Weekend

Hey, Friends!

Thanks to those who have made suggestions for finding Midsummer Night Designs, Memorial Sampler. I have contacted the designer, who asked me to contact Attic Needlework, who didn’t have it. I'm still looking...

In the meantime, I've been stitching Gobble. Hopefully this hermiting weekend will let it get a lot closer to completion. Remember that Give is already stitched, and Marsha's finish last week prompted me to get on with the set. Last year Mindi's set made me find the series to stitch my own. Paulette, Plum Street Samplers, really has some awesome designs.

This is a busy  multi-event weekend – it's TuSAL time ►over on the side bar. It's also Hermit Weekend... I plan to stay inside stitching and hope you have the chance to as well. There's lots of preseason football if you enjoy that, too.

Does your sweet fur baby have different barks for things? There’s ‘something is invading our space:’ a bird on the porch, someone walking down the road, or a squirrel on the deck. There’s ‘DS is coming in:’ he’s the only one with a key. ‘Someone’s at the door.’ And this is the one that makes me mention it: something on the stove needs attention! This happens if a pot starts to sizzle, but most often when I’m making tea. I like to let the tea come to a boil, then turn off the burner to let the liquid cool. She always smells it before I do! She also has a little sort of growl’ish’ bark that sounds like ma-ma. Do you think I’m hearing things? But after all, she is the little girl who rings the bell when she wants to go outside!  Speaking of fur babies, I don’t have any cats right now, but  if you do and would like to know more about Cat Speak click the link.

Thanks for stopping by, today and always. I appreciate your thoughts and comments!

I'm grateful for the Hermit Weekend!

Peace☮LoveJoy
and Happy Stitching 
Charlene♥SC and Pixie

TuSAL and Memorial

Hey, Friends!

It’s TuSAL time!  Check out the photo on the right. à

Even though we don’t have the day off, I hope you all have a great holiday weekend, with some stitching thrown in for good measure!  I'm still stitching on the retreat project, but won't show it until after.

I'm grateful for Those who serve(d)!

PeaceëLoveëJoy
and Happy Stitching
Charlene♥SC

Winning...

Hey, Friends!

I’m such a lucky lady lately!  I won a giveaway from Stitch Bitch!  After watching all her crafts for each day of March, I was loving some of the things she had done, and then she had a giveaway of all things Red-White-Blue.  Look what the winnings included!  When I opened the box, I was surprised that it was in a quart jar – nice packaging!  Of all the things, it is hard to pick a favorite, but if you twist my arm I’d have to choose the scissor fob that includes my initial C.  And I just ‘happen’ to have the perfect pair of scissors to go along with it!  Notice that Pixie had to check to see if Stella was inside there someplace…  Thank you so much, “Anna van Schurman” for picking me!  I love the gifts!

I was leaving a comment on Samplers and Santas’ blog the other day, and realized it should be a little rant on my own post!  It started like this…  **Rant  -  “I love to see posts with shops that provide fast service and accurate orders. I don't typically 'announce' those who are slow or have things listed on their site, but don't have them in reality.  Maybe I'm just pi$$y, but come on... how hard can it be to say "out of stock"? Hum... maybe this should be a post instead of a rant on your comment!”  I’m no shop owner, and if I were I might have a different opinion, but if you say, “if an item is Out of Stock we will order it for you unless it says No Longer Available.”  I can make the decision if I want to wait, or not order it.  Shop Owners, the enticements of having OOP (out of print) items, and yes, I will usually see if there’s anything else I’d like from your store, don’t leave a good opinion in my mind.  Okay, that’s it!  -  End Rant**

To end on a positive note… remember those eggs I dyed in an onion-skin dye?  Well, since the liquid was still there, I decided to throw in some Belgium Oyster linen to see what happened.  I really like the results – what do you think?

Hope your weekend is beautiful, and that you have a while for stitching.
Wait – this is IHSW (International Hermit Stitch Weekend) April 20-22.  Check it out to see what it’s all about!

Oh - it's also the New Moon, so it's TuSAL time à

Thanks for stopping by, today and always.  Each of your kind words are appreciated!

I'm grateful for shops who really want my continued business!

PeaceëLoveëJoy
and Happy Stitching
Charlene♥SC

Happy New Year!

