A Challenge of 50

Dreaming the Days Away.............

2007-06-21T15:46:00.000-04:00

Though it has been quite some time since I updated my blog, I thought I should at least acknowledge the fact that I am stitching!!! lol I have been diligently working on Lavender & Lace's "Angel of Dreams". It is coming along quite nicely but I sorely under estimated the intricacy of her gown and the tweeding involved. As with all good things, it just takes time and persistence. The blue linen that I am working her on is quite lovely and really adds a dramatic backdrop to the subdued colors of this particular piece.

Well, jabbering here isn't going to get it finished. She's still many long hours away from completion, so a WIP picture here might help keep me encouraged.

My First Time in Gitta's Needlework Shop

2007-03-26T09:07:00.000-04:00

Discovered I was short some floss colours for one of my projects.....now how this can happen with all the floss I have is beyond me! lol Well, my friend Chris has been expounding the virtues of Gitta's Needlework store for a long time. Frankly, my curiosity was getting the better of me. Now I have been quite content to order most of my supplies on-line. But there are times when you need to actually 'see' overdyed flosses in order to choose the right ones. DH was in a generous mood, so he offered to take me to Gitta's.

With my introduction to hardanger, I have started a life-long love affair with Caron fibres. The Waterlillies, Wildflowers and Watercolors are perfect for hardanger and the colors on my monitor just make me drool. Twice I have ordered and been satisfied, but there is much discrepancy between monitors and with the price of the stuff, you really don't want to get caught ordering too much only to be disappointed. Well, let me tell you.........as soon as I walked in that store I saw the Caron collections immediately. Like a moth to the flame! lol Sumptuous does not even begin to describe the effect, I could have stood there for hours just gazing in wonderment and lust. Good thing my 5 year old daughter was with me, or DH would have been calling out the RCMP 'cause there would have been no way I could have left that store under my own willpower. But a whining child can bring you back to reality post haste! rofl

The staff were very nice, and let me browse to my (almost) heart's content and offered their services very inobtrusively. I even found a little kit from Sweetheart Tree that will make a lovely gift, that up until now, I had no clue as to what I would do for this person. There are little pockets of interest all over the store which just invites the consumer to linger and relish with glee each little discovery! With my treasures in hand, I went to the check out and had a delightful conversation with Gitta about the colours I had chosen and what I planned on doing with them. She was very encouraging about exploring and experimenting with different mediums for needlecraft work. I can honestly say, this will be a place that will remain front and centre of all my purchasing needs. They even do framing, and I know of at least one angel that is in need of her services! I can't wait to tell my friend Chris about my experience....she will be thrilled!

Woohoo I get to Happy Dance Today!!!

2007-03-22T13:40:00.000-04:00

Just put the final stitches into Angelic Greetings!!! This was a wonderful happy dance for me, I really enjoyed this piece and it went fairly quickly. I started it January 23, so this is like warp speed stitching for me!!! LOL

The pattern was from Artecy Cross Stitching and I decided to do it on 32 count lugana from Silkweavers in a color called "Elegance". It really gives a lovely late evening sky effect. All the stitching was done using DMC 3740 and the design 'laid' just right in and around the white and lavender. I am very pleased with the results. This piece will be made into a quilt for a preemie to be distributed by The Angel Quilt Project division here in Canada. I really need to do more for this organization because it feels great!!!!

The dimensions on this piece are 183 stitches wide by 199 stitches high.

Angel Fever

2007-03-07T09:12:00.000-05:00

Having just completed one huge angel you think I'd want to do something different......me too! But I didn't LOL My new start (and isn't there always a new one) is Lavender & Lace's Angel of Dreams. Actually she should qualify as a UFO because she has been sitting on the back burner for quite some time with only 3 little stitches in her. She doesn't feel like a UFO, so I'm keeping her on the WIP list.

Some stitchers from other boards were talking about this one when it was first released. Their concerns were over the colours used as being too muddy or 'dirty'. As I pulled the floss colours for this piece, I will admit to seeing that grayish/green and becoming a bit hesitant. Yet, from working with Heaven & Earth designs, I've learned how colours can play on one another and totally transform themselves when sitting next to different colours. Putting in those first stitches of 644, I began to see them 'change' against the dark blue linen. Continuing on in the concentration of stitches has not altered my opinion.....this is going to be quite an interesting stitch!!

As with my last angel, this one is a dedication to my later sister, Heather. Heather was a gentle soul......kind, caring, warm, loving, intelligent and funny. I have a picture of her holding my firstborn and the look on her face is very reminiscent of this angel's countenance. Heather was a dreamer so the two just go together in my heart. She is more subdued than the last angel, but no less impressive.....her quality is calming and gentle, just as my sister was and a fitting tribute to her as a person as well as a sorely missed sibling.

Funny thing though, as I finished the last angel, it was not a happy occasion as some might expect. As much as I am pleased with the results, my heart is saddened nonetheless, like the grief of these 3 short years has returned. Not really returned, as it never leaves your heart in the first place. It's a weird feeling.....a physical reminder that we are separated by a distance that cannot be breached. And I don't like it, not one single bit, but life goes on.....

It's FINISHED !!!!

2007-03-03T00:09:00.000-05:00

Started October 20th, 2004, Angel of Healing is now completed as of 11:10 p.m. tonight. She's stitched on 28 count Silkweaver's Expression in Blue Dynasty, the face is stitched over 1 and the rest is 2 over 2. Some folks think they are slow stitchers......this took me 245 hours of stitching time to complete. And here's the lady of the hour now..........

If I remember correctly, this makes the 9th finish for The Challenge.

This too shall end................

2007-02-28T12:29:00.000-05:00

Just don't ask me when! lol I've been pretty quiet on the stitching boards of late, but it's just because I'm working to get Angel of Healing done. Though I have been putting in some solid hours, the progress is less than encouraging. I'm at the bottom part of the dress where a ribbon hangs down....it's a beautiful effect but quite the amount of confetti stitching. Not sure if it is the confetti stitching that is getting me down, or just that I'm so close to the finish line.

