveaway.

This giveaway is open to all parts of the world. Let your friends know especially if they are overseas. They will most likely not be able to find these items as easily.

GIVEAWAY DRAWING SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

Good Luck to everyone who enters!

Lucky stitches......

YAY!!!! Happy Dancing!!

2011-09-07T23:33:00.002-04:00

What a wonderful feeling!! We are 102 members strong.

You like me, yes, you like me :giggle: giggle. I am like a little girl thrilled with life.

Yay, a giveaway is coming to thank all my friends. I get to share some stash. I love sharing stash. Let me go and hunt for a few things. I thought was prepared for this moment but I am so happy, I can't pick clearly.

I will start the giveaway this weekend....stay tuned. If I am on your blogroll, you will see the giveaway as soon as it posts.

Hunting stitches.....

My review of 2011 JCS Halloween Collection

2011-09-02T00:02:00.002-04:00

Today, the JCS 2011 Halloween Collection walked in the door. It was worth the wait I thought.

Links to my review on the shop blog are below. I did a page by page review. Savored it to the end, I did. Then I chose my favorite three.

It is pretty long, but I wanted to pay it the respect it deserved. Many designers poured hours into their craft to make the collection a success. I respect that. That is why I reviewed it in "real time".

If you have a chance, please take a looksie and share with me any comments and thoughts. Maybe even your favorite 3.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Happy reading!
CSQ

AccuQuilt on Sale

2011-08-31T19:49:00.003-04:00

For all the USA readers of my blog, I thought you would want to know that Joann Fabric and Craft stores are having a sale on their AccuQuilt Go! on Labor Day Weekend. From Fri.-Mon., Sept. 2-5, the AccuQuilt Go! Fabric Cutting Machine sells for $199.99 each. That is a great price when you figure that the regular price is $349.00.

So, if you have been signing up for giveaway after giveaway for the AccuQuilt Go! Baby and haven't won, maybe the sale for the bigger version is right up your alley.

Speaking of giveaways, I am 24 followers shy of my next giveaway! Please let your friends know about my blog. I can't wait to meet them and share my stash!

Stitching and stashing stitches....

Introducing ALICIA and my WIP

2011-08-30T20:23:00.005-04:00

A lovely surprise greeted me on an unexpected and "coupon-less" trip to Joann Fabrics today. Especially sweet since a few months ago I mildly ranted at the store that I didn't understand how or why a Joann Fabrics shop would not order a Joann Fabrics exclusive. They order their exclusive fabrics (which I buy), and their exclusive notions and cutsie items (which I buy), so why not their exclusive Gingher scissors (which I want to buy)?

So, today as I walked toward the Halloween fabrics...BLINK, BLINK, BLINK... were my eyes deceiving me? I hadn't heard of any new Gingher releases other than TESSA which are coming soon, but faster than fast my legs rushed toward the peg wall and introduced myself to ALICIA and let her know she was coming home with me to be with her sisters.

She was a little more than I was looking to spend because I was "coupon-less" and our shops do not give you the coupon price without the coupon. (I always ask because I am always "coupon-less" and always get the same answer). But, I couldn't wait for the coupon or the sale because then they would be sold-out. Been there, done that LOTS of times and then I am at the mercy of eBay where I bid and bid and don't win. (Elena and a couple of others have slipped me by).

Afterward, I went to Michael's where I purchased a few educational aids for my daughter. Once I paid for them, I remembered, I own a gift card for Michael's that I haven't used in my pocketbook (yes, the one I had with me). Oh well, I'll use that one for my son once his school projects are given.

So there you have it...my stash buying afternoon. What? What? You are waiting for pictures of ALICIA and my WIP????? Okay.... just because you asked so nicely.....

Alicia and my WIP
scissor handle is light teal, dark peacock flowers, a few green leaves, couple of scroll leaves
WIP: Freebie from Liselotte.

And for the quilters here is a picture of my pink stash. (of course only a miniscule amount of it).

Hope you have enjoyed your stay!

Friendly stitches....
CSQ

Fixed It!

2011-08-29T14:36:00.002-04:00

Days after I started the correcting process, my blog now shows a sidebar. Not only that, but I learned alot about html tags and blog design.

Unfortunately, I had to delete two blog entries because the html code was so messy and disconnected that in order to save the blog I had to sacrifice them. It was a tough decision because the entries had the most follower comments I had ever received and I thrive on them. But, as Spock said, "The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few." I did not want to transfer the blog to another blog program and then possibly lose even more entries.

I wanted to update you because your readership means a great deal to me. Soon, other entries with pictures will follow and the blog will be up-to-speed again.

Thanks for your patience,

CSQ

WANTED: Unbiased Accuquilt Reviews

2011-08-17T00:27:00.004-04:00

Hey there! Thanks for dropping by and spending some time with me!!

I have updated a few giveaways on my sidebar and let me tell you they get better and better every week. Stitchers are a generous bunch! Glad to be in such wonderful company.

If you have read my blog, you know that I read alot (stitch a little), collect even more, and love having giveaways.

Anywhoooo, through my blog-hopping, I have encountered countless Accuquilt giveaways and over-the-top reviews of a cutter that can do no wrong. Usually these reviews are from bloggers who have received an Accuquilt Go! Baby from Accuquilt and are having a free giveaway as well sponsored by Accuquilt.

So, I am looking for unbiased reviews of Accuquilt products. Have you used them? Do you like them? Would you buy them? What's the downside? If you have had any contact with one of the babies.... let me know via a comment. You would be helping lots of other stitchers who have the same question!!

Remember that I will have a giveaway once I reach 100 readers and then subsequent giveaways at each 50+ marker. If you are a new reader, I would be glad to trade blogroll space.

Curious stitches...
CSQ

Please help me grow... Blog Challenge

2011-08-14T11:46:00.004-04:00

One of my blogging goals and hopes for this year 2011 is not only to blog more (of course), but to grow its readership community.

I enjoy blog reading and am so inspired by the creativity I see everyday in them. If you are also looking to expand your blog readership, I would love to trade blog links with you. Whether it is a quilting, cross stitch, knitting, crochet, tatting, weaving, patchwork, written in Spanish, English, French, Italian, Russian or any combination thereof, I would be glad to trade links and add yours on my blogroll on my side bar.

When I reach 100 readers and at every additional 50 reader mark, I will have a giveaway. My blog challenge for 2011 is to reach 500 readers.

Please leave me a comment on this entry with your blog address. Together we can help each other grow and meet lots of other bloggers with the similar interests.

Thanks for your support. I appreciate every single friend who reads my blog. Your comments make me very happy!!

Growing stitches to all ....

I'm In Love..... Shhhhhhhh!!!!!

2011-08-12T12:57:00.002-04:00

People that know me know that they just have to start talking about European landmarks or travelling to get me to talk. I enjoy travelling very much. If exchanging money wasn't so expensive, I would be on a perpetual vacation. Friends that know me know that I am a wimp when it comes to collecting landmark souvenirs, fabrics, cross stitch charts, cutsie cartoon characters .... yeah that is me.

If Paddington Bear is at a train station with his luggage..... I am either bidding for it, entering a contest for it or hunting for it. (yeah, I got it... LOL).

Something else about me, even though I think it is over the top. I think that everything has feelings. I guess that I transfer the feelings of the creator to their creation. If I have nothing nice to say about something, after I bite my tongue enough so it bleeds, I say nothing at all. Yeah, sometimes my silence speaks volumes. Other times, I really have nothing to say. Anyway this is important because......

I really, truly go over the top with the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Pyramids everything, except the NYC landmarks. **Yes, yes, that is so horrible of me** I have been that way for a very long time. I have friends/family who go on and on about the Empire State Building and Central Park. I just can't find the honeymoon love-affair with it. Maybe it is because I take it for granted. I can go there whenever I want.

The only NYC landmark that I miss everyday is the World Trade Center. I used to work there for many years and knew people who were killed there. Ground Zero is in my heart and will always be. Holds a place like no other. I was there the Sunday before it came down and will always remember it.

Back to happier things.... soooo.... now that you know my souvenir / cross stitching / fabric weaknesses.... let me tell you about the place that I have fallen in love with.....

New York City! The other day I found the most beautiful fabrics depicting the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Station, NYC taxis, Broadway and so many other NYC landmarks that I just fell in love with the city all over again. Now, I can't wait to go and look at the Empire State Building again!

By the way, there are a few places that I have been to that I think are the most beautiful on earth.... the nightime NYC skyline from the BQE breathtaking, especially when the Empire State building is lit up in colors. The Eiffel Tower, any day, any hour. Big Ben at night, Cinderella's Castle Disney World at night especially. There is one place on earth that I could watch all day and night... the Cathedral at Cologne. I could sit across the bridge and look at it all day. So peaceful there. I am sure that there are lots of other places I think beautiful, but those are the first that come to mind.

Yesterday I received a card from Parsley, I am in her pen-pal exchange. Thank you for the wonderful post card!! It touched me to see that you take such a personal interest in the exchanges that you moderate.

My penpal as well, sent me not just a card, but Weeks Dye Works flosses and her favorite cross stitch designs and I am just INCREDIBLY HUMBLED to have received such a wonderful package with some of my favorite WDW colors... Dophin was in there and I have loved that color for years. I was spoiled by her and I will pass on that generosity to the person that I am sending to. The ring of generosity will grow with me.

Gosh, I also have the quilting bug and I am seriously considering getting an Accuquilt Go! Baby because I ain't winning one LOL....(okay, I haven't entered any of the Accuquilt giveaways..... LOL). Anyway, I have a week's vacation coming up and it does not look like we are going away this time because things are just tooooo expensive. I may just take a CRAFTING VACATION. (hmmmmmmm.... that is a thought).

