Winter Exchange for Myrna

Myrna has let me know that she has received the Winter Exchange (Seasonal Exchangers Group) that I sent off to her - just in time for spring ;-) I was a little concerned that my fob was a bit wee for a seasonal exchange, but it is made with just as much love and caring as a larger item would be - and Myrna has let me know that she likes it :-) Thank you Myrna!! Lucky Myrna... she is off at stitching camp this weekend taking a class with Betsy Stinner!!!

January Snow Fob
Twisted Threads
Stitched 1-over-1
28 ct Graziano Natural/Cream Gingham Linen, GAST Floss

...And the rest of the goodies I sent. Myrna says she brought the chocolate with her to camp - I would have too!!! Gosh, I hope she has a great time!

OK... I am off to do exchange stitching again tonight! Thank you all for the wonderful comments about the Teapot Needle Roll! I really wanted to make something special for Su :-)

Stitched on today: Finished a Crazy Exchange, and stitched on biscornu for HoE Biscornu Exchange

Tea Time Exchange for Su

I received a lovely email from Su this morning, and she let me know that the SBEBB Tea Time Exchange that I sent to her arrived safe and sound :-)
Teapot Needle Roll
28 ct Natural Linen Banding, DMC Floss, 24kt Gold Charms

And here is the entire exchange that I sent to her. I am so glad that you like it all Su! It was great to receive your name for this exchange.

I am off to go stitch on my HoE Biscornu Exchange ;-)

Stitched on today: Started a CE Exchange, and stitched on HoE Biscornu Exchange

Joy

Duma Key was fun last night, and I did finish it. Warning to anyone who plans to read the book - don't read the link for "Duma Key" in my blog entry from last night - it is a total spoiler!

I am going to go start my biscornu now for the HoE Biscornu Exchange - I finally found just the perfect one to stitch for my partner. I finished a wee Christmas ornament last night, and got a photo of it today. I didn't care for how it photographed at all - the ribbon looks loose in the photo, but it is not. The ornament also is centered straighter than I think it appears... always so critical of myself (aren't all/most stitchers?) - but anyhow... I will share it:

Joy Ornament
Lizzie Kate
32 ct Olive Green Belfast Linen, GAST Floss

Stitched on today: Finished SBEBB Spring Quaker Exchange, and started biscornu for HoE Biscornu Exchange

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

A Postal Surprise!

Well.... I do think that perhaps the postal service is trying to make amends with me right now! They have a long way to go to do that, but today's huge postal surprise did go a long way towards making some progress. Yasmin sent me an SBEBB Little House Needleworks Exchange from Malaysia back on November 11, 2007. After we waited for a few weeks, and there was no sign of the exchange, Yasmin stitched me a beautiful replacement - which did arrive in good time. Today... well, I will show you!

The original exchange from Yasmin showed up in my mailbox, totally safe and sound. The envelope was in great shape, the address was written absolutely perfectly, and Customs did not open the envelope... it was probably just lost behind a counter, in a drawer or some such thing in some part of the postal service all this time! What a treat to get this - I just adore it! Thank you Yasmin!! (Aren't you just totally relieved now??).

I am participating this year in the Crazy Exchange Birthday Exchange, and I was assigned to send to a lovely quilter in The Netherlands, Caro. I was thrilled to get Caro's name. She sent me the loveliest Christmas quilt wall hanging for the Christmas Exchange last year! Now it was my turn - I chose to send her something using my craft (cross stitch) that she can use for her craft (quilting) - the end result is this pincushion:


P is for Pincushion
Prairie Schooler
28 ct Potato Annabelle, DMC Floss

Then I visited my local Joann Fabric Store and picked up little doo dads that a quilter would enjoy - red fabrics, thimbles and betweens needles... and some yummy Estee Lauder lotion too. I received such a sweet email from Caro today - you are so welcome Caro, and so glad you like your gifts! Happy Birthday :-)

Stitched on today: Started a Christmas ornament, and stithced on SBEBB Spring Quaker Exchange **Mailed Judith's Neighborhood Round Robin to Annemarie today

End of Weekend

What a nice quiet day - far away from the computer and just relaxing! I did get some stitching done, too. One more band down on Memories, only two to go :-)

I will catch up on my email after work tomorrow afternoon ;-)

Stitched on today: Stitched on SBEBB Spring Quaker Exchange, and Memories

Finished Judith's Round Robin

I was able to finish up my block on Judith's Neighborhood Round Robin today. And now I will be mailing it off to An on Monday.
Here is how Judith's really sweet neighborhood now looks with three houses in it. I really love this RR - great choice Judith!!

And, that is it for today, because I am now going to do some exchange stitching ;-)

Stitched on today: Finished Judith's Neighborhood Round Robin, and started SBEBB Spring Quaker Exchange project

So close.... (and, postal shock)

I have come so close to finishing Judith's Neighborhood Round Robin tonight... soooo close. I had hoped I would, and then planned to even put it in the mail to An tomorrow. But it is too late at night to stitch the clouds and little border of cherries. I don't want to mess up. I will finish tomorrow and DH will post it to An on Monday.