Hey, Friends!

…and so, here we are at the end of 2011.  Two significant losses made it sorrowful, so I’m glad it has passed and we’re on to another new year.

How did you wind up the old year?  Did you rock with Ryan, Dick, and GaGa?  For me it was stitching.  The final stitches of 2011 were placed to finish ‘Jingle all the Way’ by The Scarlett House (Tanya).  Man alive, were those snowflakes ever … It’s stitched on 35ct WDW Kudzu using an old favorite DMC 115 and White.  It turned out cute, and will be a sweet finish…next year!  

The old TUSAL ball was put to rest, and the brand new one placed for the New Year as well.  If you want to play along, the simple directions can be found here at Daffy Kat’s site.  

I also did a bit of last minute end-of-year shopping at my LNS, Stitch and Frame.  Everything was discounted, so there were a few things I had to have (like that piece of Ruby Wine linen)!  I do believe I will try to follow the example of a few friends who have said they will rely more heavily on stash this year.  I NEED to follow that example, so we’ll see how that works out!

2012 – how does that roll off your tongue?  Is it two thousand twelve?  My auto is twenty twelve.  And what does it mean? Well, at one time it was my retirement year – twenty eight years of service to the state of South Carolina in July.  Now there are three years tacked on, but it was ‘a deal I couldn’t refuse.’

 

The old tales say that “what you do on New Year’s Day is what you’ll do all year.”  Well, much like any other Sunday, my plan is to finish up here then watch football and stitch.  What will the New Year’s first piece be?  I’m planning to add to the tombstone angel collection with Primitive Winged Head Gravestone Sampler by Country Rustic Primitives (Jenny Hoffman). 

The tales also say to eat greens and peas (dollars and cents) for the New Year’s good fortune.  This article also lists a few foods to avoid, which I’d never heard about! 

What are your desires for 2012?  “The older I get, the more like me I become.”  What does that entail? 

v Be grateful

o   Appreciate and give

v Continue the journey

o   Be an example of peace, love, and joy

v Do the things I love with those I care about

o   Not due to guilt or pressure

v Live in the moment

o   Listen and hear, see and experience

I’m grateful for all y’all stitching blog friends – and for each and every comment you send along! 

And so… may your New Year be filled with

PeaceëLoveëJoy
and Happy Stitching
Charlene♥SC

Final 2011 TuSAL

Hey, Friends!

Dropping in to say it was a very nice Christmas – thanks to all of you for your Merry Wishes, and to my dear mom and son who made it bearable. They both seemed pleased with their gifts, and I most certainly was.  DS got me a Keurig coffee maker that is totally nice!

  Mom asked for some hints, so I asked for the cubby as seen on Diane’s LHN blog from Pottery Barn. DS used the tools I got him to hang it for me, and it’s just about full.  She also gave me a wonderful surprise.  I’ve always loved and admired a sweet square, glass candy dish she’s had as long as I remember. It was inside a round, red box that had been under her tree for a long time.  She ‘was going to’ give it to me as a birthday gift, but decided to save it for Christmas. I’m so glad she did, and I love it dearly!

It’s time for the final New Moon of 2011:   R eminder:   TuSAL is in the side bar this year à  If you would like to join in 2012, just go to Daffy Cat's site here and leave a comment.

Are you all signed up for 2012 Challenges?  I watched as so many of you made fantastic progress in 2011, but I just can’t put that pressure on.  Unlike my typical self, I’ve got several projects started now, and they’ve got to be caught up!  I did join in the Blackbird Designs group challenge, but won’t commit to twelve.

As a summary of 2011, you can take a peek at this page, that says 29.  There just HAS to be something I’ve left out; right?  As hard as I try to keep the list up to date, I’ll go for months without updating it, then I’ve forgotten…  Oh, well – not so many details in 2012, so maybe it will be easier to keep up.

I appreciate y’all and look forward to watching all your projects’ progress in 2012.

PeaceëLoveëJoy
and Happy Stitching
Charlene♥SC

Onward

Hey, Friends!

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving!  Here it came and went, as holidays do, and it was fine. You remember that Mom is back to work now, so Thanksgiving is another work day for her and today, Friday, both she and DS are working.  Since our time together was limited, there was no mention of our losses this year - my rationale was to prevent emotions from affecting appetites – and I’m sticking to it. 

