Dancing and Stitching

Oops, didn't mean to get you all excited. I don't have any finishes to show. What I meant by "Dancing and Stitching" is that I've been busy the last three nights watching the season premiere of Dancing with the Stars and stitching! Any other DWTS fans out there? Any predictions on who the mirror ball winner might be?

While watching DWTS, I needed a project that didn't require my full attention; something where I didn't have to follow the pattern so closely. So, I went stash diving and here's what I came up with.



The picture is a little on the dark side (the sun hasn't come out here yet!) Does anyone recognize the pattern? It's an oldie that I picked up on eBay. I'm stitching this beauty on Picture This Plus 36ct Shale. It kind of has a purplish/brownish hue to it and of course, it has the mottled look that I love. I'm really becoming rather attached to PTP linens! The fiber is a Belle Soie and it is called Plush Plum. Working with one color makes this an easy and relaxing stitch for me.

Oh, and you might be wondering about that scissors... it's the new Gingher Elena. Isn't she beautiful? Very colorful!

Have you figured out what design I am stitching yet? It's from Mary Garry and it is called "Peace." The letters "A" through "G" and the letter "K" have to be added yet, those are stitched over one. Then I just have three more quaker motifs to add. Don't worry, I'll post another picture when I am finished.

Anxiously awaiting for the news from market. Is there a design that you have seen that you are not going to be able to live without?

In Memoriam

Special Delivery by Blackbird Designs
32ct Lakeside Linen - Strawflower
GAST Fibers

Elisabeth Nikosch was one of my mother's sisters; the story (if you haven't already read it) can be found on an earlier blogpost, here.

Long Time No Post (Again)

I know. I haven't been regular. I've been quite irregular. I'd eat more fiber, but I don't think that would help me to post more often. I'll try to do better.

I've been stitching quite a lot lately.

First up - a week or so ago, I started the wildly popular design from Hands to Work called "This is the Day." You will find this pattern in the February 2009 issue of Just Cross Stitch. I could not find a large enough piece of LL Autumn Gold at my LNS, so I'm stitching mine on 32ct WDW Cappuccino - the color is pretty close. I'm stitching with the recommended fibers. As you can see, I haven't gotten far, I got distracted with a couple of other things.


Here's my second start - this is called "Special Delivery" from Blackbird Designs. I'm stitching with the recommended fibers on 32ct LL Strawflower. The color of the linen is so pretty. This is the sampler I will personalize to remember my mother's sister that died as a baby. You can read more about it on this post.


Finally, I'm working on an exchange - you'll see and hear more about this one in a few weeks after it is received.

Just Cross Stitch update -- some of you commented that you also received the bogus subscription renewal notices in the mail. The circulation manager at JCS contacted me and is looking into it. She also received the bogus notices for her own personal subscription, not only for JCS, but also for SANQ. Last I heard from her, she wasn't able to get anyone at National Magazine Services to return her call. If you receive a subscription renewal notice from them - destroy it!

That's all I have for you tonight. Have a great evening and thanks for stopping by!

Traveling Stitcher Finish

Here it is - all finished now. I affixed the smaller piece "Needles" to the outside of the needle case. I didn't leave a pocket for storage. The larger is affixed to the backside of the stitching case. I didn't leave a pocket opening here either. I kind of wish this design would have fit either the front or the back of the front when the case is open. Oh well...I love the design and the thread colors.



Sad day in our community today, a police officer was gunned down while responding to a domestic call. Another police officer was also shot but will recover from her injuries. (Edited to add -- the suspect was also shot and is dead.) Many thanks to all who serve in law enforcement, who put their own lives in harms way so that we all can feel safe in the communities in which we live.

Productive Weekend

Happy Monday! Today is a holiday in the U.S. - Labor Day. Here in Minnesota the sun is still shining and we're expecting a beautiful day. Today is the last day of the great Minnesota get-together - the Minnesota State Fair. Tomorrow, most kids will start another school year (although my two kids have been back in school for two weeks already!) I've accomplished many things this weekend and hope to relax and fully enjoy today before I return to work tomorrow.

As I mentioned in my last post, Friday night I finished up two gifts, these are the PIF's for Joan and Nic. Both were mailed on Saturday, so as soon as they are received I will have pictures for you. Diana, if you are reading this, the BOAF Friendship Sampler pattern is on its way to you too.

I was going to start up another sampler and then decided to take a little detour. In-between laundry and vacuuming/dusting on Saturday I started this:

I didn't think it would take too long to stitch and I was right; I finished the stitching on Sunday morning!

You see, the other three seasons are all stitched and finished into pillows (they have been for quite sometime!) but for some reason I never stitched Autumn. Later in the day yesterday I did the finishing. Here's the finished pillow:

LHN Season of Plenty
28ct misc fabric from stash
DMC Fibers

And here is the whole set - aren't they adorable?



Last night I started a new sampler, there are quite a few other bloggers out there who have stitched it or are currently stitching it - it's This is the Day from Hands to Work. I'll post a photo later or in a few days when I have more to show! I may do some more finishing today too, we'll see.

Whatever your plans are, I hope you have a relaxing day filled with stitching! Thanks for stopping by!

A Beautiful Saturday and Buyer Beware!

Here in the U.S. it is a holiday weekend (Labor Day) and so for most workers, it's a three day weekend. In Minnesota, we are enjoying some beautiful weather with temperatures in the high 70's. The sun is shining - it's a gorgeous day outside!

My DH went fishing, and my DS is off at a gathering for remote control car racers. My DD is home with me, but she has plans to get together with friends later. Needless to say, I am enjoying a quiet day at home (and I love it!) I'm working on laundry and some cleaning this morning but will settle into my stitching chair later this afternoon and enjoy several hours of stitching bliss.

BUYER BEWARE
I received something in the mail this week that has me a bit concerned - it was a renewal notice for my subscription to Just Cross Stitch Magazine. This renewal form didn't come from Just Cross Stitch, it came from National Magazine Services. The cost of the renewal immediately caught my attention - it only indicated that I could renew for two years at a rate of $65.95! Those of you who regularly subscribe to Just Cross Stitch know that a two-year subscription only runs about $40.

I've sent a note to Just Cross Stitch customer service asking them about this renewal form and will be sure to let you know what they say when they respond....BUT.... if like me, you do a quick google of "National Magazine Services" it would appear as though there are complaints filed by others who have received fake / unauthorized renewals for other magazines. So be careful about sending your money/renewal to this company.

No pictures to share today. I finished up two gifts last night and will post photos of them once they are received.

Have a great day and happy stitching!