I'm Back! July 30, 2017

Hello Friends! I've missed you all. My last post was May 16, 2017. After I posted that day, the computer died a painful death. I was already working both jobs and just trying to get to the end of the school year. Then, I was working full time at my second job. AND, we were trying to make it to vacation time. We just got back from vacation Monday, July 24 in the evening. We have purchased a new computer and now I need to relearn everything on a new PC. I've noticed this one is very slow. That doesn't bode well for a new computer but hopefully the kinks will work out and it will be better. 

I will be catching up on reading blogs. I've missed seeing what everyone is doing. My other technology is not good, either, so I haven't been able to keep up with you all. I hope to remedy that shortly. 

Our family vacation this year was a cruise. We drove from Missouri to Seattle, WA where we boarded the Emerald Princess and cruised to Alaska. It was a wonderful trip. We enjoyed so much family bonding time and were able to just r-e-l-a-x. Ahhhhh........  I did manage to find a shop with cross stitch in Skagway. Katie indulged me and let me shop for some fun things. It was in a quilt shop so there weren't that many patterns to choose from. Finding something my style was a little challenging but I came up with a couple of good patterns. Today's choice is Alaskan Sampler by a designer in Oregon. I like the variety of parts in the sampler. I was able to buy this as a chart only. I'll enjoy choosing fabric and flosses for this pretty sampler. 

Alaskan Sampler

Meredith Mark Designs

181 x 118

DMC/Anchor flosses

I'm so happy to be back in the land of blogging! I'll share some extra photos in the upcoming weeks. Of course, I start back to my school job next week on Thursday, August 10. Until then..

Happy Stitching!

Laura :)

May 16, 2017

Radiance

The Sweetheart Tree

84 x 84

This is one of the prettiest designs I own. I love everything about it! So really I'm just showing off something gorgeous from my stash. This came as a chart pack. It included the fabric, beads and charm. I just need to add floss and it's ready to go. It's just DMC floss, too, so I have no excuse other than laziness. The design isn't that big and the directions are great. It's time to pull the floss and get
busy!

Laura :)

May 15, 2017

Sheep in the Meadow

Country Cottage Needleworks 

173 x 75

Another cutie from CCN. The little sheep are so sweet! I like this pattern but I don't think it's one I'm hurrying to get into my WIP pile. At this point it's more of  a someday project. 

I've had a long day working both jobs so I'm off to bed. 

Laura :)

May 14, 2017

Strawberry Plant

Filigram

137 x 101

Isn't this a sweet little chart? I bought this for my sister. She kept it for several years and tried to love it. It just didn't work so she gave it back to me. Now I get to try to get it into the WIP pile. 

Speaking of the WIP pile, it's now one project smaller! Today I finished Hope of Spring by Chessie &  Me. It's my ninth finish of the year. That definitely keeps me on pace to complete twenty projects this year. So, here it is!

That's it for me today. It was a lovely Mothers Day!

Laura :)

May 13, 2017

Needleworker

Little House Needleworks

227 x 58

This chart was gifted to me by my sister. Nancy has stitched it and has it hanging on her wall. I still haven't started it. I'm going through the usual debate with myself. I will probably change the fabric, but to what color? I want to change the lettering colors, but again, to what colors? Will I change a all the colors? What color should the bird be if I change the lettering colors? 

Isn't it crazy what I do to myself for a new project? Do you understand why I don't enjoy starting new ones? Sheesh! I think I'll go work on a WIP!

Laura :)

May 12, 2017

Tuscan Sunrise

Just Nan

78 x 38

I really liked this pattern pack when it came out. I looked at it over and over when I visited the LNS. It just didn't make it home with me. Then, I was fortunate enough to find it years later. Now it has been sitting in my stash for a couple more years. It's another matter of getting it into the WIP pile and getting it stitched! This seems to be a constant refrain with me. I'm happy to be taking steps to move things along. I feel I've made good progress in finishing projects this year. Hopefully the trend will continue!