I know it's silly, but it is really depressing for me to finish a project. Quick ones don't seem to have any effect; but the ones where you have spent so many long hours on.....they are the ones that I struggle with myself.

You should see the rainbow beads on this piece.....WOW, what an impact. That alone nearly took 2 steady days to get done.....I was being particularly persnickety that they follow a specific order I had in my mind. Took some finangling, but I am pleased with the effect once I got it to where I wanted it.

Okay, now back to the task at hand.....getting her finished.

The sounds of beads dropping all over the floor

2007-02-23T02:12:00.000-05:00

herald the fact that I am once again working on my Angel of Healing. Today I managed to get about 6 hours work done on it. Now I have completed the backstitching on the wings.....the pattern doesn't call for it, but the contrast between the light fabric and the white/cream of the wings was not substantive, so a little DMC 932 seems to have worked in that regard.

I just love the rainbow beads on this piece, though it does get a bit tricky on keeping identical colours from being clumped together as I work around those lovely swirls. I still haven't decided if I am going to stitch her hands over 1 or just go with the pattern's over 2. Tomorrow I'll make that decision.....right now I just feel too lazy to chart it. Amazingly, there is not as much left to do as I had remembered ~ must be another senior's moment!! The day dawns early, so I best be off to bed, but it was a good stitching day and I feel quite happy about getting back to my ufo's.

The Young Lady loves pink......

2007-02-21T22:55:00.000-05:00

so pink it is!!! This little square will be part of a quilt for a dear friend whose daughter has been ill for quite some time. Her daughter, Hannah, is a real sweetheart, and it is a shame that she has to go through so much at such a young age (11). So another friend wrote to me suggesting a quilt and that her favorite colour was pink.

After going through my stash and freebies, I found a cute little piece called Oiseau fleurs that seemed a perfect fit for a young girl who loves the outdoors and animals.

I started this on the weekend, I think, and finished it just a few minutes before 11 pm tonight. Hopefully, I'll be sending this little fella on his way to spread a little hope and cheer.

This piece is copyrighted by www.carinne.hst.st and was stitched on jobelan 28 count from Silkweavers in a colour they call Honeysuckle Pink. The floss is DMC #3733 and that is definitely pink!!!

This now makes 8 projects completed out of the 50.

Shovel snow or stitch? Yeah, there's a hard

2007-02-14T20:31:00.000-05:00

one to decide, eh? LOL

Actually, I did do the shovelling.....it's not my fault 60 mph winds decides to blow it hither and yon. Once I made it to my stitching chair, it was all over but the crying. I have now completed 8 and half pages of the 17 for Angelic Greetings. Man, this thing is going to be bigger than I realized.......not exactly like this is the first time I have miscalculated a pattern size or how long it will take me to do!

Visited the bulletin boards looking at all the lovely work being done and I can tell you, I am downright impressed. There are now designs on my wish list I would never have considered, but after seeing them stitched, unbelievable!!!! I realize designers have to be careful, if the photographs are too good, some enterprising rip-off artists then scan the photo to make illegal charts. But if the photos are really bad.......it makes you hesitate on spending your money to buy the thing to begin with. Really a vicious cycle, not sure if there is an answer, but I am thankful for all the stitchers who have shared their work so many of us could change our minds.

Well, there's a sink full of dishes waiting, might as well get those done now that the girls are off to bed. If my eyes will cooperate, I might even manage another half page on my chart before I fall asleep. Oh to have the stamina of a 20 year old.........

Just can't stop myself.............

2007-02-08T09:27:00.000-05:00

Ahhhh the joys of being addicted to a single design where all else just falls by the wayside! There is something about the combination of the Enchanted silkweaver fabric and this particular design that just won't let me put it down!!! Dust bunnies are roaming my home in wild abandon and dog hair has nearly coated every surface that is not exposed to a 20 mph wind......and that includes us!! LOL

I probably should feel very guilty about letting my chores go. Yet, no matter how many times I dust, how many times I vacuum, how many dishes I wash, how many trips to the basement for load after load of laundry, there never seems to be an end to it. No sooner have you got it all done, simply turn your head left or right to see it stalking you from all angles.....talk about your job security! At times like this I am reminded of that tongue-in-cheek rhyme, "A man works from sun to sun, but a woman's work is never done." Don't get me wrong, I love a clean house....I just wish it would co-operate a tiny bit and let me enjoy the fruits of my labor for even a single day before looking like a bomb blast site.

Now how can that compare to this? :

With the advent of scanners and digital cameras, I can SEE the progress even when I don't necessarily feel it. The design itself is wonderful (especially as I have it earmarked for the Angel Quilt Project), but I think it is the fabric that is holding my interest. The color plays that are happening as the design develops is intriguing to me. By some lovely stroke of chance, the tops of the wings have entered into the larger lighter area, as well as the face. And I do mean chance....I simply started in the middle of the fabric and let the chips fall where they may.

This design is large, will probably end up a good 12x14 inches for the design area alone. I would love to try this in a reverse....dark fabric with a white, ecru or very light grey but stitched over 1 instead of over 2. The entire design is whole stitches and would lend itself beautifully to that method. Maybe another time....at 17 pages for the pattern, this requires some serious time allocation. Considering the number of UFO's and WIP's I have on the go......I really should show some kind of restraint. (though constraint would probably be more appropriate when I get off on my tangents.) Now that 6 pages have been completed, I am even more enthralled with working on it. Guess the dust bunnies and dog hair will live in peace for yet another day. (wink)

Shame on me................

