A little Serenity

I need a little Serenity tonight. I wanted to work on this sampler tonight. It has been about a month, and I was missing it. I did finish the outer part of the next motif, but I cannot focus and had to put it down. I was working on my SBEBB Summer House Exchange earlier, and I realized that one sizeable motif is off by a thread and needs to be ripped out. I just need to go and do that now and get it off my mind...

Stitched on today: Stitched the first part of my Spring Exchange for Cathy, stitched on SBEBB Summer House Exchange and Serenity **Mailed my Halloween RR off to Edgar today

Too Humid To Stitch

Just a little of the new motif on Serenity tonight. It is way too humid to stitch here. I am watching the Celtics-Lakers game in my finished basement and no air conditioning. I just can't keep my hands dry enough to stitch much tonight. Thunderstorms are on the way, and hopefully the weather will be better for stitching tomorrow.

Stitched on today: Stitched on CE exchange, stitched on ABC Exchange, and stitched on Serenity

Not at this rate!

I worked on the border of Serenity for quite some time tonight. I then put it down at the end, looked at it, didn't think it looked like I got much done, and all I could think was: I am not going to get this done anytime soon - not at this rate! At this rate, I would guess more like 2012! Oh, I will keep plugging away!

My littlest one, Ava, helped out tonight while I was taking the picture of Serenity ;-) She is rewarded with her photo in my blog tonight. She has been clingy all night long :-)

Stitched on today: Stitched on Spring Exchange for Myrna, and stitched on Serenity

Serenity

I pulled Serenity back out again tonight. I am ashamed of myself that I love doing the inner motifs and dread doing the border right about now. I need some motivation to do that part!

Tough night tonight - am fasting because of bloodwork in the AM... fun, fun, fun. On a brighter note, the weather has been outstanding lately!

Stitched on today: Stitched on part of Spring Exchange, and on Serenity **Mailed out SBEBB Feathered Friends exchange today

Crazy Exchange from Simone

What a surprise! I received lovely mail today - Simone selected me for a second year in a row to send me a Crazy Exchange. Awwww :-) She stitched this pretty ornament using motifs from a scandinavian book, and in pretty patriotic colors. Love it! And she sent two JABC American flag buttons, some adorable stickers and a piece of banding. Thank you Simone - what a treat!!! Now to start thinking about what I shall stitch and send to Simone in return....
For my own stitching tonight, Serenity took center place. Back to working on the border - not exciting, but its gotta be done!!

Stitched on today: Stitched on a Crazy Exchange, and Serenity

Serenity

OK, another day of having not so much worth showing. I spent the afternoon making a scissor fob for a dear stitcher who did not receive her HoE Scissor Fob Exchange. I gave up on waiting for her partner to replace it. It was great fun to do for her, and I loved it. But did have only a couple of hours left for Serenity. I like how the larger motif on the left is taking shape now.

Stitched on today: Stitched a replacement scissor fob for HoE Scissor Fob Exchange, stitched on a Christmas ornament, and Serenity **Mailed SBEBB Here's To Ewe Exchange today

Excellent Mail Day

I had a great mail day today - two absolutely gorgeous exchanges arrived at my door early this morning. These are so beautiful!

First is the HoE Biscornu Exchange that I received from Margie - Margie totally spoiled me. She went with an Easter basket theme, and I was so excited. I have not received an Easter basket in years... maybe 25 years? Maybe more? She stitched me such a delicate biscornu - pale peach and green on white with freshwater pearl like beads... and oh so perfectly stitched and finished... and then the amazing Easter basket - a crocus grow kit, a pretty piece of Silkweaver belfast linen, Reese's pieces (for Mike) and sugar free berry mints (for me), cute colorful post its.... and then the eggs! Margie filled the basket with plastic eggs, each of which holds a fun stitching treat - Vikki Clayton silks, buttons, beads, needles, embellishments! What fun! Thank you Margie, this was such a treat and you are a very special lady :-)

I also received this gorgeous Crazy Exchange return exchange from the adorable Sandie in The Netherlands (no blog...). She says this is her first pinkeep - and it is perfect in every way. So perfectly stitched and finished... and one of my favorite new freebies too! I immediately hung this beauty on one of the knobs of our barrister bookcase in our living room. Lovely job Sandie - you are awesome. And she sent me bath stuff too - she must have read how much I love bath products. Oh Sandie, thank you so much.

I have precious little of my own stitching to show today. I worked most of the day today on finishing up a replacement biscornu exchange for the HoE Biscornu Exchange - we had a member drop out yesterday, and mailing date was today. I managed to finish it and went to AC Moore with Mike earlier today and got some goodies to go with it, along with treats from my exchange goodie drawer here at the house... now I can mail it tomorrow. So, all I can show is part of the brown motif on the right left side of Serenity - not much personal stitching today.

