It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.....

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...in my stitching room!!! I got bit by the Christmas stitching bug early this year, and now I can add another finish to my pile! This is "Cold Hands" by Lizzie Kate. I just love this little guy - he'll be going to live with a friend in Ohio.




Currently, I'm working on "The Angels Sang" by Little House Needleworks. Not much progress to show on this one, but at least I'm headed in the right direction. (I think!) My son asked if this was going to be a ghost!! Me: "Nope, it's going to be an angel." Snarky Son: "All-righty then, if you say so - sure looks like a ghost to me though." :)
You'll have too stay tuned to watch the "ghost" grow wings and a halo!! :)


*Sharon

Tea Tsu Strikes Again!

My little sweetie just came home from the groomers...I thought I'd share her latest look with you. Okay, so there's not much difference between her "old look" and her "new look", but she's been strutting and stylin' around here like she's on the red carpet, so I decided to take advantage of her "posings". Enjoy! :)
Four-legged friends rule!
*Sharon
(Edited to add - Sheesh, I just realized I just took her picture on the same rug that I took her picture on last time she went to the groomers'. I've gotta find doggie some new digs!) :)

Stitching a Snowman...

I'm just having a blast stitching this fine fellow. This design is Lizzie Kate's "Cold Hands, Warm Heart". He's one of about 6 Christmas gifts I'd like to make for holiday giving this year. I love doing Holiday stitching, but I also have a stack of everyday "just for me" designs that I'm itching to get started on. Ah well, all good things in due time.
Sweltering and Stitching, (still in the upper 90's here - where's fall????)
*Sharon

Merry Friends Finish

Whoo-hoo! I think this is FINALLY the year that I "get it" - Christmas is coming!! Yea I know, most folks already know that - but this year, I "get" that I need to start my Christmas stitching now and not wait until December 1st to put in the first stitch on my Christmas "wanna-do's". So, with that being said, I proudly present my first "stitched for Christmas '09" finish! :) I just love Lizzie Kate's designs - they stitch up so fast and easy!
It feels sooooo good to have one gift under my belt. Next up - Lizzie Kate's "Cold Hands". This will be my 2nd time for stitching "Cold Hands"...I had a friend put in a special request for this design, so gift #2 will be soon underway!!! :)
Thanks for taking a peek!
Hugs,
*Sharon

My apologies to Delicate Beauties...(and a clock picture too)!

Have you ever felt the need to apologize to a piece of needlework? I love this piece so much and have always intended to finish it, but somehow it just keeps getting pushed further and further down into my "favorites" pile.
I started this piece in 2006, for crying out loud!!! :(
Anyway, I'm setting up a loose rotation schedule for myself in hopes of making some real progress with this. I'm still "floss-tossing" and "fabric fondling" to choose the next smaller piece I will do in my rotation. I'm stuck between choosing "Bosco Booberry" (he's so cute!) or "Killer Dust Bunnies". (that piece cracks me up!) Of course, "Bless Our Home" and "Cups of Friendship" are also calling to me to stitch them too. Do I dare live large and (GASP!) start them all??? Nah, remember Delicate Beauties, remember Delicate Beauties....(you don't have to read that over and over - that's just a reminder to me not to get too far off target - lol)
I think I'll sleep on it tonight and make my decision later this week. 'Course by then, some of you lovely people will probably entice me with your wonderful projects and then I'll want to start even MORE stitched goodies. Honestly, the web can be hazardous for stitchers...so many gorgeous designs that call my name when I see your work. :)
Our town had a spectacular art fair this week-end. The town shuts down to traffic and is filled with block after block of every type of artwork imaginable. The talent always amazes me...if I look at a log, I see a log. These artists look at a log and see a dolphin or a fish or a manatee. The wooden bowls are so smooth and just unbelievable with their many blends of wood. The jewelry, glasswork and ceramics are beautiful too. AND, the BEST PART??? Just look at what my sweetie bought for me!!

