Getting my head back in the game!

 

 

Hello!  How do I come back from such a long absence?  I'm just going to jump back in with both feet and hope for the best.  Hopefully someone out there will be somewhat inspired by the progress I've made the past several months.  I finished my Shores of Hawk Run Hollow, by Carriage House samplings!  (Hallelujah chorus singing!) It was stitched with Vicki Clayton Silks, and a few NPI silks.  The fabric is 36 count cream, that I hand dyed with tan Rit dye.  Wow, did it ever feel good to put  the final stitches in this sampler.  This sampler took me just over 5 years to complete, and I dedicated it to my husbands 7th grandfather back.

William Mayne Duncanson was a Captain for the East India Trading Company.  He amassed a fortune during his trading days, and moved to Washington D.C. in 1794.

With that fortune he built a beautiful historic home near the nations capital, which is one of the few houses still standing today.  It was named, The Friendship House or The Maples.  The house was finished in 1796.  William entertained guests such as George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson and was influential in politics and government.  Sadly not long after finishing the home, his business partner swindled him out of his fortune, and he lost his home.  He passed away in much more modest circumstances.  The house was later owned by Francis Scott Key. 

It was fascinating to read his story and to learn more about this relative.  In 2012 a development company bought the home, and they are now building upscale condos around the property.  The home will serve as a gathering place for the residents.  I can't wait to go and see it someday.  It has such a rich history.  I stitched a bit of this history on the bottom of the sampler, and will include a more detailed history with the frame. 

I got a few quilts back from the quilters and I have been busy putting on bindings.  This is a quilt top that my mom made for my 40th birthday.  This quilt is called The Journal Quilt and it's by Wednesday's Best Quilts. 

This is The Garden Fence by Fig Tree Quilts.

This quilt is called "Home is Where the Haunt Is".  It's by Kimberbell Designs, and was a mystery quilt that I signed up for a few years ago. 

This is called "A Vintage Christmas" and it's by Bunny Hill Designs. 

I got this framed a while ago, but never showed it on my blog.  This is called "The Village Alphabet" by Cross My Heart.  This one took a whopping 18 years to complete. 

I absolutely love the way this sampler turned out.  This is a Quaker friendship round robin that many friends stitch on.  It is one of my favorite samplers of all time!  I think the frame goes perfectly with it. 

This is Hillside Traveler, by Little House Needleworks.  This is another favorite sampler.  Do you ever have a sampler that  you wish you could hang in several places in your house at once?  I feel that way about this sampler.

Sorry about the flash showing on the glass in this sampler.  This is The Weeping Tree Sampler by The City Stitcher.  I have this hanging in my kitchen.

This little quilt was easy to do.  I just had to add the boarder and binding.  I quilted it myself, because I need the practice.  The doll clothes were ironed onto fusible fleece, and then cut out.  I made a little bag to put all of the clothes in, and I think I'll keep this out were it can be played with during the Christmas season.  I took this to my guild for show and tell, and after the meeting about 5 ladies ran up to the local quilt shop, and bought the rest of their panels.  It's so cute in person. 

In January, I took a class from Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings.  She is a fabulous teacher, and if you get the chance to take a class from her, do not hesitate!  I didn't think I would learn that much, as I have been doing embroidery for 30 years, but I found her techniques improved my stitching by leaps and bounds.  We made this wall hanging on the first day.  Wool, is my new obsession.  I have a lot of wool projects in the works right not. 

In February, my daughter talked me into remodeling her room.  It was quite an undertaking!  I guess after 10 years of being in our home, it was time to make the bedrooms more appealing to teenagers.  So this is what my daughters room looked like before...

..and this is after.  I had to do about 15 coats of paint to get it to this point.  I don't look forward to painting over that black someday.  She absolutely loves her room now!  It's so girly, with lots of black Eiffel tower accents.  The best part is, she keeps it really clean!