And, speaking of the post office, DH says that one of the clerks at the post office has alerted him that there will be yet another postal increase very soon - didn't they just have one?? This one annoys me more than they usually do, as the service has gone downhill drastically and rapidly, in my observation. As you know, I have several packages in the post for weeks (and months) now that have not reached their destinations - even using Global Priority Mail, which is so very not cheap! And, I am not alone. The HoE Scissor Fob exchange has up to six packages lost and/or delayed in the post... that is a high percentage for that group. I see in many blogs that they are frustrated with slow and inconsistent postal service as well, yet the USPS has the guts to raise the rates again. Sigh....

Stitched on today: Judith's Neighborhood Round Robin **Mailed Winter Exchange to Myrna today

Judith's Neighborhood is Under Construction

At last! I know she wasn't worried about it, but I finally have Judith's neighborhood round robin underway! I was able to get out and pick up the DMC colors that I was low on or missing tonight. Judith has asked us each to stitch one of the freebie monthly houses by Maryse - since I am only the third to stitch on her RR, there were nine choices for me still. I surely did not want to stitch any snow... The June house jumped right out at me. I love the strawberries and cherries in this block. So, off I go! It is a quick stitch, and with any luck I will have it done this weekend and able to post ahead of the mailing date of March 15th. Judith, your neighborhood is going to be so sweet!

Stitched on today: Finished Winter Exchange for Myrna, and started Judith's Neighborhood Round Robin

Moving Along...

I really should be working on Judith's Neighborhood Round Robin, but I lack several DMC colors for it and have not gotten out of work early enough for the last few days to go pick them up at the store... so, back to Memories again tonight! Three bands left (and most of the beading)...

I will pick those DMC up either tomorrow or Friday (my day off) at the latest, Judith, and there will be no problem with getting your RR off to An in plenty of time :-)

**Hopeful wishes, good thoughts and prayers for Patrick Swayze...

Stitched on today: Stitched on Winter Exchange for Myrna, and Memories

Quickie Update

Just a quick update... I worked on A Quaker Christmas tonight, but now am tired and am going up to read Duma Key for a while, and try not to think about the icy roads that will be a large part of my commute tomorrow...

Stitched on today: Stitched on Winter Exchange for Myrna, and A Quaker Christmas

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

Exchange Stitching

I had a busy stitching weekend, but cannot show much. I finished one exchange yesterday, and another today. Nice to have them both off my plate! And I will get them both to the post office tomorrow. I think I was supposed to start back on the Spring Ride SAL tonight, but I didn't really have time after I exercised, did laundry and other such things... so I did a little more on Memories. I love the over one verse stitching - very pretty :-)

***Thank you BeckySC for the NN 139 - you are wonderful!!! I sure do appreciate it!

Stitched on today: Finished SBEBB Tea Time Exchange, and Memories

Can anyone help me?

Hello dear, ever helpful blogging friends! I am seeking two lengths of Needle Necessities 139 (Mountain Spruce) or its ThreadWorx equivalent... does anyone have any they can spare? I will be happy to trade for it. I could have sworn I had at least half a skein of it, but after spending a couple of days tearing through my stash, it has become obvious that it is missing. Please let me know - I would appreciate it so much! Thank you :-)

I was busy today stitching (see photo below to see why today was a good day to sit inside and stitch...) - I stitched on two different exchanges, and I cannot show them yet. But later this evening, while watching (and enjoying) The Astronaut Farmer, I spent some time on Memories again. These colors are so vibrant. I cannot recall the last time I stitched anything this bright, but it really is so yummy in person.

A couple of people have asked me if I am using the silk or DMC for this sampler. Oh, I am trying to save for my retirement - DH and I are in our 40's, you know... no silk for this one, just DMC and perle cotton on Silvery Moon Cashel linen... still very pretty!

We won't be barbequeing here anytime soon, will I? This is my back porch at 10 AM this morning. As you can see, we haven't been getting any break from the snow - not really since early December. A warmer week is forecasted. That is, the 40's, not very warm weather, but maybe warm enough to put a dent in this huge pile of snow?? (OK, no need at all to leave me a comment telling me how warm it is by you - I already know the odds are that it is warmer by you than by me! Thanks.)

