Happy New Year!

Many of you have already rang in the New Year! Here in Minnesota we are still anxiously waiting. We're under a winter storm warning so it is a perfect evening to be at home. We usually watch movies or football and snack on tasty hors du oeuvres all night. I'll be stitching, so I'm happy!

Check back tomorrow for some pictures - I received some bookmarks and a lovely scissors fob from Barbara.

Wishing you all the best in 2007!

Pictures

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday week. I worked on Tuesday and part of Wednesday and now have been enjoying some time off on Thursday and today. Spent quite a lot of time organizing my stash yesterday and have been doing a little bit of stitching today.

I realized earlier today that I had a few more pictures to share with you. These are some projects that I was working on in December and they were gifts, so I couldn't post the photo right away.

First of all, I stitched this Indiana needleroll for a stitching friend that I've been corresponding with for three or four years now. It was her birthday in December (hi Jan!) This is an older chart from Eventide designs.



I also needed a stitched gift for our EGA chapter's holiday luncheon. For this event I stitched the Minnesota needleroll by the same designer. This chart is also from Eventide designs.



Finally, I want to show you a picture of the clock I gave to my sister-in-law for her birthday in November. You'll recognize the design - LHN Quilt Time Sampler.

Happy Holidays!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. It was a very busy weekend for me. My oldest, Patrick, turned 17 on Saturday (Dec 23) so we started the weekend off with a birthday celebration first! As some of you may know, I sing in the church choir. We had a three hour rehearsal on Saturday morning. Then between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day I sang at three different services. I'm looking forward to the New Year holiday which will be much more restful!

Drawn Thread Game Board Sampler - A number of us have decided to re-start our SAL that we were so diligent about last year (until about June). If you would like to join in the fun, send me an e-mail. I'll be contacting those who I know are interested soon.

I'll return to more regular blogging more after the holidays!

Here's a picture of an ornament I finished right before Christmas for a special friend:

More updates...

Several packages arrived in the past few days!

First, an ornament from Janine as part of the Shepherd's Bush exchange. She also sent several skeins of lovely fibers and stitched a bag for everything too!



Second, an ornament from Kath as part of the SBEBB exchange. I love this design from JBW. Kath's finishing is superb. She sent several goodies including a Kiwi ornament!


Last, and certainly not least, the Winter Blast exchange from Myrna. The design she selected cracks me up. Pay close to the instructions on the front of the design!!!




And you might be wondering what I did last Saturday? Well, I met Monica Ferris - in the flesh! Cool hat, don't you think?

Update - Long Overdue

Here's an update on some of the recent exchanges I participated in:

This lovely snowman ornament came from Toni (not sure if Toni has a blog?). Anyway, I think that the carrot nose sticking out just above the scarf is so cute. She looks kind of cold to me...Brrrrr

Vonna notified me today that she received my snowman needleroll for the U.S. Exchange Board's Winter Blast Exchange. The design is from Heart in Hand and the chart is called Winter Fobs. Believe it or not, this was my first attempt at hemstitching!

Then I also received word that my exchange partner for the ornament exchange on the Shepherd's Bush board received her package from me. She is fond of Santas and that's why I stitched this Homespun Elegance design from a recent JCS Ornament issue.


Last but not least, I received this lovely ornament in the mail this week from Karen. Karen had an ornament giveaway drawing posted on her blog a few weeks ago and I was one of the lucky winners. I am thrilled to have this little stocking - Karen's finishing is perfect! The pattern is from Sigrid's Designs.

All of my exchange gifts for 2006 have been received; I look forward to participating in more exchanges in 2007. I'm also looking forward to starting my PIF stitching gifts. I have a few more Christmas gifts to finish yet and will share pictures over the next week. Hope you all have a great weekend. Thanks for stopping by!

Sorry!

I apologize for being mostly absent lately; 'tis the season I guess. I've been swamped at work and swamped at home. I'm working on finishing a couple of last minute gifts....there just aren't enough hours in the day! So, if you don't hear much from me between now and the end of the year - don't worry!

THANK YOU! Many thanks to everyone who sent birthday wishes - the notes on my blog and the e-cards and the little gifties- you all made my day. Thank you all for your friendship!

