Making some progress...and proof I'm a goofball!

Thanks to a couple of rainy days in Florida, I've had some unplanned extra stitching time.  (Don't you love when that happens?). I really like this wedding sampler and the colors, so it's a fun stitch.
Now for the "I'm such a doofus" part of this post.  See that wonderful little scissor holder that I bought on my visit to Shepherds Bush?  It's fantastic and I love it!  Except......  I keep forgetting that I have it.  I flip my work over to snip my thread and I actually spend a nano-second wondering what I did with my scissors!  And then I remember....  Duh.......
I am so used to dropping my scissors in between the cushions or having them fall to the floor that I forget that I have the nifty new gadget.  Once I get used to my little sheep holder, it's going to be "da bomb"!!!   Lol.  Happy Stitching!!

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon

Stitch from Stash - June

I'm really happy to report that I have successfully been able to avoid all temptation of the stitchy type for the month.  I have been hard at work (or hardly working, on some days, lol)  on the wedding sampler for son #5 and his beautiful bride-to-be.  I really would like to get that finished over the next couple of months because I'd LOVE to start some Christmas stitching.  (From my stash, of course!).
😜

I haven't forgotten about my give-away. I'm thinking of another give-away of "my favorites" which is just an odd assortment of non-stitchy type things that I love.  I LOVE Florida, so a lot of my "favorites" are tied to the "Sunshine State".    Hopefully, I'll be ready to get my give-away up and running in August!  I'll keep you posted.

I hope each of you are well and are enjoying a blessed summer!

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon

12 and a Baby!

We were so blessed to meet with family last month.  Somehow, we managed (with not "too much" fighting - lol) to pull together 6 sons, 3 wives, a fiancé, hubby and I and a grandbaby (!) and got them all in one place for pictures!  Whoo hoo!!

These are the boys that melt my heart... Yes, I've noticed that they're all grown men now - but they will forever and always, be my "boys".  I should've made sure that my hubby was in this photo too, but he was the camera guy, plus it was pretty much "uncontrolled chaos" by this point in the day!

This is the whole family, including all the girls who keep my guys happy.  I have been VERY blessed to have wonderful "daughters-in-love"  My guys have GREAT taste.  (Again, hubby isn't pictured.  Sorry, honey!)

Yea, my hubby FINALLY made it into a photo!!!  He's amazing and very much a "keeper!"

Now for some stitching-related pictures!  I just HAD to take a little side-trip to the heavenly shop that is Shepherd's Bush!

I knew it was going to be amazing but it turned out to be AMAZING!!!!!

That's it for the pictures of Shepherds bush, I was just too excited to get busy shopping!  The shop had so much stitchy goodness.  I'd love to be able to name my favorite section, but there was just too much that I loved to just pick one....

I  had to put in this picture of the "and a baby", our grandson, Jackson!!    So hard to believe how fast he is growing.  It was so much fun getting to spoil him and spend precious days with him.  He's our all-time favorite Atlanta Braves fan!

That's it for the boring family photo's, although you might see one or two (or 12 and a baby!) of my nearest and dearest pictured in my next post of the more "touristy" stops that we made.

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon

Stitch from Stash - May

Hi there, friends!

Sorry I have sort of "abandoned" my blog for a bit of time.  The family and I took an extended trip to see our entire family and I just didn't think it was a good idea to let it be known that we were going to be abandoning the homestead for a while.

All that to say, I have some pretty nifty stash to share this month.  The good news is that I received some  nice gift cards and a generous amount of money for mother's day, so I didn't spend any of "my" money on my goodies!  ZERO spent form Stitch from Stash money!!

We all decided to meet up in Utah because it's centrally located between where everyone lives (except us!).  Anywho, while I was there, we made a trip to the WONDERFUL shop  - Shepherds Bush!!!
(I'll share MUCH more about my trip in later posts!)
So, here are my treasures from SB...

 Seriously, how cute is this little pin and how gorgeous are the bows that they tied the bag with?

I bought "Count Your Blessings" by La-D-Da

 My Daughter-In-Love picked this one for me to stitch; she said it described me perfectly.

"Silly" by Lizzie Kate

  Mill Hill beads for an Alexandra Adelaide Christmas Tree Pattern

 A scissor sitter.  My scissors are constantly trying to hide from me.

 A pretty Silk 'n Colors Thread.  I love the colors and have a certain freebie in mind to stitch with this floss.

 My sons picked this out for me.  I can't decide whether to wear it or frame it!

I spent $65+ during my wonderful visit.  (I also bought my daughter in love a beginners kit from Shepherds Bush.  I think we just might have a new stitcher in training!!)