As you may know, I will have a giveaway when I reach 100 friendly readers. I am soooooo itching to have another one! Would you let your blogging friends know so I may reach 100 readers quicker? I have blogged almost 5 years and am averaging 12 readers a year.... *thanks for being my friendly reader* I never take you for granted.

Well, there you have it, the longest post I have ever written, I think. No pics, but at least you know me better (if you have read the whole thing).

Souvenir stitches.....

It's Happened....

2011-08-09T20:10:00.002-04:00

My 12 year-old DS is taller than me. I think it happened a few months ago while he was 11, but the high heels kept me in denial. Bittersweet moment 3/4 of me is happy that he is getting taller and handsomer.... 1/4 of me is sad that I am the second shortest in my home.

Soon, I will have everyone sit in front of me while I stand, so I can feel tall again LOL....LOL...

Stitch away..

JCS ~ HALLOWEEN MAGAZINE ~ PREORDER SALE

2011-08-06T20:30:00.007-04:00

Has everyone seen the cover of this wonderful magazine? Well, if you haven't here it is:

It's 100 pages and is expected to arrive early September just in time for Halloween stitching. I already see a few favorites on the cover that I would like to stitch. Do you?

The Stitcher's Market is having a great pre-order sale that you may be interested in. They are also pre-ordering the Gingher's Tessa scissors, so if you are interested in those let them know.

Here is a picture of the Tessa, new Gingher scissor due out around September:

Those are gorgeous aren't they? I have managed through the years to get a few Gingher's in my collection. Still, I am missing a lot of them. Maybe one day, I will be able to find the older ones at a reasonable price. Sometimes eBay prices are just not reasonable for my budget.

Sharing the sale with my friends here because you never know when info comes in handy.

Finally put in a couple of stitches on a freebie I just had to stitch! That is a great feeling!

Stitch, stitch.....

Dixie Samplar is still Blogging! (Giveaway)

2011-08-04T20:35:00.004-04:00

Yuppers she is and not only that but she is having a giveaway as well.

Dixies Samplar

So head on down there and let her know that you are happy she is back online.

Thanks for passing by today and becoming a friendly follower. When I get to 100 friendly followers, I will have a fabulous giveaway!

Hope to get some stitching pics up in the next few days.

Good luck to all who enter the giveaways I have posted. If you are a winner, please come back and let us know.

Lucky stitches to all!
CSQ

Three Cross Stitch Giveaways!!!

2011-08-03T19:08:00.005-04:00

Now that I started followng LOTS of blogs, I figure it would only be fair to read them as well, right? In reading I have come across the following blogs that are having giveaways! These are THREE cross stitch giveaways.

Nicola's

Julie's

Peggy's

If you like my listing the giveaways that I find while blog reading, please let me know by leaving a comment below. I enjoy hearing from you and reading your blog. I reciprocate blogroll listings and love to share my enthusiasm of needlework with everyone. It would make me very happy to have many blog friends. At 100 blog friends, I will have a wonderful giveaway!!

Good luck to all!

Stitch away, my friends......CSQ

Welcome Amy! My sponsor....

2011-08-02T21:21:00.004-04:00

I have a secret to confess. Now, that I think about it, I pretty much confessed it a couple of blog articles back, but if you are just catching up with my blog, well, I will confess it again....

I was a quilter wannabe

I have changed my ways.... I am now a

QUILTER WANTOBE

I have always wanted to create heirloom quilts. Leave significant things for my children to remember my by. The memories and the good times are great, but there is something about a quilt that in my mind is the epitome of love. Don't get me wrong, cross stitch will always be my first love. If you really think about it..... a quilt is made up of tiny backstitches and backstitching has always been my favorite thing to do.

So, as I blog stalked, I found a wonderful quilting website: A Quilting Sheep. It's a wonderful place to go. I felt sooooo welcome and I read and read and then I saw a link to another blog (isn't that the way it always is... LOL). It was at Stash Manicure that I saw the light. There are alot of Quilter Wantobe's. I am not alone. There are others that can't cut a straight line, others like me who have stash and don't know what to do with it. Worse yet, I am scared make a mess of it and then have to throw the pretty fabric away.

So I joined the Wantobe a Quilter Campaign. Not for the prizes, but because maybe, just maybe I may get one block done and then another, and then another..... who knows..... a quilt may finally be born.

I share this story with you because maybe you are also interested in maybe learning something new, or maybe you have lots of quilting fabric stash that you really wish you could create an heirloom with.

I share my wish to be a quilter with you and you and you and you and all so that we can all support each other in piecing together our dream quilts, tablerunners, pillows, Christmas ornaments, toys etc.

Please consider Amy as your sponsor for the Wantobe a Quilter Campaign. I am glad that I found her.

Happy stitching from the

Creative Serial Quilter

A Third Accuquilt Go! Baby Giveaway!!!

2011-08-01T23:41:00.004-04:00

Hope every friendly follower is reading my blog, or else, you would be missing my giveaway listings. LOL.

I have found a third Accuquilt giveaway. These little fabric cutters are HOT HOT HOT. The more I see them, the more I want one

Love to hear from you if you are reading my blog.

Good luck to all!!

CSQ

A Second Accuquilt Go! Baby Giveaway

2011-08-01T20:04:00.003-04:00

Still hopping and sharing!

Most of all hoping that at least one of my friends who read my blog win a wonderful Accuquilt Go! Baby. Here is another giveaway for one of the hottest fabric cutters around.

I have listed the ongoing giveaways on the right side of my blog.

I appreciate any "Hi's" "Hello's". They really make me happy!! If you would like to follow my blog, I promise to have a wonderful giveaway when I reach 100 friend followers.

Good luck!!

Accuquilt Go Baby Giveaway

2011-08-01T19:27:00.004-04:00

As I blog hopped, I came across another wonderful Accuquilt Go! Baby giveaway.

Go on over and sign up.

Good luck everyone!!

CSQ

There is a quilt in me

2011-07-30T23:31:00.004-04:00

If you saw my fabric stash, you would think I was a quilter. My quilt magazine stash is sizeable with Quilt Sampler and American Patchwork and Quilting along with the European crafting magazines that have their chapters of patchwork in them. Even today, I picked up BH&G Quilt Pink for hope. Whenever I pass by full-size quilt block pattern magazines or books, I can't help myself but pick them up. I have the really pretty specialized quilt pattern books by Alex (can't remember her last name, but she is famous). I have tons of Christmas fabric, gorgeous Halloween fabric, awesome novelty fabrics, Disney fabrics, Flower Fairies fabric and a couple of OOP fabrics. I have scissors (okay, I would buy another pair) and the cutter as well as the self healing cutting mat. I even have the batting!

Obviously there is a quilt inside of me trying to get out..... I just don't get why I can't even cut a straight line. Forget the fact that 1/4 seams evade me like a vampire does garlic. I have the hand sewing irregular seams part down. LOL. I tried the paper piecing and I think I am going to give it another try.

Guess I am a quilting wannabe who will continue to try to get it right until that quilt comes out. Who knows, maybe another will follow....

If practice makes better, then I want to be the best I can be.

Again, I thank you for your comments. If you pass by, please say 'Hi". It means a great deal to me.

Make every stitch count..... ::smile::

I LIKE THE LETTER Q

2011-07-08T04:51:00.004-04:00

I really do like the letter Q. In fact, before I knew I was having a daughter, I would contemplate names starting with the letter Q. Well, that didn't come to pass, but I just noticed that my sign on name has the letter Q in it, and for now, I will start signing my posts CSQ, just because I like the letter Q.

Played around with fonts on the blog because, friends I must confess, I can barely see the little letters. So I made them bigger and darker. Got me learning a bit more about the Blogger Dashboard for sure.

Looked at my archived articles and noticed that 2010 was an incredibly quiet year for me. Now to get the stitching started. Hmmmmmm.

Thanks to all my friends that read my blog. May today be a great day for you!

CSQ

A SPECIAL GINGHER SCISSOR GIVEAWAY

2011-07-08T04:04:00.005-04:00

Feathers In The Nest is having a Gingher scissor "ELLA" giveaway in memory and honor of Caylee Anthony.

Here is the link:
http://feathersinthenest.blogspot.com/2011/07/gingher-scissor-giveaway-in-honor-of.html

RIP Caylee

Peaceful stitches,

CSQ

A SIXTH GIVEAWAY

2011-07-06T20:54:00.003-04:00

If you think I have passed three days reading blogs and typing up blog giveaway articles on my blog, you would be right! Can you believe how generous needleworkers are? I am humbled and happy to know that I can bring this news to to my readers.

It's Go! Baby (Accuquilt) giveaway time at:

http://threadgatherer.blogspot.com/2011/07/go-baby-giveaway-time.html

Hurry on up .... click click....

Good luck!!

Still Another Giveaway

2011-07-06T13:33:00.004-04:00

I hope that my readers are keeping track of these awesome giveaway opportunities. This is the FIFTH giveaway that I am posting on my blog.

Here is the link:

http://pathofpinsandneedles.blogspot.com/

So, if this is your first visit to my blog, please leave a comment and follow me so you can get the latest giveaway information. If you have a giveaway that you want to tell my part of the world email me or leave a message on this post.

This is the list of ongoing giveaways that I have posted this week. I will most likely start a section on the side of my blog, so everyone can see them easily.

We stitchers are a generous group.... inspires me to see all the giveaways!

Good luck to all participants!

EVEN ANOTHER GIVEWAY

2011-07-06T11:19:00.002-04:00

This is the FOURTH giveaway I have come across while blog reading this week. I am thrilled to have met so many wonderful crafters through my "travels".