Ornaments - yes, I do have a couple of pictures to share. First of all, Leslie received her ornament for the USEBB exchange. I had been wanting to stitch this one for a long time and thought that it would be perfect for Leslie. Don't you love the candy cane tail?

Chessie & Me - Candy-Cane Cat, 2004 JCS Ornament Issue


Second, Tessa received her ornament exchange on the SBEBB board. This is one of my favorite designs to stitch (some of you might recognize it as I had stitched a few of these last year.) Her favorite color is red and I thought this was well suited to her preference for more traditional type ornaments.

Nordic Needle - Simply Scandinavian Hardanger Ornament, 2003 JCS Ornament Issue


One more ornament is making its way across the Pacific...I'll post a picture when it arrives. This weekend I need to mail my package for the Winter Blast exchange and I have to complete the finishing on a gift for my EGA chapter's holiday luncheon. Then I will be caught up for awhile! Whew!

Enjoy what is left of the week. Thanks again!

You Make Me Feel So Special...

Thank you all for the nice birthday wishes. Tomorrow is the big day. I'm planning to work as usual, but one of my very best friends at work is taking me to a concert tomorrow evening - the St. Olaf Christmas Festival. This festival can often be seen on public television and is quite famous nationwide. It's very difficult to get tickets but I've got connections - my friend is a graduate of St. Olaf! It will be a grand evening and I am really looking forward to it!

Another surprise in the mail today - Carol sent me one of her special scissors fobs! It's a Brightneedle design and her stitching and finishing are both perfect! The little charm where the ribbon is attached says "Made for you!" She stitched our initials on the back. I'm honored to have received this from Carol. I enjoy visiting Carol's blog and am always amazed at the projects she's working on and how quickly she manages to complete them. Thanks Carol!



It's been a busy week thus far, but tonight I will finally have time to get a little bit of stitching in. I have a needleroll that I'm working on but can't show it to you yet - it's a gift for a special friend.

Hope you have a great evening!

Stitching Friends are Special

This past year has really been fabulous - I have enjoyed getting to know so many stitchers out there. Your friendship and your encouraging words are always so appreciated.

Another friend honored me with a gift today - look at the beautiful bag that Karen stitched for me! This is the front side; the backside includes Karen initials and "06" to mark the year. The bag is beautifully lined with coordinating fabric; in the bag were the lovely gifties you see pictured. I am touched by Karen's kindness - thank you!



I have another picture to share with you - I had received Myrna's name for the Pinkeep exchange on the US Exchange Board. She received the pinkeep yesterday. As I told Myrna, I was in the mood for something kind of whimsical, therefore the wild colors. I think it turned out pretty cool and I think Myrna likes it!



Hope you are all having a good week. Is it Friday yet?

Nordic Needle Retreat

Is anyone out there in blogging world planning to go to the Nordic Needle retreat? You can find out more information about the retreat by clicking here.

I went for the first time two years ago and had a blast. I'm planning to go again next April. It's a four-day retreat and they really do a nice job. Three classes are included in the cost materials for the classes are extra). I'm planning on taking the classes on tassel making, canvaswork, and intermediate hardanger. Last time, the participants came from all over - including Canada and Bermuda!

It sure would be fun to meet some other stitching bloggers there!

An Exchange, A Gift, and Other Updates

I'm sorry that I haven't been too regular about posting lately - it's just that time of year! We have several birthdays in our family at this time of year; there are the holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's; the kids are full swing into their sports now (hockey and basketball); and so there just aren't enough hours in the day with everything that is going on!

Thank you to those that signed up for my Pay It Forward challenge - I believe I have five now - Heather, Katrina, Mary Kathryn, Laurie, and Angela. Angela - please email me (tadten at msn dot com) your snail mail address! I'm anxious to get started on these after the holidays!

Yesterday, I received a lovely pinkeep in the mail from Marie as part of the USEBB Specific Finish exchange. We decided to do pinkeeps this time. Along with the pinkeep Marie sent some recipe cards, some floss bobbins and numbers, and a wonderfully scented candle. Thanks Marie!



