Monday..... Schmonday

Greetings Friends,

I hope this Monday finds you well.  

Mondays are always well, Mondays.  The realization that the weekend is over and my stitching time is limited until the next weekend rolls around.  Monday.....Schmonday!  

With all the pieces I have that need to be stitched I don't have time for Mondays or Tuesday or....well you get the picture.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~

The weekend brought some sad news for a friend.  She lost her 17 year old dog.  

All pet lovers out there know how heartbreaking this can be.  

I stitched a little memorial for her and plan to give it to her tomorrow.  

I hope she will see this and remember all the joy Bootsie gave her over the years.

 LHN ~ A Walk in the Park

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

 I've also kept my BAPs streak going.

Cinderella Sampler

Willow Hill Samplings

Called for Fibers and Linen

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

And not to break the BAP streak....

I received Janet Reid in the mail today.

This sampler caught my eye the minute it was released at market.

The colors in this sampler are unbelievable.

It is also the first time I have stitched with wool fibers.

I think this will receive my attention tonight!

Thanks for stopping by and sharing a part of your day.

I love to hear from you and appreciate your kind words.

Keep on Stitchin'

Nan

Star Spangled Garden

Greetings Friends,

Thank you for your kind words on my WIPs from the last post.

Your words of encouragements helped me keep the

needles flying to finish Star Spangled Garden.

Star Spangled Garden

Country Cottage Needleworks

Now...to get the rest of my patriotic designs out and decorate for the 4th of July.

Thank you for stopping by to spend a bit of your day with me.

Keep on stitchin'

Nan

Look Out.....I'm on a ROLL!

Happy Sunday Friends!

I finished stitching this cutie patootie JBW design last night. 

It was a quick stitch and turned out super cute (I think ;-)

I'm on a stitching and finishing roll this weekend.  If only I could stay this motivated. 

JBW Winter Collection

Snow Hats

28 ct. White Jobelen

Suggested Fibers

I added the pom poms on the top because these hats

remind me of one a had when I was little. 

My hat had a sparkly ball on the top. 

I hated wearing that hat when I was little but it brings back fond memories now.

Thank you so much for stopping by and your sweet comments. 

I love hearing from you and appreciate you allowing me to share my stitched pieces with you.  Have a great week and I'll be back soon, assuming the stitching mojo continues.

Keep on stitchin'

Nan

January Finish

Greetings Fellow Stitchers,

I have my first finish for the new year! I've noticed this design on many blogs and I'm delighted to share my version of it with you.  I've decided to stitch the series separately and can't wait for each new month.  I've already kitted February and can't wait to see March. 

I'm sitting here in a quiet, peaceful house this evening so I decided it was a perfect time to work on finishing this piece.  I cut fabric, ironed, adhered batting to the cube and sat down to start pinning.  Wouldn't you know it.....I had about 10 pins, it usually takes about 25 for a cube this size.  So, I called my neighbor who sews and has a craft room to die for.  Surely, she would have some pins I could borrow, nope.  So she called her mom, nope.  Her sister, nope.  I couldn't stop now so I hopped in the car and trekked the 15 miles to the nearest wal-mart.  I went directly to the pins and picked up all 5 containers of satin pins on the shelf.  No way I'm running out of pins for a very long time.  As I turn to go, low and behold......the fabric got me.  Of course you can't go into the fabric dept. and not look.  So in the process of picking up pins I also found some finishing fabric I liked even better.  (I also picked up some Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day fabric while I was at it. ;-)

While I was on a roll I decided to cruise the ribbon selection.  I found the cutest sparkly snowflake ribbon to finish off the design.  I guess my trip to wal-mart was worth it after all. 

I like this finished product better than what I had planned on using. 

 

Now, I need a good camera.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  I appreciate your sweet comments.  I hope the new year is off to a great start for you.  Next weekend I am off to a stitching retreat in Ohio. 

I can't wait to see the girls and spend some time stitching and stashing.  Until next time......