A teapot (w/ cup!!) clock! (Now, did you really think you were going to get away from my blog w/o reading "something" about tea???) :) Isn't this just the cutest?! The lady who makes these does the most amazing ceramic pieces - mostly large table tops, etc. She just happened to have this little pot and cup and we knew it was destined to come home with us. The colors are a perfect match for our kitchen colors/counter-tops. This was just made to hang over the door to our pantry! (Yes, I know - we have lots of clocks already in residence in our kitchen - think coffee pot, microwave, etc...but come on, a teapot clock!!?? Gotta have it, baby!!! :) Don't think my sweetie's kindness will go un-noticed, I see a few of his favorite desserts very soon in his future!! :)

I hope you each had a wonderful week-end and are ready to jump in to a mah-velous Monday! :)

*Sharon

Iced Tea Finish

Okay, so it's not a BIG finish...but it IS a finish! (And BTW, please try not to notice how LONG it took me to do the "not a BIG' finish!) :(
This was a fun stitch - life just keeps getting in the way of my stitching times. I wouldn't have it any other way though...'cause life, in addition to sometimes causing trouble, also carries with it the bonus of unexpected hugs from loved ones, time spent talking about important "nothings" with friends, and a lot of times, life includes good food! :)
Anyway, this little fellow will go (all together now - ya'all know the answer to this one!) - into my tea-themed kitchen. There's a spot on my kitchen island that just cries out for a snowman in a teacup. :)
Now, I'm going to treat myself and start something new AND pull out my long-standing (or is that long-suffering?) UFO, "Delicate Beauties". I'll post my new project and my latest DB pic later.
Thanks for all the lovely visits and comments. I appreciate each of you visiting!
Hugs,
*Sharon

Details:
"Iced Tea" by Midnight Stitching
28 ct. hand dyed fabric - "Sky"
Specialty Threads as called for in design (including that always dreaded Kreinik metallic)

Brrr....Iced Tea

The next piece that caught my stitching fancy is "Iced Tea" by Midnight Stitching. Isn't this just the cutest little fellow? (Now that he has eyes, anyway - before that he was just a kinda creepy-looking white blob! lol) I'm posting before and after pics so that you can see that I'm heading in the right direction with this! :)
Speaking of "cold", (we were? well, snowmen are cold, right?) Darn Nyquil must be kicking in...I seem to have caught that nasty cold bug that's been making the rounds...I am totally enjoying the irony that I'm stitching on a piece called "Iced Tea" while in "real life", I'm sipping EXTRA HOT tea w/ honey and lemon. :)
Must be the Nyquil again - but that just strikes me as being VERY funny. (Don't worry, I'm not out in "public" saying this lame stuff - I'm home all day today!) :)
Stay warm!
*Sharon

Pictures - I got pictures!!!

Just sharing some fun Florida photo's. The beach shot pretty much speaks for itself...gotta love my "backyard"! :)
The lighthouse is Ponce Inlet Lighthouse which is just south of Daytona Beach. Due to my anemia issues, I couldn't climb it this time...I had a great laugh 'cause the gift shop actually sells a shirt that says I "almost" climbed the lighthouse. :)
I felt kinda bad because there were a few "older" folks that ripped up and down the steps without missing a beat - they put me to shame! :)
The other shots are from our local zoo, and Disney World's Epcot and Magic Kingdom parks. (along with my favorite not-so-little fellow!)
I hope you enjoy seeing some of our "famous" scenery...come visit Florida - you just might want to stay!! :)

*Sharon

Finishes Framed....

I wanted to share pics of the way that my sweetie framed my finishes for me. I just couldn't be any happier with the work that he did. He always amazes me with his ability to look at a piece of my needlework and "feel" the way that a frame would accent it the best. (I especially love the lights that he drilled into "Deck the Halls" and his perfect red and white candy-stripes on the snowman box!) These are the gifts for my mom's neighbors...I must admit that it was a wee bit hard to box them up and send them away - I just adore them and think that I might just be re-stitching them for me eventually! :)
Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving! (I give thanks that calories don't count on turkey day!!!) :)

*Sharon

A Christmas Finish

This is my first Christmas gift finish for '08. It's Lizzie Kate's "Warm Wishes". My Mom asked me to make something "Christmasy" for her neighbor (who loves birds and snowmen) - so I thought this would be a good choice. I still have two more gifts to stitch (for my Mom at her request- she has wonderful neighbors!) and then I need to get busy on Christmas gifts for MY neighbors!! :)

Thought I'd share...Keep beating the heat!! :)

