tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64055487834386820642024-03-13T16:00:16.379-05:00Laura's Linen WorkesThe place where I share about my love of cross stitching. I am a self proclaimed linen snob. I really enjoy stitching on linen in various counts and colors. Hopefully you'll enjoy looking at all the craziness that IS my stash. Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-38130151028884614552017-07-30T18:36:00.001-05:002017-07-30T18:37:50.603-05:00I'm Back! July 30, 2017<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">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..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy Stitching!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-83870815654052490702017-05-16T21:22:00.000-05:002017-05-16T21:22:18.775-05:00May 16, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Radiance</div>
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The Sweetheart Tree</div>
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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<br />
busy!<br />
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Laura :)Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-84691715558622904752017-05-15T22:48:00.001-05:002017-05-15T22:48:28.901-05:00May 15, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sheep in the Meadow</div>
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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. </div>
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I've had a long day working both jobs so I'm off to bed. </div>
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Laura :)</div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-83002556527951182462017-05-14T22:15:00.002-05:002017-05-14T22:15:58.384-05:00May 14, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Strawberry Plant</div>
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Filigram</div>
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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. </div>
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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!</div>
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That's it for me today. It was a lovely Mothers Day!</div>
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Laura :)</div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-67002560101729616042017-05-13T21:30:00.003-05:002017-05-13T21:30:56.165-05:00May 13, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Needleworker</div>
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Little House Needleworks</div>
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227 x 58</div>
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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? </div>
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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!</div>
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Laura :)</div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-59974047283690340852017-05-12T22:14:00.001-05:002017-05-12T22:14:50.680-05:00May 12, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tuscan Sunrise</div>
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Just Nan</div>
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78 x 38</div>
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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!</div>
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Laura :)</div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-68691784852136137392017-05-12T22:02:00.002-05:002017-05-12T22:02:16.712-05:00May 11, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-21495154355457414642017-05-10T21:14:00.001-05:002017-05-10T21:14:32.928-05:00May 10, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-91883791154223870542017-05-09T20:11:00.000-05:002017-05-09T20:11:06.709-05:00May 9, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friends Gather Here</span></div>
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48 x 209</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's it for today!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-72139019617805871532017-05-08T20:48:00.001-05:002017-05-08T20:48:34.564-05:00May 8, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amazing Grace </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 My Boys</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">51 x 135</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-77204651045611693122017-05-07T11:43:00.002-05:002017-05-07T11:43:51.575-05:00May 7, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nHZbmSf_bA/WQ9IDnPhyMI/AAAAAAAAHbs/0SClfggaODIkWx3y9w-pt5_C04wbEXaJQCKgB/s1600/IMG_1794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nHZbmSf_bA/WQ9IDnPhyMI/AAAAAAAAHbs/0SClfggaODIkWx3y9w-pt5_C04wbEXaJQCKgB/s400/IMG_1794.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">99 x 161</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-70969810912871667802017-05-07T11:13:00.001-05:002017-05-07T11:13:04.499-05:00May 6, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7L5Q7hOxT4/WQ9FNfoGLmI/AAAAAAAAHbg/S1rCDjH3pb4TP-La6jcYQ3MqRFPvr_vIQCKgB/s1600/IMG_1793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7L5Q7hOxT4/WQ9FNfoGLmI/AAAAAAAAHbg/S1rCDjH3pb4TP-La6jcYQ3MqRFPvr_vIQCKgB/s400/IMG_1793.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">166 x 102</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-53684935519414208772017-05-05T21:26:00.003-05:002017-05-05T21:26:52.222-05:00May 5, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KLcEfHfpTy0/WQ0rrczcKsI/AAAAAAAAHag/J2JWaEW0CFkxUjD7a2uz7a1JfLhpF7v5ACKgB/s1600/IMG_1792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KLcEfHfpTy0/WQ0rrczcKsI/AAAAAAAAHag/J2JWaEW0CFkxUjD7a2uz7a1JfLhpF7v5ACKgB/s640/IMG_1792.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here Comes Treble/Alto Gether Now/First Bass</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">60 x 61/58 x 62/60 x 59</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Cinco de Mayo! We dutifully had Mexican food at home tonight. LOL </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a great weekend!