My Other Neighborhood Came Home!

My Hello Neighbor Group One Round Robin came home today :-) I think it is so sweet! I really want to thank Marie, Deb, Leslie, Wendy, Karen, Bine, Glenna and Nicole so much for their lovely work on my sampler. I do love it! My instruction letter disappeared somewhere along the way, but those who did not have it were somehow able to still figure out what I like. I cannot recall the fabric color, though, without that letter. I kind of think it was Silkweaver 40 ct Sandcastle Newcastle linen. I just love these RR's on 40ct- they come out so delicate! I think I will just frame it as is with maybe a double mat... hmm... cannot afford framing right now with the big cut to my income now (Medicaid is cutting mental health services in the state where I work), but someday I hope to get it all framed up and will show it to you ;-)

I figured I would also show the little bits of work I have put in on HOHRH in the last couple of days. I am interested in stitching, yet find myself to be so tired lately when I start, so I don't get too far and then just end up reading for a while instead. That simply must get better soon!

Oh! Before I forget! A while back I started putting together a blog of stitching blogs - I never advertised it or anything and have been a bit too busy to work on it. Somehow I am now getting 10-12 requests a day to be added to it! Oh gosh - where are people finding this? LOL! I shall try to find a gap of time soon to add the requests, as I am sure some are wondering why I have not done so yet... sorry!

Stitched on today: Stitched on Houses of Hawk Run Hollow

Valentine's Day Exchange for Karen

I saw today that Karen has received the HoE Valentine's Day Exchange that I stitched up for her...
Love Birds Floss Ring Tag
The Sampler Girl
36 ct Light Sand Edinburgh Linen, Crescent Colours Floss (my choice of colors)

... and the rest of the goodies I sent to her... she seemed happy with my choices, yay! Have a great Valentine's Day, Karen!

Stitched on yesterday and today: Stitched on Houses of Hawk Run Hollow

Starting House 11

It's not much yet, but tonight I decided to start House 11 on HOHRH. All of the lovely comments and encouragement you gave me in yesterday's post for finishing House 9 motivated me ;-)

I remain so distant from blogging - well, reading and commenting in other blogs, that is. A huge work project I have been working on for... well, forever.... was to have happened tomorrow. But... a sizeable snow storm is moving in during the morning commute tomorrow (our first in a while, what great timing...), so it was cancelled and delayed until probably March. I should feel relieved, but I just hate delays and feel more stressed. However, since I have more time now to stress and worry, I figure I shall try to channel some of it away and catch up on blogs again soon... grrr...wish my big meeting were just over tomorrow instead. Gotta just love winter in New England!

Stitched on today: Stitched on Houses of Hawk Run Hollow

I Did It!

Yay! I finished House 9 tonight ~ 10 down, and 2 to go now. Well, except I still need to do the personalization in House 1.... but, so glad to finish another one!

Stitched on today: Stitched on Houses of Hawk Run Holloww **Mailed HoE Valentine's Day Exchange today

Stitched on this weekend: Finished HoE Valentine's Day Exchange **Mailed Christmas ornament to Cathy for the Christmas Ornament Swap on Saturday

Lizzie Kate Exchange from Laurie

I just received this wonderful HoE Lizzie Kate Exchange from Laurie today. She says it is her first box finish - yet is so perfectly done! And it is lined inside, upper and lower, with the cutest snowman fabric too. Plus wonderful goodies. I just love it! Thank you Laurie!!

Stitched on today: Started HoE Valentine's Day Exchange (yep, I am running late!)

Of course it is back...

Of course HOHRH came back out. With my goal to finish it this year, and not the end of the year, but more like... soon... it had to come back out. But I hesitate to admit just how many hours it took tonight to do just this much!

Stitched on today: Stitched on Houses of Hawk Run Hollow **Mailed Nicole's Neighborhood Round Robin home today

Finished Nicole's Neighborhood

Yay, I finished it! Unbelievably, this wraps up my involvement in the Hello Neighbor Group One RR now too! Group Three finished a few months ago. That was fun! I hope Nicole likes her RR... I sure do!

Part of My Country House
Elizabeth's Designs
40 ct Ivory Linen, DMC, GAST and CC Floss

And, in slightly better lighting and definitely needing a press (which I shall leave for Nicole to do), here is her RR in its entirety! She blocked out 10 instead of 9 squares, so I look forward to seeing how she will finish this off! DH will mail it to her tomorrow. She lives about 30-40 minutes from me, so I am sure she will receive it very soon now ;-)

Stitched on today: Finished Nicole's Neighborhood Round Robin

Trees

In my fantasies, I had a lot more time to stitch tonight than I actually did have. At least I managed to start the trees on Nicole's neighborhood. The good news is, there is not a ton more to do, so I should be able to mail this home to her by the weekend ;-) Yes, to whoever asked, this is an Elizabeth's Designs design...

