Thursday, December 22, 2011

A Great Week!

I received two fabulous exchange pieces in the mail this week.  The first was the HoE Christmas Box from Lillie.  Oh my, what a treat.  Lillie made the box herself, then stuffed it with wonderful little goodies.  She left instructions that I should open each little gift in order as numbered, and I did.  What fun I had.  Unfortunately my photos aren't great.  There just isn't anyplace in my small duplex to stage a photo.  Pop over to her blog to see the exchange better.She included an Angry Bird tape measure, a small pincushion jar filled with assorted buttons, some lace on a dress form she made, Christmas colored DMC, a LHN design and a patriotic badge, some candy, and a premade Christmas ornament on which she had attached It's Daffycat's Believe she stitched. 

Here's the Stitcher's Choice ornament I received from Gwen.  Now, I wonder how she knew I liked reindeer?  I have it hanging with other reindeer I have either stitched or received in exchanges.  Thank you Gwen.  You stitched a wonderful ornament.

This is the Stitcher's Choice I sent to Ellen in Singapore.  I read that she liked sunflowers and Prairie Schooler designs, so I couldn't resist stitching this for her.










I've stitched some small ornaments for gifts, but forgot to take a photo.  Just too much going on right now.

I think I've got one more ornament to stitch and that'll be it for this year.  Merry Christmas to all my blogging friends.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Julianne and I

Julianne and I decided to do another exchange between us.  She stitched me the cat.  I only wish my Tobiecat would smile at me like this one!  I stitched her the angel.  We both like Prairie Schooler designs, so it is easy to choose a piece to stitch.  I love my cat Julianne.  Thank you. What a great Christmas ornament.  It is hanging on my wall since I don't put up a tree...because of you know who.

Monday, November 28, 2011

A little gift for a little guy

My friend Chad and his wife had a little boy a couple of months ago.  I stitched the little guy an ornament for his first Christmas.  I do love It's Daffycat's reindeer.  I've stitched all of them except her latest.  There's still time!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Autumn Seasonal received from Angela

I read where Angela received my stitched piece for the Seasonal Exchange group.  I stitched a Lizzie Kate design for her because I sorta thought she liked LK's designs.  Lucky me, she hadn't stitched this one.  I used a 28ct tea dyed Monaco fabric and recommended fibers.  I'm using Angela's photo because hers is much better than mine.  So....here it is:
Travel is in my plans again.  For the weekend, my stitchin' bud Lynn and I are heading down to Idabel to visit our stitchin' bud Mary Ann.  She's having her Christmas Open House at Mimi's.  I'm sure the van will be full of goodies and gifts on our way back.  Then Monday my travelin' bud Diane and I are heading to Branson.  We'll shop a little and take in a couple of shows.  She wants to see Brule and go to the Dixie Stampede and maybe we'll go see Pierce Arrow too..  It'll be a fun trip for us.  We're staying at resort about 10 miles from town.  Looking forward to it.

I hired a young man to do some maintenance work on my abode.  So far he'd done some siding replacement, installed a new storm door, three window replacements, some shutters and three light fixtures.   The place is looking so much better and my pocketbook is quite abit lighter! 

Guess I'd better check on my laundry.  Hope you have a wonderful weekend.  Go OK State Cowboys!!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

A first for me

No stitching to show even though I have been stitching.  Had quite a shock last night, literally.  OK had a 5.6 earthquake .  Now, tornadoes, yes, earthquakes, no.  At first I did not know what was happening.  I initially thought one of the hospital helicopters got too close to the house.  Then I realized what one happening.  A very spooky feeling for this old gal. 

I just remembered I do have some finishes to show.  Chris and Denise are visiting from California.  I made these for them. I think they liked them.

I've stitched this design before, and just love it.  Hmm, wonder if I should do one for me?  Me thinks I should.

On another note, the OK State Cowboys won a hard fought, error laden game with Kansas State. Pistols fire, unfortunately some of the shots were really close...fumbles and interceptions.  One thing for certain, they cannot play like that against OK U and win.  Predictions are they will move up to #2 in the BCS poll, We'll see what happens. 

Time for another cup of coffee.  This fall back had me up at 4:00 a.m.  A very short night. 

