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

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

Finished Marie's Spooky Neighborhood Round Robin

I finished up my block on Marie's Neighborhood Round Robin tonight. I used parts of Two White Houses by LHN, a Frankenstein trick or treater from Brightneedle's Spooky Halloween, a spider from Jeannette Douglas' ornament in the latest issue of Just Cross Stitch, a witch from Drawn Thread's Halloween Spot Sampler and bats from Drawn Thread's Happy Halloween! I hope that Marie will like my block.

Here is how her RR looks now. I will get this in the mail to Nicole on Monday.

Stitched on today: Finished Marie's Neighborhood Round Robin

Crazy Exchange for Pascale

I learned today that Pascale has received a new Crazy Exchange that I had sent to her... I was getting concerned because it took a little long to get to Belgium, but all is fine with it now. I saw on her likes/dislikes list in the group that she liked autumn/Halloween, as well as Debbie Mumm...
Bats 2 Us Floss Ring Tag
Helga Mandl Designs
Kiwi Illusions 28 ct Pumice Lugana, DMC Floss

... and the little goodies I sent along with it... glad you like it, Pascale!

I worked for a while this evening on Marie's neighborhood round robin. I am working to finish the LHN Two White Houses part so that I can go back to adding more Halloween elements, especially up in that sky area... :-)

Stitched on today: Started a gift, and stitched on Marie's neighborhood round robin **Mailed my SBEBB Think Pink exchange today

Frankenstein Goes Trick or Treating

I know this is blurry and dark - I took it with the flash off because you sure cannot see the little guy when the photo is overexposed... I stopped working on the LHN parts of my block tonight and added my first Halloween element... a little Frankenstein trick or treater from Brightneedle's Spooky Halloween. I used the called for fibers (a mix of Olde Willow Floss and DMC) and I think my dye lots are yucky. They are so light compared to the photo on the chart :-( Ah well... here he is - with darker facial features because those didn't show at all using the Ashe floss... I still have a long way to go to fill this whole block in.

Oh, I almost forgot - some of you asked about the portion at the top of the RR - Marie stitched all of that herself. I know it is a Judith Kirby design, and I think it is actually two seperate charts. I have stitched the left side years ago that I gave to a friend... I am pretty sure the right side was not in my chart.... but if you Google Judith Kirby, you should find this.

Stitched on today: Started SBEBB Think Pink Exchange, and stitched on Marie's Neighborhood Round Robin

Marie's Haunted Neighborhood

I started Marie's Neighborhood Round Robin tonight. Hers is gorgeous. She has a Halloween theme, and while there are not many Halloween House charts, it is fun to be creative. I am starting off with an autumn house (part of Two White Houses by LHN) and then will Halloween-ify it with a couple of other charts. I am really looking forward to it - the ideas are flowing here :-) I hope Marie will like it too ;-)

Thank you to those of you who left sweet feedback about Morning Berries. It sure was a fun stitch! I hope to get it framed at Christmas time (that is the next time DH grabs my stitching to frame).

So glad to hear that some of our stitching pals are doing pretty well after Hurricane Ike, but still waiting to hear from a few others... keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Stitched on today: Started Marie's Neighborhood Round Robin **Mailed out HoE Prairie Schooler Exchange and a new Crazy Exchange today

Finished Leslie's Neighborhood Round Robin

I finished my square on Leslie's Neighborhood Round Robin tonight. I hope she likes it. There were no directions in her package, and I just loved the heart and star on the chart, so I added them. I see Deb has a big flower on her house, so my little motifs look like they fit to me. Her neighborhood is very cheerful!

Stitched on today: Finished MAW Exchange for Simone, and finished Leslie's Neighborhood Round Robin

More of Leslie's Neighborhood Round Robin

I don't have a whole lot to show or say today. After being very distracted with "things" last night, I realized quite late and at bedtime that the MAW Exchange I started for Simone was off by a few stitches and I had to frog half of it this morning. I got that done, and made a lot of progress on the exchange (a mattress pincushion), before then settling in to work on Leslie's house again while watching "Under the Tuscan Sun" tonight... almost there now :-)

Stitched on today: Stitched on MAW Exchange for Simone, and stitched on Leslie's Neighborhood Round Robin

Kreativ Bloggers...