Laura :)

May 11, 2017

The Strawberry Season

Heartstrings - The Artists Collection

174 x 33

I really like this sweet pattern. I have already stitched The Bittersweet Season which features a black cat atop a gorgeous pumpkin. I stitched it during a summer of doctor visits with my mom. This series features several interesting bands and simple but beautiful colors. I'm thinking of using a soft fabric color to complement the pretty floss colors. 

Laura :)

May 10, 2017

This is the Day

The Sunflower Seed

120 x 120

Some sad news today. Anita Boatright, owner and designer of the Sunflower Seed, succumbed to multiple myeloma today. She was such a dear, sweet woman, so generous with her time and talents. She had a lovely shop and I enjoyed visiting with her whenever I was there. I will miss her. 

I really like this design. It's different. I like the beautiful picture that goes with the verse. I'll have to think of what color fabric I should use. I'd normally choose blue but I'm not sure it would work well with the other elements. 

Laura :)

May 9, 2017

Friends Gather Here

The Sunflower Seed

48 x 209

I miss going to the Sunflower Seed. Anita and her staff were always so friendly and helpful when we went in. The fact that she designed such great charts was a bonus! 

This chart called to me because of the combination of the cute border with the cool lettering. AND, the lettering is purple. What more could I ask for? It's another case of needing to find the time to get it into my WIP pile. 

That's it for today!

Laura :)

May 8, 2017

Amazing Grace 

4 My Boys

51 x 135

Happy Monday! I'm needing a pick-me-up today. It's close to the end of the school year and things are happening that are beyond any semblance of control. Add to that state-mandated testing and the frustration level is through the roof. 

So, I feel like a little in need of some grace. I've had this in my stash since it came out. That was in 2002. I don't know why I haven't stitched this wonderful reminder that our lives are filled with Amazing Grace. It should be fairly simple. It's only 3 colors and fairly small stitch count. Sounds like time to choose some favorites and get stitching!

Laura :)

May 7, 2017

Eagles' Wings

La~D~Da

99 x 161

Lori always seems to create really great charts. This has long been a favorite song for me. The only thing I don't really like about the chart is the colors. They feel drab to me. There are *8* different colors and I still don't feel that it's colorful. Not that everything has to be bright and colorful, I just feel this is too far the other way. This might be another pattern that would be pretty on a checked piece of fabric. I think it would have to be faded to keep a soft feel. 

We're working a little on the table for my craft room today. I'm hoping that it will be ready soon for me to move my sewing machine onto it. I've been thinking about starting a craft business from home and I definitely need my sewing machine to get things going. Think good thoughts for me!

Laura :)

May 6, 2017

Raspberry Patch

Country Cottage Needleworks

166 x 102

I love this cute chart! At first I thought it would be a small project but the dimensions are actually bigger than I thought. The model is stitched on 28ct Natural Raw linen. I'm thinking a pale blue or a soft, sunny yellow would be really nice. OR, one of those adorable checked fabrics! This one would be perfect on the checks. Now I just need to go shopping. Oh darn the bad luck! Oh Nancy...I'm sure it will break her heart to go shopping as well. LOL

This chart is really singing loudly to me. There may be a new start in my near future -- but not before I have another finish!

Laura :)

May 5, 2017

Here Comes Treble/Alto Gether Now/First Bass

Ink Circles

60 x 61/58 x 62/60 x 59

Happy Cinco de Mayo! We dutifully had Mexican food at home tonight. LOL 

Aren't these the best charts? I was gifted these by Mel. She sent charts and floss. I only needed to choose fabric and stitch. But, I managed to get into my head and haven't been able to get past it and stitch! My dilemma? I can't figure out if I should stitch them individually, horizontally or vertically. There are pros and cons to each idea. Individually stitched and finished I could display them however I'd like. Also, I'd be able to display the first one without waiting for the other two to be stitched. Knowing my track record, this might not be a bad idea! 

I've loved music for as long as I can remember. I've been singing since I was old enough to open my mouth. Lately I haven't been able to sing. I have nodes on my vocal chords which have prevented me from singing. I burst out coughing any time I try to sing for any length of time. I haven't been able to figure out a way to sing around the nodes, to train my voice to work without causing irritation. It has been such an integral part of my life that it's really difficult to be forced to stop. I'm ever hopeful that the doctors will be able to come up with a workable solution. 