2007-02-03T07:42:00.000-05:00

I'm supposed to be working on a UFO for this coming week, but just can't put down my new start. I told myself I would stop after I put the face in...then, just a little around the neck, oh and that little area around the head, and on and on. There are a few times when being a serial starter has definite disadvantages......like finishing something! LOL

Actually, as I was stitching away on my new love, I gave some real hard thought to my 'block' when it comes to finishing. Though finishing is a happy thing, I find it kind of a let-down and tinged with sadness. I truly LOVE all my projects and when they are done, it's like a friend moving away....I'll never see them again, (ie I will never stitch on them again). I know this sounds totally inane, after all, the purpose of stitching something is to finish it and either display it or give it away. Well, that may be true, but not for me. Weird though it may seem, it is the emotional bond that I have with a piece that makes me want to stitch it to begin with. And that bond is what keeps me working on it, at least, til I see the end is near. Then I procrastinate, start new ones, do other projects, read, heck, I'll even do housework!!! Once that final stitch is placed, the bond is irrevocably broken.....there is nothing left to do on it. Stitching is cathartic for me....it restores balance in my little world. My mind enters this wonderful little void where neither sight nor sound penetrates beyond the chart and the fabric.....we become one. A little fanciful in the description here, but the analogy is bang on. Many of my cyber stitching friends talk about what they are thinking about and reviewing things in their minds as they stitch.......I do that all day long, no matter what task is occupying my hands. But when I sit to stitch, it really is an empty place. Now that may sound terrifying, but it is more like a cocoon, a special place my mind visits where it can rest from its endless worries, concerns and demands. This is probably the equivalent of an adult's version of a child's blankie. (I had one as a kid, still remember the color, and feel of it! LOL) Telling myself there are others waiting doesn't work either. Each are unique in why I am drawn to them, so even though two designs may have many similarities, it is the subtlety of their differences that engage me.

What to do with this new found information, I have no idea. Not sure if there really is anything I want to do with it. Just one of those lovely little tangents I went off to trying to understand why I do or don't do something.

Now to get back to the endless loads of laundry, dirty dishes, vacuuming, dusting and cleaning. And I wonder WHY I want to retire one day so I never have to leave my stitching chair!

Greetings of the Angelic kind.............

2007-02-01T15:03:00.000-05:00

I love doing pieces for the Angel Quilt Project, it gives me such a wonderful feeling and I like the idea that there's a bit of my needlework somewhere out there that brings a little joy or comfort to someone. The reason for this ramble is that I was taking a tour of my patterns, bits and bobs and was actually looking for a piece to do a February SAL with some stitchers on the Pals Delights BB. Now I didn't find what I was looking for, but I did find a piece from the Artecy site that is called Angelic Greetings. It's an effect that is like silhouette/blackwork but all done in whole cross stitches. Then I remember seeing a beautiful Silkweaver piece in my stash called Elegance which is shades of purple mottling with white and cream that has a "late evening" kind of feel to it. For my mind, the two were just made for each other. So I have started it and have done about 2 days stitching on it. As it appears on the fabric, my gut just tells me that this is 'so right'. Right now I have about a 6 hours stitching time on it and this is how it looks:

This is a 28 count Jobelan being stitched 2 over 2. The pattern is 17 pages plus 2 pages with additional information. The original was stitched using black, but I've opted to use DMC #3740 to compliment the purple without being too stark. There are no 'repeat sections' between the pages, so counting requires a little more concentration for me, but I am thoroughly enjoying it.
I just love the effect I am seeing. Well, this will be it for now until March as I need to get to work on my other angel.

UFO's Abound

2007-01-27T09:17:00.000-05:00

Being a complete Serial Starter of the highest order, I sometimes feel like UFO’s are all around me…..probably because they are! :lol It is not that I do not like working on them, for they are all have a special place in my heart, simply a case of being in the right frame of mind to do justice to them with a happy heart.

I have been working on Aria for Christmas which was a Pam Kellogg mystery stitch-a-along about 2 years ago. I saved mine and decided to work on it only during the holidays. This year I have made some serious progress on it and I think I will bring it out again to see if I can finish it this year. The lovely shading of the pointsettias, the majestic cardinal, the gorgeously embellished leaves and goldwork border are all a delight to work on. And as the snow once again blankets our little neighbourhood, I feel that the holiday is over and so has my passion for working on this. Alas, it is time to set it aside and work on another of my lost loves. Here it is as of December 2005:

And this is where I finished as of January 27,2007

Angel of Healing has been quietly whispering a spell of enchantment that has lured me to release her from her plastic confines and out into the light once again. She has been a wonderful journey of healing after the loss of my 2 sisters in a terrible auto accident just three short years ago this past November. There is still a big part of me that seems to need to release the sadness, grief and emptiness that surrounds their loss. This angel (one of two) has been a gentle journey of turning something bad into something akin to healing. As macabe as this all sounds….it’s really not. It has become a wonderful release, one that I have not often been able to find with past losses. From this weekend on, she shall be my focus piece. Long has she been patient and awaited my ministrations, so now it is her time to shine….to stand proud in all her completed glory. Here she is as of October 25, 2006:

First 2007 Finish...........

2007-01-25T05:31:00.000-05:00

One of the most delicious aspects of having cyber friends that stitch is that they allow you to indulge in new starts virtually guilt free. This one was part of a January SAL with the theme of "sewing/stitching" related. Wandering through my hoarde of stash, I found many lovely designs that would fit that theme so well.....yet, I wanted something that I could possibly finish this month. (This from a woman who still has her Christmas tree up!!! LOL)

As much as I love my big projects, there is great reward in those smaller finishes. This is one of them. Whilst I stitched away on her, I kept trying to figure out what I would do with it.......so easy an answer I sometimes thinkmy brain gears need a little WD40 to get the rust out. I think she'll make a lovely wall hanging for my basement sewing area! So I'll be taking a stroll through my quilt fabric stash and see if there is anything there that strikes my fancy......I picture this piece either as a quilted wall hanging or a mini bell pull. Oh, silly me, here she is:

Puttering along................

