Losing spring and Finding Friends

Look at what I woke up to today! What happened to spring? This is quite a snow storm. Enough for the kids to go sledding in! Thankfully, it is spring, and it will melt soon. Also, we really need the snow for the water, so I guess I can see the bright side of this situation. Another bright side...I can stitch today, instead of working in the yard!

Birds of a Feather Friendship Sampler
Stitched on 35 count linen with Weeks and Gentle Art Colors
One strand over two linen threads

Recently, I was the recipient of a most wonderful surprise. I am feeling so grateful for kindred friends I have met while blogging. Teri, is one such special friend. Last Fall, She posted a sampler on her blog that she had stitched with her friend Julie. After it was finished, I commented on how much more special this sampler would be, knowing your stitching friend had stitched part of it. She totally surprised me with a wonderful package! This sampler was part of it. I promised I wouldn't blog about it, but I just can't help myself! I have to share my feelings of appreciation to her.
I have been stitching away on this wonderful sampler, and loving every second of it. It has 3 different over dyed blues for the lettering, which makes me go a little slower, but the effect is wonderful! When she comes to visit in the Fall, (She and her friend Julie are trying to get into the Shepherd's Bush retreat), she will stitch one of the little girls. I hope I'll have the rest of it finished by then! Thanks from the bottom of my heart Terri. Your gift was more than I could ever ask for!

Alphabet Village by Cross My Heart
Stitched on Cream Lugana 32 count
2 strands of DMC over 2 threads
I have been marathon stitching away on my alphabet village. This is my oldest UFO. I have been working on it all weekend. Only one more row to go after I finish this one! It seems to be going fairly fast. I made a goal to finish 2 houses a month, but...you know how that goes! I seem to have a never ending interest in buying new projects.

Ah' Tis Spring by Notforgotten Farm
Kitted up with Gentle Art, Weeks, and DMC Linen thread (My own conversion)
Stitched on 32 count Lugana Evenweave

I've been watching another dear stitching friend, Jane, stitch away on this cute design. I decided to kit this project up. I would love to work on this, but I'm trying to stay focused on my other projects. (A difficult task, for someone like me, that suffers from stitcher startitis!)

Speaking of new projects, when my stitch group met last week, we started talking about Carriage House going out of business. This news sickened all of us, as we, especially me, adore her designs!! What are we going to do without her? Well, we all decided we better start acquiring her charts. I already have all of the Hawk Run Hollow designs, and a few smaller ones as well. I went ahead and ordered another 19 charts! A huge early birthday present to myself! I can't wait to get my package, and I will share with you when it comes!

Have a great week, and thank you so much for your sweet comments. Oh, how they make my day!

Thanks to a wonderful friend!

I was so thrilled to receive this award from a wonderful blogger, Jolene. She is just about the sweetest person on the blogging web, and I am thrilled she wanted to know more about me. Thanks Jolene! I have never been nominated for an award like this. I'm flattered!

1. I am the only girl in my family. I am right in the middle of 5 brothers. Two older and 3 younger. My dad was worried I would be spoiled, so I think he went out of his way to make sure I didn't receive any special treatment. For example, if my car (which I bought and paid for with my own money) needed any mechanical work at all, my dad would not help me with my woes, unless I was sitting by his side helping him work on it. I'm grateful that he made me learn how to be a mechanic, as I have had to use that knowledge a lot in my life!

2. I contemplated changing my major about 5 times in college. First it was business. I wanted to be a buyer for a department store. I didn't know you had to have so much math for this major...I hate math.
Next, public relations...you have to write for the school paper...weekly...nope, not my favorite thing to do.
Third was French...I'm not really sure why I thought about this major! Fourth...microbiology...lab work was not really my thing.
Finally...Marriage and family therapy...I decided to get married, so I didn't finish this one either. I should mention that I really never officially changed my major in college. These are just the things I was interested in. I went to school for 4 years, so if I would have stuck with one thing, and started and finished with my FHD ambitions, I would have finished. Such is life.

3. I hospitalized on my 8th birthday for pneumonia. I had to stay in one of those oxygen tents for about 7 days. It was scary, and lonely, and I wanted to play with my toys that I had gotten for my birthday. I still have vivid memories of a Charlie Brown character book that a friend gave me in the hospital. I loved that book!