I have received several emails this week from bloggers alerting me that they have chosen me for this Kreativ Blogger award. I cannot even begin to sort out who has done this - I do recall the first to tell me was Margaret, so if nobody minds, I will credit her. No offense to anyone I overlooked! Thanks :-)

I have been told these are the rules:
1. The winner may put the logo on her blog.
2. Put a link to the person you got the award from.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to the blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees.

I cannot imagine thinking of 5 blogs to nominate. Gosh, can I nominate 500? I read so many every day (even if I cannot find time to comment) - so I think I shall nominate the top 5 blogs that inspired me to blog way back in 2004/2005...
Isabelle - probably the first blog I ever read - at that time, Isabelle was more heavily into cross stitching - one of the sweetest souls you will find on the net or anywhere...
KarenV for her amazing style and her sublime finishing skills...
BeckySC for her generosity and huge heart, amazing finishing skills and overall enthusiasm for life and stitching...
Katrina for our fun SALs together and her amazing generosity...
AnneS for her talent, sweetness and heart as big as all of Australia!


Before I go disappear now and work on the HoE Summer Quaker Exchange, which requires frogging right now - tried to stitch when I was a little too tired last night, I will show yesterday's progress on Leslie's Neighborhood Round Robin...

Stitched on today: HoE Summer Quaker Exchange

Beautiful Blue Fabrics for Sale

I noticed on my desk tonight that I still have a little pile of absolutely beautiful blue hand dyed fabrics that did not sell last time I posted them... so I figured I would try again... they are just gorgeous! Please leave me a comment if any of these appeal to you. I take checks, money orders and Pay Pal. If you are a non-US stitcher, then Pay Pal only. I will try to charge only actual shipping for you too.

Left to right:
Silkweaver 28 ct Blue Dynasty Cashel Linen, 18" x 26", $20 -
Silkweaver 28 ct Rock-A-Bye Opalescent Lugana, 18" x 26", $20
Sugar Maple Fabrics 28 ct Blueberry Cheesecake Lugana, 18" x 27", $20

Leslie's neighborhood is growing a bit. I got a little bored with filling in the grey siding of the house, so I did a bit of the vine on the roof tonight. I know the house looks a little off center - that is by design ;-)

Stitched on today: Finished a gift, started a new CE exchange and stitched on Leslie's Neighborhood Round Robin **Mailed off a PIF gift today

Back in the neighborhood

I don't have a lot to share or say tonight - just really tired, as I have not quite caught up yet from staying up Tuesday night to 1:45 AM watching the end of the MLB All-Star Game.... Here is a little more of Leslie's Neighborhood Round Robin. So glad I have tomorrow off ;-)

Stitched on today: Finished a CE Exchange, and stitched on Leslie's Neighborhood Round Robin

Started Leslie's Neighborhood RR

I started Leslie's Neighborhood Round Robin tonight. It is another one that due to miscommunication months ago in the RR group, ended up arriving late to me. If I can finish it up in two weeks, I can keep it on schedule. As you can imagine, that is my plan. Leslie's RR is really pretty - has great colors in it. The partially stitched block in the upper left is a bit of a mystery. I sure hope the stitcher who didn't finish still plans to do so.... I chose to stitch Willow House by Blackbird Designs down in the bottom center. I pulled all the Weeks Dye Works floss for it and could not resist the colors. Leslie's RR doesn't have a theme, so I figure I will go for it. I just love her 40 ct R&R Reproductions linen - nice!! I think I can meet the August 1 mailing date, as what I did tonight already moved along quite quickly.

I was recently involved in a Stitcher's Lottery over in a small stitching group. I don't think I will be participating much with this group any longer. The communication between the members there is poor. I was in a biscornu exchange over there earlier this year and I felt the same way. By now, the winner shall have received my prize, and I really doubt she even knows where my blog is, let alone read it, so I shall show what I sent now... I hope she liked it.

