Weekly Update

Happy Sunday! Considering how much back pain I had last Sunday I'm happy to say that today I feel loads better. I want to thank everyone who left the get well messages here and to those who sent emails. Can't tell you how much they all cheered me up.

I don't have much stitching to show but I did manage to stitch this adorable complimentary design, "Tiny House" provided by Diane Williams of Little House Needleworks to members of the LHN&CCN Yahoo Group. My finishing technique is not the best but I managed to finish it into a floss tag.

Tiny House

Little House Needleworks

16 ct. aida in Citrus by Sassy's Fabbys

I've been working on a baby blanket for Izaiah, the grandson who is scheduled to make his much anticipated debut in May of this year. I'm using some Sugar'n Cream yarn in blue blends.

Lastly I leave you with my "mini" stash enhancement. I was featured in the January issue of The Gift of Stitching Magazine and received a $30 certificate to use in her store. No surprise I'm sure to some of you, I chose the Starr of Mine Stitching Kit. This designed by Diane of Little House Needleworks was featured in an earlier version of the online magazine. Thanks also to some gift certificates I got for Christmas I was able to purchase the fabric and all the floss needed to stitch The Library.

A little update

It seems ages since I've been in touch but life has a way of doing that sometimes. My stitching has been limited since I managed somehow to throw out my back. It was very painful and sitting (or laying down) for long periods of times was impossible. Never knew a heating pad and Motrin would become my best friends in those painful moments.

I did manage to finish "A is for Anchor" and I am currently crocheting a baby blanket for my grandson who is due to make his appearance in May. Hopefully I can start a baby sampler soon.

A is for Anchor

by Prairie Schooler

Stitched on 28 ct. potato lugana

Quote of the Week

"The first duty of love - is to listen."

- Paul Tillich

Quote of the Week

"The most important things are the hardest to say, because words diminish them."

-- Stephen King

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALANNA!

My precious granddaughter Alanna turned 13 today. WOW, where has the time gone?! Hard to imagine she's starting her journey in the teens. Love you baby!

Quote of the Week

"The difference between try and triumph is a little umph."

-- Unknown Author

First Ornament of 2010

This ornament is from the November 2009 issue of The Gift of Stitching digital magazine. It's stitched on 14 count navy blue aida using the recommended floss.

Cross Stitch - The Gift of Stitching - digital cross stitch magazine

Eglise by Julia Line

of Long Dog Samplers

New WIP

My new long term WIP is the alphabet blocks by Prairie Schooler along with the gals at:

Prairie Schooler ABC Stitching Bee

I'm making good progress so far with "A is for Anchor." I'm stitching it on 28 count lugana in Potato using the DMC floss recommended.

Happy Birthday Elvis!

January 8, 1935 - August 16, 1977

"I ain't no saint, but I've tried never to do anything that would hurt my family or offend God...I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs. If I could do or say anything that would give some kid that feelings, I would believe I had contributed something to the world."

-- Elvis Presley (who would have been 75 today)

Quote of the Week

"I always felt that the great privilege, relief and comfort of friendship was that one had to explain nothing."

-- Katherine Mansfield

Three Kings Day

The Feast of the Three Kings (also known as the Epiphany) takes place every year on January 6th. It is an intricate part of Puerto Rican folklore. Just as the Three Kings visited the baby Jesus and brought gifts, the tradition is repeated in present day with the belief that they will visit every child and bring them gifts. Feliz dia de los Reyes!

Last stitch of 2009

Fa La La by Little House Needleworks is part of Diane's Ornament of the Month series. See her site for more details.

Little House Needleworks

Fair & Square Exchange

I stitched these squares for my partner Lynda as part of the Fair & Square Exchange. Pattern is "It's a Jingle Out There" by Lizzie Kate.

My stashing...

While in Arizona I made a stop at The Attic in Mesa, AZ and here are the items I purchased.

Alphabet Blocks by Carriage House Samplings

This Too Shall Pass by My Big Toe Designs

One Of Those Days by Miss Crescent Crowne

Stars & Stripes by Prairie Schooler

I also made a trip to Half Price Books and picked up two stitching books.

Ancient Egyptian Cross Stitch by Barbara Hammet

Navajo Rugs in Cross Stitch & Needlepoint by JC Graphics

LHN Exchange

I used a portion of "One Good Tree" to make this mini pillow for my partner Pam.

One Good Tree

Leisure Arts, Joy in the Journey

by Diane Williams

Update...way over due!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hubby and I are home now after spending two wonderful weeks in Arizona with our daughter. The time simply flew by and it was really hard to say our good-byes yesterday morning. The drive to AZ was rough since we encountered some heavy fog in the Bay Area. We forged ahead and were pleasantly surprised to find The Grapevine clear and free flowing. Unfortunately that didn't last and we found ourselves in bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-210. I never thought I would see the carpool lane down to a crawl. Took us well over an hour to travel less than 20 miles. We finally made it to I-10 and traffic was good till we came on an accident which stopped us for quite a while. Overall it took us over 14 hours to make the trip.

We had an awesome Christmas with a wonderful dinner courtesy of some good friends. My daughter and I had fun doing some after Christmas shopping on Friday and we managed to get to The World Market, Michael's, JoAnn's, Wal-Mart, and Hobby Lobby. It's our way of bonding...and I had to laugh when she struck the deal of her driving and me paying.

I managed a trip to The Attic Needleworks shop in Mesa, AZ and did some stashing. I met Paula of Kelmscott Designs and we had fun getting to know each other over some shopping and lunch. Thanks Paula for everything!! My stitching consisted of FA LA LA by Little House Needleworks and I have another ornament in the works. I also completed my first no-sew fleece blanket.

Photos of finishes, stashing, etc to follow soon.