4. One summer, I broke my arm, when my brother and I went down to the local go-cart race track and pooled our money together so we could ride twice as long on the track. We took turns "driving" and "pushing the gas pedal". My crazy brother drove us into a bail of hay, and as it was my turn to push the gas, I didn't stop us! This same brother broke his arm a week later when he was showing off on his skateboard, and the garden hose happened to get in the way!
We have another brother that broke his arm a few weeks after that on the neighbor's trampoline. My poor mother!

5. I've been stitching and sewing since I was about eight. It has always been something I have enjoyed doing. I started with those little Bucilla crewel kits. I also sewed with 4-H and I entered several articles of clothing into the fair.

6. I have had my own pattern business. I published under the name of "The Hidden Heart." I designed mostly punch needle patterns, but I also had some embroidery, wool, and cross stitch patterns. I taught classes all over the state of Utah. What fond memories! My favorite retreat was at the Washington School Inn in Park City. I taught 3 years with Cynthia Zittel of "The Drawn Thread." What a thrill!

7. On the day that the SAT test was given, I was really sick. I didn't want to miss the test, as there wasn't another one scheduled for several months, and I was interested in trying to get into college early, during my senior year. I went and took the test, and I don't remember much about that day, other than I was sicker than I ever remember being!
My mom picked me up from the test and took me straight to the hospital instead of going home. After a few blood tests, I was diagnosed with mononucleosis. Needless to say, I spent the next month in bed. I felt awful!
After applying for college, it was not surprising that my SAT scores were too low to get into college early. I wrote a letter of appeal, and told them why my scores were so low, and that I had taken the test while having mono. I guess the person reviewing my case figured that if I had enough dedication to go to a test while having mono, I would be dedicated in my classes, so I was accepted. I was only the 7th person at the time in my high school to go to college early. I guess I really should have finished getting my degree, huh!

I am suppose to nominate 7 other blogger's. I am having a hard time with this part. I love all of the blogs I follow! I feel like I'm breaking one of those "chain" letters, but I'm going to say that if you are on my blog roll, and you would like to tell me a little about yourself, then this award is for you! Please feel free to share 7 things that are unknown about you!

I get to show you what I have been doing this week!
Matching bags for my DD and I for Easter!

I went to a quilting retreat on Thursday through Saturday. I got a few projects done! (Can you hear the hallelujah chorus?) It was so fun! love being able to just sit and work on projects and not be interrupted by kids, phones, and fixing dinner!

Button Up Buttercup by FriendsFolk Quilts

I got this put together on Friday. It's been in my closet for a few years. This is for DD's bed. After it is quilted it will be washed, and the flowers with "rag up" giving it some dimension. It was funny that one of my friends had the same quilt, and she was doing it in black and white prints with bright yellow flowers. It was amazing at how different they were. A great versitle pattern.

Prairie Sweets by Fig Tree Quilts

I bought this yesterday on my way home from the retreat. Isn't this a lovely quilt? I think it's the perfect quilt to use up scraps. I love this little pamphlet. There is a wonderful article in here about having a variety of projects. It's important to have projects that are challenging and some that are just plain easy and fun to finish. She says it helps us be more creative if we mix it up a little. It was just what I need to read. I think I can get overwhelmed at times, and this put things in perspective for me.

Hope all is well in blog land! I really appreciate the comments and support. How I love all my peeps and blog friends! Take Care, and have a wonderful week!

Life is Pixie Perfect!

Spring has sprung at my house...Not outside, but in!
Bare Roots "Love Notes" embroidery made my my Mom a few years ago
Pine Needles "Punch and Cookies of the Month for April

Hi everyone! I'm sick of always starting with an apology for why my life is so insane and out of control, so...I'm just going to say, that I'm busy! But, my house is semi-clean, my kids are sort of caught up on their schoolwork, we are all healthy, and I got to go to Disneyland this month with some friends! SO... LIFE IS PERFECT!!!! (And I got some wonderful stash this month so how can I say anything but, Life is perfect!)

One of my favorite places in the world...Disneyland!

Some friends and I, ran away to Disneyland for a very impromptu trip over Valentine's Day weekend. We had a wonderful time! We have the best husbands in the world, as they were supportive and willing to let us go! I think we walked about 40 miles in 3 days, and it was anything but relaxing, but it's Disneyland! The happiest place on earth (besides the quilt and stitching stores!)

