Sunday, April 30, 2017

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 :)

Thursday, April 27, 2017

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 :)

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

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 :)

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

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 :)

Monday, April 24, 2017

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 :)


Saturday, April 22, 2017

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 :)











Friday, April 21, 2017

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 😎


Thursday, April 20, 2017

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 :)

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

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 :)



Monday, April 17, 2017

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 :)

Sunday, April 16, 2017

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 :)

Saturday, April 15, 2017

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 :)



Friday, April 14, 2017

Top Five Tuesdays - Things to Accompany Your Stitching



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

This is actually a Friday night post. I haven't had a chance to catch up on this before now. So, this is a picture from my vantage point in my stitching spot on the sofa. I have my top 5 necessities for home stitching with me. 

1. My afghan: I asked my mom for a pink afghan several years ago. She chose the pinks and managed to crochet the tightest afghan ever. It is wonderfully cozy without getting too hot. 

2. My big brown cup: I fill this up with water and start working. A girl's gotta stay hydrated!

3. My purple lap desk: This is a must for me when stitching at home. Poor thing is broken up a bit, but it's still functional. 

4. Clamp: It holds patterns, floss, and sometimes this special heart needle magnet from my sister, Nancy. 

5. Bunny needle magnet: I have one needle magnet on my lap desk and a whole host of others on the floor lamp stand next to me. I love looking at my goodies. 

6. Okay, I know it was supposed to just be 5 but I can't end this list without mentioning a couple of other things. You can see in the picture my lovely Gingher scissors. This is my first pair of Ginghers, gifted to me by my family when I began to do cutwork. I love them! Attached to them is the first scissors fob I made. I went to the bead shop, chose some gorgeous beads and sat down to work. The shop owner helped me with parts of it, but I did most of the work to create it. This is still my favorite fob I've made. It's eclectic and quirky, just like me!

So, that's it! My top 6 favorite stitching things! 

Laura :)

April 14, 2017


Spring Time
Mosey 'n Me
45 x 95

I have Claire to thank for this pattern. I saw her post and thought this was such a sweet pattern. She kindly sent it to me. I had every intention of stitching it immediately. But, alas, my intentions were better than my follow through and so it still remains in my stash. 

This was a teaching piece. It has some fun stitches: Herringbone Rectangle, Square Eyelet, Tall Crossed Cross, Satin Stitch with Mitered Corners, Slanted Satin Stitch, Star Stitch surrounded by Couching, Oblong Tied Cross, Crossed Gobelin, Tall Long Armed Cross, Triple Rice Stitch, and Half Round Eyelet. It was stitched on 18 ct linen, however, I plan to stitch it on a smaller count fabric. I haven't read all of the directions so I'm not sure if it's stitched over 1 or over 2. I will probably use 28 or 32 ct linen and will stitch over 2 threads. 

I'm also thinking I'll choose some overdyed flosses for at least part of the pattern. I would like the variations in the floss for at least parts of this project. 

So, the plan is still to stitch this. I just need time in my rotation to make it a WIP.

Laura :)



April 13, 2017


First let me start by saying I didn't get this posted because my technology failed me last night. I did have my post ready so here it is!




Half a Dozen
The Cricket Collection

I've had this pattern in my stash for a long time. I have visions of getting these stitched individually for myself and displaying them each year. I haven't even stitched one of them yet!

I am planning to stitch them on 10 ct Tula with perle cottons. I have a couple of pretty pieces of purple fabric ~ I know you're surprised! LOL 

I plan to stitch the Violets (33 x 42) first, followed by the Robin (33 x 42), then the Beeskep (37 x 42). I have bought Caron Watercolours for the main color in each of the three. For the robin, I've purchased one for the pretty wing, as shown in the ornament at the top left. They're really quite small and wouldn't take long to stitch. It's the finishing that might slow me down. I just think they're so sweet. There's really no excuse for not getting them stitched before now. 

Pray for me. I need WAY more time to stitch all of the fabulousness in my stash!!!

Laura :)

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

April 12, 2017


I'll start today with another little update. I've been working on Quaker Fantasies 2017 SAL by Aury TM. This piece has always felt a little like Moroccan tiles to me so I chose teals and golds to mimic that feel. This is January ~ February ~ March. The April section goes up the right side to join the top and bottom. I'll start on the next section tomorrow. I do still want to add beads to the peacocks eyes. 


Today's chart is Baubles ~ April from SamSarah. I think it's a sweet little chart. I got this chart from Katie. She has already stitched it. She even left me the rest of her fabric. The only problem is I could stitch the eggs but if I added the single stitches in the next row of boxes, I would be to the outer border. Maybe I just need to stitch this without the outliers. It would make a very cute pincushion!

Laura :)


Tuesday, April 11, 2017

April 11, 2017


Let me start off today with a floss toss. What do you think? I'm not giving up the secret of the chart yet, but these are the colors I'll be using. The fabric is a leftover piece of 32ct Carnival linen from Picture This Plus. There's so much color in this part of the fabric. I love it! I originally had the fabric turned around but decided the deeper color should be at the bottom instead of the top of the project. I'll be starting it very soon. It's another of my small projects. 