When I arrived home last Wednesday, there was a package from Becky in with the mail - of course I immediately thought that Becky must have had my name for the pinkeep exchange. To my surprise, it wasn't an exchange at all, but rather a birthday gift from dear Becky! (Officially, my mid-life crisis starts next Thursday, Nov 30 when I turn 45!) Becky sent a beautiful needlecase and a Quaker sewing case. They are both stitched with the same autumn colors and are truly works of art. Thank you Becky!



I am blessed to have connected with Becky about a year ago - and I am also blessed to have so many other new friends as a result of blogging and the exchange boards. Thank you for being one of them. Have a great weekend!

Joining the Bandwagon

Well, I'm jumping on the Pay It Forward bandwagon. It's a cool idea; I don't know why it took me so long to decide to join in. Anyway, I signed up to receive a handcrafted item from Barbara, so now in return I will share my love of needlework with five of you. Here's how it works:

Pay It Forward

The first five people to respond to this post (via the comments section) will get some form of needlework made by me. After you comment, please email me your snail mail address (tadten at msn dot com). I'm going with a 365 day deadline, but will try to get the items out much sooner than that! There is a catch, of course, the way this works is that if you sign up, you have to blog this as well and continue sharing.

Anyone out there interested?

Thanksgiving Exchange Received

Myrna was the recipient of this Autumn themed pillow that I stitched for the Thanksgiving Exchange. I thought that the fabric really made the design pop!

Thanksgiving Exchange from Myrna

I received a package from Myrna on Friday; this was the Thanksgiving Exchange on the USEBB. I love the way she finished this piece. Here's a picture of the front; please go to Myrna's blog to see a picture of the back. The verse on the back reads "Thankful for Stitching Friends". Myrna has become a great friend, as have many of you this past year, and for that I am truly grateful. In true Myrna fashion there were lots of other goodies in the box which I will very much enjoy. Thanks Myrna!



Have a great Sunday!

Don't Worry - I'm Still Here

It may seem as though I've fallen off the face of the earth - not true...today I was busy recording a CD (not me alone, but with the two choirs that I sing with at church). We're using the CD to raise funds for a new organ. At any rate, there were rehearsals all week and today was an exhausting day. I'm going to try to read some blogs and hopefully will post a real stitching update for you tomorrow! If you are reading this, I hope you are getting lots of stitching done!

Autumn Quaker from Cari

I received the most delightful package from Cari today! I love receiving from Cari because she does the most beautiful stitching over one.

In her package is a beautiful scissors fob with a Quaker design stitched in WDW/Chrysanthemum on Antique Ivory Linen. Also enclosed is a matching Gingher Lanell scissors and some gorgeous fabric from Lakeside linens.

It's just beautiful Cari - I love it! Thank you!

Bookmarks for Literacy

My dear friend Lelia sent these bookmarks to me. They will be going to my local EGA chapter's outreach program - Bookmarks for Literacy. (More info on this program on my posts for Oct 15 & 17). Aren't they beautiful? The one in the middle is a Prairie Schooler design. I'm hoping Lelia will tell me how the outside two were constructed - I may try to make some of these myself for the program. Thank you Lelia!

Happy Halloween!

It's going to be a cold, blustery fall day here in MN - hope all the little trick-or-treaters are dressed warm.

Yesterday, I received this beautiful pillow from Juanita as part of the USEBB's Autumn themed exchange. I think it is gorgeous!



I also received word from Tobie that she received the Autumn House exchange project that I stitched for her. This is Harvest Blessing from Country Cottage Needlework (slightly modified - I left the gate off of the bottom because I ran out of room!) As I think you will be able to tell - it's finished into a bell-pull.



Happy Halloween!

Red Desert Scissors Pocket - Finished!

I was home last night, DD had a friend over, and DH and DS were off goose hunting, so I decided to tackle the finishing on the Red Desert Scissors Pocket from The Cat's Whiskers. I've been doing this as a SAL with Lelia, Myrna, Barbara, Melissa, and Terri. I always find that it is easier for me to do finishing on the weekend when I'm more relaxed and less stressed. Turned out pretty good don't you think? Of course, the Gingher Lanell scissors is a perfect match for this needlework small. I plan to also make a scissors fob like Lelia is doing.