I'm so happy it's the weekend! School will be out in 3 more weeks. We're so close to the end of the year!

Have a great weekend!!

Laura :)

May 4, 2017

Shepherd's Spring

Shepherd's Bush Printworks

40 x 128

May the Fourth be with you! Happy Star Wars day. 

I've finally run into a different designer. I really like Shepherd's Bush kits. They always have lovely materials and interesting stitches. This is part of a seasonal series of kits. They're very skinny but still manage to have a lot of detail. It will be fun to stitch this one. 

Poppy is doing well. She actually let Tiger walk by tonight without hissing at him! Major progress for her. 

Laura :)

May 3, 2017

Summer House

Blackbird Designs

127 x 100

I don't have many summer themed patterns in my stash. This one is lovely. I like the soft, swirly feeling of the vines, flowers and birds. They make a gentle wind impression. I would really like to get this one, out of all the BD patterns, started this year. It would be wonderful to have it stitched and hanging on the wall. 

Laura :)

Top 5 Tuesdays - Top 5 Books On Your Must Read List

Oh my goodness! What a challenging topic from Kate of http://suddenlykateshow.blogspot.com/ . I have so many things I want to read I just don't quite know where to start. I think I'll just list what's calling to me most right now. Of course, that means my list has 10 books on it. It's a mishmash of genres. I read what calls to me. 

1.Having totally loved the Jane Austen books, I am intrigued where this diary series will go.  

2. Truly one of my favorite authors. I've really enjoyed everything I've read by her so far. She makes me laugh, cry, be so angry and scared I can hardly stand it! I'm sure this book will another favorite. 

3. A mystery novel. Mysteries are one of my favorite genres. This will be an interesting read, I'm sure

4. I enjoyed the Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr so I'm looking forward to reading this book.  

5. This sounds like a book I'll need tissue boxes nearby every time I'm reading.


6, Okay, so I'll admit that a lot of my reading is influenced by my daughter. This is a book that was on her to-read list and after reading the description got added to mine as well.
 

7. I read Stardust by Neil Gaiman long before the movie came out. I've read other Gaiman books and found them interesting as well.
 

8. Another Katie-influenced pick.


9. Okay, so this just sounds like a fun, sassy read. Can't wait!
 

10. I've read most of the books in this series. I'd like to read them all again and finish the entire series.

So, that's it! 10 books from the list of hundreds on my Goodreads account. If you're on Goodreads, link up with me there!

Laura :)

May 2, 2017

Beneath the Sunlit Sky

Blackbird Designs

116 x 171

I have loved this pattern since it came out in 2007. I don't know what drew me in so quickly, but I still really love it. It calls for Sea Fog linen from R & R Reproductions. That is a gorgeous linen color and one I don't think shows to it's full advantage on the pattern. I really need to buy the fabric and floss and get busy! This is such an unusual pattern for me to want stitched and on my walls, but it needs to be there!

Do you have any charts that just don't fit the norm in your stash? 

Laura :)

May 1, 2017

Garland Fair

Blackbird Designs

82 x 117

Happy May Day! Did you receive flowers for May Day? I didn't. ::sigh:: It was a good day, though, because I got cuddled by our new kitty. She's making herself right at home and we love it. The hissies are diminishing. Quite a good sign for only a few days in. 

Today's pattern has a great verse. I like the elements of this design. I'm just not sure I like the color. I think this pattern would be a great one to choose a floss I love and stitch. Even though it's full of leaves, they would be pretty in most any color. I'll have to play with different fabric/floss combinations and see what works best. 

Laura :)

April 30, 2017

Secret Garden

Blackbird Designs

Okay, I have a confession. I'm a little obsessed with these stitched strawberries. I haven't made any yet. I'm not sure how I'd do with the finishing, but I'm a little obsessed. I think I probably need to pull one of my many patterns out and stitch one! I like this box cover, too. I think it would make a good pin cushion as well. 

I've been playing with the cat today. Tonight we played games again. It was a wonderfully fun time. So, I'm sneaking this post in just under the wire. 

Looking forward to a great week!