Keep on stitching,

Nan

A Final Finish for 2011 (The Year of Good Intentions)

Happy New Year's Eve!
It is hard to believe that another year has come to an end.  I've been incredibly blessed this year.  I hope that 2012 brings you many blessings and of course, lots of time to stitch.

I have been busy finishing the first of the Prairie Schooler Limited Edition Kits. 

I have long hoped to stitch the entire series. 

This is my final finish for 2012 and a great way to end the year.

The year 2011 was apparently the year of good intentions.  For years I have only stitched small pieces.  I have several larger pieces I have framed and hanging on my walls but I haven't started a large project for a long, long time. 

I think I like to stitch small things because I like to do my own finishing. 

This year I have broken my dry spell and started several large projects.

Take a look at what I've gotten myself into.....

This is the retreat piece from Jan at Tree of Life Samplings. 

It is absolutely beautiful and has a place reserved in my stitching room. 

Hopefully 2012 will bring a finish to this piece.

How well I remember my good intentions with this piece.  I ordered this early in 2012.  I fell in love with Rose Quaker and had my friend Karen go to the attic and pick out fabric and silk fibers.  This piece was my first attempt at over 2 on 40 ct. 

I fell in love and stitch mostly on 40 ct. now.

I made good progress on this piece but haven't worked on it in a while. 

This is another of my delusions of grandeur.

One Nation is absolutely beautiful.

I am stitching it over 2 on 40 ct. 

I started Gem Show 3 this Summer.

I didn't make very much progress but still have high hopes.

Here is my Lizzie Kate Halloween piece.  I've finished 3 blocks. 

I'm stitching it on 27 ct. stitch band with hopes of finishing it as a bell pull.

And.....my last big project of 2011.  Christmas Quaker Bellpull.

I started this piece late in November.  I haven't made a lot of progress on this one either.

The good thing is as I pulled these pieces out to take pictures I realize that I still love each one as much as the day I started it.  I see big accomplishments for 2012........

Here's to a productive, healthy new year,

Nan

I Made it Home in Record Time...

I didn't get a ticket, I didn't speed (much) but I'm pretty sure I made record time getting home with my stitched pieces.

The First Thing I Did...
when I came home with my framed pieces today was actually hang them on the wall. 
I have been waiting on these pieces since September and was so excited to finally have them in my hands that I couldn't wait to get them up so I could admire them every time I walk by. 
The two framed pieces are designs that I stitched this summer.  I started free bird at the OOE retreat and purchased Bless This House on the way to the retreat.  I think these two pieces are part of the reason I haven't had many blog posts this summer/fall.  It took quite a while to stitch them and then off to they went to the framer. 

La-D-Da 

Bless This House

Plum Street Samplers

Free Bird

The frame is actually a very deep red that matches the fibers in the design. 

The camera doesn't quite capture the real beauty.

~Thanksgiving~

Thanksgiving is a favorite of mine.  I love to stitch for Thanksgiving and

I am delighted to have finished Thankful Quaker. 

Bent Creek
Thankful Quaker

Bent Creek

Thankful Quaker

My holiday shelf is starting to fill up.  I've combined Autumn and Thanksgiving. 

One day it will be full for each holiday.  *Crossing fingers and stitching furiously*

I hope the upcoming holidays are joyous for you. 

 It is hard to believe that it is time to stuff the turkey and deck the halls.   

I came across this picture on a friend's facebook page and found it refreshing and hilarious. 

Every year I am amazed at how retailers try to out do each other. 

I notice that a lot of Black Friday sales are starting at midnight Thanksgiving night. 

Will you be joining the millions of people trying to grab the deals?

I'll be back soon with more finishes.  I dedicated most of the Fall to preparing for the Pals Fall Fling.  I have pictures to share of friends and finishes but they are on another camera and I can't find the cord. 

Until then...

Keep on stitchin,

Nan

4th of July Finishes

 Good Morning!

In my last post I promised to show my 4th of July finishes for the year.  Well...I didn't make it back on the 4th.  An impromptu cookout stole my attention that day.  We had a very relaxing day with friends and I hope that everyone had a safe, enjoyable weekend also.   God Bless America!