Stitched on today: Stitched on Nicole's Neighborhood Round Robin **Mailed SBEBB Blackbird Designs Exchange today

A little more of Nicole's House

I stitched away again tonight on Nicole's Neighborhood Round Robin. I know she really wants to get this home soon... so I am giving it my best ;-)

Stitched on today: Stitched on Nicole's Neighborhood Round Robin

Started Nicole's Neighborhood RR

I was able to start Nicole's Neighborhood Round Robin today. It was caught in the post from Australia to my house for several long weeks, but since it arrived around New Year's Eve, I have been trying to plot something to stitch. I am working on the upper right corner now. This is my last one to stitch. I cannot believe the lengthy neighborhood RR's are finally ending now. I think Nicole's is lovely and so delicate too. I put a photo of the whole piece, as I don't think Nicole has had a peek at her RR in quite a while now!

We got another dumping of snow today... super fluffy, but looks like about another foot of snow :-(

My prayers go out right now to Willis McGahee (spelling?) of the Baltimore Ravens. I just saw the horrible, neck snapping hit he took in the AFC play off game. Ouch! Good to see him being able to talk and move his limbs, but still, the poor man is in a lot of pain.

Stitched on today: Started Nicole's Neighborhood RR

Blackbird Designs Exchange from Su

I received my Blackbird Designs Exchange from Su today. I was tickled to see her return address on the envelope, as I love Su's work so much. This one did not disappoint, of course! She stitched this sweet little fob for me. It is so fabulous with the wee little buttons and the over one stitching. I just love over one stitching. And all of the goodies are just so sweet! I recognize the little "S" notecard... I sent her those in an exchange last year ;-) Thank you so much Su - I love it all!

And, whew! I even finished my own Blackbird Designs Exchange today too!

Stitched on today: Finished SBEBB Blackbird Designs Exchange

Lizzie Kate Exchange for Sadie

Tonight I finally have some photos to share again :-)

I heard from Sadie today that she received the HoE Lizzie Kate Exchange that I sent to her...

January Blocks Scissor Fob
Lizzie Kate
28 ct Vintage Country Mocha Cashel Linen, DMC Floss, WDW Floss, GAST Floss

... And the rest of my goodies for her... Glad you like it Sadie. I had no idea you did not have a good pair of embroidery scissors, and am thrilled to have resolved that for you!

Stitched on today: Stitched on SBEBB Blackbird Designs Exchange (should have been mailed today, but running a little late - thankfully, I have a very sweet partner and I am sure she will not mind)

Gingher News

I cannot show what I stitched on tonight, but DH did ask me to let you all know that if you are interested in Gingher scissors, here is important info - Gingher has already discontinued the Roberta scissors... and, here is a surprise - they discontinued the Cheetah scissors too (says his wholesaler, who is generally right)... he has 4 pair of 4" Cheetahs left and has plenty of the Robertas, as well as some Biancas still at Our Internet Store. Get yours before they are gone!

Stitched on today: Stitched on SBEBB Blackbird Designs Exchange

Hello, and Thank You

I am popping in today to say two things -

1) Hello! I miss you guys and your blogs...

and,

2) Thank you to those of you who continue to visit (and even comment) so faithfully. I really appreciate it.

Oh... I have a third thing to say too!

3) I am so sorry that I am weeks behind in blogs! I have a huge work project coming up on January 28 and I have been soooo focused on it, as I have to be, and just cannot find time to surf blogs during the day at all. I can just imagine what my Google Reader looks like! I am also overdue on some emails. If you are waiting to hear from me, I will work my way through the list as fast as I can... thanks for your patience!

Stitched on today: Stitched on SBEBB BBD Exchange

A little HOHRH again...

Ouch! This photo is a bit off - but oh heck, I am way too tired to take another one tonight. Anyhow... HOHRH came back out to play, and now I am really quite close to finishing House 9 ;-)

Stitched on today: Stitched on Houses of Hawk Run Hollow

Birthday Gift for Wendy Jo

Happy Birthday, Wendy Jo! I was happy to hear she received my little gift on her actual birthday today! I have wanted to stitch this little snowman for a while now, and with all of the snow we have been getting lately, it seemed timely ;-)

Patriotic Snowman Floss Ring Tag
Waxing Moon Designs
32 ct Vintage Country Mocha Belfast Linen, GAST Floss

Stitched on today: Started SBEBB Blackbird Designs Exchange **Mailed Vonna's Halloween RR to Edgar, and mailed HoE Lizzie Kate Exchange today

Finished Vonna's Halloween RR

I finished up Vonna's RR tonight! Anyone recognize it yet?

Scaredy Cats
Waxing Moon Desings - in Black Cats' Halloween
32 ct Belfast Linen Hand Dyed by Vonna, GAST in Raven

One of our lady cats, Lily, has been in heat for a few days now. This is pretty much how she laid on DH all afternoon! She put herself in this position. She is driving him insane!! LOL

Oh! And just look at what happened this morning right near my house! 59 cars and trucks involved in a massive pileup on the Interstate due to poor road conditions, uncleared snow! This is my commute home from work... a really, really bad road, as you can see! Ugh! Glad I was still sleeping when this happened.