As I've said, I had a blast wandering around the Shepherds Bush store.  Saying that Shepherds Bush is a stitcher's paradise seems almost like an under-statement!  Terri was awesome to meet in person!  She even offered brownies to my boys and gently suggested that they might have more fun looking at the train depot down the street than hanging around watching me fondle fabrics, charts and floss.  (God bless her!!  lol)  The guys loved the train depot and I actually finished before they were ready to leave!

So, since I had saved up all the money that I have received from holidays that was specifically earmarked for "stitching money", "techically", I didn't dig into my stitch from stash money.
I could have bought MUCH MUCH more from Shepherds Bush but honestly, Stitch from Stash has really helped me focus in on what I really LOVE (not on what I just "like") and realistically think that I can stitch in my lifetime. 

Here's hoping that you're all well!

Hugs and Grace,
Sharon

Stitch from Stash - April

Time once again to check in with my stitch from stash report.  I "kind of" fell off the wagon again this month but I feel like this purchase was "needful".  :)   My wonderful #5 son asked his sweet and beautiful girlfriend to be his bride and she said yes!  Therefore, this mama had to go into wedding sampler mode.  I searched around and found this little gem.  I'm not normally a "kit" girl, but this one matched my  dear eventual daughter-in-love's  chosen wedding colors really nicely, so I pulled out ye olde visa card and purchased it.  Aren't weddings such happy occasions to stitch for?
(Keeping count?  3 sons are married, 1 is engaged and 2 who are laser-focused on college),    :)

,

I'm planning on blinging this up a bit by adding lots of pearls and beads.  This will be a nice change-up of colors from all the grays and browns from my wolf.  (Exciting news to come on that front shortly!)

I spent $16.19 for the kit, which means that I stayed under the monthly limit for  my SFS budget.  Woot - woot!!!

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon

I think we'll name her "Puffs"**

So, Shelby was happily dozing on our bed.  We left sleeping puppy to her sweet slumber and went to the family room to watch a movie.  About 10 minutes later, hubby walks in to check on said puppy. Through hysterical laughter, he said, "grab your camera".  I was ready for a huge puppy mess.  Instead, I was met with this....goofy puppy has box of tissues on her head.  Funny thing was, she was wagging her tail, not acting like anything was different.  I said "Shelby, what have you done?"  She looked up at me, tail still wagging, like she was saying "What????  Things are good here...nothing to see, move along."  LOL

We love this goofy little girl SO much!!!

Hope this makes you smile!

Hugs and Grace,
Sharon
(**  in case anyone from the company that makes "Puffs tissues" want a new advertising campaign, I'm thinking "Picky puppies choose Puffs".  Have your peeps call Shelby's peeps and we'll make a deal)   Hee hee

Stitch from Stash - March

Well, we all knew it was going to happen sooner or later.  I fell of the "Stitch from Stash" wagon this month.  Yup, I caved...

Here are my purchased pretties...

 

Labyrinths and Inlays by Vickery Collections

CT2 by AAN

(I plan to stitch this design on a piece of dark blue fabric w/ white silk and beads that are already in my stash)

My grand total of damage this month is $15.25.  CT2 was $8.50 and Labyrinths was $6.75.

 

Once my wolf gets finished (I still have a boatload of back-stitching to do!), it will be fun to start something new!

 

Hugs and Grace,

*Sharon

Stitch from Stash - February

This has been another "no spend" month for me.  I'm REALLY hoping that before too long, I'll have my wolf finished and then, I'll be treating myself to some NEW stash!  I have some $ that I got for Christmas/My birthday and I'll be very happy to stimulate the stitching economy.   :)
(I've trained my peeps well - they know that I LOVE stash money/gift cards for special occasions.)

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon

Stitch from Stash - January 2015

Once again, I'm going to be participating in "Stitch from Stash".  I enjoyed the "push" last year that it gave me to be a bit more mindful of my stitching-related purchases and helped me to be grateful for the beautiful stash that I already own.

My report for this month is that I've spent $0!  I have really been trying to work on the Wolf...so I haven't been tempted to purchase anything new - YET.

I have found myself seriously enabled by some beautiful pieces I've seen that have been or are being stitched by wonderful stitchers "out there".   I know that as soon as the Wolf meets it's finish, I'm going to reward myself with some new stitchy goodness! 

I'm looking forward to a wonderful new year of stitching, blogging, commenting, and world peace.  (If only!!)

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon

Stitch from Stash - November

It's been another easy-on-the-wallet month for me. Not a cent spent on XS.  I've been happily occupied loving on a new puppy and finding a few minutes here and there to stitch on the wolf.