So.....
Better late than never.  Here are the 4th of July finishes for 2011.

4th of July Bird

Heart in Hand



My dear friend Karen and I did a private exchange.  Look at the beautiful box I received from her. 

She included lots of patriotic stuff in her package. 

Before I could get a picture it seemed to disappear into my working stash.

This is what I stitched for her...

 Old Glory

Chessie & Me

Happy Flag Flag Day

the Trilogy

Patriotic Melons

Stitchy Kitty

This piece gave me fits to finish.  My original plan was to turn it into a wall hanging.  I don't seem to have any bell pull hardware laying around so I tried a few things that didn't work out.  After a few hours of ripping seams and a few naughty words I ended up turning it into a pillow.  Said pillow does not make me happy.  I'm not sure what it is that I don't like about it but I'm pretty sure I will once again start the seam ripping and therefore, the naughty words will probably follow.  Maybe today while I'm out and about I'll pick up some dowel rods to serve as bell pull hardware. 

Last week I was meandering through Hobby Lobby, lost in my world of crafty "what ifs"

when I stumbled upon this shelf.  I have looked for a very long time for a shelf to sit on a bare wall in my kitchen.  When I saw this shelf I knew it had to come home with me.  It will now be my centerpiece for my holiday stitching.  It still has plenty of room for more 4th of July pieces so I'll have to get busy and fill it for next year.

I received a call yesterday that my Lizzie Kate 100 Years is framed and ready for pick up. 

I am anxiously awaiting 9:00 a.m. so I can pick it up.

Thank you for stopping by to share a part of your day.  I love hearing from you and find I renew my enthusiasm for stitching every time I have something to share with you. 

Thanks for keeping me motivated. 

Keep on stitchin' on,

Nan

Happy Flag Flag Day

Howdy friends,

     I love stitching for the 4th of July.  Here's my latest edition to my patriotic collection......

the Trilogy

Happy Flag Flag Day

28 ct. Linen Remnant

Suggested Weeks and GAST fibers

 

Here's the fabric on the back of the cube. 

I really enjoyed stitching this.  Now I'm off to start another 4th of July piece. 

Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. 

I am now in full stitching/finishing mode because of your encouragement. 

I'll be back soon with some more 4th of July finishes to share.

Keep on stitchin' on,

Nan

Spring~A~Ding~Ding

 Repeat after me.....

 I will NOT complain when the temperature is 98 degrees.

That is the way I'm feeling right now.  My body is craving some vitamin D, it needs to sweat, it needs some fresh air.  I am so ready for Spring. 

Our school's Spring Break is in one week.  Kind of early for a Spring Break don't ya think? 

I will make the most of it even though our temps will only be in the 50's. 

So... to pass the time until Spring officially arrives, I've been stitching Springy things.

Luck to You!

Spring Things~Lizzie Kate

Peep

Lizzie Kate

Peep was one of my market purchases.  I couldn't resist stitching it as soon as it arrived. 

I also couldn't resist a few of the new BBD patterns.  I think I might start on Breathe of Spring soon.

Thank you so much for stopping by to share in my love of stitching. 

Your encouragement and kind words mean the world to me.

Keep on stitchin' on,

Nan

Just a Little Stitching Update

Hello Stitching Friends,
It seems like I've had so little to post about stitching lately. 
Two of my exchange pieces have reached their new homes so I'm excited to share them with you.

But first......

Let me share with you the lovely pieces I received for the Lizzie Kate & Seasonal Exchange.

Pirjo received my name for both exchanges.  How crazy is that? 

These pieces came all the way from Finland and they are just adorable.

Thanks for sending such great exchanges.

And...

Here are the two pieces I stitched and finished for exchanges.

Brrr..... ~Winter Crazy

Lizzie Kate

XOXO

Heart in Hand

The day of LOVE is quickly approaching.  I hope everyone has a happy Valentine's Day!

Thank you for stopping by.  I love hearing from you!