Happy stitching.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

A gift from and for Lynn

 The long pillow above is from my friend Lynn.  We belong to a sorority that has secret sisters.  Gifts are exchanged periodically during the year.  Well, last night was reveal night, and the pillow was one of my gifts.  She did a fantastic job of finishing it. I gave her the little Halloween pillow for taking care of my cat Tobie while I was on my trip to Chicago. Thank you Lynn, you know I love it.
This beauty was received yesterday as part of the Seasonal Exchange group.  Elisa was my partner, thanks so much I love it..  My photo doesn't do this piece justice.  The color is more vibrant in real life.  I really like the way she finished the pillow.  The design is a Bent Creek piece, Autumn House.  I'm gong to have to try this finish.  When I saw the envelope in the mailbox I was a bit puzzled, because I thought I had received all my exchanges.  Well, slap me silly, I totally had forgotten I signed up for this exchange.  I pulled all the threads, selected the design and fabric before I left for Chicago.  Guess I just forgot.  Anyway, needless to say, I am stitching my piece for my partner!  I believe I'll make the mailing deadline.

Guess I'd better get off the computer and get to stitching.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

One for me and one for Lisa S.


 Above is the Hoe Scissor Fob I stitched for Lisa S. She and I have exchanged stitched pieces in several exchanges.  Since I totally forgot to take a snap of what I sent. I've borrowed Lisa's photos.  She says she likes it, and the Heath Bars. I sent more, but temptation got the best of her!  Can't blame her for that...they happen to be one of my favorites too.


Here's the fob I recieved in the exchange also. It's from Newfoundland's Deanne.  We've exchanged a few times too in HoE. You may or may not remember, but I love the small finishes.  Deanne couldn't have picked a better choice for me.  She included lots of goodies too.  Just look at that purple effects thread from DMC.  She included a notepad and some candy too.  Thanks so much Deanne.  Your fob is on my scissors as I type!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

It's Daffycat's Blogoversary

In honor of her blogging anniversary It's Daffycat is having a give-away.  So, pop on over and enter!!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

A new finish

Here's my latest finish.  Put the finishing touches on it while I watched Oklahoma State eek by Missouri. (GoPokes) I have some little light bulbs, somewhere in this house and will attach them...if I find them!   Hope his Mimi and Auntie like what I did.  The design is It's Daffycat's Mistletoe Reindeer.  Have I ever mentioned that I love those little "deer"?  Well, I do!.  Below is my cat.  He wasn't the least bit interested in  watching the football game!  I took the photo with my camera, so it's not the best, but you get the idea.

Guess I'll go finds something else to stitch on while I watch LSU play Clemson Auburn.  Enjoy the rest of the evening.

My TobieCat all sacked out.





Friday, October 21, 2011

Halloween exchange fromJulianne

My stitching friend Julianne and I did a Halloween exchange between us.  Here's what I received in the mail yesterday.  I love it, love it.  I find it fun that we both chose to stitch black cats.  We both love Prairie Schooler's designs, so I'd say we both scored!  Thank you Julianne. It's a perfect gift for me.    Here's what I stitched for her:
You've seen it before, but since it's getting close to Halloween, I'm reposting it. She made it into a scissor fob for a new pair of scissors she just got.

I finished another small Halloween piece for a friend, but can't show it just now.  I hope she likes it.

Going to start another giftie tonight for my friend Christine.  She has a new grandbaby and wants a first Christmas ornament.  I'm going to do one of Daffycat's reindeer since that's the design I used Chris' other grandchildren's ornies.  Guess I'd better get busy!  Have a great weekend stitching.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Gaby's Give-a-way

Gaby's having a fantastic give-a-way on her blog.  Pop on over to see.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

A small finish

While on the bus trip, I manged to complete  the stitching of a couple small designs. One was for the HoE Halloween Scissor Fog exchange.  I'll post the photo of it as soon as my partner receives it.  The other one was for your's truly.  It's a freebie design from Helga Mandl.  I used a 32ct tea dyed fabric and DMC 4130  or is 4310 thread. I can never remember, but it is reds, rust and oranges.  It is also one of my favorite multi-colored threads.  I use it alot.  I'm also working on a small gift for a friend, the Prairie Schooler 2001 kit, and Blackbird Designs Winter Wonderland.  So, I'm trying to keep stitching while I have the patience and the desire.  Also have signed up for two more exchanges for the end of the year.  That should just about do it for me!  Have a great night.  I'm off to a Ladies Night Out sponsored by the bank that does the bus trips.  Here's the Helga M finish:
Oh, I also forgot I received my HoE Words of Christmas exchange.  Here it is:

 
 I drink lots of coffee during the day, so this is a fun exchange gift from Ina.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Chicago Trip--Willis Tower

It's been a fast week since I got back from the Chicago bus trip, so it's high time I post some of the photos. The highlight for me was going to the Willis Tower and stepping on the Ledge, which is 103 stories up from the ground.  So, here we go.
This is a photo of the WT (formerly called the Sear Tower) taken from the Shedd Aquarium.  The locals call it Big Willy, or at least that's what our guide told us. 

More of the WT.
Part of the WT with some of the Chicago building in the reflection.

Looking up from the sidewalk.  I got really dizzy.  I finally found a street sign to lean against and look up.  I was able to take the photo then.
Here I go....


My feet! It's a long way down.
  On the Ledge.

 My friend Jake and I clowning around.  He's pretending to pull me off!

And here's the professional photo they took. That's all for Big Willie and the Ledge.

We had a couple of the girls on the trip who would not go up.  You could really see the fear in their eyes.  They missed quite a site.






Saturday, October 1, 2011

Cleaning windfall

You know I said I couldn't find my purple linen, well, I still haven't.  However, in the process of looking for it, I found $100 I had stashed.  Guess I should clean more often.  I also found  my stitching glasses I thought got thrown away.  As I said, guess I should clean more often.  TTFN.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Halloween Exchange for Julianne

Julianne and I are doing a private Halloween exchange.  We've been blogging friends for a few years now.  Since we both like Prairie Schooler, I decided stitch one of their designs.  I had so much fun stitching the cat, I decided to stitch another.  I took the liberty of adding some Halloween effects to my photo.  I just love that cat.  The reason I chose to stitch it is because of the teeth.  They reminded me of my cat Tobie, just before he decides to bite me.  Julianne let me know she received the exchange yesterday and is using it as a scissor fob. I wanted to use a beaded edging, but the beads just wouldn't cooperate.  The edging looked terrible, so I went with the plain whipstitch.  Julieanne said she loved the piece.  I'm glad cause I sure had a fun time stitching it!

I should never clean.  I have some very, very purple linen somewhere.  I was going to stitch up DaffyCat's little black cat on it, but can't find the piece anywhere.  I'll just have to choose something else to stitch.  I can't spend lots of time searching for it, because I have to get my trip stuff together.  Maybe it will turn up after the trip.  So, I have to decide on some other small project to take on the bus with me. Speaking of the trip, I guess I'd better get packing.  We leave Sunday morn and nary a thing do I have in a suitcase!

Have a great weekend.  My traveling friend, Diane and I are going to the Grayson Gumbo festival tomorrow.  We had a great time last year, so we're gonna do it again.  Now what was it I said about packing?

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Noel designer

I found out the name of the designer of  my last exchange piece. Her name is Sandy, she lives in log cabin in Montana.  Thanks to DebbieSFL for providing me with the  name.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Latest Exchange Piece

I put this piece in the mail this afternoon.  The design is a freebie, from a blog I read.  Unfortunately, I forgot to note the name of the blog on my copied pattern.  When I tried to google the URL printed on my copy I got an error.  So, I would love to give the designer credit, I just can't find the blog.  This is the third piece I have stitched from this design.  Yes, I really like it. If you happen to know who the designer is so I can properly give credit.  I just hope my partner likes it.

I have another exchange piece finished in the mail, but I cannot  post it, because I know she reads my blog.  I want it to be a surprise.  As soon as she lets me know she's received it, I'll post the photo.

Just six more days till the Chicago bus trip.  I'm really looking forward to it.  It won't be my first time to Chicago, but it will be my first tour.  There are so many things to see there.  One of the stops is the Shedd Aquarium, which I am looking forward to.  We're also stopping at the Art Institute of Chicago.  There is supposed to be a textiles exhibit there.  Hope I can find it.

