And I'm Off...

Saturday I will be flying off to Texas for a month where I will visit good friends and attend International Quilt Festival. This is a great Quilt Show with 1000+ vendor booths, hundreds of quilts on display, and an extensive class catalog. It is a Quilt Show like no other!

While browsing the Quilt Festival website I came across a great deal on a subscription to Country Living, 12 issues for just $5.00(click here if you are interested). Now if only I could find cross stitch magazine subscriptions for 5.00!

I spent the last two days making a baby quilt for my friend’s grandbaby that is due in early December. I really wanted to complete the top this week so that I could bring it in to have it quilted while I am away. It took me two days to piece this, I was up until 4am this morning but I got it done. I am pleased with how it turned out; even happier that it is now at the quilters. Once it is complete I will take a better picture of it, I quickly snapped this before heading out and it is not the best.



I have completed the stitching on three exchanges and I may even be able to do the finishing before heading to Texas, fingers crossed! I did join Becky's Let's Stitch group and have decided to spend Friday nights stitching on my VOHRH. I am on block #6, have been since the spring, and I look forward to finally removing it from the WIPs Project Basket and completing it.

This is where I left off~

Well, the house is very quiet. Misha and Lily left for PA with my DS yesterday. He eagerly agreed to tend to them while I am away, but I am not quite sure he knows what he is in for with Little Miss Lily! She is nothing like Sweet Misha who, at 11 years, is an angel and SO easy.


Apparently, my DS has plans for Halloween that will include Lily (hopefully no wild college parties). Here is a peek at her costume, cute huh? OINK!

Lily 4 1/2 months ~ 2.5 pounds

I am not sure how much blogging I will do over the next month; I will probably read blogs but will not be updating mine for a while.


Have a great month and I will leave you with this image ~

HAPPY FALL

Until next time...

Just another Gadget ~ VoHRH SAL~ Meet Paula

In my last two post I mentioned a wonderful woman named Paula C. Paula and I have been in a few exchanges together and I must say she is a wonderful cross stitcher and a super lady! I am so very happy that she has found the time to start up her blog, Needles, Hooks & Paperback Books ~ such a clever name! Stop on over and welcome her to the world of blogging!

Oh how I love gadgets!!! I am always on the lookout for items that will make tasks easier and faster. Todays gadget is the Stitch Converter by LoRan.

Stitch Converter - Gadget Give-A-Way

"No more complicated calculations for material size and thread count - the Stitch Converter is helpful in figuring the material size for your projects and assists in determining the material count for a required finished size. Simply dial in your numbers and read your answer."


I keep this handy little gadget in my cross stitch basket. When I need to figure out the fabric requirement I can easily reach for it, turn the dial and quickly determine how much fabric I need. It lists fabric size for 11/12/14/16/18/22/32 count. Sure you can do this with a calculator, some can do it in their head, I prefer doing it with a quick twist!


While running errands yesterday I stopped in a small needlework shop in Westport to picked up a few things. This is where I originally purchased my Stitch Converter, when I saw it I decided to do two things:

1. Write a GADGET POST on my blog
2. Purchase one for a "Blog Gadget Give-A-Way"

So, if you are a "Gadget Queen" and would like to give this a try just comment on this post and I will draw a name... if your name is selected I will mail it off to you ~ it is just that simple!

My trip to Texas, fun as it was, set me back on my VoHRH SAL stitching. I am trying to get back on track and hope to complete block number 6 by May 1st. Here is a progress picture:

VOHRH SAL - Block #6

Thanks for stopping by, I am always glad that you do!

Until next time...

Playing "Catch Up" - F&S from Hannah - VoHRH

I just returned from Vermont where I spent 12 days house hunting and stitching, more stitching than house hunting...that is always nice. I had the opportunity to play “catch up” especially on my VoHRH. Having missed the January 1st deadline for block #3 I was finally able to complete it on Jan. 20th. I wanted to try to complete a second block before February 1st so I started on block #5 and will finish that tonight. After stitching and re-stitching this brick house I could not bring myself to start on the house in block 4! Not sure what the problem was but I struggled with all of those bricks!