2007-01-18T06:34:00.000-05:00

I've been working on a piece I started last year called Aria for Christmas by Pam Kellogg. It was originally part of a mystery stitch-a-long but as I never can keep up with them, I decided to save this one to work on just during the holiday season. I really love this design but its huge and Pam's shading is incredible but the constant changing of colors don't always encourage me to work on it. This year though, I seem to have found a rhythm that has me nipping right along and thoroughly enjoying it.

This is progress I had made at the end of last year. The finished piece is styled to be a bell pull. I haven't ever done that kind of finishing before so it should be an interesting journey to get it right!LOL

Another piece I am working on is for a SAL on the Pal's Delight bulletin board. The theme for this month was anything stitching or needlework. I found a cute Precious Moments pattern in my stash called "Because You Count" and I'm about 3/4 finished. Not sure what I'm going to do with it when it's finished. Kind of tossing around the idea of either doing it as a small wall hanging for my sewing room or a decorative pillow for the living room. I'm also toying with the idea of using the wall hanging idea to put on the daughters' room door. They love getting stitched pieces and it is a pretty little thing. Heck, I could always stitch another one for myself again if I really wanted to. LOL

One Week from Christmas and I feel Like The Mad

2006-12-18T05:00:00.000-05:00

Hatter and I ain't no Alice and this is definitely NOT Wonderland. The clock and calendar are officially "The Enemy"! This is about the same time every year I wonder why I have so many things I wanted to get done, not finished. The "excuse" this year is my youngest (4) came down with a bladder infection.......the "reason" is that I am organizationally disfunctional.

Every year I start off with the greatest intention but set no real timetable. Then I go off on these merry little tangents of working on this a little bit, that a little bit and so on and so forth. I am hopeless!!! Still, I shall not let this minor detail rob me of the joy I find from my craft. After 45 years, my relatives should be quite used to my penchant and if not, well, maybe they should pay attention to history! LOL

I have managed to turn a few of my hardanger pieces into ornies.......yayyy (and I get the gold medal for best camoflauge of a badly placed design) Amazing what you can do with a plastic sprig of holly!
My silk hardanger piece (A Star Is Born) turned out much better as I eliminated the circle in favor of a much more me-friendly shape....yes, the square. Oh how unappreciated this little shape can be ~ but turn him on his side and you have a lovely little diamond. A little creative zigzag on the sewing machine and it pouffed up nicely. (Actually that was a mistake when I tried to sew up the stuffing hole, but it looked so cool, I just carried on.) My stash of craft cording in a sparkling white was just the contrast I was looking for. Carrying the overlapping cording to the top, tie a nice little knot and viola, an ornie is born!

Now I did manage to make my little girls happy, and isn't that just the best part of Christmas, after all. I finished up the quilting and sewing of this little stocking started by my late sister, Heather. Add some sparkling red cording and this little beauty gets to reside in my daughters' room for part of their holiday glitter. Their little faces lit right up (sorry Mr. Sun, you may make my flowers grow and bloom, but they make my heart sing) when I gave it to them. At that moment, I knew I was going to become very greedy and do whatever it takes to see that expression as often as I can. As humble (and with its crooked toe), this little stocking brought back the memories of all the blessings these 2 little munchkins have made in my life. So as unassuming as he is, this is the star of this Christmas season:

If I accomplish not one single thing more before The Big Day, it really doesn't matter to me. Seeing the wonder and joy on those two little faces has already made this one of the bestest Christmases I've ever enjoyed.

May this feeling be blessed to each and every one around the world. Merry Christmas!!

Adding some Joy to my Day................

2006-12-04T14:01:00.000-05:00

I am so in love with hardanger.......you get beautiful results and it doesn't take that long. This is my third piece done giving me a total of six finishes for the Challenge. I am very impressed with the progress I'm making......though this new obsession seems to go faster than my regular stitching!!! LOL

This last piece is called Joy from Julia Lucas Designs out of the 2006 Just Cross Stitch ornie edition. She used red and greens too on a white fabric. I opted for using red and green Kreinik Silk Mori along with turquoise #4 braid and her suggested #4 Kreinik braid in pearl. My scan doesn't show it well, but I like the contrast by using the black jobelan. So here is my little bit of Joy:

The weekend shall be my ornementation day~for those unfamiliar with that word (it's made-up) and simply refers to the act of taking these stitched piece and really turning them into actual ornaments. One of the things that has quickly been added to my Wish List has been those round and oval ornament forms.........I really suck at stitching circles that don't end up looking like something a 3 year old did. Actually, my 4 year old could probably do a better job, but I have no intention of handing her anything sharp that could be used against me! ROFL

I'd love my girls to have this obsession as they get older, but just the thought of sharing my stash breaks me out into a cold sweat.

Now I shall return to my endless pile of UFO's that have been crying shamelessly in an attempt to get my attention. Angel of Healing has already been pulled out of her storage bag and I'll be giving her my undivided attention until she is finished. Then I have a Christmas one called Aria by Pam Kellogg that I need to do as I would really love to finish that this year. I started it last December and work on it whenever a holiday shows up on my calendar.....that way I always have a little bit of Christmas happening all year long.

And I bought myself a really cool Christmas present....a digital camera!!! Now all my really large pieces and things that won't fit in the scanner can be recorded. Not to mention all the endless photos that never seem to leave my film camera!!! (blushes loudly) Wonder if I should tell DH or just stick it in my own stocking and see if he figures it out?

Off to work some more magic........

To Each Their Own..............