The link to this wonderful giveaway is:

http://sillystitching.blogspot.com/

If you are like me, you will visit and look at all the cute quilt blocks she has created.

Awesome, blog! Make sure to congratulate her on her 200th post. That is a feat in itself!

Please remember the other three giveaways posted on this blog. The generosity of these bloggers is very heart warming.

I will condense them in a later post. Looking for another giveway to post..... LOL....

Good luck to all!!!!!

Parsley's Giveaway

2011-07-06T00:18:00.007-04:00

This is an AWESOME giveaway! One lucky winner will take all of these items and I wish everyone lots of luck!! Her rules are posted on her blog.

Here is the link:
http://seasonsofmymind.blogspot.com/
You are really going to enjoy her giveaway

3 Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament issues
5 Little House Needleworks Ornament Charts
Christmas Pins from Just Another Button Company
& a LIMITED EDITION Christmas bag of floss from Sampler Threads/The Gentle Art

WOWZA ....... right???????

Good luck to all who participate and don't forget the other two giveaways I have posted earlier this week on this blog.

Glad you dropped by, hope you enjoyed your visit.

GOOD LUCK STITCHES TO ALL....

Another July Giveaway

2011-07-05T17:06:00.002-04:00

Another wonderful giveaway to post about at:

http://oubliette-riona.blogspot.com/2011/07/july-giveaway.html

If you are reading my posts participating in these giveaways, please let me know. I appreciate your posts as I am feeling a bit lonely. I sit here and thnk of how can make my blog better for all of us. I appreciate any constructive tips.

Have a stitchy day!

Spotlight Blog: It's Daffycat

2011-07-05T12:09:00.004-04:00

I went blog reading again. It's what I do, when I am not writing in my blog. I am always so amazed by stitcher's blogs. You gals are so creative and computer literate. The colors, the projects and little gadgets just amaze me. Anyway, it seems that lots of stitcher's know about her blog because she has a community of followers. But, for all those who haven't gone to her blog, like me, here is the address. I have also added it to my bloglist at the right.

http://itsdaffycat.blogspot.com

Her way of writing is really captivating and her projects look so vibrant and professionally finished.

Go give her blog a looksie. It's a treat!

Stitch well......

GIVE AWAY @ THE STITCHER"S MARKET

2011-07-04T17:32:00.005-04:00

The Stitcher's Market is having a blog giveaway.

You can find the giveaway rules at:

http://www. thestitchersmarket.blogspot.com

Giveaway is for a Lizzie*Kate "Life's a Beach" Limited Kit.

If you sign up on their blog and let people on your blog / Facebook page know about the giveaway, plus "LIKE" then on Facebook, you can get up to 3 chances for the kit.

Go and check them out: http://www.thestitchersmarket.blogspot.com/

Happy Fourth of July stitching........

Happy Fourth

2011-07-03T11:48:00.003-04:00

Wishing all of my USA friends, a HAPPY FOUTH OF JULY WEEKEND!!!!!

I appreciate everyone of my friends on my blog and my followers. I love your comments and do hope that closer to the holidays, we can share a whole lot of stitchy posts.

These days I am collecting my stitchy dollars, in order to purchase the new Disney Castle cross stitch kit designed by Thomas Kincade. It's a pretty expensive one, but since I will be going there in August, I hope to pick one up.

Not much stitching to show these days..... hopefully soon I will get my mojo back.

Happy stitching.......

New blog

2011-06-18T20:03:00.002-04:00

New blog on the block. Seems like it will be fun!

www.thestitchersmarket.blogspot.com

Trying to stitch away.....

Getting back in the swing of things...

2011-03-28T22:08:00.002-04:00

Lately it just feels good to keep seeing crafts and crafter's blogs. Where does everyone find the time? Going online stash shopping tomorrow. Hopefully I will find something I like and will stitch. Stitching dreams.......

Crocheting, Thinking & Taking Care of the Kids

2011-03-27T21:36:00.005-04:00

Not all at the same time, although it is possible. lol.

Crocheting because I want to have a stack of pretty blankets for my daughter. A dream of mine is to have at least 4 - 6 stacked like you see them in the baby leaflets. Working on the first.

Thinking about vacation and what I want in life too. A lot of my crafting friends are really crafty and I know I have a lot to give to the crafting community too. I want to find where I fit in so I can make it a bigger part of my life.

Thoughts of retirement entered my mind today. Shocker, the dollars that one is supposed to retire with are very little compared to the price of things these days. How do people do it? I always thought that as generations progress, things are supposed to get better. Today as I travelled and saw store after store closed and for rent, I almost cried. I don't think that the economy is getting better. Everything is getting more expensive every day. Sales aren't even sales these days.

Taking care of the kids. That says it all. Watching them grow and be funny. Teaching them and hoping that someday they will know and feel how much I love them.

Twisting stitches.....

It's Science Fair Time

2011-03-12T16:05:00.002-05:00

Ask me how I know this. Yes, here I am mostly, trying to make sense of this project as I usually do so that a creative display may be supplied to the fair.

I always come out with really nice display ideas, and I trust that I will at the end, but the journey is not an enjoyable one especially when time runs short and my son just stares at me. My hope is that I am imparting some knowledge to my son regarding the creative process and putting things together in a pleasant way. Let's just say my son does not get the "pretty / asethetic " idea. He is more of a "Let's do it and the pieces will fall where they may," type. Well, he is still a kid, so we have time to develop "color coordination / and neatness skills." LOL. I bet when he starts liking girls he will become VERY color co-ordinated and extremely neat. LOL.

Other than the display, not much creativity going on around here. Getting over my upper respiratory infection finally and hoping the headache I have now is not the brewing of a sinus infection.

Definitely looking forward to stitching or crocheting at least for an hour. Okay, picking up a needle will do. NCIS marathon is on and although I do enjoy it, I am getting a bit tired of seeing the same episodes over and over again.

This week I saw a repeat of an old episode of MONK that I had never seen before. That was a treat because I like Monk. Dectective series always strike me in good ways.

The Event started last week and I can't believe I missed the Season Premiere. Thankfully, NBC does post them on their website so I caught up quickly. V is another series that I am following this year. I remember when V came out decades ago and I saw everyone of those first-run episodes. Yes, I am one of those people who can still sing the Magilla Gorilla song from memory because I saw the first-run comic episodes. I still remember Penelope Woodstock and all the wonderful vintage animated programs.

If you are a Cityville player, you know that many people are upset about the recent changes regarding imposed energy limits. This makes Cityville even more challenging now especially since I only get on at nighttime during the weekend.

Well, I hope to find a cross stitch magazine or two leaf through. There are a few cross stitch charts that have come across from the Nashville market that are on my must have list. But, let's be real for a minute. Will I stitch them? I should in all reality stitch from my stash this year, so I can make room for more. Right?

At least I am blogging more which is a far cry from my past few months.

Scientific stitches.....

Our hearts go out to Japan

2011-03-11T12:06:00.003-05:00

How horrible to wake up to the devastation Japan sustained overnight. Our hearts go out to all are in the path of the tsunami and all those who have suffered losses. As a worldwide community this affects us all.

Peaceful stitches

I'm Baaaack!

2011-03-10T19:44:00.002-05:00

Hello!

I can't remember what movie that is from or who said it, but that is the truth. I am back. I thought I would have blogged more last year, but sadly I didn't. Thankfully, this is a new day!

Did you see I changed my blog's background? I love chefs in white chef hats and their European aura.

Wow, almost a year has passed since my last post. Life has gone on and thankfully DD is sleeping through the night. Yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for all those moms who wonder if they will ever sleep again. Now, stitching may be another story.

Lately, I have been passing the time by reading stitcher's blogs and playing Zynga games.
I really like Cityville a lot and try to rank up as much as I can.

A few days ago, I pulled from my magazine stash a few Celebrations magazines. The USA gals who have stitched for decades will know those. I still have to look through them, but you know I will savor every page. My daughter has found my stitching magazines to be her passion also. I guess I am passing my stitching / collecting fever down rather quickly. We will sit together and turn page by page. She enjoys looking at the pictures and points at all the pretty things. How adorable.

Other than that it has been work, work and work. The winter here has been very harsh this year. I am seriously thinking of moving to a warmer climate where the quality of life may be better for me. My lungs are not as young as my mind thinks I am. LOL.

Well, I will stop by tomorrow and post a few pics of my WIPS.

May all your stitching wishes come true.

The number of the day: 40

2010-04-05T23:59:00.003-04:00

40 is the number of pounds I have lost since delivering my daughter almost 2 months ago. Can you believe that time flies so fast??????

30 is the number of pounds I still need to lose.

Maybe this sounds sappy, but I am going to miss my doctors. Feeling sad that it is over. All those feelings bring about questions regarding my family's size. Somehow even though this pregnancy was horribly challenging, I question if she will be my last. Believe me, I remember the pain and the agony I went through with the delivery. I just wonder if I want one more child.

If you had asked me 3 and a 1/2 years ago, I would have said I was happy with my son. How things have changed. Now, at my age, I am contemplating having another. For now I have to get healthier and lose those 30 pounds.

The more I think about it, the more confused I get. If I were to give myself advice I would say, "Lose the 30 pounds, get healthier, enjoy your children and in 10 months see what happens."

Hopeful stitches to all .....

A few things to share

2010-03-19T22:33:00.004-04:00

Inside of crocheted sweater

Front of crocheted sweater

Finally, a picture of one of the sweaters that I crocheted for my daughter. I have not tried it on her, but when I do, I will certainly post pictures. (I heard that.... you will see them before she reaches the age of 21 years old....LOL). Yes, I know I am stingy with the pics. I shall do better, I promise.

Now, I pose the question of the day:

Have you ever purchased a magazine just for one chart that you just had to have?