VoHRH Block #3

VoHRH Block #5

VoHRH as of January 29, 2008

Hannah, my Fair & Square partner for round #4, sent this wonderful exchange a few weeks ago. I was in Vermont thus unable to post pictures. I just love this block, I have all four charts of this Bent Creek Wonderland and have wanted to stitch them. I was treated to two fantastic Workbasket leaflets; I love all of their designs and happen to be stitching one for an exchange right now. Hannah used the instructional link that I posted for the “tissue holder” and did a great job making one for me. She also included some adorable snowman buttons and some piecemakers needles. Thanks Hannah, you made this such a special exchange!

Fair & Square Exchange from Hannah

I was also able to complete my "Hello Neighbor" Round Robin and will be sending it off tomorrow. I am anxious to see this neighborhood grow, and thankful that I was able to join this group!

I will leave you with a few picture of winter/summer in Vermont…

Vermont - Pond in the winter and summer

Vermont -Apple Orchard in the winter and summer

Many thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to stop by and visit. It is always so nice to read your comments!

Until next time...

Wonderful Winter House Exchange, VOHRH, NRR

I would like to first thank everyone for the many birthday wishes and I do hope that Vonna reads the comments to my last post so that she can see, as Harmien so accurately stated, that she truly is the Queen of Stitchy Blogland!

What a great mail day, I received an amazing Winter House Exchange (SBEBB) from Mindi. She stitched a Prairie Schooler design, one of my all time favorite designers! The design is the January block from the Summer and Winter book. The minute I saw it I thought of Vermont, a house surrounded by pine trees and a deer running through the front yard. Yes, that would be Vermont! Mindi did an amazing job on the beautiful pinkeep, her stitching and finishing are just perfect. Take a look at this beautiful treasure…

SBEBB Winter House Exchange

Designer: Prairie Schooler

Design: Summer and Winter

Stitched by: Mindi

Mindi also treated me to some very special extras. First, I must compliment her Dad on the beautiful wooden floss holder, which he made!!! My mouth dropped open upon seeing it and my eyes popped when I read that her Dad made it. Honestly, I have always wanted a wooden floss holder and am ecstatic over receiving this beauty; a huge thank you to Mindi’s Dad.

Wooden Floss Holder

Beautifully Handcrafted by Mindi's Dad!

I received some beautiful silk ribbon, in my favorite color and two skeins of Dinky Dyes Silk! They are perfect for a project that I have in mind and I can't wait to stitch with the silk! Now, if only there was a way that you could smell the beautiful scent of the Saffron and Sage hand poured candle the Mindi included, oh how I love scented candles! She aslo included some tapestry needles, lip balm, and delicious chocolates. As you can see I could not resist and gobbled up two pieces. Many thanks Mindi for making this such a special exchange, one that I treasure!

SBEBB Winter House Exchange

From Mindi

Like many others I thought that this would be my very last SBEBB exchange and am SO very happy that BeckySC has decided not to close the the board, thank you BeckySC! I look forward to participating in more wonderful exchanges in 2008!

Unlike Kathy, I did not complete VOHRH Block #3 by the January 1st date. It is not that I have neglected my stitching it is that I had to finish the donation block for Cole’s Quilt and I jumped on board the Hello Neighbor RR and am playing “catch up” trying to stitch my Halloween House before the February mail date. As for my VOHRH progress:

VoHRH Block #3

And my Hello Neighbor RR progress:

I am off to Vermont for about a week and I anticipate many free hours of stitching….I hope!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.


Until next time…

Ornament Exchange ~VoHRH~All about crafting

After a busy day, I arrived home to find a wonderful package waiting for me. Carol sent me a truly spectacular exchange! She stitched a design from my very favorite Prairie Schooler and did a beautiful job finishing it as a pinkeep Christmas Ornament. I promise you Carol, this ornament will be hung “front and center” on my Christmas tree for everyone to enjoy!

USEBB: Ornament Exchange

Design: ABC Santa Ornament

Designer: Prairie Schooler

Received from: Carol

Carol’s exchange package was filled with so many extras; adorable snowman coasters, scented candle wax melt, a ½ yard of very pretty red fabric, a much needed notepad and sticky notes, as well as a Mary Garry pattern, and the Vermont Hearts of America kit ~FANTASTIC!
Thanks so much Carol, your thoughtfulness brought much happiness into my day!!!