2006-12-01T04:13:00.000-05:00

One of the things that keeps me so interested in needlework is the individuality you can accomplish even using a pattern. With my foray into hardanger, I have discovered that there is no limit except what you place upon yourself. Almost all the cutwork I have seen done has utilized white or cream fabrics.....and they all have looked gorgeous. But I wanted to try something totally different. Mostly because I have this gorgeous silk that I used on my Enchanted Alphabet called Orchid and knew it would look absolutely stunning on a black background. My friend (and teacher) thought that silk would not make a good base for hardanger work and the black would be too difficult to work on, especially for a beginner. She is probably right and as much as I value her opinion, I do tend to walk to the beat of a different drummer. What's the worst that can happen? If it doesn't work, you chalk it up to experience.

Needle Play had a beautiful ornie in the 2006 Just Cross Stitch issue called A Star is Born. It is delicate and the colors they used are definitely christmasy and added much to the charm of this design. Decided this would work with the black fabric and my lovely Orchid silk. As I went through the materials list, I discovered I would need another floss for wrapping the bars. Scavenging through my stash I found 2009 in the Needlepaints that looked like a good match for the colors in silk but with enough contrast to make it's own impact, but still be subtle. The gold originally called for did not look good, even looking at the white gold in petite treasure braid it still wasn't quite a good match. Hidden beneath I discovered a card of silver and it looked great with the soft purple colors. A quick look in my bead bag and there were some lovely lavender Mill Hill Antique seed beads that were just a tad darker than any of the floss colors but should still give me the effect I wanted. Now this design has some major bar wrapping to it, but once I got a rhythm going, it only took a couple of days to finish that part.

So here's my rendition of A Star Is Born:

This picture doesn't do it justice, as you can't see the cutouts (which have silver braid crosses with a bead in the centre) and the sparkle.

All in all, I am quite delighted with the way this piece turned out. I've decided to finish it in a diamond shape with a silver lining so the cutwork shows up better and edge it in silver cording. Hopefully I'll get a little time this weekend to do that part of it and then I'll post the finished project.

I really like being able to utilize the smaller fabric pieces of my stash this way, but I did splurge a little and invest in a good pair of bent hardanger scissors. With 2 curious little girls, I will keep them under lock and key. Just the thought of their tender skin and those sharp points......ouch!

I just realized something.....this makes 5 finishes since I started The Challenge!!!

New Trick for Old Dog.....................

2006-11-19T09:50:00.000-05:00

I'm still struggling with that nasty Dimensions kit. Slowly, I am making progress but then I was never really good a confetti stitching, nor do I enjoy it all that much. Still, when you're making it for a friend, the aggravation factor does lessen dramatically.

Speaking of friends, (and the reason for the title of this diatribe), Chris came by on Friday for our regularly monthly gab session with a bit of stitching thrown. Well, this Friday she decided that since I love the look of Hardanger, it was time I give it a whirl. Now, bless her heart, she has no idea just how hamfisted her friend is! I'm not saying this to garner pity....far from it, I'm just very realistic to my limitations and my 10 thumbs that mascarade as fingers. I also got the shock of my life to realize my dear friend is also an amazing teacher and can be extremely patient (I have likened her to Job and it is quite justified!) even with the most difficult and hard-headed students.

I have now mastered the art of kloster blocks and how they work and why they are needed. I have a good understanding of where you cut and where you don't (and why!!!!) as well as how to wrap bars......which I found really neat to do. Cutting the material was nowhere near as scary as I have heard some people mention.....but in this case, I think it was a case of ignorance was truly bliss. LOL I do need to get a serious pair of hardanger scissors though, as my regular embroidery ones just won't make the grade. But being a thoughtful person, she shared hers, for which I am truly thankful. We also went through alot of my stash, so now I have visions of hardanger leaping across all my little bits and pieces of fabby as well as some unconventional thoughts of flosses to try! I do believe she may find she has created a monster!!! ROFL

So with her donation of Caron Wildflowers floss in Christmas red/green varigated and my petite treasure braid, this is what we managed to create:

Isn't that pretty!!! She always told me that it wasn't hard, but I didn't believe her. Now I am truly a convert. I've already decided on duplicating this pattern using some silks that I already have in my stash along with the fabric that I have loads of when I was on Silkweaver's Fabric of the Month club.

I also have a table cloth that is presently a UFO that has flowers all over it. Right now I'm thinking about the possibilities of doing some hardanger work on it to give it a more delicate feel. Didn't I say she may have created a monster?!!! ROFL

So this is another finish towards my 50. But this one will always have a special place in my heart for the caring and sharing of my dear friend.

I officially dislike confetti stitching...............

2006-11-06T20:04:00.000-05:00

This Dimensions ornament is driving me crazy......it's almost virtually impossible to keep the back neat with all those blasted little one-sy stitches all over the place.

The last time I did that much confetti stitching was on my Dad's wedding gift last May. I swore I would never touch another design with any amount of it ever again. Well, the sentiment was right, just too bad some of the cutest designs are chocked full of it. LOL Being for a friend is the only reason I keep working on it. Hopefully I can get this monkey off my back VERY soon. LOL

That's it for now. Hopefully I will be able to post a finish in the not too distant future.

A Slight Detour..................

2006-10-27T22:06:00.000-04:00

Which is just really another way of me saying that I started something new!! It's really cute how some of the stitching ladies on the various boards giggle and tsk tsk me when I post about a new start.........they really make me glad I'm a serial starter who is relatively free from guilt.

I say relatively because I am supposed to be working on Angel of Healing, but for some reason or other, I just can't concentrate on her the last few days. I did get all the PT braid in on the bottom and all the gold and coral beading done........oh my she does sparkle and glint, just gives me pure delight! I've also filled in alot of those 'missed' stitches that were here and there which was time consuming and just a tad tedious. Now I'm at the stage where I have to make that decision about the hands.

