Teddy Bear Stitches and other musings

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.....

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

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......

Disney Neighborhood Pictures

Thought I would share with you how the building of my Disney Neighborhood is going. You will see that the details are being worked out nicely. Come back next week to see more of my magical place.


Enjoy the pics!

 

 

 

 

Magical stitching.......

Stitching and Reading

Two of my favorite things to do. Sad thing is that I have not done so much of either lately. But, I am sure to remedy that soon.

Today I went to the library and picked up three books that I am sure will put me up to reading speed soon.

The first book, which I was very shocked to see at my small library was, Knitting on Top of the World, by Nicky Epstein. Now, I don't know much about Nicky Epstein, but just looking at these projects, I dare say, she must be a very famous knitter with a huge fan following. The projects in this book are amazing!! I am in awe of what she has done with two sticks (okay, maybe four..... but no more.... LOL). It is my hope to work on some of these projects soon. Even if it is just to master the stitches and the patterns. Mastering those would be a great step toward progress and knitting knowledge.

Two other books made it with me, Sins and Needles along with Knitting Bones are both written by the superb Monica Ferris. Those were also a shocker to see at the library. Great to see that Monica is getting a bigger fan base. There was a time where I purchased each one of her books as they came out. Seems that I am only 5 books behind which is not too bad considering I have stitched and read other books.

The rest of the books that I picked up were mysteries as well. I guess that I am on a mystery kick. Reading comes in cycles with me. Sometimes I can pick up 5 books of either the same genre or written by the same person and become very well versed in their writing techniques.


Other times, I will pick up as many craft books as my library carries and become engrossed in the awesome handiwork and detail each book contains. Either way, I love books and if I had it my way, I would always be reading writing and crafting (cross stitch, knitting or crocheting preferably with quilting as my last recourse only because I can't seem to get those 1/4 seams right EVER !!!!!!)

So, enough of the reading and on to the stitching. Hmmmmmm...... can't say I am happy with the little bit of stitching I have done this week. Although I come home gun-ho ready to take on every thread with gusto, I end up either on the internet or catching up on some zzzzzzzz's. You would think I have caught up on them by now, but I can't seem to get enough sleep on some days. Lately that has been everyday.

On my personal exchange stitching...... not good. I did stitch something which at the time I really liked and now I dislike. Not because it is ugly or badly done, just because I don't like it anymore. Does that make sense? So if I don't like it, I don't gift it. That is just me. Lately I can't get the love for it anymore thus, I am in search of something else to stitch.

My Disney Neighborhood is coming along very slowly as I decided to somehow stitch one over one on 28 ct without a magnifying glass. Thankfully I can see all of the stitches, BUT and that is a BIG BUT, I go so slowly because the thought of ripping out an error scares the evil out of me. So in order not to make a mistake I take my time.

Another thing that has been taking up my time lately is the TV series LOST. Yes, yes, I am a LOSTIE. I can't get enough of the series which I have been watching since the pilot episode.
As any true lostie, I have lots of theories which can be considered crazy at times. If you have seen the show, you must know that the craziest theory sometimes is the correct conclusion.

I don't want this to become a LOST blog because there are awesome and creative LOST bloggers out there who are so in tune with the show that my blog would pale in comparison, but from time to time, I will post a theory or two here just because its my blog LOL. Since there is only one and a half seasons left of LOST until its finale, it is safe to say that very little blog time will be dedicated to tv passion.

A theory that I have not seen on any blog is that Ben Linus has a clone. Crazy as it may seem, I think that Ben has a clone just as the rabbits Dr. Candle was keeping away from each other. In S5E5: 316, note that at Ray's nursing home a magic show is going taking place and there is a white rabbit in a cage. When Ben arrives at the airplane, he looks beaten to a pulp almost in the same condition as when he was tied to the tree in S4 when he was being held by the "Losties" prior to the freighter people arriving on the island. I know that it is a crazy theory, but hey, that is the joy of having a theory, they don't all have to be right. After all, it is only a show.