USEBB: 2007 Ornament Exchange

From: Carol

Although I did not meet the November 1st deadline for completing block #2, I was able to complete it by the December 1st date.

Village of Hawk Run Hollow Block #2
Carriage House Sampling

Rather than stitch "I-s-i-a-h" I made a few minor adjustments and I stitched it "I-s-a-i-a-h" ~ the correct spelling. It must be the perfectionist in me but this would have driven me nuts.

VoHRH Blocks #1 & 2

If anyone knows of errors/corrections on this chart I would appreciate it if you would let me know. Kathy, you had mentioned as error but I can't remember what it was. Will you email me or post it on your blog? Thanks!

ALL ABOUT CRAFTING

I have been tagged by Heather and as a result I will share with you some information on my life of crafting.

The rules are: Answer the following on your blog and then let five other bloggers know that you have tagged them to complete the meme.


1. When did you start to create and make craft?

Probably when I was about 8 or so. I can remember knitting a scarf for a very dear aunt who was moving from the Northeast to Florida…What was I thinking?

2. Why did you start creating?

It must be in my blood, I honestly do not know why. I certainly do not stem from a “crafty” family.

3. Why do you create?

Obsessive compulsive behavior perhaps(?) It makes me happy and content.

4. What do you create?

Quilts, all sorts of cross stitched items, redwork stitchery pillows, penny rugs, art dolls, and I have tackle the art of knitting socks.

5. Has this changed since you began crafting?

My interest in these different crafts changes with time. At present I would classify myself as an avid cross stitcher. A few years ago I was an avid quilter.

Now I need to tag some people for this meme. I will suggest a few names ~ If the urge overwhelms you feel free to play along: Donna, Jane, Kathy, Leena, and Pokua. Have fun!

A special thanks to the members of the Neighborhood RR that allowed me to jump in and join their group. I look forward to stitching with you. Thanks Vonna, for letting me kow about the available spot in this group!!! :)

Until next time...

Fair & Square Exchange ~ VoHRH SAL

I must say that I was spoiled by Paula C. today! I opened her Fair & Square Exchange box and was so surprised to find some wonderful treasures inside. Her blocks are gorgeous, and so nicely stitched:

Fair & Square round #3

Stitched by: Paula C.

In addition she included an amazing "strawberry" FOB~the design reminds me of a quilt! She included some of the BEST candies(by See's!), a pattern from one of my favorite designers: La-D-Da, and some very nice "Coffee" note cards. Paula, words just can't express my gratitude! Thank you so very much for the amazing exchange

Fair & Square Exchange #3

At present Paula does not have a blog that I can direct you to, but she is planning on starting one. I do hope that she does, as she is obviously quite talented, and I would love for her to share more of her beautiful work!

The Fair and Square Exchange group has such a collection of talented stitchers. For those that are not familiar with this group you might want to check it out, here are the exchange guidelines. A huge thank you to Vonna and Annemarie for coordinating the activities within this group.

VOHRH SAL End Of The Month Block Status

Well, I am true to my word...I was unable to complete block #2 by Nov. 1st. Not to worry, I already see much more free "stitching" time on the horizon. If I can rid myself of this nasty headache I will sit down this evening for some serious stitching.

For your viewing pleasure here is as far as I got on Block #2 during the month of October....

Village of Hawk Run Hollow ~ Block #2

October 31, 2007

VoHRH Blocks 1 & 2

Did you know:

-There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with orange, the color of pumpkin.

-Samhainophobia is an intense fear of Halloween.

-A pumpkin is a berry in the cucurbitaceae family, which also includes melons, cucumbers, squash and gourds. All these plants are native to the Americas.

