Hello? Anyone out there??

I won't going on about how long it's been since I've update my blog.  I'm going to try to keep it more up to date this year.  I do have to say that I'm surprised that I still remember how Blogger still works!

Here is my first finish for the year:

Frost Blue by Blackberry Lane Designs

Finished as directed on designers website

Stitched one over one on 28 ct. Monaco

with recommended threads and beads

Currently I'm working on a design by Satsuma Street called Pretty Little London.  I first saw this design finished on the blog Whilst Iris Naps and just loved the colours.  My daughter is a real anglophile so she's excited about this one.

Happy Stitching!

Prairie Schooler Giraffe

I finished up my final Christmas ornament this morning.  How bad is that?  I'm almost an entire month behind.

Book No. 71 by Prairie Schooler, Two by Two

Fabric:  Mystery 36 ct. linen

Fibre's:  as charted

Embellishments: Ruched ribbon

I added some holly and beaded berries to make it look more Christmasy:

My daughter didn't mind about the lateness at least and she thought it was so cute.  She loves giraffes so this was perfect for her.

I am definately starting my ornament gift stitching WAAAAAY earlier this year.  No more late gifts!!! 

Hey Sandra:) do you recognize the little zipper bag in the background of my pictures??

My lucky kids got a snow day today.  It didn't snow too much but they're calling for freezing rain this afternoon.  I guess the roads were pretty bad this morning.  My kids go to private school and they have kids driving from all over the place to get there so when it's bad, it's a snow day. 

The cities east of us had all their schools closed since Wednesday, even the public ones which is unheard of! 

Take care everyone and have a nice weekend!

Winter Squirrel

This is the ornament I made for my son this Christmas (though the actual finishing wasn't done until 2012.  OOPS)  I always forget how busy I get before Christmas.  I think I need to set a reminder in my calendar that says "Start Stitching Ornaments" to come up the 1st of November every year.

Winter Squirrel by The Victoria Sampler

Just Cross Stitch 2011 Ornament Issue

Fabric:  28 ct. linen

Fibres:  some as charted, some what I had in my stash

Embellishments:  #02063 Mill Hill Sead Beads, Poblano Pepper Crescent Colors Chenille

Finished as an ornament

This finish is my new favourite!  I love how crisp and professional it looks, plus it's way faster than when I put together a pillow ornament.  I used my awesome diecut chipboard pieces for the form again.

Candy Cane Ornament

Here is the ornament I made for my mom this Christmas.  She just loved it.

Fabric: 32 ct. Platinum Belfast linen

Fibres: as charted

Embellishments:  white Mill Hill Beads on berries, Kreniek metallic thread around berries for definition

Finished as an ornament

Candy Cane by Madame la Fee

click here for the FREE chart

I have to say I'm so pleased with how this turned out.  I used chipboard pieces for the finishing form and it worked perfectly.  It's really sturdy and thin too.  I went to my local scrapbook store, bought the chipboard and used their dies to cut out the ovals.  (The chipboard, which is like a thin, sturdy cardboard, came in 8x10 sheets and cost just over a dollar per sheet.)

I whip stitched all around the design to get it nice and tight on the form, did the same to another oval with coordinating fabric, glued them together and finished it with silver rick rack.  Does anyone know if this method would work for square ornaments too?  I have a hard time getting them tight on the form with nice, square corners.

Take care!

Christmas Ornament for my Stepdad

Here is what I stitched for my stepdad for Christmas.

It's Merry Moose by Mill Hill. I finished it as a hanging ornament instead of a magnet like the kit intended. I just love the beaded garland around his neck. This is a design I will actually stitch again...which I don't do :)

Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Ornaments for my Kids

I have a confession to make...even though I had these ornaments stitched, sewn and stuffed, I didn't have them sewn closed until last Friday night (Jan 7th)!!!  How bad is that?  I made sure my parent's ornaments were done for Christmas morning, but I just showed my kids their ornaments and back up to the craft room they went until now. 

This is the ornament that I made my son for Christmas this year:



Run, Run Rudolf by Raise the Roof Designs

Fabric:  32ct. Stitches & Spice Linen, colour unknown

Fibres:  GAST, DMC

Embellishments:  ribbon, JABC present button

Finished as a pillow ornament

I made my daughter this:



It's Expensive to Be Me by Lizzie*Kate

(It's a Girl Thing Chart)

Fabric:  32 ct. Platinum Belfast linen

Fibres:  GAST & DMC as charted

Embellishments:  Kreinik #4 braid, Mill Hill Crystal Treasures, twisted cord

Finished as a pillow ornament

Let me tell you, that trim was a little time consuming to stitch on but I like doing the handwork part of the ornaments so it was no bid deal.  Isn't it pretty too?  I found it last year at Wal-Mart by the wrapping paper.

