Seasonal Exchangers - Winter

A package from Carolyn arrived this week - such a big box of stuff, wow! The stitched piece is amazing. She finished it onto a photo album cover and let me tell you, her finishing is superb! Carolyn also spoiled me with lots of other goodies (not all of which are in the photo below!) Some of them have been put to use already - like a cute Winter Welcome sign (hanging outside my front door), chocolate (consumed by son), and lotions, bath beads, body wash (tested by daughter!) Carolyn did a great job pampering me with this one (everybody needs a little pampering in the winter, right? Thanks Carolyn!

Fair and Square Blocks

I snapped up some photos this morning and thought I'd post this quick before I head out to work. A wonderful package arrived yesterday from Lisa - in it were the squares she stitched for me, a BBD pattern, some Moda BBD fabric, some needles and a wonderful hand made card. The squares are wonderful - I believe the design is from With My Needle. The card is amazing -- Lisa is a true artist! She put a picture of the square that she stitched on the front of the card; inside are remanants of what she used to stitch the square along with other stitching related stuff. It's really cool! Thanks so much Lisa!




Lisa also received the package that I sent to her. Here are the blocks that I stitched for her (pattern is from La D Da):

Belated Valentine's Day Wishes

Happy Valentine's Day to all my stitching friends! I know this note is a little bit late; I was in Japan all of last week and returned on Thursday. Hope your day was special!

Today I have a couple of exchange updates for you. My Valentine's Day exchange from Carla arrived while I was away. She stitched this new Lizzie Kate design and finished it as a pinkeep. It's beautifully stitched and finished! She enclosed other great goodies - a couple of charts, some ribbon, a candy flower, and some wonderful smelling soap. Thanks Carla!



And, I learned yesterday that my scissor fob for the HoE exchange finally made it's way to Karen in Australia! I used a Prairie Schooler design and was rather fond of how it turned out. Guess I'll have to make another one!



I have several other exchanges that I've been working on and will probably be able to share pictures soon. I've been working my way through the various ONS sites to check out the Nashville releases. Do you have a favorite?

My First February Post

I know it has been a long time since I have posted; sorry about that. I've been able to do some stitching, but can't show you too much right now. Here are some exchange updates...

Fob Received from Down Under
Alison had my name for the HoE fob exchange. She stitched a small design from The Drawn's Thread Wildflower Garden. I have always loved designs from The Drawn Thread so this is just perfect for me.

Alison sent other goodies - a candle made in Australia, some chocolate, some beautiful threads from Needle Necessities. I love it all! Thank you Alison!




Valentine's Day Exchange for Su

Su received the Valentine's Day exchange I recently sent to jer. I couldn't resist stitching up this beautiful Hardanger suncatcher ornament and matching scissor fob. (Please be sure to check out the photo on Su's blog - she is a real artist when it come's to taking pictures!)



Package from a Dear Friend
Barbara was one of the first stitchers I befriended when I joined the blogging world. Recently I sent her a Carriage House Samplings class piece that I had obtained at the Hands to Work retreat. I knew that Barbara would thorougly enjoy this stocking as she has stitched at least one other and has the other patterns in her collection. She sent the following to me as a thank you. I love both the French magazine and the designs from The Needle's Content. Hugs to you Barbara.


Collection Complete
I have to share that I have managed to complete my collection of Just Cross Stitch Ornament magazines. I recently purchased 1997 and 1998 issues on eBay. Yay!



I am going to be away for a few days; need to do some traveling for work. Hopefully I will get some stitching done while I am away and then I'll have more to share with you! Have a nice weekend and a good week!

SBEBB Winter House Exchange

The following parcel arrived from Cheryl in Scotland on Thursday. She stitched this design from Country Cottage Needleworks and finished it into a wee little pillow! I'm thoroughly enjoying the British counted cross stitch magazine and will put the fabric fat quarter and beads to good use. Thanks Cheryl!



Here's what I sent to Terry for the Winter House exchange. This is Star Light, Star Bright from Little House Needleworks finished as a flat fold.


Sent my Valentine's Day exchange off today and I'm finishing the scissors fob that I stitched for Hooked on Exchanging. Have a nice weekend!

It's A New Day

In the wee hours of the morning I was reflecting on how last week was such a crazy week on all fronts.

Family - it was the first full week of school for the kids since holiday break; basketball, hockey, pep band, and studying for upcoming semester finals.

Work - it was the first full week that I've worked in about four weeks due to the holidays and some time off taken before Christmas. That explains why it just never seemed to end!

Stitching - too much unproductive time spent online; not enough time spent stitching!

