Saturday, September 29, 2012

Green Wing Number One



I finished the wing this afternoon and moved on to the dress.  There is a lot of green stitches in that wing!  I worked on this last night.  One good thing about a large area of a single color is that you can stitch without thinking much.  I used my double row method with the overdyed floss and I think it worked out just fine.  I really don't care for the stripey look that single rows of overdyed floss can make. 

Friday, September 28, 2012

Wings and arms?



It is a cold and rainy day here on the hill.  It was a good day to sleep late.  It was a good day to stay home and get a lot done.  Did I do that?  Only if you count cross stitch.  LOL.  I have of things to do but today was a good day to work on my Halloween Fairy.  She has some arms and I began work on the wings. 

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Fandangle in Purple


Today we went to chemo and I had some time to stitch.  I picked this up last night and then finished the stitching when I got home today.  This is the front and back of an elegant ornament type thing that I plan to use as a fan switch dangle in my craft room.  I need to cut out the two parts and then put them together with beads, a hanger and a tassel.  I think it will be a great addition.

Chemo went well.  We have some new things to try for the horrible pain in the forearms.  My husband is also seeing a chiropractor as some of the troubles are not chemo related but sound like a problem with his neck.  All this does keep our schedules busy. 

Bear sighting: Tonight Mr. Bear went walking through the yard on his way to one of our neighbor's houses.  He is quite big.  I would not want to upset this guy.  This is the third or fourth time we have seen bears.  It is rather scary.  On the other hand, he looks very cuddly.  I have always loved teddy bears.  Remember Alfred - - he looks like him.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

It's a Trick or Treat Bag

I spent the day stitching on the trick or treat bag with the pumpkin color and jack o lantern face.  It was fun to work on after all that brown and tans.  I am starting to feel a bit better from the fall the other night.  My body and muscles were slow to ache but they certainly knew that I had done a very dumb thing.  I am also craving sleep and I believe that is a left over from the surgery which was just a week ago.  Hopefully I will get caught up soon.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Halloween Fairy


I had to start something new.  I wondered around and found this project just sitting and ready to go.  It is Mirabelia's Halloween Fairy.  I am working on her skirt.  It is hard to tell at this point but it will make more sense soon.

I am healing well from my sinus surgery.  No bruising, no black eyes, nothing.  It worked well and I am well on the mend.  Then last night, just for comic relief, I took a tumble and tripped over my own feet.  Down I went hard.  Glasses were bent out of shape.  Left knee was burning and screaming.  It was hard to get up off the floor.  I did and today nothing is bruised?  I don't even have any battle scars!!  However, just a few hours ago, everything is starting to hurt.  Wow - it was slow to show up but it is here to tell me I did something.  Perhaps I need to sit and stitch for a few days while I heal from the tumble.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

The Mysytery is Revealed....

Done, done and done.......  I am happy to have this one done.  I am not sure what will be on the agenda next. 

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Borders left to go!

The end is in sight.  I have been working on this project when I can keep my eyes open.  The sinus surgery went well.  I will be most happy to get all the tubes and splints out (Monday) and most of the restrictions should also go away.  (No bending, lifting or strenuous activity.)  I am really hoping that tomorrow I can finish this one.  It has been a fun project from the start.

Friday, September 21, 2012

The Purple House is done.





Today I finished up the purple house part.  There are a few more rows of things below the house but the end is in sight.  I like the purple house!!!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Mystery Sampler -Part Three





I did get a little bit of stitching done.  I am on pain medications and that makes it so hard to concentrate and get something done.  This is the third and last part of the mystery sampler.  My dear husband went to the cancer center, saw the doc and then had the first chemo in a month.  Whew!  I didn't attend because I was home recovering from my procedure yesterday.  I had little or no sleep last night.  I then took one long happy nap in my craft room this afternoon.  I do feel better now and hopefully I can settle down and stitch. 

Thank you all for the wonderful prayers, emails and comments.  Tomorrow I see the doc very early to have the packing removed.  Everyone says I will feel so much better after that is done. 