*Sharon

My stitching buddy - -

I thought you might like to see who's beside me every stitch of the way - - this is our little sweetie and she's always sure to be my "stitching shadow". I don't think I've put many stitches into a piece at all but where she's cuddled up as close as can be. She's a Japanese Chin and I just can't say enough good things about this sweet little breed. Now, if I could only get her to chase away those darn frogs - what stitchers call mistakes - (we have to rip-it, rip-it - get it??) :) , she'd just be perfect!
Oh - and you'd NEVER guess her name!!! :) I'm not making this up - her name is "Tea-Tsu". Knowing me, you just knew I'd have to sneak in the "tea" somewhere, right??? :) :) :) (and no, I'm not "tea"sing about her name - that's what it really is!!!! (sorry, couldn't help it!!) :)
Thanks for letting me share a moment of your day with you. I love the comments so very much -

*Sharon

We Love Tea...

Yes, we do!!! I loved the process of stitching this piece...the colors are a perfect match for our kitchen/eat-in area. This hangs on the wall right above our table where we eat most of our meals. Hubby framed this one - I love the little circles he cut and the little teapots that he chose to put into those circles. (Click on the photo to pick up the details). I think the framing really helps this piece come to life. I just love that this is a "hobby" that hubby and I enjoy creating together! :) Hope you enjoy the picture -thanks so much for all the lovely comments - they just make my day!!

Have some tea for me, (sweet and iced, please - I'm in the south, ya know!!) :)

*Sharon

Framed and a Finish!!!

My darling hubby was able to finish framing our wedding gift this week-end. I think he did a nice job. I wish the matt showed better in the picture - hubby chose a wonderful textured matt that's SO soft - a perfect choice for this design. I also like the frame he chose. (Only problem is he got very ambitious and framed it before I had a chance to clip off a couple of extra loose "ends" off the back of the piece before he framed it -ugh). Oh well, I appreciate his help and support and maybe not too many people will notice my couple of little "tail" threads. I HOPE!!!!!! I just didn't' have the heart to ask hubby to un-do his work for me to "fix it". I've learned a valuable lesson - I will "clip" as I stitch from now on, for sure!!! At any rate - I LOVE my framer!!

I found some time to finish a piece from my new stash. Lizzie Kate's "Tea for Two". This was such a fun, fast finish. It will be a fun fit into my tea-themed kitchen.

I'm so grateful to say that Ian is feeling SO much better! We'll be hitting the courts again this week for some short practices. He isn't cleared for competition yet (he's very competitive and very fast when he's on the court - his tennis nickname is the "Ianator" - so he needs to work back to that slowly as he continues to recover. We've been doing lots of walking to build back his endurance - hopefully we'll be back at blasting balls before too long! Hmm...maybe I should challenge him to a game while he's in thia "weakened" state - this may be my only chance to get a win in against him!! :)

On the homemaking front - I have to bring treats to church next Wednesday for a marriage class that hubby and I are taking. I'm taking some chocolate cherry brownie-fudgy treats and I was thinking of also taking some of those small-size muffins in lemon poppyseed. I have the recipe and a small muffin tin - but I have no idea how much batter to put into each "little" tin to make a "little" muffin. Anyone know?

Homeschool is still a fun adventure for our family. Yesterday for math, I had Ian choose 4 cities in the US at random (One from the east coast, one from the central US, one from the west and then one on the west coast). He then had to figure the milage and then calculate how much the trip would cost in gas according to the national average price/gallon. He was suprised at how "low" the cost was until he remembered that it had to be "round trip". He also had to figure out how often to stop, (hotel prices), the estimated cost of food and the costs of attractions that he'd like to visit on his "imaginary" trip. He was shocked at how quickly costs can add up. Next week, for his "real life" math lesson, he'll be doing a grocery list and keeping track of those expenses...one lesson he WON'T ever be asked to do? Keep track of Mom's stitching expenditures!!! :) :) :)

Have a Totally Terrific Tuesday!!!!!

*Sharon

Stash, Glorious Stash!!

After the rough month we've had, AND finally finishing the wedding sampler (I'll post another pic of it when it's finished being framed!), I decided to treat myself to a bit of stashing. What a wonderful time I had!!! :) The hardest part was in deciding just how much (or how little), I could afford to stimulate the economy.
I settled on just a few "must-haves" - but I am SO happy with my choices. I got "Home of a Needleworker", "Bless This Home", Lizzie Kate's new "tea" designs, (I'm a shoe-in for anything tea!) and a cute Heinzit "Flip Flop" pattern that will be perfect in one of our powder rooms that has a "beach" theme. Unfortunately, I had to place an order for three other designs that were "out of stock" and some specialty flosses that I need - but hey, that will give me an excuse to go back and fondle some more when I pick up that order, right? Life is good!! :) :) :)
My needle is itching to stitch - so I'll keep this short! Thanks for the comments - I really appreciate your time and kindness! Also, keep up the lovely works on your blogs - I love visiting!!!!