Right now that feels like work........and since I hate stitching to be work, I decided to start an ornie for a dear friend for Christmas. Got the Dimensions kit at the Toronto Craft show last Friday knowing she would just LOVE it! She has 5 cats and this one is a picture of a kitty staring out the window looking at a bunch of birds in the snow eating seeds. The cat's got such a cute expression......even a doggie person like me couldn't resist. LOL

Now the chart is fairly easy to read, but my goodness, I wish they would find a better way of sorting floss (like maybe putting the numbers actually on the darned stuff!!!). What they call light blue green, I call light sage and it can get pretty confusing......if it wasn't for the colored picture on the front, this would be one weird looking ornament!!! But it is coming along nicely so I'll quit vetching and be thankful that I started it early enough to be able to get it finished BEFORE Christmas!!! ROFL Every year I have such high hopes of stitching all my relatives 'a little something'..........which usually turns into a whole lot of nothing! (blush) Still, I live in hope that someday I might actually make it while they (and I) are still breathing. Ahhhh the joys of carrying the prestigeous crown of Queen Startitis. Yet, I wouldn't want it any other way......it just wouldn't be the therapy I need each day. (Though DH probably would recommend a professional, but stitching is still soooooo much cheaper.)

The only kink in my schedule is some very minor alterations I have to make to Catherine's pumpkin costume and getting Sabrina's costume laundered. Otherwise, we're good to go for both the school parade and The Big Night!!! Weatherman says rain and I hope they are wrong.......nothing worse than soggy goblins and ghouls. Still, I've yet to see it totally dampen the toothy smiles on those little faces when they are shouting Trick or Treat and holding out that pumpkin or pillowcase for a handful of goodies. Heck, makes me glad I'm there to see it and I secretly think I have more fun than they do. LOL

My stitching chair beckons and my little munchkins are tucked safely in bed, so best answer the call while the coast is clear. Thank goodness it's the weekend, I can stay up as late as I want......or as long as my eyelids will cooperate.

Angel of Healing receiving some needed attention...

2006-10-22T06:36:00.000-04:00

This has to be one of the most ornate pieces I have ever done. Between the Petite Treasure Braids and the beads, she sparkles like crazy even in dimmed light! LOL Since completing my little ornie, I have logged just over 25 hours on her in the past 2 weeks. She is still missing her hands as I haven't quite decided if I want to go with the charted over 2 or do them over 1. Right now I have enough beading and braid yet to put in on the right side of the lower dress panel to keep me busy and the ribbon hanging down at the bottom yet to do.......I don't have to make the decision right now. Even in stitching, my procrastination tendencies peek out! LOL Not for long though, as I really would like to finish her this month, send her to be framed and in the hands of the recipients for December.

Since the death of my 2 sisters in the car accident of November 2003, finding something to concentrate on and to turn into a 'visible' reminder of their time here on earth became not only a driving force, but a journey of healing. Angel of Healing and Angel of Dreams have been and continue to be a way, for me at any rate, of celebrating the times we've shared together. Both were active in their churches. Their faith, though often sorely tested, never failed. At first I was concerned that I would not be able to let these pieces go when they were completed.......yet as I draw near to the end of Angel of Healing, I realize that it has come to symbolize a closure for me that would otherwise not be. I truly do look forward to the day when my angels will "fly".

A Merry little Happy Dance...............

2006-10-10T20:57:00.000-04:00

This poor fella is part of a set of 3 designed by Pam Kellogg. Twice I've ripped his face out trying to find my counting error. Gave up, put him away and promised myself to get to him. Always managed to find a way to avoid him. Well, this Challenge has given me the final motivation I needed to get it sorted out and finished. Took me 15 hours including ripping out the hat (which is where the TRUE mistake laid in hiding) but he's finally done. Now he will begin his sojourn down to my sewing machine with his brothers to be ornamentized (if this isn't a word, it is NOW!!!LOL).

Merry is stitched 2 over 2 on Silkweaver's Jazlyn 28-count bone colored fabric.

Hi, ho, hi, ho, off to my UFO pile I go.........

Enchanted Finish....................

2006-10-04T12:05:00.000-04:00

This is my personalization of Lavender & Lace's Enchanted Alphabet. I actually started this on a whim....okay, okay, I'm a dedicated Serial Starter. LOL But I am so glad I did. I think my niece, Andrea, is going to love it.....I already know she loves bunnies.

There were some major adjustments in the back of the dress as the original pattern had alphabet letters worked into it, and some into the bunny (but he was easy to 'fudge'). The letters of her name are done in Caron Waterlillies silk called Orchid (#185) and the fabric is from Silkweaver, 32-count Jobelan in Twilight Blue. It's a bit more bluer than the monitor shows, but just a touch. All in all I am really pleased with this. The ribbon gave me a bit of a hassle as I didn't have any fabric kind, just that stuff for parcels. So I split it and it really works pretty good.

Originally I had planned to do this design using white Silk Mori from Kreinik but I just couldn't wait to start it, so opted for DMC B5200. I am going to do this design again (at least twice) for each of my girls and let them pick out the silk for their letters....that'll give me a jump on birthday presents for next year! LOL

I am really enjoying this challenge....that's 2 large ones that would probably not have gotten finished anytime soon. It's like I have a new lease on my stitching hobby and I have Cherylann to thank for it......her inspiration (mutterings she calls it) really touched something inside me. Even my kids are getting in on the act and going through my stash for new projects and lining up the ones they want to see finished. As excited as I am about this finish, I'm more excited about the reaction my girls will have when they see it. Just lifts my heart right into my throat!!! Okay, enough of this sappy stuff, back to the needle.

A dream is a wish your heart makes.................

2006-10-02T21:06:00.000-04:00

to which my dream, well one of them, has come to fruition...........Sleeping Beauty now is completed!!! I cannot tell you how happy I was to put the last of that backstitching in. Normally I don't mind it but when it is nearing the end, it seems to take forever. The only one more impatient than I was Catherine. Now you try telling a 4-year old it will be a few more minutes and see just how long they can wait!!! (this is where my eyes roll, my ears tune out the whine that invades my daughter's speech pattern and I wish I was on an island with a big tall Pina Colada)

Without further ado, here is the lady with the 3 names (for you non-Disney fans: Sleeping Beauty, Arora, and Briar Rose)

We now have the First of 50 done!!!!!