Hare Ribbons
Donna Heath Brooks 
Leisure Arts Leaflet 2069

There are two sweet bunnies! The projects are titled Hare Ribbons (113 x 88) and Hare Net (114 x 74). These would make such a cute pair of framed projects to hang together. I'm picturing them on a nice, light color. Think pale blue or pale green or pale yellow. Maybe even a pale pink. I think the possibilities are endless. I'll probably incorporate some overdyed flosses. The basket and hat could definitely use them. 

So, even though I've had this pattern forever, I still think I want to keep it in my stash and stitch these beauties someday. 

More tomorrow!

Laura :) 


Monday, April 10, 2017

April 10, 2017


Good Eggs
The Trilogy

I had been working on another smallish project. It wasn't going well. The linen is uneven count so what should have been a square was coming out as a rectangle. The fabric color wasn't what I would have chosen either. All in all I just wasn't happy with it. So, yesterday I decided to set it aside until I can restart on something that will make me happier. I pulled out a different project. I worked off and on all day. Isn't it cute? I like the Natural linen except that the little white spots all through the project don't really show up. My 7th finish for the year. 


Spring Sampler
Sisters and Best Friends

Oh, I love this crazy rabbit! I'm not sure if I will stitch this with the alphabet or without. Sometimes a silly bunny is just the ticket for me. My sampler would be a little different size. Their samplers were stitched on 18ct over 2 and 25ct over 1. Most likely mine would be 28ct over 2 on some pretty color. Any votes? I have a lot of fabric to choose from!

Laura :)

April 9, 2017


Easter Line Up
The Trilogy
88 x 88

This is such a cute Easter/Spring pattern. I love the colorful eggs and all the bunnies and just how bright the whole sampler is. It's smaller than I thought. I can hardly believe they got this much detail in such a small sampler. I think this will be so fun to stitch. 

I was trying to wait to post until I finished my project. I will be finished within the next hour. I'll just wait to post it until tomorrow. So, look for an update from me!

Laura :)

Saturday, April 8, 2017

April 8, 2017


Easter Trio
Twisted Threads

I really like these cute little projects. Of course, these were stitched on 32ct linen over 1 thread. I don't know that I want to stitch an over 1 project, let alone 3! Will these be as cute when they're a little bigger? Also, they're mainly stitched with Anchor floss. I think they could be really cute if I used overdyed flosses. I may have to pull this chart out and start stitching!

Laura :)

April 7, 2017


Spring Folio
Shepherd's Bush

So, this chart didn't grab me at first glance. In fact, I'm not planning to stitch either of the larger projects. I do like Spring Candlescreen and the Easter Morn Sampler. I'm not sure you'll be able to see them in the photo, but they're small ~ 25 x 44 and 50 x 25. They're cute and would make nice pincushion type pillows. I have a pretty little piece of pink linen in with the chart. I'll have to do a floss toss to see if that will work. 

Laura :)

Thursday, April 6, 2017

April 6, 2017


Springtime Needleroll and Mini-Sampler
Sekas & Co. 
50 x 76

So, you know I have a thing for needlerolls. Today's chart should make total sense then, right? AND, it's done in beautiful Spring colors. It uses a Needle Necessities color (now Threadworx) and several DMC colors. I don't know if I'll buy the floss or just use something from my stash to stitch this. It would be easy to adjust the floss colors. There are also a couple of Mill Hill charms, a bluebird and a bunny, They're sweet. I also like the fun stitches for the bands as well. 

I looked at the directions on the back for finishing the needleroll and they're pretty good. I think I have a few of these Sekas & Co. patterns in my stash. I really could have a great needleroll collection if I'd just get busy with these patterns!

For now, 

Laura :)

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

April 5, 2017


Folk Art Spring Angel 
Fanci That
85 x 160

Okay, so this is not my usual pattern. BUT, for whatever reason, I like these quirky angels! I think I have a couple of these in my stash. This one would be so fun for Spring. It's in pretty GAST floss colors that I like. It has a birdhouse. The wording at the bottom says, "Birds, flowers, renew". How sweet is that? It's exactly the reason that Spring is my favorite season. So, will I really stitch this? What will I do with it when it's stitched? I'm not sure. For now, it needs to sit in my stash and wait to see if it makes its way to my WIP pile. 

Do you have any projects like this in your stash? You think you might like to stitch them someday? 

Have a great stitchy day!
Laura :)


Tuesday, April 4, 2017

April 4, 2017


Easter Blessings
Lizzie Kate

At first when I looked at today's project, I didn't think it was really for me. However, after looking at the sampler and the needleroll, I think I've actually got two projects that I'll end up doing from this one. I just think the bunny is a little too cutesy for me. I really do like the needleroll. Hmmm...another blog idea, I need to get out all my needlerolls and take photos. I have several lovely rolls. I've made several more and given them as gifts. They're some of my favorites because they're so easy to hand finish. I like the idea of a finished finished project. 

I think fabric choice could be key for these projects. When I first looked at the chart cover, I didn't even see the needleroll. What colors will I choose? Hey, that might be another blog post. "Just how much fabric is actually in my stash?"