Stitched on today: Finished replacement biscornu for HoE Biscornu Exchange, and stitched on Serenity

Leaving Duma Key

I spent just a couple of hours with Serenity tonight. I am just dying to go upstairs now and finish reading Duma Key - I have been reading little bursts of it at bedtime for a few weeks now, and I am down to maybe 20-30 pages to go and it is getting quite exciting. I won't be able to sleep if I don't go and finish it now!! I am even recording Jericho on the DVR to watch at another time (I usually cannot wait for this show to come on) - See ya tomorrow!

Oh, someone asked again who designed Serenity - it is by Examplar Dames.

Stitched on today: Finished a Christmas ornament (waiting for daylight to take a photo), and stitched on SBEBB Spring Quaker Exchange and Serenity

Biscornu Exchange for Pixie... and lovely RAK's

I recently signed up to do a biscornu exchange run by Laura, and Pixie has let me know today that she received it...
Heartfelt Biscornu
Periphaeria Designs
32 ct Black Belfast Linen, The Dye Shop Floss - Magenta & Purple People Eater

Here are all of the goodies I sent to her. I read in her blog that she likes fairies. I searched for a while, but could not find a fairy themed biscornu. I am glad that Pixie wrote that she likes my choices. It was fun to stitch for her :-)

I also recently signed up for a drawing in Mylene's blog for a Valentine's Day scissor fob... and today I received this adorable little biscornu fob! Both sides are beautiful, but I forgot to photograph the other side. How sweet, thank you Mylene! I love the bookmark too!

And... a total surprise! Red sent me this wonderful beaded scissor fob with a rubber scissor tip! I am so tired that I cannot locate her blog link right now - sorry Red (Sue)!! Oh, I just love it! You are the sweetest!!

I worked on Serenity again tonight, and I kept my promise to myself to work on the border for a while this time :-)

Stitched on today: Started Winter Exchange for Myrna, and Serenity **Mailed out CE Exchange and SBEBB Tea Time Exchange today

More Serenity

I picked up Serenity again this evening after Nicole went back home... tried to watch the NASCAR race while stitching, but rain in California kept interrupting it. They might restart the race at midnight, but I will be off to bed by then :-) Anyhow... I was again tempted to work on fun inner motifs. Next time I pick this up, I really should work on the border again. I really would prefer not to have too much of the busy border to do at the very end ;-)

Stitched on today: Stitched on the biscornu (for Laura's exchange group), and Serenity

Valentine's Day Exchange from Katrien

I received a beautiful Valentine's Day Exchange from Katrien in Belgium today. This exchange was run in the Crazy Exchange group. I just love it! This is my second exchange from Katrien, and I must say, her sewing is perfect. She made me a Crazy Quilt Heart Pillow, and also sent two different bath products (I really love bath products!) and a beautiful box of chocolates! Thank you so much Katrien - the entire exchange is awesome!
I dug Serenity back out tonight. It has been a while since I have worked on this one too. I am really enjoying this motif quite a lot (the blue and brown one on the right).
Beau spent the evening sleeping beside me on a blanket atop my stash drawers... I can't believe I took a photo of him sleeping, and he didn't peek at me! Cats usually are so hard to photograph asleep - they know what is happening and crack their eyes open just a bit. Beau didn't catch on tonight - quite rare.

Jenn, I figure you already found this on the internet today, but in case you didn't, here is Ryan's interview with David Letterman from last night...


...Letterman really doesn't let his guests get much of a word in, does he? LOL I bet Ryan wasn't expecting the interview to go in quite this direction.

Stitched on today: Stitched on a gift, and Serenity **Mailed out a gift today

PIF for Joanne

I heard from Joanne tonight that she received my PIF today. I am still enjoying making fobs with initials on them, and am now busily using Garden Alphabet by The Prairie Schooler to get the job done :-) I wonder which alphabet I will move on to next, having now used most of Elizabeth's Designs' Nature's Alphabet... hmmm....


Garden Alphabet "J" Fob
Prairie Schooler
32 ct Putty Belfast Linen, DMC Floss

PEACE last night, and Serenity tonight. I pulled this one back out - it has been a while since I last worked on it. Somehow it slipped to the bottom of my WIP drawer! Can't have that! Back to working on that border again tonight.

A friend of mine is looking for back issues of Quilt Sampler by Better Homes & Gardens. Does anyone have issues they would be willing to part with? I am sure she would love to chat with you about trading or paying for them. She is in Australia and is seeking issues going back to about 2004. She says she already has Fall/Winter 2007 and Fall/Winter 2006. If anyone can help, please let me know - we both would sure appreciate it! Thank you :-)

Stitched on today: Stitched on a gift, and Serenity **Mailed out CE return exchange to Edda today

Serenity

Really quick update on Serenity tonight due to a pounding sinus headache... made progress here and there, though :-)

Stitched on today: Serenity **Sent out SBEBB Valentine's Day Exchange and a PIF today

Serenity

I realized today that I had not worked on Serenity for a couple of weeks now. It was a bit of a busy day here, but I did find time to almost finish the large swan motif...