The Crowning Touch..........

2006-09-30T18:16:00.000-04:00

Not much accomplished as my girls have decided they are right full of energy! LOL They are great kids but sometimes I wish I could get a tranfusion of just a little of their high octane fuel.....they make me downright dizzy!!!

Long and short of it, I got Catherine to sit down and choose the Petite Treasure braid I decided I would like to do for Sleeping Beauty's crown and necklace. Now a 4 year old might be a strange choice for decisions, but since it will be hers, might as well make it the way she would like. Black gold now adorns Arora's head. LOL Her necklace was old gold and that has been completed as well.

She has no face, neck or shoulders, so there is a ghostly Disney thing happening here, but otherwise it's proceeding nicely. Having my daylight bulbs operational again have made it a pleasure to stitch and my eyes aren't nearly as sore the next day. Now to remember to install the kill switch so my kids can't kill it again with the continual on/off playing they do with the light switch. :( One thing that keeps me from going completely nuclear is the fact that they will have their own kids one day.............what a glorious form of punishment. ROFL

Briar Rose is blossoming as pretty as........

2006-09-29T09:25:00.000-04:00

any rose!!! Now that my replacement bulbs arrived (thank you Fed-Ex!!!!), I have enjoyed getting extra hours stitching again last night. She now has almost all her hair and I'm very close to putting on her crown. Though the pattern calls for DMC, I have been entertaining the idea of changing this and using a Petite Treasure Braid that will give it a lovely sparkle and golden sheen of a real crown. Also some really lovely choices in Kreinik braid too, so I'm back to that awful situation of making yet another decision! LOL I think Catherine would really love that little touch, so I shan't make 'mountains out of molehills', but I do want it to be special for her.

I have seen many that are working quite earnestly on their Challenges. It is so wonderful to see what everyone is stitching and the quality of the stitching is gorgeous!!!! Alas, I know my journey will not be a quick one. Yet, it does not really upset or depress me. With finances being so constrained just to get through the month without any extras, this has been a wonderful balm letting me enjoy what I already have. Oh the joys I have had wondering through patterns stowed away in basement filing cabinets; meandering my way through all my freebie patterns on my computer; my head swimming with the choices of fabric or changes that I would want to make. Nor do I feel deprived. Sometimes seeing the new releases actually add a measure of stress.......when would I ever be able to do it, where would I put it, would I do it for me or give it away, how much more can my credit card take??????? This challenge has liberated me from much of this connundrum. It will also allow me to focus on some of the really large projects that have been sitting on the proverbial back burner. My Heaven & Earth Designs (Unicorn Pool and A Small Thought) have been languishing far too long and I enjoy working on them so much, yet they have entered the dubious realm of UFO.

UFO's.....what a vile designation for a project!!! I have many, but not because they have lost their lustre or appeal, simply that I suffer from the disease of Serial Starter. This Challenge will allow me to have the best of both worlds ~ my UFO's will be actively stitched and I still have the ability to start new projects with complete impunity. Now if I could just learn to limit my time spent at this computer!!!! LOL To which, I shall make note to myself that once Sleeping Beauty is done, I shall finish Enchanted Alphabet and begin Skating Fun (Polarbear Baby). It might be well if I establish for myself a guide to not begin new projects without completing some.....might make this challenge a little more productive. Still, just the wonderful journey of putting those little crosses in, painting away with thread and needle is all I need to enjoy my craft. Now if I could just get my DH to see it this way!!!

Still in the Pink............

2006-09-24T08:16:00.000-04:00

Though my stitching time has been at a premium, I have managed to get some more work done on Disney's Sleeping Beauty. She now has the bodice and I've started on some of her hair.....this was so I could get to her right arm without miscounting. LOL

In true fashion of Murphy's Law, my youngest has been playing with my stitching light and burnt the bulb out. So now I can only stitch in daylight (I have become totally spoiled with these true lights) and revamped my schedule to work on projects in the morning after I take the girls to school. I've ordered a new light but it can take up to 2 weeks to get here. But this is not a bad thing.....I can catch up on the housework and when the light comes ignore it all again! ROFL And I'm not really kidding here.

I lost alot of time this week because my oldest daughter (8) needed a costume for a field trip to Blackcreek Pioneer Village. Being about as handy as a pet rock, no pattern and the sewing experience of a nat......it has been it's own challenge. Being told on a Friday that they need it for the following Monday did not add much padding for the mistakes you just know are going to come a'callin'. All in all, it has gone pretty well. The blouse is done, the jumper is done, the apron is done with it's cute little flounce, we found the perfect 'boots' at the Salvation Army and I've got the main part of the bonnet completed. One more session today and it will be finished.....thank heavens!!! Definitely not a project for a beginner or for the feint of heart....which I am a founding member! LOL Still, when she saw the main parts done she was so excited and her face just beaming, I almost cried just because she took such a great delight in it and I was able to do it for her. I also have a new found respect for the pioneer ladies that did all this work without the aid of a sewing machine or today's modern gadgets......they really are in inspiration!!!

Adding to my List.............

2006-09-19T09:51:00.000-04:00

I have to admit it, I am really having alot of fun with this challenge. I am a confirmed Serial Starter and do not want to be rehabilitated. You can imagine how this is just feeding a wonderful frenzy of activity in my little mind. Actually, you can probably hear my husband groaning now.

Just got back from the EMS board and saw a cute freebie called "Polar Bear Baby--Skating Fun". It is so adorable I just can't resist! LOL I've even got the perfect fabric for it, a wonderful hand-dyed aida from Silkweavers called Winter Storm......the soft colors will look fabby against it as it has the greyish/brownish winter sky to it. As the aida is 28 count, the design area will be 6.14 by 6.21 inches. This will make a really cool mini wall hanging!!! Hahhh, now I know there's something going on.....I never know how I'm going to finish a piece. ROFL

Well, I'm off to kit this darling up and get to work on it. My poor snowman is still waiting for me, so I'll do him first and then I can get to work on this one.