I love when these ideas come to me as a result of blogging about something else. My brain gets totally engaged and active while I'm blogging. I enjoy the process of starting with a small idea and progressing to more and more detail and even more ideas of things to blog about. 

So, another couple of fun ideas to stitch and another couple of fun ideas for blogging. Sounds like a successful entry!

Hugs and Stitches, 

Laura :)



Monday, April 3, 2017

Top 5 Tuesday ~ Top 5 Things that Make Me Laugh

So, this one is taking me a little longer. I had a pretty rough weekend so I've really had to think long and hard about what makes me laugh. 

1. Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich: I LOVE these books. Jeff enjoys having me read them when the house is quiet. He loves to hear me belly laugh at all her silly antics. I can just picture these things happening. 

“...I blink back the threat of tears, swiped at my nose and narrowed my eyes. "Listen to me, you two bags of monkey shit, "I yelled. "I am not in a good mood. My car keeps stalling. The day before yesterday I threw up on Joe Morelli. I was called a fat cow by my ex-husband. And if that isn't enough...my hair is ORANGE! ORANGE, FOR CHRISSAKE! And now you have the gall to force yourself into my home and threaten my hamster. Well, you have gone too far. You have crossed the line!” 
― Janet EvanovichThree to Get Deadly

2. This video from a long time ago: Cooper Loves Ice Cream

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHvExOg4NI0

3. My sister, Nancy, and I getting slap happy. 

We were on a trip together recently. On the way home I was commenting on what color fabric I should use and said I didn't really see anything at the shop we had just been to. Nancy commented that I should have gotten the red fabric for the project (LHN's Silent Night). Of course, I couldn't just disagree. I had to say something like, "Oh, yeah. Bloody Silent Night!" in my growliest voice possible. We dissolved into such hysterics, I thought we were going to have to pull off the road to settle down. Even better, Jeff called during the whole thing and I made some crazy reference to it while Nancy and I were still laughing hysterically. This, of course, got Jeff laughing too. We were hurting so badly!!

4. This student at school. 

I work with ELL students. (English Language Learners) There's nothing wrong with them. They simply have someone at home speaking another language with them so they sometimes need a little extra help making sense of things. During a test, we can only give so much help. A student read a passage to me. I said, "Do you know what this word 'wages' means?"
He said, "No." 
I said, "What does Mrs. Shelley get for working with you?"
He said, in all seriousness, "A headache?"

I thought I might need a change of clothes!

5. Oh, Katie will get her revenge on me for this one, but it's a classic. 

When Katie was little, she was dancing around singing and came to the end of the song:

"I'm Madeline, 
I'm Madeline, 
and inside I'm BEEF!"

See what happens when a 4ish little one tries to decipher a French accent? Oh my gosh, it has me giggling just thinking about it!!

So, I don't know if this is exactly what Kate had in mind but I've certainly enjoyed thinking about the silliness in my life! Thanks,Kate http://suddenlykateshow.blogspot.com/! I needed that. 

Laura :)

April 3, 2017


Rabbit Run
Chessie & Me
75 x 75

Oh, I've had this in my stash since it came out. Love those bunnies! They call this a cushion. I call it an 8-sided biscornu-in-waiting. I'm just sure I can make that work. So, I suppose the only thing to do is stitch it up and give it a try! Anyway, I really like this cushion. I might even be convinced to stitch the little carrot fob. I bet I could stitch and finish it all in one day. What a cutie!

I also have a finish! I pulled out one of my little kits and stitched it right up. It's Rabbit Roundabout by HIHN. I started very late on the evening of April 1 and finished April 2. So quick and fun. Finish #6 for the year for me!



Laura :)

Saturday, April 1, 2017

April 1, 2017


Berry Patch Rabbit
Cedar Hill
88 x 88

Today's project is another one that has been in my stash for a very long time. I drooled over the shop model at the Old Mill Stitchery for such a long time. Finally I decided I had to have it. I know it looks like they've used white linen, but it's actually 28ct Sea Fog linen from R & R Reproductions. Whatever the mill had used was a lovely green. I purchased a piece from them and they told me to buy RIT Tan dye and spritz it onto the fabric to give it the movement that I wanted. I've kept the note with the instructions but haven't ever bought the dye or tackled the fabric. At this point, I probably have something lovely in my stash that would work well. I can always use the green linen for something else. 

This is another relatively small project. I've had it for so long, it would seem that it should be time to put this into rotation. The next thing to tackle is that it's done mostly in DMC floss but the pattern calls for several blended flosses so I think more overdyed flosses could work better. I'll just have to choose fabric and do a floss toss to choose the final colors. I enjoy personalizing my colors so this should be an enjoyable process. 

Have I told you yet how much I like to stitch bunnies? This one is realistic enough for me to be totally appealing. Green fabric, bunny, overdyed floss...I'm getting an urge to stitch this one sooner rather than later. 

My April Fools' Day didn't hold much in the way of surprises. How did you all fare?

Happy Stitching, 

Laura :)