Stitched on today: Finished SBEBB Valentine's Day Exchange, and Serenity

New Pay It Forward Round

I am probably crazy, but I went and signed up for a new round of Pay It Forward from Vonna's blog. As I laid out a schedule for the year, I see that my remaining ones will be finished soon... so, taking new names for items to be stitched a little later this year... You probably know how this works: The first five of you that leave a comment here on this post requesting to participate will receive a handmade item from me. I will send it to you sometime this year :-) In return, you will have to post in your blog that you are taking five names and you will gift those people in return. Interested??

And... a little bit more of Serenity tonight... it seems to be pretty slow going, especially the border, but it is also a very pleasant stitch.

Happy Weekend all- we have a nice January thaw approaching us and I am very excited to now be breaking away from the very bitter temps to more reasonable winter temperatures... for now, at least :-)

Stitched on today: Winter House Exchange project, and Serenity

Finished the alphabet

I did a lot of secret stitching today ;-) But I can show this... I got the alphabet at the top of Serenity finished tonight.

There are a lot of questions going on right now about exchanges and what will be happening. I am happy to take new people into Hooked on Exchanging. What will develop from it is unclear. Becky and her role in exchanges simply cannot be replaced. I am hoping to be in touch with her to talk about the future of exchanges. I will do what I can to please anyone who wants to keep exchanging. A fellow blogger/exchanger also wants to do the same. But, first things first. I want to chat with Becky - these exchanges were born from her and I want her input and to give her all of the respect the sweet woman deserves. I know you all understand. I refuse to step on any toes here.

Stitched on today: Finished a PIF, started a PIF, and Serenity **Mailed out F&S squares to Laura today

A Christmas Surprise

The mailman brought me a huge Christmas surprise today. I received this lovely package from my dear friend Margaret today - I am quickly learning she likes to make and send packages that totally spoil the recipient - wow, look at all of this . She stitched me a gorgeous ornament using a JBW Design (I just love JBW Designs!), and she kitted up Blackbird Designs' new Peace on Earth (you cannot see the R&R linen and the fibers because they are under the chart in the pack)... another cute JBW Designs chart, a skein of my favorite DMC Colour Variations in Radiant Ruby... and... oh my - a Quick Start Set! She must have seen in my wish list blog how much I wanted one of these. What a treat - thank you, dear Margaret :-)

I spent much of my stitching time today working on the Frosty Friends Exchange, but when I did pick up something to work on later this evening, I chose Serenity again... which just happens to be what Margaret gave me for my birthday this year!

Stitched on today: Stitched on Frosty Friends Exchange, and Serenity

Birthday Gift for Karen

I heard today that Karen received my little birthday gift for her today... on her actual birthday. I cannot believe how quickly this arrived in the UK, especially with so many other packages having gone "missing" for so long.... many of them, really. You know, Christmas rush and all. But anyhow, Karen's had perfect timing. This little biscornu was so hard to photograph. The chart is a freebie from the Kissy Cross site and had no color key, so I chose to go with the warm autumn colors that I had recently pulled for Cathy's Blessed Be pin pillow... Each flower cluster in each corner is a different autumnal color, but my photos did not pick that up well. I am glad you like it Karen! Happy birthday, dear friend :-)

Bottom of biscornu

Bee Biscornu
Kirsten Schmidt - Kissy Cross
28 ct Platinum Cashel Linen, DMC Floss, Bead-It Beads

And for today's stitching... I didn't stitch for long, and what I did do was a bit more on Serenity. Tonight's photo shows the true color of the Luna linen (finally).

Kathy O., if you are visiting today, I got your thank you card yesterday :-)

Stitched on today: Serenity

Distracted Stitching

Gee, even though I had Serenity out all evening, I sure didn't get much done. This was an ADHD stitching night. I was so distracted and busy with getting the scissor fob exchange finalized and get everyone's blog links set up in the group blog... and take emails from new people wanting to join... oh well. At least I stitched a little.

Oh boy, did we get snow today. I am so glad I left work an hour ahead of the snow. I got home before it hit, and once it did, traffic stood still. Mike was caught up in it :-(

Stitched on today: Started a gift, and Serenity

Productive Saturday

It may not look it by tonight's progress on Serenity (which I am still loving, by the way...), but I did have a productive afternoon. I was able to finish two gifts - they were both already stitched but needed to be finished into their intended final items today. And, they were! Plus, started another gift... shooting to get as many done on time as I can now!

The linen I am using for Serenity (Luna by Lakeside Linens) just isn't photographing well. I will have to try photographing it in other conditions.

Hope everyone is well. I haven't even peeked at blogs today :-(

Stitched on today: Finished two gifts, started a gift, and Serenity