Today I did that. Not because there was a chart that I just had to have but because there was an alphabet within a chart that I just could not do without. Mind you there were a lot of things that I did not like about the whole design, but the alphabet and the border did me in.

I also picked up a VOGUE knitting magazine because I loved the scarves and the awesome stitches that I had never seen before. Thing about knitting is that if you use the right yarn / thread, the items look so rich and wonderful. Use the wrong yarn and they don't look as sharp as the magazine shows them to be. You know what I mean.

Those were my two purchases for the month so far. I don't believe there will be more because I don't feel that I deserve to shop if I am not stitching. The guilt is overwhelming, so I have to stitch something. Need to show willpower.... Well, I have also asked my mom to pick up a few European magazines for me while she is there. So, technically, there are more purchases to come. So, I guess I don't feel overwhelming guilt, but I do have to stitch something in order to rationalize my stashing.

It was a beautiful day here and the first true time that I decided to go out to the porch and soak in some sun. Just leaving the bed was a treat. The sun beaming down on my face felt good and I enjoyed spending the time with my daughter outside. Hope that my good luck continues with this recovery and I can enjoy Spring.

That is about it for today. She is sleeping in her bassinett. I may get to stitch something yet.

Good stitching to all....

Viva Francia

2010-03-17T17:16:00.004-04:00

My Eiffel Tower on Farmville

Yes, it is getting nicer. I think so anyway.

I dream of going again soon. It's the $$USD that is keeping me away. Paris calls everyday although I am thinking of Provence as well. When we go, we like to stay at a hotel near EuroDisney (or whatever Disney is calling it these days). That is because we love Disney and Parisian hotel prices are extremely expensive. When we stay near Disney (Marne La Vallee) it's a 4 minute bus ride to the train station and then it's straight to Paris. We enjoy the city so much. Next time, we want to stay longer. Let's see if Air France decides to have a really nice sale. This is not to say that Paris is France. No....I do understand that. It is just that Paris is the easiest city to reach from NYC (JFK-CDG) non-stop. I am sure that if I knew of another gorgeous area near Paris which was a little less expensive and touristy I would love to go and enjoy their French flair.

When we fly, it is our preference to start our vacation using that country's airline. It makes the experience most authentic to us. I particularly enjoy the Duty Free shopping best. There are a a few places that I wish to visit, France, of course, Barcelona, Koln, and Rome to start.

Thinking that my bedrest is coming to an end. I only have one little item left from the litany of complications. That in itself is a blessing especially since the good weather is coming up.

I have searched through many stitching patterns and I am spoiled for choice. I can't choose anything it seems because everything is so lovely. But, I will and I must for Easter is approaching very soon and my sweet lady needs a stitched gift.

French stitches to all.....

French Flair

2010-03-15T22:43:00.003-04:00

Sweet Juliette

Brooklyn Bridge on rainy day

So here I am with all love of my French things more than renewed. Yes, I am still posting from bed.

If any of you play Farmville on Facebook, you will know that right now there is a French Provincal celebration going on and we can buy French items for our farms. Well, enough said, because I went and purchased many things. Now, I have a French Provincal Flair on part of my farm. You can see it by going to this link.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=245835&l=6caa130095&id=100000087241705

These days I am feeling a lot better. I think that finally my hard head has learned that walking must be kept to a bare minimum. My left leg is doing much better. There is less pain when I move it. (Remember that my daughter LOVED to sit on the nerves leading to that leg? Well, they are healing.... it takes a long time for those nerves to heal.)

I am off the blood pressure medicine and that is a huge relief. My blood pressure has gone back to normal and it is a happy event. Now, I just wait for everything else to heal. My back hopefully will get better first, since it took three attempts at a spinal block to get it in. OUCH! Yup, I feel that after walking 1/2 an hour.

Working on getting one trade in the mail and hopefully stitching an Easter item for Juliette. I am looking at Just Nan's "Dewdrop".

Other than that, nothing else is going on here. We have had LOTS of rain and more rain. It seems that if we are not getting rain, we are getting snow. There were 2 days of just beautiful weather, but I slept through those :(

Wishing everyone Spring stitches.......

The Year is Flying By

2010-03-03T22:28:00.002-05:00

Yikes, the time is flying and yes, I am still on bedrest. Okay, it is not like I am going anywhere with all of the snow that falls on almost a daily basis, but it would be nice to be able to walk around and get fresh air. By the time I am well, my maternity leave will be over. (I hope not).

Surfing the net and Facebook are the only things I have done other than the new mom/baby things. Stitching blogs keep me company most of the time while my crops or fish grow on Facebook. Yup, that is my life these days.

Like most of you, I am waiting for Spring to come and for the snow to go away. Until that happens I still dream of getting back to stitching.

Winter stitches to all......

Weight Lost

2010-02-19T19:00:00.002-05:00

Remember that I was trying to lose weight before I became pregnant? Well, today I went for one of my post-partum doc visits. I lost 32 lbs since delivering 9 days ago. For my European friends, that is 14.54 kilograms in 9 days. All toxins and water. I can wear one of my rings again. Hopefully in a few days I will be able to wear my wedding band too.

As for me, I am starting to get inspired to stitch again. I really didn't feel well while pregnant to stitch and knit. Right now I am on my way to being myself again.

I thank all my blog followers for sending me supportive emails all throughout my pregnancy. You are the best!!

Loving stitches to all....

Baby Modelling Cupcake Hat

2010-02-18T11:40:00.005-05:00

Three pretty hats knitted by ME

Baby modelling "cupcake hat" knitted by ME

I am so thrilled that it fits her so well. The green and blue striped hat makes her look like a Disney Fairy. Couldn't take a picture of her in it because she was getting a cranky look on her face. I can't help taking pictures of her she is so beautiful. Pictures do not do her justice.

Soon, I will start knitting and stitching again.

Beautiful stitches ......

She has arrived!!!

2010-02-16T14:26:00.004-05:00

Our little angel is here. DS, who is my "Angel of Joy" has nicknamed her "Angel of Angels" so you know he loves her madly.

She looks like a Snow Queen. Here is a picture of what Central Park looked like the day she was born.

February 10, 2010

2010-01-11T18:06:00.002-05:00

Less than 30 days away!! Can you believe it???? That is the date I become a Mommy again. Can't wait to see her, to hold her and kiss her. Can't wait to fall in love all over again.

Happy stitches...

Journalizing Your Stitching Projects

2009-12-30T22:30:00.002-05:00

Looking forward to 2010 and thinking of how to make the stitching year special, I came across this which I want to share with all of you.

http://www.stitchingthenightaway.com/printable_sheets.htm

I think that it is a great idea. There are other wonderful articles in that blog that may interest you as well.

Sharing stitches....

Yesterday's Joke

2009-12-29T16:20:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I went to see my OB practice (you remember I go to high risk baby doctors who are a practice of six.... there is one that I truly love, he was my first OB there and I have seen him about 6 times, but they rotate you so you can meet all 6 that way if your OB is not available the day you deliver you still know the rest), so I got to meet another team member.

Me: Do you think I am going to make it to 39 weeks?

OB: Of course! Why? Don't you??

Me: Well, I am soooooo exhausted, I can barely function.

OB: Oh, you have nothing to worry about 43 is the new 33.

Me: Uh.. Uh.. I remember having my son at 33 and it was nothing like this. Someone has been lying to you.

LOL...... you had to be there to hear the joke and the laughter.... but I do say, I will not do this at 53. Uh uh.. no, no way. I pass on that one.

Funny stitches......

Gifts... Expected and Unexpected

2009-12-29T15:28:00.002-05:00

With age I have become a very partial to the simpler gifts in life. My tastes are very specific and many people cannot ever figure out what to get me, so I have come to the conclusion that I buy what I like for myself whenever I see it and that is that. I don't call it a Christmas gift or a birthday gift, mostly is a blessing that I have found something that I like and I have the money to buy it. Whatever friends or family gift me at the holidays is a wonderful thing and I have no expectations.

This year, I remained the same and was pleased with the small items I received. They were thoughtful and I did need them so I was pleasantly surprised and had a wonderful Christmas. I must say, that it is not the gifts that make Christmas, it is the sense of warmth and family that make it Christmas for me. Having my son, hubby and baby-to-be at Christmas was good enough for me.

So, yesterday it was my sonogram day and I had expectations. My major expectation was to get a sonogram picture, preferrably 3D of my daughter. I expected it and I did not think it was a huge expectation especially since I am pregnant and at almost 33 weeks, I think that it is time to see her face. After 20 minutes of prodding, shaking and my becoming sorer and sorer it was evident that such a picture was not meant to be. My dear daughter had her back to me and her face buried near my spine and on top of my kidney. (No wonder I have had such a backache for 2 days.) How she manages to this is beyond me. The last time, she was facing my back with her feet in front of her face and her hands in fists in front of her feet. Where did she get so limber? Must be from hubby's side because I can barely sit in yoga position. Well, there went that gift expectation. Although I am glad that she is healthy and thriving daily. I guess she wants to surprise me with her beauty when she is born. I will have to wait.

Since I was not thrilled of not getting the picture that I wanted for so long, hubby asked me if I wanted to go to a "cuchifriteria" at 116 street and Spanish Harlem. A "cuchifriteria" is a restaurant where they serve Puerto Rican and Dominican fried foods. My son who cannot speak Spanish to save his life, knows what an "alcapurria" and "pasteles" are, so you know I love those. This offer was very unexpected because traffic in Spanish Harlem is horrible, parking is non-existent and the city traffic is a headache. I had not been there is about 20 years, so I was very tempted to go to the best "Cuchifriteria" in the city. There are only four that I know of, one in Delancey (closed down), one in Sunset Park, Brooklyn (very far), one in Fordham, The Bronx (haven't been there in at least 25 years) and the one in Spanish Harlem (far from us, but fairly near the hospital I will deliver my daughter in. So, this is not an offer I will refuse seeing that I will not be back in that area after March 2010). Maybe we will go once more prior to March, but after that it may be another 10 years before we go back.