Today is a new day and it's the start of a new week. Family life will still be hectic this week as semester finals are on Wednesday and Thursday. I need to make sure my kids are well fed and rested so that they do well. As for work, it will be another busy week I'm sure, but maybe I can try to be a little more organized and manage my time a little better. Stitching - well, this week's resolution will be to spend less time online and more time stitching. Sorry friends, but hopefully by the end of the week you will benefit when I can post the results of more time stitching!

I did have time to work on some Hardanger last night while watching the football game. My hardanger tip for you - only cut threads when your mind is clear and free of distraction! I haven't done this for a long time, but I cut the wrong threads! Sometimes I am able to salvage the piece, but this one was a total loss; good thing it was a smaller piece. I'll just have to start over!

No other pictures to share right now, although an exchange that I sent out last week should be received soon.

Thanks for stopping by - have a wonderful week!

Fair & Square Blocks for Darla

Darla received her Fair & Square blocks earlier in the week. The design is from Prairie Schooler - Up on the Rooftop. I stitched these on one of those cold evenings between Christmas and New Year's Eve - this chart just sort of seemed appropriate!



No other stitchy news from me this evening. I did some finishing on an exchange piece that needs to be mailed tomorrow! Thanks for stopping by!

Fair & Square and Birth Sampler Progress

Today, I received these wonderful squares from Darla on the Fair & Square exchange. This sweet, colorful design really perked me up after a long day at work! Darla also sent a long some fibers from Carrie's Threads and Six Strand Sweets which I will enjoy trying out someday soon. Thanks Darla!



On Saturday evening I finished filling in the banner and added the little bird to the left on the La D Da birth sampler. I'm finding it a bit difficult to read the words "I Love You" but I will reserve final judgement until I'm finished. It seems like when I have something dark behind this piece, then the words are okay. (I apologize for the wrinkles!)


Not much else to report on. We've had a nasty cold bug working its way through our house and I think I'm next in line....

New Year's Day Stitching

What a wonderful, relaxing day we had! My mom came and ate dinner with us (remember the ham and cheesy potatoes I talked about earlier?) No other guests, so it was a perfect day for lounging around the house.

I started a new project for the New Year - I'm actually hoping to finish this one rather quickly. A good friend at work had a baby girl in October and I've been wanting to stitch a birth sampler for her. This design (Gabrielle Rose) from La D Da seemed perfect. I think I made a pretty good start on it today.


I'm using Lakeside Linen 36 ct Light Examplar (man, is that nice to stitch on) and DMC threads, one thread over two.

Have a nice evening and a good day tomorrow!

Happy New Year 2008!

Happy New Year everyone. May 2008 be a happy and prosperous year for you! I have some finishes to share - yes, I was busy stitching my little heart out last night.

Here's a piece that I started at the Hands to Work retreat in October. It's one of my two Blackbird Design classes. The piece is called Autumn Tulip Pin Keep. It's stitched on 30ct R&R Irish Creme with WDW and GAST threads. If I have time later today, I'm going to try to do the finishing on it.


I also finished my square in Judith's neighborhood. These houses were designed by Maryse and the patterns can be found on her blog. I chose to stitch the November house because my birthday is in November. Don't compare this photo with the previous one - I was color challenged (or maybe just pattern reading challenged?) when I first started stitching this piece - all is fixed now! Carol, this will be making its way to you soon - I'll send an email when it is posted.


A few more blog updates and then its off to the shower. We're having ham and cheesy potatoes for dinner today along with more hors du oeuvres as we watch the Rose Parade and the football games that will be on TV.

Wishing you a wonderful New Year Holiday - enjoy your time with family and friends (or however you choose to spend it!)

Winter Wonderland

I's a winter wonderland here in Minnesota! We have about 10 - 12 inches of snow on the ground right now. It's been snowing on and off for about two weeks now. This is a shot of the trees that line the side of our yard.


I'm enjoying a four-day weekend; I took a vacation today tomorrow and then Tuesday is the New Year holiday. I've been cleaning through stash and doing some organizing. Maybe I'll have some WIP or UFO lists tomorrow - or perhaps a New Year's stitching resolution!

I have done some stitching too -- this is a work-in-progress shot of Judith's neighborhood RR. She has requested that we use the houses that were posted on Maryse's blog throughout 2007. I'm stitching November.


I also finished stitching my Fair & Square block for round #4. Here's a teaser - this is just the signature block. I can't show the other block until it is received by Darla!


Hope you have a nice evening. Have a safe New Year's eve too - wherever you might be celebrating it!

Merry Christmas to All!

Heartfelt Christmas wishes to all my stitching friends! Thank you for sharing your love of needlework with me. Best wishes in 2008!

Hugs,

Cathy B

Weekend Update - Dec 23

Hello dear friends! It's been a busy couple of weeks! I'm sure we're all feeling the holiday crunch. I'm almost ready - made two batches of fudge today and wrapped nearly all of our presents. Whew!