I couldn’t wait to get the kitchen cleaned up so I could start stitching again!  Here is Season of Giving (with a bit of revision) by Lila’s Studio from the 2011 Just Cross Stitch Ornament edition done on coffee stained 32ct stash with HDF silks.  As I looked at the photo, realized it needs to have the year, so I’ll do that before starting another.    

Here in the US the day after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday (merchants day to get ‘out of the red’ for the year), but it is hardly the day after anymore since some started at midnight or earlier.  I don’t feel up to fighting crowds for any specific gifts or treats this year.  Do wonder if it may be a good day for IKEA visiting, but it’s probably overrun, too.     

It’s time for the New Moon: TuSAL is in the side bar this year à

Thanks for stopping by!  I appreciate y’all!

PeaceëLoveëJoy
and Happy Stitching
Charlene♥SC

TuSAL and Slow Progress

Hey, Friends!

I’ve been trying to be better at responding to the comments you leave for me.  I appreciate them so much, and it is so nice when YOU reply to my posts.  It is not possible to reply to some, though.  When I click Reply, I get noreply-comment@blogger.com.  If you would like for those you leave comments for to be able to get back in touch with you – or if you enter for a prize drawing it helps the one offering to be able to contact you.

The August TuSAL is once again on my Side Bar this year.  Better late than never?   à

I’m still stitching on some exchange pieces, so they won’t be up for viewing for a while yet.  My stitching time is limited now as my dad’s physical health and mental acuity is failing quickly.  Thankfully, he is not in a lot of pain.  Mom, of course, is his primary care giver, and she is not the strongest or well sighted – but she will NOT have it any other way.  I don’t feel like I’m doing much there, but running errands and spending some time with her each day.  Your prayers or positive, kind thoughts for her strength are coveted.

PeaceëLoveëJoy
and Happy Stitching
Charlene♥SC

Take the Cheese...

… the whining’s over!

Hey, Friends!

Just dropping in to say hello and our migration is complete.  We went LIVE on Tuesday with a practice registration on Friday, and I’m at home this morning – not in the office for the first time in 13 days.  It has been so exhausting that most evenings I didn’t even feel like stitching – getting home around 8:00 or later.  Hopefully this is the end of that!!

Last weekend was TuSAL day, but my post didn’t make it until a week late.  Sorry!  There hasn’t been much in the growth this month, but here’s an updated photo.  * Reminder:   TuSAL is in the side bar this year à

This is Bunny & Co. by With My Needle and Thread, to let you see the very little stitching that I have done. 

I hope you’re having a great spring weekend doing things with the people you enjoy most!

PeaceëLoveëJoy
and Happy Stitching
Charlene♥SC

Ground Hog and TuSAL?

Hey, Friends!

I’ve been working with a bit of stitching thrown in this week!  Oh, and I went to my first Zumba class on Tuesday night.  I was worried that they’d be way ahead of me, but it wasn’t as ‘structured’ as it might have been.  I was pooped when it was over, but that was the intent – to get this ole body moving a little.  Looking forward to next time, but won’t wear fleece again!

They say the Ground Hog predicts an early spring – is there anyone out there who isn’t ready for THAT?  I don’t think so!!

There’s a Pre-Superbowl sale at my LNS – The Stitch and Frame Shop today, and I need to run by the Office Depot to pick up some more tape for the label maker, so… I’d just as well go by the shop, too!  Don’t you think?  Of course!!  I’ve got a few things on my list, and I want some of that Butter Cream linen I’ve seen you all stitching such lovely things on.

This week I finished the BBD Valentine Rose, which I modified to honor my maternal Grandmother, for whom I was named, Rhoda Bell who was born in 1902.  Victorian Sampler’s Button Up Birdies November Chickadee was a quick and fun stitch!  I also did part 2 of the Specialty Stitchers’ Tree of Stitches - the Smyrna stitch that I chose to do in orange.

Last night I wasn’t ready to start a new project, so I went in there and gathered up all that DMC that was hither and yon…  Decided while I was at it, I may as well put some labels on the drawers that I could actually read.  One cabinet is reorganized – half way with the new labels – ran out of tape.  I’ll get the other one done this afternoon while doing laundry.   