By the way, an "alcapurria" is cooked and mashed green banana dough filled with ground beef and fried in hot oil. "Pasteles" are banana meat pies stuffed with pork which are boiled. Not many people like these cholesterol filled delicacies, but since I have not had them in practically a lifetime, I whole-heartedly said "YES".

$50.50 cents later I had bags filled with dozens of these concoctions and hubby and I are still enjoying them. I shared with my mom who hadn't seen any of these items in at least 30 years and she was shocked that the restaurant was still there. So that was her unexpected gift this year. That simple gift brought much joy to all of us.

Just thought I would share that part of my day with you.

Sharing stitches......

Magical Christmas to all!!

2009-12-25T13:30:00.002-05:00

Christmas is here again and for us it means that it will be the last Christmas we will spend as a family of three. We look forward to the changes and remember the treasured Christmas we spent at Disney World two years ago. More than anything we want to share those experiences and make many more with our new addition for the rest of our lives.

So here is to Christmases past, present and future.

Merry Christmas to all!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!

2009-12-24T11:32:00.002-05:00

It's Christmas Eve and all is well!!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Off to finish wrapping the presents and spreading good cheer!!

Warm and toasty stitches to all.....

Goals for 2010

2009-12-22T23:32:00.002-05:00

So here I am thinking 2010 is just around the corner and I have not thought of any stitching goals. Half of me doesn't want to set goals because in the end so many things go unstitched. The other half of me thinks that setting goals will help clarify what I want to stitch in 2010 and will put me on track.

Right now I will go with the flow. Non-obligation stitching for me. I will stitch what I want when I want. I will not restrict myself to a timetable. I want to have fun stitching, even if it is only one really nice project that is completed next year, I will feel joy stitching it.

In my mind blogging and stitching should be enjoyable hobbies, not things one does because one has a timetable to follow.

My biggest goal for 2010 is to enjoy life and family. It is much to short to put on a timetable.

Happy stitches....

HUGE THANK YOU to Two Wonderful people

2009-12-19T03:12:00.003-05:00

Sometimes, people that one doesn't even know come into one's life with a wonderful surprise. I have had two wonderful ladies gift me out of the blue.

My first thank you goes to a lady that passed me a $10 coupon at Macy's when I was sitting off-line waiting for my hubby to purchase our little girls outerwear for when she comes home from the hospital. We picked up two great snowsuits at awesome prices. Those are really going to come in handy in the middle of winter.

The second thank you goes to a messageboard member that offered me her chart of a pattern I was looking for to make for next Christmas. In exchange I have agreed to offer a PIF / pass on something special on that messageboard. But I will do one better, I will also offer something on my blog as well. I just have to get somethings ready. Expect that PIF on this blog by the beginning of January.

These two gifts meant a lot to me because I am trying to spend most of our money on baby things since we are not expecting a baby shower. (Nothing to be sad about. I actually prefer that especially since I am feeling so tired all the time and really not in the mood to have any parties.) The most important thing for us is that the baby is healthy. That alone is the biggest blessing we can ask for.

Thankful stitches.....

Getting in Touch with my Feminine Side

2009-12-17T15:52:00.002-05:00

Usually my favorite colors are black, gray, brown and anything that is very conservative. Well, these days, I am coming to appreciate lavenders, purples and pinks. Lacey things and hardanger items with ribbons are very pleasing to my eyes. I used to be very girly and feminine when younger, but as time passed, I fell into the conservative colors.....I guess, everyone goes through phases in life.

These days I am very lucky to be able to stay home and bake this little girl a bit longer. Hopefully some of this time will turn into cross stitching time because I am really upset with a purple sweater I am currently knitting. The pattern has an error in it and I am pretty upset, having done so much on it to see that it is a stitch off. So I am going to cool off by cross stitching.

Healthy stitches......

I'm so excited

2009-12-14T19:57:00.002-05:00

Well, the little one is kicking up at storm, but I can't help but feel so excited. To think that in 9 weeks or less she will be here and I will be a mom again. This just feels like the sun is going to shine brightly again.

My son will be a big brother, hubby will be a daddy again to a little girl. Just these things make life so great! Maybe I am sappy, but I can't stop thinking how blessed I am to become a mommy again.

Physically, I feel like a soccer ball that is being kicked relentlessly, but it's such a miracle to have her inside me and I just can't wait to see her in 9 weeks.

Thankful stitches......

Knitting tips from me to you

2009-11-29T13:24:00.003-05:00

So far I have only knit sweaters and a hat for my little girl. Thank God for that because all have been able to do shoppingwise is buy knitting yarn stash. If not for the sweaters I am knitting she would probably go naked. Okay, not naked, Daddy and I did get her 5 outfits and three pairs of socks, but really, things are pretty bad in the shopping department. Not because we don't have the money, but because I don't have the energy to look through all the items and stand for long periods of time. My legs are almost on strike. They take me 5 feet, no more until I am practically begging to sit. Believe me, I have sat on shop's floors with little embarassment because I can't continue to walk while my hubby searches for a stool or a chair for me to sit on.

We did not even dare to shop on Black Friday. Our first and only attempt was yesterday at 3:00 pm and after 15 minutes at Target, we lined up, paid for our minute purchases of 3 stocking stuffers and one pink velour hoodie for our baby girl.

Why so little and so late?? With my other pregnancies, we started early... pretty much as soon as we knew. This time the doctors were so negative and so cautious that all throughout the first trimester we were preparing for the worst everyday. By the way, that is a horrible way to live. Now, the docs (new docs) are confident I will make it to 41 weeks. How????? Well, she definitely excellently well, me, pretty much..... barely..... at this point, only knitting and sheer willpower get me through.

That is where the knitting tips come in. No, I am not going to lecture on the importance of a swatch. I don't make them. My reasoning is that I am making baby blankets and that I am making baby sweaters. If they are a tad big, that is an extra plus. Now, if I were making items for myself, or other adults, I would follow the exact measurements.

First tip: Easier cast on

If you are having issues casting on, use a crochet hook to pull the stitch through and then loop it around the knitting needle. I find this really useful when casting on aluminum circular needles.

Second tip: Count stitches

Count your stitches regularly. After you cast on, count at least twice. Once you finish your ribbing, count your stitches. Lastly, as your knitting progresses count regularly. I know that this is a pain, but stitch dropping is so easy even for experts. Sometimes, you drop a stitch, or forget a yarn over...... this is life, I know that you can count because we are counted cross stitchers. We still have to count when we knit.

Third tip: Look, look, look at your knitting

I know that you have probably counted all your stitches and think you are okay, but you also have to look at what you have knitted. Sometimes, life happens and a stitch is purled instead of knitted, a yarn over is missed, the pattern is coming out crooked and you don't understand why, so you have to rip LOTS of work which is painful. Instead, look every five or so rows and save yourself the pain of ripping.

Those are my life-learned tips that I am sharing with you. I may have read them once in a book and not paid attention to them. Now that I have lived through three sweaters, I have learned them and pass them on to you in hopes of saving you from the experiences I have gone through.

Once I find my camera, I will surely post some of my knitting for you.

Thanks for dropping by. Enjoy your day.

Serene stitches for all.....

Can anyone identify this pattern???

2009-11-24T11:27:00.003-05:00

I came across this picture on a messageboard. I don't know anything about it other than it does look to be a fan or shell pattern.

Does anyone know anything about it? I would LOVE to crochet this one too.

Oyyyyy..... my hands have no idea what I am planning ... LOL ....

Happy stitching to all.......

So now I feel really badly :((, but blessed.....

2009-11-22T14:44:00.003-05:00

I just started looking and reading lots of blogs and I see how much I missed during my hiatus. There is LOTS to catch up on and I feel badly that I really missed so much. :(

What can I say?? Not much, really, only that I can try to do better in keeping up with all the cross stitch stuff and start stitching again.

I really do love everything that everyone has stitched. The new charts and kits coming out of Europe are truly divine. I must get online and purchase something.

Now that my daughter is coming, I must admit I am very much decided on monchromatic, romantic designs for her especially of angels. So, I will go into my French magazine stash and search and search for all the things that I want to stitch.

Well, things are not so bad really, I did spend this time resting and there was not much else that I could do except rest and knit. Right now I do have one sweater that is almost pieced together. I did crochet another. I have about three blankets going strong and one cupcake hat to show for all the time I was away.

I will start going to the doctor every two weeks now. There are about 80 more days to go. Unfortunately, I can not say that I LOVED being pregnant. I can say that I KNOW it is all worth it. I am happy that things are going well for the baby and that she has grown immensely during this time. I am thrilled that I will have a daughter once these 9 months are over. I am thrilled that I am going to be a mother again. I am soooooo excited that I was able to have another baby. Things are so cheery and wonderful for me, except the fact that I am tired all the time and I barely have enough energy to walk 6 feet without having to sit down and rest. My asthma flared up badly and I was on many medications to control it. Still trying to control the angry monster.

All in all I am confident that delivery will go well and that at the end, I will have a wonderful, beautiful, healthy daughter to hold and love for the rest of my life. For that I am thankful this year. Most of all, I do believe that good things do come to those who wait and that not everything comes easy. I took the harder path and that has made all the difference.

Very thankful for all my friends who have emailed me and helped me to get through the hard days. Thank you for all the wonderful wishes and warm thoughts.

Wishing all thankful stitches......