I have some updates for you -- both gifts sent and received. I received a package from Anna on Friday. Anna was my exchange partner for the Stitching Bloggers Birthday/Christmas exchange in 2007. She sent this very pretty crocheted ornament and a pattern from "The Gathering Place" for Christmas. I must say that I am not familiar with this designer, but the design appeals to me very much and I look forward to stitching this! Thank you Anna!


Then I was surprised by a PIF package from Katrina which included a lovely fob stitched by her and two cuts of fabric (Blackbird Designs/Moda). It's beautiful and I will enjoy using this fob! Thank you Katrina!


I received word that my Specific Designer/LHN exchange finally reached Nela. She had been away for a couple of weeks so I suspect the package was waiting for her to return. I stitched this lovely design from LHN - Rose Sampling - and finished it into a needleroll. I decided to finish the ends with some Hardanger rather than hemstitching them. I didn't take a picture of any of the other goodies, but maybe Nela will post a picture on her blog.


I think that's it. It's snowing like crazy here in Minnesota - a good day to be inside baking and wrapping. Oh, by the way - my dear son, my first baby turned 18 today! We're going to celebrate tonight when he returns from hockey with dinner from Famous Dave's!

Weekend Catch Up

Here I am playing weekend catch up again! This time of the year always seems to get so crazy! Of course, winter sports are in full swing now. My daughter plays basketball and my son manages the varsity hockey team, so we are spending more time at their games supporting them. As a result, there just is less time for other things, like blogging...

I received two wonderful exchanges this week. Carolyn is my exchange partner this year for the Seasonal Exchangers group that I belong too. She sent this lovely pinkeep and a box full of other goodies (a chart from Calico Crossroads, socks, notepad, Harvest decoration, etc., etc.) Here is the pinkeep - it's stitched and finished just beautifully! Thank you Carolyn!


Also in the mail, was a lovely exchange from Hitomi in Japan. She had my name for the SBEBB Specific Designer exchange. The designer we selected for this round is Little House Needleworks. Hitomi stitced the chart Garden Pleasures and finished it as a pinkeep. She also stitched a very dainty scissors fob with my initial "C" on it. Hitomi also enclosed some other nice things; here's a picture of the pinkeep and scissors fob. Thank you Hitomi!


Two of my exchanges were received this week too. Heather was my partner for the USEBB ornament exchange and Jenn was my partner this year for the Stitching Bloggers Birthday/Christmas Exchange. I sent both of them one of my Hardanger Angels. I really enjoy stitching these and I think they look so delicate and lacy when hung on the tree. Both of them received a few other goodies too!


Well that's it for now -- have a good day!

Two Wonderful Packages

The package in the mailbox streak continues!

Yesterday, the package from my exchange partner on the Stitching Bloggers Birthday exchange blog arrived. It couldn't have been any more timely - yesterday was my birthday - woo hoo! Anna from Poland had received my name. I received a lovely gift from her - this ornament (a design from Blue Ribbon Designs), this ceramic rooster and ceramic bowl (which would be great for collecting orts!), a pattern from Notforgotten Farm (Family Tree) and lovely doily from Poland. It is so exciting to connect with stitchers all over the world and I was very excited to receive this lovely package from Anna. Thank you Anna!


Today, a package arrived from Marie. Marie had my name for the USEBB Ornament exchange! Check out this beautiful ornament design from Nutmeg Needle. If you know Marie, then you know that her finishing is superb! I am quite certain that this little tissue holder is also Marie's work. Lots of other goodies all packaged in a holiday tin. Thank you Marie!


My ornament for the USEBB Ornament exchange is on its way and should arrive at its destination early next week. I'll share a picture once it arrives. Also sent off a Christmas package to my partner on the Birthday/Christmas blog - that one too will arrive soon and I'll share a picture with you.

Aside from that, not much else going on. We received our first major snowfall today and it looks like we probably got about 6 or 7 inches of the fluffy white stuff. It wouldn't be a Minnesota winter without it!

Thanks for stopping by!

An Exchange and Wonderful Stitching Friends!

Today my mailbox runneth over! It's been a busy week at work so far, so I was happy to come home to lots of mail today.

Let's start with the exchange first - I participated in the USEBB Eye of the Needle exchange. This exchange was dedicated to our love of stitching. Nancy had my name and stitched this beautiful pinkeep for me. The design is from Mary Garry. The fabric is perfect for this exchange! She also sent me this cute little ort bag - the outside fabric has frogs in the design. Hopefully I won't be doing too much frogging! There were a few other goodies enclosed - a fat quarter of fabric, some ribbon and some stickers. A wonderful exchange - thank you Nancy!