Laura :)

April 29, 2017

Garden of Life

Blackbird Designs

111 x 167

Another great pattern from Blackbird Designs. These colors are much more subdued than yesterday's pattern. I've been really into floral patterns for a few years now. The idea of nature and whimsical touches really appeals to me. I think that's what I like so much about the Blackbird patterns. 

In other news, we went to the pet adoption this morning. We had one cat in mind but when we got there she was not as friendly as we were hoping she'd be. We did adopt another cat and now that she's at home, she has displayed nearly every facet of her personality. She is really irritated by Tiger, our big male cat. Hopefully this phase won't last long and we'll have two happy kitties. So, here she is!

Poppy and Jeff

Happy weekend!

Laura :)

April 28, 2017

Bluebird's Message

Blackbird Designs

90 x 144

This is such a bright, cheery pattern. I love the heart and flowers and bird. I even like the border! I like so many of these Blackbird Designs patterns. I just need to get a few more into my WIP pile. This one has to be short because I'm off for a full day of working - both jobs. BUT, tomorrow we're going to go to a pet adoption event so there may be a new kitty in my near future. 

Laura :)

April 27, 2017

Their Song

Blackbird Designs

126 x 150

This is another of the Blackbird Designs patterns that I really like. I've always liked the verse. The elements they've put into this one make it very interesting. My eyes travel through the pattern on a nonstop circuit checking out all the parts of the pattern. It seems their patterns use a lot of reds and, of course, black for their birds. I might play with color and make it more my favorites. 

Laura :)

April 26, 2017

Awake the Dawning Day

Blackbird Designs

84 x 186

What a pretty, pretty pattern! It has a couple of fun stitches mixed in with beautiful colors and a great verse. Such a perfect combination of elements. I really like most of the Blackbird Designs patterns. They seem to include things that call to me in nearly every pattern. 

Do you have designers that you just feel like you need to buy their patterns just because it's from them? Do you have designers that surprise you when you want to buy one of their patterns? What makes the perfect pattern for you?

Laura :)

Top 5 Tuesdays - Top 5 Signs Spring is Coming

Top 5 Tuesdays is hosted by the lovely Kate at: http://suddenlykateshow.blogspot.com/

I missed putting out a Top 5 Tuesdays last week so I thought I'd tackle the topic this week. Spring is my favorite season. Here are some of my markers each year for Spring. 

1. Rain - I love the rain. If I could stay home and watch it all day while I stitch and binge-watch something or listen to an audiobook, I'd be euphoric! 

2. Tornado training - Yep, one sure sign Spring is coming. Living in Missouri I'm exposed to several threats/events each year. 

3. Baseball! - Love my Royals! When the boys in blue are back on the field, it's Spring!!

4. Easter - My favorite hymn of the whole year is Low in the Grave. I look forward to singing it each year. Even if it isn't in the bulletin, I'm singing it at some point during the day. This year I was having dreams of singing my favorite Easter hymns before I ever woke. 

5. Flowers - They're all starting to green up and peek out. We mow one day and the next the dandelions have taken over the whole yard. The iris are pushing up leaves. The lilac bush is blooming. Now to go out and get rid of that dratted wild honeysuckle. 

So, those are my Top 5 Signs Spring is Coming! By the way, it's raining as I type!!
Laura :)

April 25, 2017

Where My Heart Blooms

Blackbird Designs

146 x 139

This was the first Loose Feathers pattern of 2008. It's where the Blackbird ladies announced there would be a special bonus sampler made of the parts of their design for the year. I have that project started and I'm loving it. I think I will, one day, enjoy stitching this pattern as well. It has several elements I really enjoy. I think I maybe want the reds to be a little more blue-red instead of the rust-red. That's just a personal preference. What would you think about changing the house color? I like the salt box feel but maybe in a buttery yellow instead. Or a soft grey-blue? I just want to tweak the colors a smidge. 

I've been stitching for the last two nights on an over-1 section of my project. It was only 9 words but it took me two nights to get it stitched. I looked and there's more over-1 to come. It seems to take me forever! I do like how the project is turning out and I'm excited to see it through quickly. 

I'm so thrilled that all this blogging is keeping my stitching mojo going. I've been making good progress so far this year. I'm approaching the difficult time of year for me. I've got to keep the momentum going. So far, so good!