Im still here

2009-11-22T13:42:00.002-05:00

Sorry I haven't been around much, but with the pregnancy it has been rough. I know it has been a long time since I have blogged because I had to think for three minutes just to remember my sign on name.

Well, the baby is going strong and soon my belly button will pop. I am in my sixth month and I must say I am ready. February can not come soon enough.

We haven't done much baby shopping, but I have knitted a few things for her and I am getting them pieced together now. Soon, I hope to post pictures of the sweaters and things.

Not much cross stitching at all. In fact, I have not purchased any cross stitching items in months. Lately, it has just been knitting items, crochet items and yarn, lots of yarn.

My craft shop was having a sale on a microfiber yarn and I picked up 3 colors worth. So, I guess I am mostly knitting and crocheting for the little one.

I miss everyone and their blogs, so I will go and visit as many as I can of you today.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING STITCHES........

A Cross Stitching Partner????

2009-09-15T22:57:00.003-04:00

The biggest news this Summer for us has been that ...IT IS A GIRL !!!!!!!!

Can you believe it?? I who thought only boys were in my future will be having a beautiful baby girl in February. My due date is considered to be February 17, 2010.... but since it will be a scheduled C-section, we get to pick a date at least one week prior to the due date.

Of course, I am either thinking February 12 or February 14. One of the reasons I am leaning toward February 14 is that it is a Sunday. Big brother will be home and starting his Winter vacation which makes it easier for us. I am not really big on drving into the city on a Friday morning in the middle of rush hour.

February 14 is also Valentine's Day. I know it is sappy and corny but I think it is romantic and so feminine too.

Speaking about feminine, lots of changes have come about in the choosing of cross stitch nursery designs. Wow.... lots of changes in everything really. There is a whole new mindset which makes me think that I was not expecting a girl at all. Even though the first thing I said when I found out I was pregnant was that it was a girl. Wierd, huh? At the 10th week I changed my mind, even though I was so attracted to pink and girly things. All of a sudden when I felt the baby move, I went with the old wives' tale that males are more active than female babies in utero and that males move sooner........ guess not!

So far I have had five sonograms. She is very active and strong. Good for her because mommy is having a very rough time. This pregnancy has been very hard on my body. I remind myself to enjoy every moment and cherish every kick and movement, but there are times I think I am going to drop from sheer exhaustion.

My kidneys and my lungs are suffering the changes the most. At this stage, forget the stretch marks, they are the least of my worries. I just want to make it through to February.

Only crafts I have done are crocheting and a tiny bit of cross stitching (very few stitches). So far I am crocheting a blanket in pink and raspberry which is looking very very pretty. Plus, there is a bit of stitching done on a cross stitch piece for the baby's room. I will show it in my next post.

Thanks for passing by and caring about my blog. Sorry I haven't been around, but I will surely blog more now that my cutest projects are on the horizon.

By the way, for some reason my hotmail account is not working and I do not understand Facebook much, soooo I am pretty much in techie limbo right now. If you have emailed me and I have not answered, that is why.

Sweet stitches to all.....

Baby Cross Stitch Ideas

2009-07-05T18:29:00.000-04:00

Ocean Waves
c. 2007, Reader's Digest

This is the project that kept popping into my head for the baby's room.
It is not too clear, but you can see the boat on the top and the dolphin on the top.

Then, as I was looking through the book, I found these:

Beach Holiday
c. 2007 Reader's Digest

This design is filled with kites, ships, lighthouses, crabs sandcastles and fish.
I think that it plays very nicely with the following.

Sailboat
c. 2007 Reader's Digest

Circus
c. 2007 Reader's Digest

Although these aren't what I usually stitch, I think that they will look great together. There is also a "Farm Animal" sampler that uses the same colors. They will definitely be wonderful to use as teaching pieces.

I am not completely convinced about these because I think that they are too masculine. Let's see what happens. At least I found them.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

218 Days To Go

2009-07-04T16:01:00.002-04:00

.... and I still haven't chosen a cross stitch baby theme.

Today I pulled out 43 Disney Cross Stitch magazines and could not choose if i wanted a Disney Babies theme. Since we won't know if it is a boy or a girl I have no idea which characters to choose.

The only chart that pops into my mind every 30 minutes or so is a Noah's ark chart or something like it. I don't know in which book I have it in. It has a very cute boat on top and underneath layers of water with fish dispersed all throughout. It is sooooo cute and I know it is in a hardcover book.... maybe a Kooler Studio book ..... hmmmm.....

I have all of the Kooler Studio, Linda Gillium, nursery and baby books so I will check on those.

Another theme, to which I am very partial is "French angels". You know, the monochome angels playing harps and everything else. Little cherubs sitting and playing..... only thing that stops me is the thought that they may be too feminine.

With my eldest, we had a Winnie the Pooh theme. My youngest was Kooler Studio Teddy Bear theme..... hmmmm, with this little one, I am stumped.

Lately my hormones are out of whack, although I am very calm on the outside, inside I am a horrific mess..... I want to cry and I am pretty much out of my mind with worry and fear. I wish my doctor would be a little more positive than quoting me miscarriage statistics for a woman my age. The age issue is getting very old .... I have a mother and a birth certificate who are very loyal to tell me how old I am...... My thoughts are that if my body is able to get pregnant, then it must think it is pretty young still....

It's hard to be positive, when your own doc is so negative....Thankfully, my time with her is short and soon, I will be released to my high-risk OB doc. Of course, since my last pregnancy, my OB has stopped deliverying, so I will go to his associate who is supposed to be excellent as well while my OB will do the sonograms (his new expertise). I have already stated I have had enough of the "gloom and doom" docs. " I want a highly positive, highly optimistic and experienced OB who will get me from "me" to "we" safely.

Anyway, my knitting project is still on hold until I can get my hormonal mind straight and figure out how to sew it together without tossing it. (Maybe a finishing service will come in handy).

Off to find some baby charts.....

The Queen is Miffed!!!!

2009-06-22T21:03:00.003-04:00

I took the completed parts of the baby sweater and proceeded to start the sewing portion of the project.... I can't seem to get the seams right!!!! Arrrrrghhhhh!!! It is an excercise in frustration.... so I calmly have put everything into a project baggie (or else I would have tossed it) and will wait a couple of weeks til I can look at it with a new perspective.

Can the sewing of the seams be that hard????? I am obviously not in the sewing seams frame of mind.

Other than that I am looking through baby cross stitch designs that I have in search of a few items that would be great additions to any baby's nursery etc. Not that I have done many at all. This time I would love to make accessories that I can use for the baby.

We have announced the impending arrival to our family even though it is early. One of the reasons being it is going to be a very long and hard road ahead for me and I don't want to be hostage to a superstitious 3 month rule that I don't believe in. Life has taught me that life is precious and that one must celebrate when the opportunity arises.

Our vacation is now 95% cancelled due to my need to be near my doctor's office. That is the common sense approach to this pregnancy. Our child has taken very well to the cancellation. Well, that is how we perceived his laughter and happy attitude to not having to leave the dog behind. Kids......

Two new scissors have been added to my collection. Thanks to my best friend, both the Gingher's Criss 4" Embroidery Scissor and Criss Dressmakers Shears 8" are very happy with their Gingher team mates.

A few French Mags have made their way across the pond to me thanks to my French friend. Love her. A really nice package filled with surprises will be on the way to her shortly. Hope she enjoys them!!!!!

Other than that, I am left to choose what baby themes will be in my cross stitch agenda. Isn't great that there are NINE months to go!!!!!! I have two Baby Afghans in my stash. One is yellow and the other Ivory. Let's see what I do..... you know that if I make one for baby, I will definitely make another for the eldest!!!! I don't have favorites.....

Expectant stitches.......

Knit One For Baby

2009-06-14T22:47:00.001-04:00

Sweetheart Pullover
c. Leisure Arts, Inc., 2007
Time for Baby

Nope, I ain't saying a word.

Lullaby stitches......

Life and Stitching Update

2009-06-06T20:25:00.006-04:00

First off, I don't think that my blogging once a week is working. I must blog more often. I love blogging and I want to do more of it. Okay, here goes how this week went.

LIFE UPDATE:

I joined Weight Watchers so soon I will have a sidebar with my wieght loss totals for the whole world to see. Why?? I have no idea, maybe fill up the blog a bit more?? Make for some good laughs?? Blog my descent into a dark part of my life??

The reason why I joined Weight Watchers was to lose weight, obviously, but, I don't know if it is for me. My first week I lost 1.4 pounds. Okay, I lost something, but it is not as good as I wanted and I was disappointed. Another reason I don't know if it will work is because even though people think I am a people person, I am not so sure that I like being with so many people discussing our wieght and points. Those are my feelings, "results may vary".

A few months ago, I went to my doctor and asked him if he would put me on diet pills. (Hey, I was desperate). He did not laugh, but told me that if I drank water (instead of Pepsi) and exercised a half hour in the morning and a half hour at night, I would lose the wieght. I am thinking the man is right!! This writing down everything I eat and giving it points is not for me. I am not a food addict. I don't eat everything I see or drink alcoholic drinks (teetotaller here) or excessive frozen drinks or massive amounts of anything. It just so happened I was on a medication for 3 months and put on 30 pounds. Yup, 10 pounds a month....can't get them off..... but I haven't tried and my thyroid is fine. (Unfortunately, the meds didn't even work).

So, here is hoping that in the next 11 weeks I lose another 8 pounds.....

Another life update: The laptop is at the repair shop for 3 weeks!! So, as a gift, I received a mini-laptop which I am starting to really like. This one will be for my cross stitching and blogging. It is mine, mine, mine!!!! When the laptop comes back, I will transfer all of my favorites and freebies off it and leave it as the family laptop.
Yes, that means I do not have any favorites stored...... Arrrrrrrghhhhhhh

Vacation is still being decided..... it is between a Disney cruise or DisneyWorld. The dog may stay with Grandma. That is still in the works. Let's see what happens.