Happy Stashing and Stitching!

*Sharon

A Finish! (Almost!)

I can't even begin to say how happy I am that I almost have this project finished! I have no idea why this little sampler was such a "chore" for me. I love the colors and I'm happy with the way it's turned out - I just felt like this was turning into a "forever" project almost from the beginning. Maybe it was because I've been so tired w/ the anemia and then struggling w/ Ian being so sick...whatever the cause, I'm happy that it only needs a few little personalizing details, a good ironing and a few beads and I'm on to something new!!! I placed an order for a wee bit of stash that I'll be picking up tomorrow. First on my list is a project that I've wanted to do for a LONG time...Country Garden's "Home of a Needleworker". i just feel so free knowing that now I have some time for some personal stitching that's just for "fun" with no deadline. Mainly, I'm just looking forward to some serious "stash fondling" w/o a time constraint over my head!

The second couple that we know that are getting married this year DOESN''T want a stitched wedding gift. They aren't "in" to "artsy-craftsy" things and wanted to let me know before I put time and effort into making a gift for them. Their entire home is going to be decorated in a very stark, modern, sleek black and white - so something "homemade" just wouldn't fit. I was so grateful for their honesty. It'll be SO much easier to buy something off the "Bed, Bath and Beyond" wish list! :)

Ian is easing his way back to health. He's still very sore and hasn't been cleared for tennis yet (bummer!), but I do see improvement everyday. I am so very thankful that my sweet little fellow is healing!

We're back into our normal homeschool routine. We're right in the middle of the "middle" ages. He now knows that the One hundred Years' War didn't really last "100" years, and that "The War of the Roses" wasn't really fought over flowers. :)
We also just ended a science study of machines and motion. He thinks the laws of motion are really cool. He did make the comment that gas prices are breaking the first principle law of motion. I asked what he meant and he said, "what goes up, must come down. Gas prices just keep going up and up and up!" Ha ha ha! :)

I've so been enjoying visiting everyone's blogs and keeping up w/ the talents that each of you share. Keep up the good work!!

Have a wonder-filled Wednesday!

*Sharon

Sharing a Finish :-)

I forgot to post a picture of this completed project after my hubby finished framing it.I just love the little "additions" he chose to put on the frame to compliment the stitched piece. This was a gift for a friend - I think I might have to put this design (All Hearts Warm by Lizzie Kate) back into my rotation pile and stitch another one for us to display in our home!

Thanks for looking!

*Sharon

Another Happy Anniversary with my Honey!!!!

My Sweetie and I just celebrated 13 years together yesterday!!! We had a WONDERFUL day - the church service was one of the best I've ever heard - it really made me WANT to be a nicer person - even on my bad days. Then Ian's best friends' mom took Ian for the day so that we could have plenty of alone time! (wink, wink, nudge nudge!!!) :)
We then went out for a WONDERFUL dinner and spent the majority of the time talking about us and some of the wonderful times we've had together (we didn't talk about Ian "too" much - ha ha!) Afterwards, we spent some time Christmas and window-shopping. Last night we snuggled and watched a movie - then thanked God for a wonderful day. How I pray we'll have many more years to just love on each other!!!
(and that I'll remember this loving day the next time we start to head to the "war path") :)