Nancy also has received her USEBB Autumn exchange from me. I stitched this HIH design and its finished as a decoration that can be hung on a doorknob or dresser knob.



Vonna asked how I mount the stitched pieces to the top of a box - I basically follow the same steps as if I were finishing a pinkeep or padded board (but just the front side) and then I glue the back of the finished piece to the top of the box finishing it off with cording and sometimes a bow (to hide the ends of my cording). Make sense?

Autumn Quaker Exchange

Today, Laurie in Iowa received my Autumn Quaker Exchange for the USEBB. I stitched a Workbasket design, slightly modified it, and mounted it to the top of a box. I painted the outside of the box and lined the inside with coordinating fabric. Sent a few goodies along for Laurie to enjoy too. Unfortunately, I only took a picture of the outside of the box.



Tonight I'm working on trying to finish my USEBB House Exchange project - it needs to go out in the mail tomorrow!

More Exchange Gifts

This week I've had two great mail days....let's just say I signed up for a "few" exchanges this fall. Yes, it has kept me busy, but for every stitched exchange gift that goes out the door, another one comes in. It's really been a lot of fun connecting with other stitchers from all over the world!

I received my Needlework Smalls exchange for the SBEBB on Wednesday from Karoline. Karoline stitched this lovely needlebook using a Drawn Thread design. I absolutely love it! She also sent some fibers from South Africa and some needles. Unfortunately, the chocolate was enjoyed by my children before I could take these photos!





Yesterday, I received my Autumn House exchange for the USEBB, from none other than Becky! I love receiving stitched items from Becky - she is so talented and creative. She used a Prairie Schooler design to create this autumn themed needlebook. She also sent a stitched tape measure (my daughter thought it was awesome!) and many other goodies!





I'm behind on my blog reading, it's been a busy week. I appreciate your visits and your comments and hope to get caught up with my blog reading this weekend!

Padded Board Finish

My sister-in-law and I took another finishing class yesterday - the padded board finish. The steps are similar to Karen's instructions for finishing a pinkeep, although we glued everything! I thought our finishes turned out quite good - don't you?

My ornament finish (Threads Through Time - JCS 2004?)


My SIL's finish (Lizzie Kate)

Progress on Red Desert SAL

I wasn't able to work on the prescribed evening this week due to some work commitments, however I did stitch a little bit on Monday, and a little bit this evening (Friday). My stitching is now completed. Will tackle the finishing next week.

Others participating in this SAL are: Lelia, Myrna, Barbara, Melissa, and Terri.

Exchange Received

I had the most wonderful package waiting for me when I arrived home today! My pink Quaker exchange arrived and to my surprise it was from CathyMK! (You might recall that I had stitched a pink Quaker exchange for CathyMK!) Look how beautiful this pinkeep is (the picture really doesn't do it justice!) It's really lovely. Along with the pinkeep were some fancy napkins, a bookmark, a pen and some really special San Man threads. The threads are in memory of little girl named Kaitlyn who only lived to be about 10 months old - I remember reading about this little angel on Harsha's blog several months ago. CathyMK - thank you for such a great exchange!




Also in my mailbox today was this sweet scissors fob. Awhile back I had offered to pick up the new Gingher scissors for a stitcher on Legacy that didn't have a Joann store nearby. Shortly after posting on Legacy, I then received a request from another stitcher asking if I would also pick up a pair of scissors for her. As it turns out, she was housebound, recovering from broken ribs. So being the trusting person that I am, I picked both pairs up and mailed them off. The first stitcher promptly sent a check; the second stitcher sent me an email and asked me to be patient, she would reimburse me soon. As it turned out, she wanted to stitch this fob for me and today I received the fob along with her check. Certainly not necessary, totally unexpected, but what a nice surprise. Stitchers are a special bunch!

Pictures Galore

Remember all that stitching I was doing a few weeks ago and no pictures to share??? Well, I just received word that two of my exchange gifts were received. Quite a relief too, they had such a long way to travel!