My Version of Quaker Town Quilts "Mama Said"

I finally got this quilt back from the quilters. It had been there for over a year. Somehow I made the back a titch too short, so she had to add some fabric. I felt like such a dork! I should have picked it up and fixed it, but my quilter insisted that she would fix it for me, so I just left it. I almost forgot about it, when I get a phone call saying that it was finished. It looks great on my couch. This is a quilt I started about 6 years ago, so it's nice to have a UFO done!

Kate Spain's new line of fabric called"Verna". I am in total heaven over this fabric!

Last month for our quilt guild, we had this designer from "Crazy Old Ladies" quilts come and do a trunk show. She offered us a great deal on her patterns...3 for $20.00. Of course, I have no self control and I had to buy three! Here is what I got. I promptly went to the fabric store and bought fabric for 2 of them. This is Lila Tueller's new line called "Eden" I have no clue where these quilts are going, as they are a little bright for my house, but I think they will make cute t.v quilts or gifts.I acquired the pattern "Rabbits Prefer Embroidery" by Bunny Hill. I started the redwork on it to match this. Later I saw this made up at a store, and with shock said, "Did you guys reduce your pattern?" "No, they said, this is full size. Well, my quilt for my couch is a mere 36"X39" finished. Not exactly the size I was hoping for. Since I had already traced my pieces, I'm finishing as planned. I guess I've learned the hard way that you better look at the instructions before you buy. Pictures can be deceiving!

This is "Postage Due" the 3rd pattern that I bought from Crazy Old Ladies. Also, Joined at the hip "Button Basket" that I bought last week during another moment of weakness. My friend and I, went to a quilt store before our stitch group met. Now I'm thinking, "I hate sewing on buttons! Why would I buy a pattern with all buttons on it?" I love the look, but I may have to use my machine for this one.

I've been stash buying at Shepherd's Bush this month. If anyone sets up a 12 set program for out of control buyers...let me know.

1. Plum Streets Paradise Lost
2. Plum Streets Ghoul
3. Birds of a Feather Happy Hearts Sampler
4. Ah, Tis Spring by Notforgotten Farm
5. Ewe and I and Friends Heart in the Garden
   

This is all I've accomplished on my Village Alphabets. I think my goal of getting this done by next month is impossible, as I still have 8 houses to go. I'm shooting for 17th wedding anniversary in July now!

I'm almost finished with "Wedding Row" by Bent Creek. I don't really have a desire to work on Valentines anymore, but I don't want to put it back in the closet until next year either, so I hope to finish it and get it framed so I can put it out next year.

Take care all my friends. Thanks for all of your posts and comments. I love looking at your blogs, and I am most appreciative of your friendship....Until Next time, (Which hopefully will be soon so you can see what I ordered from Spring Market!)
Take Care!

Traveling again.

My daughter and niece on a little island in Belize

I guess I'm blogging once a month, at best. Hopefully my blog friends will still be interested in what I'm up to!

We have been vacationing... again. I know we just went to Florida, but my husband has to put in his vacation time a year in advance, so November was our 2nd vacation for 2009 and January our first for 2010.
We went on a NCL cruise with my brother's family and my parents. This is my 3rd cruise. Our first was with Disney, and my only complaint was that it was too short. The last 2 have been with Carnival and NCL. I have to say that even though these cruise lines do a lot of things right, (we did have a great time), I found it very annoying that they managed to charge for every little thing! It ended up costing a great deal more than we had planned. I'm not a huge fan of cruises. I don't think I want to do another one any time soon, unless it's Disney.

I loved the ports that we went to...Roatan, Belize, Costa Maya Mexico, and NCL's private island in the Bahamas. Here are some snaps:A perfect beach day! Belize (same island as above)

My DD getting her hair braided by Johanna in Roatan (a small island off of Honduras)
We went zip lining in the jungle just prior to this. I didn't want my camera as I was dressed for a day of snorkeling...a swim cover up and sandals. The weather was not great for snorkeling, and we ended up doing the zip line instead. I would do that again in a heart beat, it was thrilling!

These are the recently discovered Mayan ruins of Chocchoben about an hour outside Costa Maya Mexico. (Discovered about a year ago. They were amazing! You can see how the earth looks now, and how much they still have to uncover.)

My little family on the biggest temple uncovered. There are currently 3 temples that have been excavated.DH carrying DD after she stepped in a fire ant bed! (She was not a happy camper.)

A conch we found in the water on the beach in Mexico. I didn't know they had such beady little eyes!

