Catching Up

I have been a bad blogger, however, my part-time job has cut into my computer time.  Stitching is still on my to-do list though.

Halloween brought three finished pieces for my friends Diane, Lynn and Mary Ann.  L&M are stitchers so any stitched gift I give them is welcomed.  Diane does not stitch, but does do alot of handwork, so she appreciates my efforts also.  Here's what I gave them:

I also completed two exchange pieces.  I'm going to go ahead and post them, since I'm pretty sure the recipients do not read my blog.  Here they are:

These are from a Lizzie Kate design I've wanted to stitch for a while.  I liked the way the ornament turned out so much, that I stitched the tree and made it into a small pillow. I used bugle beads for the candles on the pillow.

My traveling buddy wanted me to stitch an ornament for her great-niece and great-nephew. How could I resist stitching Daffycat's little reindeer designs?  I couldn't, since I absolutely love them.  Here's my finished ornaments:

I stuffed them with ground walnut shells and used the background fabric on the backs.  They were stitched up using the sewing machine, which I find very challenging, but I think they turned out really cute.  The fabric is an blue iridescent jazlyn.  When I saw it, I thought of snow.

Finally, when I was about two years old, my grandmother crocheted a little dress for me.  All the girls in my family have had their photo taken in this dress.  My great-niece Olivia is the latest.I think she's a real cutie.  The dress is over 60 years old!

Guess that's about it for me tonight.  I can't believe it's almost Wednesday already.



Great Trip to New England preview

 The motor coach  and 44 travelers travelled over 3,700 miles.  We saw some amazing sights, so I thought I would show you some of them.  The fall colors were beautiful, and oh my, what a magnificent sight Niagara Falls is.  I can mark off one more bucket list item after seeing the Falls.  Here's a few of the places we visited: 


Quechee Gorge, VT



The Paul Revere House, Boston



U.S. side of Niagara Falls



Pennsylvania

I'm currently working on my trip album.  As soon as I get the photos cropped and organized, I'll let you know.  It was a trip I'll never forget.

HoE Autumn exchange from Michelle B.

Just look what the postman delivered to my door.  Michelle B. (Arthemise) was my stitching partner for the Autumn Exchange on HoE.  She is a flawless stitcher.  You know how I like biscornus and autumn colors.  I just love it.  Thank you so much Michelle.

Hoe Halloween Exchange From Janet

This wonderful exchange was waiting for me when I got home today.  It's from Janet B.  Aren't the stitched pieces so cute.  They are tiny, and you know how I love the tinys.  The pieces are from "Creepy Crawly" by Blue Ribbon Designs.  She used 32ct. Platinum Belfast and GAST threads.  The goodies she included are so great too.  The colors of the threads are: Cauldron, Embers, and Frog Legs! Aren't the little pins just too cute?  I love the fabric too.

Thank you so much Janet.  A great exchange from a great gal.

The card that Janet included in the exchange has a photo of a bloom from some seeds I sent with an earlier exchange I stitched for her.

What a send off for my bus trip!!  Can you believe?  Two posts from me on the same day!!

Latest Exchange Finish

Gee it's been a long time since I last posted.  My part-time job and a bout of allergy eyes have limited my stitching.  I did manage to complete my HoE Halloween exchange and get it mailed.  Here's what I stitched.  It's the October Primitive Floss Tag from The Needle's Content.  I used the recommended fibers and a 32ct fabric.  I love these floss tags and have stitched several of them.  Also included in the exchange was a Halloween scissor fob from Monique of My Mark.  Monique designs some really fabulous scissor fobs. I don't think my partner reads my blog, so I'm posting it now.

I leave tomorrow on my nine day New England bus trip.  I'm really looking forward to it, especially seeing Niagara Falls, Vermont, and New Hampshire.   The weather doesn't look too promising, however.  The extended forecast call for rain.  "Oh well", as my good friend likes to say, I've been rained on before, and I do dry out!

See ya when I return.

Great week for me

I received this beautiful Thread Keep from Raffaella.  We participated in a private exchange on BeckySC's.  In her note she said this was her first "cartonnage" finish, and I'd say she did a fantastic job.  The design is "Roses d'Automne" by Tralala.  She used DMC and Atlie threads on Magnolia linen from Lakeside Linens.  I had the privilege of stitching for Raffaella for an Arbor Day exchange.  She said she still has the exchange on display!  Thank you Raffaella, I love my Thread Keep! 

Anita was my exchange partner on the Autumn Exchange hosted by BeckySC.  She read on my blog that I liked Prairie Schooler Designs so she chose to stitch from #65 Acorns.  She used 32 ct. Autumn Fields Lugana and DMC threads.  She finished it as a "Mini Stitcher's Box."  I must say, she outdid herself.  Anita has more wonderful photos of this exchange on her blog, Hooked on Stitches.  Pop on over to see them.  Unfortunately, Anita is not in good health, so she will be discontinuing her exchange stitching.  I am the proud owner of two of her "works of  stitch" and will cherish them.  Thank you so much Anita!!

Blogger and I are having problems this morning.  I wanted to show the inside of Anita's box, but never could get the photo to upload.  GRRR!!!

I am stitching some.  Right now I am working on a gift and that's all I can say right now!  It won't be long till my next bus trip, so I do need to complete a couple of exchange pieces before I leave.

My weight loss journey has hit something of a snag.  I've eaten everything in site plus a lot, lot more.  I haven't exercised much because I think I have a shin splint which is painful.  I don't want to aggravate the injury any more, lest it keeps me from my trip!!  I will probably try exercising next week, just to see how I do.

Well, it's almost 3am.  I believe I had better try and get some shut eye.  Thanks for stopping by.

Exchange received by Julianne

I heard from Julianne that she received my exchange piece.  We have been exchange partners on quite a few exchanges.  I feel like I know her well even though we've never met.  Here's what I stitched for her:

The biscornu is her exchange piece.  I stitched the matching fob as a belated birthday gift.  There were other birthday goodies, but I forgot to take a photo of them. I used DMC 4130 and a design from Anita's Little Stitches.  I also stuffed the pieces with ground walnut shells.  The shells made the biscornu look so fantastic. My photo doesn't do them justice.  I know Julianne's photo will much better.

Here's my latest finish.  It's a BlackBird Designs and I used DMC 121 and some beads I bought at Michaels.  It is stuffed with ground walnut shells and lavender I bought on ETSY.  The background is the fabric I used to back it. The gift is for my Beta Sigma Phi secret sister.  I hope she likes it.  Our reveal is next Tuesday.

Thursday is the first bus trip in what seems like ages.  It is part of the Cherokee Tribe History tours and this one is The Outlaw Tour.  I'm looking forward to it.  We are supposed to see Pretty Boy Floyd and some other famous outlaws.  I hope it isn't raining too much, although we sure need the rain.

I'm still doing my Y classes and going to Weight Watchers.  This week has been a bad one for me though.  I've eaten everything in site.   My part-time job is still going well.  The only part that gives me grief is the financial side of it.  I am so math challenged!

Guess that's it for now.  Have a great evening.