Now, let's talk about my stitching friends Barbara and Carol! We'll start with Carol - she sent me this lovely pin pillow for my birthday. The design is from Plum Pudding Needlearts and it is called Blessed Be. Beautifully stitched and finished by Carol!

And Barbara has been a dear friend since I first discovered this online stitching world. She sent gifts for my birthday and Christmas. This little ornament is called The Gift and is a design from The Needle's Prayse. The pillow is a design called Reindeer Garden from Threads Through Time.

Wonderful gifts from wonderful friends!

I'm hoping that my Little House Needlework exchange will arrive soon at its destination. It had a ways to travel.

I forgot to share that I spent last Friday night out stitching with a nice grup of ladies - they get together every Friday night and invited me to join them. We talked and stitched and stitched and talked. Midway through the evening we took a short break for supper and then we stitched and talked some more! It was a fun time. If you have a chance, please visit Joan's blog. She just joined the blogging community recently, but has been stitching for a long time. This little group met at her house on Friday night.

Well, that's it for now. Thanks for stopping by!

Another Exchange Received...

I heard from Simone today that the Autumn Exchange (Seasonal Exchangers) package that I sent to her arrived! The piece I stitched for her is from Homespun Elegance and it is called "Delivering Harvest". I finished it as a flat fold. Of course, I sent other goodies too, I just never take pictures of them! Be sure to visit Simone's blog, her pictures are better!



Of the three exchanges I mailed last Saturday, two have been received. Just one more to go now!

Happy Friday!

The morning after...yes, we enjoyed our Thanksgiving feast yesterday - turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, carrots, wild rice, gravy, pumpkin pie....my mother cooked a delicious meal and for that we are all thankful!

I'm thankful too for all the great stitching friends I have made online since I started this blog a little more than two years ago!

Today I'm at home, enjoying a day off of work. I have lots to do - I have a newsletter to put together for EGA, a couple more exchanges to finish, well, and then there's always the laundry and other housework (it never ends!) It's still good to be at home!

Goldie sent me a note yesterday advising that she had received the Eye of the Needle exchange piece that I had stitched for her. I really liked the piece but was at a loss for how I wanted to finish it. I ended up finishing it as a pillow. Goldie also received some charts from her wishlist.

Mary Garry's Sew & Sew:

Finally - Something to Post!

I know, I know! It's been a long time since I last posted. I've just been so busy working on exchanges that I really had nothing to share. The tide will be turning though -- I'm mailing three exchange packages tomorrow: Eye of the Needle, Specific Designer (LHN), and Seasonal Exchange (Autumn). I must say that I really liked all three items that I stitched and finished; it was very difficult packaging them to send away. My consolation is that they are going to good homes! Hopefully I'll be able to share some pictures with you soon.

I do have one picture -- my Fair and Square blocks arrived from Tuula on Saturday! When Tuula asked me what she should stitch on her square, I suggested a Finnish design. On the block she sent me, Tuula stitched a cap that is typically worn by reindeer owners in Lapland. Along with the square, she sent some mittens knitted with a traditional Lapland pattern. I love them! Finally, she also sent a calendar with beautiful pictures of Finland. I will be reminded of our friendship each time I look at it! Thank you Tuula!

She Shops, She Scores!

Yes, I feel like I scored big time today. My SIL and I visited our favorite needlework store on the other side of the Twin Cities today. We hadn't been there in awhile, and I managed to get out of there without spending too much money!

On our way home we decided to check out another store. This shop has lots of yarn and offers knitting classes, but is now under new management and they are going to try to include more needlework supplies. In the back room, on the floor, underneath the shelves of linen fabric were two boxes of counted cross stitch patterns (left from the old owners I think!) Now my SIL and I love to dig through clearance bins and old patterns, so we started flipping through the stack.

I thought I died and went to heaven -- I found some old Prairie Schooler charts that I liked after seeing them on a blog (and purchased off of Ebay!) #74 The 12 Days of Christmas, #62 Kris Kringle, and #20 St. Nicholas! And the piece de la resistance....Raspberry Girl Sampler from Mary Garry! Needless to say, this little stop made my day!



Sorry for the dark photos, it's kind of hard to get a decent photo at this time of night! Talk to you soon!

Cleaning House

I've decided that I have way too much stuff! Too many patterns, too much fabric, too many threads! I was cleaning through some of my charts tonight. The following are available to anyone who wants them (you can pick and choose if you want!) The majority of these charts have never been stitched and are in good condition.

Heart in Hand
-Wee Santa '97
-Wee Santa 2005

Hillside Samplings
-House Samplings

I'm not asking for any payment, but perhaps you would consider a contribution towards postage, depending on what you would like and where it is going to! Please send me an email if you are interested. Thanks!