I know DD's ornament isn't very Christmasy but she loved it, especially the colours :)  Oh yes, my baby girl turned 15 on Saturday!  We celebrated with a sleepover party with her posse, as I call it.  She has a group of 9 incredible friends so it's no big deal having them all over at once :D  They enjoyed a taco bar, fancy cupcakes lots and lots of potato chips and candy and VERY little sleep! 

Have a great week everyone!

Gifts for My Parents

Last year I started a tradition that I want to continue doing for many years to come.  I stitched my parents and kids ornaments for Christmas.  For what I made my parents last year, click here and here.  The one I made my stepdad last year was a hit, on my blog and with him!

This year for my mom I made:

Santa and Rudolph by Water's Edge Designs

2007 JCS Ornament Issue

Fabric:  32 ct. ???

Fibre's:  DMC as charted

Embellishments:  pompoms, bell, twisted cord, ribbon

Finished as a flat ornament

I already have a few to choose from to stitch her for next Christmas.  While she was looking through my JCS ornament issues she pointed out a lot she likes, all with a gajillion colours :)  like charts by Serendipity Designs or The Vermillion Stitchery.  Not something you start the month before Christmas.

Here is what I made for my stepdad this year:



Santas and Snowmen Book #151 by The Prairie Schooler

Fabric:  32 ct. Platinum Belfast

Fibres:  as charted except red, used WDW Turkish Red

Embellishments:  Mill Hill Petite Seed Beads, pompom, ribbon, pins

Finished as a pinkeep ornament

I'll leave you a photo of Pumpkin enjoying Christmas morning with us:



Stitching for my Mom

My mom asked if I would stitch her friend an ornament for Christmas.  Darlene and my mom have been friends since they were 13 years old and my mom is turning 60 at Christmas this year so that's quite the friendship!  I charted  and stitched "Best Friends" instead of "Season of Love" at my mom's request and made both into Gingerbread Girls :)

Season of Love by Country Cottage Needleworks

JCS 2010 Christmas Ornament Preview

Fabric:  32 ct. Platinum Belfast linen

Fibres:  DMC conversion as charted

Embellished with white seed beads

Finished as a pin keep

The ornament below is for another of my mom's friends.  The backstitching was a PAIN!!!  I had to keep putting it down so I didn't go mental and shred it into little bits!  It turned out cute in the end though.

Get into the Spirit by Brittercup Designs

JCS 2009 Ornament Issue

Fabric:  32 ct. white ??? linen

Fibre's:  some as charted, some my conversion

Embellished with red seed beads, star button and bells

Finished as a pillow ornament

I WAS NOT using the nasty yellow that was charted (3852) on the trim of the kitty's hat.  Instead I used this grey fluffy thread I have.  It's like Wisper.  You can't tell in the photo but it looked really cute and fluffy.

My mom offered to pay me to make these but all you stitchers out there know that if someone had to pay for a stitched item they'd have to pay through the nose because of the time involved!  I told my mom not to worry about it.  I get enjoyment out the stitching and finishing and I had all but a few DMC flosses in my stash.

Hopefully I'll be able to post somemore ornament finishes right away!  I have to get busy and make ornaments for my kids.  The ones for my parents are stitched and just need finishing. 

Happy Stitching and Merry Christmas!

Final of Four Christmas Stitchy Gifts

I like to think I saved the best for last!

Jinglebell Reindeer...My Way by Daffycat

Freebie found here

Fabric:  25 ct. Antique White Lugana

Fibre's:  DMC 801, 816, 3051, Blanc

Embellishments:  Mill Hill Seed Beads in red & white, MH Petite Seed Beads in black

My friend Sandra:) of Sandra Sews:) gave me a great suggestion on wrapping this ornament up for my stepdad:

I used a cute sheer red bag I had, put chocolate covered raisins in the bottom and attached the tag with the cute little reindeer and poem on it.  (The poem was turned into a tag thanks to my 12 year old son and his Microsoft Paint wizardry!!!)  Thanks Sandra for your suggestion!  You always have the best ideas and I always really appreciate all your help!