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Can you see him?






I am home from my sinus surgery.  I am uncomfortable and exhausted.  Let's hope tomorrow feels better.  Meanwhile look who came to wish me well?  I don't think this is the adult.  This one walked through the back yard and then hung out at the side yard for quite some time.  Wow - - a real bear!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Another finish and part 3 begins


I took some time last evening and finished the Halloween ruffle scarf.  I have worked on it on and off for about a month.  I am glad to have it done.  This with my own felted witch hat and I am ready for the holiday.

Meanwhile I had to find something to stitch on.  I was busy and this looked like something I could get into.  Part 3 of Lizzie Kate's Mystery Sampler.  I am thrilled as this last piece has a purple house.  Who knew?  I haven't too many kit projects but I am sure I will be able to put some things together if I get this one done.  I may miss tomorrow - - but I will post again as soon as I can. 

Monday, September 17, 2012

Lady Scarlet is done!!





Well, it is done.  Edge back stitching and beads were finished today.  It will move on to the finishing pile for now.  I have yet to discover what I will stitch on next.  I need to spend some time with stash to figure out what to do next.  Meanwhile I did get my issue of the JCS Christmas Ornament issue.  My first reaction is disappointment.  I hope a second review will reveal more ornaments that I want to stitch.  Usually I have a list of at least six to do.  So far - maybe one.. or two. 

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Almost there - -


I did get some work done.  I had hoped to get it done but it is almost there.  I have the bars on the right side to finish.  I need to put the date and my name/initials on it.  Then there are beads and an outline.  After that this one is done.  I am busy wondering what is next.  I have a bit of sinus surgery planned for Wednesday this week.  Of course I will have six projects kitted up and ready to go to keep me company while I fly below the clouds on good drugs and recover from the surgery.  I might be quiet this week but I will try to keep you all up to date.  I always have a ton of stuff ready to stitch but I generally don't get to stitch at all.  Sleep and normal functions take all my time.  The house is cleaned, meals are planned, stuff is ready.  Now?  What to stitch next?

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Stitching? What is that?


I have been stitching but not very much.  It has been a very busy week.  I am in the process of preparing for a little sinus surgery this coming week.  (Oh My what shall I stitch?)  Appointments, tests and schedules got in my way of doing much stitching.  I now have the five arches all done except for the beads.  

Then I moved on with the scissors roll.  I have touched the far right edge.  (Or in this case the bottom of the project.)  I am really hoping to have this done in another day or two.  Then I must find something to work on during my recovery.  I know I will kit up at least six things and I won't get much stitched at all.  But hey, it is fun to dream about it. 

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Rolling, rolling, rolling


I did get the final arch done for base stitching.  I also started working on the back stitching.  I did the green at the top and bottom of each arch.  I really didn't get much work done today.  Instead Jack and I went for a drive.  We went to the 'end of the northway', which is the local highway near our home.  My sister now lives very close to the 'end of the northway', it is about an hour away.  My sister and her husband just moved in yesterday so things are a bit chaotic right now but it was still good to see where they are living now.  I also met my nephew cat, Monty.  Apparently Monty doesn't just warm up to everyone and doesn't eat out even Mom and Dad's hand.  But Monty ate out of mine!!!  It was a pretty day and it was a great distraction to take a small trip.  Tomorrow is another doctor appointment to see if chemo 2.3 can occur or not. 

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Scissors roll is rolling along..


Today I finished up the turtle arch, did the squirrel arch and did the outline for the final arch.  I also did a bit more of the pink outline of the piece.  This piece will look much different when I take the time to do the back stitching and beading.  I am thinking of doing all that work on the first part here before going on to the rest of the scissors roll.  I am feeling better.  I have a new pill to try out.  Wish me luck.  DH is feeling pretty good and went for a ride this afternoon to enjoy our wonderful weather. 