Stitched on today: Finished Vonna's Halloween RR

Tiny RR Update

I've not much to show tonight. I stitched my HoE Lizzie Kate Exchange today, watched football, did errands and such with DH and am deep in a novel... but... I can show my wee progress on Vonna's RR from last night... moving on from the jack-o-lantern now... :-)

Stitched on today: Stitched HoE Lizzie Kate Exchange

Birthday Gift for Carolyn

Carolyn sent me a cheerful email tonight to let me know that my little birthday gift for her has arrived... glad you like it Carolyn! Have a great birthday on Monday ;-)
Nature's Alphabet "C" Fob
Elizabeth's Designs
32 ct Antique Ivory Belfast Linen, DMC Floss

Stitched on today: Stitched on Vonna's Halloween RR **Mailed a gift today

How Sweet It Is!

Have I told you how much I love Paper Back Swap?? Look at this treasure trove of paperbacks that arrived in my mailbox today! I am swooning and am in heaven! You just gotta come and join me in this!

I spent most of my stitching time tonight finishing a gift, but then I did grab up Vonna's Halloween RR again - had to rip out a mistake, but now you can tell the bottom half sure is a jack-o-lantern... maybe the design will reveal itself soon??

Stitched on today: Finished a gift, and stitched on Vonna's Halloween Round Robin

A peek at Vonna's Halloween RR

I worked on a gift today which I obviously cannot show yet, but I figured that maybe it would be a little fun to give a peek at what I have started on dear Vonna's Halloween RR. I really love hers - she is using Belfast linen she dyed herself, and it is yummy. So far, very few colors have been used, so I decided to do a design that is all in GAST Raven... can anyone tell yet what it is??

We still have power ;-) Thanks for the good thoughts on that.

Stitched on today: Started a gift

ABC Exchange for Edgar

I received a lovely email from Edgar today to let me know that he has received the SBEBB ABC Exchange that I sent to him. I had fun choosing this one, even if stitching those bells did take me absolutely forever ;-) I know Edgar loves Quakers, the exchange was due to go out on New Year's Eve.... and I am trying to encourage him to try stitching a biscornu... so my choice was...
December Quaker Biscornu
The Workbasket
Silkweaver 40 ct Solo Newcastle Linen, HDF Silk in Garnet

Another ice storm coming in tonight/tomorrow. I figure I will go run down the street and hold up that darn power line that fell last month, and maybe, just maybe, we won't lose power this time! Pray for us! Virtually everyone in New Hampshire and Massachusetts is nervous again!

Stitched on today: Started Vonna's Halloween Round Robin **Mailed out a gift today

Thank you Margaret

I have received the "sweetest" CE return exchange from Margaret - it is so cute! She stitched a sunshiney chocolate kiss by Cricket Collection and then added a package of Dark Chocolate Hershey Kisses, which DH confiscated right away! And.. a Clover cutter - my first ever! Thank you so much, Margaret, for such a lovely exchange!

Stitched on today: Finished a gift

Poinsettia Ornament

My first finish for 2009 is another ornament for my gift basket ;-)

Poinsettia Ornament
Brittercup Designs - in 2007 JCS Christmas Ornament Issue
32 ct Putty Belfast Linen, GAST Floss, Mill Hill Beads

Stitched on today: Started a gift

ABC Exchange from Becky

I received this lovely SBEBB ABC Exchange from Becky today. She stitched me the Sarah Tobias Pincushion by Blackbird Designs - and I just love it! Thank you Becky!!

I finished up my Poinsettia ornament today, and I will get a photo tomorrow to share ;-)

Stitched on today: Finished a Christmas ornament

A little start

Well, well... it is not much.... and it is dark.... but about all I stitched on today was to start this little ornament... hopefully there will be a finish soon, and that the photo will be better ;-) The Cinders GAST is surely dark in real life, but looks just plain old black here.

A few have left comments and emailed asking what book that was I was reading last night. I shall oblige you and let you know what it was... Naked Ambition by Jule McBride, a 1/1/09 release by Harlequin... LOL

Stitched on today: Started an ornament

Little Rabbits

I started my new year off again with Houses of Hawk Run Hollow... now House 9 has some little rabbits visiting it :-) Not a lot of stitching mojo today. I bought one of those fun, steamy Harlequin books at WalMart today (heck, all the new releases were already out and staring me in the face... OK, I bought several - LOL)... anyhow, more interested in reading that right now. Gotta go see what happens now that the heroine has learned her husband is not dead and it was not his ghost that has been visiting her at night ;-) Too funny!

Hope everyone had a safe NYE!

Stitched on today: Houses of Hawk Run Hollow