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-51617436999531337112017-05-04T20:39:00.000-05:002017-05-04T20:39:33.793-05:00May 4, 2017 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shepherd's Spring</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shepherd's Bush Printworks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">40 x 128</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">May the Fourth be with you! Happy Star Wars day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Poppy is doing well. She actually let Tiger walk by tonight without hissing at him! Major progress for her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-37783132908122448682017-05-03T23:27:00.000-05:002017-05-03T23:27:01.842-05:00May 3, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summer House</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blackbird Designs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">127 x 100</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-22746613809658456822017-05-02T20:37:00.001-05:002017-05-02T20:37:51.830-05:00Top 5 Tuesdays - Top 5 Books On Your Must Read List<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.Having totally loved the Jane Austen books, I am intrigued where this diary series will go. </span><img alt="Mr. Darcy's Diary (Jane Austen Heroes, #1)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388202072l/99297.jpg" width="148" /><br />
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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. <img alt="23346716" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1427061609l/23346716.jpg" width="124" /><br />
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3. A mystery novel. Mysteries are one of my favorite genres. This will be an interesting read, I'm sure<img alt="21936857" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1417409700l/21936857.jpg" width="132" /><br />
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4. I enjoyed the Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr so I'm looking forward to reading this book. <img alt="25816519" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1443547252l/25816519.jpg" width="132" /><br />
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5. This sounds like a book I'll need tissue boxes nearby every time I'm reading.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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8. Another Katie-influenced pick.<br />
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9. Okay, so this just sounds like a fun, sassy read. Can't wait!<br />
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10. I've read most of the books in this series. I'd like to read them all again and finish the entire series.<img alt="1934" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388269517l/1934.jpg" width="117" /><br />
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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!<br />
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Laura :)Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-7105103639320206112017-05-02T18:36:00.000-05:002017-05-02T18:36:45.991-05:00May 2, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beneath the Sunlit Sky</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">116 x 171</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you have any charts that just don't fit the norm in your stash? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-29883404884061164012017-05-01T22:21:00.000-05:002017-05-01T22:21:44.465-05:00May 1, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Garland Fair</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">82 x 117</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-75120294728998464982017-04-30T23:55:00.000-05:002017-04-30T23:55:09.728-05:00April 30, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Secret Garden</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking forward to a great week!<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-5100005803903033962017-04-30T00:39:00.001-05:002017-04-30T00:39:10.270-05:00April 29, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Garden of Life</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">111 x 167</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Poppy and Jeff</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy weekend!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-38920571809994536812017-04-30T00:25:00.000-05:002017-04-30T00:25:33.476-05:00April 28, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bluebird's Message</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">90 x 144</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-82786269716277272112017-04-27T22:05:00.000-05:002017-04-27T22:05:02.078-05:00April 27, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their Song</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">126 x 150</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-34077262605579446372017-04-26T20:22:00.001-05:002017-04-26T20:22:42.707-05:00April 26, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Awake the Dawning Day</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">84 x 186</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-22293228487200263702017-04-25T22:32:00.002-05:002017-04-25T22:35:23.761-05:00Top 5 Tuesdays - Top 5 Signs Spring is Coming<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Top 5 Tuesdays is hosted by the lovely Kate at: http://suddenlykateshow.blogspot.com/</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Tornado training - Yep, one sure sign Spring is coming. Living in Missouri I'm exposed to several threats/events each year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. Baseball! - Love my Royals! When the boys in blue are back on the field, it's Spring!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, those are my Top 5 Signs Spring is Coming! By the way, it's raining as I type!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Laura :)</span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405548783438682064.post-59282808863165321882017-04-25T22:24:00.000-05:002017-04-25T22:24:11.087-05:00April 25, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where My Heart Blooms</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">146 x 139</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laura :)</span></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04208922380674343346noreply@blogger.com0