The sty I live in finally got to me, so for the past month there's been sacks and sacks of treasures leaving via my friend Diane.  Now believe me, if you came to my house, you'd look around and wonder what I had done.  Just trust me, a small noticeable dent has been made.  I even made a cautious entry into my stitching/junk room.  Don't believe I will have it in order by trip time, but at least Lynn won't trip over anything when she goes in to take care of my Tobiecat.  Speaking of my stitching, I'm sure there will be lots that I want to get rid of, so I can tell a give-a-way is in the offing.

Time to put this weary body of mine to bed.  Enjoy your Tuesday.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

HoE Fall Pyn Keepe from Riona

 I received this wonderful pyn keepe from Riona as part of a HoE exchange.  I love the braid she used to finish it off because there are sparkles in it.  She posted on HoE that life had really gotten in the way of this exchange piece and I believe it.  Not only did she not include a card in the package, her return address gave me no hint as to who she was!  I have forgotten to include a card before, so I know how it can happen.

On the stitching front I am working on a private Halloween exchange piece for a friend I met through exchanging.  The piece is coming along nicely.  I'm also continuing to stitch on my BBD WIP and my Prairie Schooler piece.  I've pulled the threads and cut the fabric for three more projects, two exchanges and a gift. 

October 2nd, I leave on a bus trip for Chicago.  It's been a while since the last trip, so I am getting excited.  I hope the weather cooperates with us while we are up there.

Guess I'd better get myself in gear for today.  Hope everyone enjoys their day.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Lots to Show

I have lots to show you so here goes:

First, here's the progress I've made on Blackbird Designs "WinterWonderland."  I haven't stitched much on it during the last month because I've been doing exchange stitching. I have yet to master the art of photography.  I do not know why the fabric appears to be three different colors.


Next is the 2011 Prairie Schooler Limited Edition kit "Comin' To Town."  I am enjoying this stitch very much.


A couple of months ago I mentioned a friend at church approached me about finishing a kit her friend had started before the friend died.  In a moment of weakness I said I would finish it.  My conscience got the better of me today, so I put some stitches in.  I had to work around the work already done, but made the most of it.
So here's the WIP:

I signed up for an exchange on HoE because it is a fall theme.  We are to stitch a pyn keep.  Fall stitching translates to a Prairie Schooler design.  I chose a portion of one of the designs.  I like the way it turned out. The design is not totally centered, but sometimes that just happens.

Guess I'll start  working on the Humane Society weekly column for the local newspaper.  One of the volunteers saw a woman throw a puppy into the fenced area of the shelter this afternoon.  I'm sure this lady does not read...the local paper, but I'm gonna let her know she was seen doing this terrible deed.

Have a great stitching week.



Thursday, August 11, 2011

HoE Lizzie Kate Ornament from Hazel H.

I was thrilled when I saw Hazel's name on the package's return address.  I knew I was in for a treat, and sure enough, she didn't disappoint me. Hazel, whom I insist on calling Helen for some unknown reason, stitched one of the Tiny Tidings.  Isn't it a cutie.  We have stitched for each other several times in various exchanges.  She is a very talented stitcher, and I'm happy to call her a stitching buddy.  Thank you so much!  I absolutely love my little fellow!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Latest Project Update

I have been stitching! and enjoying it too.  Spent most of the day working on BBD's Winter Wonderland.  Here's my progress:

I was happy to get that roof finished.  So, onward and downward on the design.  Hopefully I will get it finished in time to have it framed for Christmas!

I sent off my latest exchange piece.  I'll show it to you now, I just won't tell you who I stitched it for.  It's Lizzie Kates' Sampling Christmas.  I used the recommended thread and a 32ct opalescent fabric.  I enjoy stitiching these little samplers. I do not understand why the bottom right hand corner of all my pillows are more pointed than the the other corners.  I wonder what I could be doing that causes this.
It rained in OK this afternoon.  Sorry to say it did not amount to much, and managed to make the weather more humid.  Thank goodness for air conditioning.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.  I believe I'll work on a small Christmas project.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Great giveaway

Gabi of Lady of the Floss is having a giveaway for her blogaversary.  Hop on over and take a look!