Are you a "LOST" stitcher? Let me know. Till the next time......

Finding stitching time........

A Rumor, A Rumor....Can it be??

Dear Diary:

Construction is progressing well everyone is happy on the site. My contractor, Maleficient, has spread the word about my upcoming neighborhood amongst her friends and it seems that in a few months we will start looking for a realtor. We need to find really great tenants!

Anyway, Maleficent called yesterday and told me a huge secret (.... so shhhhhh .... no one is supposed to know). It seems that a newlywed, well-to-do, power couple is interested in taking residence in the central housing location. From what I understand, they really like the color blue and have been searching for a place that they can call their "castle". Maleficent called them the Charming's. I have my feet, hands and fingers crossed that the Charming's love the place because it would be a wonderful boon to the neighborhood.

I am taping a pic of what the site looks like today. Just think, one day we can look back and see how it all started. By then, hopefully, another neighborhood will be on the way.

Stitch by stitch, row by row....

A conscientious visitor dropped in .....

As many of you who follow my blog know, I am a contributing member of the blog: Me Myself and I RRs 2. My love of Disney has prompted me to create a Disney Neighborhood filled with marvellous and magical treats for all to see.

Since we have had lots of snow and wintery weather I was wonderfully surprised to see this handsome fellow in his Sunday best, ready to brave our cold snowy mess.

This fantastically beautiful and elegant construction will magically continue appearing throughout this year here.

Become one of my blog followers and share in my magical world.

One stitch at a time.........

I love cross stitching !!

Ever since encountering a piece my fourth grade classmate, Anne-Marie, was stitching I have been hooked. Part of me wonders if she continued to stitch or if she was just the "matchmaker". Still, an enduring match was made that opened my life to many days of fulfilling cross stitching.

Other than Anne-Marie the only other stitchers that I have ever met that I have relationships with are my BFF, Michelle, and my BFOLF (best forever online friend), Lucy. They both know how much cross stitching is a part of my life and enable me as much as possible. Thank you ladies.

Michelle and I have gone to countless Michael's, Ben Franklin's, A.C. Moore's, Spirit of Cross Stitching festivals, local and not-so-local cross stitch shops. She even gave me a dozen of cross stitch magazines before she moved which I have treasured since. Lucy and I have shared exchanges and cross stitch ideas for several years now which have encouraged many more projects and many more projects after that. It is wonderful to have friends that one can not only share life with, but also hobbies. I am very thankful for them.

In 2009 all three of us will be stitching different things, but we are all connected even though I am equidistant from both of them. Literally, they are half world's apart with me right in the middle. The love of cross stitching connects us like unbreakable thread.

Here I am able to share my love of cross stitching with all those who read my blog. I thank you for coming and spending quality time with me. Some posts will be filled with pictures, others with words of encouragement, but all posts will be filled with my gratitude to you for reading.

Lately, I have been spending my time cross stitching my Disney Neighborhood. Little by little it is coming together. When taking a break from it, an Ursula Michael's design named "Dear Santa, Letter" takes its place. I plan to stitch only the Santa stamp portion of the design as a Christmas ornament. There are so many Christmas ornaments that I wish to stitch for 2009 that it is important to start early while the drive is high.

Today, I joined the Halloween SAL blog. There are a few Halloween designs that I hope to have finished for 2009. One of the major reasons that I joined the SAL is to support other stitchers. Planning a SAL blog and keeping it going is a lot of work and I take off my hat to those who take up the challenge and make it work.

As a treat for your reading this far, here is the latest pic of my Disney Neighborhood R R. Hope that you like it.



Grateful stitches.......

The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful

First the good: Doggie Modeling Sweater

These were the best pictures taken. He is definitely the best dressed dog on the block.

The even better
My cousin emailed me to tell me my aunt loved her LOVE, PEACE and a CURE pillow.
That is wonderful news to hear. I am very glad that she liked it.