STITCHING UPDATE:

No stitching, but LOTS of stashing. I sort of lost control. I admit it. (You see, I know what addiction is.) If it is stitching and it is on sale ... I am there. So, what did I order?

Kooler Design Studio

Winter Sampler Kit

Spring Sampler Kit

Summer Sampler Kit

Autumn Sampler Kit

Provence Sampler Kit

Cinderella Chart (because I have the kit already)

Gingher

Roberta 4" scissors

Martina Weber (Chatelaine)

Evening in the Park (Chart)

Just Cross Stitch

Christmas Ornaments 10th Anniversary Collection Book

July / August 2008 Christmas Ornament Preview

Britain's Cross Stitcher Mag
Issue 213

So, there you have it..... more stash....plus a couple of ongoing trades which are always a sublime experience for me.

Well, that is about it. I hope to post pictures soon of a stitch or two.

Happy stitches......

A Mouse, A Mouse !!!!!! I screamed.....

2009-05-25T15:56:00.003-04:00

Where, where???????? He looked.....

In my defense as a first time developer I am always trying to make sure that everything stays clean. So as I opened the gates to my development, happy to see my magical construction team at work after their vacation, I saw a mouse and I just screamed. Poor thing started shaking and quivering and suddenly out of nowhere in a puff of smoke Maleficent appeared.

"My dear, this is Gus. Why are you so terrified of this well meaning mouse?" Speechless I stood, looking at Gus, asking forgiveness with my eyes.

"Dahhling, if you are terrified of Gus, there is no telling how you will be when 'THE' mouse comes to town."

" 'THE' mouse? You mean there are more mice??" I asked.

" Well of course, but there is only ONE mouse, 'THE' most important mouse of them all, the Big Kahuna, the big cheese, the mouse that all look up to. When he comes you will know and he expects to see you HAPPY. For he is a happy mouse."

"How will I know, when he arrives?

"You will know, my dear. Now, I must leave you two alone. Please get to know each other and try not to wake up the neighborhood." And just as she came, in a puff of smoke she was gone.

So that is how I met Gus. Dear, bright and helpful Gus, who loves Cinderella very much, was sorry that he startled me so and thought I had met very bad mice in life. He assured me that all of the mice that would come to my development would be friendly mice and those that were not, he would have at them. Gus is funny too.

I didn't have time to meet Cinderella, but Gus was sure that she liked the Castle, and would most likely come to live there. It is very exciting to think that Cinderella and her Prince Charming are thinking of making my development their home.

Before I leave, here are pictures of Gus in the neighborhood!

All Disney images are copyright by Disney and taken from licensed cross stitch kits and magazines.
Cinderella's coach is c. by Kooler Design Studio.

Magical stitches to all......

Cross Stitch Stashing

2009-05-24T23:16:00.008-04:00

These days I have been on the wagon. I stitched very little and purchased even less. The LNS near me was having a sale and I missed it. So after stashing at a fearless speed for the first few months of the year, April and May went by without much to add.

Although I have to say that I have started to trade again. For many years I traded non-stop until 4 years ago when I stopped because I got tired. This year I have added three wonderful ladies to my trading circle and I am thrilled because friendships have formed and their works inspire me everyday.

Have you noticed my 2009 Finishes have been growing?? Well, yesterday I started and completed another Christmas ornament which brings my total to 6. I am soooooo happy because my goal is to stitch a set of 12 of the same ornament (6 in green and 6 in red). I have ideas on how to finish them, but still need to set everything up. The idea is to use these ornaments on a pine swag decoration.

Okay, okay, you thought I wasn't going to post pictures, right?? You thought I would have another camera excuse.... yeah, yeah.... well SURPRISE SURPRISE....

Joy, Love, Peace
c. JBW 2007 "Christmas Keepsakes II"

Joy, Love, Peace
c. 2007 JBW, "Christmas Keepsakes II"

Here is a Disney Pooh ornament that I stitched in 2005 which has not been "finished"yet. I hope to correct that and have a wonderful ornament to hang on our tree this year.

c. Disney, Pooh Ornament

This is my latest non-holiday finish. It is stitched with DMC Variations. I think that DMC Variations is a wonderful thread reasonably priced thread. The colors are really pretty, even though I really miss the DMC variegated threads. Whenever I see the variegated for sale, I always pick them up.

Rosette
c. Mary Hickmott 2009

Well, there you have it. That is pretty much what I have done these days. As usual, I have high hopes for tomorrow and the rest of this evening.

By the way..... soon, I will be posting a Disney Neighborhood picture.......

Stitching the night away........

Stitching Goal for Today

2009-05-16T16:08:00.002-04:00

It is very simple. I wish to start and finish one snowflake for a very special Christmas stocking. I have the fabric and my plan is to make all sorts of different snowflakes on it.

Will post pic once camera gets new batteries. (Yup, with that camera something is always up).

Simple stitches....

Sad Day For Me

2009-05-13T20:44:00.003-04:00

This morning I found out that my grandaunt passed away during the night. She fought a brave battle against breast cancer twice. The first she won for decades, the second time around the cancer was vengeful and although my grandaunt was very brave, her body could not withstand the beligerant unrelenting aggression of the breast cancer.

At the end, the cancer could not conquer her mind. She was brave and positive till the end. May she rest in peace.

I am going to miss her.

Silent stitches....

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO

2009-05-05T01:43:00.003-04:00

If your drinking, then no stitching. If you are stitching, then no drinking.

Applies to driving too...... arrive alive.......

Happy stitches....

Cross Stitch Life Update

2009-05-01T14:09:00.002-04:00

Not much going on here. Got a few eBay items mailed today and considered posting items on Ebay every week. It's the fees that get me all the time. With the eBay Listing Fee , the eBay Final Value Fee and the Paypal Fee, I am wondering who is making the money there.... lol....

Maybe I will make another blog with items that I am looking to trade and items I am looking to sell. I have seen other bloggers do that. Don't know how successful that is, but I figure I have time to sort all of the details out.

I am sure that the wet flosses are coming out for my flogging since I did not stitch much at all last week. Lately all I have done is stalk the postman since there are so many packages that I am waiting for that have not arrived. All the stalking is driving me batty and I am getting into a bad mood.

One of the items I am waiting for is a scissor I purchased on eBay and a purchase from a cross stitch shop. Half of me thinks that the Customs inspector and my post office are in cohoots to keep my items away from me. Well, when I receive all my items, I promise to post pictures here. This time there will be alot of pictures since I am waiting for alot of stuff.

Today I also posted Shay's floss giveaway win. Snuck by my postman, so I am sure Shay will get the package soon.

Getting back on the Moderate's Stash Wagon again because I fell off and only saw dust for a few months. If I strain my eyes to their fullest, I believe I see the Wagon coming around again. Maybe someone noticed I fell off?????? Don't think so, but once I get on, I am sure I will be lots heavier. LOL....

I am ashamed to say that I have not put a single stitch in my Disney Neighborhood in a few months. Funny thing about me is that I do not show my WIPS to anyone that is known in the flesh to me because I lose my "mojo" for that piece. Well, someone saw me stitching on it and since that day I have not touched it. I know, I know, it is superstitious, but I did lose a bit of my "mojo" for it. Now, it is in full force again and I want to stitch stitch stitch the hours away on my pride and joy.

Working on a small pinkeep for myself. Happens to be the only WIP I stitched on this past week. Hopefully I will get it done soon so I can post a picture of it.

There is also the Christmas ornaments that I am working on. I have 5 already of the same pattern stitched and I am loving them so, because they are simple and once I finish the 12 I will have a set of them. My first set of stitching ever. So that is something to look forward to.

So far, there you have it. I will stop surfing through blogs and start stitching once I sign off. Hope to come back here tomorrow and write some more.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy weekend stitches to all ........

Making Time -- Chasing Rainbows (LOST)

2009-04-30T21:45:00.004-04:00

Well, I felt badly for Daniel, what a life always trying to please mom and never doing so. Or did he? Was she really proud and couldn't show it because she knew what his fate / destiny would be? As a mother, myself, if I think if I were in that situation, I would try everything that I could and more to change things. Maybe she did and we don't know about it.

Either way, I think that two things which are the most important points of this episode ("The Variable") deal with Daniel and his comment while playing the piano as a youngster, "I can make time". I think that his unstable mental state is due to his "making time". Remember when he says that he experimented on himself? It is my belief that he was the "bright person" who developed the pendulum at the Lamppost station.

The piano song that he plays both as a youngster and an adult, "Chasing Rainbows" is key here..... is he "chasing rainbows"? Maybe? Will he find them? Maybe not.

Now, it seems to be that Jack is the key to the past, and Locke is the key to the future. Jack may take up Daniel's cause and try to change the past. All in all it seems that Ellie is a very single-minded, and inflexible person (to put it in a nice way). Others may call her a B****, but this is a family blog, so I refrain from using such accurate language.

We are headed to the ending of Season 5 and then a few hours of Season 6 will hopefully fill in all the gaps and maybe just maybe the plane will overfly the island and land at LAX. Then, all of the passengers disembark none being the wiser and the time loop will have been broken. Yup, I am still of the time loop camp.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. I have not read any of the LOST blogs yet, so I don't know if other followers are thinking the same thing.

Lost stitches.....

AND THE WINNER IS ....

2009-04-19T10:40:00.005-04:00

SHAY
from

Shaysstitching.blogspot.com

Congratulations!!!!! Shay on winning 12 flosses!!!