Here is a close up of the poem:

Have a very Happy New Year everyone!

Happy Stitching!

Third of Four Christmas Stitchy Gifts

Here is the ornament I made for my son for Christmas:

Santa's Buddies by Angel Stitchin'

2009 JCS Ornament Issue

Fabric:  32 ct. Platinum Belfast Linen

Fibre's:  DMC 349, 612, Blanc & GA Baby Spinach, Sarsparilla

Embellishments:  Mill Hill Metal Treasures 15001 & Seed Beads 03039

My son really liked it, his reaction when he opened it was really cute.  A "special ornament" was on his Christmas list and I guess this qualified.  He's especially interested in what I'm stitching and always is so thrilled when I finish something.  He particularily hates it when I make something for an exchange and have to send it away :D. 

I've been thinking about stitching goals lately and what I would like to acheive in 2010.  I'm going to see if writing them down stresses me out or focuses me...I've joined two SAL's and just ordered the LHN Sampler months so I have plenty to keep me busy!

What are your stitching goals for 2010?

Happy Stitching!

Second of Four Christmas Stitchy Gifts

This is the ornament I stitched for my (almost) 14 year old daughter.

Elf in the Box by Brooke's Books

Fabric:  28ct. Platinum Belfast Linen, 14 ct. perforated paper

Fibre's:  DMC as charted

Embellishments:  Mill Hill seed beads as charted

She loved it and said she really had to "study" it to take in all the detail.  She (like her mom :D) loves bling so I knew she would love this design.  She has it hanging up in her room and told me she isn't putting it away with the Christmas decorations. 

My kids see me stitching all the time and know the time that goes into these projects so they really appreciate them.  I was thrilled with her reaction!

Until tomorrow...

Happy Stitching!

P.S.  Is anyone else using the new post editor on Blogger?  It works great!  (It makes it super easy to place photos where you WANT them.) I can't seem to find a spellcheck button anywhere though...is it staring me in the face and I just can't see it???

First of Four Christmas Stitchy Gifts

Here is the finished ornament I made for my mom this Christmas.  I finished the four ornaments that I had stitched for gifts the weekend before Christmas and 2 days before we flew to my parents place for the holiday!  Nothing like leaving it to the last minute...good thing I do well under pressure!

Let it Snow by Country Cottage Needleworks

2008 JCS Ornament Issue

Fabric:  32 ct. Platinum Belfast Linen

Fibre's:  Recommend DMC

Embellishments:  Mill Hill Seed Beads for snowflakes

My darling hubby gave me the sweetest compliment when I showed him the finished ornaments...he said they were not just gifts but heirlooms.  Isn't that so sweet?  He is the best!

My mom really liked her ornament and appreciates the time and love that went into making it.  I just LOVE this hobby, what about you???

I'm going to post my other 3 ornaments over the next 3 days...it's nice having something to blog about!

Happy Stitching!

Finally! A Finish I Can Show

I stitched this piece for the Hooked on Exchanging group:

Winter Sampler by LHN
JCS Ornament Issue 2009
Fabric: Vintage Mocha Belfast Linen
Fibre's: DMC, Blanc, 433, 524, 3052, 3721
Backed with green felt

I received an email from my partner that she really like it! This is my first attempt at the "Prairie Schooler type" finishing and I'm really happy with the results.

Happy Stitching!

3 Finishes!

Though I can only show you 2 as the 3rd is an exchange. I'm feeling quite happy with myself...I'm well on the way to having my Christmas stitching goals complete.

I'm going to stitch a few more before I do a finishing blitz. Here is PS Santas and Snowmen:

Aren't the beads and pom pom cute?

L*K, It's Expensive to Be Me:

It's hard to tell but I add Kreinik #4 Braid to the shoes and sunglasses. It adds a nice shimmer to the design. I think my daughter will be thrilled.

I'm off to kit up a gift and an exchange.

Happy Stitching!!!

One Down, Many More to Go!

I'm FINALLY feeling better after my cold/flu. Sitting on the couch the past week or so was a little productive for me. Here is was I've been working on.

For my step dad one of the charts from Santas & Snowmen from Book No. 151 by The Prairie Schooler:

I used Wisper for the trim on Santas hat. You can tell it's different from the other threads used but it isn't as fuzzy as I was hoping. Any suggestions??? I have couple snowflakes to stitch in and then it's done.