My parents, SIL, DH, and niece and nephew in Mexico.

Some of the artwork from the midnight chocolate buffet. Really cool stuff, but it was too late to eat for me (except for a little bite of a chocolate truffle pie)!

My finishes and framing from January. I know I didn't come close to attaining my goals this month, but I didn't get a lot of stitching time in, like I thought I would, so I feel pretty good about what I have to show.

This is my little start from New Year's Day. I like the way it turned out, and it looks great on my little red wall in the loft.

Shepherd's Bush Baby Bug Ball, hanging in my DD's pink room.

Shepherds Bush's Spooky Sheep. I love this huge frame on this little piece. Shepherd's Bush Sail Away, finally finished!

Shepherd's Bush Snow Hill. (I didn't realize had so many SB pieces done the last few months!

A little prize I won from Sharlotte's blog a few month's back. Notice the framer put the hanger on the wrong side (the heart is upside down). I will have to take it back next time I go.

Blackbird's Flea Market Find.

Progress on Shores. I'm enjoying this again, and trying to get it done this year.

This is a new start for Valentine's Day. This is Bent Creek's Wedding Row, but I am stitching in Red and pink Valentine colors. Shepherd's Bush has this done up in their shop, and it's much better done this way.

Finally I finished the "F" house in my alphabet village. Only 9 more to go! I'm hoping to finish by April for my DH's birthday, as I am dedicating to him.

That's it for today. I know it's been a newsy post! Hope all is well with my blog friends. Thanks for your wonderful comments and friendship! I love you all!

A New Year...New Goals

Hi to all my wonderful blog friends!

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday! We did, and the memories are still lingering. I haven't wanted to take my Christmas decorations down yet! (A first for me.) I may just leave them up a few more weeks, before I switch to Valentine's.
I'm sorry I've been so silent on my blog. December was busy, and every time I thought about snapping a few pictures, the camera eluded me. (I did find it in the laundry room, after a good day of cleaning up!

Here are some of the things I got for Christmas!A new couch! (The other one was a love seat that we bought when we got married 16 years ago.) After it developed a big hole, we decided it was time for a new one!

A New plasma TV. Hubby bought it on "Black Friday" sale. Our other TV was older than a dinosaur. After trying to give it away, I looked on eBay to see if it was worth anything, and to my surprise we found one exactly like it, listed for 1200.00! Who knew it was so rare! I guess we will be listing ours, and hopefully we can pay for this one by selling it!

My wonderful Mom gave me this...

Cinnamon and Cocoa by Bunny Hill Designs
I absolutely love it! Doesn't it look great with my couch? I want to make the matching quilt called "Rabbits prefer embroidery". (Even bought some red and white fabric at a fabric sale last week to get going on it!)

On New Year's Eve I pulled out this....

Grandma's Porch by Carol Hopkin's Designs One of her Civil War Legacies Patterns.
(An exchange we did in my quilt guild last year)
Kim posted on her blog that she likes to work on a quilt for New Years. I thought it was a great idea, and I worked on this until about 10:30, when my internal clock told me it was time for bed!
I can't decide on borders, so it is just sitting on my sewing room floor at the moment.

I've been working on this during the holidays....

This is my oldest UFO project, started the year I was married in 1993. I debated several years ago, if it was worth finishing. My husband loves it, so I'm going to finish it for him. As you can see I've already stitched the year, so ... the pressure is on.

I did a bit of kitting...

Now this is what my kitted cross stitch projects looks like! It's a little overwhelming to see how many things I have to do...but I love that I can just pull something new out, whenever my stitcher ADD kicks in. I have a basket of new patterns that I have yet to kit. When I met Barb Adams from Blackbird, she related that many stitcher's, she has met, have a kitting fetish. That is so true of me! It gives one a sense of satisfaction to see all of these projects.

And finally my Christmas miracle...

I finally finished Sail Away! It was so hard to do that over-one stitching on the hill! It seemed that I would stitch on it for hours and never see any progress. I wish that I would have just done half crosses on the hill, as I ran out of floss towards the bottom, and could only do half crosses on that section. It is very hard to see, unless you hold it up to the light. I went through every finished Shepherd's bush project I had, and used every bit of that green silk that I could find. (Good thing they like that color to design with.)
Anyhow, it is great to be done with it! What a fun project to work on with friends.

Happy New Year to all my friends. Thanks for stopping by, and for your wonderful comments. They make my day!