Laura :)

April 24, 2017

Rites of Spring

Blackbird Designs

173 x 93

Today's project is full of elements I enjoy stitching, birds, flowers, fun border. It's even colors I like. However, it isn't a pattern I really like. I've held this in my stash to keep the full set of Loose Feathers patterns. Now I'm not sure I could see myself stitching it. 

Do you ever have that happen? A pattern is full of colors and elements you usually enjoy and it just doesn't call to you? As I get older, I'm less willing to work on something I don't think will fit me. 

My mother would have been 94 today. It's the little things I miss. I miss calling her and chatting about everything and nothing. I miss picking her up to run errands, knowing that it will mean going out for a meal, or at least an ice cream cone. I miss seeing what crazy color combination she's working with to create her latest afghan. I miss her, more than I ever knew I would. If your mother is still living, give her a hug from me. Enjoy your time together, even if she annoys you to pieces. Make time for her. Don't miss out. Make good memories. In the end, they're what you're left with. I'm glad I have some good memories to recall. 

Laura :)

April 23, 2017

Today was a great day. I went to my sister's house for a stitching day. A couple of our friends came to stitch also. We all brought snacks and just had a great time visiting and stitching. I did figure out afterwards that I had messed up on my stitching and I'm going to have to frog. UGH! I spent a lot of my time planning and prepping for a new start. I'll have to look back to see if I've blogged it yet or not and then share more about it. 

Peacock Pinkeep

Blackbird Designs

This chart has been in my stash since 2009. I was a part of the Loose Feathers group and received each chart as it was released. That has it's pluses and minuses. I'm not sure that I will ever stitch this chart as is. It's just not my style. There is a sweet little needlebook included as an extra project. Maybe I could find another way to use the design on the cover. The alphabet is really pretty and could make a nice long skinny sampler or ruler all on its own. 

How was your weekend?

Laura :)

April 22, 2017

Fear Not

La~D~Da

Started 4/11/2017

Finished 4/21/2017

Finish #8 for the year

Good morning! I hope you're all having a great start to your weekend. I wanted to start with an update. This is the result of my floss toss from April 11. I had this piece of Carnival linen from PTP left over. I thought the colors would be just perfect. 

When I bought this pattern I thought the lilies were three different colors. In reading the instructions I discovered they were actually all the same color. I thought about that for a little while but kept coming back to the photo showing three flower colors. I finally decided I could change things and began pulling oranges. I settled on three from Victorian Motto. I love how they work together. 

Imagine

Erica Michaels

67 x 47

Today's project is another oldie but goodie. I originally bought it with the intention of stitching it for Katie's high school graduation in 2007. That didn't happen. Then I decided I could do it for her university graduation. 2012 rolled around and I didn't have it finished for that either. 

Now I look at it and wonder what, if anything, I'll do with it. I can definitely stitch it and make it an inspirational piece without the "graduated". I'm sure something else could fill that space. It would make a cool reminder on the wall. I could even still stitch it for Katie. She would probably enjoy the crazy story behind it. It's also a nice combination of our family member's favorite colors - blue, purple, green and yellow. 

I think I may have just talked myself into another project! That's not where I thought this would go when I started. I fully intended to give this chart away. Reworking it a little will make it a great option again. I just really like all the parts of the chart. 

Well, long post from me today. I hope you all have a great weekend!

Laura :)

April 21, 2017

Homeward At Last

JBW Designs

33 x 121

I love this little design. JBW is great at getting a lot of detail in very small design elements. Aren't the little houses sweet?  I'm using 28 ct Confederate Gray linen. It's maybe a little dreary. I hope it doesn't look like a snowy winter day when it's finished. It's another design that should work up fairly quickly. 

Happy Weekend!

Laura 😎

April 20, 2017

Boris

Plum Street Samplers

100 x 104

Happy Thursday! So, I've started today getting calls from medical professionals. I'm having a colonoscopy tomorrow. I did not get good instructions and had already had about half of an omelet before they called and told me I was not to eat at all today. It should be a fun day. :( My procedure is tomorrow morning. Maybe I'll see a little weight loss from a day of fasting???