Have a great stitching day all!

There are Rules to this Challenge.............

2006-09-18T21:40:00.000-04:00

Oh My Goodness, I never thought of that concept!!! LOL So, in good conscience (and because I have the world's worst memory), I'm pasting a copy of the Rules For the 50 Challenge here. It's also probably the safest way to keep me honest. ROFL Without further ado, they are:

Due to the interest in the challenge I have decided to post a list of rules for it. There have also been requests for smaller challenges (thanks xstitchqueen for drawing this to my attention). For those of you who would like to join the challenge but can't commit to the 50 project...there will be a 10 project and a 25 project challenge. If you would like to join us in one of these challenges please post your intent, exemptions and modifications. Also, some people have already created blogs as way tracking their progress. Bloggers if you would like to share your journey with us please post your addresses. Purpose of the challenge: to reduce the amount of patterns you have not stitched. This challenge can also be applied to other areas of you stash if you wish (please post your personal modification).

The Rules:

1. Have fun reducing your stash.
2. There is no time limit- people have different size projects they would like to work on.
3. Thou shall not purchase any new patterns until 10, 25, or 50 projects have been stitched. Pattern size does not matter. WIPs and UFOs finishes count.
4. This challenge can also apply to knitting, beading, sewing and crocheting patterns.
5. You can make some exemptions - I am not placing limitations on this due to commitments that people might already have. Remember, though, the goal of this challenge is to reduce stash so too many exemptions will sabotage these efforts. I have declared three exemptions.
6. Gifts, gift cards, trades, RAKs and patterns bought with gift money are not a violation of this challenge.
7. Freebies count as part of your total and you can aquire them at any point.
8. You do not have to declare the projects you intend to work on. (If listing would make you feel better please do so)
9. The offical start date of this challenge was Sept 1, 2006 since I have been posting about it for awhile and want to make sure the everyone's projects have been included. All projects finished on or after this date count for the challenge. Example: you have been working TW's Peacock Tapestry for the past 36 months and you finally finished it on Sept. 12th... it counts as part of your total for the challenge.

~~~~~~

Okay, so now I have OFFICIALLY read the rules and they seem very reasonable and all in the in best interest of reducing stash and having fun. And no time limit, what more could a girl ask for????

Now for my part of the rules:

I shall do cross stitching only (finishing not required but it would be a novelty);

I shall declare my exemptions as thus: floss or fibres only to complete the project;

I have finished nothing since September first, so it's not an issue.

That's it. Let the stitching begin!!! Please, all stitchers act responsibily, No Drinking and Stitching; No Eating Cheezies or Chocolate in the location of ANY Needlework and always remember to keep to the posted 100 stitches per hour limit (or whatever your local regulations are).

In the pink of things...........

2006-09-18T09:50:00.000-04:00

On May 14th of this year I started a piece for my youngest daughter, Catherine (4) of Disney's Sleeping Beauty. For some reason I haven't ever taken a scan of the progress on this piece but now that I'm in the Challenge, I thought it might be a good idea. LOL

As of September 16th, this is the progress on Aurora in all her pinked splendor!!! That skirt is over 8 and a half inches wide!!!! This is worked on 32 count lugana, 2 over 2.

I probably won't get any stitching done on her today as I have to make a Pioneer Costume for my daughter, Sabrina, for school and it has to be completed so that she can wear it for the week starting September 25th. Oh yeah, like there's a challenge......this from a woman who has trouble sewing on a button. LOL

Tonight I've got the final ornament in a set of 3 designed by Pam Kellogg. 2 are stitched and I just have the last little fella to go, so I want to finish him this month. These are the 2 that are done:
This is Moe and Flurry (thank heavens for marking their names in my picture file!!!) So the only one missing from this trio is Merry!!!

So tonight we shall make Merry. Oh I love a good pun. Yes, well, once I get him stitched, then I can decide if I want to finish these 3 guys together as a bellpull or if I want to turn them into ornaments. There always seems to be some kind of decision to be made whether its fabric color, adding or taking away something or how it's going to be finished. One good thing about having children.....they love to share their ideas and opinions.

What's Cooking............

2006-09-17T00:18:00.000-04:00

With the challenge in full swing......at least my commitment to it anyway, it might be a good idea if I post what projects are on the go. I'll start with the currently active projects. UFO's will take the place of completed projects as the challenge continues. At the moment, we are working on:

1) Disney's version of Sleeping Beauty (no picture as of yet)
2) An adapted version of Lavender & Lace's Enchanted Alphabet:(as of June 26, 2006)

3) L&L's Angel of Healing: (as of October 16th, 2005)

4) Mirabilia's Lilly of the Woods: (as of June 6, 2005)

5) L&L's Angel of Summer: (as of April 2, 2006)

6) The last of Pam Kellogg's snowmen (known as Moe, Merry & Flurry)No picture

7) Welcome bellpull from Dimensions featuring birds and snow (No picture)

Ahhh, a plan and a place to start.....what more could a stitcher ask for?

2006-09-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

I have deicded to take on the challenge issued by a member of astitching board. She has made her mind up to reduce her stash before she can acquire any more. Most reasonable when you consider the expense that such an investment as stash can require. Her novelty approach was to complete 50 projects ~ with no specific time limit before she can purchase anything new. She proposed for anyone interested to join her.

So today, I begin the journey of 50......or should I say Completing 50!!! LOL Considering the number of UFO's and WIPs I have on the go at present, I shall have no difficulting in finding projects to do.

This blog is therefore dedicated to those who have risen the the ocassion....for I am but one of many. I suspect many interesting stories and tales along the way.....not to mention seeing some absolutely gorgeous pieces.