Another Humbug and a giftie

I finished another humbug for my youngest great-niece.  As I said, these are so much fun to do.  So, without further ado, here it is:

My stitching friend Julianne sent me a great little ornament with....Reindeer on it!  You know how I love reindeer.  I haven't seen this design before.  Anyway, thank you Julianne.  I love it bunches.

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas.

Humbugs

I thought I'd try my hand at putting together a couple of humbug ornaments.  The design I chose if from the 2010 December issue of The Gift of Stitching.  When I started the project, I thought I wasn't going to like them, but, they rank right up there with my love of biscornu stitching.  So, here's my foray into the world of humbugs.  The ornaments are for my great-nieces that live in Kansas.  If I can get my self in gear, I might make it to the PO to mail them tomorrow.  If not, then I'll have to wait until Monday.  Either way, I'm sending them to their Nana's house so they will have them on Christmas.  I stitched them with good ole DMC in their favorite colors.  So, here they are:

Well, my friend It's Daffycat has done it again.  She's gifted us with another reindeer freebie.  I have already printed it off and hope to stitch it this weekend for my great-nephew.  I stitched Daffy's first reindeer for him last year.  I'm also working on another of the humbugs for my youngest great-niece.  They are such fun.

Guess I'll go stitch some more.

HoE Exchanges from Gwen



Gwen had me as her stitching partner for both the HoE Christmas Ornament Exchange and the HoE Christmas Smalls Exchange.  She said she didn't mind stitching for me because she had a theme she could follow.  She captured my love of reindeer perfectly, didn't she?  Thank you so much Gwen, I love them.  Loved them so much that I immediately displayed them in the house and forgot I needed to post to the HoE blog! 

I've been busy stitching little ornies for my great-nieces and nephew.  Whee, I hope I get them finished! 

Time to get my day started.

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.

Latest finish

Here's a photo of the front of my latest exchange piece.  I'll keep the back a secret until my partner receives it since her initials are on the back.  The design is from the Needle's Content's Primitive Floss Tag series from last year.  I do like this series very much and have stitched one for myself and a couple for exchanges.

I used a 28ct fabric and overdyed threads.  I'm sure the threads were GAST's, but tell you the truth, it's been a while since I stitched it and I don't remember for sure.

Never in a million years would I have believed I'd be doing a dance class, but I am.  Last night was the first class of Zumba at the local Y.  It is a great cardio workout.  All sizes, shape and ages were present.  I do think my friend and I were the oldest ones there, but that's ok.  We kept up with the youngsters just fine.  My back is a little sore and my shoulders a bit stiff and that's the only negative I feel this morn. It burns calories, which I need.  BTW, my WW'ers weight in last week had me at 42.2 pounds gone.  I'll have a gain this week because my loss last week wasn't all from being on program.  I had to fast for a couple of medical tests...so I'm ok with the gain. 

Time for a bite to eat and then a little stitching before I start my day.  Hope you have a great one too.

HoE For the Birds from Deanne

I received this pinkeep from Deanne for the HoE For the Birds Exchange.  I've been so lazy that I'm just now getting it posted.   I love the funky tree!  Thank you Deanne.

The reason I've been so lazy is I'm filling in as church secretary for a while.  The job isn't demanding, it just takes up my afternoons.  By the time I get home, fix my evening meal, and chill a while, it's almost my bedtime.  It doesn't leave much stitching time. 

We had a slight break in our weather, but it was back to over 100 degrees today.  The humidity is a killer for us in this part of Oklahoma.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my a/c keeps on a runnin'!

Have a great week.

For the Birds received by Erin

Erin has received the piece I stitched for the HoE For the Birds Exchange. I chose "Twitter Blue" again. I really like this design so much so that it will be stitched one more time as a gift for another friend.

On the stitching front is another exchange piece that is almost completed. I have a few days before it can be dropped in the mail. That's ok, because with my stitching mojo coming and going I need the extra time.

I have an appointment with my PC physician today. We will decide whether I go on insulin to get my diabetes under control. Seems my exercising and diet restrictions are not working. I really do not want to do the insulin. We'll see.

Another hot one is in store for us today and I'll be out in it quite a bit. On my agenda is exercise at the Y, Wal-Mart shopping with my mom, my dr. appointment and potluck at church tonight. I'll be pooped when it's all over.

Enjoy your day!

Birthday gift for Lynn W.

It's been a while since I last posted to the ole blog. I have no excuse except for just not being in the mood. Little stitching has been going on and I'm terribly behind. It doesn't seem to bother me either!! Here's a little something I stitched up for my friend Lynn. Her birthday is long past, but she has been traveling and visiting with grandchildren. I'll give it to her this evening along with a pair of Gingher Elena's. It is from the 2009 JCS Ornament issue. The design is called Twitter Blue, but I changed the color to green to match Lynn's color scheme. The designer is Courtney Collection. I used a 40ct off white and Sulky #12 Blendables 713 4051. I'm sure it has a color name but its not on the spool. I got the spool from Anita's. This thread is wonderful to use.

Oklahoma has had some really hot weather this week. One day our heat index was 118. Needless to say I stayed in the house.

I'm still working on my self improvement plan to get ready for my big New England bus trip in October. I've lost 35 pounds since getting serious in April. The girls at the front desk at the Y have come to know me pretty well. On Monday I do an hour of Cardio, Tuesday I do 1/2 hour of Forever Fit and an hour of Silver Sneakers. Then I do a repeat on Wednesday and Thursday. I am getting stronger and I'm a little impatient. Hopefully by October I'll be able to climb the steps up to the bus with little difficulty.

Hope everyone is staying cool!

Stars and Stripes from Casey

I received this stitched piece from Casey as part of BeckySC's Holiday Exchange. She chose the perfect design for me. I love patriotic themed designs and this one in particular. Why you ask? Well, I stitched it for myself a year or so ago. So, now I have two, one small and one large. Thank you so much Casey. It's a wonderful exchange. I owe another big thank you to Casey because she had my name in the Easter exchange. She finished her little pillow in a technique that I use all the time now.

It is raining very hard here today. Hope it stops by tomorrow so we don't have to travel in the rain to Amarillo.

Have a great day.

Scenes from the Savannah River and Downtown

Here's a few more scenes from Downtown Savannah. My photography skills aren't the best. I get so excited when I travel that I forget to take my time and get a really good picture. That's about all from downtown. There's lots more from the trip. I'll post those too! Scroll down to see more photos.

On the stitching front I did finish my Patriotic exchange with one day to spare. It doesn't have very far to go. I will drop it off at the post office tomorrow.

Have a great week.

Savannah's Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

My photos do not do this spectacular building it's due justice. It is breathtaking when you step inside.

Downtown Savannah

Here's a few photos of Downtown Savannah with more to come.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and more

Many years ago I read the book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Then I saw the tv special and later saw the movie. Never in a million years would I have guessed I would get to visit the house, the fountain, and the stone walkway where the book took place. The bus trip last month to Savannah gave me the opportunity. Here's some photos I took.

Scissor Keep from Susan R.

Just look what was waiting for me at the post office today? It's my scissor keep from Susan R. She had my name in the Exchanging with Becky SC exchange. Isn't it a real beauty. Susan told me she designed it herself. She used motifs from LHN's Garden's Pleasures. The finishing is very precise. Susan is very talented. I love the exchange. Thank you so much Susan. I'm going through all my scissors to find the perfect pair to put in the keep.

Scissor Keep received by Tricia

I saw on the Exchanging with BeckySC blog that Tricia received the scissor keeper I stitched for her. I chose Victoria's Sampler ornament from the 2009 JCS Ornament issue. I used 28ct cappuccino fabric and the called for DMC threads. The beads and buttons were from my stash. Tricia said she liked it, so I'm pleased. It was a fun stitch once I got going. My eyes were giving me such fits due to allergies and some eye strain. It's hard to stitch when your eyes are dripping!! I haven't received my exchange piece yet but sure it will arrive soon.

Birmingham, AL Botanical Gardens

One of the last stops on our bus trip to Savannah was the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. It was extremely humid on this stop, I was tired, and thought, oh no. My first stop was the restroom, of course. In there was the little lady in the first photo. She and her husband of 60 years were renewing their wedding vows. She was so cute, that I asked her if I could take a photo. She beamed and I snapped. On my way out to the gardens I came across her husband. He was a cutie too. I asked him if he was the groom and he said something like I think so. While we were there, two other weddings were taking place. Poor brides, it was so hot!!

Memorial Day 2010

Parris Island, SC

May 2010

Home from Georgia

I am back home from my Savannah trip. It was a sight-filled trip with many great memories created. My photos are downloaded and ready to be cropped and identified. As soon as I get them organized I will post some. Meanwhile, I will leave you with this photo of the Vulcan statue in Birmingham.

Vulcan is the largest cast iron statue in the world. The park he's in is beautiful, and if you ride or walk up to the base of the statue you get a fantastic panoramic view of Birmingham. BTW. I rode up to the base. I have photos of from the base, however it was raining, so they are not very clear.

No stitching on this trip. Much to tired at night. I hit the bed when we reached the hotels!

Seasonal Exchange from Marjorie

Stacy Nash Primitives design

Made my way to the Post Office this morning to mail my HoE exchange and get this beauty in return. Marjorie did a fantastic job on this piece. I really love it. Thank you Marjorie. She e-mailed me yesterday concerned since I had not received it because she popped in the mail on April 30th. I've had exchanges that go to California take a while. I'm just glad that it finally arrived so Marjorie can breath a sigh of relief.

It is storming here this morning. I woke up really early because of the thunder and lightening. No sleeping through this one. So, I've been busy packing, running errands, and taking my mom to and from the beauty shop. I'm ready for a morning nap. No can do though. I have to finish packing and then straighten up a bit. I have been really stressed trying to keep the house in a fairly neat state. My nature is extremely cluttered, as is my mind, so keeping my junk picked up is a chore in itself! Oh well, discipline is good for the soul.

Think I'll have a cup of coffee and relax a minute. Now, that I can do extremely well.

Despina received her Round 4 Lizzie Kate exchange

Despina finally received her Round 4 from me. I have wanted to do this pattern for quite a while, so Despina seem like a perfect recipient. One day I want to do it for me also. A combination of DMC and overdyed thread were used to stitch it. I believe I used a 28ct luguana for the fabric. Despina assures me that she is pleased with my choice, I'm pleased too.

Enjoy the rest of your day. Looks like storms are brewing around Okmulgee again. One passed through during the evening time. Tree limbs were down in the city. Me? I slept through the whole thing!!

It Started So Innocently

I have an exchange I must get in the mail this week before I leave on my bus trip. My stitching mojo is still missing, but I managed to get my piece stitched. Now for the finishing. Oh boy, talk about a snowball effect. The stash room was a total mess. I had to make a way for Lynn to get in there. She is taking care of my Tobiecat while I'm gone. My work table was stacked with fabric and thread that needed to be put away. I could not finish the stitched piece until I straightened up and then put away the fabric and the threads. Talk about multiplying! The more I straightened the more threads I found. Six, count them six, skeins of DMC 3371! What was I thinking? So now, the table is clear, the fabric and thread put up, and I am pooped! I'll have to work on that finishing tomorrow.

Before I tackled the stash room I went to Silver Sneakers. Then took my mother to get her groceries for the week and I picked up a few items to tide me over till Saturday. There went another hour. It always takes us an hour. Why is that?

Tomorrow is trash day. What started out as merely emptying my week's worth ended up major. How much trash can one person and cat produce? More snowballing, when I opened the fridge and decided it needed to be cleaned out. The trash is gone. Yea.

What's on my to do list after the stitching piece? The carpet has to be vacuumed. I have to pack for the trip. I'm gonna be tired before I even get on the bus.

Have a great Wednesday everyone.

HoE Early Christmas Ornament from Lisa S.

BarnYard Christmas Leaflet

Prairie Schooler

DMC Threads

I received this little beauty from Lisa S. for the HoE Early Christmas Ornament Exchange. Isn't is just wonderful. It looks like my Tobiecat keeping an eyeful watch on the birds outside. I just love it. Thank you so much Lisa. We have exchanged stitching two times now. I told Lisa she could stitch for me anytime!

Rosalie Received Her May Ornament

I heard from Rosalie that she received the May ornament for the Christmas Ornament Swap exchange. I chose to stitch the Prairie Schooler ornament from the 2009 JCS ornament issue. It was a fun stitch. Rosalie loves PS and so do I so it was a fun stitch for me to do for her. She said she loved it. That makes the stitching worth it! The photo isn't very good. I think my camera batteries were getting low.

A sleepless night for me after a round of heavy storms passed through OK. A funnel, not a tornado, was sighted on the northwest side of Okmulgee. No damage was done.

Since I couldn't sleep, I tackled my stash room. I have too much for such a small area. It doesn't look good, but my friend Lynn can at least get in there while I'm on vacation. She has volunteered to feed and water my Tobie while I'm gone. Good friends are hard to come by, so I'll keep her! We enjoy many of the same things so I'm lucky to have her as a friend.

I received a wonderful ornament from Lisa S. today. I'll post a photo of it tomorrow or should I say later today since it is early morning.

Ornament from Roberta

The mailman brought me a great Christmas Ornament from Roberta on Saturday. Goodie, goodie, I have another reindeer ornie to add to my collection. I absolutely love it and the way she attached the stitching to the pillow. Thank you so much Roberta!

Speaking of reindeer, I am so far behind on my monthly stitching. My tree may not have many 2010 ornaments if I don't get in gear. Somewhere between January and May I lost my stitching mojo. Sure do hope I get it back soon.

I have one exchange to complete and get in the mail this week. The mailing deadline is while I am on the Savannah trip with the bank group. I also need to pack and tidy up the duplex this week. Tidying and I are just like oil and water. We don't mix! I sure don't want to return home to a mess. Busy busy, this week.

Hope your week is a good one.

Spring Exchange for Conny

I heard from Conny that she received my Spring package for the Seasonal Exchange Group. She said it brightened her day since she was suffering from the flu. I chose to stitch Glory Bee's freebie, "Spring Tulips" using the DMC recommended threads and a 28ct fabric from my stash. I finished it using my new favorite method, whip stitching the backing fabric to the linen and filling it with crushed walnut shells. I fogot to take a snap of the fabric.

Another busy day for me. My sister and brother-in-law are coming to spend the day with my mom, so I'll be over at her house.

Here's wishing all the Mothers a Happy Mother's Day!!

Two little cuties

My sister's family visited last weekend. They helped me get a start on my cleaning. Lori, my niece was a real trooper. She tackled the bedroom and my closet. My nephew tackled the garage, and my brother-in-law the kitchen. Lori said it wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. She had visions of hording! The photos are of my little great-niece and great nephew. I took a day trip with the bank and saw the mustache in one of the country stores. I immediately thought of him!

I do not know where my stitching mojo has been, but it hasn't been here in the house! I am just barely making the deadline on three exchanges tomorrow. I have one more to complete before I go on my trip to Savannah, which is three weeks from today. Then it's no more for a few weeks.

Tomorrow is the Adoption Day/Book Sale for the Humane Society. I will go and help for a while. It's been a busy week for this old gal. I need a rest day. Guess it will be Sunday as it is supposed to be.

Hope everyone has a great stitching weekend.

Arbor Day Exchange for Raffaella

I saw where Raffaella received the exchange I did for her on the Holidays Exchange. I chose to stitch two of my favorite subjects, a reindeer and a funky tree. She says she likes it. So do I. I may have to stitch it for my self. It is Santa's Buddies by Angel Stitchin from the 2009 JCS Ornament issue. I used a 28ct mystery linen from my stash and DMC fibers.

Angela is having a bloggervasary give away. Pop on over to see and enter. So is Edgar.

LKE Round 4 from Angela

Retirement Crazy

Lizzie Kate

28ct White Lugana

DMC thread

Finished as a flatfold

Great mail day today. This little gem came from Angela for the Lizzie Kate Exchange. It fits me to a tee, because I am retired and I drink lots of good Community Coffee during the day. I love it and thank you so much Angela.

The Savannah trip itinerary was also in the mail. I cannot believe it's just a month away. Am working hard to get more strength in my legs so I can get on and off the bus with out much difficulty.

And wahoo, my IRS tax refund is here. A great down payment on another bus trip. What a day. Looking forward to the weekend. Going to my middle sister's 60th birthday party.

You have a great weekend.

HoE Winter House from Ina

Ina (no blog) from the Netherlands had my name in the HoE Winter House Exchange. She wrote in her card "Now it's my turn to make an exchange." I stitched for her in the HoE Red Heart exchange. My photo doesn't show it, but the thread she used has shades of blue and purple in it. She also used petite beads for the snow. I think this is just the cutest little needle book. Love it, love it. Thank you Ina. It will travel with me in on my bus trip stitching bag.

Yesterday I met up with a former co-worker in Tulsa to have lunch and shop. Oh my, she's dangerous...to my pocketbook. Kent, yes, that's her name, loves to go to out of the way specialty shops. Needless to say, my purse was lighter. We had a great time and plan to meet more often.

Today is Silver Sneakers. I hope I can make it through the session. My right knee is really acting up. Such is the life of a silvertone. Enjoy your day.