Thanks to all the stitchers who participated! I enjoyed this so much, I will have another giveaway soon.

Lucky Sunday stitching to all.......

MORE GIVEAWAYS

2009-04-16T21:08:00.010-04:00

It is that time it seems when people feel generous and share of their blessings. Here are a few giveaways that may interest you.

My Little Raggedy Blessings Giveaway
ends April 20, 2009

Nina's Giveway
ends April 30, 2009

Cross Stitch Queen's Giveaway
ends April 18, 2009

This one is mine. You may win up to 12 flosses if you follow my blog and
let everyone you know to enter.

All you have to do is leave a message on the giveaway post.

Blackbird Designs Contest

ends April 27, 2009

This is a great one if you can stitch fast and you like French things.

MORE LUCKY STITCHES TO ALL

****please note that once these giveaways are over, I will remove the pictures from my blog in order to leave space for other giveaways ****

Nina's Giveaway

2009-04-15T22:49:00.009-04:00

Seems to be the time for giveaways!!

Nina from Between the Crosses is having an awesome giveaway. In order to enter, one must show a picture of their scissor collection. Here are a few of mine. As you can see I collect Gingher's and am partial to Patriotic themes.

I want to welcome my newest scissor: the bronze art deco scissor below. A wonderful internet friend was gracious enough to find it for me. Thank you Claudia. You can tell it fit in beautifully with its sisters.

Nina's blog is gorgeous and her scissor collection is impressive. Her needlework is very creative and she finishes her items very professionally.

I guess the next collection I should start working on are scissor fobs. Thanks to my friend Claudia, I have my first handmade scissor fob. Pictures will definitely follow.

Good Luck to all who enter Nina's giveaway

Don't forget my floss giveaway too!!

Lucky stitches to all

What lies in the Shadow of the Statue?? LOST post

2009-04-15T22:04:00.003-04:00

Just finished seeing today's episode of LOST and since I really like that show. My new theory for today is:

The Lamp Post lies in the shadow of the statue. If that is true then Eloise Hawking would be the third party to the endgame. Lots of bloggers are thinking that Eloise would be the third party leader..... but, I have not heard anyone say that "The Lamp Post" is the answer to Ilana's and Bram's riddle.

I am also guessing that Miles may help his father during the incident and may die with his father. That would make him the loved character that dies in this season. (Lots of rumors about this death on all the blogs and I believe that Miles is one of the characters that is on that "death list") It is my guess that Miles is the character that goes to the afterlife.

Well, those are my first and most fresh ideas.......

For all the LOST stitchers...... Namaste

My 1st PIF -- Giveaway

2009-04-12T14:22:00.005-04:00

Many months ago a wonderful stitcher offered me a magazine which contained a chart I was searching for. I promised her I would repay her kindness by having a PIF.

Set of six (6) DMC flosses. Colors are 779, Ecru, 53, 930, B5200 and 152. The DMC pictured above are the flosses that are up for this contest. Floss colors for all prizes are my choice. I will not duplicate any colors. No substitutions, please.

Rules:

Level 1:
Anyone can enter ONCE. One entry per person. I will mail floss anywhere in the world. You will need to leave a comment on this post.

Level 2:
Followers of my blog will be allowed two entries as long as you leave a comment on this post.

Level 3:
If you have a blog, please let your followers know about this PIF if you win, I will add an additional 3 flosses to the prize. That means you will receive 9 flosses.

Level 4:
If you have a blog, let your followers know about this PIF, and list me on your bloglist, if you win I will add an additional 3 flosses to the prize. That means you will receive 12 flosses as your prize if you win.

To give everyone an chance to enter this PIF, I will draw the winner on Saturday, April 18th 2009.

If you qualify to win extra flosses, please leave the prize level you are aiming for on your comment (blog address, and post showing where you have passed the word on of this PIF).

Good luck stitches to all.......

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T10:23:00.007-04:00

HIPPITY HOPPITY BOOOOO
WISHING A VERY HAPPY EASTER
(PASSOVER, STITCHING DAY)
TO YOU.

EASTER WISHES FROM OWL
(my favorite Winnie the Pooh character)

AND FROM CRUELLA TOO!
(no one is bad 100% of time..)

Peaceful stitching

2009 Christmas Theme

2009-04-11T10:53:00.003-04:00

Today I have officially decided that my 2009 Christmas Theme will be "Joy, Love, Peace". That means that my ornies will all have at least one of those words on them. This year, I have chosen green and red as the colors of the season. The preferred shape or motif for the ornaments will be Christmas trees.

My past color themes have been: 2008 white and blue, 2007 white and red.

As of today, I have stitched FOUR (4) Joy, Love Peace ornaments by JBW designs in green and red on Ivory jobelan. I will stitch more of those on Lambswool jobelan and reverse the pattern colors along with the hue of the green and the red.

It is my hope to stitch twelve (12) of the "Joy, Love, Peace" ornaments so I may hang them on an evergreen tree swag. I will also stitch variations and hang them on my ornament tree. That is where the other joy, love, peace ornies come in.

Preparing for this I have been lucky to find Joan Elliot's Joy, Peace, Love designs that were published in a Crafts 'n Things magazine last year. Those are designed in blue, but I will color convert to green.

There is another Christmas ornie that I am looking to purchase from Fabby Reilly. I have my eye on the Christmas Star.... that would look GREAT on top of my ornament tree..... Let's see what happens.......

Early holiday stitches to all.....

Spring has Arrived / Summer Vacation Thoughts

2009-04-04T21:35:00.005-04:00

and none too soon for me.

As you can see I have added a little slide show filled with flowers to "spring-ify" our days. Along with the Spring come the rains but at least it is warmer and that is good enough for me. My body likes the warm temperatures.... the warmer the better..... 80 degrees is wonderful!!

It is incredible to think that school will be out for Summer Vacation in a few months, which inevitably brings up the question of where we should vacation. As everyone knows when the kids are out of school airfares and hotel prices go UP UP UP!!! I am one not to take the kid out of school just to take a vacation. This is because when the one who will most likely be taller than me in three years gets sick, school days get lost fast. Since I don't need the hassle of attendance issues, I just take the regular Summer vacation and put up with the prices.

This year there is an addition to our family... the dog. I love this dog, just adore this dog, that is why I don't know if I will go on vacation this year. It may seem sappy to some, but I can't see myself dropping off the dog at a kennel. To me, right now, that is not an option. So then we have the parents who would take care of the dog, but I don't feel comfortable because my dog is a runner, a bolter. He is a very smart dog, but when it comes to being free..... well he just doesn't know his name.... a breed defect. They do not come when called. So, I don't want to put my family through that. I think it is too much responsibility to leave him to someone else. In additon, the kid would call the grandparents every ten minutes to see if the dog is okay. That is not a vacation at all. If you have kids and pets, you know what I mean. Thank God for cell phones and free minutes. Yup, all of them were used for calls to grandma, when we went on a long weekend. So much so, that I have forgotten where we went. Just remember the calls.

This year, I made reservations for 10 days at DisneyWorld. These were made BD (before dog). I got a GREAT deal and it just so happens that I would be able to go and stay for the Halloween Party as well before school starts again. It is a DREAM for me since I have ached to go to the Halloween Party for years. This time I can go and I would love to. The French Pavillion calls my name daily and it would do me good to go and relax. The MNSSHP would be the highlight.

Another spot that is calling to me is Europe. Yes, I would gladly go to Paris, Rome or Barcelona for a week instead, if I could afford it. Of course Summer airfare prices are incredibly expensive, but this time I would prefer not to shake as I walk the cobbled European streets. It would also be my desire not to go bankrupt when exchanging currency. Last time while exchanging USD I almost cried when I saw the the pitance of Euro I had in my hand. Believe me in Paris one needs MANY MANY Euro to survive when one has a kid who worships McDonald's.

Our last resort is a 7-10 day road trip to Canada which would let our dog come with us. We would drive about 9 hours to Montreal and then to Quebec City. I have never been to Quebec City and it would be a small taste of France. There if I am lucky I would probably be able to get a few French cross stitch magazines. The wonderful thing about this vacation is that all of us would be together in a pet friendly hotel and would walk and see the city. It is not important for us to go to restaurants. As long as we can get food to go, we are okay. Plus, at this time the CDN Dollar is less expensive than the Euro, so we would not spend that much money at the Duty Free Shops. We love the Duty Free shopping in Canada..... especially with the Coffee Crisp candy bars and the perfumes. The Montreal Duty Free shop was AWESOME!!!!

So, there you have it. What do you think?

10 day Disney World vacation - (no dog)
7 day European vacation - (no dog)
Canadian vacation - (with dog)
Stay home, the economy is really bad (with dog)

I would like to know what you think. Please leave a comment on this post.

Thinking of Summer vacation stitching ..........

A Whole New World

2009-03-29T19:32:00.003-04:00

Well, it had to happen sometime and it did today. After surfing so many sites and seeing so many beautiful items created from crafters all over the world..... another world of crafting is holding its arms open for me.

Today, I went to pick up some items for a few upcoming exchanges when I heard FIMO clay packs calling my name. I picked up a few because I am looking to try my hand at making clay buttons. There are a few that just entice me so and I want to try my hand at the craft.

I think that what sold me was the clay pasta maker's price. It was on sale and I could not turn it down. What can I say????? Soon I will be creating little buttons for my stitching. Yippeeeee!!!

Other than that, I am crocheting like a madwoman. Many, many years ago my best friend asked me for a scarf. These days I am crocheting it for her because it is only right. I feel very badly that it has taken me this long, but I can't wait to finish it and mail it to her. I wish I could be there to see her face opening it, unfortunately she lives on the other side of the United States, so I will just have to be happy knowing that I did the right thing.

Karma-like stitches.......