Goal Review Time:
February Goals:
1. Continue to work on Serenity -yes
2. Continue to work on A Quaker Christmas -yes
3. Continue to work on Houses of Hawk Run Hollow -yes
4. Continue to work on Dawn, Fairy Spirit of Grace -no
5. Stitch and send Winter Exchange to Myrna -no, and this is a major priority for early March now!
6. Stitch and send Biscornu Exchange (Laura’s Group) to Pixie -yes
7. Start Judith’s Neighborhood Round Robin (due to mail 3/15/08) -no, need to do in early March
8. Stitch some gifts -yes, I stitched five gifts this month
9. Stitch at least one PIF -yes, and Joanne has received it
10. Continue to work on Spring Ride SAL -no, this SAL was put on hold in February, but I believe it restarts now in March
11. Stitch an ornament -yes
12. Stitch and send CE return exchange to Edda -yes, and Edda has received it
13. Start SBEBB Tea Time Exchange which is due 3/8/08 -yes, I have started it and am on track with it

March Goals:
1. Continue to work on Serenity
2. Continue to work on A Quaker Christmas
3. Continue to work on Houses of Hawk Run Hollow
4. Continue to work on Dawn, Fairy Spirit of Grace
5. Stitch and send Winter Exchange to Myrna
6. Stitch and send Judith’s Neighborhood Round Robin to Annemarie by 3/15
7. Stitch at least one PIF
8. Continue to work on Spring Ride SAL
9. Stitch two ornaments
10. Finish and mail SBEBB Tea Time Exchange by 3/8
11. Continue to work on Memories
12. Stitch and send SBEBB Spring Quaker Exchange by 3/21
13. Stitch and send HoE Biscornu Exchange by 3/21
14. Stitch and send out Crazy Exchange
15. Stitch some gifts

Stitched on today: Finished Crazy Exchange project, stitched on SBEBB Tea Time Exchange project, and Memories

Moose Be X-Mas

I finished up my February ornament for the Christmas Ornament SAL this afternoon. I took the photo in the late afternoon, and the clouds were already moving in for the snowstorm we are expecting later tonight. As a result, the photo is a bit dark and gloomy. The ornament is actually very vibrant in real life. This was a fun stitch. I was in the mood for a whimsical ornament this month, as I think I already know who will be receiving this one at Christmas time ;-) (**photos replaced with better ones).


Moose Be X-Mas Ornament
Barbara Ana Designs
28 ct Potato Annabelle, DMC Floss

Now, back to exchange stitching!! I hope everyone has a great weekend!! And I wanted to say thank you to my new blog visitors - what a treat to meet you all! It is a good night, as the first Red Sox spring training game of the season is on TV - very cool.

Stitched on today: Finished Moose Be X-Mas Ornament, stitched on CE exchange

Birthday Gift for Becky

I heard from Becky today that she has received my birthday package :-) Sadly, I mailed it late. It took me forever to get something together for her, as I was feeling very fussy. I am not overjoyed with the finishing on this - particularly how the roof attaches. It was also very hard to photograph well... But anyhow, with Becky being our Queen Bee, I figured this little honey house would be fun for her...
Honey House
Frimousse
28 ct Platinum Cashel Linen, Crescent Colours and DMC Floss

I sent her other items too, and she has shown them in her blog. Happy Belated Birthday, dear friend!!

Off to work on my Christmas Ornament for February now. Do I live in the coldest place on the planet right now? I think not, but close. It was only about 23F most of the day today - LOL!

Stitched on today: Started Christmas ornament for February (will show it tomorrow after it is finished off)

It's Christmas!!

It's snowing again (or it's still snowing)... so it is still Christmas, right?? So... A Quaker Christmas again! I figure it is boring to keep seeing it so often - sorry about that!! I am loving it, though. I will have a lot of other things to show instead of it at some point... the mail is so very slow right now. I have many things out in the post that just are not arriving at their destinations.... some over three months in the post.

Our power went out almost immediately after I closed my laptop last night after I blogged. It's really pretty difficult to take out, clean and store contact lenses by the light of a Yankee Candle jar... LOL

Stitched on today: Started a Crazy Exchange project, and A Quaker Christmas **Mailed out biscornu exchange (for Laura's group) to Pixie today

(Found this today - it doesn't fit in my sidebar, so it gets a one time showing here in this entry - I love it! Who's surprised??)

More Memories

Just a quick post tonight. We are getting more snow again right now, and our satellite is out due to the weather. I need to go run up to my stash room where I have cable tv to catch the forecast for later tonight and tomorrow... come on Spring!! In the meantime, I worked more on Memories tonight...

Stitched on today: Finished biscornu (for Laura's exchange group), started SBEBB Tea Time exchange project, and Memories **Mailed out a gift today

Memories

It may not look like much based on this photo, but I started Just Nan's new Memories tonight. I finished up all of the cross stitching on the biscornu for Laura's exchange group, and only have the assembly left to do. As a result, I decided to reward myself with a new small/medium start. It is really gorgeous in real life, but very difficult to photograph so far. I feel like I am going back to my roots a bit with this one. Years ago (~20 years now), when I was first getting really heavily into stitching, I was primarily stitching Just Nan and Shepherd's Bush projects. My local shop owner at that time called Just Nan "the cutting edge of cross stitch" back then... I think the same still holds true. This one is a real treat, and with luck, I shall have better photos to share soon.

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

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