Monday, September 10, 2012

Just Nan Scissors Roll continues


I am still working on it.  I now have a bird, a bunny and a turtle.  There are five of these little panels and then some other parts...  (I try not to look to far ahead.)  I had forgotten how 'fuzzy' JN is.  Small amounts of colors used in little spaces.  I am going back to to JN stitching where I use short lengths of floss, loop start method and then stitch my four stitches.  Then repeat the process.  Oh, By the way, my stomach troubles are being attributed to a new medication I had been taking.  Once again today I am ill.  I hope to feel better now that I will stop that darn pill.  Grrr.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Drum Roll Please for the Hippie Chick


Here she is!!!  I worked on her yesterday and today with all the back stitching and french knots.  I was very ill yesterday and I am not exactly sure why but putting stitches in helped to keep my mind off my stomach pains.  I am so glad she is done.  I am thinking of how to do the edges and then stitch her to my vest.  Stay tuned......

Meanwhile, a neglected project was Just Nan's Scissors Roll.  I went back to it today and started to work on it.  To start with there are five of these little panels.  The first is done except for back stitching. 

We survived a bad storm that came through yesterday.  It didn't seem all that bad but when we tried to leave our property today we discovered that a tree had fallen across the driveway.  A quick trip with the chain saw and we were on our way.  Thank goodness it wasn't a big tree.  The big tree that hit this little tree didn't land on the driveway - - otherwise we would be stranded until the big tree guys had been able to get to us.  Now our weather turns cool, crisp and nice for fall. 

Friday, September 7, 2012

Base Stitching for the Hippie Chick






The base stitching is done including that black and white gingham border!!!  I am happy dancing.  I hope to get the back stitching done soon.  This project had a lot more stitching in it than I expected.  Wow.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Peace & Love, Baby! continues





I haven't made much progress on this one.  I did get the banner almost done.  I started a little of the border.  I promise this will begin to look really great once I begin the back stitching and put the french knots in place.  Today was to be a chemo day for Jack.  Once again his numbers are preventing chemo.  He did gain 7 pounds this week but the blood work will stop any chemo for now.  So we will continue to eat well, take medications and rest up for perhaps a session of chemo next week.  Prayers are always welcome. 

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Vermont Retail Therapy





We took a trip to Vermont today.  It was a wonderful day.  The ride was most pleasant.  My son Bud and his girlfriend Linda joined us on our trip.  I love the country store in Vermont.  I found a wonderful comforter, eggplant in color.  I also found the most perfect purple wool hat and some socks.  Then there is all the licorice candy that I love, some hand soap and cola syrup for upset tummies.  I also found some great buys in the bargain barn.  It was a very relaxing day and I am most grateful for it.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Hippie Chick - almost there


Peace & Love, Baby!  There is a lot of back stitching that will really show off this piece.  I still have the banner at the top and a rainbow to do.  Also, as with many Mary Engelbreit pieces, there is a black and white gingham border around the chick.  I am not sure I want to do that part.  This will be worn proudly on the back of a denim vest.  I can't wait!!!!

Monday, September 3, 2012

Happy Labor Day!


Another perfect day for stitching on the deck.  I finished up this scissors fob design.  I still have the cording and tassel along with the finishing to do but the main design is done.  Stitching was helped with being outside with that black fabric.

Parts 1 and 2 are now done.  I have Part 3 printed and ready to begin but I couldn't just bring myself to start that today.  I am happy to be ready now to proceed. 

Hippie Chick had to wait today.  I was busy with other things.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Hippie Chick still has a hold on me!





I had a most enjoyable day stitching in the back yard yesterday.  It was sunny, the birds were singing, I had music and nothing to do but stitch.  I loved every minute of it.  Then last night we went for a boat ride on Lake George.  The lake was a bit rough but we made it.  It was wonderful.  Jack and I really enjoyed it. 

http://woodbyc.com/
This is the link to the website where you can find the necklace I posted yesterday.  I have no affiliation with the owner.  I was able to shop at the New Hampshire Celebrations of Needlework.  Good Luck!