POPCORN BALLS
Ingredients : 2 ½ quarts popped popcorn

1 14-oz package light caramels

1/4 cup light corn syrup

2 tablespoons water

Preparation :
Keep popcorn warm in a 200 degree oven. Melt caramels in top of double boiler over simmering water. Add corn syrup and water and mix until smooth. Slowly pour over popcorn in a large bowl. Stir to mix well. With greased hands, shape into balls about the size of softballs. Let cool completely before wrapping with plastic wrap.

Wishing you all a very Happy Halloween!

Until next time...

Halloween Exchange Sent

I read that Michelle received the SBEBB: Halloween Exchange that I sent out so I am able to post pictures. I used a design from Trail Creek Farm and finished it as a decorative holiday hanger. When I saw the "BEWARE" hanger I immediately knew that it would work quite well with this design. I found some great little clips that I used to attach the stitched piece to the metal hanger.

Becky's exchange partner email stated the I should not send any candy to Michelle. I was a bit puzzled as to why I should not include candy with a Halloween Exchange. I visited Michelle's blog and quickly realized why...she was pregnant and had gestational diabetes. I too dealt with this (twice) and found it dreadful not to be able to eat sweets! So, sorry Michelle for the lack of candy in my Halloween box!
So, did Michelle have a girl or a boy? I am not telling :-D. She shares some beautiful pictures on her blog~check it out. Congratulations Michelle!

SBEBB: Halloween Exchange

Stitched for: Michelle

Front view Back View

Village/Houses of Hawk Run Hollow SAL

We have another member to our growing group: Welcome Kajsa, so glad that you are joining our "stress-free" SAL. To prove how "stress free" we really are just read on...

Okay, so I am almost certain that I will not, yes will not, complete block #2 of the VoHRH SAL by November 1st~anyone up for extending this until December 1st? :-) I know that I am not alone when I say that this time of year is busy, busy, busy and it only gets worse! Things in my life are complicated by the fact that I have a son who is in the midst of the "college search/application process" and another son who is in the midst of trying to secure off-campus housing for the fall of 2008 (senior year). Stitching has taken a back seat lately.

Thanks for your kind comments on my quilts. To answer your question Heather: the lady is hand appliqued on the wall quilt. I use to DREAD and avoid doing hand applique, but it has grown on me and I actually like doing it. To Vonna: don't you know if there were more hours in a day I would stitch you a quilt!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Until next time...

Stitching on VoHRH SAL and Flannel Quilt

I recently attended CATS (Consumer Arts and Teaching Show) in Hershey, PA and had a great time. I need to take a picture of the many items that I purchased! I had the opportunity to speak with a vendor at the show who confirmed that CATS will no longer be held at the Hershey, PA location. Apparently the show sponsorship has dwindled down to a mere 2, leaving them unable to support the show... such a shame.

It looks like we have a new member to our "stress free" VoHRH SAL group: Wanda. Welcome to the groups Wanda, I have added you to my SAL sidebar.


I was able to complete the VoHRH block #1 by the Oct 1st date, and was able to start on block #2. I hope that I will be able to complete the second block by Nov 1st~My sewing machine has taken me away from cross stitch lately. I have been working on a flannel quilt as well as some holiday card holders. I like the way the card holder is turning out and will post a picture of it later.

Village of Hawk Run Hollow - Block #1

Village of Hawk Run Hollow - Block #2

Deadline to complete: November 1

When I am in Vermont I work on the flannel quilt pictured below. A few years ago I made a quilt like this for my son, using homespun cotton fabrics, to take to college. I liked the quick and easy pattern so I decided to make a flannel one for our Vermont home. I am making it a king size because winters are cold in VT and I must stay very warm! Hopefully I will complete it soon and can hand it off to the machine quilting service.

In progress Flannel Quilt

What cross stitching I am working on is for exchanges so I do not have any other pictures to share. I did mail off my Halloween Exchange and will post a picture once I know that it has been received. For now I will leave you with a photo of the wall quilt that I made for our Vermont home. This one hangs in our bedroom.

I have visited a few new wonderful blogs (thanks Vonna for directing me there :-D)~they have been added to my sidebar. A special thank you to Wanda for sending me this great link for Biscornu finishing. ~I still have a phobia about giving this a try!

For all those that stop by...thanks! and for those that take the time to comment...thanks so much! :-)

Until next time...