So, I’d better get up and out the door or it won’t get done.  DS is coming this evening and we’re going to Nan and Pop’s house for BBQ ribs.  Yummmmm….Thanks for coming by today.  I look forward to hearing your Needler’s Point and checking in to see what you’ve been up to lately!

* Reminder:   TuSAL is in the side bar this year à

PeaceëLoveëJoy
and Happy Stitching
Charlene♥SC

Blackbird Designs Update

Hey, Friends!

A couple of updates on my current Blackbird Designs SAL projects. 

This is the current status of Winter Wonderland (below).

And here’s Snow Garden (right).

When I was taking pictures of my BBD Snow Garden with the chart, I noticed how much more silver some of the threads had in them in their photo compared to my actual threads.  I also noticed when I was choosing threads from the rack that there was a lot of variation between skeins.  Have you noticed this too?  It could be the dye lot, or the amount of variation in the dying process, but there can be a lot of difference.  Do you think it has made a difference in which fabric you chose or how your project turned out?

Asking that question reminded me that I don’t believe I shared the Poll Results from the standing frame holder question a while ago.  And now I can't find the details, but apparently most friends here don’t use one.

I've decided to post my TUSAL updates in the side column this year.  See à

Thanks for coming by today.  I look forward to hearing your Needler’s Point and checking in to see what you’ve been up to lately!

PeaceëLoveëJoy
and Happy Stitching

 Charlene♥SC

December - Winter?

Hey, Friends! 

It’s not winter, but it sure has been feeling like it is!  At almost 11:00 a.m. and only 32~.  So… what’s better to do on these cold, December days than stitch?

Yesterday was the SC Stitch-In at The French Hens in Manning, coordinated by Amy (Down Sunshine Lane).  Typical for me, I arrived late (not last), but it was a great day with good stitching, good food, and great fun chatting and laughing with the other folks! 

 We had an ornament exchange, and I got this very pretty ornament from Hildit.  She said it was her first, but I don’t know that I believe that.  It’s hanging on my little stitched ornaments’ tree now!  Great job, Hildit, and Thank you! 

Yvonne got the one I made, the cardinal from BBD, Tis the Season.  Ladies, you were correct.  The red is CC Cupid. 

Amy had a surprise gift bag for each of us, too.  There's a pretty fabric that will be perfect for backing ornaments, one of everyones favorite DMC - 115, and several nice goodies for treats.  My pics aren't the best, but you can see more at Amy’s Stitching blog.

I’ve made a few other ornaments since Thanksgiving.  The tree is from a Just Cross Stitch Ornament edition.  The little hearts with snowmen are Heartstruck Friends.   

Just so happens that today is the New Moon, which means it’s TUSAL day!  I will finish stuffing the month of December, then begin a new ornament in January.  If you’re interested in becoming a TuSAL participant, visit Bonny’s Bits. She mentioned recently that she was going to try to give the project a jump start.

Do you remember a while ago that I won a gift from Pat at Gatherings?  Well, I finally decided what to use it for.  It's a paper trimmer to use for cutting mat board for finishing ornaments, etc.  I've wanted one for a long while, but didn't want to pay as much as needed for the heavy-duty model.  Thanks to Pat's prize from CSN Stores, I didn't have to! 

Planning for next year?  Karen mentioned over Thanksgiving that she uses holiday time to inventory stash and plan for the coming year.    I decided to do something similar and have been going through a box of graphs that need to be filed or organized in some way.  I’ve found things that I loved and had forgotten, didn’t remember at all, and thought ‘what possessed me to buy that?’  One thing I plan to do for sure.  I joined a new Blackbird Designs yahoo group, and they plan to have a SAL with the Anniversary of the Heart series.  I showed you the fabric I’d chosen in the last post, I think.  What else?  I haven’t nailed it down – probably whatever strikes my fancy at the time! 

Thanks for taking time to stop by today for a visit – and I always love your Needler’s Point comments!   I especially appreciate all your concern and well wishes for my health over the past month.  I’m feeling fit as a fiddle – better than I have in a very long time. 

Peace♥Love♥Joy
and Happy Stitching

Charlene♥SC