Keep on stitchin' on,

Nan

A Finish & A Prayer

Dear God,

Whomever you put in charge of the "snow" button please tell them it's not funny anymore!

Amen

Today was another day spent inside watching it snow.  No school today (or tomorrow) so I busied myself finishing these cutie patooties.  I've had this pattern and buttons for several years but never found the time to stitch it.  Last weekend I headed to Hueston Woods State Park for a retreat.  I started this design while I was there and finished it today.

 

Snow Fence

Raise the Roof

28 ct Zweigart Lugana "Blue Breeze"

Suggested fibers and JABC Buttons

Thanks to my dear friend Beth for suggesting the tool for cutting styrofoam.  It took a little trial and error but I think it turn out well.  The tool I am referring to is called a styro cutter plus.  If you like to do cube finishing its a great tool to have.

Now.....more about the retreat at Hueston Woods.  It was hosted by the lovely Barb from Keepsakes in Cincinnati.  I got to stitch, catch up with old friends, make new friends and increase my stash substantially.  I'm already planning for next year. 

I was so busy having fun that I forgot to take any pictures but you can see some at Jenny's and Marsha's.

Thank you so much for stopping by to see my finish.  I appreciate you spending part of your busy day with me.  Your comments keep me motivated to do what I love.....stitch :-)

Now..............what will I get myself into tomorrow?

Keep on stitchin' on,

Nan

Chocolate Box

Hello Friends,

I hope that everyone is staying warm.  I read today that almost 70% of the United States is snow covered including the mountains in Hawaii.  I thought that was an interesting fact.  All I know is that I've seen enough snow this winter.  We are out of built in snow days in our school calender as of today.  That means any days missed now will be tacked on at the end of school.  I'm praying I won't be going to school in June.....

I wanted to drop by and show you how productive I can be on a snow day.

I finished stitching LHN's Chocolate Box last week but couldn't find time to finish it until today. 

Chocolate Box

Little House Needleworks

28 ct. evenweave I received from my friend Patti

Stitched using suggest fibers

I love how it turned out but forgot how hard it is to cut styrofoam.

Does anyone have any tips on cutting styrofoam?

I also want to thank everyone for your kind comments on the birth of Kayci. 

Kayci and momma are doing great. 

Thank you for stopping by to read my posts.  I appreciate you spending part of your busy day with me and it makes me happy to share my cross stitch finishes with you.

Keep on stitchin' on,
Nan



♪ Fa La L a La La ♪

I've been on quite a Christmas stitching binge this Summer. I saw this cute design the last time I visited my LNS and of course, I'm a sucker for Lizzie Kate. This is the first cube finish I've attempted and I'm pleased with the way it turned out. As it turns out I had to do 3 cube finishes, quite a task one day. Vonna at The Twisted Stitcher has a great tutorial for cube finishes if you are interested in trying one.

I had so much fun shopping for the materials to finish this project. Trying to decide on ribbon, bows, and just looking through all the Christmas craft items for ideas was a great was to spend an afternoon. I could not find a material I wanted at the usual places like JoAnn Fabrics and Hobby Lobby, I even looked at Wal-Mart. No Luck.

As I was driving to my favorite place in the world (Sonic) to get my afternoon slurpie pop I took the back way in and drove past the local quilt shop. Now, my caffeine starved brain must have been screaming keep going.........keep going.... because I almost dismissed my thought of stopping in lieu of the all mighty Route 44 Diet Cherry Coke.

Never having been in the quilt shop before I wasn't sure I would find much. Wow, was I surprised. Wall to wall material. $45 later I walked out with a bag full of remnants and assortments perfect for finishing my small projects. What a great find. They even carry some fibers. They will definitely be seeing me again, probably in the all too near future.

I have been gearing myself up for the approaching school year. That means my unlimited stitching time is coming to an end. I'm looking forward to a new year and a new batch of kiddos. I guess that means I had better prioritize my stitching projects....I think that will require more caffeine.

Keep on stitchin' on,

Nan