This has been a great challenge for me this year and I have enjoyed it WAY more than I thought I would. I will admit that I sort of started January out on a "poor me - I have a limited budget for xs"attitude.  Now, with the support of a lot of people with GREAT ideas and lovely pictures of what they've been stitching from stash, I look back and see a great year w/ no feelings at all of being XS-deprived.

Earlier this  year, I did buy a new pattern from Rosewood Manor and the Valdani threads to go with it. I LOVE the design "Quakers and Quilts".  It will be my "New Year's Start" on January 1st.  I'm going to rotate between the wolf and the new start.
Ideally, I would have finished the wolf by the end of THIS year, but with all the "blips" we've had here and there, I'm okay with it being right where it is.  It will be finished hopefully, in 2015!

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon

Stitch from Stash - October

I didn't spend a Penny on any stash this month.  Any money I would've spent for stash, went instead to this cute lil face!

Shelby has come home to live with us "fur"-ever!!!!      :)

Our world has basically been turned upside-down, but we wouldn't have it any other way!

I have found some time to stitch, so I 'll be up-dating my wolf progress soon.  also, be prepared for LOTS and LOTS of Shelby pictures!    

Hugs and Grace,

*Sharon

Another page finished!

This is where "Call of the Wolf" stands today.  I'm getting there!   :)   Haven't had a whole lot of time for stitching lately, but every little "x" gets me closer to my goal. 

We're supposed to have a rainy couple of days coming up - so hopefully, that will mean time for blogging some new pictures and sharing a fun update on the soon-to-be four-legged status of our home!      :)

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon

Stitch from Stash

This has been another great month for my wallet.  Not a cent spent on anything stitching related.   That's not to say that I don't have a few things here and there on my "wish list" but no spending!

Hugs and Grace,
Sharon

Stitch from Stash -July

I'm happy to say that after being a stash-piggy in June, I behaved myself in July and didn't spend a penny!     :)

I kind of feel like it was too easy not to spend XS money in July because we've been so busy with family visits and just the general busy, busy, busy that summer brings.  It's more fun to spend time outside than inside.

I've been trying to stitch on the wolf every chance I get to put thread to fabric.  It's coming along nicely.  I'll post an update soon.  I haven't had any time to work to work on my "Cookies-Dark Side" project that I 'm making for my son's "man cave" in his new home.

I'm glad my XS budget is back on track and that I have the stitch from stash group to keep me on target.   It's helped me to distinguish between wants and needs.

Have safe fun in the sun!   :)

Hugs and Grace
Sharon

White Fang*...(aka Wolf Update) & My Mid-life Stitching Crisis

 

   (*thanks to MiiStitch for suggesting "White Fang")    :)

This is the latest and greatest wolf up-date.  I am enjoying watching the wolf and his buddies come to life.  This is from a kit (and generally, I'm not much of a kit kind-of-girl).  I'm learning all over again why I'm not a kit fan.  One of the floss colors used with the "sky" in this design is a VERY, VERY, VERY pale blue.  (Did I mention how pale the blue was?)  So pale, in fact...that it is hardly even noticeable in the design.  I didn't notice how un-noticeable it was until I stepped away to look at it.  In hindsight,  I wish I would've picked up on this sooner.  I would've subbed my own choice of a pale blue thread that would've been seen, but subtle.  I still love the project and look forward to stitching it every chance I get.   I have one page completely finished at this point and a good start on the other pages.  There's still much stitching to go until I finish, but I'm plugging along and happy with it.    :)

So, I've hit what I call my "mid-life crisis" stitching-wise.  (And thank you to my "precious" husband for pointing out that I'm only of a "mid-life" age if I intend on living 100+ years.  He thinks I'm just a wee bit past "mid-life")  *Bless his heart*...those of you in the south know that *bless his heart* has multiple meanings....LOL.

Anyway,  I have found that with age comes wrinkles, flabby arms (when the heck did those set in???)
and reading glasses.  For me, it also has changed a lot of my tastes in what I choose to stitch.  I find that these days, I'm enjoying crawling out of my stitching "comfort zone" and trying new things.
I seem drawn to bigger projects (think samplers) and anything with a Quaker theme.  I've found Rosewood Manner, Blackbird Designs, Chatelaines and the Scarlet Thread to be appealing to me now.  I still find Country Cottage, Little House, Lizzie Kate and a couple other "new to me" designers  to be fun and delightful, (and I will stitch them with joy for my "on the go" projects, But for some reason, my taste is changing.  I'm even determined to tackle a HAED project someday.  Once the wolf is finished and my "Dark Side...Cookies" project for another son is finished, I'm going to see where this new direction in stitching takes me.   (Oh and I intend to work on these flabby arms too!)  