The bad
Stitching with light grey floss on light blue fabric is blinding.
Yuppers, I can't stand it! I can barely see the floss going into the light blue evenweave.
But, I will persevere and continue stitching the castle on my Disney Neighborhood RR.

The beautiful

A picture is worth a thousand words......

The Castle, c. Disney 2000
adapted by Stoney Creek Collection, Inc. c. 2000

The yellow lines were my guidelines for positioning the castle. I will take them off soon because I find them more of a hindrance than a help. Believe me it is hard to type that because it took a very long time to grid the fabric.

That is all for now. In a few hours I'll be back to post pics of WIPS and New Year starts.

Back to regularly programmed stitching.....

Picture of my Contractor

I met with my contractor again today and made lots of headway with my neighborhood. She is so sweet! We got to talking and all of a sudden we remembered that tomorrow is Halloween!! I must confess that Halloween has grown on me through the years. As we spoke, she expressed that she wished to send all of you the best of Halloween wishes. Here she is:

For all who are wondering how my Disney Neighborhood RR is going, it is coming along very well. These days we are choosing neighborhood elements. Lots of my contractor's friends are passing by and expressing an interest in renting apartments and homes. What a cast of characters they are!

My favorite so far is Jack. What a charmer! He was very interested in my endeavor and found out that I share my hobby with you through my blog. He was quite impressed and wanted to greet you all. So, I took a picture of him and his pet, Zero. Jack doesn't know if he will be able to come live in my development, bummer. He did wish me luck and I appreciate it very much.

Along with my friends, I would like to wish everyone.....

Halloween stitches.....

Stitching, Planning & Meeting the Neighborhood Council

I have been a good stitcher this weekend. Stitched a few stitches on my Breast Cancer Awareness piece and continued planning my Disney Neighborhood RR.

Today I went to the Me Myself and I RR blog and found out that a few people have not been able to secure their neighborhood plans and have left the group. That is sad for me because I would have loved to see everyone's efforts and neighborhoods, but I understand that there are only so many hours to the day.

As for me, I have been diligently planning my neighborhood and found the best contractor around. She loved my idea journal and has adores castles. Her pet, Diablo, is a beautiful black bird that perches on her shoulder while she helps me fantasize about what I really want to create.

I am very lucky that I found her because as fate would have it, she knows the Council very well and is very confident that she won't have to use the tricks up her sleeves. Her best tip for me was to review my vacation pictures and watch lots of the Disney Channel. She mentioned that I may possibly see her in a movie and not to believe everything I see.... hmmmmm..... don't know what that means. Anyway, I am just happy that she is on my side.

Little by little I am sectioning out places in my neighborhood and thinking of how it pan out. Of course it will be a surprise for everyone!! My plans are to update everyone and post in the RR blog and here on a day to day basis. Start date is December 31, 2008 and I am very excited.

Planning to stitch......

My Stash is Out-of-Control ....

.... but I like it. LOL.

Time to confess, that I have been searching for my complete collection of Brazilian Disney Magazines. It seems that in my infinite wisdom, after taking a picture of them for my blog, I placed them in a safe place. Now, if your safe places are like mine, they are not only safe but so super-secret that no one will ever find them. Well, after three weeks of looking I found them gently placed within a plastic envelope inside a wide shoebox underneath a few cross stitch magazines. Why on earth, I did not label the box is beyond me. I guess I thought I would remember where I put them.

So, now I am able to think of what else I would like to stitch on my Disney neighborhood. A few people have asked me where I get my designs from. It started out very innocently enough more than a decade ago as I started noticing cross stitch designs of famous logos and cartoons were being published. Little by little I purchased a book here and a chart there, then one day, my Mom brought me a Disney cross stitch magazine as a souvenir from her vacation and from then on every two months my family would send me one. Later on, I became an eBay member and purchased a few Brazilian mags there. Many UK mags had Disney designs in them and I made sure to pick those up, lucky for me my local bookstore started carrying them and I was able to purchase them here. Afterward, Leisure Arts published a few Disney books and I picked up the ones I was interested in. Of course, at Disneyworld I make sure to pick up one or two Art of Disney cross stitch kits when I am there. I do not purchase what I call "fake" Disney designs (those that are not bonafide Disney designs). It is a personal choice which I can live with.