No Frogs Allowed Pinkeep
Helga Mandl Designs in The Gift of Stitching Magazine, June 2008
28 ct Vintage Country Mocha Cashel Linen, DMC Floss & DMC Color Variations

Stitched on today: Started a CE Exchange, stitched on SBEBB Summer House Exchange, and started Leslie's Neighborhood Round Robin **Mailed off a gift today

Phew!

I made the deadline :-) Glenna's Neighborhood Round Robin is ready to mail to Nicole tomorrow. Those willow trees took me forever, but I love how they add so much to the house. The top of my square does look a little empty. I wanted to start my house on the same line as the one in the bottom left (Carissa's). I think a bird would look good in the sky, but I couldn't find a good enough one in time to be able to mail this on time... I hope Glenna doesn't mind, she can add one at the end if she prefers.... The chart I used is called No Ewe 2 by Finger Work.


Congratulations to the Boston Celtics - Eastern Conference Champs! (Photo from sportsillustrated.com)

Stitched on today: Finished Glenna's Neighborhood Round Robin, and finished a gift

Landscaping

With only two days and counting left to get this RR off to its next destination, I started the landscaping on Glenna's neighborhood tonight. The willow trees are taking longer than I had expected, but if I keep my nose to the grindstone, I can get it done and off in time!

Maria... the floss I sent to Olga is Polstitches Dragon Floss and the color is Calm Dawn.

And... Joanne... Women of the Mayflower is by Olde Willow Design Group and in an old, retired issue of Fine Lines Magazine, Spring 2004.

Stitched on today: Stitched on a gift, and stitched on Glenna's Neighborhood Round Robin

Another ornament finished

As I mentioned yesterday, I stitched up another ornament, and here it is (dark photo - I forgot to take the picture until it was already after dinner time):

Noel Ornament
Shepherd's Bush - chart found here
32 ct Dirty Belfast Linen, GAST and WDW Floss (modified from the Caron fibers in the chart)

And, with June 1st fast approaching, and even though I only just received this RR... I need to finish up and mail it off quickly, quickly, quickly! More work on Glenna's RR... a bit of landscaping to do :-)

Stitched on today: Started a gift, and stitched on Glenna's Neighborhood Round Robin

A little more house

It's Memorial Day weekend here, and thus, not much of a day for stitching. But I did get a little in here and there. Glenna's house is growing (if not photographing well)... and I started a Christmas ornament as it is SAL weekend... not a whole lot done there either!

I hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend!

Stitched on today: Started a Christmas ornament, and stitched on Glenna's Neighborhood Round Robin

Second Neighborhood This Month

Tonight I started my second neighborhood round robin this month - this one needs to be mailed by June 1st, and am under some duress as I only just received it a week or so ago... somewhere along the line in Group 1, the RR's are a bit slowed down, so myself and the stitcher ahead of me are trying really hard to get these done quickly to try to get them back on track. This one is Glenna's. My block has a lawn and a little black cat so far ;-) My first garden photo that I am sharing this year. This pretty little standard dwarf iris finally opened today. I had some orange sdi's a week or so ago, but I have to admit that I was too lazy to get the camera and take photos....

Thank you to all of you who wrote to me about my difficulties with being a therapist in these tough times. You don't know how much I appreciate the thoughts and support. I never blog about my feelings like that, but last night I guess I really needed the catharsis, and a good friend saw that I was bothered even before I did - she knows who she is, and I hope she knows how much I care about her :-)

Ah, and now we start a three day weekend - that will surely help too - a little mini vacation from hearing all the grief... it doesn't go away, but it will be nice to stitch, garden, eat, enjoy myself... :-)

Stitched on today: Stitched on a gift, finished part one of Spring Exchange for Myrna, and started Glenna's Neighborhood Round Robin **Mailed HoE Freebie Design Exchange today