For my daughter I'm stitching It's Expensive to Be Me by Lizzie*Kate:

It's right up her alley! I'm going to finish it with some funky trim if I can find something cool and girly. I'm going to wait until I have a few ornaments stitched and then do the finishing all at once.

I've also had a little stash enhancement. Awesome ribbon, rick rack and trim from Michaels:

Holly & Ivy from Shepherds Bush and Christmasland series from Raise the Roof Designs:

As if I don't already have enough stitching to do...I've joined the LHN Monthly Ornament SAL and the LHN Travelling Stitcher SAL, both starting January 2010. I justify this because I already have the Travelling Stitcher kit and the chart price for the LHN monthly ornaments is only $6!

Happy Stitching!

Happy Halloween Pin Cushion Finally Finished!

Here is the finished project:

Happy Halloween
by La-D-Da
2009 JCS Halloween Issue
32ct Copper Penny Permin Linen
WDW: Onyx & Terra Cotta
Trimmed with Black Rick Rack
Filled with crushed glass

This was the first time I've sewn rick rack into a seam instead of on top of a piece. Actually, the last time I touched rick rack was on an apron I did in Home Ec. in Grade 9! I found a post on how to do it online...don't you just love Google! I thank my lucky stars for it every time I go to finish an ornament. I also thank all of you out there who take the time to post tutorials with my whole heart. :-D

I first backed the linen with muslin before sewing it together because of the crushed glass I used to fill it. I found that great stuff at my local quilting shop. I think it turned out pretty cute! My finishing is getting better, and I'm trying different ways of finishing instead of a pillow ornament all the time.

I'm glad this was a tiny piece as the Permin was HORRIBLE to stitch on! The tension was all loosey, goosey. Even in a hoop! It's too bad because the colour is fabulous! I have a 13 x 17 piece left over if anyone wants to try it. Leave a comment in this post and I'll draw a name and mail it to the lucky "winner"! Good luck...in more ways than one!

Happy Stitching and Good Luck!

Ta-Da

Here is my finish for my Challenge with Sandra Sews:). I made the September 7th deadline...barely! (Sorry for the horrible pic!)

I had the stitching done for this ornament and finished it too! This one is just gravy! Woo hoo.

I'll update my post tomorrow when I have more time. I'm trying to get my kids ready for bed. First day of school tomorrow!

Stitching and Pizza

Things are going along great for my challenge with Sandra Sews:). I'm almost done the stitching after two lovely evenings in my stitching room with Jane Austen movies playing in the background.

I chose "Christmas Tree" by Country Cottage Needleworks. It's part 3 of her Winter Wonderland Thread Pack series. I love the Crescent Colours silks included. They just glide through the linen. Tomorrow, if all goes well today and I finish the stitching, I'm going to pull out the sewing machine and do the finishing.


As for the pizza part of this post, today was my first foray into bread dough making without the breadmaker. I made pizza bread, a recipe I found on a wonderful blog I found called Cooking During Stolen Moments.

I recently started doing a weekly meal plan and grocery shopping once a week. Since two of the things I hate most in the world are figuring out what to make for dinner and grocery shopping (I should say loathe!) I figured meal planning was the way to go! After two weeks I have to say it's been quite liberating. All I have to do in the morning is check my plan and I'm good to go. I highly recommend it!

Here are the results of my bread baking (dough after rising for an hour):


I'm glad the dough turned out so well as my Jenn-Aire mixer started smoking as a result of it. I think that's a bad thing *GRIN*. Luckily my hubby, being in the appliance industry, has a contact at Kitchen Aid so he's going to get me a new mixer...I should have made dough a long time ago...

Here it is with all the fillings before being rolled up like a jelly roll:


And here is the delicious (if i do say so myself) final result:


My son was official taste tester and declared it "a keeper!"

Ornament Challenge!

While emailing back and forth about getting ornaments done for Christmas with Sandra:) of Sandra Sews :) she mentioned starting an ornament today (in between emails!!!) So I proposed a challenge for the both of us...finish one ornament by Sept 7th. Wish us luck!

Happy Stitching!

Another finish!

Here is my latest finish! It is also my very first pillow ornament. I love how it turned out! I'm really glad I had my sewing machine serviced because it would have taken forever to sew it by hand.

Glory to God

Little House Needleworks

JCS 2008 Ornament Issue

32 count linen in Raw

Backing fabric olive green to match ribbon & DMC 730

Threads: DMC conversion

Royal Plum Mill Hill Seed Beads (#02012)