Unlike my son, who's room was such a disaster, we opted to take things out of it, rather than clean it up for a before photo opp.  It looks like his comforter needs some readjusting in this picture, but at least he made his bed, right?  We added a queen bed to his room, and painted the dresser to match.  I am going to paint his room this summer.  I'm thinking gray and white.  I am a little tired of the tan and red, although it's not bad. 

My in laws moved last summer, and wanted to clear out some of their things, so we inherited this antique type set case.  It's kind of a fun way to display little treasured knick-knacks that you don't know what to do with.  Many of the things in here came from my husbands grandparents, and then we added little special things that have been given to us over the years too.

I made more Abbey Bags.  One for my sewing room, and one for a gift.  They are so much fun to make.

I got some wonderful treasures for my birthday.  I have sweet friends!

One of the wool projects I started is this wool lamb by Buttermilk Basin.  I am working on getting blankets cut out to take on vacation.  It's easy to get them cut out and ironed down, the sewing is the part that takes me forever. 

This little project was intended for Valentines day, but I just got it sewn into a pillow last week.  This comes from the Valentine Need'l Love book.  I still need to make some buttons flowers to tuck into the heart pocket, but once summer hits, I should have time to work on it.

I'll leave you with another fun antique we inherited.  Another summer project on my list is to make a Gail Wilson doll to put on this chair.  I love the way it sits in my stairway.  

I hope this post finds you all well dear blog friends.  May you enjoy each moment with your sewing and do as much of it as you can.  Talk to you all soon!

18 years in the making!

In 1993, the Spring before I got married, I went to Shepherd's Bush to buy a new project to stitch.  I decided upon a large project called "The Village Alphabet" by Cross My Heart, Inc.  The pattern was only $5.50.  The pattern was designed to stitch the entire alphabet, or you could stitch "Welcome to the ....(fill in your last name)."  Well, even though I was engaged, I was not married yet, and I didn't want to commit myself to a last name, so I decided to stitch the whole alphabet.  Little did I know that it would take me 18 years to finish!  Here I am at the ripe age of 22, sitting on a bean bag starting this journey.  I preferred to sit like this when my back and legs could stand it.  I wouldn't be able to last for 10 minutes now!

I started with the "M" block, and I stitched K through Q over a 4 year period.  Then my son was born.  Being a new mom, I didn't stitch very much for the next 3 years, as I was too busy running after him.  We moved to Oklahoma for 3 months while my husband was doing some training with the Air Force.  I felt certain I would finish this, because we were living in a hotel room and there was nothing to do, and this was the only project I took with me.  However I became very ill, and often didn't feel good enough to stitch.  Later I learned I was pregnant with my daughter.  When I retired this to the closet, blocks K through W were complete. 

About 5 years ago, I was cleaning out my closet, and discovered this sampler tucked in the back.  It was still on the scroll rods, and I thought about getting rid of it.  I asked my husband if he thought it was worth finishing, or if I should cut my loses and give it to someone else.  He encouraged me to finish it.  He said it was one of his favorite pieces.  That motivated me and I began working on it with excitement, but I still had over half of it to finish, and progress was slow.

Two months ago at stitch group, my mom said, "What can we give her if she finishes that sampler by next stitch group?"   I still had blocks A through E to finish, but somehow when I am given a "goal" then I can stick to things much easier.  I took the challenge to heart and pushed ahead.  I finished the top row in record time.  I will have to let you know what my "prize" is on Tuesday!

I had to unpick the finished date and change it from 2010 to 2011.  Some of you may remember that I thought by stitching the date, I would stay on task...I don't know what happened, I should know better!  :)  I have worked on this sampler for almost half of my life, and the memories are sweet in remembering where I have been, and what circumstances I was in as I stitched the blocks.  Thanks for celebrating this finish with me! 

Also, last but not least, I have to share my birthday present from Jolene!  She spoils me way too much, but her gifts are amazing.  I don't know where she finds such fabulous treasures, but I am truly blessed!  Thanks Jolene for your sweetness. I can't get over it all!  Hope all is well blog friends!  Thank you in advance for all your sweet comments.  They make my day!

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!

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!

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!