First, here's the needlebook and fob that I stitched for the SBEBB Needlework Smalls exchange. I selected this design because having made one for myself earlier this year, I knew that I could finish it and would not run into any problems. Design is from Cindy Valentine and it's called Apricot Elegance. Katrina in New Zealand was the recipient of this exchange:





Second, and one of my personal favorites, is the Autumn Quaker exchange for the SBEBB. Our theme was pink to recognize breast cancer awareness. I stitched the pink quaker medallion and mounted it to the top of a box that I purchased at Michaels, painted the coordinating stripes and lined it with pink ribbon fabric. This was my first attempt at this type of finish and I'm really happy with how it turned out. BTW, the quaker design is from the Beatrix Potter Sampler. This one went to CathyMK in Australia!



Finally, thanks for all your nice comments about the bookmarks. I don't have the printed pattern, I'm just basing the design off of a bookmark I had purchased at a craft boutique last year.

Our EGA chapter is stitching these bookmarks for adults who are learning English. In many of the literacy programs, the children receive rewards for the progress they make, but the adults don't always receive things. These bookmarks are going to be given to them to encourage them to continue reading and learning English. Many of them are Somali and Hmong immigrants who are trying to adapt to a whole new way of life. I think the bookmarks will acknowledge their progress and help them to feel welcome! Our deadline for submission was extended until January...is anyone out there interested in stitching a bookmark and contributing? If you send me an email at tadten at msn dot com, I will send you my address and would be happy to collect and submit on your behalf! With the date extension I know that I will be able to stitch more.

Well, I've rambled on long enough today. Have a good one. Thanks for stopping by!

Bookmarks for Literacy

If you've been following my blog since it's inception, you will remember that in October and November each year I stitch bookmarks. Our local EGA Chapter, St. Paul Needleworkers, collects them and donates them to one of the adult literacy programs in our area. Our group meets tomorrow night. I have these three hardanger bookmarks to contribute. I hope to get a few more stitched before next month's meeting!



I usually limit my posts to just stitching updates, but today I want to show you a picture of my famous "green jello". I'm famous for always bringing it to family gatherings. My family likes to give me a hard time about it, but in reality they are glad when I bring the green jello - they know that it is the only thing I can make and not screw it up! (I'm not known for my culinary skills; better stick with stitching. LOL!)



(BTW - that's my grandmother's hand beater in the background - I don't use it; it just happens to be sitting on my cupboard!)

Green Jello

2 small boxes of Lime jello
1 cup boiling hot water

Dissolve jello in boling hot water, let it cool just a little bit.

Add
-one 8oz carton of Creamy Cool Whip
-one small can of crushed pineapple
-one small carton of cottage cheese
-one jar of maraschino cherries sliced in half

Mix together well. It sets up quickly and voila, we have jello!

Progress on Red Desert SAL

Sorry it took me so long to post - Thursday and Friday were busy days. Here's the progress I made on this SAL project on Weds night. It's a quick and easy stitch!



Check out my SAL-mates progress: Lelia, Myrna, Barbara, Melissa, Terri

Pray for Peace Framed

Thought you might like to see this with its frame!



Tonight, a group of us are going to start working on the Red Desert Scissor Pocket from the Cat's Whiskers. If anyone else out there wants to join us, you are more than welcome! Watch for progress updates on the following blogs: Lelia, Myrna, Barbara, Melissa, Terri, and here of course! (I hope I'm not missing anyone!)

Weighted Stand Up

Here are the results from the weighted stand up finishing class I took on Saturday. When I registered for the class I was the only one signed up and they thought it might be cancelled so I didn't stitch anything special, I just figured I'd use something out of my stash of stitched items. This particular design from HIH isn't really suitable for a weighted stand up, but it worked enough to help me understand the steps to constructing one. We decided to arch the top and then I added the bow. I'll make another one sometime soon and try to document the steps for you. It wasn't too difficult!

Essy's Friends

Lois from Elegant Stitch sends one of these kits each month and I'm months behind in stitching and finishing, so when I was home earlier this week trying to nurse my cold I though I could make a dent in my collection of Essy's Friends kits. As you can see, I completed three of them - from left to right, Drawn Thread, Glory Bee, and Indigo Rose.

As I look at this picture, however, I'm realizing that I finished the Indigo Rose scissors sheath upside down! Moral of the story - don't tackle new finishing techniques when you are sick!