Have a lovely Monday -

*Sharon

Jury Duty

I haven't been around much due to having jury duty. I know, this is a VERY important part of our justice system - but it was a real pain from the point of view that I wasn't able to accomplish ANY stitching!!! I expected to not be able to take my needlework scissors - but I wasn't even allowed to take in a needle!!! (and my favorite needle to use is "My Favorite Needle - Petite"!!! :(
I heard a joke a long time ago that said that a needleworkers idea of hell was to be stuck in a needlework shop where everything was free for the taking - but there were no needles in hell - now, I see just how cruel that really would be!!!!!!!
There was so much "hurry up and wait" time involved - I probably could've finished ALL my Christmas gifts and then some - - - but NO such "luck". Without going into much detail - the case involved a violent, repeat sexual offender...the stuff that nightmares are made of. I am SO glad to have this experience behind me. I don't think my home and family has ever felt so wonderful and safe!!! I am SO looking forward to lighting some wonderful smelling candles, baking some homemade goodies and stitching!! I really think I need a bit of time to "de-compress". My hubby really stepped up to the plate and took over Ian's homeschool (I had left detailed lesson plans) - and I'm so glad that Ian's "school" didn't suffer because Mom wasn't home to carry on! DH did breathe a HUGE sigh of relief when I came home and my service was finished though! (As did Ian!) They're great as Dad and Son - but both prefer Mom to handle things on the homeschool front.
On a brighter note - - - - we just had a new IKEA store open in Orlando! Woot! I just love IKEA and have really missed not having one nearby. Apparently, I'm not the only one who feels this way...hundreds of people waited in line for a few days for the "grand opening". Don't get me wrong - I LOVE IKEA, but not enough to battle the crowds and traffic that are sure to be there for the next few days. I think I'll just "cool my jets" a bit and head over to Orlando in a couple of weeks when the "hubub" dies down just a bit.
Well, that's it from my little corner of the world - - - so now, I'm off to take up my NEEDLE(!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and stitch happily away. Join me, won't you???????

Have a jury-duty free Wednesday,

*Sharon

Does this look like a viking house to you???

We're still struggling with Ian's breathing difficulties - although he's MUCH better than he was. I can't believe how much we took for granted in the days before his latest round of asthma troubles. At least we've found a wonderful Dr. that is really working with us - and it is helping. I can hardly wait for a truly cough-free day!!!
So - homeschooling continues - we're now in the time period of the vikings. So...of course, you can't study the vikings without making an "authentic" viking-style house, right? I ask you - does this look like a true viking dwelling or what?? ha ha ha!!! It even comes complete with a grass-clipping roof!!! lololol
Can you just imagine how bad we're going to massacre a mid-evial castle when we get to that time period??? :) We're having fun on our time-travel through history though - and I hope he has good memories of time spent together - if not necessarily our "end" products!!!

On the stitching front - I FINISHED my "All Hearts Warm" piece - it turned out really cute in my not-so-humble opinion, but it just may wind up being a gift for someone so I've decided not to post a pic of the finished "product". After all the stress that's been happening lately (In addition to Ian's health troubles, one of my best friends had a heart attack, it just ain't been a good month, I tell ya!) I've also found myself President of our HOA - and quite frankly, that's been a REAL pain in the you-know-what. To cope with said stress, I decided to treat myself to some mini stash-enhancement. I bought Country Cottage Needleworks "My Beloved" and "A Place We Call Home" complete with fabrics and all the lovely specialty threads needed to complete the designs. I'm determined to carve out some time tonight to start the "Beloved" piece tonight. I need cross stitch and chocolate - and lots of both! Don't you think our country would be in better shape if everyone in government were required to stitch?? lololol
Thanks again for all the prayers and good thoughts that were sent for Ian. I'd really appreciate you still remembering him as you pray.

Wishing you a marvelous Monday,

*Sharon

A Beautiful Day in Our "Backyard"!

The weather has just been glorious this week!! Perfect "spend the day on the beach" kind of weather! I just couldn't resist snapping a picture of my not-so-little guy enjoying time in our "backyard". We have had some strong rip currents to beware of - (Ian got caught in a rip current last summer and managed to "rescue" himself by following what he'd been told over and over and over - "If you get caught in a rip - swim parallel to shore"!!!!!!!!!!!! Dad and I and a lifeguard were all on our way out to help him break the "pull" - but he free'd himself and made me feel a lot better to know that he had actually paid attention to what he'd been told so many times!) We also had a couple of shark sightings - "Jaws" never came too close to shore though - guess there just weren't enough yummy tourists to lure him beach-side!

Ian is still doing great with his tennis!!! Undefeated, so far!! We have a tennis break this week - tournament-wise, not practice-wise - - - so it will be nice to have a bit more free time. Next week, it's back to the courts full-force!

I haven't had much time for stitching this week. Some relationship matters have had to take precedence. Hopefully, this week will provide some nice "respite" time.

Enjoy being where you are!!

*Sharon