Have your tastes in stitching projects changed as you've, ahem... "aged?"    :)

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon

Stitch From Stash - June

This will be a quickie post, we have family in town visiting and I. Want to be fully immersed in the fun!  I knew it would happen - I'd fall off the stash wagon sooner or later.  I made it 6 months without spending a single penny but this month, I found temptation that I couldn't resist.  I was hoping to have a  picture of my goodies to share with you, but I 'm still waiting on my order to arrive.
here's my report:

Moira Blackburn - Three Things Sampler.                 $ 8.00 Including Shipping
18 ct fabric for sampler                                                 10.00.    ".             "
Rosewood Manor - - Quakers and Quilts.                     18.00.    ".            "
(This also includes the Valdani Threads needed for the design).  
I think I found a steal of a deal on this one!

So, all together I spent,     $36.   This month was a bonus month for Stitch From Stash, so I had a little extra breathing room.    I spent $25 of my monthly allotment, plus another $11 for my bonus month money.   I can honestly say that I'm happy that I spent a little this month.  Having new stash to fondle can solve almost any woe.  Am I right?   LOL

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon
(Posting this from my IPad... For some reason, IPad is not liking Blogger today.).   Please excuse any wonky typos.
Stitch From Stash

Stitch from Stash - May

Another month with no money spent on anything cross-stitch related.  5 Months with not a penny spent!!!   :)   I've been so focused on stitching the Wolf and my on-the-go project, I just haven't felt the "need" (lol) or desire to buy anything......yet.  I know my time is coming.  It will be fun to see what finally tempts me to go 'off the wagon'.     :)

Hugs and Grace,

*Sharon

Rainbow Bridge...

Our Sweet Little Love

2004-2014

We had to let our little sweetie go to the Rainbow Bridge today. She has been struggling with congestive heart failure and lung and kidney issues.  We've tried all sorts of medicines...knowing that when it was her time to go, she'd let us know.  Sadly, late yesterday, she did indeed show us that she needed to be able to breathe easy and spin and play and eat and enjoy life.  She was no longer able to do those things on this side of the bridge...so today, she went on ahead of us.

We are so fortunate that our county's humane society has a "Rainbow Bridge Chapel" where you can bring your fur baby's for their last few minutes on earth.  It was so beautiful...stained glass windows and soft furniture to sit on to hold your sweet ones when they pass.  We had all the time we needed with her and were treated with overwhelming kindness.  Previous to this, we had taken our pets to our vet when their time came.  I always hated those metal tables.  This was so different and I am so grateful to all the donors who created such a special, special place for those of us who love our animals, oh so much.

We made the decision to have her cremated and Ian picked a lovely box for her remains.  Our hearts are broken...and the tears flow freely.  I wouldn't trade the pain though...pain comes from wonderful memories and lots of unconditional love and trust.  Our little love was a rescue and when we first got her, she would sit in her crate and shiver with fear.  After a few days, she'd venture out a bit at a time...and then she made the leap of faith to trust us...and she learned how to rule our roost!  :)

I miss you so much, my little stitching buddy.  I purposely stitched a few of your hairs into Ian's wolf project... You'll be in our hearts and have our love...forever.

Hugs and Grace,

Sharon

I should have tried this years ago!

So, whoo-hoo, it's almost the end of April and I still haven't spent a single cent on anything needlework related.  I'm participating in the "Stitch from Stash"challenge this year and so far, so good!
For heaven's sake, I haven't even been spending any of the monthly allowed allotment! 
I have been really focused on finishing my wolf wip and on my "Sheep Virtue" as my take-along.
I can honestly say that I have immensely enjoyed seeing all the goodies that ya'all are stitching on and that I love being "enabled", but this challenge has shown me that I don't "need" to own/or stitch every wonderful project that I see.  It's okay that I can just love your projects from afar!
 I will say that I have some pretty groovy "wanna buys" on my list for my "reward" of finishing the wolf, so stay tuned.  I figure I'll have the wolf done in about 77 years or somewhere thereabouts, so the new stash will be coming...eventually.!   :)

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon

The better to see you with, my dear...

I must definitely be making some progress. My wolf has TWO, count 'em, TWO eyes now!  :)
It was always a little quirky to be working on this design while he had only one eye.  LOL
I had some definitely needed stitchy time over the week-end and I tried to put it to good use.  I still have a long way to go before this will be finished, (I'm hoping by Christmas????) but forward progress is forward progress and whenever I get the chance to make some x's, I'm a happy camper.

Just in case you forgot, this is what the finish line will (hopefully!) look like for this project.

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon