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!