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Latest project

Here's my latest project start.  It's a Blackbird Designs Loose Feathers Winter Wonderland.  So far I am loving working on it.  I started it on June 25th.  It was an easy choice since I had ordered the fabric and thread with the pattern. I think y progress is pretty good since I am a slow stitcher.   Oh, I know my fabric looks like heck.  I'm trying to use a hoop since I have to get the stitching up close to see it.  Stitching in hand now causes my left hand to hurt.  The miseries of aging!  Happy 4th of July Stitching!

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Here's my latest finish. It's a birthday gift for my stitching, traveling, and Weight Watcher friend Lynn. It's Blackbird Design's "Bird in Hand" on 28ct mystery linen and stitched with GA's Black Crow. At first I stuffed it with ground walnut shells and lavender, but the gws made it too heavy. So, I took them out and use fiberfill instead with much better results. Since I took a hiatus from stitching, I could not remember how to do the pillow! If you don't use it, you lose it for sure. I spend a good portion of the morning trying to make the hanger. Again, I couldn't remember how to do it. All in all, even with my memory lapses, I believe the pillow turned out quite nice.


We are suffering from a heat wave here in OK, along with several other states. Yesterday when I left from work, the temp inside my van was 110! Much too hot for this old gal to be out in.


Luckily, I've found my stitching mojo. I've been working on a BBD Loose Feathers I've had for a while. It is coming along and I'm enjoying stitching on it.


Hope all who stop by this blog have a cool and safe 4th of July!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Grand Canyon, and Sheep Farm

 My traveling buddy, her sister, another friend and I took a trip to the Grand Canyon in  May. It was my first trip and I must say, I was overwhelmed by the vastness and the beauty.  Here's a couple of shots of the canyon and me!
Here's a photo of the Travelers 4 at a bed and breakfast in Oracle, AZ. We roughed it that night!
Pictured: Moi, Denise, Christine and Diane

Diane and I also took a day trip to a Sheep Farm in Comanche, OK.  Highlight of the trip was getting to milk a ewe.  I must say, I was surprised that I was able to get any milk to come out, but I did.  It was a little difficult to do, considering the bars we had to reach through, but here I am....the ewe milker!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

PS Seasonal for Elisa and a little more.

 
Here's the piece I stitched for Elisa for the HoE Prairie Schooler Seasonal exchange.  Elisa chose spring as the season she wanted stitched for her.  I chose two designs from the April Leaflet #152.  I used a 32ct fabric and the called for DMC threads and filled it with crushed walnut shells and lavender.  It felt good to stitch again.  So, I think I'll be picking up the needle again to finish a project I started and never finished.

While I was shopping at the farmer's market yesterday, I met a fellow church member.  She had a needlepoint pillow top her good friend had started and never finished.  The friend has since died, so she asked me if I would complete the stitching.  I said yes, though I do not know what possessed me.  Guess it was because I knew the lady who had died.  I'll give it a try, but cautioned her not to be in a big hurry!

I've taken three more trips since I did my last trip post, one to the Grand Canyon, one to a sheep farm, and one to Omaha. As soon as I get my photos uploaded, I'll post some.  I know you can't wait to see me milking a sheep!

Monday, June 6, 2011

Prairie Schooler Exchange received

Goodness gracious, it has been a long time.  Along the way I lost all my desire to stitch.  When the HoE Prairie Schooler exchange came along, I caved and joined.  My partner has not received her exchange yet, but I can show you what I received from Lisa S. The design is taken from the leaflet Acorns, stitched on 28ct antique white evenweave using DMC threads.  I love it because the finishing is so unique.  Thank you Lisa, I can't wait until fall!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Tired of Snow? Here's Jamaica, January 2011

If you have snow on the ground like we do in Oklahoma, here's a few photos from my Panamal Canal trip last month.  Hard to believe I went from the tropics to the artic!

HoE Reindeer from Tricia

It was a great day Saturday for mail.  With all the snow we've had, I've been pretty much homebound.  So this little ditty from Tricia  brought a smile to my face.  It's part of the HoE Reindeer exchange.  If you look carefully, you see that the reindeer are really sheepdeer!.  So cute.  I really love it.  Thank you Tricia.

Blog Archive