All of the collecting happened, I was not actively persuing or keeping track of my collections. Once I started collecting wonderful things happened. I met great internet friends and that spurred me on to collecting more. It was a bit after that when I began to actively search for items I wished to add to my collection. Now, my Disney cross stitch magazine collection is most treasured amongst my Disney memoribilia. It has really fostered my love for all Disney related items, pins especially, and my Disney trips. My main reason for a Disney Neighborhood RR is to finally stitch many of these gorgeous designs. I know that not everyone loves Disney, but I really enjoy Disney and its many forms of artistry.

These days, I am a fan of Jack Skellington of Nightmare Before Christmas fame. Happy 15th Anniversary Jack! Thanks for 15 frightening years!

On the topic of cross-stitching, I haven't done much these weeks due to the "search". I will get back into the stitching groove soon....

Stitch happy... stitch well.......

What was I thinking??!!! Needlework Vent......

My brain must have been suffering from severe delusions of stitching grandeur to think that I could even do justice to a Disney Neighborhood RR. Pulling out my Disney stash just served to verify that I was certifiably bananas.

To start, I have a yard of blue Lugana, which I am starting to think is a 25 ct instead of a 28ct. I started basting the lines for placement of the castle and I am begining to dislike the fabric already. The castle is HUGE, only because it is the real Cinderella Castle from a Stoney Creek kit. There alone we are looking at 1/2 of the fabric being taken up by the castle. (Think vertical). So my brain and I get into a heated conversation which went like this:

Brain: " I have done some storming and I think stitching the castle over one is the best solution."

Me: "Are you KIDDING???? Do you have any idea how long that is going to take?????

B: "Well, it is going to look great once it is done. Also maybe to make it interesting you can half stitch a bit of it so that it looks dreamy. If you tweed the stitches, it will look great!!!!!!!"

M: "Now I know you are delusional! It is going to take me FOREVER to stitch just the castle. How do you expect to get to the neighborhood homes???? It's going to become another UFO."

B: "Hey, don't call me names! I can only storm once a day. Plus, I am sure that we can come up with something once we figure out how to situate the castle. We can do this!"

M: "You think? "

B. " Yup, I think, that is what I do best."

And so there you have it...... this is why I have not been able to stitch as much as I have wanted to. My brain imagines things that my hands and eyes are not able to execute in one lifetime. Thus, I lose motivation.

This time, I am going to be as delusional as my brain and think positive thoughts and LOVE what I am creating. Staying motivated to see the next step and bring the idea to life. In order to do this, I have started a Disney RR journal. So far I believe I have filled 8 pages. Some of the pages are:

1. Designs I have available in my stash.
2. Possible RR Names
3. Neighborhood Ideas (includes my drawings and internet pics)
4. Border Ideas
5. List of Disney homes I have available

Writing these items down gives me a perspective of my thought patterns and ... allows my psychiatrist to up the dosage of my meds :) which I hope go to massive doses so I don't experience the twitching... (just kidding.... I am stone sober, I don't have the money to pay a psychiatrist to listen to me, let alone read of my psychotic behavior lol) .

Other than this, I am extremely sane and feeling overwhelmed that I may have to stitch the castle over one. The only good thing about the pattern is that there are lots of large one color blocks. The backstitching required will be the fodder for another heated discussion with my brain.

Well, there you have my stitching life in October so far. Halloween is fast approaching and I have nothing stitched for it. Little progress is being made on my Breast Awareness pieces, even less progress on my Christmas piece and my WIP has been deprived of my attention. So far, the only progress I have made is on listing my ideas for my RR.

See you soon!

Stitchin' and listin'......