My project today is a companion piece to yesterday's project. When I bought these two patterns, I thought I might stitch them together on one piece of fabric. I thought it would be cute to have them facing each other. I would have to figure out how to make the two projects mesh. Now I'm thinking that maybe I'll just stitch them individually and frame them in the same way. Crazy cute patterns, I'm sure I'll enjoy stitching them!

Laura :)

April 19, 2017

Olga

Plum Street Samplers

101 x 104

Happy Anniversary to me! Jeff and I have been married for 31 years. I am lucky to be married to someone I still laugh with and share all my hopes and dreams. 

Plum Street Samplers has been among my favorite designers. I enjoy the whimsical silliness of her patterns. Olga won my heart as soon as I saw her. She has a great expression. I originally planned to stitch her on Relic linen from PTP, but I've since decided it's a little too dark for the project. I'll have to look in my stash for something else. I've wanted to add this to my WIPs for quite some time but haven't done it. There has to be a better way for me to prioritize my stitching, but I haven't discovered it yet! I'm sure I'll get to this one. I'm just not sure when it will be. 

Laura :)

April 18, 2017

Spring Fobs

Heart in Hand Needleart

This is the last pattern in the current pouch. So, tomorrow I'll be on to a different genre of patterns. I'm sure you're all ready for me to show you something other than bunnies. I really like this little set of needlework accessories. As you can see, I've already stitched one of the little fobs. I actually stitched the carrot as a gift several years ago. I think that's probably when I stitched the little basket fob. I want to stitch the whole set. There's plenty of fabric there. It's just a nice Edinburgh (36ct) linen. So, again, it should be added to my WIPs and stitched!! 

Laura :)

April 17, 2017

Bunnies in the Garden

With My Needle

Oh my gosh! Look at that cute carrot scissors sheath!! I really like all of the elements of this pattern pack. I think, in general, I don't really enjoy stitching these kinds of patterns. I would want all of the pieces done at the same time. Also, I'm not a finisher. That means I'll either have to fight with these pieces to get them finished or get someone else to finish them for me. So, it becomes a fussy project. 

I still like the project, though! Hopefully I'll feel like tackling this whole thing someday soon!!

Laura :)

April 16, 2017 ~ Happy Easter!

Jeff and I started the day at Easter Sunrise service. It was a little gray this morning but, because it had already rained, the air was muggy and warmer than it might have been. It was about 60. What a great way to start our Easter morning. We came home and Jeff made brunch. We cleaned house and got ready for dinner with my sister, Nancy. Dinner was great and followed by Hot Dice and marble games. We laughed so hard! It was really fun to see Brendan so relaxed and engaged with us all. 

Hunny Bunny Sewing Roll and Accessories

Needlemade Designs

Okay, so I'm a sucker for the bunnies. I saw this pattern and knew it needed to come home with me. I'm not sure if I'll stick with the black rabbit trimmed in white theme, even though the story on the back of the pattern was so sweet! I'll just have to play with some floss and get it stitched. 

I'm not a good finisher. I suppose that, unless I practice, I never will be. I have plans to fix up my craft room so that my sewing machine can be out all the time. That would definitely help me sew more often. 

Hope you had a blessed Easter as well!

Laura :)

April 15, 2017

An Eggstraordinary Sampler

Lesa Steele

published in Just Cross Stitch, April 2000

88h x 77w

I used to post on an early, early chat board. There were lots of experienced stitchers there. There were also some really opinionated people who would suck all the fun out of posting! It was on these boards I first discovered Lesa Steele. She's such a sweet, talented designer. Unfortunately, she's no longer publishing designs. 

I saw this chart when the magazine came out and knew it needed to be stitched by me. I found these Silken Ribbons and Waterlilies in Sherbet. I think they're the perfect color to stitch these Easter eggs. Also, surprise, surprise, I've chosen to stick with white linen. I just feel it looks so clean and fresh, exactly how I think an Easter project should look. It will be an involved project for sure. Not one I should start unless I'm willing to really focus on it and stitch it start to finish. I need to plan to do it while I'm off for several days at once. 

It will be wonderful to add this beautiful project to my WIP pile!

Laura :)