Sunday, February 12, 2012

progress...

Hi to all my friends.  Thanks for all your kind comments about my chair!  Let me know if you want a quick tutorial on how to do it.  It was easy!  A quick update on my progress since my goals were posted last month.  This is the Toy Chest Etui that I am stitching with Margaret.  We are trying to stitch a page a week, and so far we are only a week behind.  LOL.  This is the needle book, and it was a really easy stitch.  I added my initials and date to the design. 

And I finished up part two.  Silly me, I thought this would be a good project for an airplane ride down to Phoenix last weekend.  Every time we hit a bump, I think I missed a stitch!  I know I'm off on the satin stitch on the girl, and I may re-stitch some of it, but for right now, I'm calling this one done.  The reason the boy is standing so far above the girl, is after stitching her, I decided I didn't need to be so frugal with the fabric, and I gave him a little more room. 

I finished up the borders on this mystery quilt, and I started the Valentine Mystery.  It's almost finished, but I need to get the borders on it, before I show you.  I like this quilt, but it's really "bright" for my home.  Hopefully I can find a place for it next year.  It has a lot of cute embellishments that I will add after it's quilted.

I had to sit through one of my daughter's ballet classes a few weeks ago, and I decided to stitch up this candle mat by Bare Roots.  I made one of these for my friend Jolene at Christmas time too.  I like projects like this for passing away "waiting" time.
I had the pleasure of attending my niece's baptism in Arizona last weekend, and my mom and I went to THE Attic Needlework store.  If this store doesn't make you want to plunk down some serious cash for stash, then I don't know what will!  It's amazing!  Katrina and Paulette, recently shared some of the eye candy there.   Among my stash purchases I bought Scarlett Houses,  Hannah Tingey and decided on getting fabric as well.   Her sampler was done on 45 count, which made it so dainty and delicate.  I loved it, but honestly didn't know if I could stitch on 45 count.  I went with the 40 count.  Hopefully I can see that!  My mom and I bought the fabric and silk for Blackbird's, Christmas Garden.  We also enabled my SIL, and bought some for her too.  The Attic ladies have changed the colors, and it was stunning.  I have the pattern on order, and I'm excited to put a few stitches in this when it comes.  I also bought Historic Stitches John Foster 1885.  They had this stitched on 29 count linen over one,   I couldn't resist the beehive.  

Here are my two growing kids in front of my Aunt and Uncle's house.  We stayed here, because of all the company at my brother's house.  They live just around the corner from each other, so the cousins kept in touch by riding their bikes back and forth.  I could have stayed here another week!  The weather was just about perfect.  I don't know why I live in a place that is dark and cold half of the year.   I love and need the sun!

This is my brother and his cute family.  Doesn't my little niece in front look like an angel?  She was just baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I usually don't share too many personal things on my "Sewing" blog, but I just have to say that these family events are things I cherish.  I believe families are forever, and happiness in life is built around forming strong bonds between family members, and following the commandments.   Thanks for letting me share that.




Well, that's it for now.  Thanks for sharing your comments with me.  I just figured out how to get my comments to go to my e-mail, so I can respond back!  Yea!  I  apologize for not commenting back to you if you have left me a comment in the past.  I will be able to respond now.  Have a wonderful day and happy sewing! 

13 comments:

Margaret said...

Love the family pictures -- your little niece does look so angelic and pretty1 Love the quilt! And your Toy Chest pieces look great. Now all I have to do is catch up. :D Personally I'd rather not think in terms of we have to stick to a page a week. Too much pressure that way. Let it slide once in a while!

JOLENE said...

Your Toy Chest Etui is coming to life, I need to dig mine out and start working on it too, especially since I ordered the paint box to go with it. I am soooo jealous you got to go to "The Attic", how does it compare to Shepherd's Bush?

Your darling kids are growing up so fast! And your brother's family is adorable, too. The girl with the beautiful long locks reminds me of the girl in Little Miss Sunshine...don't ya think?

Oh, and now that I can see the red chair, it turned out fabulous! Great job sweetie!

Smiles....

Ranae said...

Your chair looks fabulous, love the red, I'm sure it really perks up the room. The stitching and sewing is looking great.
You have a good looking family
Take care!!

Peggy Lee said...

I have yet to make a needlebook but I'm really wanting to!
I have never attempted to stitch on a plane. I imagine that can be somewhat difficult.

Sweet family pics.
Thanks for sharing.

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

What a lovely post! Great family pictures! Everyone looks so happy!

Love your progress on the Toy Chest pieces - can't wait to see those all done. What a great set it will be.

I would love to go to the Attic. I'd just love to look at the sampler wall for a few hours. Don't know how you'd get out of there without dropping some serious cash.

Your other projects - quilt and candle mat are wonderful! You are such a talented gal - I'm envious (but in a good way)!

Hugs to you, Sweet Lorraine!

Deb said...

Such a great post Loraine. I love seeing the Toy Chest pieces come together and can't wait to see it finished.

You have so many great projects going on all the time. I wish that we lived closer so that you could give me some applique pointers!!

Your children are growing up so fast. It seems like each time you post pictures they've grown up more and more. They grow up so fast, don't they?

Hugs Loraine.

Catherine said...

Sweet family pictures and sounds like you have had a wonderful time!

Katrina said...

Love the family pictures too, I do so enjoy family things and spending time with the people I love.

Don't you love the Attic, it's so much fun!!!!! Sweet little projects too.

Siobhán said...

Beautiful family photos! Congratulations to your niece. Love the quilt, and your stitching on the toy chest etui looks great!

woolwoman said...

Loraine - I have enjoyed catching up with your blog - I am sure you had an awesome time visiting the Attic - I went there several years ago and still order from Jean quite often - it is a truly unique shop and definitely for the sampler lover in all of us. The re-do on your sewing room was very impressive - I should take notes - my wool room looks very similar to your "before" shot with stuff everywhere - on the floor overflowing from the closet etc etc. How sweet Edgar offered to finish your quaker. It's great to have friends and be a friend. Have a wonderful weekend - melody

Chris said...

Hi Loraine, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.com/

Faye said...

Catching up on blog posts and comments....Love all your stash!! Going to the Attic would a dream come true for me~~ Maybe one day!

Thanks for entering the giveaway...Good luck!

Faye

Jeanne said...

I love that project you're doing with Margaret - just lovely! I'm so glad you got to finally visit The Attic - now you know how hard it is for me to resist pulling out the credit card when I go there LOL. As nice as it is, I wish I had more opportunities to visit other shops just because you get to see other things and products.

Congrats on your other recent finishes - love them all - and youre niece's milestone day. How great you could all share and enjoy our great weather this time of year!